Chapter 2982

Chapter 1495: The Transaction

“We agreed to slaughter everyone together, how did it turn into me coming to save you?” A cold, emotionless voice rang out, and a burly man with a golden crown binding his hair, wearing a hundred-flower battle robe, Tang Ni armor, and a lion-man belt descended from the sky.

His sharp eyes exuded an imposing aura without anger; he simply stood there, yet his imposing presence made everyone in the room hesitant to make a move.

The incarnation of Chaos, the most powerful man of the Three Kingdoms, Lü Bu!

Zu An sighed, “Man proposes, God disposes; they’re all cunning old foxes.”

Dong Zhuo, Cao Cao, and Yuan Shao were all startled by his arrival. Dong Zhuo couldn’t help but ask, “Lü Bu, didn’t you say you didn’t participate in these battles?”

Chaos had always been uninterested in anything, not even participating in the Great War of the Gods, so no one had expected him to appear this time.

Lu Bu glanced at the group and said calmly, “I’m not interested in these things, but I don’t want to be killed by you all without knowing why.”

Cao Cao frowned slightly: “What makes you say that? Your strength and status are extraordinary; how could we possibly deal with you?”

Zu’an is now older and has more cards to play, but with the three forces joining forces, he would surely die.

But now, with the addition of Chaos Lu Bu, things are different.

If before, everyone was only worried about being seriously injured by Zu’an before his death, which would put them at a disadvantage in the subsequent struggle with the other two forces, now with Chaos Lu Bu, if a real fight breaks out, one of them will definitely die, and two might even be buried with them.

But the three forces are united by interests; why would they pay such a high price to fight to the death?

Chaos Lu Bu fell silent. Zu’an then spoke up: “Let me explain for him. Everyone knows the course of history and his original fate. Right now, you may not want to provoke him, but once you’ve accumulated enough power, why would you let him go?”

Historically, Dong Zhuo was killed by Lu Bu, and now Dong Zhuo will inevitably be wary of this, perhaps even striking first to avoid his original fate.

Historically, Lu Bu was also killed by Cao Cao. Both sides know this, leading to a similar predicament.

Although Lu Bu also had conflicts with Liu Bei, they had cooperated for a period in history, and there was no life-or-death enmity between them. Zu’an used this as a pretext to persuade Chaos Lu Bu.

Chaos Lu Bu also knew that if he did nothing, he would either be killed by the annihilated Dong Zhuo or the protected Cao Cao, so he agreed to cooperate.

Originally, they planned to wipe out Dong Zhuo and Cao Cao here, but unexpected events occurred.

Dong Zhuo, Cao Cao, and Yuan Shao all fell silent. They knew that further words were futile; Chaos Lu Bu wouldn’t trust them.

But the combined strength of Lu Bu and Liu Bei made them wary, leaving them in a stalemate.

Zu An’s forehead was also beaded with sweat. In a real fight, his best outcome would be taking one or two down with him, but he would ultimately die.

And Chaos Lu Bu was by no means a completely trustworthy ally…

The atmosphere in the room became incredibly tense, as if a small mishap could trigger a major battle.

Just then, celestial music drifted in, and it seemed as if flower petals were falling from the sky. A sweet fragrance, indescribable in this world, eased the tension slightly.

A stunningly beautiful figure slowly entered: “May I ask you all a word?”

Many natives of this world were puzzled. They recognized the woman as Diao Chan, Wang Yun’s daughter.

She was indeed beautiful, but in such a momentous situation, who would listen to a mere girl?

However, upon seeing her beauty, everyone subconsciously changed their minds. She was so beautiful; what she said must be true!

Dong Zhuo and the others naturally knew she was the goddess of love and beauty: “Please speak, Miss!”

Diao Chan scanned the room, then her gaze fell on Zu An: “Uncle Liu, you have lost today. Do you admit it?”

“Indeed, I made a mistake. Losing is losing.” Zu An was quite frank. Bai Rouxue’s betrayal was one factor, but his recent overconfidence had drawn the attention of the three forces, leading to their alliance against him.

The goddess Diao Chan nodded, then looked at Dong Zhuo, Cao Cao, and Yuan Shao: “Although the three of you have won today, you haven’t completely won. To completely eliminate Uncle Liu and General Lü, you will likely have to pay an unbearable price.” Dong Zhuo, Cao Cao, and Yuan Shao

did not refute her. Although they didn’t believe that Chaos Lü Bu would fight to the death with Zu An, none of them dared to take the risk.

