Chapter 140: Night-Shining White (Part II)

Xiapi had three layers of city walls.

The inner grand city had a circumference of twelve and a half li, making it the largest city in the Jiangshui region.

Arriving in Xiapi, one could not help but think of Luo Guanzhong, that grand historical exaggerator. In *Romance of the Three Kingdoms*, Xuzhou and Xiapi were treated as two separate entities, leading Cao Peng to initially believe there really was a city named Xuzhou located right next to Xiapi. Did not the recurring passages often feature Liu Bei guarding Xuzhou while Lord Guan was stationed in Xiapi? At the time, Cao Peng had been somewhat perplexed: why on earth would Liu Bei not keep his wife and children by his side, but instead abandon them in Xiapi? Now he understood—the exaggerator Luo's geographic knowledge appeared not to be particularly accurate...

Cao Peng had entered Xiapi city through the South Gate.

Riding on horseback, he looked around with a touch of curiosity, hoping to catch a glimpse of the legendary White Gate Tower.

However, the grayish-black city walls ultimately left him disappointed!

It was the dead of winter, and the temperature was quite low.

Yet because Lü Bu had returned in triumphant victory, officials from Xiapi, Guangling, and other regions had either come in person or sent representatives to Xiapi to offer their congratulations.

Cao Peng's entourage had not encountered much difficulty in entering the city.

Only after passing through the gates did Cao Peng find himself somewhat at a loss.

As the seat of Xuzhou's administration, the commandery government of Xiapi, and the capital of the Xiapi State, its scale was even more magnificent than Xuchang.

The streets were wide, with shops and merchant houses lining both sides.

Cao Peng was bewildered!

He was entirely unsure what he ought to do next.

It was also an oversight on the parts of Puyang Kai and Bu Zhi, as both had assumed Cao Peng would naturally understand the rules and customs of the place.

"Second Brother, where should we go first?"

Xu Yi was likewise completely in the dark. He looked at the bustling, crowded street for a long time before replying, "How about we go get something to eat first?"

It was approaching noon, and having traveled the entire way, Cao Peng and his companions were feeling somewhat hungry.

After thinking about it, Cao Peng felt Xu Yi's suggestion was quite good. Thus, the party urged their carts forward into the city, casting gazes left and right as they advanced.

"Ahead with the carts and horses, halt!"

Just after turning a corner, a shout rang out from behind them.

Cao Peng reined in his mount and turned his head to look back, only to see a troop of cavalry charging toward them in an aggressive and arrogant display.

That troop of cavalry numbered around thirty or forty, led by three mounted generals. The one directly in the center leaped down from his horse; he stood around 180 centimeters tall and possessed features carrying a hint of foreign, barbarian ancestry. Flanking him on either side were two men—one lean and tall, the other slightly short and stout. Of the two, Cao Peng felt the lean, tall one looked somewhat familiar, though he could not recall where he had seen him. The three of them led the cavalry troop forward, blocking the path of Cao Peng's carts and horses.

"You lot, what people are you?"

The mounted general in the very center demanded in a harsh voice.

His choice of words lacked all courtesy, sounding precisely like a superior berating his subordinates.

Hearing this, Xu Yi flew into a rage, spurring his horse forward as if to start an argument.

Cao Peng knitted his brows, reached out to pull Xu Yi back, and thoroughly appraised the opposite party before replying in a mild tone, "This subordinate is the Military Scribe of Haixi County. Hearing that the General of the Left has returned in victorious triumph, I have come to offer congratulations. Do you three generals have some business? And for what reason do you block our path?"

He could tell that the identities of these three men were likely extraordinary.

If he were in Haixi, Cao Peng would certainly not be afraid.

However, this was Xiapi City, not his own territory. Cao Peng had no desire to provoke trouble here, which was why his phrasing remained extremely polite.

"Haixi?"

The middle cavalry general wore a blank expression, turning his head to ask the man beside him.

