Chapter 646

Meanwhile, Sun Ce was being showered by arrows.

Careful! Sun Ce wanted to warn his men but it was already too late. He relied on the warhorse to avoid the arrows but his men werent so lucky. The ones transporting the tigers were hit on the body and fell down groaning. The ones helping Sun Ce at the front were immediately killed and fell off their horses.

Whos there? Sun Ce shouted but there was no reply. Only the groaning voices of Sun Ces subordinates were heard.

You dare to kill my subordinates but you dont dare to show yourself? Sun Ce provoked.

At that moment, a clapping sound could be heard.

Good! As expected of the Little Conqueror, Sun Ce Sun Bofu! Capable of killing a fierce tiger and surviving a rain of arrows! It looks like I had underestimated you! A man in blacked clothing walked out while clapping with a group of men following behind him.

Who are you? Why did you kill my men? Sun Ce asked as he looked at the man.

Kill your men? The man laughed. Sun Bofu! I had no intentions of killing your men! I came here to kill you! Your subordinates were just unlucky to be in the way of the arrows.

Kill me?

The a.s.sa.s.sins walked up to the groaning men on the floor and cut off their heads. Why bother? If you had died from the arrows then you wouldnt have been in pain!

Sun Bofu! Are you just going to hide behind your horse? Sigh you are really not worth these soldiers. To think that the Little Conqueror (xiao baw.a.n.g) is now just a big tortoise (da w.a.n.gba). Are you really so afraid?

The other a.s.sa.s.sins laughed as well.

Haha. I still havent met a single person that could make me feel afraid! Sun Ce sneered and walked out from behind his horse. He even took out his Overlord Spear. He was behind the horse the entire time looking for it.

He faced the a.s.sa.s.sins and said. Speak. Who are you and why do you want to kill me? You really have guts. If you speak, I will at least leave behind a corpse for you! Sun Ce was full of confidence since he has his spear.

Leave behind a corpse for me? You should worry about yourself instead! Dont you recognize me? The leader of the a.s.sa.s.sins took off his mask. Now you should be able to recognize me!

Sun Ce looked at the man and saw that he was familiar. Yet he cant seem to recall who it is. Who are you and what enmity do you have with me?

Sun Ce Sun Bofu! You really cannot recognize me? I still remember the day you killed my entire family and you cannot even remember me? The a.s.sa.s.sin glared.

I have killed many people. How could I recognize you? Sun Ce asked back.

You! The a.s.sa.s.sin was speechless. Fine! I will allow you to die knowing my name! I am Xu Gong! I am the Xu Gong whose family you killed! Xu Gong shouted.

Xu Gong? Sun Ce repeated.

So? Do you remember me now? Xu Gong asked coldly.

No. It does sound familiar. Sun Ce replied. But how could he forget Xu Gong? He already recognized Xu Gong the moment the man pulled down his mask. Xu Gong had a close scholar friend Xu Jing. When Xu Jing escaped the chaos caused by Dong Zhuo, Xu Gong received him. At that time, he was just an officer of the Wu County. His superior was Sheng Xian. To become Governor, he plotted to kill his superior. For this reason, Sun Ce looked down on him.

When Sun Ce united Jiangdong, Xu Gong wanted to rely on Sun Ce. But Sun Ce didnt like him, and so, Xu Gong rebelled. That being said, Sun Ce did not wipe out the Xu Family because he was a n.o.ble in Jiangdong.

Yet, Xu Gong did not give up. He kept looking for an opportunity to retake Wu while ignoring the fact that Sun Ces influence had grown bigger. He sent a letter to Cao Cao saying that it would be a problem if Sun Ce is left in charge and wanted Cao Cao to summon Sun Ce to the capital via the Emperors orders. If he was successful, Sun Ce would need to go to the capital and Jiangdong would split once again. Xu Gong can then benefit from this. Unfortunately, this plot failed and Sun Ce could execute the entire family according to the law.

How could Sun Ce forget this man? He was just skeptical because Xu Gong was supposed to be dead. He had given Xu Gong for Sun Quan to execute. He said he did not remember Xu Gong because he wanted Xu Gong to get angry and make a mistake.

It does not matter if you remember or not! I will avenge my family today! Men! Advance and kill this Sun Ce Sun Bofu! Xu Gong ordered.

The other a.s.sa.s.sins around Xu Gong took out their swords and advanced towards Sun Ce.

As expected, Xu Gong had made a mistake. At that location, there was nowhere to hide. Xu Gong could simply order his men to keep shooting arrows and Sun Ce would be helpless, unable to protect himself.

