On the banks of the Ying River, outside Xudu City.
The water flowed gently, fallen blossoms forming a path…
At this moment, Cao Mu, along with a group of blacksmiths, stood by the water's surface, stained red by the dawn light, their eyes fixed on the open space in front of them.
In the center of this area stood a single figure, clad in armor, with his trouser legs rolled up. His face was fierce, and the three-meter-long, twenty-jin Mo Dao in his hand gleamed with a cold light in the morning sun.
Could this be anyone other than Gao Shun, the commander of the Vanguard Camp?
"Wen Yuan, charge!"
Gao Shun let out a shout.
The sound of galloping hooves approached from not far away. Cao Mu and the blacksmiths looked towards the sound and saw Zhang Liao riding his horse towards them from the end of the road. He held a steel-forged Crescent Halberd, his entire bearing exuding a formidable aura.
Testing the blade…
That was correct, Gao Shun was testing his Mo Dao.
To accurately gauge the Mo Dao's power, he had proposed that Zhang Liao select the strongest horse from the stables, and that Zhang Liao, skilled in horsemanship, personally ride it.
"General Gao, you must be careful…"
Zhang Liao couldn't help but remind him. In his opinion, no matter how strong infantry combat power was, or how peculiar their weapons, they would still be unable to withstand the might of a cavalry charge. This was experience gained from decades of battlefield combat!
"Wen Yuan, you must go all out…"
As Gao Shun's voice fell…
"Da da da…"
The sound of hooves grew closer and closer, until the two figures met. It was Gao Shun's first time using the Mo Dao, and his timing was not quite right. Moreover, the weight of the Mo Dao caused a noticeable pause as he swung it.
Seeing Zhang Liao's horse approaching rapidly, Gao Shun could only roll to the side, never getting an opportunity to swing the Mo Dao.
Of course.
Zhang Liao hadn't intended to strike in earnest. If this were a true confrontation between armies, then in the time it took Gao Shun to dodge sideways, Zhang Liao's Crescent Halberd would have already struck, taking his head!
Heh…
At this moment, Zhang Liao shook his head and advised, "General Gao, as I said, this 'Mo Dao' is too heavy. Relying solely on strength is too wishful thinking. Forget it…"
As the words left his mouth…
Cao Mu and the blacksmiths by the Ying River all nodded in agreement.
Cao Mu watched their simulated combat while contemplating the Mo Dao's drawbacks and cost…
She calculated meticulously. After all, Gao Shun was already an exceptionally skilled weapon master in Cao's camp. If even he couldn't wield the Mo Dao with ease, how could other armored soldiers manage?
It was too heavy!
It was strange, to say the least. The "Red Tassel Spear" that Lu Yu proposed forging last time focused on lightness and agile offense, and its effects were indeed remarkable…
But this time, why the sudden change in approach, abandoning speed and agility to focus solely on "strength"?
The key question was, who could withstand the power of this Mo Dao?
Wasn't this going in the opposite direction?
Thinking of this, Cao Mu shook her head again.
Perhaps Lu Yu was being too optimistic this time?
With that thought…
Cao Mu's large eyes blinked repeatedly.
Just then, Gao Shun patted the dust off himself and staggered to his feet. He tried to lift the Mo Dao again.
"Let's try again. I think I've found a way…"
The method Gao Shun spoke of was naturally a way to use the Mo Dao.
This Mo Dao, longer than the Zhangba Snake Spear and similar in weight to the Green Dragon Crescent Blade, was wielded very differently from a common ring-pommel sword. His previous failure had led Gao Shun to a realization.
"Wen Yuan, please, let's go again! And still go all out!"
"Alright!"
Zhang Liao agreed. They had served under Lü Bu together in the past, and now both served as generals in the Dragon Soaring Camp. They had an understanding that was second to none. With a glance and a word, Zhang Liao could sense Gao Shun's thoughts.
He was unwilling to give up!
Immediately, Zhang Liao reined in his horse, preparing for another charge.
"Da da da…"
The familiar sound of hooves, the same furious gallop. Using the warhorse's acceleration, Zhang Liao held the reins with one hand and gripped the Crescent Halberd with the other. The reason he held it tight was so he could stop at any moment and not actually harm Gao Shun.
At the same time…
As if hearing the sound of the horse's hooves, Guan Yu, who was passing by, came to investigate. He rode his horse to a high slope and observed the "battlefield."
"What is this?"
Guan Yu stroked his beard. He noticed that Zhang Liao's target was Gao Shun.
To Guan Yu, both Zhang Liao and Gao Shun were old acquaintances!
However…
The current Gao Shun stood his ground, holding a peculiar weapon…
It was rather long and seemed quite heavy!
