The Journey North
Three days after the arrival of the mysterious rider, Lü Bu departed Zhaoling.
He did not ride with an army—only with Wei Yun and five elite scouts. This was not a show of power. It was a test of trust.
The message had come from Lord Jiang Tuwei, a powerful Northern warlord known as the White Wolf. His name was whispered across the frontier—feared, respected, and rarely seen.
Lü Bu needed to understand if this man would be an enemy, a rival… or something else.
"The world is watching us now," Wei Yun said as they rode.
"Every move you make writes the next chapter.
Lü Bu didn't answer. He didn't need to. His silence was the silence of a mountain before the storm.
🏰 The Fortress of Icefang Hold
They arrived at Icefang Hold—a fortress built into the side of a frozen cliff.
Wolves were carved into every stone arch, and armored men with silver furs watched them from above with cold, disciplined eyes. This was not a barbaric camp.
This was a kingdom of its own.
Inside the throne room, the White Wolf awaited.
He was tall, broad, and draped in a fur cloak. His beard was streaked with gray, but his eyes were alive—piercing, cunning.
"Lü Bu," Lord Jiang Tuwei said.
"The name spreads faster than fire in the wind. I had to see the man myself."
Lü Bu bowed slightly.
"Then you've seen him. Why send for me?"
The warlord smiled.
"Because the South will come for you. You know that. You've embarrassed them. And I… I've fought them longer than you've lived."
He stood, walking toward a massive map on the wall.
"You have soldiers. You have loyalty. What you lack—are supplies, routes, influence."
He turned.
"Join me."
Lü Bu did not answer immediately.
He studied the map—roads, mountains, siege routes.
He could see it: if he joined the White Wolf, Zhaoling would be protected. Their enemies would think twice.
But there would be a cost.
He would no longer stand truly independent. He would be under another man's command—even if only in name.
And more importantly, this alliance… could shape the balance of the entire North.
"What would you ask in return?" Lü Bu asked carefully.
Lord Jiang smiled again.
"Nothing—for now. Only that when the storm breaks, you stand with me. You are strong, Lü Bu. But strength untempered becomes recklessness. I can give you time."
There was silence.
Then Lü Bu replied.
"I will not kneel. But I will not close the door."
"If war comes—then we may stand together. But Zhaoling is my own. My sword, my banner, my people."
The White Wolf stared at him for a long moment… and then laughed.
"Spoken like a king."
System Update
[SYSTEM BRANCH PATH: "Alliance or Ambition?"]
⚔ You have entered a new stage of Kingdom Progression.
▸ Diplomatic Influence Unlocked
▸ Map of Northern Powers revealed
▸ Political Web tracking system activated
🔹 Current Standing with Lord Jiang: Neutral Respect
🔹 Potential Future Paths:
Ally with the White Wolf (Stability, Supplies)
Challenge the North (High Risk, High Reward)
Remain Independent (Hard Path, Greater Glory)
Lü Bu closed the window in his mind.
He wasn't here to play games. But the game had begun all the same.
As Lü Bu left Icefang Hold, the wind howled like a beast.
Wei Yun pulled his cloak tighter and spoke softly.
"Do you trust him?"
"No," Lü Bu said. "But I understand him."
"And will you join him?"
Lü Bu mounted his horse.
"Only one man can wear the crown. I'll build mine with fire and blood, not favors."
As they rode away, back toward Zhaoling, a scout rode hard to meet them.
"My lord! Urgent report—Lady Mei is marching again. Two days out."
Lü Bu's eyes narrowed.
"Then we sharpen our blades. And let the South taste what we've become."