Mythical Three Kingdoms

Liu Bei led his subordinates to find a high slope to spy on Yuan Shao’s military camp. Upon learning this, Yuan Shao immediately ordered a thirty-zhang high earthen mound to be erected by the river on his side.

Though it sounded like a lot of work, from the time Yuan Shao issued the order to its completion, it only took a morning. Then, wearing his Golden Armor and carrying the Sizhao Sword, Yuan Shao led his civil officials and military generals to the platform to peek at Liu Bei’s camp.

Without the use of a telescope, trying to see the camp setup across the Yellow River was actually quite amusing. However, this was exactly the atmosphere he wanted; he was openly arrogant, using an in-your-face approach to look without subterfuge — what could you do about it?

”So arrogant on the other side,” Chen Xi remarked as he and a group of people enjoyed a hotpot with Lub Su’s makeshift air conditioning along the Yellow River on a scorching day.

At first, Chen Xi worried that the food-sharing behavior of dipping ingredients into one large stone pot would be unpalatable to Jia Xu and others used to separate dining. Yet, once the pot was boiling and the aroma wafted forth, this concern vanished — everyone delightfully feasted, their hardships from the past overcoming such trivial matters. Chen Xi was perhaps the only one with noble lineage, chuckling at the thought...

Regarding the condiments, Sichuan peppercorns were initially transported by Gan Ning’s ship from around Luzon Island. Overall, in hotpot, it’s quite challenging to make it taste bad if there’s ample seasoning, making it an absolute delicacy for people of the Great Han Dynasty era.

”Let him peek. Our camp and theirs are of the same specification — it’s typical to see and be dissuaded from a frontal assault.” Jia Xu casually picked up a piece of fish, blew on it twice, threw it in his mouth, and nonchalantly remarked while glancing at the barely-visible figures on the other side of the river.

”Isn’t it just because we took a look at their camp this morning, and now he wants revenge?” Lub Su said, after taking a couple of bites and feeling a bit sweaty, which lifted his spirits significantly. ”Once we’re done eating, Zichuan, write a letter and have Zilong shoot an arrow across to taunt him.”

Guo Jia, with his head down, stayed silent. His life had been a haze of indulgence, having never tasted such novelty, but finding it so delicious, he felt his previous twenty-four years had been wasted. Regretfully, Guo Jia quickened his chopsticks.

”Let’s eat first,” Chen Xi remarked while swirling a piece of fish in the boiling water,

The spontaneous hotpot session started because Jian Yong incidentally caught an enormous fish from the Yellow River, which, during the Han Dynasty, was still crystal-clear with a minimal earthiness. That fish almost had Jian Yong and Sunx Qian as its meal. Indeed, as Heaven and Earth Essence resurge, even some fish have become fierce.

”Just hope they let us finish our meal,” Zhao Yun said as he was about to try some vegetables, springing up with a sudden leap while his Yitian Sword at his waist shot out, cleaving an incoming arrow in half.

Suddenly, a rain of arrows flew towards them. Their power didn’t surpass those of elite archers, but the number was surely over a hundred. Seeing this, Chen Xi decisively used his Spiritual Capacity to deflect the arrows while pulling out his telescope to spy across the river.

Quickly, Chen Xi noticed someone on the other side drawing an entire quiver of arrows onto the Great Yellow Bow and shooting them over. Although many arrows fell into the river water, the ones that remained were enough to irk Chen Xi and others.

”That Zhang He is truly annoying, not having much skill with archery, yet still showing off.” Chen Xi said with a chuckle while handing the telescope to Guo Jia and continuing to eat.

”His archery isn’t poor; he’s only acting this way because Yunchang and Zilong are present.” Liu Bei pointed at the stew in the clay pot and laughed.

”But really, they are being so petty over there.” Chen Xi noted, eyeing the dark clouds looming in the sky. The group was simply dining by the river, and the opponents were preparing for rain.

”Zichuan, in your opinion, what should Yuan Shao do when we’re eating here? Should he accommodate us?” Lub Su asked gently after a couple more bites, feeling much warmer.

”True enough, attaining his level, he no longer needs to concern himself with dignity or appearances, those are mere trappings for outsiders, and he can act purely on whims.” Chen Xi laughed.

”Exactly, such status expectations are only demands from the higher-ups to the subordinates; they mean nothing to him.” Jia Xu casually added in.

”Though, with such numbers facing us, some help would be nice; I’m at my limit.” Chen Xi, feeling a sudden pressure as he prepared to chat idly with Jia Xu, quickly shifted the topic.

”That’s a pity for the Spiritual Capacity, you can only output this much.” Guo Jia immediately lent a hand, and suddenly the clouds overhead surged wildly towards the other side of the river like a drugged fury. Yet, before reaching five hundred meters, they were held back again.

”They have quite a few people on their side.” Jia Xu quickly filled his stone bowl with a few pieces of cooked fish and lent a hand too. The clouds expanded once again, even moving towards the other side, but were grounded centrally in the river, making Jia Xu frown repeatedly.

”Fengxiao, give it some oomph! Zichuan, you’re sneaking bites again.” Jia Xu complained as he picked up his chopsticks and joined in.

”You’re one to talk; you didn’t put in full effort either.” Guo Jia voiced discontentedly.

By this time, Lub Su had regained his usual composure. As long as the weather wasn’t cold, he was an excellent civil official. ”Things don’t seem too favorable; while you three haven’t exerted yourselves fully, neither have they brought their best.”

”Exactly. So lend us a hand, bring down some rain and irk them. It’s plainly mutual testing with no full exertion of efforts on either side. What’s amusing about that?” Chen Xi replied with a grin. ”Let’s count to three and strike together. We may not harm Yuan Shao, but we’ll certainly vex him. Oh, Lord Xuande, do you have any message for Great Alliance Leader Yuan?”

”As a matter of fact, I do. Do you need me to write it down?” Liu Bei mused, looking skyward, creasing his brows, but not stopping Chen Xi. Being interrupted by Yuan Shao during a meal was certainly annoying, and even Liu Bei, known for his good temper, wouldn’t miss an opportunity to retaliate against an enemy.

”Alright.” Lub Su nodded, agreeing to Chen Xi’s plan, and Jia Xu and Guo Jia also responded with smiles.

”If you want a message delivered, I happen to know some secret techniques that can do just that.” Zhao Yun suggested, as he possessed numerous secret techniques — some taught by Tong Yuan, others were whimsical creations of his own, albeit with little combat value.

”Then we’ll rely on Zilong~” Chen Xi said with a laugh.

”Lord, please share your message.” Zhao Yun pulled an empty bowstring, conjuring a silver-blue arrow.

”Long time no see, Great Alliance Leader. However, I feel you’re not your old self. Spying on camps with such disgraceful tactics, daring to cross the river tomorrow and face me alone, without any subordinates, letting me use only one hand. Performing such embarrassing actions across the river — do you have the guts to bring your might!” Liu Bei, after all, was not of noble birth, and as such, had no obligation to disguise himself against Yuan Shao. (To be continued. If you like this work, you’re welcome to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to cast vote recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)