Transmigrating to the Three Kingdoms as Lu Bu: I Have a Pseudo-Apocalypse System

In the prefectural government office of Changzi County, Zhang Yan sat on a tiger-skin chair with a solemn expression.

Below, Yu Du, Zuo Xiao, Sun Qing, Yang Feng and other generals gathered, all with furrowed brows.

"The three northern counties have been lost, the south is entangled with Sui Gu, and Li Damu in the west is frequently attacked by Du Ji, but Du Ji only has two thousand soldiers, which is not a concern," said Zuo Xiao. "What is hateful is that Han Chong's eight thousand soldiers have occupied the north and are heading south. If they are not stopped, they will reach Changzi City in ten days."

Sun Qingdao said, "It's not easy for us either. Although Sui Gu's three thousand soldiers are not many, he surrounds us without attacking and has the advantage of superior armor. Our army dares not go out of the city to fight in the open, and we are stuck in a stalemate, wasting our food and fodder."

Yu Du slammed his fist on the table: "The most hateful thing is the lack of food! If this drags on any longer, we'll starve to death without the imperial court even needing to attack!"

Zhang Yan said in a deep voice, "Han Chong and Sui Gu are not to be feared. As long as we repel one of them, the other two will retreat on their own. My idea is to concentrate our forces to attack Han Chong first. He has the most troops, but they are exhausted from their long journey and can be defeated in one battle."

The generals nodded.

Just as they were discussing the matter, a personal guard rushed to report: "General, General Li Damu from Jiushan has sent a messenger to report that Duke Lü Bu of Jin has personally arrived at the pass. A divine granary has appeared, conjuring up dozens of catapults and ballistae! General Li requests that you send reinforcements immediately!"

The entire tent was filled with astonishment.

"Lu Bu has come in person?" Zhang Yan suddenly stood up.

"And the Heavenly Gift Granary—could the rumors be true?"

"This is terrible! If Lü Bu breaks through the defenses of Hatoyama and heads straight for Changzi, we will all be in danger!"

Zhang Yan forced herself to remain calm and asked the messenger, "How many soldiers did Lü Bu bring?"

The messenger said, "About three thousand, one thousand of whom are his personal guards, and the other two thousand are soldiers from Hedong Commandery led by Du Ji."

"Only three thousand?" Zhang Yan frowned. "Is he really that arrogant?"

Yu Du said, "General, Lü Bu's fame is known throughout the world. In the past, he fought against the three heroes at Hulao Pass, and no one could defeat him. Now, with the divine granary bestowed by heaven, his provisions and weapons are inexhaustible. Three thousand soldiers are enough to be worth thirty thousand."

Zuo Xiao said, "How about... we surrender?"

"Nonsense!" Sun Qing retorted angrily. "My Black Mountain Army has dominated the Taihang Mountains for ten years. How can we surrender so easily?"

Yang Feng said, "How can we fight? Lu Bu alone can charge into battle and kill generals, plus the divine granary bestowed by heaven, this battle is unwinnable."

Zhang Yan raised his hand to stop the argument, pondered for a moment, and said, "I will go to Fajiu Mountain myself. First, to see for myself whether the Heavenly Gifted Divine Granary is real; second, to test Lü Bu's martial arts—if his title of the best in the world is undeserved, we still have a fighting chance; if it is real, then we will make further plans."

He appointed his generals: "Yu Du, Sun Qing, and Yang Feng will accompany me, leading three thousand elite troops. Zuo Xiao, Wang Dang, Bai Rao, and others will remain to guard Changzi, to defend against Han Chong and Sui Gu."

"promise!"

That afternoon, Zhang Yan led his army out of Changzi and westward to Fajiu Mountain.

On May 25th, Lü Bu's army was already arrayed in front of the pass.

Thirty catapults were loaded, ballistae were cocked, and ladders and battering rams were in place, awaiting orders.

Standing on the wall, Li Damu anxiously watched. He had received a reply from Zhang Yan yesterday, saying that the Marshal had come in person and ordered him to hold his ground and await reinforcements.

"Chief, perhaps... we should surrender first?" the lieutenant whispered, "If Lü Bu really attacks, we won't be able to hold out until the commander arrives."

Li Damu stared wide-eyed: "The commander-in-chief has treated me with great kindness, how can I betray him? Besides, the commander-in-chief has already arrived at the pass and will surely come today."

Just then, a bugle call sounded from the rear gate.

Li Damu was overjoyed: "The Commander-in-Chief is here!"

Soon after, Zhang Yan led Yu Du, Sun Qing, and Yang Feng to climb the wall.

Zhang Yan was about thirty-five years old, with a wiry build, a dark complexion, a short beard, and sharp eyes like an eagle. He wore black leather armor and a ring-pommel sword at his waist. Although he did not wear ornate armor, he exuded a rugged and heroic aura.

"General!" Li Damu stepped forward and bowed.

Zhang Yan waved her hand, walked to the top of the battlements, and looked down.

