Sorry for the late update. I was busy at that moment. Here's the continuation of the story.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------

Chapter 11: Siege of Xia Pi Castle

War cries were heard in nearly every area around the castle. Xia Pi castle was all along in a bad shape since the rebellion of the Yellow Turbans. Walls were cracked, roof tiles were tumbling down very slowly, the houses and other small structures within the walls were either crumbled to the ground or badly destroyed until bricks and rocks scattered around the muddy terrain.

Noon has arrived. Xiahou Dun looked to his left. His steed was badly impaled by enemy spears, pikes and arrows, forcing the Wei officer to fight on foot. He could feel warm blood flowing from his forehead and to the chin with the conjunction of bloody cuts from his back to both of his arms. His body may weakens a lot, but his spirit still remained confident and full of courage. He stood still and face the enemy with both hands on his trusty Kirin Fang now covered with blood.

"Noon is here" Xiahou Dun said breathlessly. "The first hour is over. I should have killed over 250 soldiers by now"

A horseman approaches the Wei officer. He wore full purpled battle armor with a spear armed on his right hand. The soldier dismount the steed and took a few steps forward, carefully not to step within the Wei officer's reach.

"Xiahou Dun, we knew each other for quite some time. We even reach a stage of good friends. But why do refuge with that tyrant Cao Cao and revolt against us?"

"I believe in Cao Cao's ambition. That's why I chose him as my lord"

"It is sad to heard such words from a former ally" the soldier said and raises his spear towards Xiahou Dun. "Then let me, Gongsun Zan show you the right path of justice!"

Xiahou Dun didn't utter a word and positioned himself into a fighting stance, ready to repel off any incoming attacks. Gongsun Zan took the initiative and struck at Xiahou Dun. The Wei officer repels the blow and yet another impaling attack from his foe. Gongsun Zan was about to perform an aerial attack until a swift movement was felted from behind.

He turned around just in time to see an aura of blue light surrounding the Wei officer rapidly. The next second, Gongsun Zan felt his entire self being slashed from the left angle to the right angle rapidly. The last slash sent him flying over a very short distance and hit a nearly boulder. Blood were covering of what was left of Gongsun Zan and moves no more.

The glowing of the Kirin Fang faded away as the weapon returned to its normal appearance. Xiahou Dun smiled and looked at the remaining enemy troops, which were once the dead general's bodyguards and soldiers. They were all terrified to see their leader killed and flee to the north direction.

"The enemy at the west gate has been annihilated! Surround the area! Do not let Huangfu Song escape!" Xiahou Dun voiced out to his remaining troops as his soldiers cheered and praised for his victory.

To the south area of the castle, lies one of Huangfu Song's infantry camp. The camp is well guarded and the soldiers within the camp were well equipped. To Huangfu Song, this camp is one of the primary assets into winning this battle. But in this war, the tides turned unfortunately.

The south camp which once was full of courageous soldiers was now covered with blood. Almost everywhere including the tents was stained with blood. Even the air smelt of blood, but to a lone figure on horseback, it was a smell of victory. Xiahou Dun arrived just in time to see the figure exited the bloody camp and returned to the opposition ranks.

"Have your fun?" Xiahou Dun asked the figure.

"It could have gotten a lot better!" Qiu Huan replied with a smile. "It is now noon. The siege weapon installments should been arriving now"

Just then, one soldier under Cao Cao rode towards the duo and halted. He dismounted his steed and bowed.

"Lord Cao Cao will be arriving shortly. Have your troops cleared the three entrances?" the soldier asked.

"The west and south gate is secured. But I don't know about my brother's situation" Xiahou Dun replied.

Another soldier approaches the Wei officers. From the direction the soldier came from, Xiahou Dun could tell this soldier is under his brother's division.

"The east gate is cleared of enemies. Zhu Jun has fallen. Lord Xiahou Yuan awaits your orders!" the soldier said.

Xiahou Dun turned to Cao Cao's soldier and said, "There's your answer. Tell our lord that victory is within Wei"

The soldier was pleased to hear the news and bowed. He mounted his steed and rode off to prepare the next plan of action.

***

Moments passed as Huangfu Song and his troops stand guard at the center of the castle. His scouts have not yet reported in and an image of anxiety spread across his face. After a few minutes, a soldier came rushing into the castle. He trembled as he bowed to report the battle status.

