Chapter 0010: Change

Just now, Zhou Zhongliang, who usually has never even killed a chicken, actually killed a person, and that person was innocent... Under the desperate pleas of the locals, Zhou Zhongliang's trembling hands gripped the machete that Lao San had forcefully given him, lifting it with great effort as if he were raising Mount Tai, and then he brought it down again

You ... ...

You... aren't you?" Zhou Zhongliang had once accompanied Yuan Qi to see Zhu Yicheng for the first time, but at that time Zhou Zhongliang stood at a distance, and the lighting in the room was poor, so Zhu Yicheng did not recognize him. Now, as Zhou Zhongliang approached him to speak, Zhu Yicheng immediately recognized who he was.

What he most wishes to see now is to open his eyes and find himself back in the 21st century; time travel is truly terrifying. Zhu Yicheng feels that this kind of risk is simply beyond what a person can bear. Considering that he does not possess even a fraction of the protagonist's halo, he would rather end this experience as soon as possible.

"Young master, do not be alarmed, I mean no harm. Please lower your voice and allow me to say a few words first." Do not be deceived by Zhou Zhongliang's thin frame and scholarly appearance; his strength is considerable, perhaps honed from the initiation he underwent yesterday.

"That's enough! That's enough!" Zhou Zhongliang, who gradually calmed down, let out a long sigh and then fell into deep thought

The young master looks much better now said Zhou Zhongliang with a smile

If only I hadn't come up with this idea at that time, or found an excuse not to make this trip, how could such misfortune have befallen me? Now, look at the situation: Huang Jie and Wu Gang are dead, Zhu Yicheng has been rescued by Yuan Qi, and I have also fallen into the hands of the bandits. The task has been botched; will the higher-ups reward anyone for this? Moreover, in order to save my own life, I not only revealed Zhu Yicheng's identity to Yuan Qi, but even...

"The Blood Brothers"

His head ached from thinking, and Zhu Yicheng, who was unaware of the ins and outs of the matter, couldn't come up with a single idea. In the end, he simply gave up on thinking and lay down on the bamboo bed, closing his eyes.

Master Zhou

Um um um ... ...

I am Zhou Zhongliang, courtesy name Junchen. You may simply call me Master Zhou.

Remember, do not shout! Those are all ruthless individuals who kill without blinking. Rebelling against officials is as simple as drinking tea or having a meal. Remember this, young master!

Zhu Yicheng finally had a good sleep and at last enjoyed his first hearty meal since arriving in this era. Although he lay on a simple bamboo bed and the food was far from exquisite delicacies, the continuous terror and hunger made Zhu Yicheng realize how precious this ordinary life was.

He looked down at his hands, and a flash of bright red pierced his eyes. Zhou Zhongliang could not help but close his eyes, tears streaming down uncontrollably.

Unfortunately, no matter how many times he closes his eyes and opens them again, what greets his sight is still this dark, dilapidated house. The strange odors wafting around remind him that he is still in the Great Qing Dynasty

I have contemplated for half a lifetime, and after all my calculations, I have unexpectedly ended up in such a situation

Yes, yes

"Please stay a moment, esteemed third master. I am certain I can persuade the young master to undertake great matters together."

The sky outside gradually darkened, and soon night would fall again. After dinner, Zhu Yicheng, feeling bored, strolled around the room for a while before returning to lie on the bamboo bed. Unexpectedly, not long after he lay down, the tightly shut door creaked open.

Wiping his tears with his cuff, Zhou Zhongliang, unable to accept the reality, could only reluctantly come to terms with it. He, like Yuan Qi and the others, had now also become a target of the government's pursuit.

"It's over... it's over for me in this life..." Two lines of tears streamed down his cheeks, and he felt regret! Regret for coming up with such a foolish idea, and even more for agreeing to make this trip; it was simply a case of being blinded by foolishness!