Three hundred paces from the pass, the Han army stood in neat formation. At the forefront were twenty catapults, a dark mass. In the center, under a large banner bearing the character "吕" (Lü), Lü Bu stood imposingly, riding his Red Hare and wielding his halberd. Several generals flanked him, all exuding an air of authority.

Zhang Yan's gaze fell on the catapults: so many catapults, it was impossible for the soldiers of Duji County to push them over the mountain road.

"The divine granary bestowed by heaven... it really is true," Zhang Yan murmured.

Yu Du whispered, "General, judging from this situation, it may be difficult to hold out."

Zhang Yan nodded, then suddenly raised her voice and asked, "Is that Lu Bu, the Duke of Jin, below the pass?"

Lu Bu looked up and saw a black-armored general standing guard. His bearing was extraordinary, and he recognized him as Zhang Yan. He said, "Indeed, are you General Zhang Yan?"

"I am Zhang Yan." Zhang Yan bowed. "The Duke of Jin's reputation is renowned far and wide. Today, I have three questions for you to ask."

"speak."

Question 1: Since the Duke of Jin claimed to be supporting the Han Dynasty, why did he usurp the emperor's power and ascend to the title of Duke?

Lü Bu said calmly, "The emperor is young and deceived by treacherous officials. I have assisted in governing and bringing peace to the people; my ascension to the throne is a reward for my service. What is wrong with that? And let me ask you, General Zhang, you claim to be a Han citizen, why do you occupy the mountains as a king, plundering counties and causing people to be displaced?"

Zhang Yan was speechless.

"Second question: Was the Duke of Jin's divinely bestowed granary a form of sorcery?"

"This divine art is a gift from heaven, helping me to bring peace to the people. How could it be sorcery?" Lü Bu retorted. "If it were truly sorcery, why would Heaven bestow it upon me? General Zhang, haven't you heard that Heaven has ordained you?"

Zhang Yan asked again: "My third question: How does the Duke of Jin intend to deal with my Black Mountain army?"

"Those who surrender will be granted land and houses if they are commoners, and will be exempt from taxes; those who are soldiers will be dispersed and reorganized, and will enjoy the imperial rations and pay. Only the ringleaders will be punished, and the rest will be spared," Lü Bu said. "If General Zhang surrenders, I will appoint you as the governor of Shangdang, still leading your old troops, to guard Shangdang and resist Yuan Shao in the east."

Zhang Yan remained silent for a moment, then suddenly said, "Lord Jin, I have long heard that your martial arts are unparalleled and that you command a multitude of fierce generals. I have a request—we will each send five men to fight five rounds, best of three. If Lord Jin wins, I will lead the entire Black Mountain Army to surrender and await your command. If I win, I request that Lord Jin withdraw his troops and grant Shangdang autonomy. What do you say?"

Upon hearing this, Lü Bu was secretly delighted—he was just worried about how to subdue Zhang Yan without causing too much bloodshed, and this suggestion was exactly what he wanted.

"Alright," Lü Bu replied, "However, since this is a duel, we should stop when the point is reached and not take lives."

"That's exactly right!" Zhang Yan said. "Please wait a moment, Lord Jin, I will leave the pass shortly."

The gate slowly opened, and the drawbridge was lowered.

Zhang Yan led four generals, Yu Du, Sun Qing, Yang Feng, and Li Damu, along with a hundred personal guards, out of the pass and lined up in front of it.

Lü Bu also led Huang Zhong, Zhao Yun, Cheng Lian, and Du Ji into battle.

The two armies faced off, and Zhang Yan cupped his hands in greeting: "Duke Jin, how shall we compete?"

Lü Bu said, "Each general will engage in a one-on-one duel. Falling from one's horse, dropping one's weapon, or admitting defeat constitutes a loss. Best of five rounds, a fair contest."

"Alright!" Zhang Yan turned around. "First match, Li Damu, you're up!"

Li Damu drew his sword and charged into battle, shouting, "Du Ji! Do you dare to fight me?"

During this period, the two had engaged in several offensive and defensive battles, and had long harbored resentment towards each other.

Du Ji looked at Lü Bu, and Lü Bu nodded.

Du Ji brandished his spear and stepped forward: "Li Damu, let's settle this today!"

The two horses clashed, swords and spears raised.

Li Damu's swordsmanship was fierce and powerful; Du Ji's spear technique was steady, with more defense than offense. The two fought for over thirty rounds, and Du Ji gradually began to feel the strain. Li Damu was a man who had fought his way up from the ranks of the common people and rebel armies; his martial arts were extraordinary, and his experience was vast.

In the thirty-fifth round, Li Damu cleaved Du Ji's spear in two with a single stroke, the blade stopping three inches in front of Du Ji's neck.

"You have lost." Li Damu sheathed his sword.

Du Ji, his face flushed red, turned his horse and returned to his lines: "This humble general is incompetent..."

Lü Bu waved his hand: "It's alright, victory and defeat are common occurrences in war."