The sounds of hammers striking nails and the rhythmic shouts of soldiers filled the air as Lü Bu's forces worked to secure their newly conquered territory. Wu Wei's village, now under Lü Bu's banner, was transforming into a fortified stronghold. Smoke rose from the remains of small skirmishes near the palisade as his soldiers patrolled the perimeter, their armor gleaming in the midmorning sun.
In the village square, Lü Bu stood tall, his imposing figure casting a shadow over the kneeling Wu Wei. Stripped of his ornate armor, the defeated lord's face was pale, his eyes sunken as they stared at the ground. Around him, his remaining guards knelt in silence, their weapons confiscated and their pride shattered. Lü Bu rested his halberd on his shoulder, his expression cold and commanding.
"You've made the right choice," Lü Bu said, his voice calm yet sharp. "But your loyalty is unproven. Serve me well, Wu Wei, and your lands will prosper under my rule. Fail me, and I will finish what I started."
Wu Wei swallowed hard, lowering his head further. "I understand, my lord. My life, my men, and my lands are yours."
Lü Bu studied him for a moment longer before turning to Chen Gong, who stood nearby with a calculating expression.
"Chen Gong," Lü Bu commanded, "integrate Wu Wei's forces into our ranks. Disarm anyone who resists, but spare their lives. I need soldiers, not corpses."
Chen Gong nodded. "A wise decision, my lord. With Wu Wei's resources and troops added to our own, we strengthen our hold on this region. However, the rapid growth of your influence will not go unnoticed. The lords of neighboring territories may see this as an opportunity to form alliances—or a reason to challenge your authority."
Lü Bu smirked. "Let them come. Every battle I win will cement my legend. Those who challenge me will meet the same fate as Wu Wei."
---
By midday, the village was firmly under Lü Bu's control. His officers moved through the streets, organizing troops and assigning tasks to the captured soldiers. Disarmed and subdued, Wu Wei's men stood in orderly lines, their expressions ranging from resentment to resignation.
Zhao Yong, one of Lü Bu's subjugated vassals, observed the process critically. His experience undergoing the same integration weeks prior gave him insight into the importance of discipline. He approached one of the officers, his tone firm. "Keep them busy. Assign them to build fortifications or dig trenches—anything to keep their hands occupied and their minds off rebellion."
Nearby, Gao Fang arrived to report on the progress of his iron-producing village. The former mercenary, now a vassal of Lü Bu, bowed deeply before addressing his lord. "My lord, the iron shipments are proceeding smoothly. Production has increased by 20%, and the forges are running day and night."
"Good," Lü Bu said, nodding approvingly. "Have the blacksmiths focus on producing weapons and armor. I want my army fully equipped before we march again."
"There's something else, my lord," Gao Fang added hesitantly. "There are whispers among the workers. Some fear your growing power, while others are eager to pledge themselves to your cause."
"Fear is useful," Lü Bu replied with a faint smirk. "But loyalty is better. Make it clear to them: those who serve me faithfully will prosper. Betrayers, however, will find no mercy."
Gao Fang bowed again. "As you command, my lord."
---
As the day wore on, the sounds of labor and construction filled the air. Soldiers reinforced the palisade, workers hauled timber to the construction sites, and blacksmiths hammered iron into shape. The village, once the heart of Wu Wei's domain, was now being transformed into a symbol of Lü Bu's growing power.
It was during this flurry of activity that Lü Bu felt the familiar hum of the system activating. The translucent screen materialized before him, its glowing text updating in real time.
---
[Status Window]
Name: Lü Bu (Reincarnated: [Name Pending])
Title: Flying General
Rank: Warlord
Territory Controlled:
1 Stronghold
5 Villages
1 Trading Town
Troops:
Infantry: 850
Archers: 450
Cavalry: 450
Resources:
Food: Abundant (30 Days' Supply)
Weapons: Steady (Due to Increased Iron Production)
Gold: Stable (Tax Revenue and Trade)
---
Vassals:
1. Zhao Yong (Subjugated): Oversees integration of his former troops into Lü Bu's army.
2. Gao Fang (Subjugated): Governs the iron-producing village and ensures production efficiency.
3. Wu Wei (Subjugated): Oversees grain and timber production.
---
Generals:
1. Zhang Liao: Oversees infantry and battlefield tactics. Trusted lieutenant.
2. Chen Gong: Strategist. Provides insights, diplomacy, and logistical support.
---
Skills:
1. Sky Piercer Slash (Active): A devastating strike with a halberd. Deals 150% damage to all enemies within range.
2. Command Presence (Passive): Increases morale of nearby troops by 20% during battle.
3. Iron Resolve (Passive): Reduces resource consumption of troops by 10% when supplies are low.
4. Strategic Insight (Passive): Improves decision-making during large-scale battles.
---
Objectives:
Primary: Unify the Land.
Sub-objective (Active): Fortify Wu Wei's Village.
Bonus Objective: Establish a Regional Capital.
---
Lü Bu dismissed the screen, his eyes glinting with satisfaction. His forces were growing, and his resources were abundant. Yet, he knew this was only the beginning.
Turning to Chen Gong, he gestured toward the map still spread across the central table. "Prepare for the next phase. Once the fortifications are complete, I want plans for expansion. We cannot remain idle while enemies lurk on the horizon."
Chen Gong nodded thoughtfully. "As you command, my lord. But rapid expansion will draw the attention of powerful factions. We must tread carefully."
Lü Bu smirked. "Let them come. Every battle will only strengthen my name. I will crush anyone who dares to stand in my way."
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the village in hues of gold and crimson, Lü Bu stood at the edge of the square, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. His ambition burned as brightly as the setting sun, and he knew that the path to unifying the land was paved with blood and fire.
The transformation of Wu Wei's village was only the first step in his conquest. Soon, the land would know the name of Lü Bu, the Flying General, and tremble at its utterance.