Zhuge Liang stared at the departing Ye Feng, momentarily lost in thought, unsure whether he should assist Ye Feng in unifying the realm. However, what was done was done, and further words were useless.
Meanwhile, Cao Cao, accompanied by Lu Bu, had just entered the allied lords' encampment. Two or three soldiers immediately rushed forward, pointing their weapons at Lu Bu. "You villain Lu Bu, how dare you show your face here! Do you really think we dare not act against you?"
Lu Bu clenched his Fangtian Huaji tightly. In his heart, the only person he could trust was Ye Feng. If Cao Cao didn't protect him, he would fight! He would fight his way out of the camp!
"I am the peerless general Lu Bu. With just you few, you are no match for me. Get lost and call your commander out, or you will die beneath my Fangtian Huaji, and do not blame me!" Lu Bu spoke fiercely, his eyes red as he stared at Cao Cao. "If I kill you all, don't forget who did it!"
Lu Bu swung his Fangtian Huaji with great force. Cao Cao stood frozen, silent. Xiahou Dun pursed his lips, and seeing the scene, stepped forward and gently patted Cao Cao's shoulder.
Only then did Cao Cao snap back to reality. He had his own plans. If Lu Bu could intimidate them, and then he himself stepped in to mediate, his status among the lords would rise!
Though his reputation preceded him, no one would truly believe without seeing his capabilities.
"General, I will go find Yuan Gong now. You just act. If anything happens, I will be here," Cao Cao guaranteed, patting his chest, and hurried into the tent.
Lu Bu listened to the argument within the tent, a smile curling at his lips. In an instant, he pulled back his Fangtian Huaji. One man, who had been struggling near Lu Bu, was suddenly brought closer.
"General, General, I was momentarily blinded by greed!"
Before the second sentence could be uttered, a crisp "snap!" was heard. Lu Bu had snapped his neck.
As the body fell to the ground, Lu Bu lightly shook the blood from his hands and chuckled coldly, "Who else wishes to die? Come forward quickly!"
The surrounding men, holding various weapons, were unwilling to advance.
"I thought there would be many remarkable individuals in the lords' alliance, but it seems they are all cowards!"
Lu Bu, not possessing much patience, swung his Fangtian Huaji through the air, like a serpent emerging from its lair. In an instant, he carved a bloody path through their ranks!
The next moment, all that remained were weapons clutched in fleeing hands. No one bothered with the idea of surrounding Lu Bu. Lu Bu stood with his Fangtian Huaji, hands behind his back, "Who else is unconvinced and wishes to test Lu Bu's might? Come forth!"
"This peerless general Lu Bu is truly incredibly brave. I see no one can defeat him!"
"With him here today, won't it make things easier? Breaking through the Third Army Corps and dividing Liang Province is within reach!"
"Do you think it's that easy? That's not a simple matter!" someone whispered. "Besides, I heard there's also a King Chu named Ye Feng over there. He's quite capable too!"
In an instant, everyone discerned the situation and retreated. A path automatically cleared around Lu Bu, as no one dared to confront him!
"Good, truly a young hero!" Yuan Shao applauded and leisurely emerged. "If I could win over Lu Bu, unifying the realm would be within reach!"
"Old cur, stop spouting nonsense! These people intended to attack me, was it at your behest? Aren't you afraid I'll cause bloodshed and chaos?" Lu Bu pointed his Fangtian Huaji at Yuan Shao and yelled, "Even with thousands of men protecting you today, you are no match for me!"
This was no idle boast. Yuan Shao's smile froze instantly. After a long pause, he managed to force out, "Is this the person you brought back?"
"Lord Yuan, please quell your anger!" Cao Cao quickly clasped his hands and said with a smile, "I do not know why he would speak like this. I beg Lord Yuan to investigate!"
Yuan Shao sneered, "Lu Bu, I have long heard of your invincible might. Today, if you surrender without a fight, you may live. Otherwise, you will surely perish without a burial place!"
"I will wait. If you have any tricks, bring them forth!" Lu Bu calmly awaited Yuan Shao's move. "Today, it's either you die or I die!"
Yuan Shao's mouth twitched. Under such overwhelming pressure, who would dare attack Lu Bu? His tone softened, and he quickly said, "General, retract your divine powers and quickly enter the tent. You will not be lacking in rewards!"
Lu Bu casually tossed his Fangtian Huaji. It quivered a few times on the ground before standing firmly. Lu Bu snorted coldly and followed Yuan Shao into the tent.
As for safety, even if they picked and chose, pulling out all the tall men, no one would be Lu Bu's match!
Cao Cao knew he had lost the best opportunity to curry favor with Lu Bu. He gently pulled Lu Bu aside. "Just now, I intended to seek out Lord Yuan to resolve the general's predicament, which was why I was abrupt with the general. I beg the general not to blame me!"
Lu Bu snorted coldly. Disregarding Cao Cao's pale face, he entered the tent ahead of him.
Inside the tent, everything was prepared. Lu Bu picked up the wine from the table. "Yuan Gong has indeed prepared well. Lu Bu has long wanted to drink fine wine, and only now is my wish fulfilled!"
"Then General must drink a few cups with Yuan Shao!" Yuan Shao raised his wine cup, smiling and responding from afar. Lu Bu did not hesitate, raising his cup and drinking heartily.
"The general is indeed straightforward. Ordinary people might suspect if I had poisoned the wine, given my enthusiasm!" Yuan Shao playfully teased.
Lu Bu remained silent. He slapped the table with his palm, and the solid wood table instantly shattered into pieces. "I have the ability, so I don't need to worry about such things!"
"Indeed, indeed." Yuan Shao smiled, burying past grievances. He quickly ordered a new table to be brought, then tentatively asked, "I've long heard the general is already a subordinate of the King of Chu. Why then do you pledge allegiance to me? The reason..."
Lu Bu looked up to meet Yuan Shao's puzzled gaze, then threw his head back and laughed heartily. "I originally heard that Ye Feng was righteous and wise, which is why I joined him. However, the other day, Lu Bu saw Diao Chan and was struck by her unparalleled beauty, so I asked for her. But I was insulted. Since that is the case, why should I remain in that wretched place!"
Such a good wife! At that moment, Cao Cao wished he could be his confidant.
Yuan Shao smiled knowingly. With a weakness, anyone could be swayed to his side. Righteously indignant, he said, "The general served Ye Feng faithfully for many years, yet for a mere woman, he insulted you. This is truly too much!"
"Lord Yuan!" Lu Bu's eyes welled up with tears. He raised his wine cup and said, "Only Yuan Gong truly understands me. Women are like clothing, why can't I, Lu Bu, have them!"
"The general speaks truly," Yuan Shao's eyes sparkled, showing great understanding. "If Diao Chan were mine, I would have gladly offered her up, I would not have made the general so difficult!"
"May I ask what the general's preferences are? I will surely find them for the general!" Yuan Shao spoke, catering to Lu Bu's desires. In his eyes, exchanging a mighty general for women was extremely profitable!