The next morning, Guan Yu sent Zhang Fei as the vanguard, with Xu Chu as the deputy general, leading the three armies under his command towards the plains thirty miles northwest, where the battle was set to take place.
Lü Bu, serving as the main general, with Hao Meng as the vanguard, rode his Red Hare horse while wielding his Sky Piercer halberd. A cold and stern aura radiated from him as he headed towards the agreed battleground. After a night of persuasion from Diao Chan and Chen Gong, Lü Bu had calmed down considerably. At the very least, he now understood what he should and should not do.
Lü Bu's mind replayed the conversation he had with Chen Gong that morning.
"Your kingdom and your family are both important to you!" Lü Bu had declared resolutely. "With my unparalleled strength, I can conquer the world and protect my wife and daughter. Who can possibly defeat me?"
"But what if you could only choose one?" Chen Gong had asked calmly.
"How could that be possible?" Lü Bu had coldly swept his gaze over Chen Gong.
"Western Liang's Dong Zhuo, Hebei's Yuan Shao, Qingzhou's Liu Bei—which one can you truly defeat?" Chen Gong's eyes flashed with determination as he spoke. At this point, he couldn't allow Lü Bu to stray down the wrong path. Even if Lü Bu entertained thoughts of conquering the world, Chen Gong would douse those dreams with cold water.
"That's nonsense! Dong Zhuo is dead, Yuan Shao has been defeated, and tomorrow, I will take Zhang Fei's head!" Lü Bu had boasted arrogantly.
"Dong Zhuo is dead..." Chen Gong's face reflected a moment of reminiscence. He thought back to when Cao Cao, during the assassination of Dong Zhuo, had been so valiant, and how during the pursuit in Luoyang, Cao Cao had been so mighty. But all of that had changed. There was no turning back now. Chen Gong silently extinguished the last bit of admiration he had for Cao Cao. From this point on, he would show no mercy.
"Dong Zhuo is dead, but Lü Bu, can you defeat Li Jue and his forces? Without Dong Zhuo and Li Ru, the Xiliang cavalry has lost most of its strength, but can you still defeat them?" Chen Gong asked quietly, as if speaking to himself.
Lü Bu opened his mouth but said nothing.
Deep down, Lü Bu knew he wasn't a match for Li Jue and his forces. Although Li Jue's martial prowess was average, he could only survive three moves against Lü Bu. However, Li Jue's ability to command cavalry was among the best in the world. There were few who could confidently claim victory over him. And to defeat them with fewer troops would require unparalleled leadership—something that no one in the world could currently achieve.
The consensus among the warlords was that the only way to defeat the Xiliang generals was through strategy. Without internal conflict, unifying the regions of Sili and Yongzhou would be no easy feat.
"Has Yuan Shao truly been defeated?" Chen Gong asked, noticing Lü Bu's pensive expression.
"The provinces of Jizhou, Bingzhou, and Youzhou have nearly ten million people, over half a million soldiers, nearly a hundred thousand cavalry, and stockpiles of grain in the millions. Tian Feng, Ju Shou, Xu You, and Shen Pei are all capable ministers, and Yan Liang and Wen Chou are mighty generals. Even after ten defeats, they wouldn't suffer substantial losses. But for us, just one defeat would be the end!" Chen Gong looked sternly at Lü Bu.
"Our most elite troops are the Bingzhou Wolf Cavalry, but we all know where these soldiers come from. Bingzhou's border regions have been recaptured by Xu You and his men. For Yuan Shao, acquiring the Bingzhou Wolf Cavalry is as easy as reaching out his hand," Chen Gong continued. "Yuan Shao has everything cavalry needs, and where we can only provide leather armor, Yuan Shao can outfit his men with iron armor. Can we truly win?"
Chen Gong's final question left Lü Bu speechless. The difference between him and Yuan Shao wasn't something that could be changed by a single battle. Even if Yuan Shao were to lose nine times out of ten, winning just once would be enough to strip Lü Bu of everything. But could Yuan Shao really lose nine out of ten times? Lü Bu didn't believe that himself.
"And as for Liu Bei, he is the one I understand the least, yet he holds the most potential among all the warlords. Between Yuan Shao and Liu Bei, my instincts tell me to bet on Liu Bei. Their resources are almost equal, though Liu Bei's territories might have a slightly larger population." Chen Gong didn't delve too deeply into Liu Bei's situation. After all, their intelligence network within Liu Bei's territory had mysteriously collapsed not long ago.
