Chapter 77

——Luyashan.

As a towering mountain stretching between Xihe Commandery and Taiyuan Commandery.

If Gu Chen and Huangfu Song wished to attack Taiyuan Commandery and seize Jin Yang, the key stronghold of Bingzhou, they had no choice but to pass through Lishi and traverse the mountain roads via Ziyi County.

But for the two of them,

directly crossing Luyashan's mountain paths was bound to be an extremely risky move.

News of Lu Bu's return had already reached them.

His reputation was now extremely prominent.

He had defeated the White Horse Loyalists.

This was a feat that could spread across the entire realm.

Neither Huangfu Song nor Gu Chen had ever faced Lu Bu, so they naturally chose to proceed with caution.

Upon Gu Chen's suggestion,

the two decided to split their forces again.

One column, led by Gu Chen, would advance directly through Luyashan to reach Jin Yang.

The other column, led by Huangfu Song, would circle around Luyashan and strike directly at Yanmen Commandery to attack Taiyuan from another route.

Ma Chao naturally followed Gu Chen.

His troops were almost entirely elite Qiang cavalry; cavalry were inherently unsuited for siege warfare, and only direct frontal assaults could unleash their full strength.

Moreover, he himself wished to test just how powerful Lu Bu, the man whose fame had recently soared, truly was.

——The army set out.

Gu Chen's command of troops had now reached the pinnacle of excellence.

Although scouts had already returned with word,

saying Lu Bu had deployed his entire force across Pingtao Plain, seemingly ready for a direct confrontation,

Gu Chen did not grow careless.

What if this was a deliberate formation set by Lu Bu?

He divided his entire army into three parts: Ma Chao led the vanguard ahead, while he personally commanded the main force from behind, and a contingent of elite troops remained at the rear.

He had even considered the possibility that Lu Bu might employ fire attacks, and had thoroughly mapped out the terrain of Luyashan.

He had left nothing to chance.

Only then did he lead his troops forward.

Undoubtedly, Gu Chen's actions would have been effective against any other commander.

But against a man like Lu Bu—he had merely overthought it.

Along the entire Luyashan path, Lu Bu had set no ambushes.

This should have been a good thing.

Yet Ma Chao grew angry.

In his eyes, Lu Bu's actions were an insult.

He had already marched in, yet the enemy merely stood in formation, as if waiting for him to attack.

What else could this be but an insult?

When had Ma Chao ever suffered such an insult?

Before even requesting permission from Gu Chen, as soon as his troops stepped out of the Luyashan path, Ma Chao directly led his men forward in a charge.

——Pingtao Plain.

Yes, Lu Bu had set up his entire camp here precisely to meet the enemy head-on.

Some generals had indeed suggested he set an ambush within Luyashan.

Whether Zhang Liao or Gao Shun, many had raised the matter.

But Lu Bu paid it no mind whatsoever.

For in his eyes, Lu Bu was invincible under heaven.

Why resort to deceit or treachery?

From the front, he could shatter all who dared invade!

"Report!!"

A frantic cry echoed through the camp: "General! The enemy has arrived and is challenging us to battle!"

Hearing this, Lu Bu, who had been drinking, immediately lit up with excitement: "Oh? Who is challenging us?"

"This man calls himself Ma Chao."

"Ma Chao?" Lu Bu frowned, glancing at the officers in the tent. "Who is this Ma Chao?"

"General."

Zhang Liao, who had already gathered intelligence on the enemy, stepped forward and bowed. "He holds considerable renown in Liangzhou."

"Rumors say he is fearless in battle, and many Qiang tribes call him the Divine Might Heavenly General."

——Divine Might Heavenly General!

The title stirred Lu Bu—he rose instantly.

"Bold indeed!"

Lu Bu roared in fury: "Even I, the mighty Lu Bu, have never claimed the title of Heavenly General!"

"Where does this Ma Chao get the audacity?"

"Bring me my Halberd of the Square Heaven—I shall go and meet this Ma Chao myself."

Had he been unknown, Lu Bu wouldn't have bothered to come out at all.

