The mountains and fields were covered in a fine, persistent rain, the scenery pleasant.
After the Han Empire descended into chaos, the land became sparsely populated. Flying Dragon Mountain was a place of gurgling streams, overgrown weeds, and wild flowers blooming unattended, exuding an air of tranquility.
Yet, a stark contrast to this pastoral scene unfolded by the wine shop halfway up the mountain – a spectacle of "bloody slaughter."
At this moment...
Qu Yi, Dian Wei, Zhang Yan, Gongsun Zan, and Tian Yu, five men wielding different weapons, were fiercely clashing with Tong Yuan's steel spear.
"Swoosh..."
"Swoosh..."
With two consecutive arrows, Gongsun Zan loosed his crossbow, his shots carrying astonishing force.
Of course, these were not sneak attacks, but open ones, as Tong Yuan himself had instructed them to attack together.
"Hmph!"
Tong Yuan’s figure flickered, dodging the arrows. He swept his long spear, forcing back the crowd before him, then flashed to Gongsun Zan's side. His spear was being restrained by Dian Wei's paired halberds, but Tong Yuan still managed to free a leg and deliver a powerful kick to Gongsun Zan's side.
Gongsun Zan hadn't expected Tong Yuan to be so fast…
He was kicked down… it was largely thanks to Dian Wei's halberds tying up Tong Yuan, otherwise… in that brief opening, he would have likely been impaled by the spear.
Gongsun Zan had taken a hit…
Zhang Yan's assault intensified significantly. His original name was "Zhu Feiyan," meaning light as a swallow… skilled in horsemanship, and even more so in assassination.
He lunged with a short knife in his left hand, while a dagger concealed in his sleeve was already poised, targeting Tong Yuan's neck and chest respectively.
"Heh!"
Tong Yuan merely sneered, a smile curling his lips. He leaped backward, and mid-air, suddenly forced Dian Wei's halberds aside with his spear. As he landed, Zhang Yan's dagger and Qu Yi's short spear struck!
Unexpectedly, Tong Yuan's body did not fully descend. The tip of his spear touched the ground, and he shot forward again.
"Clink..."
Zhang Yan's dagger actually struck Qu Yi's short spear with an incredibly crisp sound. Both men were startled and took a step back. Before they could regain their footing, Tong Yuan's "Hundred Birds Facing the Sun" spear technique painted streaks of silver light, aimed at everyone's throats!
Zhang Yan crossed his dagger and short knife, blocking Tong Yuan's thrusting spear…
With a clang, the dagger and short knife sparked, and from the impact, Zhang Yan staggered back several steps. He looked down… both his dagger and short knife were broken, a segment missing!
Qu Yi knew Tong Yuan's movements were swift and his strength immense. He didn't dare to meet the long spear head-on with his short spear. Using his agility, he dodged the strike, simultaneously throwing his short spear backhand…
In an instant, the short spear was like a meteor, shooting towards Tong Yuan with the fluidity of mercury, its arc exceptionally graceful, though that grace was accompanied by deadly intent.
Tong Yuan dared not be careless…
He muttered to himself, with so many opponents, he had to break through one first. Without hesitation… he charged towards Qu Yi, heading directly into the path of the thrown short spear.
Clang, clang, clang…
As a cut opened on his side, Tong Yuan's assault rained down on Qu Yi like a storm. Qu Yi, weaponless, could only retreat, two small cuts appearing on his shoulders, blood slowly trickling out.
Conversely, although Tong Yuan was also wounded by the short spear, its sharp tip grazing his nose, creating a small cut from which blood dripped onto his chin.
Both were injured, but undoubtedly, in this exchange… Qu Yi had lost significantly!
"Hoo..."
With a fierce cry, Qu Yi grabbed the short spear thrown by his subordinate, enduring the pain in his shoulder, and prepared to fight again…
At the same time, Dian Wei, Zhang Yan, and Tian Yu launched another combined assault on Tong Yuan.
What was terrifying was that Tong Yuan parried every move, neutralized every technique, his "Hundred Birds Facing the Sun" spear technique weaving an impenetrable defense!
Gongsun Zan was kicked down, Qu Yi's shoulder was injured, Zhang Yan's weapons were broken, and Tian Yu fared no better, having taken his share of blows… only Dian Wei could engage Tong Yuan in a fierce battle.
Five men fighting Tong Yuan simultaneously, yet they could not gain any advantage.
