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___________________________
Yuan Shao remained silent, his fingers tightening slightly on the armrest of his throne. Yuan Shang stepped forward, his voice tinged with desperation. "Father, staying here is madness! If we flee now, we can regroup and reclaim what we've lost. There's no shame in retreating to fight another day, we have done that before, we could do it again."
For a long moment, Yuan Shao said nothing. The silence was deafening, the tension in the room palpable. Finally, in a voice barely above a whisper, he asked, "And what of your second brother? What of Yuan Xi?"
Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang exchanged uneasy glances, neither wanting to be the first to answer. After an uncomfortable pause, Yuan Shang spoke hesitantly. "Second Brother… he has chosen to stay behind. He's leading the remnants of our forces to hold off Lie Fan's army and buy us time to… make our decision."
Yuan Shao's weary eyes widened slightly, a flicker of emotion breaking through his exhaustion. The thought of Yuan Xi sacrificing himself for the family, while his eldest and youngest sons pleaded for escape, ignited a spark of anger within him. His hand clenched the armrest of his throne as he forced himself upright, his voice trembling with a mix of fury and sorrow.
"My second son fights to protect our name, our honor, while you two…" He trailed off, his voice breaking. Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang flinched under his gaze, but he lacked the energy to berate them further. His shoulders sagged, and he waved a hand dismissively. "Do whatever you want. Go. Flee, if that is all you can offer."
Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang hesitated for a moment before bowing their heads. Without another word, they turned and left the hall, their departure a tacit admission of their cowardice. The advisors and officials, too, fell silent, their earlier fervor replaced by a somber realization of their lord's despair.
As the castle descended into an uneasy quiet, Yuan Shao leaned back on his throne, his mind drifting to memories of better days. He thought of his once-mighty army, the respect and fear his name had commanded, and the dreams he had held for his sons. Now, all of it seemed like a distant, fading dream.
Outside the castle, the Qilin Army's advance was relentless. Lie Fan and Lu Lingqi led their troops through the streets of Zhongshan, their movements swift and decisive.
The city's defenders, already demoralized by starvation and internal unrest, offered little resistance. Fires burned in several districts, the smoke mingling with the cries of surrender and the clash of steel.
Lie Fan paused at an intersection, his halberd resting on his shoulder as he surveyed the battlefield. His eyes narrowed as he assessed the situation, his mind racing to ensure that no detail was overlooked. Beside him, Lu Lingqi stood with her weapon at the ready, her gaze sharp and focused.
"The southern district is secure, my lord," reported Zhao Yun, his armor stained with blood. "The Baihu Army's efforts have caused significant unrest among the populace. Many of the defenders are laying down their arms."
"Good," Lie Fan replied. "Press forward and secure the northern gate. We cannot allow Yuan Shao or his family to escape."
Zhao Yun nodded and rode off to carry out the orders. Meanwhile, Zhang Liao approached, his expression grim but determined. "My Lord, the Yuan forces are retreating to the castle. Their resistance is weakening. It's only a matter of time before the city is fully under our control."
Lie Fan nodded, his grip tightening on his halberd. "No mercy for those who continue to resist. Ensure that the people know we fight for their freedom, not their destruction."
Within the governor's castle, the sounds of battle grew closer. Yuan Xi, battered and bloodied, stood atop the walls, his halberd heavy in his hands. His remaining soldiers fought valiantly, but their numbers were dwindling rapidly. Despite the hopelessness of their situation, Yuan Xi refused to abandon his post.
"Hold the line!" he roared, his voice hoarse. "We fight for our family, for our honor!"
The soldiers rallied around him, their determination rekindled by his presence. Arrows rained down, and the clash of steel rang out as the defenders made their final stand. Yuan Xi fought with the ferocity of a cornered tiger, his every strike a testament to his unwavering resolve.
But the inevitable could not be delayed forever. The Qilin Army breached the castle gates, their disciplined ranks flooding into the courtyard. Lie Fan led the charge, his halberd sweeping aside the last vestiges of resistance. He locked eyes with Yuan Xi, the two men recognizing the end that had come.
