My brothers are all warriors capable of taking on ten thousand men; I'll roam freely in the Thr

The setting sun sinks in the west, and the Luo River flows swiftly.

On the banks of the Luo River outside Luoyang, a few blue stones lay scattered on the shore, the river reflecting the sunset, shimmering with a blood-red hue.

Ji Xuanyuan, Cao Cao, Liu Bei, and Sun Jian stood side by side by the water, with their personal guards standing at a distance behind them, leaving a quiet place for them.

"Brother Wenlie."

Cao Cao spoke first: "Although this rescue of Your Majesty has thwarted Dong Zhuo, the trend of the world collapsing into chaos has already taken hold. Now that I have been appointed Governor of Yan Province, I should quickly return to Dongjun to rectify the administration, pacify the displaced people, train elite troops, and stockpile grain and fodder, so as to safeguard this corner of Yan Province for Your Majesty."

He paused, then looked at Ji Xuanyuan: "Yanzhou is located in the Central Plains, a place of constant warfare. If Brother Wenlie were to serve the Emperor in suppressing the rebellion and need provisions and troops, I, Cao Cao, would certainly do my utmost to assist you."

These words were spoken frankly, yet they also contained a deeper meaning: I, Cao Cao, will support your righteous cause of "serving the emperor to punish the disobedient," but Yanzhou is my territory.

Ji Xuanyuan smiled and nodded: "Brother Mengde, you are very kind."

Sun Jian also said loudly, "I have been appointed Governor of Yu Province. I should return to Runan to quell the bandits in the prefecture and reorganize the military. Although Dong Zhuo has fled west, his henchmen are spread throughout the prefectures and counties, and the world is not yet at peace."

He looked at Ji Xuanyuan, clasped his hands in a respectful gesture, and said solemnly, "Brother Wenlie, you have rendered the greatest service in saving the Emperor. I deeply admire you. If you ever need my help, Sun Wentai, just send a letter, and I will surely lead troops to your aid!"

He paused, then said, word by word, "The four of us have faced life and death together today to save the Emperor. Sun Wentai hereby swears that he will never be an enemy of the three of you in this lifetime!"

These words were spoken with absolute certainty, moving all three people present.

Liu Bei spoke last, his voice gentle yet firm: "Although I am not very talented or learned, I have known since childhood that the Han and the traitors cannot coexist. All those who are loyal to the Han Dynasty and care about the people are my friends and like-minded people."

He looked at Ji Xuanyuan, his eyes full of sincerity: "Brother Wenlie, you carried the late emperor's secret edict and saved the emperor from danger. You are a true loyal minister of the Han Dynasty. I am willing to follow in your footsteps and work together to support the country."

The four looked at each other, the afterglow of the setting sun casting long shadows on their faces.

Cao Cao suddenly burst into laughter, unfastening the wine pouch from his waist: "On such a fine day, with such heroes, how can we be without wine?"

He tilted his head back and took a sip, then handed it to Ji Xuanyuan.

Ji Xuanyuan took the drink, drank a sip, passed it to Sun Jian, and then to Liu Bei.

The four of them shared a single wine jar; though simple, it was better than any fine wine worth a thousand pieces of gold.

"Today we forge an alliance by the Luo River." Ji Xuanyuan wiped the wine stains from the corner of his mouth, his gaze intense.

"We are all ministers dedicated to the restoration of the Han Dynasty. If any of us were to betray this cause in the future..."

"Heaven despises them! Earth forsaken them!" the four exclaimed in unison.

The sound echoed along the banks of the Luo River, startling several water birds.

Just then, the clear, crisp voices of children asking and answering questions came from not far away.

Cao Cao saw Sun Quan, and the nine-year-old child was squatting by the river, drawing something in the sand with a twig.

Cao Cao walked over with interest, bent down, and asked, "What is the young master drawing?"

