September ushered in autumn, and the weather turned cooler.
Between the two armies southwest of Rang County, Lan Ji and Zhang Liao were locked in a blazing battle.
Seventeen-year-old Lan Ji was already nearly nine chi tall. The horse beneath him had fully matured as well, and when it ran, it was as majestic as a raging fire. Lan Ji showed no fear in the face of Zhang Liao. A young man, he possessed the boldness to swallow the heavens, and the Azure Dragon Army-Breaker Halberd seemed to have grown from his hand. Lan Ji unleashed everything he had learned in his life, fighting Zhang Liao to a standstill in a battle that was utterly exhilarating.
Lan Ji was young and full of vigor, while Zhang Liao was older and rich in experience. The two fought from morning until afternoon. Even the officers and soldiers watching were tired from shouting, yet they continued their slaughter in the formation, with no intention of stopping.
Partway through, Zhang Hu arrived with five thousand infantry and cavalry. Seeing Zhang Liao and Lan Ji fighting at the height of their battle, he ordered the soldiers to form a fan-shaped formation, preparing to encircle the two hundred Han soldiers once the duel ended.
Seeing that the situation was turning bad, some from the Youth Camp sent scouts to seek the main force for reinforcements, while others called out from behind the formation, "Young General, it's getting late. We should return early."
Seeing that Lan Ji was young and strong, Zhang Hu worried that Zhang Liao might suffer after a prolonged battle. He too shouted from the side, "Father, you've exchanged over a hundred moves without deciding victory or defeat. Why not change horses, drink some water, and fight again?"
Both sides had their own schemes,