Choose Liu Bei at the start, I am the only one who knows the plot of the Three Kingdoms.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yun nodded.

"My lord, then I'll be frank. If Cao Cao really doesn't agree, are we really supposed to take action? If we're no longer restrained, we're worried about your safety..."

Zhao Yun didn't continue, but his meaning was already quite clear.

These legendary generals established these rules entirely for the sake of their respective lords. If their lords were also legendary generals, or had the ability to protect themselves, they wouldn't need to care about these rules.

"Don't worry, Cao Cao will agree. Compared to your worries, Cao Cao and his men are more worried, after all, our enemies are not just the other side."

Seeing Gu Rubing's confident demeanor, Zhao Yun didn't say anything more.

The three of them randomly chose an inn and checked in.

late at night.

Gu Rubing lay on the bed, looking at the moonlight outside the window.

Just then, a dark shadow suddenly flashed past.

Gu Rubing immediately stood up from the bed and looked out the window warily.

However, there was no sound outside the window.

"Friends from outside, since you're here, why don't you come in and have a seat?"

A moment later, a man in black walked in through the window.

"King Lie has excellent eyesight; he was able to spot me immediately."

Gu Rubing grinned without leaving a trace upon hearing this.

He didn't realize that he hadn't slept at all, and was actually looking out the window.

"Tell me, who are you? And what brings you here?"

"I'm here on someone's behalf to warn you about some things."

"Oh?"

"There will be deadly dangers on the way back from Chengdu. Do not stray from your own people. That person said he can't come to save you this time."

After saying that, the man in black turned and left.

"Thief, where do you think you're going!"

Just as the man in black turned around, a silver spear suddenly flew out and shot towards him.

"Zilong, stop."

Gu Rubing immediately stopped Zhao Yun.

However, at this moment, Zhao Yun's silver spear had already shot towards the man in black, and it was too late.

However, to everyone's surprise, the shot, which was supposed to be fatal, was surprisingly weak and powerless when it struck the man in black, and it didn't even tear the man's black robe.

Zhao Yun's eyes widened as he looked at the silver spear lying on the ground.

He knew perfectly well how much power he had used; he had gone in with the intention of killing with a single blow.

How could it only have this much power?

Gu Rubing was also shocked when he saw this scene.

If we compare the legendary generals under the command of the major warlords today, Guan Yu is undoubtedly the strongest, followed by Dian Wei, and then Zhao Yun.

In fact, Zhao Yun and Dian Wei were evenly matched in strength, and Zhao Yun could easily be ranked second.

The opponent was able to block that shot so easily. Does that mean that even if Guan Yu were to make a move, he wouldn't be able to force this man in black to attack? Just how strong is this person? He didn't even see how the man in black made his move.

The man in black glanced at the silver spear lying on the ground, then looked down at his own black robe.

"Indeed, with such a great general, Liu Huangshu, you are not far from your goal."

After saying that, the man in black picked up the silver spear from the ground, weighed it in his hand, and then threw it at Zhao Yun.

Zhao Yun didn't feel how much force the opponent used, and subconsciously reached out to grab the flying silver spear.

However, the moment Zhao Yun's hand touched the silver spear, he felt the immense power emanating from it.

Zhao Yun was sent flying.

After smashing the door to Gu Rubing's room, he also broke three wooden beams before finally coming to a stop.

Zhao Yun slowly stood up, feeling his body. Apart from some pain, he was not injured.

This was clearly a result of the other party holding back.

Gu Rubing, accompanied by Pang De, quickly arrived in front of Zhao Yun.

"Zilong, are you alright?"

"It's alright, my lord. Who is this person you're dealing with?"

"I am not sure as well."

Gu Rubing did not tell Zhao Yun and the others what that person had said.

In fact, Gu Rubing didn't even believe the man in black.

It's hard to believe that someone so mysterious and powerful would personally come to tell you that there's danger behind you.

However, after this incident, Zhao Yun and Pang De took turns standing guard at Gu Rubing's door.

The moment Zhao Yun engaged in combat with the man in black, he felt a lingering fear.

If the other party is malicious, wouldn't our lord possibly die?

Gu Rubing looked at Zhao Yun at the door and shook his head with a smile.

Early the next morning.

Xun Yu found Gu Rubing.

"Lord Lie, my lord requests your presence."

