Chapter Forty-Nine: Zhao Zhanxu, Chu Feng: Is That All?

Outside the General’s Mansion, Zhao Fan arrived with his spear in hand.

His gaze met Xu Chu’s; Zhao Fan’s brow furrowed slightly. With a single glance, he could tell this man was no ordinary warrior.

“Are you Chu Feng?” Xu Chu sized him up, making his own judgment that Zhao Fan, too, was a man of martial skill.

“Who are you?” Zhao Fan asked.

“I am Xu Chu from Qiao County!” Xu Chu thumped his chest with pride.

“Xu Chu? That explains it.” Zhao Fan narrowed his eyes. Xu Chu was renowned throughout Huai, Ru, Chen, and Liang for leading his clan against the Yellow Turbans and for uprooting a bull’s tail and walking a hundred paces.

“I, Xu Chu, dislike beating around the bush. I’ve come to test you. If the rumors are true—that you can stand against a hundred men and defeat me—then I’ll follow your command. What do you say?” Xu Chu declared boldly.

“I am Zhao Fan, a subordinate under my lord’s command. I’ve been ordered to meet you,” Zhao Fan replied, clasping his hands with newfound respect.

“Zhao Fan? I’ve never heard of you. Let your lord come—I wish to challenge him!” Xu Chu waved dismissively.

“My lord is ten times stronger than I. If you truly wish to challenge him, you must first prove you’re worthy!” Zhao Fan’s brows showed a hint of anger; this man was truly arrogant!

“Hmph. Shall it be on foot or horseback?”

“As you wish. I am ready for either,” Zhao Fan answered.

“The ground here is limited, so let’s fight on foot. After I defeat you, I’ll challenge your lord on horseback!” Xu Chu said with disdain, then took up two ring-handled swords.

Zhao Fan, angered, advanced with his spear.

Since Xu Chu wielded dual swords, Zhao Fan would counter with his longer weapon. It would come down to his spear technique, for in close combat, two swords had an advantage over a spear.

The two men stood in the middle of the road.

Behind Xu Chu were his clansmen; behind Zhao Fan, his guards. All were eager to witness the contest, each side proud and competitive.

Xu Chu’s bull-like eyes widened as he charged forward. Fat rippled on his body with each stride, yet his strength was undeniable.

“Watch the spear!” Zhao Fan lashed out, the spearhead sweeping toward Xu Chu.

Xu Chu parried with his swords; the clang echoed, his grip tingling, and he stepped back—this man was strong.

Zhao Fan spun the spear, thrusting at Xu Chu’s chest.

Xu Chu crossed his blades, pressing down the spear; Zhao Fan forced it up with a twist, the shaft bending, yet Xu Chu remained unmoved—his eyes narrowed at the display of force.

Knowing he couldn’t match Xu Chu’s strength, Zhao Fan switched tactics, flicking and stabbing with just the spear's tip, agile as a snake, keeping Xu Chu from advancing.

The two battled for quite some time; Xu Chu retreated two steps.

“Your spear technique is impressive, but your skills end here!” Xu Chu was now irritated. He had thought Zhao Fan’s martial arts were merely above average and that his dual swords would quickly prevail, but Zhao Fan’s spear was as elusive as a dragon, preventing him from gaining ground.

“Bring me my saber!” Xu Chu demanded angrily.

His clansman handed him a broad saber. Since Zhao Fan fought with a long weapon, Xu Chu would do the same; short weapons offered no advantage, so he would try the saber.

With the saber in hand, Xu Chu’s aura changed instantly.

A thunderous roar erupted as he rushed at Zhao Fan, who grew solemn. Zhao Fan’s spear thrusts kept Xu Chu on the defensive, but Xu Chu’s strength was formidable.

Whenever Xu Chu found an opening, he struck with tremendous force. Known for his ability to uproot a bull, each blow forced Zhao Fan to retreat, his spear technique growing disordered.

