My brothers are all warriors capable of taking on ten thousand men; I'll roam freely in the Thr

"Brother Wenlie, those three people just now were no ordinary people," Zhao Yun whispered to Ji Xuanyuan.

Ji Xuanyuan patted Zhao Yun on the shoulder and said, "Zilong, didn't you want to know why you came to Zhuojun?"

"I came here for these few people. I want to recruit that red-faced big man and the rough man in black."

"But brother, we have no money, no food, and all we have is strength. Are we supposed to just use our words to fool people?" Yang Zaixing asked.

"clever."

"With force and a silver tongue, we can really fool those two. Let's go, let's go into the city first."

Ji Xuanyuan quickly found a tea stall and sat down. He covered his face, after all, his face was too conspicuous in the chaotic world. It was said that people in this era had a penchant for pedophilia. If he were to be taken to the palace by some eunuch, who would he complain to?

"Fengxian, Jingsi, Yongzeng, the three of you come here. I'll do this and that later... Do you understand what I mean?" Ji Xuanyuan whispered in their ears, explaining everything that was going to happen.

"Brother, Zhang Fei put the meat down the well just to keep it fresh, right? Is it really as complicated as you say?" Yang Zaixing asked.

"Heh, don't let Zhang Fei's rough appearance fool you, he's got a sharp mind. Whoever can move that millstone is Zhang Fei's like-minded friend..."

At that time, it will be a one-stop service of fighting, drinking, and swearing brotherhood.

"But brother... isn't this a bit too immoral?" Li Cunxiao asked.

"Yes, brother, Liu Bei has no grudge against us..." Lü Bu also said.

"Let me tell you, I've suffered a lot of contempt from that big-eared scoundrel in Zhuojun these past few years. That guy is always talking about being a member of the royal family and about benevolence and morality. Poor me, your eldest brother, am just a sickly old man. Alas, even my own brothers are unwilling to stand up for me..." After saying this, Ji Xuanyuan lowered his head and sighed, looking hurt.

This immediately put Lu Bu, Li Cunxiao, and Ran Min in a hurry.

"That big-eared scoundrel dared to humiliate my elder brother! I'll tie him up and bring him here to vent my anger!" Li Cunxiao said, about to rush over to fight Liu Bei, who was putting out straw mats.

"Brother, don't be sad. Your younger brother will go and avenge you. We'll give that big-eared thief a good beating!" Ran Min and Lü Bu chimed in.

Upon hearing this, Ji Xuanyuan quickly stopped the three of them: "Alright, alright, I understand. Just do as I said."

The commotion quickly drew Guan Yu's attention. After hearing the story, Guan Yu rolled up his sleeves and moved the millstone away.

He ordered the waiter to distribute the meat to everyone, and then distributed the money of a gentry to the common people. Guan Yu stroked his beard and smiled as he watched the common people bend down to pick up the money.

Then he noticed that neither Ji Xuanyuan and his seven companions nor Liu Bei, who was weaving mats and selling shoes, had picked up any money, which made him take a second look at them.

Finally, there's the classic scene where Zhang Fei, upon hearing the news, comes to provoke Guan Yu, and the two go up on stage to compete in strength.

Seeing his chance, Liu Bei rolled up his sleeves and prepared to step in and mediate the fight.

"Two brave warriors, the world is about to descend into chaos, yet you do not think of serving your country..."

Liu Bei was speaking when three masked men suddenly rushed out of the crowd and put a sack over his head!

"What are you doing?! What are you doing?!" Liu Bei exclaimed in shock, struggling desperately.

The masked leader shouted, "You scoundrel Liu Bei! Widow Wang has already confessed that you were the one who peeped at her while she bathed yesterday! You look respectable, yet you do such a despicable thing!"

"It's a misunderstanding! This is a misunderstanding!" Liu Bei said urgently.

"I am a descendant of Prince Jing of Zhongshan and a great-great-grandson of Emperor Xiaojing. How could I do such a thing?!"

"A descendant of Prince Jing of Zhongshan?" another masked man sneered.

"Everyone with the surname Liu in this Zhuojun city claims to be a member of the imperial family. Don't give them that crap! Brothers, drag them away and teach them a lesson!"

Liu Bei was confident that he was a man of some strength and that he could at least separate Guan Yu and Zhang Fei. However, when faced with these three burly men, he found himself completely powerless to resist.

These three were Lü Bu, Li Cunxiao, and Ran Min.

Without saying a word, the three of them dragged Liu Bei, who was in the sack, and ran into the alley.

The surrounding people looked at each other in surprise, and realizing that the commotion here was even more exciting than the fight on the stage, they all turned to look in this direction.

"This guy looks decent enough, yet he's peeping at a widow while she's bathing!"

"Yeah, yeah, how could this person be like that!"

……

Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were also stunned by this sudden turn of events.

