Rumors about Lin Tian had been circulating for five days.
Although the five days did not have a significant impact on Lin Tian's army, it was enough to boost the morale of the Yanmen army.
It even completely changed the thoughts of the Yanmen soldiers.
Originally, they were quite fearful of Lin Tian, as his terrifying combat power was undeniable, and no one could be entirely unafraid.
But things were different now. Every Zhao soldier within Yanmen Pass felt a surge of courage.
They believed that any one of them could personally take Lin Tian's head.
Lin Tian was heavily injured, even close to death.
In such a state, his combat effectiveness was greatly diminished.
Moreover, they had a larger army than Lin Tian's forces, and a significant number of able-bodied men.
Coupled with the five thousand troops brought by Sima Shang, they held a complete numerical advantage over Lin Tian's army.
Therefore, taking down Lin Tian's army was not a difficult task.
With this belief, the morale of the Yanmen army grew stronger with each passing day.
This surge in strength was exactly what Sima Shang desired.
"How are our soldiers doing now?"
"Our soldiers are full of spirit, eager to charge out and crush Lin Tian's army at any moment!"
"Do you think our soldiers are ready for battle?"
"Absolutely ready. I believe they have the capability to fight against the Qin army!"
"Very well, then let's prepare more means to restrict Qin's Lin Tian, and then we will attack Lin Tian's army!"
With the morale high, Sima Shang saw an opportunity.
Of course, he did not overlook Lin Tian's presence.
He had prepared many strategies specifically for Lin Tian.
These strategies might not necessarily defeat Lin Tian, but they could cause him considerable trouble.
His goal was merely to temporarily contain Lin Tian, and once Lin Tian's army was defeated, he would concentrate his forces to deal with Lin Tian.
By then, with an overwhelming army gathered, no matter how powerful Lin Tian was, he would have nowhere to escape.
Thinking this, Sima Shang finally breathed a sigh of relief.
With a method found to deal with Lin Tian, the matter became simpler.
Soon, the war drums of Yanmen sounded, and Zhao took the initiative to attack Lin Tian's army.
Lin Tian, informed by scouts, was not surprised. He calmly gave orders:
"Have our soldiers form the 'Mandarin Duck Formation,' and await the arrival of the Zhao army!"
"At the same time, have our cavalry equip the 'cavalry three-piece set' and carry small shields. The key to victory in this battle lies with our cavalry!"
Knowing that the Yanmen army was coming, Lin Tian showed no intention of retreating.
Although the Yanmen army significantly outnumbered his own, it did not mean he had no way to deal with them.
After all, his 'Mandarin Duck Formation' was a military formation that could expand or contract, attack or defend.
If the Yanmen army attacked, Lin Tian's soldiers would have no problem holding their ground.
As for the offense, that would be left to the cavalry.
Sima Shang and his men were unaware of this.
They only knew that Lin Tian's army had captured their city, Dai Cheng. Although it was achieved through various underhanded means, it demonstrated Lin Tian's army's offensive prowess.
As for their defensive capabilities, they had no real idea without experiencing a direct clash between two armies.
Therefore, when Sima Shang led his army towards Lin Tian's forces, they were taken aback.
Before them stood a dense array of shields.
These shields formed a wall, directly blocking their path.
Moreover, there were very few gaps between the shields, making it difficult for them to find an opening.
The Yanmen army, initially full of high spirits, now felt somewhat lost.
Shouldn't Lin Tian's army have lost their fighting spirit by now? Why were they defending so impenetrably?
No one had an answer to this question.
After a few breaths of silence, Sima Shang decisively ordered:
"Attack! Break their defenses!!"
The battlefield was a place of constant change.
Sima Shang was accustomed to such situations.
Therefore, after weighing the pros and cons, he unhesitatingly issued the order to attack.
Upon receiving his command, the Zhao soldiers of Yanmen immediately launched a fierce assault without hesitation.
"Soldiers, the time has come to repay the blood debt with blood! Charge!"
"Kill! Kill the Qin's Lin Tian!"
"Break through their formation and take Lin Tian's head!"
Many Yanmen soldiers were convinced they could kill Lin Tian.
Therefore, as they charged, they openly vowed to kill Lin Tian and decapitate him.
This sentiment was echoed by countless Zhao soldiers.
Their charge became even more ferocious.
They even headed directly for the shield-bearers of the Mandarin Duck Formation, intending to break through their defenses, penetrate the army, and seize Lin Tian's head.
Their momentum was unstoppable, enough to intimidate many.
However, Lin Tian's army remained unmoved.
As the Zhao soldiers approached, numerous long spears suddenly emerged from between the shields.
The sudden appearance of these spears caught them by surprise.
Instantly, many Zhao soldiers fell to their deaths under the spears.
This was not all. As the Zhao army charged with immense ferocity, their shields suddenly parted, forming small Mandarin Duck Formations that allowed the most ferocious attackers to charge in.
Then, the shields closed again, forming a large Mandarin Duck Formation, trapping those soldiers within.
Subsequently, the sound of horrific screams echoed from within.
Inside the large Mandarin Duck Formation, there were smaller Mandarin Duck Formations.
Additionally, there were many soldiers armed with swords.
These soldiers, gathered together, began a brutal slaughter of the Zhao soldiers trapped within the formation.
Many soldiers were encircled and killed before they even understood what was happening.
Although some soldiers resisted, their resistance was futile, and they were easily cut down.
Such a military formation greatly shocked Sima Shang and his men.
"What kind of formation is this? Why have we never seen it before?"
"Reporting to the General, we have not seen it either. It is likely a special preparation by Qin's Lin Tian!"
"It seems we truly cannot underestimate our enemy. While we were plotting against them, they were also plotting against us!"
"However, the final victory will ultimately be ours!"
"Send in our cavalry to forcibly break through their formation!"
"Yes!"