In Order To Ascend, I Became A Modern Wage Slave - Chapter 24: Xi Yu (4)

Chapter 24: Xi Yu 4

 

Zhenjun(True Monarch/Lord/Master)

 

Tie Yi Zhen Jun?

 

Xi Yu seemed to remember that someone once asked him what title he would take if he ascended. Xi Yu casually said two words: “Tie Yi.”

 

【Tie】 means making connections, 【Yi】 means loyalty, righteousness.

 

These were the two principles Xi Yu had always adhered to: one cannot be alone, or one will go mad. He liked having people around, the more, the better, but they must not be bad people, so he added “Yi” afterward.

 

When he heard an unrelated person mention this title, Xi Yu was stunned for a moment, not understanding, filled with questions, and dragged Shan Bei into a temple.

 

He looked up and was struck with sudden realization.

 

Not because of anything else, but because the statue in the temple was of him!

 

Shan Bei had changed Xi Yu’s face and wasn’t worried about anyone recognizing him. Xi Yu casually grabbed someone and asked, “Who is this statue of?”

 

The person replied, “Tie Yi Zhen Jun!”

 

Xi Yu still didn’t get the answer he wanted, so he asked again, “Who is Tie Yi Zhen Jun?”

 

The person replied, “You don’t know? He’s Xi Yu, the second prince of the Xi Yu Kingdom!”

 

It was indeed true.

 

Didn’t know? How could he know that suddenly a statue of him would appear and become one of the gods people worshipped!

 

Xi Yu then asked, “What does he bless?”

 

The person replied, “Blesses the country and protects the nation.”

 

Only then did Xi Yu let the person go and began carefully examining the familiar yet strange statue.

 

His statue, probably based on the craftsman’s imagination, depicted him as about 17 or 18 years old, not much different from his current self. His eyes were slightly closed, one hand held out in front of him in a gesture of blessing, the other hand holding a sword at his side, vividly conveying the meaning of protecting the nation.

 

After asking a few more people, he learned that the statue had been placed in the temple several years ago. For the first two years, it was placed next to the Bei Shang Zhen Jun, but as Tie Yi Zhen Jun’s incense grew stronger, it was separated and placed in its own temple.

 

As for why the incense was so prosperous, it was naturally because Tie Yi Zhen Jun was from the Xi Yu Kingdom, one of their own.

 

It must be that the people supported their own kind!

 

Xi Yu secretly muttered, “Have they ever seen a real immortal? Whether immortals exist in the world or not, how can they be sure I can ascend?”

 

No.

 

The past two years had been so fulfilling. Xi Yi, because of the increasing political duties, had become busier. Plus, he had performed so well and been so ordinary that he had rarely come to visit Xi Yu. Xi Yu had almost forgotten what Xi Yi looked like, but still remembered that one sentence.

 

—”You have no choice but to ascend.”

 

He knew very well that this ascension, presented to the outside world, would mean becoming an immortal, but for him, it would be death.

 

If he didn’t die, if Xi Yi was soft-hearted and let him go, there would be a day when the truth would be exposed, and when it did, the backlash would be as severe as the faith had once been intense.

 

At best, he would lose the people’s trust and be overthrown, at worst, the kingdom would collapse, splitting into chaos.

 

At this moment, voices from nearby clearly reached his ears.

 

“How old is the second prince this year? He’s about to ascend, right?”

 

“Seems like he’s fifteen, two or three years, soon.”

 

“I hope the second prince ascends early and keeps my son safe at the border.”

 

…

 

These words made Xi Yu stop in his tracks and look back at them.

 

Two or three years to ascend?

 

It seemed that Xi Yi had closed off all his paths. Apart from him and Shan Bei, nearly everyone knew his death was imminent.

 

This time, sneaking out was the right decision.

 

He had to tighten that rope in his mind.

 

At the moment of death, escape ascension!

 

Xi Yu thought to himself, his fist clenching involuntarily. For a moment, he forgot that his other hand was still holding onto someone. His grip was quite strong. Xi Yu asked with concern, “Does it hurt?”

 

Shan Bei shook his head and didn’t withdraw his hand. They had been together for so long that they were more familiar with each other’s expressions and movements than anyone else: “What are you thinking about?”

