But across the water, in the hidden alcoves of the , the wind was being whispered to by a different master. Zhuge Liang , the "Sleeping Dragon," sat in a simple Taoist robe, eyes closed. Beside him, the fiery Zhou Yu paced like a caged tiger. They were an impossible alliance: the desperate remnants of Liu Bei’s virtuous vagabonds and the proud, wealthy forces of Eastern Wu. "Is the altar ready?" Zhou Yu asked, his voice tight.

Guan Yu remained silent, his long beard fluttering in the cold morning air. His duty was to Liu Bei, his brother by oath. But his soul was bound by the debt of a gentleman. With a heavy sigh, Guan Yu stepped aside, lowering his blade. "Pass," Guan Yu whispered.

The "God of War" stood in the center of the narrow pass, his Green Dragon Crescent Blade gleaming. Cao Cao stopped. He knew Guan Yu’s honour was his only weapon left. Years ago, Cao Cao had treated Guan Yu with supreme respect when he was a captive.