Ye Xiu didn't interrupt him, remaining seated and watching Ji Jiang, while his thoughts drifted to his own Elder Sister Ji Jiang. He told himself that no matter which Ji Jiang he was with, he had to protect her well, absolutely forbidding the Ji Jiang beside him from vanishing without a trace.

“Look good?” Ji Jiang seemed to have finished dancing the tune in her heart, sticking out her tongue in a mischievous expression.

Ye Xiu applauded happily, then picked up a string of fish. “You must be hungry after dancing so long. Quickly eat these. Later, we’ll look for that fellow named Han Xin together; we can’t go hungry, can we?”

“En.” Ji Jiang nodded fiercely, then took the fish from Ye Xiu’s hand and began to devour it in large bites.

No matter the iteration, the Ji Jiang before him always possessed a mysterious affinity for Ye Xiu. His gaze simply could not be diverted from this lively girl. He watched as she ate the entire fish piece by piece, and then, following her lead, he offered her his shoulder to use as a pillow.

It was the first time Ji Jiang had ever felt the shoulder of a man. She felt that Ye Xiu could save her from fire and water, and also accompany her in pursuing her dreams.

Even if this shoulder wasn't yet strong and mighty, she knew it was enough to hold up a piece of the sky for her. She looked up, gazing foolishly at the stars above, and asked Ye Xiu, “Do you think, as we watch the stars here, they are also watching us from over there?”

Ye Xiu remained silent, following Ji Jiang’s gaze toward the heavens. The stars flickered and shone. He had never possessed such leisure, but today he felt the entire world was about to change. Were the machinations of fate causing him to experience so many turns, or was it divine will that brought him to these people and events? If nothing was in his own control, then what remained in his heart now?

He let out a soft sigh, glancing at Ji Jiang resting on his shoulder. She was already asleep, sleeping so sweetly.

Ye Xiu made no other move; he feared that the slightest shift would wake Ji Jiang from her beautiful dream. For the first time, he felt the pain of making too many promises. He also understood the subtle nature of his feelings for Ji Jiang; he knew his true love was Xu’er, and he swore he would never betray Xu’er in this lifetime. Then there was the ‘Departure Realm’ mentioned by Mo Kou—what kind of place was that, and what variation would it bring to the life he currently held?

He sat rooted to the spot, waiting for the dawn alongside the answers to everything.

The edge of the Eastern Sea was always the first place the dawn broke. Ye Xiu awoke almost simultaneously with the dazzling sunlight. He understood that from this moment forward, everything would be different from before; he was about to walk a path bestowed upon him by heaven or the gods.

“Wow! What a huge sun!” Ji Jiang stretched languidly, clearly having slept well the night before. “Big Brother Ye, how are we going to find Han Xin?”

Ye Xiu stood up, gathered their few belongings, and slung his sword across his back. “We need to find some steamed buns first, then we can look for Han Xin.”

“Heh heh, okay.” Ji Jiang followed him cheerfully. To her, this journey of searching seemed like it would be quite interesting.

Ye Xiu knew the historical context of Han Xin. Considering the era, this outstanding military strategist must still be living in dire poverty. However, regardless, Han Xin’s first destination would certainly be Xiang Liang’s Western Chu army. Securing a position under Xiang Liang would definitely allow him a chance to meet this legendary Han Xin. But having Ji Jiang with him now added quite a few complications.

……

This strange journey was commencing. Ye Xiu and Ji Jiang continued chatting and laughing, happy and carefree. Nearly half a year had passed in this manner, and Ye Xiu had grown accustomed to rediscovering the younger sister figure that Ji Jiang had become before him. During these days, Ji Jiang repeatedly dreamed that same dream about Han Xin, and Ye Xiu often wondered what she would do even if they found him, yet Ji Jiang could never explain anything.

The world was in turmoil. Rumors circulated that Xiang Liang’s Western Chu army was growing stronger, and at this very time, Xiang Liang and his nephew Xiang Yu had successfully attacked Commandery Seal Yin Tong of Kuaiji, receiving recognition under the Zhang Chu regime as the Supreme Pillar of State.

Coincidentally, Ye Xiu had already led Ji Jiang to a farmhouse in the outskirts of Kuaiji. Faced with a choice, Ye Xiu suddenly adopted a solemn air. He took Ji Jiang’s hand and said, “To find Han Xin, what I must do now is join Xiang Liang. Whether you believe me or not, I am certain that we will see Han Xin here in the near future.”

“Then I must go with you too.” Sometimes Ji Jiang was as naive as a child. “I can also…”

“Enough.” Ye Xiu naturally knew what Ji Jiang was about to say, and he stopped her immediately. “We need to find a place to settle down first, and then I will go and join Xiang Liang’s Western Chu army.”

“Big Brother Ye, I want to be with you.”

Ye Xiu nodded, understanding the feeling in Ji Jiang’s heart. He placed both hands heavily on her shoulders and said, “Listen carefully to me: Settle down here. I will try my best to come find you later.”

