Disclaimer: I don't own Dynasty Warriors/Rot3k, those games are by Koei and this fic is a fan made fantasy for the support of those two games and the history of 3rd Century China. The idea of Hidden Musou is originally mine. Yeah, Koei haven't thought of putting Hidden Musous in Dynasty Warriors yet….

A/N: I edited the final chapter of KUF 2 because it was rushed. We're now about to continue Zhao Yun and Zhen Ji's never ending hope of surviving the chaos together in separate paths. Of course, it's about time I write the KUF version of Ma Chao, Huang Zhong, and Wei Yan. However, Zhao Yun's greatest challenge is a man that will play a major part of this sequel….Xing Daorong and his rebellion. Zhen Ji has no choice, but to get news from gossips while introducing her child to the world, however Guo Wang who is Cao Pi's servant, is scheming in the shadows challenging Zhen Ji's loyalty

Kingdom Under Fire: Stallion Fury

Chapter 1: 1 Year Later…


After the battle of Chi Bi, Zhuge Liang ordered Zhang Fei to head for Wu Ling where Jin Xuan decided to solicit with Liu Bei by the advice of Gong Zhi, but Jin Xuan's son Jin Yi resigned. So Jin Xuan did the same leaving the prefect of Wu Ling in Gong Zhi's behalf. This sudden move brings the other Southern Jing lords who formerly served Liu Biao in split decisions, however there is Han Xuan who is still in friendly terms with Cao Cao and is planning to expand his force by threaten Zhao Fan's city. To counter this, Zhao Fan sends an envoy to Liu Bei for aid and his agreement to surrender to Liu Bei's ranks.

At Jiang Ling…

"Han Xuan! Why do you want to start a war!?" Liu Bei hit his fist against the table during the council.

"He had chosen to ally with Cao Cao, so it can not be helped. Besides, Han Xuan a short tempered one, which shows his lack of dignity," Yi Ji said.

"If he continues to govern Chang Sha, then the people will be left in despair. I have assigned Guan Yu to lead the campaign with his son and Liu Feng," Zhuge Liang said.

"Very well and who will go to Gui Yang and aid Zhao Fan?" Liu Bei asked.

"Hmm, we've stationed Liao Hua, Zhou Cang, Hu Ban, Zhang Nan, and Xiang Lang to Jiang Xia where our lord Liu Qi is. And Zhang Fei, Chen Dao, Wu Ji, Ma Liang, and Jian Yong are at Wu Ling," Zhuge Liang waved his fan thinking carefully of the roster as he continues, "And Sun Qian, Mi Zhu, Mi Fang, Fu Tong, Ma Su, Liu Pan, the newly recruited Feng Xi and Zhao Lei are here."

"Where are Pang Tong and Zhao Yun?" Liu Bei raised eyebrow.

"Oh, they're returning from Jiang Jin. The pirates have terrorized the harbor…again," Zhuge Liang sighed.

"I guess transportation from Jiang Ling to Wu Ling is becoming our biggest economic problem this year," Liu Bei crossed his arms in disappointment.

At Jiang Jin….

Pirates are one of the gangs of ancient china next to other brigands. They love to sail, fight, and wreck havoc the Chang Jiang. This is the second time the Liu Bei army encounter them at Jiang Jin. The first time was a warm up.

"Jiang Jin belongs to the Huang Xia pirates! As long as our pack settle this harbor, you will have to pay your fortunes if you want to use this place for transportation or bring your women, young or older to our ship!" the Pirate leader shouted.

"Are they serious? Do those low lives had enough showing off after getting beat by the officals a month ago?" a peasant said.

"Shut up! The first time they were lucky because someone burned our ship and stolen our loot!" the Pirate crewmate 1 urged.

"Anyone who dares oppose us, will pay with their lives!" the Pirate crewmate 2 warned.

Zhao Yun and Pang Tong are hiding near the docks. Just like before, the plan is the same thing.

"We will burn their ship again and this time they won't be making another one for a long time I hope," Pang Tong sighed.

Zhao Yun is reading the scriptures of Lao Tzu. He has an interest in reading since Pang Tong became his teacher. Pang Tong is amaze of Zhao Yun's quick reading skills, but sometimes it's better his pupil study by the actual real thing and not just the books.

