Rebirth: Phoenix Riding the Ninth Heaven

After pondering for a moment, Baili Xi said, "On the one hand, we can increase the escort force of the caravan, select elite soldiers from the army to serve as guards, and strengthen the protection of the caravan. On the other hand, we can set up strongholds along the trade routes and arrange soldiers to garrison so as to respond to emergencies in time." Li Jing nodded in agreement, and the two quickly reported the plan to the court and obtained the emperor's approval.

The Daqian court quickly selected a group of highly skilled and experienced soldiers from various armies. After a brief intensive training session, they were assigned to various caravans as escorts. These escorts were not only skilled in horsemanship but also proficient in various weaponry, providing a formidable defensive force for the caravans. Simultaneously, construction began on simple yet sturdy strongholds along key locations along the trade routes. These strongholds were stocked with ample provisions and weapons, and were garrisoned by dedicated generals and soldiers.

After some preparation, another caravan set out on the road to the Western Regions. This caravan's escort, several times larger than usual, was alert and vigilant. As the caravan reached a valley, shouts of killing suddenly erupted. A group of "horse bandits" emerged from the woods on either side of the valley. They were indeed the Xiongnu cavalry, disguised as Huhanye, led by Huhanye.

However, the caravan guards they encountered this time were unlike any they had encountered before. They quickly formed a defensive formation, surrounding the caravan's carriages. The front row, armed with swords and shields, formed a tight formation to block the Xiongnu cavalry's charge, while the back row drew their bows and arrows, firing at the Xiongnu cavalry. Suddenly, the valley was filled with a rain of arrows, and the cries of battle were deafening.

Seeing the caravan's guards well prepared, Huhanye felt a pang of worry, but he refused to give up. Brandishing his long sword, he commanded the Xiongnu cavalry to continue their attack. Though valiant, the Xiongnu cavalry struggled to break through the tight defensive formation, leading to a stalemate.

At this moment, a burst of rapid horse hoofbeats sounded not far away. It turned out that the soldiers from the nearby stronghold heard the shouts and screams in the valley and rushed to support. Huhanye saw this and knew that if he continued to fight, he would be surrounded. He had no choice but to order a retreat. The Xiongnu cavalry fled in chaos, leaving behind some injured horses and soldiers.

When news of the caravan's successful repulse of the "horse bandits" reached Daqian, the people applauded. The imperial court rewarded the soldiers who participated in the escort and rescue, further boosting morale. Meanwhile, back in the Xiongnu camp, Chanyu Yizhixie, upon learning of Huhanye's failure, was furious. He summoned his generals to discuss countermeasures once more.

A general said, "Chanyu, the Daqian have strengthened their caravan protection and defenses along the way, making it difficult for us to rob them again. It would be better to concentrate our forces and attack one of the Daqian border passes. If we can break through the pass, we can advance straight into the Daqian and deal a heavy blow." Chanyu Yizhixie frowned, pondering the pros and cons. While attacking the border passes was risky, a successful attack could reverse the current situation.

After careful consideration, Chanyu Yizhixie finally decided to adopt this suggestion. He selected 50,000 elite cavalry, led by Maodun, the most valiant general of the Xiongnu, and prepared to launch a surprise attack on Yanmen Pass, a key pass on the border of Daqian.

Upon hearing news of a possible large-scale Xiongnu military operation, the people along the Daqian border were in a state of panic. Some began packing up their belongings and preparing to migrate inland. Baili Xi and Li Jing, fully aware of the importance of stabilizing public sentiment, organized their soldiers to help reinforce homes and fortifications. They also posted notices to appease the people and pledged their full support to defend the border.

Meanwhile, Baili Xi and Li Jing were closely monitoring the Xiongnu's movements. Gathering intelligence through various channels, they learned that the Xiongnu were gathering forces and appeared to be planning an attack on Yanmen Pass. Undeterred, the two men immediately undertook a comprehensive inspection and reinforcement of Yanmen Pass's defenses. They increased the number of troops stationed at the pass, stockpiled a large supply of arrows, boulders, and other defensive supplies, and set numerous traps and obstacles around the pass.

Li Yong, the experienced commander guarding Yanmen Pass, resolutely followed Baili Xi and Li Jing's orders. He encouraged his soldiers, saying, "If the Xiongnu dare to attack, we will make sure they never return! Yanmen Pass is our home and the barrier of the frontier. We must defend it to the death!" The soldiers' morale soared, and they pledged their willingness to defend Yanmen Pass to the bitter end.

Meanwhile, in the Xiongnu camp, Maodun was mobilizing his 50,000 cavalrymen for battle. Astride his majestic horses, he shouted, "Warriors, we are attacking Yanmen Pass to once again resound across the grasslands with the might of the Xiongnu! The wealth and land of Daqian lie before us. Once we conquer Yanmen Pass, everything will be ours! Let us forge our glory with the blood of our enemies!" The Xiongnu cavalrymen, brandishing their weapons and roaring deafeningly, were filled with utmost morale.