Sun Quan looked up and saw that it was Cao Cao. He stood up and bowed: "Reporting to Lord Cao, I am currently analyzing the grain routes in Yanzhou, Yuzhou, and Youzhou. If we were to transport grain from Jixian in Youzhou to Luoyang, the waterway would be via the Yellow River. However, due to the spring drought, the water level may be low. If we were to take the land route, we would have to go through Jizhou. The relationship between Han Fu, the governor of Jizhou, and Yuan Shao is delicate, which may cause obstacles."

Cao Cao was taken aback. He looked closely at the crooked lines and markings on the sand and realized that they were simple maps and calculations of supply routes!

A look of surprise flashed in his eyes. He squatted down, pointed to a spot, and asked, "How would we transport grain from Dongjun to Luoyang?"

Without hesitation, Sun Quan said, "Lord Cao governs Dongjun. We should cross the river at Baima Ferry, pass through Xingyang, and arrive at Luoyang. But who is in Xingyang now? If it is occupied by the remnants of Dong Zhuo's forces, we will have to detour through Zhongmu, adding another 300 li to our journey."

Upon hearing this, Cao Cao clapped his hands and laughed heartily, then said to Sun Jian, who was approaching, "Brother Wentai! A son should be like Sun Zhongmou!"

Sun Jian's face showed satisfaction, but he humbly said, "My son is talking nonsense, Mengde, please forgive him."

Cao Cao shook his head and said seriously, "This child is only nine years old, but he already understands geography and military strategy. Given time, he will surely become a pillar of society."

Just then, a series of hurried footsteps came from behind them.

"Lord Ji!"

Everyone turned around and saw Sun Ce striding towards them.

The sixteen-year-old boy was not wearing armor today, only a brown outfit, with sweat on his forehead, but his eyes were burning with a fierce light.

Sun Jian frowned: "Bo Fu, what's the matter?"

Sun Ce ignored his father and went straight to Ji Xuanyuan, kneeling on one knee and clasping his hands above his head: "Lord Ji! I have a request, and I hope you will grant it!"

This action surprised everyone.

Sun Jian's expression darkened slightly: "Bo Fu, do not be rude!"

Ji Xuanyuan waved his hand and said gently, "Brother Wentai, there's no need to be so harsh. Bofu, please speak freely if you have any requests."

He was also curious about what kind of request this historical Jiangdong Little Conqueror would make to him.

Sun Ce raised his head, his gaze passing over Ji Xuanyuan and looking directly at Xiang Yu, who was talking with Li Cunxiao not far away.

He spoke each word clearly and firmly: "Ce wishes to become sworn brothers with General Xiang! I beg Marquis Ji to grant his request!"

After he finished speaking, the banks of the Luo River fell silent.

Cao Cao nearly dropped the wine pouch in his hand, Liu Bei looked surprised, and Sun Jian's expression changed drastically.

Even Xiang Yu, who was not far away, turned his head upon hearing the sound, a hint of surprise flashing in his double pupils.

"Nonsense!" Sun Jian shouted sternly.

"Who is General Xiang? How dare you presume to associate with him? Get out of here at once!"

His words were extremely harsh, but his heart was in turmoil.

Who was Xiang Yu?

Ji Xuanyuan's sworn brother, the most powerful general in the world, and the core figure of the Ji Xuanyuan Group.

What would it mean if Sun Ce and Xiang Yu became sworn brothers?

This means that the Sun family and the Ji Xuanyuan Group now have an unbreakable bond.

This means that Sun Jian has nominally become Ji Xuanyuan's "elder." Although they are on separate terms, once this relationship is established, the Sun family's future development in Yuzhou will receive Ji Xuanyuan's implicit support.

It means... a lot.

Therefore, Sun Jian had to oppose it, at least openly and strongly.

This is both a gesture and a calculation.

Ji Xuanyuan looked at Sun Ce kneeling on the ground, at the burning passion and determination in the boy's eyes.

Sun Bofu, with a jade seal, exchanged a thousand men for crossing the river, and within five years swept through the six counties of Jiangdong without ever suffering a defeat, laying the foundation for the great cause of Sun Wu.

