Chapter 14: Yuan Shao’s Outburst

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With the combined explanations of Liu, Guan, and Zhang, Chen Xi finally understood why Guan Yu managed to defeat Hua Xiong in just three moves. It wasn't that Guan Yu's strength far surpassed Hua Xiong's; it was because Hua Xiong underestimated the possibility of someone at the same level unleashing such overwhelming power.

Both were at the level of external Qi manifestation. Even though Guan Yu was slightly stronger, he hadn't reached the peak of this level. Defeating Hua Xiong would have taken around a hundred moves, but killing him would have been difficult if Hua Xiong decided to flee. However, Guan Yu unleashed power far beyond their level right from the start, especially with the last strike, giving Hua Xiong the feeling of facing Lü Bu himself.

"Zichuan, don't be so surprised. At our level, it's hard to progress without real combat, so we often create our own ultimate moves out of boredom," Zhang Fei explained, noticing Chen Xi's shock.

"Actually, Second Brother has an even more powerful move. Unfortunately, its power is too great, and our current horses can't handle it. According to Second Brother, to withstand such force, a warhorse would need at least the initial strength of Qi condensation. And that's a horse! I've rarely seen horses even at the initial condensation level in all my years," Zhang Fei continued, inadvertently revealing Guan Yu's secrets, though Guan Yu didn't seem to mind. Both brothers sighed when talking about horses.

"Hey, tell me more about this move!" Chen Xi redirected the conversation, noticing their sighs.

Guan Yu opened his eyes briefly but didn't speak, instead indicating for Zhang Fei to continue.

"It's basically an upgraded version of the move you saw today. Because Second Brother moves so quickly, no one noticed that his attack followed a straight line. That's the drawback—he can only move in a straight line. With such immense power and speed, he can only go in the direction of his force," Zhang Fei explained, not hiding the move's biggest flaw.

"Uh? Is that so?" Chen Xi thought back. With the smoke and dust, who would notice if Guan Yu moved in a straight line? Everyone's attention was likely on Guan Yu's massive blade energy and Hua Xiong's struggle.

Thinking back to Guan Yu's posture and how he stopped afterward, Chen Xi realized most people probably thought he nonchalantly strolled over. They likely missed the sudden acceleration.

"Yes, I can only move in a straight line. The power and speed are too great. If I deviate, I could injure myself, and the horse would certainly die," Guan Yu confirmed.

"Oh, so horses are crucial," Chen Xi noted, quickly marking the idea. "Mm, Second Brother, you'll definitely get a horse that can handle your power in the future." He mentally tagged the famous Red Hare for Guan Yu.

"As for Second Brother's other move, it's essentially about accumulating momentum, power, and all aspects to the peak, then unleashing it forward with a mighty slash. It's simple but deadly. According to Second Brother, if no one blocks it, this move could cut through a ten-meter-thick city wall," Zhang Fei added, giving a power assessment.

"..." Chen Xi was stunned. A ten-meter-thick city wall? And he could cut through it? This was beyond human capability. A pure granite wall, ten meters thick? "Second Brother, future siege battles will depend on you."

As Chen Xi daydreamed, Guan Yu spoke up, "Zichuan, such moves can only be used once. Secondly, I lack a mount that can withstand my full power. This power is just an estimate."

As Guan Yu explained, Chen Xi's mind pieced together the logic. It was pure brute strength—perfection in simplicity.

[The Red Hare must be Guan Yu's! In this era, the power of such moves is even more terrifying. I bet that's how Yan Liang and Wen Chou died—caught off guard by such a move.] Chen Xi resolved, already guessing the fate of Yan Liang and Wen Chou. Even if they became top-tier masters, a move like this, unleashed suddenly, would be fatal to all but the best-prepared warriors. Only someone like Lü Bu might survive unscathed.

Meanwhile, in the allied camp, shortly after taking Sishui Pass, news reached Dong Zhuo, who immediately threw a fit, smashing tables and dishes, terrifying the court officials. He even killed the Grand Tutor, Yuan Kui, at the dinner table.

A thousand heads were soon sent to the coalition camp, causing Yuan Shao, who was celebrating, to spit blood. Unlike his cousin Yuan Shu, Yuan Kui was his most important elder.

"Dong Zhuo! I swear to destroy you!" Yuan Shao roared, eyes bloodshot as he glared towards Luoyang. The man who once challenged Dong Zhuo with a sword was back.

"Summon Yan Liang and Wen Chou to Sishui Pass! I must kill Dong Zhuo!" Yuan Shao bellowed in his camp, the burden of blood vengeance sharpening his resolve and enhancing his command. His fair and just handling of matters even made Yuan Shu avoid eye contact, and all understood that Yuan Shao was not a mere nobleman but a capable hero.

"Move out to Sishui! Capture Hulao!" Bearing a blood feud, Yuan Shao became even more formidable, and his control over the coalition grew stronger. His fair handling of affairs earned him respect, and even Yuan Shu dared not oppose him.

"Xuande, what do you think of Yuan Benchu?" Chen Xi asked, even he was impressed by Yuan Shao. He was not to be underestimated, being praised by Cao Cao as a model for all. If not for knowing Yuan Shao would become indecisive and start playing balance politics, Chen Xi might have considered joining him.

"A hero of our time, but indecisive," Liu Bei, more familiar with Chen Xi, replied candidly.

"Yes, indecisive at times and stubborn at others—not the best leader. But he has a solid foundation. That's the benefit of a powerful family," Chen Xi sighed, noting that if Cao Cao were in Yuan Shao's position, he would have unified the land long ago.

"Zichuan, you're from the Chen family of Yingchuan. Do you know much about the talents of Yingchuan?" Liu Bei subtly inquired, trying to gauge Chen Xi's connections.

"The Chen family of Yingchuan? That's a big name. I'm just a nominal member. To be honest, I have only vague memories of my childhood there. As for the talents of Yingchuan, I was too sickly to interact much, so I don't know many personally. I know of some famous figures, but don't expect too much, Xuande," Chen Xi said with a sigh. Yingchuan and the Chen family were vast, and he had little direct connection.