Guan Ping'er returned, and the reunion between father and daughter was naturally filled with emotion.
Learning that Cao Yu had not troubled his daughter, Guan Yu added another layer of admiration for Cao Yu. "Father, are you injured?"
Guan Ping'er noticed a wound on her father's arm, a wound beneath his green robe, wrapped in thick bandages. Her father… was as resolute as ever. He never showed his injured side to his comrades or his enemies.
"It's nothing!"
"Then Cao Yu has asked me to bring Hua Tuo here."
Guan Ping'er's words made Guan Yu look up again. "Hua Tuo?"
As the name Hua Tuo was uttered, Guan Yu suddenly burst into laughter. "Cao Yu doesn't want his father to have any regrets! To be his opponent is not a waste of Guan Yu's life!"
"Father…"
"Ping'er, you must live!"
"Father!"
—"Live!"
…
Guan Yu slept very early that night, cultivating his spirit and energy to their peak state. The next morning, Guan Yu splashed cold water on his face, washing away the dirt. He put on the worn undershirt gifted by his sworn brother Liu Bei, and then donned a brand-new green cloth robe. He discarded his helmet, wearing instead his iconic green cloth cap.
"Bang…"
His long beard was taken from the beard bag, hanging to his waist, as if proclaiming an inextinguishable fighting spirit.
"Heh heh…"
Guan Yu patted the dust off his armor and murmured, "Today, I am no longer Marquis of the Pass. I am Guan Changsheng of Xieliang, Hedong!"
*Heng chi…*
His precious saber hung at his waist, the Green Dragon Crescent Blade in his hand. Guan Yu's eyes blazed with fighting spirit. With the bearing of a dragon and the steps of a tiger, he strode out of the mansion gate.
"Zhou Cang of Shanxi, greetings, Marquis!"
"Liao Hua of Zhonglu County, Xiangyang Prefecture, greetings, Marquis!"
"Zhao Lei of Xuzhou, greetings, Marquis!"
"Zhang Lu of Wuzhou, greetings, Marquis!"
"Liu Yu of Xihe, greetings, Marquis!"
"Xu Weng of Xieliang, Hedong, greetings, Marquis!"
"Zhao Jiang of Xieliang, Hedong, greetings, Marquis!"
—"Guan Ping of Xieliang, Hedong, greetings, Father Commander!"
One, two, three… less than twenty soldiers lined up before the Maicheng yamen. *Pat, pat.*
Guan Ping'er led her horse out, her eyes full of respect. "Guan Ping'er of Xieliang, Hedong, greetings, Father Commander! Today, I will die on the battlefield with Father Commander!"
"You…"
"Why do you not surrender?"
"Why do you wish to die with Guan Mou!"
Guan Yu's eyes reddened, his hand gripping the Green Dragon Crescent Blade trembling.
"General…"
Zhou Cang and Liao Hua stepped forward, their eyes full of determination to die. "The men of the Guan Family Army, on the battlefield, today in Maicheng, there are only Guan Family Army generals who will fall in battle, never generals who will march out of the city to surrender!"
"Fight…"
"Fight!"
"Fight!"
Less than twenty men, but they roared with the might of a hundred, a thousand. As they continued, their aura swept out, as if tens of thousands of soldiers were roaring!
"Father Commander, mount your horse!"
Guan Ping'er's eyes were resolute…
"Swish!"
Guan Yu swung himself onto his horse, his long beard flowing in the wind. Looking at the dozen or so people beside him, he roared, "Guan has fought in battles north and south my entire life, possessing the might to shake the world, but also experiencing the desolation of old age. However… fighting to the death today, even if my soul returns to Maicheng, Guan will surely remember all my brothers in the netherworld!"
"Zhou Cang!"
"Here!"
"Liao Hua!"
"Here!"
"Zhao Lei!"
"Here!"
"Zhang Lu!"
"Here!"
… Guan Yu recited the name of every soldier who remained, etching them into his heart.
Finally, he uttered with great regret.
"My son Guan Ping!"
"Here!"
"My daughter Guan Ping'er!"
