Battle Royale of the Sinners

The brief contact between Silver Axe Legion horsemen and Xiongnu ended within a day as Batu, the Xiongnu grand commander, decided to retreat and abandon the slaves.

Lu Zhi and the infantries entered Ji City later and began rescuing the captured civilians.

Xu Huang chased after Xiongnu main forces. However, their warhorses were faster than Xu Huang Army's warhorses. They could not keep up and lost track of the Xiongnu after the sunset.

Dejected, Xu Huang apologized to everyone in the clan chat.

Xu Huang: "I'm sorry. We lost them."

Lu Zhi: "No harm. Just come back first."

…

11 PM.

Xu Huang, Zhao Yun, and Tian Yu arrived at Ji City, exhausted.

Zhao Yun and Tian Yu did not help much in the last fight as they could only fire a few crossbow bolts at the Xiongnu from the backline.

Zhao Yun did not mind it as he understood that it was near impossible to fight against Xiongnu in a melee confrontation. They were using short bows and projectiles as their primary weapons, after all.

Tian Yu, on the other hand, did not like it. He thought that he would get into a direct fight, so he was disappointed.

By the time they entered the city, Lu Zhi and the other infantries already provided first-aid and distributed food to the rescued locals. With the army and the strong looking soldiers, the rescued civilians were relieved and grateful for the help.

The corner of Zhao Yun's mouth revealed a smile, but his light frown showed his complicated feeling. He was supposed to be Ji City Governor, but he had to yield the city to Tong's subordinates now.

.

Next morning.

Xu Huang and his men resumed the scouting and tracing the current whereabouts of the Xiongnu.

Lu Zhi summoned Zhao Yun and Tian Yu, wanting to explain about the authority stuff.

The dejected Zhao Yun entered the city hall, expecting to hear that he had to surrender the city to Tong.

"Sir Zhao Yun, under the current circumstance, we will temporarily protect the city until Lord Gongsun Zan sends an army to protect the civilians."

Zhao Yun was taken aback by the promise. It was unusual for the warlord to give up a city easily.

"Are you returning the city to Lord Gongsun when their army arrives?"

"Yes. Our young master has ordered us to repel the foreign invaders as it is his duty to protect the country. Do you think we should be fighting each other for the power struggling reason and ignore the threat of Xiongnu?"

"N-No."

"Besides, he and Lord Gongsun both were once my apprentices. They have no reason to fight each other."

Lu Zhi grinned while Zhao Yun stared at Lu Zhi in disbelieved.

"T-They trained under y-you?"

"Yes. I'm very proud of them. That's why I'm working for one of my apprentices."

Tian Yu, who was tagging along with Zhao Yun, stared at the scholar in admiration. To train two warlords who held a great influence on this land was significant.

Shamelessly, Tian Yu muttered, "C-Can I be your apprentice, too?"

"Oh? What's your name?"

"Tian Yu, sir."

.

In history, Tian Yu was also an influential figure during the Three Kingdoms Period.

In his young age, he was under the care of Liu Bei. However, he returned to his hometown to care for his aging mother and served Gongsun Zan. Liu Bei, who noticed Tian Yu's hidden talent, lamented sadness when he parted.

As Tian Yu advanced within Gongsun Zan's ranks, Wang Men betrayed Gongsun Zan and invaded the county that Tian Yu was protecting. Tian Yu proved his talent by confronting Wang Men and shaming him into retreat.

Unfortunately, Gongsun Zan failed to notice his talent, so he did not appoint or promote him to a more important position.

After Gongsun Zan committed suicide because he lost to Yuan Shao. Tian Yu was persuaded by his friend to join Cao Cao, which he agreed.

During the period of his career under the Cao Family, he showed his talent in many battles, but he was outshined by Cao Cao's top talented personnel.

Tian Yu gained a few significant achievements later in the later days of his life. He defended and defeated Gu Jin, the Wuwan King who invaded the northern territories. He also participated in the defense of Xiangyang during Zhuge Liang's 5th Northern Campaign.

Because many famous generals achieved many deeds and left behind legendary tales, Tian Yu did not get much of a spotlight from the historians despite that he was also a general who excelled at defensive tactics.

.

Lu Zhi glanced back and forth between Zhao Yun and Tian Yu. These two were also hidden gems in this era of chaos, just like Tong.

'Ah, I want another apprentice again. Teaching that brat Zhou Cang was frustrating. Teaching a good seedling might improve my mood.'

Lu Zhi grinned, "Well, since we have to protect the city while we are waiting for the rightful force, I can teach both of you a few tricks to govern the city. How about it, are you willing to learn from me?"

