Chương 7: Heading to Changshan, Zhao Yun

Seeing his satisfied expression, Liu Ce smiled slightly, stood up, and once again "turned around to retrieve the item".

This time, he took out a pair of Mad Song Halberds and a set of forged heavy armor from the system space, which he had prepared in advance.

With a flash of light, two pieces of equipment appeared in Liu Ce's hands.

"Erlai, come here."

Upon hearing this, Dian Wei dared not delay and immediately stood up and walked to Liu Ce. When he saw the weapon and armor in Liu Ce's hand, his eyes widened instantly.

Those two halberds were jet black, with incredibly sharp blades and an imposing design; one look and you could tell they were divine weapons.

The armor next to it was even more imposing, made of an unknown iron, with layers upon layers of armor plates covered with animal head patterns. It was both heavy and agile, and its defensive power was astonishing. Moreover, its craftsmanship was far superior to that of the present day.

"My lord, this... this is..."

Dian Wei's voice trembled slightly; he could sense the extraordinary aura emanating from the two pieces of equipment.

"This halberd is named 'Mad Song,' and this armor is named 'Mountain Guardian.'" Liu Ce handed the Mad Song halberd to Dian Wei.

"Erlai is exceptionally brave, so he should be quite adept at using this Mad Song Halberd. This set of armor is also perfectly suited for a fierce general like Erlai. Today, I will bestow these upon you."

Dian Wei took the Mad Song Halberd with both hands, feeling its weight yet perfect balance, as if it had a natural tacit understanding with him.

When he looked at the "Zhenyue" armor again, he was so excited that he trembled all over.

He loved martial arts all his life, and his desire for divine weapons was ingrained in his bones. These two pieces in front of him were simply tailor-made for him!

He knelt down with a thud, his voice choked with emotion: "My lord! What virtue or ability do I possess to deserve such a great gift from you! This... this..." He was so excited that he couldn't speak.

Liu Ce quickly stepped forward and helped him up.

"Erlai, you are a fierce general, the bravest in the army. I am giving you this divine weapon not so that you may thank me, but so that you can kill the enemy better on the battlefield, and better... survive."

"From this day forward, you, Dian Wei, will be a fierce general under my command, Liu Ce! I hope you will use these twin halberds to slay generals and seize flags for me, and use this armor to protect yourself!"

Dian Wei suddenly raised his head, nodded heavily, and his voice was hoarse but extremely loud.

"Rest assured, my lord! Dian Wei will never fail your trust! With me here, I will not allow any villain to harm you in the slightest! Where this Mad Song Halberd points, that will be my battlefield to the death!"

……

The next morning, just as dawn broke.

Liu Ce reined in his horse and said to Dian Wei and the guards beside him, "Full speed ahead! Target—Changshan Zhen Ding!"

At the command, the team sped up and raced towards the man's hometown.

……

Meanwhile, in Zhao Family Village on the outskirts of Zhen Ding County, Changshan, a young man dressed in a white outfit was standing in front of his house.

With striking features and a long spear wrapped in cloth hanging at his waist, he was none other than Zhao Yun, who had just returned from his travels and apprenticeship. Gazing at the familiar village scenery, his eyes were filled with the anticipation of returning home.

……

Ten days later.

Liu Ce and his group finally arrived in Zhen Ding County.

"My lord, why did we come here? You didn't say anything along the way," Dian Wei asked in confusion.

"There's a formidable general here; consider him your sparring partner," Liu Ce said with a smile.

……

After some investigation, they learned that Zhao Family Village was only thirty li east of the city. Liu Ce and his party dared not delay and immediately set off on horseback.

Before even entering the village, a chaotic cacophony of shouts and cries of women and children drifted on the wind.

"Oh no!" Liu Ce's expression changed drastically.

"Something's happened in Zhao Family Village!"

He spurred his horse forward, rounded a mountain pass, and the scene before him infuriated him: more than a hundred bandits, armed with knives and clubs, were burning, killing, and looting in the village, and the villagers were fleeing in disarray.

In the midst of the chaos, a white figure darted about like a whirlwind—it must be Zhao Yun!

He was dressed in a pure white battle robe, and wielded a bright silver spear with unparalleled skill. The tip of the spear gleamed coldly, and each thrust was accompanied by the screams of the bandits.

