You get Lu Bu as your starting character.

Chapter 215 The Eastern Barbarians Retreat

Donghuang.

Outside Dongyan Pass.

The Eastern Barbarian army camp.

In the big tent.

General Rig, commander of the Eastern Barbarian army, sat in the main seat, looking at the message he had just received, his expression shifting between anger and uncertainty.

The fact that the Eastern Yi National Preceptor was seriously injured by a spear from a master sent by the Great Zhou to the Eastern Wilderness, forcing Rig to temporarily retreat when he was about to break through Dongyan Pass, had already put Rig in a very bad mood.

But the news that just came made Rig's heart sink even further.

The dozen or so Dongyi generals present below were all puzzled when they saw Lige's uncertain expression in the main seat.

They knew that their commander-in-chief was in a bad mood because they had failed to breach Dongyan Pass and the Grand Tutor had been seriously injured.

But their commander-in-chief looked even more frightened after receiving a message.

This piqued the curiosity of more than ten Dongyi generals. What news could have made their commander-in-chief look even more grim than when he had retreated?

"General, what has happened?"

One of the Eastern Yi generals couldn't help but ask.

All the other generals also looked directly at Rig, who was in the main seat.

Rig raised his head and glanced at the generals, then said in a deep voice, "News has just come that the armies of the Western Rong and Northern Di have been annihilated by the Great Zhou."

"The commander-in-chief and the national advisor of the Western Rong died at the hands of Cao Zhengchun, while the national advisor and the commander-in-chief of the Northern Di died at the hands of Lü Bu."

As soon as these words came out.

The expressions of the dozen or so Dongyi generals present all changed, and they gasped in shock.

The armies of the Western Rong and Northern Di were annihilated?
Furthermore, their imperial advisors were all dead.

This news was like a thunderbolt, leaving the Western Rong generals stunned and unable to recover for a moment.

"General, is this news confirmed?"

"Could this be fake news?!"

These Dongyi generals were somewhat incredulous that it was true.

It should be noted that both the Western Rong and Northern Di armies numbered in the hundreds of thousands.

If the Great Zhou wanted to annihilate the armies of the Western Rong and Northern Di, how many troops would it need to do so?

However, given the current situation of the Great Zhou, the Great Zhou simply doesn't have that many troops.

Furthermore, the Marquis of Xiliang and the Marquis of Zhenbei secretly allied themselves with the Western Rong and the Northern Di.

How could the Great Zhou possibly still have troops to deal with the armies of the Western Rong and the Northern Di?

"This news is true."

"Both the Marquis of Xiliang and the Marquis of Beidi have been captured by the Great Zhou Dynasty, and the power of the Xiliang Army and the Zhenbei Army has also returned to the hands of the Great Zhou Dynasty."

"Take a look!"

Rig passed the message in his hand to the generals below for them to see.

To be honest, even Rig was a little incredulous.

But unfortunately, the news was true.

With the Western Liang Marquis and the Zhenbei Marquis captured by the Great Zhou court, it's not impossible for the Great Zhou to annihilate the Western Rong and Northern Di armies with the Western Liang Army and the Zhenbei Army in hand.

The dozen or so Dongyi generals below took turns reading the message that Rig had sent them.

After the dozen or so Dongyi generals finished reading the message, they all had solemn expressions.

The news is true.

The armies of the Western Rong and Northern Di were annihilated by the Great Zhou.

In that case, their plan to conquer the Central Plains through the alliance of four parties was thwarted.

Without the armies of the Western Rong and Northern Di, the Southern Man and their Eastern Yi forces alone would not have the strength to hunt down the Central Plains.

"General, what about the Southern Barbarians?"

"Could it be that the Southern Barbarian army was also wiped out by the Great Zhou?!"

A general from the Eastern Yi tribes asked the question.

Rig shook his head; "I don't know, there's been no news from the Southern Barbarians yet."

"However, since the armies of the Western Rong and Northern Di have been annihilated by the Great Zhou, our plan to hunt down the Central Plains is no longer possible."

