Turmoil at Port Ormos
On a fantastical continent, the peace of Liyue and the mystery of Sumeru shine side by side. On this day, Port Ormos bustled with activity. Merchant ships came and went without cease, and the docks were filled with workers hauling cargo and travelers hurrying to and fro. Yet among the seemingly ordinary crowd, several uninvited guests had infiltrated.
Hua Xiong, a mighty general under Lü Bu's command, was tall and powerfully built, his face bearing the fierce aura of one who had long fought on the battlefield. But now, he wore tattered clothes, his face smeared with camouflaging grime, attempting to pass as a destitute refugee from Liyue and sneak into Sumeru. Beside him marched several similarly disguised soldiers, their eyes occasionally flashing with vigilance and unease.
"Stay sharp, all of you. Don't blow our cover," Hua Xiong muttered to his men. They moved slowly inward with the crowd, seeking a chance to slip past inspections and penetrate deeper into Sumeru.
Meanwhile, atop a high platform in the port, Pang Tong watched the crowd below in silence. A brilliant strategist with unmatched wit, his eyes were as sharp as an eagle's; no subtle abnormality could escape his gaze. He noticed the oddity of Hua Xiong's group. Despite their efforts to disguise themselves, the military bearing in every move and their constant wariness set them far apart from ordinary refugees.
"Guards," Pang Tong called softly. Several Sumerian soldiers appeared at once.
"Bring those suspicious men over there to me," he said, pointing at Hua Xiong and his followers.
The soldiers moved swiftly, surrounding the group in an instant. Hua Xiong cursed inwardly, his hand instinctively tightening around the weapon at his waist.
"What is the meaning of this? We are but poor refugees, fleeing here from Liyue," Hua Xiong pleaded, putting on a pitiful act.
"Hmph, refugees?" Pang Tong stepped down from the platform and approached Hua Xiong slowly.
"You may fool others, but not me. I marked you the moment you set foot in this port. A soldier is a soldier. No disguise can hide the aura of bloodshed you carry. Speak. What business does Lü Bu's army have in Sumeru?"
His cover blown, Hua Xiong's expression darkened and he dropped the act.
"Since you've seen through us, there's no use hiding. But you Sumerian soldiers are no match for us!" With a wave of his hand, his men drew their weapons and took battle stances.
Chaos erupted across the port. Commoners fled in panic. Sumerian forces quickly assembled and confronted Lü Bu's army. As tensions flared, a crimson blur streaked past. Guan Yu, riding his famed Red Hare horse and wielding his Green Dragon Crescent Blade, appeared majestically on the battlefield.
"Lü Bu's dogs! How dare you cause trouble here!" Guan Yu's voice boomed throughout the port.
Hua Xiong's heart tightened at the sight of him, but as a great general under Lü Bu, he would not back down.
"Guan Yu! Today you shall witness the might of Hua Xiong!" Roaring, he charged toward Guan Yu, blade raised.
Guan Yu remained calm, squeezing his legs gently. The Red Hare shot forward like a loosed arrow. The two clashed at once, blades flashing. Guan Yu's strikes were fierce and decisive, each blow carrying immense power. Hua Xiong was no weakling either, matching him blow for blow with his brute strength and refined combat skill.
Yet Guan Yu was a seasoned warrior with vast battlefield experience. After several exchanges, he spotted an opening. With a thunderous shout, he raised his Green Dragon Crescent Blade high and slashed down violently. Hua Xiong could not dodge in time and was cut down in a single strike.
Seeing their general slain, Lü Bu's soldiers fell into disarray. The Sumerian forces seized the moment and attacked, driving them back in defeat. Guan Yu led the charge, chasing the enemy until they were completely driven out of Port Ormos.
After the battle, peace gradually returned to Port Ormos. The Traveler, Aether, had witnessed the entire fight and was deeply impressed by Guan Yu's heroism. He stepped forward and said,
"General Guan, your martial skill is truly admirable! Had you not arrived in time, Port Ormos would have faced great disaster."
Guan Yu laughed heartily.
"Ha! It was nothing! Young man, you seem like a kindred spirit. Why not share a drink with me?"
Aether gladly agreed.
The two entered a tavern at the port and ordered several jars of fine wine and dishes. After a few rounds, Guan Yu opened up.
"I have fought countless battles in my life and seen too much life and death. But so long as I can protect the peace of the people, it is all worth it," he said with emotion.
Aether listened quietly, his respect for Guan Yu growing deeper still. They drank and shared tales of their adventures. Before they knew it, night had fallen, and both were slightly drunk. This unrestrained, heartfelt conversation forged a deep friendship between them, leaving an unforgettable tale in the history of Port Ormos.