NOVEL NEXT Chapter 9: Chapter 9
The village's iron mines stretched into the hills like veins of promise. Though modest in scale, the deposits had the potential to transform Lü Bu's army from a poorly equipped militia into a formidable force. The clang of hammers and the grunts of laborers filled the air as the village came alive under its new masters.
From the elevated terrace of the village leader's house, now his temporary headquarters, Lü Bu surveyed the scene below. Blacksmiths had already begun reforging the crude tools of the villagers into weapons of war. Farmers worked tirelessly, their eyes wary but resigned, as they adapted to the presence of their new overlord.
Zhang Liao approached, his armor clinking faintly as he ascended the steps. "My lord," he said, saluting. "The village is secure, and the mercenaries have pledged their service. Gao Fang has been placed under watch, as you ordered."
Lü Bu nodded. "Good. He's a strong fighter, but trust is a fragile thing. He'll need to prove his loyalty before I consider him one of us."
"Understood," Zhang Liao replied. "And the villagers?"
"They'll work," Lü Bu said, his gaze hard. "Their survival depends on it."
Zhang Liao hesitated, his brow furrowing. "If I may, my lord… the villagers seem fearful. Perhaps too fearful. Morale is a delicate thing. A show of mercy might earn their trust."
Lü Bu's expression didn't waver, but he considered the advice carefully. His strength had always been his defining trait, but fear alone wouldn't build the legacy he sought.
"Chen Gong mentioned a festival in this region," Lü Bu said, recalling a brief discussion with his strategist earlier. "An annual event to honor the local gods and celebrate the harvest. If we allow the villagers to hold it—and provide for them—it could ease their fears."
Zhang Liao raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by the suggestion. "An interesting approach, my lord. It might work, though some may see it as a sign of weakness."
Lü Bu's grip on his halberd tightened. "Let them think what they will. I'll win loyalty my way. Make the arrangements."
"Yes, my lord," Zhang Liao said, bowing deeply before departing.
---
As night fell, Lü Bu retired to the leader's quarters, the room sparsely decorated but functional. Maps of the surrounding territories covered the wooden table, and a small stack of reports awaited his attention. But before he could begin, the familiar hum of the system interrupted his thoughts.
"Host, your progress has triggered a new status update. Displaying updated information."
The translucent screen materialized before him, glowing faintly in the dim light.
---
[Status Window]
Name: Lü Bu (Reincarnated: [Name Pending])
Title: Flying General
Rank: Warlord
Territory Controlled: 1 Stronghold, 3 Villages
Troops: 850 Soldiers
Infantry: 450
Archers: 200
Cavalry: 150
Mercenaries: 50 (Under Observation)
Resources:
Food: Moderate (10 Days' Supply)
Weapons: Basic (Improving with Access to Iron)
Gold: Low (Stable for Short-Term Operations)
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.
Objectives:
Primary: Unify the Land.
Sub-objective (Active): Expand Your Army (25% Progress).
Bonus Objective: Establish Trade Routes.
System Notes:
Your leadership is evolving. Balancing fear and loyalty will define the future of your reign.
---
Lü Bu studied the screen, his eyes narrowing as he processed the changes. The addition of the mercenaries was promising, but he knew their loyalty was tenuous at best. The new passive skill, Iron Resolve, would prove invaluable if resources dwindled during prolonged campaigns.
"System," he said quietly, "this trade route objective—what's the best way to achieve it?"
The system responded with its usual precision. "Recommendation: Establish alliances with neighboring factions or secure key logistical points through conquest. Controlling trade routes will improve your resource flow and expand your influence."
Lü Bu leaned back in his chair, his mind racing. Trade routes meant wealth, and wealth meant power. But alliances required trust, and trust was something he couldn't afford to give lightly.
"Chen Gong will have ideas," he muttered.
---
The next morning, Chen Gong arrived at the village with a small retinue, having stayed behind at the stronghold to oversee operations. As usual, the strategist wasted no time getting to the point.
"My lord," Chen Gong said, spreading a map across the table. "Our scouts have identified an opportunity. A small trading town to the south lies unprotected. Its lord recently suffered a major defeat and has withdrawn his forces to regroup. If we act quickly, we can take the town and secure the trade routes running through it."
"What's the catch?" Lü Bu asked, his tone sharp.
Chen Gong smiled faintly. "The catch is that other factions are likely aware of the town's vulnerability. If we delay, we risk losing the opportunity—or facing competition."
Lü Bu nodded. "And if we succeed?"
"Then we gain control of a critical junction," Chen Gong said. "The trade routes will bring us gold, supplies, and influence. It will also serve as a symbol of your expanding power."
Lü Bu considered the information carefully. The risk was significant, but the reward was too great to ignore.
"Prepare the troops," he said finally. "We march within two days."
---
The journey south was arduous. The terrain was rough, the roads little more than dirt paths winding through dense forests and rocky hills. But the soldiers pressed on, their spirits buoyed by recent victories and the promise of more to come.
By the time they reached their destination, the sun was dipping below the horizon, casting long shadows across the landscape. The trading town was larger than Lü Bu had expected, its wooden walls weathered but sturdy. Lanterns glowed softly in the windows of the tightly packed buildings, and the distant murmur of activity hinted at a populace unaware of the storm about to descend upon them.
"Chen Gong," Lü Bu said, his voice low. "What's the situation inside?"
"Our scouts report minimal defenses," Chen Gong replied. "The local militia is poorly trained and equipped, and their leader is a merchant with little experience in warfare. The town relies on trade, not force, to maintain its position."
"Then this will be quick," Lü Bu said.
He turned to Zhang Liao. "Surround the town. No one enters or leaves without my permission. We'll give them a chance to surrender before we attack."
Zhang Liao nodded. "Understood, my lord."
---
The next morning, Lü Bu and his inner circle approached the gates of the trading town under a banner of truce. The gates creaked open reluctantly, and a small delegation emerged to meet them.
At their head was a portly man dressed in fine robes, his face flushed with nervousness. Behind him stood a handful of militiamen clutching spears, their expressions ranging from fear to defiance.
"I am Mayor Zhao," the portly man said, bowing awkwardly. "To what do we owe the honor of this visit, Lord Lü Bu?"
"Your town and its trade routes are valuable to me," Lü Bu said bluntly. "Surrender peacefully, and I will spare your people. Resist, and your town will burn."
The mayor's face turned pale, and he glanced nervously at the militiamen behind him. "My lord, this town has little to offer a warrior of your stature. Surely you could find more fruitful conquests elsewhere."
"I don't think you understand your position," Lü Bu said coldly. "You have one hour to decide. After that, I will take this town by force."
Without waiting for a response, Lü Bu turned and walked away, his entourage following close behind.
---
The hour passed quickly, and as the sun rose higher in the sky, the gates of the town creaked open once more. This time, a white flag fluttered above them.
Mayor Zhao emerged, his head bowed in defeat. "We surrender, my lord," he said quietly. "The town is yours."
Lü Bu nodded, his expression unreadable. "Wise choice. Gather your people in the square. I'll address them shortly."
As his troops moved into the town, securing key positions and disarming the militia, Lü Bu felt a surge of satisfaction. Another victory, another step toward unifying the land.