But the title of Divine Might General had truly stung Lu Bu.

"All generals, hear my command!"

"Lead the troops and ride out with me. This marshal will cut down this Ma Chao to shake the rebels' morale!"

Lu Bu's expression remained just as confident as ever.

Hearing this, the officers did not hesitate at all. They immediately cupped their fists toward Lu Bu in salute and said in unison:

"Yes, sir!!!"

This was Lu Bu's usual style.

Before every great battle, he would personally don his armor and lead his elite cavalry in the charge.

He would often cut down the enemy commander first, intimidate the opposing army's morale, and then win without fail.

The great battle erupted at once.

Lu Bu urged his horse out of camp, halberd in hand. The moment he charged to the front of the formation, he immediately spotted Ma Chao.

"Hah!"

"Ma Chao, little whelp, do you know the fame of I, Lu Bu?"

He bellowed, his voice like thunder.

Ma Chao wasted no words. With a flick of the long spear in his hand, he pointed it straight at Lu Bu: "Lu Bu, little whelp, you patricide villain?"

"What fame do you speak of?"

Lu Bu's expression instantly stiffened.

He now hated most being called a patricide.

"Seeking death!"

He roared angrily and charged forward in an instant.

And Ma Chao showed no fear either, meeting him head-on.

Right in front of all their officers and men, the two began to hack at each other just like that.

Clang!!!

Clang!!!

The sounds of clashing weapons rang out one after another.

Though the two had only just engaged, they were already extraordinary.

Whether it was Lu Bu or Ma Chao, nearly every move they made was a killing stroke.

Ma Chao's expression unconsciously grew solemn.

Though they had only just crossed weapons, he had already come to realize Lu Bu's strength.

This man's valor was no empty reputation!

Lu Bu felt the same way.

But his expression grew ever more excited, the halberd in his hand swinging wide and bold.

Gusts of wind howled.

The soldiers on both sides were now somewhat dumbstruck.

Lu Bu's men found it hard to believe that anyone could really fight Lu Bu to such an extent.

And Ma Chao's men harbored the very same thought.

Gu Chen was a scion of the Gu clan.

The legends of the Gu clan's scions allowed them to accept that Ma Chao might not be a match.

But where on earth had this Lu Bu come from?

The men on both sides were all greatly shocked.

—This battle was destined to be utterly extraordinary.

Naturally, the men on both sides would not just stand and watch. Zhang Liao, Gao Shun, and the others were all fierce generals.

And this open plain was precisely the terrain that allowed cavalry to unleash their greatest strength.

The troops under Ma Chao were all elite Qiang cavalry.

But were the Bingzhou Iron Cavalry under Lu Bu any soft persimmons?

And the most crucial point was—

Whether it was Gao Shun or Zhang Liao, both of these men could be considered top-tier war generals.

Especially in this kind of charging melee.

The two men's strength was even more extraordinary.

The Trampling Camp under Gao Shun was made up of fearless elite riders, every last one of them.

Now, with Ma Chao being held up by Lu Bu.

How could the deputy generals under his command possibly be a match for Gao Shun, Zhang Liao, and the others?

Across the entire Pingtao plains, the anguished cries of warhorses and the screams of the wounded never ceased.

In a short span of time.

The forces under Ma Chao had already completely fallen into a disadvantage.

—Fortunately, at this moment, Gu Chen finally came charging in.

This thoroughly made up for the shortfall in strength on Ma Chao's side.

Gu Chen, long spear in hand, led his troops straight at Lu Bu, blocking one of Lu Bu's strikes for Ma Chao, and shouted: "Mengqi!"

"Quickly go reorganize the formation and help me break the enemy!"

Ma Chao was naturally unwilling to accept that.

Although he had long since fallen into a disadvantage, the pride in his heart still made him unwilling to retreat. He immediately shouted: "Young Master, I can break this bandit!"

"Obey the order!" Gu Chen's expression was extremely solemn.