His contemporaries praised him as the "Overlord of Jiangdong," and Xu Gong even bluntly stated that "Sun Ce is brave and valiant, similar to Xiang Yu."

Dressed in fine clothes, riding a spirited horse, roaring in the west wind, they show no respect for ghosts or gods, but revere the common people.

When Sun Ce was alive, who dared to call themselves a coward in Jiangdong?

"Second brother." Ji Xuanyuan looked at Xiang Yu who was walking towards him.

What do you think?

Xiang Yu approached and scrutinized Sun Ce with his double pupils.

He remembered this young man, the burning fighting spirit in Sun Ce's eyes as he watched the battle at Sishui Pass, and the fact that all the other lords feared Dong Cheng at Hulao Pass, yet Sun Ce stood tall and proud.

He's a promising talent.

"Boy," Xiang Yu said, his voice deep and resonant.

"You wish to become sworn brothers with someone?"

"Yes!" Sun Ce replied, raising his head.

Why?

Sun Ce took a deep breath, his voice trembling slightly with excitement: "That day at Sishui Pass, I saw you lead eight hundred cavalry to defeat an army of fifty thousand, like a god descending to earth! The day before yesterday at Hulao Pass, I saw you fight Dong Cheng to a standstill, causing extraordinary phenomena in the heavens and earth! I vowed that in this life I would be like you, with a single move that could command ten thousand horses to charge, and with a single swing of my halberd that could make all the lords bow down! To open up a new world for this chaotic era, and to safeguard peace for this prosperous age!"

He spoke with great passion, his eyes blazing like fire.

Xiang Yu remained silent for a moment, then suddenly smiled, a smile that carried both admiration and pride.

"What ambition!" he exclaimed.

"I value heroes above all else, young man. If you can withstand three of my moves without defeat, I'll acknowledge you as my brother!"

"General Xiang, you mustn't!" Sun Jian said urgently.

"This rebellious son is ignorant of his own limitations; how dare he lay a hand on the general? General, please don't take him seriously..."

Xiang Yu waved his hand: "Brother Wentai, there's no need to worry. I know what I'm doing."

At this moment, Zhang Fei, Guan Yu, Lü Bu, Yang Zaixing, Li Cunxiao, and others also gathered around upon hearing the news. Zhang Fei grinned and said, "Hey! Is this a sign that we're getting a little brother?"

Guan Yu stroked his beard without speaking, but his eyes showed concern.

Lu Bu stood with his arms crossed, looking amused, while Yang Zaixing and Li Cunxiao were full of curiosity.

Sun Jian appeared helpless, but inwardly he was rapidly calculating.

Having already incurred the wrath of the Jingzhou officials, he knew he could never return to Changsha, and he was also close to breaking with Yuan Shu. If he could truly establish a sworn brotherhood with Xiang Yu through Sun Ce and get in touch with Ji Xuanyuan, it would be much easier for him to gain a foothold in Yuzhou.

He finally sighed and said, "In that case... I beg General Xiang to show mercy."

Sun Ce was overjoyed, got up and ran to his warhorse, taking a weapon from the side of the saddle.

The moment the weapon appeared, it drew a chorus of gasps.

It was a halberd twelve feet long, made entirely of wrought iron. The halberd head was shaped like a tiger's head swallowing a blade, and the shaft was carved with a coiled dragon pattern. The whole thing was dark and the blade had a cold, sharp light. It was clear at a glance that it was extremely heavy!

"This halberd weighs 129 catties and is named 'Tiger Head Coiled Dragon Halberd'." Sun Ce held the halberd with one hand, as if it were a heavy weight.

Tiger-headed dragon halberd?

Ji Xuanyuan was shocked.

This halberd was the weapon of Xiang Yu, the Hegemon-King of the West!

Sun Ce's admiration for Xiang Yu was so great that he even imitated his weapons.

