Chapter 1087: Confronting Together

"Hmph, for the sake of you all, I won’t lower myself to his level." Gu Yi snorted lightly, his expression carrying a hint of arrogance, but a hint of cunning flashed in the depths of his eyes. He knew that behind these so-called apologies were more of these people’s shrewd calculations and fear of power.

Tian Feng and the others saw this and nodded and bowed, looking terrified. "The State Preceptor is broad-minded; we admire you."

Seeing this, Yuan Shao’s face turned blue and white, but hindered by Gu Yi’s status and strength, he could only squeeze out a smile and said: "The State Preceptor is broad-minded; I, Yuan, am inferior."

Gu Yi ignored Yuan Shao’s insincerity and turned to look at Liu Bei and the others, his eyes revealing a hint of approval. "You few, having become sworn brothers today, are deeply affectionate and righteous; I, Gu Yi, am also quite moved. If you have any difficulties in the future, just come to me."

Hearing this, Liu Bei felt a warmth in his heart and quickly bowed. "Thank you, State Preceptor, for your kindness; we will certainly not disappoint you."

Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and the others also bowed one after another, expressing their gratitude. They knew that with Gu Yi’s support, their chances of survival in these chaotic times would undoubtedly increase greatly.

Just then, Xu Shu, who had been silent, suddenly spoke: "State Preceptor, although we have become brothers, in these chaotic times, we still need to accomplish something. I wonder if the State Preceptor has any good strategies to help us?"

Gu Yi smiled slightly, a hint of wisdom flashing in his eyes. "Good strategies naturally exist, but before that, you need to understand your own strength and shortcomings. I observe you few, although each has their own merits, you have not yet formed a combined force. If you want to establish yourselves in these chaotic times, you must unite as one and advance and retreat together."

Hearing this, Liu Bei and the others nodded thoughtfully. They knew that what Gu Yi said was not false; they indeed needed to unite more closely to cope with future challenges.

"In addition, I need to remind you of one more point." Gu Yi changed the subject, his expression becoming serious. "In these chaotic times, the human heart is unpredictable. You need to remain vigilant at all times and do not easily believe the words of others. Especially those who seem honest and kind but are actually harboring evil intentions."

Hearing this, Liu Bei and the others felt a shock in their hearts. They knew that Gu Yi was reminding them to be careful of people like Yuan Shao. Although Yuan Shao was polite to them on the surface, who knew if he would do anything behind their backs?

"Thank you, State Preceptor, for the reminder." Liu Bei and the others responded in unison.

Seeing this, Gu Yi nodded with satisfaction. "Alright, today’s matter is finished. You should go back and prepare; tomorrow I will have tasks for you."

Hearing this, Liu Bei and the others were all spirited. They knew that the tasks Gu Yi gave them would surely be beneficial to them. Thus, they bid farewell one after another, preparing to meet the upcoming challenges.

Watching the backs of Liu Bei and the others leaving, a hint of anticipation flashed in Gu Yi’s eyes. He knew that these young people, although young, all possessed extraordinary potential and talent. As long as they could unite as one and advance and retreat together, they would surely be able to carve out a world of their own in these chaotic times in the future.

And Yuan Shao stood in place, looking gloomily at the backs of Liu Bei and the others. He secretly swore in his heart that he must let Liu Bei and the others know his power. At the same time, he also felt a deep dread toward Gu Yi. He knew that this seemingly young State Preceptor was actually a master who did not reveal his true colors. He must be careful in dealing with him, otherwise, he might fall into his hands if he was not careful.

Night fell, and the stars were dotted. After Liu Bei and the others returned to the camp, they began to discuss the plan for tomorrow. They knew that the task Gu Yi gave them would not be simple, but they were also full of confidence and anticipation. They believed that as long as they united as one and advanced and retreated together, they would surely be able to overcome all difficulties and complete the task Gu Yi gave them.

And Gu Yi sat alone in the tent, closing his eyes to rest. His heart was thinking about even more far-reaching plans. He knew that in these chaotic times, only the strong could survive. He must constantly improve his strength to establish himself in these chaotic times. At the same time, he must also find more allies and assistance to confront those powerful enemies together.

"Second brother, what kind of task do you think the State Preceptor will arrange for us?" Zhang Fei scratched his head, looking at Liu Bei and Guan Yu with a puzzled expression. His ruggedness carried a hint of childishness, making the originally tense atmosphere slightly relaxed. ===== CHAPTER 1777 =====

Guan Yu stroked his long beard, his eyes firm: "No matter the task, as long as we brothers are of one mind, our strength will be like metal. Since the State Preceptor is willing to help us, he must trust in our strength."

Liu Bei nodded, his gaze gentle yet carrying an undeniable firmness: "Third brother’s words are very true. Since the State Preceptor has already shown his attitude, we should naturally go all out and not fail his trust. And the State Preceptor’s words today made me deeply feel the importance of unity; the three of us must be even more closely knit to make a name for ourselves in these chaotic times."

Xu Shu, holding a feather fan, waved it gently, his brows slightly furrowed: "My lord, the State Preceptor’s words about ‘the human heart being unpredictable’—I think it refers not only to outsiders but also to ourselves. In surviving these chaotic times, we must not only be vigilant toward the outside but also reflect on ourselves to ensure our original intentions remain unchanged."

Hearing this, Liu Bei felt that his words were reasonable and nodded in praise: "Yuanzhi’s words are very true; we must remain clear-headed at all times and not let power and interests blind our eyes."

Just as the four were discussing enthusiastically, a burst of rapid footsteps came from outside the tent, and a soldier hurried in, knelt on one knee: "My lord, someone outside is asking to see you, claiming to be an envoy of the State Preceptor."

Liu Bei and the others exchanged glances, their hearts all feeling a chill, and Liu Bei quickly ordered: "Please invite him in!"

The envoy entered the tent, holding a secret letter, and presented it respectfully: "The State Preceptor has a secret order; please read it, my lord, and act immediately."

Liu Bei took the secret letter, opened it, and saw only a few words, but it revealed important information—ordering them to go to the dense forest on the outskirts of the city early tomorrow morning to contact a mysterious force and discuss how to confront a crisis that was about to come.

"The State Preceptor is..." Liu Bei had not finished speaking when he was interrupted by Guan Yu.

"Elder brother, no need to say more; since the State Preceptor has an order, we will obey." Guan Yu’s eyes shone with the spirit of battle, as if he could not wait to meet the new challenge.

Zhang Fei was even more eager: "Right, right, right, no matter what mysterious force it is, with the three of us brothers, plus Yuanzhi, what is there to fear!"

Xu Shu smiled slightly, waving his feather fan: "This matter needs to be handled with caution; since the State Preceptor did not state the other party’s identity, we need to make full preparations, both to show sincerity and to guard against the unexpected."