"Zhao Yun, I'm not suitable in front lines, now pay attention to the solution right in front of you. Come on, you have plenty of time reading that, now focus on the real thing. We got a job to do," Pang Tong said.

"Ok, ok, I'm almost finished with this part of the book. Besides, the pirates aren't a major threat to us. They're just spanning attention," Zhao Yun annoyed.

"That's why safety is important for the efficiency of our economy. Lets get these idiots out of the harbor so our lord can start transporting provisions to Wu Ling," Pang Tong ordered.

"Yes master," Zhao Yun gets up and scanned the scene.

The pirate leader and two crewmates walk towards the bar leaving some men guarding their ship and blocking every transportation from sailing out of the harbor. Why can't these ruffians leave the people and civil workers in peace or get a job?

"What did you see, my pupil?" Pang Tong stared at his student awaiting the report.

"The leader is heading inside the tavern with two of his crewmates. Their ship now has twice the security unlike the last time they show up. They now have a back up ship that's blocking the other side of the harbor. Looks like we're going to have to burn their ships again like you said, except we need to blunder their units getting them to set each other up," Zhao Yun analyzed.

"Of course, setting them up to attack each other is the alternate. A strategist can form a substitution when there are alternatives," Pang Tong lectured.

"Pulling the same tactic twice will cause low rate of success. That's why a blunder can make our fire attack increase at a higher rate and cause more damage to the opposes," Zhao Yun said.

"Right, now shall we proceed," Pang Tong smiled.

"Wait, this is a two man army. Don't we need to request troops from the lord?" Zhao Yun questioned.

"Nah, that will rise suspicion from the pirates and they'll retreat before a battle emerge. We'll likely endanger the peasants also," Pang Tong shook his head.

"Alright, then we let the blunder tactic do the work of decreasing the pirates numbers and finish the job with a fire attack," Zhao Yun said.

"Remember the special skill I did against Cao Cao's army at Chang Ban? It's call chain reation, now this strategy we're forming is the tactical version of my chain reaction special skill. Kong Ming, Xu Shu, and I have different types based on our styles. You haven't send Zhuge Liang's yet, but I must tell you, it's the strongest, while Xu Shu's the weakest," Pang Tong said.

"So this is the tactical version we're doing. What version was the one from Chang Ban last year?" Zhao Yun asked.

"It's the Hidden Musou," Pang Tong replied. Zhao Yun is surprise this is the first time he saw the power of the Hidden Musou.

"Hidden Musou…" Zhao Yun whispered.

"There are 4 types of Musou: Regular Musou, True Musou, Musou Rage, and Hidden Musou. While Regular and True Musou are based physical, Musou Rage is based on mental. Zhuge Liang and I are the mental type and Xu Shu's the physical type," Pang Tong explained.

"Hmm, please continue master," Zhao Yun has an interest in understanding the true about his abilities. He knows his Musou and True Musou are easy to obtain by martial arts, but Musou Rage and Hidden Musou were of martial art legend.

"Musou Rage brings the person's mentality and emotions come in contact and the activation is progress. It can enchant all of your abilities twice the normal state. However, Musou Rage comes with a price. A premature activation can reveal that person's physical state won't recover till a few weeks. Doing the Musou Rage wisely can show quicker recovery rate on your physical state," Pang Tong said.

Zhao Yun is amaze by the explanation, but part of it concerns him about what kind of state he'll be in soon after awakening his Musou Rage.

"Alright, last is the Hidden Musou. It's almost possible to tap it, but Hidden Musou is…. is…" Pang Tong thought of a better way to comprehend it, but the four Musou type is almost non-existence to common martial artists.

"Is it from your own imagination, like creativity?" Zhao Yun assumed.

"Yes, that's it, Creativity! By remembering what I did with my Hidden Musou. I mixed up my special skill and True Musou together and form a new True Musou. Some Hidden Musous can also take effect in Musou Rage state. Zhao Yun, my Hidden Musou isn't called Chain Reaction, that's because the special skill is taking effect with the bombs combined inside my True Musou. It has a real name, Phoenix Typhoon," Pang Tong tapped his Vision Staff.