Yet, Xu Gong ordered his men to advance to the front. This gave Sun Ce the advantage. With Sun Ces strength, why would he need to fear a few dozen men? He would not even have any problems even if they triple their numbers.

Hmph! Sun Ce swung his spear resentfully. The spear was like a reapers scythe. As he fought he found out that these a.s.sa.s.sins were really good at martial arts as well. Even if they were struck by the spear and their bones were broken, they did not scream. Some even tried to take the hit as they exchanged their lives for his.

Hm? Sun Ce careless allowed a sword to cut him in the arm. Blood started to flow out.

Death soldiers? Sun Ce coldly said. These a.s.sa.s.sins were not afraid of death at all. They would not stop until he was dead.

Yes, they are death soldiers! If it is to kill you, normal soldiers will not work! Today is the day you will die! Xu Gong prattled on loudly.

The day I die? Hmph! You think a few insignificant death soldiers is enough to handle me? Sun Ce suddenly showed his strength.

What? Xu Gong was shocked. This was not the strength of someone in a Refinement Stage. He had planned for a situation where someone from Refinement Stage cannot escape even in close combat. Yet this could not obstruct Sun Ce.

You broke through? Impossible! How could you have broken through! Xu Gong shook his head. Sun Ce had broken through and reached the Peak of Refinement. The only other person he knew of that is at this level was Lu Bu. Even if Sun Ce was similar to Xiang Yu, it was not something that could have been done so easily.

You did not see wrongly. Sun Ce laughed coldly as he brandished his Overlord Spear. He then used a skill with a roar. His killing intent took shape and the nearby death soldiers around him died immediately.

How could this be? Xu Gongs eyes grew wide. He had several dozen death soldiers but now everything was in disorder.

Xu Gong. I will give you one more chance to say who sent you! I will at least leave you with an intact corpse. Sun Ce said as he pointed towards Xu Gong with his spear.

You must be dreaming! The one who will die here is you! Stall him! Draw the bow! Xu Gong said angrily.

Hmph! How long can these weakling stall me? Sun Ce asked back coldly and moved to kill these death soldiers.

Suddenly there was a resounding sound.

What? Sun Ce was very familiar with this sound and immediately noticed a large arrow coming towards him.

This is! Sun Ce immediately stepped back with his spear in front of him.

There was a loud bang as the arrow collided with the spear.

Get out of my way! Sun Ce gritted his teeth and roared. There was sparks as he deflected the large arrow. The arrow then changed direction and pierced through several trees before stopping.

A ballista! Sun Ce finally saw the thing clearly. It was something that remained fresh in his memory after he had experienced its strength at Wancheng. His beloved Wulong died because of it.

Why do you have a ballista? Who gave it to you? Sun Ce asked. Yangzhou, Jiangdong and Jingzhou. All of these three places restricted the use of this mechanism. This is because they did not want to cause a disaster by leaking this technology to Cao Cao. He never expected Xu Gong to be able to obtain it.

Haha! So even you are afraid of this ballista! Of course, someone had given this to me just to kill you! It is a pity it did not manage to kill you in a single shot! Xu Gong sighed with pity.

Sun Ces arm was still shaking. The ballista was too powerful. This weapon was made to destroy s.h.i.+ps. If it could tear s.h.i.+ps apart, it could easily kill humans as well. Besides that, Xu Gong was also prepared. The arrow he used was not made out of wood but metal. Normally, only the tip of the arrow was metal as the arrow needed to fly far. However, the arrow used on Sun Ce was completely made of metal since Xu Gong did not need superior range.

Someone? Sun Ce narrowed his eyes and determined that this ballista was obtained from Jiangdong.

If you want to know who, go and ask the King of h.e.l.l! Xu Gong said as the ballista shot another arrow.

Get lost! Sun Ce was alarmed and angry as Xu Gongs death soldiers never bothered to protect themselves. If they managed to grab hold of him, he would be dead.

Sun Ce kicked the death soldier away and then dodge the arrow.

The arrow was indiscriminate. It pierced through a few death soldiers and then clashed against Sun Ces Overlord Spear again. Though Sun Ce succeeded in knocking away the arrow once again, this time, his palm also tore open and blood started to flow out.

Haha! Sun Ce Sun Bofu! Why do you want to struggle at your deathbed? Just die and all your problems will be gone! Ready another arrow! Xu Gong laughed. Sun Ce can already be considered dead.

Sun Ce was already injured. Even if he could deflect the first two ballista arrows, the third one would kill him. Xu Gong looked at the ballista given to him happily. What a good thing this is! Though someone gave this ballista to him to kill Sun Ce, Xu Gong can still use this for other things, like offer it to Cao Cao.

