Three Kingdoms: Reincarnated as Lü Bu with a system

The trading town hummed with reluctant activity under Lü Bu's iron grip. His soldiers moved purposefully through the narrow streets, their polished armor gleaming under the midday sun. Merchants reopened their stalls with trepidation, forced into commerce by the weight of a new regime. The residents whispered among themselves, their wary eyes darting toward the mayor's residence, where Lü Bu had taken command.

From the building's balcony, Lü Bu watched his men restore order to the town. His gaze swept over the makeshift barracks and guarded gates. His control was fragile. He knew better than to trust fleeting victories—they were nothing without consolidation.

Behind him, Chen Gong entered the room, carrying a scroll and wearing his usual calm, calculating expression.

"My lord," Chen Gong began, approaching the map spread across a large table. "The trade routes you've secured will bolster our resources, but they also bring risks. Rivals will view this town as an irresistible prize."

Lü Bu nodded, his arms folded. "Then let them try to take it."

"Defending this position is critical, but defense alone is not enough," Chen Gong continued, pointing to the map. "We must project strength and send a clear message to neighboring factions: this land belongs to Lü Bu."

"Expansion, then," Lü Bu said, his eyes gleaming.

"Precisely," Chen Gong replied. "However, caution is necessary. Zhao Yong, a local warlord, has already expressed interest in this region. His forces are opportunistic and mobile. If he believes you're vulnerable, he'll strike."

Lü Bu smirked. "Let him come. He'll regret it."

---

The warning came sooner than expected.

Before dawn the next day, a scout arrived at the gates, his horse frothing with sweat. He was ushered into Lü Bu's presence, where he knelt on the cold floor, his head bowed in submission.

"My lord," the scout began, his voice trembling with urgency. "Zhao Yong marches on this town. His army is nearly a thousand strong, and they are less than a day away."

Lü Bu's expression darkened. "So, the rat reveals himself."

Chen Gong's sharp mind was already working. "Zhao Yong likely caught wind of our success and seeks to capitalize on it. His numbers are significant, but his forces lack cohesion. This may be an opportunity to crush him and establish your dominance."

Zhang Liao stepped forward, his broad frame casting a shadow across the room. "We have the advantage of fortifications, my lord. If we prepare the defenses now, we can hold them off—and send a clear message to anyone else who would challenge us."

Lü Bu considered his options carefully. A thousand men weren't an insurmountable force, but they were enough to pose a threat. The outcome of this battle would shape his growing reputation.

"Prepare the defenses," Lü Bu commanded. "The men will hold the walls. Once the battle begins, I'll lead the counterattack myself."

"My lord," Chen Gong interjected cautiously, "leading from the front is risky. Your presence inspires the men, but if you fall—"

"I won't fall," Lü Bu interrupted, his tone leaving no room for argument. "This isn't just about holding the town. It's about showing everyone that I am a force to be reckoned with."

Chen Gong nodded reluctantly. "Very well. I'll oversee the preparations."

---

The trading town braced for war as the hours passed. Soldiers worked tirelessly to reinforce the walls, sharpening their weapons and positioning archers along the ramparts. Merchants and villagers, unable to flee, barricaded themselves in their homes, their whispered prayers drifting on the wind.

Lü Bu patrolled the length of the walls, his halberd resting on his shoulder. He stopped periodically to inspect the defenses, his sharp eyes scanning the horizon for signs of movement. The soldiers stiffened as he passed, their expressions a mix of awe and fear.

"System," Lü Bu muttered under his breath.

"Yes, Host?"

"Assess the situation. What's my advantage here?"

"Current Defensive Advantage: 15%. Enemy forces lack siege equipment and are overconfident. Recommended Strategy: Exploit their disorganization with a decisive counterattack after their initial assault."

A faint smile tugged at Lü Bu's lips. "Perfect."

As dusk fell, Zhang Liao approached, his armor gleaming in the fading light. "The men are ready, my lord. The enemy will arrive within the hour."