"Here!"
Guan Yu paused, then thrust his Green Dragon Crescent Blade forward. "Follow me and charge!"
"Charge!"
The soldiers roared, raising their spears and mounting their warhorses.
The less than twenty soldiers, carrying the last loyalty and resilience of the Guan Family Army, proudly and gallantly marched out of Maicheng.
He, the formidable Guan Yunchang who shook China— was not yet dead.
—He could not fall yet!
The autumn wind howled.
The banners unfurled in the wind, carrying dust and killing intent across the land.
Guan Yu emerged with his saber, shouting, "Guan is here! Why do you not deploy your ranks and come to die!"
"The Guan Family Army is here, you shall die!"
"The Guan Family Army is here, you shall die!"
Less than twenty Guan Family Army soldiers brandished their halberds and roared…
The killing intent beneath the Green Dragon Crescent Blade was fully displayed before countless eyes.
That madness intertwined with a will to die, at this moment, the wind sweeping through Jingxiang made every Wei soldier tremble.
"Well done, Guan Yunchang!"
"He slew Hua Xiong with wine, defeated Gu Liang and slew Wen Chou, passed five passes and slew six generals, and made my son taste defeat for the first time! Guan Yunchang, worthy of the name Guan Yunchang!"
Suddenly, "Tap, tap," the wheels of war chariots scraped and bumped against the earth, driving forward from within the Wei army formations…
On the chariot, an aged figure stood tall and spirited.
He was clad in armor and stood holding his sword on the chariot.
Who else could it be but the former King of Wei, Cao Cao Cao Mengde, who admired Guan Yu the most!
Wearing armor and carrying a sword, this was the greatest respect Cao Cao could offer Guan Yu.
"Heng wei!"
Guan Yu dragged his saber and drew a white line on the broad avenue before them. It was this white line that separated Cao Cao from him.
"Beyond this white line, Cao Gong, you are Guan's dear friend, but on this side, you, Cao Cao, are Guan's mortal enemy!"
Guan Yu looked up, his eyes filled with coldness.
"If you are an enemy, then so be it!"
The chariot stopped. Cao Cao slowly alighted, stepped forward… crossing the white line. Xu Chu wanted to stop him, but how could he stop Cao Cao?
"I know Yun Chang,"
Cao Cao said, "Yun Chang has stood tall and righteous his entire life. Even if he were to kill me, Cao Cao, he would do so honorably and never resort to such despicable means! I, in my life, only trust Yun Chang!"
Cao Cao shook off Xu Chu's arm and walked step by step to Guan Yu's horse.
Indeed, Guan Yu did not swing his saber…
He narrowed his eyes. "Cao Gong, are you here to persuade Guan to surrender?"
"No!" Cao Cao shook his head. "If Duke Guan could surrender, then before the Battle of Guandu, when I held small feasts every three days and grand feasts every five days, offering gold when mounting and silver when dismounting, Duke Guan would have surrendered long ago. Why would he be here now?"
"Then is Cao Gong here to capture Guan?" Guan Yu's eyes held a hint of vigilance.
"Neither!" Cao Cao still shook his head. As he spoke, he took out a brocade robe from his embrace. "That day, I gifted Duke Guan a brocade robe, but he wore it on the outside, while his inner garments remained the ones sewn by your sworn brother Liu Xuande. From that moment, I knew I could not win you over! And it was at that moment I discovered that I truly admired and respected you!
Speaking of this, Cao Cao changed his tone. "How I wish to see Duke Guan gallop across the battlefield wearing the brocade robe I gifted him! The world is vast, and the road is long, but I do not wish to bid farewell to Duke Guan!"
Guan Yu swept his gaze across Cao Cao and the Wei army behind him.
He saw Lu Xun, Zhou Yu, Xu Chu, Zhang Liao, Xu Huang, and many others he had interacted with throughout his life.
His eyes were filled with complexity. "Cao Gong knows my Guan Yunchang well, but he does not know my Guan Changsheng. My birth name is Guan Changsheng, born in Xieliang, Hedong. I committed a crime in my early years and drifted to Shenjun, changing my name to Guan Yunchang.