The only problem with the ballista was that it takes time to reload. Otherwise, Sun Ce would have been killed a long time ago. Xu Gong watched Sun Ce try to fight his way over but it was not so easy. The death soldiers werent so easy to deal with. There were already countless dead.

Leader. The bow is ready! One of the a.s.sa.s.sins told Xu Gong.

Good. Let me do it. I want to personally finish off that Sun Ce! Xu Gong said. His subordinates then gave way for Xu Gong to personally kill his enemy.

Just as Xu Gong was about to shoot, there was a loud sound cutting through the air.

A ballista? The sound came from Sun Ces side. Xu Gongs eyes grew wide. Why would Sun Ce have a ballista?

Boom. Fortunately, Xu Gong was able to dodge in time. His ballista was destroyed and one of his men was pinned to the ground. It was clear that this man would not survive.

This is! Xu Gongs eyes grew wide. It was not a ballista arrow but Sun Ces Overlord Spear.

Sun Ce saw that the ballista was about to fire again. Knowing he would not be able to deal with another ballista arrow, he needed to destroy the ballista. However, the death soldiers were all in the way. He then suddenly got the idea of throwing his Overlord Spear like a javelin. It was fortunate that Sun Ce was strong enough to make it look like Sun Ce also had a ballista waiting in ambush.

You! Xu Gong was speechless. Sun Ces being thrown over like an arrow was unprecedented.

I want to see how you intend to kill me without a ballista! Sun Ce sneered.

Who says we cannot kill you without a ballista? Dont forget you are now without a weapon! Xu Gong gnashed his teeth.

However, without a ballista, Xu Gong would not be able to offer it to Cao Cao to get promoted. So he shouted in anger. You are dead anyway! Advance! Kill him! He doesnt have a weapon! Kill him!

The death soldiers all advanced towards Sun Ce.

No weapons? Who said I do not have a weapon? Sun Ce stepped on one of the a.s.sa.s.sins sword and sent it flying up before catching it. Ah, its been so long since I held a sword. How nostalgic. Sun Ce added as he played with the sword in his hand.

The last time Sun Ce held a sword was about ten years ago. At that time, his father was still around. Sun Ce was not the Lord of the Sun Family. He also havent gotten his t.i.tle of Little Conqueror.

Everything changed after the death of his father. Sun Ce was sad and had to carry on the Sun Family. He had to suffer in silence to ensure that his family could live a better life. To break away and also to forget about his father, he stopped using the sword and changed to a spear.

Its been so long. I wonder if I still remember fathers lessons. Sun Ce said as he fiddled with the sword. Maybe I have forgotten everything.

What are you all waiting for? Quickly kill him! Xu Gong shouted hysterically. The death soldiers charged towards Sun Ce.

I am sure I am supposed to swing it like this. Sun Ce muttered and lightly swung his sword. The sword that was originally slow sped up and sliced through one of the a.s.sa.s.sins artery.

Maybe like this? Another a.s.sa.s.sin fell to Sun Ces sword. Sun Ce himself was also wounded by the a.s.sa.s.sin that he had just killed because he was unfamiliar with the sword. However, Sun Ce did not care.

As time pa.s.sed, Xu Gong started to have cold sweat. He realized that he did not have many men left. It would mean that it was Xu Gongs turn next.

Phew. Sun Ce exhaled. Looks like I did not forget everything father has taught me. Sun Ce was covered in blood but the ground was also covered with corpses.

You! Xu Gong pointed at Sun Ce speechlessly.

Xu Gong. It looks like it is your turn next! Sun Ce looked at Xu Gong and laughed. Last time, I could kill your whole family but you escaped. Now, I can kill you again! Speak. Who sent you? I will at least leave you a corpse! Sun Ce said as she slowly approached.

My family! Xu Gong was initially in fear but hearing about his family immediately threw him back into anger. His mother, his wife, and even his son and the rest of his children were all wiped out. He was the only survivor.

Haha. Did you think I have lost? Xu Gong glared malevolently. Yes! You killed my entire family! You make my Xu Family without an heir! But you yourself are no better than me! Brothers oppressing each other! In fact, you are more tragic than me! You have to accept betrayal and heartbreak!

What nonsense are you talking about? Sun Ce said coldly.

What am I talking about? You asked me who wants you dead right? It is your close kin! It is the person you love the most! Your little brother wants you dead! That is why I am here!

