"Quit splitting hairs. The Han dynasty fell three years ago. We do not recognize Lan Tian as Governor of Jiao Province." Arrogance shone through Shi Hui's unruly face.
"Who gave you the courage? Them?" Holding his halberd, Lan Yuan swept it toward both sides, pointing at the Longbian soldiers standing there.
"I did." The bearded giant beside Shi Hui pointed the tip of his blade at Lan Yuan and continued to clamor, "Lan Yuan, don't get cocky. I am Gan Li of Jiaozhi. Men, seize this bastard with me!"
Even as Gan Li spoke, Shi Yi waved a command flag behind Shi Hui. Longbian troops on both flanks and at the rear charged out at once, their cries swelling like they would overturn the heavens. Emboldened by their numbers, Gan Li raised his blade and lunged straight at Lan Yuan.
Lan Yuan held his formation steady, unhurried and unflustered. The Trap-Breaking Army had long been prepared for battle; he simply had not expected Shi Hui to lose his nerve so quickly. They had not yet reached the ideal position.
The instant Gan Li brought his blade down, a flash of red streaked before his eyes. Then his entire body went dark, as though his head had lost power. The Vermilion Bird Crescent Halberd was swift as lightning, slicing precisely across Gan Li's neck. In an instant, head and body were parted.
Lan Yuan had actually been on the defensive. Yet when Gan Li swung his blade, he struck after him only to seize the initiative, beheading him first. His strength and speed utterly crushed his opponent's.
One slash before the lines had slain the enemy, instantly killing Jiaozhi's famed fierce general. The Longbian soldiers closing in abruptly froze. That scene had been far too shocking—the difference in martial prowess was