[Falsum]

My Longest chapter yet!! hah hah... the other stories were about 40 characters over, this one was 4000 characters over

(Continued from previous post(obviously))

It was about midday when they reached the camp. He gave orders
to the villagers he had brought back, and after they left, he also gave specific orders to all
his troops. The Ye troops began taking off their armor, eating, and just laying around laughing
and talking to each other, completely relaxed. The Jin Yang troops noticed this, and believed
that the Ye troops were getting lax. The Jin Yang troops as well, lessened their guard and their
fear of attack.

In the middle of the night, Xiang Ji extinguished the main fire in his camp. Seeing this, all of
the Ye troops extinguished their fires as well, and put on their gear. All the troops split up
and gathered in groups around each of the four gates of the city. Zhang He and all of the calvary
troops took the West gate, Xiang Ji and a small retinue of ground soldiers took the East gate,
and the rest of the ground soldiers split up between the North and South gates. At the same time,
all four great gates of Jin Yang swung open. The villagers had snuck into the city from entrances
that they knew about that werent the main gates, convinced the guards with status and rank, and
opened the doors. The Ye troops at that minute poured in from all sides. The Jin Yang, completely
and utterly confused and unprepared, scrambled every where. From fear and surprise they no longer
cared about their city, only about their own lives. Rushing every where, the Jin Yang soldiers
where easily and quickly cut down where ever they were. All of Zhang Yang's officers were killed,
and soon, only Zhang Yang stood left. As the rest of the Ye troops were busy cleaning up the rest
of the Jin Yang troops, quieting the populace, and securing arms and other spoils, Xiang Ji walked
up the stone steps to the magistrates office. Reaching the inner chambers, Xiang Ji found Zhang
Yang. He was standing with his back turned to Xiang Ji, his hands clasped together behind his back,
and his head raised to heavens. After heaving a great sigh that carried with it the weight of his
destroyed nation.

"I suppose it is finally time." Zhang Yang slowly turned around. His face showed mild surprise
when he saw the young Xiang Ji, but it soon subsided. "You are the commander, I presume? I ask
that you only show me mercy. I will retire to the country, and never bother you again. I will
give up my aspirations for power." He said all of this slowly, in a sad voice.

"Nope. Can't do that. You are my enemy, what good will come of letting my enemy go? You say you
will give up your aspirations, but I can't believe that. No sense in letting you go, if even the
possibility of your rising up against me once again is there." Xiang Ji then began to slowly walk
towards Zhang Yang, gripping his spear tightly, his eyes hungry, and a grim smile on his face.

"I figured as much. you are the man that burned half of my army alive!" Zhang Yang angrily snarled
at Xiang Ji, his calm and sad demeanor changed to anger. "You monste-!"" Before he could finish,
Zhang Yang's head rolled on the ground. In one sweep Xiang Ji sliced cleanly through the defeated
leader's neck.

Turning around, Xiang Ji left the corpse and the head of Zhang Yang behind him, as blood slowly
poured out from his neck. When he reached the bottom of the stairs, the villagers who helped him
open the gates all came up to Xiang Ji immensely pleased that the Ye troops had won, and were
now asking for their promised positions. Xiang Ji was still smiling from killing Zhang Yang, when
he pierced the first villager through the heart. Without a word, he quickly turned and pierced
the rest of the villagers until only one was left. The last villager tried to back away from from
Xiang Ji but only tripped and fell on his back. He put his hands in front of him, and tried to
crawl away.

"W-Why? Why are you killing us? You promised us we would get ranks!" The villager stuttered, his
throat choked by fear.

"Because. You so easily turned on your own prefect on only the promise of power. Who's to say you
won't later betry us in a similar fashion?" Xiang Ji asked.

"WHHHHYYY-!?!??!" Like Zhang Yang before him, the villager's cry was cut short before he could
finish. The massacre complete, Xiang Ji walked off to report to Zhang He.

[schwann]

Originally Posted by Falsum

Clarification: "winded" in the first sentence, is meant to be read as "whine-did", like a toy. It's meant to emphasis the fact that the hills are scattered everywhere, and the wind(win-duh) has to wind(whine-duh) to get through them. hah hah...

Chapter Four: Trial

A cool breeze winded it's way through the hills.

You're not looking for the word "winded" here; you're looking for "wound". "Winded" is a real word, but it is not used in this context.

[Falsum]

Short chapter, but its a cliff hanger!! Expect the next chapter to be action packed and awesome.

if anyone is still reading this, Enjoi!

################################################

Chapter Seven: Wolf

Shortly after calming the populace, a messenger from Ye arrived, and summoned Zhang He and Xiang Ji
back to Ye. Installing a minor officer to guard Jin Yang, the two officers started to return to Ye
with the utmost speed. As they crossed the hills to get back to Ye, they pass through all the
battlefields they got through to get here. The ground still scorched in many places, the ground still
dyed red, broken swords and trampled spears littered the ground, the sounds of battle still ringing in
their heads.

Leaving the battlefields and dead behind them, the two officers arrived at Ye. When they arrived at
the magistrate's office to report to Han Fu, the giant map was already sprawled out over the floor,
and men were busy writing on the map. Han Fu was looking over the map, watching over the men working.
Xiang Ji and Zhang He both gave a slight bow to Han Fu after they had entered. Without looking up, Han
Fu adressed the two soldiers.

