Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Ma Chao and Pang De endured immense hardships on their long journey. Under the scorching sun, their clothes were drenched with sweat, and amidst the swirling dust, their faces were etched with exhaustion. Their horses galloped, the clatter of their hooves echoing across the wilderness, raising clouds of dust.

They were utterly anxious, eager to return to Xiliang immediately. Every moment was filled with fear for the changing situation and the safety of Xiliang. Ma Chao's eyes betrayed determination and anxiety, while Pang De followed closely, sharing the hardships of the journey and the anxiety within. The howling wind couldn't dispel their eagerness, and the long journey couldn't dampen their longing for home. Their hearts held a single thought: to return to Xiliang as quickly as possible and plunge into the uncertain terrain of war.

Ma Chao and Pang De left Luoyang, passed through Hangu Pass, Fengxu County, Fufeng County, and Tianshui County. After going through many hardships and finally arriving at Dong Zhuo's base camp, Longxi County, exhausted. At this time, Dong Zhuo had just received the appointment to attack Han Sui and others in Xiliang.

Ma Chao arrived at the general's residence, exhausted and dusty, and told the gatekeeper his purpose, requesting an audience with Dong Zhuo. Upon hearing this, the gatekeeper hurried in to report.

Meanwhile, Dong Zhuo, having just received the order to suppress Han Sui's rebellion, was pondering how to arrange matters. He summoned his men to discuss the relevant matters of sending troops.

However, Dong Zhuo was displeased with Ma Chao's arrival. He still remembered the terrifying night of the palace coup, when Ma Chao had thwarted Empress Dowager Dong's grand plan, which made him feel that Ma Chao and they were inherently on opposing sides. Furthermore, Ma Chao's status as Lu Zhi's disciple further displeased Dong Zhuo, who saw no potential for any rapprochement.

In Dong Zhuo's heart, he was full of resistance and disgust towards Ma Chao. He frowned, with an unhappy expression on his face, and was wondering whether he should meet Ma Chao.

Li Ru noticed that Dong Zhuo had no intention of meeting Ma Chao. He frowned slightly, thought for a while, then hurried forward and said to Dong Zhuo: "My lord, Ma Chao is an extraordinary martial artist, extremely brave, and famous! Now we are in urgent need of all kinds of talents to work for us. Have you forgotten, my lord?" Li Ru was a little anxious. He knew that Dong Zhuo's thinking at the moment was a bit short-sighted.

After hearing what Li Ru said, Dong Zhuo showed a hint of hesitation on his face. He thought to himself: "This Ma Chao is indeed capable, but he ruined the Queen Mother Dong's affairs on the night of the palace coup, and there seems to be some estrangement between us." But Dong Zhuo also thought about the current situation, which really needed some capable helpers, and he couldn't help feeling a little conflicted.

Li Ru seemed to see through Dong Zhuo's thoughts and continued to persuade him, "My lord, Ma Teng is also quite powerful in Liang Province. If we can win over the father and son, it will be of great benefit to us! Moreover, Ma Chao's coming here is a good opportunity to observe him and see if he can be used by us. Even if he cannot be used by us, with his superb martial arts, he can be used as a sharp knife to cut through the thorns for you, my lord! It would be better for you to meet him!" Li Ru's words were full of expectation. He hoped that Dong Zhuo could change his mind.

Li Ru's words did touch Dong Zhuo's heart, but they also aroused the dissatisfaction of Dong Zhuo's generals. They secretly grumbled and were full of hostility towards Ma Chao.

Soon, the soldiers brought Ma Chao in, and Ma Chao respectfully greeted Dong Zhuo. Dong Zhuo looked at Ma Chao with a fake smile on his face, and had a seemingly encouraging conversation with him. Then, Dong Zhuo pretended to ask, "Ma Chao, what brings you here this time?"

After hearing this, Ma Chao said anxiously: "Mr. Dong, my father Ma Teng is under siege, and I am extremely worried! I would like to borrow a team of cavalry to serve as your vanguard to rescue my father." Ma Chao spoke sincerely, and his eyes revealed anxiety and expectation.

Before Dong Zhuo could say anything, Guo Si could no longer suppress his anger. He stepped forward, widened his eyes, and said angrily: "Lord Dong has many brave generals under his command. How can anyone get a turn? Who do you think you are? You are just a kid, and you dare to come here to borrow troops!" His words were full of contempt and disdain, as if Ma Chao was not worth mentioning at all in his eyes.

As soon as Guo Si finished speaking, the other generals also echoed him. They talked one after another. Some laughed at Ma Chao for overestimating his own abilities, and some ridiculed him for being ignorant of the immensity of heaven and earth. For a moment, all kinds of unpleasant words filled the air, making Ma Chao feel very embarrassed. His face turned red and white, and he stood there embarrassed.

