It Wasn’t a Martial Arts World, but the Three Kingdoms

Chapter 62. Peerless Warrior of the World and The Greatest Under Heaven (1)

“You’ve worked hard, Master.”

After parting with Sima Yi, who had left early to discuss matters with Chen Gong, I sheathed my sword. Zhao Yun’s words greeted me.

I turned my head, watching my brothers cutting down the enemies.

“Alright, are you hurt anywhere?”

“Not at all.”

Zhao Yun smiled.

She rested her spear on her shoulder with a light-hearted expression.

“You did it. As expected, you’re incredible.”

“Good grief, when did you start flattering me like that?”

“No, you were remarkable.”

Cao Cao said, crossing her arms.

She, too, was smiling.

“It’s right in front of us now. The head of the traitor Dong Zhuo is just ahead. Your contribution is immense.”

“Say that when it’s over. When it’s over.”

“You’re right. That’s fair.”

Cao Cao turned her head.

Following her gaze, I saw a crimson military flag fluttering in the wind.

Lü (呂).

A single character.

Just that was enough to make Cao Cao’s expression harden coldly.

“She’s still left.”

“Lü Bu Fengxian.”

A woman with dark blue hair stepped out next to Cao Cao.

It was the woman called Chen Gong, whom I’d seen in the command tent.

“Peerless Warrior. Lü Bu, the Warrior Among Men.”

A title I had grown weary of hearing.

I had previously experienced her martial prowess firsthand.

It was a strength that had already surpassed the bounds of humanity.

The so-called fierce generals each had their own extraordinary qualities, but Yeo was different.

The term “Best Under Heaven” that Sima Yi mentioned.

It was a title more fitting for Yeo than for me.

However.

“I will take on Lü Bu.”

I took a step forward.

“Are you not afraid?”

Chen Gong asked.

A laugh rose from my belly in response to her question.

Am I not afraid?

Yes, I’m afraid.

The fear of taking lives and putting my own life on the line is perfectly natural.

Even so, I had to raise my sword.

Someone had to do it.

Besides, this was the path I had chosen.

Help the weak, and cut down the wicked.

Thus, reclaim the lost way of Jianghu.

Soon, I took another step.

The crimson military flag began to appear more vividly.

As I approached closer, a head of red hair, matching the crimson flag, came into view.

Although the distance was too far to see her face, I knew. Yeo was there.

“I have something I must repay.”

Whether it’s gratitude or vengeance.

“So I must be the one to face Lü Bu.”

I had to stand before her.

“I see.”

Chen Gong slowly nodded and stepped back.

Cao Cao then stood by my side.

“Judging by sight, the enemy’s numbers are considerable. At least forty thousand troops.”

“We’re clearly at a disadvantage.”

“No.”

Cao Cao shook her head. I noticed a flicker of red in her eyes.

“It’s a strange thing. I am calm right now. As you said, we’re clearly in a disadvantageous situation.”

Her red eyes met mine.

“But I don’t feel like we will lose. Why do you think that is?”

“Maybe you’ve lost your mind?”

“…It’s quite something to say that to a lady.”

I must’ve gotten too comfortable.

Is this what happens when you fight side by side and get used to each other?

As I realized I had misspoken, I closed my mouth.

Cao Cao let out a helpless laugh, as if she couldn’t believe it.

“You.”

Oh no, was I too rude even after all this?

Damn, I really messed up.

The mood was suddenly turning cold.

I immediately stopped walking and bowed my head slightly.

“No, my words slipped out.”

“Secure victory.”

Cao Cao’s voice overlapped with mine.

“Bring victory to me, Cao Cao. Unryong, if it’s you, you can do it.”

I raised my head.

Once more, my eyes met Cao Cao’s. She was still wearing a faint smile.

I mirrored it, lifting the corners of my mouth.

“That, I promise.”

“Good. I still have many questions, but unfortunately, there’s not enough time.”

Cao Cao shrugged her shoulders and turned away.

“The command meeting will begin soon. Once you’ve finished your stroll, come to the tent immediately.”

“Got it.”

I also resumed walking.

***

The Unryong army had defeated Xu Rong’s forces, and Lü Bu’s army had set up camp in front of Hangu Pass to prepare against them.

“Lü Bu’s army is mostly composed of troops from Bingzhou.”

Sima Yi said.

The girl unfolded a map and moved the wooden pieces forward one by one.

“If Xu Rong’s forces advanced with systematic maneuvers, as if playing Go, Lü Bu’s forces, on the other hand, are more free and barbaric. However, no one in this world has defeated them so far.”

“Lü Bu has exceptional intuition.”

Unsam commented.

“That woman seems like she’s fighting mindlessly, but she knows when to retreat. She’s not called the Peerless Warrior for nothing.”