Yuan Xi straightened, his expression one of defiance rather than fear. "So, it has come to this," he said, his voice steady. "If I am to fall, I will do so with honor."
Lie Fan nodded, a rare moment of respect passing between them. "You fought well, Yuan Xi. But this battle was lost long before we crossed swords."
The air crackled with anticipation as Lie Fan and Yuan Xi squared off. The scent of blood hung heavy, a grim testament to the carnage that had unfolded. Yuan Xi, despite the grim reality, exuded an aura of quiet resolve. His eyes, though narrowed, held a flicker of admiration for his opponent.
Lie Fan moved first, a blur of motion as he lunged. His halberd, a fearsome weapon of war, descended with the force of a thunderbolt. Yuan Xi, agile despite his armor, barely managed to deflect the blow, the impact sending tremors through his arms. He retaliated with a swift thrust of his sword, but Lie Fan, with a flick of his wrist, parried the attack effortlessly.
Lie Fan, sensing an opening, feinted left before unleashing a powerful overhead strike. Yuan Xi, anticipating the move, rolled aside, but Lie Fan, with a surprising twist of his body, redirected the attack. The halberd's edge grazed Yuan Xi's shoulder, drawing a thin line of blood. Yuan Xi winced, but his grip on his sword tightened.
Lie Fan pressed the attack, his movements a symphony of deadly grace. He unleashed a flurry of blows, each one more ferocious than the last. Yuan Xi, though skilled, was overwhelmed. He was forced to retreat, desperately trying to find an opening in Lie Fan's relentless assault.
Lie Fan, sensing Yuan Xi's desperation, baited him into a reckless charge. As Yuan Xi lunged, Lie Fan stepped aside, then with a swift, brutal move, swept his leg out from under him. Yuan Xi crashed to the ground, the wind knocked out of him. Lie Fan stood over him, his halberd poised.
Yuan Xi, scrambling back to his feet, knew the end was near. He unleashed a desperate barrage of attacks, a whirlwind of steel that forced Lie Fan to backpedal. But it was a futile effort. Lie Fan, with a calm precision, deflected each blow, his eyes gleaming with a predatory glint.
Their weapons continue to clash, the final duel playing out amid the chaos. Yuan Xi continued to fight valiantly, his movements fueled by desperation and pride, but he was no match for Lie Fan's superior skill and strength. With a final, powerful strike, Lie Fan disarmed Yuan Xi, his halberd slicing through the other man's weapon.
Lie Fan lowered his halberd, the point resting lightly on Yuan Xi's direction. Yuan Xi fell to his knees, his breathing labored. He looked up at Lie Fan, his gaze unwavering with a bitter smile touched his lips. "You are indeed a formidable opponent," he conceded, his voice hoarse. "Do what you must. I have no regrets. I could finally reunite with my wife on the other side."
Lie Fan raised his halberd but hesitated for a brief moment. Then, with a swift motion, he delivered the killing blow, ending Yuan Xi's life. The courtyard fell silent, the Qilin Army soldiers standing in solemn acknowledgment of the fallen warrior's bravery.
After Yuan Xi's death, the resistance against Lie Fan and his army crumbled. The remaining soldiers, demoralized and leaderless, threw down their weapons and surrendered.
With the city of Zhongshan now under his control, Lie Fan regrouped his forces. Together with Lu Lingqi, he led the soldiers from the Qilin Army, the Qinlong Army, and the Baihu Army towards the governor's castle.
The castle, once the last symbol of Yuan Shao's crumbling power, now stood desolate and foreboding. The gates had been battered open, the courtyards littered with debris and the remnants of a futile defense.
As they marched into the castle's inner sanctum, Lie Fan's soldiers moved with disciplined precision, securing every corridor and chamber. The clinking of their armor and the steady thud of boots echoed ominously through the halls.
Finally, Lie Fan and Lu Lingqi approached the grand main hall. The heavy doors were pushed open with a resounding creak, revealing a sight both somber and surreal.