 

Xi Yu didn’t hide anything: “Escape. The day of ascension is my day of death. I just heard, it’s only two or three years away, soon. That day will be the day I escape this sea of suffering.”

 

Shan Bei patted Xi Yu’s shoulder with his other hand. “Success is near.”

 

“By the way,” Xi Yu suddenly remembered, “When I leave, where will you go?”

 

Shan Bei replied, “I have my own place.”

 

Shan Bei had no place to go—no father, no mother, and was alone.

 

Over time, Xi Yu had realized that this person, although seeming calm, actually had an unsettled nature. Every day, he would walk around the garden in the palace for ten or twenty laps. If Xi Yu escaped, Shan Bei would probably wander aimlessly, and Xi Yu would never be able to find him again.

 

Xi Yu said, “Why don’t you come with me? We can look out for each other.”

 

He thought Shan Bei would agree, but to his surprise, Shan Bei immediately and resolutely refused. “Don’t think about bringing me. You just escape alone.”

 

At the time, Xi Yu thought Shan Bei simply didn’t want to leave with him. He didn’t understand for a long time.

 

They had shared a bed for so long—why the reluctance to run together? Was he tired of him?

 

Later, Xi Yu realized that it was because having no attachments allowed one to run farther.

 

Two years passed in the blink of an eye.

 

At seventeen, Xi Yu was nearly as tall as Shan Bei, half his height. He was still young, still growing. He confidently told Shan Bei, “I’ll definitely surpass you.”

 

Shan Bei replied, “We’ll see.”

 

Xi Yu said, “Maybe tomorrow, the day after, or the next—sometimes, I just grow suddenly one night, like pulling up a carrot.”

 

Shan Bei smiled. “Why are you so eager to be taller than me?”

 

Xi Yu didn’t know. Maybe because Shan Bei was the only person who had grown up alongside him. In his mind, Shan Bei was the only height reference. People tend to think “blue outshines indigo,” or maybe for other reasons. Xi Yu shrugged and casually said, “When I’m taller than you, I’ll hug you to sleep.”

 

Shan Bei raised an eyebrow and asked, “You want to be taller than me?”

 

Xi Yu nodded. “Mm, it’s only a matter of time!”

 

If time could be stopped, it would be nice to freeze at this moment, but alas, what’s meant to come will come.

 

One day, Xi Yu woke up at noon, and as usual, Shan Bei would wake him up at eight in the morning. Waking up at this time was definitely unusual.

 

Shan Bei wasn’t in the room, and when Xi Yu searched outside, he couldn’t find him either.

 

Shan Bei had once told him that if one day he left without saying a word, he should be ready because danger was imminent.

 

Sure enough, in the afternoon, while Xi Yu was lying on the grass taking a nap, a sudden clashing of gongs and drums startled him almost into ascension.

 

He opened his eyes to see Xi Yi handing a golden gong and drum to his attendant, looking at Xi Yu with a kind of awkward concern: “You sleep so soundly, I couldn’t wake you no matter how hard I tried. What were you dreaming about?”

 

Xi Yu dodged the question. “I don’t remember.”

 

Xi Yi sighed. “As expected, you’re getting older. You’re not as close to me anymore. You used to be upset if I didn’t hear your heart back then.”

 

As soon as Xi Yu stood up, Xi Yi’s hand naturally rested on his shoulder, and for the first time, Xi Yu realized how much he disliked someone’s touch after being around Shan Bei for so long.

 

He almost wanted to spit in his face.

 

But his face remained calm, and he said, “I didn’t dream of anything.”

 

Xi Yi said, “Is that so? Well, it’s been a long time since we brothers have shared a meal. Since I have time today, let me take you outside the palace for a meal.”

 

Had it been before, Xi Yu would have jumped up in excitement at such a suggestion. But now, he merely nodded, offering a polite yet distant smile, “Alright.”

 

He wanted to see what Xi Yi was up to.

 

He knew that with Xi Yi’s nature, if he hadn’t been forced into a corner, he would never have stated his intentions openly. Xi Yi, who was now the same age as he was back then, had become more restrained after ten years of experience. Now, he could face any collapse with a smile, maintaining his composure in the face of the storm.

 

Now, everything visible was just what he wanted others to see.

