Mythical Three Kingdoms

After reaching unanimous agreement, Chen Zichuan, as the commander, penned a letter to Lyu Bu on equal terms and had it delivered.

Chen Xi did not know what expression Lyu Bu would have upon reading this letter that suggested friendship through martial arts. Although many years had passed, Lyu Bu would reminisce about the Silk Manuscript he received at Hulao Pass whenever he felt lonely.

That was the sole act of gratuitous aid Lyu Bu ever received from his fellow People of Bingzhou. The more he was looked down upon, the more he wanted to prove himself, and the more he yearned to repay the kindness.

Of course, the people who helped Lyu Bu, in his eyes, were his fellow natives, not his subordinates. Their assistance was a matter of personal favor, not duty!

This was precisely why Lyu Bu would reflect upon it whenever he felt lonely, even going so far as to recreate it from memory, and why he continuously reminisced about the past in Bingzhou—it was because of this letter that Lyu Bu believed the People of Bingzhou still remembered him...

Frankly, that letter could be considered Lyu Bu’s last emotional attachment to the people of Bingzhou. Though he pulverized the original, he forever enshrined it in his memory; it was one of the final two resting places of his Heart Spirit.

Thus, when Lyu Bu received the letter sent by Chen Zichuan, his initial feeling was one of familiarity. The handwriting was all too familiar, as was the sensation, but he could not recall where he had seen it before. He never thought to connect it with the Silk Manuscript he had subsequently recreated and kept close to his chest.

Regardless of his inability to recall, Lyu Bu felt an involuntary fondness towards the author of this letter inviting him to a martial friendship. Certainly, compared to the damned fool Zhang Fei, the writer of this missive was unmistakably courteous.

”Fengxian, what matters are mentioned in the letter?” seeing a rare smile on Lyu Bu’s face, Chen Gong set aside his worries and asked, recalling vividly the previous debacle with Zhang Fei’s provocation.

”Chen Zichuan has invited me to engage in martial friendship,” Lyu Bu said with a smile. ”I don’t know why, but I feel so familiar with this writing, and it has lifted my spirits considerably. Gongtai, what do you make of this?”

Chen Gong was momentarily taken aback. A mere letter had such an effect on Lyu Bu—how incredible. Noting the tranquil gaze of Lyu Bu, who was genuinely seeking his opinion, and the stark absence of the violence that had filled him when he could not vent his anger at Zhang Fei’s challenge, Chen Gong found it miraculous.

”Then why not pay a visit?” Chen Gong did not take the letter, understanding that if Chen Zichuan could calm Lyu Bu and curb his volatility, it meant that Liu Bei’s side had not discussed conditions for enlisting Lyu Bu due to Chen Zichuan’s intention to negotiate personally, not from lack of interest.

”It appears that Liu Xuande’s side is very sincere, and if Chen Zichuan can bring tranquility to Fengxian with a single letter, then he certainly must have absolute confidence in convincing Fengxian in the upcoming discussions.” Chen Gong was overwhelmed with emotions, ”Previously, I thought Liu Xuande had no intention of taking in Lyu Bu, but it seems Liu Weishuo’s status was insufficient. It looks like they want to offer Fengxiao a position of adequate stature.”

”I was indeed considering the same,” Lyu Bu nodded slightly, saying unhurriedly, his mood inexplicably improved since receiving the letter.

”Then may I inquire, General, how many men do you intend to take with you?” Chen Gong asked with a smile.

”Why the need for many? Since it is a meeting of martial friendship, let just Wen Yuan and I go,” Lyu Bu replied. Although he couldn’t remember where he had seen such familiar handwriting, in his subconscious lay the memory of sharing that first letter with Zhang Liao.

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”Huh?” Chen Gong felt as if his eyeballs were about to pop out. He was now extremely interested in the letter written by Chen Xi. What exactly was in it that made Lyu Bu so resolute and daring to disregard danger?

”General, you mustn’t do this. If the enemy were to ambush with an elite squad, I fear even you would struggle to ensure your own safety!” Chen Gong immediately stood up and spoke. Lyu Bu must be out of his mind—how could this be possible?

”What do I have to fear?” Lyu Bu asked with a smile, ”I wield the Sky Piercer, invincible in the battlefield, and my treasured horse Red Hare is as fast as lightning. Should that situation arise, who would dare stop Wen Yuan and me if we decide to leave?”

Seeing that Chen Gong was about to continue to dissuade him, Lyu Bu’s expression changed, ”Since it’s a meeting of warriors, Liu Xuande is a man of benevolence and trustworthiness. I trust they wouldn’t dare to act rashly. Besides, with Yuan Benchu keeping them in check, what do I have to fear?”

At this moment, Lyu Bu was exceedingly stubborn in his heart. He was determined to go and wanted to present himself with honor and valor. Deep down, he felt he must appear magnificent when meeting that fellow countryman. Since he couldn’t return home in glory, even if he couldn’t remember why he felt familiar, his subconscious still wished for him not to lose face before the countryman he was about to meet.

”Wen Yuan, would you dare to go with me?” Lyu Bu looked towards Zhang Liao.

”I would be honored to accompany Fengxian,” this time, Zhang Liao didn’t call Lyu Bu by the distant title of General, but used his courtesy name instead.

Ever since leaving Bingzhou, it had been difficult for Zhang Liao to see Lyu Bu’s valiant figure as he now saw him, not weighed down by heavy pressures but exuding the bravery and hope of the past.

”Good! Then, let it be the two of us to go. Gongtai, you hold down our fort here, and have Gongzheng defend the camp, ensuring our safety,” Lyu Bu, in high spirits, no longer caused trouble for Gao Shun and magnanimously let him take over the camp’s defense.

”That seems reasonable,” Chen Gong thought it over and approved of Lyu Bu’s suggestion.

Indeed, if Lyu Bu were alone, on Red Hare Horse, truly no one could stop him if he chose to leave.

Similarly, Zhang Liao was no weakling, and having him along wouldn’t be a burden. If Chen Xi truly were dishonorable, then all the reputation Liu Bei had built up over time would be ruined—Lyu Bu would not merit such a significant investment of effort from Chen Xi.

Later, Lyu Bu went to groom Red Hare, filled with questions. He didn’t understand why he felt this way, why the sight of that handwriting—one so familiar—stirred him so much. Lyu Bu refused to suppress the excitement; although he still couldn’t remember why, the excitement never ceased.

After brushing Red Hare’s mane until it shone, Lyu Bu adorned the horse with the most dazzling saddle, fitted it with Golden Bell, and then left with satisfaction. It was time to prepare his own outfit.

Lyu Bu had already decided on what to wear—his most handsome attire. He planned to don the Tang Niju Armor from the battle at Hulao Pass, the Barbarian Lion Belt, and have Diao Chan personally place the Trident Purple Gold Crown upon his head, enveloping himself in the grand red Shu Brocade Cape. Then, as if heading toward the sanctuary of his heart’s spirit, he would meet the author of the letter!

At this moment, Lyu Bu’s heart was a tumult of emotions. He did not understand why he felt the need to dress so solemnly, but strangely, once he put on that armor, the tangled thoughts suddenly cleared, leaving behind only a serene mindset—a heart set on pilgrimage, as if stepping towards the sanctuary of his spirit. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, you’re welcome to vote for it at . Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile readers please visit m.qidian.com to read.)

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