Lord in the Mythical Three Kingdoms

Chapter 300: The Siege Is on the Brink of Eruption

Xun Huo slowly shook his head. "Master, I’m afraid this time you will be disappointed. I understand Guo Fengxiao’s character better than anyone."

"He is certainly not the kind of person to betray his master. You should abandon this idea, my lord!"

Cao Cao, upon hearing this, furrowed his brow slightly. He turned and gazed out the window, the flickering light casting shadows over his thoughtful expression. "It is rare to meet such a formidable strategist, but hearing you speak of him so highly, I am even more intrigued."

For a moment, the room was silent, except for the distant sounds of soldiers preparing for the next day’s campaign. Cao Cao rubbed his chin thoughtfully and paced back and forth. "You claim he’s incorruptible, but people have their desires, their weaknesses. What man doesn’t have a price, be it loyalty, riches, or power?"

Xun Huo, seeing the glint of ambition in Cao Cao’s eyes, responded cautiously, "It is not just about price, my lord. Guo Jia’s loyalty isn’t one that can be bought. His heart is fixed; he follows his convictions. Such men are not easily swayed by mere promises or threats."

Cao Cao stroked his beard and smiled wryly. "You speak as though he is a sage among men. But have we not brought others with similar resolve to our cause before? If anyone can sway him, why should it not be you, his old friend?"

A flash of hesitation crossed Xun Huo’s face. "It’s true that I share a bond with him, but our relationship may not be enough to change his course. He is a man of principle."

Cao Cao chuckled, his eyes narrowing with determination. "Principles are like clay in the hands of those who know how to shape them. You say he’s unyielding? All the more reason to test him! If we could bring such a talent into our fold, the whole of the realm would bend before us."

Xun Huo hesitated, seeing his lord’s growing enthusiasm. "My lord, it is not that simple. Even if I were to persuade him, the chances are slim. He is deeply devoted to his current master."

Cao Cao waved dismissively, a smile creeping across his lips. "That doesn’t matter. Whether he joins us or not, it is a challenge worth pursuing. But I trust you, Xun Huo. Go to him. Speak with him. If nothing else, I want to know where his true loyalties lie."

Reluctantly, Xun Huo bowed. "Very well, I will try... but I fear you may not get the answer you hope for."

Cao Cao clapped his hand on Xun Huo’s shoulder. "Whether it succeeds or fails, I will not hold it against you. But as for tomorrow, we proceed as planned."

Xun Huo left the room with a heavy heart, knowing that even his best advice could not sway his determined master. He feared the consequences of rushing into battle, but once Cao Cao had made up his mind, little could deter him. All he could do now was make preparations for what was to come.

The next day, Cao Cao stood tall in his battle armor, shining like the scales of a mythical beast. His hand gripped the hilt of his sword as he surveyed the 80,000 troops lined up in perfect formation around him, their presence like a colossal dragon ready to strike.

Around his chariot stood his trusted generals, including Cao Ren, Cao Chun, and Xiahou Yuan, each exuding an air of power and readiness. They were the pillars of his military strength, prepared to crush any enemy that stood in their way.

In the distance, the walls of Dongjun became visible, lined with soldiers who seemed more statuesque than men, awaiting the coming storm with cold, steely gazes. They had expected this day to come. No one on the battlements seemed surprised by the advancing army.

Only a few fresh recruits trembled at the sight of such a powerful force, their knees weak as they faced the imposing might of Cao Cao’s army. freewёbnoνel.com

But the veteran soldiers under Lu Bu were unfazed. They had faced countless battles before under their master, enduring even fiercer opponents. With men like Long Chen and Lu Bu leading them, fear was a foreign concept. fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm

High on the city walls, one of Lu Bu’s Eight Elite Generals, Hou Cheng, scanned the horizon with sharp eyes, a mocking smile tugging at his lips. "As expected, the treacherous Cao has come for Dongjun. The strategist’s predictions were correct."

He turned to another general, Wei Xu, standing beside him. "Wei Xu, go inform General Lu Bu and the strategist that Cao’s army is here, just as we anticipated."

Wei Xu nodded and strode away with purpose, leaving Hou Cheng to continue observing the enemy.

Though Zhang Liao and Gao Shun were the most renowned among Lu Bu’s elite generals, Hou Cheng was a force to be reckoned with. His combat skills made him one of the fiercest warriors, yet in Lu Bu’s heart, Wei Xu held a special place—he was Lu Bu’s brother-in-law.

While Wei Xu hurried off, Hou Cheng, Song Xian, and Cao Xing stood tall on the wall, their eyes never leaving the approaching army.

The moment came when the Cao army halted, setting up camp on a higher elevation overlooking the city. It was a strategic position, giving them a vantage point to assess Dongjun’s defenses.

Standing atop his chariot, Cao Cao looked toward Dongjun with a serious expression, his mind racing with plans and strategies. This was just the beginning.