Chapter 17: Converting You with Fists

...

After hearing the explanation from the du bo, Gongsun Zan immediately understood. Without further ado, he allocated half of his soldiers to Liu Bei, indicating that he was entrusting Liu Bei with the task of overseeing the situation while he dealt with urgent matters back in Youzhou. He then took leave from Yuan Shao, leading his five thousand White Horse Volunteers back to Youzhou, determined to make the barbarians understand the price of their raids.

Following Li Ru's advice, Dong Zhuo appointed Gongsun Zan as General Who Stabilizes the North, giving him authority over Liu Yu. However, Dong Zhuo didn't recall Liu Yu to Luoyang, likely intending to use Liu Yu's influence to counterbalance Gongsun Zan. The overlapping military and political jurisdictions provided ample opportunities for behind-the-scenes manipulation, especially when military power overshadowed political authority.

With eight thousand infantry and cavalry under his command, Liu Bei's confidence grew significantly. It must be said that the soldiers from Youzhou, who had seen battle and fought against northern barbarians, were far more formidable than the conscripted peasants from the Central Plains.

Before leaving, Gongsun Zan, pressed for time, left all the infantry behind while taking only a thousand elite White Horse Volunteers with him for appearances. The majority of the White Horse Volunteers went with him, as cavalry was crucial for dealing with the northern barbarians—each additional cavalryman added to the pressure on the barbarians.

"General Gongsun has left. He truly is decisive," Chen Xi remarked, sighing. He had slept through Gongsun Zan's departure, and no one had woken him up. He felt he should have at least seen off such a generous patron, who was a rare find even in later generations.

Gongsun Zan's departure, entrusting his authority to Liu Bei, suddenly elevated Liu Bei's influence and strength. In the following days, under Yuan Shao's command, the coalition repeatedly attacked Hulao Pass. However, despite the efforts of Yan Liang and Wen Chou, they failed to take the pass. Even with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei joining forces, they couldn't make a significant impact. Xu Rong's calm defense stalled the fifty-thousand-strong coalition, demonstrating that individual martial prowess sometimes couldn't decide a battle, even if one could single-handedly defeat thousands.

"Zi Chuan, how long do you think it will take us to capture Hulao Pass?" Liu Bei asked, gazing at the distant pass.

"As long as Xu Rong is there, forget about it. Among Dong Zhuo's commanders, he has the most potential to become a great general. It seems he also possesses some special techniques," Chen Xi replied helplessly. Xu Rong was indeed formidable, having historically defeated Cao Cao. Simply relying on the coalition's fervor wasn't enough to overcome Xu Rong's strategic advantage.

"What a pity for such a fine general," Liu Bei lamented, his love for talent reigniting. Chen Xi could only roll his eyes in response.

"But don't worry. He will soon be transferred to the rear. Our offensive will eventually force Dong Zhuo to take personal command at Hulao Pass. This time, Xuande will witness the world's greatest warrior," Chen Xi said, looking towards Xu Rong standing at the gate tower. He could see that Xu Rong's soldiers were far better coordinated than the coalition forces. Even a top-tier warrior like Guan Yu could be surrounded by a dozen elite soldiers and targeted by dozens of archers, resulting in injuries.

"Sigh, the world's greatest warrior—what a grand title. If anyone dared claim it, they would face endless challenges. I'm quite interested to see how Dong Zhuo's supposed greatest warrior commands respect," Liu Bei said, shaking his head. While he was intrigued by Chen Xi's constant mention of the world's greatest warrior, he was also skeptical. It wasn't that Liu Bei was inexperienced, but rather that Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were so formidable it was hard to imagine anyone surpassing them. Yet, neither Guan Yu nor Zhang Fei had the confidence to claim the title of the world's greatest.

"Just wait a little longer. You'll see soon enough. By the way, how is General Hua Xiong recovering?" Chen Xi changed the topic, no longer wanting to dwell on the title of the world's greatest warrior. There was no doubt about Lü Bu's strength, at least for now, not even Guan and Zhang combined could defeat him.

"General Hua Xiong was beaten up by my second brother again. He's probably still lying in the rear camp," Liu Bei said, taking over the conversation and not continuing with the topic of the world's greatest warrior. He had endless patience for Chen Xi.

"Beaten up again..." Chen Xi said, speechless.

Hua Xiong had woken up and wasn't resentful about losing to Guan Yu. The godlike strike left a lasting impression. However, he had no intention of surrendering. According to Hua Xiong, Dong Zhuo had been kind to him, and he would rather die than betray him. He was willing to accept whatever punishment, and even if Dong Zhuo made mistakes, that was Dong Zhuo's business. Loyalty or disloyalty was his own choice, and he accepted whatever came his way.

This speech nearly got him killed by Guan Yu, who had volunteered to persuade him. Already not good with words, Guan Yu turned red with anger.

Seeing that words couldn't persuade Hua Xiong, Guan Yu decided to use his best method—fists. Might makes right, and Guan Yu decided to convert Hua Xiong with his fists...

Since it was about conversion, Guan Yu, valuing maximum leniency, untied Hua Xiong. After a fierce fight, Hua Xiong was beaten down again. This time, Hua Xiong realized that this man who had defeated him in three strikes wasn't much stronger than him.

Hua Xiong felt that the power he faced on the battlefield was overwhelming and irresistible. Now, facing Guan Yu's strength, while still formidable, it was clearly not unbeatable.

With this in mind, Hua Xiong attributed his previous defeat to underestimating Guan Yu and being taken by surprise. This made him even more defiant, leading to more "conversions" by Guan Yu's fists.

Despite how many times Guan Yu beat him down, Hua Xiong would stubbornly get back up, determined to fight to the death.

By now, Guan Yu had come to fully respect this warrior from the west. Hua Xiong's loyalty, especially to the wrong person, resonated deeply with Guan Yu, a man of loyalty and righteousness. As a result, although Hua Xiong hadn't surrendered, Guan Yu treated him with good food and drink. However, daily "fist-based conversions" continued.