Chapter 18

The southern village buzzed with activity as Lü Bu's forces continued solidifying their hold. Soldiers patrolled the streets, their boots thudding against packed dirt as they kept a vigilant watch over the villagers. The wooden palisade now bristled with sharpened stakes and new watchtowers, each manned by archers scanning the horizon for potential threats. Within the village, workers labored tirelessly, reinforcing defenses and stockpiling supplies under the watchful eyes of their new masters.

Yet beneath the surface of order, a current of unrest simmered. Some villagers resented their new rulers, whispering in dark corners about rebellion. Lü Bu, however, was no stranger to dissent and had taken measures to quash any signs of defiance. His presence alone served as a warning—his reputation as the Flying General carried as much weight as his halberd.

In the central hall, Lü Bu and his advisors gathered around a large wooden table covered with maps and reports. Chen Gong, ever the strategist, held a list of updates on the region.

"My lord," Chen Gong began, his tone measured, "our position here is stable, but it is far from secure. Reports suggest that some villagers are organizing in secret. They whisper of reclaiming their lands and overthrowing their oppressors. Left unchecked, this could grow into a larger problem."

Lü Bu's gaze hardened, his voice calm but firm. "Then we deal with it swiftly. I won't tolerate rebellion, not even the whisper of it. Do we know who's behind this?"

Chen Gong nodded. "Several names have surfaced. Most of them are minor figures—former overseers loyal to Song Xian. However, there is one who stands out: Liang Yun, a former captain in Song Xian's army. He disappeared after the central village fell and has likely been rallying supporters from the shadows."

Zhang Liao stepped forward, his expression grim. "If this Liang Yun is organizing resistance, we should strike now. Waiting will only give him time to gather more support."

"I agree," Lü Bu said, his smirk returning. "We'll flush him out and remind everyone what happens to those who defy me. Chen Gong, what's your plan?"

Chen Gong laid out the details, his finger tracing a route on the map. "Our scouts believe Liang Yun is hiding in the forested hills west of the southern village. It's an ideal location—difficult to approach and easy to defend. However, it's also isolated. If we move quickly, we can surround the area and cut off any escape routes."

Lü Bu nodded. "Good. Zhang Liao, take 300 men and lead the vanguard. I'll follow with the main force. We'll end this rebellion before it begins."

---

The army departed at dawn, moving swiftly toward the western hills. The journey was uneventful, the soldiers maintaining a disciplined formation as they passed through the rolling countryside. By midday, they reached the edge of the forest, its dense canopy casting long shadows over the ground.

Zhang Liao dismounted and signaled for his troops to halt. He studied the terrain carefully, his sharp eyes scanning the trees for any sign of movement. "They're here," he said quietly. "The forest is too quiet. No birds, no animals—it's unnatural."

Lü Bu rode to his side, his halberd resting across his lap. "They're hiding," he said, his smirk widening. "Cowards. They know they can't face us head-on."

Chen Gong joined them, his tone cautious. "We must be careful, my lord. Ambushes thrive in terrain like this. A single misstep could be costly."

Lü Bu chuckled, his confidence unwavering. "Let them try. Their tricks won't save them."

He raised his hand, signaling the infantry to advance. The soldiers moved into the forest, their weapons at the ready and their eyes scanning the shadows. The archers followed closely, their bows drawn as they watched for any sign of movement.

---

The first attack came suddenly—a barrage of arrows raining down from the trees. Cries of alarm rang out as several soldiers fell, clutching at the shafts that had pierced their armor.

"Shields up!" Zhang Liao shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos.

The soldiers quickly formed a defensive line, raising their shields to deflect the incoming arrows. Lü Bu remained calm, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the treetops.

"There!" he said, pointing to a cluster of shadows moving among the branches. "Archers, return fire!"

Lü Bu's archers loosed their arrows, the projectiles streaking through the air to strike the hidden attackers. Several figures fell from the trees, their bodies crashing to the ground below.

"Push forward!" Lü Bu commanded. "Flush them out!"

The infantry advanced, shields raised as they pressed deeper into the forest. The rebels attempted to hold their ground, emerging from their hiding places to engage in close combat. But they were no match for Lü Bu's disciplined soldiers.

Zhang Liao fought at the forefront, his blade moving with deadly precision. He cut down one rebel after another, his movements a blur of speed and efficiency.

Lü Bu joined the fray, his halberd carving through the enemy ranks like a scythe through wheat. He activated Sky Piercer Slash, unleashing a devastating wave of force that sent several rebels flying.

The rebels began to falter, their morale crumbling as they realized the futility of their resistance.

---

In the heart of the forest, Liang Yun stood with a small group of his most loyal followers. His face was grim as he listened to the sounds of battle drawing closer.

"We can't hold them off," one of his men said, panic in his voice. "They're too strong!"

Liang Yun clenched his fists, his mind racing. "We can't surrender. If we do, Lü Bu will execute us all. We have to fight to the end."

Before he could give the order, the sound of hoofbeats echoed through the trees. Lü Bu appeared, his crimson armor glinting in the dappled sunlight. His halberd rested against his shoulder, and his expression was one of cold amusement.

"Liang Yun," Lü Bu called out, his voice calm but menacing. "You've caused enough trouble. It's over. Surrender now, and I might spare the lives of your men."

Liang Yun stepped forward, his sword drawn. "You may have taken Song Xian's lands, but you'll never have our loyalty!"

Lü Bu smirked. "Loyalty? I don't need your loyalty."

With that, he dismounted and strode toward Liang Yun. The rebel leader charged, his sword aimed for Lü Bu's chest. But Lü Bu sidestepped the attack effortlessly, his halberd moving in a swift arc to disarm his opponent.

Liang Yun fell to his knees, his sword clattering to the ground. He looked up at Lü Bu, his expression a mixture of fear and defiance.

"Your rebellion ends here," Lü Bu said, raising his halberd.

"Wait!" Liang Yun's voice was desperate now. "Spare my men—they were just following orders!"

Lü Bu hesitated for a moment before lowering his weapon. "Your men will be spared, but your life will end here."

Lü Bu raised his halberd then with a swift strike, Liang Yun's head rolled away from his lifeless body.

---

By the time the sun set, the forest was silent once more. The rebellion had been crushed, and Liang Yun's remaining followers had sworn allegiance to Lü Bu.

In the village square, Lü Bu addressed his army and the villagers who had gathered to witness the aftermath. "Let this serve as a lesson to all who would oppose me," he said, his voice echoing across the square. "Rebellion will not be tolerated. But loyalty will be rewarded. Those who stand with me will prosper under my rule."

The villagers murmured among themselves, their fear gradually giving way to cautious acceptance.

Chen Gong stepped forward, his tone respectful. "A decisive victory, my lord. Liang Yun's forces are no more, and the southern village is secure."

Lü Bu nodded. "Good. Let this be the first and last rebellion under my rule. Prepare for our next campaign. The time for unification is at hand."

As the stars began to dot the night sky, Lü Bu stood atop the village walls, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. His ambition burned brighter than ever, and he was determined to forge a legacy that would stand the test of time.

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There will be no new chapters for a few days, for I am having an examinations tomorrow. Please leave out your suggestions to better the novel