The sound of hooves thundered, accompanied by the shrill neighing of horses. Three thousand cavalrymen transformed into a blade of crimson steel, thrusting toward the riverbank. When they were fifty paces from the Guanning Army on the bank, the Eight Banners troops released a volley of arrows into the air.
The countless arrows formed a rain that traced a perfect parabolic arc before descending upon the Guanning Army's formation. Though the arrow rain was dense, the Guanning troops crossing the river were all clad in armor. While the plunging arrows failed to pierce their gear, they sowed chaos within the ranks.
"Hold your positions! Any man who retreats without orders will be executed!" bellowed Zu Zepu, who was directing the crossing. As the son of Zu Dashou, he had spent years locked in bitter combat with the Eight Banners in Liaodong and knew them well. He understood that the most critical task at that moment was to maintain formation; otherwise, a total rout would ensue.
Chapter 777