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A fateful reunion intertwines the destinies of three people. Those who loved, betrayed, or protected each other must ultimately make their choices amidst bloodshed. In Sima Yi’s deadly trap, Xiao Meng willingly becomes bait, just to see Liao Yuanhuo one more time. At the crucial moment, Lü Bu comes from afar—those destined to meet will always meet.
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In these past nights, the skies above Yewang City have been cloudless, with the bright moon hanging high.
When the moon is bright, the stars dim. Everything on earth seems draped in a silvery veil, glowing with a gentle white light of its own. In such moonlight, all is clearly visible; it’s a different kind of daytime.
As a noble family in Henei for centuries, the Sima mansion is the grandest complex in Yewang City. Black tiles and white walls, upturned eaves and layered pavilions—a majestic sight from afar. Bathed in moonlight, it looks like a dream, almost like a palace of the immortals. Yet, Xiao Meng has no chance to admire this beauty.
He is currently waking up in a secret chamber behind the ancestral shrine, his head splitting with pain as he struggles to gather his scattered senses. He forces his gaze to focus on the figure standing in the corner.
It is Sima Yi.
Xiao Meng’s hands are tied behind a chair in the center of the room. In front of him is a crude wooden table, and beyond that, a narrow door—the only way in or out. The large stone room has no windows; its only light comes from a dim candle on the table.
The air is tightly sealed. The candle burns steadily, silently consuming its own life. Yet its light is weak—anything beyond five steps falls into darkness.
Suddenly, the candle flame flickers: Xiao Meng has spoken, his voice barely audible. “Young master, it’s been a while.”
“Xiao Meng, this old man’s disguise really doesn’t suit you,” Sima Yi says, his tone as gentle as always.
“You know my nose is keen. If I hadn’t been wandering East Street that day and caught your unique scent as I passed, I’d never have known you were here!” He knows what Xiao Meng wants to ask, and answers truthfully.
“…You’re right, I slipped up. Besides changing my face, I should have covered my scent. Sigh… I’m getting worse at this, such a failure!” Xiao Meng mocks himself, as if chatting with an old friend.
“No, you’ve done very well. It’s just fate—those who are meant to meet will meet, even across a thousand miles.” Sima Yi finally steps out from the darkness, standing across the table from Xiao Meng.
Candlelight plays across his handsome face, casting a faintly sinister look.
“But you’re as thorough as ever, young master—not only tying me up, but also… feeding me Soft Muscle Powder.” Thanks to the drug, even speaking a few words drains Xiao Meng’s strength.
“…Why did you come back? You must know I can’t shelter you anymore. You’re now a wanted criminal, and with you appearing in Yewang City, I had to act.” Sima Yi’s voice is gentle, but tinged with sorrow.
“You already betrayed me once. Why would you take me in again?” Xiao Meng says calmly.
“Oh?”
“I was hiding in Baimen Tower and saw two people: Sima family’s spy Jia Kui, and the young master himself. I used to think the second young master had surrendered to Cao Cao to save his own life, forgetting revenge. But seeing both of you at Baimen Tower, I understood—you never forgot.”
Xiao Meng pauses. “It’s just that your ambitions are far greater. The leftover soldiers were a blade you wielded. And what better way to earn Cao Cao’s trust than to break that blade before his eyes?”
Sima Yi is silent for a while, then says, “Still, I couldn’t bear to kill you.”
“If you wanted to, you’d have done it already. But a businessman never acts without profit.” Xiao Meng chuckles softly.
“My life means nothing to you. But handing me to Cao Cao is far more valuable, isn’t it?”
“Xiao Meng!”
For once, Sima Yi’s emotions show. “I know you hate me—you should! I don’t expect your forgiveness, but I want you to know, I truly had no choice. For my family, I had to do this!”
“Brother Huo must be on his way here by now.” Xiao Meng ignores his emotion, suddenly saying this.
Sima Yi is startled.
