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As the contest continued, Liu Bei found himself no longer simply enduring the spectacle but genuinely invested in its outcome. The discovery of these two promising warriors meant that the event was not merely an expensive show of generosity, it was an investment in the future of his army combat power as it had bore fruit.
After waiting for some time, the attendant that Liu Bei told to search for the names of the two young men returned and told Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei their names.
The fighter in the first ring was named Liao Hua. He was a native of Xiangyang himself, but went out to fight against bandits around Xiangyang and then join the city guards. Unfortunately however there's little to no stage for him to showcase his talent more, so he was stuck at his position in the city guard.
The warrior in the second ring was named Cang Xiu. He was a relatively unknown ranger, it's recorded that he was a native of Jiangling but there's not much information except that he likes to fight bandits and wild animals in the forest as a ranger, helping refugees and passersby.
The martial contest stretched into the late afternoon, the sun dipping low in the sky, casting long shadows across the bustling square. The air was thick with the scent of sweat and dust, mingling with the excited murmurs of the crowd.
Liu Bei, though still mindful of the expenses bleeding his coffers dry, found his attention increasingly drawn to the two young warriors who had captured the city's imagination, Liao Hua and Cang Xiu.
Both had advanced through the early rounds with ease, their skills far surpassing the common warriors and mercenaries who had come seeking glory.
The spectators, initially there for mere entertainment, now cheered fervently whenever either of them stepped into the ring. There was something magnetic about their fighting styles, Liao Hua's disciplined precision, and Cang Xiu's untamed ferocity, that made them stand out.
Liu Bei observed them carefully from his elevated cubicle, his fingers drumming idly against the armrest. Beside him, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei exchanged approving nods as the two warriors dispatched their latest opponents with practiced efficiency.
"If they make it to the top five," Liu Bei mused, "they will be worth the money spent to make this martial contest."
By the time the first half of the contest concluded, Liao Hua and Cang Xiu had become the darlings of the spectators. Merchants placed wagers on their matches, children mimicked their stances in the streets, and even the city guards, who had once dismissed Liao Hua as just another low ranking soldier, now watched him with newfound respect.
Liu Bei, performing his facade well, played his part perfectly. He applauded their victories, praised their skill publicly, and made sure to be seen speaking warmly with the other competitors. The image of the benevolent lord, generous and just, had to be maintained.
But beneath the virtuous facade, his mind was already calculating. Liao Hua and Cang Xiu, both were exactly what he needed.
As the day's matches ended and the crowds dispersed, Liu Bei retired to his quarters, his smile slipping the moment the doors closed behind him. He exhaled sharply, rubbing his temples.
He had just received the cost of this contest and already on the first day was staggering. Feeding and housing hundreds of participants, paying the officials, and maintaining the rings, was a drain on resources he could scarcely afford.
The second day of the contest dawned bright and clear, the square already packed with spectators eager for the next round of matches. The field had been whittled down to the top twenty, and the atmosphere was electric.
Liao Hua and Cang Xiu advanced effortlessly, their reputations growing with each victory. By midday, they stood among the final eight.
Liu Bei watched from his seat, his earlier irritation fading as he saw the fruits of his investment taking shape. These two were no longer just promising fighters, they were becoming symbols. Proof that under Liu Bei's rule, talent would be recognized and rewarded.
When the dust settled, Liao Hua placed first, his steady but unspectacular style bested every fighter in the contest including Cang Xiu. While Cang Xiu, bested by Liao Hua, surged to second, his relentless aggression carried him to the final bout before ultimately stopped by Liao Hua.
As the crowd cheered the winners, Liu Bei rose from his seat and stepped forward, his arms spread in a gesture of magnanimity.
"Today, we have witnessed the strength of Jing Province's finest!" he declared, his voice carrying across the square. "Each of you has proven your worth, and it would be an honor to have such warriors serve under my banner."
Then, with deliberate grace, he turned to Liao Hua and Cang Xiu.
"Liao Hua. Cang Xiu. Your skill and spirit have impressed me greatly. If you are willing, I would welcome you as officers in my army, where your talents will not go to waste."
The crowd erupted in approval. The image was perfect, the virtuous lord, rewarding humble but capable men.
Liao Hua bowed deeply. "This one is unworthy of such honor, but if Lord Liu Bei sees value in me, I will serve with all my strength."
Cang Xiu grinned, thumping his chest with a fist. "Just point me at the enemy and I will not disappoint you, my lord!"
Liu Bei smiled warmly, the picture of benevolence.
As the cheers of the crowd still echoed through the square, Liu Bei wasted no time in calling for Ju Shou, Kuai Liang, and Kuai Yue. His voice carried urgency, though his face maintained the carefully cultivated expression of a benevolent ruler.
