Guards clustered around Zhang He as they escorted him away, while Wu Yi had men help Yan Yan down from his horse to rest.
"Old General, your valor was truly divine—you dazzled us all. Return to camp and rest for now; once Zhang He leaves the city, I'll call for you again." Though Wu Yi flattered Yan Yan, he could tell from the old general's complexion that he was utterly exhausted.
"No need for all that trouble. Bring me a folding stool. This old man will wait for him in front of the camp." Yan Yan spoke between heavy breaths.
Wu Yi gave a meaningful look, and Yan Yan's personal guards immediately ran off to fetch a folding stool. Zhang Yi and the other generals gathered around him, heaping praise upon him.
Half an hour passed, yet not even the shadow of a cavalryman appeared from the direction of Chencang.
Wu Yi frowned and muttered, "Could that bastard Zhang He be afraid?"
Yan Yan did not think so. He abruptly rose to his feet and stroked his white beard as he analyzed, "Zhang He's martial skill is superb. He was not at a disadvantage in fighting me, so he should not fear battle. Could he be deliberately toying with us?"
"General Ziyuan, why not send troops to investigate?" Zhang Yi offered, clasping his fists.
Wu Yi nodded and ordered, "Very well. Bogong, quickly take three thousand men and find out what's going on."
"Yes." Zhang Yi clasped his fists and departed.
When Zhang Yi arrived beneath Chencang's walls, he saw only tightly shut gates and not a single defender atop the ramparts. He sent someone to report back to Wu Yi while directing his soldiers to batter down the gates and scale the walls.
While Zhang He had returned to