Zhang Fei scratched his head and said, "This... red-faced man, are we still going to fight?"

Guan Yu frowned, unsure of what to do: "This..."

Before the words were finished, a figure appeared between the two like a ghost.

With a single hand, Xiang Yu pushed Guan Yu's right shoulder with his left hand and Zhang Fei's left arm with his right hand, forcefully separating the two who were struggling against each other!

Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were both greatly surprised.

Both of them were incredibly strong, and their combined strength was at least a hundred pounds. Yet, this boy with double pupils separated them with a single stroke. Such divine power was simply astonishing!

"My two brave warriors, please hold your fire." Ji Xuanyuan took off his straw hat and stepped forward slowly, his white robes fluttering in the wind, like an immortal descending to earth.

When Guan Yu and Zhang Fei saw Ji Xuanyuan's appearance, they were stunned again.

They had lived for over twenty years and had never seen such a handsome person; for a moment, they were in a daze.

Ji Xuanyuan cupped his hands and said, "I am Ji Xuanyuan, courtesy name Wenlie. I was passing through Zhuojun when I saw that you two are both outstanding men. I couldn't bear to see you two hurt each other over such a trivial matter, so I sent my second brother to mediate. Please forgive any abruptness."

His voice was gentle and clear, like spring water hitting stone, making people feel indescribably comfortable.

Zhang Fei was the first to react, laughing heartily, "What a handsome young man! Your brother is incredibly strong! Come, come, let's become friends today through this fight, let's all come to my manor for a drink!"

Guan Yu stroked his beard and said, "I see that you gentlemen are all extraordinary individuals. If you don't mind, how about we have a few drinks together?"

Ji Xuanyuan smiled and said, "That is indeed my wish, but I dare not ask."

Zhang Fei then led the group toward his own estate.

Along the way, Zhang Fei kept looking at the weapons in Xiang Yu and the others' hands, and the more he looked, the more alarmed he became.

Although he was a butcher, he had practiced martial arts since childhood and had exceptional eyesight. He could tell at a glance that these weapons were all unusually heavy and were definitely not ordinary.

Upon arriving at the manor, Zhang Fei ordered a banquet to be prepared.

The guests took their seats and introduced themselves.

When Guan Yu and Zhang Fei heard that Ji Xuanyuan was a disciple of Master Shui Jing, and that Xiang Yu and others were disciples of Tong Yuan and Li Yan, they were filled with awe.

Sima Hui, also known as Mr. Shui Jing, was famous throughout the world. Tong Yuan and Li Yan were also martial arts masters of their time. The backgrounds of these young men were truly remarkable.

After several rounds of drinks, Ji Xuanyuan suddenly put down his wine cup and said solemnly, "Brother Yunchang, Brother Yide, I have something to say, but I don't know if I should."

Guan Yu said, "Brother Wenlie, please speak freely."

Ji Xuanyuan slowly asked, "Just now at the city gate, did you two see that person surnamed Liu?"

Zhang Fei curled his lip and said, "Is that the one who claimed to be a member of the imperial family? He was shouting about a 'misunderstanding' when he was dragged away, but those three men didn't seem to be lying!"

Guan Yu remained silent, and Liu Bei did not pick up the copper coin he had dropped, as he felt that Liu Bei was not that kind of person.

Ji Xuanyuan sighed, "That man's surname is Liu, given name Bei, courtesy name Xuande, and he is indeed a descendant of Prince Jing of Zhongshan. However..."

"Just what?"

"This person appears honest and kind, but is actually hypocritical." Ji Xuanyuan's gaze was profound.

"Think about it carefully, you two. When he saw you arguing, his first words were, 'The world is about to fall into chaos, yet you don't think of serving your country.' He seemed righteous and awe-inspiring, but in reality, he wanted to use righteousness to intimidate you and make you respect him. Is such scheming the behavior of an upright gentleman?"

Upon hearing this, Guan Yu stroked his beard and pondered deeply.

Zhang Fei slapped his thigh: "I knew it sounded weird! So that's how it is!"

Ji Xuanyuan continued, "The world is indeed about to descend into chaos. Zhang Jiao's followers of the Way of Peace are spread throughout the eight provinces, and an uprising is imminent. The court has lifted the ban on political parties and allowed each prefecture and county to raise troops on their own. This is the time for ambitious people to make their mark. I, Xuanyuan, am willing to follow the example of the ancients, gather righteous troops, punish the traitors, support the country, and save the people."

He paused, then looked at Guan Yu and Zhang Fei: "Both of you brothers are warriors capable of defeating ten thousand men. How can you be content to spend your lives buried in obscurity? Why not join forces with the Yellow Emperor to accomplish great things?"

Zhang Fei was filled with enthusiasm upon hearing this, but after a moment's thought, he frowned and said, "Brother Wenlie, your ambition is great, I admire it! But... you have no money or provisions, no official rank, and no troops, this..."