"My lord, the west, south and east entrances have been sealed by the enemy! Wei catapults have been spotted outside the south gate!"

"It can't be! Sent out more troops to hold off the attacks!"

"Most of our division has been destroyed. Our forces have been reduce to a mere of 600 units"

"This can't be happening. Cao Cao strategy has backfired me. I was too careless. Call a retreat to the north camp!" ordered the troubled commander.

"Yes my lord!"

As Huangfu Song's forces mobilized to the north area, a struck of horror came across his face. In front of his eyes, flames were blazing covering the northern camp. All soldier inside were either slashed or burned to death. Wei banners could be seen a short distance away from the burning camp.

Cao Cao forces have arrived with Zhang Liao's forces and taken the advantage to surround Huangfu Song. Huangfu Song was angry at Cao Cao but deep inside his heart, he trembled with fear. He knew victory was not on his side, by judging the large army brought by Cao Cao. His enemy only stared at him.

Cao Cao rode forward to the enemy and stops a few li away from Huangfu Song. He draws his sword and pointed to Huangfu Song.

"Since the fall of Yuan Shao, I have been telling my advisers the brave efforts of yourself in battle and recommending you to join our cause. My advisers totally agreed, but why do you stage a revolt now?" Cao Cao asked.

"In name, you are an emperor of Wei, but in reality, you are nothing but a gutless slime causing tyranny acts to corrupt China! You dare to say I stage a revolt!?" Huangfu Song retorted angrily.

Cao Cao felt insulted and ordered his men to charge and mow down the remaining enemy troops. Huangfu Song leaving no alternative routes retreated back into the castle. Cao Cao holds his forces and halted outside the north gate. He knew he would be a fool to charge the enemy right into the castle. Cao Cao's strategy was going as planned.

"That's it! Fire!" ordered a soldier. The catapults stationed outside the south gate began firing boulders over the walls of Xia Pi. Most of the buildings within the castle walls were crushed. Even unfaithful soldiers under Huangfu Song were also crushed by the heavy boulders and were killed instantly.

Huangfu Song trembled in great fear. There is no way to escape. He was surrounded. After few minutes, all soldiers before him died on the spot. Cao Cao and his officers entered each gate slowly with their forces and surround Huangfu Song alone completely. All was lost.

Huangfu Song looked around him. All Wei officers present began unleashing their weapons armed and waiting for the kill. All had a wicked smile on their faces. Huangfu Song recognized all Wei officers but one.

"Before you claim victory Cao Cao, I have one last request" Huangfu Song said.

"Name it" came the reply.

"I haven't seen this young man before. I heard that he alone killed all my men in one of my strongest camps. May I know his name?" Huangfu Song points to Qiu Huan on horseback.

Qiu Huan then rode up. "I am Qiu Huan of Wei from Qiao County, Pei prefecture. I served no one but lord Cao Cao and I shall be willing to give my life in services to him"

"You are a strong yet a slick one. My last request is, do you agree to keep this title given by me? I would be appreciated and my death will not be in vain" Huangfu Song asked.

Qiu Huan looked at Cao Cao who nodded his head. "I accept your title"

"I shall give you the title of 'The Young Serpent of Qiao County'. You will be well-known for that title in the future"

"Not too shabby, but it makes sense" Qiu Huan said.

Huangfu Song then drew his sword and pointed the blade into the sky. "Heavens, I have failed you to restore a better China. May you forgive me"

The next minute, Huangfu Song holds the sword tightly and sliced his own throat. Blood oozes out from the neck, he fell and died.

Wei has yet won another victory and also claimed Xia Pi for their own. The massive army advance slowly back to Xu Chang. "The young serpent huh?" Qiu Huan thought as he rides with the other officers back to the capital.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------

A/N: Congratulations! You've earned yourself a title!

Qiu Huan: This title stinks! I want something like 'The Great Hero of Qiao County', or maybe like 'Qiu Huan the Brave, the Valiant, the Mighty, etc.' kinda stuff!

A/N: Hah! I'll give you a title named 'The Pervert of Qiao County'! That's suits you!

Qiu Huan: You jackass! What gives!?

A/N: So how's Ming Ling's body in the showers last night?

Qiu Huan: Well she's really hot and I drool all over and...WTF!? How did you know!?

A/N: That's why you earn that tilte! Well, gotta go! See ya next chappy!

Qiu Huan: Wait! You haven't answered my question yet!