You lie! Sun Ce did not dare believe it. He watched Sun Quan grow up. He treated Sun Quan fondly. Why would Sun Quan betray him? Sun Ce had become a conqueror for his family.

Haha! If I was lying, how do you think I am still alive? You had personally given the order for my execution! Do you still remember the day you were at my residence? If I was lying, I would have already died then! How could I have survived until now? How could I even have an attempt at revenge? Xu Gong said to Sun Ce with pity.

You still lie in the face of death! I will give you one more chance to tell me who wants to kill me! Sun Ce asked loudly.

You still dont believe me? Good! Then I will have you thoroughly give up! Second Lord! Are you still not going to come out? If you dont come out now, you can forget about killing your brother for the rest of your life! You can forget about ever ruling Jiangdong! Xu Gongs voice echoed but there was no reply.

You still refuse to show your face? Fine. Then you no longer need to look for Lord Caos envoy! Xu Gong added.

Finally, several dozen people appeared from behind the trees and walked in front of Xu Gong.

Xu Gong. What do you mean by this? The newly arrived black clothed men asked. They were evidently not Xu Gongs people.

Haha. There is no other meaning. I just need to tell you that Lord Cao can guarantee you, the Second Lords position as the East Expedition General. He can also give you provisions. But there is a condition. He wants to see your sincerity. That is Sun Ces head! Xu Gong said coldly towards the leader of the newly arrived men.

The atmosphere immediately sunk.

Little brother. Is it really you? Sun Ce said while feeling heartbroken. Though he could not see the mans face, he could recognize Sun Quan from his figure.

Instead of replying, Sun Quan turned to Xu Gong. Xu Gong. How did you notice me? Do you have a spy by my side?

Haha, Second Lord. It is not me but Lord Cao that has a spy by your side. Second Lord. Didnt you ask me why I went to see Lord Caos envoy the other day? In truth, that man is just a messenger. I Lord Caos real envoy is me! Xu Gong replied.

What? Sun Quan was shocked and then he laughed. Xu Gong, I should have known. Someone with your character only dared to send a letter to Cao Cao because you were already his person! Xu Gong used to be the Governor but Cao Cao was a Sikong. This was like a mayor reporting to the Prime Minister which is basically impossible. On top of that, Xu Gong had even been removed from position by Sun Ce.

Yet it turns out that Xu Gong had always been one of Cao Caos people. This goes to show how deep Cao Cao has placed himself in other peoples territory.

Cao Caos envoy? East Expedition General? Sun Ce was not a fool. Jiangdong also had has their own people gathering information. According to them, Liu Biao had become the East General. The East Expedition General was the East Generals a.s.sistant. Does this mean that his little brother wants to become Liu Biaos a.s.sistant? Does he want to become the a.s.sistant of the man that killed their father?

Why? Sun Ce no longer asked if the man was his brother Sun Quan. He already knew that answer. He now wanted to know why Sun Quan was doing this. Everyone else can betray me but not you! Not you! Sun Ce shouted loudly. You are letting down our late father!

Brother. You are obstructing me. Sun Quan replied to Sun Ce.

I am obstructing you? I did so much for our family! I have spent so much for you all! Why do you want to betray me?

Correct! You did everything for us! You are a good brother! You are a good and outstanding Lord! That is why everyone knows the name Sun Ce! They do not even know I exist! All they know is Jiangdongs Little Conqueror Sun Ce Sun Bofu! They speak your name with admiration! But they dont even remember my name! They call me Second Lord! As long as you are around, I cannot exist! I will only be known as your little brother and the Second Lord of Jiangdong! Sun Quans face was red as he looked at Sun Ce.

Zhongmou. Do you know when you were born, your father was not around. Mother was in labor and the midwife went to visit her parents. I am the one who ran over a hundred and twenty li in the middle of the night to find a midwife to help mother give birth to you! When you were born with blue eyes and oblong face, father panicked. The Confucian scholar in the city said this was an ill omen. You would overthrow your father. Father wanted to abandon you but I was the one who brought you back and s.h.i.+elded you from the cold weather. When you were hungry, you sucked my chest causing me pain. Then I found mother and begged father to keep you before he agreed!

