Early the next morning, the sky cleared.

The morning sun is rising slowly, and dewdrops are dripping from flowers and other plants.

By the time the scouts arranged by the defenders of Lu City to explore the surrounding areas outside the city returned to the city one after another to report that the various troops of the Shu army stationed under the city had disappeared, at this moment all the troops under Zhao Tong had already fully withdrawn to the south to the Qishan area.

After Guo Huai heard this, he did not dare to pursue easily. He was worried that he would be ambushed and lose Lucheng.

After simply waiting for a day, the vanguard of the main force of Cao's army arrived outside Lu City first.

Immediately after, the commander-in-chief Zhang He also rushed over with his troops.

Sima Guo Huai also led his generals to personally welcome him.

The two of them have a very good relationship in private, and they talk to each other after meeting in person!

"Boji, what's the current enemy situation?"

Upon hearing this, Guo Huai looked solemn, quickly raised his hands and responded in a deep voice, "Inform General Zhang, Zhao Tong, who previously led the army to the north, returned here two days ahead of the main force of our army."

"But the enemy retreated quietly a day ago. According to the Huai messengers, they found out that they had almost returned to Qishan."

After briefly reporting the current military situation, he asked, "General Zhang, what should our army do next?"

"Is it possible to dispatch all the main troops of all ministries to the Qishan Mountains?"

As soon as he said this, Zhang He smiled and responded softly, "Of course!"

Obviously, Zhang He's large-scale march to Lucheng this time had already decided to attack Qishan Fort.

And just after Zhao Tong and his troops returned to Qishan and stationed.

Zhang He, who had joined forces with Guo Huai in Lucheng, also took a few days' short rest to build manholes, siege engines and other siege equipment, and then launched a massive attack on Qishan.

After Zhao Tong led his troops to test the strength of Cao's army, he naturally did not dare to underestimate him.

He has also ordered all ministries to step up the preparation of various materials for city defense in the past few days, making sure that nothing goes wrong!

He knew very well that Qishan Mountain was the choke point connecting Longyou Land and Wudu County.

If Qishan is lost, Wudu will not be able to defend it for long!

If this place is occupied by Cao's army, Zhang He can use this place as a garrison, and then send a steady stream of troops deep into the Wudu Plain.

By that time, it would be difficult for Zhao Tong's tens of thousands of troops to fight Cao's army on foot and cavalry in the wilderness.

Zhao Tong was well aware of the importance of Qishan to the land of Wudu, so he also issued death orders to all his ministries.

"Everyone, Wudu and Yinping are our most critical strategic points in the northwest of Hanzhong, and we must not let anything go wrong!"

"To defend Wudu, you must defend Qishan."

After saying these words loudly, Zhao Tong looked extremely determined when facing the entire army. He paused, and then said in a very serious tone:

"I will put my ugly words first. The enemy troops that invaded this time numbered tens of thousands, and their combat power was not the same as that of Cao's army in Longxi that our army had fought before!"

"This Cao army is an elite force that guards Guanzhong all year round, and its combat power is very strong."

"And when the enemy invades Qishan this time, they must come with the determination to capture Qishan and conquer Wudu County."

"Then this battle will definitely be very cruel, even like a meat grinder."

"If there are any of you who are afraid, you can raise it now, and I will let you put down your weapons and arrange to evacuate along the rear of Hanzhong!"

"But if you don't stand up now, if you run away during the battle, we will not tolerate it and will resolutely punish you with military law."

The words were spoken in a solemn and majestic voice.

Zhao Tong's face at this moment was full of endless power, and it was not at all the usual kind and smiling expression.

After saying these words, perhaps Zhao Tong's pre-war oath was too solemn, and for a moment there was no doubt that the surroundings where the officers and soldiers of the various ministries were standing were extremely silent.

All the soldiers were silent.

After listening, everyone seemed to fall into silence.

Zhao Tong glanced around and noticed this scene. He then changed the subject, and his words became slightly softer but very firm.

"Of course, no matter what you choose!"

"I will live and die with Qishan and fight to the end!"

An extremely loud shout was spat out.

This shocked everyone present.

First of all, all the generals headed by Liu Yin, Zhang Yi, and Huo Yi suddenly felt an unknown fire rising in their chests.

They were the first to be infected by Zhao Tong's words, and their fighting spirit was inspired.

"We are willing to die for the general and be loyal to the great man!"

"I am willing to live and die together for Qishan and fight to the end."

…

After a few words, all the generals and commanders started to drink loudly.

These words could not help but quickly mobilize the soldiers under his command.

I saw that one sergeant after another was deeply affected, shouting loudly, "The general will not retreat, and we will not retreat either!"

"Fight to the death with Cao's army, bloody battle at Qishan."

"Fight, fight, fight!"

In an instant, almost all the soldiers from all departments raised their swords high and shouted loudly.

The momentum also climbed to its peak at this moment.

A fierce aura seemed to spread all over Qishan Mountain.

As the saying goes, loyalty lasts forever and momentum never fails!

This day was obviously a carnival night for the Qishan garrison.

Zhao Tong's encouragement completely inspired people's hearts.

No one under his command retreated from the battlefield, and all his inner potentials were stimulated.

I am willing to fight to the end with Cao's army that is several times larger.

…

With all aspects of Qishan's defense supplies fully arranged.

Many days later, the main force led by Zhang He also slowly approached the foot of Qishan Mountain and set up camp along the foot of the Qishan Fortress.

And taking advantage of his large numbers, he sent Guo Huai to lead his troops to surround various crossings in Qishan Mountain.

Except for the defense at the rear, communications in all other directions have been completely cut off.

Qishan Mountain is like an isolated city.

Zhao Tong naturally received this military information, but since he had already made up his mind to defend Qishan, he did not pay much attention to it.

Just surround us!

"You think I can run away, Zhang He?"

Zhao Tong murmured that he underestimated, and immediately ordered his generals to take turns to defend the various villages in Qishan to prevent Cao's army from suddenly launching a large-scale attack.

Zhang He's troops also did not include lakes.

Early the next morning, the sun was just beginning to show its light.

The main forces of Cao's army have already set out to confront each other in the Qishan stronghold.

Zhang He also took the initiative to adopt the strategy of courtesy first and then fighting.

They sent people into Qishan Village in an attempt to recruit the defenders to surrender.

But the ending is of course self-evident!

He was scolded by all the defenders and refuted directly.

"Cao Gou, don't try to persuade us to surrender with your sweet words."

"I am willing to live and die with Qishan, and to advance and retreat with my general!"

"You traitors, wait until the main force of our army arrives, and you will be defeated."

A series of words spread throughout Qishan Mountain with great momentum.

Zhang He focused his attention on the battle formation and quietly watched the various garrison troops at Qishan Stronghold, and couldn't help but shake his head gently in his heart.

This Shu army is really an elite force!

They are worthy of being led by Zhao Tong.

Since persuading him to surrender was fruitless, Zhang He was very decisive. With a wave of his hand, Cao's army quickly launched an attack.

Siege vehicles, well railings...

Every siege equipment was fired from the formation.

There were also soldiers with swords and shields between the two sides to cover the advance.

On the flanks, the rearguard arranged archers to provide cover.

Each one is proceeding in order, with the goal directed at Qishan.

At this time, the Qishan garrison was already well prepared, holding their bows and crossbows tightly, waiting for the enemy to approach.

A fierce battle broke out again!

"put!"

When the enemy troops came within shooting range, following the order from the guard Zhao Tong, rocks were first thrown up and pushed down from the stockade halfway up the mountain.
Chapter completed!