In the spring of 188, Ma Chao traveled to Qiang to seek meteorite iron. On the way, he met Che Li Ji, the Western Qiang King's son, and helped him become the Western Qiang King during a Western Qiang civil war. In return, he obtained Horse King Aurora and the Tiger Head Gold Plated Spear forged from meteorite iron.
In the summer, Ma Chao rushed back to Ma Teng's base camp in Wuwei, suppressing rebellions by bandits and small tribes. At the same time, he suggested to Ma Teng that they establish a caravan. Ma Teng adopted Ma Chao's suggestion, and the establishment of the caravan not only promoted trade between Wuwei and various regions but also brought more business opportunities and employment to the local people.
By the late autumn of 188, with economic development, Wuwei's livelihood had significantly improved. People's lives gradually became prosperous, and the city became more vibrant.
In terms of external reputation, Ma Chao, relying on his bravery and wisdom, successfully quelled surrounding rebellions and provocations multiple times. His reputation grew louder and louder, and he became the guardian of the Wuwei region.
However, good times did not last. Some forces within the imperial court grew concerned about the rise of the Ma family and began secretly plotting against them.
At the same time, due to Ma Chao and Che Li Ji's relationship, the caravan also brought improvements to the Western Qiang people's livelihood, and the rebellious forces of the Qiang soldiers were quietly brewing new actions. They were dissatisfied with Ma Chao's friendship with Che Li Ji and attempted to stir up trouble again.
In late autumn, Ma Chao received a letter from Han Shuo. Under Han Shuo's persistent recommendation, Lu Zhi finally reluctantly agreed to meet this son from the Western Liang military family. It should be known that due to Ma Teng's series of strange actions, Lu Zhi was actually extremely unwilling.
Before this, Ma Teng's various actions had caused Lu Zhi to harbor reservations. Ma Teng's actions in the Western Liang region, as well as his military and political strategies, made Lu Zhi hold reservations about him. Lu Zhi worried whether this son of the Western Liang military family would inherit his father's style and whether he truly possessed the potential to become an outstanding general or statesman.
However, Han Shuo's praise and recommendation for Ma Chao sparked Lu Zhi's curiosity. What kind of person could make Han Shuo recommend him so persistently? With this complex feeling, Lu Zhi decided to meet Ma Chao in person to see what was special about him.
Ma Chao was extremely excited when he received Lu Zhi's summons. Unable to conceal his excitement, he quickly bid farewell to his family. With a heart full of anticipation and longing, he resolutely embarked on the journey to the capital.
— — Dividing line — —
Meanwhile, outside the Wuwei territory, three legendary figures—Zuo Ci, Immortal Nan Hua, and Yu Ji—were engaged in a thrilling magical duel. Immortal Nan Hua, as the spokesperson of the Heavenly Dao, advocated conforming to the Heavenly Dao, believing that everything should develop according to established rules. Yu Ji and Zuo Ci, however, pitied the suffering of the world's people and longed to change the future trajectory and hardships of the Three Kingdoms and Southern and Northern Dynasties.
Immortal Nan Hua's main purpose in coming this time was to deal with Ma Chao, an anomaly. As a reborn person, he knew too many heavenly secrets, which would have a significant impact on the overall situation's direction, possibly even interfering with the correct course of history.
Zuo Ci knew Immortal Nan Hua's identity and strength well; he could not contend with him alone. Therefore, they specifically sought out Yu Ji to jointly confront this powerful opponent.
In this fierce magical duel, Immortal Nan Hua unleashed mysterious and powerful spells, instantly changing the weather and shaking heaven and earth. Yu Ji performed unique cultivation methods, attempting to defuse Immortal Nan Hua's attacks. Zuo Ci, relying on his profound Daoist cultivation and wondrous spells, engaged Immortal Nan Hua in a life-and-death struggle.
The confrontation between Immortal Nan Hua and Zuo Ci and Yu Ji was exceptionally fierce. Both sides exerted all their strength, and for a time, it was difficult to determine a winner; they were evenly matched, and neither could completely overcome the other.