"Good job taking Jin Yang. However, I fear it is all for naught." Han Fu at the districts directly
east of Jin Yang and Ye.

"Yuan Shao has taken both of these provinces while you men took Jin Yang. His power is greatly risen
now, and we are boxed in, with the river at our backs, and Yuan Shao to the front." Han Fu then pointed
at the northern most province in all of China.

"Save for the barbarian lands, this is the only province left not in our control, or Yuan Shao's
control, north of the river." Han Fu then moved his finger to south of the river, and marked all the
provinces along the river.

"Dong Zhuo, also, has been killed. LuBu betrayed him, and now Li Jue and Guo Si run the capital. Cao
Cao's is a rising power, and he is directly south of Ye. In just a couple of weeks, the balance of
power has shifted tremendously, and I fear we are not strong enough to maintain an independent force."
Han Fu heaved a great sigh, worried he would end up like Zhang Yang.

"Dismissed." Xiang Ji and Zhang He gave another slight bow, and then exited the magistrate's office
towards the living quarters.

"What do you think about this? I believe Han Fu wishes to submit to a stronger power, probably either
Cao Cao, or Yuan Shao." Zhang He turned to talk to Xiang Ji, as they were walking.

"What do I think about this? I'm pissed. I refuse to submit to anyone, and with you and me, we are
strong enough for anybody." Xiang Ji answered, anger defintely in his voice.

"Cocky, but I agree with you. Yuan Shao is incompetent, and with the river in front of us, there is no
way Cao Cao could beat us." Zhang He nodded in agreement. Both the men stopped, and saying goodbyes,
parted ways to their individual houses. When he entered his own house, Xiang Ji gave a great wave and
a shout, but he was only met with the cold glances of Li Feng, and Li Ji. Confused, Xiang Ji looked at
the two of them, until his eyes settled on Li Feng's wound in his shoulder. It still hadn't healed
all the way.

"I'm sorry about that, by the way. I couldn't get to you at the barracks, and I had to march before
I could apologize." Xiang Ji quickly tried to make amends.

"Whatever." Li Feng answered, anger in his voice. "And before you ask, Han Xin is at the barracks, he's
been training hard since ya left."

Giving an awkward thanks, Xiang Ji left the house, if for not else than to get away from the frigid
atmosphere. Arriving at the barracks, Xiang JI greeted Han Xin, who was taking a break.

"Heard you did pretty well out there, Xiang Ji. Next time though, you won't get all the glory. I'm not
good with a spear or sword, but I'm a damn good shot with a bow! Hah hah!" Han Xin said with a laugh.

"Great! I'll be expecting it." Xiang Ji responded cheerfully. After that, the two friends just made
small talk, until a messenger running at full speed came to Xiang Ji.

"Captain!" The messenger heaved, bending over to try and catch his breath. "Hurry to the magistrate's
office! Cao Cao has started a campaign against the north, and he is marching here!" Xiang Ji stood up
quickly with surprise.

"What?!" After soaking in what he had just heard for a couple of seconds, Xiang Ji ran full speed
towards the magistrate's office. When he arrived, Han Fu was sitting at his desk, his hands clasped
in front of him, his face showing worry. Zhang He was already there, just as out of breath as Xiang Ji
was. Giving a slight bow, he waited for Han Fu to speak.

"Well you know the situation by now, I'm sure. What should our plan of action be? We didn't have many
troops to begin with, but now they are split between Ye and Jin Yang! It will be too late to bring
the troops from Jin Yang down here to help out Ye, and if we try, Yuan Shao might take the opportunity
to march, and take Jin Yang!" Hurriedly saying that, Han Fu took a deep breath before continuing again.

"I, would like to surrender to Cao Cao. He is a rising warlord, and I believe he will be the one to
unify China. What are your opinions on this matter?" Zhang He opened his mouth to speak in protest,
but was cut short.

"Of course, my Lord. This is the best plan of action. It is better to join with the strongest, than
be killed by them. I am all for surrendering." Xiang Ji responded to Han Fu with a perfectly calm smile.
The tension in Han Fu eased immediately, and his face slowly gave way to a smile. Zhang He, however,
shifted his gaze from Han Fu, to Xiang Ji, a look of sheer shock on his face.

"I agree Xiang Ji. Then it is settled. I will write a letter of surrender to Cao Cao, and will go
hand him the articles of office myself when his army approaches. You two are dismissed for now."

After they had leftthe magistrate's office, Zhang He approached Xiang Ji.

"What the hell happened to you?! Didn't you say that you would never surrender?! Why the change of
heart?!" Zhang He began questioning Xiang Ji in a hushed voice, but there was obviously anger at the
same time. Without stopping, Xiang Ji turned to look at Zhang He. He still had the calm smile on his
face, but there was something different about his features. It seemed much darker than before, the
same sort of smile he had when he had killed Zhang Yang.

"Don't worry, It's under control." Calmly saying that, Xiang Ji turned his head back, and walked off
to his house. Zhang He was so shocked, he couldn't move.

