Chapter Four: A Duel of Wills Sparks True Intent, Brotherhood Sealed Before the Sacred Temple of Kun

Since the three first engaged in combat, Ji Shi began a solitary life. Chi Lao might visit him only once every half month, bringing money and martial cultivation supplies such as techniques and elixirs. “My dear Ji Shi, train swiftly! When you become strong enough one day, I will charge into battle at your side!” Chi Lao looked on at Ji Shi’s diligent practice with hopeful anticipation.

As for Zhu Sheng Zhi Yin, there was no news of him after their encounter. Finally, in the eighth year of the Qianling Emperor’s reign in Jianning, on the twenty-fourth day of the eighth month, after six months of cultivation, Ji Shi successfully broke through to the Hao realm.

“Truly a genius!” Chi Lao exclaimed in awe. “Your six months of training are worth ten years of hard work for the old Chi Lao.” “Not enough, not enough!” Ji Shi replied, eyes fixed on him. “Next, we should use Zhu Sheng Zhi Yin to conquer the world. You must invite him to swear brotherhood with us at the Kunsheng Temple on East Hill in the southern part of Ruzhou two and a half days from now. This time, I intend to bind him firmly to our cause. Meanwhile, spread the word widely—let all know that we and Zhu Sheng Zhi Yin stand united.”

“You truly are remarkable. I will see to it immediately.” With that, Chi Lao set about arranging everything Ji Shi had instructed.

As expected, Zhu Sheng Zhi Yin readily agreed. Thus, the three gathered at the foot of East Hill, at Zhizhen in Cai Xu County of Ruzhou. On that day, they met as promised. As the saying goes, “A brief separation is better than a long honeymoon,” and the moment they saw each other, they eagerly began to spar.

“Hahaha! My two virtuous younger brothers, let your elder brother see what progress you’ve made these past six months. But this time, I won’t hold back!” With a grin, he faced them and declared, “Then let us fight!”

Ji Shi and Chi Lao exchanged a glance, perfectly synchronized, and charged at Zhu Sheng Zhi Yin together. A smile tugged at Zhu Sheng Zhi Yin’s lips; this time, he would no longer suppress his realm. His aura surged like a roaring mountain flood.

Yet, Ji Shi and Chi Lao were no ordinary opponents. Though two realms apart, their combined assault crashed like a tidal wave. Chi Lao’s fists whipped the air fiercely, while Ji Shi’s long sword danced—its blade gleaming like a dragon. Sword shadows collided with Zhu Sheng Zhi Yin’s fist shadows with metallic clangs. The sword’s tip intertwined with the fist’s wind, showering sparks; each impact was breathtaking. The clash of fists and palm strikes resounded like thunder.

At this moment, both Ji Shi and Chi Lao unleashed their full strength. Chi Lao inhaled deeply; muscles bulging like dragon scales, he launched a punch that compressed the air, forming a visible fist shadow—the Dragon Elephant Prison Fist—bearing infinite pressure as if to subdue the heavens and myriad worlds. Ji Shi’s figure floated gracefully; his sword left his hand, streaking like a beam of light piercing the sky. The swordlight curved back—Heavenly Flying Kun—the sword’s tip carrying a terrifying force that tore space itself, striking alongside Chi Lao’s fist shadow toward Zhu Sheng Zhi Yin.

Zhu Sheng Zhi Yin’s face grew solemn, fists clenched tightly, his blood and qi surging like a rushing river. Facing their combined attack, he stomped the ground, body retreating fiercely. Cracks spread beneath his feet, dust swirling. The clash of swordlight and fist shadows erupted loudly, shaking heaven and earth; the shockwave warped the space around them. Though slightly disheveled, his eyes sparkled with excitement and admiration—he was clearly impressed by Ji Shi and Chi Lao’s progress.

Their battle drew many onlookers who stopped to watch. “Young Master Chi and Master Ji are truly gifted in both literature and martial arts. In the future, among the world’s great heroes, the two will surely hold a place,” they murmured. Neither Chi Lao nor Ji Shi had expected their fame to reach so far—even in this remote region, many knew them. Still, they modestly declined such praise.

After the fight, the three slowly ascended the mountain peak. Though East Hill soared into the clouds, it took them only a quarter of an hour to reach the summit. Once there, they found their view suddenly broadened—the magnificent Kunsheng Temple came into sight. Built into the mountain, it exuded grandeur. Ancient trees flanked the stone steps, their thick branches weaving a canopy that blotted out the sky. The temple’s gate rose proudly, its vermilion paint gleaming under the sun. Carvings of dragons and phoenixes adorned the door, lifelike as if about to take flight. Before the gate sprawled a spacious plaza paved with blue stones, at its center a giant incense burner from which fragrant smoke curled upwards, mingling with the mountain mists, creating a mysterious painting in the air. Gentle breezes stirred the pines and birdsong, soothing the soul, as though one had stepped into a secluded paradise.

As the three approached the temple, an elderly temple caretaker swept the grounds. Seeing them, he said slowly, “Three patrons, your intentions are not sincere; you cannot worship the Kunsheng Emperor Lord.”

Zhu Sheng Zhi Yin, impatient by nature, snapped, “Old man, mind your own business and step aside. Don’t ruin the chance for us three brothers to swear our oath!” He reached out as if to push the caretaker away.

