Ma Chao and Pang De endured many hardships on their long journey.
Under the scorching sun, their clothes were drenched with sweat, and amidst the swirling dust, their faces were etched with exhaustion.
Their steeds galloped swiftly, hooves echoing across the wilderness, raising clouds of dust in their wake.
Their hearts were burning with anxiety, wishing they could return to Western Liang immediately.
Every moment was filled with worry about the changing situation and the safety of Western Liang.
Ma Chao's eyes revealed determination and urgency, while Pang De followed closely, enduring the hardships of the journey and the inner turmoil alongside him.
The howling wind could not disperse the urgency in their hearts, and the long journey could not block their desire to return home.
They had but one thought in their minds: to return to Western Liang as quickly as possible and throw themselves into the unknown battle.
After leaving Luoyang, Ma Chao and Pang De traveled through Hangu Pass, Fengxu Commandery, Fufeng Commandery, and Tianshui Commandery, enduring hardships and dust, finally arriving at Dong Zhuo's base camp, Longxi Commandery.
At this time, Dong Zhuo had just received the appointment to suppress Han Sui and others in Western Liang.
Ma Chao, covered in dust, arrived at the entrance of the General's Residence, stated his purpose to the doorman, and requested to see Dong Zhuo.
Upon hearing this, the doorman hurried in to report.
At this moment, Dong Zhuo had just received the appointment to suppress Han Sui's rebellion and was pondering how to arrange affairs.
He was gathering his subordinates to discuss matters related to the military expedition.
However, Dong Zhuo was quite displeased by Ma Chao's arrival.
He still remembered how Ma Chao had disrupted Empress Dowager Dong's grand plan on that thrilling night of the palace coup, which made him feel that Ma Chao was naturally on the opposing side.
Furthermore, since Ma Chao was Lu Zhi's disciple, Dong Zhuo believed there was no possibility of winning him over.
In Dong Zhuo's heart, there was a strong resistance and dislike towards Ma Chao.
He frowned deeply, a look of displeasure on his face, as he pondered whether to meet Ma Chao.
Li Ru noticed that Dong Zhuo had no desire whatsoever to meet Ma Chao.
He frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, then hurried forward and advised Dong Zhuo, "Lord, that Ma Chao is exceptionally skilled in martial arts, incredibly brave, and his reputation is widespread!
We are in urgent need of various talents to serve us now, have you forgotten, Lord?"
Li Ru was a bit anxious in his heart; he knew Dong Zhuo's current thoughts were somewhat shortsighted.
Dong Zhuo listened to Li Ru's words, a hint of hesitation appearing on his face.
He thought to himself, "This Ma Chao does have some ability, but he disrupted Empress Dowager Dong's plans on the night of the palace coup, and it seems there's some estrangement between us."
But then Dong Zhuo considered the current situation, which indeed required some capable helpers, and he couldn't help but feel conflicted.
Li Ru seemed to have seen through Dong Zhuo's thoughts and continued to persuade him, "Lord, Ma Teng also has considerable influence in Liang Province.
If we can win over his father and son, it would greatly benefit us!
Furthermore, Ma Chao's visit now is an excellent opportunity to observe him and see if he can be used by us.
Even if he cannot be used by us, with his superb martial arts, he can certainly serve as a sharp spearhead to clear the way for you, Lord!
It would be best for you to meet him, Lord!"
Li Ru's words were filled with anticipation; he hoped Dong Zhuo would change his mind.
Li Ru's words indeed touched Dong Zhuo, but this aroused the dissatisfaction of Dong Zhuo's generals.
They grumbled amongst themselves, full of hostility towards Ma Chao.
Soon after, the soldiers brought Ma Chao in, and Ma Chao respectfully bowed to Dong Zhuo.
Dong Zhuo looked at Ma Chao, a hint of a feigned smile on his face, and engaged him in a seemingly encouraging conversation.
Then, Dong Zhuo feigned interest and asked, "Ma Chao, what is the purpose of your visit this time?"
Upon hearing this, Ma Chao anxiously said, "Dong Gong, my father Ma Teng is besieged, and my heart is burning with anxiety!
I wish to borrow a cavalry unit to serve as your vanguard, Dong Gong, to go and rescue my father."
Ma Chao's words were earnest, his eyes revealing urgency and anticipation.
Before Dong Zhuo could speak, Guo Si could no longer suppress the anger in his heart.
He stepped forward, his eyes wide, and declared aggressively, "Lord Dong's command has many brave generals; how can just anyone be given a turn?
What are you?
Just a wet-behind-the-ears brat, daring to come here to borrow troops!"
His words were full of disdain and contempt, as if Ma Chao was utterly insignificant in his eyes.
As soon as Guo Si finished speaking, the other generals also chimed in, one after another.
Some scoffed at Ma Chao for overestimating himself, others ridiculed him for being ignorant of his own limits.
For a moment, all sorts of unpleasant words filled the air, making Ma Chao extremely awkward, his face flushing red then pale, standing there unable to gracefully exit the situation.
