Chapter 781: The Forces of Cao and Liu

“Who are you?” Although anger surged within him, Cao Cao’s expression remained calm as he looked at the burly man clad in animal hides.

“Longcheng!” the man in animal hides replied, his Chinese clumsy and awkward.

“A barbarian?” Cao Cao was taken aback.

“I am a warrior of the Xianbei tribe. I can sense the fortune on your body. Come with me; our Xianbei people need someone like you.” The burly man gazed down at Cao Cao, as if he had stumbled upon a precious treasure.

Originally, the man had been flying toward the Xuanyuan Ding, intending to seize it and establish a Xianbei kingdom. However, upon passing by and sensing the immense fortune surrounding Cao Cao, he decided to stop and capture him instead.

Cao Cao’s eyes narrowed. When had he ever been insulted like this, especially by a barbarian? “E Lai, kill him! Disgusting barbarian!”

Dian Wei burst into wild laughter as he charged toward the burly man, who sneered and met Dian Wei’s assault head-on.

After exchanging dozens of punches, the once-arrogant Xianbei warrior was crushed by Dian Wei’s powerful blows. His body, like a rag doll, fell lifelessly to the ground. Despite being a top-tier Inner Qi expert, the warrior had chosen the wrong way to fight and was killed within a few moments by Dian Wei.

At that moment, similar scenes were playing out across the Han Empire. Ambitious foreigners and immortals appeared all over the Central Plains, while hidden experts in the region revealed themselves, intercepting those who dared to covet the empire’s national fortune.

“Shang Chang, I’m leaving now!” Xu Shu bowed respectfully to Pang Degong.

“Yuan Zhi, are you leaving as well?” Pang Degong, silent for a long time, finally spoke with a touch of helplessness.

“Yes, I’ve finally earned the qualifications to fulfill Lord Liu Bei’s expectations from back then.” Xu Shu’s tone brimmed with confidence, the years of rigorous study and accumulation of knowledge reflected in his poised and refined demeanor, though now there was a slight air of arrogance about him.

“Liu Bei is indeed a great lord, but I’m not sure if he’s the right one for you,” Pang Degong sighed, offering a gentle warning.

“I made a promise, and I will fulfill it,” Xu Shu replied with a light chuckle. “Besides, I don’t believe that Liu Bei isn’t suitable for me.” There was an overwhelming sense of confidence in his voice, his spirit ablaze with purpose.

“He already has many exceptional advisers and generals under his command. It won’t be easy for you to stand out,” Pang Degong observed, recalling his nephew Pang Tong, who was equally outstanding.

“I am confident in my own brilliance. No matter how capable others may be, they cannot overshadow me so easily. I am Xu Yuan Zhi,” Xu Shu declared calmly, his mind focused, brimming with pride.

“Then go, and seek your path,” Pang Degong said with satisfaction, seeing the once reckless young man now standing tall, unafraid of competing with any adviser or general in the land.

“I’m glad I’ll be able to join the Northern Expedition,” Xu Shu smiled as he bowed deeply. “I’m leaving now. I hope you won’t feel lonely.”

“Go and prove your abilities to the world. Let everyone know that there is a man named Xu Yuan Zhi!” Pang Degong poured a cup of wine and handed it to Xu Shu.

“I will, and soon, you’ll hear about it,” Xu Shu laughed as he downed the wine, then strode out confidently. His horse and provisions had already been prepared by Pang Degong, and it was time to fulfill the promise he made long ago.

On the road from Ji Yin back to Mount Tai, Guan Yu beheaded a man who attempted to seize the Xuanyuan Ding, just as Guo Jia had predicted — this Ding would remain a source of trouble until it was safely delivered back to Mount Tai.

Moreover, the Xuanyuan Ding still emitted a considerable pressure, preventing ordinary soldiers from approaching it. Thus, Guan Yu had no choice but to carry the Ding himself, taking turns with Red Hare to transport it. Nonetheless, Guan Yu considered this a great honor.

Although Red Hare was fast, their pursuers were not slow either. Despite Guan Yu’s best efforts to protect the Xuanyuan Ding, he was eventually surrounded near Ji Bei by a group of adversaries. After a fierce battle in which he killed several attackers, more enemies closed in.

Truthfully, if not for the need to protect the Xuanyuan Ding, Guan Yu could have easily escaped. However, the current situation was a real hassle. These opponents, while individually weaker than warriors like Hua Xiong or even the newly risen Sun Ce, were numerous—there were ten in total.

Standing proudly amidst the ten adversaries, Guan Yu showed no fear. His phoenix eyes narrowed slightly in disdain, and the corpses of the fallen at his feet testified to the earlier events.

“Guan Yun Chang, leave the Xuanyuan Ding behind, and we’ll let you go,” the leader, a Taoist, said as he looked at Guan Yu.

“You’re not worthy,” Guan Yu responded coldly. For the first time, he realized just how many strange Inner Qi experts existed in the world. Most of them relied on secret techniques rather than true martial strength.

“Then there’s nothing more to discuss,” the black-robed youth said with a furrowed brow. Shaking his head, he floated lightly like a leaf. As he made his move, the other Taoists encircling Guan Yu followed his lead, launching their attack.

“Boom!” A streak of light flashed through the air, and the nearest Taoist to Guan Yu was suddenly pierced by an arrow. A figure in silver-blue armor appeared beside Guan Yu, holding a long spear and staring down the Taoists.

“General Guan, you should go. I’ll handle these people. Hurry and deliver the Xuanyuan Ding to Mount Tai!” Zhao Yun said without looking back. While Guan Yu didn’t know these assailants, Zhao Yun could tell they were indeed Inner Qi experts.

“Very well. I leave it to you, Zi Long,” Guan Yu replied solemnly. Without further words, he picked up the Xuanyuan Ding and swiftly rode away on Red Hare.

“Gentlemen, there’s no need to get involved in this,” Zhao Yun said calmly, facing the nine remaining Taoists.

“We have no choice but to be involved in this mortal world. We don’t need to fight you; we only want the Xuanyuan Ding,” the black-robed youth said cautiously, clearly sensing the dangerous aura emanating from Zhao Yun.

“Our goals are completely opposed, then,” Zhao Yun responded fearlessly, his gaze unwavering as he stared down the nine experts. “You’ll never get past me. If you don’t retreat now, I’ll have no choice but to cut you down!”

A gust of wind swept past, and Zhao Yun’s figure blurred into a stream of light. Left hand gripping his sword, right hand holding his spear, he charged into the Taoists. Spear shadows filled the air, and the whistle of his sword echoed like thunder as he unleashed his assault.

“Kill! Defeat Zhao Yun! Even Tong Yuan is struggling now!” the black-robed youth shouted as his horsetail whisk extended its countless threads toward Zhao Yun. Simultaneously, the other Taoists unleashed their full strength, their attacks converging upon Zhao Yun.

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