“First deliver me to Cao Cao, then tip off Brother Huo that I’m in Cao Cao’s hands. You know he’d brave any danger to save me—then you can safely sell this reliable intel to Cao Cao. Not only do you capture a wanted criminal, but also the leader of the rebels. Two birds with one stone, a great achievement.”
At this, Sima Yi’s sad and sorrowful expression turns to anger, unable to reply. Xiao Meng, head bowed, misses the sight.
“…Didn’t expect Xiao Meng to be so sharp,” Sima Yi says sullenly.
“I’m not clever, just awake.” Xiao Meng’s voice is heavy. “You took me in when I had nowhere to go, helped avenge my foster fathers—I’ll always be grateful. Joining the rebels, killing for you, was my way to repay your kindness and the Sima family’s favor.”
“We’ve known each other for years; you should know I truly thought of you all as brothers.” Sima Yi’s sincerity is real, but he never confirms whether he meant to betray Liao Yuanhuo.
Xiao Meng’s head droops lower, his voice grows weaker as the drug takes hold.
“You treated my brothers as kin, but in your eyes… we’re not Sima family, not your real brothers… we’re just pawns, tools, expendable as long as it’s worth the price. But… I don’t blame you. You still have ambition—I’m only glad for you… you don’t need us anymore…”
Xiao Meng slumps forward, too weak to sit up straight, but forcing out his last words. “The debt I owed… I’ve repaid… now… I’m free!”
Sima Yi is silent for a long time, then exhales deeply. “Fine, if you say you’re free, then so be it. I can’t control you anyway.”
His voice and gaze turn utterly cold.
He turns toward the narrow door to summon someone to take Xiao Meng away, but a nameless disappointment fills his heart.
It shouldn’t have ended like this.
Xiao Meng should have willingly let himself be handed to Cao Cao. After all, it was partly because of Xiao Meng that the Sima family suffered—shouldn’t he want to die and atone?
Though… seeing him now, it’s not like he’s unwilling, but Sima Yi still feels upset—Xiao Meng’s words made him out to be some villain… Damn it!
Sima Yi almost reminds Xiao Meng how his failed attempt to assassinate Cao Cao (disguised as Madame Zou) led to Sima family’s massacre, hoping to stir Xiao Meng’s guilt.
But in the end, he refrains. Being a pragmatic man, he cares little for Xiao Meng’s feelings—the result is what matters. What’s the point in provoking stubborn loyalty?
Too much delay is dangerous. This game has lost its flavor.
Boom!
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As Sima Yi reaches for the door, a loud crash erupts behind him. He whirls around in shock. Amidst swirling dust, he sees a burly man holding a short halberd in one hand and supporting Xiao Meng with the other—Xiao Meng’s ropes already untied.
A gaping hole has been smashed through the wall. These walls are heavily reinforced—who could have such strength?
“Lü Bu!”
Sima Yi cries out.
Lü Bu smiles. “Young master Sima, your schemes are admirable. I am impressed.”
Sima Yi’s heart chills—could Lü Bu have overheard everything from behind that wall? How long has he been lurking there? With so many guards around, none noticed? …Could it be…!!!
Sima Yi is alarmed, mind racing as he gauges the situation.
He looks at Lü Bu, candlelight flickering across his cold, handsome face, but the icy light in his eyes pins Sima Yi in place.
“…Xiao Meng.” Lü Bu glances at Xiao Meng.
“I’ve been drugged… can’t move much…” Xiao Meng answers softly, head still bowed.
“Don’t worry. I’m here.”
……
Lü Bu looks at Sima Yi again, his gaze chilling, but his expression calm.
Sima Yi shudders. He knows this is the calm of a beast about to strike.
“Heh… For all my careful planning, I still missed something. I got word you escaped Baimen Tower, didn’t die there. I just couldn’t imagine why you’d come to my house. Otherwise, I’d have had a hundred times more men to welcome you!” Sima Yi forces a smile, voice trembling.