The hall was nearly empty, stripped of the usual throngs of advisors, officials, and guards. Only Yuan Shao remained, seated on his throne at the far end of the room. His once-proud visage was now marked by exhaustion and despair, his elaborate robes wrinkled and stained. Yet, even in defeat, he retained an air of defiance.
The hall was silent save for the measured footsteps of Lie Fan and Lu Lingqi as they approached. Yuan Shao's eyes flickered briefly with recognition when he saw Lie Fan.
Memories of the young man he had once underestimated during the campaigns against the Yellow Turbans and Dong Zhuo surged to the forefront of his mind.
He had never imagined that this young man would rise to such power, much less be the one to deliver his downfall. He had always assumed that if he and his clan were to fall, it would be at the hands of Cao Cao, his old rival. The irony cut deeper than any blade.
Lie Fan's expression was unreadable, his halberd still in hand. Lu Lingqi stood by his side, her posture unwavering, her presence as imposing as ever. They advanced slowly down the length of the hall, their footsteps deliberate, until they stood just a few paces from the throne.
Yuan Shao's gaze met Lie Fan's. For a moment, neither man spoke. The weight of history, of decisions made and paths taken, hung heavy in the air. Finally, Yuan Shao broke the silence, his voice hoarse but steady.
"So, it has come to this," he said, his tone devoid of anger or fear. "You, Lie Fan. Of all the forces in this land, it is you who has triumphed over me. The heavens have a cruel sense of humor."
Lie Fan's grip on his halberd tightened slightly. "It was not the heavens that brought us here, Yuan Shao. It was your choices." His voice was calm, almost clinical. "You had the resources, the strength, and the opportunities to unite the land. But your arrogance and indecision squandered them. Now, Zhongshan falls not because of the heavens, but because you failed to protect it."
_____________________________
Name: Lie Fan
Title: Overlord Of The Central Plains
Age: 32 (199 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
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___________________________
Lie Fan's grip on his halberd tightened slightly. "It was not the heavens that brought us here, Yuan Shao. It was your choices." His voice was calm, almost clinical. "You had the resources, the strength, and the opportunities to unite the land. But your arrogance and indecision squandered them. Now, Zhongshan falls not because of the heavens, but because you failed to protect it."
Yuan Shao chuckled bitterly. "Perhaps you are right. Perhaps my ambitions outstripped my abilities. But tell me, Lie Fan, as you stand there in my hall with maybe the last of my city under your banner, do you not feel even a pang of regret? We were comrades once, if only briefly. We fought for a common cause against the chaos that plagued this land."
Lie Fan's eyes hardened. "We fought side by side, yes. But you saw those alliances as tools to serve your own ends. You looked down on those who did not fit your vision of nobility, dismissing them as beneath you. And now, those you dismissed have surpassed you."
Yuan Shao's face twisted with a mix of anger and sorrow. He leaned forward slightly, his voice rising. "And you think you are any different? Do you truly believe that your path is righteous, that you will not make the same mistakes? Power consumes all who seek it, Lie Fan. You may triumph today, but your turn will come. The cycle is unbreakable from the start until the end of times."
Lie Fan did not waver. "Perhaps it is unbreakable. But if I fall, it will not be because I allowed pride and complacency to blind me. It will not be because I betrayed the trust of those who followed me."
The two men stared at each other, the room thick with tension. Finally, Yuan Shao leaned back on his throne, his expression one of weary resignation. "You have won, Lie Fan. Do what you came here to do."
Lie Fan took a step forward, his halberd glinting in the dim light. But before he could speak, Lu Lingqi interjected, her voice sharp and unwavering. "This man has caused untold suffering through his ambition and neglect. He deserves no mercy."
Yuan Shao's eyes shifted to her, and a faint, bitter smile crossed his lips. "Ah, the fierce daughter of Lu Bu. Your late father was much the same as you. Ruthless, unyielding, and yet, even he met his end. Do you truly believe you will escape the same fate as him?"
Lu Lingqi's gaze did not falter. "I do not fear fate, old man. I only fear leaving my duty unfulfilled to my husband and my family."
