Mythical Three Kingdoms

"Who are you?" Cao Cao, though filled with anger, looked calmly at the burly man clad in animal skins and asked.

"Dragon City!" The burly man in animal skins spoke in a rough and heavily accented Han language.

"Hu Captives?" Cao Cao was briefly stunned.

"I am a warrior of the Xianbei Tribe. I can sense the fate emanating from your body. Come with me; we Xianbei need people like you." The burly man gazed down at Cao Cao with a satisfied expression, as if he had stumbled upon a treasure.

The Xianbei had been traveling relentlessly to seize the Xuanyuan Cauldron and establish their dynasty. However, upon passing through this region, they noticed the immense fate surrounding Cao Cao and decided to stop and take him.

Cao Cao shut his eyes slightly. When had he ever been humiliated this way, especially by a Hu person? "Elai, kill him! Disgusting Hu Captive!"

Dian Wei burst into wild laughter as he lunged at the man, who only sneered and met Dian Wei head-on.

After the two exchanged dozens of punches, the previously arrogant Xianbei warrior was outright killed by Dian Wei's heavy fists. His body fell like a rag, lifeless. A top-tier Inner Qi Separation master, having chosen the wrong combat method, was defeated and killed within moments by Dian Wei.

At this moment, similar events began unfolding in many places across the Great Han Dynasty. Ambitious foreign clans and Immortals with desires appeared within the Central Plains, while hidden hermits of the land emerged to intercept these greedy conspirators trying to seize the nation's fortune.

"Chief Shang, I'm leaving!" Xu Shu bowed respectfully to Lord Pang De.

"Yuanzhi, are you determined to leave?" Lord Pang De, after a long silence, sighed in resignation.

"Yes, I am finally qualified to fulfill the expectations Lord Xuande had for me back then." At this moment, Xu Shu's confidence was unmatched. Having cultivated rigorously for three years and absorbed various knowledge, his refined demeanor now carried a trace of boldness.

"Liu Xuande is indeed a good lord, but he might not be suitable for you!" Lord Pang De sighed, offering words of advice.

"I made a promise, and I shall fulfill it," Xu Shu replied with a light laugh. "Besides, I don't believe Lord Xuande is unsuitable for me." As he spoke, an almost unbeatable confidence radiated from his body.

"He already has numerous outstanding civil officials and military generals under him. It will be difficult for you to stand out," Lord Pang De remarked, thinking of his nephew, Pang Tong, who was equally exceptional.

"I am confident in my excellence; it will not be overshadowed by anyone's capabilities. I am Xu Yuanzhi." Xu Shu responded calmly, his spiritual talent stirring with an inner drive.

"Then go, seek your own path," Lord Pang De said with contentment as he looked at the youth who had arrived like a rogue years ago. Now, Xu Shu feared no civil official or military general in the world.

"I'm fortunate to coincide with the Northern Expedition." Xu Shu smiled lightly, bowed to Lord Pang De, and said, "I'm leaving. May you find solitude comforting."

"Go prove your capabilities to the world, let everyone know there exists someone named Xu Yuanzhi!" Lord Pang De slowly poured a cup of wine and handed it to Xu Shu.

"I will. Soon you will see." Xu Shu drained the wine in one gulp, laughed heartily, and strode out. His horse and supplies had been prepared by Lord Pang De long ago. The promise from back then was now being answered.

On the road back to Mount Tai from Jiyin, Guan Yu slew a man attempting to seize the Xuanyuan Human Cauldron. As Guo Jia had predicted, this cauldron would forever remain a problem unless returned to Mount Tai.

Furthermore, the Xuanyuan Cauldron still emanated considerable pressure, rendering ordinary soldiers incapable of approaching it. Guan Yu had to take turns carrying it with his Curly-Haired Red Hare. To Guan Yu, this was no mere burden but a matter of pride.

The Curly-Haired Red Hare was swift, but the pursuers were no slower. Moreover, Guan Yu needed to guard the Xuanyuan Cauldron, and he was eventually surrounded near Jibei Kingdom. After valiantly slaying several foes, enemies continued to converge until Guan Yu was completely encircled.

To be honest, if not for protecting the Xuanyuan Cauldron, Guan Yu's escape would have been but a single statement. However, now the situation had turned into a real predicament. The strength of these opponents ranged between Hua Xiong's level and weaker than Sun Ce's initial ascension, but their sheer numbers reached ten.

Guan Yu stood coldly amidst the ten, his face unperturbed, the slight open of his phoenix eyes revealing disdain. The corpses beneath his horse's hooves testified to earlier events.

"Guan Yunchang, leave the Xuanyuan Cauldron behind and we'll let you pass." A man, seemingly the leader, addressed Guan Yu.

"You are not qualified," Guan Yu declared arrogantly. For the first time, he realized this world contained so many peculiar Inner Qi Manifestation practitioners. Yet, their actual strength relied heavily on secret techniques for combat.

"Then there is nothing more to say." The Youth in Black Clothes narrowed his gaze at Guan Yu, then quietly shook his head. His body floated like a falling leaf, as if weightless. As the Youth in Black Clothes moved, the Taoist priests encircling Guan Yu seemed to receive an order and charged at him!

"Boom!" A streak of light flashed, and the Taoist closest to Guan Yu was suddenly blown away by an arrow. Soon, an argent azure figure appeared beside Guan Yu, gripping a long spear and staring down the Taoists.

"General Guan, leave first. I'll handle these people. Hurry and deliver the Xuanyuan Cauldron to Mount Tai!" Zhao Yun said without turning his head. Guan Yu did not recognize these individuals, assuming them to be Inner Qi Manifestation practitioners, but Zhao Yun did.

"Alright, Zilong, I'll leave it to you." Guan Yu responded gravely, wasting no more words as he hefted the Xuanyuan Cauldron and sped away on the Curly-Haired Red Hare.

"Gentlemen Taoists, why interfere in such a deep mess?" After Guan Yu left, Zhao Yun addressed the nine Taoists before him, equivalent to Inner Qi Manifestation practitioners.

"Struggling amidst mortal dust, we had no choice but to come. However, we have no intention of fighting you; our only interest is the Xuanyuan Cauldron!" The Youth in Black Clothes responded cautiously, sensing the danger radiating from Zhao Yun.

"Then our intentions are entirely contradictory." Zhao Yun calmly regarded the nine experts before him. "You will not pass me; do not entertain the thought!" With these words, Zhao Yun unsheathed the Yitian Sword, aiming it at his foes. "If you retreat not, I shall commence ruthless slaughter today!"

A gust of wind swept through, transforming Zhao Yun into a streak of light. Sword in left hand and spear in right, he charged directly at his opponents. Instantly, a flurry of spear shadows and thunderous sword wails engulfed the Taoists completely.

"Kill! Eliminate Zhao Yun; even Tong Yuan is now vulnerable!" The Youth in Black Clothes roared, and the countless fine strands of his horsetail whisk elongated suddenly, spiraling toward Zhao Yun. Simultaneously, the others unleashed their full strength against Zhao Yun, all nine Inner Qi Manifestation-style techniques converging on him!

(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your recommendation votes and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read at m.qidian.com.)