After a couple of days, Cao Cao's army was close to Ye. Having already arranged to surrender to Cao
Cao, Han Fu took the articles of office and was set to leave Ye to go meet Cao Cao, who was currently
camped a handfull of miles from Ye. Xiang Ji offered to escort Han Fu for a couple miles, and left
with the same calm, innocent smile he had on before. After a couple of hours, Xiang Ji was spotted
by the gate guards, walking back. Instantly, the guards could tell something was different, even
when he was so far away. It was incredibly noticeable when he walked through the gates. Xiang Ji was
quite obviously angry. His back was hunched over, his fists were clenched, he was baring his teeth,
and his eye brows were furrowed. Turning to Han Xin and Zhang He, who were waiting for his return,
he began to give orders.

"Zhang He, tell most of our troops to conceal themselves in the houses and stalls next to this gate.
Now. When the gate closes, tell them to jump out, and ambush the troops. Han Xin. You said you were
good at archery, right? Here's your chance to prove it. Take all of our archers, and conceal them
behind the ramparts on the top of the city wall over looking the gate. When the gate closes, begin
to fire on the troops outside the gate. I'll deal with the rest of the troops." Zhang He and Han Xin
were completely taken by surprise. Zhang He spoke first.

"Are we... revolting?" Zhang He said cautiously, in a quiet voice. Xiang Ji directed his angry gaze
towards Zhang He.

"Yes." Saying nothing more, and leaving Han Xin and Zhang He staring at each other, he walked off
to give orders to his own troops.

[Falsum]

This is probably going to be one of my better chapters. Action packed, as promised, probably more so than any for awhile, and by far my longest chaper! enjoi, i sure enjoyed writing it hah hah

################################################

Chapter Eight: Revolt

With a couple hundred troops behind him, Xiang Ji waited a good distance from the gate. His hands
behind his back, a faint smile on his face, he waited calmly in full armor, hair billowing in the wind.
His troops stood rank and file, still as statues, spears in hand. The unmistakable sound of the march
of troops was heard in the distance, and grew louder slowly. Soon, the procession crossed the gates
into the city of Ye. Deep blue flags billowed in the wind, held by the front rank of troops in the long
column of the army. Two men strode on horses in front of the procession. One was in a bright, colorful
robe with a large smile on his face, a man Xiang Ji had gotten to know quite well, Han Fu. The other
was a man identified by the blue flag right behind him, Bao Xin. He wore full battle armor, and held
his head high, full of superiority. The two men, and likewise the army, stopped when they reached
Xiang Ji.

"Welcome, Bao Xin, to Ye. Welcome back, Lord," Xiang Ji greeted the two men.

"You are an officer of Han Fu? Well you belong to Cao Cao's army now, brat! It's a good thing too,
because we would of wiped you weaklings out! Bwahaha!" Bao Xin rocked with laughter. Xiang Ji only
smiled. Suddenly, his visage changed completely, all the rage he had been holding back at Han Fu,
exploded out of him. The spear he had been holding behind his back, hidden behind his right leg to
his head, he suddenly swung out and in a fluid motion, pierced the chest of the laughing Bao Xin.
Before he even realized what was going on, he dropped off his horse dead. Pulling the spear back,
Xiang Ji turned to Han Fu.

"What are you doing? Cao Cao is not going to forgive this! Ye is doomed!" Han Fu began to shout, his
voice filled with terror. Xiang Ji then thrust his spear at Han Fu, but he jumped off his horse and
only had his arm grazed. Hitting the ground hard, Han Fu rolled until he was on his back, looking up
at Xiang Ji.

"Shut up you coward! I will never surrender, never! No matter how hard the fight, how numerous or skilled
the enemy, I will fight! And I will win!" Xiang Ji once more thrust his lance towards Han Fu.


"NOW!!" Xiang Ji screamed, as his spear found it's place in Han Fu's throat. Troops from either
side of the road streamed out of houses, and instantly begin slaughtering the bewildered Cao troops.
Zhang He as well, jumped out with his troops and began to slaughter the Cao troops. The massive Ye gate
swung closed, and Han Xin and his archer's stood up from the crouched positions behind the battlements
and started firing on the troops locked out of the city. Pulling his spear out of Han Fu's throat, and
letting the body drop next to Bao Xin, Xiang Ji charged the already confused Cao troops with the troops
he had behind him, and instantly began slashing and piercing his enemies. Soon, all of the Cao troops
inside the town were wiped out, and the troops outside had long fled from the city walls, back to Cao
Cao's camp a couple of miles from Ye. Zhang He and Xiang Ji were left standing covered in blood among
a mass of corpses. The other troops were busying cleaning the mess and readying the defenses.

"Ye is secured, Xiang Ji. What should we do now? Cao Cao will not be pleased..." Zhang He asked.

"Might I be of assisstance? Cao Cao won't hesitate. When the troops who were caught outside report to
their camp, he will march his whole army here to Ye, he was planning on it anyway. Seeing as how you
have already revolted in an attempt to retain independence, you may as well fight it out with Cao Cao.
Forget clean up here, grab all the troops and march, now." Xiang Ji and Zhang He turned to the source
of the voice. A young man, older than Xiang Ji but younger than Zhang He awaited their gaze. He stood
calmly in a pale blue robe, a slight beard growing.

