Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

There was originally a glimmer of anticipation in Sariel's eyes, like the shining stars in the night sky, but at this moment, as Ma Chao refused again, the glimmer of anticipation instantly dimmed and turned into a heart full of discouragement.

The Shanyue people were known for their simple and unrestrained customs, a stark contrast to the reserved and reserved women of the Central Plains. In Shanyue custom, women who harbored feelings for someone were openly open and unabashed. When they met a man of their dreams, they would personally pour him a glass of wine. This glass, filled with a girl's overflowing love, was like the first flower blooming in spring, warm and sincere.

If the man readily accepts, the woman will invite him to dance. This dance is no ordinary one; in the Shanyue people's understanding, it signifies a solemn, lifelong commitment. Once both parties step onto the dance floor, it signifies mutual understanding, a tacit understanding. As the bonfire dinner slowly winds down, the crowds disperse, and the moon rises above the branches, the lovers find a quiet spot to be alone. Under the soft moonlight and gentle breeze, they dance gracefully, their affection growing as their steps intertwine. They whisper their feelings to each other, sharing the details of their lives. Secrets that are usually unspoken flow naturally in this romantic moment. After this time together, when love has deepened, the families of both parties will come forward and, in accordance with Shanyue traditional etiquette, formally propose marriage, facilitating this beautiful marriage.

Sally remembered clearly that when she, overflowing with joy and holding a glass filled with love, offered it to Ma Chao, he had been reserved, not responding with the enthusiasm she had hoped for. Now, she mustered up the courage to once again invite her to dance, but Ma Chao refused again and again. These repeated rejections, like gentle yet sharp knives, pierced her heart, leaving her feeling devastated. Her once bright and lively eyes were now shrouded in a haze, devoid of their former brilliance.

How could Shamoke not understand his sister's feelings? During the day, Ma Chao displayed his rapid archery skills in the square. Each sword strike was sharp and gleaming with cold light, like a dragon emerging from the sea, with extraordinary momentum. When he drew his iron-framed bow, the tremendous power shocked everyone, as if it could create the world. In the Shanyue people, the reverence for warriors is as deep-rooted as the reverence for the mountains. How could such a Ma Chao not attract everyone's attention?

Shamoke knew his sister all too well. Normally, she had extremely high standards, and ordinary people were simply unattractive to her, except for warriors, whom she adored with all her heart. Furthermore, Ma Chao was handsome and uninhibited, his every move exuding a carefree and heroic spirit, like an unfettered cloud in the sky. It was only natural that his sister would be drawn to him. Otherwise, why would Shamoke have allowed his sister to toast Ma Chao at the banquet?

In fact, Shamoke himself admired Ma Chao's bravery, let alone his sister. At this moment, seeing his sister's lost expression, Shamoke felt a trace of pity in his heart, and quickly said, "Well, in that case, let's see General Ma Chao dance with a sword together."

With that, he turned to the people singing and dancing in the square, clapped his hands vigorously, and shouted, "Everyone, please stop for a moment! Let's watch Chief Ma Chao dance with swords for us, and experience together the unparalleled grace of the heroes of the Central Plains, the heroes of the Han people!"

When everyone heard this, the originally cheerful singing and dancing came to an abrupt halt. They gathered together and quickly formed a circle. All eyes were fixed on Ma Chao, the handsome Han hero, their eyes full of expectation.

At this moment, Shamoke's eyes were filled with admiration. He raised his glass high once again, thrusting his arm forward with force, and clinked it firmly against Ma Chao's. The crisp clink was particularly pleasant in the boisterous atmosphere. He then tilted his head back and emptied the contents of his glass, his eyes radiating boldness and enthusiasm as he toasted Ma Chao. Ma Chao, without pretense, raised his lips slightly, revealing a confident smile. He also raised his glass, tilted his head back, and downed the wine, displaying his unrestrained generosity.

Clad in a magnificent brocade robe, Ma Chao stood tall and straight like a pine tree, radiating an innate heroic spirit. He slowly reached out and grasped the hilt of the sword at his waist, his movements gentle yet steady and powerful, as if awakening a dormant sword. As the sword was gently drawn, a shimmering, cold light suddenly emanated, the blade akin to millennia of frost and snow, its chilling presence instilling awe.

Ma Chao walked steadily into the arena, planted his feet firmly, faced the crowd, leaned forward slightly, and performed a standard etiquette. This gesture was graceful and smooth, not only solemn but also showing his humility, which attracted the silent admiration of those around him.

Immediately, Ma Chao began his sword dance. In an instant, his figure darted out like lightning, so swift it was almost impossible to capture his presence. The longsword in his hand was like a nimble dragon, twisting and turning with unbridled abandon under his control. Sometimes, the sword's momentum was like a dragon emerging from the sea, a mighty burst of sword energy gushing out, as if ripping everything before it. The overwhelming momentum was like surging waves, one wave after another, suffocating the viewer. Other times, the sword's moves were as agile and swift as a snake's tongue, the cold light flashing from the sword tip as agile as a snake's tongue, dazzling the eyes and making it easy to miss the exquisite details.

