Chapter 097: An Uncanny Genius

A brawl erupted on Xilixu Main Street, ultimately ending in a heavy silence.

As everyone had expected, Cao Cao used extremely harsh and forceful measures to crush all dissent without a trace. No one dared to stand up and argue, because Cao Cao’s verdict strictly adhered to the law, leaving no room for dispute. The entire incident was the fault of Fu Jun and his associates; if anyone else had caused trouble in the marketplace, Fu Jun would have faced severe consequences, even if he survived.

The Han Emperor’s dignity was preserved, satisfying those concerned; Cao Cao’s reputation remained intact, and everyone understood his stance clearly; the noble clans’ honor was likewise unharmed.

Did you not see how Cao Zhen and the others were detained for a full month and then flogged twenty times?

If there was anyone truly unfortunate in this matter, it was Fu Wan.

Not only was his son beaten, but his household guards were conscripted into the army as hard laborers, he lost a horse without compensation, and was fined thirty gold coins.

Yet, even so, Fu Wan could only swallow his grievances in silence.

At least he saw clearly that at such a time, Cao Cao would never tolerate voices opposing him in the court. Whoever dared to speak out would suffer misfortune. Fortunately, Cao Cao had not made things worse for him, merely sending a blunt warning by intimidating him with a massive horse’s head as a sign.

Cao Cao did not want unnecessary complications.

Even if he wished to make an example of someone, Fu Wan was not the right target.

After all, Fu Wan was imperial kin, and figures like Dong Cheng were involved as well, with the Han Emperor looming in the background. Fu Wan was no mere pawn.

Moreover, Cao Cao had no energy to quarrel with him, for a far more important matter lay before him: the campaign against Yuan Shu.

Since he had the Emperor under his protection, Cao Cao had the mandate to punish rebels on Heaven’s behalf.

Yuan Shu’s open claim to the imperial title was, in Cao Cao’s eyes, sheer madness! However, a head-on clash with Yuan Shu would incur great losses. Therefore, Cao Cao would never fight him directly, choosing instead to cooperate with other warlords—such as Sun Ce, who had just taken Lujiang and defeated Liu Yao; Lü Bu stationed at Xiapi; and Liu Bei, as well as Liu Biao, who would certainly not intervene at such a time.

The news of the Heavenly Gang Blade had not spread.

But for Xu Chu, it became a thorn in his heart. The reason was simple: Cao Cao’s words to Dian Wei revealed everything.

The Lone Blade Cao Cao hoped Dian Wei would be his solitary loyal minister.

In other words, no matter the outcome of the upcoming martial contest, the rivalry between Xu Chu and Dian Wei had already been decided.

The result was that Dian Wei had won.

Xu Chu was restless throughout the night.

When Dian Wei came to exchange guard shifts, Xu Chu’s spirit was low.

“Zhongkang!”

As Dian Wei finished the handover and Xu Chu prepared to leave, Dian Wei suddenly called out to him.

“I never wished to be at odds with you, nor did I seek a definitive rivalry. We are both close confidants of our lord and should cooperate sincerely.

Regarding Aman and Big Head, I hope you do not blame Big Head. The matters between us should be settled among ourselves. Big Head is a good lad; please do not make things hard for him.”

Xu Chu paused, took a deep breath, then turned, eyes wide.

“Junming, at the contest fourteen days from now, I will show no mercy.”

“Neither will I!”

The two looked at each other for a long moment, then suddenly grinned.

They said no more; Xu Chu strode away.

He knew this contest with Dian Wei was a defeat—but this rivalry among the first guards was only beginning.

Leaving Cao’s residence, Xu Chu returned home.

Upon entering, he saw Xu Yi standing in the courtyard, repeatedly punching with small, half-extended arm movements.

Xu Yi seemed completely absorbed in the monotonous practice, so much so that he did not notice Xu Chu’s arrival.

A family member wanted to remind him but was stopped by Xu Chu’s raised hand.

Xu Chu stood on the steps, watching curiously as Xu Yi practiced.

After about ten minutes, Xu Yi stopped, weakly smiling and shaking his head.

“Father?”

Xu Yi’s face flushed with nervousness upon seeing Xu Chu.

