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

Chapter 82. Approaching Shadows (3)

“Summon the troops.”

These days, Cao Cao had been processing state affairs without even a moment to rest, and with a gloomy expression, she gave the order.

“Tsk, this time it’s the young master of the Yuan family.”

Xiahou Dun sighed deeply as he looked at Cao Cao.

He wished that Mengde could take a break, but troubles never seemed to cease, leaving him feeling just as frustrated.

Lü Bu was rampaging, Sun Jian had suddenly raised an army, and this wretched country never had a quiet day.

Thus, Cao Cao’s forces, including the imperial army, were assembled.

Additionally, Unryong’s troops stationed in Chang’an were also called to join.

Since Cao Cao had anticipated such a situation, the speed of the troop mobilization was unlike anything seen in normal times.

Once they had gathered at the city gates, they began organizing the troops and dividing their roles.

There was no need to confront the enemy head-on.

This time, they were in a defensive position.

Thus, they planned to deploy sentries to monitor the enemy’s movements before they acted.

To discuss these strategies, a military meeting was convened.

Inside the tent, Cao Cao, Xiahou Dun, Cao Hong, Zuo Yin, Chen Gong, Jia Xu, Sima Yi, Unryong, and Zhao Yun sat in a row.

“Have you been taking care of yourself?”

“Yes, well.”

Cao Cao gave a faint smile as she looked at Unryong, who was sitting comfortably, leaning against his sword.

“I wish I could tell you that you don’t need to step forward, but what do you think?”

“If I truly wasn’t needed, I wouldn’t insist. But are you sure you’re okay with that?”

At Unryong’s nonchalant tone, Cao Cao snorted.

“Of course not.”

“Just Unryong’s participation in the army is enough to significantly boost morale. No one can deny that.”

Cao Cao and Chen Gong responded in agreement.

At this, Unryong shrugged his shoulders.

“Well, I’ll do my best without overdoing it, so don’t worry.”

“I see.”

Cao Cao already had full confidence in Unryong.

The man who had bravely cut down the generals who had defeated her, who had imprisoned the peerless woman of the world, and who had even cut down hundreds of soldiers from Li Ru’s army single-handedly was none other than Unryong.

Thus, having him join the forces also gave Cao Cao peace of mind.

To think she’d find herself relying on someone like this—it was a sensation that even the most outstanding talents rarely experienced.

Cao Cao gave a bitter smile at the thought.

“Then let’s start devising strategies.”

“The formation will have the cavalry at the rear, archers positioned at the very back, and the infantry split into three divisions. Each commander or strategist will lead the left, right, and center forces, right?”

Cao Cao nodded at Sima Yi’s question.

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“In that case, we’ll have my uncle handle the cavalry, which will directly strike the enemy.”

“You’re not going to lead the vanguard this time?”

Xiahou Dun asked.

Sima Yi answered on behalf of Unryong.

“No, we’ll make the most of my uncle. In the art of war, the more you conceal your ace, the more anxious the enemy becomes. Besides, my uncle is the one capable of capturing the Tiger of Jiangdong. What do you think?”

“Hm, I see. We’ll follow your suggestion and assign the cavalry to Unryong. Sima Yi, you take charge of the archers at the rear. The left flank will be yours, Zhongda. Wenruo will take the right flank, and I’ll command the center.”

“The strategy we should employ is similar to last time. Just as the battle peaks, my uncle will strike the enemy’s flank with the cavalry and bring back Sun Jian’s head. However, it would be wise to station a larger force with the archers.”

The meeting progressed smoothly.

Having already coordinated with one another, they operated in perfect sync.

Thus, the meeting concluded in no time.

“Then, I’ll head out first.”

“Go ahead.”

As Unryong led the way by lifting the tent flap, the others started leaving the tent one by one.

Left behind were Jia Xu and Cao Cao.

“Do you have something to tell me?”

Although Jia Xu was outwardly smiling, countless thoughts were running through her mind.

Jia Xu had judged that the man might soon be unable to fight.

A life with little time left. And so, he was burning his remaining spark brightly in his own way.

In Jia Xu’s mind, this was the image she had formed of him.

“… No, I don’t.”

However, she couldn’t speak of it.

The first reason was that Unryong had asked her to keep it a secret, and the second was because the way Cao Cao looked at Unryong was not ordinary.

When Jia Xu first met Cao Cao, she thought,

This woman will surely walk the path of a tyrant.

However, ironically, the way she looked at Unryong bore the visage of a sage ruler.

In other words, Jia Xu had realized something.

Just how much this army relied on that man.

If even the warlords felt this way, how much more so the lower ranks?

If the rumor that Unryong’s lifespan was short spread, morale would plummet even before the battle began.

‘… How heavy is the burden that the General bears?’

Thus, yet another misunderstanding began to take root in Jia Xu’s mind.

***

“Ah, it’s been a while since I felt this good.”