"My name is Xin Pi, I was a retainer for the now late Han Fu. Seeing as my duty is to the lord of this
province, I will now give my utmost in aiding you in diplomacy, domestic affairs, and administration."
Xin Pi spoke with a slow, calming voice. Something in his voice convinced Xiang Ji that this man would
be loyal, and would honor his word.

"Well, I don't know about me being Lord, but I'm taking your advice. I'll be taking all the troops and
marching on Cao Cao right now. You manage the city while I'm out there." Xiang Ji then turned around
and started to walk away, gathering up his soldiers. After awhile, Zhang He turned around and followed
as well. When Zhang He had caught up, Xiang Ji began to speak without stopping.

"Chances are, Cao Cao is mobilizing as well. Even if we march now, we would at best met him in the field.
Let us stop him before he gets to the walls." While they were walking, they passed Han Xin, and Xiang
Ji motioned for him to walk with them, which he did. Xiang Ji then began to give the two men orders.

"Understood?" Xiang Ji stopped walking and turned in place towards Zhang He and Han Xin. They both
nodded in agreement, and set off to prepare their troops.

Xiang Ji's small force waited in the shade of great green hill. It was only about a thousand or so
troops, their faces determined, they waited in perfected rank and file, spears held ready. Soon, a
great rumble that could only be footsteps was heard in the distance. Cao Cao's army, numbering in the
11,000s, stood on a hill directly infront of the Ye troops, looking down on the small force. A man on
horseback strode to the front of the force, flag bearer's right behind him. Cao Cao himself. After a
couple of seconds, he laughed.

"You are the unknown fighter, Xiang Ji, I presume?" Cao Cao laughed slightly.

"That's right, Cao Cao. And for mercy, I'll give you a chance to turn around and head back to south of
the river. We don't have a quarrel with you!" Xiang Ji shouted back, a great smile on his face.

"Hah hah! Mercy? But boy, you are the one who needs mercy! We don't turn back, so you should just
surrender like Han Fu!" Cao Cao laughed back.

"Han Fu is dead! This is my force now, and I won't surrender!! If you will not retreat, we will force
you!" Xiang Ji shouted once more, still grinning. Cao Cao stopped and looked at Xiang Ji, the small
Ye force, and the terrain.

"Well boy, your methods are predictable. Am I supposed to be lured in to attack your small force, and
then be ambushed? I don't think so! Hah hah! You may be brave and clever, but you won't fool me!" Cao
Cao briskly turned around and began to walk through his army. Soon, the whole army turned around, and
began to march away from Xiang Ji and the Ye troops. After a couple of minutes, the last of troops
disappeared out of sight behind the hill.

"DON'T UNDERESTIMATE ME!! CHAAARRRGGEEEE!!!!" Xiang Ji pointed his spear at the empty hill where Cao
Cao's troops were, and shouted as loud as he could. Xiang Ji and his troops began to run as fast as
they possibly could up the hill. A volley of arrows flew over their heads as they began the steep climb
up the hill. The arrows climbed and climbed, and then descended over the crest of the hill out of
sight. Xiang Ji was the first to reach the top. Without stopping he began to run as fast he could down
the hill he had just climbed, his speed and momentum greatly increased by the slope of the hill. Soon
his other soldiers began the descent with him as well. The Cao troops were completely bewildered. The
loud shout had startled them, the volley of arrows had landed right in the middle of their troops and
threw the back ranks into disarray, and the great speed at which Xiang Ji was approaching scared them
even furthered. Before the Cao troops could regain order, Xiang Ji hit the back ranks with the speed
of a tiger and the strength of a ram. The back ranks were completely decimated, those who didn't get
speared by the Ye troops, just fled in the confusion. The volleys of arrows grew further and further
away from the hill, getting closer and closer to the heart of the army. After a couple minutes, the
Cao troops had re-organized themselves, and Cao Ang, the eldest son of Cao Cao, began to come through
the troops. He was the same age of Xiang Ji, and this was his first fight. He was unlucky enough to
be assigned the rear guard. Eager for his first battle, Cao Ang went straight for Xiang Ji and began
to swing his sword. Although it was his first battle, Cao Ang had proper training, and the speed of
his attacks startled Xiang Ji. All Xiang Ji could do was parry the first couple of parries with his
spear, but eventually, his eyes got used to Cao Ang's speed, and he began to learn Cao Ang's attack
pattern. When Cao Ang gave a quick thrust of his sword, Xiang Ji jumped out of the way and dropped
his spear to get out of the way. Overconfident of his victory, Cao Ang pulled his sword way above his
head for a great down ward swing to finish off his opponen. Xiang Ji, however, grabbed his spear while
he was rolling on the ground and thrust it the second he stopped rolling. The point caught Cao Ang
between the eyes.

Jumping to his feet, Xiang Ji threw the lifeless body off his spear with a quick swing. He looked
around him. His troops were holding up well, considering. They had already lost alot of men, and the
Cao forces were organizing, and surrounding the Ye troops. Xiang Ji smiled. All according to plan.

(Continued next post... Sorry!)

