Song Qian and Hao Pu fought for more than ten exchanges, but neither used any lethal moves that endangered the other's life. Their movements gradually slowed, and before long, more than half their strength had been spent.
Seeing that the fight had become truly dull, Lan Tian and Lu Fan simultaneously waved their command flags and recalled their generals.
Considering that Song Qian was rather advanced in years, Lu Fan sent General of the Flank Sui Chun into battle. Lan Tian, meanwhile, dispatched the Governor of Changsha, Mi Fang.
Ever since Mi Fang had lost to Shamoke at Wuling, his elder brother Mi Zhu had urged him to train diligently in martial arts. Even while serving as governor these past years, he had never let his practice lapse.
Mi Fang had long been itching for a chance to fight, and Lan Tian had finally given him one.
The clash between Sui Chun and Mi Fang was not much more exciting, but both had learned from the previous bout's shortcomings. They abandoned any contest of brute strength and sought to defeat the other through skill alone.
The two fought before the lines for fifteen exchanges. Mi Fang deliberately exposed a flaw, turned around, and feigned defeat. Sui Chun gave chase, only to be stabbed in the thigh by a returning spear thrust. With a cry of pain, he tumbled from his horse.
Xianyu Dan and Wu Shuo galloped out from the Wu army formation to rescue him. Mi Fang had no time to add another thrust and could only turn his horse back to his own lines in frustration.
"Too soon." Seeing Mi Fang turn back prematurely, Lan Ji fretted anxiously and unknowingly voiced his own judgment. He believed that if Mi Fang had held back a moment longer before striking,