Yangcheng County fell under Yingchuan's jurisdiction and lay within the bounds of present-day Dengfeng City. It was also home to Xuanyuan Pass, the gateway to Luoyang.
Before the Eastern Han, this place had been relatively barren. It was not until the late Eastern Han, when Emperor Ling established the Eight Passes using the commanderies and counties surrounding Luoyang, that it gained importance.
The roads here were perilously narrow, with twelve winding bends that looped and spiraled, seeming to lead away only to return again. Thus it was called Xuanyuan Pass.
Just as Qin Tian was attacking Nanyang, a force flying the banners of the Cao army was advancing along a mountain path.
At this moment, Xu Shu sat atop a huge boulder, gnawing on a wheat cake with water, while the soldiers around him silently replenished their supplies.
Suddenly, the trees in the distance stirred, and Deng Zhan emerged from the woods. He stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Chancellor Xu, we have already scouted the road ahead. Thirty li west of here, we can pass Mount Song and reach Xuanyuan Pass."
"There are not many troops stationed at the pass, and their defenses are extremely lax. So long as we seize this place, our army can enter Luoyang!"
Hearing Deng Zhan's words, Xu Shu took a handkerchief from his robes and wiped his mouth. After taking a swallow of water, he asked, "Thirty li west of here? If it is all mountain road like this, would we not still need two days to clear the pass?"
At his question, Deng Zhan smiled and shook his head. "Two days will not be necessary. If we travel through the night, we can arrive tomorrow!"
"The weather is still cold, and the forest is sparse. Beyond this place, there is a