The Romance of the Three Kingdoms: Lu Bu is good at being filial - Chapter 55



＜ Wolf, Tiger, and (5) ＞

Dong Zhuo once believed in divination.

Divination.

Things like the flow of the heavens and the arrangement of the stars.

Among the fortune tellers, there were those who could recite someone’s future as soon as they heard their name.

They all died.

– “After I die, my body will burn with candles for a whole week? Damn you. Die.”

He killed them all.

Someone cursed Dong Zhuo and died for it.

Someone tried to recite his fate and died coughing up blood.

Another suddenly claimed to have been punished by the celestial being Zuo and went mad, eventually taking their own life.

There were only about three such peculiar fortune tellers in Dong Zhuo’s life, but he stopped believing in their words.

In the end, living is up to humans.

Although there were those like Li Jue who blindly believed in divination and kept fortune tellers by their side, Dong Zhuo decided to trust his own judgment rather than divination.

However, since superstitions clearly existed, Dong Zhuo was as cautious as possible.

Personally, Dong Zhuo was careful with fire, and he tried to guide his cherished subordinates to avoid fatal fates.

– “Hua Xiong will die at Sishui.”

This was said by the person who cursed Dong Zhuo to die by becoming a candle before mentioning Dong Zhuo’s fate.

If Hua Xiong heard such a curse, he might be reluctant to go to a place called Sishui.

As it happened, he came.

Sishuiguan.

When Hua Xiong said he would establish a base in the eastern part of Luoyang, Dong Zhuo rejoiced.

He didn’t want to bring Hua Xiong to Sishui Pass or the Sishui region unless absolutely necessary.

He was a cherished general.

The strongest general in his army.

If such a general were to die, it would lead to a decline in the morale of the entire Yangzhou army.

What would happen if Lü Bu died in the Bingzhou army?

Naturally, the morale of the entire Bingzhou army would drop.

It would vary depending on how he died, but in general, the morale would hit rock bottom.

Therefore, Dong Zhuo was reluctant to let Hua Xiong step forward.

Even when Hua Xiong said he would come to Sishui Pass, he couldn’t say, “A fortune teller said you would die here.”

– Ha! Such a prophecy cannot stop me, Hua Xiong!

He might say.

So he wanted to place Hua Xiong at Sishui Pass, preferably behind it, as much as possible.

He could leave the command of the army to Xu Rong, so he didn’t want to call Hua Xiong unnecessarily.

And he regretted it.

Should he have said it?

If he had, Hua Xiong wouldn’t have stepped forward.

Hua Xiong is strong.

He might be able to handle Sun Jian alone.

But what about the other generals who appear one after another?

If Hua Xiong couldn’t withstand the continuous attacks of the enemy generals and eventually died?

“……Please.”

Dong Zhuo hoped.

That he wouldn’t lose Hua Xiong.

That Hua Xiong would hold on.

And that Lü Bu, who rode out of Sishui Pass without any doubt, would arrive in time to save Hua Xiong.

That everything would not be decided by the will of heaven, but that human strength could overcome that fate.

“Please save him, Lü Fengxian. General of the Flying Chariots.”

Dong Zhuo prayed to Lü Bu with more earnestness than ever.

“Sons of Yangzhou! We will defend Sishui Pass with the resolve to die!!”

Dong Zhuo ran straight to the military band, grabbed the drumstick, and personally beat the drum.

“Protect the city walls so that all our troops can return safely to Sushuguan! Do not let the enemy cross the walls!!”

Until when?

“Until Lü Bu brings back Hua Xiong!!”

* * *

[Allied Forces Headquarters.]

“Report! Dong Zhuo has retreated and fled! The enemy general Hua Xiong is at the rear, confronting the troops of Generals Sun Jian and Liu Biao!”

“Good.”

Yuan Shao stroked his long beard and laughed softly.

“Thank you for the quick report. Tell my central army to continue advancing and support Generals Sun Jian and Liu Biao.”

“Yes, sir!”

The messenger quickly disappeared outside the tent after hearing Yuan Shao’s orders.

“Hehehe.”

The ones left in the tent were Yuan Shao, his subordinates, and a man sitting to his right.

“It’s a pity we couldn’t capture Dong Zhuo, but if we defeat Hua Xiong, their morale will be shattered. Isn’t that right, Cao Cao?”

“…….”

