Chapter 16

The morning sun had barely risen, but Lü Bu's army was already on the move. The banners of the Flying General fluttered in the cool breeze as disciplined ranks of infantry, archers, and cavalry advanced toward their next target—the southernmost village under Song Xian's former control. After the swift capture of the central village, Song Xian's remaining forces had retreated south, their morale shattered and their leadership in disarray.

Lü Bu rode at the front of the column, his halberd resting across his back. His expression was calm, but his eyes gleamed with anticipation. Behind him, Chen Gong and Zhang Liao rode side by side, discussing the strategy for the final strike. The southern village, smaller and less fortified than its northern counterpart, was the last obstacle in this campaign.

Chen Gong unfurled a map, pointing to the village's location. "The retreating forces are likely using the southern village as a rallying point. While they've lost much of their strength, they're desperate and could fight harder than before. A cornered enemy can be unpredictable."

Zhang Liao scoffed, his hand resting on the hilt of his blade. "Desperation won't save them. They're outnumbered, outmatched, and leaderless. Their defeat is inevitable."

"Even so, we should remain cautious," Chen Gong said. "A single misstep could drag this battle out longer than necessary. Swift and decisive action is our best option."

Lü Bu smirked. "Then we won't give them a chance to regroup. I'll lead the main force to strike their defenses directly. Zhang Liao, take 300 men and flank the village from the west. Trap them like rats."

Zhang Liao saluted. "Consider it done."

Chen Gong added, "We should also consider capturing their remaining resources. Grain, livestock, and tools will be essential as we continue our campaigns."

"They'll all belong to us soon enough," Lü Bu said, spurring his horse forward. "Let's finish this."

---

The army arrived at the outskirts of the southern village by midday. The settlement was nestled between two rolling hills, its wooden palisade appearing hastily reinforced with logs and stones. Thin plumes of smoke rose from within, a sign that the defenders were attempting to organize themselves.

Lü Bu dismounted and surveyed the scene. His soldiers moved into position with practiced efficiency, archers taking cover behind natural ridges while infantry assembled around the battering ram. The cavalry waited on standby, their mounts restless as they anticipated the charge.

Chen Gong approached, his spyglass in hand. "Their numbers are smaller than expected—no more than 300 fighters, likely the remnants of Song Xian's forces. They've stationed archers along the walls, but their defenses are crude."

"Then we crush them quickly," Lü Bu said. "No speeches, no delay. Archers, begin the assault!"

At Lü Bu's command, his archers unleashed a devastating volley. Arrows darkened the sky as they arced toward the village, striking down defenders along the palisade. Cries of pain and alarm echoed from within as the hastily organized archers on the walls were overwhelmed.

"Move the ram forward!" Lü Bu ordered.

The battering ram creaked as it was rolled into position, its iron-reinforced head aimed directly at the village gate. With a resounding crash, it slammed into the wood, splinters flying as the defenders struggled to respond.

"Again!" the ram's commander shouted, and the weapon struck once more, the gate groaning under the repeated impacts.

---

Meanwhile, Zhang Liao and his contingent approached the village from the west. Using the natural cover of the hills, they moved silently, their footsteps muffled by the grass. Zhang Liao raised his hand, signaling his men to halt as they reached a vantage point overlooking the rear of the village.

The western palisade was poorly defended, with only a handful of guards patrolling the area. Zhang Liao smirked. "They've left themselves wide open. Archers, take out the sentries."

A dozen archers stepped forward, their bows drawn. With a single motion from Zhang Liao, they loosed their arrows, striking down the guards before they could sound the alarm.

"Move in," Zhang Liao commanded.

His soldiers scaled the palisade with ropes and grappling hooks, their movements swift and silent. Within moments, they breached the village's defenses and began securing key positions.

---

At the front gate, the battering ram delivered its final, thunderous blow. The gate collapsed inward, its wooden planks scattering across the ground. Lü Bu raised his halberd high, his voice ringing out like a battle cry.

"Charge!"

The infantry surged forward, their battle cries echoing as they stormed into the village. Lü Bu led the charge, his halberd spinning in a deadly arc as he cut through the first line of defenders. Blood sprayed across the dirt as the defenders crumbled under the relentless assault.

Within minutes, the village square was overrun. The remaining defenders attempted to regroup, but their efforts were futile. Zhang Liao's forces struck from the rear, completing the encirclement and sealing their fate.

Lü Bu strode into the square, his halberd resting against his shoulder. The few remaining defenders dropped their weapons and knelt, their faces pale with fear.

"You are defeated," Lü Bu declared, his voice cold and commanding. "Surrender now, and your lives will be spared."

The defenders hesitated, glancing at one another before lowering their heads in submission.

---

By the time the sun began to set, the southern village was firmly under Lü Bu's control. His banners flew high above the palisade, a stark declaration of his dominance. Soldiers patrolled the streets, ensuring order was maintained as the villagers began to emerge from their homes.

Chen Gong and Zhang Liao joined Lü Bu in the village square, where the remaining resources were being cataloged. Piles of grain, livestock, and tools were stacked neatly, ready to be transported back to the main stronghold.

"The campaign is complete, my lord," Chen Gong said, his tone respectful. "Song Xian's forces have been defeated, and his territories are now yours. The grain and livestock we've captured will sustain our armies for months to come."

Zhang Liao added, "The defenders fought hard, but they lacked leadership and direction. Once their morale broke, the rest fell into place."

Lü Bu nodded, his expression calm. "Good. This is the first step toward unifying the land. Ensure the villagers understand that their safety now depends on their loyalty to me."

Chen Gong nodded. "I'll handle the integration of the population. With time and proper management, they'll come to accept your rule."

As the sky darkened, Lü Bu ascended the village walls, gazing out at the rolling fields that stretched toward the horizon. His conquest of Song Xian's territory had been swift and decisive, but he knew that greater challenges lay ahead. The path to unification was far from over, and many powerful factions still stood in his way.

But Lü Bu's ambition burned brighter than ever. With each victory, his legend grew, and the land trembled at the mention of his name.