Chapter 33: The Prophecy

In the blink of an eye, the Wolf Shadow member had already charged up to Hu Che’er. Faced with such a fierce and imposing adversary, Hu Che’er immediately took up a defensive stance.

Yet the Wolf Shadow soldier showed not the slightest sign of panic, choosing instead to employ his brute strength to launch a direct assault.

With a resounding crash, the Wolf Shadow fighter’s punch landed heavily on Hu Che’er’s arm. The force of the blow reverberated through Hu Che’er’s body, nearly knocking him off his feet. He staggered back several meters, ceding his ground to the Wolf Shadow soldier, who now stood where he himself had just been.

After this attack, the Wolf Shadow fighter did not press the advantage. Instead, he stood where he was, watching his opponent with a faint, confident smile.

“General Hu, you are no match for me,” the Wolf Shadow member said softly.

Hu Che’er clenched his jaw, his face twisted in anger. He wanted desperately to strike again, but restrained himself. It was obvious to all present that he had already lost. No matter how many times he tried, he would not be able to defeat his opponent. To persist would only make him seem petty. As a general, he had his dignity to consider.

“Who exactly are you people? Why have you appeared here?” he demanded, turning a stern gaze on Liu Xie.

Liu Xie’s expression was calm as ever, as if he regarded Hu Che’er as beneath his notice.

“I have already told you,” Liu Xie said. “We are but wanderers of the martial world. If you wish to avenge the Liu family by coming after us, we have nothing more to say. But consider carefully, General Hu: which matters more, the Liu family or something greater?”

“Is it truly worth it to take a stand for the Liu family?”

Liu Xie’s words gave Hu Che’er pause. He understood what Liu Xie truly meant: the “something greater” referred to the countless common folk of Wan City.

“No matter the reason, you have caused chaos on our land. I cannot let you go unpunished. You must come with me,” Hu Che’er insisted, unyielding. He was determined to bring Liu Xie and his companions in.

“Very well. There’s no need to involve everyone. I’ll go with you myself,” Liu Xie replied, realizing there would be no peaceful resolution today. With Hu Che’er’s temperament, he would not let this rest. It was unrealistic to expect that everyone could go with him; it was best for Liu Xie to go alone.

“Fine, just you then. Take him away.”

And so, Liu Xie was taken away by Hu Che’er and his men.

Not long after, Jiayu and Fushou rushed out from the house.

“Where is Master Liu? Has he been taken away?” Jiayu cried, overcome with guilt. “It’s all my fault, I’ve brought this upon him.”

“Enough, don’t blame yourself,” one of the Wolf Shadow subordinates reassured her. “Since our master agreed to go with them, he must have his reasons. We all know he’s not one to court danger needlessly. If he went, it’s because he’s confident he can return safely.”

The loyalty and trust these men showed toward Liu Xie surprised even Fushou.

How could they have such unwavering confidence in him?

“Yes, I believe he’ll be all right,” Fushou agreed, though as Liu Xie’s wife, she could not help but feel anxious.

In truth, Liu Xie’s decision to leave with Hu Che’er was not made lightly. As the Wolf Shadow member had said, he was not without confidence. The fact that he went with Hu Che’er meant he was certain of his safe return.

Escorted by his captors, Liu Xie was brought to the military encampment, entering General Hu Che’er’s command tent.

“Speak. What have you come here for?” Hu Che’er asked, settling into his seat.

Liu Xie merely smiled. “It’s simple. We’re here fleeing calamity. The world is in turmoil, war rages everywhere, so we came here to escape the chaos—at least for now.”

But at this, Hu Che’er’s brow furrowed slightly.

“For now? What do you mean?” He had caught the subtlety in Liu Xie’s words—it was only a temporary refuge, not a permanent one.

“The reason is simple: before long, war will come here too,” Liu Xie replied with a soft chuckle.

At these words, Hu Che’er slammed his hand on the table, rising in anger.

“You impudent brat, spouting nonsense! Watch your tongue, or I’ll have your head!”

Yet Liu Xie was unfazed by Hu Che’er’s bluster.

“Wars rage everywhere, General Hu. Do you really believe Wan City will be spared? Or is it that you do not understand Cao Cao’s ambition? Wan City is not far from Xuchang. Now that Guo Jia has joined Cao’s camp, his very first recommendation will be to eliminate all threats surrounding Xuchang. And Wan City is the first on that list.”

Liu Xie’s words were logical and well-founded. Though Hu Che’er was angry, he could not help but calm down as he listened. He had to admit that Liu Xie spoke reason.

“It seems you know quite a lot—even that Guo Jia has joined Cao Cao. But how do you know he will attack Wan City?”

Liu Xie gave a mysterious smile. “I know far more than you imagine. Yes, Cao Cao’s ambition is great. After the New Year, he will certainly turn his army against you. And after the New Year, something even more momentous will occur.”

He clasped his hands behind his back, his bearing inscrutable.

“Oh? And what great event will that be?” Hu Che’er challenged.

“Beyond Cao Cao, there is another with even greater ambition—Yuan Shu. After the New Year, he will declare himself emperor.”

At this, Hu Che’er burst out laughing, his face full of disdain.

“I thought you might have some real insight, but you’re just a brash youth making wild claims. Yuan Shu, declare himself emperor? That’s the biggest joke under heaven!”

Clearly, he did not believe a word Liu Xie said. To anyone, Yuan Shu ascending as emperor was unthinkable.

Indeed, in history, Yuan Shu’s claim to the throne took many by surprise—yet it was fact.

“You may treat me as a fool if you wish. But I swear to heaven: at the start of the New Year, Yuan Shu will declare himself emperor. And I know that in the first month of next year, Cao Cao will march against Wan City. Moreover, you will surely surrender.”