Extra Chapter 4: The Mysterious Three Kingdoms

Chapter 766 Extra Chapter 4: The Mysterious Three Kingdoms

The seventh year of Guanghe.

Within the territory of Youzhou, in a desolate wilderness, two large armies faced off.

One side had a large and powerful force, wearing yellow turbans, but their clothes were tattered, and their weapons were mostly farm tools. This was a main force of the Yellow Turban Army.

The other side, though outnumbered, possessed warhorses, armor, and fine weapons such as swords, spears, and crossbows. This was Liu Yan, the governor of Youzhou, leading elite troops to intercept them.

Just as Liu Yan was discussing tactics with his advisors and preparing to launch a charge, he saw strongmen carrying a high platform from behind the Yellow Turban army. On the platform stood a middle-aged man dressed in black robes, holding an iron sword, and with a yellow turban wrapped around his head.

His expression was cold, and his outer garment was covered with talismans, giving him an air of indifference.

As the middle-aged man was carried to the front line, Liu Yan's subordinates recognized him as Zhang Jiao, the "General of Heaven".

Just as Liu Yan was about to give the order to attack, his steed suddenly seemed to hesitate.

The governor was slightly taken aback. This warhorse had followed him through battles across the north and south and had never shown any fear. Why was it behaving so strangely today?

In the blink of an eye, "General Tiangong" brandished his iron sword, took the Seven Star Steps on the high platform, shook his head and chanted incantations.

Suddenly the sky darkened, and a strong wind suddenly arose.

Liu Yan and the other officers and soldiers all showed solemn expressions.

Just then, Zhang Jiao shouted, "The Azure Heaven is dead, the Yellow Heaven shall rise! The year is Jiazi, great fortune for the world! Thunder God, help me..."

Click~

Thunder rumbled across the sky, and a fierce wind howled. The officers and soldiers were all terrified and fled in panic.

Amidst the chaos of the army, Liu Yan looked back and saw Zhang Jiao on the high platform with a pained expression on his face, and tentacles with white inscriptions protruding from under his clothes.

Liu Yan was slightly taken aback, his eyes filled with the white inscriptions on the tentacles.

……

The sixth year of Zhongping.

Cao Cao's attempt to assassinate Dong Zhuo with a knife failed, so he fled Luoyang and prepared to return to his hometown of Qiao County to recruit soldiers and join heroes from all over the country to fight against Dong Zhuo.

When they passed through Zhongmu County, the county magistrate Chen Gong was moved by their righteousness and was willing to abandon his post to join them.

So the two mounted their fast horses and fled together to Cao Cao's hometown.

After traveling for three days, they arrived at the border of Chenggao, and it was getting late.

Chen Gong pointed with his whip at the lights in the woods: "There seems to be a village ahead. How about we go and stay there?"

Cao Cao looked at the lamplight with a solemn expression: "Gongtai (Chen Gong's courtesy name), you may not know this, but I fought the Yellow Turban rebels here back then. The rebels were no match for us, so they burned the village and retreated, blocking our pursuit."

"This area was already vacant land at the time, so why is there a new village here?"

Chen Gong said, "It must be that the villagers who fled have returned and rebuilt the village."

Cao Cao sighed, "To be honest, this place was Lü Boshe's private property, and this man was my father's sworn brother. When the bandits came, they slaughtered his entire family, and I was the one who ordered them to be buried..."

He glanced at the lights ahead and said, "Very well, let's go and find out. Perhaps it's the return of the Lü clan."

As the two arrived at the manor and were about to dismount, the gate opened wide, and a man came out to greet them. Cao Cao was greatly surprised: "Lu..."

Cao Cao then turned his surprise into laughter: "Uncle, are you well?"

He dismounted and bowed as he spoke.

It turns out this person was none other than Lü Boshe!

He smiled and asked, "My dear nephew, what has led you to this?"

Cao Cao was very friendly. After bowing, he grasped Lü Boshe's hand and felt that Lü's hands were ice-cold, as if they were not alive.

Mengde understood: "My friend and I have come here for sightseeing and would like to stay here for the night, Uncle."

Lu Boshe stepped aside and said, "Please come in quickly."

Chen Gong stood by, but did not utter a word.

The two followed Lü Boshe to the thatched cottage and sat down. Lü Boshe then rode his donkey out to buy wine, leaving only Cao Cao and Lü Boshe in the cottage.

