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It was the seventh year of the Guanghe era.
Within the territory of You Province, in a desolate wilderness, two large armies stood in opposition.
One side was numerous and imposing, wearing yellow turbans, but their clothes were ragged, and their weapons were mostly farm tools. This was a main force of the Yellow Turban Army.
The other side, although smaller in number, had warhorses, armor, and well-equipped weapons such as swords, spears, and powerful crossbows. This was the elite force led by Liu Yan, the governor of You Province, who had come to intercept them.
Just as Liu Yan was discussing tactics with his advisors, preparing to launch an offensive, he saw strongmen carrying a high platform from the rear of the Yellow Turban Army. On the platform stood a middle-aged man wearing black robes, holding an iron sword, and also wearing a yellow turban on his head.
He had a cold expression, and his outer robe was covered with talismans, exuding an aura of inhumanity.
As the middle-aged man was carried to the front lines, Liu Yan's subordinates recognized him as the "General of Heaven," Zhang Jiao.
Just as Liu Yan was about to issue orders to attack, the precious horse beneath him suddenly showed signs of retreating.
The governor was slightly stunned. This warhorse had followed him in battles across the north and south, never showing any signs of fear. Why was it behaving so strangely today?
In an instant, the "General of Heaven" brandished his iron sword, paced the Seven Stars Step on the high platform, shaking his head and chanting incantations.
Suddenly, the sky darkened, and a strong wind "whooshed" up.
Liu Yan and his officers all showed solemn expressions.
At this moment, they heard Zhang Jiao shout, "The Azure Sky is dead, the Yellow Sky shall rise! The year is Jiazi, great fortune to the world! Thunder God, aid me!"
Crack!
Thunder rumbled in the sky, a gale raged, and the officers were all terrified and fled in panic.
Amidst the chaos, Liu Yan looked back and saw Zhang Jiao on the high platform with a look of pain on his face, as tentacles with some white inscriptions protruded from under his clothes.
Liu Yan was slightly stunned, his eyes filled with the white inscriptions on the tentacles.
...
The sixth year of the Zhongping era.
Cao Cao failed in his assassination attempt on Dong Zhuo with a dagger, so he fled Luoyang, preparing to return to his hometown of Qiao County to recruit soldiers and join the heroes of the world in Crusade Dong Zhuo.
When passing through Zhongmu County, the county magistrate Chen Gong, moved by his righteousness, was willing to abandon his official position and follow him.
So, the two rode on fast horses, fleeing together to Cao Cao's hometown.
After traveling for three days, they reached the boundary of Chenggao, and the sky gradually darkened.
Chen Gong pointed his whip at the lights in the forest: "It seems there is a village ahead. How about we go there to rest?"
Cao Cao looked at the lights with a solemn expression: "Gongtai (Chen Gong's courtesy name) is not aware, but I once fought the Yellow Turban bandits here. The bandits, unable to withstand us, burned the village and retreated, blocking our pursuit.
"At that time, this place was already a wasteland. How could there be a new village?"
Chen Gong said, "It must be the villagers who fled have returned and rebuilt the village."
Cao Cao sighed and said, "To be honest, this place is the private property of Lü Boshe, a sworn brother of my father. When the bandits came, they slaughtered his entire family, and I had people bury them..."
He looked at the lights ahead and said, "Very well, let's go and investigate. Perhaps it is the return of Lü Gong's family."
The two arrived in front of the village. Just as they were about to dismount, the gate opened, and a person came out to greet them. Cao Cao was shocked: "Lü..."
Immediately, Cao Cao turned his shock into a smile: "Uncle is well."
As he spoke, he dismounted and bowed.
It turned out that this person was Lü Boshe!
He asked with a smile, "Why are you here, nephew?"
Cao Cao was very affectionate. After bowing, he grabbed Lü Boshe's hand, only to feel that Lü Gong's hands were icy cold, unlike those of a living person.
Mengde understood in his heart: "I came here with a friend for leisure, and would like to stay at Uncle's place for the night."
Lü Boshe opened the gate: "Please come in."
Chen Gong stood to the side, not saying a word.
The two followed Lü Boshe to a thatched cottage and sat down. Lü Boshe rode a donkey out to buy wine, leaving only Cao Cao and Chen Gong in the cottage.
Chen Gong asked in a low voice, "Is this a member of Lü Boshe's family?"