 

Xi Yi’s hand remained on his shoulder, but it wasn’t a casual resting touch—it was a grip, one to prevent Xi Yu from escaping. Xi Yu didn’t expose it, pretending it was just an expression of their brotherly love.

 

This street wasn’t as lively as before, with far fewer people. It used to be so crowded that walking was a struggle. Now it was wide open, stretching into the distance. There were fewer street vendors, and even the stalls selling candied hawthorn were gone. There were no more sellers of candy.

 

Because Tie Yi Zhen Jun didn’t like it.

 

Xi Yu still couldn’t understand. If there really were immortals in this world, why would someone so selfless, so kind, and so willing to help others punish you just because you ate something they disliked? Why wouldn’t they bless you?

 

It’s like you take your boss’s clothes to another store to buy something, would they refuse to sell it to you?

 

Not making money when you have the chance is foolish.

 

You may have offered merit to the gods, but it could be for nothing, and yet you keep worrying about this and that. The immortals probably have no idea who you are!

 

“North Ascending Lord, please save my son, I beg you, save my son! He’s the only heir in our family! If he dies, who will carry on the family line? Our family will be finished! Please, save my son!”

 

“Mom, get up.”

 

“Get down and kneel with me, kneel! Kneel, kneel! All of you kneel with me! The more people, the more sincere we look! Only then will the immortal manifest!”

 

As soon as the old lady said this, all the women behind her, big and small, knelt down, kowtowing. There were so many people that the temple couldn’t fit them all, and several rows were kneeling on the steps outside. The spectacle was incredibly grand!

 

There were still people behind urging angrily: “Hey, hey, hey, if you’re done kneeling, move out of the way. Is your man the only important one?”

 

“Yeah, isn’t the life of our man important too?”

 

“Don’t you have anyone in your family who can carry on the family line?”

 

……

 

Every utterance of “man” could make even the dullest person realize the problem. Looking closely, there weren’t any men in the crowd, and if there were, they were no taller than Xi Yu’s knee.

 

Xi Yi said, “You’re thinking they’re foolish, right? Even though they know immortals are useless, they still kneel and offer money and worship nonstop. It’s just ignorance.”

 

Xi Yu remained silent: “……” He was right.

 

“But,” Xi Yi suddenly turned the conversation around, posing a question back to Xi Yu, “If there were no immortals, who should they believe in?”

 

Xi Yu replied, “Believe in themselves.”

 

Xi Yi sneered, “It’s laughable. They’re trapped at the bottom of this vortex, yet still believe in themselves. That’s like a blind fly buzzing in a cage, flying in circles. If they could do it themselves, why ask others for help?”

 

“Xi Yu, I’ve said it before, I raised you too well. You don’t understand the struggles of the world. Do you know how many landlords, who are obviously rich, still ask for more money? You only see these people worrying about fresh vegetables when they go out to buy food, right? You have no idea how many are shrinking in the shadows, and these immortals may be the only light they’ll ever see in their lives.”

 

Xi Yu sharply retorted, “That’s just a beam of light. What has it done, what can it do? What they need is someone who can help them get real results. Because there is no one, they place their hopes in something abstract. Let me ask you, royal brother, in all these years, besides using immortals to control these people, have you ever done something real?”

 

Xi Yi shook his head: “If everyone believes only in themselves, just look at you and me. We can’t even agree with each other, let alone a hundred, a thousand, or ten thousand people. This country would have fallen apart by now. When can you and I be at peace? While Father is present, immortals are like Father to us, making us temporarily at peace. If immortals are always here, there will always be peace. If they stop believing, then we change to another one, to maintain it.”

 

Xi Yu said, “This is just a way to drag things out. How long can it last? Sooner or later, they will realize the immortals they believe in are fake, and you, the deceiver, will be hung up and tortured.”

 

Xi Yi smiled, “You probably won’t live to see that day. At least it will last another ten years.”

 

Xi Yu sneered in his heart. Yes, you can never expect your reasoning to convince others because everyone thinks their own reasoning is the most convincing.

 

He, Xi Yu, had become the sacrifice and offering of this country, destined to die.

 

The meal ended in silence. After returning to the imperial capital, Xi Yi, claiming that Xi Yu didn’t understand how serious the situation was, had Xi Yu pack up and prepare to head to the border tomorrow.