What was fortunate was that Tong Yuan constantly had to guard against attacks from all sides, unable to exert his full strength with every move. Moreover, the generals, having fought on battlefields for many years, possessed strong resilience and rich combat experience. Even when hit, they were not severely injured!
"General Ying? This man cannot be spared!"
Yang Xiu, who was watching, murmured… his gaze shifting towards Lu Bu.
In his opinion, perhaps only Lu Bu could defeat this man?
Speaking of which, Yang Xiu was an extreme person. In his eyes, besides friends, there were only enemies. Since Tong Yuan had cornered himself, he could not be allowed to live!
Conversely, Lu Bu…
Remained motionless. He narrowed his eyes, watching, observing, even meticulously studying Tong Yuan's every spear thrust.
He occasionally hummed the names of the opponent's moves.
"First thrust to the forehead, second to the throat, third to the chest! Is this 'Phoenix Nods Three Times'?"
"Overlord's Armor Dismantling Style, Mount Tai Crushing Style, this is 'Universe's Throw'!"
Lu Bu accurately recited the names of the moves from Tong Yuan's "Hundred Birds Facing the Sun" spear technique.
Of course…
For him, he had never practiced the Hundred Birds Facing the Sun spear technique. However, this time… accompanying Dian Wei and Ju Shou to Hukou Pass was another person, specifically sent by Lu Yu.
— Xiahou Mao, the eldest son of Xiahou Dun!
And Xiahou Mao practiced the martial art described in the scroll of "Yang Family Spear" penned by Lu Yu!
The Yang Family Spear integrated Yao Qi's Overlord Spear, Zhang Fei's Heng Hou Spear, Yu Chi Jing De's Crocodile Dragon Spear, and further included Zhao Yun's Seven Probes of the Serpent Spear, Luo Cheng's Plum Blossom Spear, and Guo Ziyi's Fenyang Spear…
It refined the impure and preserved the clear, discarded the false and kept the true, representing the pinnacle of spear techniques.
Among them, Zhao Yun's Seven Probes of the Serpent Spear was a superior refinement of Tong Yuan's "Hundred Birds Facing the Sun" spear technique.
"Young Master Lu said that Tong Yuan's Hundred Birds Facing the Sun spear technique is the 'most flamboyant' spear art in this world!" A voice suddenly chimed in…
Who else could it be but Xiahou Mao.
In recent days, Lu Bu had frequently discussed spear techniques with Xiahou Mao.
And the "Yang Family Spear" had undoubtedly opened a completely new door for Lu Bu, even eliciting his repeated admiration.
Spear techniques… they could be wielded like this?
"It is indeed quite 'flamboyant'!" Lu Bu replied dismissively. "Showy but without substance!"
Xiahou Mao continued, "The diagrams of the 'Yang Family Spear' written by Young Master Lu state that any complex spear technique is composed of the most basic ones. If you break down the Hundred Birds Facing the Sun spear, strip away all the feints, it is essentially just one move: the thrust, from basic spear techniques!"
"The Zhongping Spear, King of Spears, its point is the hardest to defend against! Gathering power to a single point on the spear to inflict fatal damage on the enemy, while the feints in Hundred Birds Facing the Sun are merely diversions, all designed to complement that final point."
Speaking of this…
Xiahou Mao gripped his long spear, a hint of eagerness in his demeanor.
Before coming here, Lu Yu had specifically told him that there was a "master of spear arts" here, and facing him would be an excellent way to hone his own spear skills!
Now… seeing five renowned figures of the era unable to overcome a single "Hundred Birds Facing the Sun," Xiahou Mao could barely contain himself!
"Be careful…"
Lu Bu offered a rare word of caution.
Xiahou Mao was personally sent by Lu Yu, and he quite aligned with Lu Bu's preferences; he didn't want this young man to meet any misfortune!
"General Ying! Rest assured!"
Xiahou Mao's eyes narrowed, and he immediately joined the fray.
And at this point…
As the battle wore on, both Tong Yuan and Zhang Yan, Qu Yi, Dian Wei, and the others were breathing heavily like oxen. On this hot day, their clothes were already drenched in sweat.
Even the strongest fist fears four hands, and even a hero fears a mob!
Tong Yuan was indeed worthy of being called the God of Spears of the era. His spear technique and footwork were both outstanding. Any one of the five before him was no match for him, but… facing this relentless attrition, his stamina was gradually giving out… His age meant he could no longer match the vigor of a twenty-year-old youth!
