Chapter 004: The One Who Is Hurt Is Me
The best way for infantry to deal with cavalry is not to confront them head-on, as the cavalry has a clear advantage from their elevated position. Instead, the focus should be on the horses; if the horses are taken down, the cavalry will fall. However, this requires immense courage and skill, as a galloping horse could easily kick you over.
Nine rounds. These cavalrymen typically carry a quiver containing ten arrows, with one spare.
Now there are two more individuals. Du Yifeng is bound with his hands behind his back, while Wang Wenwu is keeping watch, walking alongside the cart.
Four carriages. One carries Meng Chang and his family of three along with Wu Ma, driven personally by Wu Zhang. Another carries four young monks from Jingxi, while the other two carriages are loaded with essential supplies for the journey, all driven by hired coachmen.
After the battle, the three individuals have developed a profound admiration for Du Yifeng's martial arts skills. Now that they can hear his discussions, they are certainly benefiting greatly from it
Meng Chang jumped down from the carriage and looked back, startled. Behind him, dust was rising and was gradually approaching them.
Zhang Qiang, move one foot to the left. Li Feng, take two steps forward. Under his command, eighteen soldiers responded in unison, with the forces in all directions being exceptionally balanced
Regardless of whether they were coming for them or not, Li Tinggui immediately dismounted and directed the carriage to the side, standing in front of the vehicle with the soldiers
"Captain Li, how many rounds of arrows will the enemy typically fire?" Meng Chang asked loudly
Li and Wu Ma exclaimed as they helped him up
I saw Chengdu, let Master Du be our teacher. Meng Chang lifted the curtain and poked his little head out.
Li Tinggui slowed the horse's pace to listen to their conversation
He may not have the highest martial arts skills among these individuals, but he certainly has the most extensive practical experience
At a distance of about ten meters, Li Tinggui shouted, "Up mhetushucomcom," and rushed out ahead. The eighteen soldiers maintained their formation and leaped out right after him.
Du Yifeng continued, "A fierce sword technique is both an advantage and a disadvantage. Its imposing momentum instills fear, causing others to feel intimidated and reluctant to confront it, thus gaining the upper hand. If one can seize the opportunity to counter the enemy, victory is assured. However, the opponent may not be an ordinary foe; typically, your victory will come at a certain cost. If the adversary is numerous or possesses superior martial skills, they may withstand your initial ferocity, leading to your exhaustion and dire consequences."
"Quickly get off the car and hide, they are going to use arrows." Du Yifeng had already discerned the intentions of these individuals
Although it is early spring, there is no sign of spring in the air. The sky remains overcast, the cold wind continues to bite, and an unknown foul odor permeates the surrounding wilderness
Even though Du Yifeng shouted quickly, the first round of arrows had already whistled in.
How should we adapt?" Li Tinggui nodded in appreciation of Du Yifeng's analysis and took over the conversation to ask.
Du Yifeng suddenly shouted: "There are hoofbeats."
Haha. The crowd laughed heartily. Without a fight, one cannot become acquainted; this cold road has gained a touch of charm.
Meng Chang could not help but sigh. "A general's success is built on the bones of countless others." What later generations remember are merely a few individuals in the long river of history; who can recall the countless souls who perished in the shadow of great achievements.
Everyone shouted in unison, "Here!"
As soon as the words fell, an arrow shot straight towards them. Du Yifeng and Wu Zhang shouted that it was bad, and simultaneously leaped up, brandishing their weapons to deflect it
Li said: "Alright. Everything will be arranged by Captain Li."
The first group consisted of approximately twenty individuals, brandishing long knives, advancing in a curved formation
A messenger and a library stack had already rushed to the governor's office to report. Li Congyan smiled maliciously.
