Guan Yu scares off an entire army and kills their general

Then wine was served for his refreshment, and while they were drinking, it was reported that Yan Liang once again offered a challenge. So Cao Cao and his guest and staff went to the summit of a hill whence the enemy could be seen. Cao Cao and Guan Yu sat on the hill top, and the commanders stood about them. Cao Cao pointed out Yan Liang’s troops arrayed on the plains below. The ensigns and banners waving fresh and bright amid the forest of spears and swords made a grand and imposing spectacle.

“See how formidable these soldiers of the North of Yellow River are,” said Cao Cao.

“I regard them as so many clay fowls and mud dogs,” said Guan Yu.

Cao Cao pointed out Yan Liang, saying, “There under that grand umbrella, in that embroidered robe and that silver breastplate and riding on horseback and gripping that huge sword is Yan Liang.”

“His head looks as though it was stuck on a pole for sale,” said Guan Yu, just glancing over the army at his feet.

“He is very terrible. You must not despise him,” said Cao Cao.

Guan Yu rose, saying, “I am a poor thing, but I will go over and bring you his head if you like.”

“Joking is not allowed in this army,” interposed Zhang Liao. “Please be careful what you say, General.”

Guan Yu quickly mounted, turned down his mighty weapon, and galloped down the hill, his phoenix eyes rounded, and his silkworm eyebrows fiercely bristling. He dashed straight into the enemy’s array, and the northern soldiers opened like falling waves and dissolving storms. He made directly for the commander.

Now Yan Liang sitting there in state saw a horseman rushing toward him, and just as he began to ask who the rider of the red horse was, lo! the horseman was there. Taken utterly by surprise, the leader could make no defense. Guan Yu’s arm rose and the mighty weapon fell. And with it fell Yan Liang.

Leaping from the saddle, Guan Yu cut off his victim’s head and hung it to his horse’s neck. Then he mounted and rode out, just as if there was no army there.

The northern troops, panic stricken, made no fight. Cao Cao’s army attacked with full force and slew great numbers of them. They captured many horses and weapons and much military gear. Guan Yu rode quickly back up the hill and laid the proof of his prowess at the feet of the Prime Minister (Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Ch 25).