Indeed…
This time, Gao Shun's grip on the Mo Dao had changed. Last time, the blade faced upwards and the scabbard downwards. This time, the entire weapon was reversed, with the scabbard facing upwards and the blade downwards, scraping against the ground. This was the "dragging blade" posture.
In this era, among all warriors, the one most adept at using this "dragging blade" technique was Guan Yu, Guan Yun Chang, with his Green Dragon Crescent Blade!
Now…
Gao Shun adopting this "dragging blade" posture immediately captured Guan Yu's attention…
Although he maintained his usual stoic expression, Guan Yu couldn't help but be curious. How was this peculiar weapon used? How could it be wielded in the dragging blade posture? How could it withstand a cavalry charge with the advantage of infantry combat?
Or was it simply a foolish act?
Was he showing off his skills in front of Guan Gong?
As Guan Yu pondered this…
"De de de…"
A warhorse whinnied…
"Da da da…" The rapid sound of hooves echoed. Because it was a full charge, the warhorse's speed was extremely fast. From the hooves kicking up dust behind the horse.
Closer…
Even closer, as the warhorse was about to collide with Gao Shun, but this time Gao Shun did not dodge.
It should be known that at such acceleration, a warhorse was capable of knocking over a burly man.
In contrast, Gao Shun was exceptionally calm. He faced the warhorse sideways, his hands holding the hilt of the sword.
The blade still heavily struck the ground, creating a crack in the earth!
At this moment, Cao Mu and the blacksmiths were holding their breath, and Guan Yu's eyes narrowed, feeling a strange concern for Gao Shun.
Even Zhang Liao, riding his horse, felt a moment of apprehension. Gao Shun was pushing his luck this time!
"Boom… Boom!"
Finally, Gao Shun swung his blade. This was entirely different from his previous attempt. This time, using his waist as a pivot, he swung the Mo Dao from behind him forward, from bottom to top.
Gao Shun was indeed a weapon master…
This was the only way to maximize his strength!
And also to maximize the Mo Dao's power!
As this blade was swung, the sharp gust of wind almost stirred up the surrounding dust and sand, filling the air with the force of a roaring mountain tide.
"De…"
In a flash, the warhorse whinnied, but… in just an instant, the sound abruptly ceased and vanished into nothingness.
Looking at the warhorse before them… its neck was already severed!
No, to be precise, it was not severed, but shattered, completely shattered.
It was a single blow, yet… under the destructive power of the Mo Dao, the entire horse's neck was cut into three pieces. A large amount of blood gushed out, scattering everywhere… like a bloody rain.
Zhang Liao, on the horse, witnessed the Mo Dao's dominance and ferocity at the closest range.
Feeling the edge of the blade.
Fortunately, he was prepared and abandoned his horse immediately, leaping onto the grass beside him and rolling to the ground.
Otherwise, perhaps his own head would have been shattered along with the warhorse!
Dominant…
This Mo Dao was too dominant!
"One blow, man and horse both shattered? Is that so?"
At this moment, Zhang Liao propped himself up with his hands, still stunned…
Having commanded the Bing Province Wolf Riders for so many years, Zhang Liao had seen all sorts of battle formations.
For infantry to resist cavalry was already extraordinary, but now, a spirited warhorse charging at full speed could be split into several pieces by this Mo Dao. What kind of overwhelming strength was required for this!
This was outrageous, beyond outrageous.
What's more, if… if they trained a Mo Dao infantry, wouldn't these Mo Dao soldiers become the nemesis of cavalry? With them around, cavalry would not dare to charge!
"Gulp…"
Guan Yu, on the high slope, was equally shocked.
At this moment, his eyes narrowed, and his heart fluttered incessantly…
He looked at the scene before him with utter disbelief.
Infantry, with a peculiar "great saber," had managed to cut a warhorse in half. It was inconceivable, truly inconceivable.
Hoo…
Guan Yu exhaled. To be honest, if he were to use the Green Dragon Crescent Blade in the dragging blade posture, he might also achieve such destructive power.
But…
That was by relying on arm strength and skill, and also by relying on the momentum of the cavalry charge.
However, Gao Shun remained motionless.
This was the most terrifying part!
"No wonder Cao's camp has been invincible for so many years." Guan Yu's brows furrowed… looking at the horse shattered into several pieces… he stroked his beard with deep emotion…
At this moment, he recalled that in the past…
Under the guidance of Lu Yu, the commander of the Dragon Soaring Camp, the Dragon Soaring Camp had forged the "invincible" divine armor and the "divine weapons" that could cut iron like mud. From then on, the Dragon Soaring Camp swept across the land, unmatched…
Today, this terrifying weapon was likely crafted by him!
Now…
The combat power of the Dragon Soaring Camp, and indeed Cao's camp, would increase again.
