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

However, what greeted them was a torrential downpour of arrows and boulders from the city walls. Cao Cao's army fell like wheat being harvested, and their corpses quickly filled a corner of the moat.

Then, Cao Cao brought in heavy battering rams to try and break through the city gate.

But the defenders had already blocked the city gate from the inside with huge stones and poured scorching oil from the top of the city wall, burning the battering rams and the soldiers pushing them to charcoal.

Cao Cao then ordered his men to dig tunnels, attempting to sneak into the city.

However, Deng Ai was prepared. He ordered his men to dig deep trenches in the city, fill them with sewage, and place empty urns to listen for underground movements. Cao Cao's tunnel operations were discovered several times, either by being filled with sewage or by the defenders digging them open from the ground and killing the infiltrators.

No matter what methods Cao Cao used—a direct assault, a night raid, a fire attack, or tunnels—Mianzhu City stood firm like an unbreakable copper bowl!
The corpses of Cao Cao's army piled up like mountains below the city walls, suffering heavy casualties, yet the city walls remained sturdy, and the defenders' will showed no signs of wavering.

Cao Cao stood under his command flag, gazing at the formidable city that he had been besieging for so long. His face was ashen, his fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white from the force.

He originally thought that by diverting Liu Bei's reinforcements, Mianzhu could be taken in one fell swoop, but he never expected that this step of attacking the city would become the biggest surprise in his perfect plan, far exceeding his initial imagination!

This city, and the person within it, are ten times more troublesome than he anticipated!
The battle at the gates of Mianzhu City has reached a tense stalemate.

The unpredictable gunpowder in Gu Rubing's hands became a persistent nightmare for Cao's army.

Whenever Cao Cao's army launched a fierce offensive, just as they were about to scale the city walls or break down the city gates, deafening explosions would rang out. Flames and smoke engulfed the brave soldiers, shattering their dense formations and causing their morale to plummet.

After several attempts, Cao's soldiers developed a deep fear of the unknown explosive device, and their offensive inevitably became weak and hesitant.

Cao Cao stood on the high platform in the center of the army, watching his troops being driven back by explosions and a hail of arrows once again. His face was so gloomy it could be wrung out.

He clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white, his chest filled with powerlessness and anger.

This city of Mianzhu is like a curled-up steel hedgehog, making it impossible for him to bite down on it, and instead, he gets pricked until his hands are covered in blood.

While Cao Cao was racking his brains for a way to break through the city and couldn't sleep at night, Gu Rubing did not simply defend the city to the death.

He knew that prolonged defense would inevitably lead to defeat, and that it was necessary to launch a timely attack to demoralize the enemy and disrupt their plans.

"Wen Chang"

Gu Rubing summoned Wei Yan, who was known for his bravery and daring.

"The general is here!"

Wei Yan stepped forward, his eyes gleaming with a warlike light.

"I hereby grant you two thousand elite 'Eighteen Riders of Yanyun.' Tonight at midnight, launch a surprise attack with the gates open. Target—Cao Cao's central camp! We need not aim to kill generals or capture flags, but merely to create chaos, burn their provisions, and blunt their morale! Let Cao Mengde taste what it's like to have his camp besieged!"

Gu Rubing gave the order, a fierce glint flashing in his eyes.

"Your subordinate obeys! I will definitely turn the world upside down!"

Wei Yan excitedly clasped his hands in a fist salute.

That night, the moon was dark and the wind was high. Just after midnight, the west gate of Mianzhu City opened silently. Wei Yan took the lead, leading two thousand elite Yan Yun Eighteen Riders, who were best at riding, archery and raids. Like a pack of wolves pouncing on their prey in the dark, they silently sneaked out of the city and, under the cover of darkness, rushed straight towards Cao Cao's allied camp!
They moved with lightning speed, accurately locating the relatively weak point in Cao Cao's defenses and suddenly bursting in!

In an instant, flames erupted throughout Cao Cao's camp, and shouts of battle shook the heavens!

Wei Yan, wielding a long sword, charged left and right, slashing at anyone he saw and burning any tents he encountered. His cavalry even fired fire arrows at various grain and supply depots.

Cao Cao's army was indeed thrown into chaos! Many soldiers had just woken up from their sleep and had no idea how many enemies were coming. They were only concerned with running away in all directions, and countless soldiers trampled each other in the process.

However, Cao Cao was Cao Cao after all!
He had not slept, but had been studying maps in the central command tent. Hearing the commotion outside, he immediately donned his armor, drew his sword, and went out. Although startled, he remained calm, immediately boarded the command vehicle, and shouted sternly.

"Don't panic! It's just a small enemy unit harassing us! Each battalion, form ranks and defend yourselves! The Royal Guard, stay with me and hold the central command!"

Under Cao Cao's personal command and oversight, the chaotic Cao camp gradually began to restore order. Generals at all levels also reacted quickly and began to rally their troops.