“Is she really that strong?”

Zhao Yun asked, and Unsam clicked his tongue.

“Damn, since the day I was born, I’ve never seen anyone that strong except my big brother.”

“I see.”

Zhao Yun, with a serious expression, rested her chin on her hand.

“Well, if it’s him… no, if it’s our commander, it should be fine, right?”

Cao Hong said, yawning. She had taken off her golden helmet, carelessly letting her blonde hair flow.

“No matter how strong that woman is, I think it’s up in the air when it comes to our commander.”

“That’s true.”

Sima Yi nodded at Cao Hong’s words.

“Mister, you are the finest sword in our army. You’ll slay that Lü Bu and become the Best Under Heaven.”

In response, Unryong looked perplexed. He was wondering why she was suddenly saying such things.

Seeing his expression, Sima Yi smirked.

She had also witnessed Unryong behead Xu Rong.

His movements were even more powerful than during his previous clash with Zhao Yun and the blue Azure Sky.

Moreover, those eyes.

Those eyes, filled with a range of emotions, were the driving force behind the man’s actions.

He was weak.

A far cry from the heroes praised by the world.

Yet, he moved forward.

Though he hesitated and was often late, he stubbornly pursued what he believed was the right path.

In a good light, he was straightforward; in a bad one, stubborn.

That’s why she thought she could handle him more easily.

Excitement surged within her. She couldn’t calm her growing excitement.

How far could the name Sima Yi rise alongside this man?

As these thoughts were about to unfold.

“Then, we will adopt the Young Strategist’s plan this time. No objections, young strategist?”

At last, Cao Cao’s voice snapped Sima Yi back to reality.

Sima Yi adjusted her clothes and clasped her hands respectfully.

“Yes.”

“Good. What’s the enemy’s status?”

“They’re still stationed at the front of Hangu Pass.”

At the sentry’s words, Cao Cao signaled to Chen Gong.

“This concludes the strategy meeting. There’s no time to waste. We must not give the enemy any more time. It’s difficult to predict how they’ll respond, but sitting idle would be the worst move.”

Thus, the formation was set.

This time, Cao Cao took the center, Zhang Yang took the right wing, and Unryong’s forces took the left.

In short, it was an all-out attack.

Meanwhile, Lü Bu.

She sat on Red Hare, quietly holding the reins. With her eyes closed, she took deep breaths in the gentle wind.

To Gao Shun, this sight of Lü Bu was so unfamiliar that he tilted his head.

“What are you doing?”

“Leave her be.”

When Gao Shun asked Zhang Liao, he grimaced and shook his head.

“If you mess with her, she’ll beat the crap out of you.”

Gao Shun gulped.

He remembered that whenever he got punched by Lü Bu, he would have to lie in bed for days.

Then.

– Wooowooooo-!

The horn sounded from afar. Drums started to beat as well.

“They’re coming.”

Zhang Liao muttered.

A cloud of dust approached from a distance, and soon, the enemy came into sight.

The sun was high in the sky. Even from a distance, the sunlight reflected off their armor.

Waaahhhhh!

The sight of them wielding spears and swords grew clearer.

As the three flags rose.

Cao Cao’s forces.

Zhang Yang’s forces. Unryong’s forces.

Their appearance, filling the horizon, resembled a wave surging forward.

After achieving a major victory over Xu Rong’s forces, their momentum was fierce and unstoppable.

Zhang Liao turned his head.

Lü Bu was still standing with her eyes closed.

“Sis, they’re coming.”

“Yes.”

Despite answering, Lü Bu showed no sign of movement, prompting Zhang Liao to sigh.

“Look, I get maintaining composure, but shouldn’t you start giving orders now?”

“Yes.”

At Zhang Liao’s words, Lü Bu slowly opened her eyes.

Then, her gaze stopped abruptly.

“Hey, Zhang Liao.”

“Yeah?”

“As expected, you handle the command.”

“What?”

Handle the command?

Caught off guard by her sudden statement, Zhang Liao couldn’t respond before

Lü Bu started swinging her Fangtian Huaji.

The gust from her swings stirred up dust clouds around her.

“The Fourth Army, follow me.”

“N-no, Sis—!”

Zhang Liao’s shout was drowned out by the earth-shaking hoofbeats.

Soon, as Lü Bu’s sharp halberd tip gleamed, the soldiers following her trembled.

The woman’s speed increased. Her momentum, as if to sweep everything away, enveloped the entire area.

From afar, amidst the swirling dust, the battle flags waved.

Lü Bu raised the corners of her mouth viciously.

I don’t know how you feel.

But I really.

Truly.

Wanted to see you.

TL Note:

Names changes: Xun Yu, Jingong = Chen Gong