“Since that’s the case, I have a suggestion,” Diao Chan’s smile made everyone feel how wonderful the world was, “Since Liu Bei has lost, why not leave the capital and return to his hometown in Hebei to continue to wipe out the remnants of the Yellow Turbans? General Lü could also go to the provinces to suppress the petty thieves. There’s a problem with the Taishan bandits in Xuzhou that we haven’t been able to eliminate. Why don’t you personally take charge?”

Zu An’s heart stirred slightly. Although it was a pity that his initial plan had failed, it was indeed a viable option, at least preserving the possibility of a comeback.

Chaos Lü Bu nodded: “That’s excellent!”

He really didn’t want to get involved in these guys’ struggles, but he also didn’t want to be slaughtered like a pig in the end. Going to the provinces would allow him to remain unscathed, and he wouldn’t have to worry about Dong Zhuo and Cao Cao’s various conspiracies in the capital.

Dong Zhuo and the others frowned slightly. Forcibly eliminating Zu An and his group now was too risky. Expelling him from the center of power and sending him to the provinces was indeed acceptable.

This is not the chaotic era of history. The central court still possesses immense authority and power, and the local authorities cannot stand against it. As long as they can emerge victorious in the capital, dealing with these local figures will be a piece of cake.

The group exchanged glances, and Dong Zhuo spoke up: “We can let him go, but some hostages must be left behind. The Lu family father and daughter cannot leave, nor can the Qiao family father and daughter.”

Cao Cao added: “Empress Tang represents the face of the court and cannot leave; Miss Fu will also become empress, and she cannot leave either.”

Dong Zhuo nodded: “That’s right, Miss Fu will become the new emperor’s empress.”

Killing her and choosing another woman from the Fu family wouldn’t be out of the question, but that would inevitably breed resentment in Fu Wan’s heart. It’s better to choose her.

More importantly, she has previously shown loyalty and righteousness towards Zu’an. With her as a hostage in the capital, it will be easier to control Zu’an in the local areas in the future.

“As for Fengxian, let Diaochan stay behind.” Dong Zhuo was also in a dilemma. Chaos Lu Bu didn’t care about anyone, and after thinking it over, Diaochan was probably the only one he had any real connection with.

Zu An frowned: “No way!”

The capital was far too dangerous. Without his protection, how could he leave those confidantes here?

Dong Zhuo smiled coldly: “If you’re unwilling, then let’s have a fight.”

Chaos Lu Bu certainly wouldn’t refuse this plan. How long would he help Zu An if a fight broke out?

At this moment, Diaochan spoke up: “Uncle, don’t worry, I’m here to help take care of them.”

“But…” Zu An thought that although she was a true god, she had fallen and didn’t possess her full power. Moreover, other true gods now had armies under their command, while she was all alone.

“Our Wang family has some prestige among the aristocratic families, and the Lu and Qiao families are even more respected. They wouldn’t dare to act rashly,” Diao Chan smiled. “Besides, I can go play with Sister Cai.”

The God of Memory only records, not interferes, but the Cai family has close ties with the Lu and Qiao families. If something happens to the Lu and Qiao families, even if she doesn’t help, Cai Yong will, and she will inevitably be drawn in.

At this moment, Diao Chan transmitted her voice secretly: “Yan Hua asked me to tell you that she will also help protect your relatives and friends in the capital.”

Zu An wondered how the Goddess of Beauty was connected to Yan Hua.

At this moment, Bi Linglong also secretly persuaded Zu An to agree: “Zu An, Lü Bu is already wavering; delay could lead to trouble.”

“But you want to be the empress here.”

“Don’t worry, being the empress of a puppet emperor is something I’m good at. I won’t be bullied, and with the title of empress, I can help you in the future.”

“…” Zu An thought of her and that foolish prince in the cultivation world; she was indeed experienced in this area.

After intense bargaining, the major figures in the room finally reached an agreement: Lü Bu would lead his troops to become the governor of Xuzhou to suppress the bandits of Mount Tai, while Liu Bei would lead his heavily damaged Archer Captain and a small portion of the Western Garden Army north to become the governor of Youzhou to quell the remnants of the Yellow Turban Rebellion and the northern barbarians.

As for He Jin’s personal guards, Qiao Mao’s and Wang Kuang’s troops, they would remain in the capital to protect the Qiao and Lu families.