"Haixi is under the jurisdiction of Guangling, but no officials have been assigned there for a very long time... Ah, I remember now. Previously, there seemed to be an imperial edict appointing some fellow surnamed Deng as the Magistrate of Haixi." The short, stout man revealed a look of contempt, sizing up Cao Peng and his group from top to bottom. "People often say Lord Cao is formidable, but in my eyes, he is nothing much. Is there truly no one left around him? He actually sends a bunch of infants to take up office."

"The Magistrate of Haixi has quite an imposing manner, actually sending a little brat over."

The central cavalry general let out a cold laugh, appearing to hold Cao Peng and his companions in absolute contempt.

The lean, tall man suddenly spoke up, "Ziliang, why bother exchanging so many tedious words with such people? Hurry up and attend to our proper business, we still have places to go."

Ziliang was none other than the cavalry general in the center.

He nodded and said with chilling intent, "Little brat, this lord is Hou Cheng, Cavalry Commandant under the Marquis of Wen. We are now requisitioning your mounts; dismount immediately."

It was only then that Cao Peng understood these individuals had taken a liking to their horses.

His Zhaoyebaili, Xu Yi's Black Dragon, and Dian Man's mount were by no means ordinary warhorses. There was no need to even mention Zhaoyebaili and Black Dragon—they were Western Regions dragon-horses, impossible to purchase even with a thousand gold. Even Dian Man's horse was extraordinary, being a genuine, high-bred steed from Dayuan.

Xu Yi could no longer restrain himself and cursed outright, "You bunch of dog thieves, you dare attempt to seize our horses?"

"Impudent wretch, this general demanding your horse is doing you a favor. If you know what's good for you, get down immediately; otherwise, don't blame me for being discourteous."

Wait, wait!

Hou Cheng...

One of Lü Bu's Eight Jianjiang Commanders.

Cao Peng finally remembered what background this Hou Cheng possessed.

When the lean, tall man had called him Ziliang just a moment ago, Cao Peng had not paid attention.

But upon hearing the name Hou Cheng, Cao Peng's mind snapped to attention. In *Romance of the Three Kingdoms*, it seemed to be this very fellow who ultimately betrayed Lü Bu...

Hou Cheng had also just returned to Xiapi; before he had even settled into his seat, he had been ordered out on an errand, leaving him in a rather foul mood.

Therefore, he had called upon his good friends Song Xian and Wei Xu to accompany him. Never had he expected that before even leaving the city, he would happen to encounter Cao Peng's entourage passing by. Hou Cheng was a Cavalry Commandant under Lü Bu and possessed a natural fondness for fine horses. Thus, at a single glance, he perceived that the mounts of the three youths were far from ordinary.

Initially, he had assumed they were the young masters of some noble family.

Yet Wei Xu happened to find Cao Peng looking somewhat familiar...

Previously, Wei Xu had accompanied Chen Deng to Xuchang to pay respects to Cao Cao, attempting to lobby for Lü Bu to be appointed as the Governor of Xuzhou. At the Yuxiu Tower, he had crossed paths with Cao Peng and Cao Zhen, nearly sparking a conflict. At the time, Chen Deng had stopped him, preventing trouble from erupting. However, Wei Xu had remembered Cao Peng's appearance. Especially later, when Lü Bu failed to secure the governorship of Xuzhou and instead inadvertently secured Chen Deng's appointment as the Administrator of Guangling, Wei Xu had been severely chewed out by Lü Bu upon returning to Xiapi. Upon seeing Cao Peng, Wei Xu instantly harbored a deep resentment.

Of course, Wei Xu had no intention of telling Hou Cheng about Cao Peng's identity.

He merely incited him to step forward and intercept them.

Hou Cheng was also an arrogant ruffian; upon hearing that Cao Peng was merely a Military Scribe of Haixi, he cast aside all remaining reservations.

As this dispute unfolded, it immediately drew the attention of those nearby. From the window of a tavern on the street corner, a handsome face peered out.

A young general poked her head out, her delicate brows knitting together. "Why is it so noisy down there?"

Beside her stood a girl of about eighteen or nineteen, dressed like a maidservant. She glanced down at the street and softly said, "Young... General, it looks like General Hou and the others are bullying people."

Meeting the sharp glare of the young general's almond-shaped eyes, she immediately changed her form of address.