During the Yellow Turban Rebellion, I swore brotherhood with Liu Xuande and Zhang Yide in Taoyuan, not seeking to be born in the same year, month, and day, but only to die in the same year, month, and day!"
"Yun Chang…"
Cao Cao seemed to have anticipated what Guan Yu was about to say.
Guan Yu's gaze fell on Cao Cao, and he said faintly, "Cao Gong is also someone Guan respects. Your eyes are like torches, able to grant power to Cao Yu, daring to grant power to Cao Yu, trusting Cao Yu, and daring to entrust the fate of the world to Cao Yu's hands, trusting him even more than yourself. This… Guan respects this immensely. It is no wonder that nine-tenths of this world belongs to Wei; this is all due to Cao Gong's magnanimity and vision!"
Cao Cao's expression grew more solemn. "Yun Chang, I still wish to wait for you to witness the prosperous era! Open your eyes and see how prosperous the Great Wei is now, how rich and peaceful the people of Great Wei are… Is this not what we have pursued our entire lives?"
"Cao Gong!" Guan Yu said hazily, "Back then, during the Battle of Guandu, Guan was enfeOFFICIALLY appointed as the Marquis of Hanshou, and at that time, Guan was still Cao Gong's soldier, is that correct?"
"Yes!" Cao Cao nodded heavily.
"Heng wei!" Guan Yu suddenly raised the Green Dragon Crescent Blade and said decisively, "Wei saved the people, saved the world from fire, and brought peace to the common folk. Guan's surrender to Wei is not a betrayal of righteousness!"
"Yes!" Cao Cao quickly replied.
"But, Guan swore brotherhood with Liu Xuande and Zhang Yide, and for my sworn brother, Guan would go through fire and water, and support the Han when it was collapsing. This is loyalty! Today, loyalty and righteousness cannot be both fulfilled, but Guan Changsheng of Xieliang, Hedong, offers his life to demonstrate loyalty and righteousness. I hope Cao Gong will return Guan's body to Xieliang, Hedong, after my death, allowing him to return to his roots and witness the prosperity of Wei and the well-being of its people under the soil! Witness the end of this chaotic era!"
"Guan Yunchang!"
Cao Cao roared, "I can spare you, and I can spare Liu Xuande and Zhang Yide!"
Guan Yu held his saber and horse steady, saying indifferently, "Cao Gong, the success of one general is built on the bones of ten thousand… let alone the unification of the realm? From the struggle of heroes to the unification of the realm, someone must eventually sacrifice. From now on, on my sworn brother's side, there is no longer Guan Yunchang, only the solitary grave of Guan Changsheng in Hedong!"
"Yun Chang…"
"Come on! Attack me together!"
With a "bang," the Green Dragon Crescent Blade struck the stone steps heavily, instantly shattering them.
— I offer my life to demonstrate loyalty and righteousness!
— Guan Changsheng of Xieliang, Hedong!
*Tap… tap.*
Cao Cao retreated step by step.
"Cao Gong…" Lu Xun, Zhou Yu, and others surrounded him…
Cao Cao waved his hand. "Yun Chang has read 'Kan Qiu' and deeply understands that only after death can one demonstrate loyalty and righteousness, because while alive, loyalty and righteousness cannot be fully fulfilled. Go, go!"
When he reached the final two words, "Go," Cao Cao emphasized his tone, but paradoxically, within this soaring tone, there was much sadness and regret.
"Thank you, Cao Gong, for your fulfillment!"
Guan Yu roared…
The sound of "dada" horse hooves echoed.
A path opened within the Wei army soldiers…
A valiant man clad in beast-faced, swallow-tailed armor, wielding a Fang Tian Hua Ji, appeared before Guan Yu. He held a Fang Tian Hua Ji in one hand, and the Green Dragon Crescent Blade in the other. Who else could it be but Lu Bu?
"Guan Yunchang, your saber is not good. Use this…"
As he spoke, Lu Bu threw a Green Dragon Crescent Blade forged from fine steel to Guan Yu…
Guan Yu caught the brand-new Green Dragon Crescent Blade. He looked at Lu Bu. "I did not expect Marquis Wen to be here as well!"