Two injured soldiers have removed the arrows, enduring the pain, and are armed with knives, ready to confront the enemy
Du Yifeng swiftly pressed the acupoint on his right arm, drew out the arrow, and skillfully applied medicine and bandaged it. After all, he was a person of the martial world; just look at this action, it was seamless and completed in an instant
The three of them looked at each other and nodded in agreement
Other soldiers followed suit, but there were indeed some differences in their martial skills. Some had not managed to topple the horses and were engaged in combat with the cavalry. Others had succeeded in bringing down the horses and were now facing the rising enemies.
Li Tinggui inquired: "Madam, it is getting late, and there is a small grove ahead. How about we rest there for the night and continue our journey tomorrow? Is that acceptable?"
Fleeing from disaster. Where can one escape from calamity? In this once fertile land, which inch is free from bloody battles, and where are there no piles of corpses
"Young master, do not cause trouble; the great battle is about to begin, and be sure to protect yourself," Du Yifeng gently admonished Meng Chang. With one bow and two arrows, it was highly likely that it was Li Congyan, similar to the inn. However, his personal grievances were minor compared to the lives of everyone else. He was acutely aware of the current situation.
This statement is incorrect. Life is not something to be gambled with; it is something to be preserved. Any technique must be based on the principle of preserving life. Consider, if life is lost, how can one employ any technique
This time, no one was injured, but two horses were in pain, whinnying from being struck by arrows. Li Tinggui made a swift decision and shouted, "Cut the reins." He himself swung his knife to sever the reins and rode away.
Outside the city, Wang Wenwu untied Du Yifeng and smiled apologetically. Du Yifeng was unconcerned, saying, "Brother Wang, your swordsmanship is powerful and forceful, maintaining strength, but it lacks variation"
Having charged past the obstacles like two horses, Du Yifeng, Wang Wenwu, and Wu Zhang had already leaped into action. Their strength was certainly beyond that of these cavalrymen, and they swiftly resolved the situation in no time. The three then rushed over to assist the soldiers in completely eliminating the remaining enemies.
If the horse goes mad and runs off with the carriage, it will be completely exposed to the arrows
Wu Zhang drove the carriage while also listening attentively.
Li Tinggui showed no fear as he faced the oncoming enemy. When they were close, he swiftly lay to the side and struck, severing the horse's leg with a single blow. The enemy fell off, and before he could even stand up, Li's blade had already sent the enemy's head flying far away
After applying the medicine and completing the bandaging for Meng Chang, the group immediately took the city exit token and left Fengxiang City
Before the words had left the speaker's lips, the second round of arrows had already arrived at the forefront
Meng Chang leaned against the cart, with Li by his side. Wu Ma held Meng Jiu Zhu close, reciting "Amitabha". Du Yi Feng held a sword to guard on the left, while Wu Zhang held a knife to guard on the right. The four members of Jing Xi were shivering together, and the three coachmen had also huddled together in fear, with Wang Wen Wu protecting them nearby
Meng Chang was still cursing loudly: "Which guy is shooting arrows out of turn? Damn it, it must be that bastard Li Congyan."
The arrows had turned the cart into a beehive, and occasionally a few would fly in, only to be swatted away by Du Yifeng and others, causing them no harm
These cavalrymen are well-trained; they did not rush forward in a chaotic manner, but advanced in groups instead
Any technique or variation should depend on the opponent, and one should not be confined to fixed thinking. If the three of you develop a tacit understanding, when one exerts force, the other two should conserve energy and recover, attacking me like waves. At first, I may seem to have the advantage, but I cannot withstand it for long; however, over time, I will fall into your rhythm, left with only the ability to defend without the power to counterattack. Ultimately, you will prevail. Therefore, the key to victory is not the size of the strength, but whether the strength is used appropriately. " Du Yifeng spoke eloquently. At first, I may seem to have the advantage, but I cannot withstand it for long; however, over time, I will fall into your rhythm, left with only the ability to defend without the power to counterattack. Ultimately, you will prevail. Therefore, the key to victory is not the size of the strength, but whether the strength is used appropriately. " Du Yifeng spoke eloquently.