The young general wrinkled her refined nose. "Hou Cheng and the others are truly going too far... No, I am going to teach them a lesson."

"Young... General, you must absolutely not stir up trouble. Do not forget, you slipped out in secret. If the madams discover you sneaked out privately, you can forget about ever leaving again."

"Sister Qi'er!"

The young general put on a coquettish and adorable expression.

The little maid hardened her face, shaking her head. "I care nothing for such matters. The Second Madam merely instructed me to take good care of you; other things are none of my concern."

"..." The young general stamped her foot. "Then I am going down."

"If you go down, don't ever expect me to accompany you out again."

The little maid's tone brooked no opposition whatsoever.

The young general bit her lower lip with her pearly white teeth, glaring angrily at the maid, yet appearing utterly helpless against her.

Meanwhile, trouble had escalated on the street below.

Hou Cheng was arrogant, but were Xu Yi and Dian Man any less so?

Xu Yi's curses drew wave upon wave of discussions from the onlookers.

Hou Cheng instantly flew into a rage from humiliation...

In Xiapi, Hou Cheng had only ever been cursed by one person—and that was Lü Bu.

He had originally thought he could effortlessly take those three horses, never expecting that these little brats on the opposite side would be so unappreciative!

Lord Hou wanting your belongings is showing you respect.

Since you are courting death, don't blame Lord Hou for being impolite and using his strength to bully juniors.

"Little brats, how utterly audacious... Come, come, today Lord Hou shall teach you a proper lesson on behalf of your elders."

With those words, Hou Cheng snatched up a long spear and leaped forward on horseback.

Cao Peng originally wanted to intervene, but before he could act, Xu Yi had already charged out.

In his grip was a nine-foot-long saber weighing over forty catties. This saber of his was unlike ordinary broadswords; its hilt was about two feet long, its blade a full seven feet, and it was both broader and thicker than standard sabers... The ripple patterns on the edge gleamed brightly, radiating blade-light and a chilling aura.

Xu Yi gripped the saber with both hands, the reins looped over his arm.

As if sensing its master's fighting spirit, the Black Dragon let out an excited, ringing neigh and surged forward with flying hooves.

Seeing Xu Yi grip the saber with both hands, Hou Cheng actually laughed aloud!

In mounted combat, how could anyone wield a saber with both hands?

If one used both hands, how were they to control the horse, maintain their leverage, and sit firmly in the saddle?

He roared and thrust his long spear straight for the heart.

Yet Xu Yi did not dodge at all, swinging his saber down in a chop.

With a deafening crash, saber and spear collided, and Xu Yi remained utterly motionless in the saddle.

Hou Cheng, however, felt a massive surge of force rush up through his weapon, nearly causing him to drop his spear.

What monstrous strength this brat possesses! Hou Cheng's face flushed red, and his anger flared higher. If previously he had merely wanted to teach Xu Yi a lesson, now a murderous intent took root within his heart. Wheeling his horse around, his long spear danced in a blur, casting countless spear-shadows. Xu Yi, on the other hand, was a newborn calf unafraid of tigers; seeing Hou Cheng charge back in, his heart surged with a sense of excitement. Kicking his heels against his horse's flanks, Xu Yi let out a roar like a tiger and swung his saber into the fray.

The great saber transformed into heavy clouds of steel, clashing fiercely with Hou Cheng.

Truth be told, Hou Cheng was at best a second-tier warrior.

Although Xu Yi was younger than him, in terms of raw talent, he was far more formidable than Hou Cheng.

Coupled with the fact that he had already stepped into the realm of tendon-transforming mastery, his strength grew increasingly savage as his cultivation deepened. Swinging his great saber, he displayed a faint resemblance to Xu Chu's imposing posture. Roaring like a tiger, he exchanged blows with Hou Cheng, sabers and spears clashing in a flurry that left them evenly matched for the time being...

Wei Xu had initially believed that with Hou Cheng's skill, Cao Peng and his companions would be captured with effortless ease.

Yet upon exchanging blows, he discovered that Hou Cheng was actually unable to defeat Xu Yi. The spectators on the street grew increasingly numerous, pointing and whispering at Wei Xu and his companions.

