Chinese Generals Summoning System

Chapter 39: The Bandits Temporarily Retreat

When Liu Ji saw Gong Du spur his horse forward to issue the challenge, he didn’t show the slightest sign of nervousness. Through the system, he had already checked the three-stat values of the two bandit leaders: Zhang Xiong—Strength 47, Intelligence 41, Leadership 40—and Li Qing—Strength 44, Intelligence 38, Leadership 39. The Strength stats of these two bandit leaders didn’t even reach the level of a third-rate general, so Liu Ji wasn’t the least bit concerned about Gong Du stepping forward to challenge them. One-on-one duels between the vanguard commanders of opposing armies were a real phenomenon in this world. If a commander from one side emerged victorious, that side’s morale would surge dramatically. Of course, such duels were not guaranteed; they typically only occurred after both sides had deployed their forces in battle formation. Li Qing, the “Flying Tiger” and Fourth-in-Command of Weihu Fortress, saw Gong Du issue the challenge and immediately said to Zhang Xiong, the “Red Cloud Tiger” and Third-in-Command: “Third Brother, cover my back—I’m going to take care of that scoundrel!” “Flying Tiger Li Qing is here—you Gong fellow, don’t get too cocky!” Li Qing spurred his horse forward, brandishing an iron spear as he charged toward Gong Du. The two immediately engaged in fierce combat. Meanwhile, Zhang Xiong, who had been covering Li Qing’s rear, turned pale the moment he saw how the duel was unfolding. It was clear that Li Qing was no match for Gong Du; barely a moment into the fight, Li Qing could barely defend himself. Just as Zhang Xiong was about to spur his horse forward to lend support, Gong Du knocked the iron spear out of Li Qing’s hand. Immediately afterward, Gong Du struck Li Qing’s chest with the flat of his double-edged broadsword, knocking him off his warhorse in a single blow. Li Qing’s fall was so violent that he nearly lost his breath; by the time he had caught his breath, Gong Du’s double-edged broadsword was already hovering over his head. ““Eldest Brother, Second Brother, didn’t our outpost scouts spot a convoy? We never expected to run into such tough opposition. This convoy is a government army sent from Qi County to garrison the border at Qianzhou, led by a Captain. Among the troops is a Military Lieutenant surnamed Gong who’s an exceptionally skilled fighter. Fourth Brother didn’t even last five rounds against him—he was knocked off his horse and taken prisoner! “Ah—if it weren’t for trying to secure more grain for the stronghold, Fourth Brother and I would never have provoked this government force!” The second-in-command, Wen Da, frowned and asked, “How many men are in this Qi County government force?” Zhang Xiong replied, “Over 200 in total. We’ve only spotted five cavalrymen, including that commander surnamed Gong. However, the other four cavalrymen are dressed just like him—all clad in finely crafted iron armor. We just don’t know how skilled they are. As for their infantry, only some are wearing leather armor; very few are clad in iron armor.” Second-in-Command Wen Da turned to First-in-Command Fan Chong and said, “Big Brother, it looks like we’re in for a tough fight. Even if they’re government troops, we absolutely must rescue Fourth Brother!” The First-in-Command, Fan Chong, snorted coldly and said, “Anyone who dares lay a hand on a brother of Fan Chong, the ‘Mountain Tiger,’ no matter who they are, will never leave the territory of our Weihu Fortress. Second-in-Command, immediately muster the fortress’s troops—we’re going to rescue Fourth Brother! Oh, and bring all of Weihu Fortress’s Iron Cavalry with us this time!”