Chapter 104: Rescuing Zhao Yun

While Cao Peng remained stationary, Zhao Yun had already dispatched several Yellow Turban rebels who had rushed toward him. By rough count, he had already cut down over a hundred of them.

Not far away, a gaunt, middle-aged man watched the scene with cold, detached eyes. As he observed Zhao Yun’s ferocity, he frowned incessantly; this man was the leader of the bandit group. Clutching a heavy saber, he had several times felt the urge to join the fray himself, yet he possessed enough self-awareness to know that Zhao Yun was not an opponent he could handle. Looking at the corpses of his fallen subordinates strewn across the ground, he felt a surge of regret—if only he had known better than to target Zhao Yun.

The situation had become a deadlock; advancing was futile, and retreating was impossible. Zhao Yun’s martial prowess had cost him many men, and since the warrior was alone, even if he were defeated, there would likely be little silver to plunder. The only thing keeping the leader committed was the woman beside Zhao Yun, who appeared quite stunning. He calculated that after killing Zhao Yun, he could take the woman back to the stronghold, ensuring the trip would not be in vain.

Although Zhao Yun continued to repel those who rushed him, the leader could see that the man was severely wounded. By employing a war of attrition, he figured he could eventually exhaust the warrior to death. Having settled on this strategy, the leader licked his lips and shouted to his men, "Keep pushing! This fellow is at his limit! Once we kill him, that beautiful lady will be for everyone to share!"

At these words, the morale of the Yellow Turban rebels, which had been dampened by Zhao Yun’s repeated repulsions, began to recover. Zhao Yun, meanwhile, was furious. Having fought his way through the ranks, he had even slain many of Yuan Shao’s elite generals; only the cream of the Yuan army had been able to impede him. To think he would meet such a fate here in the gutter. In normal circumstances, these ragtag rebels would be no match for him.

Of course, such thoughts were useless now. Zhao Yun turned and whispered to the woman beside him, "My Lady, in a moment, I will charge and tear an opening. Take this opportunity to break out. Once you are clear, head toward Xuzhou; there, you will have a glimmer of hope."

The woman bit her lip with her pearly white teeth, fully aware of the dire situation. She could not help but feel terrified; she could hardly imagine if she would have any chance of escape once she lost Zhao Yun’s protection. "General Zhao, we go together. My father taught me that on the battlefield, one must never treat the subordinates who protect you with their lives as mere stepping stones."

"No! Zhao Yun is entrusted by my lord to protect you, and I must ensure your safety!"

With a roar, Zhao Yun gripped his silver spear and charged headlong into the enemies ahead. He was one man facing hundreds, yet it was the hundreds who were thrown into a panic. The silver spear moved like a serpent emerging from its lair, unleashing Zhao Yun’s signature technique—the Seven-Probe Serpent Spear—blooming like a floral display of steel. His killing intent was sharp, and every thrust harvested a life. In an instant, a dozen men perished under his spear.

"You rats are unworthy to kill me!" Zhao Yun laughed wildly, his spear sweeping across and kicking up a storm of blood.

The Yellow Turban leader, hiding at the very back, quietly drew the bow he kept on his horse. He nocked an arrow and fired at Zhao Yun’s back. Zhao Yun, focused entirely on the enemies in front of him, failed to guard his rear, and the arrow pierced his back.

"Fire!"

Having succeeded with the first shot, the leader immediately ordered his men to loose a volley of cold arrows at Zhao Yun.

At this moment, Cao Peng, who had witnessed everything, could no longer hold back. He felt the timing was perfect to save Zhao Yun.

"Brothers of the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry, follow me! Slay these Yellow Turban rebels and rid the people of this scourge! Charge!"

Cao Peng took the lead, his Dragon-Scale Halberd sweeping outward. Behind him, Dian Wei, wielding two massive axes, led the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry in a thunderous charge. They struck the Yellow Turban rebels like a sharp blade. To Cao Peng and his elite cavalry, the rebels—with their crude armor and weapons—were of no consequence. It felt like nothing more than an easy hunt, and it was exhilarating.

The Yellow Turban rebels, seeing the cavalry descending upon them from nowhere, were seized by terror. Before the gaunt leader could even call for a retreat, Cao Peng was already upon him. The leader tried to raise his saber to strike, but Cao Peng was faster; his halberd swung toward the man’s face, severing an arm before plunging into his neck.

With the leader so easily dispatched, the remaining rebels scattered in a rout. Dian Wei led the cavalry to pursue the remnants, while Cao Peng immediately rode up to Zhao Yun and asked with concern, "General, are you alright?"

Zhao Yun looked at the man who had suddenly appeared to save him from such peril and bowed. "I am Zhao Yun. Many thanks for your assistance, General!"

Cao Peng waved his hand dismissively and replied with feigned nonchalance, "It is nothing. I simply saw an injustice and drew my blade to help. Clearing out these Yellow Turban bandits is merely a service to the people!"

Zhao Yun’s favor for Cao Peng grew instantly.

"Hiss..." As he relaxed, the movement aggravated his wound, and Zhao Yun’s condition flared up. Cao Peng hurriedly produced medicinal herbs from his own supplies and personally helped him to a corner to sit.

At this time, Dian Wei returned with the cavalry after finishing the pursuit. "Bah, that wasn't even satisfying. Those bandits were hardly enough to whet my appetite..."

Cao Peng smiled at him and said, "Captain Dian, take the men and rendezvous with Zhang Liao and the others. We have been delayed too long; we must pick up the pace and break through!"

"Understood!" The burly Dian Wei accepted the order and departed.

Only Cao Peng, Zhao Yun, and the beautiful woman remained. "I have not yet asked, General Zhao, where do you come from, and where are you headed?" Cao Peng asked, feigning ignorance.

Zhao Yun sighed, his expression sorrowful. "I was originally under the command of General Gongsun Zan. Now that the General has been destroyed by Yuan Shao, I do not know where to go."

Cao Peng feigned a look of sudden realization, then made small talk, pointing to the woman beside Zhao Yun. "And who is this?"

Zhao Yun, having no suspicion toward the man who had saved his life, replied honestly, "This is the daughter of General Gongsun Zan, and the only bloodline he has left."