Steel Torrent Defeats Zhang Liao

Cao Cao's breadth of mind was indeed beyond what Ma Chao could compare to, but his suspicious nature was even more extreme than Ma Chao's. After probing him, Zhang Liao discovered that Lan Tian was even more devious than Jia Xu.

Seeing Zhang Liao feigning composure, Lan Tian smiled slightly. "This is not worth mentioning. General Zhang need not be afraid; we may not necessarily sow discord between you and Cao Cao."

"Sir possesses great talent; Zhang Liao is impressed. Since our words do not align, we shall take our leave here and come to seek your guidance again tomorrow. Farewell, gentlemen." After saying this, Zhang Liao reined in his horse and turned around.

Guan Yu and the others also offered salutes and returned. As they rode, Zhang Fei asked Lan Tian, "Ziyu, that strategy of sowing discord just now was excellent. Should we really send people to spread rumors? Cao Cao is suspicious by nature and will surely hesitate, which is just enough to stall for time until we take Fancheng."

Lan Tian smiled faintly. "Why would we need to spread rumors ourselves? Don't those soldiers behind Zhang Liao's formation have mouths?"

"Ziyu, you are truly... truly a master of schemes." Zhang Fei was dumbfounded. He wanted to praise him for being truly sinister, but that was hardly the right word.

Considering the convenience of supply lines, Guan Yu followed Lan Tian's suggestion to detour through Deng County. He adopted a defensive posture against reinforcements from the north and psychological warfare against Fancheng to the south. By intercepting messengers, sealing off news, and repelling attacks, he allowed a sense of dread to spread within Fancheng, which would be of great benefit to the final breach of the city.

If they had followed the original plan of the generals—crossing the