Chi Lao seemed to realize something and moved to stop him, but it was too late—there was a loud thud, and Zhu Sheng Zhi Yin was sent flying.

“You... you are a Grandmaster!” Zhu Sheng Zhi Yin stared at him in terror. “I am but a wandering recluse,” the old man said quietly.

Chi Lao stepped forward. “You... you are Ou Bo? Weren’t you assisting my sworn father at the South King’s Mansion? How are you here?”

“Ah, young Chi Lao, it’s you. It’s been half a year since we last met. You’ve reached the peak of the Hao realm, haven’t you? After you left the South King’s Mansion, I took my leave from your sworn father and came here to East Hill, becoming a humble temple caretaker—living the life of a wandering recluse, ready to enjoy my later years.”

“Since you three know each other, then go on with your business. But I must tell you, your two brothers’ hearts are not sincere.” He muttered the last sentence softly.

Chi Lao paid it no mind and turned to the others. “Let’s go. This is Ou Bo, the man who raised me. Brother Zhu, Ou Bo, let’s put the earlier matter behind us, alright?”

Ou Bo snorted. “Hmph. Hurry inside. Don’t waste time!”

Hearing this, even the formidable Zhu Sheng Zhi Yin felt awkward.

“My apologies for any offense, Elder Ou,” he said, cupping his fists in respect, then invited Chi Lao and Ji Shi into the temple.

The three stepped into Kunsheng Temple, and the moment they crossed the threshold, it felt as if they had traversed time and space. The temple was simple yet solemn, its towering roof covered in green tiles that shimmered softly under the setting sun. Inside, incense smoke curled gracefully, each wisp seeming to whisper ancient legends. The statue of the Kunsheng Emperor Lord was majestic and compassionate, golden eyes that seemed to perceive all worldly matters. The three slowed their pace, gazing around at the intricately carved totems on the beams and pillars, each stroke imbued with the artisan’s devotion. Sunlight filtered through the lattice windows, casting dappled patterns on the floor—a dance of light and shadow that inspired reverence.

Ji Shi pondered silently, “I wonder just how powerful the Kunsheng Emperor Lord is—surely beyond Grandmaster level. But are there realms beyond Grandmaster? I must ask Zhu Sheng Zhi Yin when we return; Chi Lao likely does not know.”

“Ji Shi, what are you daydreaming about? Come on, we’re ready!” Chi Lao called out.

“Coming!” Ji Shi hurried over to join them by three meditation cushions.

“I’m the oldest among us, so I’ll be the eldest brother!” Zhu Sheng Zhi Yin declared, looking at Ji Shi and Chi Lao.

“No problem,” Ji Shi replied.

“Same here! But I’m a year older than Ji Shi, so I’ll be the second brother. Ji Shi, you have no objection, right?” Chi Lao teased.

“Of course not. If you want to be second brother, so be it—I’m happy to be third,” Ji Shi answered.

“Well, that settles it!” Chi Lao said smugly.

“Since that’s settled, let’s begin!” Impatient as ever, Zhu Sheng Zhi Yin was ready to proceed, and Ji Shi and Chi Lao acquiesced.

Inside Kunsheng Temple, candle flames flickered, illuminating the three determined faces. Zhu Sheng Zhi Yin, Chi Lao, and Ji Shi knelt before the statue of the Kunsheng Emperor Lord, their expressions solemn.

Zhu Sheng Zhi Yin spoke first, his voice ringing with conviction: “Bound as brothers, we entrust life and death to one another; in fortune and misfortune, we save each other; in hardship, we support each other. Whoever among outsiders dares to sow discord among us shall be dealt with as a traitor and be slain. Heaven bears witness, mountains and rivers stand as our pledge. If any violate this oath, may they be struck down by heaven and earth!”

After speaking, he and Chi Lao raised their fists, while Ji Shi lifted his sword. In unison, they shouted, “Those who break this oath shall be punished by heaven and earth!” The vow echoed through the temple, as if even the Kunsheng Emperor Lord was moved.

At that moment, their eyes met, filled with infinite hope and unwavering resolve for the future.

Then, each drew a small knife, pricked their palms, and let their blood drip into a bowl. Zhu Sheng Zhi Yin mixed the blood, then poured it into three cups filled with wine. The three exchanged glances, then drank deeply, smashing the bowls to the ground afterward.

Bound by blood and oath, they slowly left Kunsheng Temple, hearts ablaze with ambition, as if the world were already within their grasp. They envisioned a glorious future: Zhu Sheng Zhi Yin standing atop the mountain peak, sword in hand, commanding the realm with youthful vigor; Chi Lao clad in armor, leading countless warriors into battle with fearless courage; Ji Shi strategizing far and wide, unmatched in wisdom and tactics.

Together they drank the victory wine, intoxicated and content, surrounded by countless beauties dancing gracefully, their jewelry tinkling in harmony, the fragrance intoxicating. They shared a knowing smile, silently vowing: once the realm is in hand, they shall revel in luxury and enjoy the endless splendor and beauty of the world.

After bidding farewell to Elder Ou, the three set off on their journey home. Beneath the setting sun, their shadows stretched long and slender... Yet, neither Chi Lao nor Ji Shi noticed that Zhu Sheng Zhi Yin, walking behind them, watched the seemingly inseparable pair with a darkened expression, hand resting on his chin, deep in thought.