Chen Gong asked in a low voice, "Is this a member of Lü Boshe's clan?"

"No," Cao Cao said softly, "This man is Lü Boshe."

Chen Gong was surprised: "This..."

Cao Cao then said, "Everything is up to me."

Suddenly, they heard the sound of a knife being sharpened behind the hall. The two quietly entered the thatched cottage and heard someone say, "Tie him up and kill him!"

Cao Cao sneered: "Strike first, or lose!"

They then drew their swords and entered, killing everyone, regardless of gender, killing eight people in total.

When they searched under the kitchen, they found a pig tied up under the stove. It turned out that Lu Boshe's family had just been about to slaughter a pig for a feast.

Chen Gong was filled with remorse: "Alas, Mengde was too suspicious and mistakenly killed an innocent man!"

Cao Cao replied, "You are unaware of the Yellow Turban Army's methods and have been deceived by this scene. If we eat this pork, we will all perish here and be trapped in this village forever!"

He took burning firewood from the stove and set the thatched cottage ablaze: "This place is no place to linger, leave quickly!"

Before they had gone two miles, they saw Lü Boshe riding a donkey back with wine. Just as he was about to reply, Cao Cao rode forward and stabbed Lü Boshe under the donkey with his sword.

Chen Gong was shocked: "Just now, due to a misunderstanding, I already killed Lü Boshe's entire family of eight. Why do you want to kill Lü Boshe again?"

Cao Cao said, "I have fought against Zhang Jiao's younger brother Zhang Bao many times and know that he possesses sorcery."

"Later, he joined Yuan Shao and others, and they all said that the three Zhang brothers could summon wind and rain and command the Thunder God. From then on, many evil arts spread among the people."

He lamented, "Gongtai, the human world is no longer what it used to be."

Chen Gong looked disappointed: "Mengde actually came up with such a fallacy just to deceive me."

After a moment of silence, Cao Cao said, "Gongtai and I will spend the night in the mountains and forests. We will come back tomorrow to investigate and find out the truth."

"Enough, enough." Chen Gong cupped his hands in greeting. "I originally resigned from my post for the sake of righteousness, but I never expected you to be so unrighteous. Farewell."

"Gongtai..." Cao Cao wanted to persuade him to stay, but Chen Gong had already spurred his horse and gone ahead.

Cao Cao silently drew his sword and stabbed Chen Gong off his horse.

Chen Gong fell to the ground, looking completely bewildered.

Cao Cao said coldly, "I would rather betray the world than let the world betray me!"

Chen Gong collapsed to the ground, breathless.

Cao rode away.

A short while later, Lü Boshe, covered in blood, got up, dusted himself off, placed Chen Gong's body on a donkey, and carried it back to the manor.

The thatched cottage that had caught fire earlier was now completely untouched, and Lü Boshe's family was discussing how to slaughter a pig to entertain their guests.

Later, when Cao Cao heard that Chen Gong had appeared under Lü Bu's command, he immediately mobilized a large army, wiped out Lü Bu, and then killed Chen Gong at the White Gate Tower.

……

The third year of Jian'an.

Cao Cao killed Lü Bu at Baimenlou, thus recovering Xuzhou. Liu Bei and his two brothers, who had assisted in the battle, followed Cao Cao's army back to the capital.

In Xuchang, Liu Bei wanted to help Emperor Xian assume power, but he discovered that the mastermind behind the matter, Dong Yun, was not very capable and was no match for Cao Cao.

At that time, Yuan Shu declared himself emperor and intended to head north, passing through Xuzhou, to join forces with Yuan Shao.

Therefore, Liu Bei, who was familiar with Xuzhou, volunteered to lead troops to intercept them. Cao Cao sent 50,000 troops, appointing Liu Bei as general and his trusted confidants Zhu Ling and Lu Zhao as assistants.

Liu Bei arrived in Xuzhou and defeated Yuan Shu, but did not return to the capital.

Zhu Ling and Lu Zhao were no match for Liu Bei and his two brothers. They were dismissed by Liu Bei with just a few words and sent back to Xuchang.

At this point, Liu Bei already showed signs of wanting to establish himself as an independent ruler.

Cao Cao was furious when he heard about this and personally led a large army to attack Xuzhou.

Liu Bei and Zhang Fei led their troops to meet the enemy, but their surprise attack on Cao Cao's camp was ambushed and then attacked by Xiahou Dun. They were defeated and fled, and were separated from Zhang Fei.