A look of surprise flashed in Xiang Yu's eyes, which quickly turned into even deeper appreciation: "What a fine halberd! Come!"

The two stood facing each other, about ten paces apart.

The setting sun casts long shadows, and the Luo River flows gently, like the soft beating of war drums.

"The first move."

Xiang Yu did not use the Heavenly Dragon City-Breaking Halberd. Instead, he casually took an ordinary iron spear from his personal guard, moved swiftly like a tiger unleashed from its cage, and thrust the spear tip straight at Sun Ce's face.

This shot, seemingly simple, was as fast as lightning, sealing off all escape routes.

Sun Ce's pupils contracted sharply, and he thrust his tiger-headed dragon halberd upwards with all his might!

"clang!"

Spears clashed, sparks flew!

Sun Ce retreated three steps, his tiger's mouth split open, but he gripped the halberd shaft tightly, refusing to let the weapon slip from his hand!

"Good!" Among the onlookers, Li Cunxiao was the first to cheer.

"The second move."

Xiang Yu's spear stance changed, crashing down like Mount Tai! This strike was devoid of any fancy moves, relying solely on pure force, and it brought with it a fierce whistling wind!

Sun Ce gritted his teeth and raised his halberd with both hands to withstand the attack!

"boom--!"

A deafening roar!

Sun Ce's feet sank half a foot into the mud and sand of the riverbed, his arms trembled violently, yet he still stood upright!

Cao Cao clapped his hands: "This boy's physique is truly remarkable!"

"The third move."

A golden light flashed in Xiang Yu's eyes, and his spear moved like a dragon, instantly conjuring seven cold stars that pierced seven vital points of Sun Ce. This was a killing move in battlefield combat, and although he held back his strength, it was still extremely dangerous!

Sun Ce roared, and his tiger-headed dragon-coiled halberd danced, creating a curtain of light!

"Ding ding ding ding—!"

Amidst a series of sharp cracks, Sun Ce staggered backward, his robes torn in several places by the spear tip, looking disheveled.

But he stopped.

The halberd was not released from his hand, and the man did not fall.

Three moves, I've taken it.

The riverbank was silent, save for Sun Ce's heavy breathing.

a long time.

Xiang Yu threw down his iron spear, strode forward, and slammed his fist on Sun Ce's shoulder: "Good lad! Not bad!"

He threw his head back and laughed loudly, his voice echoing across the Luo River: "Worthy of being my brother, Xiang Yu!"

Sun Ce grinned.

Zhang Fei was the first to rush over, grabbing Sun Ce's shoulder and shouting, "Hahaha! Good lad! From now on, you're our little brother!"

The other brothers also gathered around.

Sun Jian, witnessing this scene, was filled with mixed emotions. He finally let out a long sigh and clasped his hands in a fist salute to Ji Xuanyuan, Cao Cao, and Liu Bei, saying, "My son... has made you all laugh."

Cao Cao, however, said seriously, "Brother Wentai, why be so modest? This young man is brave and fierce, and his ambition is soaring. In my opinion, he will become a famous general in the world within ten years!"

He looked at Sun Quan, then at Sun Ce, and sighed, "Wentai has such a son; he is truly proud of his life."

Ji Xuanyuan walked up to Sun Ce and said gently, "From today onwards, you will be my brother, Ji Xuanyuan. I hope you will remember this ambition: to open up a new world for the chaotic world and to safeguard peace for the prosperous world."

Sun Ce knelt on one knee: "Ce will remember my elder brother's teachings!"

The setting sun sank completely into the western mountains, and twilight enveloped the Luo River.

As Cao Cao gazed at this scene, he suddenly whispered to Cao Ren beside him, "Do you see this? This is the future of the world."

Cao Ren asked, puzzled, "What do you mean, brother?"

Cao Cao's gaze was deep as he slowly said, "With fierce generals as numerous as clouds and strategists as plentiful as rain, coupled with the great cause of justice and the support of the people... the general trend of the world is gradually becoming clear."