At this time, Dong Zhuo spoke slowly: "Since Ma Chao wants to be a vanguard, it means that he must have extraordinary qualities and certain strength. How about this, you might as well compete with each other, so that I can see who is more capable and who is more worthy of the position of vanguard." Dong Zhuo's words made the atmosphere more tense and depressing, as if a big battle was about to break out.

Everyone agreed and surrounded Ma Chao and came to the martial arts training ground in Dong Zhuo's mansion.

Ma Chao sighed helplessly, a look of determination flashing in his eyes as he walked steadily onto the stage. Guo Si, unable to contain his rage, roared like an enraged lion, brandishing his weapon and charging forward with a gust of wind. Ma Chao remained unmoved, his posture steady as a rock.

The two men instantly engaged in a fierce battle. Amidst the flashing of swords and sabers, Guo Si's offensive was unstoppable, each strike carrying a fierce momentum. But Ma Chao remained calm. He moved nimbly, deftly avoiding Guo Si's attacks while his spear danced like a silver dragon, occasionally delivering a sharp thrust.

After seven or eight fierce rounds, Guo Si was no match for his opponent. His breathing became rapid, and his moves became disorganized. Ma Chao, seizing the opportunity, a glint of brilliance flashed in his eyes. He suddenly accelerated his spear, thrusting it out like lightning. Guo Si was unable to dodge, and Ma Chao stabbed him in the shoulder. With a scream, he stumbled back a few steps, defeated.

After Guo Si's defeat, Li Jue, observing the situation, a fierce glint in his eyes. Brandishing his twin halberds, he leaped onto the battlefield like a whirlwind. Ma Chao and Li Jue engaged in a fierce battle for thirteen or fourteen more rounds. Li Jue's twin halberds were impenetrable, but Ma Chao remained unstoppable. His spear wielded with the force of a hurricane, each strike unleashing immense power. Despite his valor, Li Jue gradually lost ground to Ma Chao's exquisite spearmanship. Ultimately, Li Jue was defeated by Ma Chao and forced to retreat in disgrace.

At this moment, Hua Xiong, known as the foremost warrior in Longxi, could no longer contain himself. With a roar like thunder, he charged forward, long sword in hand, like a moving mountain. Ma Chao and Hua Xiong engaged in a fierce battle for over twenty rounds. Hua Xiong wielded his long sword with ferocious force, but Ma Chao remained unfazed. His spearmanship was unpredictable, sometimes like a raging storm, sometimes like the gentle flow of still water. Hua Xiong's strength gradually wore thin, sweat beads on his forehead, and his breathing became heavy. Ultimately, Hua Xiong was no match for Ma Chao, his long sword sent flying by a single spear, and he was utterly defeated.

Seeing how brave Ma Chao was, the remaining generals did not dare to step forward to challenge him. The training ground was silent, and only Ma Chao stood proudly. He exuded an unparalleled heroic spirit, as if the god of war had descended.

Dong Zhuo saw Ma Chao injuring Guo Si, and a hint of displeasure flashed across his face. He was about to open his mouth to blame Ma Chao, but Ma Chao knelt on one knee and quickly stepped forward to apologize. Dong Zhuo was speechless for a moment when he saw this.

Li Ru was delighted to see Ma Chao so brave. He began to persuade Dong Zhuo, "My lord, Ma Chao is so brave at such a young age. The war is imminent, and it is time for him to show his skills! Besides, he is so capable, even if the enemy is large, with his bravery, he will be invincible!" Li Ru's words contained some admiration and praise for Ma Chao.

Dong Zhuo, though still somewhat reluctant, agreed vaguely, unwilling to embarrass Li Ru. Dong Zhuo then turned to Ma Chao and asked which soldiers he would like to lead the vanguard. Ma Chao eagerly replied, "Please lend me a thousand elite cavalrymen! This is an urgent matter. My lord, please grant this request immediately so that I can lead these thousand cavalrymen to rescue Wuwei!"

Dong Zhuo didn't know what Li Ru was thinking, so he said, "Then let you, Wen You, arrange a thousand men for him." After hearing this, Ma Chao hurriedly thanked him and left.

Dong Zhuo watched Ma Chao depart and turned to Li Ru, asking, "Why are you giving him such a big honor?" Li Ru smiled faintly and replied, "My lord, Ma Chao is young and energetic, and highly skilled in martial arts. We can use him as a spear to attack the enemy! In this expedition, we will let him tackle any tough challenges. If we win, the credit will be ours, and if we lose, we won't lose much."

After hearing this, Dong Zhuo stroked his beard with satisfaction and laughed heartily.