And now, how is it? Forced to submit a letter of allegiance, Zhou Zhongliang has lost all avenues of retreat. Even if he manages to escape now, what difference does it make? Can the blood on his hands ever be washed clean? Regardless, he is ultimately on a path to death.

Zhou Zhongliang and my father are family friends? And he has some kind of grace towards him? My father was just drinking a little and scrolling through Douyin every day in 2019! The idea that he would know Zhou Zhongliang is simply absurd! Not to mention that our family owes him any great favor. Moreover, if it is really as Zhou Zhongliang said, who was it that put me in prison back then? Such a way of repaying kindness has never been heard of throughout history. Furthermore, if it is really as Zhou Zhongliang said, who was it that put me in prison back then? Such a way of repaying kindness has never been heard of throughout history.

Zhou Zhongliang sat there like a wooden statue, his hands trembling incessantly, and his expression was one of utter despair

Amidst the laughter, Lao San patted Zhou Zhongliang on the shoulder and strode away, while the corpse on the ground was quickly dragged away. In the room, apart from the pervasive smell of blood, there was only Zhou Zhongliang, whose face was ashen.

Oh ... ... let ... ... let ... ...

"Very well, my lord, if you promise not to shout, I shall release my grip immediately," said Zhou Zhongliang

Upon hearing Zhou Zhongliang's words, Zhu Yicheng was instantly confused. He understood what the other party was saying, but why was he unable to grasp the meaning when it was all put together?

Wuwuwu ... ...

Zhou Zhongliang briefly explained their location and also elaborated on the origin of Laojun Gate

Zhou Zhongliang, well-read and knowledgeable, is fully aware of the other party's malicious intentions, yet he finds himself unable to refuse. The only way to survive is to comply, but he is acutely aware of the consequences of such actions

Indeed, I have a longstanding friendship with your father. Your father once bestowed great kindness upon me in the past, so you should remember this well

I didn't notice it; you, old master, are quite ruthless, aren't you? Hahaha! From now on, we are on the same side, so please take good care of yourself, Old Master Zhou

"Young Master, do you know where this is?" Zhou Zhongliang first asked, and then continued, "This is the den of bandits! Young Master, think carefully, do you remember what happened before? This group of bandits had the audacity to kill the officials escorting you, and now they have brought both you and me to this place..."

These thieves are truly despicable! They are utterly insane!

Do you remember me, young master? It's good that you remember me! It seems that you are not seriously injured after all. Zhou Zhongliang smiled amiably, but his hands were not idle; before Zhu Yicheng could even call out, he swiftly covered his mouth.

It can be said that his revelation of Zhu Yicheng's identity as a means of self-preservation was a temporary measure. Zhou Zhongliang, having fallen into the hands of Yuan Qi and his group, was constantly contemplating how to escape. As long as he could break free and descend the mountain to find the authorities, then return with reinforcements to exact revenge, he would still have a chance to redeem himself and secure a path to survival

Amidst the cries of anguish and wails, Zhou Zhongliang was unaware of how many blows he had struck, until there was no sound from the other party, and only then did he cease, after his hand holding the cleaver was restrained by the third one.

Zhou Zhongliang released his grip, and Zhu Yicheng, who had been suffocating, gasped for breath repeatedly, taking quite some time to recover.

Upon waking up, it was already the next day, and Zhu Yicheng was finally able to get out of bed and walk around. Still feeling the lingering effects of being bound, he was now experiencing soreness all over his body. Yuan Qi had sent three people to guard him; one of them was the woman, while the other two stood at the door, not allowing him to leave. Zhu Yicheng could only pace in small circles within the room, quietly contemplating how to deal with the situation ahead.

A person's voice came from the doorway, and shortly after, a figure entered under the dim light. He first turned around to close the door gently, then turned back to glance at Zhu Yicheng, who was already sitting up on the bamboo bed and looking at him, smiling.

At this thought, Zhou Zhongliang's tears flowed uncontrollably, like a faucet that had been turned on. However, he did not dare to cry out loud; he could only bury his head in his knees and let the tears soak his robe.