Black Shadow Enters, Captures Xiahou

"Boyue, don't leave just yet. Didn't you want to see the seal and ribbon? This general will bring them to you now." Xiahou Mao knew full well what was about to happen. He had already stalled the other side for quite some time—at such a crucial moment, how could he let the enemy escape?

Tianshui Commandery had been toyed with by Zhang Fei for over a hundred days. Xiahou Mao felt that if he could swallow these five hundred men, he would have enough to show off even before Cao Pi. Faced with such immense glory, he believed using himself as bait was well worth it.

Xiahou Mao urged his reins and slowly rode forward. As he advanced, he turned his head and signaled for the guards not to come too close, afraid they would startle away the prey before him.

Zhang Da and Zhao Yu were both somewhat at a loss. Just as the two hesitated, a black shadow shot out from the "Jiang Wei" formation.

Separated by only two or three spear lengths, Zhang Fei spurred forward with his Serpent Spear in hand. In the blink of an eye, he had reached Zhang Da's side.

"Bold! Who are you? Halt at once!" Zhao Yu drew his sword, pointed it at Zhang Fei, and shouted.

"I am Zhang Yide of Yan! Whoever blocks me dies."

His mighty voice echoed before the two armies. Zhao Yu looked closely and saw that it truly was Zhang Fei, with his leopard head and ringed eyes. He held his sword horizontally before his chest with his right hand, tugged the reins with his left, and began to turn his horse, assuming a retreating defensive posture.

Seeing this, Xiahou Mao stopped where he was. A dozen or so guard cavalrymen raced toward him.

The