 

There were three reasons for sending Xi Yu to the border:

 

First, as a prince who had been in seclusion for many years, going straight to the border would make the people trust the royal family even more.

 

Second, if Xi Yu ascended to immortality during a battle at the border, it would match the blessings given to his statue—protecting the country.

 

Third, due to the recent consecutive defeats, the statue of the North Ascending Lord had started to be questioned. Old scandals were about to surface, and if the public opinion fermented, it would become uncontrollable. The best thing to do now was for Xi Yu to ascend before that, shifting the public’s attention quickly.

 

He knew that for the past eight years, Xi Yu had been spending his days idly, either enjoying sightseeing or playing with birds and climbing trees. He had no real skills. Someone like him, on a battlefield where swords and spears barely matter, was nothing more than a living shield—not even as useful as a shield.

 

Maybe he wouldn’t even be needed; Xi Yu could be killed right away when he stepped onto the battlefield.

 

So, secretly, he had dispatched two people to follow him, to prevent him from running away halfway. He also had them secretly poison Xi Yu’s food, which would take eight days to kill him. Eight days was enough to complete their mission and pass on the information.

 

He was kind—he made sure their deaths would be painless. They would die peacefully in their sleep, unaware.

 

Because the mouths of the dead are the safest.

 

By then, news of Xi Yu’s death in battle would reach the border, and he would publicly announce that Xi Yu had ascended.

 

Xi Yu was 17 this year, the exact age predicted for his ascension. Now, given the situation, everyone was willing to treat the rumors as truth. If it was said that he ascended, then he ascended—there was no need for any more explanations.

 

Thinking of this, Xi Yi sat on the throne with great satisfaction, gazing down at the ministers bowing to him. He pinched his chin and said, “I have a question. My throne was granted by the gods, yet you all kneel to the immortals, but bow to me. The gods granted me the power of this nation, and your actions now seem to disrespect the gods. Is this not great disrespect?”

 

The hall fell silent. One person weakly responded, “……Yes.”

 

As soon as this voice was heard, others followed suit, agreeing. Xi Yi smiled contentedly and said, “In that case, let’s start over.”

 

His gaze was like a master enjoying his pet, taking pleasure in the fun. He lazily dragged his voice out, saying:

 

“Today’s court session, kneel!”

 

Thud!

 

The sound of kneeling echoed throughout, pleasing Xi Yi immensely. The officials knelt on the ground like frogs that could easily be crushed underfoot.

 

“Report—news from the border!”

 

Did it come?

 

Xi Yi could hardly contain his excitement, but he maintained his composure, saying, “Oh? What does it say?”

 

The messenger was even more excited than him, his hands trembling. He almost shouted the words: “We won, we won! We won the recent battle!”

 

The ministers began whispering.

 

“We won? This is really huge news. It’s been three years since we last won a battle, right?”

 

“Who knows? We’ve lost so much land, probably five or six years now.”

 

“How did we suddenly win? Did someone from here risk their life and sneak into the enemy camp to poison them, causing them to have diarrhea during the battle?”

 

“Brilliant! Such a clever plan! Impressive, impressive!”

 

“No, no, no, we don’t have anyone that brave here. I think… it must have been a beauty trap, huh…”

 

The voices lowered again.

 

“I heard the second prince went to the border.”

 

“The second prince doesn’t have any talent in literature or martial arts, and yet he went to the border and won.”

 

“He’s indeed handsome, the kind the barbarians like.”

 

“That’s really creepy.”

 

“Even thinking about it is creepy.”

 

“Don’t think about it, that’s even more creepy.”

 

…

 

“Shut up!” Xi Yi shouted, directly drowning out all their voices. In an instant, the room fell completely silent, and no one dared speak.

 

Xi Yi asked the messenger, “How did we win?”

 

The messenger excitedly replied, “It was all thanks to the second prince!”

 

Several ministers, kneeling on the ground, subtly exchanged glances.

 

[See? I was right!]

 

[The second prince is indeed brave.]

 

[Thumbs up.]

 

The second prince is dead? The enemy gave up? So, they stopped fighting?

 

Xi Yi asked again, “What happened to the second prince?”

