Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Everyone looked puzzled, whispering to each other, "General Zhang Ren's archery skills are already so outstanding. Is there anyone more powerful than General Zhang Ren?" Upon hearing this, Ma Chao's face lit up with interest. He said, "Oh? Who are you talking about? Is he one of our soldiers? Call him out so we can see him."

Xu Huang then glanced around, his gaze sweeping across the faces of the generals. They were now eager to urge him to speak. Xu Huang glanced around again, his gaze finally settling on Ma Chao. He spoke louder, "This man is the mighty General Tian! He charges into battle, his spearmanship awe-inspiring. But when it comes to archery, he's the true leader of Xiliang."

When the crowd heard this, some nodded in agreement without hesitation, while others fell into deep thought, as if recalling Ma Chao's past performance. Zhang Xiu, on the other hand, looked at Ma Chao with a sharp gaze, his eyes revealing deep admiration.

Seeing this, Xu Huang seized the opportunity to stir up trouble, saying, "General, General, please come out and show off your archery skills so that everyone can see what you can do!" Ma Chao hadn't intended to be the subject of such excitement, but now, standing before the three armies, watching everyone's archery competition, he felt the urge to show his skills too. So, turning to the waiter beside him, he said, "Okay, bring me my precious carved bow."

Soon, the waiter respectfully presented the precious carved bow to Ma Chao. Ma Chao took it and gently stroked the bow, as if he were conversing with an old friend. He walked with steady, powerful steps to the open area of ​​the training ground.

At that moment, someone had set up a row of targets at varying intervals on a distant hillside, each marked with circles of varying sizes. Ma Chao stared at them with a determined gaze, took a deep breath, drew an arrow from his quiver, and placed it on the bowstring.

He exerted his strength with both arms, pulling the bowstring until it resembled a full moon. With a whoosh, the sharp arrow shot out like a meteor, striking the center of the smallest circle at the farthest point. The tail of the arrow still trembled slightly. Everyone couldn't help but cheer in unison.

Ma Chao did not stop, he continued to draw his bow and shoot arrows, each arrow hit the target accurately, and each arrow hit the core of the circle.

Then, someone brought over a few fast horses, carrying several constantly shaking bamboo tubes on their backs. Ma Chao did not hesitate and quickly shot his arrows, which unexpectedly pierced the rapidly shaking bamboo tubes accurately.

Then, a group of knights rode off, their helmet tassels fluttering in the air. Ma Chao, with his keen eyesight, shot his bowstring repeatedly, shooting off several helmet tassels, but the knights remained unaffected.

Ma Chao stood with his bow drawn. A moment of silence fell over the entire audience, then erupted into deafening cheers and applause. Zhang Ren stepped forward, clasped his fists, and said, "General, your archery skills are unparalleled. You are truly the best in Xiliang. No one can compare to you!" The generals nodded in admiration, deeply impressed by Ma Chao's skill.

Sun Ce said with a sincere expression, "Brother, I've been on the battlefield for many years. When it comes to archery, perhaps only Huang Zhong of Nanyang, the general I defeated in Changsha, can be compared to you."

Ma Chao was intrigued upon hearing this and blurted out, "Oh? To be praised so highly by my dear brother, I believe that man's archery skills must be exquisite and extraordinary."

Ma Chao always maintained a humble and modest temperament. His calmness and humility made all the generals present sincerely admire him.

Ma Chao no longer dwelled on this matter and summoned Zhang Ren and Xu Huang to the banquet. Zhang Ren's eyes lit up like stars at the sight of the dark-gold horse, his face flushed with excitement. With trembling hands, he stroked the horse's side, muttering to himself, "Such a divine horse is mine! What a gift from heaven!" He eagerly mounted the horse and spun around several times, his uncontrollable joy oozing from every pore.

Ma Chao looked at Xu Huang and said with a smile: "General Xu, your contribution today is no less than Zhang Ren's. I have seen your bravery and loyalty and keep them in mind." As he said that, he personally filled Xu Huang's glass with fine wine.

The slight imbalance in Xu Huang's heart caused by Zhang Ren getting the BMW first disappeared instantly. He grinned widely, smiled brilliantly, took the wine bowl, drank it all, and said loudly: "I, Xu Huang, will be loyal to you for your appreciation!" His smug look showed the boldness and straightforwardness of a warrior.

Ma Chao seized the opportunity to counsel Xu Huang, "General Xu, don't let your temporary success make you too arrogant. Remember, there are always people better than you. Only by remaining humble and striving for progress can you achieve lasting victory." Upon hearing this, Xu Huang's smile faded, his expression respectful. He clasped his fists and said, "General, I will remember your teachings and will never forget them."