"Such 'mysterious' weapons, who knows how many knights they will become a nightmare for in the future!" Guan Yu's eyes narrowed even further. "Alas… alas…"
With a sigh of resignation, Guan Yu reined in his horse and departed with a troubled expression.
On the contrary, the protagonist—Gao Shun!
Even he had not expected the Mo Dao to be so powerful. In fact, when using the Mo Dao just now, he felt that there were still some flaws in his movements. But even so… the horse's neck was still shattered into three pieces by this immense power.
Then, if those flaws were avoided, perhaps it would be possible to achieve the feat of severing both man and horse in a single blow!
Terrifyingly so…
This was truly terrifying!
"Hoo…" Gao Shun let out a long sigh, as if relieved. He said softly, "As expected, Young Master Lu did not deceive me. Great strength… can indeed create miracles."
Almost simultaneously…
Cao Mu and the blacksmiths were all stunned, dumbfounded… Especially Cao Mu, she felt as if she had gone completely foolish! Her years of experience and knowledge in the forging workshop shattered like glass!
Good heavens…
This seemingly clumsy Mo Dao, with a single strike… could shatter a warhorse?
What powerful destructive force did this Mo Dao possess?
For a moment, Cao Mu felt that she had spent all day in the forging workshop, and her brain had melted! She had mistakenly taken the Mo Dao, this "divine weapon," for scrap metal!
Indeed, just as… as Lu Yu had said, there are Bole for every thousand-mile horse.
If not for Gao Shun recognizing this "treasure saber," Cao Mu would have likely given up?
So foolish, so naive…
At this moment, Cao Mu could only think of these five words… She couldn't help but pat her forehead. Her brain was truly broken. How could the blueprints drawn by Lu Yu be scrap metal? It was her own lack of foresight!
Indeed…
At this moment, the Mo Dao amazed everyone.
Almost everyone subconsciously felt that the Mo Dao was too overbearing. As Gao Shun said, in the face of absolute power, all flashy tricks were merely paper tigers!
If one could unleash such power with a single swing, why dodge?
If one could attack with brute force, why use agile attacks?
Similarly, in the face of such power, even if there were some drawbacks, they would be insignificant.
To put it bluntly…
It was simply to let the soldiers focus on "great strength," and the "miracles" would all be left to Lu Yu… to this man who could bring infinite wonders.
"—Pass on my words. From today onwards, cease all forging of armor and weapons in the forging workshop. Focus all efforts on forging Mo Dao… Within a month, the forging workshop must produce a thousand Mo Dao, no matter the cost!"
Cao Mu's slightly surprised, hoarse voice rang out…
Even after some time had passed.
Her eyes were still filled with shock…
Shocked by the Mo Dao's might;
Shocked by Gao Shun's insight and vision;
And even more shocked by the man who, with just a few words and forging blueprints, could always bring surprises!
Hoo…
Thinking of that man, Cao Mu let out a soft sigh.
She murmured three words, "What a pity…"
As if harboring some other emotions, Cao Mu added six more words: "In the end, we missed it!"
…
…
At the border between Jizhou and Youzhou, in the northernmost part of Changshan Commandery, there is a mountain range called Feilong Mountain!
This mountain range, in later generations, also had a significant name, "Fenglong Mountain." After the Five Dynasties, Fenglong Mountain Academy flourished, and was hailed by later generations as the "Qingbei" of that era!
Looking up at the mountain peak from a wine shop at the foot of the mountain, one could see strange peaks and bizarre rocks, deep valleys and green shade, clear springs and flying waterfalls… like a fairyland in the clouds.
And now, a hermit was living there.
This person was renowned in Feilong Mountain and was even called the God of Spears of the current era—Tong Yuan!
"Hoo…"
In the wine shop, a young man in a white robe and bamboo hat arrived, seemingly travel-worn, and was constantly yawning.
"Waiter, prepare a superior room, a pot of wine, and three taels of dog meat. The wine should be warm, and the dog meat piping hot."
The young man in the white robe and bamboo hat called out…
And headed towards the second floor of the wine shop. The waiter, seeing his generous display of wealth, repeatedly asked, "Is sir also here to seek apprenticeship? But… the 'Elder Tong' on our mountain does not easily accept disciples. In his lifetime… he has only accepted three male disciples and one female disciple, all of whom are exceptionally talented, rare martial arts prodigies…"
"For sir…" the waiter chuckled intentionally. "Looking at sir's physique, it's not particularly strong, and you're in your late twenties… your potential is limited. I fear you will find it difficult to catch Elder Tong's eye. However… we have a copy of Elder Tong's 'Hundred Birds Facing the Phoenix Spear Technique' here. We won't ask for your ninety-nine eighty, sir only needs to pay sixty-six eight copper coins, and we'll sell it to you. What do you say? Isn't it tempting?"