Although he had only just engaged Lu Bu, the force transmitted through the blade alone was enough to demonstrate Lu Bu's extraordinary prowess.

As for Gu Chen, Ma Chao was still quite convinced of him.

Moreover, he could not completely ignore the lives of the soldiers under his command.

The main reason Gu Chen did not personally go to reorganize the formation was that only Ma Chao understood the Qiang cavalry under his command best.

He sighed helplessly and could only retreat.

Seeing this, Lu Bu could not help but burst into laughter, the Fang Tian Hua Ji in his hand pointing directly at Gu Chen: "You are that scion of the Gu clan, Gu Chen, Gu Ziyan?"

"Hmph!"

"Considering the kindness the old Lord Gu once showed Bingzhou, this General can give you a chance."

"Dismount and surrender now, and I shall spare your life!"

Although he had already fought fiercely with Ma Chao for a long time, Lu Bu was still brimming with vigor and fighting spirit at this moment.

"Patricide-thief, how dare you mention my Gu clan's ancestors?"

Gu Chen wasted no words. With a sudden pull of the reins, his warhorse reared up instantly, and the long spear in his hand thrust straight toward Lu Bu.

"Bold!" Lu Bu roared in fury.

A single swing of his halberd split open Gu Chen's fierce strike.

The next moment, he shifted to the offensive, the Fang Tian Hua Ji in his hand wrapped in overwhelming force slashing directly toward Gu Chen.

Clang!!!

Gu Chen settled his waist and sat firm in the saddle, the spear shaft held vertical like a pillar, bracing hard to receive the blow.

Sparks flew as the two heavy weapons collided.

Gu Chen only felt a jolt of pain, but he also seized the opportunity. With a flick of his wrist, the spear tip darted like a venomous snake flicking its tongue, aiming straight for the opponent's lower body.

"What a fine son of the Gu clan!"

Lu Bu immediately sensed Gu Chen's extraordinary skill and let out an excited roar. At the same time, he slammed the halberd shaft down hard to lock the spearhead, the wolf-head side prong of the halberd crashing toward Gu Chen's face.

Though the two had only just engaged, every exchange was a killing move.

Gu Chen was not the least flustered.

The hand gripping the silver spear suddenly loosened, and at the same time he leaned back, dodging the strike.

He paid no heed to Lu Bu sending his silver spear flying.

Taking advantage of the momentum, he whipped three triangular armor-piercing darts from the leather pouch at his waist.

This was a unique technique he had created himself as his strength grew greater and greater.

It relied on his aim that could pierce a willow leaf at a hundred paces; without the encumbrance of a bow, it was enough to maximize the darts' power.

The sound of the darts tearing through the air exploded.

Lu Bu had never expected Gu Chen to possess such a trick.

But he reacted nonetheless, immediately abandoning his attack on Gu Chen and twisting his body to dodge two darts in succession. However, the third dart grazed his heart-protecting mirror, leaving a half-palm-long white scratch on the armor.

It forced Lu Bu to rein his mount back several steps.

And Gu Chen had already taken this chance to gallop to his silver spear, pulling it from the ground.

"Fine move!"

Lu Bu's gaze was fierce, fixed tightly on Gu Chen: "Worthy indeed of being a son of the Gu clan. This General shall give you one more chance."

"Will you dismount and surrender?"

Even Lu Bu, proud as he was, had to admit it.

Gu Chen's strength far surpassed that of Ma Chao just now, sufficient to cross blades with him.

"Enough of your nonsense!"

Gu Chen charged forward in an instant with his spear, shouting loudly: "You think you're fit to be mentioned in the same breath as my Gu clan?"

"Die!"

Lu Bu was thoroughly enraged as well, unleashing all of his strength.

He swung the Fang Tian Hua Ji in a horizontal slash. As the crescent blade tore through the wind with the sound of rending silk, Gu Chen angled the spear shaft against his saddle, using the wedge between the iron spear and the saddle pommel to barely block the heavy blow.

Clang!!!

Sparks flew from the iron-wrapped section of the spear shaft.

