The sun hung low in the western sky. It was already around three in the afternoon.
Before Hulao Pass (Note).
The eight warlords, led by Sun Jian, Bao Xin, and the others, each hurried their forces toward Hulao Pass. Sun Jian's vanguard of five thousand had already arrived and formed up outside this greatest of strongholds. War drums were raised, ready for battle. Sun Jian, Sun Wentai, wore battered silver armor and a red headscarf. Holding his ancient ingot saber, he reined in his flower-maned horse and pointed at the pass, cursing, "You villains who aid evil, you petty scoundrels—why do you not surrender at once?!"
Behind Sun Wentai stood his four great retainers: Cheng Pu, Huang Gai, Han Dang, and Zu Mao. All were valiant generals skilled with bow and horse, and exceptional in martial arts.
Atop the pass, the defending commandant Hua Xiong, along with Li Su, Zhao Cen, and the other civil and military officers, looked down from above. Hearing Sun Jian's insults, rage rose in all their hearts. Deputy General Zhao Cen requested permission to slay the enemy, but Hua Xiong merely sneered. "Rest! I haven't even made my move yet. What are you shouting for?" Then Hua Xiong bellowed from the pass, "Mere chickens and dogs dare act so wildly? Your Grandpa Hua will come play with you! Hahaha!"
Li Su hurriedly said, "General, our scouting riders report that the eighteen bands of rebel troops only performed their alliance rites to Heaven this morning, yet they have already attacked this afternoon. It is truly strange. General, perhaps you should wait and see." Hua Xiong took the hundred-forged steel spear handed over by his guard and snorted. "The words have already left my mouth. If I do not meet them in battle, would I not become