"Whatever Chen Zichuan can do, I can do as well. However, unlike his effortless approach, my strategies not only strengthen the civil and military officials but also draw upon their collective mental power. I can even change the heavens," Xun Yu nodded, explaining his ability.
"But it must cost you your lifespan, right? Unlike Chen Zichuan's seemingly effortless methods, yours likely require sacrificing your life," Xizhi said with a bitter smile.
"In the short term, it doesn't affect me much, but if I were to employ such methods on a scale like Chen Zichuan's, it would severely impact the officials. The mental drain would eventually lead to disorder within the administration. After all, mental fatigue causes drowsiness, and excessive depletion can lead to unconsciousness. Not everyone has Chen Zichuan's recovery speed," Xun Yu sighed. Although the mental energy of officials far exceeds that of the common people, they still greatly outnumber them.
"After I'm gone, everything will depend on you, Wenruo. I know you still have cards up your sleeve. You've planted a spy within Yuan Benchu's ranks—if I'm not mistaken, Dong Gongren must be your doing, right?" Xizhi's breathing became more labored as he spoke.
After a long silence, Xun Yu finally responded, "Yes, Dong Gongren within Yuan Benchu's ranks is my agent. Once Yuan Benchu is defeated, we can use him to absorb Yuan's strength. His intelligence is on par with Zhongde."
"But you know he's a double, or even a triple agent, right?" Xizhi lay back down, closing his eyes as he tried to find some comfort.
"Yes, I'm aware that he's also working as Yuan Shao's spy. He has no clear sense of loyalty, only aligning himself with the strongest power. However, I've found no evidence that he's working for Liu Xuande," Xun Yu replied.
"I don't know who else he might be working for either, but I'm certain he has another backer. It's up to you to find out who that is," Xizhi said, opening his eyes slightly. The certainty in his gaze made Xun Yu pause, but he ultimately chose to believe Xizhi and nodded silently.
"Very well, I'll take it from here," Xun Yu agreed. "I'll make sure to uncover who's behind Dong Gongren."
"Alright, let me do one last thing," Xizhi said quietly. He slowly extended his hand from beneath the blanket, gazing wistfully at the ceiling. Cao Mengde's ambitions were just beginning, yet he had to depart.
"Zhizhi…" Xun Yu's voice carried a trace of sorrow. Among the few people who could be called his friends, Xizhi was one of the rare ones who had truly reached his heart. Though they often disagreed due to their differing thought processes, Xun Yu counted him among his closest allies.
"Why show such sentimental feelings? Everyone faces death eventually. I just want to see what I'm truly capable of at my full potential," Xizhi laughed heartily, though the defiant smile couldn't hide the underlying melancholy.
"Attendants!" Xun Yu shouted, and the waiting attendants outside hurried in to help Xizhi sit up.
Soon after, the door to Xizhi's room was pushed open, and Cao Cao, Cheng Yu, and others entered.
"Zhizhi," Cao Cao said, seeing Xizhi propped up by the attendants. He didn't know what to say. The thin frame and pale face made it clear—his most trusted strategist didn't have long to live.
"My lord," Xizhi addressed Cao Cao after being helped outside. He gazed at the high heavens and the white clouds, enjoying the crisp autumn air. Suddenly, he seemed to remember something and gently pushed away the attendant supporting him. Turning to Cao Cao, he bowed deeply. "My lord, I don't have much time left. May I ask one last favor of you?"
"Zhizhi…" Cao Cao could no longer hold back his tears, which flowed freely. "Don't just ask for one favor—whatever you wish, I'll grant it."
"My lord, please remember what Chen Gongtai said about the Nine Virtues of a ruler. The incident in Xuzhou must never be repeated. I can only assist you this far. Wenruo has the talent to govern the world. If you ever find yourself at a loss, consult Wenruo. There aren't many things in this world that can stump him," Xizhi said with a pained smile.
The defeat in Xuzhou had been disastrous, far more so than anyone could have imagined. Nearly ten thousand veteran soldiers, along with the foundation painstakingly built in Nanyang, had been lost in that muddled defeat.
"…" Cao Cao fell silent. If there was one thing he considered taboo, it was the incident in Xuzhou. Now, in front of everyone, Xizhi had brought it up without reservation.
"I swear by my name, Cao Mengde, that I will abide by the Nine Virtues of a ruler as laid out by Chen Gongtai. Never again shall I order the massacre of a city in the Central Plains!" The oppressive silence of the courtyard was finally broken by Cao Mengde's vow.
"With that, I can rest easy," Xizhi said, a hint of color returning to his face. He seemed more energized. "This is the best news I've heard since the beginning of the year. My lord, Zhizhi is ready to depart."
With a low shout, Xizhi's words seemed to affect the heavens themselves. Everyone present felt a sudden oppressive force, and in an instant, the wind picked up, and the sky darkened with swirling clouds. Thunder rolled, and the sky became turbulent and violent.
"Trace back to the source!" Xizhi roared, his eyes wide with fury. Blood began to seep from his tightly clenched teeth as his vast mental energy surged, forcing Cao Cao and the others to take several steps back.
"How could it fail at this point?" Xun Yu's eyes gleamed coldly. For the first time, Cao Cao felt a heavy pressure emanating from the normally gentle and refined Xun Yu. Powerful mental energy radiated from him, inflating his robes as if filled with wind.
As a result, all of Cao Cao's civil and military officials began to feel their mental energy being drained uncontrollably.
"Sigh…" Xun You sighed and activated his own mental abilities to envelop Xizhi. A subtle force penetrated Chen Xi's protective mental barrier before his external mental energy could react.
"Cough…" Xizhi spat out a mouthful of dark red blood, but his eyes shone with an intense light. For a brief moment, it was as if he had returned to his peak condition.
"It worked…" As the sky cleared, Xizhi collapsed forward with a contented smile. Seeing his expression, Cheng Yu and the other officials who understood the truth were filled with joy.
Despite his disheveled state, Xun Yu rushed to catch Xizhi as he fell.
"I've done my part. The rest is up to you…" Xizhi gently patted Xun Yu's hand before it slipped from his grasp, never to rise again.