Lu Bu's strength was indeed like a mountain; even the mount beneath Gu Chen was forced back several steps and let out a loud neigh.

At the same time, Lu Bu's offensive did not diminish in the slightest.

His wrist turned, shifting the halberd from a slash to a peck, the crescent blade darting like an eagle's beak straight for Gu Chen's left shoulder.

Gu Chen leaned back to evadeds the blow, but the spear tip, like a venomous snake, thrust back from beneath his armpit, aiming straight for the tiger's mouth of Lu Bu's right hand gripping the halberd.

Lu Bu pulled the reins with one hand, and his mount suddenly reared up.

The Fang Tian Hua Ji borrowed the horse's momentum to sweep in an arc, the side prong twisting around the spearhead and yanking hard.

Gu Chen only felt overwhelming force bearing down on him, and the silver spear nearly flew from his grip, but fortunately he managed to steady the situation.

His current strength was not much inferior to Lu Bu's!

Gu Yi had been watching this scene intently the whole time, his heart pounding uncontrollably.

How long had it been, and Gu Chen could already fight Lu Bu to the death?

Although it now appeared Gu Chen had fallen into a disadvantage.

But for Gu Chen, unless the enemy could kill him in a single strike, he would be able to catch up.

And the most crucial point was—Gu Chen was not merely a brute who only understood martial force.

A man like him, born in such chaotic times, was destined to play a role beyond imagination.

Gu Yi was now increasingly sensing the terror of this Wall-Breaking Card.

Of course, this also had to do with Gu Chen's temperament.

Just looking at the speed of growth is enough to imagine the speed of regression.

If anyone with an unsteady mind used this card, and any mishap occurred, they would likely fall into the ranks of the mentally disabled.

This is a tool that relies purely on gambling!

The great battle raged on without cease.

Ma Chao's return was like giving these Qiang cavalry a backbone.

The most crucial point was that the men under Gu Chen's command were far too valiant.

They were already the Han's most elite central army, and having followed Gu Chen through so many trials, their will and strength had now both markedly improved.

The situation across the entire battlefield was completely reversed.

But with Gao Shun and Zhang Liao present, Ma Chao absolutely could not break the enemy quickly either.

The entire Pingtao plains had become a meat grinder.

Gu Chen was no brute like Lu Bu; he knew they absolutely could not keep fighting like this.

Lu Bu was brave, to be sure.

But in Gu Chen's eyes, his temperament had far too many flaws.

A direct assault might well win.

But as a commander, one cannot only focus on attacking by force; reducing the casualty count among the soldiers is the Top Priority.

Seeing that the situation had already stabilized.

He did not linger in battle for even a moment, first using all his strength to sweep Lu Bu back with a single thrust of his spear.

Then he immediately ordered Ma Chao to withdraw directly.

"Where do you think you're going!"

Lu Bu had wanted to pursue.

But on such a chaotic battlefield, how could pursuit be so easy?

Gu Chen charged directly in front of Ma Chao.

First sweeping Zhang Liao back with a thrust of his spear, he then gave a sharp shout: "Mengqi! Retreat!"

"Young Master!"

Ma Chao's fighting spirit was still soaring.

But seeing the firm resolve on Gu Chen's face, he said no more and immediately had the Qiang withdrawal horn sounded.

Cavalry are like that—coming and going with great speed.

As the signal for retreat sounded from the messengers under Gu Chen's command, this great battle came to a halt under these circumstances.

Lu Bu likewise wanted to lead his troops in pursuit.

But Zhang Liao and Gao Shun held him back.

"General, our army's casualties in this battle are no small matter—please do not pursue. If the enemy has set an ambush, our army will die without a burial place!"

Though Lu Bu was immensely unwilling, he was not so foolish as to cling to battle at all costs.

He stared fixedly at the retreating backs of Gu Chen's army, his eyes filled with rage.

Today, he had actually failed to achieve the feat of slaying an enemy general!

For him, this was a tremendous disgrace!

"Pass down my command: clean up the battlefield, the entire army rests and reorganizes for three days."