Ji Xuanyuan laughed loudly: "Money and provisions can be raised, fame and merit can be established, and soldiers can be recruited! My six brothers are all tiger generals of this era, capable of withstanding a thousand troops!"

These words were spoken with such boldness and confidence, and coupled with his stunning appearance and confident gaze, they were so convincing that one couldn't help but believe them.

Guan Yu pondered for a long time, then suddenly stood up, straightened his clothes and hat, and bowed deeply to Ji Xuanyuan: "I, Guan, have wandered for half my life, only regretting that I have not met a wise ruler!"

"Having met Brother Wenlie today, I now know what a true hero is! Although I am but a warrior, I know that a good bird chooses a good tree to perch on, and a wise minister chooses a good lord to serve. From this day forward, I am willing to serve Brother Wenlie with utmost loyalty!"

Zhang Fei jumped up too: "Me too!"

Guan Yu then said, "I am willing to share life and death with Brother Wenlie, and follow him for life!"

Zhang Fei: "Me too!"

Guan Yu: "May I be struck down by Heaven and Earth if I disobey this vow!"

Zhang Fei: "Me too!"

After scratching his head and thinking for a moment, he added, "My family has considerable wealth, which I am willing to contribute entirely to the military supplies!"

Ji Xuanyuan laughed and stood up, grasping the hands of the two men: "With Yunchang and Yide, it's like fish in water!"

Everyone was overjoyed, and Zhang Fei ordered a new banquet to be held.

During the banquet, Ji Xuanyuan had Xiang Yu and the others demonstrate their martial arts skills one by one, leaving Guan Yu and Zhang Fei dumbfounded and exclaiming, "A god has descended to earth!"

In the midst of the lively drinking and conviviality, Ji Xuanyuan suddenly said, "I have a suggestion. Today, we are of one mind with each other, why not follow the example of the ancients, become sworn brothers, and work together to accomplish great things?"

Everyone cheered.

Zhang Fei immediately ordered his men to prepare an incense table and offerings. Before long, the servants brought in an incense table, on which were placed soybeans, incense, candles, and... a statue of Guan Yu.

Guan Yu looked at the statue and felt that it looked familiar, but he couldn't quite put his finger on what was wrong.

The red-faced, long-bearded warrior on the statue, holding a Green Dragon Crescent Blade and riding a Red Hare, looks quite imposing.

Ji Xuanyuan remained unfazed: "This is an ancient martial saint, a god of loyalty and righteousness, who can serve as our witness."

The nine men then knelt before the incense table. Ji Xuanyuan was the leader, followed by Xiang Yu, Ran Min, Li Cunxiao, Lü Bu, Yang Zaixing, Zhao Yun, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei.

Ji Xuanyuan declared loudly, "With Guan Yu above, we, Ji Xuanyuan, Xiang Yu, Ran Min, Li Cunxiao, Lü Bu, Yang Zaixing, Zhao Yun, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei—nine men in total—though of different surnames, have become sworn brothers. We will work together to relieve the distressed and help the needy, to serve the country above and bring peace to the people below. We do not seek to be born on the same day, month, and year, but only wish to die on the same day, month, and year. This is our true intention. Those who betray this bond and forget kindness shall be condemned by Heaven and Man!"

The final seniority ranking was as follows: Ji Xuanyuan (16 years old), Xiang Yu (16 years old), Guan Yu (23 years old), Ran Min (16 years old), Zhang Fei (17 years old), Lü Bu (16 years old), Zhao Yun (16 years old), Li Cunxiao (15 years old), and Yang Zaixing (14 years old).

Xiang Yu's five brothers only recognized Ji Xuanyuan as their elder brother, while Guan Yu believed that the most capable should be the elder brother. In the end, Ji Xuanyuan ranked himself based on seven parts age and three parts ability.

The crowd repeated their oath in unison, their voices shaking the roof tiles.

After the ceremony, the nine people looked at each other and smiled, then linked arms and chatted happily.

Zhang Fei ordered his men to bring in fine wine, and everyone drank heartily.

Only Guan Yu kept glancing at the statue of the Martial Saint, wondering to himself: Why does this statue look more and more like me?

At this moment, in a small alley outside Zhuojun City, Liu Bei limped out, his face bruised and battered, muttering, "Misunderstanding...it's all a misunderstanding...Widow Wang, when did I ever peep at you..."

He looked up at the sky, suddenly sneezed, and muttered, "Strange, why do I feel like... I missed something important?"

Meanwhile, at Zhang Fei's manor, the nine brothers were drinking merrily.

Ji Xuanyuan leaned on Xiang Yu's shoulder, a blush rising on his pale face, but his eyes gleamed with wisdom.

The Yellow Turban Rebellion is about to break out, and chaos is on the horizon.

But the legend of the nine brothers has only just begun.