Wei Xu found it difficult to maintain his composure!

Hou Ziliang, oh Hou Ziliang, for all your boasting as one of the Eight Jianjiang Commanders, you can't even handle a little brat.

Gritting his teeth, he unhooked his saber and surged forward on horseback. "Ziliang, I've come to assist you!"

An uproar instantly erupted along the long street.
Up in the tavern, the young general watching the battle stamped her foot repeatedly. "Uncle Wei is utterly shameless! Bullying the young was bad enough, but now they're ganging up many against few."

The maid beside her glanced at him but offered no reaction.

Seeing Wei Xu step in, how could Dian Man stand idly by on the sidelines?

Regardless of how much he and Xu Yi bickered every day, when matters turned serious, he never hesitated for an instant.

"Dog thief, ganging up many against few? Your Grandpa Dian is right here."

With those words, he drew his twin halberds and spurred his horse to block Wei Xu's path.

Crossing his twin iron halberds in an X-shape, he deflected Wei Xu's saber. With a sudden flick of his wrist, one iron halberd slipped from his grasp, its branches interlocking mid-air as it smashed downward with a whistling rush. Startled into a cry, Wei Xu flattened himself against his horse's back, barely managing to dodge the blow. As their horses swept past one another, Dian Man retrieved his halberd, flashing a wide grin. "Dog thief, come, come! Let Grandpa Dian see what you're truly made of..."

Brandishing his twin iron halberds, he urged his mount forward once more.

Wei Xu was forced to summon every ounce of his concentration to engage Dian Man.

Song Xian was left staring in utter astonishment.

Wei Xu and Hou Cheng's martial prowess was by no means poor; how had they been halted by two brats and fought to a standstill?

Shifting his gaze, he spotted Cao Peng. Compared to Dian Man and Xu Yi, who possessed towering heights and rugged, muscular builds, Cao Peng appeared quite slender and frail.

I'll deal with this kid first!

With that thought, Song Xian spurred his horse and thrust his spear forward.

Cao Peng held the reins in one hand and rested the other on the hilt of his saber, quietly observing the battle.

Suddenly, a sweet, urgent cry came from the tavern above: "Hey, watch out!"

Cao Peng turned his head to look, seeing Song Xian lunging toward him with bared fangs and brandished claws.

Cao Peng knitted his brows, realizing today's affair was unlikely to end peacefully.

So what if they were the Eight Jianjiang Commanders?

Wasn't he himself one of the Little Eight Heroes...

Ignoring the tavern entirely, he spurred his mount to meet Song Xian head-on.

Hooking his feet into the stirrups, he lowered his body slightly into a bow shape, pressing close to the horse's back. One hand gathered the reins while the other rested lightly upon the saber hilt.

As he drew closer and closer to Song Xian...

Cao Peng still made no move to draw his blade.

The young general in the tavern clenched her small hands into fists, rising involuntarily to press close against the window frame. Biting her cherry lips, she muttered continuously, "Why isn't he drawing his blade yet? Why isn't he drawing his blade..."

Right at that moment, Cao Peng and Song Xian were about to collide head-on.

Song Xian thought to himself: *Could this kid be frightened out of his wits? Heh, excellent, a fine horse delivered right to me for free.*

As the thought crossed his mind, he twisted his spear with a fierce roar, intending to skewer Cao Peng right there in the saddle. Yet before that roar had even fully escaped his throat, Zhaoyebaili suddenly accelerated, bursting forward by a full horse's length in a flash. Do not underestimate this single horse-length; on the battlefield, it could frequently determine life and death. Zhaoyebaili's burst of speed not only disrupted the rhythm of Song Xian's mount, but even shattered the timing of his spear thrust. Taking advantage of Song Xian's momentary lapse in focus, Cao Peng surged upright in his saddle.

His great saber cleared its scabbard with the speed of lightning.

The way Cao Peng wielded this great saber possessed a rather peculiar quality.

It lacked the wide, sweeping, grand arcs of Xu Yi's style, nor did it resemble any delicate, nimble saber technique. His cutting distance was never particularly long or broad, but his speed was astonishingly fast and razor-sharp. In the time it took others to hack out a single blow, he would frequently unleash a dozen slashes.

