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As dawn broke, the earth was still shrouded in a thin mist when the sound of war drums thundered, shattering the tranquility of the morning. Xuan De rode at the forefront of his troops, with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei commanding the ambush forces on either flank, already hidden deep within the mountains. The main force of five thousand soldiers advanced slowly, banners fluttering, weapons glinting like a forest, and the rumbling footsteps echoed like thunder.
Dressed in simple battle armor and wielding a long sword, Xuan De's gaze was sharp and focused. He turned to survey the soldiers behind him and said in a deep voice, "Today’s battle will determine whether Qingzhou finds peace or our entire army faces annihilation. Remember, when I sound the signal, the ambush forces will strike together, and fate will be decided!"
The soldiers clasped their fists in acknowledgment, their eyes reflecting both tension and determination.
The Yellow Turban Army had already formed ranks at the foot of the mountain. Their soldiers had unkempt hair and wore yellow headscarves, appearing like a swarm of locusts covering the valley. Upon seeing Xuan De's army emerge from the mountain pass, they erupted in cheers, the clashing of swords ringing through the air. Among them, a Yellow Turban General rode out brandishing a massive sword, pointing at Xuan De's troops as he roared, "A small band of remnants dares to seek death! Brothers, kill them!"
Xuan De raised his whip and shouted firmly, "Retreat!" His troops turned and fled in disarray, seemingly intimidated by the Yellow Turban Army's momentum. The Yellow Turban Army cheered with delight as their commander waved his sword and shouted, "Pursue! The entire army follow me to wipe out these rats!"
The Yellow Turban forces surged into the mountain path, their pursuit like a raging river. They laughed heartily as they watched Xuan De's troops retreat more frantically, with some even stumbling along the way. However, as they crossed over the mountains and entered a narrow valley, a long and piercing sound of a signal horn suddenly rang out.
"Now!" Xuan De abruptly reined in his horse, drew his sword, and turned to shout furiously, "Charge back!"
On both sides of the mountain path, the ambush forces revealed themselves simultaneously. Guan Yu led the left flank into action with his Green Dragon Crescent Blade gleaming coldly like lightning striking down. He bellowed fiercely, "Yellow Turban Rebels, come meet your doom!" As he swung his blade, enemy soldiers fell like wheat being harvested. On the right flank, Zhang Fei roared like thunder, wielding his Eighteen-Feet Serpent Spear like an enraged lion. His spear thrusts cut through enemies effortlessly; no one could withstand his onslaught as their formation crumbled into chaos.
The three-pronged assault struck like thunder from above, plunging the Yellow Turban Army into disarray. They had thought they were chasing remnants but instead fell into a meticulously laid trap. Xuan De's central troops surged forward to engage once more; their formation reestablished with spears dense as forests and swords crashing like waves—morale soaring high. Surrounded on all sides by foes, panic spread among the Yellow Turban soldiers; some dropped their weapons and knelt in surrender while others scattered in flight.
The battlefield became a river of blood; crimson streams flowed down the mountain path as bodies lay strewn about amidst relentless cries of agony. Guan Yu cleaved down an enemy general with his blade; droplets of blood fell from its edge as his expression remained impassive and his gaze cold as iron. Behind him, the left flank surged forward like a tidal wave; the enemy had no chance to organize any resistance.
Zhang Fei was like a raging beast; he pierced through a Yellow Turban Colonel's chest with his Eighteen-Feet Serpent Spear before flinging him aside—blood arcing through the air in a vivid crimson line. His roar was deafening: "Yellow Turban Rebels, why aren't you dying yet?"
Xuan De raised his banner high in command as he urged his soldiers deeper into enemy lines. His sword flashed coldly; each strike claimed an enemy soldier's life. He understood that only by utterly defeating these foes could he truly lift Qingzhou’s siege. His horse’s hooves trampled through pools of blood as his eyes remained fixed on fleeing Yellow Turban Soldiers without an ounce of relent.
When Liu Bei's forces reached the foot of Qingzhou City, the city gates swung open with a thunderous crash, and the Governor Gong Jing led the militia out to engage. Their arrival was like the final straw that broke the back of the Yellow Turban Army; the enemy's formation fell into chaos, and they fled in disarray, crying out in panic. As Gong Jing personally wielded his sword and joined Liu Bei, his face was smeared with blood, and he excitedly grasped Liu Bei's hand, saying, "Mr. Xuan De, thanks to your timely assistance, the people of Qingzhou have been spared!"
The battlefield around them remained tumultuous, with remnants of the Yellow Turban Army scattering in all directions. Yet Liu Bei merely nodded lightly, lifting his gaze to the crimson sky, his eyes deep as the ocean.
