It was truly unexpected that such a figure, so capable, would be wiped out so soon after arriving to lend his support, dying without even showing his face. What a pity.
Lu Ming, however, already knew that the so-called rattan armor soldiers were extremely vulnerable to fire, the kind that ignite at the slightest touch.
Since Panshe Valley had no water source and was a crucial passage, he sent Wang Ping to carry out the ambush and annihilation mission.
Wang Ping's greatest strength was his obedience; he resolutely carried out orders without a shred of his own ideas.
Such a general was actually the best.
Because of their obedience, they could be entrusted with tasks that didn't involve much uncertainty, guaranteeing completion and fulfilling their responsibilities diligently.
As for Ma Su, he was just a scholar.
He spouted nonsense about conquering the Southern Regions to win over the hearts of the people.
Such rubbish was meant for Zhuge Liang.
Zhuge Liang merely smiled and didn't refuse. In reality, Zhuge Liang pacified the Southern Regions in less than three months.
If it took three months to capture and release Meng Huo seven times, Meng Huo would have been captured every ten days or so. There would be absolutely no time for him to muster his forces for a decisive battle.
If he were to actually capture and release him seven times, three months would certainly not be enough to resolve the conflict, and he would inevitably become bogged down in a quagmire.
Just look at the US war in Vietnam; how enjoyable is being bogged down in a quagmire?
Therefore, the idea of winning hearts and minds is nonsense; only by defeating them is the right choice.
In a pavilion, a young woman, adorned with a headdress made of wings, with a wheat-colored complexion, wore a strapless top wrapped in animal hide, revealing six-pack abs.
Her exquisitely beautiful face carried a seductive smile, easily stirring the imagination.
Such a woman possessed a captivating allure, exceptionally charming and alluring.
Yet, she also possessed a remarkable masculinity, somewhere between allure and a powerful woman.
A row of throwing knives hung beside her slender waist and abs that could be encircled by a single hand, clearly indicating she was a master of concealed weapons.
Zhu Rong stood on the pavilion, arms crossed, watching Lu Ming below.
She had no feelings for Meng Huo; it was merely a tribal alliance marriage.
If she were already married to Meng Huo, she certainly wouldn't stand idly by, remaining loyal even in dire circumstances.
But now, they weren't married, only indulging in the intention.
Therefore, she wouldn't offer assistance. As the chieftain of the Zhu Rong clan, her ability to become chieftain despite being a woman proved she possessed exceptional martial prowess.
Therefore, anyone who thought she was just a simple woman would be sorely mistaken, easily manipulated.
"This King Qin is quite interesting."
A charming smile played on Zhu Rong's lips. She wasn't opposed to marrying Lu Ming.
As long as a powerful man was worthy of her, she was willing to marry him.
Therefore, seeing Meng Huo dead...
She wasn't sad at all; in fact, she almost wanted to laugh.
After dealing with these Southern Barbarian leaders, the Cave Master stepped forward, bowing slightly to Lu Ming with utmost respect.
"Your Majesty, my sister Zhu Rong wishes to invite you to meet her," the Cave Master said tremblingly, unsure if the other party would accept.
"Your sister is quite high-profile. Is she so ugly that she's ashamed to be seen?"
Lu Ming chuckled. She seemed to be a woman with a strong personality.
Very well, he actually quite liked women with strong personalities. Since that's the case, he'd teach her a lesson and show her what obedience truly meant.
"It's not that I'm afraid to see you, I just have some questions I'd like to ask you," a loud female voice rang out. The soldiers behind her parted to make way.
The wild and spirited Zhu Rong appeared before Lu Ming, her hair tied up, looking capable and neat.
Holding a long spear and with throwing knives at her waist, she was no less formidable than Hu Sanniang.
As one of the few female warriors in the Three Kingdoms period, Zhu Rong certainly possessed a unique charm.
"They won't truly obey you. Without the help of my Zhu Rong clan, you'll find it difficult to maintain your rule in Yongchang County.
I'm not threatening you, but telling you that by cooperating with us, you'll have better control over your territory."
Zhu Rong said bluntly, glancing around at the chieftains. "There has never been a true Yi king in the South. When a tribe becomes powerful, a Yi king will naturally emerge.
The Zhu Rong clan still has influence in Yongchang. You need us!"
Lu Ming stroked his chin, looking at her. "You must be Zhu Rong, right?"
"I am Zhu Rong. I have one more condition: defeat me!
I want to see just how strong you are!"
Zhu Rong's words were startling, disregarding the stares of those around her. "I'm skilled with throwing knives. You'd better watch out!"
"I understand. Come on!"
Lu Ming beckoned to her. "You have three chances to strike!"
Whoosh!
Zhu Rong kicked her spear with her jade-like foot, the butt of the spear striking Lu Ming's chin hard.
Lu Ming merely sidestepped, dodging with a slight movement. "First move!"
Whoosh!
Zhu Rong ignored him, instead grabbing her spear and using the momentum to spin it, thrusting the spearhead fiercely towards Lu Ming.
She used all her strength, without the slightest hesitation, as if it were a life-or-death duel!
Lu Ming again dodged with a slight sidestep. His speed was far, far faster than Zhu Rong's.
It was like watching The Flash; his opponent's movements were so slow, so sluggish, that he had ample time and energy to react, dodge, or counterattack.
"Second move!"
Zhu Rong was utterly horrified. Her self-created spear technique couldn't inflict the slightest damage on Lu Ming, not even a touch to his clothes.
Her opponent hadn't even used his full strength, just like when he dealt with Meng Huo and his five companions—effortless and carefree.
Just how strong was this man?
Perhaps a legendary war god!
Could such a man truly exist?
Thinking to herself, Zhu Rong didn't hesitate. She drew a throwing knife from her waist and hurled it with tremendous force.
At such close range, with such power, she was confident no one could dodge it!
To avoid harming Lu Ming, she even deliberately aimed the knife at his clothing. Even if it hit, only the blade would remain on his headdress, proving she wasn't without ability!
This wouldn't stop her from marrying Lu Ming, but at least it would ensure he wouldn't look down on her because of her background!
But the next second, Zhu Rong's beautiful eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.
She saw Lu Ming reach out and catch her throwing knife with just two fingers!
The knife didn't even tremble; he simply caught it.
So unbelievable, so incredibly powerful!