Chapter Two: Sworn Brotherhood

As the old saying goes, a good deed should be done to the end; if you help Buddha, escort him all the way to the West. Seeing the pitiful appearance of the young woman, Zifan’s heart softened in an instant.

“Take it, save your mother. You need not sell yourself—take this money and use it to save her life. From now on, live well. Leave Luoyang, so those people won’t trouble you again.”

Zifan handed over his only twenty coins to the woman, then strode forward without looking back, yet his left hand instinctively clutched his chest. Ah, the pain! The pain!

When injustice is seen, a cry must be raised; when it’s time to act, act!

From behind, the white-robed woman knelt on the ground and shouted, “Thank you, benefactor, for saving my life! Xiuer is forever grateful and will surely repay you someday, great sir!”

Brother Zifan, you are a true man!

Unable to stand by while villains committed evil, he intervened—such was righteousness.

“Oh, it was but a trifling matter, not worth mentioning,” Zifan replied, casting a sidelong glance at this top strategist of the Three Kingdoms, inwardly calculating his moves.

“Brother Guo, what do you think of me? Do I possess the qualities of the wise ruler you seek?”

Guo Jia responded, “Brother Zifan, you are broad-minded, learned, righteous, and brave enough to draw your blade in aid.”

Zifan chuckled. “I don’t deserve such praise!”

“Then, Brother Guo, what do you make of the world as it is?”

“Alas! Today’s Emperor places his trust in eunuchs and suppresses the virtuous. The people suffer everywhere, lives are ruined, officials are greedy and insatiable, their eyes fixed on gold, their desires unbounded.”

Truly, ‘Behind the red doors, meat and wine go to waste, while out on the road the bones of the frozen poor lie bare…’

Guo Jia pointed ahead to the government offices. “At present, I serve as registrar there. Brother Zifan, if you have time, come visit. Another day we shall drink and be merry.”

The next day at noon, Zifan brought a few jars of wine, intending to visit Guo Jia and further strengthen their bond. Just as he entered the courtyard, he saw a group of petty officials driving someone out—and that someone was Guo Jia. Alarmed, Zifan rushed over to ask what had happened. Guo Jia, with his usual air of dignity, patted the dust from his clothes, and, seeing Zifan, smiled and was the first to speak: “To meet you again, Brother Zifan, and at such a sorry moment!” Then he laughed heartily.

It turned out a special envoy had been dispatched to inspect the office, and upon arrival, he demanded bribes from Guo Jia. But Guo Jia had never wronged the people, nor did he possess any wealth to offer! Disdaining corruption, he sternly refused, citing the army’s lack of provisions. The official bore a grudge and reported to the court that Guo Jia had insulted him, a grave offense against the imperial authority. Without investigating the true cause, the court believed the corrupt official’s words and promptly stripped Guo Jia of his office.

“Now I am utterly bereft of rank. I never imagined I’d see the day I was cast out.” Though Guo Jia seemed cheerful, his clenched fists betrayed his true feelings.

Not long after, news spread that the corrupt official had been severely punished. The common folk, long oppressed, rejoiced in the streets, gathering outside the offices in celebration.

Someone, identity unknown, had written in bold red characters at the entrance a satirical poem against corrupt officials. The poem eventually reached Emperor Ling of Han himself:

“The fox and rat share their den, the tiger and snake roam the ways;
Heaven may have eyes, but the earth has lost its skin.
Officials grow fat as gourds, the people rot like fish;
Who dares to question their exactions? Only empty dreams remain of honest poets.”

This poem shook the court and made countless corrupt officials gnash their teeth in hatred, yet they could not trace its author—as if it had appeared from thin air.

Several days later, Guo Jia personally visited Zifan, bringing several jars of fine nu’er hong wine.

“Brother Zifan, your literary talent is admirable! Thank you for venting my grievances.” Guo Jia raised his cup and bowed deeply.

“What do you mean, my dear brother? I’ve been at home these past days, unaware of the affairs outside,” Zifan replied, feigning ignorance.

Indeed, life is but a play, and all relies on one’s performance… In Zifan’s view, “If people do not offend me, I will not offend them; if they offend me, I yield thrice; if they offend again, I prick back once; if yet again, I uproot the weed.” Since you cost my brother his office, I’ll cost you your life. Now we are even.