Cao Cao nodded with a sullen face.

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“Haha, what’s wrong? You look like someone who was dragged here against their will. If the other lords were here, they would sense something unusual from your expression.”

“You dragged me here while I was sleeping soundly and forced me to be a strategist.”

Cao Cao raised his hands.

“I don’t recall ever agreeing to be a strategist.”

“But the world knows you as the strategist of our allied forces.”

“Are you trying to make me part of the traitorous faction?”

“If you didn’t want that, you shouldn’t have come here alone in the first place.”

At Yuan Shao’s sneer, Cao Cao frowned and turned his head.

“…Since Hua Xiong has appeared, wouldn’t it be better to send these men to capture him for sure?”

“Changing the subject.”

Although his sleeves were not tied with ropes, he acted as if they were and pointed with his eyes at the two warriors standing behind him.

“Yan Liang and Wen Chou. Even sending just one of them would be enough to capture Hua Xiong.”

“Hehe. Of course. But you mentioned both of them not because you think it would help to subdue Hua Xiong, right?”

Yuan Shao pointed outside the tent.

“Sending one person and bewitching another to sneak out secretly?”

“Is this Cao Mengde?”

“Because it’s Cao Cao, it’s even more so. Rest assured, our eighteenth lord, General-in-Chief Cao Cao.”

Yuan Shao smiled slyly and tapped the table with his hand.

“Because you are here, our cause has become even more justified. How could I not be pleased?”

A golden plaque with the character “Liu” and 17 nameplates below it, ending with Yuan Shao and Cao Cao’s names engraved.

“I had no doubt that the hero who accused Dong Zhuo through a memorial would join the coalition army.”

“Me? Ha. How long do you think you can deceive the world with agitation and manipulation, Yuan Shao? Do you think people are as foolish as you believe?”

“Agitation? Manipulation? Huhu. In the end, the one who wins with power speaks the truth.”

Yuan Shao waved his hand at Cao Cao’s sarcasm.

“And you should know that I didn’t call you here to argue with you.”

“To humiliate me?”

“Yes. I don’t know what you believe in, but I want to show you clearly where the trend lies.”

Yuan Shao pounded his chest with his hand.

“The trend is with our coalition army. Will you follow us now, Cao Cao?”

“You missed Dong Zhuo, and you can defeat Hua Xiong?”

“Of course. There’s no need to send Yan Liang and Wen Chou.”

Yuan Shao picked a red badge from the dozens of badges next to him.

“Sun Jian. His bravery is like that of a tiger. He can surely behead Hua Xiong.”

“To weaken Sun Jian’s strength?”

“Weaken his strength? That’s disappointing. If someone hears, they might think I withdrew the soldiers.”

“Aren’t they the soldiers you sent to those following Yuan Shu in Yunanwon, inciting them to ‘avenge Duke Zhou’?”

“…Huh, huhuhu.”

Yuan Shao smiled kindly at Cao Cao.

“As expected of you. You figured it out without any explanation.”

“Don’t look at me with those eyes. It’s creepy.”

Cao Cao turned his eyes away in disgust.

“I don’t like it.”

“But soon, you will join forces with me, Yuan Shao. I need your intellect.”

“Are you planning to cut off my head and use it as a decoration?”

“Haha. My friend, must you always speak so harshly?”

Yuan Shao glanced around the tent and then lowered his voice.

“I’ve seen many people in my time, but none as skilled in strategy and intrigue as you.”

“Is that a compliment?”

“Of course, it’s a compliment. It’s because of that skill that I want you to join me.”

“Do you need a capable minister for a time of peace, or a cunning hero for a time of chaos?”

“Right now, a cunning hero for a time of chaos, but in the peaceful era I will create, I hope you will become a capable minister.”

“You speak very openly.”

“There’s nothing to hide, ahem.”

Yuan Shao was about to continue speaking when he stood up, sensing someone approaching from outside.

“Well, it seems we have another visitor at this late hour.”

“Yuan Shao!”

The one who entered, breathing heavily, was Gongsun Zan.

“My White Horse Cavalry is ready and waiting, so why are you telling me not to deploy?”

“Calm down, Gongsun Baekgyu.”

“Are you trying to let Sun Jian take all the credit?!”

“Of course not. A fine sword should be used against a worthy opponent.”

Yuan Shao leaned in and whispered to Gongsun Zan.

