Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Upon hearing this, Zhang Liao, Xu Huang, and Gan Ning's faces were instantly filled with grief and anger. Zhang Liao's eyes were red, and he swung his sword fiercely. The blade hummed and clanged, and with a loud "clang", he cut off a nearby military flag. He roared, "How can the court be so foolish and unfair! My lord has devoted himself to the court, fighting in many battles, risking his life, and now he has been killed by such a cruel hand. Today, even if I die, I, Zhang Liao, will avenge my lord!"

Xu Huang's face was ferocious, and he smashed the axe in his hand heavily to the ground, splashing a piece of gravel, and roared: "You little bastard Lu Bu, you aided and abetted the tyrant and killed my master. I, Xu Huang, will never forgive you! Even if I have to bleed on the spot today, I will make you pay the price!" After that, he swung the axe vigorously, and the air around him was stirred up by the whistling sound.

Gan Ning wailed to the heavens, his face crazed. His hand on the bowstring trembled slightly with anger as he roared, "Our lord has been so kind to us, and today he has been wronged to death. I, Gan Ning, will carry your heads to pay my respects to our lord!"

The Xiliang cavalry behind them heard the roars of their commanders and were driven into a frenzy. Shouts of "General Shenwei Tian is dead!" echoed through the heavens, their voices filled with grief and resentment. They raised their spears and swords, their gleaming icy light, like a surging black tide, recklessly charging towards Lü Bu and his men, determined to fight to the death and seek justice for their beloved Ma Chao. The entire battlefield was instantly enveloped in an atmosphere of hatred and madness, and an even more brutal fight was imminent.

Seeing the situation getting increasingly out of control, Lu Bu's face flashed with contempt, and he snorted disdainfully: "Hmph, you're really trying to stop a chariot with a mantis arm. You're overestimating your own abilities!" After that, he slammed his legs on his Red Hare and rushed towards Zhang Liao, Xu Huang, and Gan Ning like an arrow, waving the Fang Tian Hua Ji in his hand, instantly bringing up a gust of fierce wind.

On the battlefield, the clash of weapons and the shouts of soldiers mingled. Lü Bu single-handedly faced three generals, unfazed. His halberd flew, clashing fiercely with Zhang Liao's sword, Xu Huang's axe, and Gan Ning's blade, sending sparks flying. In the midst of the fierce battle, Lü Bu took a moment to shout to Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, "The Emperor has commanded that if they refuse to surrender, they be executed on the spot. Why are you two still standing there?"

Guan Yu and Zhang Fei stood there, their faces tangled, watching the frenzied Xiliang cavalry engage Lu Bu and his men in fierce combat. Guan Yu's brow furrowed, a tornado between the emperor's orders and his deep sympathy for Ma Chao's men.

Seeing that the two of them remained unmoved, Lu Bu became furious and shouted again, "Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, why don't you come forward? The emperor has ordered that if they are willing to surrender, they will be subdued; if they refuse to surrender, they will be killed on the spot. What are you waiting for? Do you want to disobey the emperor's order?" His voice was full of anxiety and urging, which was particularly harsh in this chaotic battlefield.

Guan Yu's face was utterly embarrassed, his mind swirling with inner struggle. Military orders were as firm as a mountain, and he didn't know what to do. Zhang Fei, on the other hand, took it easy: since the emperor had given his orders, he simply obeyed. With a roar, like a raging lion, he brandished his Zhangba Snake Spear and charged into the fray once more.

Lü Bu faced three enemies alone, showing no fear. His Fang Tian Hua Ji wielded with such force that it swiftly pierced the air, its shadows absorbing the attacks of Zhang Liao, Xu Huang, and Gan Ning one by one, yet he remained undefeated. He dodged a fierce blow, then swung his halberd to parry a fatal blow. His Red Hare steed moved nimbly and galloped across the battlefield, his momentum imposing.