With the siege of Qingzhou just resolved, Gong Jing hosted a banquet in the city to reward his soldiers. The hall was brightly lit, filled with abundant food and wine, and cheers from the soldiers echoed throughout, creating a lively atmosphere. However, at the main table, Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei appeared particularly subdued. Liu Bei held his wine cup with a pensive expression; Guan Yu lowered his head to tend to his Green Dragon Crescent Blade, his brow slightly furrowed; Zhang Fei clutched a large piece of beef, chewing heartily but occasionally glancing at Liu Bei, clearly sensing something was amiss.
Finally, Zhang Fei set down his meat and boldly asked, " Brother Xuan De, we've secured victory and achieved great success. Why do you still look so glum? Are you worried about something?"
Hearing this, Liu Bei raised his head and set down his cup with a sigh. "Yi De, it's not that I'm unhappy; it's just that I've recently heard that General of the Household Lu Zhi is engaged in battle with Zhang Jiao in Guangzong. The situation is dire. I once learned from Mr. Lu and owe him a debt of gratitude; if I do not go to assist him now, it would be a betrayal of our teacher-student bond."
Upon hearing this, Guan Yu slowly lifted his head and said solemnly, "If Brother Xuan De feels this way, Yun Chung will certainly follow you. Mr. Lu is a renowned general of the court; if we can provide assistance, we will surely defeat the bandits and bring peace to the land."
Zhang Fei waved his hand with bravado and laughed heartily. "What’s there to hesitate about? Since you both say we should go, how could I Zhang Fei possibly sit this one out! Let’s finish this drink and set off immediately!"
Seeing his brothers respond without hesitation warmed Liu Bei's heart. He raised his cup with determination in his eyes. "Thank you both for your support! On this journey, we must relieve Mr. Lu's burdens and do our utmost for the common people!"
That night, the three men took five hundred troops to bid farewell to Zou Jing and Gong Jing before heading towards Guangzong. The night was thick with darkness as a cool breeze swept by; banners rustled against horsebacks. Liu Bei sat atop his horse, silently gazing ahead. He thought of Lu Zhi while also keeping a wary eye on Zhang Jiao's growing power. The threat of the Yellow Turban Army still loomed large; he understood that this war was far from over.
Days later, upon arriving at Guangzong, they could see flashes of weapons between the valleys from afar and hear shouts echoing through the air. On the battlefield, Lu Zhi's banner flew high above them; however, the Yellow Turban Army surrounded them like an impenetrable swarm. Liu Bei reined in his horse and said to Guan Yu and Zhang Fei beside him: "Mr. Lu is in a difficult position; we must quickly enter the camp to inform him of our intentions and devise a strategy."
At Lu Zhi's camp entrance, guards initially stood ready with their weapons drawn until they learned that Liu Bei was a disciple of Lu Zhi; then they led them into the central tent. Inside, Lu Zhi stood before a sand table clad in armor. Though weary-looking with a thick beard, his imposing presence remained undiminished. Upon seeing Liu Bei and the others enter, Lu Zhi was momentarily taken aback before bursting into laughter: "Xuan De! Is it really you? I've long heard of your efforts against bandits; you truly live up to my expectations from years ago!"
Liu Bei quickly stepped forward to kneel respectfully and said, "Disciple Liu Bei has come upon hearing that my master is fighting here; I have brought troops to assist you in defeating these bandits!"
Lu Zhi helped Liu Bei to his feet, his face filled with satisfaction as he said, "It is indeed a blessing for my army that you are willing to assist me! These two must be your sworn brothers?" He glanced at Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, giving them a brief appraisal before praising, "What a pair of fierce generals! Truly dragons and tigers among men!"
Guan Yu clasped his hands and spoke softly, "Yun Chung pays his respects to Mr. Lu. I am willing to follow Brother Xuan De and dedicate my life to the cause." Zhang Fei, on the other hand, boomed, "I, Zhang Fei, am not only a fierce general but also the foremost weapon in our fight against the bandits! Mr. Lu, just give your orders, and I will comply!"
Lu Zhi was amused by Zhang Fei's straightforwardness and laughed heartily. He turned back to the sand table and pointed, saying, "Zhang Jiao relies on his numbers and holds a strong position; his intentions of rebellion are all too clear. Although our troops are brave, we suffer from a lack of supplies, and our soldiers are weary. It is truly difficult to sustain a prolonged siege." He then looked at Liu Bei and continued, "Xuan De, the five hundred elite soldiers you brought may very well be our turning point. Are you willing to follow my command and help me take Zhang Jiao's head?"
Liu Bei clasped his fists and replied, "I am willing to heed my mentor's orders!" Guan Yu and Zhang Fei also clasped their hands in agreement, their eyes shining with determination. Lu Zhi's expression grew serious as he nodded and said, "Good! With your assistance, this campaign will surely succeed!"
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