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

The three of them spoke with righteous indignation.

For a moment, even with Zhou Heng's temperament, he couldn't help but feel a little guilty.

Although they served different masters, they were genuinely kind to each other.

To scheme against others like this is truly unbecoming of a human being.

But it was only for a moment.

Things returned to normal.

In this era, one cannot live long without a dirty heart.

Moreover, following Yuan Shao offers you absolutely no future. Yuan Shao appoints relatives and friends, and is good at scheming but indecisive; sooner or later, he will be defeated by others.

At that time... death will be inevitable.

In the original story, Zhang He and Gao Lan fared slightly better, as they surrendered to Cao Cao and barely managed to save their lives.

However, Xin Ping died.

Now that I've come to this era, and we're still brothers, how can I allow such a thing to happen?

Since you have been so kind and righteous to me, how could I let my brothers suffer in such dire straits?

We must rescue you from Yuan Shao's clutches.

I'm doing this only to give you a better future.

I'm actually trying to help you guys.

With that thought, Zhou Heng immediately felt at ease.

However, the emotion I felt was genuine.

“Alright, since my three elder brothers don’t mind, I, Zhou Heng, am not one to be coy.”

"Thank you again, my three brothers."

Zhou Heng took a deep breath and cupped his hands in greeting.

"Zixiu, there's no need for further words. Today, the three of us will accompany our brother to meet this treacherous hero of this chaotic world."

The three waved their hands.

"Walk."

..............

Soon, accompanied by Zhao Yun, Zhang He, Gao Lan, and Xin Ping, Zhou Heng and his group of five arrived at the city tower.

Cao Cao had been waiting for a long time, accompanied by a dozen or so people.

In front of him was a table of food and wine.

Just met.

Cao Cao then burst into laughter.

“Zixiu, it has been several years since we parted in Wancheng. I originally thought that we would never meet again in this life.”

"I never expected that the heavens would grant me this opportunity to meet you, sir. It is truly a great fortune in my life. I am grateful for this opportunity to express my apologies to you."

"It's a great honor."

"Please don't hold the matter against me, sir."

"I only regret that Cao Cao did not heed your advice back then, which led to the disaster he suffered that day."

"Looking back now, I truly regret it deeply."

Cao Cao sighed and said.

To be honest, he did regret it.

If he had listened to Zhou Heng's words that day, how could he have suffered such a disaster?

Not to mention nowadays............

"Sikong, what happened back then is like smoke in the wind, and what's done is done. Now that we are enemies, why bother with such womanly words?"

Zhou Heng shook his head.

The matter is already in the past, what's the point of bringing it up again?

Do you really think that a simple apology today will bring you back to your side?

Are you kidding me?

This wasn't due to Zhou Heng's ambition, but rather because his own subordinates and brothers would never agree to such an unreasonable request.

"Haha, that was going too far."

Cao Cao chuckled.

Then he looked at Zhou Heng with a touch of emotion.

"Zixiu, I never expected that after two years, you would have become a powerful regional lord."

"Now you and I have become rivals,"

"It truly is a case of things changing and people being gone."

Cao Cao was filled with emotion.

"Yes, it's all about timing and fate. I never imagined that things would change so much in just two years."

Zhou Heng also sighed.

When he first transmigrated here, he never thought about becoming independent.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have first sought refuge with Cao Cao and then with Liu Bei.

Unfortunately, this era has ultimately forced itself to this point.

"Does Your Excellency intend to kill me by blocking my way here today?"

Zhou Heng had no desire to argue with Cao Cao any further.

Let's be frank and speak openly right now.

"Zixiu, why do you say that? Today is only for the sake of our old friendship, so why talk about killing or not killing?"

Cao Cao gave Zhou Heng a deep look, his eyes flickering slightly, as if he were thinking something.

However, things returned to normal in the blink of an eye.

"Is that so? If you're not going to kill me, then why are you so prepared?"

Zhou Heng countered with a question.

He glanced behind Cao Cao and saw Xu Chu, Xiahou Dun, Xiahou Yuan, Cao Hong, Cao Ren, and others. These were all top-tier or even super-top-tier generals of the Three Kingdoms period.

With this lineup, do you think I'd believe you if you said you were just inviting me for drinks to catch up?

"They're just worried about Cao's safety, and besides, didn't you bring people with you, sir?"

Cao Cao smiled.

His gaze shifted to behind Zhou Heng, his pupils contracting slightly.

As Yuan Shao's old rival, he naturally knew Zhang He and Gao Lan, the two famous pillars of Hebei.

He simply couldn't understand what qualifications Zhou Heng had to persuade four of Yuan Shao's top generals from Hebei to join his cause.

Originally, this was under his investigation.

The only people under Zhou Heng who could pose a threat to him were Zhao Yun and Zhang Liao.

These two people are quite capable.

However, he relied on the several generals behind him.

He was absolutely confident that he could easily manipulate Zhou Heng.

This is why he didn't send troops to intercept them, but instead set up a banquet on the city wall.

Unexpectedly, the Four Pillars of Hebei under Yuan Shao ended up working for Zhou Heng.

This made his expression turn sour.

After all, if it were just Zhao Yun and Zhang Liao, there would be so many powerful generals with their own deep expertise.

In his view, taking down Zhou Heng would be a piece of cake.

Once Zhou Heng is captured, his troops will be utterly insignificant.

If that's the case, then why bother sending troops to intercept them?

The two sides could even engage in a major battle.

To catch the thief, catch the king. It saves time and effort. If we can subdue Zhou Heng, we can also bring his troops under our command. Why not?

Unexpectedly...........

“I am different from you, my lord. This is your territory. You have many fierce generals and a large army under your command. How dare I go alone?”

Zhou Heng shook his head.

Who are you, Cao Cao? I don't trust you at all.

What have become of those who believed in you?

You didn't know that, did you?

Zhang Yan and Sun Ce serve as cautionary tales.

"Haha, Zixiu is still so careful in his actions."

Cao Cao chuckled, but there was no embarrassment on his face.

Clearly, their shamelessness has reached a level of perfection.

"In chaotic times, human life is as worthless as grass, so it's best to be careful."

Zhou Heng said calmly.

Looking into Cao Cao's eyes, Zhou Heng lost interest in arguing with him.

So he simply gave Zhao Yun a wink.

Zhao Yun instantly understood and immediately stepped forward.

"I have heard that you have two tiger marquises under your command, who are born with superhuman strength and are brave enough to fight ten thousand men."

"I am not very talented, but I am confident that I have some strength. I only regret that I have never fought against the world's top masters."

"This is a rare opportunity, and I humbly request your guidance."