Three Kingdoms, Myth

...

Chen Xi sighed and began to introduce the fierce talents of Yingchuan to Liu Bei. "Some people may not be famous, but any one of them, given the power by their lord, could support a faction on their own."

Chen Xi's greatest advantage was knowing the future trajectory of everyone, understanding the capabilities of all the famous figures. After all, these people had been tested by history, proving their worth either on the battlefield or through their administrative skills.

Because of this, Chen Xi was very clear about the early-stage advisors of Cao Cao like Xi Zhicai and the later five strategists, who would be difficult to poach.

As Chen Xi introduced these talents, Liu Bei's eyes lit up. Whether it was Chen Xi's assessment of Xun Yu's political strategies, his affirmation of Xun You's tactics, his analysis of Guo Jia's imaginative thinking, or his mention of Cheng Yu's ruthlessness, they all greatly enlightened Liu Bei. If these people's abilities were indeed as Chen Xi described, any one of them, given the right platform, could shake the heavens and earth.

"Zi Chuan, you seem very knowledgeable about these individuals," Liu Bei remarked with a smile. He indeed hoped to attract these people, but after hearing Chen Xi's words, he realized that only Xun Yu and his nephew might have some chance, and even that hope was predicated on Liu Bei being a Han royal descendant and having a territory to offer.

"Yes, essentially. I have an impression of most capable people in the land. To be honest, Dong Zhuo has a significant potential to defeat the warlords across the land. Unfortunately, his ambitions are too grand, and he lost his way, no longer the brave warrior from Xiliang, but rather intoxicated by the lifestyle in Luoyang." Chen Xi's expression shifted from pride to a sigh of regret.

"Dong Zhuo has such potential?" Liu Bei raised an eyebrow, somewhat skeptical.

"Indeed, he possesses that potential. He has the best cavalry in the world, the greatest warrior, two advisors who rank in the top ten in the land, with one possibly in the top three! Moreover, he has the natural defenses of Hangu Pass and the strategic advantages of Western Qin. If he had not been seduced by the prosperity of the Central Plains, and had instead proceeded slowly, it is not impossible for him to have swallowed up the entire realm like the Qin Dynasty. Even now, despite his indulgences, as long as he awakens, he still retains the potential to seize the world." Chen Xi lamented.

It was difficult for Chen Xi to evaluate Li Ru. Judging by Dong Zhuo's current power and the plans before entering Luoyang, Li Ru's ability was among the top ten from the Yellow Turban Rebellion until the fall of Shu. But after entering Luoyang, Li Ru's wisdom seemed to decline drastically.

One must know that Li Ru was the one who supported Dong Zhuo from being a warrior in Xiliang to becoming the most powerful warlord in the late Eastern Han Dynasty. Even during the campaign of the Eighteen Warlords against Dong Zhuo, Dong Zhuo had the capability to annihilate all the warlords. In this regard, Li Ru's intelligence was among the highest of the late Eastern Han Dynasty.

The most crucial point was that Chen Xi was aware that this guy in history had seen through the chain plan, directly informing Dong Zhuo, who ignored him. Li Ru then predicted Dong Zhuo's inevitable demise. After Lü Bu killed Dong Zhuo and sought Li Ru, he had already fled Luoyang, later joining Li Jue. When Cao Cao attacked Li Jue, Li Ru mysteriously disappeared.

As for the other, it was Jia Xu, another advisor under Dong Zhuo. He was not just an unknown aide as depicted in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Li Jue and Guo Si, both generals commanding tens of thousands of Xiliang soldiers, immediately followed Jia Xu's orders upon hearing his plans. Without already knowing Jia Xu's capabilities, would they be so compliant?

Liu Bei frowned deeply. "The world's finest cavalry, the greatest warrior, two top ten advisors, one possibly in the top three, the natural defense of Hangu Pass, and the strategic advantages of Western Qin."

With each phrase, Liu Bei's frown deepened. "Leaving aside the world's finest cavalry, who dares claim the title of the greatest warrior, and who evaluates these top ten advisors?"

"The title of the greatest warrior will soon be proven. As for the top ten advisors, consider where Dong Zhuo rose from, how long it took, and the scale of his current power," Chen Xi replied with a wry smile. It was not easy to answer these questions and would have to rely on facts.

Liu Bei pondered for a moment and then nodded. "Indeed, from a Xiliang warrior to the current premier warlord pressing down on the realm, this is no less than the accomplishments of the Marquis of Liu. Unfortunately, he serves a traitor!"

Chen Xi rolled his eyes silently, not responding. He did not agree with this point. If Li Ru managed to topple them, who would be called a traitor would be up to them to decide.

"As for the other advisor I mentioned, his strength lies in his extraordinary strategies, never missing his target. This one would be easy to recruit. As long as Dong Zhuo dies and someone can provide him with a sense of security, he can be recruited." Chen Xi thought for a moment before mentioning Jia Xu. This one was relatively easier to attract, but sufficient strength was necessary. Without it, Jia Xu would neither see value nor feel secure and would not follow you.

"Never missing his target!" Liu Bei looked at Chen Xi in surprise. This was the highest evaluation for a strategist. With such an appraisal, any doubts about Chen Xi's previous assessment were dismissed.

"Yes, never missing his target, be it minor strategies or grand schemes, what he plans always succeeds," Chen Xi sighed. "I could say that among the strategists currently in play, none can match him. Well, perhaps recently Han Fu of Jizhou has recruited Ju Gongyu who might compare."

Chen Xi originally wanted to say that at this time, no one could match Jia Xu, but then remembered that after Pan Feng's death, Han Fu had summoned Ju Shou from Yecheng. This indicated that Han Fu still had a solid foundation, which explained why Yuan Shao was eager to seize Jizhou. Thinking of Zhang He also being under Han Fu, Chen Xi felt somewhat envious—truly a solid foundation.

Liu Bei glanced subconsciously towards Han Fu's camp. He had good interactions with Ju Shou but did not realize Ju Shou was so capable.

"And what about you, Zi Chuan? What about yourself?" Liu Bei asked out of curiosity after hearing about so many others but not Chen Xi himself.

"If it's about strategy, I'm entirely theoretical. If it's about political administration, I'm all about innovative ideas. As for actual hands-on skills, there's not much," Chen Xi replied with a helpless expression after thinking about it.

"Hahaha, Zi Chuan, why be so modest? Remember, since you joined my camp, everything you planned succeeded. Why be so shy?" Liu Bei laughed heartily. To him, Chen Xi's current situation was just the shyness of youth caused by lack of confidence. As long as he proved himself strong enough, he would naturally gain confidence.

In this regard, Liu Bei was even more confident than Chen Xi. In his view, Chen Xi was truly infallible, whatever he planned succeeded!