“Brother Zifan, your great kindness will never be forgotten. If you ever require my help, just say the word and I will repay you in full,” Guo Jia said, bowing once more.

Zifan was surprised at how much this incident weighed on Guo Jia’s heart, and, playing his part, allowed Guo Jia to be drawn deeper into his web.

Thus, the genius strategist boarded Zifan’s pirate ship—a decision that would shape his whole life.

“Well, since you say so, I’ll not be modest. Brother Guo, would you help me raise an army in this turbulent age, to fight for the people and rescue them from suffering, to carve out a new realm, to build a nation centered on the welfare of the people? Water can carry the boat, but it can also capsize it. Let us found a new country together.”

Moved by Zifan’s sincerity, Guo Jia saw his own dreams reflected—was this not what he too longed for? Water can bear the boat, or overturn it—how many truly understand this? Young and passionate, and seeing Zifan stand up for him with no ties of kinship, Guo Jia was stirred to the core.

“My lord, let me offer you my allegiance…”

“Excellent!”

“With Guo Jia at my side, our cause will flourish in these troubled times. Though I am a few days your elder, why not pledge brotherhood here and now?”

Heaven and earth, bear witness to our hearts; may those who betray righteousness meet ruin together with the gods.

We do not seek to be born on the same day, month, or year, but only to die on the same day, month, and year.

Today, Zifan and Guo Jia swear brotherhood, not of blood, but of choice—joined in heart and purpose, to serve the realm and bring peace to the people.

“Elder brother…”

Now not only had he become Guo Jia’s sworn elder brother, but also bound such a man of talent to his cause—what a delight! Zifan secretly rejoiced that his words had so easily won over Guo Jia—ah, youth!

“Brother, to survive in these chaotic times, we must raise troops and gather strength. Now, with the Yellow Turbans rising, why don’t you enter government? With your talents, you’re sure to achieve success!”

“You are absolutely right, brother…”

“I’ll return home now and gather all my money to buy you an office, so you may begin your career. Take care, brother!” With a newfound sense of purpose, Guo Jia departed, his heart filled with dreams.

Money is the foundation of standing in this world. Patting his pockets, Zifan found himself utterly penniless—how was he to gather funds?

With a sigh, he lamented, “Others who travel through time all have golden fingers—why don’t I? Where is my golden finger?”

He missed his carefree days of luxury. Now, with nothing to his name, what was he to do?

“Activating Survival System for the Age of Chaos. Detecting host is a beginner, initiating binding…”

20%. 30%. 40%.

Binding complete.

The Survival System for the Age of Chaos is now online. May your journey through the Three Kingdoms be swift and rewarding. The system will periodically update to enhance your experience.

Would you like to activate the beginner’s gift pack…?

Of course! Hurry, hurry! Zifan’s eyes sparkled with excitement, though he grumbled inwardly, “Why did you only show up now? Don’t you know how hard things have been? If I starve, what will you do?”

Opening the gift pack…

Congratulations! The host has received two thousand soldiers and two thousand taels of gold and silver.

Beep! Detecting top strategist Guo Jia in your retinue. You may draw a hero card.

System, what are hero cards?

Beep! Because you have recruited Guo Jia, you may perform a hero draw. For every top-tier hero you acquire, you gain one hero draw.

“So if I recruit any character from the Three Kingdoms, I can draw once?”

Not quite. Only those of great renown qualify. Hearing this, Zifan could hardly contain his excitement.

This is truly heaven-defying!

Begin summoning…!

Cheng Yaojin.

A founding general of the Tang Dynasty, one of the twenty-four heroes of the Lingyan Pavilion. His unique skill: the Three Axe Moves learned in a dream. The first axe: splitting the head—strike downwards with the axe. The second: ghost picks the teeth—when the opponent parries, withdraw the axe and attack the face. The third: digging the ear—sweep horizontally after a feint.

Note: He is a lucky general. On the battlefield, unexpected good fortune often follows him.

Yue Fei.

A legendary general, strategist, national hero, calligrapher, and poet of the Southern Song. The foremost of the “Four Great Generals of the Restoration.” Exceptionally skilled in commanding troops, adept at military discipline. “Array the troops before battle; this is the norm of military strategy, its wonders known only to the heart.”

Note: Wise and brave, may unleash unparalleled skills at critical moments.

Yue Fei would be excellent—skilled in both literature and martial arts, utterly loyal and devoted. He won the world for the Song, yet was executed on false charges alongside his son Yue Yun and general Zhang Xian. Such a hero—may I draw him…

Pan Feng.

