Chapter 36: To Pursue or Not to Pursue?

"Ding! The system detects that the Xiongnu forces have begun to retreat. Congratulations to the host for completing the 'Slaughter the Hu' mission. Would you like to settle the mission rewards now?"

"System, hold the settlement for now."

Indeed, things had unfolded exactly as Li Xiang had guessed; the Xiongnu were withdrawing. However, Li Xiang was deeply puzzled as to how Wanyan Aguda had managed to persuade Yufuluo. Li Xiang knew perfectly well that the relationship between Wanyan Aguda and Yufuluo was far from harmonious, and that Yufuluo harbored a deep wariness toward Aguda.

"My Lord, the Xiongnu have begun to retreat," Wang Meng said, arriving with a dust-covered appearance but a look of joy on his face.

"Sir, now that the Xiongnu are retreating, should we take this opportunity to pursue them and tear a piece of flesh from their hide?" Li Xiang asked Wang Meng.

Of course, this was only what Li Xiang said; it was not what he truly thought. To Li Xiang, no matter how the Yanmen forces pursued, it was impossible to inflict casualties exceeding eighty percent of the Xiongnu’s strength. This meant the ultimate "God-tier Summoning Card" reward for the "Slaughter the Hu" mission was out of reach.

Even so, Li Xiang still wished to pursue for the sake of the reward from the "Regicide" mission. That was a God-tier Summoning Card, and no matter who it summoned, it would undoubtedly be a world-shaking talent. After all, God-tier figures were the elite at the very pinnacle of the pyramid—the cream of history—so rare that an entire era might not produce even one.

Furthermore, the final reward for the "Regicide" mission was not just a God-tier Summoning Card; Li Xiang would also receive a "Supreme Skill." Li Xiang hungered for that skill; just looking at his existing "Martial Tyrant" skill showed him how powerful such things were, even if he currently lacked the capacity to fully utilize its effects. Whatever aspect the new skill focused on, it would be as valuable as a God-tier talent. After all, one must be strong oneself to forge iron; without personal capability, even with the help of many talents, the end result might not be favorable.

Without personal strength, even if a world-class talent were to defect to his side, he might not be able to retain them. Was Yuan Shao, the future hegemon of Hebei during the Three Kingdoms period, not the best example? Had Xun Yu and Guo Jia, the men Cao Cao relied on most, not served Yuan Shao before eventually defecting to Cao Cao?

"Shao is a hero of the common people, capable of gathering men but incapable of using them," was Xun Yu's assessment of Yuan Shao.

"Lord Yuan seeks to emulate the Duke of Zhou in his treatment of scholars, yet he does not understand the mechanics of employing people. He is indecisive and overly complex," was Guo Jia's assessment of Yuan Shao.

Without exception, once these two realized Yuan Shao’s incompetence, they resolutely turned their backs on him and threw their lot in with Cao Cao, playing a pivotal role in the destruction of the Yuan clan. This clearly demonstrated the importance of one's own capability.

The Western Chu Hegemon, Xiang Yu, once looked down on Liu Bang as a rogue, yet it was that very rogue who defeated the Hegemon. To Li Xiang, the "rogue" label was merely a mask worn by Liu Bang. His personal capability was surely far superior to Xiang Yu’s—excluding raw martial prowess—otherwise, in the chaotic strife of the late Qin era, the final victor would not have been Liu Bang.

The more he thought about it, the more Li Xiang wanted to dispatch troops in pursuit. After all, with Xue Rengui, the ultimate sniper of the cold-weapon era, there was a fair chance of success. Unfortunately, Xue Rengui had already showcased his archery on the battlefield. An枭雄 (heroic overlord) like Wanyan Aguda would certainly not be caught off guard after seeing the Han army pursue. Facing a prepared Aguda, it would be difficult for Xue Rengui to strike effectively.

Hearing Li Xiang’s desire to pursue, Wang Meng’s heart sank, and he quickly dissuaded him: "My Lord, absolutely not! If our army leaves the city to pursue, we will surely suffer a crushing defeat, and the hard-won advantage will be lost in an instant."

Hearing this, Li Xiang understood that Wang Meng would never speak without cause. He suppressed his desire to pursue and asked calmly, "May I ask why, sir?"

Wang Meng did not hesitate, clearly having considered this long ago: "My Lord, if it were only Yufuluo, a pursuit might be fine. But after these many days of battle, you know the capabilities of Wanyan Aguda. With his talent, would he not take precautions while retreating? It is highly likely that Aguda has already set a trap specifically for us."

Wang Meng pondered for a moment before continuing: "Furthermore, our army has only eight thousand cavalry left, while the enemy has thirteen thousand. With such a disparity, how can we pursue? And if we pursue with infantry, I trust you know the consequences without my saying it."

"Moreover, if we fall into an ambush, the losses will be catastrophic. And if Aguda suddenly leads his forces back in a counter-attack, how will Yanmen Pass hold?"

Hearing Wang Meng’s analysis, Li Xiang realized he had been short-sighted. Indeed, although the Xiongnu were retreating, they were not doing so because of defeat. It seemed there was still much for him to learn.

Although Li Xiang felt regretful about being unable to pursue, since things had reached this point, he had to face reality.

...

"Big Brother, it seems the Han army will not come out," Wanyan Wugudai said with a sigh.

Wanyan Aguda also looked regretful. Though he knew the chances were slim, he still harbored a faint hope. If the Han army had truly dared to pursue, he had a ten-fold certainty of devouring that force. If they had, the Han army would have suffered heavy losses, and once the main Xiongnu army turned back, the weakened Han defenses would have been unable to hold.

"Very well, since that is the case, dismantle the ambush," Aguda said helplessly to Wanyan Wugudai.

"Big Brother, do not worry. Once we return and accomplish that matter, our Xiongnu will surely grow and flourish under your leadership. After we have rested and our strength is restored, let alone a single Yanmen, even if we were to conquer the entirety of Bing Province, it would be a trifling matter. Perhaps we may even lay claim to the beautiful lands of the Han people. Our Xiongnu will become even more powerful than in the days of Chanyu Modu." Unlike Aguda’s regret, Wanyan Wugudai was filled with ambition.

Hearing this, Aguda seemed to see the scene Wugudai described and a look of joy appeared on his face.