Chapter 17

After listening to the explanation from the chief, Gongsun Zan immediately understood. Without a word, he assigned half of his troops to Liu Bei, indicating his willingness to let Liu Bei take charge of the scene while he had matters to attend to in the rear and had to return. The matter of opposing Dong Zhuo was fully entrusted to Liu Bei.

After assigning the troops to Liu Bei, Gongsun Zan bid farewell to Yuan Shao and led his 5,000 White Horse Volunteers back to Youzhou. He planned to make the Hu people understand that raiding would result in death!

Upon learning this news, Dong Zhuo, following Li Ru's advice, appointed Gongsun Zan as the General of the North to check Liu Yu, though he did not recall Liu Yu to Luoyang. He likely intended to use Liu Yu's prestige to counter Gongsun Zan, and since both military and political power could be manipulated, especially when military power suppressed political power, covert activities were more destructive than overt ones.

Liu Bei, now in command of 8,000 infantry and cavalry, felt much more confident. It must be said that the soldiers of Youzhou, who had seen blood and fought the Hu people in the north, were far superior to the conscripts from the Central Plains.

Before leaving, Gongsun Zan, pressed for time, left all the infantry behind and only left 1,000 of the elite White Horse Volunteers to support Liu Bei, as the suppression of the Hu people in the north relied more on cavalry. The more cavalry he could bring, the more pressure he could put on the Hu people.

"General Gongsun has left. He truly acts swiftly." Chen Xi sighed. He had not even woken up when the other party left, and no one had come to wake him. He should have seen the generous benefactor off, as such magnanimous benefactors were rare in later times.

Gongsun Zan left, entrusting his authority to Liu Bei. As a result, Liu Bei, who already had some influence, suddenly found his influence greatly increased, and most importantly, his power had grown.

In the following days, under Yuan Shao's command, the allied forces continuously attacked Hulao Pass. Unfortunately, no matter how hard Yan Liang and Wen Chou tried, they could not capture Hulao Pass. Even when Lord Second and Zhang Fei joined forces, it had no effect. Xu Rong calmly held back the 500,000 allied troops, making everyone realize that personal martial prowess sometimes could not decide a battle, even if one could single-handedly kill thousands...

"Zichuan, how long do you think it will take us to capture Hulao Pass?" Liu Bei stood at a distance, gazing at Hulao Pass.

"Xu Rong won't leave, so Hulao Pass won't be taken. Dong Zhuo's most promising general is the one opposite us, and he seems to have some special skills." Chen Xi said with a hint of helplessness. Xu Rong was indeed strong, having defeated Cao Cao in a one-on-one battle in history. It was truly difficult to capture Xu Rong, who held the geographical advantage, with just the enthusiasm of the allied forces.

"Alas, what a pity for such a fine general." Liu Bei's love for talent was rekindled, and Chen Xi could only roll his eyes.

"But don't worry, this fellow will soon be transferred to the rear. Our offensive will eventually force Dong Zhuo to come to Hulao Pass. This time, Lord Xuande will see the greatest warrior in the land." Chen Xi glanced at Xu Rong standing below the city gate. He could sense that Xu Rong's troops were far better coordinated than the allied forces. Even a master like Lord Second could be surrounded by a dozen elite soldiers and targeted by dozens of arrows, even suffering some injuries.

"Alas, as generals become stronger, so do their soldiers. The importance of battle formations and ranks is constantly magnified. Once a formation is broken, a top general like Lord Second might be able to crush a force of over ten thousand, but if the enemy's formation and command are excellent, even Lord Second could be defeated by a few hundred soldiers!"

Chen Xi, while gazing at Hulao Pass, organized the information he had recently obtained. In this world, the power of formations and ranks, as well as the influence of generals, was greatly magnified. A skilled general leading a hundred men could crush an army of ten thousand.

"Alas, the greatest warrior in the land, such a grand title. If anyone dared to claim it, they would face endless trouble. I am very interested to see how Dong Zhuo's greatest warrior will win the hearts of the people." Liu Bei shook his head, intrigued by the "greatest warrior in the land" that Chen Xi often mentioned, but not convinced. It wasn't that Liu Bei lacked experience; Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were so strong that they inspired fear, but even they did not have the confidence to claim the title of the greatest warrior.

"Let's wait and see. Soon, Lord Xuande will know. By the way, is General Hua Xiong's wound healed?" Chen Xi changed the topic, no longer wanting to spend time on the title of the greatest warrior. Lu Bu's strength was undeniable, and even Guan Yu and Zhang Fei together could not defeat him.

"General Hua was beaten by my second brother again and is probably still lying in the rear camp." Liu Bei shook his head, picking up where Chen Xi left off, but did not continue the topic of the greatest warrior, showing great patience with Chen Xi.

"Beaten again..." Chen Xi said helplessly.

Hua Xiong had woken up and did not feel any resentment about losing to Guan Yu. The divine-like strike left a deep impression on him. However, despite his defeat, Hua Xiong had no intention of surrendering. He believed that Dong Zhuo had shown him kindness, and he was willing to die for him. As for Dong Zhuo's wrongdoings, that was Dong Zhuo's business. Loyalty or disloyalty was his own affair, and he was willing to accept any punishment.

This response almost beat the self-offered Guan Yu to death. Guan Yu, who was not good with words, was so angry that his face turned red.

Since words could not persuade Hua Xiong, Guan Yu decided to use his most skilled method to persuade him: might makes right. Guan Yu decided to use his fists to persuade Hua Xiong...

To persuade him, Guan Yu, who valued fairness, naturally freed Hua Xiong from his restraints. After a fierce fight, Hua Xiong was beaten down, but he also realized that the man who had defeated him with three strikes was not much stronger than him.

In Hua Xiong's perception, the force he faced on the battlefield was completely irresistible, but now, although the force was strong, it was clearly not invincible.

Thus, Hua Xiong attributed his previous defeat to his own carelessness and Guan Yu's ambush, and he was even more不服 (unconvinced). He was repeatedly beaten by Guan Yu's fists to be persuaded.

However, it was clear that no matter how many times Guan Yu beat Hua Xiong, Hua Xiong was determined to stand his ground.

By now, Guan Yu had fully recognized this rough man from Guanzhong. Out of respect for his loyalty, Guan Yu had already recognized him. Such blind loyalty, especially when misplaced, easily won the favor of loyal and righteous men like Guan Yu. Therefore, although Hua Xiong had not surrendered, he was treated with good food and drink, and every day he was subjected to further persuasion through physical means.

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