It Wasn’t a Martial Arts World, but the Three Kingdoms

Chapter 80. Approaching Shadows (1)

“I appreciate your kindness.”

The man standing before me was called Zhang Liao.

Once a core general of Lü Bu’s forces, he had been captured as a prisoner. However, he had now decided to surrender and entrust himself to our army.

Beside him, standing quietly, was the woman Gao Shun.

She, too, had surrendered alongside Zhang Liao and was now under our protection.

Their condition for joining our army was the release of Lü Bu.

I made my intentions clear to them.

I told them I had no intention of killing Lü Bu.

Of course, there were many within our ranks who opposed this, but thanks to Baekrang and Unsam, that sentiment quickly subsided.

Unsam had said,

“If this choice can bring us closer to our cause, then I won’t refuse it.”

Baekrang also voiced his opinion.

“I have no objections to your decision, Brother. Moreover, I believe that Unsam’s words hold some merit. With half-hearted resolve, we won’t be able to fulfill your great cause. All of us exist solely to follow your path, not just me but everyone.”

Lastly, Sima Yi explained the strategic value of a person like Lü Bu, and with that, the matter was temporarily settled.

They all knew.

Eventually, I wouldn’t be able to stand on the front lines as I once did.

My body was slowly recovering.

However, the internal injuries were still deep.

Even when sparring with Yun, I had to give my all just to barely win a single move.

That’s how severe my injuries were.

Moreover, according to Cao Cao’s message, the movements of Yuan Shu’s forces were becoming increasingly suspicious.

In the end, war.

War again.

I lightly patted Zhang Liao on the shoulder as he bowed, and then headed to the prison where Lü Bu was confined.

There, Lü Bu was still lying around like a loafer.

“Yeo, isn’t it about time you made your choice?”

“…Huh? Again?”

“Your subordinates have all made their decisions. They’ve chosen to go with us.”

“Hmph, I’m not interested in that kind of thing.”

Lü Bu snorted openly and shrugged.

“Another war is approaching. The Governor of Nanyang has started rallying troops centered around the Governor of Changsha. So, they say they can’t leave you alone any longer. Whether it’s execution or recruitment, it’s time to make a decision.”

“Why the hell are you so obsessed with me?”

“Because you’re damn strong.”

“…Ha, right.”

Lü Bu let out a sigh that didn’t suit her usual demeanor.

“So, it’s all about power, huh? You want to borrow Lü Bu’s strength? Then just do it yourself. You’re the one who put me in this state. What are you so afraid of?”

“It’s not just that.”

It seemed she was under a grand misconception.

Sure, Lü Bu undeniably held immense strategic value.

That was an undeniable fact.

However, even if Lü Bu had no value, I still wanted her in my army.

If it were just for that reason, I would have cut her down without hesitation.

“I’ve been thinking deeply about what you said back then.”

“Yes, you said not to leave future trouble behind. You fool.”

“Hey, watch your mouth. Before I smack you.”

“…Hmph.”

Despite my rough words, Lü Bu surprisingly turned her head quietly.

“I still can’t betray my debt of gratitude. No matter how much of an enemy you are, I haven’t repaid my debt to you yet. So helping you is purely my own satisfaction. I don’t care if it leaves trouble for the future. I’m doing it because I want to.”

“…”

Lü Bu remained silent, staring into the distance.

So, it was wrong again this time.

Sigh, I really can’t figure out what to do.

“Well, I’ll be back. Take care of yourself until then.”

There was no point in continuing this conversation, so I decided to withdraw for now.

As I was about to leave, I heard a voice.

“…Hey.”

“Hmm?”

I turned my head at Yeo’s call.

She was scowling as if deeply displeased.

“Are you still not recovered from your injuries?”

“I’m fine now.”

I said that, but the slight limp in my step couldn’t be hidden.

Lü Bu furrowed her brow further and spoke again.

“You plan to go to war in that state?”

“It’s not like they’re going to attack right away. I should be fine.”

“Are you insane?”

Lü Bu got up and gripped the iron bars.

“A vanguard commander talking so casually like that? Are you serious?”

