The Pact of the Jade Valley
Dusk draped the Jade Valley in a somber veil. Damp mist hung thick in the air; beads of condensation trickled down the rock faces, winding into thin streams across the moss‑covered ground. Lü Bu, clad in a scarlet cloak and black iron war boots, stepped crisply over the loose stones. Behind him followed over twenty elite cavalry; their hooves echoed through the valley, rousing night ravens nesting in the rock crevices. Their raucous caws pierced the evening calm.
Ahead, Yuan Shao approached with more than thirty attendants. Broad and imposing, he wore a lavish silk robe; the jadeite inlaid in his jade belt glimmered faintly in the hazy light. A purple‑gold crown sat upon his head, its pearls trembling with each step—marking his noble station.
"Fengxian! Years have passed, yet your bearing outshines even the past!" Yuan Shao smiled warmly, stepping forward with clasped hands in salute.
Lü Bu's lips curled into a faint smile as he returned the gesture. "Brother Benchu, I trust you've been well. I've summoned you here today for a matter of great import."
The two walked side by side deeper into the valley. Lü Bu explained the valley's strategic value: "The Jade Valley lies at the border of Liyue and Fontaine. Its terrain is rugged, easy to defend and hard to attack—an ideal stronghold for troops."
Yuan Shao studied the surroundings, nodding in agreement. "You speak truly! Mountains encircle it on all sides, with only one narrow passage in and out. A single garrison here could hold the pass against ten thousand foes."
They reached an open platform. Lü Bu halted and turned to Yuan Shao. "Brother Benchu, I offer you this valley. Build your camp here, and we shall stand together against Fontaine."
Yuan Shao started, surprise flickering in his eyes before he regained composure. "Fengxian, such a generous gift—how can I accept? You fought hard to take this valley; I cannot simply take it from you."
Lü Bu clapped his shoulder heartily. "Brother, we are allies—no need for such formality. Fontaine grows stronger by the day, threatening us both. Only together can we resist them. This valley is but a trifle to me, yet to you it shall be a great boon. Do not refuse."
Yuan Shao bowed solemnly. "If you trust me so deeply, I shall not fail you! I will build an impregnable fortress here, laying a firm foundation for our alliance."
A soldier rushed over to report: "General! Fontaine scouts have been spotted twenty li outside the valley—they're spying on our movements."
Lü Bu's face darkened, a glint of killing intent in his eyes. "Hmph—perfect timing. Brother Benchu, it seems Fontaine has caught wind of our plans. We must hurry to finish the camp and teach them a lesson!"
Yuan Shao nodded. "I shall send word to Jizhou for craftsmen and supplies at once. We'll have the camp ready within a month."
That night, they lit a bonfire in the valley, drinking wine and plotting against Fontaine. Firelight painted their faces, casting flickering shadows.
"How well do you know Fontaine?" Lü Bu asked, taking a sip.
Yuan Shao set down his cup. "Fontaine lies northwest of Liyue—a nation ruled by Hydro. Its capital blends Venetian water‑city architecture with Industrial Revolution steampunk, boasting advanced technology and weaponry. Their army is well‑trained and formidable."
Lü Bu frowned. "This will not be easy. But I fear no enemy! Together, we shall prevail!"
Yuan Shao raised his cup. "To victory! Together we stand against Fontaine! Drink!"
They drained their cups in one go; their hearty laughter echoed through the valley.
Yuan Shao quickly dispatched messengers to Jizhou. Half a month later, hundreds of craftsmen and thousands of soldiers arrived, and construction began in earnest.
Following Yuan Shao's orders, they built a massive gatehouse at the valley entrance, with thick log walls lined with watchtowers and beacon fires. Inside the valley, they laid out training grounds, stables, granaries, and more, dividing the area with wooden palisades.
Lü Bu sent troops to assist and supplied weapons and gear. The camp rose swiftly.
But disaster struck as completion neared. A patrol spotted a Fontaine army—five thousand strong—marching toward the valley.
Yuan Shao called an immediate council with Lü Bu and his generals.
"Fengxian, they move too fast—they mean to crush us before the camp is finished," Yuan Shao said gravely.
Lü Bu sneered. "They think too little of us! Our camp is not yet done, but we are not to be trifled with. What is your plan, brother?"
"I shall lay an ambush at the valley mouth. Once they enter, we strike from front and rear, wiping them out."
"Excellent!" Lü Bu said. "I'll lead the cavalry in a flanking charge to shatter their lines. You hold the front with infantry."
The men prepared for battle. Soldiers sharpened their blades, their morale high—eager to teach Fontaine a harsh lesson.
At dawn, the Fontaine army reached the valley mouth. Their commander wore blue armor, mounted on a white steed, his gaze cold as he stared at the gatehouse.
"General, this is the Jade Valley. Intelligence confirms Lü Bu and Yuan Shao are building a camp here," a soldier reported.
The commander snorted. "A mere camp to stop Fontaine's cavalry? Attack!"
The army surged forward like a tide. As they entered the valley, Yuan Shao ordered the beacons lit. Smoke billowed; war cries shook the air.
Lü Bu's cavalry charged from the flank, a sharp blade piercing the Fontaine lines. Yuan Shao's infantry met them head‑on, and fierce fighting erupted.
Steel clashed, blood sprayed. Shouts of battle and the clang of weapons merged into a grim symphony of war.
Though well‑trained, the Fontaine forces buckled under the pincer attack. Their commander tried to break out, but Lü Bu cut him down with a single stroke.
After a brutal battle, the Fontaine army was routed, suffering heavy losses. Lü Bu and Yuan Shao pursued them far beyond the valley.
Back at the camp, they held a victory feast. The men cheered, celebrating their hard‑won triumph.
"Fengxian, without our combined strength, we might not have prevailed," Yuan Shao said, raising his cup.
Lü Bu laughed loudly. "This victory is ours together! Now the camp is complete, our power grows. We shall strengthen our defenses and bide our time—until we strike a fatal blow against Fontaine!"
Yuan Shao nodded. "Let them know we are not to be crossed!"
They smiled at each other and drained their cups once more. Above the Jade Valley, stars twinkled, as if foretelling a glorious future for their alliance.