Chapter 64: For Brotherhood! (Part One)

Chapter Sixty-Four: For Brotherhood!

Hua Queyue, one of the most outstanding disciples of the younger generation in Spirit Realm, was certainly formidable. He was already regarded as the best candidate for the next Realm Master. Admittedly, while Hua Queyue’s combat strength was impressive, his primary focus on life energy meant he still fell short of the average power of previous Realm Masters. Yet he possessed other advantages—he was an all-rounder.

Whether it was managing daily affairs in Spirit Realm, liaising with various factions, or mediating disputes between nations large and small, everything became simple and effortless with Hua Queyue present. Even organizing the transmigrators into a special operations team was a task that came easily to him. Under his guidance, the transmigrators were not only enthusiastic but eager for action.

Hua Queyue nodded in satisfaction, surveying the crowd. “Now that everyone has joined the special operations team, for the sake of fairness, we must set some rules. These rules are for everyone to follow. Remember, it’s for fairness.”

“Would you want to be treated unfairly?”

“No!”

“Would you want someone to cut corners, take shortcuts, and seize opportunities meant for you through improper means?”

“No!”

“Then everyone must abide by the rules, correct?”

“Yes!”

Zhou Yu, standing among the crowd, felt immense admiration for Hua Queyue. Such simple methods, yet in Hua Queyue’s hands, they became persuasive and effective. Truly, there is no strongest trickery—only the strongest trickster, Zhou Yu thought to himself.

“The first rule: No infighting, anywhere, anytime.

“The second rule: Never abandon a companion, anywhere, anytime.

“The third rule: Anyone found violating the first two rules will be deemed a traitor and may be eliminated by anyone, anywhere, anytime.

“The fourth rule: Unless ordered otherwise, do not abandon missions.”

Hua Queyue went on to list ten rules in total, explaining each one in detail. As his explanation deepened, the crowd became somber; a sense of pressure descended. Unconsciously, the transmigrators gathered in the flagstone square of the Martial Hall wore serious expressions, a hint of iron resolve emerging.

Finally, Hua Queyue divided all transmigrators into three groups: Group One led by Abuli, Group Two led by Jack, and Zhou Yu as Group Three leader. He then announced that systematic training and guidance would begin for everyone the next day.

After leaving the Martial Hall, Zhou Yu headed straight for the dining hall, intending to test just how much food his waist token could store. In his view, the more the better—it would satisfy his needs and reduce trips to the dining hall, saving a considerable amount of time over the long run.

Thinking back to being awakened by the old man’s slap, encountering the demon tiger and fox, climbing Snow Mountain, slaying snow, and a succession of events that felt like yesterday, yet half a year had already passed.

According to Baidu, in nine and a half years Earth would face devastating attacks from the gods. Time was truly tight. Though Abuli was almost certainly the reincarnation of the Asura King, Zhou Yu hadn’t given up the idea of returning. “Kings and nobles, are they born of a special breed?” he mused. Even if he wasn’t the Asura King reborn, so what? He’d carve his own path to kingship!

“China Zhou!” Abuli caught up from behind.

“Abuli, what is it?” Zhou Yu slowed his pace, waiting for Abuli to approach before asking.

“With those rules, everyone can finally unite. But why do you seem a bit unhappy?”

“I’m not unhappy. I just thought of my parents back on Earth. Time passes so quickly,” Zhou Yu said, gazing at the sun about to sink below the horizon, still radiating brilliant red light.

“Yes, in the blink of an eye, half a year has gone by. Back home, it must be the rainy season now. Everyone must be celebrating as usual.”

“By the way, Abuli, have you made any progress lately?”

“I’m already at the demon general level. Though training has been tough, I’m not advancing as quickly as before.”

“That’s normal. The further you go, the harder it is to break through. Perseverance brings results—maybe you’ll break through tomorrow.”

“Hmm, China Zhou, you really are diligent. I admire you.”

Zhou Yu smiled, “I’m a Capricorn man, after all.”

Chatting with Abuli, they walked on and soon arrived at the dining hall.

As usual, Zhou Yu headed for the long wooden table laden with food, but was suddenly stopped by someone.

He looked curiously at the stranger who blocked him, frowning. Judging by his attire, this was surely a Spirit Realm disciple. But why stop him?

Zhou Yu didn’t know, nor did he care. He tried to sidestep, but the man’s movements matched his precisely, shifting right in perfect sync.