You slowly grew up. I was the one who taught you how to conduct yourself. I taught you how to be strong and trustworthy. When father went on expeditions, I would teach you martial arts. I would teach you how to read and write. After that, father died. He had Old General Huang pa.s.s on his dying message telling me to kill you and rid myself of this ill omen! I tore the letter apart and told Old General Huang not to speak nonsense. I never believe in Heavens plans. I have almost died many times so that I can leave you all with Master Zhang. I went to Yuan Shu so that I can protect you all. However, Yuan Shu only helped half-heartedly so I had to go to Uncle to get a few hundred men from him. After that, I urgently went to find you all. I went to capture city so that you all have a safe place to settle down. However, I was stopped by Zu Lang. My army was wiped out and I almost died. Even after I was. .h.i.t by many arrows, I told myself I have a little brother and a little sister. I also have a mother. I cannot die, I had to protect you all! So I came back. After that, I obtained Gongjins help and gave Yuan Shu the Imperial Seal in exchange for a several thousand men. When I had fathers former subordinates, I finally realized I could give you all a peaceful life! Did you know how happy I was then? I knew you had talent which is why I let you serve as a magistrate at the age of fifteen. Old General Huang told me to let you serve in the military but I refused because war is cruel and dangerous. I already lost a father, I did not want to lose my little brother!

Brother! Sun Quan lowered his head. He had thought that Sun Ce refused to give him military power because Sun Ce was afraid of being surpa.s.sed. Sun Quan did not expect Sun Ce to do this because Sun Ce was worried about his brothers safety. War was something that even Sun Ce himself could not guarantee his own safety. At the Yangtze River, they were completely wiped out. If it was not because of Lu Meng and Ling Cao, Sun Ce himself may have died. How could Sun Ce be willing to let his beloved little brother fight? When Sun Quan went to battle, Sun Ce ordered Lu Meng and Ling Cao to ensure Sun Quan returns safely even if the whole army has to be wiped out.

It was because Lu Meng failed to do so that Sun Ce was angry enough to want to execute Lu Meng. Fortunately, Sun Quan managed to return safely. Otherwise, Lu Meng and Ling Cao would be executed.

You want this position? You want to become the Lord of Jiangdong? Sun Ce said to his little brother. Fine. I will give it to you. I will give you everything since you are my little brother. Sun Ce said.

Brother? Sun Quan did not expect Sun Ce to be so cooperative.

Isnt it just a position? I am also tired so you can just have Jiangdong. Sun Ce said bitterly. Sun Ce himself had ambition. He received Xiang Yus name so he also wanted to be a hegemon like Xiang Yu. However, his family was more important to him. So he gave it up for his little brother.

Second Lord! Do not believe him! Xu Gong started to become anxious after hearing the two brothers conversation. If Sun Ce managed to persuade Sun Quan and hand over his position, then Sun Quan no longer needed to kill Sun Ce. What would become of his revenge? On top of that, Xu Gongs ballista was already destroyed so Cao Cao would not think highly of him. Staying in Jiangdong will also just get him killed.

That was why Xu Gong wanted Sun Quan to kill Sun Ce. At the very least he could take Sun Ces head to Xudou to gain merits.

Jiangdongs position I dont want it anymore. You can have it. I am tired. After so many years of fighting, I am barely home. I should go home and accompany mother and Yuer. Yuer was Sun Ces wife Lady Ping.

After saying this, Sun Ce turned around to leave.

Stop! You cannot leave! Xu Gong panicked. If Sun Ce left, then everything was finished. Sun Quan! Do not forget Lord Cao wants your sincerity! If you dont show your sincerity, Lord Cao will not help you form an alliance with Jingzhou!

The sincerity Cao Sikong wants is not my brothers head. He simply wants Jiangdong and Jingzhou to obstruct Yangzhou. If I do that, he wont be so picky! Sun Quan replied indifferently. Cao Caos actions of allying Jingzhou and Jiangdong was ultimately for his own benefit.

Sun Quan followed this plan because he also shared the same goals. Sun Quan too, did not want Jingzhou to get annexed by Yangzhou.

You! Xu Gong was angry and decided to act for himself. However, he knew he was no match for Sun Ce. At this moment, another voice rang out through the woods.

Milord! Milord! Several men appeared.

Gongjin? Sun Ce stared at his sworn brother Zhou Yu before smiling bitterly. His own little brother betrayed him but his sworn brother still followed him faithfully.

Milord! The Second Lord is disloyal! Zhou Yu shouted hoping for Sun Ce to become more vigilant. But Sun Ce shook his head and relaxed. It would have been better if it happened earlier. But now, Sun Ce knew everything and felt tired. He no longer wanted to strive for more. He might as well leave behind his foundation of Jiangdong for his little brother. As he thought of this, he felt himself enlightened. It looks like all this time, he had been so tired.

As Sun Ce was about to greet Zhou Yu, Zhou Yus head turned with alarm. Milord be careful!

An arrow flew towards Sun Ces unguarded back.