Three Kingdoms: Fusion of Entries, Change of Destiny

Chapter 202 A true man born in chaotic times should wield a three-foot sword and achieve unparalleled feats.
Hearing Zhang Fei's words, Mi Zhu couldn't help but smile bitterly and said, "If we ask Cao Cao to send troops, we still have a sliver of hope to take back Xuzhou; if we don't, I'm afraid we won't have even the slightest hope."

Sun Qian nodded slightly, pondered for a moment, and then slowly expressed his opinion: "Our lord is the governor of Xuzhou appointed by the imperial court. Even if Cao Cao wants to annex Xuzhou, he would not dare to harm our lord easily because of the imperial court's authority."

If we plan carefully, we may still have a chance to take back Xuzhou.

During this period, my lord only needs to bide his time, secretly accumulate strength, and wait for the situation in the world to change before we seize the opportunity and achieve great things!

"The world is in turmoil..." Liu Bei murmured, as if hope had been rekindled.

He bowed to Sun Qian and asked earnestly, "Please, Gongyou, do not hesitate to enlighten me and point me in the right direction!"

"I dare not accept such praise!" Sun Qian returned the greeting humbly, and after a moment's consideration, he continued, "Recently, I heard from merchants that General Gongsun of the North has been besieged by Yuan Shao in Yijing Tower, and his defeat is inevitable. His demise is only a matter of time."

Upon hearing this, everyone couldn't help but sigh softly.

Back then, Gongsun Zan was very generous to Liu Bei, giving him men and territory whenever he asked.

However, Liu Bei also stepped forward to help Gongsun Zan in times of crisis on several occasions, which can be considered as repaying this kindness.

However, Gongsun Zan later became stubborn and refused to listen to Liu Bei's advice, which led to his current predicament. It is truly regrettable, but it is also his own fault.

Liu Bei sighed inwardly.

Gongsun Zan squandered a winning hand, and he felt extremely regretful and heartbroken for his old classmate.

But Liu Bei himself is now in dire straits, and indeed has no way to help Gongsun Zan.

Seeing that everyone's attention was focused on him again, Sun Qian continued, "Once Gongsun Zan is defeated, Yuan Shao will be able to unify the north. At that time, Cao Cao of Yanzhou will become an obstacle to Yuan Shao's conquest of the world!"

Liu Bei suddenly realized, a glint of light flashing in his eyes. He asked, "In that case, Cao Cao will be too busy to care about us, and that will be our chance to retake Xuzhou?"

"Your lord is wise!" Sun Qian said with a smile and cupped his hands in flattery.

The predicament that had plagued everyone for so long finally had a solution, and the future direction was gradually becoming clearer.

Not only did Liu Bei breathe a sigh of relief, but the other civil and military officials present also finally relaxed.

……

Taishi Ci, courtesy name Ziyi, was a county official in Donglai Commandery.

Because he had destroyed a memorial sent from the prefecture to the state, he was resented by the state official and had no choice but to flee to Liaodong for refuge.

After hiding in Liaodong for two years, Taishi Ci finally returned home.

From his mother's hand, he saw the letter that Cao Yan had left behind.

Taishi Ci originally thought he was just an unknown fugitive, but he never expected that someone thousands of miles away would know of his existence.

What prompted Taishi Ci to decide to go to Chenliu was mainly two sentences in the letter.

One of the agricultural lines reads: "A true man born in troubled times should wield a three-foot sword and achieve unparalleled feats. Now, heroes are buried in the wilderness. How painful it is!"

Another sentence is: "Cao is currently searching everywhere for the divine physician Hua Tuo. If he can find the divine physician Hua, there will be hope for a cure for Ziyi's mother's illness."

These two sentences undoubtedly struck at Taishi Ci's weak spot and gave him a glimmer of hope.

For both public and private reasons, and for both reason and emotion, Taishi Ci felt it was necessary for him to make a trip to Chenliu.

Anyway, he went alone.
Even if Cao Yan harbored ill intentions and deceived him,
At that time, all that is needed is to kill him with one stroke, and then escape to Jiangdong to seek refuge with Liu Yao.

With such complex and conflicted feelings, Taishi Ci finally made up his mind and embarked on his journey to Chenliu.

Cao Yan finally finished his important business and returned to Chenliu with Dian Wei, Zhao Yun, and Xiahou Lan.

As soon as Cao Yan stepped into the front yard, he heard the sound of weapons clashing, mixed with shouts and cheers.

When Cao Yan and the others arrived at the back school field, they indeed saw Cao Ang and Cao Xiu cheering them on from the sidelines.

