Venerable Demon King & The Doting Immortal (QT)
Chapter 139: "You are still so slow, brother,”

Chapter 139: "You are still so slow, brother,”

Xiang Yu woke before dawn. He sat up, the thin quilt slipping from his shoulders, and peered out the small window. The sky was a deep indigo, stars still twinkling faintly as the first hints of dawn began to creep over the horizon.

They were near the last town before they reached the capital. The divine emperor, who had been giving him the silent treatment for the past few days, had finally relented and informed him that Xiang Wei had arrived in that town and he was resting in the cellar of a medicinal shop, waiting for his word. Xiang Yu knew he had to meet up with him before things went down in the capital.

He gently shook Lian and Mei awake. "It’s time," he whispered. They nodded; their eyes heavy with sleep but alert. Together, they slipped into the night, their cloaks wrapped tightly around them to ward off the chill.

By the time they reached the town, the sun was just beginning to rise, casting a golden glow over the small, bustling settlement. Fishermen were already hard at work at the docks, their nets glistening with morning dew, while market vendors set up their stalls, arranging fresh produce and colourful fabrics with practised ease. The three of them, hoods drawn low over their faces, blended seamlessly into the early morning crowd.

Xiang Yu led the way to the medicinal shop, its wooden sign creaking softly in the breeze. The shop was closed, its windows dark. They circled around to the back, where he knocked softly on the door. A young man answered, his eyes wide with fear.

"I am here to see your guest," Xiang Yu whispered. "Tell him it’s Yu-ge."

The young man nodded quickly and shut the door. Moments later, he returned, opening the door wider to let them in. Lian smiled warmly. "Hi," she said softly. Mei waved, her eyes scanning the room as she followed behind Xiang Yu. The young man was a little confused but he knew to keep his head low and nothing would happen to him.

They descended into the cellar, the air growing cooler and more damp with each step. The flickering light of a single lantern cast long shadows on the stone walls. When the door to the cellar opened, Xiang Wei stood up, his face lighting up with excitement. "Yu-ge!" he called out.

But when Xiang Yu pulled back his hood, it was not his face that he saw. Instead, it was the face of that vile woman, Princess Xiu. His expression twisted with rage and disbelief. He drew his dagger, his hand trembling. "You witch," he spat. "Why aren’t you dead?"

Xiang Yu could have easily told him who he was, but where was the fun in that? He narrowed his eyes, his voice calm and steady. "Because, little Wei, I have come to haunt you from the dead."

Xiang Wei’s eyes blazed with fury as he lunged at him, his dagger aimed straight at his heart. But Xiang Yu merely smirked. With a swift, fluid motion, he stepped aside, letting Xiang Wei’s momentum carry him forward.

Xiang Yu’s palm struck the back of his head with a resounding thud, and he crumpled to the ground. Xiang Yu placed his foot on his brother’s back, pinning him down.

"You are still so slow, brother," Xiang Yu laughed, his voice dripping with mockery. "Not only physically but mentally too."

Xiang Wei’s eyes darted up to meet Xiang Yu’s, confusion and anger swirling within them. Xiang Yu removed his foot and crouched down, his expression softening. "It’s me," he whispered.

The young man’s eyes widened in shock. He sat up, pointing a trembling finger at him. "Why? Why are you disguised as Peng Xiu? How did you do it?"

Xiang Yu extended a hand and pulled him to his feet. "It’s a secret," he said with a mischievous grin.

Overwhelmed with relief, Xiang Wei threw his arms around him, hugging him tightly. "Yu-ge, I am so happy to see you. You don’t know how worried I was," he murmured.

Xiang Yu patted his back, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Stop acting like a child," he chided gently.

Lian stepped forward, her hand on Xiang Wei’s shoulder. "Stop, you are suffocating my master," she said but Xiang Wei stuck to him like glue. He refused to let go. "He is my brother so what’s it to you?"

Mei laughed, finding the scene amusing. It was like watching puppies vying for attention. They all moved to a small wooden table in the corner of the cellar and sat down. Xiang Wei’s curiosity got the better of him. "Where have you been?" he asked, his eyes searching Xiang Yu’s face for answers.

Xiang Yu shook his head. "That’s not important right now," he replied. "In two days, you need to gather all the men we have snuck into Yige and the weapons we have. You should stand outside the capital and wait for my signal."

Xiang Wei frowned, concern etched on his face. "Brother, what are you going to do?"

Xiang Yu ruffled his hair affectionately. "You ask too many questions," he said with a chuckle.

Seeing the sun was already up through the cracks he turned to Lian and Mei. "Let’s go." He was worried that Han Xin would go berserk if he didn’t return soon.

Xiang Wei stood by the door, his eyes filled with worry. "Yu-ge, be safe," he called out.

Xiang Yu smiled, a reassuring glint in his eyes. "I will," he promised. With that, they stepped out into the morning light. He knew that they had to get going but as they walked through the bustling town, he couldn’t resist buying something for Han Xin. He was hoping that would make him happy.

Seeing the twins’ eyes sparkling with excitement, staring at the food stalls, he said, "Go ahead and buy some snacks for your father and brother," his voice gentle.

Lian and Mei needed no further encouragement. They dashed off, their cloaks billowing behind them as they flitted from stall to stall, their laughter mingling with the chatter of the townsfolk. Xiang Yu watched them for a moment, a small smile playing on his lips, before turning his attention to a nearby fruit stall.

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