Zhang Fei shouted, charging forward with his Zhangba Snake Spear. Almost simultaneously, Lü Bu's subordinates, Hao Meng and Song Xian, arrived on horseback. Hao Meng brandished his long sword, slashing at the enemy with a gleaming gleam; Song Xian whipped his steel whip, each lash accompanied by a whirring sound as he struck his opponent. Zhang Fei and Lü Bu combined proved too much for the three of them to resist. Adding Hao Meng and Song Xian to the mix, the pressure on Zhang Liao, Gan Ning, and Xu Huang instantly doubled, forcing them to struggle. Zhang Liao, though determined and trying to hold on, was soaked with sweat. Gan Ning, despite his agile movements, seemed somewhat overwhelmed. Xu Huang, even battling wounded, found each resistance particularly difficult.

Cao Xing, waiting for his opportunity, saw the chaotic situation on the battlefield and, with a sudden thought, drew his bow and arrow, aiming at Xu Huang. His eyes flashed, his fingers loosened, and the arrow shot out like lightning. Xu Huang, completely absorbed in the battle, was caught off guard by a sharp arrow, which struck him in the arm. Feeling the pain, Xu Huang hurled his axe with a thud, landing with a clang. Gritting his teeth, he withdrew the sword from his waist with his free hand and continued his fierce resistance, his eyes filled with unyielding determination.

Liu Bei rushed to the scene, only to be met with a chaotic scene of bloodshed, shouts of killing, and the clashing of weapons. Seeing this, Liu Bei was distraught and shouted at the top of his lungs, "Stop!" But the ferocious fighting on the battlefield drowned out his voice, and no one responded.

Guan Yu had been hesitant to attack. Seeing Zhang Fei so engrossed in the fight, completely unaware of Liu Bei's arrival, and Zhang Liao, Xu Huang, and Gan Ning clearly at a disadvantage, he grew increasingly anxious. Without further hesitation, Guan Yu held his Green Dragon Crescent Blade horizontally, clamped his grip on his horse's belly, and charged into the fray, accurately blocking Zhang Fei's thrusting spear with his broadsword.

Zhang Fei was in the thick of the action, his blood boiling, his heart brimming with the excitement of battle when he was suddenly stopped. His rage surged, and just as he was about to explode, he looked up and saw Guan Yu. He asked, bewildered, "Second brother, what are you doing?" Guan Yu's expression was grave, and he quickly said, "Big brother is here, calling for a ceasefire. Didn't you hear?" Suddenly, Zhang Fei awoke from his dream and looked around. Sure enough, he saw Liu Bei calling anxiously in the distance. Reluctantly, he withdrew his attack, but Lü Bu, engrossed in the killing, showed no sign of stopping.

Seeing Lü Bu showed no sign of stopping, Liu Bei was terribly anxious. Without a second thought, he drew his double-edged sword, urged his horse on, and joined the fray. While fighting fiercely, he shouted to Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, "Yunchang, Yide, separate them quickly! Stop the fighting!" Guan Yu and Zhang Fei immediately gathered their strength and attacked Lü Bu from both sides. Their combined force was like a surging tide, instantly interrupting Lü Bu's offensive rhythm. Lü Bu was forced to halt his attack, and the battlefield was divided.

Zhang Liao and Gan Ning hurried to Xu Huang's side, their faces filled with concern as they examined his injuries. Xu Huang, however, remained unconcerned. He drew his sword and, with a sharp snap, severed the arrow's tail. He declared, "It's nothing! What can such a mean-spirited arrow do to me?" Even so, his face paled and sweat broke out, clearly indicating the severity of the wound. Filled with grief and indignation, the three generals stood shoulder to shoulder at the front of the battle, their gazes fixed on Lü Bu and the others.

Lu Bu was forcibly stopped, and his heart was burning with anger. He questioned Liu Bei with an angry face: "Xuan De, what do you mean? Do you dare to disobey the order of the emperor?" Liu Bei looked calm and replied calmly: "Fengxian, the emperor's intention is to recruit these three generals to surrender. Why do you have to kill them all and increase casualties?" When Lu Bu heard this, he immediately raised his voice and retorted: "I have already made it clear to the emperor that he wants to surrender, but these three generals are stubborn and insist on avenging Ma Chao. I can only do as the emperor wishes and kill their army on the spot to prevent future troubles!" Both sides insisted on their own opinions, and the tense atmosphere spread on the battlefield, as if just a spark could ignite this cruel battle again.