"No," Cao Cao also said softly, "This person is Lü Boshe."
Chen Gong was surprised: "This..."
Cao Cao then said, "Listen to my arrangements."
Suddenly, they heard the sound of a knife being sharpened from behind the hall. The two quietly entered the back of the thatched cottage and heard someone say, "Tie them up and kill them!"
Cao Cao sneered: "Strike first!"
So, he and Chen Gong drew their swords and entered, killing everyone regardless of gender, killing eight people in a row.
Searching the kitchen, they saw a pig tied under the stove. It turned out that Lü Boshe's family was going to kill the pig to entertain them.
Chen Gong was filled with remorse: "Alas, Mengde was too suspicious and killed good people by mistake!"
Cao Cao said, "You do not know the methods of the Yellow Turban Army, and were deceived by this scene. If we eat this pork, we will all lose our lives here and be trapped in this village forever!"
He took burning firewood from the stove and set the thatched cottage on fire: "This place is not suitable for a long stay. Let's go!"
Before they had traveled two miles, they saw Lü Boshe riding a donkey back with wine. Just as he was about to speak, Cao Cao rode forward and stabbed Lü Boshe under the donkey with his sword.
Chen Gong was shocked: "Just now, due to a misunderstanding, we killed eight members of Lü Boshe's family. Why do you want to kill Lü Boshe now?"
Cao Cao said, "I have fought Zhang Bao, the younger brother of Zhang Jiao, many times and know that he possesses demonic arts.
"Later, when I joined forces with Yuan Shao and others, they all said that the Zhang Jiao brothers could summon wind and rain and command the Thunder God. Since then, many evil arts have spread among the people."
He sighed, "Gongtai, the human world is no longer the human world it once was."
Chen Gong showed disappointment: "Mengde, to deceive me, you have actually come up with such absurd theories."
Cao Cao was silent for a moment and then said, "Gongtai, let us spend the night in the mountains tonight and come back here tomorrow to investigate, and you will know the truth."
"Enough, enough," Chen Gong cupped his hands: "I abandoned my official position for the sake of righteousness, but I never thought you would be so unjust. Farewell."
"Gongtai..." Cao Cao wanted to persuade him to stay, but Chen Gong had already ridden off.
Cao Cao silently drew his sword and stabbed Chen Gong under his horse.
Chen Gong fell to the ground, looking puzzled.
Cao Cao said coldly, "I would rather betray the people of the world than let the people of the world betray me!"
Chen Gong died and fell to the ground.
Cao Cao rode away.
A short time later, Lü Boshe, covered in blood, got up, dusted off his body, placed Chen Gong's corpse on the donkey, and carried it back to the manor.
The thatched cottage that had caught fire earlier had no flames, and Lü Boshe's family was also discussing how to kill the pig to entertain guests.
Later, Cao Cao heard that Chen Gong had appeared under Lü Bu's command. He immediately gathered a large army to wipe out Lü Bu and then killed Chen Gong at the White Gate Tower.
...
The third year of the Jian'an era.
Cao Cao killed Lü Bu at the White Gate Tower, and thus recovered Xu Province. The three brothers Liu Bei, who had assisted in the battle, followed Cao Cao's army back to court.
In Xu Chang, Liu Bei wanted to assist Emperor Xian in taking power, but he found that the mastermind of this matter, Dong Yun, was not very capable and was by no means a match for Cao Cao.
Just as Yuan Shu declared himself emperor and wanted to head north, passing through Xu Province, to join forces with Yuan Shao.
Therefore, Liu Bei, who was familiar with Xu Province, requested to lead troops to intercept him. Cao Cao sent 50,000 troops, with Liu Bei as the general, and also sent his confidants Zhu Ling and Lu Zhao as assistants.
Liu Bei arrived in Xu Province and defeated Yuan Shu, but did not return to court.
Zhu Ling and Lu Zhao, how could they be a match for the three Liu Bei brothers? They were sent back to Xu Chang by Liu Bei with a few words.
At this point, Liu Bei already showed signs of independence.
Cao Cao was furious when he heard about this and personally led a large army to attack Xu Province.
Liu Bei and Zhang Fei led troops to meet the enemy, but they were ambushed when they tried to attack Cao Cao's camp by surprise, and they were also attacked by Xiahou Dun, defeated and fled, and separated from Zhang Fei.
