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

"Yes, my lord!"

The strategists were also getting anxious.

"Even if the suicide squad succeeds, the main camp will be left vulnerable after all the elite troops have been deployed. If Cao Cao notices this and takes the opportunity to launch an attack, how will the remaining troops defend against it? If the vanguard falls, the suicide squad's retreat will be cut off, leaving them in danger from both ends!"

Gu Rubing raised his hand, silencing all the objections; his gaze was frighteningly calm.

"It is precisely because I am the commander of the three armies that I must take this risky move! Conventional methods have no way out, only unconventional tactics can turn the tide! This plan is extremely risky, but the rewards are also great."

If we can successfully destroy the area under the curse, it will severely damage Cao Cao's morale, disrupt his plans, and may even cause chaos within his army. The epidemic may then be cured, and our army's predicament can be reversed!

He paused, his voice becoming even lower.

"As for the empty camp... this is also part of the gamble. I will leave Guan Yu behind to lead the remaining troops, relying on the fortifications to create a false impression and make sure to hold back Cao Cao's main force! Zilong, Yide, and Mengqi, the three of you will come with me. What we need is speed, stealth, and a decisive blow! It's all or nothing!"

The tent was completely silent, save for the faint crackling sound of the oil lamp's flame.

Everyone was shocked by Gu Rubing's crazy and audacious plan to undermine the enemy's defenses.

This was tantamount to gambling one's own fate and that of the entire army on a decapitation strike deep into the lion's den!
However, upon closer reflection, in this desperate situation, beset by internal and external troubles, this seemingly crazy plan may truly be the only glimmer of hope... a chance for survival against all odds.

Guan Yu narrowed his phoenix eyes, stopped stroking his beard, and said in a deep voice.

"If my brother is determined to do so, I... am willing to stay and guard the camp. Even if I am killed, I will hold back the traitor Cao for our lord!"

Zhang Fei stomped his foot hard.

"Enough! Wherever my brother goes, I, Old Zhang, will go! We'll chop down that damn altar and see what Cao Cao has left to gloat about!"

Zhao Yun and Ma Chao also clasped their fists together, their eyes resolute.

"This humble general is willing to follow my lord through fire and water, even unto death!"

Looking at the brothers and generals in the tent who were willing to follow him to the death, Gu Rubing felt a surge of warmth in his chest.

He knew this path was fraught with peril, but he had no other choice.

"it is good!"

Gu Rubing slammed his fist heavily on the table.

"Make secret preparations immediately! Select the most elite, bravest, and most loyal daredevils, numbering no more than five thousand! Travel light, carrying only three days' worth of rations and necessary weapons and gunpowder! The operation must be absolutely secretive, and the departure time is set for midnight tomorrow night!"

Gu Rubing's words were like a boulder thrown into a deep pool, stirring up a thousand waves in the tent.

After the initial shock subsided, dissenting voices immediately arose.

"My lord! This plan is far too risky!"

Ma Chao was the first to step forward, his young face full of anxiety.

"You are the commander of an army, a man of immense importance. How can you personally venture into this perilous place? This humble general is willing to go in your lord's stead, even if it means being shattered to pieces, I will surely destroy that hellhole!"

Zhang Fei was so anxious that he jumped up and down, grabbing Gu Rubing's arm.

"Brother! No way! If anyone's going, it'll be me, Old Zhang! You stay here and keep watch! I guarantee I'll smash those damn altars to pieces and tear Cao Cao's shell off his back!"

Although Guan Yu was not as excited as Zhang Fei, he stopped stroking his beard, and his phoenix eyes were full of solemnity and worry.

“Brother, Mengqi and Yide are right. Venturing deep behind enemy lines to behead and seize the flag is a brilliant plan, but extremely dangerous. If the commander-in-chief goes in person and fails, the entire army will collapse instantly. It would be better if Guan or Zilong…”

Zhao Yun also spoke in a deep voice.

"My lord, Brother Yunchang is absolutely right. Charging into battle is the duty of every soldier. My lord is concerned with the overall situation and should sit in the center to coordinate and respond to any changes. We, your humble servants, will go through fire and water without fear and will certainly not fail you!"

The strategists also offered their advice, explaining the risks and consequences. Venturing deep behind enemy lines was already a perilous undertaking, and for the commander-in-chief to go personally meant gambling the fate of the entire force on a high-stakes gamble with virtually no way out.

If it fails, the consequences will be unimaginable.

Gu Rubing listened quietly to the objections and petitions from the crowd, his face unwavering. Only after the noise inside the tent subsided did he slowly raise his hand and make a downward pressing motion.

This simple action seemed to carry immense power, causing everyone to hold their breath.

His gaze slowly swept over each general, over every face filled with worry and determination.

Finally, he picked up the old county magistrate's token that had been with him for many years, whose edges had been worn smooth and even stained with countless bloodstains, and gently held it in his palm.

