Chapter 10: the last decent

Certainly, I'll provide an improved version of the paragraph for you:

At the base of Songshan Mountain, Sun Jian and Cheng Pu engaged in a fierce battle against Lü Bu. Galvanized by the memory of Han Dang's fall, they wielded their swords and spears with unwavering determination, fueled by an unyielding spirit.

Lü Bu's Fangtianhua halberd swayed in unpredictable arcs—now forceful and upright, now deviously sly. Though both the Fangtianhuaji and the halberd were forged from soft iron and weighed 108 jin, in Lü Bu's hands, they seemed as light as a feather. The cold gleam of his halberd traced tragic arcs of light, and despite Sun Jian and Cheng Pu's fervent efforts, they struggled to gain any advantage, finding themselves instead subtly suppressed by Lü Bu.

"Lu Thief, meet your end!" Sun Jian's voice surged with determination as he deftly parried Lü Bu's advances. His Gu Ding Dao blade cleaved through the air with the intent of delivering a deathly blow to Lü Bu.

With swift reflexes, Lü Bu swung his halberd upwards, meeting the blade head-on. A muffled clash resonated as Gu Ding Dao struck the halberd pole. Sun Jian's arms surged with renewed vigor, attempting to overpower Lü Bu, vying for supremacy.

"Hmm?" A smirk curled on Lü Bu's lips as he exerted his arms, pushing back against Sun Jian's formidable assault, inch by inch.

Meanwhile, on another front, Cheng Pu, having served by Sun Jian's side for years, instantly grasped the unfolding situation. Seizing his spear, he lunged towards Lü Bu with calculated precision.

Lü Bu's eyebrow raised, his grip firm on his halberd. Unable to release the weapon, he supported it with his left hand, swiftly unsheathing his sword with his right. As he lifted the silver-spine snake spear, a swift twist of his wrist followed, directing the blade's trajectory. The razor-sharp edge trailed the twisting motion, cleaving through the iron halberd snake spear. Cheng Pu's attempt to retrieve the weapon was thwarted.

"Shattered!" Lü Bu's grin was a testament to his prowess. Pressing down with his sword, a resounding clang filled the air as the tip of the silver-ridged snake spear broke off under Lü Bu's force.

A guttural roar arose from Sun Jian, propelling him to thrust all his strength against Lü Bu. The Gu Ding Dao was hoisted high, aimed at Lü Bu's demise. Simultaneously, Cheng Pu, seeing the impending danger, drove his spear towards Lü Bu's flank.

Reacting swiftly, Lü Bu released his sword with his right hand, supporting his halberd with his left. In an instant, he deftly maneuvered the silver-spine snake spear, employing a powerful twist that synchronized with the blade's motion. The blade shattered the iron halberd snake spear, deflecting it away from Cheng Pu's grasp.

"Raaagh!" Sun Jian's cry reverberated as he strained against the limits of his strength. Although Lü Bu was formidable, Sun Jian was no ordinary warrior. Channeling all his energy, he managed to force Lü Bu's Fang Tianhua halberd back, creating a narrow window of opportunity.

Witnessing this, Cheng Pu gripped his spear with both hands, poised to strike Lü Bu. Yet, Lü Bu, with Fang Tianhua's halberd still raised, relied on his swift reflexes and the strength of his legendary mount, the red rabbit horse. In an instant, they surged forward, distancing themselves from the skirmish. With head held high, Lü Bu's voice resounded triumphantly, "Jiangdong Tiger, this is where it ends!"

Sun Jian's expression darkened, but he did not retort. Collaborating with Cheng Pu, they had confronted Lü Bu, fought against him even. Despite outnumbering him fifty to one, they were unable to gain the upper hand. The realization was disheartening, yet the looming shadows of the difference in their abilities couldn't be denied. They had been outmatched throughout, and the truth was evident. Though Lü Bu's reputation for unparalleled strength was initially dismissed as flattery from Dong Zhuo's camp, it was undeniable now—their confrontation had cemented his valor.

However, the present circumstances were less than favorable.

With Fang Tianhua's halberd now secured on his horse's back, Lü Bu's hands reached for his bow, notching an arrow as he gazed in the direction Huang Gai had fled.

"Lu Bu~" Sun Jian's sword swung downward, but his energy was rapidly depleting. His attempt to strike was deftly avoided by Lü Bu.

"Why?" Lü Bu's brows furrowed in confusion. "He is your lord—why would you risk your life to protect him?"

"He's my brother!" Sun Jian's sword still found its mark, his conviction unshaken as he struck with all his remaining strength.

"Brother?" Lü Bu's bow was raised, Gu Ding Dao held in his other hand. Casting a glance toward the direction Huang Gai had vanished, he let out a sigh. "I'll keep your body intact, and I'll deal with him when we meet again on the battlefield!"

Sun Jian's heart had already been pierced through by Lü Bu's arrow. The two preceding strikes had drained his last reserves, leaving him gasping for breath. As his head drooped, Lü Bu caught a faint "Thank you."

Yet, Lü Bu pondered, was it gratitude for sparing Huang Gai or for granting him a warrior's final dignity?

"Thank you for sparing his life." Hua Xiong emerged with the remaining soldiers, corralling the straggling Jiangdong remnants and approaching Lü Bu. He offered a respectful bow.

"Why thank me? If not for the Great Protector, this achievement wouldn't have come my way." Lü Bu, as he stowed away his bow, turned to Hua Xiong, arching an eyebrow. "Are you vying with me for recognition, Gongwei?"

"Never would I dare. The credit for vanquishing Sun Jian is solely the Cavalry Commander's. Hua Xiong recognizes his place," Hua Xiong hurriedly responded, asserting that the success was Lü Bu's alone. His respect was genuine, and he held no intentions of disputing credit, especially considering Lü Bu's prior assistance in saving his life.

"In that case, help me gather the fallen warriors. Sun Jian was an extraordinary figure; let's not leave his body exposed to the elements. Rest assured, your contribution won't go unnoticed. I won't let those who fought beside me suffer." Lü Bu patted Hua Xiong on the shoulder, joining forces with Hou Cheng and the others to continue the battle.

Observing Lü Bu's departing figure, Hua Xiong's thoughts turned to his own Shangguan Hu Zhen. Sighing in resignation, he directed his efforts towards tending to the aftermath. Across the field, for miles on end, the waters turned crimson, leaving a solemn aftermath.