*Clang, clang, clang...*

The sound of the blade striking the spear shaft resembled rain striking banana leaves.

It sounded crisp, seemingly devoid of any heavy force.

Yet when Cao Peng and Song Xian crossed paths and wheeled their horses around, observers were surprised to discover that Song Xian's face was flushed crimson...

It was not a normal flush, but an unhealthy, morbid redness.

Song Xian felt as though countless bizarre forces were coiled within Cao Peng's single strike.

Sometimes direct and fierce, sometimes crisscrossing, sometimes fast, sometimes slow, at times feeling utterly weightless, yet at others seeming heavy beyond a thousand catties. Struggling desperately to steady his mount, his arms had gone almost entirely numb. Raising his head, he looked toward Cao Peng. Cao Peng appeared much as he had before, save for a slight paleness to his complexion.

This kid is truly bizarre!

Yet under these circumstances, Song Xian had no path of retreat.

On the other two fronts, Xu Yi and Hou Cheng were locked in a stalemate, while Dian Man was gradually gaining the upper hand against Wei Xu, pressing him so hard that Wei Xu was struggling to parry.

"Bastards, are you all just watching the show? Get in here!"

Song Xian roared, though his command was directed at Hou Cheng's retinue behind him.

The subordinates snapped out of their daze, howling as they swarmed toward Cao Peng. However, before Cao Peng could move, the bodyguards of Dian Man and Xu Yi could no longer contain themselves either, charging out in a swarm to intercept Hou Cheng's men. Foot soldier clashed with foot soldier, general with general, instantly plunging the long street into utter chaos. Shouts, horse neighs, and the ringing of weapons blended into a tumultuous racket.

Up in the tavern, the young general was beside herself with excitement, waving her small fists continuously.

"Fight, fight, fight..."

Her posture made it clear she wished she could join the fray herself. Yet she knew that was impossible, for the little maid was watching her with wary eyes...

Seeing this situation, Cao Peng knew there was no escaping a violent resolution today.

Since it had come to blows, then let them fight!

"This general, why halt your attacks? I benefited immensely from our previous exchange; why not let me experience your brilliant methods once more?"

Sensing Song Xian's intent to spark a general melee, Cao Peng decided to play along. If a chaotic brawl was what they wanted, so be it; he would simply keep his eyes locked on Song Xian.

The two factions fought in the center, while Cao Peng and Song Xian operated on the periphery.

Exchanging a glance, the two simultaneously spurred their mounts forward, plunging into the crowd. One of Hou Cheng's retainers tried to intercept Cao Peng, attempting to grab his leg and drag him from the saddle. Yet Cao Peng simply canted his body, lifted his foot, and kicked the retainer squarely in the face.

With his foot encased in an iron stirrup, that single kick left the man's face covered in blood.

Zhaoyebaili seemed to have gone mad, lashing out with hooves and kicks amidst the crowd, reaching Song Xian in the blink of an eye.

Cao Peng slashed down with his saber, and Song Xian met it with his spear. Horseback sabers and spears crossed as the two exchanged over a dozen blows in a heartbeat. In terms of raw internal cultivation, Cao Peng was not as deep as Song Xian. However, the hidden energies condensed within his blade left Song Xian in absolute misery, grinding his teeth in silent agony...

"Cease this! All of you, cease this at once!"

At that exact moment, a thunderous clamor erupted from the end of the long street.

A troop of iron cavalry came thundering like lightning from the distance.

At the very center rode a great general. Astride a neighing red wind-steed, he gripped a halberd of heavenly and earthly might. Around his waist was tied a hundred-flower battle robe, over which he wore dragon-scale armor, draped in a brilliant crimson cloak with two vermilion pheasant feathers rising straight toward the heavens like a blazing ball of fire as he led the charge at the absolute forefront.

"Cease this at once!"

That ball of flame rolled forward like an avalanche, and a roar like a peal of thunder exploded across the sky above the long street...

The Marquis of Wen has entered the stage! Do we have monthly tickets, do we have them?!