In the center of the arena, Chen Dao was having a one-on-one duel with a burly young man with a resolute and heroic face.

Judging from his stance, Chen Dao probably won't last ten rounds before he's defeated.

Cao Yan threw a [Insight] at Taishi Ci.
Name: Taishi Ci (courtesy name: Ziyi)
Sex: Male
Hobbies: Hunting, reading

Favorability: 39%
Entry: Divine Archer Piercing the Sun (Gold), Halberd King (Gold), Loyalty and Filial Piety (Blue), Duplicate Name (White), Reckless Advance Leads to Danger (Gray)

[Divine Archer Piercing the Sun (Gold)]:
Passive: When attacking with a bow and arrow, ignore 30% of the enemy's defense, the first arrow will always hit and the critical hit rate is increased by 50%.

After firing three arrows, the fourth arrow will always trigger "Sun Piercing," doubling the current arrow's range and dealing true damage equal to three times the target's attack power. Cooldown: Half an hour.

Taishi Ci's gold attribute is only average, and it is indeed slightly inferior to those of Zhao Yun, Dian Wei, and others.

Cao Yan walked to Cao Ang and the others. The two were about to bow when Cao Yan raised his hand to stop them, saying, "Let's see how it goes first."

Taishi Ci was seven feet seven inches tall, with a lithe and agile physique, a resolute face, and bright, piercing eyes. Although he was dressed in a simple cloth shirt, his heroic spirit was still evident.

Cao Yan didn't have to wait long before Taishi Ci defeated Chen Dao.

At this moment, Chen Dao and Taishi Ci realized that Cao Yan and others had been standing at the edge of the training ground watching the battle.

Chen Dao beckoned to Taishi Ci, and together they came before Cao Yan, clasped their hands in greeting, and said, "Greetings, General!"

Taishi Ci also clasped his hands and said, "Taishi Ci of Donglai greets General Hou."

Cao Yan quickly stepped forward, helped Taishi Ci and Chen Dao up with both hands, and said with a smile, "Ziyi, there's no need for such formalities. I have long admired Taishi Ziyi's reputation for benevolence and filial piety. It is truly an honor for me to meet you today."

Taishi Ci repeatedly said he dared not, but his eyes were secretly observing Cao Yan without making a sound.

He thought to himself, "This person is young, yet his demeanor is refined and elegant. Although he has some heroic spirit, he doesn't have the kind of murderous aura commonly found in ordinary martial artists."

Despite his high position, he maintained a calm demeanor, which naturally made people feel close to him.

If Cao Cao's younger brother is already so extraordinary, then what a hero Cao Cao himself must have been!

Cao Ang then stepped forward and said, "Brother Ziyi, let me introduce you to these fierce generals behind Uncle!"

"Thank you for your trouble, young master!" Taishi Ci bowed and expressed his gratitude.

It seems that during the few days Cao Yan was away, Cao Ang, Cao Xiu, Chen Dao and the others had become quite familiar with Taishi Ci.

Cao Ang first pointed to Zhao Yun and introduced him, saying, "This is Zhao Zilong of Changshan, the fiercest general in my Cao camp!"

A glint of light flashed in Taishi Ci's eyes, and he cupped his hands and said, "So you are Zhao Zilong, who defeated Lü Bu in Juancheng. I have long admired your name!"

Zhao Yun humbly clasped his hands and said, "I dare not accept such praise! Back then, at the gates of Juancheng, it was only with the help of General Zhao and Old Dian that we barely managed to repel Lü Bu."

That being said, both men were heroes, and when they met a worthy opponent, a hidden fighting spirit quietly rose in their hearts.

Cao Ang then pointed to Dian Wei and said, "This is Dian Wei, the second fiercest general in my Cao camp!"

"I have long admired the ancient villain Dian Wei!" Taishi Ci said, clasping his hands in greeting.

Dian Wei grinned and said, "Fighting with Uncle Zhi is so boring. You'll have to exchange a few blows with me later!"

Chen Dao dared not speak out in anger, mainly because he was truly no match for Dian Wei.

Finally, Cao Ang introduced Xiahou Lan, saying with a smile, "This is Xiahou Lan, the tenth fiercest general in my Cao camp. However, in my opinion, it won't be long before he falls out of the top ten."

Xiahou Lan, naturally unwilling to be outdone, retorted, "I have mastered the 'Seven Probing Serpent Spear Technique' taught by Zilong. It remains to be seen who will win!"

(End of this chapter)