The waiter asked with a smile…
The Elder Tong he mentioned was Tong Yuan. Elder Tong's spear technique, the "Hundred Birds Facing the Phoenix Spear Technique," was known to everyone at the foot of Feilong Mountain. However, the authenticity of this spear manual was questionable!
With the intention of fooling whoever he could, the waiter had made quite a bit of black-hearted money in this wine shop at the foot of the mountain.
"Shut up…"
Unexpectedly, the waiter's friendly approach was met with a cold shoulder. The young man in the white robe and bamboo hat gave him a cold stare in return.
Uh…
The waiter was a little embarrassed at this point. He had intended to turn and leave, but since he hadn't succeeded in fooling him, he might as well go where it's cooler, right?
Who would have thought…
This young man in the white robe and bamboo hat then asked proactively, "Three males and one female? Four disciples? Didn't Elder Tong only have three male disciples?"
As he spoke, he tossed a bag of coins to the waiter…
The money was cold, but it felt warm in his embrace.
The waiter quickly smiled and said, "He only recently accepted a female disciple in the last two years. Speaking of which, this female disciple is not only beautiful but also possesses a tenacious and persistent spirit. Ever since she came to Feilong Mountain, she has been going down the mountain daily to fetch two pots of small wine and a plate of lamb to offer to Elder Tong on the mountain. This has gone on for half a year… and only then did she move Elder Tong!"
"Moreover… I heard that this female disciple has innate divine strength. Her foundation can no longer be described as 'exceptionally gifted,' but rather as divinely endowed. In just two years… Elder Tong said her martial arts have already reached sixty percent of that of the male disciples!"
This statement was… half fabricated and half hearsay.
As he spoke, the waiter smiled slightly. "Speaking of which, we were quite surprised that Elder Tong would accept a female disciple. After all, Elder Tong's wife, the eldest daughter of the Yan family, is both jealous and extremely protective, and she is not to be trifled with!"
Mentioning this…
The eyes of the young man in the white robe and bamboo hat suddenly narrowed. He took out two more bags of coins from his embrace and tossed them to the waiter…
The waiter immediately began to smile broadly. Today, he had met a patron.
"What else does sir want to know?"
Hearing this…
The young man in the white robe and bamboo hat gave a faint smile. "Does Madam Yan, Elder Tong's wife, also live on Feilong Mountain?"
"Yes, yes, she does!" the waiter said with a smile. "Every first and fifteenth day of the lunar month, Madam Yan always comes down the mountain to our wine shop to make purchases!"
Upon hearing this, the man with the bamboo hat's eyes fixed, as if he had figured something out.
"Thank you…"
With these words, he quickly strode towards the Heavenly Room on the second floor.
"Sir? How long will you be staying?"
"The first and fifteenth!" the young man in the white robe and bamboo hat replied casually, already disappearing from the waiter's sight.
Heh…
Lifting these three large bags of copper coins, the waiter shook his head and murmured.
"What a strange person."
Just then…
"Clang!" The door of the wine shop was pushed open again.
A woman in red, with short, neat hair, entered the establishment. In her hand, she still held a silver spear, which was strapped to her back, adding a touch of heroic spirit.
"So it's Fourth Miss…" the waiter quickly went to greet her.
The so-called Fourth Miss, on Feilong Mountain, referred to… Tong Yuan's fourth disciple, the only female disciple. As for the first three disciples, the waiter would address them as Uncle Zhang, Second Uncle Zhang, and Third Uncle Zhao!
From this, it could be seen that even a mere wine shop showed great respect to Tong Yuan and his disciples.
After all, as the saying goes, people live off the mountain, and for them, they earned substantial money from Tong Yuan!
"Fourth Miss? The usual? One jin of dog meat? Two pots of good wine?"
"Mm…" the woman in red agreed. "The dog meat is the same as before. As for the wine, the ones you brought from Luoyang last time were quite to Master's liking. And that other one…"
Ah… ah…
As the words left her mouth, the waiter was stunned.
"Fourth Miss, it's not that we don't give Elder Tong that wine, but rather… that wine is priceless and cannot be bought!"
"I heard… I heard that wine was brewed by the wine workshop of Luoyang Imperial College, based on a recipe developed by Lu Yu, the Grand Minister of Agriculture of the Han Dynasty. It's very difficult to get a taste of it!"
As these words left his mouth…
"What?"
Upon hearing the name "Lu Yu," the woman in red's expression stiffened, and the hand holding the silver spear suddenly tightened considerably. Her eyes instinctively glanced at the names embroidered on her worn sleeve!
Hou Cheng, Wei Xu, Song Xian… Liu Bei, Cao Cao… and the last one was none other than—Lu Yu!
For others, their names were embroidered with white thread…
But for Lu Yu alone, red thread was used, a chilling red thread like blood!
…
…