Heraclius returned to the city, intending to rest for the night and attempt another breakout the following day. But just then, the quartermaster reported that the city had run out of food and water.
Heraclius turned pale with shock and went to inspect the city himself.
An hour later, Heraclius raged, "Those damned easterners have no honor! They actually cut off our food and water! If they have any courage, they should fight us openly, steel against steel! All they know are these underhanded tricks. Damn them! Damn them!"
After venting his fury, Heraclius immediately assembled his troops for a breakout. This time, he chose the eastern side.
Luo Shixin guarded the east. At the sight of the enemy approaching, he grew wildly excited, pumped his powerful legs, and charged at them, brandishing his Wrought-Iron Spear. He ran even faster than the cavalry.
The Roman Empire's cavalrymen smiled cruelly when they saw a fool charging out ahead of the others. But the instant they met, Luo Shixin swung his spear in a sweeping arc at them, sending the seven or eight Roman horsemen at the front tumbling to the ground with their mounts.
The cavalrymen behind them were dumbfounded and hurried to steer clear of Luo Shixin.
Carrying his great iron spear, Luo Shixin headed straight for the thickest clusters of men, killing several with every swing.
Seeing their general fight so fiercely, the Great Wei soldiers behind him surged with morale and gained the upper hand for a time.
But this time, the Roman Empire's soldiers did not retreat either. They knew they would die even if they returned. Dying in battle was better than dying of thirst or starvation.
Relying on their superior numbers, the Roman Empire's troops regained the advantage an hour later. Their vanguard was even