"Incredible, Master Pang. I see just how powerful you are," Zhao Yun gasped.

"Wait a minute, I may be powerful, but not as powerful as Cao Cao…" Pang Tong shuddered.

"But, you deflect his projectiles. I have seen it before," Zhao Yun said.

"I got lucky over there, if the battle between us prolonged, I will not live to be your teacher today," Pang Tong said.

"Cao Cao, is he really that fearsome," Zhao Yun though.

"We can talk more about Hidden Musou, right now, lets get the job done," Pang Tong said.

"Right," Zhao Yun nodded.

They precede the strategy to defeat the Pirates. Zhao Yun thinks about what Pang Tong has told him about the Hidden Musou and special skill. Two things of which are the main factors of his training.

At Chang Sha….

Han Xuan's army is preparing for war. Two figures, the old man and the masked man are dissuaded of their Lord's proposition. While the masked man just brag about how Han Xuan is such a coward, the older man is concern of Han Xuan's intentions.

"Zhao Fan has done nothing wrong and we're out to attack his city. What has become of Lord Han Xuan now that he's now Cao Cao's ally? I told him we should have joined the alliance against Cao Cao, but still refuse to listen," the older man said.

"He doesn't like Liu Bei so why bother telling him. Lets just leave his pitiful army and join Liu Bei," the masked man said.

"We can't just leave Han Xuan be and unleash chaos in the Nan territory, besides, Cao Cao had transported hundred thousands of troops here since the Battle of Chi Bi started," the old man protested.

"Huang Zhong, you old fart, why go all the trouble to care about such a bureaucrat, he's not a man of virtue and his ambitions are pathetic. He…sucks…" the masked man said. He's annoyed of the friendship between Huang Zhong and Han Xuan as if it's some kind of brother oath.

"Wei Yan, he's never like this before since we served Liu Biao!" Huang Zhong urged.

"Well old man, we're talking about right now. Right…now…period," Wei Yan coldly stated.

"I'm going to speak with the lord…" Huang Zhong sighed. He went into the castle and talk to his lordship.

"Fine, do as you wish General. I'm going to go get some volunteers for my own coup," Wei Yan snickered.

Those two may be against the war, but one wishes Han Xuan to live while the other does not. What is going to happen to Han Xuan's army?

At Ye…

The aftermath of Chi Bi didn't change the way people feel about Cao Cao until today, Cao Cao host a Bronze Peacock Festival. Cao Pi is suspicious of this sudden move, but his father beg him to show his new born child to the audience bringing along Zhen Ji too.

"Father, what is the point of the festival? We've just lost over a hundred thousand of good men at Chi Bi and now you want to settle our great defeat by hosting a festival," Cao Pi glared.

"I'm not doing this as an entertainment approach, but a charity. I'm willing to show the people of Han my forgiveness of the loss of those men last year," Cao Cao said.

"But, it's not like you to do such a thing," Cao Pi shrugged.

"Have I always let your mother perform charities during my war with Lu Bu? Well, now I will like to do it in person. Let the people show the real me from my warring counterpart," Cao Cao clear his throat as he walked by and meet Xun Yu.

"Prime Minster, I've heard about you making a festival. That's a good move for the stake of those who died at Chi Bi," Xun Yu bowed.

"Just wanted to hear what you have to say about my plan, Xun Yu. Will the people of the Han forgive me?" Cao Cao asked.

"They will forgive you as long as you don't start another war," Xun Yu stated.

"Another war…. hmmm," Cao Cao thought.

"But, on the contrary it will leave us open to hostilities. The Wu barbarians will seek to attack our weak southern borders with Liu Bei's pesky army collaborating," Cao Pi opposed.

"Pi, Sun Quan isn't going to work together with Liu Bei. After what happened at Chi Bi and Zhou Yu, he'll be busy threaten Jing. Lets observe the solution for now seeing those two will start beating the hell out of each other along with their own officers," Cao Cao said.

"Are you certain, Wu can defeat Liu Bei's forces?" Cao Pi asked.

"They have more troops," Cao Cao said in a biased way.