Liu Bei led his remaining troops to flee to Xiaopei, which had by then fallen into the hands of Cao Cao's army.

Just as they were about to head to Xiapi, a troop of Cao Cao's soldiers blocked their way.

At this point, Liu Bei only had twenty or thirty personal guards left, so he had no choice but to fight desperately.

Although they successfully broke through the encirclement, only Liu Bei remained, while Cao Cao's army roamed the mountains and plains.

Xiahou Dun and his generals were overjoyed: Today they would surely capture Liu Bei alive!

Suddenly a strong wind arose, and a portal of light appeared in front of Liu Bei. After a short while, the wind stopped, and Liu Bei and the portal of light disappeared.

Cao Jun was horrified.

Afterwards, Liu Bei suffered several defeats, yet he was able to escape from dire situations on numerous occasions.

……

The 24th year of Jian'an.

Taking advantage of Cao Cao's defeat in Hanzhong, Guan Yu led a large army to attack Xiangyang and Fancheng.

However, Sun Quan did not want to see Liu Bei continue to expand the spoils of war, and realized that this might be the last chance to reclaim Nan Commandery.

Lu Xun then launched a surprise attack on Nan Commandery, and Guan Yu's forces lost their base and immediately collapsed.

In December, Guan Yu was defeated at Maicheng and was captured along with his son Guan Ping.

Sun Quan came in person to persuade Guan Yu to surrender, but Guan Yu said, "You green-eyed brat, you have broken your promise and ruined your reputation, yet you have only gained a few counties. How can such a villain surrender to you?"

Sun Quan, instead of being angry, laughed and said, "General, do you not know? Since Dong Zhuo entered the capital, the world has been without trust for a long time."

"Liu Bei is also a treacherous and untrustworthy man. He has a method that allows him to travel a thousand miles a day and could have rescued you long ago, but you are still captured and Liu Bei has not come to rescue you."

Guan Yu sneered: "I don't need your attempts to sow discord. I've fallen into a treacherous trap; death is the only outcome. Why say more?"

Liu Bei had already told him and Zhang Fei about this matter, and at that time Liu Bei also said that this method would have a backlash every time it was used.

Although the specific backlash is unknown, in recent years Zhang Fei has sent letters to him many times, saying that his elder brother has long forgotten his long-cherished wish to "restore the Han Dynasty", and therefore has many grudges with "military general" Zhuge Liang.

Guan Yu pondered for a long time and concluded that this must be the backlash.

Sun Quan snorted coldly, then suddenly said, "I also have a method to turn you into a puppet, making you obey my commands..."

Guan Yu narrowed his eyes and glared at Sun Quan: "If you're not afraid of being killed by my blade in your sleep, you might as well give it a try."

Sun Quan, intimidated by Guan Yu's imposing presence, stepped back slightly.

At this moment, Guan Yu was somewhat surprised. Behind Sun Quan, there was a vague shadowy figure. The shadowy figure was somewhat similar to Sun Quan, but its eyes were sinister and its face was indifferent.

In an instant, Guan Yu recognized him: "Sun Ce! You're not dead!"

Sun Quan said coldly, "I cannot let you live."

He then ordered his men to take him out and behead him.

Fearing that Liu Bei and Cao Cao would join forces to seize Jingzhou, Sun Quan sent an envoy with Guan Yu's head in a wooden box to Cao Cao overnight.

When the messenger arrived in Xuchang, he presented a wooden box. Cao Cao opened the box and saw that Guan Yu's face was as usual. He then ordered his attendants and the messenger to leave.

Cao Cao, his hair already gray, sighed, "Lord Yun Chang, how have you been since we last met?"

Guan Yu's severed head opened and his eyes moved: "Is the Prime Minister also unharmed?"

Cao Cao raised his hand and gently patted his head: "Eleven years have passed since we parted at Huarong Road. I am now very old and suffer from headaches every day."

He sighed, "If you have any last words, please speak them."

"Sun Ce is not dead; his brother Sun Quan is merely his puppet!"

"I already knew about this."

Guan Yu was slightly puzzled: "You already knew?"

Cao Cao stroked his white beard and said, "When Zhang Jiao started his rebellion, the world was in chaos. Many immortals appeared in the world and passed down many strange and wonderful methods."

"The Yellow Turban Rebellion shocked the court because no one could rival the three Zhang brothers."

Guan Yu frowned slightly: "Indeed, the three Zhang brothers were all executed in the first year of Zhongping."

