Chapter 041: The Objective—Capture Lü Lingqi Alive

A few days earlier, Cao Peng had just ambushed Lü Bu, yet he had not returned since. Instead, he dispatched a messenger to report back to Cao Cao: he would remain here to keep an eye on Lü Bu and prevent any further mishaps.

Cao Cao was touched by this, believing Cao Peng to be truly responsible and dedicated.

In truth, Cao Peng was waiting to reap the rewards. Knowing the course of history, he was well aware that a poignant scene was about to unfold—a tragic hero’s drama. Lü Bu, with his daughter, would attempt to break through the siege and seek an alliance with Yuan Shu through marriage.

Cao Peng felt invigorated. As long as he set his ambush in advance, this opportunity was his for the taking.

“Later, do not fire any stray arrows. Capture them alive if possible!” Cao Peng instructed his men once more. Of course, he wasn’t concerned about injuring Lü Bu; his real worry was inadvertently harming the delicate Lü Lingqi.

Though the soldiers didn’t understand Cao Peng’s reasoning, none voiced any objections.

At this moment, Dian Wei approached. Dian Wei had now become Cao Peng’s permanent companion; Cao Cao, wary of any unforeseen danger, had assigned his own bodyguard to remain at Cao Peng’s side.

Dian Wei and Cao Peng were well-acquainted by now. So, while others might be hesitant to speak up, Dian Wei had no such qualms.

“Young General, Lü Bu is known for his unmatched valor. If you order the troops to go easy on him, our casualties might be heavy,” Dian Wei remarked.

Cao Peng glanced at him, smiling faintly. “But that’s why we have you, isn’t it? As long as you keep Lü Bu occupied, what threat could anyone else pose?”

Dian Wei rolled his eyes, realizing he was being used as a tool to hold off Lü Bu. Still, brute force was his forte; even facing Lü Bu didn’t faze him—if anything, it made him more eager for battle.

Once fighting broke out, names and reputations meant nothing to him; all he recognized were his own halberd and massive axe.

Soon, Zhang Liao charged ahead on horseback, followed by a horde of cavalry.

“Wait, something’s off. Where’s Lü Bu?” Dian Wei wondered aloud.

“Could it be Lü Bu isn’t here this time?”

Such a simple ruse could never deceive Cao Peng. “These men are just bait. Lü Bu must be in the rear,” he declared.

As they spoke, Zhang Liao rode forward with his spear, challenging the army to battle. His voice was robust, his strength evident.

“I will face him!” Guan Yu declared, hefting his Green Dragon Crescent Blade and stepping forth.

Zhang Liao met his challenge without delay, raising his spear. The two clashed fiercely, blades flashing, steeds thundering, dust and sand swirling about.

They had met before and shared a mutual respect. The proud Guan Yu rarely admired others, but Zhang Liao was one of the few exceptions.

While Guan Yu led his troops against Zhang Liao, Cao Peng and the others continued to await Lü Bu’s arrival.

Perseverance paid off. At last, Lü Bu appeared, clad in armor adorned with blue beast motifs, accompanied by his daughter Lü Lingqi.

Lü Lingqi rode a steed almost identical to the famed Red Hare, wielding a smaller halberd, her figure alluring even beneath her animal-hide armor.

Gazing at the valiant Lü Lingqi, Cao Peng felt a pang of longing.

Naturally, Lü Lingqi noticed his gaze, her brow furrowing with a trace of disdain in her eyes.

Catching this detail, Cao Peng thought to himself, “Damn, have I ruined my first impression already?”

“Cao Peng, it’s you again!” Lü Bu shouted, furious at the sight of him, and charged forward with his coiling dragon halberd.

But Dian Wei, standing behind Cao Peng, would never allow him to succeed.

Dian Wei spurred his horse forward, halberd raised to block Lü Bu’s assault.

Their clash was less a duel between generals and more a collision of wild beasts. At this level, no one else could intervene—an ordinary soldier merely brushing against their weapons would be doomed.

After some time, Cao Peng saw Dian Wei gradually being overwhelmed by Lü Bu. He drew a clay wine flask from his sleeve, ready to give Lü Bu a nasty surprise.

“Captain Dian, fall back! I’m about to act!” Cao Peng shouted.

Catching sight of the flask in Cao Peng’s hand, Dian Wei’s face changed dramatically.

He knew all too well how dangerous that thing was and wanted nothing to do with being burned alive.

Summoning every ounce of strength, he launched a frenzied assault on Lü Bu.

Lü Bu was bewildered by this sudden onslaught. Reining in his horse, he withdrew to avoid the oncoming storm.

For top-tier warriors, victory or defeat was decided in an instant. Under normal circumstances, such a desperate move from Dian Wei might temporarily force Lü Bu back, but it would also mean his strength would quickly wane.

Normally, this would mean Lü Bu’s victory.

Dian Wei understood this well, but his actions were all for Cao Peng’s sake.

Cao Peng hurled the wine flask, sending it hurtling straight for Lü Bu.

Lü Bu swung his halberd and shattered the flask with a single strike.

Suddenly, flames burst forth, engulfing him. Caught unawares, Lü Bu’s hair was singed, his face scorched with searing pain.

“Aaaargh!” Amidst his anguished screams, Lü Bu fled in disarray, his hair wild, abandoning all sense of direction and even forgetting about his own daughter.

Cao Peng paid Lü Bu no further mind, instead ordering his men to block Lü Lingqi’s escape.

“Don’t use arrows—capture her alive!”