The early morning mist hung heavy in the air as Lü Bu's army marched toward Wu Wei's stronghold. The rhythmic clank of armor and weapons blended with the muffled beat of drums, their sound resonating across the valley like a steady war chant. At the head of the column, Lü Bu rode confidently, his massive halberd resting on his shoulder. His presence was unyielding, a force that inspired his men and struck terror into the hearts of his enemies.
Ahead, the wooden palisade of Wu Wei's village loomed in the distance, its sharpened timbers bristling with defenders. Smoke curled lazily from the chimneys within, but the once-peaceful village was now alive with the frantic activity of preparation. Defenders rushed to their posts atop the walls, their movements betraying the panic of soldiers facing an unstoppable force.
Lü Bu's sharp gaze swept over the settlement as he signaled for his forces to halt. The ground beneath his horse's hooves was soft and damp, and the air carried a faint chill, but Lü Bu's resolve burned brightly.
"Scouts, report," Lü Bu commanded, his voice calm yet commanding.
A young rider galloped to his side, his horse's hooves splashing in shallow puddles. "My lord, Wu Wei's forces are concentrated at the main gate, approximately 800 soldiers, primarily infantry and archers. The defenses are strong at the front, but the western flank is weakly manned. It appears they underestimated the scale of our forces."
Chen Gong, riding beside Lü Bu, leaned forward in his saddle, his keen eyes studying the layout of the village. "Wu Wei has barricaded the main entrance to delay us. His goal is likely to buy time for reinforcements—or to prepare for escape if his defenses fail."
Lü Bu smirked. "Reinforcements won't come in time. Zhang Liao!"
At his call, Zhang Liao rode forward, saluting sharply. "My lord?"
"Take 300 men and circle to the western flank. Breach the defenses and secure the gate. Signal me when you're ready to advance," Lü Bu ordered.
Zhang Liao's expression mirrored his leader's confidence. "It will be done, my lord."
As Zhang Liao and his contingent disappeared into the dense forest bordering the village, Lü Bu turned his attention back to the palisade. His forces stood ready, shields raised and weapons drawn. The defenders atop the walls scrambled into position, their archers nocking arrows as the air grew thick with tension.
"Archers forward!" Lü Bu roared.
At his command, his archers stepped into formation, their bows raised high.
"Loose!"
The sky darkened briefly as a volley of arrows soared upward, their sharp tips glinting in the pale light before descending upon the defenders. Screams erupted from the walls as several of Wu Wei's soldiers fell, their bodies slumping against the wooden stakes.
The defenders retaliated quickly, firing their own arrows in a desperate attempt to halt Lü Bu's advance. The sound of arrows striking shields echoed across the battlefield, but his forces held firm.
"Bring up the ram!" Lü Bu commanded.
A team of soldiers moved forward, heaving a massive battering ram reinforced with iron. Its sheer weight promised devastation as it rolled steadily toward the gate.
---
The battering ram struck the gate with a deafening crash, sending shockwaves through the palisade. Splinters flew as the defenders atop the walls braced themselves, their faces pale with fear.
"Hold steady!" Wu Wei's voice bellowed from within the village, his tone tinged with desperation.
The ram struck again, its iron head smashing into the wood with relentless force. The gate groaned under the assault, cracks spreading across its surface like spiderwebs.
As the ram pounded against the gate, Zhang Liao's contingent approached the western edge of the village. Moving silently through the forest, they reached the weakened section of the palisade identified by the scouts.
"Archers, ready," Zhang Liao ordered, his voice low but firm.
A dozen archers stepped forward, their bows drawn. At Zhang Liao's signal, they loosed their arrows in quick succession, each shot finding its mark. The guards stationed along the perimeter fell silently, their bodies collapsing into the tall grass.
"Move in," Zhang Liao commanded.
His soldiers surged forward, scaling the palisade with ropes and grappling hooks. Within moments, they breached the defenses, slipping into the village unnoticed.
"Secure the gate," Zhang Liao ordered. "Once it's open, signal the main force."
Back at the main gate, the battering ram delivered a final, thunderous blow. The gate exploded inward, its shattered remains scattering across the ground.
"Charge!" Lü Bu roared, raising his halberd high.
His soldiers surged forward, their battle cries echoing as they stormed through the broken gate. Lü Bu led the charge, his halberd spinning in his hands like a whirlwind of steel.
"Sky Piercer Slash!" Lü Bu roared, activating his skill.
A wave of destructive force radiated from his halberd, cutting through the first line of defenders like a blade through water. Blood sprayed in wide arcs as soldiers were hurled backward, their cries of pain drowned out by the chaos of battle.
The defenders faltered, stunned by the sheer power of the attack. Lü Bu pressed the advantage, his halberd carving a path through their ranks with brutal precision. His presence alone was enough to demoralize the enemy, their formations crumbling under his relentless assault.
---
As the main force pushed deeper into the village, Zhang Liao's contingent struck from the west, catching the defenders in a deadly pincer. Trapped between two advancing forces, Wu Wei's men panicked, their attempts to regroup quickly turning to chaos.
Zhang Liao fought with precision, his blade slicing through enemy ranks with deadly efficiency. His soldiers advanced methodically, their discipline a stark contrast to the disorganized defenders. Within minutes, the western gate was secured, and reinforcements poured into the village.
At the center of the settlement, Wu Wei stood surrounded by his personal guard, his face pale as he watched his forces crumble.
"My lord," one of his guards said urgently, "we must retreat! The enemy is overwhelming us!"
Wu Wei clenched his fists, his mind racing. Retreating meant abandoning his people and his lands, but staying meant certain death.
Before he could decide, the sound of hooves thundered through the square.
---
Lü Bu rode into the square, his halberd dripping with blood. His gaze locked onto Wu Wei, a predatory smirk spreading across his face.
"Wu Wei!" Lü Bu roared, his voice cutting through the chaos. "Your men are defeated, and your village is mine. Surrender, or face the wrath of my blade!"
Wu Wei's guards stepped forward, their weapons raised in a last, desperate attempt to protect their lord.
Lü Bu dismounted, his movements calm and deliberate. "Sky Piercer Slash!"
The air seemed to tremble as Lü Bu unleashed another devastating strike, cutting down the guards in a single, sweeping motion. Their bodies fell at his feet, lifeless.
Wu Wei stumbled backward, his hands trembling as he raised his sword.
"Stay back!" Wu Wei shouted, his voice cracking.
Lü Bu smirked. "You have two choices: surrender and swear your loyalty, or die like the rest."
Wu Wei dropped his sword, falling to his knees. "I… I surrender. My men, my lands—they are yours."
Lü Bu studied him for a long moment before nodding. "Wise choice. But remember, your life belongs to me now. Betray me, and I'll finish what I started."
---
By the time the sun set, the village was firmly under Lü Bu's control. His banners flew high above the palisade, a clear declaration of victory. Wu Wei's remaining forces had either surrendered or fled, leaving Lü Bu's army in full command of the region.
In the village square, Lü Bu met with Zhang Liao and Chen Gong to assess the spoils of war.
"Our casualties were minimal," Zhang Liao reported confidently. "The enemy's forces have been scattered, and their resources are intact."
Chen Gong nodded. "This victory secures our hold in the east, my lord. With Wu Wei's grain and timber, we can support larger campaigns and expand further."
Lü Bu smirked. "Good. This is only the beginning. Soon, all who oppose me will kneel—or fall."