[Falsum]

(Continued from previous post(obviously))

"Young masteeerr!!!" A shout came from the right of Xiang Ji. A great man with a spear was speeding
towards Xiang Ji on a horse.

"I am Xiahou Dun! You will pay for killing Cao Ang!!" Xiahou Dun lowered his spear and aimed it right
at Xiang Ji's heart. Xiang Ji quickly thrust his spear into Xiahou Dun's horse before the spear could
get to him, and Xiahou Dun was thrown to the ground. The spear, already lowered, stuck into the ground,
and Xiahou Dun vaulted himself with it as he jumpied off his horse as the beast went down and landed
a kick right in Xiang Ji's face. Xiang Ji went sprawling across the ground and stopped near Cao Ang's
dead body. Getting up just in enough to time to dodge Xiahou Dun's next spear thrust, he grabbed Cao
Ang's sword in his left hand, and gripped his spear further up the shaft in his right hand. Xiahou
Dun thrust his spear at Xiang Ji before he could fully recover his stance, but Xiang Ji brought Cao
Ang's sword across his body and hit Xiahou Dun's spear in mid thrust, diverting it's path to the left
of his body. Xiang Ji then thrust with the spear in his right hand, but Xiahou Dun grabbed the shaft
with his left hand before it reached his head. Xiahou Dun's left hand and Xiang Ji's locked fighting
over the spear, the weapons in their opposite hands were a flurry, clashing against each other sparks
flying off the singing metal. Xiang Ji eventually forced Xiahou Dun's spear to the ground, and while
he was holding the spear down with the sword, he headbutt Xiahou Dun right on the forehead. Xiahou
Dun, however, was a much stronger and sturdier man, and the two fighters just stood there, each hand
locked by the other, and their bleeding foreheads pressed against each other in a struggle for
dominance. Xiang Ji turned his sword so that the blade was flat against the shaft of Xiahou Dun's spear,
and he began sliding up the shaft while still pressing down and holding down Xiahou Dun's spear. Xiahou
Dun dropped the spear and jerked his hand up, as the sword was heading straight for his fingers.
Letting go of Xiang Ji's spear, he pushed off of Xiang Ji's forehead and jumped back. The sword however
still cut slightly across the middle of Xiahou Dun's torso.

"Not bad, kid. I see how you took Jin Yang now." Xiahou Dun held his cut with his left hand, and drew
his spare sword with his right.

"But you won't last much longer!" Xiahou Dun stood looking smug, and just as Xiang Ji was about to
attack again, he heard another horse.

"Couuussin!!!" Another big man on a horse, with a great sword, was rushing into their fight. Stopping
his horse right inbetween Xiahou Dun and xiang Ji, he cut off Xiang Ji's advance, and began to fight
him from atop the horse. The advantage of being on a horse, and the skill that Xiahou Yuan had were
unmistakable, as every thrust and swing that Xiang Ji tried was skillfully parried or avoided. Just as
Xiang Ji thought he had Xiahou Yuan with a thrust, He kicked his horse foward, and Xiahou Dun came
out from behind the horse straight at Xiang Ji. Xiang Ji was barely able to block Xiahou Dun's sword
with his own. Xiang Ji took a couple steps back, and Xiahou Yuan trotted up next to his cousin. He looked
at his troops, fighting around him. Most were dead, and it seemed hopeless at this point. The front ranks
of the Cao troops were reaching them now, and the Cao army was surging all around them. The arrow
volleys had long stopped, Xiang Ji knew they didn't have many arrows left, after consecutive fights.
Despite what seemed like a hopeless situation, Xiang Ji laughed. Xiahou Dun opened his mouth to ask
what he was laughing at, the ground started to shake, like an earthquake. In all directions, horsemen
descended on the fight. Heavily armored, and each holding two swords, they held the swords out and ran
straight threw the enemy soldiers, letting the force and speed from the horse cut many of the soldiers
down. Zhang He began to ride up to Xiang Ji with a couple of horsemen, and seeing this, Xiahou Yuan grabbed
Xiahou Dun and put him on his horse and the two fled. The Cao army was mostly in shambled. Every other
soldier in Ye that was not an archer or part of Xiang Ji's force, rode in on horseback and hit the Cao
soldiers from every angle. The sudden and ferocious attack sent the Cao army in a panic. They started to
flee in every direction, trying to get away from the Ye horsemen, but only meeting another horsemen in
exchange. Many of the Cao troops trampled over each other in an attempt to get away.

"You get the Xiahous, I'll go get Cao Cao!" Xiang Ji shouted over the din of the battle and the screams
of the Cao troops. Zhang He immedietely began to ride off full speed on his horse, and Xiang Ji started
to run full speed towards where the front of the Cao army was. When he reached the front of the army,
he saw Cao Cao atop his horse, his sword bloodied, and a group of elite soldiers around him. Many
of his own Ye horsemen lay dead around the small squad of Cao Cao's. The rest of the soldiers
from Xiang Ji's original 1000 man force joined with him at this point, and the two small forces stood
off for a couple of seconds. Meeting Cao Cao's gaze, Xiang Ji smiled.

"Well you weren't wrong, Cao Cao, about my plan. But just knowing it doesn't make a difference. I'll
make it work! Even with just 1,000 troops, I will still attack your force! And I will win!" Cao Cao
also smiled, hearing his words.

