636. Intrigue Behind The Duel

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The city was a marvel, its streets alive with activity, its people thriving under Lie Fan's rule. Everywhere he looked, he saw signs of prosperity and order, merchants hawking their wares, scholars debating in open courtyards, and soldiers patrolling with disciplined precision. It was a stark contrast to the land under Cao Cao's influence.

Yet, amidst the awe inspiring sights, Ma Chao could not shake the feeling that he was being watched, assessed, and judged. The guards they passed, the officials they encountered, and even the common folk, all seemed to regard him with a mixture of curiosity and wariness.

He was an outsider here, a warrior from the distant lands of Xiliang, and his presence in Xiapi was no small matter. While he was undercover he knew that every move he made, every word he spoke, would be scrutinized.

But he also knew that this was his chance to carve out a future for himself and his clan, to break free from the suffocating grip of Cao Cao and align himself with a power that could truly challenge the status quo.

Meanwhile, back in the grand hall, Lie Fan remained seated, his expression thoughtful. The doors had barely closed behind Ma Chao and his men when he turned to his two most trusted advisors, Sima Yi and Zhuge Liang. The room was silent for a moment, the weight of the decision before them hanging heavily in the air.

"What do you think?" Lie Fan asked, his voice low but deliberate. "Should we truly ally ourselves with the Ma Clan, or should we use them as a tool to weaken Cao Cao? If we help them rebel but ensure they do not succeed, they could serve as a thorn in Cao Cao's side. And when they inevitably fail, we can offer them sanctuary, binding them to us in gratitude."

Sima Yi, his calculating mind already spurned, was the first to respond. A faint smirk played on his lips as he considered the question. "The Ma Clan is strong, but they are also proud," he said. "Ma Chao is a formidable warrior, but his pride may be his undoing. If we align ourselves with them openly, we risk drawing Cao Cao's full attention before we are ready. However, if we use them as a distraction, we can buy ourselves time to consolidate our plans. The key is to ensure that they remain dependent on us, even in failure."

Zhuge Liang, who had been quietly fanning himself, nodded slowly. His sharp eyes gleamed with a mixture of wisdom and cunning. "Zhongda speaks wisely," he said. "But we must also consider the long term implications. Ma Chao is not just a warrior, he is a symbol. His defiance of Cao Cao could inspire others to rise against him. If we support the Ma Clan, even covertly, we could sow the seeds of rebellion across Cao Cao's domain. And when the time is right, we can step in as the saviors, the ones who offer stability and order in the face of chaos."

Lie Fan listened intently, his fingers drumming lightly on the armrest of his chair. He knew that both of his advisors had valid points, but the decision ultimately rested with him. He was not just a warlord, he was a visionary, a man who saw beyond the immediate struggles and dreamed of a unified land. And in Ma Chao, he saw both an opportunity and a risk.

"Very well," Lie Fan said at last, his voice firm. "We will proceed cautiously. For now, we will test Ma Chao's strength and resolve in the duel. If he proves himself worthy, we will offer him our support, but only to a point. We will help him rebel against Cao Cao, but we will not commit our full resources. Let him be the spark that ignites the fire, and we will be the ones to control the flames."

Sima Yi and Zhuge Liang exchanged glances, their expressions unreadable but their minds undoubtedly racing with calculations and strategies. They knew that Lie Fan's decision was a calculated gamble, one that could either strengthen their position or plunge them into a dangerous conflict. But they also knew that their lord was not one to shy away from risks.

As the sun began to set over Xiapi, Ma Chao stood on the balcony of the chamber that had been prepared for him. The city stretched out before him, a testament to Lie Fan's power and vision.

But Ma Chao's thoughts were not on the city's grandeur, they were on the duel that awaited him in two days' time. He knew that this was more than just a test of strength; it was a test of his worth, his resolve, and his destiny.

He clenched his fists, feeling the familiar surge of adrenaline coursing through his veins. He had faced countless battles, fought against the fiercest of foes, and emerged victorious.

But this was different. This was not just about victory; it was about proving that the Ma Clan was more than just a pawn in the game of warlords. It was about carving out a future for himself and his people, a future free from the chains of Cao Cao's tyranny.

As the first stars began to appear in the night sky, Ma Chao made a silent vow. He would not falter. He would not fail. No matter the cost, he would prove himself worthy of Lie Fan's alliance. And in doing so, he would secure the future of the Ma Clan, not as vassals or pawns, but as an equal independent power in the struggle for a new era.

