004. Phoenix Gathering Spear Technique

Three days later, the Cao army advanced into Wan City. Before the siege even began, Zhang Xiu surrendered the city.

Cao Xin felt a tinge of disappointment—there would be no battle to fight.

Yet, according to unofficial histories, after Cao Cao entered Wan City, he forcefully took Lady Zou, Zhang Xiu’s aunt, as his concubine. Enraged, Zhang Xiu launched a surprise attack, catching Cao Cao completely off guard. This led to the deaths of Dian Wei, Cao Ang, and Cao Anmin.

Thinking of this, Cao Xin’s spirits lifted. Soon there would be another battle to fight. At the same time, he found himself somewhat intrigued by the legendary Lady Zou.

Should he go and see her?

——

Wan City.

The weather was pleasant. Cao Xin rose early to practice with his spear. Even with his golden finger enhancing his abilities, diligent training only made him fiercer in combat.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

“General! General, are you awake?”

As he trained, someone shouted loudly outside the door, startling the rooster perched on the wall into flight.

The visitors were several of his own officers: Li Big-Eyes, Pei Yuan-shao, Liu Big-Rock, and others.

“How did you get into the city?” Cao Xin asked, opening the courtyard door.

After taking over Wan City, the main forces were stationed outside in the military camp to prevent any trouble within the city. Only a handful of high-ranking officers resided in Wan City itself; the rest split their time between the city and the camp by the Yu River.

“Ha ha, General, today is a day of rest. We’re heading into town to take in the sights and see Wan City’s beauty. Would you like to join us?” Pei Yuan-shao said with a grin.

“Come with us, General. I’ve heard the girls of Wan City are as lovely as flowers,” Li Big-Eyes added. Noting Cao Xin’s frown, he quickly corrected himself, “Don’t misunderstand, General. I meant the brothel girls sing beautifully. I’m not talking about respectable women.”

“No, I have matters to attend to today and won’t be joining you. Whether you go drinking or listen to songs at the brothel, remember to pay and cause no trouble. If anyone starts something, military law will deal with them,” Cao Xin said, tossing them a pouch of coins. These men had all served in the Yellow Turban Army—some as leaders—so freeloading was second nature to them. He couldn’t be too careful.

“Ha ha, got it, General. Don’t worry.”

“We’re off, General.”

The group left the courtyard, laughing and jostling one another.

Cao Xin shook his head. Though he was a principled man, he wasn’t too strict with his subordinates. Let them eat, drink, and relax as needed—this was an age of chaos and war, with no guarantee of tomorrow.

After training for half a day, Cao Xin took some gifts and set off to pay a visit to Zhang Xiu’s residence.

——

“Father, bad news! Cao Xin is here!”

In the Zhang residence, Zhang Xiu’s son, Zhang Quan, rushed into the back courtyard, flustered.

“So what if he’s here? Why panic?” Zhang Xiu glared at him over his tea.

“Father, that Cao Xin injured you before. Now he’s come bearing gifts—he must be feigning kindness,” Zhang Quan said.

“Stop jumping to conclusions. Invite him in—or rather, I’ll greet him myself.”

Zhang Xiu straightened his robes and strode from the rear courtyard.

Since surrendering to Cao Cao, many had called him a coward and a weakling—unable to defeat Cao Xin with five thousand men against a mere hundred, and surrendering the city without a fight. Even among the Cao army’s officers, most looked down on him; no one came to visit. Cao Xin was the first, and he even brought gifts. Such a guest deserved a proper welcome.

At the main gate, he was met by a tall, powerfully built, and strikingly handsome young man—the very one who had wounded him on the battlefield. Suppressing his displeasure, Zhang Xiu forced a smile.

“Ha ha, General Cao, what a rare and pleasant surprise! This morning I heard the magpies singing in the trees and knew something good would happen—so it was you who brought it!”

“General Zhang, I hope you’ll forgive my unannounced visit today,” Cao Xin replied politely, cupping his hands. His handsome features and gentle bearing made him seem more scholar than warrior.

Zhang Xiu looked him up and down and laughed. “General Cao, forgive my rudeness, but when I met you on the battlefield, I thought you, like myself, were a rough and brash man. But today I see you’re a courteous and refined gentleman.”

“General Zhang, you are much too generous. You have followed General Zhang the Cavalry Commander to many victories, earning fame and glory with both wisdom and bravery. The Prime Minister himself said so.”