"You are certainly brave, but don't worry. That recklessness will get you killed, and don't be surprised
when it's me who kills you. I have lost this battle, but I will kill you eventually! Hah hah!" Cao Cao
started laughing, and started to turn to leave. His soldiers gathered between Xiang Ji and their lord.
But Cao Cao soon stopped laughing, and he stopped dead in his tracks. Xiang Ji had thrown Cao Ang's
sword in front of Cao Cao. Cao Cao's face instantly turned to anger, and he charged Xiang Ji on his
horse. His force likewise followed him. Cao Cao wielding his sword, rushed and met Xiang Ji's spear.
The two men started to clash fiercly, a great hate between the two. Cao Cao's force and Xiang Ji's
forces also began to fight fiercely. After about a minute of this fierce fighting, the Xiahou cousins,
leading the remnants of the Cao force ran past the combat at full speed, Zhang He and the Ye troops
close behind.

"Lord Cao Cao! Let us retreat!!" Xiahou Yuan shouted as he galloped past to the river. Cao Cao showed
obvious displeasure in his face, but turned and galloped after Xiahou Yuan. Cao Cao's elite force
however, stayed and prevented Xiang Ji from pursuing. Directing all his attention to Cao Cao's small unit,
Xiang Ji and his squad killed all of the Cao troops, and began to run to the river as well in pursuit.
When he got there, Zhang He was standing on the river side, looking across, surrounded by the Ye troops.
The Cao troops were all on boats, heading back across the river. Of course, the Ye troops had no boats
ready to pursue.

Xiang Ji laughed, at the fleeing troops. The laugh echoed across the river, chilling the bones of every
man, even Cao Cao.

[Falsum]

another long chapter. But before i begin, i would like to explain Sky Piercer. If you don't know already, it's the name of the halberd used by LuBu.



that is a picture of the Sky Piercer in the game Romance of the Three Kingdom 11 by Koei. The actual Sky Piercer was a traditional chinese Ji, but that's not as ornate and fun is it? I posted a picture of this, because there is no way i could describe it accurately, and i would at least like people to know what the Sky Piercer looks like.

Moving on, this chapter is about the Alliance against Dong Zhuo, which Xiang Ji and the Ye force take part in. It's pretty accurate in sticking to the novels, some minor details are changed. Its a long chapter too, hah hah...

enjoi

################################################

Chapter Nine: Alliance

Defeating Cao Cao with a much smaller force, Xiang Ji and the Ye army gained much recognition across
China. However, other events were set in motion that demanded the attention of most of the warlords.
A man by the name of Dong Zhuo had seized the Emperor, and was amassing power. Cao Cao, recovering
quickly from his defeat at Ye, issued an falsified Imperial Edict, that convinced Yuan Shao, the most
powerful warlord north of the River, neighboring Ye, to form an alliance against Dong Zhuo. Yuan Shao
called on every single warlord in China to rise up and save the Han Emperor, and almost everyone
accepted the call. Xiang Ji was no exception. His force as well recieved an edict to join the alliance
to stop Dong Zhuo.

"What are your thoughts on this?" Xiang Ji turned to the two men in the Magistrates office. He had
called a council with Zhang He, Xin Pi, Han Xin, Li Feng, and Li Ji to determine a course of action.

"Of course, saving the Han should be our main prioty as the subjects of the Han. But I don't believe
that you care about such things, do you Lord? But there are other merits for joining this alliance than
to just stop a greater evil. Not joining this alliance, marks you as either a supporter or friend of
Dong Zhuo, and in effect would also mark you as a target for Yuan Shao and the other war lords. However
if you did join this alliance, you could keep amiable relations with the other war lords until you are
ready to strike. If you agreed to the alliance, and sent a rather small force, even if the alliance
was defeated by Dong Zhuo, you would lose minimal troops, while the other war lords would lose much
more, especially Yuan Shao who will of course go all out to stop Dong Zhuo, since he is the leader of
this alliance. This is a very favorable situation." Xin Pi spoke up first.

"I disagree. Yuan Shao and the other war lords will march on Dong Zhuo anyway, whether we join them or
not. As Xin Pi said, Yuan Shao will march with most of troops to get rid of Dong Zhuo. That should be
our chance to take his territory! Then we just need to fortify the defenses along the river, and train
a strong navy to prevent counter attacks, and the North will be secured." Li Feng countered.

"Do you believe Yuan Shao will stand by and let us take his territory? The second he catches wind of our
advance, he will return to attack us. His force too powerful for us to take on right now, we have lost
many men in our recent fights, and we need to stabilize our prefectures and train a larger army if we
are to advance on someone like Yuan Shao." Han Xin added in.

"I agree with Han Xin and Xin Pi. We should join this alliance, and bide our time. If Cao Cao marched
his full force against us, we might not be able to survive again. same with Yuan Shao." Zhang He added
in.

"If we don't join the alliance, and instead focus on building our army, then whether the alliance wins
or not they will be weakened, and we can crush them. We have no obligation to the Emperor, and Dong
Zhuo is of course powerful. There is no need to risk our troops." Li Ji finally added in to the debate.