"Furthermore, the Great Zhou court sent experts, and even the Imperial Preceptor was injured, as you all witnessed before."

"Given the current situation, what do you think we should do?"

Rig looked at the dozen or so Eastern Yi generals below and asked.

The dozen or so Dongyi generals exchanged glances and then fell into deep thought.

Actually, there's no need to overthink it; the current situation is already quite clear.

The armies of the Western Rong and Northern Di were annihilated by the Great Zhou, making their plan to unite and hunt down the Central Plains impossible.

Furthermore, Dongyan Pass has not yet been breached, and the imperial court has sent a powerful figure who is no match for even their national advisor.

If the attack on Dongyan Pass continues, the outcome is predictable.

"General, the armies of the Western Rong and Northern Di have been annihilated by the Great Zhou, so our plan for the Four Directions Alliance to hunt down the Central Plains is no longer possible."

"Furthermore, the Great Zhou sent another powerful expert to Dongyan Pass, and even the Imperial Preceptor was no match for him."

"If we continue to attack Dongyan Pass, it will be a losing proposition."

"Therefore, I believe we should immediately withdraw our troops to avoid further losses."

After a moment of contemplation, the Dongyi general on the right spoke cautiously.

"General, our large-scale military expedition has cost us a great deal."

"In addition, our Eastern Yi army has suffered heavy casualties in the recent battles."

"If we retreat like this, how will we explain it to the King when we go back?"

A general from the Eastern Barbarian tribes on the left frowned and spoke.

"Yes, Commander."

"After these days of fighting, our Eastern Yi army has suffered quite a few casualties."

"These wounded and injured soldiers need to be compensated."

"Our Eastern Barbarians went to war, but gained nothing. In the end, not only did we suffer heavy losses, but we also had to compensate the wounded and killed soldiers. This..."

The other Dongyi generals present also spoke up about this matter.

Their Eastern Yi army has suffered heavy casualties in the past few days, and they have retreated without gaining any advantage.

Doesn't this perfectly illustrate the saying, "Trying to steal a chicken but losing the rice instead"?
How could these generals of the Eastern Yi be willing to accept this?

"Retreat!"

Just then, the Eastern Yi National Preceptor entered the main tent.

"The expert sent by the Great Zhou Dynasty is very powerful. With him here, we will not be able to break through Dongyan Pass."

"Furthermore, if he were to attack you, no one would be able to stop him."

"The armies of the Western Rong and Northern Di have already been annihilated by the Great Zhou. If we, the Eastern Yi, continue our attack, it will only increase casualties and have no other purpose."

"Perhaps, my Eastern Yi army will follow in the footsteps of the Western Rong and Northern Di."

"Therefore, before Marquis Donghuang and his men have recovered from today's great battle, let's immediately order a retreat!"

The Eastern Yi National Preceptor said with a pale face.

The Eastern Barbarian National Preceptor was present during that previous shot and knew its power better than anyone else.

He was able to seriously injure the Eastern Yi national teacher with a single shot from such a distance.

This shows just how terrifying the opponent's strength is.

With such a powerful person stationed at Dongyan Pass, they have absolutely no chance.

"National Division."

Upon seeing the Eastern Yi National Preceptor enter the main tent, all of the dozen or so Eastern Yi generals present stood up respectfully.

Even Rig, the commander-in-chief of the Eastern Yi army, was no exception.

The Grand Preceptor held a very high position; even Rig, the commander-in-chief of the Eastern Barbarian army, had to show him respect.

"No need for formalities."

The Eastern Yi National Preceptor nodded to the generals; "You are all aware of the current situation."

"Compared to the risk of being annihilated, the casualties are insignificant; retreat is the only option at present."

Rig nodded in agreement with what the Eastern Yi National Preceptor said.

Rig glanced at the assembled generals and said, "You all heard what the Grand Preceptor said, didn't you?"

"My opinion is the same as the Grand Tutor's: continuing the attack on Dongyan Pass now is not very meaningful."

"Let's not even talk about whether we can break through Dongyan Pass."