Gu Rubing straightened his clothes and followed Xun Yu slowly toward Cao Cao's residence.

Along the way, Zhao Yun and Pang De remained vigilant, keeping a close watch on their surroundings.

Xun Yu noticed that the two seemed to be on guard against something.

He then laughed and said, "King Lie, there's no need for that. My lord said that even if a deal falls through, we should remain friendly. No matter what, we will not lay a hand on King Lie."

“I know they’re not on guard against your lord.”

"Ok?"

Upon hearing this, Xun Yu looked at Gu Rubing with a puzzled expression.

In Guanghan City, if you're not on guard against your own lord, what else can you be on guard against? And what makes two legendary generals so nervous?

Seeing that Gu Rubing had no intention of continuing, Xun Yu naturally didn't bother to ask any further questions and led Gu Rubing into the Prince of Wei's residence.

When Cao saw Gu Rubing arrive, he walked directly up to Gu Rubing.

Gu Rubing looked at the hall that had been repaired and burst out laughing.

"King Wei, your craftsmen are truly skilled. They repaired this place in just one day. I just wonder how sturdy the repairs are?"

Cao Cao's expression changed, but he still laughed loudly and did not pursue Gu Rubing's words any further.

After everyone took their seats.

Cao Cao's smile faded. "King Lie, after we finished discussing it, I can indeed ignore the matter of Shi Xie in Youzhou. After all, Shi Xie has become Sun Jian's man and is no longer one of us. But I cannot ignore the matter of Liu Zhang. Therefore, I will definitely take back Yizhou and Jiaozhou."

This was within Gu Rubing's expectations.

Seeing Gu Rubing nod, Cao Cao continued.

"Since King Lie has no objections, then it's settled. King Lie will give us Yizhou and Jiaozhou. The territory is now divided. Let's talk about supplies!"

Gu Rubing knew that Cao Cao would not let him off so easily.

“King Lie, I know that the harvests in various places this year are quite good, so I won’t ask for more than 30 million shi of grain and fodder.”

Upon hearing this, Gu Rubing looked at Cao Cao.

This time, Gu Rubing really didn't expect that Cao Cao would dare to ask for so much.

They had already agreed and given away Jiaozhou and Yizhou, yet they still dared to ask for so much.

Gu Rubing slammed his fist on the table and stood up.

"Cao Cao, don't go too far."

Cao Cao smiled and waved his hand at Gu Rubing's angry expression.

"King Lie, you don't need to be angry. I know you took a lot of grain from Sun Jian, so what I'm asking for isn't much, and it shouldn't be too much of a problem, don't you think?"

Looking at Cao Cao's expression, Gu Rubing remained silent for a moment.

"Fine, I can give you everything you want. There shouldn't be anything else, right?"

Upon hearing this, Cao Cao glanced at Gu Rubing, hesitated for a moment, and then said directly, "Also, we want Nisa from the Anluo Empire. I know that this city is in your hands, but Nisa is located in the middle of the Anluo Empire. This city is of little use to you."

Upon hearing Cao Cao's request, Gu Rubing swallowed the words he was about to use to scold him.

Nisa City was originally a means for me to control Sun Jian and Liu Zhang.

This was also a temporary measure to ensure the safety of Youzhou. Now that Youzhou has been pacified, he had no ability to manage Nisa City. It would be better to give it to Cao Cao or Liu Zhang. In that case, Sun Jian would have to be wary of them, and Sun Jian might have to form an alliance with him.

"Okay, I'll give it to you."

This condition, in fact, is not excessive; it is even beneficial to both parties and resembles a collaboration.

Seeing that the two sides had finalized the agreement, Jiang Wei breathed a sigh of relief.

He was genuinely worried about how he would protect Deng Ai if the negotiations broke down.

Gu Rubing looked at Jiang Wei beside him.

"Boyue, now that we have reached an agreement, may I see Deng Ai?"

Gu Rubing deliberately called Jiang Wei Boyue to show his closeness to Jiang Wei.

Cao Cao also understood this principle.

Regardless, seeing his subordinates so close to the enemy's lord still displeased Cao Cao. Most importantly, Gu Rubing had actually praised him and directly spoke to Jiang Wei, which left Cao Cao feeling ashamed. Didn't he, as the lord, have any dignity?
"Cough cough!"

Cao Cao coughed deliberately.

