622. Zhuge Liang Returns To Xiapi

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Zhuge Liang's expression grew pensive. He clasped his hands together, his sharp mind weighing every word that had been spoken. "Masters," he said finally, "Lie Fan is a man of vision, but even the best intentions can falter without the right counsel. If we choose to align ourselves with him, it would not only be an opportunity to guide him but also to ensure that his power is wielded responsibly."

Sima Hui smiled faintly, pride evident in his eyes. "Spoken like a true strategist, Kongming. But what of the risks? Should he prove unworthy of our trust, what then?"

Zhuge Liang met his gaze unwaveringly. "If we accept, we must do so with open eyes and a willingness to act if necessary. Should Lie Fan deviate from his path or become a threat to the greater good, it will fall upon us to correct his course or withdraw entirely from serving him."

Pang Degong stroked his beard thoughtfully. "A measured response. And what of the village? How do we safeguard its peace?"

Huang Chengyan added, "The villagers are our responsibility. If Lie Fan's invitation endangers them, we must reconsider."

Zhuge Liang nodded. "If we accept, I think one of us should remain here to ensure the village's safety. Additionally, we could establish a communication system to stay informed and respond quickly if needed. The goal is to minimize risk while maximizing the potential for good."

The group fell silent, each person reflecting on Zhuge Liang's words. Finally, Sima Hui spoke. "Very well. Let us put it to a vote. Should we accept Lie Fan's invitation, or should we decline?"

Each man cast his vote, their deliberations stretching into the late afternoon. In the end, the consensus leaned toward accepting the invitation, albeit with precautions in place to protect the village and its people.

As the meeting concluded, Zhuge Liang stood and bowed deeply to his masters. "Then masters, I will journey to Xiapi and assess the situation firsthand. If Lie Fan is indeed the leader we hope he is, I will dedicate myself to his cause. If not, I will return to inform you of my findings."

Pang Tong and Xu Shu stood as well, their expressions resolute. "You won't face this alone, Kongming," Xu Shu said. "We will support you however we can, we will follow you to Xiapi as three heads are better than one."

Sima Hui, Pang Degong, and Huang Chengyan exchanged approving glances. Their faith in their young protégés was evident, and as the sun dipped below the horizon, the group dispersed, each man carrying the weight of the decision they had made.

Since Pang Tong and Xu Shu will join Zhuge Liang on his journey to Xiapi, Zhuge Liang decides to not go today and wait for Pang Tong and Xu Shu to pack their things, and tomorrow they will go together toward Xiapi alongside their attendants, where three of them had one attendants.

The next day, the quiet morning air at the entrance of Longzhong village was filled with an air of solemnity and anticipation. Zhuge Liang, Pang Tong, and Xu Shu stood together, their simple robes and modest travel packs masking their true identities.

Beside each of them stood a single attendant, carrying additional supplies for the journey north to Xiapi. Their masters, Sima Hui, Pang Degong, and Huang Chengyan, had gathered to bid them farewell.

Sima Hui stepped forward, his calm demeanor betraying a hint of emotion. "Kongming, Shiyuan, Yuanzhi," he said, addressing the three young men by their courtesy names. "This is the start of a path that will test your wisdom, resilience, and integrity. Remember the teachings of this quiet village and let them guide you in the stormy world ahead."

Zhuge Liang bowed deeply. "Master, your teachings are etched into my heart. I will not falter."

Pang Degong placed a firm hand on Pang Tong's shoulder. "Shiyuan, your wit and sharp tongue have served you well here, but tread carefully in Xiapi. A single word can change the tides of politics and people's feelings because both of these things are very fickle."

Pang Tong smirked, though his eyes were earnest. "Fear not, Uncle. My words will be as sharp as ever, but I'll know when to sheath them."

Huang Chengyan turned to Xu Shu, his gaze steady. "Yuanzhi, your loyalty and clear mind are invaluable. Do not let the ambitions of others cloud your judgment."

Xu Shu bowed respectfully. "Master, I will serve with honor and ensure our purpose remains true."

The three masters exchanged knowing glances before stepping back. Zhuge Liang turned to his companions, his expression resolute. "The journey ahead is long, but together, we will make it not only bearable but fruitful."

With final bows and farewells exchanged, the three young strategists and their attendants began their journey northward. They moved quietly, dressed as common travelers to avoid drawing attention while riding their horses. What they didn't know was that they were not entirely alone.

Unbeknownst to Zhuge Liang and his companions, a team of Oriole Agents shadowed them from a discreet distance. These elite operatives, personally dispatched by Lie Fan, had been tasked with ensuring Zhuge Liang's safety and also keeping an eye on him. Their orders were clear, protect Zhuge Liang, observe whatever he was doing and whom he interacted with, and report all of this information back to Lie Fan.

The Oriole Agents moved like phantoms, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings. They maintained a careful watch, ensuring that bandits or other threats did not cross the group's path. One agent, stationed at a safe distance from the village the night before, had already sent a detailed report back to Lie Fan in Xiapi.