"Even if we manage to breach Dongyan Pass, the price we'll have to pay is unimaginable."

"Moreover, I believe that with that powerful expert sent by the Great Zhou here, we basically have no chance of breaking through Dongyan Pass."

"Therefore, rather than continuing to increase casualties, I have decided to withdraw immediately."

Rig said decisively. In fact, Rig had already decided to retreat before the Eastern Barbarian Grand Preceptor even walked in.

Because the current situation is extremely unfavorable for the Dongyi army.

After weighing the pros and cons.

Rig had no choice but to retreat.

As the commander-in-chief of the Dongyi army, Rig was responsible for these hundreds of thousands of soldiers.

"All generals, listen to my command and immediately prepare all matters related to the retreat."

"The entire army must be fully prepared before nightfall."

"As soon as it gets dark, my Eastern Yi army will leave immediately."

Rig looked sternly at the generals below and gave the order.

Withdrawing troops is not a simple matter.

We also have to be wary that the Marquis of Donghuang might send troops to pursue us.

Therefore, Rig was extremely cautious about the matter of withdrawing his troops.

If this isn't handled properly, the Eastern Wilderness Army could seize the opportunity to pursue and attack.

……

Dongyan Pass.

Closed on the wall.

Marquis Donghuang and Zhao Yun stood side by side, gazing at the Dongyi camp beyond the pass.

"My lord, General Zhao has knocked away the Eastern Barbarian National Preceptor. The Eastern Barbarian traitors should not make any further moves today."

A general from the Eastern Wilderness Army standing nearby, seeing that the Eastern Barbarian camp outside the pass remained silent, couldn't help but speak up.

Marquis Donghuang nodded; "General Zhao severely injured the Eastern Yi National Preceptor with a single spear thrust, deterring the Eastern Yi traitors. They should not make any moves today."

"However, it is always better to be safe than sorry. Pass down the order to strengthen defenses and be wary of a surprise attack by the Eastern barbarian bandits."

The Marquis of Donghuang gazed at the Dongyi camp outside the pass and said.

"Yes, Lord Marquis."

The general from the Eastern Wilderness bowed and accepted the order.

After giving the order, the Marquis of Donghuang withdrew his gaze and looked at Zhao Yun beside him; "General Zhao, these Dongyi traitors should not make any moves today."

"General Zhao rode all the way to the Eastern Wilderness at breakneck speed; he probably hasn't rested much!"

"Let's rest and have something to eat at the foot of the pass."

"This can be considered my way of welcoming General Zhao and washing away the dust of his journey."

The Marquis of Donghuang looked at Zhao Yun and said.

Zhao Yun nodded upon hearing this.

He did not refuse the Marquis of Donghuang.

Zhao Yun had indeed been riding his horse at full speed with little rest on the way here.

Since the Eastern Yi army is not making any moves, he can take this opportunity to rest.

Subsequently, the Marquis of Donghuang led Zhao Yun down Dongyan Pass.

……

the next day.

Early in the morning.

Zhao Yun, feeling refreshed and invigorated, walked up the wall of Dongyan Pass.

The Marquis of Donghuang was already standing on the pass wall, gazing straight at the Dongyi camp outside the pass.

"Master Hou."

Zhao Yun stepped forward and called out.

Marquis Donghuang withdrew his gaze and looked at Zhao Yun, saying, "General Zhao, why did you get up so early? Why didn't you rest a little longer?"

"This humble general has rested well."

As Zhao Yun spoke, he looked towards the Eastern Yi camp outside the pass; "Are those Eastern Yi thieves making any moves?"

Marquis Donghuang shook his head; "These Eastern barbarian scoundrels have remained silent."

"Furthermore, the entire camp of the Dongyi bandits has been very quiet, without even a wisp of smoke from the chimneys, which feels very strange."

"I have already sent men out of the pass to investigate."

Marquis Donghuang frowned as he looked at the Dongyi camp outside the pass.

Marquis Donghuang felt that something was amiss.

There was some activity at the Dongyi camp outside the pass yesterday, but after one night, there was no activity at all.

