Reborn In The Three Kingdoms

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The sight of the city stunned them all. Xiapi was unlike any city Ma Chao had ever seen. Even Chang,’An, the fallen capital of the Western Han, and Luoyang, the current seat of power of the Eastern Han, paled in comparison. The walls of Xiapi were massive, taller, thicker, and far more formidable than anything he had encountered before.

Atop those walls, he could make out war engines, ballistae, catapults, and strange siege weapons he did not recognize. They were stationed at regular intervals, manned by soldiers who moved with the precision of a well-oiled war machine. The entire structure radiated an aura of impenetrability.

Ma Chao’s breath caught in his throat. No army could siege such a city and emerge victorious, not without an overwhelming force or a siege that lasted months. Even then, the sheer level of development and prosperity evident in Xiapi suggested that it had more than enough resources to outlast any prolonged war.

Hu Bao, who had spent much of his life in Liang Province, where fortifications were scarce, could hardly believe his eyes. ”This... this is something beyond anything I imagined. How could one man build such a city in these chaotic times?”

Lan Fu beside Hu Bao murmured, ”If Lie Fan has the power to create this, then he is no ordinary warlord. He is building an empire.”

Ma Chao clenched his fists. It was now clear why Lie Fan was being called the number one warlord in the land. His strength was not merely in his army but in the sheer scale of his domain’s prosperity, military preparedness, and foresight.

And it was this realization that solidified Ma Chao’s decision even further, if he wanted to break free the Ma Clan from Cao Cao’s tightening grip, then he needed to align with a warlord who could challenge such a force.

Lie Fan was that warlord.

He turned to his men. ”We ride forward. Stay on guard, but do not provoke the guards at the gate. We came here seeking an alliance, not a fight.” His warriors nodded, and they urged their weary horses onward.

As they approached the massive gates, the guards stationed there took immediate notice. Unlike other cities where soldiers were lax or corrupt, these men carried themselves with rigid discipline. Their armor was polished, their weapons sharp, and their expressions unreadable.

One of the guards, a captain with a commanding presence, stepped forward and raised a hand. ”Halt! State your names and purpose for entering Xiapi!”

Ma Chao dismounted, signaling his men to do the same. He took a deep breath and removed his travel-worn cloak, revealing his face.

”I am Ma Chao, son of Ma Teng, Lord of Xiliang,” he declared, his voice firm and unwavering. ”I have come to seek an audience with Lord Lie Fan.”

A murmur passed through the guards, though they maintained their discipline. Ma Chao’s reputation was well known, his prowess as a warrior, his lineage, and his bold personality against the Outlander tribes to the north had earned him fame across the land. However, the fact that he had arrived at Xiapi of all places was unexpected.

The captain studied him for a moment before nodding. ”Wait here. A message will be sent to the lord.”

With a sharp gesture, he signaled to one of the younger soldiers, who quickly turned and vanished through the gates.

As Ma Chao and his men stood waiting, they could feel the intensity of the guards’ watchful eyes. They were being observed, measured, and assessed, just as they had been on their journey.

Minutes passed, and then the massive gates began to creak open. From within, a squad of elite warriors emerged, clad in armor finer than any Ma Chao had seen. At their head stood a tall figure, his robes embroidered with symbols of wisdom and strategy.

It was Zhuge Liang, where the strategist stepped forward, his fan resting lightly against his chin, his piercing gaze studying Ma Chao intently.

”Young Lord Ma Chao,” Zhuge Liang greeted, his tone smooth and unreadable. ”Lord Lie Fan has been expecting you. Please, follow me.”

Ma Chao’s eyes narrowed slightly. Expecting me? So he knew I was coming before I even arrived? Without hesitation, he motioned for his men to follow, and they stepped through the gates of Xiapi.

Xiapi was even more magnificent within its walls than it had appeared from the outside. The streets were bustling with merchants, scholars, and soldiers alike. Unlike the mediocre cities under Cao Cao or the crumbling remnants of the Han controlled territories, Xiapi was thriving.

As they made their way through the city, Ma Chao took in every detail, the orderliness, the infrastructure, the abundance of resources. This was not just a warlord’s city; it was the heart of a growing empire.

Finally, they arrived at the grand hall of the Xiapi’s Governor Castle where Lie Fan awaited.

The doors swung open, revealing the young warlord seated upon an ornate chair, his presence commanding yet calm. Beside him stood Sima Yi and Lu Xun, both observing with quiet intensity.

Lie Fan did not rise, nor did he need to. His gaze alone was enough to make Ma Chao feel as though he had stepped before a ruler, not a mere warlord.

Ma Chao stepped forward, bowing slightly as a sign of respect but keeping his pride intact. ”Lord Lie Fan, I, Ma Chao of Xiliang, have come to seek your counsel and aid.”

Lie Fan studied him for a moment before speaking. ”You have traveled far, through treacherous lands, evading many eyes, only to stand before me now. Tell me, the Splendid Ma Chao of Liang Province, why have you come?”

