The Three Kingdoms: I, Yuan Tan, intercepted Guo Jia's...

Chapter 49 Ambush

At the bottom of the valley, Lou Ban happened to turn around and saw the black-clad figure charging down the slope with that eighteen-foot spear. His face instantly drained of color, and he cried out in alarm:

"It's that black man again! Let's go!"

When the voice reached Zhang Fei's ears, the fear in it was impossible to hide.

He led the way, turning his horse and fleeing hastily into the depths of the valley. The rest of the cavalrymen also hurriedly followed, crowding around the herd and galloping wildly. The formation was thrown into chaos, and some even dropped their weapons in their panic, looking completely disorganized.

This scene was fully observed by Yuan Tan, who was standing atop the mountain.

He couldn't help but put his hand to his forehead and shake his head inwardly.

This is such a deliberate attempt to lure the enemy.

At this point, we should just rush into the valley. Why all the drama?

Fortunately, Zhang Fei, who was chasing after them, didn't seem to notice anything amiss.

As a hero of Yan and Zhao, he already looked down on the Hu people, and now seeing Lou Ban fleeing in disarray, he laughed wildly:

"Hu'er, don't run! Leave the horses behind!"

At that moment, he took the lead and chased even faster.

The soldiers behind them complained bitterly as they were swept into the narrow valley with a thunderous roar.

After chasing for about a mile, the fleeing cavalry suddenly rushed into a relatively open valley with jagged rocks on both sides.

Lou Ban suddenly raised his right hand, let out a sharp whistle, and then shouted in the Wuhuan language.

Almost simultaneously, all the Wuhuan cavalrymen reined in their horses.

He did not dismount.

Instead, they lowered their bodies.

He let out a low hiss.

Their warhorses seemed to possess a kind of sentience.

Upon hearing the sound, he immediately bent his knees and lay down.

The horse's entire body was pressed tightly against the ground amidst the rocks and grass!

The knights also lay down behind their horses' necks and remained motionless.

Dozens of riders vanished in an instant right before Zhang Fei's eyes!

All that's left is a rocky slope with jagged, strangely shaped rocks!

"What...what kind of sorcery is this?!"

Zhang Fei suddenly reined in his horse, Wuzhui, his eyes wide with disbelief.

The soldiers behind him also stopped, looking at each other with surprise and uncertainty.

For a moment, only the restless snorting of warhorses could be heard in the valley.

Just as everyone held their breath.

"Thump! Thump! Thump!"

Three bugle calls rang out, echoing through the valley!

"Zhang Yide! You're trapped! Dismount and surrender!"

A loud shout came from the direction of the valley entrance.

Yan Liang, sword drawn, leaped onto his horse and led a large contingent of infantry and archers out, instantly blocking their path. Swords and spears filled the air, and arrows were nocked.

Almost simultaneously, at the other end of the valley, Zhang He, spear in hand, mounted his horse and led his troops to block the way forward, coldly saying:

"Those who lay down their arms live, those who resist die!"

With all roads blocked, the ambush troops have been brought out!

The soldiers brought by Zhang Fei were immediately thrown into chaos.

"Everyone, don't panic!"

Zhang Fei brandished his spear and shouted sharply.

"What kind of scene haven't I, Master Zhang, seen?"

Fortunately, many of these soldiers were veterans who had followed Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei all the way south from Youzhou.

After Zhang Fei's stern rebuke, he quickly calmed down.

If the ranks fall into disarray at this point, death is the only outcome.

The only chance of survival is to fight our way out with Master Zhang.

"Don't panic! Follow me and kill..."

Although Zhang Fei was startled, he remained calm and brandished his spear, ready to lead the charge towards Yan Liang's troops at the valley entrance.

However, just as he stepped off his horse, another unexpected event occurred!

Those cavalrymen who had disappeared sprang up from the ground like ghosts with a long howl from Louban!

Man and horse became one, instantly transforming from extreme stillness to extreme movement, suddenly spreading out on Zhang Fei's flank.

All of them shouted loudly, and at the same time dozens of horse archers drew their bows, arrows aimed at the panicked soldiers!

The fact that it was still dark at this time made the scene even more eerie.

The psychological impact far surpasses that of swords and blades!

I originally thought the ambush was just to block the road from the front and back, but I never expected that so many cavalrymen could suddenly emerge from the rocks around me!

This mind-blowing fear instantly shattered the fighting spirit of these veterans.