Liu Bei frowned and said earnestly, "That being said, they are all truly capable men. If we fight to the death, wouldn't it only lead to countless casualties?" Upon hearing this, Lü Bu raised his brow and snorted coldly, "Ma Chao rebelled and assassinated the emperor. He deserves death. As Ma Chao's remnants, they refuse to surrender and will die. I'm merely carrying out the emperor's orders!"

Liu Bei's gaze was resolute. He stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Fengxian, why don't we put this official matter on hold for now? Although I disagree with these generals, I respect them as heroes. I'd like to intervene. Wouldn't it be better if we could avoid this senseless fighting?" Hearing this, a hint of hesitation flashed across Lü Bu's eyes. He glanced at Zhang Liao, Xu Huang, and Gan Ning, whose faces were filled with grief and indignation, then at Liu Bei, who looked sincere. After a moment's silence, he slowly nodded and said, "Since you, Xuande, are so determined, I'll give you this favor and see how you persuade them to surrender. But if your persuasion fails, don't blame me for being merciless!"

Liu Bei rode forward, his expression sincere, and addressed Zhang Liao and the others, "Generals, the current situation is critical, and it is not what you and I desire. The world is in chaos, and the people are suffering. Only by working together can we stabilize the world. With your talents, if you can commit to the righteous path and support the Han Dynasty, you will surely achieve great things. Why bother to resist here stubbornly and cause more casualties?"

Zhang Liao rode out, his face stern and his gaze fixed on Liu Bei. "Uncle Liu, you and my master were once fellow disciples, and he placed his trust in you. Since you knew the emperor had long plotted to murder my master, yet you disregarded our fellow disciples' friendship and aided him in his evil deeds, if we surrender today, will you betray us in the future?"

Upon hearing this, Liu Bei's face was filled with pain. He quickly explained, "Wenyuan, you misunderstood. Mengqi's power is growing, causing the emperor to be uneasy. The emperor only wanted to weaken his military power, stabilize the court, and maintain peace. He had no intention of harming him. I never expected things to develop to this point. I am deeply saddened."

Zhang Liao snorted coldly, his face full of sarcasm. "Sounds good! Now that my master is dead, how can I trust you with your empty words?"

Liu Bei sighed deeply and spoke earnestly, "Wenyuan, I, Liu Bei, swear in the name of my kinsmen of the Han Dynasty that if I receive your help, I will treat you with all my heart and never let you down. The Han Dynasty is in decline, and the various factions are constantly strife-ridden. The people are in dire straits. You are all loyal and righteous men. Can you bear to watch the world continue in chaos and the people suffer?"

Xu Huang's face flushed crimson, veins bulging on his forehead. He slammed his axe into the ground with a dull thud and roared, "My lord fought for the court, conquering countless battles and achieving remarkable feats. Yet, he was murdered for no reason. This blood feud is irreconcilable! Even if I die today, I will never surrender. I will seek justice for my lord!"

Gan Ning's eyes were instantly bloodshot. He suddenly drew the steel knife from his waist. The blade gleamed coldly in the sunlight. He roared loudly: "It is impossible for us to surrender! Our lord has been very kind to us. How can I, Gan Ning, live in this world with the dignity I deserve? Today I will use your blood to pay tribute to our lord's spirit in heaven!" After that, the Xiliang cavalry behind him were furious. They waved their weapons and issued deafening shouts. The murderous intent filled the entire battlefield.

Liu Bei, distraught, urged again, "Generals, I know your loyalty and hatred, but acting impulsively now is like an egg against a rock, and your sacrifice will be in vain. It is better to put aside your hatred for now and consider the long-term consequences. I will spare no effort to uncover the truth for General Ma Chao and give you an explanation."