Play Huang Gai under the hard difficulty setting at the battle of Chi Bi for Allied forces. Follow orders to execute the fire attack against the Wei (Cao Cao's) forces. Defeat Zhang Liao (and possibly some other generals as well) before defeating Cao Cao. A "Special Item" should be found near the place of prayer at the southwestern end of the map. The Shadow Rod is a +44 attack weapon with 6 hits. It also adds +27 Musou Charge, +82 HP Max, +57 Defense, +52 Mounted Attack, and +23 Reach.