Chapter 29: Beneath Hulao Pass

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When the dense, hair-like fine threads streaked across the sky, everyone finally realized that the handsome man following Liu Bei was a peerless master. This realization caused the crowd's perception of Liu Bei to rise once again.

"Did Zilong succeed?" Zhang Fei asked excitedly. While others did not understand what that beautiful, fine thread signified, a master like Zhang Fei could clearly feel the power capable of cutting through gold and jade flowing within every single strand.

Zhao Yun shook his head and spoke, "At most, I made him look a bit disheveled during a moment of carelessness; it was impossible to wound him."

Just as Zhao Yun had predicted, although Lu Bu had not expected someone to launch a counterattack so quickly, his intuition as the world's greatest master allowed him to casually deflect Zhao Yun's attack the moment danger arrived. However, the aftershock of the collision still pulverized a portion of the battlement wall beneath the city gate into dust, leaving behind pinhole-sized holes elsewhere.

"A decent attack." Lu Bu gazed toward the direction of the eighteen lords. He did not strike again, standing quietly in place to await their arrival. Only a master of this caliber was worth slaying.

Hearing Zhao Yun's words, Zhang Fei understood that his own chances of defeating Lu Bu had dropped even further. He knew all too well that if Zhao Yun's strike had been fully unleashed upon his own head, he would have been left a mess even if he survived. Yet, according to Zhao Yun, even during Lu Bu's moment of distraction, he could only manage to make him look slightly disheveled.

However, Zhang Fei felt little fear; instead, a fighting spirit erupted in his chest, and he tightened his grip on his serpent spear. Only fighting against the strong could make him stronger. The destiny of a warrior was to die on the battlefield; if he could fight the world's greatest master before that happened, what more could he desire?

More importantly, Zhang Fei knew that his combat progression was a one-way street. If he retreated and lost his original state of mind, he would be stuck forever—even if his physical attributes grew stronger, his actual prowess would decline.

Clutching his serpent spear, Zhang Fei radiated a surging battle intent, declaring that he was ready. He intended to challenge Lu Bu in single combat. He knew he was no match, but he would go anyway. Defeat was not terrifying; what was terrifying was meeting such strength and not even having the courage to raise one's hand!

Under the leadership of Yuan Shao, the eighteen lords made no attempt at concealment. Their troops arrived at Hulao Pass, where Dong Zhuo sat atop the pass and Lu Bu stood by with his Sky Piercer halberd. After a bout of verbal insults, both sides determined that their status had to be decided by force.

"Fengxian, I leave it to you!" Dong Zhuo waved his hand, signaling to the restless Lu Bu that he could go exterminate that group of cowards across the field.

Lu Bu leaped high from the city wall, which stood over ten or twenty zhang tall, and fell heavily toward the ground. Any martial artist who had refined their Qi into罡 (Gang) could perform such a feat, but what happened next made everyone of sound mind feel their hearts sink.

Combining the height of the wall with his jump, Lu Bu plummeted from an altitude of over a hundred meters. His speed was clearly intentionally accelerated, yet shockingly, despite falling at such a velocity, the earth did not shatter. There was only a slight tremor; the force of his descent was perfectly diffused across several miles, causing no damage whatsoever.

Zhang Fei was horrified, Guan Yu half-opened his eyes, and Hua Xiong covered his forehead. Only Zhao Yun frowned slightly. They all understood one thing: Lu Bu was not just powerful; his control over every shred of force was terrifying. Such minute precision demonstrated his absolute mastery over power.

With a long whistle, a streak of fire curved through the sky and landed beside Lu Bu. His Red Hare, appearing as if wreathed in flames, snorted loudly. Lu Bu mounted the horse with his halberd in hand and looked toward the hundreds of thousands of troops opposite him, releasing a massive aura that served as a direct provocation to the army.

Zhang Fei was so enraged he wanted to charge forward, but he was held back by Guan Yu. Looking at Guan Yu's cold, arrogant expression, Chen Xi knew that Guan Yu was also in a foul mood. Turning to look at Zhao Yun, he saw that Zhao Yun also looked displeased. It made sense; any master being ignored by Lu Bu in such a way—as if he were saying "come at me all at once"—would feel insulted. A man's dignity is his face, and Lu Bu was currently slapping everyone's face in public, repeatedly and loudly.

The feeling of being slapped in the face was naturally unpleasant. Before Yuan Shao could even speak, Wang Kuang shouted, "Who dares to fight!" A man spurred his horse forward; Wang Kuang recognized him as the famous general of Henan, Fang Yue. Before Wang Kuang could even offer praise, a massive arc of energy sliced through the air, and without even an introduction, Fang Yue had evaporated from the mortal realm.

The generals swallowed hard. Lu Bu's brutality could no longer be described in words; he had turned a man into ash. His killing intent was far too heavy.

Before Chen Xi could even speak, another death-seeker charged forward—this time Mu Shun, a subordinate of Zhang Yang. He attempted to land three quick strikes, only to be sliced in half, horse and rider included. Lu Bu had not even moved his horse.

"I have received the grace of Wenju for ten years; why should I not repay it with my life?" The tall man standing behind Kong Rong watched Lu Bu for a long time before licking his lips, spurred his horse forward, and bowed to Kong Rong.

"An Guo, be careful!" Kong Rong nodded, deciding to let Wu Anguo fight. He had only this one capable general under his command.

*(Note: Wu Anguo's name should technically be Wu An, surname An, given that the two-character names of the late Han were obsolete, but both the Mao and Jiajing editions list him as Anguo. I prefer that Kong Rong is calling his courtesy name, meaning his surname is Wu An and his name is Guo, with the courtesy name Anguo. However, if his surname is Wu An, he would be a descendant of Wu An Jun Bai Qi, which would be a massive lineage. Use your judgment.)*

Wu Anguo nodded and slowly rode out from the crowd. Unlike the two fools before him, he knew he was no match for Lu Bu. But as he said, he was deeply indebted to Kong Rong and had no way to repay it, so he was willing to fight with his life. To him, his life belonged to Kong Rong!

Carrying a heavy hammer weighing hundreds of catties, Wu Anguo charged silently toward Lu Bu. His horse was not fast; though it was a fine steed, one could not expect great speed while carrying nearly a thousand catties of weight. However, for his purposes, he did not need great speed.

Accompanied by the sound of heavy, dull impacts and the roar of "Taste my hammer!", the battle between Wu Anguo and Lu Bu began. It lacked incredible speed, but the strength was so immense that it made Lu Bu's hands feel numb; it was rare to encounter someone whose strength exceeded his own.

Requiring little technique and no great speed, Wu Anguo swung his massive hammer in a frenzied, headlong assault against Lu Bu. As for Lu Bu's counterattacks, the massive hammer—large enough to obscure half his body—was sufficient to block them. Indeed, he could not see through Lu Bu's attacks, but his hammer, which functioned as a shield, was enough to parry Lu Bu's strikes from any angle.

"Zichuan, do you understand now why I hate those born with god-like strength?" Guan Yu signaled to Chen Xi with his eyes.

"I understand. This is just too shameless," Chen Xi said speechlessly. He was purely relying on brute force to tank everything; no matter which direction the attack came from, he just swung that massive hammer.

Twenty rounds passed, and Wu Anguo was still vigorously swinging his hammer, showing no sign of fatigue whatsoever. It truly looked as if he were treating Lu Bu like an iron ore deposit to be forged.

(End of Chapter)