“Why would you dull your blade against someone like Hua Xiong?”

“Hmph…!”

“Your troops should face Lü Bu, so please maintain your best condition until then. So….”

“Even if the cavalry of Youzhou can defeat the troops of Yangzhou, can they defeat the troops of Bingzhou?”

Cao Cao interjected sarcastically.

“…What did you say?”

“This man. Calm down, General Gongsun. He’s just drunk.”

“The public opinion may say so, but I was merely stating the facts. Even in terms of achievements, the difference is clear….”

“You insolent wretch!!”

Gongsun Zan lunged at Cao Cao, grabbing him by the collar.

“How dare you speak such nonsense!!”

“Let go. Thanks to whom, you and I have become such lords.”

“Ha…!”

Gongsun Zan roughly let go of Cao Cao’s collar, who was smiling and mocking.

“Seeing that short stature, I know. You must be Cao Mengde.”

“…Huhu.”

“Calm down. Calm down.”

Yuan Shao urgently stopped Cao Cao and patted Gongsun Zan’s shoulder.

“For now-“

“Messenger─!!”

Once again, a messenger hurriedly entered.

He was wearing a yellow turban on his head.

“Reporting to the commander! While chasing Dong Zhuo’s rear, Sun Jian’s army…”

“Why are you reporting so hesitantly?”

“…By the enemy general Hua Xiong, one of Sun Jian’s lieutenants has fallen! Another one fell off his horse and is missing!”

“…What?”

“Sun Jian and Hua Xiong are in a standoff!”

* * *

Drip, drop.

Blood flows down the Mi Jian Dao.

The blood from the long wound on his shoulder mixes with the blood on the blade, falling down like rainwater.

“Uaaah!!”

Sun Jian charges with his sword.

With bloodshot eyes, he wildly swings his sword at Hua Xiong.

At first glance, it seems like he has lost his mind, but he is aiming at Hua Xiong’s vital points.

The neck, the heart.

“Ha.”

Hua Xiong swings the Mi Jian Dao with his right hand.

The middle of the Mi Jian Dao’s handle is broken, making it short like a sword’s handle instead of a spear’s shaft, but he couldn’t hold the shaft with both hands even if he wanted to.

His left arm was missing below the elbow.

It was wrapped tightly with cloth, and a faint burnt smell emanated from his body.

“Why are you so angry?”

“You b*stard!!”

Sun Jian thrusts his sword.

Hua Xiong deflects the sword with the blade of his Mi Chum Dao and pulls his horse back.

Drip, drop.

Blood flows down the side of the horse and falls to the ground.

The blood also flowed from the Mi Chum Dao held by Hua Xiong, but it was also gushing out from the other side.

“Isn’t it enough that you took this Hua Xiong’s, haah, left arm?”

“Shut up!!”

Sun Jian swings his sword again.

Hua Xiong swings his Mi Chum Dao to protect the horse from the strike aimed at the horse’s armor, but Sun Jian’s sword quickly pierces the horse’s neck.

Neigh!!

The horse twists in agony.

Before Hua Xiong falls, he throws himself to the side of the horse and barely manages to regain his stance by rolling on the ground.

“Die, Hua Xiong!”

“Hoo….”

Sun Jian jumps off his horse and starts chasing Hua Xiong.

“A similar, situation, huh.”

Hua Xiong quickly retreats from Sun Jian’s wild sword strikes.

His eyes are still on Sun Jian, but his steps are getting closer to the Sasu Pass.

“How dare you, how dare you kill Han Dang!!”

“Ah, that dead man was called Han Dang?”

Hua Xiong sneers, holding the Mi Chum Dao in a reverse grip with one hand.

“The one with a sword in his shoulder was Cheng Pu, and the one who fled with the two was Huang Gai?”

“You, you…!!”

“They ended up like that because they followed a foolish leader. …Cough.”

Hua Xiong spits out dark red blood.

Unlike the red blood pouring from his scorched left arm, dark red blood, as if poisoned, flows from his mouth, staining his armor.

“Sun Jian. Let me ask you one thing.”

“Shut up…!”

“For what do you fight?”

“…….”

Sun Jian hesitated as he was about to swing his sword.

His eyes were still filled with murderous intent, and the hand gripping the sword gleamed with red blood.

“As a warrior, I must ask.”

Was it because of the moonlight reflected on the blood-stained blade?

