Chapter 145: Sun Jian Suffers a Crushing Defeat (Please Support with a First-Time Subscription)

Setting aside the matters within the Allied camp for the moment, let us turn to the situation at Sishui Pass. At present, the pass is guarded by Hua Xiong, formerly the fiercest general under Dong Zhuo, and the supervising commander Li Su. The relationship between Hua Xiong and Li Su has always been fraught with tension. This stems from the fact that Hua Xiong was originally Dong Zhuo’s top general, but after Lü Bu’s arrival, Dong Zhuo began to pay less attention to Hua Xiong.

One might say this was not a big issue, as Hua Xiong was known for his loyalty. Yet Lü Bu, driven by ambition, took a dislike to Hua Xiong and often conspired with Li Su to make trouble for him. The ongoing conflicts among these three bred deep resentments, and Hua Xiong gradually grew disillusioned with Dong Zhuo.

Meanwhile, Bao Zhong, younger brother of Bao Xin, the governor of Jibei, fearing that Sun Jian would steal his glory, led three thousand troops alone to challenge the pass. Unexpectedly, Hua Xiong met him and beheaded him, absorbing the three thousand soldiers into his own ranks.

When Sun Jian learned of Bao Zhong’s defeat, he immediately brought his four trusted generals—Cheng Pu, Huang Gai, Zu Mao, and Han Dang—and marched with twenty thousand troops to attack Sishui Pass. However, the discord between Hua Xiong and Li Su led to a devastating defeat for Hua Xiong, forcing him to retreat within the pass. Sun Jian missed his chance to capture the city and had to withdraw to camp to rethink his strategy.

At this critical juncture, Sun Jian discovered his army was on the verge of starvation, a fact somehow learned by Hua Xiong within Sishui Pass. Seizing the opportunity, Hua Xiong launched a fierce attack on Sun Jian’s demoralized forces, inflicting a crushing defeat with countless casualties. Even Zu Mao fell beneath Hua Xiong’s blade while trying to save Sun Jian.

Returning to the Allied camp battered and beaten, Sun Jian sought to execute Yuan Shu, whom he blamed for the disastrous losses and the death of a brother. However, Cao Cao and Yuan Shao intervened to prevent this. Yuan Shu merely attributed the lack of provisions to a minor officer and let the matter drop.

This incident cast a shadow of suspicion over Liu Yao, as just days earlier he had warned about the looming shortage of supplies—an ominous prophecy now fulfilled. Many admired Liu Yao’s refusal to join the alliance, and some regretted entrusting all their provisions to Yuan Shu. Yet out of respect for Liu Yao’s noble lineage, no one dared voice their misgivings openly, burying their grievances deep within.

The following day, Hua Xiong arrived at the Allied camp with five thousand troops to issue a challenge. Riding at the forefront, he brandished the helmet left behind by Sun Jian’s defeated forces, taunting loudly, “Sun Wentai, do you still want your head?”

Inside the camp, as the coalition leader, Yuan Shao faced Hua Xiong’s challenge and called out to the assembly, “The other day, Bao Zhong disobeyed orders and was slain. Sun Wentai suffered a great defeat. Who among you will fight for me and cut down Hua Xiong?”

Before his words had faded, a young general from Yuan Shu’s camp stepped forward, “I volunteer.”

Yuan Shao recognized him as Yu She, a prominent general under Yuan Shu, and readily approved. Yet soon news arrived that Yu She had been slain by Hua Xiong in a single stroke.

Startled, Yuan Shao bellowed, “Who else?” Another general stepped up.

This was Pan Feng, a senior officer under Han Fu, governor of Jizhou and an ally of Yuan Shao. Yuan Shao ordered Pan Feng to battle. Yet within three moves, Pan Feng too fell beneath Hua Xiong’s blade.

Sighing in resignation, Yuan Shao lamented, “If only my generals Yan Liang and Wen Chou were here—how could we fear that brat Hua Xiong?”

Liu Yao inwardly scoffed at Yuan Shao’s posturing. In such an important battle, there was no way Yuan Shao would leave Yan Liang and Wen Chou behind; they were likely resting comfortably in his camp. Yuan Shao merely sought to exhaust the strength of others.