 

The messenger almost broke into song, “The second prince, he single-handedly took on a thousand men! The enemy couldn’t fight back at all! Do you know how spectacular it was?! It was like we were all safe behind him, like a child finding his mother and returning home! We could have sat down, snacked, and watched the show without getting hurt! Ahhhh!!”

 

His continuous excitement left everyone stunned.

 

Bang—

 

That was the sound of an old minister unable to hold his back, falling sideways.

 

Snap—

 

That was the sound of the teacup Xi Yi used to calm himself shattering on the floor.

 

Xi Yi almost gritted his teeth as he spoke, “Say that again.”

 

“Ah—!”

 

After beating over a thousand enemies, Xi Yu was so tired that he fell asleep as soon as he hit the bed. He woke up naturally after a comfortable rest, rubbing his sleepy eyes, only to find a dozen pairs of eyes inspecting him up and down.

 

Startled, he almost threw his spear, which he hadn’t placed aside in time. “What are you doing?”

 

The dozen pairs of eyes all smiled at him, flattering, “Your Highness~”

 

Xi Yu: “…”

 

He couldn’t take it anymore and really threw the spear.

 

He threw it lightly, but they misunderstood, and someone stepped forward to take it, placing it in its designated weapon storage.

 

It was specially rushed out yesterday.

 

This was the spear he used to defeat over a thousand men!

 

He’d never even dreamed of taking on that many people!

 

Xi Yu rubbed his forehead and asked, “Are you all this idle? Don’t you have something to do?”

 

“Yes!” Everyone nodded in unison.

 

Xi Yu asked, “Then why are you all hanging around here?”

 

They all answered seriously, “Our job is to take care of you, Your Highness~”

 

Pfft!

 

Xi Yu had just swallowed a sip of water to calm his nerves, and it all came out as he sputtered in surprise.

 

With all of them acting like this, in a battle at the border, who would lose if not them?

 

Were they planning to practice for a few more years and finally win by grossing out the enemy?

 

Such a wicked plan.

 

These people wouldn’t be persuaded or chased away, so Xi Yu just let them be. However, what was truly discomforting was that their gaze seemed glued to him, no matter where he went, they were staring at him, making Xi Yu feel uneasy. He turned to face them directly. “I’m about to change clothes, are you still watching?”

 

At first, these people had looked down on him because he was so thin, thin enough that they thought a single blow to the head could knock him out.

 

They secretly glanced at him.

 

Oh my god!

 

Xi Yu was the type who looked thin in clothes but had muscle when undressed. His shoulders and back were strong from years of practicing with a spear and sword, broad shoulders, narrow waist, and when he twisted his waist—

 

Oh my god!

 

Xi Yu threatened, “If you keep looking, I’ll gouge out your eyes and feed them to the birds.”

 

They quickly turned away and stopped looking!

 

They had seen it, they had seen it!

 

Eager to share with others, one of them pointed to his stomach and made a “8” shape with his hands. To highlight the comparison, he patted another’s round belly while sighing and shaking his head.

 

Xi Yu originally planned to change both his clothes and pants at the same time. But seeing how naïve these people were, Xi Yu thought it might be better to wait until he was alone before doing so.

 

He walked behind them and said, “Alright, turn around!”

 

They obediently turned around.

 

Not wanting to waste time, he said directly, “What do you all want? Or rather, what do you want me to do before you leave?”

 

The ones who had been chattering about his physique earlier now stood still like wooden posts, perfectly straight, motionless. Xi Yu thought this must be the closest he’d ever looked like a soldier.

 

Xi Yu said, “I’m not going to eat you, speak up!”

 

Still nothing.

 

Xi Yu thought for a moment, then used his trump card: “If you don’t speak now, I’ll assume you don’t welcome me and start packing to leave.”

 

As soon as Xi Yu took a step, in the next second, a ghostly hand grabbed his ankle, followed by a second, a third, and when the twentieth hand grabbed him, Xi Yu lost his temper. “I’m a person, not a tree! If you keep pulling at my pants, let’s see what happens! What do you want, huh? You don’t answer my questions, but you won’t let me leave. What did I owe you?”

 

Then, suddenly, someone with a sobbing voice said, “Wuwuwu, don’t leave!”

 

Once the first voice was heard, it was quickly followed by thousands of others.

 

“Wuwuwu! Don’t leave! We can’t live without you!”