While Dian Wei and the others could rest when tired, with others covering for them, Tong Yuan had almost no chance to catch his breath.
Even when exhausted, he had to push through, enduring wave after wave of enemy assaults.
Hoo…
Repelling the short knife before him, Tong Yuan let out a long breath.
This couldn't go on.
"Hmph!"
He suddenly let out a loud roar, his spear slashing out, a silver light flashing. Taking advantage of Dian Wei’s momentary respite… he switched from defense to offense, forcing Qu Yi, Zhang Yan, and Tian Yu back half a step, then leaped up, flying directly over Gongsun Zan's head.
Only after reaching the outside of the circle of besiegers did he find a moment to breathe… panting, he took several deep breaths, restoring vitality to his lungs that felt as if they were about to tear!
Alas…
Before he could recover, Gongsun Zan roared and charged again, his silver spear thrusting forward!
Being leaped over by Tong Yuan was an unbearable humiliation for this "proud" White Horse General…
The ear-piercing sound of silver spear cutting through the wind followed in quick succession.
"Heh, not bad spearwork!"
Tong Yuan smiled faintly, his silver spear held horizontally as he engaged Gongsun Zan in a spear-off.
"Clang, clang, clang…"
After only three exchanges, accompanied by a deafening sound, Gongsun Zan felt his arm ache and staggered backward… but he retreated slower than Tong Yuan advanced. With two rapid steps, Tong Yuan's spear was almost piercing his chest!
Gongsun Zan couldn't even steady himself… whether to dodge or parry, it was clearly too late.
Watching the silver spear thrust forward, his pupils contracted, his heart tightening… as if sensing the aura of death.
At that very moment.
"Clang…"
Brilliant sparks erupted once more!
A young figure appeared before Tong Yuan, blocking him in front of Gongsun Zan!
Xiahou Mao…
His spear met Tong Yuan's in mid-air.
Sparks flew…
In that brief collision, Tong Yuan changed his moves three times, but Xiahou Mao could accurately identify Tong Yuan's feints and counter them, yet he was ultimately outmatched in strength by Tong Yuan.
With a heavy chop, Xiahou Mao could no longer withstand Tong Yuan's power… the two silver spears pressed down firmly on Xiahou Mao's forehead. Finally, Xiahou Mao let out a cry of surprise and, like a rolling ball, tumbled far across the ground.
Indeed…
Spear technique was not just theory; recognizing the opponent's moves was one thing, but the difference in strength and experience was too great.
"I…"
At this point, Gongsun Zan wanted to speak but stopped. He and Xiahou Mao, in terms of spear technique, were completely outmatched, not even a match for a single exchange!
Staggering to his feet, for the first time, he felt a sense of powerlessness, a powerlessness against the opponent's formidable martial prowess.
Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!
Again, Phoenix Nods Three Times, three successive thrusts, aimed at Xiahou Mao's throat and lower abdomen. Tong Yuan's spear was swift and fast, its tip reaching him in the blink of an eye.
"Good!"
This time, Xiahou Mao advanced instead of retreating. He leaped forward, thrusting his spear upward, the spear tip piercing the air, emitting a sharp whistling sound. This was the "Seven Probes of the Serpent" style!
The spear, a weapon of destruction!
Spear techniques, emphasize offense and disdain defense!
The Yang Family Spear's integration of "Seven Probes of the Serpent" lay in this move – completely abandoning defense, attacking as defense, risking life for life, seven consecutive spear thrusts, each drawing blood, each aiming for a kill!
Hmph!
Tong Yuan sneered, suddenly retracting his hand, withdrawing his spear, and evading Xiahou Mao's attack!
However, this proved to be a difficult situation for Xiahou Mao. He hadn't expected Tong Yuan to falter. His full-powered, heavy strike was impossible to retract, and he crashed into a stone step with his spear and body!
He broke out in a cold sweat, touched his head; his head was still there! Only then did he relax, let out a roar, and charged at Tong Yuan again!
Hoo…
For the first time, Tong Yuan let out a long breath. At this moment… he actually felt a sense of being unable to exert his strength!
Looking at the six-on-one battle, Yang Xiu was filled with apprehension. He mused to himself, to what realm had Tong Yuan's martial arts truly reached?
Perhaps…
His gaze turned to Lu Bu.