“What were you doing just now?” Xu Chu asked.

“Practicing martial arts!”

“Practicing martial arts? What kind of moves are these, with your advances and retreats so small?” Xu Chu removed his armor as he descended the steps.

“Well…”

“If you have something to say, speak plainly—no need to hesitate.

Also, don’t think your father is so stubborn. The conflict between Junming and me has nothing to do with you boys. I’ve heard everything you did during this campaign, and the lord praised you highly, saying your little Eight Oaths are quite interesting.”

“Father, you really don’t blame me?”

Xu Chu’s face darkened. “If I say I don’t blame you, then I don’t.”

Xu Yi breathed a sigh of relief.

“Father, while I was imprisoned, I saw Eighth Brother practicing some fine boxing skills.”

“Eighth Brother?”

“Oh, the youngest of our sworn eight brothers. Father, don’t underestimate Ah Fu. Though young, he is perceptive. Especially his martial art—his punches and kicks are fierce. Fourth Brother Zhu Zan couldn’t withstand one punch and was sent flying.”

Xu Yi’s tale was somewhat jumbled, leaving Xu Chu a bit puzzled.

“That Ah Fu is...?”

“Cao Da’s son, named Cao Peng, only fourteen years old.”

Cao Da’s son? Xu Chu’s eyes flickered with surprise, a smile spreading across his face.

“What style of boxing does he practice?”

“I don’t know exactly. I wanted to ask, but felt a bit shy. Father, his style is truly interesting. His movements are small and precise, but I can’t replicate the power of his punches. Even Aman says Ah Fu is impressive.”

“I just saw you practicing—there must be some hidden secrets in your moves. Watching him alone won’t reveal the true essence.”

“I…”

“What is it?”

“Aman says Ah Fu and the others train at Dianwei Fort and it’s very interesting. I want to join too, but I’m not sure if you will permit it.”

Xu Chu reached out with his fan-shaped hand and ruffled Xu Yi’s hair with a grunt.

“Go ahead!” he laughed. “Regardless, you are sworn brothers. Doesn’t your oath say: ‘Opening inkstone in the north, candlelight by the western window; sometimes a stroke across the page, sometimes glimpses into the hall’s mysteries. Borrowing others’ strengths, spirits alike.’ That’s very good! Junming and I have no deep hatred, only rivalry of spirits. You young ones should just get along.”

Xu Yi’s face brightened. “Thank you, Father.”

“Oh, by the way!” Xu Chu asked casually, “I heard your brother-in-law is quite capable?”

Xu Yi shook his head. “I don’t know much about him. He’s slender and missing an arm. When he talks with Ah Fu, it’s hard to tell much, but I sense he’s quite learned.”

“Nonsense!” Xu Chu laughed. “With your eyesight, how could you tell? That brother-in-law of yours is no simple man. Even the Minister of the Court and Guo, the Dean, praise him highly. I’ve heard he’s skilled in military training. If possible, learn from him well. Since you have sworn brotherhood with the Confucian sages, you know the saying: ‘Among three, there must be one who can be my teacher.’ You must learn and inquire more.”

Xu Yi promptly bowed. “I will remember your teachings, Father.”

“Also, military strategy isn’t learned from books alone. When you have time, see how he trains the troops.”

“Yes!”

Xu Yi agreed again, feeling joyful over his father’s change of heart.

After some light conversation, Xu Chu headed inward.

As he went, he muttered, “Junming, you may have expert help, but I have a good son too. Let’s see what tricks you can play.”

The sky was bright by then.

Xu Yi, refreshed and alert, mounted a tall horse and rode out from home, heading straight for Dianwei Fort.

The journey from Xudu to Dianwei Fort was smooth, taking about the time of two incense sticks.

Unlike the previous lack of defenses, the fort now had increased guards.

At the gate stood armed retainers, broad-chested and lively. Upon seeing Xu Yi, they immediately approached to inquire. When Xu Yi gave his name, the guards seemed to recognize him and led him inside.

“Why now have guards at the gate?”

“The young master, some days ago there were troublemakers. Master Dian was displeased and ordered us to take turns guarding—one man per household, ten households daily. We receive one sheng of millet per day of duty, so here we are.”