"When the time comes, I will personally lead the attack and slay Ma Chao and Gu Chen, no matter what!"

He bellowed sharply.

Having said this, he only then withdrew back to camp.

Ma Chao at this moment was also utterly unwilling.

This battle, for him, had indeed cost him face.

First falling into a disadvantage fighting Lu Bu, and then being blocked by Zhang Liao and Gao Shun.

Even leading his Qiang cavalry in a charge gained him not the slightest advantage—this was truly hard for Ma Chao to accept.

Gu Chen naturally saw through Ma Chao's mood.

"Mengqi need not mind. From tomorrow, you and I may lead our men to attack."

He spoke with a calm expression.

Hearing this, Ma Chao could not help but be stunned, and asked in some confusion: "Since Young Master has already decided to attack, why withdraw today?"

"Naturally there is a reason."

Gu Chen did not elaborate, but instead asked: "What does Mengqi make of Zhang Liao and Gao Shun under Lu Bu?"

"Zhang Liao and Gao Shun?"

Ma Chao furrowed his brow, recalled the two who had fought him on the battlefield, hesitated a moment, and finally nodded: "Both are valiant men."

"It is a pity only that such heroes should follow that patricide villain Lu Bu."

As he spoke, he paused, and asked in some surprise: "Could Young Master be thinking of recruiting these two?"

Gu Chen did not conceal it and directly nodded.

Today on the battlefield, before he had even engaged Lu Bu, he had already noticed these two.

"Lu Bu is a brute; he is not worth worrying about."

"I have already thought of a way to deal with him, but as for this matter of recruiting..."

Gu Chen paused, then sighed softly: "It's a pity that Wenruo and Wenhé are not in my camp; had they been here, their strategic minds would surely have drawn them in."

"As for now, we can only leave it to fate."

He had little faith in such matters.

"Young Master need not worry—if they refuse to surrender, kill them," Ma Chao said with complete indifference.

Meanwhile, in Mayi.

Huangfu Song was discussing with the others how to swiftly breach the city walls, so they could aid Gu Chen sooner.

Though all had spoken,

Huangfu Song and Gu Wei ultimately turned their gazes to Jia Xu, who had said nothing.

Jia Xu felt their stares, a flicker of hesitation crossed his face, and he shook his head: "General Huangfu, Young Master."

"I do have a plan, but I fear the two of you will find it hard to accept."

The more he spoke, the more curious Huangfu Song and Gu Wei became.

Gu Wei sensed something ominous, and remained silent.

But Huangfu Song immediately asked: "Mr., please speak—I am all ears."

"General."

Jia Xu sighed helplessly, then bowed to Huangfu Song: "Our army now stands upstream of the Fen River."

"I have already studied the topography of Youzhou."

"The Fen River flows past Mount Yunzhong to Jin Yang, and all surrounding cities draw their water from the Fen."

"If the General were to slaughter sick horses and cast them into the river—"

Before Jia Xu could finish, everyone understood his meaning.

Huangfu Song's expression changed instantly; he hastily waved his hand: "No, absolutely not."

"If we throw sick horses into the water and cause an epidemic, we shall truly become traitors to Han."

Gu Wei's face also darkened.

They knew Jia Xu's plan would work—it would surely break the city quickly.

But if they did this, all of Bingzhou would be drowned in blood.

Could the Gu clan bear such a cursed name?

Jia Xu was not surprised at all; without expression, he simply stepped back.

Huangfu Song looked at Jia Xu with a complex gaze, fell silent for a moment, then said: "Then let us follow the Young Master's plan."

"Use force, use dread, and shatter Yanmen swiftly!"

All of Bingzhou was thrown into chaos.

Gu Chen's strategy, in truth, was very simple.

—He intended to pin Lu Bu firmly in Pingtao.

And he ordered covert agents to widely spread rumors: that the situation in Yanzhou had changed, that Huangfu Song had seized Yanmen, and that Lu Bu had murdered his father.

It was not a brilliant strategy.

But under these circumstances, such a strategy was often effective.