Perhaps Tong Yuan's martial skills surpassed even Lu Bu's?
"Aren't you going to make a move?"
"It's not the time!" Lu Bu's words came out coldly.
Seeing Yang Xiu's look of surprise, Lu Bu added, "If it were the me of ten years ago, I would still yearn to charge alone and face Liu, Guan, and Zhang under Hulao Pass with unparalleled martial skill! But now…"
Lu Bu did not finish his sentence…
But Yang Xiu understood…
So, Lu Bu hadn't made a move because he was waiting! He had changed, no longer as reckless as before, he had become someone who analyzed, who pondered how to defeat the enemy! How to achieve absolute victory!
Huo…
Yang Xiu looked at Lu Bu in disbelief. He… was he trying to wear down Tong Yuan? Lu Bu… how had he changed so much in these years since his master rescued him?
…The crowd attacked in unison, countless weapons hacking at Tong Yuan. The battle had lasted for over an hour, and although Tong Yuan seemed to have the upper hand, he had actually sustained multiple fatal injuries. Anyone else would have already fallen, but he still stood proudly, his silver spear moving slower, yet its power undiminished.
In the air, he conjured countless spear blossoms time and again… time and again forcing back the enemies before him.
"Meet your death!"
Dian Wei swung his halberds, stabbing directly towards Tong Yuan's chest.
Tong Yuan said nothing. He no longer had the strength to speak. Blood was flowing… his head grew heavier and heavier, and his silver spear felt even heavier.
Under the cover of Xiahou Mao, Zhang Yan, and Qu Yi's assaults…
Tong Yuan had no way to dodge Dian Wei's halberd. He tilted his body slightly to the side, avoiding his heart.
"Puchi!"
Dian Wei's halberd plunged deeply into his shoulder.
Tong Yuan did not utter a sound. He raised his hand and pressed down on the flying halberd, preventing Dian Wei from withdrawing it… Then, with his other hand, he thrust his long spear, striking Dian Wei fiercely.
It was hard to imagine…
Pierced by Dian Wei's halberd, he could still wield such a swift and fierce thrusting spear!
Dian Wei shivered in his heart. He had seen those who feared no death, but he had never seen anyone so fearless of death. He could only abandon his halberd and retreat, but even so, he was a fraction too slow…
His chest clothing was cut open by the long spear, revealing a bloody gash… not deep, but it bled a considerable amount.
The cold wind whistled, pouring into his body!
To force "Ancient Fierce General" to this extent was truly shocking to behold!
At this moment…
Gongsun Zan, Qu Yi, and Zhang Yan wanted to press their attack, but they were stopped by Lu Bu.
"Stomp, stomp!"
Lu Bu approached Tong Yuan step by step. At this point, Tong Yuan had no less than twenty wounds, with three or four likely fatal!
In his current state, even without further action, he wouldn't last much longer.
Dian Wei sat on the ground, wrapping his wound with the cloth from his trousers, panting heavily… yet his face was alight with excitement. This was the second time he had enjoyed such a fight since childhood!
The last time… was his one-on-one duel with Lu Bu outside Puyang City!
Stomp!
Stomp!
Heavy footsteps sounded again.
Lu Bu had reached Tong Yuan. His eyes were open, but they had lost their radiance. His body was curled up, his throat choked, his shoulders trembling, as if wanting to grasp something, his lips moving.
Lu Bu squatted beside him, leaning his ear close to his mouth. He heard Tong Yuan saying intermittently, "Master, Senior Brother… Yun'er!"
"Ren, Xiu, Yun… don't leave me! Take me with you…"
"Father, Mother… don't abandon me, take me with you! Don't leave me alone!"
As he spoke, countless tears streamed from Tong Yuan's vacant eyes.
Hoo…
Lu Bu let out a soft sigh.
He shook his head slightly, then raised his Fangtian Huaji from above, the crescent-shaped blade plunging into Tong Yuan's chest!
Everything was over.
Hoo…
Exhaling again, Lu Bu lay on his back, facing the sky. "The one who killed Tong Yuan is me, 'Ying'. This is a personal feud, unrelated to others. If anyone wishes to avenge him, they are welcome to come to Yanmen. 'Ying' will always be ready to receive them!"
Clearly!
Lu Bu's words were not directed at the generals present…
But were a "clarification" to the special generals under Lu Yu.
Every grievance has its cause, every debt has its owner!
…
…