"But, what about Guan Yu? Do you doubt his abilities along with Zhang Fei? They're still a force to be reckon with and it will take more than 4 of our strongest officers to beat them where as Wu's officers are inferior to those two," Cao Pi took a seat as the three are at the lounge.

"We don't know that yet. However, is a large force still the advantageous result of winning a war? I don't give a damn about Zhuge Liang, since he'll realize why his diplomatic scheme caused the relations with Wu to decline," Cao Cao presumed.

"Causing both Liu Bei and Sun Quan to attack each other leaving us in a greater advantage to take out both enemies in one strategy may have higher chances for our future," Xun Yu said.

"And the Cao family shall soon unify the land bring oblivion to our foes," Cao Pi arrogantly said.

"Our future…." Cao Cao thought. He put his hand on his cheek thinking about what he's going to do.

At the dining room…

She has just finished assigning orders to her servants on preparations for the dinner party after the festival. Today is a very special day in contrast of her marriage and her newly born son Cao Rui. But, more importantly, this is the day she can reveal her people the goodwill in funding the families of the decreased soldiers at Chi Bi.

If only she was with Zhao Yun and the people of Ji will be astonish of them both as a….

"My lady," a servant girl showed up.

Zhen Ji's thoughts about Zhao Yun's decision to serve Liu Bei didn't fade since after her marriage with Cao Pi. She looks at her servant girl to hear out what is going on.

"Lord Cao Cao is about to host a announcement at the audience, Lord Cao Pi request you to attend," the servant girl said.

"I don't feel like joining it right now until the festival begins," Zhen Ji refused.

"The lord stated the announcement is important so you must attend intermediately or else…" the servant girl shuddered.

"All right, but I swear if he did anything to you, then I will hold responsible for it and relieve your punishment. Do not be afraid of my husband, because he's short tempered with my decisions," Zhen Ji said.

"Why, Lady Zhen, why marry such a husband and just run away from the fraction?" the servant girl asked.

"I can't escape my fate after what happened to the Yuan family, so my submission to the Cao family can save the lives of the people of Ji," Zhen Ji sighed.

Zhen Ji walked up to the hallway leading to the council. In there, Cao Cao is waiting at his throne next to Bian and Cao Pi is standing to the left of a line made up of Cao Cao's retainers and among them is Lady Guo who is standing next to Cao Pi.

"She's giving the ministers a hard time in waiting, my lord," Guo Wang whispered.

"She's just not the type for an endless discussion about war, but her presence is need so that my supporters can gain favor for her," Cao Pi whispered back.

"…" Lady Guo stared at her rival as she stood next to her husband on his right side and Guo Wang is on the left side.

Cao Cao clears his throat as he begins to make speech. His wife glances at him in contend with his words.

"Today, I've been thinking about where my next move will be, but with the festival coming up. There are possibilities of the people disarray with my warfare because I have not given approval to the Emperor and the countless deaths of the men at Chi Bi, but what does the Emperor know about war?" Cao Cao scanned at his officers waiting for any objectives.

None have an opinion on the Emperor's concern, as they let Cao Cao continue.

"He knows nothing about war and had begging me to get his so called 'Imperial Uncle' back into the capital which cost a lot of lives in my army!" Cao Cao subjected.

Cao Pi chuckled.

"And Liu Biao, he had not paid the taxes to liable his govern ship of Jing zhou. Why did Liu Zong surrender to me? So I can leave that penalty aside and spar Liu Zong and his mother their lives in my service," Cao Cao said.

Lady Cai is one of the people in the audience also staring at Zhen Ji. Ji had not forgotten the rude older woman.

"Now, for my announcement, Cao Ren is promoted to Governor of Jing. Even if Liu Qi is still alive, in my authority, Cao Ren is the one ruling the province. Oh, I forgot, lord Han Xuan is leading a campaign to subjugate the Nan territory, so Cao Ren will lead a sneak attack at Jiang Ling unless we force Liu Bei's stooges to leave their stronghold defenseless when worrying about expanding Southern Jing before Sun Quan makes his sudden move," Cao Cao announced.

Zhen Ji almost choke at hearing her lord's plans, this type of solution can lead to a horrifying result on the extermination of the Liu Bei army and Zhao Yun.