Ji Jiang initially wanted to argue, but seeing Ye Xiu’s decisiveness, she naturally agreed. What worried her now wasn't Han Xin, but Ye Xiu’s safety.

“Don’t worry, my martial arts are incredibly high-level; you saw that before. So many people weren't my match.” After saying this, Ye Xiu turned to search for the location of the Western Chu army. Though reluctant to part with Ji Jiang just like this, this was his path, and he was certain this separation would be brief.

On the walls of Kuaiji City, the atmosphere was filled with martial intent; the guards' vigilance was at its highest level. A sword-wielding person like Ye Xiu was stopped immediately upon reaching the gate.

“Why do you wish to enter the city?” the halberd-wielding soldier roared at Ye Xiu.

Ye Xiu recognized these men as Western Chu soldiers—truly well-trained, even the gate guards possessed such spirit.

“Hey! I’m talking to you! Why are you spacing out? Are you a spy?” Just then, several more men arrived and surrounded Ye Xiu.

Ye Xiu could barely tolerate such interrogation. Given his usual temperament, he would have instantly kicked out and killed several of them. Instead, he bowed deeply to the soldiers and said, “This humble one has come to pledge allegiance to Lord Xiang Liang; I come with my sword to join the army!”

“Joining with a sword?” A soldier sergeant, adorned with iron fittings, looked Ye Xiu up and down with disdain. “You call that stick of blackened charcoal on your back a sword?”

“Hahaha, what a fine sword.” The surrounding soldiers chimed in, beginning to mock Ye Xiu.

Ye Xiu gritted his teeth and suppressed himself again. “Yes, I wish to join the army with my sword.”

“You look like you want to join the army? You’re so scrawny, I bet the wind could blow you over.” The sergeant clearly looked down on the young man. “Alright, how about this: If you can manage to block three moves from me using the sword in your hand, I’ll introduce you to the army?”

Ye Xiu nodded. In terms of swordsmanship, perhaps the only threat to him in this era was Ying Bu. Actually, he wouldn't need to go through such trouble being harassed by these minor characters; he could just state Xiang Yu’s name, couldn't he? Surely that elder brother Xiang Yu had always hoped he would serve Western Chu?

The sergeant drove away the other soldiers and raised his sword, adopting a ready stance, clearing a good amount of space between himself and Ye Xiu.

Ye Xiu executed a courtly bow and drew the sword from his back. The ‘Heavenly Will’ weapon was truly ugly when not employing its true power; Ye Xiu himself felt it lacked finesse.

“Ha!” the sergeant shouted, immediately lunging toward Ye Xiu.

Ye Xiu was accustomed to such an opening move. He had no intention of attacking; instead, he waited for the sword to thrust toward him, and just as the tip neared his body, he shifted slightly with a small hop, moving just a hair’s breadth away, and finally casually stuck out one foot, tripping the sergeant who landed in an undignified heap.

“Heh heh, steady yourself, sir.” Ye Xiu laughed, finding the scene amusing. This era was truly something; fellows with just these superficial skills dared to challenge others to a duel without any composure.

“Don’t get cocky, I was just careless. Take this!” The sergeant did not give up but charged at Ye Xiu again. This time, Ye Xiu didn't sidestep but walked directly toward the incoming sword. Just as the tip was about to strike his throat, he rapidly retreated. Seeing the situation favored him, the sergeant increased his pace, pressing Ye Xiu, unaware that his own footing was so lacking; Ye Xiu was retreating facing him, yet the sergeant couldn't match his speed.

Clang… At that moment, a sharp sword struck suddenly from behind Ye Xiu, knocking the sergeant’s sword to the ground.

“My Lord!” All the surrounding soldiers immediately dropped to their knees.

Ye Xiu looked up. The man on horseback beside him, holding a sword aloft, possessed a righteous expression and an aura of heroic masculinity. He was the ‘My Lord’ the soldiers spoke of. Could this person be Xiang Liang, Xiang Yu’s uncle? No wonder they shared some resemblance.

“Young man, your skills seem quite good. Are you willing to join my Western Chu army and follow me?” Xiang Liang spoke slowly, but with immense seriousness—truly the manner of a great general.

Ye Xiu quickly raised his sword and bowed. “My name is Ye Xiu, and I bring my sword to join the army, willing to follow Lord Xiang Liang and rebel against the tyrannical Qin together.”

“Good!” Xiang Liang’s tone lifted, issuing a challenge to those nearby. “Judging by your appearance, you seem to be from a swordsman background, but joining my army means starting from scratch. Are you willing?”

“I shall follow my Lord’s orders,” Ye Xiu replied with firm certainty.

“Start as a patrol soldier in the camp!” Xiang Liang delivered the command, then cracked his whip and spurred his horse away.

Donning coarse cloth military uniform, Ye Xiu began his life in the Western Chu army camp. He had originally expected that with his strength, he could attain a minor official post, but once he reached the camp, he realized that a patrol soldier was indeed the lowest rank—nothing but pointless wandering with a dull sword, stopping and starting around the perimeter all day long.