Chapter 1767: The Time Has Not Come

Yuan Shao's words echoed on the vast battlefield, carrying a kind of undeniable firmness and power. Upon hearing this, Cao Cao nodded slightly, a flash of appreciation in his eyes. He knew that although Yuan Shao sometimes appeared headstrong, he could always show the spirit and breadth of a leader at critical moments.

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

Other lords also gathered around, some looking tired, others with eyes flashing with longing for the future. They patted each other on the shoulder for encouragement or talked in low voices, celebrating this hard-won victory while silently preparing for the upcoming challenges.

Just then, a soldier covered in blood ran over, knelt before Yuan Shao, and reported breathlessly: "Alliance Leader, while cleaning the battlefield, we found an alive Xiliang general, who seems to be Hua Xiong's deputy, Gu Yi."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Shao raised his eyebrows. After exchanging a look with Cao Cao, he decided to see this enemy who had shown stubborn will on the battlefield for himself. The group soon arrived at the place where Gu Yi was captured. He was guarded by several coalition soldiers; although his clothes were ragged and he was covered in wounds, his eyes still shone with an unyielding light.

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

Gu Yi looked up, staring straight at Yuan Shao, a bitter smile appearing 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 belief will never perish."

Cao Cao observed silently from the side, secretly respecting Gu Yi's resilience. "General Gu, your courage and loyalty are admirable. If you are willing, I, Cao Cao, am willing to give you a way out to plan the world's great cause together."

Upon hearing this, a flash of surprise crossed Gu Yi's eyes, but he soon returned to calm. "Thank you for your kindness, Lord Cao, but I am a man of Xiliang, and my life and death are tied to Xiliang. Since I have been defeated today, it is heaven's will. Even if I, Gu Yi, die, I shall be the soul of Xiliang."

Seeing this, Yuan Shao knew that further persuasion was useless, so he sighed and ordered: "Bury him properly; do not let the hero's remains feel cold."

After dealing with Gu Yi's funeral, Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, and others returned to the temporarily built tent to discuss the next strategic deployment. The night grew deep, the tent was brightly lit, and the lords sat in a circle, the atmosphere solemn and enthusiastic.

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

Cao Cao nodded in agreement and added: "Although Dong Zhuo has brave generals like Lu Bu under his command, the hearts of the people are scattered, which is a good opportunity for us to attack. However, we must act cautiously and step by step."

The discussion lasted for a long time, and the lords put forward their own insights and strategies, finally forming a relatively complete combat plan. The night grew deeper, 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 army was ready to go, with high morale. Yuan Shao stood on the high platform, looking at the army ready to go below, his heart surging with unprecedented ambition.

"Fellow 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 impassioned and firm, like a horn, inspiring the heart of every soldier.

With Yuan Shao's command, the coalition army 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.

In this magnificent historical torrent, everyone who participated would leave their own footprints. Whether heroes or mortals, their names would be remembered by history and become stories praised by later generations.

The coalition army pressed on, breaking through like bamboo. 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 eyes were deep, looking into the distance, seemingly thinking about more profound problems.

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

Cao Cao smiled slightly, a flash of appreciation 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 day. We should take the people as the foundation and plan step by step to achieve great things."

Yuan Shao nodded in agreement: "Mengde is absolutely right. We must not only crusade against the rebels but also care for the people of the world. After removing Dong Zhuo, we still need to plan a path for development 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, traces of Dong Zhuo's army have been found ahead, and they are approaching our army."

Upon hearing this, a sharp look flashed across Yuan Shao's brow: "Just in time! Order the whole army to prepare for battle!"

Cao Cao was calmer. He quickly analyzed the situation between the enemy and himself and said to Yuan Shao: "Benchu, Dong Zhuo's coming here must be with all his might. Although our army is numerous, we must act cautiously. I suggest sending a vanguard force to probe the enemy's reality before making other plans."

Yuan Shao listened to Cao Cao's suggestion and immediately dispatched elite troops as the vanguard, led by generals Yan Liang and Wen Chou, to meet Dong Zhuo's army. He himself and Cao Cao led the main force to press the rear, ready to support at any time.

The vanguard force met Dong Zhuo's army on a vast plain, and both sides immediately engaged in a fierce battle. Yan Liang and Wen Chou were incomparably brave, each leading their subordinates to charge and kill, forcing Dong Zhuo's army to retreat steadily. However, Lu Bu under Dong Zhuo's command was no ordinary person. He was clad in heavy armor, holding a Fangtian Huaji, like a god of war descending, and no one could stop him wherever he went.

Yan Liang unfortunately died in battle during the exchange with Lu Bu. Wen Chou was filled with grief and indignation, roared, and rushed toward Lu Bu with his big sword. The two fought back and forth, evenly matched, but eventually, due to exhaustion, Wen Chou also fell under Lu Bu's halberd.

The failure of the vanguard force shocked Yuan Shao and Cao Cao. They realized that although Dong Zhuo's army had low morale, it still had combat effectiveness that could not be ignored under the leadership of a fierce general like Lu Bu. ===== CHAPTER 1768 =====