Lü Bu nodded, his grip tightening on his halberd. "Let them come."

---

The enemy army appeared as a dark mass on the horizon, their banners fluttering in the evening breeze. Zhao Yong's forces marched with confidence, their ranks well-ordered but lacking the unity of a disciplined force.

From his vantage point atop the wall, Lü Bu studied their approach. Zhao Yong himself was visible at the rear, surrounded by a cluster of heavily armed guards.

"Arrogant," Lü Bu muttered. "He's already assumed victory."

The enemy drew closer, their movement deliberate. Lü Bu raised his hand, signaling the archers on the wall. The creak of drawn bows filled the air as the soldiers waited for his command.

"Loose!" Lü Bu shouted.

A storm of arrows rained down on the advancing soldiers, the sharp whistle of their flight followed by the screams of the wounded. The enemy's ranks faltered, confusion spreading through their lines.

"Hold the line!" Zhao Yong's voice bellowed from the rear, but his commands were drowned out by the chaos.

Lü Bu watched with cold satisfaction. "Zhang Liao, prepare the infantry. We'll meet them head-on once they reach the walls."

The enemy reached the gates, their soldiers hammering against the wooden barriers with axes and swords. The defenders braced themselves inside, shields locked and spears ready.

"Now!" Lü Bu roared, leaping from the wall with his halberd gleaming in the torchlight.

He landed amidst the enemy ranks like a thunderbolt, his halberd carving through their formation with brutal precision. Each swing sent men flying, their screams drowned out by the clash of steel.

"Advance!" Zhang Liao commanded, leading the infantry in a disciplined charge through the shattered enemy ranks.

The battle was a massacre. Zhao Yong's forces, unprepared for Lü Bu's ferocity, crumbled under the assault. Soldiers dropped their weapons and fled, their will to fight crushed by the Flying General's onslaught.

At the rear of the battlefield, Zhao Yong watched in horror as his army disintegrated. His guards formed a protective circle around him, but their fear was palpable.

Lü Bu's gaze locked onto the rival warlord, his eyes burning with cold determination.

---

Zhao Yong barely had time to react as Lü Bu cut through his guards, their weapons clattering to the ground. The rival warlord stumbled backward, his sword trembling in his hand.

"Lü Bu…" Zhao Yong gasped, his voice shaking. "We can negotiate—"

Lü Bu's halberd struck with unrelenting force, shattering Zhao Yong's blade and driving him to the ground. The battlefield fell silent as Lü Bu stood over his defeated foe, his weapon poised for the killing blow.

"Please…" Zhao Yong stammered, his face pale with terror. "Spare me, and I will serve you."

Lü Bu's expression was unreadable as he lowered his halberd. "Swear your loyalty to me, and you may live."

"I swear," Zhao Yong said quickly, bowing his head. "I am yours to command."

"Good," Lü Bu said coldly. He turned to his soldiers, who watched in stunned silence. "Let this be a warning to all who oppose me. I am not to be challenged lightly."

The soldiers erupted into cheers, their voices echoing across the battlefield. Zhao Yong's surrender marked more than a victory—it was the beginning of something far greater.

---

The trading town's defenses held, its people slowly returning to their routines as Lü Bu's forces consolidated their position. Zhao Yong's remaining troops, now under Lü Bu's banner, bolstered his army, pushing his total forces past 1,000.

Chen Gong approached him the next morning, his expression unusually relaxed. "A decisive victory, my lord. Zhao Yong's surrender has strengthened our position and sent a clear message to your rivals."

"It's only the beginning," Lü Bu replied. "This town is secure, but the land remains fractured. We'll move again soon."

Chen Gong nodded. "With each step, your legend grows. But tread carefully, my lord. Ambition burns bright, but so does betrayal."

Lü Bu's smirk returned. "Let them try. They'll find I'm as dangerous to betray as I am to face on the battlefield."