"Big Brother,"Zhang Fei said gravely, taking a deep breath,"Back when you were captured by the Demon Lord of Ten Thousand Tribulations, Second Brother and I made a vow before the entire Great Yi court: If His Majesty saved you, we would forever pledge our lives to Great Yi.We cannot go back on our word.Please forgive us for not repaying your deep affection."
The moment had come.
Zhang Fei had once wavered—but fate had made the choice for them.Now that their hearts had decided, there was no turning back.
"Indeed,"added Guan Yu solemnly,"Our brotherhood was founded on loyalty and righteousness.We must not act against that oath.Though we now serve different lords, we still fight for the Human Race.As long as we do not fight one another, we will always be brothers."
His voice was firm, but tinged with quiet sorrow.He knew this wasn't the answer Liu Bei wanted.
But the path had already been chosen.
So long as they all lived, so long as they stood on the same side of history—that was enough.
"If that is the case,"Liu Bei said after a pause, collecting himself,"Then I must still pay my respects to His Majesty.For saving my life, it is only right."
His tear-stained face hardened into calm.He said no more, though who knew what was stirring in his heart?
"His Majesty held a banquet for the ministers last night,"said Guan Yu after a moment of thought."He should be resting. Let us visit at first light."
Liu Bei nodded.
But his mind spun quietly.
"Yi Tianxing's methods are terrifying indeed.Even my sworn brothers now serve him with complete devotion.But I did not come empty-handed...If he refuses, it only means my offer wasn't enticing enough.I'll make him accept."
The night passed without event.
Across the Divine-Demon Battlefield, the war with Eternal Night raged on.
Though the Eternal Night legions continued their siege, they paid dearly for it.Mountains of corpses rose on both sides, whitening the earth with bones.
Yet after the initial onslaught, the powers of the Eternal World had begun to adapt.The chaos was fading. Battle formations grew tighter. Defenses hardened.
In this place, talent was forged through fire.Those who survived became elite—honed and transformed.
And so, both the Eternal and Eternal Night sides entered a strange tacit rhythm,each side gathering strength… waiting for the next great eruption.
That night, Yi Tianxing and his wives once again shared their bed.Their union was harmonious—and intense.
Yi Tianxing's Heavenly Emperor Divine Body had grown far stronger.Even together, the women could barely endure his vigor.
Each woman, with their own unique charms, blushed with afterglow the next morning.
"Sister,"Lian Xing murmured, trembling slightly,"Husband is getting more terrifying each night...Alone, we'd be crushed completely. I nearly died last night…"
"Yes,"said Nie Xiaoqian with a blush,"He's like a savage bull!But it's not just pleasure—every time we dual cultivate,it's like ten times the effect of normal training."
"That's because his physical body just advanced again,"Yao Yue said seriously."We've all gained from it too—Let's take time to stabilize.We'll need to fight in the next war as well."
Their cultivation rose without side effects, a powerful side benefit of dual cultivation with a high-realm partner.
For them, it was a shortcut to power, hidden beneath tender intimacy.
At that very moment, Yi Tianxing sat alone in the City Lord's mansion, awaiting guests.
His physical might had surged once more.Even his own wives, combined, struggled to endure him.He was pleased, of course—no man ever complained about being too strong in that regard.
He sat peacefully, content and composed.
"Your Majesty, Generals Guan and Zhang have arrived.Liu Bei is with them,"reported Li Zhilin, entering respectfully.
"Let the generals wait outside. Invite Liu Bei in,"Yi Tianxing replied calmly.
Moments later, Liu Bei entered the room.
Yi Tianxing greeted him with a neutral, polite expression.
Liu Bei's past glories meant nothing here.
Only strength, courage, and willpower mattered now.
This was the aura of an Emperor—unshakable and self-assured.
"Daoist Liu,"Yi Tianxing gestured for him to sit,"How are you feeling? If anything lingers, our Medicine Saint, Sun Simiao, can assist you."
"I am well, thanks to Your Majesty's kindness,"Liu Bei bowed deeply."Were it not for you, I fear I would not have escaped death."
"No need for thanks.We are all of the Human Race.You are the ruler of a fate dynasty—your survival is a boon to us all.Besides, I only acted because the moment allowed it,"Yi Tianxing replied evenly.
He offered neither warmth nor rejection.He understood Liu Bei's purpose clearly:He wanted to take Guan Yu and Zhang Fei back.
Yi Tianxing had already granted them freedom.If they stayed, it was by their own will—and that was unchangeable.
"To speak frankly,"Liu Bei said, gathering courage,"I came here not just to thank Your Majesty…But also to reunite with my sworn brothers, Guan and Zhang—To preserve our Peach Garden Oath."
Yi Tianxing raised a brow slightly.
"I deeply admire your brotherhood.But I've never prevented their departure.I once told them—they are free to come and go.If they wish to follow you, they may.Their choice is not mine to make."
That was the principle of Great Yi.
There were no shackles here.Those who joined did so of their own volition.Those who left did so in peace.
Yi Tianxing never kept anyone by force.
"Your Majesty's magnanimity commands my respect,"Liu Bei said, bowing again."But my brothers are men of deep loyalty.I believe that with your approval, they would choose to return.To thank Your Majesty for sheltering them,I've prepared a humble gift—I hope it pleases you."
As he spoke, a jade box appeared in his hand.
With a flick, the lid opened.
Immediately, an ethereal radiance spread out.
Inside was a single peach pit—but it radiated mysterious Dao energy and strong vitality, as though it held the power of rebirth.
The peach pit bore three distinct colors: black, red, and white, intertwined in a perfect balance.Etched into its surface were profound carvings, which—if one looked closely—seemed to resemble Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei.
But more than its appearance, what truly stood out was the innate Dao Rhythms pulsing from within.
This was no ordinary peach seed—It held a secret, ancient power.A treasure tied to the deepest bond of brotherhood.
Would Yi Tianxing be moved?
Would he accept this "grand gift"—and with it, let go of two of his most loyal generals?
The game was now in play.
And Liu Bei had just made his opening move.