Cao Cao nodded: "It is because at that time, there were already many heroes in the world who could rival the three Zhang brothers."

"Yuan Shao of Hebei possessed eloquence, and many heroes from all over the land flocked to him, all praising him highly. This was a wondrous method."

"Dong Zhuo was cruel and inhumane, and utterly depraved, yet he had many followers, which was also one of the methods."

"In the past, all the heroes of the world had magical powers to protect them."

Cao Mengde recounted this secret in detail: "Nowadays, there are not many heroes left in the world. In his early years, Sun Jian also had a strange encounter and received guidance from an immortal. He was able to parasitize the mind of others and make them his puppets."

"Your brother Xuande is the same. He has a method that allows him to travel a thousand miles a day, and no one can capture him."

After a long silence, Guan Yu finally asked, "Where is the Prime Minister?"

Cao Cao replied, "My methods are unpredictable and can be used for divination, changing appearances, causing hallucinations, and creating puppets. Zhuge Liang also possesses these skills."

He then lamented, "However, in all things under heaven, every gain comes with a loss. Although we possess extraordinary skills, we have all suffered backlash."

"Liu Bei has lost his ambition to conquer the Central Plains, Sun Ce is becoming increasingly sinister and cautious, and I am suffering from headaches every day. The three of us are no longer capable of unifying China."

Guan Yu asked, "Is there no way to break this?"

"Yes!" Cao Cao asked, "Has Guan Yu heard the story of Zuo Ci?"

"I've heard a little about him," Guan Yu replied. "This man is a divine being. He can transform plants into weapons, start fires with a clap of his hands, and dive underwater for half a day."

"I have also heard that this man once met with the Prime Minister and presented him with dragon liver, peony, and perch."

Cao Cao laughed loudly: "I am Zuo Ci!"

As they spoke, Cao Cao's appearance and clothing changed, and the Grand Chancellor of the Han Dynasty instantly transformed into a wandering Taoist priest.

Guan Yu understood: "Zuo Ci is your puppet. The dragon liver, peony, and perch he presented earlier were all just the Prime Minister playing tricks on his ministers."

"Indeed." Cao Cao resumed his prime ministerial demeanor: "Playing the game of life, that is the way."

"I knew I would see Yun Chang again today, so I waited in Xuchang. After we part today, Cao Cao will 'die of illness' next year, but Zuo Ci will still be here."

Guan Yu asked worriedly, "Then what about my elder brother..."

Cao Cao said, "He can no longer relinquish his power."

Guan Yu remained silent.

Seeing Guan Yu's expression change, Cao Cao said, "Lord Yunchang also possesses extraordinary skills. You can stroke his long beard and give it a try."

Guan Yu was slightly taken aback, then looked down and realized, "I only have my head."

After saying this, he closed his eyes and died.

Cao Cao sighed, "May Lord Yunchang rest in peace."

"Guards, carve a body of Guan Yu from ebony and bury him with the honors due to a king outside the south gate of Luoyang. All officials, high and low, from Xuchang will attend his funeral, and I too will go to pay my respects."

The following year, Cao Cao indeed died of illness.

Later, Liu Bei, seeking revenge for Guan Yu, launched a campaign against Eastern Wu, but was defeated and burned at Yiling by Lu Xun.

When the fire attack succeeded, Lu Xun said to his men, "This is the 'fire-stealing' technique of the King of Wu (Sun Quan)."

……

Regarding this turbulent period of history at the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, some scholars of "mysterious history" have left records: Zhang Qian of the Western Han Dynasty opened up trade routes and later introduced the secret arts of "Celestial Venerable" to the West, which greatly shocked and terrified believers of God.

Therefore, at the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, he taught Western magic in China in the guise of an immortal.

Three of these teachings are supported by historical records: the teachings of Zhang Jiao's thunderous arts, the teachings of Dong Zhuo's corrupting and seductive arts, and the teachings of Yuan Shao's eloquence.

To suppress the spread of Western magic, the followers of the Celestial Venerable also taught three secret arts throughout the world. From the Yellow Turban Rebellion to Cao Pi's ascension to the throne, over several decades, all those who had learned Western magic were executed.

Twenty years later, those who possessed extraordinary magical abilities either retired into seclusion or passed away.

The magical battles that have taken place over these decades are known in history as the "Third Small-Scale Resurgence of Mysterious Powers".

(End of this chapter)