Living enemies are one thing,

If there are ghosts involved, what's the point of fighting?

"A monster!"

"Run!"

The already panicked soldiers instantly collapsed, with most of them letting out a shout and ignoring Zhang Fei's roar, scattering in all directions, some tripping, some bumping into each other, completely losing their formation.

Zhang Fei was so angry that his beard and hair stood on end. He looked around and saw that only a dozen or so loyal old soldiers were still surrounding him.

He knew it must be that barbarian boy's trick, and he roared angrily, brandishing his spear and ready to fight to the death, heading straight for Lou Ban, who was regrouping not far away!

But just as he rode in...

"net!"

Above the valley, amidst the gnarled branches of an ancient pine tree, Peng An suddenly swung his knife.

A large net made of hemp rope soaked in tung oil suddenly descended from the tree, which was more than ten feet above Zhang Fei's head, covering his head and face!

The timing was perfect.

Just then, the soldiers around him were far away, and he was focused on the tower, so he didn't notice anything amiss.

Zhang Fei sensed a fierce wind howling overhead, but it was too late to dodge!

A massive net descended from the sky, completely enveloping him and his horse!

He roared and struggled fiercely, thrusting his eighteen-foot spear upwards, but the net was tough, the copper bells on the net rattling loudly. The more he struggled, the tighter the net became, and his black horse was also tripped and neighed incessantly.

Seeing that the net had been successfully captured, Yan Liang, Zhang He, and Lou Ban immediately commanded their troops to scatter Zhang Fei's troops, who were already at a loss. Then, they slowly approached Zhang Fei from different directions.

Zhang Fei struggled and roared in the net:

"Shameless scoundrel! All you do is scheme! Dare to release your Grandpa Zhang and fight him three hundred rounds!"

hum!

A battle of three hundred rounds?

I'd have to be crazy to fight you.

Yuan Tan found himself in a great mood.

We are now surrounded on all sides.

Even Zhang Fei, a warrior capable of defeating ten thousand men, could not escape.

Under the protection of Peng An, Cen Bi, and a group of guards, he slowly descended the mountain.

He glanced at Zhang Fei, who was trapped in the net, and couldn't stop smiling.

"As expected of the Third General, how comfortable are you in the net I prepared for you?"

Looking at the banner bearing the character "Yuan," and thinking of Yuan Tan, who had recently gained considerable influence in Qingzhou, Zhang Fei immediately cursed:

"Are you Yuan Tan? Even your father wouldn't dare to show me such contempt. How dare you be so rude? Release me at once!"

Oh dear, how rude of you to call someone by their first name!

Yuan Tan was too lazy to argue, knowing that villains die from talking too much. He immediately waved his hand, and dozens of archers with bows and arrows nocked appeared behind him and marched out from the crowd.

Hmph, no matter how brave you are, you'll be riddled with arrows today!

Zhang Fei, Zhang Fei, your martial arts skills are indeed unmatched!

It's just a pity that you can't come to me.

This is the only opportunity I can take to kill you!

But the next second,

"Sizzle—!"

The incredibly tough hemp rope net was actually torn open with a powerful tug by Zhang Fei!

"Open it for me!"

Zhang Fei's muscles bulged, his arms strained, and with a roar, he tore the tattered net apart!

"Not good! Fire the arrows!"

Yan Liang's pupils constricted sharply, and he shouted loudly!

However, it was already too late!

Once freed, Zhang Fei was like a tiger released from its cage. He lunged forward and rolled out of the tattered net, dodging a volley of arrows.

They charged straight at the nearest group of Yuan's swordsmen and shieldmen!

"Those who block my way shall die!"

The wind howled from the punch!

The shield bearer, who was the first to be hit, was sent flying backward with his shield dented and blood spurting from his mouth!

Another swordsman swung his sword fiercely, but Zhang Fei dodged to the side and struck him in the face with his elbow, instantly shattering his nose and causing him to fall backward!

In the blink of an eye, five or six elite soldiers had fallen to the ground, their fate unknown!

Zhang Fei snatched a long spear and casually swung it.

He then deflected the two spears that were thrust at him from the side.

Several more people fell to the ground due to inertia!

"Protect our lord!"

Zhang He's eyes were bloodshot with rage. He brandished his spear, leaped onto his horse, and charged forward!

Yan Liang roared and charged forward with his sword!

But Zhang Fei completely ignored them!

His first goal after escaping was very clear: to kill Yuan Tan!