"The outcome was not decided beneath Hulao Pass. If I, Lu Bu, did not come here today, would people think I, Lu Bu, feared you, Guan Yu?" Lu Bu raised his Fang Tian Hua Ji.
"Marquis Wen, please wait," just then, a young man in white robes and silver armor, with a face like powdered jade and lips like cinnabar, rode forward. He held a Tiger Head Zhan Jin Spear, but who else could it be but the beautiful horseman Ma Chao of Xiliang!
"I hear Duke Guan has long wished to spar with me, Ma Chao. On such a fine occasion today, if you and I cannot settle a score, wouldn't that be a pity?"
Ma Chao narrowed his eyes… eager to fight.
"It's not just me, Ma Chao of Xiliang, who wants to settle a score."
This time, it was Tai Shi Ci who spoke.
He held a war halberd, and beside him, Gan Ning and Lu Meng also rode forward.
"Yun Chang…"
Just then, Xu Huang raised his Guan Shi Axe, and Zhang Liao held his Moon-Crescent Halberd… and also rode forward. "How can this final battle be without brothers?"
Besides the Guan Shi Axe, Xu Huang also tossed a pot of wine to Guan Yu.
Lu Bu, Ma Chao, Gan Ning, Tai Shi Ci, Lu Meng, Xu Huang, Zhang Liao… seven men had already unsheathed their weapons.
"Hahahaha…"
Guan Yu uncorked the wine bottle, drank half of it, and then burst into laughter. "Guan's fame began at Hulao Pass with the three heroes fighting Lu Bu. Hahahaha, who would have thought that at the end, beneath Maicheng, another legend of Guan Yu would be forged!"
—Seven Heroes Fight Guan Gong!
How domineering!
Cao Cao's eyes were fixed.
"I, Lu Bu, never hold back!" Lu Bu said softly…
"Enough talk is useless!" Guan Yu flicked his handsome beard. "Attack together!"
*Clang clang clang!*
Seven Heroes Fight Guan Gong!
This was a difficult battle, but Guan Yu remained fearless.
His generous and brave spirit shook the nine heavens, completely drowning out the sound of the wind within Maicheng…
The soaring killing aura spread out, causing the seven men surrounding Guan Yu to breathe rapidly…
It was as if they were not facing Guan Yu, but a Martial Saint, a God of War!
Everyone went all out, fighting with their full strength. Guan Yu's armor was shattered, and the wounds he carried were countless. He could barely withstand the edge of the spear!
"Boom!"
The Fang Tian Hua Ji struck down…
Lu Bu, with the force of collapsing heavens and earth, forcefully suppressed the Green Dragon Crescent Blade that was about to be swung up.
"Clang clang clang!"
Guan Yu's handsome beard fluttered. He reached out and touched the body of the Green Dragon Crescent Blade, blocking horizontally… deflecting Lu Bu's attack and slashing towards Tai Shi Ci's warhorse.
This Green Dragon Crescent Blade was specially forged for Guan Yu by Cao Yu!
The Martial Saint was destined to wither, but Cao Yu did not want him to have any regrets, nor did he want him to fail due to the disadvantage of his weapon!
The Green Dragon Crescent Blade, whistling through the wind, cleanly snapped the shaft of Tai Shi Ci's halberd, forcing him to withdraw from the battlefield to avoid affecting others.
"Swish, swish…"
Continuous piercing strikes rained down…
Ma Chao's Tiger Head Zhan Jin Spear showed no mercy…
*Swish…*
Struggling to wield the Green Dragon Crescent Blade to parry the attacks of Lu Meng and Gan Ning, Ma Chao's Tiger Head Zhan Jin Spear finally pierced Guan Yu's exposed chest.
"Ahhh…"
Guan Yu gritted his teeth in pain and swung his saber. The blood flowing from his chest seemed to ignite his strength. His formidable saber, like the Yellow River breaking its banks, actually managed to sever the Tiger Head Zhan Jin Spear!
