Chapter 1083: The Time Has Not Yet Come

Yuan Shao’s words echoed on the vast battlefield, carrying a kind of firm and undeniable power. Hearing this, Cao Cao nodded slightly, a flicker of appreciation flashing in his eyes. He knew that although Yuan Shao sometimes appeared headstrong, at critical moments, he could always display the spirit and breadth of a leader.

"Brother Mengde, well said." Cao Cao stepped forward slowly, his voice steady and powerful, "The world is not yet settled; we still need to work together. Today’s battle is only the first step of a long march."

Other warlords also gathered around, some looking exhausted, others with eyes shining with longing for the future. They patted each other on the shoulder in encouragement or spoke in low voices, celebrating this hard-won victory while silently preparing for the challenges that were about to come.

Just then, a soldier covered in blood ran over, knelt before Yuan Shao, and reported breathlessly: "Alliance Leader, while clearing the battlefield, we found a Xiliang general who was not yet dead; he seems to be Hua Xiong’s deputy, Gu Yi."

Hearing this, Yuan Shao raised his brows, and after exchanging a look with Cao Cao, he decided to go and see this enemy who had displayed such tenacious will on the battlefield. The group soon arrived at the place where Gu Yi was captured, and they saw him being guarded by several coalition soldiers; although his clothes were tattered and he was covered in wounds, his eyes still shone with an unyielding light.

"Gu Yi, have you ever thought that this day would come?" Yuan Shao stood before Gu Yi and asked in a complex tone.

Gu Yi looked up, his gaze meeting Yuan Shao’s directly, a bitter smile tugging at the corner of his mouth: "On the battlefield, life and death are determined by fate. Although I, Gu Yi, have been defeated, I have no regrets in my heart. Although the Xiliang army has been destroyed, my faith will never perish."

Cao Cao observed silently from the side, feeling a sense of respect for Gu Yi’s tenacity. "General Gu, your courage and loyalty are admirable. If you are willing, I, Cao Cao, am willing to give you a way to live and plot the grand plan of the world together."

Hearing this, a flicker of surprise flashed in Gu Yi’s eyes, then he returned to calm. "Thank you for your kindness, Lord Cao, but I am a man of Xiliang; my life and death are tied to Xiliang. Since I have been defeated today, it is fate. Even if I, Gu Yi, die, I shall be a soul of Xiliang."

Seeing this, Yuan Shao knew that further persuasion would be useless, so he sighed and ordered: "Bury him properly; do not let the bones of a hero grow cold."

After dealing with Gu Yi’s funeral arrangements, Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, and the others returned to the temporarily erected tent and began to discuss the next strategic deployment. Night deepened, the tent was brightly lit, and the warlords sat in a circle, the atmosphere heavy and intense.

"Now that the Xiliang army has been destroyed, Dong Zhuo is still in Changancheng, and his influence remains." Yuan Shao spoke first, his gaze sweeping over everyone, "We must strike while the iron is hot, go straight to the source, and completely eradicate this source of chaos."

Cao Cao nodded in agreement, adding: "Although Dong Zhuo has brave generals like Lu Bu under his command, the hearts of his people are scattered; this is the perfect time for us to attack. However, we must act with caution and proceed step by step."

The discussion lasted for a long time, and the warlords put forward their own insights and strategies, finally forming a relatively complete battle plan. Night deepened, and the wind outside the tent seemed to become softer, as if even heaven and earth were silent for this upcoming great battle.

A few days later, the coalition was ready to go, and morale was high. Yuan Shao stood on a high platform, looking at the army ready to set off, his heart surging with unprecedented ambition.

"Soldiers, we are about to embark on a journey; for the peace of the world and the welfare of the people, let us fight side by side and swear to behead Dong Zhuo!" Yuan Shao’s voice was passionate and firm, like a bugle call, inspiring the heart of every soldier.

Following Yuan Shao’s order, the coalition set off in a grand manner. They knew that more arduous challenges awaited them ahead, but their hearts were filled with faith and courage, because they believed that justice and peace would eventually belong to them.

And in this magnificent torrent of history, everyone who participated would leave their own footprints; whether hero or mortal, their names would be remembered by history and become tales praised by future generations.

The coalition army pressed on, breaking through like bamboo, and the cities along the way surrendered one after another, not daring to contend with this massive military force. During the march, Cao Cao and Yuan Shao rode side by side, occasionally exchanging views on the war situation and plans for the future of the world.

"Benchu, after this battle, what are your plans?" Cao Cao’s gaze was deep as he looked into the distance, seemingly thinking about more profound issues.

Yuan Shao tightened the reins and pondered for a moment before saying: "Mengde, my wish is to restore the majesty of the Han Dynasty and rebuild order. As for personal honor or disgrace, I, Yuan Shao, do not value them."

Cao Cao smiled slightly, a flicker of appreciation flashing in his eyes: "Benchu’s ambition is admirable. However, the Han Dynasty has been in decline for a long time, and it cannot be restored in a single day. We should take the people as the foundation and plan step by step to achieve a great cause."

Yuan Shao nodded in agreement: "Mengde’s words are very true; we must not only crusade against the rebels but also keep the common people of the world in our hearts. After removing Dong Zhuo, we still need to plan a path for development together so that the people can live and work in peace."

The two were talking enthusiastically when suddenly a scout reported from the front: "Report to the Alliance Leader and General Cao, we have discovered traces of Dong Zhuo’s army ahead, and they are closing in on our army."

Hearing this, a sharp look flashed across Yuan Shao’s brow: "They have come at the right time! Order the whole army to prepare for battle!"

Cao Cao was even calmer; he quickly analyzed the situation between the enemy and themselves and said to Yuan Shao: "Benchu, Dong Zhuo’s coming here must mean he is using all his strength. Although our army is numerous, we must still act with caution. I suggest sending an advance force to probe the enemy’s strength before making further plans."

Yuan Shao took Cao Cao’s advice and immediately dispatched elite troops as the vanguard, led by the great generals Yan Liang and Wen Chou, to meet Dong Zhuo’s army. He himself and Cao Cao led the main force to support from the rear, ready to provide assistance at any time.

The vanguard force and Dong Zhuo’s army met on a vast plain, and both sides immediately engaged in a fierce confrontation. Yan Liang and Wen Chou were incomparably brave, each leading their subordinates to charge and kill, causing Dong Zhuo’s army to retreat step by step. However, Lu Bu under Dong Zhuo’s command was no ordinary figure; he wore heavy armor and held a halberd, like a god of war descending, and no one could stop him wherever he went.

Yan Liang unfortunately died in the confrontation with Lu Bu. Seeing this, Wen Chou was filled with grief and indignation; he roared and swung his great sword to charge at Lu Bu. The two fought back and forth, evenly matched, but in the end, due to exhaustion, Wen Chou also fell under Lu Bu’s halberd.

The defeat of the vanguard force shocked Yuan Shao and Cao Cao; they realized that although Dong Zhuo’s army had low morale, under the leadership of a fierce general like Lu Bu, it still possessed combat effectiveness that could not be ignored.