After a long struggle, Immortal Nan Hua, Yu Ji, and Zuo Ci all suffered severe injuries, reaching the point of falling. They had no choice but to make concessions. Immortal Nan Hua erased Ma Chao's past life memories and his influence on those around him after his rebirth, to eliminate his potential impact on the course of history. Yu Ji and Zuo Ci, to preserve Ma Chao's life, could only reluctantly accept, but they insisted on retaining Ma Chao's personality after his rebirth. All previous efforts and preparations were wasted, allowing history to proceed along its natural trajectory.
To ensure the fulfillment of this agreement, the three finally reached a consensus and jointly adhered to this decision. They understood that the course of history should be determined by the people themselves, not by external forces.
In implementing this decision, the three successively fell, and it seemed as if the heavens and earth also drew a close to this legendary confrontation.
At this time, Ma Chao was still looking forward to his meeting with Lu Zhi, completely unaware of the fierce struggle far away. His fate was about to change; his past life memories would be erased, and he would face future challenges with a completely new demeanor. Ma Teng and others' memories of Ma Chao's rebirth were also completely erased. It was as if everything had returned to the starting point, as if nothing had changed, and time had simply repeated itself. Yet, it also seemed as if everything was different; Ma Chao's personality was no longer stubborn and competitive, but rather optimistic, open-minded, and concerned for the world. The future was full of unknowns.
The great wheel of history continued to roll forward, and everyone waited to see how the world would write the next chapter.
— — Dividing line — —
As he left the Wuwei territory, Ma Chao looked back fondly at the land. Under his meticulous governance, Wuwei prospered, and its people lived in peace and contentment. However, he knew that other places were still desolate, with various ethnic groups living together, and the public order was worrying. He secretly resolved to devote all his efforts to the peace of the world.
Ma Chao suddenly felt that something was missing, but he couldn't remember what it was; nothing seemed wrong. He was still that 13-year-old Western Liang youth, full of hope and longing for the future. Unable to figure it out, he stopped dwelling on it and continued on his way with renewed spirit.
Traveling all the way to Fufeng, Ma Chao happened to encounter a group of vicious bandits in a fierce conflict with local militiamen. Instantly, shouts of killing and the sound of hooves resounded through the sky. Ma Chao unhesitatingly threw himself into the fray, his movements like lightning, his spear skills sharp, displaying extraordinary martial arts and fearless courage. Under his valiant fighting, the bandits gradually lost ground and were ultimately annihilated.
After this fierce battle, Ma Chao met Pang De, the leader of the militiamen. When Pang De first saw Ma Chao, although he seemed young, the determination and confidence in his eyes were undeniable. Through a conversation, Pang De was even more pleasantly surprised to discover that Ma Chao harbored grand ambitions, possessed both wisdom and courage, and had extraordinary insights and boldness. He firmly believed that this person was a worthy lord to follow.
After the battle, Pang De actively expressed his desire to follow Ma Chao. Ma Chao felt an inexplicable closeness to Pang De and readily agreed, keenly recognizing that Pang De was a rare general.
The two continued their journey to the capital, enduring wind and dew along the way, yet never forgetting to spar in martial arts and discuss military strategy. They learned from each other, and their friendship deepened.
Ma Chao, leading Pang De, traveled tirelessly and arrived at the capital just as the severe cold of winter had descended. On this day, heavy snow fell, blanketing the world in white, and Ma Chao finally arrived at Lu Zhi's door.
Perhaps Lu Zhi had a prejudice against him before, or perhaps it was a test, but he did not summon him. Yet Ma Chao did not leave. He stood steadfastly in front of Lu Zhi's door, letting the heavy snow fall, like an unmoving statue.
This scene formed the beautiful image of "Standing in the Snow at Lu's Gate," which moved people with his persistence and sincerity. Time passed minute by minute, Ma Chao's figure standing firm in the snow, as if conveying his determination and sincerity to Lu Zhi.
Finally, Lu Zhi was moved by Ma Chao's persistence. He opened the door, a hint of relief and admiration flashing in his eyes. Lu Zhi began to test Ma Chao, posing a series of complex and profound questions covering various aspects such as martial arts, military strategy, and the art of governance.
Ma Chao displayed his extensive knowledge and outstanding talent; his answers were clear and his thinking agile. He not only had a profound understanding of martial arts but also unique insights into the application of military strategy.
The more Lu Zhi listened, the more satisfied he became. He saw Ma Chao's true strength and potential. Finally, he revealed a satisfied smile and decided to formally accept Ma Chao as his disciple.