Chapter 133: Parting

At the first light of dawn, Peng Yu came running over, breathless with excitement, and began pounding on Yao Ye's door.

Yao Ye shook his head helplessly. No sooner had he opened the door than Peng Yu grabbed his arm.

"Big Brother, when are we leaving?"

Seeing Peng Yu’s exuberant spirit, Yao Ye smiled warmly, though his expression soon turned solemn. "You must understand, following me is dangerous. You could lose your life at any moment. You should think about this carefully."

Peng Yu lowered his head, twisting his hands together, and replied weakly, "Big Brother, are you abandoning me? Are you not going to take responsibility for me?"

Yao Ye gave him a gentle kick. "Let’s go. Since you’ve made up your mind, let’s get moving."

The two of them left the town and trekked into the forest. Along the way, Yao Ye carried the Tianhen on his back, constantly throwing punches as he walked. Finally, unable to hold back, Peng Yu asked, "Big Brother, you’re already so strong, is there really a need to push yourself this hard?"

Yao Ye smiled at him. "You should know that I have responsibilities. My enemies are far too powerful; I must seize every moment to cultivate. There isn't much time left for me."

"Then, Big Brother, where are we going? Wandering aimlessly like this isn't a solution."

Yao Ye stopped, crouched down, and began drawing something on the ground. Peng Yu gathered around curiously, observing closely. Yao Ye looked up at him and pointed to the map he had sketched. "Do you know this place?"

Peng Yu studied it for a moment. "Big Brother, if I’m not mistaken, this is a town on the northernmost edge of the Eastern War Zone, but..."

"What? Is there some danger there?"

"No, it's just that it’s a lawless zone. It’s chaotic, and everyone is there. They believe only in strength; even people from the Cloud Sky Sect would be in danger there."

"Does the Cloud Sky Sect not intervene?"

"Big Brother, the place is full of gangs and desperate outlaws. Since they don't cause trouble elsewhere, the Cloud Sky Sect isn't willing to waste effort on a thankless task."

"Heh, interesting."

Yao Ye stood up, wiped away the map, and bit his finger in thought. A chilling, murderous aura radiated from his eyes. Peng Yu instinctively took a step back, and Yao Ye quickly suppressed the killing intent.

"Big Brother, you looked terrifying just now. I wonder what you've been through? That aura was so overwhelming, I felt like I had fallen into an ice cellar."

"It’s nothing. I was just lost in thought. By the way, what is the name of that city? Do you know anything about the local powers?"

"I only know it’s called Xiaoyao City. As the name suggests, if you have the strength, you are the emperor. As for the distribution of power, I don't know; I’ve never been there, only heard rumors."

Yao Ye patted Peng Yu on the shoulder. "Let's go. We must get there as soon as possible. Xiaoyao City—it will be the place where I rise."

"Big Brother, you don't mean to..."

The corners of Yao Ye’s mouth curled into a chilling smile, and Peng Yu began to chuckle deviously as well.

"Big Brother, let’s go, let's hurry! I can't wait. When we get there, I’ll be an emperor myself, surrounded by beauties and worshipped by experts! Hahaha! As long as I’m alive, they’ll always be my crown princes!"

Yao Ye shook his head, speechless. "Peng Yu, I need to remind you: don't cause trouble for me. I am going there for an important purpose. Once we arrive, we must keep a low profile. When our strength is sufficient, you can do whatever you want."

With a plan in place, the two wasted no time and set off rapidly toward Xiaoyao City. After a long, dusty journey, they entered an inn and rented a room to rest.

"Big Brother, you really are something. You didn't care about me at all on the way, just rushing non-stop. Look, I’ve gotten so tanned; no girl will like me now!"

Yao Ye stood by the window, looking out at the scenery, his heart surging. *My people, how are you all faring?*

Seeing that Yao Ye ignored him, Peng Yu continued, "Big Brother, the next stop is Xiaoyao City. We can have a good rest then, right?"

Yao Ye nodded without speaking. Throughout the journey, even when Peng Yu couldn't keep up, he had pushed himself without complaining, and seeing this, Yao Ye had agreed to his request.

Seeing the nod, Peng Yu stood up happily. "Then, Big Brother, I’m going down to have a drink and see if there are any pretty girls, hehe!"

Yao Ye turned around. "I won't stop you from drinking, but remember: do not cause trouble. While you're at it, gather some information."

"Got it, Big Brother! Leave it to me!"

Peng Yu ran out in high spirits. He arrived at the main hall, plopped into a chair, and shouted, "Innkeeper! Bring the best wine and food for this master!"

The people in the hall heard his arrogant tone and glanced over, whispering among themselves. Peng Yu enjoyed the attention, sipping his wine while his eyes darted toward the women in the room, occasionally letting out lewd laughs that drew the annoyance of the crowd.

Just then, a group of men entered, ordering food while talking loudly.

"Have you heard? The Wan family in Xiaoyao City is rounding up laborers again!"

"Pah, that’s old news! I have a friend in the Wan family; let me tell you guys, but don't tell anyone else..."

The men huddled together. Hearing news about Xiaoyao City, Peng Yu pricked up his ears. Seeing them whisper, he could no longer sit still.

He picked up his wine pot and walked over to their table. "Brothers, do you mind if I join you?"

"Who are you? Do we know you?"

Peng Yu didn't get angry. He sat down, filled their cups one by one, and said, "Whatever you want to eat, it's on me. I’m heading to Xiaoyao City to visit some friends. I heard you mention the city, so I couldn't help but come over. Innkeeper, bring more of your best wine and a full table of dishes! I want to have a few drinks with these gentlemen."

Seeing Peng Yu’s friendly smile and the feast he was ordering, the men didn't object and sat down.

"Come, brothers, a toast to you."

They drank heartily. Peng Yu put down his cup and said, "You are all veterans, and I am young and new to these parts. I hope you can offer me some guidance."

The men, being simple folk, felt puffed up with pride at being called "veterans."

"Little brother, you’ve got a good mouth on you! Alright, let me tell you how it is..."

When the group finally dispersed, Peng Yu hurried back toward Yao Ye’s room.