He doesn’t call for help—if anyone was going to come, they’d be here already after such commotion. But it’s deathly silent. Most likely, Lü Bu has killed all the guards. Any survivors are surely hiding in fear—calling out is useless.
Who dares face the demon Lü Bu?
He doesn’t want to provoke this beast.
Stall for time!
If he can just wait, everything might change.
By his calculations, that person should be arriving soon…
“The general’s affection for Xiao Meng is well-known. But I never thought you’d risk coming to rescue him. It seems Lü Bu is a man of feeling—people say you’re untrustworthy, but that’s not true!” Sima Yi says with a hint of teasing, as if they’re old friends catching up.
Lü Bu feels Xiao Meng tremble, but keeps his gaze on Sima Yi.
Sima Yi is surprised to see Lü Bu’s expression soften, a faint smile even appears.
Suddenly, Lü Bu disappears before his eyes.
Almost simultaneously, Lü Bu’s voice sounds within three feet: “Trying to stall for time? Who are you waiting for?”
Sima Yi can’t think. A loud crash—metal clashes and wood splinters. Someone bursts through the door behind him, blocking Lü Bu’s fatal blow.
LiaoYuan Fire!
“Fire! Lü Bu is trying to kill me and Xiao Meng!” Sima Yi shouts.
LiaoYuan Fire wields his sword like lightning, attacking Lü Bu—within moments, they exchange several fierce blows.
Lü Bu roars, “Good! I can finally avenge my brother today!”
His halberd sweeps down like a tidal wave. The onslaught is so ferocious that LiaoYuan Fire is forced on the defensive.
“He… he’s even stronger than before?!” LiaoYuan Fire thinks in alarm.
As the mightiest warrior of his era, Lü Bu’s martial talent is rare indeed. Since his defeat at Xiapi, he’s lived in exile, away from the power struggles and battles of old. His understanding of martial arts has only deepened, reaching new heights.
After dozens of moves, LiaoYuan Fire is at a disadvantage.
The last time they fought after the “Gathering Under the City,” Lü Bu had chased LiaoYuan Fire to avenge Xu Lin. Back then, Lü Bu had been poisoned by Xiao Meng and weakened, so LiaoYuan Fire narrowly escaped with his life.
But now Lü Bu is even stronger!
During the fierce fight, Sima Yi tries to avoid Lü Bu’s notice, silently crawling toward Xiao Meng, who sits collapsed, head down, eyes closed, seemingly oblivious.
Suddenly, Lü Bu notices Sima Yi approaching Xiao Meng. Alarmed, he leaps back, swinging his halberd at Sima Yi!
“Behind you!” Xiao Meng cries out.
Lü Bu spins and blocks several hidden weapons with his halberd.
As the hidden weapons are launched, LiaoYuan Fire presses his attack on Lü Bu, not stopping to wonder why Xiao Meng warned Lü Bu.
Desperate to save Xiao Meng, LiaoYuan Fire pours all his strength into the fight. Lü Bu is forced to defend, unable to focus on Xiao Meng—his mind grows anxious. Suddenly, he sees a look of shock on LiaoYuan Fire’s face, and at the same time, a wretched scream comes from behind.
It’s Sima Yi’s scream.
Lü Bu laughs—he doesn’t look back, but he knows what’s happened. When he’d supported Xiao Meng earlier, he’d sensed that Xiao Meng wasn’t really drugged.
LiaoYuan Fire sees an unbelievable sight: Xiao Meng grabs Sima Yi’s neck with his left hand, and his face with his right—more precisely, his thumb and middle finger pierce into Sima Yi’s left and right eyes. Blood gushes from his face in a horrifying scene.
Sima Yi struggles wildly, but Xiao Meng, saying nothing, delivers a vicious kick between Sima Yi’s legs, causing his whole body to collapse. It all happens in a single breath.
“…You… you… didn’t… didn’t…”
Sima Yi’s vitality is strong; even collapsed, he rasps out the words.
