Chapter 3 (Flying General)

## Chapter Chronology

**The Tyrant, Dong Zhuo** is the 3rd chapter of the "*The Legend of Lü Bu*" manga series.

## Summary

In 189DC, the city of Louyang had over a million inhabitants, making it the largest city in the world at the time. The superpower that caused this growth was the capital of the Han dynasty. At the castle, a large man chows down an extravagant feast that's been set out in front of him. The feast includes the severed limbs and head of a horse. At that time, this man was not yet Emperor of the Han dynasty. As the Emperor of Han, Xian (still a child), sheepishly stands nearby, the large man finishes his meal. He's revealed to be Dong Zhuo. Dong Zhuo orders "Wu Qiong" to give him the report. The chief of Dong Zhuo's army, the "Talented Servant", Wu Qiong comes in and informs Dong Zhuo that the culprits of China's wars are the "Three Jewels". The first two jewels that Wu Qiong names are the Symbol of Political Power, Xian, and the horse that can ride 1,000 miles a day, Red Hare. Wu Qiong tells Dong Zhuo that if he wants to take this country, he must obtain the final jewel. The final jewel is the "Warrior Jewel". As a horseman, he turns every defeat into victory. Wu Qiong calls him the strongest in China, the God of War and the most feared: the Flying General, Lü Bu.

Dong Zhuo suddenly widens his eyes and Wu Qiong is in awe by his impressive gaze, calling it the gaze of a supreme ruler. Dong Zhuo notes he already has Xian and Red Hare in his possession. Taking a bite of the severed horse head on the table, Dong Zhuo declares the time has come for him to take Lü Bu. After offering protection to Xian, Dong Zhuo had rose to the position of Emperor of the Han dynasty. In his hands, he had the power to command the great army of Louyang. Said to be the closest to unifying China, Dong Zhuo increased his power by finding and scouting great warriors. Soon afterwards, Dong Zhuo and Wu Qiong ride in a large carriage, being pulled along by four horses. Wu Qiong says to Dong Zhuo that he finds Lü Bu's title of "Flying General" to be somewhat exaggerated. He has never bowed his head to no-one nor has he ever been tied down by anyone. He moves freely through the battlefield as if he were a dragon. Wu Qiong questions if Dong Zhuo thinks he can tie down that "Furious Dragon". Dong Zhuo is confident he can and says that once he puts him in a fancy collar, Lü Bu has to accept him as his lord. Dong Zhuo says that Lü Bu is necessary in order for him to take over yet he has to make sure that dragon doesn't bite at his neck.

Dong Zhuo then wonders if Wu Qiong would ever bite at his neck. They both share a laugh before they come across a carved path with the corpses of bears, piled up on either side. Wu Qiong notes this place is a bit sinister before Dong Zhuo redirects his attention towards what's in front of them. As Wu Qiong reacts with surprise, Dong Zhuo says that it seems they are in the dragon's nest as he looks at many rock formations that have been built out of boulders. The two then look to the left to see Lü Bu pick up a giant boulder and throw it, stacking it on top of one of the formations. Wu Qiong greets Lü Bu and explains that his lord, Dong Zhuo, is here to recruit him to become his general for 10,000 Wushu, 200 pieces of silk and 20 jewels. As Dong Zhuo looks on, Lü Bu picks up another boulder and tells them to get lost. Confused, Wu Qiong questions if Lü Bu has found a better deal than this. Lü Bu repeats what he said and as he throws another boulder, Wu Qiong persists. He insists that, even if Lü Bu found a better deal, Dong Zhuo is guaranteed to become the next governer. If Lü Bu partnered up with him, they could work together to take over China. Lü Bu is about to pick up another boulder when Dong Zhuo stands up and addresses him.

Dong Zhuo remarks on how Lü Bu must be disappointed as with his strength, it feels as if he's in Purgatory. That feeling has been burning away at Lü Bu for months and even years. Crying, Dong Zhuo says that is what Lü Bu's heart is telling him. Going to the ground, Dong Zhuo tells Lü Bu that there are strong people out there and asks if he wants to fight them. Turning to face him, Lü Bu states that the strongest in the world is him. Except for himself, in the sky and on the Earth, there are only weak people. That causes Dong Zhuo to smile and approach Lü Bu. As they face off, Dong Zhuo is delighted to hear that Lü Bu also thinks that way. Dong Zhuo instructs Lü Bu to let him taste him. Silent at first, Lü Bu raises his right fist and punches Dong Zhuo's face. Dong Zhuo leans back before getting up and spitting out three teeth. Smiling widely, Dong Zhuo says that was delicious before telling Lü Bu it's his turn to taste him. Dong Zhuo punches Lü Bu's face and only knocks his head backwards a bit. Still, Lü Bu smirks and admits Dong Zhuo is pretty good. Lü Bu asks him if there is someone strong in this world. Getting so excited that blood starts to spurt out from his nostrils, Dong Zhuo asserts there is. Turning around, Dong Zhuo reveals he's talking about the "Fierce Tiger of Jiang Dong", Sun Jian. Upon hearing that, Wu Qiong gets excited and wants to see who is stronger between the Fierce Tiger and the Furious Dragon. Lü Bu is also interested, smiling in response.

## Characters in Order of Appearance

* Emperor Xian
* Dong Zhuo
* Wu Qiong
* Lü Bu