For a moment, Hua Xiong’s eyes, filled with vigor, sparkled as clearly as the moon.

“I fight for fame and success. And you?”

“…To leave something better for my children.”

Sun Jian pointed his sword.

“Fight, Hua Xiong. You didn’t end the lives of my two lieutenants just to end it like this, did you?”

“Of course not.”

Hua Xiong raised his sword.

Blood was still streaming down his arm, but his sword did not waver.

“Come, strongest in Jingzhou.”

“…Futile.”

“General Hua Xiong!!”

Behind Hua Xiong, the soldiers of the punitive force approached.

But the position where Hua Xiong stood was already surrounded by the troops of Sun Jian and Liu Biao, forming a semicircle.

“Block them─!”

Sun Jian’s subordinates raised their spears and shields to block the approaching soldiers of Hua Xiong.

Hua Xiong’s soldiers, though covered in blood, tried to approach fiercely, but it was difficult to get through as Liu Biao’s soldiers also blocked the way.

“Ugh!”

It is not easy for cavalry that has lost its mobility to break through the tightly formed phalanx of spearmen.

“Hoo.”

Hua Xiong laughed.

“Still, it’s not too bad.”

“What is?”

“Seeing them trying to help me even in such a dangerous situation.”

“…Yes. But.”

Sun Jian leaned forward.

“You killed my two generals!”

“!!”

Sun Jian’s body disappeared.

Hua Xiong took a step back and raised his sword high.

“Ha.”

He confirmed the direction.

He even aimed his sword.

Srrk-

But before he could reach, Sun Jian had already leaped towards Hua Xiong’s injured arm and aimed his sword.

An attack targeting the blind spot.

Cowardly?

Not at all.

Even Hua Xiong himself would have done the same.

Doing one’s best to win is the duty of a warrior, and giving one’s all to defeat the enemy general is the essence of a commander.

The regretful thing is.

“I can’t take him.”

Though he had sent away Sun Jian’s two lieutenants, he couldn’t bring himself to take Sun Jian, even if it made his blood boil.

Ka-ang!

Sun Jian’s sword deflected Hua Xiong’s.

Hua Xiong twisted his body to barely let the blade of his sword touch the blind spot, but Sun Jian’s sword slipped through the blood on the tip of the sword.

The tip of the sword reached Hua Xiong’s neck.

Hua Xiong could see the trajectory of the sword accurately piercing his neck, but he no longer had the strength to respond.

Just.

Satisfied with having fulfilled his duty as a commander by protecting his lord.

“This Hua Xiong.”

Ka-ang!

In the sound and light of sparks flying, if there was one more thing, though it might be petty.

“To my father in heaven, I lived a life not ashamed…?”

At the moment he thought, Hua Xiong felt a sense of wonder.

Just now, didn’t he utter a sound?

Did he have enough time to say such a long sentence?

He opens his eyes.

The moment his vision, which had momentarily turned black, returned to normal, the scene before his eyes was different from what it had been before he closed them.

“……?!”

Son Gyeon’s body was twisted.

As if forcibly twisting his body to avoid something, he was spiraling and collapsing sideways.

The tip of his sword was shaking wildly, as if it had struck something.

“What… is this?”

Screeeech─!

A monstrous scream from behind.

A meteor falling down.

That single streak of light was the arrowhead used by the suppression army.

“!!”

The moment he saw the reflection in the arrowhead, Hwa Wung’s body floated up.

“This is not the place where you will die.”

Even as his body was lifted, all he could hear was the low voice of a single man.

“The place where you will die.”

What he saw were the soldiers of the Yu Pyo army being pushed aside, and Son Gyeon rolling away on the ground.

“Will be decided by this Yeobongseon.”

Hwa Wung quietly closed his eyes at the strength of the hand gripping the back of his neck.

In the darkness with his eyes closed.

In that endless blackness, all he could see was the trace of a black dragon rampaging through the crowd on a red cloud.

* * *

Late night. East of Sasu Pass, Sanjo area.

Rebel suppression army. Hwa Wung severely injured. Oh Seup killed in action.

Anti-Dong Zhuo coalition. Jeong Bo severely injured. Yu Seop captured. Jo Mu, Jo Pyo, Han Dang killed in action.

Sanjo Battle, concluded.

＜ Wolf, Tiger, and (5) ＞ End

ⓒ Byeolggeot Latte