Just after noon, eight thousand Yin soldiers quietly left the battlefield at Lantian Pass.
Zhao Muyun divided his troops into three groups: the vanguard of three thousand light cavalry was led by Xiao Cheyun and was responsible for clearing the way and reconnaissance; the central army of three thousand infantry and cavalry was a mixed force under his personal command; and the rear army of two thousand was handed over to Yang Chao to escort the grain and supplies.
In order to save time, the entire army carried only ten days' worth of dry rations and traveled light.
Wuguan Road has been a vital passage connecting Guanzhong and Jingxiang since ancient times.
The Qinling Mountains stretch endlessly, and the roads are rugged, especially in winter when they are covered in snow and difficult to travel.
"General, Wuguan Pass is just twenty li ahead," the scout reported. "The garrison is Niu Dejin's troops, who retreated from Lantian!"
Zhao Muyun pondered for a moment: "Quickly send an order to Xiao Cheyun to feign a surprise attack. We will take a detour through the mountains and outflank him."
"Yes, sir!" The scout quickly went off.
Upon receiving the order, Xiao Cheyun, without hesitation, led three thousand light cavalry to launch a feint attack on Wuguan Pass.
Seeing that the Yin army was pursuing so quickly, Niu Dejin was furious and ordered a defensive counterattack.
The soldiers under his command had suffered a defeat and were fleeing all the way. When they saw the pursuers closing in, they were in a daze and didn't know what to do.
Only after Niu Dejin personally beheaded a general did the soldiers come to their senses and hastily begin guarding the city.
Xiao Cheyun ordered his soldiers to shout loudly and shoot arrows from below the city, creating a powerful offensive.
Niu Dejin thought that the Yin army was going to launch a forced attack, so he hurriedly ordered his soldiers to fire back with all their might.
The two sides fired back and forth, creating quite a lively scene!
Immediately afterwards, Yang Chao arrived with two thousand soldiers and joined the battle.
Meanwhile, Zhao Muyun led three thousand mountain troops, rapidly advancing along the treacherous mountain path where the snow was knee-deep.
They did not ride horses, and carried as little weight as possible, only the necessary weapons for combat.
These soldiers from Jiannan grew up in the mountains of Jiannan, so the mountain road in front of them was no problem at all.
Despite his high position, Zhao Muyun's physical fitness remained excellent, and he even led the team at the front to control the pace.
The soldiers were deeply moved and their morale soared when they saw that General Zhao Muyun was walking alongside them.
"General, we can see Wuguan Pass!"
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