Bingzhou's situation had never truly stabilized.

Never mind Lu Bu.

Even Ding Yuan, the so-called Governor of Bingzhou, had never fully subdued the entire province.

Now, Lu Bu holds Jin Yang only because of Yuan Shao's reputation, forcing Bingzhou's aristocratic clans to ally with him.

But do not forget: the Bingzhou clans and Yuan Shao have long-standing grievances.

—Yuan Shao allied with Zhang Yan, allowing Zhang Yan to plunder Bingzhou—this alone ensured the Bingzhou clans' resentment.

This might have been tolerable in times of peace.

But when an external enemy invades, it is bound to have consequences.

Then Gu Chen released his offer of surrender.

Under these conditions, hidden currents surged throughout Bingzhou.

Lu Bu sensed the anomaly.

He wanted desperately to retreat to Jin Yang.

If he personally led troops to seize Jin Yang, he could stabilize its people's hearts.

To this end, he launched repeated attacks—even wounded Ma Chao.

But Gu Chen never let him go.

Now, Lu Bu finally understood why Yuan Shao had described Gu Chen as he did.

Gu Chen's rate of progress had utterly surpassed his expectations.

At the start of the great battle, he held the upper hand.

In barely half a month, Gu Chen could now fight him with ease.

This pace of advancement filled Lu Bu with dread.

If he continued progressing like this, would it not be only a matter of time before Gu Chen could kill him?

Under these circumstances, Lu Bu's mind grew increasingly unsettled.

And when news of Pingtao gradually spread,

Gu Wei and Jia Xu immediately grasped Gu Chen's intent, then coordinated with him at Yanmen Pass.

Each time they captured a city, they released the news.

Under all these influences—

Many cities surrendered at the mere news of his approach, with no one willing to resist.

——The fifth year of Han Xing, ninth month;

Huangfu Song breached Yinguan, a key town in Yanmen Commandery.

The surrounding cities fled at the news.

October;

Huangfu Song advanced into Dingxiang, aiming to eliminate the threat behind him, his forces heading straight for Shanwu.

He employed the strategy of "besiege the point, strike the relief."

He encircled Shanwu entirely.

End of October;

After defeating the relief forces from several surrounding cities, Shanwu fell.

Dingxiang Commandery changed hands!

The entire northern Bing Province had now slipped from Lu Bu's grasp; soon after, Huangfu Song turned his spear toward Taiyuan.

News spread continuously, and the situation across Bing Province grew ever more chaotic.

The most critical point was—

News from Yanzhou was also gradually reaching them.

Cao Ren's defense far exceeded everyone's expectations—he had truly held back Sun Jian's assault, leaving Sun Jian stranded in Chen Liu.

Meanwhile, in Dongjun, the fighting was even fiercer.

Guan Yu consecutively slew Yuan Shao's top generals, Yan Liang and Wen Chou, in Puyang.

He nearly shattered Yuan Shao's army single-handedly.

Zhao Yun charged straight through Yuan Shao's entire army; had Qu Yi, Zhang He, and others not fought desperately to protect him, Yuan Shao would have died beneath Zhao Yun's spear.

One battle utterly drove Yuan Shao back into Jizhou.

When this news spread, the hidden currents in Bing Province finally exploded!

The Wang clan of Qixian, the Guo clan of Jinyang, and other powerful families of Taiyuan Commandery successively eliminated the generals Lu Bu had left in their cities and cut off his grain supplies.

This move utterly shattered the balance in Pingtao.

Even Lu Bu himself grew uneasy.

Yuan Shao has been defeated—your fate will be no better.

Most critically, as the Bing Province clans cut off his grain, his own camp's supplies could no longer hold out.

Even though his heart burned with unwillingness.

Yet under these circumstances, Lu Bu still had no choice but to follow Zhang Liao's advice and plan to retreat to Jizhou, relying on Yuan Shao's support to mount a new defense.

But how could Gu Yi allow him to retreat so easily?

He launched a full-scale assault against him.

He also spread rumors, continuously undermining Lu Bu's army's morale.