"Dong Zhuo is dead, and now Liu Bei and Yuan Shao are the two dominant forces in this land. We cannot compete with either of them. Our only choice is to align ourselves with one of them," Chen Gong said with a hint of regret in his voice.
"And so, I ask you again—what do you choose, the kingdom or your family?" This time, Chen Gong's expression was calm as he looked at Lü Bu, but his gaze forced Lü Bu to contemplate his options.
"My family..." Lü Bu's words seemed to be forced out between clenched teeth. Saying those words made him feel a sudden sense of relief, but it was immediately followed by a deep sense of humiliation.
"Then, please show mercy this time. Zhang Fei is Liu Bei's sworn brother, and they share a bond of life and death. If Zhang Fei is killed or maimed, we will be left with no other options," Chen Gong said seriously. Even as he spoke, he felt a slight twinge of fear, and sure enough, after saying those words, Chen Gong felt a trace of killing intent wash over him. His entire back was drenched in cold sweat.
"I... understand!" Lü Bu's icy gaze swept over Chen Gong. In the end, the importance of his family kept Lü Bu from acting on his murderous impulse.
After Lü Bu left, Zhang Liao approached Chen Gong. "Military Advisor, you were really risking your life there. Just now, Lü Bu had thoughts of killing you. I almost couldn't hold back. If Lü Bu had attacked, I wouldn't have been able to stop him!"
"If I hadn't done it, how else could we protect everyone, including Lü Bu?" Chen Gong sighed. "As I see it, no one in this world can defeat Lü Bu. If Zhang Fei challenges Lü Bu to a duel, Zhang Fei will certainly lose, and without intervention, he may die. Even if there are two or more warriors with inner energy at the battlefield, they still won't be able to defeat Lü Bu."
"I think the same," Zhang Liao said with a bitter smile. "But from what you said, it seems like you're leaning towards Liu Bei?"
Chen Gong glanced at Zhang Liao. "Just because we lean towards one side doesn't mean we're bound to it. The weak must cling to the strong, not act on whims. Only the most powerful warlords can act freely, commanding the stars to revolve around them like a bright moon. We lack that power and can't afford to be picky. We must follow the strongest."
"Oh." Zhang Liao nodded. He realized that another person had joined his camp. In his view, aligning with Liu Bei was far better than siding with Yuan Shao. At least Liu Bei was known for his benevolence, his oaths, and his recruitment of talent, all of which Zhang Liao admired.
"Liu Bei is indeed a virtuous ruler. If he has a chance, I wouldn't mind supporting him," Chen Gong said as he looked at Zhang Liao, offering him a bit of confidence. He could see that Zhang Liao was inclined towards Liu Bei's side.
Seeing the joy on Zhang Liao's face, Chen Gong quietly walked back to the camp, muttering as he went, "But General Zhang, please focus on the task at hand. If you don't want to be underestimated, you must work hard. As of now, you're still a nobody in this world."
Zhang Liao paused, watching Chen Gong's retreating figure. As he reflected on Chen Gong's actions over the past few days, he finally understood what the strategist was doing—he was paving the way for Lü Bu's generals and officials. High Shun's path had already been laid, and now it was Zhang Liao's turn to prove himself.
Understanding this, Zhang Liao bowed deeply towards Chen Gong's back. "Thank you, Military Advisor!"
"Don't thank me. You might die, just like Wei Xu and Hou Cheng did. You know that yourself."
Zhang Liao wasn't aware that in the previous life, Chen Gong had also paved the way for everyone. Unfortunately, Gao Shun didn't understand the importance of showing mercy. He wiped out Guan Yu and Zhang Fei's forces, proving his value but making powerful enemies. When the end came, no one spoke up for him, and he was doomed. Without any general willing to speak for the man who destroyed their army, his fate was sealed.
Zhang Liao, on the other hand, had shown his worth but had spared Guan Yu and Liu Bei during the Battle of Xiapi, earning their favor. In the end, Guan Yu was willing to plead for Zhang Liao's life. That was fate—different choices led to different outcomes.
Chen Gong gazed towards the horizon, where the earth met the sky.