Liu Bei led the remnants of his army to Xiaopei first, but at this time, Xiaopei had fallen into the hands of Cao Cao's army.
Just as he was about to go to Xiapi, a team of Cao Cao's soldiers blocked his way.
At this time, Liu Bei only had twenty or thirty personal soldiers left, so he had to fight hard.
Although he successfully broke through, only Liu Bei was left, while Cao Cao's army was all over the mountains and plains.
Generals such as Xiahou Dun were overjoyed: Today, we will definitely capture Liu Bei alive!
At that moment, a violent wind suddenly arose, and a luminous portal appeared before Liu Bei. After a short while, the wind subsided, and both Liu Bei and the luminous portal vanished without a trace.
The Cao army was terrified.
Afterward, Liu Bei suffered multiple defeats, yet repeatedly managed to escape from desperate situations.
… …
In the twenty-fourth 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 wish to see Liu Bei continue to expand his war gains and realized that this might be the last opportunity to reclaim Nan Commandery.
Therefore, Lu Xun launched a sneak attack on Nan Commandery, and Guan Yu's forces lost their foundation, collapsing immediately.
In December, Guan Yu was defeated and fled to Maicheng, where he and his son Guan Ping were captured.
Sun Quan personally came to persuade him to surrender, but Guan Yu said, "Blue-eyed brat, you have betrayed your trust and ruined your reputation, yet you have only gained a few commanderies. Such a petty man! How could I surrender to you?"
Sun Quan, instead of being angry, smiled and said, "General, are you not aware that since Dong Zhuo entered the capital, trustworthiness has long vanished from the world?"
"Liu Bei is also a treacherous and faithless man. He possesses a method that allows him to travel a thousand miles a day. He could have rescued you long ago, yet you are still captured, and Liu Bei has not come to save you."
Guan Yu sneered, "There's no need for you to sow discord. I fell for a treacherous plot and am ready to die. Why say more?"
Liu Bei had mentioned this matter to him and Zhang Fei before. At the time, Liu Bei also said that each use of this method would have repercussions.
Although he did not know what the specific repercussions were, in recent years, Zhang Fei had repeatedly sent letters saying that their elder brother had long forgotten his ambition to 'restore the Han Dynasty,' and for this reason, he had many disagreements with the 'Military General' Zhuge Liang.
Guan Yu thought for a long time, believing that this must be the repercussion.
Sun Quan coldly snorted and suddenly said, "I also have a method that can turn you into a puppet, obeying my commands…"
Guan Yu narrowed his eyes, glaring at Sun Quan: "If you are not afraid of being assassinated by Guan in your sleep, you are welcome to try."
Sun Quan, intimidated by Guan Yu's might, took a slight step back.
At this moment, Guan Yu was somewhat surprised. Behind Sun Quan, there was vaguely a phantom. The phantom bore some resemblance to Sun Quan, but its eyes were sinister and its face was cold.
In an instant, Guan Yu recognized it: "Sun Ce! You are not dead!"
Sun Quan said grimly, "I cannot allow you to live."
He then ordered his men to bring him out for execution.
Fearing that Liu Bei and Cao Cao would join forces to seize Jing Province, Sun Quan sent an envoy with Guan Yu's head in a wooden box, delivering it to Cao Cao overnight.
The envoy arrived in Xuchang and presented the wooden box. Cao Cao opened the box and saw that Guan Yu's face was as it had always been. He then ordered his attendants and the envoy to withdraw.
Cao Cao, whose hair was already gray, lamented: "General Yun Chang, have you been well?"
Guan Yu's head opened its mouth and moved its eyes: "Prime Minister, have you also been well?"
Cao Cao raised his hand and gently massaged his head: "Since our parting at Huarong Road, eleven years have passed in the blink of an eye. I am already old and suffer from headaches every day."
He sighed, "If you have any last words, you may speak them."
"Sun Ce is not dead. His younger brother, Sun Quan, is merely his puppet!"
"I already knew this."
Guan Yu was slightly puzzled: "You already knew?"
Cao Cao stroked his white beard and said, "In the past, when Zhang Jiao started the rebellion, the world was in chaos, and many immortals appeared in the world, passing down many strange methods."
"The reason the imperial court was shocked by the Yellow Turban Rebellion was that no one could defeat the three Zhang brothers."
