Chen Deng, who had once entered official service as a Xiaolian (a title for those recommended for public service based on moral character), was promoted under Tao Qian as the Dian Nong Xiao Wei (official in charge of agricultural affairs). After Tao Qian's death, Chen Deng had intended to help Liu Bei manage Xu Zhou. However, when Yuan Shu attacked Xu Zhou, Lü Bu intervened, taking most of Xu Zhou and appointing himself as governor. From that point, Chen Deng was nominally under Lü Bu, though he never respected Lü Bu. Seeing Liu Bei's inability to succeed, Chen Deng secretly switched allegiance to Cao Cao, who valued him greatly due to his talents and status.
Though Chen Deng was known for his scholarship and military skills, his true reason for fighting tonight was revenge. Cao Cao had kept him in reserve, fearing his impulsiveness. But tonight, with the city walls falling, Chen Deng was determined to take matters into his own hands.
The battlefield was chaotic as Chen Deng closed in on Lü Bu, who brandished his halberd with unmatched skill. As Chen Deng advanced, Lü Bu met him head-on, swinging his Fangtian Huaji (halberd)."Slash!" The sound of the blade meeting Chen Deng's spear rang out as it shattered in an instant.
Before Chen Deng could react, Lü Bu swiftly thrust forward with his halberd, a lightning-fast blow.The distance was short, and though Chen Deng attempted to dodge, the speed of the attack made it nearly impossible. He shifted slightly to avoid a fatal blow to the chest but was nonetheless struck in the left shoulder.Although Chen Deng was no slouch in combat, the combination of his anger for revenge and his hasty charge left him off-balance. He dropped his broken spear and attempted to flee.
Lü Bu grinned coldly, realizing the opportunity. He thrust his halberd into the ground and drew his bow from his back. In one fluid motion, he drew the string and fired."Whoosh! Thud! Splash!"The arrow hit Chen Deng square in the neck. His horse bucked, throwing him to the ground, dead before he could even react.
As Chen Deng's body fell lifeless to the ground, Lü Bu's focus shifted back to the battle. He continued to lead his forces, pushing forward relentlessly.
Meanwhile, Cao Cao's forces, under the command of Cao Chun, were pressing on. However, Cao Chun wasn't foolish enough to charge in recklessly. He commanded his cavalry to engage the enemy on the flanks, preventing any further escapes by Lü Bu's forces.
In the center of the battlefield, Gao Shun's Xian Zhen troops, though elite, were being overwhelmed by the sheer number of Xu Zhou deserters. The chaos was mounting, but Lü Bu and Gao Shun managed to hold their ground, fighting tooth and nail.
After a few more clashes, Gao Shun gasped, turning to Lü Bu, "My lord, if Wen Yuan doesn't arrive soon, we will be finished here."Lü Bu raised his eyes toward the horizon, "Life and death are predestined. Wealth and power are in the hands of Heaven."At this moment, Xiapi was as good as lost. Zhang Liao's cavalry was not coming, and Lü Bu had no other options left but to keep fighting and hold off the inevitable.
Back in Cao Cao's camp, Yu Jin was paying close attention to the situation. "If we can capture Lü Bu tonight, I will gain immense prestige!""Enemy forces are tiring!" Yu Jin said coldly. "Pass the orders: Encircle them! Don't let Lü Bu escape!"
As Cao Cao's forces advanced, they closed in on Lü Bu from all sides. The time had come to secure victory and claim Lü Bu's head. But Yu Jin was cautious—he knew Lü Bu was a warrior of unmatched skill, and he didn't want to leave anything to chance.
Meanwhile, Cao Cao was on a high platform, surveying the scene. He smiled, "Lü Bu, tonight you will be captured!"With Lü Bu's forces trapped at the East Gate and no escape routes left, Cao Cao was confident. But Guo Jia was more skeptical.
"My lord, I still have a bad feeling about this," said Guo Jia, his face clouded with worry.Cao Cao laughed confidently, "All the gates are wide open. Lü Bu is surrounded. There's nothing to fear."Guo Jia frowned, "But when Lü Bu first made his move at the East Gate, he could have escaped, but he chose to fight us instead. He's been deliberately holding us here."
Realization hit both Cao Cao and Guo Jia at once. They exchanged a glance before simultaneously saying, "Zhang Liao!"
Just as they spoke, Cao Ren urgently galloped into the camp, breathless."Report, my lord! Zhang Liao has led 1,000 cavalry straight into our rear! Our lines are on the verge of collapsing!"