The report outlined the events of the previous day, the masters' deliberations, the decision to accept the invitation, and the three young men's plans to travel together. It also noted the precautions Zhuge Liang had taken, such as disguising themselves as commoners, a testament to his caution and strategic thinking.

The first day of travel was uneventful. Zhuge Liang, Pang Tong, and Xu Shu discussed their expectations for Xiapi as they rode forward, their voices low but animated.

"Lie Fan's governance has been praised far and wide," Zhuge Liang said. "But praise often hides flaws. We must observe carefully before committing fully to his cause."

Pang Tong chuckled. "If he's as sharp as they say, he'll welcome our scrutiny. If not, well… perhaps we'll find ourselves advising someone else."

Xu Shu nodded. "The key is trust. If Lie Fan proves to be a leader worth following, we must ensure he knows we are more than mere tools for his ambitions."

As the sun began to set, they reached a small inn along the road. Zhuge Liang inspected the premises before agreeing to stay. The Oriole Agents, watching from the shadows, silently secured the area, ensuring the group could rest without interruption.

On the second day, the group encountered a merchant caravan heading south. The merchants, eager to trade, stopped to chat. One merchant, noticing Zhuge Liang's sharp gaze, commented, "You have the eyes of a scholar, young man. What brings you and your friends to these parts?"

Zhuge Liang smiled politely, his tone humble. "We are but travelers seeking better opportunities in the north part of the land. Nothing more."

The merchant seemed satisfied with the answer and continued on his way. Zhuge Liang, however, remained wary. "We must keep our stories consistent," he told his friends later. "Curiosity can be dangerous if we're not careful."

The Oriole Agents noted this interaction, their admiration for Zhuge Liang growing. His caution and composure were exactly what their lord, Lie Fan, had anticipated.

The Oriole Agents' vigilance proved vital on the fourth night of the journey. As the group camped near a forested area, the agents spotted a group of bandits approaching from the east.

Silently, the agents moved to intercept. Using their superior training and stealth, they neutralized the bandits before they could get close. By morning, the threat had been eliminated, and the group remained blissfully unaware of the danger they had avoided.

The lead Oriole Agent wrote a concise report:

"Encountered and neutralized a bandit group on the fourth night of travel. Targets remained unaware of the threat. Progress toward Xiapi continues without incident. Zhuge Liang's caution and strategic mind are evident in his actions."

After more than a month of travel by horses combined with careful planning, good weather, and protection from Oriole Agents, Zhuge Liang, Pang Tong, and Xu Shu finally approached the gates of Xiapi.

The gates of Xiapi loomed ahead, their towering presence a testament to the city's growth and Lie Fan's vision. Zhuge Liang reined in his horse, pausing for a moment as he surveyed the bustling city beyond.

The streets were alive with activity, merchants haggling, children playing, soldiers patrolling with an air of discipline, and the faint hum of prosperity filled the air. A wave of nostalgia swept over him.

"It feels as if no time has passed," Zhuge Liang murmured, his voice tinged with emotion. "And yet, so much has changed."

Pang Tong and Xu Shu, riding on either side of him, were visibly stunned. Having spent years in their secluded village, removed from the epicenters of power and commerce, they had heard tales of Xiapi's prosperity. But seeing it with their own eyes was another matter entirely.

"Is this truly the same city we read about in old maps and scrolls?" Pang Tong asked, his sharp eyes scanning the wide streets and impressive outer walls. "It's far larger than I imagined. The scale of its expansion... it's unprecedented."

Xu Shu nodded, his expression one of quiet awe. "This is a city that reflects its ruler. The efficiency, the order, the prosperity, it all speaks to Lie Fan's leadership."

As they approached the gates, the guards, well trained and sharply dressed in uniforms bearing Lie Fan's insignia, stepped forward. One of them raised a hand to halt the group.

"Halt! State your names and purpose," the guard said firmly, though not unkindly.

Zhuge Liang, still dressed as a common traveler, inclined his head respectfully. "We are humble scholars seeking an audience with Governor Lie. Please inform him that Zhuge Liang has returned, accompanied by Pang Tong and Xu Shu."

The guard's eyes widened slightly at the mention of Zhuge Liang's name. Word of Zhuge Liang's brilliance as part of the first trip who had graduated from Xiapi's Academy in Xiapi had not been forgotten, and his reputation had only grown during his absence. The guard quickly signaled another soldier to relay the message to the Governor's Castle.

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Name: Lie Fan

Title: Overlord Of The Central Plains

Age: 32 (199 AD)

Level: 16

Next Level: 462,000

Renown: 1325

Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)

SP: 1,121,700

ATTRIBUTE POINTS

STR: 951 (+20)

VIT: 613 (+20)

AGI: 598 (+10)

INT: 617

CHR: 96

WIS: 519

WILL: 407

ATR Points: 0