Speaking of ancient warfare, duels between generals were not actually common. After all, in the age of cold weapons, war still depended mainly on troop numbers, formations, and logistics.
Yet rare did not mean nonexistent. There were quite a few corresponding records from the late Eastern Han.
The Song dynasty's Essentials of Military Strategy also recorded: "Once the two armies had formed their lines, each would send out its general to fight. This was called a challenge."
It could be said that duels between generals did not easily occur, but once they did, they concerned the course of the battle to follow.
Originally, Sun Ce had planned for them to meet the enemy in battle, then withdraw whether they won or lost, luring Liu Bei's vanguard into pursuit and into an ambush.
Unexpectedly, Huang Gai had immediately engaged the enemy general, dragging him into a duel as well.
Though it was three against two at the moment, Zhang Fei's valor had exceeded his expectations!
Back in Jiangdong, Sun Ce had been an invincible force who roamed south of the Yangtze without rival. Aside from Taishi Ci, who had come from the north, scarcely anyone could stand against him.
Thus, he fought with fierce courage and always took the lead in battle, earning Xu Gong's praise as the Little Conqueror.
Yet Lu Bu had already taught him a lesson before, and now that he had encountered Zhang Fei, this was likewise no opponent he could defeat!
The moment they exchanged blows, Zhang Fei's formidable strength left his arms numb. Sun Ce inwardly cursed, This bastard really is monstrously strong.
Zhang Fei was a man who loved bravery and ruthless battle by nature. Seeing Sun Ce block a blow, he was not startled but delighted, and laughed loudly.
"Good block! Come again—fight