On open ground, do not try to block the enemy’s way.
Because the attempt would be futile, and would expose the blocking
force itself to serious risks. There are two interpretations of
無絶. I follow that of Chang Yü (不可以兵阻絶其路). The other
is indicated in Ts‘ao Kung’s brief note: 相及屬也 “Draw closer
together”—_i.e._, see that a portion of your own army is not cut
off. Wang Hsi points out that 交地 is only another name for the
通地 “accessible ground” of X. § 2, and says that the advice here
given is simply a variation of 利糧道 “keep a sharp eye on the line
of supplies,” be careful that your communications are not cut. The
_T‘ung Tien_ reads 無相絶.
On ground of intersecting highways, join hands with your
allies.
Or perhaps, “form alliances with neighbouring states.” Thus Ts‘ao
Kung has: 結諸侯也. Capt. Calthrop’s “cultivate intercourse” is
much too timid and vague. The original text reads 交合.