In particular, the brothers Xiahou Dun and Xiahou Yuan, who had been guarding Cao Cao, immediately realized that the enemy general might be there when they heard the fiercest fighting sounds near the central army.

The two exchanged a glance, each holding their weapon, and roared as they charged toward Wei Yan's location!

"Wei Yan, you treacherous dog! How dare you attack my camp! Prepare to die!"

Xiahou Dun's one eye widened, and his long sword, accompanied by a fierce gust of wind, slashed towards Wei Yan.

Xiahou Yuan drew his bow and fired arrows in rapid succession, blocking Wei Yan's retreat.

Although Wei Yan was brave, he felt immense pressure facing the combined attack of the Xiahou brothers, not to mention the Cao army constantly closing in on him.

Seeing that he had achieved his goal of harassment, he dared not linger in battle. He feinted with his sword, forcing Xiahou Dun to retreat, and then shouted a loud whistle.

"The wind is strong! Hurry!"

Upon receiving the order, the eighteen riders of Yanyun immediately disengaged from the battle and retreated like a tide back the way they came. They came quickly and left quickly, disappearing into the darkness in the blink of an eye.

After assessing the losses, the actual casualties caused by Wei Yan's night raid were not significant, numbering around a thousand, with some tents and a small amount of grain destroyed.

But this sudden attack, especially since it was carried out right under Cao Cao's nose as if it were nothing, greatly humiliated this powerful figure! It was like a resounding slap in the face to the entire Cao army!
"Gu! Ru! Bing! Wei! Yan!"

Looking at the flames still burning in the camp and the terrified soldiers, Cao Cao squeezed out these words through gritted teeth, his anger almost consuming him.

Just as Cao Cao was suppressing his anger and ordering the entire army to prepare their camps and be on high alert to prevent another enemy attack, two uninvited guests appeared silently outside the tent of strategist Xun Yu, like ghosts. They were Tong Fei and Yu Ji.

The guards didn't even see how they appeared; they only saw a blur before the two were already standing in front of the tent.

"Please inform him that an old friend has come to visit and wishes to see Mr. Xun Wenruo."

Tong Fei's voice was flat and emotionless.

The soldiers dared not delay and immediately went inside to report.

Xun Yu, who was also unable to sleep due to the night raid, was deep in thought under the lamp when he heard the report and was startled.

"Old friend? Who is it?"

He got up and went outside the tent. When he saw Tong Fei and Yu Ji's faces clearly, even though he was calm and composed, his expression changed drastically and his pupils contracted slightly!
"Is it you?!"

Xun Yu's voice was filled with disbelief and astonishment.

He naturally recognized the two men; they were envoys from Penglai!
How come they are here?

"Lord Xun, how have you been?"

Yu Ji nodded slightly, a mysterious smile on his face.

"Speak from inside the tent?"

Xun Yu took a deep breath, stepped aside to let the two into the tent, and dismissed his attendants.

"What brings you two immortal masters here? What can I do for you?" Xun Yu asked directly, his tone wary.

Tong Fei spoke directly, his voice still cold.

"Gu Rubing is holding the city, and his gunpowder is sharp. King Wei has been besieging it for a long time without success, which must be very frustrating. My Penglai can help King Wei break through Mianzhu City."

Xun Yu was startled, but remained outwardly calm.

"Oh? How can I help? And what will be the price?"

Yu Ji continued.

"My Penglai has its own ingenious methods to break through gunpowder and fortified cities. As for the price... it's very simple: King Wei must cooperate with my Penglai to achieve great things together."

Instead of remaining distant and aloof as it is now.

As expected! Xun Yu sneered inwardly. Penglai was trying to completely bind Cao Cao to their war chariot!
Without even thinking, he flatly refused.

“This is absolutely impossible! The two immortals should know that although the four lords are currently fighting each other, if an external force, especially a transcendent power like Penglai, were to directly intervene, they would immediately set aside their past grievances and join forces to fight against them again!”

At that time, the King of Wei will become the target of everyone's hatred, and may even face annihilation! I, Yu, cannot agree to this proposal, and the King of Wei will absolutely not agree to it!

Tong Fei and Yu Ji showed no surprise at Xun Yu's refusal, as if they had expected it.

Tong Fei glanced at Xun Yu indifferently, then slowly took out a sealed letter from his sleeve and placed it on the table in front of Xun Yu.

"Lord Xun, you might as well take a look at this first, and then make a decision."

Xun Yu picked up the letter with a puzzled look. When he tore off the sealing wax and saw the familiar family crest and handwriting, his face instantly turned extremely ugly, and his hand holding the letter even trembled slightly!

This was actually a handwritten letter from his Yingchuan Xun clan!
The contents of the letter weighed heavily on Xun Yu's heart.

In the letter, the family elders bluntly pointed out that Cao Cao's development had been hampered in recent years, especially in his repeated defeats in the struggle with Gu Rubing, and his future was worrying.