Lu Bu was now completely trapped.

He would ultimately pay for his former arrogance.

He had not fortified the passes.

That doomed him to be stuck, unable to advance or retreat.

But he was still Lu Bu, especially with Zhang Liao and Gao Shun aiding him—Gu Yi could not break his camp outright.

But Gu Yi could afford to wait.

Could Lu Bu?

His camp's grain could never sustain prolonged warfare.

The successive rebellions of the Taiyuan clans severed Yuan Shao's direct route to reinforce Lu Bu.

Whether reinforcing Lu Bu from Jizhou or from Sizhou via Shangdang, all routes required passage through Taiyuan Commandery.

This was Lu Bu's most desperate predicament.

And how could Yuan Shao possibly spare much strength to reinforce Lu Bu now?

Would Cao Cao and Liu Bei let such an opportunity slip away?

For Lu Bu, his only chance now was to break free from Gu Yi, cross the Fen River via Pingtao, and return directly to Jizhou through Shangdang Commandery!

That was his only path to survival!

But faced with Gu Yi's relentless attacks, he could seize no opening whatsoever—the situation grew ever more dire.

Inside the camp.

"I have decided—we abandon the camp tonight at the third watch!"

Lu Bu's face was flushed—he had clearly drunk heavily—and he slammed his hand on the table, roaring.

"General."

Instantly, Zhang Liao stepped forward, bowing to Lu Bu: "Around Pingtao lies open plain, and the enemy consists entirely of elite cavalry."

"If we abandon our camp and are spotted, we will suffer catastrophic losses."

"Please, General, reconsider."

Gao Shun also stepped forward, bowing to Lu Bu: "General, Wen Yuan speaks truly."

"At this moment, abandoning our camp is no wise strategy."

The other officers spoke up one after another.

Looking at the men before him, Lu Bu's anger deepened; he barked: "Then what do you suggest?"

"Our grain supplies are less than five days left."

"Are you really going to make the soldiers kill their horses for food?"

"Huangfu Song has already marched from Yanmen; once he joins forces with Gu Chen, what use will our camp be?"

All the soldiers lowered their heads.

In truth, Lu Bu's analysis was not wrong—even if they did not mutiny from lack of supplies, their camp would still be hard to defend once Huangfu Song arrived.

But Zhang Liao still shook his head and said, "General."

"Lord Yuan will not abandon us."

"Moreover, I believe that even if Yanzhou truly falls, Lord Yuan will not be destroyed—he will still have strength to fight."

"As long as we can hold out a little longer, Lord Yuan will come to rescue us."

Upon hearing this, many nodded silently.

Zhang Liao's analysis was indeed sound.

Yuan Shao still had strength to fight, and he would not abandon Lu Bu, allowing the Gu clan to return to the Central Plains.

But Lu Bu sneered at this, dismissing it: "Can that Gu Chen even fight me? Do you truly believe that even if Lord Yuan comes to rescue, he can break through?"

Before the soldiers could speak, he waved his hand: "No need to say more."

"Now issue my order."

"No matter what, we must break out!"

Hearing this, though the soldiers still wished to say more, Lu Bu gave them no chance—he settled the matter outright.

——In the fifth year of Han Xing, the Jiawu day of the eleventh month.

Night.

The bright moon flooded the sky; a silken ribbon hung over the river.

Under the soft moonlight, Lu Bu personally led his troops out of the camp.

Tread. Tread. Tread.

The rhythmic sound of hooves was piercing in the silent night.

At that moment, cries of battle erupted all around.

Gu Chen and Ma Chao personally led their forces out to attack.

"Lu Bu, die!"

Ma Chao roared and charged ahead.

Under this moonlight, even torches were unnecessary—the two sides could clearly see each other's faces.

"Ma Chao, don't run!" Before Lu Bu could speak, Zhang Liao led his men out and blocked Ma Chao.

A fierce battle erupted.

Zhang Liao and Gao Shun had clearly anticipated this night's trouble.

They held their formation steady.

