"Not so fast." Zhang Liao held him back with a hand, then turned to ask the scout again, "What is that valiant young general's name? To cut down several Colonels in succession, he can't be some nobody."
The scout replied, "This man is incredibly formidable. He wields a Painted Halberd and kills our officers as easily as slaughtering chickens."
"A Square Sky Painted Halberd?" Zhang Liao's eyes widened.
"It is indeed." The scout cupped his fists.
"Father, this villain is so arrogant. Allow your son—"
"I'll go meet him myself." Before Zhang Hu could finish, Zhang Liao cut him off with a wave of his hand, then spurred his horse southwest.
Anyone who rode into battle with a Square Sky Painted Halberd was either putting on airs or truly skilled. From the scout's account, Zhang Liao could tell the approaching general was no weakling. A powerful premonition rose within him. Could he truly be one of General Lu's descendants?
Zhang Liao had taken part in the great battle at Deng County five years ago. There, he had seen the Xianzhen Battalion again, seen Gao Shun—the comrade who had once fought at his side—and learned that Lu Lingqi had survived in Xiapi and later married Lan Tian.
After the battle at Deng County ended, Zhang Liao had specifically sent men south to inquire. He learned that Lu Lingqi had borne Lan Tian two sons and a daughter. Rumor had it that her second son, Lan Ji, possessed extraordinary talent and had begun studying martial arts under Guan Yu at the age of ten.
"Yunchang, Yunchang. I wonder how much of the Marquis of Wen's bearing this youth you taught possesses. Today, I'll see for myself." As Zhang Liao galloped onward, countless thoughts churned through his mind—anticipation mingled with melancholy.
Before Zhang