Chapter 83 of 100

Chapter 83

14 min read3,497 words

On the other side, Liu Yao was leading the 3,000 soldiers of the Xian Army towards the governor's residence. However, on the way, he received several messages from his scouts. Huangfu Song and Zhu Jun, with the assistance of Cao Cao and Sun Jian inside the city, easily breached the walls of Guangzong. Although they suffered significant losses, it was enough to enter the city.

As for the two commanders guarding the north and west gates, they were assassinated by the secret agents under Liu Yao's command. Only the south gate, which was under the responsibility of Dong Zhuo, Yuan Shu, and Yuan Shao, still had a commander. As soon as Huangfu Song and Zhu Jun entered the city, the leaderless Yellow Turbans quickly surrendered. Huangfu Song and Zhu Jun then left Cao Cao and Sun Jian to pacify the Yellow Turban captives while they continued to advance towards the final south gate.

Another message was that half an hour earlier, Zhang Bao and Zhang Liang had led the remaining 40,000 Yellow Turbans to flee towards the south gate.

Hearing this, Liu Yao couldn't help but sneer, thinking, "Hmph, Fengxiao, just as you said, Zhang Bao is heading to the south gate. Now it's up to you."

Liu Yao ignored Zhang Bao's escape and continued towards the governor's residence. He thought that Zhang Bao's flight to the south gate might give Yuan Shu and Yuan Shao a lesson. If they died in the chaos, it would be even better. Of course, this was just Liu Yao's wishful thinking. Yuan Shu and Yuan Shao were the heirs of the Yuan family, and Yuan Feng would never let them go to battle without protection.

The governor's residence was already empty, with no one left. Liu Yao immediately sent people to search everywhere. He believed that Zhang Jue would not leave, as Zhang Bao and the others were fleeing for their lives, and Zhang Jue's body could not withstand such a journey. Liu Yao's goal was to obtain Zhang Jue's ten lottery draws, which were a significant amount for him and could not be wasted.

Soon, a message came. "My lord, we found Zhang Jue in one of the side rooms. He is on the verge of death, lying in bed and unable to move. However..." Shi A said hesitantly.

"However, what? Speak your mind," Liu Yao said casually.

"Zhang Jue wants to see you alone," Shi A said.

Hearing this, Liu Yao frowned, puzzled by Zhang Jue's request. But considering Zhang Jue was near death and could not harm him, he decided to meet him. "Shi A, lead the way."

"Understood," Shi A replied, leading the way. If he hadn't already checked that Zhang Jue was on his last breath, he would never have allowed Liu Yao to meet him alone.

Liu Yao followed Shi A through a series of twists and turns until they reached a side room. Shi A waited outside while Liu Yao pushed the door open and entered.

As soon as he stepped inside, a strong smell of traditional Chinese medicine greeted him. It was likely what Zhang Jue had been drinking. Looking at the skeletal figure on the bed, Liu Yao thought, "He really is on his last breath."

Hearing someone enter, Zhang Jue slowly opened his eyes and said weakly, "You have finally come, General of the Northern Army, Governor of Youzhou, and First Prince Liu Yao."

"Yes, I am here. What do you want to see me for, Leader of the Yellow Turban Sect, Great Virtuous Teacher, and General of the Heaven, Zhang Jue?" Liu Yao echoed Zhang Jue's words.

"Ah, seeing you so calm and not chasing after my two brothers, I assume you have already set a trap for them," Zhang Jue sighed, helpless.

"Indeed, I have people waiting for them. They will join you soon," Liu Yao admitted. Zhang Jue was about to die, so there was no need to lie to a dying man.

"Get to the point. I don't have much time to waste," Liu Yao said impatiently. He was afraid Zhang Jue might die suddenly, and the ten lottery draws would be lost.

"The old Taoist only has one question for Your Highness," Zhang Jue said.

"What is it?"

Suddenly, Zhang Jue's previously dull eyes sparkled with a sharp light, staring intently at Liu Yao. "Dare I ask if you are not from this world?"

Liu Yao trembled, his face filled with surprise and fear. His soul belonged to a thousand years in the future, so it made sense to say he was not from this world. But he never expected Zhang Jue to know this, and he was momentarily panic-stricken.

Although Liu Yao did not answer, Zhang Jue knew from his expression that he was right.

"Ha ha ha ha, indeed, Teacher, indeed. The question that has troubled me for so long finally has an answer," Zhang Jue laughed maniacally.

Liu Yao barely suppressed his shock and looked at Zhang Jue in confusion.

Zhang Jue naturally understood Liu Yao's thoughts and slowly said, "Back when I entered the mountains to gather herbs, I met my teacher, the Immortal Nan Hua. He was a hermit who did not care about worldly affairs. He only gave me a scroll of the Heavenly Peace Scripture, accepted me as a nominal disciple, and sent me down the mountain. But before I left, he read my fortune."

"He said that my original destiny was to disrupt the Han Dynasty and cause its downfall. However, 14 years ago, it changed. I was still the one who would disrupt the Han, but the Han would not fall. The reason was the descent of a demonic star. Now, I realize that the demonic star is you, Your Highness."

Liu Yao was shocked, never expecting such a mystical event to exist. But considering the existence of the I Ching, he was more accepting. Perhaps there were indeed some extraordinary people in the world, like Yuan Tian Gang of the Tang Dynasty and Liu Bowen of the Ming Dynasty, who were skilled in divination. However, the idea of immortals was still hard for him to believe.

Liu Yao then looked at Zhang Jue, who seemed relieved, and said coldly, "Do you have anything else to say?"

Zhang Jue closed his eyes. "The old Taoist's wish is fulfilled. Your Highness, please proceed." Then he added, "If possible, please treat the Yellow Turban soldiers kindly. They are all from poor backgrounds and were forced into this."

Liu Yao nodded. "I promise." He had originally planned to incorporate these people.

Liu Yao then drew his standard-issue sword and beheaded Zhang Jue in one stroke. Blood splattered everywhere.

"Congratulations, host, for completing the task of killing Zhang Jue. You have received ten lottery draws. You now have ten draws in total." A voice echoed in Liu Yao's mind.

Liu Yao was overjoyed. He had thought the ten lottery draws from Zhang Jue were out of reach, but unexpectedly, he now had ten more chances.

Liu Yao glanced at Zhang Jue's corpse and shook his head helplessly. Zhang Jue was a significant figure, but Liu Yao could not give him a proper burial; his head still needed to be sent to Luoyang.

"Shi A," Liu Yao called out to Shi A, who was waiting outside.

"Shi A is here."

"Preserve Zhang Jue's head well. When Fengxiao brings back the heads of Zhang Bao and Zhang Liang, send them all to Luoyang and request rewards for your efforts." Liu Yao said casually.

"Understood." Shi A then placed Zhang Jue's head in a wooden box he had prepared.

After resolving the matter with Zhang Jue, Liu Yao and Shi A left the governor's residence. There were still many Yellow Turban captives outside waiting for him to deal with.

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