Your Majesty, please spare Diao Chan; your yang energy is too strong.

However, this flaw only applies to Guan Yu.

Clearly, Zhang Liao and Zhao Yun do not have this flaw.

Especially Zhao Yun.

Throughout his life of battles, apart from the thirty rounds he fought with Wen Chou, which ended in a draw, there were no other battles.

They're basically sold out in seconds.

Jiang Wei doesn't count.

If Jiang Wei hadn't been referring to the old general that day, but rather to that old scoundrel.

Jiang Boyue of Tianshui might become Dead Boyue of Tianshui.

Therefore, in conclusion, Zhao Yun's strength is at least one level higher than Guan Yu's.

Unfortunately, his weapon was lighter than Guan Yu's.

In terms of endurance, even Guan Yu couldn't match him.

As long as he can block three of his attacks, wouldn't it be a piece of cake for Zhao Yun to control Guan Yu later on?

...........

Closer to home.

He glanced around the room briefly, not paying much attention.

Zhou Heng immediately ordered the troops to set off.

Given the urgency of the situation, it's likely that Yuan Xi has already set off.

He had to complete all his plans before the marriage was arranged.

Only then could they possibly bring the Zhen family into their camp.

Otherwise, who knows how long it would take.

Immediately, his men carried away the dowry that was intended for Zhao Yu.

They even took away Zhao Yun's dowry, which she had painstakingly saved up over the years.

This made Zhao Yun so angry that his face turned white.

This is infuriating... I've raised my sister with so much care and effort for so many years.

I've saved up so much money over the years.

He just wanted his younger sister to marry into a good family.

As a result... after all that, he didn't get a single penny of the bride price, his younger sister ran away, and even the dowry he had painstakingly saved was lost.

I definitely lost both my sister and money.

But there was nothing he could do, since she was his sister.

Even if you break your teeth, you can only swallow it down.

The only consolation was that she was with Zhou Heng, and she figured he wouldn't be too cruel to his sister.

With this thought, Zhao Yun instantly felt at peace.

The journey was uneventful.

Soon, the group of more than a thousand people arrived at the border of the Taihang Mountains.

If an ordinary person wanted to find Zhang Yan in the vast Taihang Mountains...

It's like finding a needle in a haystack.

Otherwise, Yuan Shao would have destroyed Zhang Yan long ago.

How could we possibly turn a blind eye?

Let the other person sleep peacefully next to your bed.

However, Zhou Heng is different.

Liao Hua and Zhang Yan were comrades-in-arms.

They have also corresponded over the years.

I greeted Zhang Yan before I arrived.

So as soon as we entered the Taihang Mountains, someone came to guide us.

We traveled through the Taihang Mountains for about three days, winding our way through many twists and turns.

Only then did I arrive at Zhang Yan's base.

In a secluded spot in the Taihang Mountains, no fewer than a million people were stationed.

Men and women of all ages.

Army units patrolled.

Especially in the very center, rows of wooden houses were erected.

It was just like a small market.

"Haha, Yuanjian, it's been years, but you're still as dashing as ever."

Just got here.

A tall, dignified middle-aged man stood at the front of the crowd, greeting everyone.

Upon seeing Liao Hua, he went up to him and gave him a bear hug.

If it's not Zhang Yan herself, then who is it?

"Haha, Brother Zhang, it's been a long time. Several months ago, I heard that you were fighting against Yuan Shao, and I wanted to come and lend you a hand."

"However, matters in Xuzhou are complicated, so it has been delayed until now."

"Please forgive me, Brother Zhang."

Liao Hua also said.

"Haha, Yuanjian, we've been comrades for many years and are practically brothers. Why say such formal things?"

"Your presence is an honor to my humble abode."

"Quickly, come with me to the mountain stronghold for a good drink."

"Today we must drink until we're completely drunk."

Zhang Yan laughed heartily, not caring at all, and immediately grabbed Liao Hua's hand, heading towards the hall.

"Brother Zhang, please wait a moment."

"Let me introduce you, this is my lord, Zhou Heng."

Liao Hua quickly grabbed Zhang Yan.

After all, he hadn't forgotten the purpose of his trip.

"Oh, could it be Zhou Heng and Zhou Zixiu, who occupied Xuzhou in just a few months?"

Zhang Yan was shocked.

"I am ashamed to say that what I did was just a small-scale operation, and cannot be compared with General Zhang's."

"I have long heard of General Zhang's reputation, and seeing him today, I can confirm that he is indeed extraordinary."

"I am truly impressed."

Zhou Heng said modestly.

What followed wasn't entirely praise for Zhang Yan.

After all, they were still able to maintain a place in the world even after the Yellow Turban Rebellion's crushing defeat.

It posed a significant threat to the surrounding feudal lords.

Zhang Yan's abilities are indeed not to be underestimated.

If it were an ordinary person, facing Zhang Yan's situation at the time, their subordinates would probably have fallen apart long ago.

Yet he was able to lead a group of old, weak, and disabled soldiers to contend with Yuan Shao.

This left Yuan Shao helpless.

His abilities are evident.

"Haha, Chief Zhou is too modest. With just a commoner's life, you managed to manipulate Lü Bu, Liu Bei, and Yuan Shu in a short period of time and take over Xuzhou."

"If this is considered a small-scale operation, then wouldn't I, Zhang Yan, be begging on the streets?"

Zhang Yan laughed heartily.

The two then engaged in another round of mutual flattery.

He stopped after introducing most of the people around him.

"Hahaha, it is my good fortune to have such an honored guest today. Let's not linger here any longer. Quickly, follow me into the palace. We must drink until we drop today."

"Someone has come to prepare a banquet; I must treat my distinguished guest well."

Zhang Yan said loudly.

As he spoke, he grabbed Zhou Heng with one hand and Liao Hua with the other, and quickly walked towards the hall.

The banquet was a great success, and both hosts and guests enjoyed themselves immensely.

Zhou Heng gave Liao Hua a meaningful look.

After all, he had no prior relationship with Zhang Yan, so it was impossible for him to speak on her behalf.

"Well, Brother Zhang, Liao Hua has come here with a request."

Liao Hua gritted his teeth, stood up, and said.

"Brother, please speak freely. If I, Zhang Yan, can do it, I will not refuse."

Zhang Yan nodded.

Even now, it remains unknown why Zhou Heng risked coming to Jizhou.

But since they've come, it's impossible that they came for no reason, just to see me.

Therefore, he had already prepared himself mentally.

We all come from poor backgrounds, and there aren't many complicated things going on.

"To be honest, we have come here to ask Brother Zhang for help in building troops."

Liao Hua said it directly.

"Oh, borrowing troops?"

Zhang Yan frowned.

"Brother Zhou has occupied Xuzhou, and his fame has shaken the world. He has tens of thousands of soldiers under his command and has also received the support of the Mi family."

"I heard that they recently arranged a marriage alliance with Yuan Shu."

"It has everything: identity, status, strength, and power."

"It seems that in just a few months, their strength has already increased significantly."

"He was practically a regional lord."

"I am but a bandit dwelling in the Taihang Mountains. I am afraid I may not be able to offer Brother Zhou much help in terms of major military strategies."