The Xun family placed their heavy bets on Cao Cao, but now it seems the returns are far below expectations, and they may even lose everything.

If Xun Yu and his nephew Xun You hadn't already fallen out with Gu Rubing, the family would have considered changing allegiance long ago.

At the end of the letter, Xun Yu was clearly informed that the Xun family of Yingchuan, after careful consideration, had decided to reach a certain degree of "cooperation" and "understanding" with Penglai.

Xun Yu was instructed to prioritize the interests of his family at this critical juncture and do his utmost to facilitate an alliance between Cao Cao and Penglai!

Xun Yu sat there blankly, his face drained of color, his heart filled with turmoil!

He had always known that there was dissatisfaction within his family towards Cao Cao, and that they were observing from the sidelines, possibly even making contact with other forces.

But he never expected that his family would be so resolute, directly siding with the mysterious and dangerous Penglai!

On one side is Cao Cao, the wise ruler he has served for many years and on whom he has placed high hopes, along with his adherence to the "way of the scholar" and his vigilance against unknown forces; on the other side is the vast family that gave him birth and raised him, representing the continuation and interests of the clan, and their inviolable will...

Xun Yu was caught in an unprecedented struggle and agony, feeling as if he had been torn in two. The air in the tent seemed to freeze because of his intense inner turmoil.

Tong Fei and Yu Ji stood quietly to the side, watching him indifferently, waiting for his final decision.

The candlelight inside the tent flickered uneasily, casting intermittent light and shadow on Xun Yu's face.

The light letter in his hand now felt as heavy as a thousand pounds, making it hard for him to breathe.

His gaze was fixed on the familiar name at the end—Mr. Shui Jing, Sima Hui, his mentor!
He never imagined that the aloof, indiscriminately educated Mr. Shui Jing, revered by countless scholars, was actually... also from Penglai! The letter stated that teaching was merely Sima Hui's hobby, and his true identity and purpose behind it were unfathomable.

What chilled Xun Yu even more was that, by virtue of this identity, Sima Hui had already secretly established intricate connections with many powerful families like the Xun family of Yingchuan, forming a vast and secretive network of relationships.

The strict orders of his family and the personal instructions of his mentor... these two invisible mountains weighed heavily on his shoulders at the same time, causing his long-held belief in assisting a wise ruler and restoring the Han Dynasty to groan under the unbearable burden.

He may disregard his own safety and gains, but can he ignore the survival and rise and fall of the entire Xun clan of Yingchuan?
Could he defy the will of his teacher who had taught and guided him, especially when that will was completely intertwined with the interests of his family?

A long, deathly silence fell inside the tent, broken only by the occasional soft crackling of the lamp wick.

Tong Fei and Yu Ji stood there silently, like lifeless sculptures, coldly watching Xun Yu's intense internal struggle.

They seemed certain of the outcome and were not in a hurry to urge anything.

Finally, Xun Yu slowly raised his head. His once clear and wise eyes were now bloodshot, filled with exhaustion and a deep sense of powerlessness.

He seemed to have aged considerably in an instant, his voice carrying a barely perceptible dryness and hoarseness.

"Gentlemen...please follow me."

He finally chose to compromise.

For the sake of the family, and also for the unbreakable bond between teacher and student.

He led Tong Fei and Yu Ji through the heavily guarded camp and headed towards Cao Cao's central command tent.

Each step felt like walking on thorns, incredibly heavy.

After the guards announced their arrival, Xun Yu led the two into Cao Cao's tent. Cao Cao, who was staring at the sand table under the lamp, looked up in surprise.

His gaze first fell on Xun Yu, filled with obvious surprise and inquiry. Wen Ruo couldn't possibly be unaware of the identities and backgrounds of these two men, so why would he…

"Wenruo, what's wrong?"

Cao Cao frowned slightly, his voice filled with doubt.

Before Xun Yu could speak, Tong Fei stepped forward, his face, which seemed to never change expression, staring directly at Cao Cao, getting straight to the point.

"King Wei, we have come here to help you conquer Mianzhu City."

A glint flashed in Cao Cao's eyes. He leaned back slightly in his chair, his fingers tapping unconsciously on the table, his face showing scrutiny and wariness.

"Help me break through the city?"

He chuckled softly, his skepticism undisguised.

"My generals are as numerous as clouds and my advisors as rain, yet I am still blocked at the foot of this city."

Although you two are extraordinary individuals, you are unlikely to convince me with mere words. Moreover, the actions of Penglai are always unpredictable, and I have no desire to drive away wolves at the front door only to let tigers in through the back.”

His attitude was clear: he was full of distrust towards Penglai and even seemed to be hinting at sending the guests away.

Seeing this, Yu Ji flicked his whisk lightly, producing a faint whistling sound, and with a detached smile on his face that seemed to know everything, he replied. (End of Chapter)