Chapter 14: Abducting Guan Yu

The next day, the army was about to set out.

Zhang Shi, who was seeing them off, looked reluctant to part, her deep melancholy expression not even concealing her extraordinary beauty. It was no wonder; after only two days of bliss, anyone would be loath to let go. Most importantly, Liu Zhan had brought Zhang Shi unprecedented pleasure, excitement, and happiness. In those brief two days, Zhang Shi was so overjoyed that she would not trade it for anything, not even for an immortal. In her heart, she wished Liu Zhan would never leave her side and stay with her every day. Of course, Zhang Shi knew that this was impossible, especially now that the war had begun.

"Did you remember everything I told you?"

"Yes, I remember it all. I will definitely take care of it."

Zhang Shi's voice was soft and a bit submissive, seemingly trying to please him. It was surprising to see Zhang Shi, who was usually sharp and capable, become so subdued after just two nights. Had Liu Zhan used some underhanded means?

"Be extra careful, and come back soon. I'm very worried!"

"Don't worry. I'll be back when the time comes. Besides, with you, my beautiful lady, waiting at home, how could I bear to stay away?"

The army set out. Originally consisting of only 160 men, it had now grown to 1,000 troops, plus 500 auxiliary troops for transporting supplies. They left over a hundred prisoners with Zhang Shi to assist in defending the city or handle other tasks.

With the army expanded from 160 to 1,500 men, the food supplies had increased tenfold. Liu Zhan clearly did not have the funds to support this, and it was all covered by the Zhang family, ensuring the army's logistical needs for the future.

Look at Liu Zhan's skills—he has both beauty and resources at his disposal, managing to gain both people and wealth. Heh, how devious. It's possible he had been planning this from the start.

As the army marched north, they encountered and eliminated small groups of Yellow Turbans. The further north they went, the fewer Yellow Turbans there were, as this region was not a major area of Yellow Turban activity.

In the remote countryside with few people around, the army practiced drills while marching, so their progress was slow. The seasoned soldiers had become the backbone of the force, promoted quickly, and were motivated, working even harder.

One day, as the army passed through Zhuozhou, passersby watched with great interest. This army was unusual; the local people had never seen such a formation before, which aroused curiosity. As the people watched, Liu Zhan was also observing the crowd, seemingly looking for someone.

Liu Zhan thought to himself that this was the time when Guan Yu was temporarily staying here. The current officials had not yet issued a recruitment notice, which meant that the big-eared thief (Liu Bei) had not yet tricked Guan Yu and Zhang Fei into his camp. It was a perfect opportunity to recruit them. If he missed this chance, the army might have to stay here for a while, but he must not let the big-eared thief succeed.

As for Zhang Fei, he could be left for the big-eared thief. It wouldn't be fair to take everyone for himself. It seemed too harsh to leave the big-eared thief with nothing. Leaving some room for others would be more considerate, Liu Bei would be grateful.

As they continued, Liu Zhan spotted his target. Ahead, there was a large man pushing a cart, who had a distinctive appearance—red face and beautiful beard, making Guan Yu's features very apparent and easy to recognize.

At this moment, Guan Yu was also observing the marching army. This army was unique; no army in the Han Dynasty had such a formation. As the army marched, it was eerily silent, with only the sound of footsteps, and even while on the move, the troops were exceptionally orderly.

Guan Yu was marveling at who could have trained such a remarkable army. Just then, his view was blocked. Looking up, he saw a mounted officer approaching him.