"I understand your intentions."

Gu Rubing's voice was not loud, but it was exceptionally clear, carrying a power that penetrated people's hearts.

"How could I not know the dangers of this journey? Nine out of ten times we'd die—that might be an understatement. But—"

He abruptly changed his tone, his voice becoming resolute and decisive, like the clang of metal on metal.

"As you all clearly see, the current situation is dire. A standoff is a slow death. Retreat is suicide. Conventional tactics are no longer effective in breaking this deadlock!"
Only by taking this risky tactic, striking directly at the heart of the enemy, and destroying the foundation of Cao Cao's evil magic, can we perhaps break the shackles that bind us! This is currently the only way to potentially turn the tide of the war!

He released his grip on the token, which lay quietly on the table, like a silent witness.

"Destroying the area of ​​evil magic would not only weaken Cao Cao's confidence, but could also paralyze the source of his divine army and evil beasts, and might even cause fear and chaos in his army about this evil magic power!"

If successful, we might force him to leave his shell and seek a direct confrontation with our army! At that point, the initiative might shift to our side!

He looked at Zhang Fei and Ma Chao.

“Yide and Mengqi, you are the bravest in the army, invincible to ten thousand men, how could I not know that? But this mission is not just about bravery. We need to sneak around, make quick decisions, and find a glimmer of hope in desperate situations. I am going there in person, not to show off my recklessness.”

He then looked at Guan Yu and Zhao Yun.

"Yun Chang and Zilong, you are both wise and brave, calm and composed. You have stayed behind to guard the main camp, making a show of force and holding back Cao Cao's main force. This task is no less important than a surprise attack! Only with the two of you can I entrust the lives and last hope of these tens of thousands of soldiers to you!"

Finally, his gaze returned to all the generals, his voice carrying an undeniable resolve.

"My mind is made up! There is no need for further discussion! As the commander-in-chief, I must bear this responsibility and take this risk! Even if it is a mountain of knives and a sea of ​​fire, I, Gu, will brave it! Gentlemen." He clasped his hands and bowed deeply to the crowd.

"I entrust the main camp and the rear to you all! Please hold firm and await my news! If... if I fail to return, you may act as you see fit, with the priority of preserving the lives of the soldiers and maintaining the cause of resisting Cao Cao!"

These words, each one sharp as iron, each sentence dripping with blood, carried the tragic grandeur of a do-or-die, irreversible decision. Everyone in the tent, from Guan Yu and Zhang Fei to the most ordinary strategist, was deeply moved.

Looking into Gu Rubing's eyes, which were as firm as a rock yet seemed to burn with the last flame, they knew that further persuasion was useless.

A heavy atmosphere, mixed with sorrow, determination, and boundless worry, silently permeated the military tent.

With tears welling in his eyes, Zhang Fei stomped his foot hard and knelt on one knee.

"Big brother! You...you must come back! Old Zhang is waiting for you!"

Ma Chao took a deep breath, knelt down on one knee, and clasped his hands above his head.

"This humble general...swears to follow his lord to the death!"

Guan Yu closed his eyes for a moment, and when he opened them again, his phoenix eyes were filled with a calm and resolute killing intent. He clasped his hands in a fist salute to Gu Rubing, his voice deep and powerful.

"Brother, go forth with peace of mind. With me here, even if a million of Cao Cao's soldiers attack, they will not be able to break through our camp even a single step! I will await your triumphant return!"

Zhao Yun didn't speak, but bowed deeply, everything was understood without words.

All the generals and strategists solemnly accepted the order.

That night, Gu Rubing returned to his bedchamber, dismissed his attendants, and silently bathed and changed his clothes, donning a set of light and durable soft armor.

He picked up the magistrate's token, his fingertips tracing the familiar patterns and darkened bloodstains on it. Countless images flashed through his mind: past hardships, brotherhood, unfulfilled ambitions...

Finally, all hesitation, doubt, and even concerns about his own safety vanished like ashes burned away by a raging fire. Only a cold and pure determination remained in his eyes.

As midnight approached, in a secluded area in the northwest corner of the camp, which was usually used for storing miscellaneous items.

Far from the main camp, nestled against the mountains and downwind, the location made it difficult for the main camp to detect any activity. Five hundred carefully selected assassins had already quietly assembled.

These five hundred men were all elite soldiers handpicked from among the best in the army. Some were veterans who had followed the army since the uprising in Yizhou, some were local heroes from Liangzhou who had come to serve them out of admiration, and others were fierce warriors who had proven their loyalty and bravery in bloody battles such as Guzang and Heisha Pass.

They already knew about the mission, and no one hesitated. At this moment, everyone was dressed in dark, close-fitting clothes, covered with light leather armor for easy movement, and their faces were smeared with black and gray, revealing only their eyes that shone brightly in the night.

They held wooden pegs in their mouths to prevent them from making a sound, and their warhorses' hooves were wrapped in thick cloth.