Ma Chao met his gaze directly. ”Cao Cao’s grip tightens around my family. We pledged loyalty, yet we are treated as mere pawns, ostracized while Han Sui is favored. I refuse to let my clan be dismantled and absorbed. I seek an alliance with a true power, one that can stand against the might of Cao Cao even the entire land.”

A moment of silence stretched between them.

Then, Zhuge Liang chuckled softly. ”A tiger seeks a den that will not cage him. But tell me, Lord Ma, do you seek an ally, or do you seek another master?”

Ma Chao’s jaw tightened. ”I seek neither master nor leash. I seek a partner in battle.”

Lie Fan finally leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. ”And if I accept you, what do you offer me?”

Ma Chao stood tall. ”My strength. My loyalty, to a just cause. I am willing to prove myself in whatever way you deem necessary.”

Lie Fan exchanged glances with his advisors. Sima Yi smirked slightly, while Lu Xun appeared thoughtful.

Then, Lie Fan spoke again. ”Very well. Before I grant you my alliance, you will prove yourself. You must have known of my strength and skill, I won’t to face you in one on one duel to test your resolve, your skill, and your worth before I decide on the alliance.”

He leaned back, eyes gleaming. ”Fight me, and then we shall see if you and your clan are worthy of standing by my side.”

Ma Chao’s heart pounded, but he did not waver. He had come to Xiapi seeking an ally, and he would prove that he was no mere pawn, he would carve his own fate.

His heart raced as he felt the weight of Lie Fan’s challenge settles upon him. The air in the grand hall was thick with tension, and the gaze of Lie Fan, Sima Yi, and Zhuge Liang bore into him like the sharp edge of a blade.

He had heard the tales of Lie Fan’s prowess, of his legendary duel with Lu Bu at Hulao Pass, where he had stood shoulder to shoulder with two other generals, Dian Wei and Huang Zhong, and forced the invincible Lu Bu to retreat.

To face such a man in single combat was not just a test of strength but a trial of honor, resolve, and destiny. Ma Chao’s blood boiled at the thought, his adrenaline surging through his veins like a raging river. This was no ordinary duel, it was a chance to prove that the Ma Clan was not just a pawn in the grand game of warlords but a force to be reckoned with.

With a firm resolve, Ma Chao cupped his hands and bowed slightly, accepting Lie Fan’s challenge. ”I accept your offer, Lord Lie Fan,” he declared, his voice steady but laced with the fire of determination. ”I will prove that the Ma Clan is worthy of standing by your side. We are not mere tools to be discarded or used. We are warriors, and we fight for our honor and our future. Tell me, when will this duel take place?”

Lie Fan leaned back in his ornate chair, his expression unreadable. He studied Ma Chao for a moment, his piercing eyes calculating, as if weighing the young lord’s worth not just as a warrior but as a potential ally. After a brief silence, Lie Fan spoke, his voice calm but commanding. ”The duel will be held in two days’ time. You have traveled far, and your men are weary. Rest and prepare yourself. I want you at your full strength when we face each other. A half hearted battle serves no one.”

Ma Chao nodded, appreciating the gesture. Though he was eager to prove himself, he knew that Lie Fan was right. His journey to Xiapi had been long and arduous, and his body needed time to recover. ”Thank you for your understanding, Lord Lie Fan,” he said, his tone respectful but firm. ”I will not disappoint you.”

Lie Fan waved his hand dismissively, a subtle gesture that carried the weight of a ruler’s authority. He then turned to Lu Xun, who had been standing quietly by his side. ”Prepare suitable accommodations for Young Lord Ma Chao and his men,” he ordered. ”Ensure they have everything they need to rest and recover.”

Lu Xun bowed deeply, his expression as calm and composed as ever. ”It will be done, my lord,” he replied. He then turned to Ma Chao and his entourage, gesturing for them to follow him. ”This way, Young Lord Ma Chao. I will show you to your chambers.”

As Ma Chao and his men followed Lu Xun out of the grand hall, the atmosphere shifted. The tension that had filled the room moments ago began to dissipate, replaced by a sense of anticipation. Ma Chao’s mind raced as they walked through the bustling streets of Xiapi.

The city was a marvel, its streets alive with activity, its people thriving under Lie Fan’s rule. Everywhere he looked, he saw signs of prosperity and order, merchants hawking their wares, scholars debating in open courtyards, and soldiers patrolling with disciplined precision. It was a stark contrast to the land under Cao Cao’s influence.

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Name: Lie Fan

Title: Overlord Of The Central Plains

Age: 33 (200 AD)

Level: 16

Next Level: 462,000

Renown: 1325

Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)

SP: 1,121,700

ATTRIBUTE POINTS

STR: 951 (+20)

VIT: 613 (+20)

AGI: 598 (+10)

INT: 617

CHR: 96

WIS: 519

WILL: 407

ATR Points: 0