His brocade robe fluttered with his intense movements, like brilliant clouds on the horizon, unfurling freely in the wind, adding a touch of elegance and grace to his demeanor. Ma Chao's every movement imbued with a virile force, as if capable of splitting mountains and splitting rocks. Yet, within this ferocity, there was a touch of grace, a fusion of strength and softness, a fusion of strength and softness. Every swing of the sword, every turn, every leap, spoke of the battles of the past, of days filled with passion and heroism.

The wind whirred, like the whistling of a precious sword, as if it were expressing its master's inner aspirations. The surrounding air seemed to be lifted by this powerful sword wind, forming an invisible aura that spread outward. Everyone was deeply captivated by Ma Chao's breathtaking sword dance, their eyes fixed on him, as if under a spell, unable to turn away. They seemed to be transported to a world of chivalry and heroism, and as Ma Chao's sword shadows shone, they experienced the passionate martial arts world and the raging battlefields together.

Ma Chao's swordplay was very different from the swordplay of ordinary heroes. Most heroes' swordplay was aesthetically pleasing, with graceful movements. Ma Chao's swordplay, however, was as sharp as an ice blade, and each strike seemed to carry the cold wind from the Great Wall, exuding a murderous aura.

His swordsmanship flowed like clouds and flowing water, unimpeded. When he drew his sword, it was like a hawk pouncing on a rabbit, swift and decisive; when he moved his sword, it was like a dragon breaking through the waves, all in one smooth motion. Every move and gesture carried a profound aura of killing intent, far from being a superficial display of skill.

This sword was forged on battlefields ravaged by blood and corpses, each strike meant to take the enemy's life. It was as if one could see Ma Chao, wielding this sword, maneuvering through the ranks of countless troops, his path leaving enemy generals splattered with blood, a true display of his masterful demeanor.

The surrounding Shanyue youths, whose eyes had originally been filled with jealousy, now had a subtle change of expression. Initially, seeing Sariel's favor towards Ma Chao, their hearts were filled with jealousy, their envious gazes as sharp as needles.

However, as Ma Chao's swordplay gradually gained acclaim, his posture became swift and his swordplay was lightning-fast, each move displaying extraordinary prowess. Furthermore, the continuous archery skills Ma Chao displayed during the day, his arrows hitting their targets with unwavering precision and ruthlessness, these series of incredible skills quietly shifted the emotions of the young men.

The jealousy in their eyes gradually faded, replaced by overflowing admiration. Ma Chao, in their eyes at this moment, seemed to have transformed into a towering mountain. His astonishing skills and demeanor weighed down their hearts like a mountain, leaving them in awe and breathless. Yet, they couldn't help but gaze up at him, their hearts filled with admiration.

Ma Chao's every move was like magic, completely captivating Sariel. She stared at him intently, her gaze filled with fascination, her cheeks flushed, as if the only thing in the world was the figure dancing with the sword before her. The sword twirled effortlessly in Ma Chao's hand, and each movement of the blade was like a moving melody in her heart, enchanting her and unable to extricate herself.

Shamoko looked at his sister like this, his eyes full of doting, and said softly: "Well, Sariel, are you really in love with this horse leader this time?"

Sally woke up as if from a dream, but did not look away, and murmured: "Look at his every move, strong yet elegant, a perfect fusion of strength and beauty, his whole body seems to exude endless charm, every part of him is good. Brother, I have never seen anyone who makes my heart move as much as he does." As she spoke, her eyes became more shy and sweet.

But in the blink of an eye, Sariel sighed helplessly, looking somewhat lonely: "It seems that he doesn't have any special feelings for me."

Shamoke laughed heartily and gently patted his sister's shoulder. "My sister, you are the precious jewel in the palm of our Shanyue people's hand. You are the most beautiful woman in Shanyue. Why do you underestimate yourself so much? Although he comes from the Ma family in the northwest, he is just a family of border generals. Moreover, if he really has extraordinary abilities, how could he get involved with that Jinfan bandit?"

Shamoke continued, "Sariel, I know you have high standards and look down on the young men of our Shanyue people. But look at the Han general Sun Ce who is currently stirring up trouble in Kuaiji County. I think he is more to your liking."

Before meeting Ma Chao, Shalier had longed for Sun Ce, the rising star of Jiangdong. Sun Ce rose to fame at a young age, relying on his extraordinary courage and strategy to conquer Kuaiji County in a short period of time. His heroic deeds were well-known and witnessed by the Shanyue people. Although the Shanyue were currently at war with Sun Ce's forces, this did not in the least dampen their admiration for the powerful.

Sally had once been filled with longing, fantasizing about marrying such a hero. However, when she later heard that Sun Ce already had a wife, this news was like a bucket of cold water, instantly extinguishing her hopes and making her feel a little discouraged.

At this time, his elder brother, Shamoke, spoke again, "Even though Sun Ce is hostile to us, he is indeed a local lord and holds great power in Kuaiji County. If you could become his concubine, it would be a good choice. And look at this Chief Ma. Although he is also young and promising, he is now hanging out with the Jinfan bandits. His future is truly uncertain."