Lie Fan raised a hand, signaling for silence. He stepped closer to Yuan Shao, his halberd lowering slightly. "Yuan Shao, for all your faults, you were once a formidable leader leading the coalition against Dong Zhuo. You conquered and held the north together under your banner when it could have fractured entirely and caused suffering for the people. But that time has passed. Your legacy, such as it is, ends here."
With a swift motion, Lie Fan raised his halberd and brought it down. The strike was clean, decisive. Yuan Shao slumped forward, his life extinguished in an instant. The hall was silent once more, save for the faint rustle of fabric as his lifeless body sagged against the throne.
Lie Fan turned to his soldiers, his voice firm. "The era of Yuan Shao is over. Let this be a lesson to all who would place their ambition above the people. Secure the castle. Treat the civilians with respect. We are not here to plunder, but to restore order."
The soldiers saluted and moved to carry out his orders. Lu Lingqi lingered for a moment, her eyes on Yuan Shao's body. "Do you think the rest of his sons will try to reclaim Zhongshan?" she asked.
Lie Fan's expression darkened. "If they do, they will meet the same fate. But for now, they are trapped. Dian Wei, Huang Zhong, Zhang Liao, and Zhao Yun will see to that."
Outside the castle, the streets of Zhongshan were already beginning to quiet. The fires had been extinguished, and the people, though wary, were emerging from their homes. Lie Fan's soldiers moved among them, distributing food and water, their disciplined demeanor a stark contrast to the chaos that had preceded them.
As Lie Fan and Lu Lingqi stepped out into the sunlight, the weight of their victory settled heavily upon them. Zhongshan was theirs, but the cost had been high. The city would need rebuilding, its people reassurance.
Meanwhile just like Lie Fan had just said to Lu Lingqi concerning the fate of Yuan Shao's other sons, the air near the western gate of Zhongshan was thick with the sound of clashing steel and desperate cries.
Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang, bloodied and exhausted, stood amidst their dwindling forces. They had rallied what remained of their soldiers, only around 5,000 men, to escape the ruin of their father's legacy.
Alongside them was an entourage of 500 people consisting of their family members, advisors, officials, and their families, all hoping to flee the wrath of Lie Fan's conquering army.
The brothers had chosen the western gate as their escape route, believing it to be the least fortified. But their hopes were dashed as they arrived to find the gate firmly held by Zhang Liao and Zhao Yun, who had anticipated their move. A contingent of Lie Fan's troops, disciplined and resolute, blocked the path, with Zhang Liao and Zhao Yun personally leading from the front.
"Yuan Shang!" Yuan Tan shouted over the chaos, his face twisted in desperation. "Order your men to push harder! We must break through before it's too late!"
Yuan Shang, his armor dented and streaked with blood, scowled. "Don't order me around, Yuan Tan! If you hadn't wasted time gathering these useless followers, we'd already be out of Zhongshan!"
Their argument was cut short as Zhang Liao's voice rang out, calm but commanding. "Yuan Tan, Yuan Shang! Surrender now, and your lives may be spared. Resist, and you will perish here like your father!"
Zhao Yun, his white armor gleaming even amid the dust and blood, stepped forward, his spear pointed at the retreating forces. "Your troops are exhausted, your cause lost. Lay down your arms. Spare these men needless suffering."
The brothers exchanged a glance, their pride preventing them from even considering surrender. Yuan Tan snarled, "Never! We are the sons of Yuan Shao! We will not bow to a mere upstart like Lie Fan!"
Zhang Liao sighed, raising his glaive. "Then you leave us no choice. Soldiers, advance!"
The battle erupted anew. Zhang Liao's glaive cut through enemy ranks with precision, each swing leaving bodies in its wake. Zhao Yun's spear darted like lightning, striking with unmatched speed and accuracy. Under their leadership, Lie Fan's troops pressed forward, steadily closing the distance between themselves and Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang's forces.