Li Tinggui rode a horse, while the other soldiers walked on either side, carrying guns and sheathed swords
Du Yifeng smiled shyly and said, "I am still learning and have not yet mastered the skills; otherwise, I would not have caused you any harm, young master."
Du Yifeng, Wu Zhang, and Wang Wenwu each took a horse and let it run free
One arrow was shot away, and there was still one left. Suddenly, Meng Chang let out a cry of "Ah," as an arrow struck his right arm, causing his small body to be knocked down to the ground by the force of the arrow.
Du Yifeng smiled and said: "In fact, the swordsmanship of the three of you is quite similar, being more forceful yet lacking in flexibility. For instance, just now, the three of you attacked me with all your might, yet you were unable to subdue me. Why is that? It is a simple principle. Brother Wang's force was evaded by me, but then I encountered Brother Li's momentum. Before Brother Li could retract his force, he was met with Brother Wu's blade. This cycle continues, and in reality, you are all consuming each other in your confrontation. If this battle were to continue, without that old thief Li Congyan's arrow, the three of you would not be able to capture me even if you risked your lives. Brother Wang's force was evaded by me, but then I encountered Brother Li's momentum. Before Brother Li could retract his force, he was met with Brother Wu's blade. This cycle continues, and in reality, you are all consuming each other in your confrontation. If this battle were to continue, without that old thief Li Congyan's arrow, the three of you would not be able to capture me even if you risked your lives. Because in the end, you will all be exhausted, and I will surely be able to retreat unscathed"
On a starless night, Meng Chang and his companions set up camp in a small grove
Wang Wenwu chuckled and said, "I only know how to work hard; I do not think about any changes."
There is no time to lose; it is urgent to leave the city
Li Tinggui immediately replied: "That is reasonable"
Two cries of anguish were heard as two soldiers were struck by arrows and fell to the ground. Li Tinggui shouted, "Quickly drag them to the back"
Wang Wenwu continued, "Therefore, when facing an opponent, one must use strength appropriately. When it is necessary to be forceful, be forceful; when it is necessary to be gentle, be gentle. This is the best strategy"
Meng Chang muttered, "Why is it always me who gets hurt!" and fell silent.
Even though Du Yifeng possesses exceptional martial skills, he has never fought on the battlefield and does not know how to confront it. Li Tinggui's arrangements are reasonable and effective, which inevitably earns his admiration
Oh. Seven, eight, nine. Meng Chang counted. After counting to "nine," he stood up, pointed at the distant enemy, and shouted: "Li Congyan, you son of a turtle, all you know is to attack from the shadows, trying to kill and silence people."
Li and the four little monks hurriedly got off the vehicle, while Li Tinggui and others also rushed back to hide behind the car
Four carriages became the barrier they possessed
These twenty soldiers were meticulously selected by Li Tinggui; they are disciplined and possess strong combat capabilities. While deflecting arrows with his sword, Li Tinggui directed them to protect every direction. He knew that after several rounds of arrows, they would soon face the enemy's charge
In today's world, there are almost bandits and robbers on every mountain. This cannot be blamed on the common people; unable to farm, they endure the torment of war daily, with their livelihoods unprotected. It is better to become a king of the mountain.
Approximately fifty to sixty people. Du Yifeng possesses exceptional martial arts skills, with keen hearing and sharp eyesight
Everyone couldn't help but laugh. In the tense atmosphere, it seemed as if a refreshing floral fragrance had wafted in
"Attention, they have arrived. Follow my command and charge out to strike at the horses' legs. Brothers Du, Wang, and Wu, stay behind to deal with the invading enemies," commanded Li Tinggui.
The group rushed over and stopped in unison at a distance of about 100 meters, then formed a crescent shape.
From time to time, there are passersby, most of whom are refugees. They appear haggard and emaciated, their bodies gaunt, their clothes tattered, and their eyes filled only with confusion and helplessness
On the morning of the second day, upon reaching the foot of the mountain, Li Tinggui immediately instructed his subordinates to be on high alert