Chapter 14: Yuan Shao Flies into a Rage

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Under the joint explanation of Liu, Guan, and Zhang, Chen Xi finally understood why Guan Yu had settled the matter with Hua Xiong in just three strikes. It wasn't that Guan Yu's strength far exceeded Hua Xiong's; besides Hua Xiong's carelessness, he simply hadn't expected someone of the same level to erupt with power far beyond that tier.

Both men were at the stage of projecting internal qi outside the body, and even if Guan Yu was slightly stronger, he had not reached the peak of qi projection. To simply defeat Hua Xiong would likely have taken about a hundred moves, but to kill him, it would have been difficult for Guan Yu to stop him if the opponent had intended to flee. However, Guan Yu had unleashed power far beyond that level from the very first strike; his final blow, in particular, gave Hua Xiong the sensation of facing Lu Bu directly.

"But Zichuan, don't be so surprised. Actually, once we reach our level, it's hard to make progress without wars, so we just invent our own signature moves out of boredom," Zhang Fei said, telling the truth upon seeing Chen Xi's astonishment.

"Actually, Second Brother has an even more ferocious move. Unfortunately, the power of that move is too great, and our horses aren't good enough. According to Second Brother's estimate, to withstand that kind of force, the steed beneath him would need to have the strength of someone who has just entered the 'Refining Qi into Gang' stage. You have to remember, it's a horse; in all my years, I've rarely even seen a horse where the internal qi has begun to condense," Zhang Fei blurted out, exposing Guan Yu's secret. Guan Yu didn't mind, but when the topic turned to horses, both men sighed.

"Hey, tell me, just how ferocious is that move!" Seeing them sigh, Chen Xi steered the conversation in a different direction.

Guan Yu opened one eye without saying a word, gesturing toward Zhang Fei.

"It's an upgraded version of what Second Brother used today. I reckon because he moved too fast, no one noticed that his attack was actually in a straight line. That's the drawback of this move—it can only travel in a straight line. In reality, because the speed and power are so intense, Second Brother can only move along the direction of the force release," Zhang Fei began explaining the move to Chen Xi, not even attempting to hide its greatest flaw.

"Eh? There's such a thing?" Chen Xi thought about it. Damn, there was so much dust back then; who could tell if Second Brother had moved in a straight line? Thinking back to the scene, everyone's attention was likely focused on Second Brother's massive blade of light and Hua Xiong's struggle; who would notice how Second Brother moved?

Furthermore, considering Second Brother's posture as he passed through and his state after stopping, most people probably assumed he had just casually strolled through. As for that instantaneous acceleration, everyone had likely overlooked it.

"Yes, it can only go in a straight line. The power and speed are too great; if I try to deflect it, I'll likely injure myself before I can control it, and the horse beneath me would certainly die," Guan Yu nodded and said.

"Oh, so the horse is very important then," Chen Xi quickly made a note. "Mm-hmm, Second Brother, you will definitely have a horse one day that you can use however you like." Chen Xi had already mentally marked the Red Hare as "Second Brother's property."

"As for Second Brother's other move, it's essentially accumulating momentum, strength, and every other aspect to their peak, and then slashing forward with immense force. Simple, right? According to Second Brother's estimate, if nothing blocks it, this move could even shatter a small city wall ten meters thick," Zhang Fei added a power assessment since he saw Chen Xi was puzzled.

"..." Chen Xi was struck by a wave of horror. Holy crap, shattering a city wall? Is this even human strength? A ten-meter-thick wall, shattered in one blow? Now that the world had Qi, even city walls had become formidable. A pure granite structure, ten meters thick! "Second Brother, we'll be counting on you for sieges in the future."

Just as Chen Xi was lost in wild thoughts, Guan Yu spoke up: "Zichuan, first of all, I can only use such a move once. Second, I do not have a mount capable of withstanding the power I exert, and even that power is just an estimate."

As Guan Yu spoke, Chen Xi's brain began piecing the logic together. Suddenly, a spark of inspiration hit him; he understood what was happening. It was purely the principle of "a heavy sword needs no edge, and great skill appears unrefined!"