As their soldiers fell one after another, the two brothers began to panic. Yuan Shang, his eyes darting wildly, hissed under his breath, "We won't both make it out of here. But perhaps one of us can." His mind raced with the possibility of using Yuan Tan as a distraction.
Unbeknownst to him, Yuan Tan was thinking the same. He turned to one of his loyal guards and whispered, "When the time comes, leave Yuan Shang behind. His capture will buy us the time we need."
The betrayal unfolded quickly. Yuan Shang suddenly shouted, "Yuan Tan! Cover the left flank! I'll rally the center!" Without waiting for a response, he withdrew his personal guard from Yuan Tan's side, leaving him exposed to a fierce assault by Zhang Liao's advancing troops.
Realizing what was happening, Yuan Tan roared in anger. "You coward! Do you think you can sacrifice me and escape? Think again!" He ordered his remaining men to press forward, veering away from Yuan Shang's position in an attempt to create his own opening.
The chaos deepened as the brothers' forces splintered. Zhang Liao, sensing the disarray, called out to Zhao Yun. "Focus on dividing them further! They're turning on each other!"
Zhao Yun nodded, his spear flashing as he drove a wedge between Yuan Tan's and Yuan Shang's forces. The brothers, now isolated, found themselves cornered on opposite sides of the battlefield. Their troops, demoralized by their leaders' selfishness, began to surrender in droves.
Yuan Shang, realizing his betrayal had failed, snarled in frustration. He turned his horse toward the gate, hoping to rally what few soldiers remained loyal to him. But Zhao Yun intercepted him, his spear thrusting forward with blinding speed. Yuan Shang barely deflected the blow, his horse rearing in panic.
"Yuan Shang!" Zhao Yun called out, his voice steady. "Surrender now. This is your last chance."
Yuan Shang gritted his teeth, his pride refusing to let him yield. He charged at Zhao Yun, their weapons clashing in a brief but intense duel. Zhao Yun's superior skill quickly became evident, and with a swift strike, he unhorsed Yuan Shang. The fallen prince scrambled to his feet, only to find Zhao Yun's spear leveled at his throat.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the battlefield, Yuan Tan fought desperately against Zhang Liao. His swings were wild, fueled by rage and desperation, but Zhang Liao's calm and calculated movements outmatched him. With a powerful sweep of his glaive, Zhang Liao disarmed Yuan Tan, sending his sword clattering to the ground.
"It's over, Yuan Tan," Zhang Liao said, his voice tinged with a hint of pity. "You have no army, no escape, and no honor left."
Yuan Tan fell to his knees, his face a mask of despair. "Damn you... Damn you all..." he muttered, his voice breaking as realization fawned upon him that this is the end for him.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the battlefield grew silent. Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang, bloodied and humiliated, were bound and brought before Zhang Liao and Zhao Yun.
The remnants of their forces had either surrendered or fled, only to be captured by Dian Wei and Huang Zhong, who had blocked the outer escape routes. Those who had hoped to slip away found themselves surrounded and subdued.
In the end, Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang's betrayal of each other had sealed their fate. The brothers, once the heirs to one of the most powerful families in the land, now sat as captives, their dreams of reclaiming Zhongshan reduced to ashes.
Zhang Liao turned to Zhao Yun, his expression somber. "They will be taken to Lord Lie Fan. He will decide their fate."
Zhao Yun nodded. "Their actions led to the suffering of many. Justice must be served."
As the captives were led away, the soldiers of Lie Fan's army began the grim task of clearing the battlefield. The western gate, once a symbol of hope for Yuan Shao's sons, now stood as a testament to their downfall. Back at the castle, Lie Fan and Lu Lingqi awaited the news of their capture. When Zhang Liao and Zhao Yun arrived with the prisoners, Lie Fan's expression remained calm, though his eyes betrayed a flicker of satisfaction.
_____________________________
Name: Lie Fan
Title: Overlord Of The Central Plains
Age: 32 (199 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
Creation is hard, cheer me up! VOTE for me!
Like it ? Add to library!
I tagged this book, come and support me with a thumbs up!
Have some idea about my story? Comment it and let me know.
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