However, Jiang Wei did not care about Cao Cao's reaction and simply nodded to Liu Bei.

Then Jiang Wei looked at Cao Cao.

Cao Cao had no choice but to nod.

Watching Jiang Wei and Gu Rubing's retreating figures, Cao Cao knew that this was Gu Rubing's scheme, but he still felt somewhat uncomfortable.

Soon, Jiang Wei brought Gu Rubing to his residence.

As soon as the door opened, they saw Deng Ai sitting in the pavilion.

Upon seeing Gu Rubing arrive, Deng Ai immediately stood up, went to Gu Rubing's side, and knelt down on the ground.

"My lord, this humble general is incompetent. Please punish me!"

"Shi Zai, what are you doing? Get up! You led 20,000 men to defend the vast city of Jiangzhou, fighting against an attack by tens of thousands of men. It was already quite an achievement that you held out until Wei Yan's reinforcements arrived. What reason do I have to punish our general?"

Gu Rubing immediately helped Deng Ai up.

"My lord, I heard that you made a deal with Cao Cao for my sake. I am willing to die rather than implicate you!"

Gu Rubing smiled and shook his head at Deng Ai.

"Shizai, now that we've come to see you, it means all the agreements have been finalized. If you die now, wouldn't we have given you everything for nothing?"

Zhao Yun said to Deng Ai with a smile.

Deng Ai then realized what was happening and immediately tried to kneel down again.

"Alright, Shizai, I'm relieved to see you're alright. Wait for me, I'll be there to take you home soon."

"Thank you, my lord!"

Gu Rubing nodded and turned to look at Jiang Wei.

“Boyue, you’d better think carefully about what I told you before. Your talents shouldn’t be confined to a small place like Yizhou. Although Cao Cao is a powerful and ruthless man with many elite troops under his command, the people who control his troops are somewhat arrogant and self-willed, making it difficult for you young people to develop. Do you really have to wait until generals like Cao Ren die of old age before you young people can rise to prominence?”

Upon hearing this, Jiang Wei silently lowered his head.

He certainly understood Gu Rubing's meaning.

Jiang Wei had envied younger generations like Deng Ai and Zhong Hui more than once.

At a young age, they can lead tens of thousands, or even hundreds of thousands, of troops, stand alone, and possess independent combat capabilities.

Completely independent of anyone.

Even Liu Bei, their lord, did not object to their decisions and instead offered his support.

Jiang Wei knew that if he could receive such treatment from Cao Cao, he might have already fought his way out of Yizhou and entered Sili.

However, Jiang Wei also knew that Gu Rubing was not Cao Cao, and few lords could do what Gu Rubing did, delegating a large amount of power. As the prime minister, Zhuge Liang was able to lead hundreds of thousands of troops to guard one place, and even Gu Rubing could not mobilize his troops. Moreover, Gu Rubing was not angry and even expressed his understanding.

"Thank you for the reminder, King Lie, but Boyue has no other ideas for the time being, so please don't waste your time on me."

Gu Rubing knew that with a clever man like Jiang Wei, he couldn't act rashly; he had to take it one step at a time, slowly eroding Jiang Wei's heart until he was completely on his side.

"Alright, I respect your choice. Our side is ready to welcome you anytime."

After Gu Rubing finished speaking, he exchanged a few pleasantries with Deng Ai, and then left Jiang Wei's residence with Zhao Yun and Pang De.

However, their conversation was overheard by Cao Cao's spies and sent to Cao Cao.

Cao Cao's face darkened as he listened to what his informant was saying.

"Liu Bei, how dare you poach my men!"

"My lord, Liu Bei has gone too far. We must teach them a lesson."

It was Xu Chu who spoke. Xu Chu had always disliked Gu Rubing.

Hearing Xu Chu's words, Cao Cao was somewhat perplexed.

It wasn't that he didn't want to fight Gu Rubing, but he simply didn't want to expose himself.

If I can't kill him with one blow, and I just teach him a lesson, wouldn't exposing myself make Gu Rubing target me?
After thinking for a long time, just as Cao Cao was about to give up and let Gu Rubing leave safely.

The two men then approached Cao Cao.

Gu Rubing, along with Zhao Yun and Pang De, left Guanghan City quickly without saying goodbye to Cao Cao.

After the officials had left for a while, Gu Rubing was in a much better mood and then remembered what the man in black had told him. (End of Chapter)