After all the heroes had assembled, Yuan Shao, the leader of the allied forces, led a vast and mighty army on the march towards Luoyang.
In accordance with the course of history, Yuan Shao appointed the valiant Jiangdong Prefect Sun Jian as the vanguard. Sun Jian truly lived up to his reputation as the "Jiangdong Fierce Tiger", advancing with irresistible might until he reached the Sishui Pass. However, due to Yuan Shu's self-serving motives, he deliberately held back the supply of provisions, which led to a crushing defeat for Sun Jian.
Inside the allied forces' camp, Yuan Shao took his seat in the position of honor, while the other feudal lords seated themselves one after another. Lin Yu, accompanied by Dian Wei, Zhao Yun and the others, stood behind Cao Cao along with Xiahou Dun and the rest.
"Huaxiong is extraordinarily brave. He defeated Bao Zhong earlier, and now even Sun Jian has fallen to his hands. What good strategies do you all have in mind?" Faced with consecutive setbacks, Yuan Shao was compelled to summon the feudal lords to discuss countermeasures.
Nevertheless, the feudal lords remained silent, each nursing their own secret agendas. They were well aware that Sun Jian's downfall was a result of Yuan Shu's obstruction, and none of them were willing to step forward under such circumstances.
Witnessing this, Cao Cao felt a sense of helplessness. Just as Lin Yu had anticipated, these feudal lords had their own designs and were not genuinely committed to the restoration of the Han Dynasty.
At that very moment, a messenger hurriedly entered the tent and reported, "Lord Alliance, Huaxiong is leading his troops to taunt and challenge us right in front of the camp!"
"How audacious of Huaxiong! Does he think there is no one in our army capable of defeating him?" Yuan Shao flew into a rage and scanned the surroundings, "Who is willing to take on Huaxiong in battle?"
"I will!" Yu She, a general under Yuan Shu, was the first to step forward.
Yuan Shao was overjoyed and eagerly anticipated Yu She's victory.
But before long, the messenger returned with the disheartening news of Yu She's defeat. And shortly after that, Pan Feng also succumbed to Huaxiong.
"Huaxiong is so formidable. If Lu Bu were to arrive in person..."
"What are we to do now?" The feudal lords' faces were filled with panic.
"Alas, my top generals Yan Liang and Wen Chou are not here. Otherwise, how would Huaxiong dare to be so arrogant!" Yuan Shao let out a sigh.
Just when everyone was at a loss for what to do, Liu Bei signaled to Guan Yu and whispered, "Second brother, now is the perfect opportunity for you to demonstrate your martial prowess, slay Huaxiong, and make a name for yourself!"
"As you command!" Guan Yu tightly gripped the Green Dragon Crescent Blade and was on the verge of stepping forward when Lin Yu beat him to it, "Lord Alliance, my brother Dian Wei is the bravest among our troops. Slaying Huaxiong will be as easy as taking something out of a pocket for him!"
Lin Yu's words left the three Liu Bei brothers looking quite astonished. He gave a faint smile, thinking to himself: There's no way I'll let Guan Yu hog all the limelight and boost their reputation.
"So it's you." Yuan Shao scrutinized Lin Yu carefully and then turned his gaze to Dian Wei, "What position does your brother currently hold?"
"He is currently under my command, responsible for safeguarding the provisions." Lin Yu replied calmly.
Yuan Shu sneered and jeered, "Huaxiong is a renowned general from Xiliang. Your brother is merely a guard. How dare he issue such a challenge?"
"Heroes are not judged by their origins. My brother is exceptionally brave. I'm willing to stake my life to guarantee that he can vanquish Huaxiong!" Lin Yu paid no heed to Yuan Shu and promptly issued a military order pledge.
Seeing Lin Yu's unwavering confidence, Cao Cao nodded and said, "Since that's the case, let him have a try." Yuan Shao had no alternative but to consent.
Dian Wei donned his armor and looked at Lin Yu with a puzzled expression, "Brother, do you really trust me that much?"
"Of course. Otherwise, I wouldn't risk my life on it. Don't let me down." Lin Yu encouraged him.
Touched by Lin Yu's trust, Dian Wei nodded resolutely, "Brother, don't worry. I will surely live up to your expectations!"
Cao Cao ordered someone to pour wine to boost Dian Wei's morale, but Dian Wei declared, "I'll drink this wine after I slay Huaxiong!"
He saluted Lin Yu and then strode out of the tent with great determination.
After Dian Wei had left, the tent fell into a hushed silence. Everyone was waiting with bated breath for news.
Cao Cao asked Lin Yu with concern, "Sir, do you truly believe that Dian Wei can defeat Huaxiong?"
Lin Yu smiled reassuringly, "Lord Cao, don't worry. There won't be any problems."
Soon enough, the drums outside the camp boomed thunderously, and jubilant cheers could be heard. Dian Wei walked into the tent, carrying Huaxiong's severed head in his hand, and announced in a deep voice, "Lord Alliance, I have fulfilled my mission without fail."
Yuan Shao was ecstatic, and the feudal lords regarded Dian Wei with newfound respect. Cao Cao himself handed the wine cup to Dian Wei and praised his heroic deeds.
Lin Yu's reputation also soared to new heights. The feudal lords came forward one by one to engage Lin Yu in conversation, with the intention of winning him over. Cao Cao, on the other hand, promptly stepped in front of Lin Yu, fearing that he might be lured away by the others.
Following Huaxiong's demise, his army was routed, and the allied forces continued their westward march.