Chapter 30: Zhang Liao Battles Lü Bu (Part 2)

  A clear and crisp sound of "dang", Zhang Liao and Lü Bu galloped past each other, once again dividing the autumn colors.

  Things don't go beyond three. One drum makes a sound, the second is weaker, and the third is exhausted. After three rounds, he still couldn't knock Zhang Liao off his horse, Lü Bu's anger was urgent and his breathing was somewhat unstable.

  Since breaking the sound barrier, he has been unbeatable in hand-to-hand combat, usually winning with a single move. It's unprecedented for him to be unable to win within three moves, like today.

  His eyes turned red and stared fiercely at Zhang Xiu in the distance, like a hungry wolf staring at its prey.

  Unfortunately, he also knew that this was a very thorny prey and would not let itself be caught easily.

  Zhang Hua became more courageous as the battle went on, having overcome his fear of himself and gained confidence from three rounds. He is now even stronger and harder to deal with. This can be seen from his posture.

  Zhang Hu's body was even more relaxed, his waist and back arched like a bow, rising and falling with the galloping warhorse, as if a giant python was advancing through the waves. And his warhorse was also equally spirited, after three battles, this warhorse and Zhang Hu were both full of fighting spirit, galloping even more urgently, neighing even more loudly.

  Looking at his own sorrel horse, it already showed signs of exhaustion.

  Lü Bu was well aware that his tall stature brought him not only the advantage of having a longer reach, but also trouble. He had difficulty finding a suitable mount, as ordinary warhorses could not withstand his weight and could not achieve the speed he required, greatly discounting his advantages. This red-maned horse was the result of many years of searching, costing him no small price, allowing him to ride normally and also cope with ordinary battles.

  However, today's battle is not an ordinary one, and Zhang Liao is no ordinary opponent. The three armies were unable to gain the upper hand, he had no problem, but Red Hare was already past its prime state and could no longer fight.

  Even if Red Hare was not at its best, he could still make up for the horse's lack of strength with his own abilities and defeat his opponent. However, facing Zhang Fei, he did not have such confidence.

  Another battle, hard to predict victory or defeat.

  Can't just give up like this without a fight?

  Lü Bu hesitated for a moment.

  Zhang Xiu, however, had no such concerns. After eliminating his fear of Lü Bu, he released all his energy, and his warhorse also became more active, as if it had regained its fighting spirit. Its four hooves stepped out with increasing strength, and Zhang Xiu could feel the horse's sturdy muscles rolling under the saddle, filled with majestic power.

  "Lü Bu, come again!" Zhang Liao turned his horse's head and invited Lü Bu to battle once more.

  Lü Bu didn't move, the red-maned horse's labored breathing sounded in his ears, the rapid heartbeat along his thighs transmitted to his chest. He suddenly thought of Chen Gong's two carriage-pulling horses and a wave of sadness surged through his chest.

  If he had such a horse as his mount, how could he have fallen into such a predicament?

  Zhang Liao did not hear Lü Bu's response and thought of something. He shouted loudly: "Fengxian, do you want to change horses?"

  Lü Bu forced a laugh, he wanted to switch horses, but he had no horse to switch with. Looking at Zhang Liao's proud and spirited warhorse, he swallowed his saliva and laughed loudly: "Zhang Liao, I'll just kill you, why bother switching horses? Come on!"

  Before Zhang Xiang could respond, he kicked his horse's belly and forced it to gallop forward.

  In the distance, Gao Shun and Zhang Liao exchanged a glance, shook their heads helplessly. They were well aware of Lü Bu's current situation, but neither of them could do anything to help. They also understood Lü Bu's temperament, and at this time, it was impossible for him to give up. Unless he killed Zhang Xiu, Lü Bu would never give up.

  On the city wall, Liu Bian also let out a sigh of relief. He gave Jia Xuan a look, and Jia Xuan understood and leaned over to him. Liu Bian whispered a few words in his ear, and Jia Xuan smiled and said a few words back, before quietly retreating again.

  Liu Bian smiled and said: "Zhang Yi is going to win."

  "Yes, Lü Bu's three horses are no match for him, his mind is floating and anxious, and his horse's strength is exhausted, it's hard to continue. On the other hand, Zhang Fei's morale is high, his horse's strength is fully utilized, and in terms of overall strength, he can already compete with Lü Bu."

  "Give Zhang Xiu a hand." Liu Bian waved his hand and said with an evil smile.

  Wang Yue understood the intention and commanded the Lang officers to shout loudly: "General Zhang will surely win! General Zhang will surely win!"

  If the Langguan on the palace were just following orders and had no choice, then the elite soldiers of Xiliang standing on both sides of the street with their spears were genuinely cheering for Zhang Liao. They naturally hoped that Zhang Liao could defeat Lü Bu and bring glory to the people of Xiliang. They may not have been able to see Lü Bu's weakness, but they all knew that Lü Bu was no match for three battles, while Zhang Liao grew more courageous with each battle, and the balance of victory had already tilted in Zhang Liao's favor.

  Above and below the city walls, a burst of cheering erupted, Zhang Liao's morale soared, while Lü Bu was both anxious and enraged, with anger burning in his heart.

  The two clashed again, Lü Bu exerted himself to the utmost, wishing he could strike Zhang Liao down from his horse with a single spear thrust. Alas, though his spirit was willing, his strength was insufficient; either his warhorse was slow by a step or its legs were soft and weak, causing him to be defeated in the collision with Zhang Liao.

  Zhang Xiu, however, became more courageous in battle, with the true energy of the Halberd King surging forth, and his spear seemed to have transformed into two spears, causing Lü Bu to cry out in distress. Zhang Xiu had actually turned him into a whetstone, achieving a new breakthrough in combat.

  After several more clashes, the red-maned horse finally couldn't hold on any longer. Its two legs softened and it fell to the ground with a thud. It was covered in sweat, its four hooves trembling, and seemed even more exhausted than after running for an entire day.

  Lü Bu's hands were quick and agile, but he didn't fall off his horse. However, he was no better than if he had fallen off. For the first time in his life, he failed to win and instead retreated from battle, a humiliation he had never experienced before. He could have changed horses and continued fighting, but he couldn't bear to lose face in front of this man. Moreover, he knew that even if he changed horses, he still wouldn't be able to defeat Zhang Liao, who had just broken through his defenses.

  Defeated! Lü Bu let out a long sigh, squatted down, and gently stroked the head of his Red Hare horse.

  The sorrel horse felt something and two big tears rolled down from its eyes.

  "Sorry." Lü Bu's eyes turned red, and he thrust his spear into the neck of Red Hare. He stood up, shouting in a hoarse voice: "Zhang Liao, you won! You defeated me, Lü Bu! You are the greatest warrior under heaven!" As he shouted, tears poured down like rain.

  The cheering Western Xia soldiers simultaneously shut their mouths, and the surroundings fell silent, leaving only the mournful neighing of the red-maned horse.

  Zhang Liao was stunned for a moment, slowly coming back to his senses from his frenzied joy. He jumped off his horse, hung the Halberd of Authority on the saddle, led the horse, and slowly came before Lü Bu. He looked at the Red Hare on the ground, cupped his hands in respect, and bowed: "Fengxian, you have not lost, nor have I won. When you find a good horse, we will fight again."

  "I don't need your pity!" Lü Bu roared: "However, I will soon come to find you, defeat you, and take back the title of the world's number one master." After finishing speaking, he picked up his halberd and strode away with large steps, accompanied by Gao Shun, Zhang Liao and others, disappearing from Liu Bei's line of sight.

  Update 2, seeking recommendations, seeking collections!