"And what if the alliance wins easily? With the amount of Lords that Yuan Shao has called upon, it is
very likely that they will win, and they could possibly even with with minimal loss. If, the situation
arises where the alliance wins with minimal loss, then we will be a target for every force in the
alliance. Even we have built a force by then, it is unlikely it would be able to stand attacks from
the war lords. In addition, if we sent a small force, we could still focus on building our nation from
here, and have a chance to gain more officers and civil servants from war. Not to mention it could
gain us fame and possibly even more land that is controlled by Dong Zhuo currently. I bet my life, that
joining the alliance is the safest thing." Xin Pi spoke once more. Xiang Ji rested his head on his hand
and closed his eyes in thought. Both sides had a valid point. Finally, Xiang Ji opened his eyes and
straightened his back.

"I've decided, we will join the alliance. Xin Pi, I will take your advice. Me and Han Xin and eight
thousand troops will march and aid the alliance. Zhang He, I leave you in charge of defense of our
prefects. Xin Pi, I leave you in charge of all domestic affairs. Recruit and train an army, expand
our defenses, and secure resources for our army." Xiang Ji announced his decision to the council.
Li Feng and Li Ji, angered that their council was ignored, angrily exited the council. Zhang He, Han
Xin, and Xin Pi, however, bowed and accepted their orders. Sending out a call to arms to his two
prefects for the sake of punishing the traitor, he recieved a large amount of troops, and three men of
worth. Wang Kuang and Zhang Yan from Jin Yang prefect, and Pan Feng from Ye prefect. Appointing them
as Officers, Xiang Ji led his force out to join the rest of the alliance.

Cao Cao, being the closest to the capital, was first to arrive. Xiang Ji arrived soon after, but the
two forces did nothing to each other. The other war lords soon arrived one after the other, and a
massive camp was pitched. After the last ofthe war lords arrived, Cao Cao called a war council. Liu
Bei and his oath brothers Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu, Cao Cao, Sun Jian, and many
other Lords and fighters were there. Yuan Shao was officially elected as the Leader of the alliance,
declared Yuan Shu as the offical overseer of provisions, and asked for a volunteer to spearhead the
attack on Si River Pass. Sun Jian was chosen, and the other lords moved to hold strategic positions.
Sun Jian won his first battle, when a minor officer marched forth to attack Sun Jian's troops. Sun
Jian called for provisions for the next battle, but a jealous Yuan Shu denied his request, and Sun
Jians troops soon started becoming uncontrollable, and Dong Zhuo's Officer Hua Xiong marched forth and
routed Sun Jian's troops. Yuan Shao called a council to discuss what action to take next. Hua Xiong,
wasted no time and soon arrived outside the camp, offering battle.

"Who will go?" Yuan Shao asked the gathered lords. A man named Yuan She went first, but a messenger
soon brought back a report of his death by Hua Xiong.

"Well, why don't we send the traitorous lord Xiang Ji?" Cao Cao suggested with a sneer.

"Yes, that's a good idea. You brought the fewest troops, so this help make up the difference. Xiang Ji,
I order you to go defeat Hua Xiong." Yuan Shao urged Xiang Ji to go, and the rest of the assembly
agreed. Xiang Ji left the council and gathered his army and led them to Hua Xiong's army. Hua Xiong
stood in front of his army, waiting for an officer to come out and dual him. Pan Feng walked over to
Xiang Ji.

"Lord, Cao Cao is just trying to get you killed. Allow me to fight Hua Xiong in your place." Xiang Ji
nodded in agreement, and Pan Feng took his giant battle axe and rode out on a horse to Hua Xiong. After
exchanging insults, the two rode at each other. After a few bouts, Hua Xiong chopped off Pan Feng's
head with his spear. Enraged, Xiang Ji ran out there with his spear and challenged Hua Xiong.

"Where is your horse?" Hua Xiong asked his challenger.

"Don't use one. Don't worry, I'll still kill you like this!" Xiang Ji responded with a grin, readying
his stance. Hua Xiong laughed, and dis mounted.

(Continued next post... Sorry!)

[Falsum]

(Continued from previous post(obviously))

"I'll be ridiculed if I killed you from a horse. I'll match your bravery like this!" Shouting back,
the two men ran at each other, and clashed. Right from the start, Xiang Ji could tell that he was out
matched. Hua Xiong was a much better fighter than even Xiahou Dun, and Xiang Ji was on the defensive
the entire time. But even so, the fight was an incredible flurry. The spears were crashing at incredible
speeds, with every thrust and swing parried by the other. The two fighters with their feet planted,
continued to fight, neither one coming out the victor. Yuan Shao and the other Lords, wondering why
they hadn't recieved a report on the battle, came out to observe the fight. Immediately, they were
stunned speechless. The two fighter's were displaying immense skill in fighting the each. However,
Xiang Ji had no chance of winning. He knew that he would tire soon, and that he did not have the skill
to beat Hua Xiong, even with a trick attack. Tucking the end of the spear under neath his arm, he
swung his spear directly towards Hua Xiong's legs, and at the same time swung a punch at Hua Xiong's
face. Using his spear to block the thrust, Hua Xiong took the punch right on his cheek. His enemy
stunned by the sudden blow, Xiang Ji took the chance to turn and flee. Hua Xiong quickly recovered
though, and quickly gave chase to the running Xiang Ji. Guan Yu, watching from behind Liu Bei with
the other Lords, quickly ran out to help. Hua Xiong turned to meet the new challenger and quickly
thrust his spear. Guan Yu skillfully swatted the spear away and used his Blue Dragon crescent spear
to chop off Hua Xiong's head in one stroke. Noticing that Hua Xiong stopped chasing him, Xiang Ji
turned around just in time to see Guan Yu kill Hua Xiong easily, like swatting a fly. Xiang Ji bowed
and thanked Guan Yu, and returned to his troops.

