Cao Cao's defeated army finally made it back to Liyang.
Looking back on their flight, the officers and soldiers still shuddered.
Then Cao Cao suddenly burst out laughing again.
One of his attendants said, "My lord, the last time you laughed, Han Qiong's troops appeared and we lost men. Why are you laughing now?"
Cao Cao stopped laughing. "Because Yuan Xi lacks the wit to finish this. If I were in command, I'd send a force to seize Liyang. We'd have nowhere to stand in Jizhou and no chance to turn this defeat around."
Cao Cao prepared to lead the remnants into the city.
But drums sounded from Liyang's walls, and countless Yuan Army banners rose into view. Gao Ping stood atop the wall with Zhang Yi, Ma Yan, and the others behind him. He laughed and called out, "Cao Cao, you scoundrel! Still hoping to get in?"
Before Cao Cao could answer, Gao Ping waved his hand, and arrows flew from the walls.
The Cao Army's routed soldiers scattered. Fortunately, Xu Chu shielded Cao Cao, swinging a saddle to knock the arrows aside.
Those around Cao Cao cried, "My lord, Liyang is lost! We have to retreat!"
Cao Cao's face was so dark that no one could read his thoughts. After several seconds of silence, he said, "Retreat... Back to Henan!"
Cao Cao led his battered survivors all the way to the Yellow River.
Baima Ford lay ahead. Across the river was his own territory, Sili Province.
But Cao Cao did not laugh again. He had nothing left to laugh about.
Dust billowed in the distance. Yuan Xi had arrived with his army in pursuit! Cecilia's Winged Cavalry led the charge, loosing arrows to harass them as they drew near.
The Cao Clan's routed soldiers stared at one