A tiger can only be tamed when bound by chains, and Lü Bu can only show his other side when protecting his family. That is the only way he can be accepted by others, even with the stigma of betrayal.
Lü Bu sat astride his Red Hare, quietly watching the approaching figure of Zhang Fei, whose face was covered in thick facial hair. Although the distance was still great, Lü Bu could clearly see every hair on Zhang Fei's face.
The Red Hare snorted, seemingly sensing its master's hesitation. Lü Bu was jolted awake and stroked the horse's mane.
With that realization, Lü Bu's gaze towards Zhang Fei no longer held the same murderous intent, though it wasn't exactly friendly either.
"Zhang Yide!" Lü Bu's voice carried a powerful aura. "Come, let me see how much you've improved since the Battle of Hulao Pass!"
Zhang Fei felt a bit apprehensive. In his memory, Lü Bu should have already charged at him without a word, not stood there calmly, prepared to fight him fairly.
"Then come and see the power of Zhang Yide of Yan!" Zhang Fei roared, his voice reverberating like a cannon blast towards Lü Bu.
"Trivial tricks," Lü Bu sighed. To Zhang Fei, his voice sounded like thunder. Lü Bu lifted his mighty bow, pulling back the string with ease. A golden-red light flickered, effortlessly canceling out Zhang Fei's attack.
Zhang Fei's heart sank. From that simple move, he realized the gap between him and Lü Bu was terrifyingly large. And this time, Zhang Fei finally understood what that red glow around Lü Bu was—it wasn't fire-based inner energy, as he had always thought. Lü Bu had only one type of inner energy: the golden type. The red glow was simply the manifestation of Lü Bu's blood and energy radiating outward, similar to inner energy.
Zhang Fei recognized just how terrifying Lü Bu truly was. Even more horrifying was that Lü Bu's blood had the same properties as fire-based inner energy. It seemed that Lü Bu was using his blood as if it were inner energy—he was a true monster!
"Lü Bu, take this!" Rather than being intimidated by Lü Bu's overwhelming power, Zhang Fei felt his fighting spirit surge even higher. The stronger Lü Bu was, the stronger Zhang Fei's desire to fight.
"Boom!" Lü Bu calmly watched as the dark figure of Zhang Fei approached with lightning speed. With a simple thrust of his halberd, the two forces collided like a thunderstorm. The impact created a massive crater in the ground, and Lü Bu felt his hand go numb as the Sky Piercer almost slipped from his grasp. Fortunately, the fiery red dragon of energy wrapped around his hand, allowing him to maintain his grip on the weapon.
Lü Bu tightened his hold on the Sky Piercer. It had been a long time since he had faced such a formidable opponent.
"Take this!" Zhang Fei's serpent spear curved like a whip, striking towards Lü Bu's throat.
"Boom!" Lü Bu gripped his halberd with both hands, moving slowly at first but gradually increasing speed. His counterattack struck Zhang Fei's spear with such force that it brought Zhang Fei's attack to an abrupt halt.
"Zhang Yide, show me your full strength. Your skills are far inferior to mine," Lü Bu said calmly, forcing Zhang Fei back with a single strike. His strength had grown significantly since the Battle of Hulao Pass. Although he was still at the pinnacle of inner energy manifestation, even using just a fraction of that power was enough to repel Zhang Fei.
In a vague sense, Lü Bu felt like he was on the verge of reaching a higher realm, but it was as if a thin barrier prevented him from fully grasping it.
Zhang Fei took a deep breath. Lü Bu was as formidable as ever, but that only made the challenge more worthwhile.
"That was just a warm-up. Now the real battle begins," Zhang Fei said as he flexed his arms. A moment later, a surge of dark inner energy erupted from his body, and his muscles began to tremble and swell.
"Is that all?" Lü Bu's eyes showed a hint of disappointment. While Zhang Fei had indeed improved significantly, it wasn't enough. Perhaps this strength would have posed a threat to Lü Bu at the Battle of Hulao Pass, but against the current Lü Bu, who had glimpsed a higher realm, Zhang Fei was still far from being a true challenge.
"You'll see soon enough!" Zhang Fei felt a sting of defiance at the disappointment in Lü Bu's eyes. His eyes flashed with a fierce battle spirit as he gripped his serpent spear and charged towards Lü Bu with all his might.