The rest of the coalition troops marched foward and took Si River Pass. They continued foward toward
Luo Yang, the capital. At this point, Dong Zhuo marched out himself to meet the alliance, and gathered
his troops at Tiger Trap Pass, where there was a massive gate. Hu Lao Gate. The massive stone contruct
grew in the distance, dark storm clouds over head. In front of the gate stood a massive army, numbering
at least half a million troops. The Alliance army numbered at best, four hundred thousand troops. In
front of the army, was a lone man sitting astride a large, red horse. The man was massive, wearing
dark black armor with dragon pauldrons and a lion breast plate. LuBu and Red Hare, the strongest
warrior in China atop the fastest and greatest horse in China. They had no match. LuBu faced the
alliance, with his giant halberd Sky Piercer in one hand, his reins on the other. Sky Piercer in it's
own right was an impressive foe. It was a long and heavy metal halberd. The point was a long spear head
with a half circle blade off of one side, beneath the spear tip was a coiled golden dragon. It was an
ornate and incredibly powerful halberd. The whole sight sent Xiang Ji into awe. Instantly he felt that
the alliance had no chance, and that getting any closer to that gate would result in death.

"Hu Lao Gate is the last bastion of the imperial capital! Behind it is Dong Zhuo, our foe! There is
only one general out here, combined, we will win! Alliance! CHARGE!!" Yuan Shao gave a brief speech
before ordering his troops to charge. All at once, the armies of 18 different lords and many skilled
officers began running at the gate. Spurred into action by the alliance, LuBu and his troops also
began to rush foward. LuBu was a whirlwind of death, whoever went near him was instantly chopped down
by his Sky Piercer, who ever tried to flee was caught by Red Hare. Many officers tried charged at LuBu,
eager to prove their mettle, and all were killed. Soon, a circle was around LuBu. No one wanted to get
close. Xiang Ji was one person at the front of this circle. In front of him was the mighty LuBu, and
he was just an ant in comparison. The bodies around LuBu were incredible, a body trail behind him. A
soldier behind him jumped forward to try and catch him off guard. Without even looking, LuBu swung
Sky Piercer behind him and cut him in half. The soldier's lifeless body collapsed to the ground in two
parts. Soon, with a shout, Zhang Fei rode through the crowd full speed towards LuBu. With his massive
spear, Zhang Fei began to fight with LuBu. The soldiers around the two could only stare in awe, their
fight was ferocious. The two giant men swung their weapons at incredible speeds, clashing with strength
Xiang Ji had never seen before. Unlike his fight with Hua Xiong where he was only on the defensive,
these two men were evenly matched. Guan Yu sooned joined in the battle to help his brother, and he
rode on the opposite side of LuBu. However LuBu didn't lose any momentum. He swung Sky Piercer quickly
and masterfully, blocking both of the attackers, but at the same time still managing to stay equally
on the offensive. LuBu was truly a god of war, he fought with the strength of a dragon and the speed
of a tiger. Liu Bei also rode in, and with his dual swords also started to fight LuBu. Riding his horse
behind LuBu, Liu Bei and his brothers formed a triangle. Even with all that, the three brothers never
managed to so much as scratch LuBu. But now, LuBu was on the defensive. He sensed he couldn't win, and
with a feint attack pushed past Liu Bei and rode full speed back towards the gate. His troops did like
wise, and soon the entire army was behind Hu Lao Gate. Liu Bei and his brothers noticed the canopy
of Dong Zhuo, but were repelled by a massive amount of arrows from the gate. The alliance army then
withdrew to it's camp.

Soon after, however, Dong Zhuo moved the capital and the Emperor from Luo Yang to Chang An. Without
LuBu, Hu Lao Gate was easily broken through, and the Alliance marched on towards Luo Yang. Cao Cao
gave chase to the armies of Dong Zhuo, which was moving towards Chang An, but an ambush set by LuBu
completely decimated Cao Cao's armies. He barely escaped with his life. Meanwhile in Luo Yang, Sun
Jian had found the jade seal of state, an important article that marks the bearer as the Emperor. Sun
Jian refused to give up the seal to Yuan Shao, and took his armies home. Gongsun Zan, Liu Bei, and
Cao Cao realized that Yuan Shao and the alliance was finished, and they all returned to their own
provinces. The rest of the lords fell in to strife, and Yuan Shao him self to decamped to return
to his own prefect. All the other lords then followed suit.

Xiang Ji stood alone in what used to be the camp of the great alliance. Only his army remained.