They fought for the time it took incense to burn. Zhao Fan was gasping, while Xu Chu only grew more spirited, shifting from defense to offense.

Both sides’ clansmen were awed and impressed, never expecting the other to be so strong.

…

Inside the General’s Mansion,

Chu Feng paused his writing, puzzled. “Zhao Fan still hasn’t finished?”

A guard near the gate hurried over. “Lord, that burly man is a formidable warrior—strong as an ox. General Zhao is fighting him but seems to be at a disadvantage.”

“Oh? Zhao Fan is at a disadvantage?”

Chu Feng smiled in surprise. “Zijie, Ziyang, come with me. It seems I’ll soon welcome another fierce general—what fortune!”

With that, they strode out of the mansion.

Outside, the two men were locked in fierce combat. With a single glance, Chu Feng saw that Zhao Fan was losing ground. Though skilled with the spear, he was outmatched in raw strength.

Clearly, Zhao Fan had not managed to suppress Xu Chu.

As Chu Feng watched, numbers appeared before his eyes.

Xu Chu

Martial Prowess: 107

Leadership: 72

Strategy: 58

Administration: 29

Zhao Fan

Martial Prowess: 105 [Afflicted by a Hidden Illness]

Leadership: 81

Strategy: 71

Administration: 61

[Note: Maximum value for each attribute is 110. Average martial prowess for an adult male is 50. Data is calibrated to the peak of the Three Kingdoms era.]

Chu Feng was taken aback—this was the Tiger Marquis, Xu Chu? What a delightful surprise! Chu Feng recalled: when Cao Cao toured Huai and Ru, Xu Chu led his clan to join him. His clansmen were reorganized into the Tiger Guards, elite bodyguards who protected Cao Cao, rivaling Zhou Tai in prowess. Now, Xu Chu had come to join him instead.

And this was the four-dimensional detection ability?

Interesting, indeed!

Chu Feng frowned next. Zhao Fan was afflicted by a hidden illness; at his peak, he would surely be stronger. Yet, for such a formidable warrior, Chu Feng had never heard of him—how odd.

Nevertheless, Zhao Fan’s martial prowess was inherently less than Xu Chu’s. Now, caught in Xu Chu’s relentless assault, his defeat was only a matter of time. Continuing the contest would be pointless.

“Cease!” Chu Feng commanded in a deep voice.

Zhao Fan withdrew his spear and stepped back. Xu Chu halted as well, his chest heaving—defeating Zhao Fan had exhausted him, proof of his opponent’s skill.

“Lord!” Zhao Fan bowed his head, clasping his hands, shame in his eyes. He had been defeated!

“Zhao Fan, you bear a hidden illness. At your peak, you would not be inferior to Xu Chu. Go rest now,” Chu Feng raised his hand, understanding the pride of warriors.

“Yes, my lord,” Zhao Fan nodded.

“So you’re injured, Zhao Fan? I suppose I gained an advantage. Today, let’s call it a draw—next time, we’ll spar again!” Xu Chu said heartily.

“I’ll gladly accept,” Zhao Fan replied.

“You are Chu Feng? Zhao Fan claims you surpass him tenfold—is that not an exaggeration?” Xu Chu planted his saber, his aura fierce and imposing.

“He’s just being modest,” Chu Feng replied with a wry smile.

“Haha! You’re a straightforward fellow—I like that! If you can defeat me today, Xu Chu’s life is yours.” Xu Chu thumped his chest.

“Very well! Zijie, bring the document—let us write to the court and recommend Xu Chu as General of Tiger Might,” Chu Feng said with a smile.

“???”

“You’re quite bold!” Xu Chu brandished his saber, a hint of displeasure in his voice.

“Is that so? I have always treated others kindly. Today, I merely appreciate talent!” Chu Feng laughed heartily. Truly, Xu Chu’s arrival brought him great joy.

Xu Chu snorted in approval.

“Alright. Take half an hour to rest. I will await you at the training grounds,” Chu Feng said, smiling.