 

“Your Highness, Your Highness, if you leave, what will we do without you?”

 

“Wuwuwu, Your Highness, I was wrong, I shouldn’t have looked down on you!”

 

“Wuwuwuwu, mama!”

 

“Mama!”

 

“Mama!”

 

…………

 

Xi Yu: “…”

 

Amidst the continuous, heartfelt “mommy” calls, he picked out a few apologies, immediately understanding what was going on.

 

When he first arrived, he wanted to ask for directions, but there wasn’t a single person willing to talk to him.

 

Entering the military camp, he was met with various cold stares, sidelong glances, and disdainful looks, especially when his identity was revealed.

 

The second prince of Xi Yu Kingdom—what a noble status!

 

It was obvious he had been pampered and lived a life of luxury, never having touched a day’s hard work, and such people were the ones that those who fought and bled in battle disliked the most.

 

But Xi Yu wasn’t at all polite. He stood there and said, “Xi Yu, I look forward to working with you.”

 

A few “hmphs” in return, Xi Yu didn’t mind and smiled, saying, “Let’s pretend that was your way of welcoming me.”

 

In his life, half of his dealings were self-scripted performances. This scene was nothing to him. He treated it like there was no one in front of him, simply hearing the hypocritical cheers.

 

If this were a story from a novel, he would have been beaten, kicked, and subjected to all kinds of verbal abuse, crushed into the mud like an ant.

 

But the people here weren’t bad.

 

Or rather, they suited Xi Yu’s taste.

 

Maybe it was because of Xi Yu’s brother, he was wary of those who treat you warmly at first only to stab you in the back later.

 

From cold to warm was perhaps the most natural way people got to know each other.

 

So, Xi Yu didn’t remember any of their names…

 

In short, Xi Yu definitely stayed, because he never even considered leaving. This place was far more interesting than the silent palace he had come from.

 

The group thought it was their sincere request that had moved Xi Yu, and they were so proud of themselves, puffing out their chests and telling everyone, “If it weren’t for me, could you still have such a great mommy?”

 

Xi Yu: “?”

 

When Xi Yu asked about this title, they explained that if it weren’t for him, they would have already died in battle, and he had given them a second life, how great, how sincere, and thus the title of “mommy” was born.

 

Xi Yu: “…If you call me that one more time, I’ll leave!”

 

Who in their right mind wants that many sons out of nowhere?

 

And why the title of “mommy!”

 

As soon as Xi Yu lifted his foot, they all rushed to him as before, hugging him tightly, preventing him from moving, and then the loud, passionate “mommy” calls began again…

 

The second battle started half a month later. By then, both sides had nearly finished their preparations. The opposing forces, knowing of Xi Yu’s power, had specifically made preparations, because they knew that Xi Yu was the only one left in the Xi Yu Kingdom!

 

Xi Yu would definitely stand at the front. They had placed a line of shield-bearers at the front to surround him, their shields were specially designed to be taller than an adult man by two heads, impenetrable, and his spear would never be able to pierce through them!

 

As long as they trapped him, their soldiers would rush in and storm Xi Yu’s forces!

 

This would decide the winner. The victors would reclaim their lands!

 

As expected, when the battle began, Xi Yu was at the front, unaware of their strategy, and was successfully surrounded. Victory seemed within their grasp, but!

 

What they didn’t know was that Xi Yu could fly!

 

Damn it, he jumped lightly like skipping rope, and just like that, he gracefully flew out. His expression didn’t change at all. Then, in midair, he started jumping on top of their soldiers’ heads!

 

Yes, jumping!

 

If someone didn’t know better, they might think it was some child playing outside!

 

What was even worse, Xi Yu made sure to jump on each soldier’s head, making sure every person got a turn before he came down.

 

Every time someone got jumped on, they let out a loud scream.

 

“Ah~”

 

“Ah—”

 

“Ah——”

 

…

 

It sounded like a musical performance.

 

His actions enraged everyone, as they looked up, swinging their swords and spears at the sky. The sharp weapons were swinging in all directions, but Xi Yu was so nimble he avoided them with ease, often getting a lucky poke.

 

“Fang Yuan, what do you think?”

 

“I’m twisting my brow, biting my lip, glaring, and crossing my legs.”

