Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Chapter 211: Lü Bu's Intervention

Liu Bei, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei led their troops to support the officials.

The gates of Hangu Pass slowly swung open with a heavy creaking sound, like a weary old man gasping for air. Carriages bearing terrified civil and military officials slowly rolled out, their wheels clunking against the ground. Each official's face was as pale as paper, their eyes still etched with deep fear and unease, as if they had just escaped a horrific nightmare.

At the sight of the officials, cheers erupted from the princes' camp. Relief washed over their faces, like dry grass suddenly revitalized by a downpour. Some even cried with joy, hugging each other, their clothes soaked with tears. However, despite the release of the civil and military officials, the tension persisted. Ma Chao's army remained in full battle formation, their soldiers gripping their weapons tightly, their gazes fixed firmly ahead, like statues cast in steel. The coalition forces, too, dared not let their guard down. Each soldier remained completely focused, their nerves taut as a fully drawn bowstring.

At that moment, a sudden commotion erupted from the coalition camp. A scout, hurriedly reporting, was breathing heavily, his chest heaving violently. Beads of sweat covered his forehead, dripping down his cheeks and disappearing instantly on the dry earth. His voice trembled as he spoke, "Sir, this is bad! We've spotted an unknown army in the distance."

Cao Cao's expression turned stern, his eyes widened, his gaze like two sharp swords, and he said, "Could it be that Ma Chao has reinforcements?" His eyes were full of vigilance, his brows were furrowed, as if twisted into an unsolvable knot, and his right hand unconsciously pressed on the sword at his waist, his knuckles turning white from the force.

Yuan Shao also looked worried, his face so gloomy that it seemed like water could drip out of it, and said: "If this is true, I'm afraid the situation will change again." He clenched his fists anxiously, and his knuckles crackled due to the force, as if they would break at any time.

Liu Bei pulled the reins, and his horse reared up, neighing. He shouted, "Mengqi, what does this mean? Why have unidentified troops appeared?"

Ma Chao looked bewildered, his eyes wide open, his gaze filled with doubt, and he said, "Brother, I don't know about this."

Liu Bei turned to Zhang Fei and said, "Check it quickly."

Zhang Fei soon returned with a hurried report. His face was filled with anxiety, sweat streaming down his rugged face. He said, "Brother, this is bad! This group of soldiers is actually Lü Bu's army!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Bei's expression suddenly changed, his face instantly filled with gloom. He clenched his teeth, his cheek muscles trembling slightly, and said, "Lü Bu? Why would he appear at this time?" Liu Bei was extremely anxious, and a raging fire was burning in his heart. He knew that Lü Bu's visit this time must have bad intentions.

Lü Bu had been attempting to sit back and watch the clash, hoping to maximize his own gains, maneuvering between the various factions, playing both sides. However, he ultimately failed to please either side, and all sides grew wary of him. Seeing Ma Chao and the allied forces approaching peace talks, Lü Bu panicked, knowing that if both sides ceased fighting, his chance to reap the benefits would be lost. Wang Yun offered him advice, suggesting that he seize control of the civil and military officials. With Liu Xie and his officials at his disposal, Lü Bu could emulate Dong Zhuo's control of government and achieve utter dominance. Even if he chose to surrender to Emperor Liu Bian and the allied forces, he would gain significant leverage and secure favorable terms.

Then, Lü Bu led his troops in a furious attack, riding majestically on his imposing Red Hare, its hooves tumbling and its mane flying. Lü Bu held the gleaming Fang Tian Hua Ji, its tip gleaming in the sunlight with a chilling gleam. He shouted in a voice as resounding as a bell: "Brothers, surround them! Don't let any of the civil and military officials escape!"

Seeing Lü Bu, Zhang Fei could no longer contain his rage. His eyes widened as he unleashed a barrage of curses: "You shameless scoundrel, Lü Bu! Today, I will fight you to the death!" He thrust his spear forward, aiming for Lü Bu with the ferocity of a tiger unleashed. The 10-foot-long snake spear whizzed through Zhang Fei's hand, its tip flashing with a cold gleam as it pressed against Lü Bu's throat.

But Lü Bu's soldiers acted swiftly, surrounding the civil and military officials and Liu Bei's troops. Suddenly, shouts of killing erupted, and the atmosphere reached a fever pitch. The soldiers' shouts and the clash of weapons blended together, creating a terrifying atmosphere.

Zhang Fei and Lü Bu engaged in a fierce battle for fifty or sixty rounds, spears and halberds clashing, sparks flying. Lü Bu, a truly unrivaled warrior, handled Zhang Fei's furious onslaught with ease. He wielded his Fang Tian Hua Ji with ferocious force, easily blocking Zhang Fei's thrusts and occasionally launching fierce counterattacks, forcing Zhang Fei to retreat repeatedly.

