Chapter Fifty-One: Sustenance Above All

At last, the three men came within the system's detection range. Even though Zhang Yu felt almost certain about his suspicions, he still relied on the system for confirmation, just to be safe.

He fixed his gaze upon the trio and swept his eyes over them, and—just as expected—

Yan Liang, Wen Chou, Yuan Shao!

Zhang Yu quickly scanned their information interfaces. Though he was mentally prepared—everyone knew of the legendary prowess of Yan Liang and Wen Chou—their scarlet martial strength values still startled him.

Yan Liang: 95. Wen Chou: 94. Both at their peak.

During the New Year, Zhang Yu had checked Guan Yu and Zhang Fei's martial stats at home; they were only 97 and 98, respectively.

He said "only" because, after witnessing the formidable presence of these two warriors before him, Zhang Yu simply couldn't imagine Guan Yu instantly defeating them both.

With their identities confirmed, Zhang Yu composed himself and calmly stepped forward, patting Han Long, who stood guard at the front, before squeezing out from the crowd.

He couldn't help but joke inwardly—this was Yuan Shao, after all! All of Jizhou belonged to him. If he truly wished for Zhang Yu's life, he could take it effortlessly. To challenge him would be folly; perhaps the entire Zhang family would be ruined. It was far wiser to quietly enjoy his meal...

Meanwhile, Yuan Shao and his companions entered the woods and soon spotted the group by the barbecue, approaching at a leisurely pace. As the eighteen riders swiftly formed a protective circle around Zhang Yu, Yan Liang sneered, "Cowardly mice."

But before he could finish, the person in the center stepped out from the encirclement and—

Swaggered over, sat down, and resumed eating.

"Hahaha, what a fascinating fellow. Yan Liang, Wen Chou, come with me—let's see what he's made of."

The eighteen riders, of course, dared not stop their young master from eating, so they shifted their protective formation to the barbecue stall. Seeing the dignified man in the center laugh inexplicably, Han Long pressed his sword and asked, "Who goes there?"

"Impudent!"

"Han Long!"

Wen Chou and Zhang Yu shouted in unison. The three from Yuan Shao's party paused, and Zhang Yu continued, "Do not be rude! The meat skewers are cooking to perfection—why not invite Lord Benchu to taste them?"

"Lord Benchu?!" Han Long had no idea who this was, but Xiahou Lan and the others recognized him instantly. Even their unwavering loyalty wavered under such a reputation, and they dared not act recklessly.

"Oh?" Yuan Shao showed a hint of surprise, then seemed intrigued. "How did you know who I am?"

Zhang Yu lifted his head, a lock of hair like a black waterfall suspended in the air, partially obscuring his face. It resembled a strip of obsidian laid upon white jade, and his graceful bearing caused even Yuan Shao and his two companions to pause in admiration.

He gently brushed the hair aside, looked at the three men, and smiled, "I observe your imposing presence and extraordinary aura—truly a dragon among men, rare in the world. With these two famed tiger generals at your side, if you are not Yuan Benchu, lord of Jizhou, then I know not who else could be worthy."

Zhang Yu had grown increasingly adept at such compliments, and Yuan Shao clearly enjoyed them. Even Yan Liang and Wen Chou no longer regarded him with the predatory gaze of beasts.

"Since you know my name, allow me to guess yours," Yuan Shao said.

Are you showing off your wit, Yuan Shao? I've already hinted enough—Yu observes, Yu knows not—and with my striking looks, is there any need to guess?

"You are the banished immortal of Zhongshan, Jade Lad, Jade Young Lord!"

Yuan Shao spoke with pride, like a child who had won a prize, causing Zhang Yu to nearly burst out laughing. But he maintained his composure and replied,

"Indeed, Lord Benchu. I am Zhang Yu. This so-called Jade Lad, Banished Immortal, Jade Young Lord—these titles are merely tokens of the people's affection and should not be taken seriously." Zhang Yu waved his hand with a smile. "As the saying goes, a planned invitation is not as good as a chance encounter. Today, I happened to be picnicking with my brothers; why not sample my cooking, Lord Benchu?"

As he spoke, Zhang Yu picked up a freshly grilled skewer, dusted it with seasoning powder, blew on it instinctively, and handed it to Yuan Shao.

Yan Liang and Wen Chou exchanged wide-eyed glances. This man seemed to disregard all hierarchy and propriety, yet their lord was unperturbed, and they dared not reprimand him.

Could this Jade Lad from Zhongshan truly possess some mysterious charm?

While the two pondered, Yuan Shao took the skewer without hesitation, raised it to his nose, and inhaled deeply. "Fragrant, and free of any gamey odor. I wonder how it tastes."

As he spoke, he prepared to take a bite.

"My lord, wait—let Chou try it first!" Wen Chou stepped forward anxiously, only to see Zhang Yu laughing beside him.

Yuan Shao paused, holding the skewer. "Why does Yu laugh?"

"I laugh because my retainers said the same just now, swarming in to snatch all the skewers. I'm still famished!"

"You mean Wen Chou seeks to steal food from his lord?" Wen Chou seemed offended and glared at Zhang Yu.

A sword rang out—Han Long stepped protectively before Zhang Yu. "If you wish to challenge my young master, you'll have to answer to my sword first!"

Well, the little fellow's opening line is quite impressive.

"You!" Yan Liang and Wen Chou both stepped forward, but the seventeen others stood their ground, a pack of wolves squaring off against two tigers.

"You two, stand down. When did I, Yuan Shao, become so cautious and timid?" Yuan Shao frowned, then bit into the grilled lamb skewer. Satisfaction filled his face as he chewed, his brows relaxing, and Zhang Yu even heard the sound of salivation.

"Another, bring me another skewer."

Pfft—Yuan Shao, you're the mighty scion of four generations, famed across the land, in your fifties, and yet so adorable?

Zhang Yu handed him several more skewers and invited everyone to sit and continue their unfinished barbecue. Yan Liang and Wen Chou finally surrendered to the overwhelming aroma, quietly joining the crowd.

Although Zhang Yu was not of age to drink, his followers had brought fine wine. They were used to carrying heavy loads, so a few extra bottles made little difference. They seized the opportunity to indulge fully.

After rounds of eating and drinking, the sun climbed high overhead.

The picnic site was in utter disarray.

Cao Xing and several others were competing in a drinking game with Wen Chou; Yan Liang sparred with Han Long nearby; Ying'er and Yan'er whispered beneath a willow tree; Yuan Shao was busy tying sandbags to himself.

"Did you devise all these things, Jade Lad?"

Waves of thought stirred in Zhang Yu's mind, but he nodded in confirmation. Yuan Shao had completely overturned Zhang Yu's previous impression from books. Though he held great power, he carried himself without airs, wielded authority without flaunting it, and felt more like an old friend than a lord.

Perhaps I have met a different Yuan Shao.

Unaware of Zhang Yu's thoughts, Yuan Shao simply enjoyed the weight the sandbags brought to his body. After trying them, he called Yan Liang and Wen Chou over.

"What do you two think of Jade Lad's sandbags?"

"My lord, I consider it a trifling skill, of little use," Yan Liang replied.

Hmm? Does he not understand the principle of modesty after a meal? Careful—such reckless words could get you in trouble one day.

"Shortsighted! Wen Chou, what about you?" Yuan Shao shot Yan Liang a glance and turned to Wen Chou.

Wen Chou glanced at Yan Liang. "...My lord, I believe this item has great potential!"

"Excellent! You have foresight. Guide Yan Liang more often—strength alone does not make a general." Yuan Shao smiled at Zhang Yu. "All say Jade Lad possesses great talent; now I see it for myself!"