Chen Xi believed that mealtime shouldn't be spoiled by unpleasant matters, so he had the area cleaned thoroughly. If there had been dancers and singers, it would have been a perfect setting to enjoy beef and wine on a crisp autumn day while visiting friends.
"Not bad, right? I think we gave him plenty of respect," Chen Xi said with a smile to Guo Jia. "How did I do?"
"Indeed, very well," Guo Jia responded with a grin. "Zhongkang is already prepared and ready to move at any time, but I didn't expect you to have such a formidable bodyguard. However, to avoid any backlash from Lü Bu, I think it would be wise to have him sit up front. While Yun Chang and Zhongkang might not notice him, Lü Fengxian surely would."
"You're right," Chen Xi agreed, then turned and called out, "Elder Han, I'm sure you heard that." There was no response from behind him. Just as Chen Xi was about to explain to Guo Jia, he noticed that Han Qiong had already appeared in front of him.
"Elder Han, please take a seat," Guo Jia said with a slight bow. However, Han Qiong merely walked calmly to a seat slightly behind the main one and sat there, seemingly lost in his own thoughts.
After arranging everything, Chen Xi and the others waited for Lü Bu to arrive. If Zhang Fei had been present, he would have undoubtedly cursed Lü Bu for making them wait. But without Zhang Fei, everyone was civil and patiently awaited Lü Bu's arrival.
"He's coming," Zhao Yun, ever sharp-eyed, was the first to notice a small figure in the distance. Although Lü Bu was neither galloping nor moving slowly, Zhao Yun could sense the relaxed yet joyful aura emanating from him.
"This complicates things. Quickly call Zhongkang back," Guo Jia said immediately. "It seems that plans can't keep up with changes. Lü Bu actually came with only one person."
"As expected of Lü Bu," Chen Xi said, standing up with a smile. This kind of boldness was truly fitting for the title of the strongest warrior in the land.
Since parting at Hulao Pass years ago, Chen Xi was once again face-to-face with Lü Bu. Compared to the arrogance he displayed at Hulao, the Lü Bu standing before him now, clad in the same armor, had gained a certain steadiness. Time had indeed left its mark on him.
Even so, the moment Chen Xi saw Lü Bu, he couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. Despite being accompanied by only one person, Lü Bu exuded an overwhelming presence, as if the heavens and earth themselves served merely as a backdrop for him. This was Lü Bu—the undefeated and invincible warrior!
"Lü Fengxian of Jiuyuan greets Lord Chen," Lü Bu said as he reined in his horse, appearing at the meeting grounds in an instant. He cupped his hands in a respectful salute, showing no trace of his former arrogance.
"Wen Hou, there's no need for such formality. Please, take a seat," Chen Xi gestured with a hand, inwardly sighing. Lü Bu was indeed a remarkable figure, but he had repeatedly chosen the wrong path. Yet, despite all the mistakes, his brilliance couldn't be overshadowed. Truly, he lived up to the reputation of being "Lü Bu among men."
"Very well!" Lü Bu said, tossing his crimson battle cloak aside as he strode forward, heading for the seat of honor on the left. Chen Xi couldn't help but think, This is what it means to stride with the presence of a dragon and a tiger—no wonder he's the strongest warrior of our time.
"Yanmen's Zhang Wenyuan greets Lord Chen," Zhang Liao said as he saluted Chen Xi with his spear.
"General Zhang, please, take a seat as well," Chen Xi said with a smile, then glanced at Zhao Yun. As expected, Zhao Yun subtly shook his head. No matter how well Zhang He disguised himself, the rigidity of his internal energy couldn't be hidden. Zhang Liao, on the other hand, had a more fluid internal energy.
At that moment, Guan Yu and Zhao Yun were also impressed by Lü Bu's courage. They both nodded slightly in acknowledgment. Neither of them was the type to stubbornly refuse to admit the truth, and they were genuinely struck by Lü Bu's boldness. Regardless of his character, they had to admit that Lü Bu was indeed an extraordinary person.
"As for the matter of our friendly martial exchange, we'll discuss that later. Wen Hou and Wen Yuan, I'm truly surprised by your arrival. My previous preparations now seem trivial. All guards, return to the camp. Since this is a friendly meeting, we'll show our utmost respect. Ruan Yu, lead the soldiers back to the camp and have Zhongkang join us here!" Chen Xi stood up and saluted, showing his respect for Lü Bu's courage.
Given that Lü Bu and Zhang Liao had come alone, Chen Xi immediately realized that Tian Feng's camp would now be on high alert. Thus, it would be unwise to launch an attack on their camp.
Moreover, Lü Bu's current demeanor suggested that negotiations might be possible. There was a saying, Appearance reflects the heart, and Lü Bu now exuded a strong sense of calm and confidence.
"Understood!" Ruan Yu stood up and led the seven or eight hundred soldiers out of the area, leaving only a dozen or so soldiers to serve food and drink. The transition was seamless, truly a display of military discipline.
Lü Bu nodded at Chen Xi. With the departure of the soldiers, Lü Bu felt completely at ease. Without the interference of internal energy, no one in the world could stop him. This only further convinced him of Chen Xi's sincerity.
As expected of the renowned Lord Chen—upright and straightforward. Joining Liu Bei's camp seems like a wise choice. None of the people here are narrow-minded, Zhang Liao thought with a smile, feeling that Lü Bu was ready to join Liu Bei.
Thanks to Chen Xi's skillful handling of the situation and Lü Bu's cooperative attitude, the atmosphere soon became lively. Even Guan Yu and Zhao Yun, impressed by Lü Bu's boldness, refrained from causing any tension. Surprisingly, Zhang Liao even performed a sword dance on a whim.
"Oh, isn't this Xu Pangzi?" Lü Bu laughed when he saw Xu Chu rushing over, clearly in high spirits.
"Wen Hou, I heard that you came here with just one other person. I thought it was a joke, but it turns out it's true," Xu Chu replied in his deep, booming voice.
Unlike the others, Xu Chu, despite his unwavering loyalty, had a deep respect for strength. Though he didn't approve of Lü Bu's actions, he greatly admired his abilities.
"Hahaha, I salute you with this cup!" Lü Bu said, his face flushed with a pleasant buzz from the wine. He appreciated Xu Chu's straightforward compliment. He preferred this kind of honesty, as he had never been good at scheming.
"Thank you, Wen Hou," Xu Chu said, downing his drink in one gulp, only to be taken aback. "Is this... alcohol?"
Indeed, Chen Xi had previously experimented with distilling alcohol, but the highest concentration they had achieved was only around 60 degrees, with most being in the 50s. Still, the name "alcohol" stuck.
Xu Chu's reaction made it clear to Lü Bu that Chen Xi and his companions had gone to great lengths to please him, further increasing his satisfaction.
"Alcohol, what a fitting name. This is indeed the purest essence of wine! It's the finest strong liquor I've ever tasted," Lü Bu exclaimed with a hearty laugh. "With such excellent wine and a slightly tipsy atmosphere, and since this gathering is about exchanging martial arts, as the guest, why don't I go first?"