Chapter 121: The Slaying of Wen Chou

Cao Cao was somewhat displeased. He had already lost two top generals, yet Guan Yu dismissed this opponent as a man who "posts a mark and sells his head," which sounded as if he were mocking Cao Cao’s own subordinates as worthless.

"General Yunchang, do not underestimate him. This man is a famous general from Hebei."

Guan Yu smiled without refuting him, but his gaze was filled with the cold indifference one might show toward a pile of trash.

Cao Cao added, "If you intend to engage him, be careful. Look at the troops behind Wen Chou; their blades and armor are sharp. They must be the elite of the Yuan army."

Unexpectedly, Guan Yu gently stroked his magnificent beard and laughed, "In my eyes, they are nothing more than a flock of chickens and dogs!"

Just then, Cao Ren retreated in defeat, followed closely by Xu Huang.

"It seems the two generals are quite lucky to have escaped with their lives," Guan Yu remarked.

Both men glared at him with fury. Cao Ren said coldly, "Anyone can stand here and boast. If you have real talent, go out there and show us."

Xu Huang added, "Indeed. Since you are so arrogant, why not go and slay this general who has caused us such misery? Prove your worth."

Guan Yu gave them a look of haughty disdain and said nothing, choosing instead to glance at Cao Peng. Cao Peng was amused; it seemed Guan Yu now looked to him for guidance.

"Yunchang, as you are a newcomer who has yet to prove yourself, these generals harbor some prejudice. Pay them no mind. Today, you shall slay this Wen Chou, who 'posts a mark and sells his head,' and let everyone see what you are capable of."

Hearing Cao Cao’s command, Guan Yu picked up his Green Dragon Crescent Blade. Just as he was about to depart, Cao Peng called him back.

"Yunchang, that horse of yours is a bit weak. Take mine instead."

Guan Yu had not expected Cao Peng to offer him the Red Hare. He bowed in gratitude and mounted the steed.

"Don't get any ideas, kid. It’s only a loan," Cao Peng said with a smile.

Guan Yu offered a faint smile in return, then dragging his Green Dragon Crescent Blade, he rode the Red Hare toward the distant Wen Chou, who was currently rearranging his lines.

Watching Guan Yu charge out like a raging fire, a thought occurred to Cao Peng. Perhaps the lethality of the "Dragging Blade Slash" was directly proportional to the distance the heavy blade traveled along the ground. By lending him the Red Hare, he had inadvertently provided the general with a significant buff.

Seeing Guan Yu charging toward him, perhaps sensing that this opponent was different, a wave of foreboding washed over Wen Chou. He shouted, "Who comes to challenge me?"

Guan Yu did not reply. His massive blade swept through the air, the sharp edge casting a greenish glint under the sunlight. Wen Chou instinctively tried to raise his own weapon to parry, but he was caught completely off guard.

The overwhelming power of the strike shattered his weapon instantly. The last thing Wen Chou saw was his own headless body.

His head fell to the ground, and the hundred thousand Yuan soldiers were struck silent, as if by a sudden frost. Even Yuan Shao, watching from afar, nearly tumbled from his horse. Guan Yu had killed Wen Chou with a single stroke.

Cao Ren and Xu Huang were first stunned, then consumed by shame. This man, who had been dispatched by Guan Yu in one blow, had nearly brought about their own ruin.

Only Cao Peng was unsurprised by the outcome. It was not merely Guan Yu’s martial prowess that overwhelmed Wen Chou; it was the combination of his "Dragging Blade" technique and the added momentum provided by the Red Hare. This single strike made his name immortal.

After slaying Wen Chou, Guan Yu did not retreat but instead plunged directly into the Yuan ranks. His Green Dragon Crescent Blade swept in all directions. Yuan Shao’s soldiers were thrown into a panic, their lines collapsing without a fight, and many fell beneath Guan Yu’s blade.

The moment Guan Yu charged, Cao Peng had mounted his horse and led the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry into the fray. The equipment of the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry was forged using his advanced smelting techniques; in this era, they possessed weapons a century ahead of their time.

Cao Cao watched this, his excitement uncontrollable. Before he could even react, Cao Peng had already launched the assault. From the moment Guan Yu struck down Wen Chou to the current sight of Cao Peng chasing down the hundred thousand Yuan troops, the events unfolded in his mind like a blur.

"Quick! What are you all standing there for? Lead your troops to the attack!"

Cao Ren, Xu Huang, and the others finally drew their weapons and charged. Cao Cao himself led the central army forward.

Though Yuan Shao desperately brandished his sword, shouting, "Advance! No retreat! Attack!", the battle had been decided the moment Cao Peng struck. His orders fell on deaf ears; the situation spiraled into chaos.

Seeing Yuan Shao standing on his chariot waving his sword and refusing to retreat, Liu Bei grabbed his arm. "My Lord, while there are green hills, there is no need to worry about firewood. Let us withdraw!"

Yuan Shao was red with rage. "No! I am not defeated! My soldiers can still fight!"

Liu Bei immediately signaled the guards nearby. "What are you waiting for? Protect the General and retreat at once!"

"No! I will not retreat!" Despite his protests, Yuan Shao was forcibly dragged away by his guards. Liu Bei and Zhang Fei joined the retreat.

Zhang Fei asked, "Big Brother, was that not our second brother who killed Wen Chou?"

Liu Bei’s face darkened. He was certain it was indeed Guan Yu. "It seems he has broken his faith and disregarded our oath of brotherhood in the Peach Garden, choosing to serve the traitor Cao for the sake of wealth and status. He is no longer my brother!"

"Perhaps our second brother had his reasons..." Zhang Fei muttered.

Liu Bei barked, "Nonsense! What reasons could he have? He has defected to Cao Peng; the fact is plain for all to see. Do not be a fool!"

Zhang Fei wanted to say more, but he fell silent.

After pursuing them for a distance, Cao Peng decided to stop while he was ahead. After all, Yuan Shao’s forces still vastly outnumbered his own. Having won a great victory and seized a significant amount of grain and equipment, it was time to withdraw.

Seeing that Cao Peng had ceased his pursuit, the various Yuan commanders began to reorganize their shattered ranks and set up camp.

Yuan Shao was furious. He demanded, "Does anyone know the identity of the general who killed Wen Chou?"

His strategist, Ju Shou, replied, "I have heard that Liu Bei’s second brother, Guan Yu, always wears a green robe and carries a Green Dragon Crescent Blade. Today’s warrior bore a striking resemblance..."

Yuan Shao flew into a rage. "Bring Liu Bei to me! I will have an answer!"