The regions passed by the army were all on high alert, believing the Yun Yue Kingdom's forces were targeting them. However, after the army departed, they cautiously sent messengers to Da Liang to report the news.
By the time the army arrived outside Da Liang city, these messages had just reached their destination.
Chu Chen ordered the army to surround Da Liang city on three sides, leaving only one exit towards the Zhao Kingdom for them to seek aid.
Meanwhile, Li Mengdie launched her attack on the southern city gate.
The defending general on the city walls was on high alert, with all sorts of siege defense equipment ready.
However, Li Mengdie had no intention of engaging in a siege.
"There's no need for you to panic. I don't wish to storm the city. If you have any formidable generals, send them out to fight me. If you can defeat me, I will call off this battle."
Upon hearing Li Mengdie's words, the great general on the Da Liang city walls rejoiced.
"Quickly, go invite Li Yuanba! Let him defeat this little girl. This girl is too arrogant; let Li Yuanba teach her a lesson."
"Yes, General."
A nearby messenger quickly found the Wei army's strongman, Li Yuanba, and explained the situation. Li Yuanba, however, lifted the messenger with one hand.
"Are you playing a trick on me? Sending a woman to fight me? Do you think I can't defeat anyone?"
The messenger was startled. "Brother, brother, our commander said that if you can defeat that little girl, you will be the greatest contributor to this defense, and your deeds can even be reported to His Majesty."
Hearing this, Li Yuanba pondered for a moment and finally agreed. "Very well, I will go and meet this little girl. Just don't disappoint me."
Li Yuanba followed the messenger to the city gate and smiled upon seeing Li Mengdie below.
"This is the woman who wants to fight me?"
"Young lady, what right do you have to fight me? Do you know who I am? Leave quickly before I get angry. I don't fight women."
Li Yuanba sneered, clearly showing his disdain for Li Mengdie.
Li Mengdie wasted no more words, drew her bow and arrow from her back, and shot towards the city gate tower.
Although Li Yuanba didn't take Li Mengdie seriously, he observed her actions.
Li Mengdie drew her bowstring taut. With a crisp twang, the arrow shot towards Li Yuanba.
The speed of the arrow surprised Li Yuanba, but the thought of it injuring him was a foolish fantasy.
"That was a good shot, but you still can't be my opponent."
Li Yuanba reached out to swing his bronze hammer, but then remembered he hadn't brought it.
"Bring me a stone, one weighing over five hundred jin."
Hearing this, the soldiers beside him dared not speak and complied obediently.
Taking the stone, Li Yuanba glanced at Li Mengdie below the city gate and, with a flick of his wrist, hurled the stone at her.
Li Mengdie's heart leaped. This person's strength was immense; he was a formidable opponent.
She dodged the stone with all her might. However, the giant rock landed heavily beside her, creating a large pit in the ground.
The dirt kicked up by the stone splattered onto her, soiling her pant legs.
"You're dead."
"Throwing stones from so far away, what kind of hero are you? If you have the guts, come down and fight me to the death."
Li Mengdie used a bit of provocation, and Li Yuanba, taking the bait, actually jumped down from the city gate.
With a loud thud, Li Yuanba landed on the ground in front of the city gate. Two axes were thrown down from the gate.
Li Yuanba caught the axes and tossed them, shaking his head in disdain.
"These axes are too light. But I'll make do for now."
Li Mengdie's eyes narrowed. Although these axes weren't exceptionally heavy, they still weighed over a hundred jin.
If Li Yuanba hadn't shown off his strength in front of her earlier, Li Mengdie might have believed he was bragging.
"Let's begin."
As Li Mengdie spoke, she swiftly launched a fierce attack.
She knew the opponent's advantage was strength, so she intended to avoid his strengths to truly turn the tide of the battle.
Li Mengdie attempted to confront him head-on with her powerful cultivation, but his strength seemed peculiar.
His strength could actually clash with Li Mengdie's spiritual energy. This meant his strength was not mere brute force but could truly contend with hers.
This further piqued Li Mengdie's curiosity about Li Yuanba. While dodging his attacks, she pondered his weaknesses.
Li Mengdie could sense that his combat prowess wasn't particularly strong, but his immense strength compensated for his shortcomings.
Of course, if one were to find his flaws, it would be easy.
His speed was not fast. If Li Mengdie launched a rapid assault, she could potentially defeat him.
However, Li Mengdie was not in a hurry to defeat him. Instead, she engaged him in a war of attrition.
The more powerful an opponent appeared, the greater the impact on the enemy's morale if Li Mengdie could defeat him.
Initially, Li Yuanba faced Li Mengdie with a calm and collected demeanor.
But as the battle wore on, Li Yuanba lost his patience entirely.
He realized that no matter how powerful his attacks were, he couldn't even touch Li Mengdie.
On the other hand, although Li Mengdie's attacks didn't kill him outright, they consistently found his weak spots.
Facing Li Mengdie, he was essentially helpless.
"Little girl, if you have the guts, face me head-on. If you don't dare to face me directly, what kind of hero are you?"
Seeing his growing frustration, Li Mengdie's smile widened.
"I know you're feeling anxious facing me."
"But don't worry, I won't give you that opportunity."
"I want you to fall into despair and fear me."
"This way, you won't be able to stop me from doing anything I want."
Li Mengdie said with a triumphant, cold laugh.
Li Yuanba scoffed and completely ignored her words.
"You think you can make me afraid? Who do you think you are?"
"Although I haven't found your weakness yet and can't subdue you."
"It will only take another quarter of an hour, and you will completely surrender to me."
"All your schemes and tricks will be insignificant in the face of my absolute power."
Li Yuanba was absolutely confident when facing Li Mengdie.
Even though he hadn't gained any advantage so far, he still believed this.
Another full quarter of an hour passed. At this point, Li Yuanba had completely lost his temper facing Li Mengdie.
"Didn't you say you could defeat me in a quarter of an hour? I'm ready."