*I must get the Red Hare. I suspect the historical Guan Yu also had this move, but in this era, its power is amplified to a terrifying degree,* Chen Xi thought fiercely. He had already guessed how those two unlucky souls, Yan Liang and Wen Chou, would die—they would definitely be taken out by this move.

After all, according to the course of history, by that point, Yan Liang and Wen Chou would likely have been top-tier experts capable of projecting internal qi. But what could even top-tier experts do? Facing an attack of this magnitude, except for a few prepared individuals who might hold out, everyone else would be cut in two regardless of their preparation. This was a move where Second Brother's essence, energy, and spirit were condensed and released together; perhaps only Lu Bu could take a hit from it unprepared and survive.

During this period, the best horse would undoubtedly be the Red Hare. And according to what Guan Yu and Zhang Fei said, it was possible that the Red Hare was indeed a super-horse at the "Refining Qi into Gang" stage—essentially a monster in horse's clothing. If a horse inexplicably possessed such strength, by proportion, it could likely treat the speed of sound as its casual strolling pace. It truly wasn't easy for Dong Zhuo to capture it...

On the other side, shortly after the allied forces captured Sishui Pass, Dong Zhuo received the battle report. He immediately flipped the table and smashed the dishes, terrifying the already anxious court officials during what was supposed to be a pleasant banquet. Subsequently, he performed the scene of hacking Grand Tutor Yuan Huai to death at the dining table.

In retaliation, over a thousand heads were sent to the allied camp. Yuan Shao, who had been feeling somewhat relieved, suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood. Unlike his brother Yuan Shu, who was a legitimate son, Yuan Huai was his most important elder.

"Dong Zhuo! I am irreconcilable with you!" Yuan Shao stared toward Luoyang with bloodshot eyes, his entire being radiating a cold, fierce aura. The Yuan Shao of old, who dared to brandish a sword to question Dong Zhuo, had returned.

"Deploy Yan Liang and Wen Chou to Sishui Pass! I must kill Dong Zhuo!" Yuan Shao roared in his camp. He had previously not died and had advised his uncle not to go to him, partly because his uncle was unwilling, but also because of this principle. Now, reality had made him realize that schemes and conspiracies held no value in the face of raw strength!

"March on Sishui! Take Hu Lao!" Carrying a blood feud, Yuan Shao became much sharper than before. Consequently, his control over the entire allied force grew much stronger as he handled every matter with fairness and justice. Under these circumstances, even Yuan Shu did not dare to meet Yuan Shao's gaze, and everyone realized that Yuan Shao was not merely a pampered playboy of a great clan, but a hero possessing true talent and substance!

"Lord Xuande, what do you think of Yuan Benchu?" Even Chen Xi was shocked by the current Yuan Benchu. Yuan Shao, who would be called a model for the world by Cao Cao in history, was no joke; he truly had exceptional qualities. If Chen Xi hadn't known that this man would become senile, indecisive, and obsessed with playing both sides in a few years, he might have even tried to align himself with him now.

"A hero of the age, but unfortunately, too indecisive," Liu Bei said, not hiding much since he had become familiar with Chen Xi, speaking his mind directly.

"Yes, he is somewhat indecisive, and at times a bit headstrong. He wouldn't be the best candidate for a ruler, but he has a very strong foundation. That is the advantage of being from a great aristocratic clan," Chen Xi said with a sigh. If Cao Cao had been in Yuan Shao's position, he would have unified the land long ago.

"Zichuan comes from the Chen family of Yingchuan; do you have any understanding of the talents of Yingchuan?" Liu Bei asked indirectly. Liu Bei had realized that Chen Xi had already joined his side, even if Chen Xi himself hadn't noticed. According to what Chen Xi had taught him, Chen Zichuan was somewhat "dense" regarding certain matters.

"The Chen family of Yingchuan! That is a massive name. I am merely a nominal member. To be honest, I have almost no memory of what my ancestral home is like, aside from some vague childhood recollections. As for the talents of Yingchuan, I was sickly in the past and rarely interacted with people, so I don't know much. I know of some famous names, but Lord Xuande should not place too much hope in them," Chen Xi said with a sigh. He wasn't lying; the Chen family was too large, and Yingchuan was too vast.

(End of Chapter)