In addition to their usual swords, spears, bows, and crossbows, the group also carried numerous oil canisters sealed with tarpaulins, powerful gunpowder pouches, and stealth equipment such as grappling hooks and grappling hooks. The atmosphere was tense and silent, broken only by the night wind blowing through the forest and the faint sound of drums from the distant main camp.

Accompanied by Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, and Ma Chao, Gu Rubing quietly approached the front of the formation.

He didn't speak, but slowly swept his gaze over the five hundred faces, some familiar and some unfamiliar, and then clasped his hands in a deep fist salute.

The five hundred assassins silently returned the salute with clasped hands, their movements perfectly synchronized, their eyes revealing the same resolute determination.

No further words were needed. Gu Rubing mounted an ordinary black warhorse, and Zhao Yun, Zhang Fei, and Ma Chao followed suit. Gu Rubing glanced one last time toward the rear camp, where his elder brother Guan Yu stood, along with tens of thousands of soldiers, and where his unfulfilled ambitions and promises lay. Then, he abruptly waved his hand.

"Set off."

The group of five hundred men, like a silent black stream, slowly flowed out of a narrow, temporarily opened gap at the side of the camp under the cover of the thick night.

They quickly disappeared into the darkness of the wilderness outside the camp, heading northeast towards the heart of Cao Cao's army territory marked as the "evil magic zone," and stealthily made their way there without hesitation.

The final gamble, in this all-or-nothing manner, quietly began.

The 500-strong elite force personally led by Gu Rubing strictly adhered to the principle of stealth and concealment.

Like ghosts blending into the night, they cautiously advanced into the heart of Cao Cao's controlled territory along a relatively safe route that had been repeatedly scouted and confirmed by their scouts.

Everyone knew that the chances of survival were slim; to say it was a nine-out-of-ten chance of death would be an optimistic assessment. But Commander Gu Rubing's personal risking of his life alongside them greatly boosted the morale of every soldier. Fear was suppressed to the deepest recesses of their hearts, leaving only a cold and resolute light in their eyes.

They knew that they carried the last hope of the entire army.

The journey was difficult.

They avoided all official roads and main roads that might have checkpoints, choosing instead to travel along rugged mountain trails, dry riverbeds, or overgrown wilderness. The column was stretched out, with communication between the front and rear relying on very low whistles and hand signals.

When encountering sporadic patrols or small outposts of Cao Cao's army, they would avoid them if possible. If it was impossible to bypass them, then unparalleled generals such as Zhao Yun, Zhang Fei, and Ma Chao would lead a small number of the most elite soldiers to swiftly and decisively kill them, striving to leave no survivors and make no great noise.

"Three miles ahead, there is a temporary post station for Cao Cao's army, guarded by about twenty men. We must take it down, otherwise we will not be able to get around it."

The scout returned and reported in a low voice.

Zhao Yun nodded to Gu Rubing, selected ten of his best White Horse Cavalrymen, and disappeared into the darkness like cats. He returned in less than the time it takes to brew a cup of tea, carrying a faint scent of blood, and whispered...

"It's resolved without alerting those nearby."

Zhang Fei was responsible for dealing with a five-man scout unit of Cao Cao's army.

He suddenly sprang up from behind the boulder where he was hiding, his eighteen-foot spear piercing through two men like a venomous dragon emerging from its lair. Before the other three could even cry out, they were hacked down by the assassins following closely behind.

The entire process was swift and silent.

Ma Chao, with his Xiliang people's unique sensitivity to terrain, repeatedly led his troops to avoid areas that seemed peaceful but might actually have traps or hidden sentries.

However, the deeper they ventured into Cao Cao's controlled territory, the heavier their hearts became with what they saw and heard along the way. Unlike the west, which was striving to recover under Gu Rubing's control, the eastern part of Liangzhou, under Cao Cao's control, presented a completely different picture.

Many villages near roads and military strongholds were deserted, houses dilapidated, fields completely overgrown with weeds taller than a person. Clearly, Cao Cao had adopted a strategy of forced relocation and even scorched earth to ensure the safety of his frontline army and camps and to prevent Gu Rubing's army from infiltrating.

He concentrated the population and resources near a few large cities and core camps. Occasionally, passing through villages that were not yet completely abandoned, one could see the figures of Cao Cao's soldiers; the villagers mostly looked pale and emaciated, their eyes darting around, the atmosphere oppressive. For this war, Cao Cao spared no expense, squeezing out the last bit of potential from this land.

The closer they got to the target area marked on the map, the more frequently Cao Cao's troops patrolled, and the tighter their formation became.

What's even more unsettling is that "soldiers" with vacant, blank stares, stiff movements, and a chilling aura began to appear frequently in the ranks.

They were mixed in with regular Cao Cao troops, but often served at fixed outposts or carried out certain repetitive patrol routes, and were frighteningly silent. (End of Chapter)