Tian Yu knelt without a hesitation, "I am willing!"

Zhao Yun had a wry smile on his face. Pondering a bit, he also knelt, "I am willing! Zhao Yun greets master Lu!"

"Tian Yu greets master Lu!"

Lu Zhi laughed and took them along as he worked in the city hall. He spent the rest of the day teaching the two youngsters, who had no idea that Lu Zhi slowly brainwashed them.

'I get to foster two more geniuses and scores two talented officers for Tong. I hit two birds in one stone once again, HAHAHA!'

…

…

…

Xu Huang came back with an empty hand. The Xiongnu full-retreated and exited the border areas as they crossed the Great Wall and entered their territories.

Lu Zhi and the others also finished checking the damages in the city. As he worked, he also taught Zhao Yun and Tian Yu about city administration and the basics of managing a large scale organization.

Curious, Zhao Yun asked his new mentor, "What have we lost to the nomads, master?"

"All of Ji's provisions, golds, clothes, and medicines. They didn't take any superficial treasure though."

"Are they just simply robbing us?"

"A simple robbery won't expand across the country like this. You might not know this, these men also attacked Jinyang and attempted to siege the city."

Lu Zhi did not hold back about the inside information. He told Zhao Yun and Tian Yu everything that he learned in the clan chat and the recent movements of Xiongnu Army. Since he had planned to rope in the two geniuses, it would not hurt to leak a couple secrets.

"Is this a wild scale invasion? They must be serious for taking over the Han."

Lu Zhi sighed, "They are stealing our resources while they are increasing theirs. Also, they attacked us when we are occupied with the power struggling and infighting. If I were Xiongnu, I would have made this move, too."

"Is it possible to warn all lords to stop fighting?"

"Not until their territories are invaded. This is their nature."

"The country is in peril, but they won't they help? Aren't they claimed that they are the successors of the Han Dynasty?"

"Again, Zilong. This is the nature of humanity. Warlords usually fight for their interest."

"…"

"Well, at least our young master understands about the priority. Just saying."

Zhao Yun frowned in disbelieved. He still did not think that Tong was such a person.

…

…

…

The news about the loss of Ji City and the assistance of the Silver Axe Legion got to Gongsun Zan. He mobilized his army back from Xiangping and headed to Ji in a hurry.

December 10th, 184 A.D.

Gongsun Zan and his army reached Ji City, which Lu Zhi came out of the city to welcome them. Behind his back, Tian Yu and Zhao Yun followed after him as well.

"Master?"

Gongsun Zan was surprised to see his mentor welcoming himself personally.

"It's been a while, Bogui."

"Indeed. But, are you really working for Zhang Tong?"

"Yes. He is a good lad with extraordinary insight. You should form an alliance with him as soon as possible since we are under the threat of Xiongnu invasion."

"I wish to talk about that as well. But master, this city should be my territory. Can you tell Zhang Tong to withdraw his troops from the city?"

Lu Zhi laughed, "Oh, Bogui. Your worry is unnecessary. Actually, we have planned to withdraw our legion the moment you arrive."

Lu Zhi pointed at the south city gate direction. Xu Huang had already mobilized his troops outside of the city, heading toward the road to Zhongshan.

"See? We're giving your city back. We only came here to fend off the Xiongnu for you."

Zhao Yun and Tian Yu were astonished as they did not believe about the Silver Axe Legion's plan. But now, everything proved that Lu Zhi was right.

The eyes of Zhao Yun widened as he gazed back and forth between Lu Zhi and the Silver Axe Army.

"Master, is it real?"

"Foolish disciple! Have I ever lied?"

"But I thought Zhang Tong wanted Ji City, so he took this chance to occupy it."

A fist landed on the top of Zhao Yun's head. Lu Zhi gave him a hammer fist to punish his immature comment.

"Don't be biased against your senior disciple. When I said he sincerely wants to assist his fellow countrymen, he DOES!"

Listening to Lu Zhi, Tong's words resounded Zhao Yun's mind again.

[Do not sway by your emotion.]

Zhao Yun held his little bump on the top of his head, 'I guess I still have a lot to learn.'

Meanwhile, Gongsun Zan was surprised by the exchange of Lu Zhi and Zhao Yun.

"Master?"

Lu Zhi laughed, "Oh, I forgot to tell you. He's maybe your subordinate, but he's also your junior now. I took both of them as my disciples."

Gongsun Zan had a wry smile on his face. The relationship between them might be awkward in the future.

Lu Zhi had not finished, "Also, I was told by Zhang Tong to help you develop Ji. I hope you don't mind if I work here with you."

"Of course, of course! You are always welcomed here, master!"