 

The situation got more chaotic, with screams, curses, and cries, and Xi Yu’s voice coming from above, “Don’t look up, I’m not that skilled, I might accidentally step on your faces!”

 

“Ah——!!”

 

He spoke humbly, but his actions were full of confidence, and he was even counting the number of soldiers he had stepped on, “Two more to go, two more that I haven’t stepped on yet. Hold on, I’ll finish stepping on them and get down right away!”

 

Someone couldn’t take it anymore and yelled, “Damn it, which two bastards haven’t been stepped on yet? Come out! I’m done! I’m going home!!”

 

The army of the archery kingdom came with high spirits but left in disgrace, each soldier carrying a unique souvenir from the Xi Yu Kingdom—a footprint from Xi Yu.

 

They vowed never to forget this humiliating day.

 

They couldn’t explain the reason, as it was too shameful, so they just mentioned Xi Yu’s name.

 

And thus, the story was passed down!

 

Xi Yu—never to be forgotten by generations to come!

 

Years later, when Mordell looked through his family’s genealogical records, he found Xi Yu’s name and wrote it with such force that it pierced through 19 pages!

 

Mordell: Did I love him?

 

Xi Yu’s deeds soon spread to the royal capital and throughout the streets.

 

Upon hearing that Xi Yu had humiliated all their soldiers, everyone cheered, saying how satisfying it was! It was so gratifying!

 

In the past, they were looked down upon because of their physique and body, endlessly insulted, and it made them furious.

 

Someone said, “The second prince was still too reserved. He should’ve humiliated them more! Let them suffer worse than death! To avenge my son’s tragic death!”

 

Because of this, Xi Yu’s temple was packed to the brim, while the Northern Zun Jun Temple was desolate, with no one visiting. Occasionally, a few people came, dragging their chins, deep in thought, saying, “This temple is just here doing nothing, might as well tear it down and build another Xi Yu temple!”

 

This suggestion was quickly echoed, and the demand was urgent. They didn’t care about the consequences, and soon the temple was renovated. Only then did someone remember, “Wait, isn’t this the royal temple?”

 

Someone waved their hand dismissively, “Isn’t the second prince royal? The royal family worships its own, this should be fine, right?”

 

“Yeah, exactly, it was bound to happen anyway.”

 

…

 

These words reached Xi Yu’s brother, Xi Yu, who immediately crushed the ceramic teacup in his hand. The scarlet blood mixed with tea leaves spilled out, forming a bloody stain on the floor, an unsettling sight.

 

It was a mistake, a mistake!

 

I set up Xi Yu’s temple and promoted Xi Yu’s belief to consolidate my power!

 

Not to let Xi Yu gain more faith and adoration!

 

Where did it go wrong!

 

Oh, yes!

 

Xi Yu should have died, after his death, only then would he become a deity protecting the country!

 

Second Prince, Second Prince… I should have killed you when you were five years old!

 

If Xi Yu continues to rise, his position will be in jeopardy!

 

After that battle, the enemy remained calm for a long time. Some even speculated that they were preparing to retreat.

 

Xi Yu, however, disagreed. He said, “They’ve coveted this land for more than ten years. How could they back down after just two defeats? There must be something big behind the scenes.”

 

At this moment, they were sitting on the border, enjoying the breeze and the view. Beneath them lay barren yellow land, with a clear natural boundary line ahead.

 

Beyond the line was a vast grassland.

 

Xi Yu said, “The environment over there is really nice.”

 

Fang Yuan replied, “Yeah, but they don’t like living there, they insist on taking our land. I don’t get it.”

 

Xi Yu thought for a moment and said, “Because things aren’t equal.” Then he thought again, “Even if things were equal, it still wouldn’t matter. People are greedy. When you come across someone weaker than you and they have what you want, you won’t be so kind.”

 

Fang Yuan was about to say, “I would help them,” but then thought, if I’m hungry and they have food, or I’m poor and they have wealth, wouldn’t I take it?

 

He thought about it for a long time and realized that he wasn’t as kind and selfless as he had imagined.

 

Xi Yu looked up at the clear blue sky and said, “Humans are strange. Only when they are strangers do they care about behavior, morality, and so on. Once they’re familiar, it’s like climbing a wall covered with morning glories, trying to influence and penetrate the other person.”

