Snow swirled thickly over Baila Pass. Zhao Wusheng stood on a hill, quietly surveying the road below. A scout arrived to report that more than ten thousand Yong Army troops were advancing at full speed toward Baila Pass from Eastern Liang Commandery, apparently on their way to reinforce Eastern Luo Granary.
Zhao Wusheng nodded and was about to order his men to prepare to meet the enemy when another scout arrived, bringing good news from Eastern Luo Granary: Hu Xiaotian had successfully captured it.
Zhao Wusheng was overjoyed at the news. Hu Xiaotian truly was a miracle worker. He had hardly dared place much hope in such a bold plan, yet Hu Xiaotian had actually turned it all into reality. No one understood Eastern Luo Granary's strategic importance in this region better than Zhao Wusheng. By taking it, they could establish a complete defensive line linking it with Eastern Liang Commandery. More importantly, the provisions and supplies stored there were enough to sustain their foothold and future expansion.
Zhao Wusheng prepared to order a withdrawal, but according to the scout's earlier report, the Yong Army reinforcements were moving so quickly that his men might not be able to pull out safely.
After weighing his options several times, Zhao Wusheng called out, "Xiong Tianba!"
"Here!" Xiong Tianba appeared before him, imposing and formidable.
Zhao Wusheng said, "Our lord has successfully captured Eastern Luo Granary. We must head there immediately to join him. A force of more than ten thousand reinforcements is approaching from Eastern Liang Commandery. If we're to withdraw in good order, someone must hold them off and slow their march."
Xiong Tianba grinned. "What's so hard about that? General Zhao, leave this little job to me!"
Zhao Wusheng nodded firmly. "Good! How many men do you need?"
Xiong Tianba