Mythical Three Kingdoms

Sun Ce's long spear, brimming with fierce momentum, crazily thrust towards Taishi Ci, but the outcome was merely a few superficial wounds on Taishi Ci, while Sun Ce himself suffered a heavy blow in return.

Taishi Ci watched as Sun Ce's massive wound continued to bleed, yet the Sky Piercer in his hands showed no signs of stopping, continuing to slash toward Sun Ce. If he could slay Sun Ce here, it would save countless troubles in the future.

"The situation is dire!" Zhang Xun bit his lip and, upon seeing the wound on Sun Ce's chest as the smoke cleared, was immediately alarmed. He abandoned all sense of honor and led his subordinates to charge forward.

Seeing Zhang Xun lead Sun Ce's forces in an overwhelming surge, Taishi Ci immediately took up his Sky Piercer and slashed toward Sun Ce. Yet, this mighty strike was blocked by Sun Ce, only managing to knock off his helmet.

Zhang Xun's dishonorable assault prompted Taishi Ci's trusted aides to shed their restraints as well. They led troops directly into the fray. Both sides clashed violently, and Taishi Ci's trusted aides displayed even fiercer bravery. However, Sun Ce's army was battle-hardened, with many military officers leading them. After an intense struggle, they managed to protect Sun Ce while retreating strategically.

"Stop, do not pursue them!" After chasing for no more than three to five miles, Taishi Ci reined in his troops and began withdrawing gradually. If he continued suppressing his injuries, recovery would take even longer.

"General Taishi, why not press the advantage and pursue them?" asked Yan Yan, who had come along hoping to reap some benefit.

"Sun Ce's forces vastly outnumber ours. If his rear army were to catch up, it would be us who would lose," Taishi Ci calmly offered a false explanation, unwilling to reveal his vulnerabilities.

"The general is cautious," Yan Yan nodded in agreement without pressing further. Taishi Ci's earlier display of martial prowess had already left him in awe. The Central Plains were indeed the heart of Huaxia, a place of extraordinary people and energies.

After returning to the military camp with his troops, Taishi Ci ordered scouts to conduct extensive investigations and inquired about Yan Yan's account of recent events. He then had a secret letter sent to Zhuge Liang, who was still in the rear, before inspecting the camp and ordering his soldiers to strengthen defenses. Only after all this did he deactivate his secret technique and allowed military doctors to treat his injuries, ensuring no hidden ailments would remain.

When news of Sun Ce's injury reached Pang Tong's hands, Zhuge Liang also received Taishi Ci's letter. Both promptly tucked the intelligence away and ordered their troops to accelerate their march. Simultaneously, they each led their Central Army elite to advance swiftly toward Tigu.

Though Pang Tong wasn't sure whom Liu Bei had appointed as general and strategist, he knew Sun Ce was injured, and any accidents could spell trouble. On the other hand, Zhuge Liang fully understood that Pang Tong was the opposing strategist, and while Taishi Ci remained cautious, he was still no match for a strategist of Pang Tong's caliber. Zhuge Liang had no choice but to arrive ahead of time.

Thus, while their intentions differed, both men acted the same way, and arrived at Tigu at exactly the same time and in the same manner.

"Bofu, are you still alive?" Pang Tong asked with a blackened face as he looked at Sun Ce, who was as sturdy as an ox.

"Ha ha ha, I'm as tough as an ox. How could anything happen to me?" Sun Ce replied with a cheeky grin, even pounding his chest a few times, which produced a deep, resonant sound.

Pang Tong gave Sun Ce a once-over. "If you couldn't beat him in a duel, why not challenge him in commanding troops? Your Legion Talent is also your Monarch Talent, innately suppressing others' Legion Talents. Why insist on fighting someone like that? I heard your battle armor was hacked into pieces, and your chest suffered a major wound?"

Sun Ce was embarrassed and struggled to explain to Pang Tong. While such wounds weren't a big deal to him—recovering within days as long as no bones were damaged—under Pang Tong's scrutinizing gaze, he couldn't help feeling awkward. Zhou Yu had advised Sun Ce countless times, but to no avail.

"Forget it. Part of this is also my fault," Pang Tong withdrew his gaze quietly, taking responsibility for the oversight. "Be more careful in the future. I was careless this time and didn't anticipate this situation. Liu Xuande, huh? I wonder who he'll send this time."

"If you want to know who it is, just go and look. Isn't it pointless to guess here?" Sun Ce bluntly interrupted Pang Tong, whose furrowed brows instantly lost their train of thought.

Pang Tong glared at Sun Ce fiercely and then glanced at him again before saying no more. He had given up bothering altogether. No wonder Zhou Yu needed to activate his overwhelming Talent to lower his own intelligence whenever conversing with Sun Ce.

"Let's go. I'll take you to check out Mount Tai Army's setup," Sun Ce said cheerfully, entirely ignoring Pang Tong's resentful expression as he dragged him outside. Sun Ce had grown accustomed to having an excellent strategist while charging forward himself.

It was fortunate that Sun Ce's past and present strategists were both exceptional; otherwise, with his reckless behavior, even with Inner Qi Manifestation, his demise would only be a matter of time.

"I can walk myself." Pang Tong's face was helpless, but he didn't resist. Since his train of thought had been disrupted, he might as well switch directions, and meeting Liu Bei's forces was one way to do so.

On the other side, Zhuge Liang, noticing Taishi Ci's slightly pale complexion, inquired about the prior events. Confirming that Pang Tong hadn't yet arrived, Zhuge Liang felt significantly relieved.

"He's probably realized I'm here already, but with all the changes, he likely doesn't know who I am anymore." Zhuge Liang smiled faintly, gazing toward the approaching three Talents.

"Though I'd rather not meet him, his abilities will inevitably sense this Spiritual Talent. Even if I don't go, he'll figure out the situation within a day or two," Zhuge Liang remarked warmly while peering back east, where Pang Tong was.

"Military Advisor Zhuge, do you know Pang Shiyuan?" Taishi Ci asked curiously.

"Know him? I more than know him—we used to have quite a cordial relationship," Zhuge Liang replied. "Honestly, I thought his wisdom would lead him to serve Lord Xuande. I didn't expect this kind of scenario. But in a way, it's good; now I can vent all my grievances." Zhuge Liang rarely revealed a sinister smile.

Having suffered countless defeats at Pang Tong's hands as a child, Zhuge Liang's typically refined demeanor belied significant frustrations beneath the surface. Just as Pang Tong had bested Zhuge Liang repeatedly, Zhuge Liang had inflicted the same upon Pang Tong.

What's more, Zhuge Liang understood the grave side effects of his Spiritual Talent perfectly, knowing the key source of its intense backlash. Consequently, even if Zhuge Liang presented himself as mature beyond his years, his resentment toward Pang Tong's brilliance was undeniable.

"Why do I feel an eerie chill?" Taishi Ci glanced uneasily around him. Zhuge Liang's sinister smile sent chills down his spine. Though Taishi Ci didn't know Zhuge Liang well, he found it unsettling that the man, known as "gentlemanly like jade," could display such an expression—surely an ominous sign. (To be continued. If you enjoyed this work, feel free to cast votes and recommendations on Qidian.com. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)