"But, what concerns me about all this is starting another war," Cao Cao sighed.

"The longer we wait, the more powerful Liu Bei and the Wu army will become," Cheng Yu said.

"Who will go on a espionage mission to Wu and spread rumors on Sun Quan about Han Xuan?" Cao Cao requested.

"Huh?" Cao Pi suddenly looks at his father confused.

No one volunteer Cao Cao's request, but Xun Yu spoke out.

"Prime Minister, you wish to have Sun Quan focus on attack Han Xuan?" Xun Yu questioned.

"If it helps to grow hostility on Liu Bei by forming an Anti- Han Xuan Coalition. When Liu Bei finds out, he'll utterly refuse increasing suspicion on Wu. With that, Sun Quan will annul the alliance and attack Liu Bei at the same time Cao Ren and Han Xuan will attack Liu Bei and put an end to his meddlesome once and for all," Cao Cao explained.

"Ahem," Guo Wang clear her throat, but this is a plot to raise difficulty on Zhen Ji's humiliation.

"Why me? Why does it have to be me to play the underdog of the women in Cao Cao's force?" Zhen Ji thought as she struggled.

"Does anyone wish to carry out the order to spread rumors?" Cao Cao scanned the council.

"I do not wish to give my lover's life a living hell, but Guo Wang is challenge me on the future of my husband's support," Zhen Ji gives herself up on staying neutral and begins to open her mouth.

"No, Mi, don't do it! My brother's servant is leading you to your demise so my brother will stop me from ever seeing you for a long time," Cao Zhi thought.

Zhang He has the same expression as Cao Zhi and also thought about Zhen Ji not taking up the task.

"That's a girl, Ji. Do it, so my lord won't have trouble getting more supporters into his side. You will be grateful to bring him the highest contribution and…your death," Guo Wang thought.

"I….." Zhen Ji's tone cut short when another person's voice raises.

"My lord!" a guardsman hurried to the audience.

"Ugh, damn it, what now?" Cao Cao rolleyed.

"Ma Teng occupy An Ding and is heading it's way to Chang An!" the guardsman reported.

"Why the hell do those Xi Liang yanks want to waste their time with me?!" Cao Cao furiously hits his fist on the handle.

"Perhaps, Lord Ma Teng is about to collaborate with Liu Bei knowing our defeat at Chi Bi," Jia Xu said.

"His army is no match for me and now he dares approach with such a stupid momentum? I have not loss my will to conquer all those who opposite my authority," Cao Cao stood up preparing to ruse his army, but Jia Xu stopped him.

"Lord Ma Teng is only attacking you because of that edict the Emperor once don, if you send an envoy to Ma Teng and bring him to meet the Emperor we can finish him off in the capital leaving his army in a state of anxiety," Jia Xu suggested.

"Hahaha, they'll be complaining about the delay and can spread separation of that weak force," Cao Cao agreed.

"But, Ma Teng's army is based mostly on heavy cavalry one of the fastest and most aggressive cavalry in the land," Xun You stated.

"My cavalry is greater!" Cao Cao bragged.

"Very well, I'll carry out the plot, my lord," Jia Xu bowed.

"Phew…that means the meeting is over, now I can safely do what I want by caring my people," Zhen Ji took a deep breath.

"Coward…." Guo Wang glared as Zhen Ji walked back to her quarters and prepares the festival.

"Vermin…" Zhen Ji thought as she pass by Guo Wang.

They're not going to be good friends for a long time as their rivalry begins. Meanwhile, at An Ding, the figure who rode the sliver horse is scanning the deserted field across Yong zhou. He had captured three bandits who plague the town with their vehement.

At An Ding….

"Please, we beg you to not kill us! We decided to work for you!" the bandit said.

"And will you cooperate with me?" the Silver horseman raise his left eyebrow.

"We will, my lord. Just spar us to your services! We will not harm the people of this town again!" the bandit begged.

"Very well, but I'll get my father's approve. In the meantime, you have been served by, I, Ma Chao of Xi Lang! May justice be your forgiveness from the depths of villainy," Ma Chao stated.

Next Chapter: The Passion of Xi Liang