These retainers were mostly local tenants of Dian Wei’s lands.

Though Dian Wei only enjoyed the profits, not the rights over the lands, he employed this method to recruit guards.

Their main job was to watch the gates; any serious trouble would be handled inside the fort by others.

Thus, the guards were quite happy with the light duties and the grain rewards.

Xu Yi understood this well.

In fact, while Xu Yi was imprisoned, the Xu family had faced similar situations.

As to who sent the troublemakers, everyone knew quietly. Of course, those causing disturbances did not dare to go too far.

A burly black man blocked the path.

“Zhou Zhuangshi, this is Young Master Dian Man’s sworn brother with Cao’s son, here to visit Young Master Ji.”

The man glanced at Xu Yi, nodded, then gestured towards the back. “The young masters aren’t at the Iron Hut today. You should go to the training ground.”

“Yes!”

The guards led Xu Yi away.

Xu Yi looked back at the towering walls, asking, “What is the Iron Hut?”

“The Iron Hut is where Cao Da makes blades. The young masters used to play there, but today, for some reason, they did not go. Yesterday, Master Dian ordered strict protection of the Iron Hut. Previously, it wasn’t a concern.”

Xu Yi nodded quietly.

What secret could be hidden there?

Lost in thought, he soon arrived at the small training ground.

The guards excused themselves, and Xu Yi stepped through the gate.

He was immediately stunned.

Four people were training inside.

Dian Man stood among a pile of sandbags, dodging and weaving, striking and kicking with powerful force, making the heavy sandbags sway fiercely.

He moved through them, dodging and countering with some clumsiness.

At one corner, Deng Fan practiced various movements, emitting strange sounds from his mouth.

Though his movements were small, sweat beaded his bare, glistening body, sparkling in the sunlight.

Cao Peng held a white wax staff about eighteen feet long, his body twisting and turning in strange ways.

As he moved, the staff trembled, producing illusions of spear blossoms. He shook it while speaking to Wang Mai, who listened intently, nodding occasionally and imitating Cao Peng’s movements.

“The spear is king of all weapons.

People say, ‘A lifetime of moon rods and year blades, but spear mastery requires diligence and self-discipline.’

A good teacher, talent, and hard work are all indispensable.

Talent is especially important. Take Xiahou, for example—he had a good teacher and worked hard, but mastering the spear was still difficult.

Today, I’m not teaching spear techniques but rather teaching you how to coordinate your energy.”

Cao Peng shook the white wax staff.

“To master coordination, the power of waist and back is crucial.

Shaking the spear and sliding the staff are the best exercises, yielding twice the result with half the effort.

Sliding requires channeling the body’s force through the staff’s tip onto the opponent’s staff, making it hard to resist and causing it to slip to the ground.

This requires using the waist and hips as a fulcrum, the front hand as a pivot, the rear hand as a lever, and spiral force.

So practicing sliding means understanding coordination from footwork to waist and hands.

That’s a bit complicated for us now, so today we focus on shaking the spear.”

Cao Peng taught seriously, and Wang Mai listened attentively.

Neither noticed Xu Yi’s arrival until Deng Fan shouted, “Er Ge, why are you here?”

The call interrupted Cao Peng and Wang Mai’s conversation.

Dian Man was distracted by a flying sandbag, which suddenly struck him hard. He cried out in pain and fell.

“What are you all doing?”

“Practicing martial arts!” Cao Peng replied cheerfully and then came forward.

“Second brother, your staff injury—”

“Nonsense! You know those executioners recognize Zidan; they wouldn’t really hit us. It was just to deceive others. There’s nothing wrong. If it were serious, after twenty blows, Dian Man and I wouldn’t be standing now.”

Cao Peng laughed heartily.

While imprisoned, he had serendipitously grasped the essence of Half-Step Collapsing Fist, invigorating his qi and blood to the point of channeling it into his bones, reaching the stage of bone strengthening.

After a month’s rest, he stabilized his qi and blood.

Back home, he began further refining his skills, focusing on coordination to enhance his martial prowess.

The reason was simple: he sensed he wouldn’t stay in Xudu long.

Once he left, he would face the world’s heroes. In this era of incessant warfare, survival required solid skills.