Guan Yu frowned slightly: "However, the three Zhang brothers were all executed in the first year of Zhongping."
Cao Cao nodded: "Only because at that time, there were already many heroes in the world who could defeat the three Zhang brothers."
"Yuan Shao of Hebei possessed the talent of eloquence, and many heroes of the world flocked to him, all praising him. This was a strange method."
"Dong Zhuo was cruel and inhumane, degenerate and unbearable, yet he had many followers, which was also one of the methods."
"In the past, all the heroes of the world had magical arts protecting them."
Cao Mengde narrated this secret slowly: "Now, there are not many heroes left in the world. In his early years, Sun Jian also had a strange encounter, receiving guidance from an immortal, allowing him to parasitize his consciousness into another person's body, making them his puppet."
"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 asked, "What about the Prime Minister?"
Cao Cao replied, "My methods are unpredictable, capable of divination, changing appearances, causing illusions, and creating puppets. Zhuge Kongming also possesses this art."
He sighed again: "However, there is always a trade-off in the affairs of the world. Although we possess strange arts, we are all subject to repercussions."
"Liu Xuande no longer has the ambition to dominate the Central Plains, Sun Bofu is becoming increasingly sinister and cautious, and I am tormented by headaches every day. The three of us are all powerless to unify China."
Guan Yu asked, "Is there no way to break this?"
"Yes!" Cao Cao asked, "Have you heard the story of Zuo Ci?"
"I have heard a little," Guan Yu replied, "This man is a divine being. He can transform vegetation into weapons, create fire with a clap of his hands, and stay underwater for half a day."
"I also heard that he once met with the Prime Minister, presenting dragon liver, peonies, and perch."
Cao Cao laughed loudly: "I am Zuo Ci!"
As he spoke, Cao Cao's face and clothes changed, and the Prime Minister of the Great Han instantly transformed into a wandering Taoist.
Guan Yu understood: "Zuo Ci is your puppet. The previous presentation of dragon liver, peonies, and perch was all the Prime Minister playing tricks on the officials."
"That's right." Cao Cao returned to his appearance as Prime Minister: "Playing in the mortal world, this is the solution."
"I knew that I would be able to see Yun Chang again today, so I waited in Xuchang. After our farewell today, Cao Cao will 'die of illness' next year, but Zuo Ci will still be around."
Guan Yu worriedly said, "What about my elder brother…"
Cao Cao said, "He can no longer let go of his power."
Guan Yu was silent.
Seeing Guan Yu's expression gradually change, Cao Cao said, "General Yun Chang also possesses strange arts. You can try stroking your long beard."
Guan Yu was slightly stunned, looked down, and realized: "I only have my head."
After speaking, he closed his eyes and died.
Cao Cao lamented, "General Yun Chang, may you have a good journey."
"Someone, carve a body from dark sandalwood for Guan Yu and bury him outside the South Gate of Luoyang with the rites of a prince. All the officials in Xuchang, high and low, must attend his funeral, and I will also go to pay my respects."
The following year, Cao Cao indeed died of illness.
Later, Liu Bei sought revenge for Guan Yu, launching an army to attack Eastern Wu, but he was burned by Lu Xun at Yiling.
When the fire attack succeeded, Lu Xun said to his attendants, "This is King Wu's (Sun Quan's) art of 'stealing fire'."
… …
Regarding this magnificent period of the late Eastern Han Dynasty, a "Mysterious History" scholar left a record: Zhang Qian of the Western Han Dynasty opened up the Silk Road and later introduced the secret arts of the "Celestial Worthy" to the West, greatly shocking and frightening the followers of God.
Therefore, in the late Eastern Han Dynasty, they taught Western magic in China in the guise of immortals.
Among them, three have been verified by historical research: teaching Zhang Jiao the art of thunder, teaching Dong Zhuo the art of depravity and Charm, and teaching Yuan Shao the art of eloquence.
To suppress the flourishing of Western magic, the followers of the Celestial Worthy also taught three secret arts in the world. From the Yellow Turban Uprising to Cao Pi's claiming of the throne, those who had learned Western magic were all executed in the decades between.
After another twenty years, those with strange magical arts either retreated into seclusion or died.
These decades of magical battles are historically known as the "Third Small-Scale Revival of Mysterious Powers."
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