Chapter 1: annoying sound**Belief and Destiny**

Do you harbor belief in the notion that a person's destiny is set from the moment their character takes shape? Amidst the myriad opportunities and choices life presents, one's character and cognition seem preordained when encountering these crossroads. As if fated, are you, a seemingly doomed individual, willing to reshape your path from this point onward?

A life simulator beckons, offering the chance to alter the future, to claim a life you truly deserve.

Beyond the city of Luoyang, Lu Bu rode atop a crimson warhorse, its pace leisurely along the sprawling official road. A haunting influx of information infiltrated his mind, the echoes of reverberating beats persisting in his ears. Subtle but insistent, these phrases resembled the irksome persistence of summer mosquitoes, refusing to be swatted away, vexing Lu Bu's senses.

"Fengxian, why this restlessness in recent days?" Hou Cheng approached Lu Bu, regarding him with suspicion.

"I cannot ascertain. Inexplicable phrases have been incessantly plaguing my thoughts, driving me to distraction," Lu Bu mused, reins in hand, surveying the surrounding landscape. In the distance, the gradually emerging village offered a semblance of clarity within his sightline. Yet, it remained devoid of inhabitants; last year, as the capital shifted, the denizens of Heluo were forcibly transplanted to Jingzhao. A year hence, the once chaotic terrain had succumbed to a more serene veneer. The once well-trodden official road now lay ensnared by weeds, and pedestrians were scant. Drawing closer, the shattered remains of villages came into view, even those few who had managed to evade capture fled upon sighting the distant army. The Xiliang forces had inadvertently become a scourge upon Heluo.

Heluo, once vibrant, now mirrored desolation, a testament to its forsaken state. This journey down the post road evoked a pervasive sense of abandonment, aggravating Lu Bu's already agitated state brought on by the elusive cacophony in his mind.

"Recall the former splendor of Luoyang, now reduced to this. Fengxian, whom do you hold accountable?" Hou Cheng's voice was laden with sighs.

"Blame should not be cast upon me," Lu Bu replied, stroking Chitu's mane, refraining from directly addressing the question. Whom to fault? The options abound - Dong Zhuo, or the Coalition of the Eight Princes? Assigning blame seems plausible, yet also beyond his purview. A mere soldier, his moral compass is unclouded. Responsibility may rest on his shoulders for Luoyang's current state, but articulating his precise culpability eludes him.

Hou Cheng mirrored Lu Bu's gesture, feeling the war horse's mane, his gaze envious of Chitu. For a military commander, a steed akin to Chitu becomes a second lease on life, transcending even the significance of weaponry.

"Fengxian, what exactly were the words you heard in your ear?" After some distance, Hou Cheng's curiosity resurfaced, prompting him to question Lu Bu.

"Do you lend credence to the notion? That a person's fate is sealed from the inception of their character? Although life affords myriad opportunities and choices..." Lu Bu postulated that the speaker was likely a fellow countryman, employing a dialect reminiscent of Jiuyuan. The uncanny possibility of an old friend's spirit delivering these words intrigued him.

Hou Cheng's demeanor betrayed bewilderment. Gazing at Lu Bu, he inquired, "Character in what context?"

"Indeed, that baffles me as well," Lu Bu conceded, uncertain of the message's intent.

"Perhaps this is a forewarning from ethereal forces?" Hou Cheng speculated.

"Hmm?" Lu Bu regarded Hou Cheng quizzically.

"Legends abound of supernatural intervention in pivotal moments. When Chen Sheng rebelled, a fox immortal purportedly declared his rise to kingship, a prophecy fulfilled. Similarly, ghosts and deities seemed to favor Gaozu when he defeated the white snake. Fengxian, you might possess a destiny entwined with such influences."

"Then..." Lu Bu's ears resounded with the cryptic voice: "What does this message signify?"

Chen Sheng's proclamation had been lucid: Da Chuxing, King Chen Sheng. Six words. In contrast, the present discourse appeared convoluted and elusive. What did they signify?

"Well...that's..." Hou Cheng stammered, then urged, "A deeper contemplation is requisite. Resolving this enigma could unveil remarkable achievements."

"Speculation, ungrounded in evidence, precludes elaboration," Lu Bu lamented. His education surpassed most of his peers, yet consulting the erudite in Luoyang held little appeal. A semblance of respect remained for scholars, despite previous intellectual rejections. This evening, he vowed to examine the matter closely.

"Lu Qidu, with the enemy looming, why squabble amongst yourselves?" A bearded man approached Lu Bu, his voice sharp upon witnessing the animated exchange between Lu Bu and Hou Cheng.

"What is it?" Lu Bu glanced at the man, recognizing Dong Zhuo's trusted general, Hu Zhen. A touch of disdain tainted his perception of Lu Bu. Tasked by Dong Zhuo to assist Sun Jian, Hu Zhen had garnered more merit than Lu Bu, who had yet to secure any. While his promotion to Zhonglang general and Duting Marquis was swift, he remained bereft of substantial achievements. This engagement designated him as cavalry commander, second to Hu Zhen, who wielded command over the campaign. Though their disparity was marginal, Lu Bu maintained his own adherents within the army. If Hu Zhen maintained a diplomatic stance, Lu Bu might acquiesce to his authority. Yet, any aggression would prompt Lu Bu to respond in kind.

"Such insolence!" Hu Zhen's accusatory finger aimed at Lu Bu, his voice laced with fury. "As the Protector of the Great, Lu Bu, you..."

"The last who pointed in such a manner now rests as bones in a tomb. Most would heed this wisdom, wouldn't you, Protector?" Lu Bu raised his head, icy eyes locking onto Hu Zhen. Hou Cheng, Wei Xu, and Song Xian drew their weapons, mirroring Hu Zhen's guard with evident hostility. While Bingzhou soldiers had joined Lu Bu's side, his faction harbored a more combative disposition.

"You all..." Hu Zhen's distress was palpable, especially within the confines of Lu Bu's chilling gaze. Staring down this collective ire, his personal entourage aside, others retreated discreetly.

"Daduhu, Lu Qidu, what transpires here?" A general hastened to the scene, addressing Lu Bu and Hou Cheng, his tone conciliatory. "Sun Jian's arrival looms, how can we present such discord?"

"Hmm!" Without awaiting Lu Bu's reply, Hu Zhen emitted a derisive snort, then pivoted his horse and departed. Hua Xiong intervened timely; the situation, left unchecked, would have escalated.

"Hahaha~" Observing Hu Zhen's hasty retreat, Lu Bu's vexation dissolved into laughter, an infectious mirth that gripped his companions

and Bingzhou soldiers.

Amid the laughter, Hua Xiong sighed, departing in silence, his deferential salute to Lu Bu preceding his exit. The group continued their journey towards Yique Pass.