When the Xianbei stationed here recognized that the approaching riders were Han troops, Lu Bu, charging ahead, was already closing in on Fulohan.

It had been seventeen to eighteen hours since they departed from the Yin Mountains.

This dusk marked the second day’s evening.

Despite Qiao Yan’s robust constitution, scoring an impressive eighty, surpassing most adults, she couldn’t help but feel fatigued now, realizing deeply what Zhuge Liang meant by “the last gasp of a strong crossbow can’t pierce through Lu gowns.”

Fortunately—

Fortunately, marching on the grasslands differed from the rugged terrain of the interior!

Fortunately, they carried not dry rations but jerky, enough to replenish their expended energy!

And fortunately, with fierce generals like Lu Bu leading the charge, the entire team was invigorated!

At this moment of unwavering determination, they weren’t a worn-out force depleted by rapid marches, but one emboldened by imminent victory, more ferocious than usual.

As the sun set, flashes of blood splattered across the camp from the cavalry’s blades.

Lu Bu surged toward the main tent in the rear, ensuring no one escaped their assault.

Emerging from the tents, they hastily formed ranks upon realizing they were under attack, only to face a hail of arrows.

Among them, the sharpest pierced through a vine armor and struck Xianbei soldiers in the head, thanks to the formidable bow’s tension.

Before they could scatter in panic, the lead warrior’s weapon descended.

Lu Bu’s grip on the halberd was steadier than ever.

Seeing the flags atop the fortress under Mount Saiyin, he realized this wasn’t just a post to secure on their march, or a transit station for replenishment, but the place where he could achieve great feats.

The distinctive insignia belonged to the Xianbei leader known as “Lord.”

Thinking back to Qiao Yan’s promise when they left Yanmen, Lu Bu couldn’t help but feel his blood boil.

He knew he could be one of the three to earn top honors.

If he could take the Xianbei leader’s head, he would rise from a county official in Yanmen to a commandant of a whole region!

Who wouldn’t desire promotion? Who wouldn’t want their conquests against the Xianbei to be remembered in history?

Lu Bu didn’t hide his ambitions, and he was fortunate that his superior, Qiao Yan, encouraged his aspirations, knowing she had the ability and courage to rise even higher.

For those like Lu Bu, whose intentions were clear, he had only one thought now.

He must be the first to slay the Xianbei leader to vent his pent-up frustration from days of marching, fulfill his ambitions, and repay Qiao Yan’s trust!

Kill or be killed!

After the arrows felled many, the highest-ranked Xianbei was exposed in Lu Bu’s sight.

He rode over the barriers and charged toward the leader who ordered the arrows.

The Xianbei couldn’t comprehend how these Han soldiers, bursting forth like tigers released from their cages, possessed such valor.

Too late to notice, an arrow with a white feather pierced the center of the camp, signaling a full-on assault.

All they could see was the fierce general, sweeping away arrows aimed at him with his halberd, charging relentlessly.

The momentum of Lu Bu and his troops was unstoppable, giving their enemies no choice but to face the slaughter.

Was there any other choice?

Lu Bu was at the peak age for a warrior on the battlefield, with a belief that fueled him to surpass his usual prowess.

The Xianbei leader raised his weapon to counterattack, but Lu Bu’s halberd struck faster than their blades, with devastating force.

There was no missing the strike.

Without looking back at the result, Lu Bu continued charging forward, pursuing the Xianbei soldiers trying to flee from the camp.

Where Fulohan had stood moments ago, his body and head now lay separated, collapsing in inertia.

Lu Bu had no doubt his achievements would be duly noted.

Despite the rapid march of the cavalry, the strict merit system ensured that records of his feats were meticulously kept.

Soon after, someone collected Fulohan’s head on Lu Bu’s behalf to present to Qiao Yan for recognition.

Qiao Yan herself witnessed the scene unfold.

With over four thousand cavalry charging thunderously into the camp, they dealt a devastating blow to the enemy.

The enemy’s patrols failed to detect them in time, and their defenses were inadequate.

Exploiting this lapse, Qiao Yan led her forces in for an overwhelming advantage.

There was no time for the enemy to ascertain Qiao Yan’s identity or capture her.

Lu Bu, charging ahead, had already slain their leader, leaving the rest to resist futilely.

With Zhang Liao by his side, the terrain was ideal for his tactical prowess.

After Lu Bu’s decisive strike, Zhang Liao seamlessly took over guarding Qiao Yan closely, just as Dian Wei would have done.

Qiao Yan observed her formidable generals each demonstrating their skills, unleashing their full potential previously confined to the borderlands.

Once Qiao Yan obtained documents from the main tent and had them translated by a fluent Xianbei speaker, confirming the identity of the defenders as Fulohan’s men, she swiftly ordered their execution.

Surveying the camp to ensure no survivors remained, she directed the bodies of the Xianbei to be concealed in a tent.

Outer defenses were secured, and soldiers dressed in captured Xianbei attire to maintain watch.

Others rested in the tents while awaiting reinforcements.

It was to be at least a three-day rest.

Qiao Yan settled by the campfire, feeling her legs ache from the intense riding.

She took a bowl from Zhang Yang and asked, “Have the orders about controlling our food intake been passed on?”

“Don’t worry, Commander. They’ve been relayed. We’ve all learned from Master Wu’s lessons. We should celebrate our victory but not overeat. We’ve checked the nearby water source, which is scarce but crucial, and the Xianbei have protected it well.”

Qiao Yan nodded, appreciating Zhang Yang’s straightforwardness, especially in following her orders diligently.

Sipping the hot soup, she instructed, “Summon Lu Bu.”

Most would be exhausted from such combat, but Lu Bu approached her with the readiness to fight at any moment.

Glancing at him, Qiao Yan felt a tinge of envy at his boundless energy.

Yet, knowing it might be the result of trading intelligence for stamina, she reconsidered.

Seeing Lu Bu finally calm down and obedient, she asked, “You killed Fulohan. What position as a captain do you seek?”

Lu Bu’s expression showed clear confusion.

Most likely wondering: “There’s a choice?”

Qiao Yan continued, “Captains on the border often reside in frontier fortresses at the foot of the Yin Mountains. For instance, the captain of Dingxiang County lives in Wuyao City. If you’re not satisfied here, wouldn’t it undermine your achievements? I have an idea, would you like to hear it?”