A general under Han Fu, Governor of Ji Province. No special skills.

Pan Feng! Though known as the “peerless general,” he was slain by Hua Xiong in a single bout. I still remember in “Romance of the Three Kingdoms,” Han Fu boasting, “We have the great general Pan Feng, who can slay Hua Xiong.”

Pan Feng, deceased.

Ding Feng.

A famed general of Eastern Wu in the Three Kingdoms, remarkable in strategy and capable of great deeds—a tiger among the generals of the Southlands.

Note: Commands a thousand bandits from Qingzhou.

Please, let me draw a hero I like—system, do not give me Pan Feng!

Beep! Congratulations, host has drawn Ding Feng.

The system’s voice brought Zifan joy.

System! “Where is Ding Feng? I need him now.”

System: “Ding Feng’s identity has been implanted—he is an old friend of the host. Please wait patiently.”

“Sir, a burly man is at the gate, claiming to be an old friend—he’s named Ding Feng.”

“Quickly, show him in!” Zifan was overjoyed. In strode a robust man, eight feet tall, with a leopard’s head and tiger’s eyes, exuding an aura like a galloping horse—truly imposing.

As he entered, he called out, “Your old friend Ding Feng comes to join you, my lord! I pledge to serve you faithfully, at your command…” He then bowed deeply.

“Excellent! Excellent! With you here as I gather troops, I am truly fortunate!”

“My lord, I have a thousand old subordinates. Though they were once water bandits, they are well-trained and skilled in naval warfare. I hope they may serve you well.”

In no time, Zifan’s force had swelled to three thousand elite soldiers. The system was indeed powerful—Guo Jia would be stunned upon his return.

“System, can you show me my stats?” Zifan said eagerly, wanting to know his strength.

Wu Zifan (Host)
Male, 15
Combat Power: 57, Stamina: 50
Intelligence: 62, Leadership: 43

System assessment complete: Novice. The host is encouraged to strive for improvement.

Novice? Impossible! How can the dashing, talented Wu Zifan be a novice? Zifan was exasperated—aside from his intelligence, his stats were abysmal.

Detecting excessive cheekiness in host…

Tch, tch… I’m the little dragon of the waves, after all!

Day after day passed.

In the blink of an eye, ten days had gone by. Guo Jia should be back soon, Zifan thought, feeling a twinge of longing. Just as he was thinking of him, a loud voice rang out.

“Brother! Brother! Guo Jia is here—these few days apart felt like three autumns!”

“Brother, where did you get all these troops?” Guo Jia asked, curious. Owing to the system, Zifan replied, “These are men brought by old friends, come to aid us in our great cause.”

“Excellent, excellent…”

Guo Jia beamed. “I have brought out all my family’s wealth. On my way back, I met two great merchants from Zhongshan. Hearing we were recruiting soldiers, they offered us a hundred fine horses, five hundred taels of silver, and a thousand catties of refined iron, all in the name of suppressing bandits and bringing peace to the people.”

Just then, Ding Feng arrived, and Zifan introduced him: “This is General Ding Feng, invincible in battle.”

Coincidentally, I also have three Akhal-Teke horses capable of traveling a thousand miles a day. Seeing the three heroes, the merchants offered the horses without hesitation.

Soon, three magnificent steeds were brought forth—tall, imposing, pure white without a single blemish. Among them, one was named Jade Qilin of the Night, and the other two, Treading Snow. “May heroes be paired with fine horses,” said the merchants.

“Many thanks for your generous gifts,” Zifan replied, bidding the merchants farewell. He then ordered craftsmen to forge a tiger-head spear for himself, a tyrant’s blade for Ding Feng, and full suits of armor for all.

With more than five hundred elite troops assembled, they went to present themselves to Liu Yan, Governor of Youzhou.

Upon seeing the three—spirited and dignified—Liu Yan was overjoyed. The court was in desperate need of talent, and with Youzhou in constant warfare and no other generals to turn to, Zifan’s arrival was a godsend.

At that moment, the battles with the Yellow Turbans were deadlocked. Liu Yan, having no time to test Zifan’s true abilities, immediately appointed him as Sima of Youzhou and Magistrate of Liangcheng County, ordering him to garrison the city and guard against Yellow Turban surprise attacks.