Seeing Zhang Fei's prolonged battle unsuccessful, and the situation turning extremely unfavorable for their side, Liu Bei exchanged a glance with Guan Yu, and the two men, understanding each other, spurred their horses to join the fray. Guan Yu wielded his Azure Dragon Crescent Blade, the blade seemingly imbued with immense force, each swing accompanied by a whirring sound, and the blade's gleaming light slashed towards Lü Bu like a streak of silk. Liu Bei, also wielding his double-edged sword, charged forward, stabbing left and right, attempting to find Lü Bu's weakness.

However, Lü Bu was unwilling to engage in further conflict. After all, his forces were numerous and held an absolute advantage. At a command, his soldiers attacked the crowd. Lü Bu, however, focused on dealing with the pincer attack from Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei. His expression was stern, his eyes revealing disdain and arrogance.

On the battlefield, the foursome's battle intensified. Lü Bu swung his Fang Tian Hua Ji, deflecting Zhang Fei's snake spear. He then countered Guan Yu's broadsword, ducking to avoid Liu Bei's thrust. His movements were fluid, unwavering. Zhang Fei, driven to the brink of death, roared furiously, his snake spear rising like a dragon from the sea, his attack intensifying. Guan Yu's eyes widened, his Green Dragon Crescent Blade wielding impenetrable energy, leaving Lü Bu no chance to breathe. Liu Bei, too, fought with all his might, his double-edged sword clashing with him, seamlessly coordinating with his two brothers.

But Lü Bu was a skilled warrior. He seized the opportunity, unleashed a powerful blow, and with a single thrust of his halberd, he knocked the three men's weapons aside. Then, leaping out of the circle, he shouted, "Stop pestering me! I'll spare your lives today!" With that, he abandoned the fight and ordered his soldiers to intensify the siege.

Because he had released all the officials, Liu Bei did not bring many soldiers with him when he arrived. Facing Lü Bu's elite troops, they were completely unable to resist. Lü Bu's soldiers surged forward like a tide, and Liu Bei's side gradually became unable to resist.

The battlefield was ablaze with blood and swords. Liu Bei watched his men suffer heavy losses, falling one by one, heartbroken. He knew that if this continued, his entire army would be annihilated.

In desperation, Liu Bei made a prompt decision and shouted, "Brothers, break out!" Everyone fought hard, trying to break through Lu Bu's encirclement.

However, Lu Bu's army was well-trained and had tight defenses. Liu Bei's side had to work very hard to break out.

Lu Bu proudly intercepted the civil and military officials and Liu Xie, and his army stood between Hangu Pass and the allied forces, like an indestructible wall of steel, forming an insurmountable obstacle.

Liu Bei, desperately leading his defeated troops back to the allied camp, was in disarray. When asked who had ambushed him, he gasped for breath, his face filled with grief and indignation as he replied, "Everyone, it was Lü Bu who intervened and kidnapped all the civil and military officials."

Cao Cao frowned and said in a deep voice, "This Lu Bu is truly despicable. He actually ruined everything at the critical moment!"

Yuan Shu's eyes widened in anger as he roared, "Liu Bei, how could you be so incompetent that you can't even protect the civil and military officials!"

Liu Bei looked ashamed and explained, "Lü Bu has a large army. We are outnumbered and simply cannot do anything."

Guan Yu held the Azure Dragon Crescent Blade in his hand and said loudly, "That Lü Bu is incredibly brave. Even the three of us brothers working together can hardly defeat him."

Zhang Fei also shouted: "I fought him for dozens of rounds. That fellow is really powerful!"

Upon learning that it was Lü Bu's troops, Cao Cao was furious. His face sank, his eyes burning with rage as if he wanted to burn Lü Bu to ashes. He shouted, "Lü Bu, that scoundrel, is so fickle and devoid of loyalty. How dare he interfere at this moment and attempt to ruin our cause!"

Yuan Shao gnashed his teeth in anger, his forehead veins bulging like serpentine earthworms. He clenched his fists and said, "This man has always been erratic and treacherous. We must be careful and not let him succeed!"

Liu Bei looked at Lu Bu's camp in the distance, clenched his fists secretly, and vowed in his heart that he would take back all the officials and redeem himself from today's humiliation.

Everyone was furious at Lü Bu's intrusion. Yuan Shao paced back and forth, determined, and said, "How dare this scoundrel Lü Bu act so arrogantly! Everyone, muster your troops and let's fight him."

Cao Cao quickly dissuaded him, saying, "Don't worry, Lord Yuan. Although Lü Bu has kidnapped all the officials, his forces are at their peak. If we attack hastily, we may not be able to win."

Yuan Shao's eyes widened as he shouted angrily, "Are we really going to allow Lu Bu to be so arrogant? Are we, the allied forces, still afraid of him?"

Liu Bei, standing by, also said, "Calm down, Lord Yuan. Prime Minister Cao is right. Everyone knows Lü Bu's bravery. We need to take a long-term view and make careful plans before taking any action."

Yuan Shao snorted coldly: "Then what do you think should be done?"

Cao Cao pondered for a moment and said, "We should send someone to Lu Bu's camp to test his intentions. If we can resolve this without resorting to violence, that would be the best."