The silence was almost eerily quiet.

Could it be that those Eastern barbarian thieves retreated last night?
A thought suddenly popped into the mind of the Marquis of Donghuang.

Just then, a general from the Eastern Wilderness Army rushed up the wall.

"My lord, it seems the Eastern Barbarian army has retreated."

"A scout just reported that the entire Dongyi camp is completely silent, as if it were an empty camp."

After the general of the Eastern Wilderness Army ran up the wall, he hurriedly spoke to the Empress of the Eastern Wilderness.

what?
Empty camp?

Marquis Donghuang raised an eyebrow; "Are you sure?"

The general of the Eastern Wilderness Army immediately said, "The scouts dare not get too close; they are only observing from a distance outside the camp and are not yet quite certain."

Upon hearing this, Marquis Donghuang pondered for a moment before saying, "Let's go, let's go out of the pass and take a look."

"My lord, we still don't know what the situation is like at the Dongyi camp."

"What if this is a trick by the Eastern barbarian thieves?"

"Let me lead some men to scout out the Eastern Yi camp first!"

Marquis Donghuang is the backbone of their Donghuang army, and now no one knows what the situation is like in the Dongyi camp outside the pass.

If this is a trick by the Eastern Yi, then it would be dangerous for the Marquis of Donghuang to leave the pass directly.

Therefore, the general quickly spoke up.

Marquis Donghuang shook his head and said, "No need."

"With General Zhao here, even if the Eastern Yi bandits have any tricks up their sleeves, they can't do anything to us."

What the Marquis of Donghuang feared was the Eastern Yi State Preceptor.

Now that Zhao Yun is here, the Marquis of Donghuang no longer needs to worry about the Eastern Yi National Preceptor.

Without the threat of this Eastern Yi national teacher, who in the Eastern Yi army could possibly do anything to Marquis Donghuang?

Marquis Donghuang and Zhao Yun led their White Horse Cavalry out of the pass and headed towards the Dongyi camp.

In fact, Marquis Donghuang already had some guesses in his mind.

When the Marquis of Donghuang and Zhao Yun led the White Horse Cavalry to the Dongyi camp.

The entire Dongyi camp had become an empty camp.

Apart from the disguises made of scaffolding to impersonate the Dongyi people, the entire camp was empty.

"These Eastern barbarian thieves actually retreated?"

Marquis Donghuang looked at the empty camp from his horse and raised an eyebrow as he spoke.

Just as he had guessed, the Eastern barbarian traitors retreated under cover of darkness last night.

"My lord, should we give chase?"

A general of the Eastern Wilderness Army asked the Eastern Wilderness Marquis.

Marquis Donghuang shook his head; "Although the Dongyi army has retreated, its strength remains."

"Even if we catch up, we will still wipe out the Dongyi army."

"Besides, the Dongyi army has been gone for who knows how long, and we may not be able to catch up."

"Moreover, we are to guard Dongyan Pass. If this is a trick by the Dongyi thieves to lure us away from our mountain, wouldn't we be falling right into their trap if we went after them?"

Marquis Donghuang said thoughtfully.

Zhao Yun, who was standing to the side, did not speak.

Even if Zhao Yun wanted to pursue and annihilate the Eastern Yi army, he had no troops under his command, only three thousand White Horse Cavalry.

Although the White Horse Cavalry was powerful.

But to think that three thousand White Horse Cavalry could wipe out the Eastern Barbarian army of hundreds of thousands is a joke.

The power of the Eastern Wilderness Army is in the hands of the Marquis of Eastern Wilderness, and Zhao Yun cannot mobilize it.

Without the Eastern Wilderness Army, even if Zhao Yun led three thousand White Horse Cavalry to catch up, he could at most kill a few more alien tribes, but he wouldn't be able to destroy the Eastern Wilderness Army.

Besides, Zhao Yun also felt that what the Marquis of Donghuang said made some sense.

Since the Marquis of Donghuang did not pursue, Zhao Yun could not say anything more.

(End of this chapter)