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“Congratulations to the Player for completing an exploration of the simulated world. This life simulation is evaluated as ‘C-’. Your life was short and regretful. Would you like to view the detailed evaluation and rewards?”
The voice echoes in Lu Bu's mind, leaving him bewildered. He died first, then reincarnated into another family, but after being killed, he returns to the body he thought was already dead. Did the Life Simulator not take away his life?
The memories of another life he experienced were still vivid, but now it seemed nothing more than a dream—a dream that felt so long.
For this thing called the Life Simulator, Lu Bu has already figured out how to use it. With a single thought, new information appeared before his ‘eyes.’
The prompt from the simulator brought a hint of joy to Lu Bu. The idea of being able to start his life over again was wonderful. However, he didn’t choose to go back immediately.
Firstly, he didn't know how to face it all over again. Secondly, for this world, it might have been just a fleeting moment, but for Lu Bu, he had been separated from this world for twelve years.
He missed his home, his nagging wife, and his eight-year-old daughter. To Lu Bu, it felt like he had been away from his family for twelve long years, and now all he wanted was to finish this battle quickly and go back.
From a distance, the sound of countless footsteps could be heard, the unmistakable sound of an army on the move. It must be Hu Zhen, that incompetent fool, preparing to make his move.
Lu Bu contemplated for a moment, realizing that sleep had completely eluded him at this point. Without further delay, he pushed open the door and stepped out. He was eager to witness the true capabilities of the fierce Tiger of Jiangdong.
He made his way towards the vicinity of the city wall and saw that the gates of Yique Pass were wide open. A large number of soldiers were streaming out through the gates. It was already the end of the night, the hour before dawn when the world was at its darkest.
When Lu Bu arrived at the city wall, Zhao Cen was vigilant, paying close attention to the movements outside the city, fearing an enemy attack. Upon seeing Lu Bu's arrival, he seemed relieved and approached with a smile, saying, “General Lu, why have you come? Are you also joining the battle?”
“Our forces are not under the same command, and it is a grave mistake to go into battle before our troops are properly unified. Besides, I have grievances with Hu Zhen. If we were to march together at this moment, defeat is certain!” Lu Bu shook his head.
Although he was supposedly under Hu Zhen’s command, he had command of his own troops with Hu Zhen having no real authority over them. If they were to fight together, it would only breed mutual mistrust, hindering their combat effectiveness on the battlefield.
“What do you think, General Lu? What do you think would be the outcome of this battle?” Zhao Cen asked with a smile.
“It depends on how much authority Hua Xiong holds,” Lu Bu replied, leaning against the wall. He observed Hu Zhen’s troops already leaving the city and the gates slowly closing.
Zhao Cen hesitated for a moment, then bowed to Lu Bu and said, “Is General Lu really not going to take action? If we are to be defeated in this battle, General Hu will undoubtedly face punishment, but it may also tarnish your reputation, General.”
If it were in the past, Lu Bu would have certainly taken pleasure in mocking Hu Zhen, and it would have been best if Hu Zhen died. But now... Lu Bu didn't immediately refuse. Looking at the bigger picture, defeating Sun Jian was the best outcome as it would further dampen the morale of the enemy coalition.
Personally, Lu Bu was homesick, wanting to go back and spend time with his wife and child. Naturally, he was unwilling to continue wasting time here. However, allowing Hu Zhen to take all the credit only served to irritate him, which doesn't really sit well with him.
“Open the city gates. I will gather my troops. Perhaps we can save Hu Zhen’s life,” Lu Bu said to Zhao Cen.
Though he knew Zhao Cen was helping Hu Zhen by asking him to go to battle, Lu Bu truly didn't want to stay here any longer. His memories of twelve years ago were already somewhat blurry.
Lu Bu instructed Zhao Cen to open the city gates and sent his personal guards to wake up Hou Cheng, Wei Xu, and the others to gather the troops to prepare to leave the city with him.
In the meantime, Lu Bu took advantage of this time to recall the events that took place twelve years ago. Additionally, he had someone scout the surrounding terrain. If they decide to launch an attack, they could gather vital information while advancing, without the need for a dedicated scouting mission, especially since Hu Zhen was clearing the path ahead.
“Fengxian, why are we helping that Hu Zhen?” Hou Cheng and the others quickly assembled their troops to join Lu Bu, expressing their discontent.
“I simply want to finish this quickly and return. Besides, there is no absolute need for us to help him,” Lu Bu replied in a nonchalant manner.
After all, the conflict between him and Hu Zhen was a matter that had occurred twelve years ago already from Lu Bu’s perspective. While the tension between them may have been recent for others, for Lu Bu, any lingering resentment had long dissipated.
Under Lu Bu's command, a force of only a thousand soldiers and horses slowly departed through the city gates. The closing gates behind them resembled the jaws of a monstrous beast, adding a sense of eerie darkness to the night. Led by Lu Bu, the group of riders disappeared into the depths of the night like ghosts…
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