However, the bandits were numerous and powerful, and although Zhao Yun was brave, he gradually fell into a stalemate, and it was difficult to determine the winner for a while.

"Erlai! Follow me to kill the traitors!" Liu Ce shouted, drew his sword, and charged forward first.

Dian Wei could no longer contain himself. He brandished his double halberds and followed closely behind like a fierce god. His guards also drew their swords and formed a formation to attack the mountain bandits.

Liu Ce's swordsmanship was fierce and swift, specifically targeting the bandits' weaknesses; Dian Wei's double halberds were powerful and heavy, capable of crushing a group with a single strike.

The two men, one on the left and one on the right, moved like tigers among sheep, instantly breaking through the bandits' encirclement.

Seeing the reinforcements arrive suddenly, and noting the exceptional skills of their two leaders, Zhao Yun's spirits lifted, and his silver spear attacks intensified. Caught in a pincer movement, the already fearful bandits crumbled instantly, screaming as they scattered and fled.

Moments later, the remaining bandits were all killed or captured, and Zhao Family Village finally returned to peace.

"System check..."

[Ding, in progress...] Name: Zhao Yun, courtesy name Zilong Gender: Male Age: 20 [Strength]: 105 (Top-tier) [Commander]: 86 (Second-rate) [Politics]: 76 (Third-rate) Intelligence: 83 (Second-rate) 【Charm】: 90 [Appearance]: 88cm [Special Skill]: 【Gentian】: Full of courage, his own condition and the morale of his army are greatly enhanced when facing adversity.

[Peerless]: When Yun is enraged, his own status, agility and stamina are greatly enhanced.

Zhao Yun sheathed his spear and stood there, his battle robe splattered with blood. He walked up to Liu Ce and bowed respectfully.

"Thank you for your righteous assistance. My name is Zhao Yun, courtesy name Zilong. I am deeply grateful!"

Liu Ce quickly dismounted and stepped forward to help Zhao Yun up, his eyes full of appreciation and sincerity.

"Zilong, there's no need for such formalities."

……

Liu Ce directed his guards to treat the injured villagers, bury the dead, and personally helped an old woman to lift up a woodshed that had been knocked down.

That evening, Liu Ce did not disturb the villagers and camped with his guards in an open area outside the village.

When the night was deep and quiet, Zhao Yun came alone. He saw Liu Ce deep in thought, staring at a simple map, with a pot of wine beside him, but he hadn't touched it much.

"Are you staying up so late at night because you're worried about the country and its people?" Zhao Yun asked.

Upon seeing him, Liu Ce quickly stood up to greet him.

"Zilong has come to visit late at night, I am sorry for not welcoming you properly. I am worried about the turmoil in the world, the displacement of people, and I do not know when peace will come."

"Oh, look at my memory, I forgot to introduce myself. I am the great-great-grandson of Emperor Xiaojing, a descendant of Liu Fa, the Prince of Changsha. I have been appointed by the court as the new Prefect of Zhuojun, and I am about to go to take up my post." Liu Ce slapped his forehead and laughed.

"Greetings, Lord Liu," Zhao Yun said respectfully.

"Alright, alright, no need for so much formality." Liu Ce waved his hand.

The two sat on the ground and talked about everything from military strategy and martial arts to the current situation and people's livelihood. Liu Ce did not say that he wanted to become a king or a hegemon, but repeatedly emphasized his ideal: "I wish to bring peace to the people and let the world be free from hunger and cold."

Zhao Yun was deeply moved. He had traveled far and wide and seen many people and things, but this was the first time he had heard someone place "the common people" in such an important position.

He realized that the young man before him might be the enlightened ruler he had been searching for.

Seeing Zhao Yun deep in thought, Liu Ce spoke up.

"I observe that Zilong possesses exceptional martial arts skills and a deep love for his homeland; he is truly a pillar of society. I, Liu Ce, aspire to restore order to the nation and cleanse the world of its inhabitants. I wish to treat him with utmost sincerity and work together to achieve great things. I wonder if Zilong would be willing to serve me?"

Zhao Yun sensed the other party's keen eye for talent and his great strategic vision. After a moment of contemplation, he knelt down on one knee.

"If my lord does not despise me, I am willing to serve him like a dog or a horse!"

Liu Ce was overjoyed and personally helped Zhao Yun up, saying, "Excellent! With Zilong's assistance, we are like a tiger with wings!"