Ma Chao continued, "General Xu, the battlefield situation is ever-changing, and victory and defeat are commonplace. Don't let today's victory become a reason for complacency tomorrow. Remember that every opponent we encounter has their own strengths, and we must not underestimate them."

Xu Huang nodded repeatedly, his expression serious as he said, "General, you are absolutely right. I will remain vigilant and will not slack off even for a moment."

Ma Chao nodded slightly and continued, "As generals, we should have broad minds, learn from others, and constantly hone our skills. Only then can we remain invincible on the battlefield."

Xu Huang seemed to be lost in thought. He responded, "General, your words have enlightened me. I will work even harder in the future and live up to your high expectations."

Ma Chao patted Xu Huang on the shoulder and said with a smile, "That's very good. I believe General Xu will achieve even more great feats in the future."

At this time, the atmosphere at the banquet was warm. All the generals were impressed by Ma Chao's wisdom and Xu Huang's humility, and they all raised their glasses and drank.

At this moment, the generals, all envious of Zhang Ren's acquisition of the black gold horse, gazed eagerly at the majestic white steed on the field. They were itching to get their hands on it, and they all shouted at the top of their lungs, "Hurry up and start the next competition! We want this fine steed too!" Their eagerness was like a pack of hungry wolves seeing a fat lamb, eager to rush forward and compete.

Ma Chao said cheerfully, "Next, we'll compete in martial arts. Everyone, remember to stop when you're ready and avoid using heavy hands to disrupt the atmosphere." Pang De quickly said, "General, you absolutely must not fight! If you do, this competition won't go on." Sun Ce quickly chimed in, "Brother, you are incredibly powerful. If you do, I absolutely won't participate." Ma Chao couldn't help but laugh, "Don't flatter me. Just show your true abilities and work hard."

Wu Anguo and Pan Feng gathered together, their expressions solemn as they discussed privately. Since their surrender, both had performed mediocrely in various matters, with no notable achievements to show for themselves. Every time they thought of this, they felt a subtle sense of unease and anxiety. After careful consideration, they finally made up their minds. With a firm gaze, they exchanged a look and said in unison, "This time, we're ready to take action and make a name for ourselves!"

The Di envoys below gazed at Wu Anguo with a look of deep fear in their eyes. In the previous battle, their own side had been left in disarray, their armor and weapons scattered. This general wielding the sledgehammer had been among the bravest and most fearless of the charge. Now, as the envoys gazed upon the immense hammer in his hand, their minds involuntarily conjured up images of his valiant battles, a chilling reminder of his bravery. Yet, this man spoke so modestly, as if he hadn't taken that glorious encounter seriously. This scene made the envoys sigh: It seems the land of Xiliang is truly a land of talent, a land of hidden talents!

Wu Anguo's bold challenge to battle on the parade grounds had Yang Qiu of Beidi County agitated. Long before Ma Chao's rise to prominence, Yang Qiu had already been active in the Western Liang region. Later, he joined Han Sui in a rebellion, only to be captivated by Ma Chao's martial prowess and pledge his loyalty. However, Ma Chao's extraordinary martial prowess and rapid rise to power were as remarkable as a meteor streaking across the night sky. Furthermore, Ma Chao's subordinates were mostly newly recruited generals, leaving these former Western Liang generals feeling their past achievements were limited to past experience. Yang Qiu thought to himself, this was a rare opportunity; he must demonstrate his prowess and impress everyone. So, he resolutely stepped onto the battlefield, ready to challenge Wu Anguo.

The two began their duel. From the moment they clashed, Wu Anguo unleashed a formidable display of strength. The force of his hammer, accompanied by a whirring sound, crashed down upon Yang Qiu, like a mountain bearing down on him. Yang Qiu felt a surge of immense force, his arm instantly numb, his knuckles aching, and he nearly lost control of his weapon. Yang Qiu, alarmed, knew he couldn't confront him head-on, or he would surely lose. So, Yang Qiu quickly adjusted his strategy, employing subtle countermeasures, attempting to exploit Wu Anguo's weaknesses with nimble moves and deft movements.

In this competition, both sides adhered to the principle of stopping at just the right time and did not resort to lethal force. Despite this, every move and every form fully demonstrated the strength and skill of both.

Wu Anguo's hammer was powerful, and every time it struck down, it had the force of thunder; Yang Qiu relied on his flexible body and clever moves to dodge left and right, waiting for an opportunity to counterattack.