 

What Xi Yu said didn’t quite match his usual image. He pressed his lips together and said, “Have you experienced something like this?”

 

Xi Yu shook his head and said, “No, I don’t know many people. The only one I’m familiar with…”

 

Xi Yu thought for a moment. “We never were strangers.”

 

But Xi Yu had always been solitary, and not even a letter had ever been received by him. Fang Yuan thought for a long time and finally asked, “What about now?”

 

Xi Yu said, “He’s in the North. Once the war is over, I’ll go find him.”

 

Fang Yuan nodded excitedly, “Oh, oh, oh, oh!”

 

Xi Yu, basking in the warm afternoon sun, grew drowsy. He struggled to keep his eyes open and finally murmured, “Where’s the North?”

 

“There.”

 

Xi Yu remembered the direction Fang Yuan pointed to and felt no more worries. He closed his eyes for a moment of rest.

 

Had he opened his eyes just then, he would have seen a pigeon flying across the sky, carrying a small parcel, flying from Xi Yu Kingdom to the kingdom of Archery.

 

[Dear King of Archery Kingdom, Greetings. I am Xi Yu Kingdom’s ruler, Xi Yu. The seal is at the bottom left as proof. I know you’re currently troubled by Xi Yu. I am with you. Since that’s the case, how about we work together to eliminate him once and for all? Please burn this letter after reading it.]

 

[I know Xi Yu is your brother, and you two share the same father but different mothers. Are you joking when you say you want to join forces with me to kill your brother? Or do you think I’m an old fool who can’t read and can easily be tricked?]

 

[I’m not the type to be bound by blood ties. Xi Yu was supposed to be my pawn, but now that he’s out of control, what do you think I should do? It’s obvious—I’m serious about cooperating. Afterward, I’ll give you the southwest territory.]

 

The third battle had begun, and Xi Yu had long been itching for action. He spun his gun with one hand, not bothered to join the fray.

 

A small letter with five heads squeezed together to look at it.

 

In the past, they were afraid. One would pass the letter to another, afraid it was bad news, but now with Xi Yu, even the worst news could be turned into good news.

 

Fang Yuan babbled and looked up at Xi Yu, shouting, “The king of their country wants to talk to you before the battle.”

 

Xi Yu immediately refused, “No talk, let him send troops directly.”

 

“No!” Fang Yuan explained, “It’s a peace offering, saying they don’t want war anymore, so they want to talk.”

 

Xi Yu put down his gun, walked over, and the crowd automatically parted for him. He took the letter from Fang Yuan’s hand and read it carefully. It was mostly about peace negotiations, as Fang Yuan had said.

 

Xi Yu instinctively felt it was a trap, very dangerous, and thought it was best to avoid it. Going there could very well lead to a deadly situation.

 

He casually handed the letter to someone else and said, “Isn’t this something the ruler should deal with? I’m just a rough man who plays with guns. How would I understand such matters?”

 

The others thought: if you’re rough, what does that make us?

 

The person who was handed the letter read it and said, “Your Highness, it seems you can’t refuse. They specifically want you. No one else will do.”

 

That made it look even more dangerous.

 

Of course, even though they usually messed around, these men had been through years of battle, and they could see that this was a trap.

 

But there was no way around it.

 

He had to go.

 

Even if it was a life-or-death situation, he had to go.

 

You’re unmatched, and there’s no danger from the enemy, but how can you be so sure that you’re the only one like this in the world?

 

Fang Yuan said, “Actually, there’s another reason. After so many years of war, the national treasury is empty. What we eat and drink now comes from the people’s taxes. My mother wrote me a letter the other day saying the taxes are too high, and they’re almost unable to afford food.”

 

If things continue like this, internal strife and external threats will lead to the downfall of Xi Yu Kingdom.

 

Someone said, “Don’t worry, we’ll go with you, and we won’t let you go on this risky mission alone!”

 

“Yeah, yeah! We’ll go together!”

 

Xi Yu sighed lightly, smiled at them, and rejected their goodwill, saying, “I’m fine alone.”

 

Immediately, someone objected, “Eh! How can you go alone? What if they plot against you? Strength comes from unity!”

 

Xi Yu honestly replied, “No, I’m afraid that with so many people, I won’t be able to save everyone.”

 

“……”