The two days passed swiftly, like a fleeting dream, and before Ma Chao knew it, the morning of the duel had arrived. The air in Xiapi was crisp, carrying with it the faint scent of dew and the distant hum of a city already awake and bustling.

Ma Chao had spent the days preparing, both his body and his mind, for the challenge ahead. He had trained lightly, ensuring his muscles remained limber, and meditated to sharpen his focus. His entourage, though small, had stood by him, offering words of encouragement and reassurance. They knew the weight of this moment not just for Ma Chao, but for the future of the Ma Clan.

As the sun climbed higher in the sky, an army commander arrived at their quarters to escort them to the military training grounds. The man was stern-faced, his armor polished to a mirror sheen, and his demeanor exuded the discipline that seemed to permeate every corner of Xiapi.

Without a word, Ma Chao and his men followed, their footsteps echoing against the cobblestone streets as they made their way through the city.

The training grounds were located deep within the military district, a sprawling area surrounded by high walls and guarded by soldiers whose eyes never seemed to waver.

As they passed through the security checkpoint, Ma Chao couldn't help but notice the efficiency of Lie Fan's forces. Every soldier moved with purpose, every command was executed without hesitation. It was a stark reminder of the power he was about to face not just in the duel, but in the alliance he sought.

When they finally arrived at the training grounds, Ma Chao's eyes swept across the scene before him. The area was vast, with neatly arranged weapon racks, training dummies, and obstacle courses. At the center stood Lie Fan, already waiting, his presence commanding even in the open space.

Beside him were the three advisors Ma Chao had met before, Sima Yi, Zhuge Liang, and Lu Xun, but there were also three unfamiliar generals, their armor gleaming and their expressions a mix of curiosity and appraisal.

Ma Chao approached with his entourage, his steps measured but confident. He bowed slightly, a gesture of respect, and greeted Lie Fan. "Lord Lie Fan, I thank you for granting me this opportunity to prove myself."

Lie Fan nodded, his expression calm but inscrutable. "The honor is mine, Young Lord Ma Chao. I have heard much of your prowess, and I look forward to witnessing it firsthand."

Ma Chao then turned to the advisors and the three generals, offering them a respectful nod. "Gentlemen," he said, his voice steady. Lie Fan, ever the gracious host, stepped forward to make the introductions.

"Allow me to introduce my generals," Lie Fan said, gesturing to the three men beside him. "This is Zhang Liao, a veteran of countless battles and a master of strategy." Zhang Liao inclined his head, his sharp eyes studying Ma Chao with a mix of respect and calculation.

"This is Zhao Yun," Lie Fan continued, indicating the tall, broad shouldered man with a spear slung across his back. "A warrior of unmatched skill and loyalty." Zhao Yun offered a small smile, his demeanor calm but confident.

"And this," Lie Fan said, turning to the third general, "is Wen Pin, a commander known for his ingenuity and adaptability on the battlefield." Wen Pin gave a curt nod, his expression serious but not unkind.

Ma Chao acknowledged each of them with a respectful bow. "It is an honor to meet you all. I look forward to learning from your expertise."

With the introductions complete, Lie Fan gestured toward a nearby weapon rack. "Choose your weapon, Lord Ma Chao. The rack contains wooden weapons reinforced with steel for durability. They will allow us to duel without unnecessary harm."

Ma Chao's eyes scanned the array of weapons before settling on a spear. He reached out and grasped it, testing its weight and balance. It was well crafted, the wood smooth and the steel reinforcements added just the right amount of heft. "This will do," he said, twirling the spear with practiced ease.

Lie Fan, in turn, selected a halberd, its long handle and curved blade gleaming in the sunlight. He hefted it with a familiarity that spoke of years of experience. "A fine choice," he remarked, his tone almost conversational.

As they prepared, two horses were brought forward by soldiers, their coats gleaming and their eyes alert. Lie Fan turned to Ma Chao. "Will we duel on foot or on horseback? The choice is yours."

Ma Chao considered the question for a moment before responding. "Both," he said firmly. "A true warrior must be adaptable, ready to fight in any situation. Let us begin on horseback and transition to foot as the duel progresses."

Lie Fan's lips curved into a faint smile, a glimmer of approval in his eyes. "Very well. Adaptability is the mark of a great warrior. Choose your horse, and we shall begin."

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Name: Lie Fan

Title: Overlord Of The Central Plains

Age: 33 (200 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