NOVEL NEXT Chapter 11: Chapter 11
The morning air carried a crisp chill, mingling with the faint scent of freshly tilled earth and the smoke of the forges. Lü Bu's trading town hummed with activity as villagers worked under the watchful eyes of patrolling soldiers. The recent defeat of Zhao Yong had brought a temporary calm, but Lü Bu knew better than to mistake calm for safety. Complacency bred weakness, and weakness had no place in his plans.
Standing at the heart of the town square, Lü Bu surveyed the bustling scene. Merchants shuffled through the marketplace with guarded eyes, their movements purposeful under the unyielding gaze of his men. Soldiers drilled in disciplined formations, their boots pounding the ground in unison. From this town, a new chapter of his rise would begin.
Kneeling before him was Zhao Yong, the defeated warlord who had sworn fealty after his crushing loss. His head bowed low, hands clasped tightly before him, Zhao Yong presented an air of forced humility.
"You swore your loyalty to me," Lü Bu said, his voice sharp and unwavering. The halberd resting on his shoulder gleamed ominously in the sunlight. "Your men now fight under my banner, and your lands belong to me. Betray me, Zhao Yong, and I'll do what I should have done on the battlefield."
"I understand, my lord," Zhao Yong replied, his voice steady despite the tension in his frame. "I will prove myself worthy of your trust."
Lü Bu's eyes narrowed. "Trust is earned, not given. You will remain here and oversee the integration of your former troops into my forces. If even one of them hesitates to obey my commands, you'll answer for it."
"Yes, my lord," Zhao Yong said, bowing deeply before the guards pulled him to his feet and escorted him away.
As Zhao Yong disappeared into the crowd, Chen Gong approached, his calm demeanor a contrast to Lü Bu's commanding presence. "A wise decision, my lord. Zhao Yong's surrender bolsters our forces and sends a message of calculated strength to those who watch from the shadows. This victory was not just military—it was political."
"I don't trust him," Lü Bu replied bluntly, his gaze still fixed in the direction of Zhao Yong's retreat. "But his men are useful. If he values his life, he'll keep his word."
Chen Gong nodded, withdrawing a map from his satchel and unfurling it across a wooden table nearby. "While Zhao Yong integrates his forces, we must look ahead. His defeat will draw attention from neighboring factions. Some may see an opportunity for alliance, while others may consider you a threat to be eliminated."
Lü Bu's gaze fell on the map, sharp and calculating. "Who is the most likely to move against us?"
Chen Gong tapped his finger against a cluster of villages to the east. "These lands belong to Wu Wei, a cautious yet ambitious lord. He avoids direct confrontation with stronger powers, but your rise might force his hand. His lands are rich in grain and timber—resources critical to sustaining our army."
"Is he well-defended?" Lü Bu asked, his tone measured.
Chen Gong's finger traced the region. "Moderately. His forces are smaller than ours but disciplined. If we strike quickly, we can overwhelm him before he consolidates his defenses."
Lü Bu straightened, his halberd gleaming in the sunlight. "Then we'll strike first. Send word to Zhang Liao—prepare the troops. We march in three days."
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Preparations for War
The days leading up to the campaign were filled with ceaseless activity. Blacksmiths worked tirelessly, hammering raw iron into blades and repairing the worn armor of Lü Bu's growing army. Soldiers drilled relentlessly under Zhang Liao's watchful eye, their movements precise as they prepared for the battles ahead. Villagers packed supplies, fortified the town's defenses, and whispered among themselves about the looming war.
Lü Bu moved among his troops, his commanding presence radiating authority. Soldiers straightened as he passed, their faces filled with a mix of awe and determination. Each man knew the stakes of the campaign and the wrath that awaited any who faltered.
"System," Lü Bu muttered under his breath, ensuring his voice was low enough that only he could hear.
"Yes, Host?" the mechanical voice replied smoothly.
"Show me the updated status window."
A glowing translucent screen materialized before him, its text updating in real time.
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[Status Window]
Name: Lü Bu (Reincarnated: [Name Pending])
Title: Flying General
Rank: Warlord
Territory Controlled: 1 Stronghold, 4 Villages, 1 Trading Town
Troops: 1,200 Soldiers
Infantry: 600
Archers: 300
Cavalry: 250
Resources:
Food: Moderate (15 Days' Supply)
Weapons: Improving (Due to Iron Production)
Gold: Stable (With Increased Trade Revenue)
Vassals:
Zhao Yong (Subjugated): Oversees integration of his former troops into Lü Bu's army. Status: Observed.
Gao Fang (Subjugated): Governs the iron-producing village and ensures production efficiency. Status: Satisfactory.
Generals:
Zhang Liao: Loyal and disciplined. Oversees infantry and battlefield tactics. Trusted lieutenant.
Chen Gong: Strategist. Provides strategic insights, diplomacy, and logistical support.
Skills:
Sky Piercer Slash (Active): A devastating strike with a halberd. Deals 150% damage to all enemies within range.
Command Presence (Passive): Increases morale of nearby troops by 20% during battle.
Iron Resolve (Passive): Reduces resource consumption of troops by 10% when supplies are low.
Strategic Insight (New): Improves decision-making during large-scale battles.
Objectives:
Primary: Unify the Land.
Sub-objective (Active): Seize Wu Wei's Territory.
Bonus Objective: Establish a Regional Capital.
System Notes:
Strategic expansion into Wu Wei's territory will bolster resources. Vassals and generals provide key support; recruit additional leadership to strengthen governance.
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Lü Bu studied the screen, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Wu Wei's forces will crumble, and his lands will belong to me. If he dares to resist, he'll regret it."
Standing nearby, Chen Gong glanced at Lü Bu. "Your confidence is well-placed, my lord. But Wu Wei is cautious. He may attempt to flee or fortify his position if he senses an attack."
"Let him try," Lü Bu replied. "Nothing he does will stop me."
---
Marching to War
The morning of the campaign dawned with a gray mist rolling over the fields outside the trading town. Lü Bu's army assembled in disciplined ranks, their banners rising proudly against the dreary sky. The soldiers' armor gleamed, their weapons sharp and ready for war.
Lü Bu rode at the head of the column, his halberd resting across his saddle. Behind him, Zhang Liao commanded the infantry, their movements precise and coordinated. Chen Gong rode on Lü Bu's other side, his satchel of maps and reports slung over his shoulder.
"Scouts report that Wu Wei's forces are stationed near his largest village," Chen Gong said, his tone calm and measured. "If we strike quickly, we can catch them unprepared."
"And if they're ready for us?" Lü Bu asked, his tone sharp.
"Then we adapt," Chen Gong replied. "Your skills and our preparation give us the edge."
The rhythmic sound of marching filled the air as the army advanced through rolling hills and dense forests. By the time they reached Wu Wei's territory, the sun had begun to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the landscape.
The village lay nestled at the base of a hill, its wooden palisade faintly illuminated by torchlight. From their vantage point, Lü Bu and his officers studied the defenses.
"Moderate fortifications," Zhang Liao observed, his eyes narrowing. "But their numbers appear small."
"Deceptively so," Chen Gong added. "This could be a trap. Wu Wei may be hiding the bulk of his forces nearby, waiting to ambush us."
Lü Bu's smirk widened as he gripped his halberd. "If it's a trap, it won't matter. By the time I'm done, there won't be anyone left to spring it."
The village stood silent, unaware of the storm descending upon it. Lü Bu raised his hand, signaling the march forward. His army descended upon the unsuspecting settlement, their war cries echoing through the valley.