Just that movement alone told Zhou Yu the man was very strong, as he had anticipated Zhou Yu’s action from the very start.

Realizing this, Zhou Yu raised his head and met the man’s gaze. “Is there something you want?”

“I have something to ask,” the man replied.

“Go ahead,” Zhou Yu answered.

Perhaps Zhou Yu’s composure surprised him, for the man hesitated, silent for a moment as he seemed to ponder something. But when his gaze fell on another nearby, a trace of hatred flickered in his eyes. He said, “Could we talk somewhere else?”

Following his gaze, Zhou Yu saw a young man seated nearby, torso wrapped in bandages, with faint bloodstains showing through the white cloth at his chest.

Though unsure what was going on, Zhou Yu caught the intensity of hatred in the man’s eyes. He looked back at the challenger, “May I know why?”

The man’s intention was clear—a challenge. Zhou Yu would not back down, but neither would he fight without cause, especially with such strong animosity in the man’s eyes.

“Liu Yueming.”

Hearing the name spoken aloud, Zhou Yu asked no further. If it was about Liu Yueming, he’d accept the challenge regardless of the reason, whether Liu Yueming was right or wrong.

Silently, Zhou Yu left the dining hall. Once several others followed, he asked, “Where?”

“The Martial Hall.”

Clearly, the man had thought everything through. Abuli wanted to intervene, but Zhou Yu stopped him with a look. Glancing at the direction of the setting sun, Zhou Yu said, “I need to fetch something.”

“Go ahead. I’ll wait for you at the Martial Hall,” the challenger replied.

Zhou Yu turned and walked into the night, saying nothing as he headed straight for his own quarters. Pushing open the door, he saw the old man was out, and breathed a sigh of relief—no need to explain anything. He retrieved the great sword from beneath his bed, hefted it, and left.

In Spirit Realm, where cultivators gathered, Zhou Yu dragging a great sword drew little attention despite passing many people.

Before he even reached the Martial Hall, he saw a crowd gathered there. When they spotted Zhou Yu approaching, their chatter grew louder.

“He’s here.”

“Zhou Yu’s here.”

As he drew near, Zhou Yu saw nearly all the transmigrators had assembled, along with a group of Spirit Realm youths on the other side.

The challenger sat cross-legged in the center of the Martial Hall, holding a paintbrush, with a blank scroll unfurled before him.

Seeing Zhou Yu arrive, the man nodded from afar. “My name is Ma Liang.”

“Zhou Yu.”

“Didn’t expect you’d accept without even asking for a reason.”

“If it concerns Liu Yueming, no reason is needed.”

As night deepened, the gemstones in the Martial Hall suddenly shone, banishing darkness so the square was bright as day.

Ma Liang was silent for a moment before speaking. “This really has nothing to do with you. Our squad returned to Spirit Realm for rest, but on the way we encountered Liu Yueming. Our team of eight lost four to him, and one was severely wounded. I must answer to my fallen brothers. I heard you’re his brother, so I had no choice but to find you.”

Now Zhou Yu understood: these men had happened upon Liu Yueming, clashed, and been thoroughly beaten—eight against one, and still routed. To save face, they picked him, the weakest of Liu Yueming’s friends. In that case, there was no need for courtesy.

Zhou Yu retorted, “Yueming’s right hand is crippled, and you eight were beaten like that. How do you have the nerve to come bother me?”

Ma Liang hadn’t expected Zhou Yu to speak so harshly; his face stiffened. “Liu Yueming ambushed us. We didn’t provoke him.”

Zhou Yu laughed loudly, “By your logic, you didn’t provoke him, so his attack was wrong. But I didn’t provoke you either—so is your challenge right or wrong?”

Ma Liang was left speechless. He only wanted to do something for his dead brothers, but unable to find Liu Yueming and forbidden to leave Spirit Realm during rest, he had come for Zhou Yu, Liu Yueming’s friend. Perhaps he harbored the thought: ‘You killed my brother, I’ll kill yours.’ Now, Zhou Yu’s words ignited his hatred.

Ma Liang snarled, “Whatever the case, you’ve accepted my challenge. Enough talk—prepare to die!”

Before Ma Liang’s words even finished, Zhou Yu moved. Dragging his great sword, which instantly shone with a fiery brilliance like the sun, Zhou Yu charged forward like a starving tiger.