Lu Bu's face was filled with fury; he gripped his halberd tightly and glared at Gu Chen: "Hey, Gu Chen!"

"You shame yourself as a son of the Gu clan!"

"I once thought you a hero of this age, worthy of a fair duel—but you resort to treacherous tricks!"

"Hmph!" Gu Chen sneered and shook his head: "You, a patricide, dare speak of heroism to me?"

"Die!"

Lu Bu flew into a rage and charged forward with his halberd.

——But his heart was already in chaos.

He had already smelled the scent of death; his attacks today, compared to his usual, were disordered and clumsy.

Less than thirty rounds had passed.

Gu Chen seized the opening—his silver spear flicked upward and sent Lu Bu's halberd flying away.

The next instant, without hesitation, he thrust straight at Lu Bu's face.

"Don't harm my lord!"

A furious shout rang out.

Gao Shun, standing nearby, rushed forward and intercepted the blow meant for Lu Bu.

"Hmph!"

Looking at Gao Shun before him, Gu Chen did not press his attack but asked: "This Lu Bu is a patricide—why do you serve him so faithfully?"

"Hmph!"

Gao Shun's expression did not waver: "Say no more. If you wish to harm my lord, first test the sharpness of my blade!"

Seeing Gu Chen did not attack, he swiftly shielded Lu Bu and retreated.

Lu Bu's expression was grim; he had lost all fighting spirit, yet still glared at Gu Chen and roared: "This defeat is mine alone—I lost my composure!"

"One day, I, Lu Bu, will take your life."

Gu Chen sneered coldly: "A defeated general dares speak of bravery?"

"Even if you live a thousand autumns, you will never reach the dust beneath my heels."

With that, Gu Chen moved his spear and led his men forward on horseback.

——————

"In the sixth month of the fifth year of Han Xing, Gu Chen raised his army to invade Bingzhou.

At the time, Yuan Shao had just crushed Gong Sun Zan in Youzhou, his fame shaking Hebei; upon hearing of the unrest in Bingzhou, he appointed Lu Bu as Governor of Bingzhou and ordered him to return north to resist Gu Chen.

Shao then allied with Yuan Shu, uniting two hundred thousand troops to march south toward Yanzhou.

Thus began the turmoil of the Nine Provinces."

Chen wielded troops like a whirlwind, breaching every fortress in Xihe within a month, and Jinyang trembled in dread.

Lü rushed back to Pingtao, drew up his heavy host, and joined Chen in a grinding battle.

The two armies clashed for three months in all—spears and halberds hid the sun, blood flowed enough to float shields—and though Lü's valor topped the armies of the realm, he still could not break Chen's formations.

But Chen, ever the strategist, secretly sent agents to spread false rumors, and Lü's army's morale gradually slackened.

Just then, Yanzhou erupted in revolt, and Shao's army collapsed at Puyang.

The gentry clans of Bingzhou thereupon raised their commanderies and counties to answer Chen.

The great houses of Taiyuan—the Wang clan of Qi County and the Guo clan of Jinyang—cut off Lü's grain and fodder; Lü's supplies ran out.

He broke camp and fled by night toward Jizhou, but at the last moment rode alone through the enemy line and shouted: "I took you for a true man, so I wished to decide life and death face to face on the field—what need for petty schemes!"

Chen leveled his spear and answered: "The slayer of Ding Yuan dares speak of being a true man? A hundred days of bitter fighting—did you ever gain a single inch of my camp?"

Lü's eyes split with rage; he thrust his halberd and fought to the death, but his spirit had already broken, and after thirty bouts he was unhorsed by Chen's lance.

Zhang Liao and Gao Shun fought savagely to rescue him back, and Lü still bellowed from his horse:

"Today's defeat is nothing but your treachery—one day I will take your head!"

Chen gathered his spear and laughed long: "A puddle left by a beast's hoof—how dare it gaze at the ocean? Even if I granted you ten years, you would see only dust and smoke!"

—Records of Heroes at the End of Han: Biography of Gu Chen

(End of this chapter)