True, he had the advantage of traversing worlds and understanding the grand scheme.

But who could guarantee the world wouldn’t change again due to his meddling like a small butterfly?

For instance, Dian Wei was still alive, and Wei Yan had submitted to Cao Cao, changing many things.

If he lost control of history, on what would he rely to survive? His cleverness or his scattered knowledge from a past life? Neither seemed reliable.

Only one thing was certain—train well to protect oneself.

Cao Ji had entered Cao Cao’s vision; sooner or later, he would take root.

Before history changed completely, Cao Peng had to keep training hard to have a future.

“Second brother, why did you come today? Anything special?”

Xu Yi smiled. “Nothing much, just came to see what you’re doing.”

As he spoke, his gaze instinctively lingered on the distant sandbags.

He didn’t fully understand Cao Peng and Wang Mai’s training. Without Cao Peng’s explanation, Deng Fan’s Eight Brocade Qigong was inscrutable to him.

But he had heard Dian Man mention the Heavenly Gang Formation.

Seeing Dian Man weaving through the bags, Xu Yi’s curiosity grew.

“This is the Heavenly Gang Formation?”

“Want to try?” Dian Man laughed, though his tone was unpleasant.

“It’s just some sandbags, nothing so special.”

Xu Yi sneered. “Ah Man, you looked terrible just now. Uncle Dian’s lifetime reputation is about to be ruined by you!”

The two were close.

Among the Eight Oaths, small groups had formed.

Cao Zhen, Cao Zun, and Zhu Zan were one group; Wang Mai and Deng Fan another; Dian Man and Xu Yi formed a pair.

Cao Peng, among the eight, was affiliated with Wang Mai and Deng Fan’s faction.

Strangely, though Dian Man and Xu Yi were close, their quarrels were constant.

Dian Man flared up. “Big Head, don’t be arrogant. If you have the skill, go through the Heavenly Gang Formation for one incense stick’s time, and I’ll admire you!”

“One incense stick’s time? What’s that worth?” Xu Yi said, removing his cloak to reveal tight-fitting clothes.

“Second brother, don’t rush in. You’ve never been through the Heavenly Gang Formation. You’d better replace the sandbags; otherwise, you’ll get hurt.”

“Ha! Ah Fu, you underestimate me. I’m not like Aman.

Today, I’ll show you what I can do. Ah Man, move aside! If I last one incense stick in there, don’t you dare back out.”

“Backing out’s for dogs!”

Dian Man pushed aside.

Confident, Xu Yi stepped into the Heavenly Gang Formation.

He raised his fist and struck a sandbag.

“Ah!”

Xu Yi clutched his arm, screaming miserably.

But the sandbag swung back and struck him, knocking him to the ground.

Dian Man grinned, removing a layer of protection from his hands.

“Heh, one incense stick? Bah!”

“You’re cheating!” Xu Yi shouted angrily. “What’s in those sandbags?”

“Heh, iron sand from the Iron Hut. These bags weigh seventy-two jin. Even an old man with hand guards feels the pain. You’re bare-handed rushing in. Tch, Big Head, you call yourself smart but can’t see this?”

Xu Yi’s face flushed with anger.

At that moment, two young men entered the training ground.

Deng Ji led, followed by Guo Jia.

They paused, surprised to see Dian Man and Xu Yi arguing fiercely.

“Ah Fu, what are they doing?”

“Arguing!” Cao Peng’s expression said, “Can’t you see for yourself?”

Guo Jia smiled. “Shusun, is this your brother-in-law?”

Deng Ji nodded. “Yes, that’s Ah Fu, the youngest of the Eight Oaths.”

He waved to Cao Peng. “Ah Fu, come here. Let me introduce you.”

Cao Peng was puzzled. “Introduce to whom?”

“Heh, remember our earlier talk about the wise man beneath Cao’s banner, whom you admired greatly?”

“Of course!”

“Well, now your wish has been fulfilled.”

Cao Peng blinked, eyes flicking between Deng Ji and Guo Jia.

“Who is this?”

Guo Jia smiled. “Little brother Cao, you flatter me. Guo Fengxiao is unworthy of your praise.”

Cao Peng shivered.

“You’re Guo Jia?” he exclaimed.