“Why the sudden fuss? This is my business to handle.”

“You damn…! Fine, it’s not your fault. The ones at fault are the trash around you. Leaning and leaning until you don’t even realize the blades at your side are dull. You fool.”

There she goes again.

Lü Bu’s temperament was truly unpredictable.

If she ever joins under me, I’ll probably have to beat her into obedience first.

“Listen well, if you die, it’ll be by my hand. I won’t allow some other idiots to kill you.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. So, hurry up and come out. If you get restless, I’ll be your opponent anytime.”

“…Tch, with you as you are now, I don’t even feel like facing you. If you’re not at your best, there’s no point.”

Lü Bu slumped back down.

“Listen. A great general doesn’t have to always be at the front. Use your current position.”

“…?”

“Think about your previous battle patterns, you idiot. Sure, you’re a terror to other armies. But you’ve constantly engaged in reckless battles. The small fry might just tremble, but the sharper ones will think otherwise. It’s obvious without even seeing. Just a kid. You’re just a kid.”

“A kid, you say?”

In response to my question, Lü Bu bared her teeth and grinned viciously.

“You know what they think when they see me?”

“Well, Peerless Warrior of the World, I suppose.”

“And at the same time, a beast. Why do you think that is? It’s because I’ve planted the idea in their heads that I’ll charge in recklessly. Then those who can actually think will see me as someone unmatched in martial prowess but lacking in tactics and strategy. Being in that position, their flaws are bound to surface. By not stepping to the front as before, you force them to remain aware of you.”

Emphasizing a brutish image to confuse the enemy.

It was a concept I hadn’t even considered.

But why was she telling me this?

Didn’t Yeo dislike me?

Lü Bu clicked her tongue and quickly turned her head away.

“Now get lost. I’ve said all I need to.”

“Just to check, are you worried about me?”

“…Worried?! Me, Lü Bu, worried about someone like you?! Ha! Wake up, you idiot!”

“Geez, if it’s not that, no need to yell. You’ll burst my eardrums.”

“Get out! Get out of my sight now!”

“Alright, alright, I’m going.”

Leaving Lü Bu, whose ears had turned red as she ranted, I retreated.

Phew, she really does have a nasty personality.

“Hey!”

“What now!”

I was about to leave in disgust, but she called me again.

Lü Bu took a deep breath and spoke slowly.

“You don’t need to come back anymore.”

Her tone was incredibly sincere.

“There’s no need to bother talking to someone like me anymore. I’ve made up my mind about what I’m going to do. So, this will be the last time.”

“…”

What was she saying all of a sudden?

Though her pattern of saying not to come was different this time, she always shouted not to come back anyway.

So, I shrugged nonchalantly.

“Alright, see you.”

—

And then, the following evening.

News broke that Lü Bu had escaped her cell and stormed Cao Cao’s camp alone.

There were no casualties, but testimonies quickly spread about Lü Bu’s rampage, causing the news to spread rapidly.

As a result, Lü Bu was once again captured by Cao Cao personally.

Cao Cao’s generals were outraged by Lü Bu’s actions, and voices calling for her execution grew louder and louder.

Reversing this sentiment would not be easy.

No one knew why she had done such a thing.

Only she would know.

Zhang Liao and Gao Shun, who had promised Lü Bu’s safety, did not comment on the incident.

They simply accepted the outcome calmly.

I couldn’t understand any of it.

Then, Zhang Liao spoke beside me.

“Sister Lü just followed her own beliefs.”

“Beliefs?”

“Perhaps she couldn’t accept defeat, or maybe she refused to live on after a loss. Whatever it was, Sister Lü made her choice. So, don’t concern yourself, Sir. If that was her decision, I have no intention of stopping her.”

Indeed.

Just as I had my own beliefs, Lü Bu also had her own convictions.

This was something I had overlooked.

I had thought that in time, she would join us.

After all, when we first fought, Lü Bu clung to life more than anyone.

However, life itself could change shape.

There were times when I couldn’t find my way either.

So, Lü Bu had finally chosen her path.

“I see…”

I nodded.

It was, somehow, a cold night.