Everything was ready. At Maodun's command, fifty thousand Xiongnu cavalrymen rolled toward Yanmen Pass like a dark cloud. The sound of their hooves was like thunder, shaking the earth. Soon, the Xiongnu army arrived at Yanmen Pass.

Maodun gazed at the towering walls of Yanmen Pass, a fierce glint in his eyes. With a wave of his hand, the Xiongnu cavalry sprang into action. The front row of cavalrymen raised their massive battering rams and slammed into the gates. The rumbling sound was ear-piercing. Meanwhile, the archers in the rear began to rain down arrows on the defenders on the walls, a dense swarm of arrows flying towards Yanmen Pass like a swarm of locusts.

Li Yong, the commander of Yanmen Pass, stood atop the city wall, his expression calm. He shouted, "Brothers, don't panic! Follow my command, shoot!" At his command, the Daqian soldiers on the wall drew their bows and unleashed a barrage of arrows, firing at the Xiongnu cavalry. Arrows rained down, knocking many of the Xiongnu cavalry off their horses. However, the Xiongnu offensive continued unabated.

"Catapults, get ready!" Li Yong shouted again. The catapults on the city wall were quickly pulled into action, and huge stones whizzed down into the Xiongnu crowd. The rocks landed, instantly knocking down a group of Xiongnu cavalrymen. The horses neighed in fear, and the ranks fell into a brief chaos.

Maodun, upon seeing this, personally rode his horse to the front of the battle line, shouting to reassure the troops. Soon, the Xiongnu cavalry regrouped and resumed their fierce attack. They pushed their ladders, desperately approaching the city walls, attempting to scale the walls.

The Daqian soldiers showed no fear. As the Xiongnu approached the ladders, they stabbed them with their spears and pelted them with stones, forcing them back again and again. The battle raged, and soldiers on the walls were constantly wounded and fell, only to be replaced immediately by new soldiers. Blood stained the walls red, and shouts of killing and screams mingled.

Baili Xi and Li Jing were extremely anxious when they heard the news that the Xiongnu were attacking Yanmen Pass. They sent pigeons to nearby passes requesting urgent reinforcements, and at the same time personally led an elite force and rushed to Yanmen Pass day and night.

Inside Yanmen Pass, the battle had raged all day. The Xiongnu's offensive remained fierce, and the Daqian defenders were gradually exhausted, but they relied on their tenacious will to hold on to the city walls.

As night fell, the Xiongnu temporarily halted their attack. Maodun grew anxious. He had thought that with his fifty thousand elite cavalry, he could quickly break through Yanmen Pass, but he hadn't expected to encounter such stubborn resistance. He paced back and forth in his tent, pondering his next battle plan.

Atop the Yanmen Pass tower, Li Yong watched the exhausted soldiers, still steadfast at their posts, a heart filled with both emotion and worry. He knew that without reinforcements, the current situation would make it difficult to withstand the Xiongnu's attack tomorrow. He gazed into the distance, hoping for reinforcements to arrive soon.

Late at night, reinforcements finally arrived from Daqian. Three thousand soldiers from the nearby pass arrived first, followed by elite troops led by Baili Xi and Li Jing, who also reached Yanmen Pass before dawn. Li Yong was overjoyed to see the reinforcements arrive, a smile of relief breaking across his weary face.

Baili Xi and Li Jing didn't have time to rest; they immediately discussed the battle plan with Li Yong. Li Jing analyzed, "The Xiongnu have been attacking continuously for a day. Although they haven't breached the city gates, their morale is high. We can't fight them head-on, but we can take advantage of their unpreparedness and launch a surprise attack." Everyone nodded in agreement.

At dawn, the Xiongnu cavalry began preparing for a new siege. Just as they were gathering their forces but about to launch their charge, the Yanmen Pass gates suddenly flew open. Li Jing led a cavalry force, charging out like a tiger out of its cage, directly into the Xiongnu camp. Meanwhile, Baili Xi, commanding his troops from atop the city walls, provided fire support against the Xiongnu with crossbows and catapults.

The Xiongnu cavalry were surprised by the Daqian's audacity and immediately fell into disarray. Li Jing led the charge, brandishing his spear, and wherever he went, the Xiongnu cavalry fell. Under his leadership, the Daqian cavalry fought with unparalleled courage, charging left and right through the Xiongnu camp as if they were in an empty space.

Maodun, seeing the situation was dire, hurriedly ordered his cavalry to resist. However, the Xiongnu cavalry was already in disarray, and under attack from both inside and outside, they gradually lost their resistance. After a fierce melee, the Xiongnu cavalry suffered heavy casualties, and Maodun had no choice but to order a retreat.

Watching the Xiongnu cavalry flee in panic, the Daqian soldiers erupted in thunderous cheers. Baili Xi, Li Jing, and Li Yong exchanged a smile. The arduous defense of Yanmen Pass had finally been won. However, they knew the Xiongnu would not give up. The situation on the border remained dire, and more challenges awaited them.