The entire Qin Army Arrow Formation combines horizontal and vertical arrangements. The front row consists of three horizontal lines, while the remaining personnel are arranged in vertical lines. If a portion of this formation is separated, it resembles an elongated inverted "mountain" shape. The term "elongated" refers to the vertical lines, which extend beyond the length of the horizontal arrangement.
The Crossbowmen positioned in the vertical lines not only provide heavy fire support for the horizontal lines but also replenish personnel when casualties occur among the horizontal line's Crossbowmen.
The most vulnerable part of the formation is the horizontal line, as it faces incoming enemies directly. In contrast, the vertical line is more difficult to breach; once a cavalry charge penetrates, they will be attacked from both sides.
Behind the Qin Army Arrow Formation is the General Formation. This formation is not only supported by highly mobile cavalry but also includes a versatile Chariot Unit. General Luzi, who leads this formation, focuses more on defense.
Even nature has its flaws; thus, even the best defensive measures have their limitations. Rigor can only represent attitude, while perfection is relative.
The Crossbowmen in the vertical lines were scattered by the invading Zhao Army, creating openings for the Short Spear Users within the Arrow Formation to engage and eliminate the Zhao Soldiers who continued to breach their ranks. The Short Spear Users were primarily tasked with defending against occasional incursions into the Arrow Formation, making them ill-equipped to handle a large-scale breach.
While the Crossbowmen in the horizontal line fiercely resisted the continuous onslaught of Zhao cavalry, those in the vertical lines searched for suitable shooting opportunities.
To achieve the Crossbow's extreme range, its penetrating power is significantly high. When firing at close range, it can easily pierce targets and cause collateral damage. Perhaps due to this consideration, the Arrow Formation typically responds to breaches by managing them internally, while the Qin Army's cavalry provides external cover.
In close combat, every encounter becomes a matter of life and death. The clash of weapons and soldiers' roars awaken death itself from its slumber, as it suddenly emerges and swings its scythe to reap lives.
At that moment, news of the Qin Army Commander's assassination spread like wildfire. This invigorated the Zhao Soldiers, who had already paid a heavy price for their breakthrough, quickly suppressing the waning morale of the Qin Army.
Zhao Kuo, drenched in blood, struck a blow but was soon surrounded by advancing Qin Soldiers as he attempted to follow up with another attack. He fought off enemies on both sides but ultimately had to abandon that idea. With a thrust of his spear, he knocked several Qin Soldiers off their mounts and slipped into the ranks of Zhao cavalry before letting out a fierce shout.
"The Commander of Qin is dead! For Zhao! For King Zhao! Charge!"
The neatly arranged Qin First Division was thrown into disarray by the Zhao Army's sudden assault. Upon realizing that the Horse Armor General was charging in like a divine being, the soldiers' courage nearly shattered. If it weren't for the strong psychological resilience developed through rigorous training, they would have turned and fled.
Seeing the so-called elite of the Qin Army falter so easily, the Zhao Army soldiers felt their pressure dissipate. With battle fervor rising within them, they prepared to seize the panicked sheep with their overwhelming killing intent.
Fortunately, the Qin Cavalry reacted swiftly to counter the Zhao Army's offensive, saving Luzi from a potentially fatal situation. Otherwise, he would have been trampled underfoot in the chaos.
Pulled up by the Seven Star Black Steed, Luzi rubbed his chest, feeling a sharp pain that almost made him think he had broken a rib. Looking at his Bronze armor, he noticed it had been damaged by the earlier thrust. Just as he was about to lament that the armor had indeed passed its practical test, he suddenly realized that it was actually the Octagonal Mirror given to him by Bai Qi last night that had truly protected him from being pierced.
As the War God Mirror revealed its full form, a ray of sunlight instantly shone down. The mist that had surrounded him vanished without a trace, amplifying his previously suppressed feelings.
Believing this to be divine assistance, Luzi mounted his horse and stowed the mirror back in place. The earlier gloom was still due to the mist; his previous encounter with Zhao Kuo had left him feeling unwell. But as the mist disappeared, his lost confidence returned!
Just when the Qin Soldiers were at a loss and determined not to retreat, they suddenly heard a rallying cry behind them. Turning around amidst their busy efforts, they were astonished to see the Governor, who had been decapitated by Zhao Kuo, sitting atop his warhorse. This restored confidence surged through the Qin Army, making them feel as if their once-weak arms were now filled with strength.
Luzi assessed the situation and understood where his strengths lay. He immediately dispatched Cavalry and Chariot Units to join the fray, covering most of the Crossbowmen as they retreated. As long as they could reposition the Crossbow Arrow Formation and regroup, there would be no chance for the Zhao Army to break through successfully.
At that moment, Zhao Kuo, who was commanding the Zhao Army's breakout attempt, clearly understood this situation as well. He quickly recognized the intentions of the retreating Qin Army's Crossbowmen. He loudly ordered his soldiers behind him to hurry up; they could not allow the Qin Army's Crossbows to gain distance. The only way forward was to stay tightly engaged to neutralize their ranged weaponry!
The Zhao Soldiers who had successfully breached the formation also understood that if they allowed the Qin Army to complete their encirclement, there would be no chance of survival. Retreat meant death! Advancing offered a possibility of life! Thus, without needing any further reminders, they launched a fierce attack against the retreating Qin Army preparing to regroup.
Once again locked in combat, both armies engaged in chaotic fighting that left Luzi feeling helpless as he commanded from within. If they could not isolate themselves effectively, the Arrow Formation of the Qin Army would likely fail against Zhao Army's onslaught. To ensure cover for the retreating Crossbowmen, he had already dispatched his last Reserve Team in hopes of achieving a successful regrouping.
Having participated in last night's pre-battle meeting, Luzi knew that all divisions were currently engaged in battle. Whether launching an assault on Zhao Camp or being forced into defensive counterattacks, any capable fighting force would have already been deployed. Faced with Zhao Army's powerful offensive, not only did he have no reinforcements left to send over here; it seemed that all combat units were in similar situations.
What should we do!?
As expected by Luzi, the entire Daliangshan War Zone was engulfed in flames. The Zhao Soldiers, with no way to retreat, understood what it meant to return to a camp devoid of supplies; they were determined to fight to the last breath!
The Qin Army, receiving orders to hold their ground, was similarly aware that any failure to prevent the Zhao Army from breaking out of their encampment would result in collective suicide for the entire unit. Dying in battle could at least earn them the title of hero. But if they were to take their own lives afterward, they would be nothing but cowards!
Determined not to be a coward, Luzi gathered his troops while contemplating how to deal with the passive stalemate. Just as he sighed, wishing he had brought Wang Jian along, he suddenly noticed something unusual amidst the chaos. He hurriedly searched for answers and soon spotted a warhorse charging toward him.
"Zhao Kuo is here! You all better dismount and face your death swiftly!?"
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