Chapter 87: This Arrow Pierces Through Fate's Deception!

“Has that lunatic Lu Bu gone mad?!”

Zhang Fei stared incredulously at Lu Bu’s actions.

Although he had witnessed Lu Bu’s terrifying strength and exceptional archery skills during their last encounter when he split the halberd shaft, the distance between the banks of the Huai River was far greater than just a hundred steps.

Moreover, with strong winds blowing over the river, hitting Yue Jiu on the opposite bank seemed impossible, let alone getting the arrow across!

Not only Zhang Fei but also Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and generals Yan Liang and Wen Chou all felt that Lu Bu must have been driven to madness by Yue Jiu’s taunts.

This arrow simply couldn’t reach its target!

However, Lu Bu paid no heed to the reactions around him. With his spine arcing like a dragon, the muscles in his right arm visibly swelled as he drew back the bowstring, nearly tearing through his clothing!

The iron Bow of Courage, whose weight surpassed comprehension, slowly yielded under his immense strength.

“Zheng-zheng-zheng—”

The iron bow creaked mournfully, bending under the strain.

Lu Bu’s eyes turned bloodshot, veins bulging fiercely on his face, giving him a ferocious appearance akin to a demonic deity descending upon earth.

“Open wide—!” Roaring amidst stunned gazes, Lu Bu stretched the bowstring to its absolute limit before abruptly releasing it. The pitch-black iron arrow shot forth like a streak of black lightning, carrying immense force!

No one could discern the trajectory of this arrow!

On the southern bank of the Huai River, Le Jiu, caught up in his furious tirade, suddenly felt a chilling sensation sweep over him. An unprecedented sense of impending doom enveloped his entire being.

Before he could react, a black iron arrow struck with lightning speed, impaling both him and his horse to the ground!

Silence fell, as deathly quiet reigned.

All sounds ceased abruptly.

From atop the wooden palisade wall, Yuan Shu stared dumbfounded at Le Jiu’s lifeless body pinned to the ground by a formidable black arrow just outside the camp. His mind was blank.

“Where did that arrow come from?” This thought echoed repeatedly in his head.

With stiff movements, Yuan Shu lifted his gaze towards the opposite bank and faintly spotted a towering figure holding a bow on the other side.

It was none other than Lu Bu.

Instantly, terror flooded his face.

“Protect me! Protect the Emperor!”

“Quick, guard the Emperor—!” Yuan Shu shrieked, crouching down and covering his head, his body trembling uncontrollably.

“Defend His Majesty!” The soldiers on the palisade wall snapped out of their shock, hastily rushing forward to shield Yuan Shu with their shields and bodies, escorting him away from the wooden wall.

However, many more soldiers looked pale-faced at Le Jiu’s corpse lying beyond the camp, fear etched across their faces.

Meanwhile, on the northern bank of the Huai River, at the forefront of the allied armies…

“Huff, huff…”

Breathing heavily, Lu Bu casually tossed aside the now-useless iron bow and gradually softened his fierce expression.

He then glanced around at the stunned soldiers nearby, tightened his grip on his halberd, pointed fiercely across the Huai River, and roared with all his might:

“Cross the river—!”

His voice thundered like a tiger’s roar through the mountains!

“Charge!” Zhang Fei, brimming with excitement, raised his spear and bellowed in response!

The entire allied army joined him in their resounding cry:

“Charge—!”

In that moment, the morale of the three-way alliance surged to its peak, igniting a boiling fervor for battle within every soldier!

The great army began crossing the river!

Victory in this river crossing battle was now assured.

Lu Bu’s arrow from across the Huai River, killing an enemy general, was akin to a divine intervention, showcasing his awe-inspiring might!

This feat not only significantly boosted the morale of the allied forces but also severely demoralized Yuan Shu’s army, forcing Yuan Shu himself to cower within his camp, too frightened to show his face!

If the commander is terrified, what hope do the soldiers have?

Following Lu Bu’s command, the allied forces swiftly laid down pontoon bridges over the Huai River, secured with iron chains, allowing their troops to forcefully cross.

Despite fierce resistance from Yuan Shu’s army, the allied forces’ high morale, bolstered by the leadership of Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Yan Liang, and Wen Chou, proved unstoppable. The defenders quickly crumbled, enabling the allied armies to secure the southern bank of the Huai River.

Throughout the battle, Lu Bu was like a demonic god descending upon the battlefield. Not only did he lead the charge ashore, but he also wreaked havoc indiscriminately, leaving rivers of blood in his wake - no one could stand against him!

Facing the invigorated allied forces, Yuan Shu’s army could only protect their banner and commander while continuously retreating, their defeat as swift and inevitable as a collapsing mountain.

“Shhhk!”

Amidst the chaos, Lu Bu penetrated deep into the enemy ranks single-handedly. His halberd swung powerfully, each strike claiming at least three or four lives!

His battle armor was stained crimson with blood, but it wasn’t his own; every drop belonged to his enemies.

No adversary could even come within ten meters of him!

“Where’s that false emperor?!” Lu Bu grabbed a messenger officer by the shoulders and demanded.

The sight of Lu Bu, drenched in blood like a demonic fiend, nearly terrified the messenger out of his wits. With trembling hands, he pointed in a direction before fainting, eyes rolling back.

Lu Bu casually snapped the man’s neck, then looked towards where the messenger had indicated, spotting Yuan Shu’s grand banner flying high.

“You treacherous villain! Where do you think you’re running?!”

Bloodlust consumed Lu Bu, leaving only one thought in his mind: capturing Yuan Shu at any cost!

With a thunderous roar, he charged towards the grand banner, wielding his halberd invincibly.

Yuan Shu, fleeing on his horse-drawn carriage, heard the furious shout behind him and instinctively turned around. The sight of Lu Bu charging towards him, resembling a demonic god, almost made him lose control of his bladder.

“Stop him! Quickly, halt his advance!” Yuan Shu panicked, issuing frantic orders.

Before his command was fully spoken, several generals rushed forward to confront the threat—Ji Ling, Zhang Xun, Qiao Rui, and Li Feng.

Together, they moved to block Lu Bu’s path!

“Traitor, prepare to die!”

Zhang Xun roared and thrust his spear directly at Lu Bu’s throat.

However, without even glancing at Zhang Xun, Lu Bu effortlessly deflected the strike with his halberd and swiftly beheaded him in return!

A single blow dispatched his enemy!

The remaining three generals, Ji Ling, Qiao Rui, and Li Feng, turned pale with shock, their vigilance heightened to its utmost. Seizing this opportunity, they simultaneously targeted Lu Bu’s vulnerabilities!

“Hmph! A bunch of mongrels!”

Lu Bu evaded their attacks continuously, intending to counter, but suddenly felt a sharp pain in his right arm holding the halberd.

His earlier arrow shot had taken its toll; he just hadn’t noticed amidst the exhilarating battle. Now facing three formidable generals, the injury became apparent.

“Perfect chance!” Noticing Lu Bu’s troubled right arm, Ji Ling focused his attacks there, while the other two coordinated their strikes accordingly!

Meanwhile, numerous soldiers were closing in, aiming to encircle and eliminate Lu Bu within their ranks!

Suddenly, a boisterous laughter echoed through the battlefield.

“Fear not, Fengxian! Here comes your brother Zhang Yide!”

Zhang Fei and Guan Yu led a cavalry charge, breaking through the enemy formation and boldly joining the fray!