“Hardly, ha ha ha—”

With this exchange of flattery, both host and guest were soon at ease.

Zhang Xiu cordially invited him to the central courtyard for wine. Cao Xin accepted with pleasure, and after two rounds, their conversation became even more congenial.

Cao Xin took the opportunity to explain the reason for his visit.

Aside from his curiosity about Lady Zou, he wished to learn the Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix spear technique from Zhang Xiu.

“You wish to learn spear technique?” Zhang Xiu was a little surprised.

Cao Xin had come bearing many gifts. Zhang Xiu had been puzzling over his intentions, but it hadn’t occurred to him that he wished to study spearplay.

“Ziyu, with your abilities, there are fewer than five people in the world stronger than you. You still want to learn spear technique from me?” Zhang Xiu asked.

“Weiyou, you know I have strength but little skill with the spear. And the world is vast, filled with talent. There are at least ten stronger than I am—Lü Bu of Xuzhou, Guan Yu who slew Hua Xiong, Zhang Yide the Sworn Brother from Yan, Yan Liang and Wen Chou under Yuan Shao, Sun Ce of Jiangdong, Taishi Ci of Donglai, Gongsun Zan of Liaodong, Ma Teng of Fufeng—so many more.”

Cao Xin had seen Lü Bu, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei in Xuzhou.

Lü Bu was truly the mightiest general in the land, still formidable at forty-five. His strength rated ninety-nine, speed ninety-eight, and his steed, Red Hare, was as swift as the wind. Altogether, his martial prowess was nearly unmatched.

Cao Xin admitted he was a little inferior.

Guan Yu and Zhang Fei both had strength and speed around ninety-six, and were highly experienced fighters. With his stamina, Cao Xin could perhaps fight Zhang Fei to a draw, but to kill him outright was beyond his current abilities.

There were also Yan Liang, Wen Chou, Sun Ce, Taishi Ci, and others not yet famous like Zhao Yun, Ma Chao, Huang Zhong, Xu Chu, Dian Wei—all of whom could rival Guan Yu and Zhang Fei.

With so many formidable opponents, Cao Xin dared not slacken. After seeing Zhang Xiu’s Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix on the battlefield, he had long wished to learn it.

Seeing Zhang Xiu frown, Cao Xin interjected, “Weiyou, if there’s any difficulty, you can speak plainly. I may be blunt, but I am not unreasonable.”

“Haha, it’s no trouble to teach you. When I studied under Master Tong Yuan, I asked if I might pass the technique to others. He said that spearplay is a minor art—if I meet someone worthy, I may share it. Over the years, I’ve taught a few, but none have mastered it—partly due to their talent, and partly my own fault,” Zhang Xiu said, sighing as he held his cup. “Though I’m called the Spear King, I have not fully mastered the Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix. The true technique can strike nine stars with one thrust, astonishing gods and men. At my peak, I could only strike eight.

“Ziyu, you wish to study my spearplay—not that I’m unwilling, but I fear I wouldn’t be a good teacher. You’re far more talented than I. If you could learn directly from my master, you’d surely master the Hundred Birds technique. But my master is a recluse, wandering the world. I haven’t heard from him in over a decade, so I can’t easily recommend you.

“If you’re willing to wait, I’ll try to find my master and have him teach you personally. If you’re content with what I can offer, I’d be happy to discuss spear techniques with you. What do you say?” Zhang Xiu smiled.

Cao Xin laughed heartily and rose to bow. “Cao Xin pays his respe—”

“No, no! Ziyu, we’re brothers—let’s discuss spearplay as equals. If you bow to me as teacher, I wouldn’t dare accept! I can’t even defeat you—if I took you as a disciple, the world would laugh me to death,” Zhang Xiu said, laughing as he grasped Cao Xin’s arm.

In the days that followed, Cao Xin often visited the Zhang residence to practice the spear and study the Hundred Birds technique. Before long, he’d mastered its essentials—striking three stars with one thrust.

Zhang Xiu was amazed, praising him as a genius with the spear.

Cao Xin was pleased as well—at this rate, in a few years, he’d master the technique, striking nine stars with one thrust. Then, he could test himself against Zhao Zilong.

Unfortunately, despite many visits, he still hadn’t caught a glimpse of Lady Zou. Clearly, he’d have to devise another plan.

——