At that moment, without so much as a word to Kong Rong, Guan Yu rose eagerly and declared, “My lord, I volunteer.”

Kong Rong was surprised, for he was Guan Yu’s superior. Previously, Yu She and Pan Feng had fought with the approval of Yuan Shu and Han Fu, but Guan Yu’s action seemed to overstep his authority.

“Second brother, sit down immediately,” Liu Bei hurriedly pulled Guan Yu back. Lately, the usually composed Guan Yu seemed transformed when facing Liu Yao. It was no wonder—Guan Yu harbored old grudges against Liu Yao and had recently watched Ma Chao steal the spotlight, fueling his pride and impetuosity.

Yuan Shu sneered at the red-faced warrior, his tone dripping with disdain, “Kong Beihai is indeed a great scholar, but he has only taught uncultured brutes. Do you think you alone can defeat Hua Xiong? Are you mightier than my general Yu She?” Since Kong Rong was friendly with Liu Yao, Yuan Shu naturally showed him no respect, and Guan Yu suffered the brunt of his scorn by association.

“Y-You…” Guan Yu’s veins bulged with rage, his desire to tear Yuan Shu apart barely contained.

“Enough!” Kong Rong’s temper flared for the first time in a while. “Xuande, take your brother out of here at once. If this happens again, you will be banished far away.” Even Kong Rong, known for his patience, was infuriated by Guan Yu’s recent conduct—first offending Liu Yao, now risking conflict with the influential Yuan family. If not for Guan Yu’s undeniable martial talent, Kong Rong might have cast him out.

“My lords, my brother has had too much to drink. We will leave now so he can sober up,” Liu Bei quickly apologized to the assembled lords and led Guan Yu away from the camp.

Seeing Guan Yu expelled, Yuan Shu snorted dismissively, no longer bothering to speak. Even Kong Rong was a mere insignificant ant in his eyes, let alone one of Kong Rong’s subordinates.

Liu Yao, however, was quietly pleased. He had been pondering how to deal with Liu Bei without offending Kong Rong, and now Yuan Shu had unknowingly done the job for him. Liu Yao was nearly moved to thank this inept Yuan Shu.

Yuan Shao, noticing no one else dared volunteer, fixed his gaze on Liu Yao. “General, your troops are many and fierce. Why not send someone to slay Hua Xiong and thus do your part for the Han dynasty?”

In his eyes, Hua Xiong was formidable, and even Liu Yao’s best generals might not match him. To wear down Liu Yao’s forces would be advantageous.

“Ding. Task Three: Eliminate Hua Xiong. Reward: Ten additional lottery draws. Does the host accept?”

“I accept!” Liu Yao responded without hesitation. He would not squander such a free bonus.

“If Yuan Benchu cannot do it, then as a loyal servant of Han, I shall contribute,” Liu Yao said with a sneer. He then turned to Huang Zhong and casually said, “Hansheng, I give you three thousand troops to lead the charge. This battle is yours.”

Now in his forties, Huang Zhong was in his prime, his strength at its peak. Perhaps only Lü Bu surpassed him, and his skill exceeded Guan Yu’s by a considerable margin. There was no doubt Huang Zhong would perform flawlessly.

“As you command,” Huang Zhong replied, striding out of the tent.

The assembled lords noticed that Liu Yao had not sent Ma Chao, a young and prominent general, but rather an old man with white hair. They wondered, “Could this old man’s prowess surpass Ma Chao’s?” Many were eager to watch the spectacle unfold.

In truth, Huang Zhong’s white hair was not due to old age but had been so since Liu Yao first knew him, a result of stress from Huang Zhong’s illness. Only Cao Cao and Sun Jian, who had fought alongside him during the Yellow Turban Rebellion, truly knew of his unmatched battlefield valor.

Thus, history might lose the legendary tale of Guan Yu slaying Hua Xiong over a cup of wine, but perhaps gain a new story—of the white-haired elder who felled Hua Xiong with his blade.