"We must solidify our promise without delay. Prepare a short but proper ceremony to promote Liao Hua and Cang Xiu into my ranks as generals. Their loyalty must be rewarded swiftly and publicly."
Ju Shou hearing that immediately nodded with a slight smile, agreeing with his lord's direction. "An excellent decision, my lord. It will further cement your image as a ruler who recognizes and elevates talent regardless of birth."
Kuai Liang and Kuai Yue exchanged glances before bowing. "We shall ensure the proceedings are carried out smoothly. By tonight, both men will have their rightful place among your officers."
While they worked to arrange the ceremony, Liao Hua and Cang Xiu were escorted to a prepared hall where they were given new robes signifying their rising status. Liao Hua, who was truly from a humble background, was visibly moved by the gesture. He turned to the attendant assisting him, his voice thick with emotion.
"Lord Liu Bei's generosity is boundless. To be granted such an honor so quickly… I vow to repay his kindness with unwavering loyalty."
Cang Xiu, meanwhile, maintained his outward expressions of gratitude but felt an icy detachment within. In truth, this was a complication he had not anticipated.
His mission had been to infiltrate Liu Bei's ranks through the contest, but he had not expected to rise so swiftly into the inner circle. The Oriole agents had been scattered among the applicants, yet he alone had succeeded. The weight of their collective expectation and task from their lord now rested on his shoulders.
As he adjusted his new robes, an attendant entered and bowed deeply. "Honored sirs, the ceremony is prepared. Lord Liu Bei awaits you."
The hall was grand yet not ostentatious, befitting Liu Bei's carefully crafted image. Incense burned in the corners, and banners bearing Liu Bei's insignia hung from the walls.
At the head of the hall, Liu Bei sat with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei flanking him, their presence a symbol of both power and camaraderie. Seated to the side were other notable officers, all watching with interest as Liao Hua and Cang Xiu stepped forward.
Ju Shou took his place at the front and began the formal announcement. "Before us stand two warriors whose valor and skill have been witnessed by all. They have proven themselves through strength and spirit, and it is only fitting that they now take their rightful place among Lord Liu Bei's trusted ranks."
Liao Hua knelt first, cupping his hand to the side his voice filled with fervor. "This one, Liao Hua, swears to serve Lord Liu Bei with unwavering loyalty, to wield my blade in his name, and to defend his cause until my last breath."
Liu Bei stepped forward, placing a ceremonial sword in front of Liao Hua. "Then rise, General Liao Hua, and take your place among my officers."
As Liao Hua rose, the hall erupted in applause. The sincerity in his eyes was unmistakable. He was a man who would die for Liu Bei, and Liu Bei knew it.
Next was Cang Xiu. He knelt, mirroring Liao Hua's actions. His voice, steady and firm, echoed through the chamber. "This one, Cang Xiu, pledges his strength to Lord Liu Bei. May my blade serve his cause, and my loyalty never waver."
Liu Bei placed the ceremonial sword before him as well. "Then rise, General Cang Xiu, and stand among your brethren."
Cang Xiu rose, meeting Liu Bei's gaze with a perfectly executed expression of reverence. Inside, however, his thoughts were cold and calculating. The Oriole's mission had succeeded beyond expectations.
He was now inside the very heart of Liu Bei's forces. His task was no longer mere infiltration, it was survival and careful maneuvering until the time came to act.
As the ceremony concluded, Liu Bei smiled warmly at the two new generals. "With warriors like you by my side, I have no doubt that justice will prevail in these chaotic times. Tonight, we celebrate. Tomorrow, we prepare for the battles ahead."
That night, a feast was held in their honor. The hall was lively, filled with laughter, music, and the clinking of wine cups. Liao Hua, surrounded by officers and soldiers alike, spoke earnestly of his past, his gratitude for Liu Bei's recognition evident in every word.
Cang Xiu played his role flawlessly, engaging in conversations, exchanging toasts, and observing the dynamics of Liu Bei's inner circle. He noted the relationships, the power struggles, and the subtle alliances forming beneath the surface. He had a mission to fulfill, and this was only the beginning.
As the night deepened, Liu Bei watched the celebration with a pleased expression. He had gained two new generals, his reputation had soared, and his army had grown stronger. Yet, amidst the festivities, he failed to see the shadow lurking beneath Cang Xiu's mask, and this would be his downfall in the future.
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Name: Lie Fan
Title: Overlord Of The Central Plains
Age: 33 (200 AD)
Level: 16
Next Level: 462,000
Renown: 1325
Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)
SP: 1,121,700
ATTRIBUTE POINTS
STR: 951 (+20)
VIT: 613 (+20)
AGI: 598 (+10)
INT: 617
CHR: 96
WIS: 519
WILL: 407
ATR Points: 0