But the spearhead remained in Guan Yu's chest…
"Hu…"
Looking at the bare spear shaft in his hand, Ma Chao's eyes widened. He did not hesitate… and immediately withdrew from the melee.
Fighting seven opponents alone…
He actually forced Tai Shi Ci and Ma Chao to retreat!
But at this moment, Guan Yu was also at the end of his strength.
*Boom…*
Xu Huang's Guan Shi Axe and Zhang Liao's Moon-Crescent Halberd landed almost simultaneously, pinning down the Green Dragon Crescent Blade in Guan Yu's hands.
Lu Meng's saber swung down, the blade sinking into Guan Yu's shoulder armor. The sharp blade… slid from his collarbone to his chest, a two-inch-long wound gushing blood everywhere, brilliantly illuminated by the sky!
"Guan Changsheng…"
Even Lu Meng, who rarely admitted defeat, couldn't help but sigh, "Today, you… are invincible!"
As he spoke, Lu Meng drew his saber and voluntarily withdrew from the battlefield.
Xu Huang and Zhang Liao also put away their weapons, cupped their fists, and said, "Today, Guan Yunchang is invincible in Maicheng!"
"Heh," Guan Yu was still smiling. He forced himself to stand up. "Come on, continue! Guan is here, you shall die!"
The Green Dragon Crescent Blade was swung again, but this time, due to his exhaustion, the blade was easily blocked by Lu Bu's Fang Tian Hua Ji.
Lu Bu made a horizontal sweep… with a "clang clang clang" sound, the Green Dragon Crescent Blade plunged into the ground! "A pity!"
Lu Bu withdrew his Fang Tian Hua Ji and said in a deep voice, "Guan Yunchang, if it were a one-on-one fight, I might not be able to defeat you!"
This was the highest praise Lu Bu could offer.
"I offer my life to demonstrate loyalty and righteousness, Guan Changsheng of Xieliang, Hedong!"
Guan Yu sat on his horse. He spoke unconsciously, his vision blurring. He used his last ounce of strength. He seemed to see Cao Cao… he murmured, "Cao Gong, please do not break your word and send me back to my hometown in Xieliang, Hedong… A pity I cannot witness the prosperity of this era with Cao Gong!" At some point, Cao Cao had ridden his horse to Guan Yu's front. "Duke Guan, travel well… travel slowly!"
As he spoke, Cao Cao's eyes were already moist. He cried like a child who had been greatly wronged, tears streaming down his face.
"Xu Gongming…" Guan Yu's voice was as faint as a thread.
"Yun Chang!"
"Guan cannot forget that jujube forest in Xieliang County, that jujube… forest with Gongming's pfft…" A mouthful of blood spurted out, and Guan Yu fell from his horse.
"Yun Chang!" This time, Xu Huang could no longer hold back. He dismounted and caught Guan Yu, and at the same time, Lu Bu, Cao Cao, and Zhang Liao also caught him.
"Wen Yuan," Guan Yu's voice was hoarse to the extreme. "Guan is most… most envious of you…" This…
Zhang Liao burst into tears. If… if it weren't for the brotherhood of Taoyuan coming first, he, Zhang Liao, would most envy Yun Chang, right!
"Big Brother… Big Brother…"
Suddenly, Guan Yu seemed to have a final surge of life. He seemed to see his sworn brother Liu Bei.
"There is a… large mulberry tree in front of Big Brother's house."
"The canopy is like the imperial carriage's canopy, vast and magnificent…"
"Big Brother, as a child, stood beneath this mulberry tree and told a group of children… that he would one day ride in this feather-canopied carriage. In times of chaos… second brother… second brother has finally helped Big Brother ascend to this feather-canopied carriage!" "Big Brother… Big Brother…"
Murmuring the last word with his eyes closed, gradually… gradually, Guan Yu ceased to breathe. Duke Guan had completely died!
— Beneath Maicheng, Seven Heroes Fight Guan Gong!
— I offer my life to demonstrate loyalty and righteousness!
— Guan Changsheng of Xieliang, Hedong!