At this moment, Dong Zhuo slowly opened his mouth and said, "Since Ma Chao has the intention of being a vanguard, it means he must have extraordinary qualities and a certain level of strength.
How about this: why don't you all have a contest, so that Lord can see who is truly more capable, and who is more worthy of this vanguard position?"
Dong Zhuo's words made the atmosphere even more tense and oppressive, as if a great battle was about to erupt.
Everyone agreed and gathered around Ma Chao, accompanying him to the training ground in Dong Zhuo's mansion.
Ma Chao sighed helplessly, a hint of determination flashing in his eyes, as he steadily walked onto the field.
Guo Si, unable to suppress the anger in his heart, roared like a furious lion, brandishing his weapon and charging onto the field with a powerful gust of wind.
Ma Chao remained completely unperturbed, his stance as steady as a rock.
The two instantly engaged in battle.
Amidst the flashing blades and shadows, Guo Si's offensive was like a surging tide, each strike carrying a fierce momentum.
But Ma Chao remained calm and composed, his figure moving nimbly, skillfully dodging Guo Si's attacks, while his long spear danced like a silver dragon, occasionally thrusting out with tricky precision.
After seven or eight rounds of fierce fighting, Guo Si was no match.
His breathing became rapid, and his movements began to falter.
Ma Chao seized the opportunity, a glint flashing in his eyes, and his long spear suddenly accelerated, thrusting out like lightning.
Guo Si was unable to dodge in time and was struck in the shoulder by Ma Chao's spear.
He cried out, staggered back a few steps, and was defeated.
After Guo Si's defeat, Li Jue, seeing the situation, a hint of ruthlessness flashed in his eyes.
He brandished his twin halberds and leaped onto the battlefield like a whirlwind.
Ma Chao and Li Jue fought fiercely for thirteen or fourteen more rounds.
Li Jue's twin halberds danced impenetrably, but Ma Chao moved as if entering an unmanned territory.
His long spear danced like a fierce storm, each strike immensely powerful.
Although Li Jue was brave, under Ma Chao's exquisite spear techniques, he gradually fell behind.
Ultimately, Li Jue was also defeated by Ma Chao and retreated in disarray.
At this moment, Hua Xiong, known as the foremost warrior of Longxi, could no longer hold back and let out a thunderous roar.
He brandished his long saber and charged forward like a moving hill.
Ma Chao and Hua Xiong exchanged blows, fighting for over twenty rounds.
Hua Xiong's long saber swung with fierce power, but Ma Chao showed no fear.
His spear techniques were unpredictable, sometimes like a raging storm, sometimes like a gently flowing stream.
Hua Xiong gradually became exhausted; sweat beaded on his forehead, and his breathing grew heavy.
In the end, Hua Xiong was no match for Ma Chao; Ma Chao struck his long saber away with one thrust of his spear, and he was defeated in disarray.
The remaining generals, seeing Ma Chao's extraordinary bravery, dared not step forward to challenge him.
The training ground was silent, with only Ma Chao standing proudly, exuding an unparalleled heroic aura, as if a god of war had descended.
Dong Zhuo saw that Ma Chao had injured Guo Si, and a hint of displeasure flashed across his face.
Just as he was about to reprimand Ma Chao, Ma Chao knelt on one knee and quickly stepped forward to apologize.
Seeing this, Dong Zhuo was momentarily speechless.
Meanwhile, Li Ru, seeing Ma Chao's extraordinary bravery, was greatly pleased.
He spoke up to persuade Dong Zhuo, "Lord, Ma Chao is so young yet possesses such courage.
With a great battle imminent, it is precisely the time to let him show his prowess!
Moreover, he is so capable that even if the enemy is numerous, with his bravery, he will surely be invincible!"
Li Ru's words contained a degree of admiration and flattery for Ma Chao.
Dong Zhuo listened to Li Ru's words, and although he was still somewhat reluctant, he did not want to lose face in front of Li Ru, so he vaguely agreed.
Then, Dong Zhuo turned to ask Ma Chao which generals he wanted as vanguard, and Ma Chao eagerly said, "Please lend me a thousand elite cavalry!
The matter is urgent, please quickly grant your approval, Lord, so I can lead these one thousand cavalry to swiftly go and rescue Wuwei!"
Dong Zhuo did not know what Li Ru was thinking, so he said, "Then Wen You, you can arrange one thousand men for him."
Upon hearing this, Ma Chao quickly bowed in gratitude and withdrew.
Dong Zhuo watched Ma Chao's retreating back and turned to Li Ru, asking, "Why did you give him such a big favor?"
Li Ru smiled slightly and replied, "Lord, Ma Chao is currently young and vigorous, and his martial arts are superb.
We can use him as a spearhead for difficult assaults!
In this expedition, wherever there are tough nuts to crack, let him handle it.
If he wins, the credit is ours; if he loses, we suffer no loss."
Dong Zhuo listened, stroked his beard with satisfaction, and burst into hearty laughter.