“How about it? How impressive is my greatly improved skill!”

“Yes, excellent. Baekrang, you are the pride of our army.”

“Brother!!!”

“What the hell, what are you two doing?”

Unsam sighed in disbelief as he watched Baekrang continuously pat Unryong’s shoulder.

Zhao Yun, who was sitting quietly next to Unryong, was no different.

Although she hadn’t been with the army for long, everyone in Unryong’s forces knew of Baekrang’s deep admiration for Unryong.

But strangely enough, an odd sense of rivalry was burning within her.

As Unryong’s closest disciple, Zhao Yun felt like she should be the one closest to him, but it somehow felt like she was losing out.

So, Zhao Yun cautiously began to massage Unryong’s arm as she spoke.

“… Should I give you a massage as well?”

“Damn it, why the hell is the boss doing this too? I’m not doing it. I absolutely won’t.”

Unsam looked appalled at the sight of the two.

Although Unsam respected Unryong as well, those two were particularly excessive.

“Ah! Wait, hey Baekrang! What the hell are you doing? Making me nauseous! And why is Captain Zhao doing this with him?!”

When Haryeong finally joined in, it turned into a complete circus.

Unryong smiled faintly.

“It’s peaceful.”

“Peaceful, my ass. We’re about to go back to war.”

At Unsam’s words, Unryong chuckled.

“That’s true. But didn’t I say? Where there is martial strength—”

“There is righteousness. Unsam, this is a great opportunity. Another chance to imprint brother’s greatness on those bastards.”

“Hey, Baekrang. That’s why people don’t like you. Why are you so overwhelming? It’s kind of creepy.”

“… Only my Brother can insult me. Not some girl like you—”

“You little—!”

Thwack!

Baekrang was struck hard on the back of his head by Haryeong and was left pouting, unable to say a word.

“You wanna die, huh?”

“…”

“Can’t you see who’s in charge? Huh? Just because you’ve gained some power recently, you think you can cross the line?”

“… Ahem.”

Yeah, this was their normal.

Baekrang and Unsam always bickered, and when Baekrang couldn’t control his emotions, Haryeong would calm him down. Then, after some time, they’d go back to being as close as family.

Though not related by blood, they were connected by a bond stronger than family.

“Since I became Brother’s sister first, I’m clearly older than you. You know that, right? So don’t get cocky.”

“… You petty woman.”

“Hey, that’s enough. Yun’s at a loss about what to do.”

The only difference now was that Zhao Yun had joined this group.

To an outsider, the atmosphere might have seemed hostile, but Zhao Yun didn’t know what to do as she alternated her gaze between the two.

Haryeong sighed deeply and lowered her head at Zhao Yun’s puzzled expression.

“Sorry about this. We’re kind of rough since we all come from humble origins. This is what we always did before going to battle, so we can’t really help it, haha…”

“It’s alright. As long as it’s not a fight, I don’t mind.”

Zhao Yun smiled faintly.

She, too, enjoyed this atmosphere.

This kind of relationship, free of pretense and familial in nature.

It must be a trust built up over decades.

“Ah, now that I’ve loosened up, it’s time to get to work.”

“Whew… Really, there’s never a quiet day.”

As Unryong got up, Unsam slung his spear over his shoulder and sighed deeply.

“Ryeong, isn’t it time for you to go too?

If you’re late, our little one will…”

“… Y-You don’t have to mention it. I know.”

“What a shame, how can someone so cheerful look so worn out?”

“P-Please don’t say I look worn out! It’s rude to a lady.”

“Oh, come on, you’re a lady? You’ve got a long way to go before you’re one.”

“… What can I even say to my big bro?”

“Brother, are you really sure you’re alright?”

Unsam asked.

“Of course, man. Does this Brother look that unreliable to you?”

“There’s no way that’s true. Unsam, don’t listen to that idiot.”

“That damn punk…”

“Everyone, please stop. We need to get ready, don’t we?”

At Zhao Yun’s intervention, they quieted down like obedient children.

The results of all the training were evident.

“And Master, I have something to say before we part.”

“Hmm?”

With a serious expression, Zhao Yun spoke again.

“We are here for you, Master. We will clear the path ahead of you, so please don’t overexert yourself like before.”

“Yeah, if all goes well, Brother might not even need to step in. We haven’t been swinging our swords for nothing.”

“This Baekrang will also fight with all his might.”

“…”

When had they grown so much?

Unryong could still vividly remember the faces of the brats who used to cry every day after getting beaten up.

Unryong smirked.

“Alright, I believe in you.”

While Unryong might not realize it, Unsam and later even Baekrang received guidance from Zhao Yun.

Not just following someone’s lead, but moving forward together was where true meaning lay.

Thus, they vowed that they would now pave the way ahead.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Soon, the sound of drums echoed.

As shadows approached from afar, the banners of Sun’s army fluttered in the distance.