“I was poisoned, yes. But I’ve studied alchemy and poisons. This morning, I drank your drugged tea, but secretly took an antidote. Your people didn’t notice,” Xiao Meng says coldly, tightening his grip.
“...You… did it on purpose…”
“I did. I needed to see Brother Huo—I couldn’t wait aimlessly any longer. Since you made your move, I had to play along. I knew you’d notify Brother Huo—that'd give me a chance to see him.” Xiao Meng’s hand tightens further.
“Don’t, Xiao Meng!” LiaoYuan Fire cries in horror.
“Hahaha! Excellent!” Lü Bu laughs. “LiaoYuan Fire! Now it’s your turn!”
Inspired by Xiao Meng, Lü Bu’s spirit soars, his speed, power, and technique peaking. Silver halberd shadows flash as he launches killing blows at LiaoYuan Fire!
Defeat comes like a landslide—
Referring to LiaoYuan Fire. Though brave, he can’t match Lü Bu’s overwhelming strength at his peak.
“Take this!” Lü Bu knows the next blow will finish LiaoYuan Fire.
“Lü Bu—!” Xiao Meng shouts.
Lü Bu hesitates for a split second; pain stabs his waist. With a roar, he swings his halberd, forcing LiaoYuan Fire back, before leaping to Xiao Meng’s side.
“Lü Bu, you—” Xiao Meng sees he’s badly wounded and moves to support him.
Sima Yi lies nearby, lifeless. Lü Bu glances at Xiao Meng and says, “It’s nothing.”
Guilt fills Xiao Meng; he avoids Lü Bu’s burning gaze and turns to LiaoYuan Fire “Brother Huo, Sima Yi kidnapped me to hand me to Cao Cao, and planned to betray you as well when you came to rescue me—he wanted to wipe out the rebels and gain Cao Cao’s trust!”
Xiao Meng’s voice is full of grief. Strictly, it’s only his suspicion—Sima Yi never confessed. He knows it will be hard for LiaoYuan Fire to accept.
“Shut up!” LiaoYuan Fire bellows.
“I don’t believe you! When I got here, the Sima house was full of corpses! Lü Bu… killed everyone here! Are you bewitched by him? How can you stand with that beast?!”
LiaoYuan Fire’s fury is not just at Xiao Meng’s words. He’d rushed to Yewang City after receiving Sima Yi’s message: “News of Xiao Meng, come at once.” He can’t understand why Sima Yi, Xiao Meng, and Lü Bu are all here together.
But what he can’t accept most is—Xiao Meng standing with Lü Bu, against him.
Xiao Meng wants to explain, but the tall man beside him gently says, “Xiao Meng, we should go.”
Though his tone is soft, it allows no argument.
He truly is used to command, Xiao Meng thinks.
But seeing Lü Bu’s wound still bleeding, he immediately agrees, “Alright.”
He turns to LiaoYuan Fire. “Brother Huo, he came to save me. We’re leaving. If you still value our brotherhood at all, please don’t follow us.”
Once again, Xiao Meng’s words stun him. While LiaoYuan Fire stands frozen, Lü Bu and Xiao Meng slip through the hole in the wall and disappear.
LiaoYuan Fire doesn’t know how long he stood in a daze before going to pick up Sima Yi’s corpse. The once handsome face now has two bloody hollows where the eyes were, and another wound at the throat.
A terrible sight.
He still can’t believe Xiao Meng could have done this.
“It must have been Lü Bu!” That’s the only thought in LiaoYuan Fire’s mind.
He buries Sima Yi by the ancestral shrine, along with all who died at the Sima mansion.
Brother Huo, it was Sima Yi…
LiaoYuan Fire shakes his head fiercely, trying to banish Xiao Meng’s voice.
“Xiao Meng, even if I have to search the ends of the earth, I’ll find you.” After ten days putting everything in order, he leaves the mansion at sunset, riding off into the distance.
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End of Chapter 8
© Jing Xixian (King Heyin) (Vampire L), All rights reserved.
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