Free Web NovelChapter 258: Taishi Ci Single-Handedly Rescues Beihai
Even more anxious than him was Mi Zhu beside him.
At this moment, Xuzhou was in crisis, and he was powerless.
Sorrowed in heart, but it could not be spoken.
Early the next day,
Outside the city came the sound of booming drums. The soldiers beating the drums took off their shirts, revealing strong and muscular bodies.
Their bronze skin shone with masculine vigor under the sunlight. freewebnσvel.cѳm
Kong Rong, clad in armor, stood on the city wall and looked into the distance.
Seeing the massive enemy forces outside the city, his worries deepened.
Outside the city were all Yellow Turban rebels, and their numbers besieging the city were increasing.
Why was this happening?
It turned out that the remaining Yellow Turbans and bandits hiding in Qingzhou had heard that Beihai County was besieged by Zhou Cang.
They were impressed by Zhou Cang and Liaohua’s courage, coupled with the near depletion of food and supplies in the mountains.
They had no choice but to join Zhou Cang.
Within a few days, Zhou Cang’s tens of thousands of troops had swelled to one or two hundred thousand, densely packed like ants in a nest.
"Ming Gong, the rebels outside the city have been attacking continuously for days. Our defenders on the city walls are suffering greatly! Moreover, the crossbows are running low on arrows and urgently need replenishing."
Kong Rong nodded in agreement, his brows furrowed with concern.
Several days of defending the city had left him without a peaceful night’s sleep and severely depleted his stamina.
At this moment of helplessness,
Suddenly, a figure outside the city gates leaped in on horseback, charging into the midst of the enemy ranks as if entering an empty space.
Kong Rong focused his gaze and saw a man in dull purple armor wielding a deep purple long spear in the enemy camp, slashing left and right. Blood sprayed and stained the earth red.
Several purple dragons roared fiercely around him, their claws like peerless divine weapons in the world, tearing through the enemy general’s chest with a single grasp, crushing his heart into pieces.
Seeing this, Zhou Cang hurriedly sent a young general under his command to challenge him.
However, this warrior not only excelled in spear skills but also in archery.
Skillfully pulling out a treasure bow from his back, he swiftly shot arrows as if flowing clouds and water.
The arrows turned into purple dragon shadows flying out, instantly killing the young general on the spot.
Zhou Cang was greatly shocked and turned to Liaohua beside him, whispering softly, "This man’s martial arts are no less than mine, perhaps even superior."
Liaohua also looked solemnly at the warrior.
Down at the city gate, the warrior in purple armor shouted, "Open the gates!"
Kong Rong did not recognize this person and dared not open the gates.
But from the city walls, he could see the warrior’s unparalleled martial arts. If this person was a spy for the enemy, his city would be lost in an instant.
The warrior in purple armor’s eyebrows were coldly raised. Seeing the pursuing troops behind him approaching, he quickly lifted his spear to battle again. Several streams of purple spear light poured out, and the enemy general couldn’t withstand it, his armor pierced through by the terrifying spear light.
Leaving endless wounds and splashing several traces of blood, floating in the air.
The rebel forces retreated in fear, their eyes filled with terror.
Seeing that the warrior did not seem deceitful, Kong Rong ordered the defenders to open the gates and let him in.
After entering the city, the man dismounted and dropped his spear, walking straight to the city wall to pay his respects to Kong Rong.
Kong Rong helped this man up, looking at him with admiration. He saw that this man had handsome features and a resolute expression between his brows and eyes.
His appearance and strong martial arts skills couldn’t help but make Kong Rong feel favorably disposed.
He asked for his name, and the man replied,
"I am from Donglai, Huang County. My surname is Tai Shi, my given name is Ci, and my courtesy name is Ziyi."
"My elderly mother is deeply grateful for the Marquis’s favor.
Yesterday, I returned from Liaodong to visit my family and learned that the city of the Marquis was invaded by Yellow Turban bandits.
My elderly mother said she had received great kindness from the Marquis several times before, so I came here to help.
Therefore, I came alone."
There was a resolute look in Tai Shi Ci’s eyes. Such a talented young man made Kong Rong even more delighted.
Upon hearing this, Kong Rong was even more pleasantly surprised.
He did not expect that after many years of kindness, he would finally receive such a profound reciprocation.
It turned out that although Kong Rong had never met Tai Shi Ci, he knew him to be a hero.
And because Tai Shi Ci had long been away, he had an elderly mother living twenty miles from Beihai City.
Kong Rong often sent people to give her food, clothes, and money.
His mother felt grateful for Kong Rong’s kindness, so she specially sent her son, Tai Shi Ci, to rescue him.
"In response, Kong Rong treated Tai Shi Ci with great respect, presenting him with clothes, armor, and a horse, clearly treating him as a trusted general. Tai Shi Ci was grateful for Kong Rong’s kindness but also considered the prolonged siege by Zhou Cang and other Yellow Turban bandits outside the city, realizing that whether the city would fall was only a matter of time.
Then, Tai Shi Ci clasped his fists towards Kong Rong and said, ’Lord Marquis, I am willing to lead eight thousand elite soldiers out of the city to fight the bandits.’
A righteous aura permeated the air.
After a brief thought, Kong Rong lowered his brows and shook his head, replying, ’Ziyi! I know of your extraordinary bravery, possessing martial prowess that ten thousand men cannot withstand. However, the rebels’ strength is formidable, and it is not advisable to engage them outside the city easily! Once the army is trapped among the enemy forces, it will be difficult to escape!’
Kong Rong spoke with great concern, fearing that Tai Shi Ci might fall into the enemy’s hands.
Tai Shi Ci was moved. On one hand, he felt gratitude towards Kong Rong for his kindness. On the other hand, he strengthened his resolve to repay Kong Rong.
In a more determined tone, he replied, ’Lord Marquis! My elderly mother deeply appreciates your noble virtues. She specifically sent me here. If I cannot break this siege for you, I will have no face to see my mother again! I am willing to fight to the death against the bandits!’
Seeing Tai Shi Ci’s strong determination, Kong Rong was momentarily at a loss for words. He picked up a teacup, intending to take a sip to soothe his emotions. As he did, a figure flashed through his mind.
This person had a handsome appearance, unparalleled in looks, and was proficient in both civil and military affairs. Moreover, the warriors under his command were exceptionally strong.
With such a person’s assistance, coupled with Ziyi’s resolve, why should they fear they couldn’t break the Yellow Turban rebels?
Setting down his teacup, Kong Rong’s eyes glittered with determination as he turned to Tai Shi Ci and said, ’Ziyi! I know of a hero in our times. If we could invite him to help, this siege would surely be lifted.’
Tai Shi Ci, who was in a restless state, rejoiced upon hearing this and felt a curious excitement. A person referred to as a hero by Marquis Kong could not be an ordinary individual. He promptly asked, ’May I know this person’s surname and given name?’
Kong Rong stood up, gazing towards the south, and calmly said, ’His surname is Long, given name Chen, courtesy name Jueming. He is currently the Inspector of Yangzhou, General of Chariots and Cavalry, Marquis of Champions. You should be familiar with this person.’
Sure enough, upon hearing this, Tai Shi Ci’s eyes narrowed slightly, revealing a glint of longing. He murmured softly, ’General Long... If it’s him, then he truly deserves the title of hero in our times!’
’Lord Marquis, you may not know, but I have long admired General Long. A great man wields a three-foot sword and achieves extraordinary feats... General Long has already done so...’
’Hahaha, I never thought that General Long, though he has never set foot in Qingzhou, has already won the hearts of the heroes here. If he knew, he would certainly be delighted beyond measure.’"
