Mythical Three Kingdoms

Just like how Guo Jia would mess with Chen Xi, when Guo Jia asked him to go to a brothel, if no one was around, he would reluctantly go along, but if there were people around, he would be more mindful of appearances.

Earlier, when Chen Xi woke up groggily, he would mutter about the vices of the old society while half-closing his eyes and letting Chen Yun help him get dressed. There are boundaries that are frequently overstepped; as long as both parties are willing, it’s all good if everyone is happy.

Yan Yan and others had the same mindset: so what about decadent music, or the music of a fallen nation? This is their sincerity, and it’s not like our nation has fallen, so let’s go with the flow. Besides, they indeed danced quite well.

Back home, everyone would be cautious, sneaking around behind closed doors. But maintaining appearances was a must; after all, not many Berserkers would streak in public like Mii Heng.

Now that they’re abroad and acting as conquerors, given that others are willingly offering hospitality, one must give them face. While upholding our customs and etiquette, it’s important to be flexible and give the other side some face too.

As the music ended, the atmosphere suddenly became more lively. Observing that the Han military generals didn’t seem to mind, the Kushan military generals decided they could proceed with their next plan.

Hirilah and Sulapri exchanged a glance, the corners of their mouths curled into slight smiles as they clapped their hands, bringing out another group of dancers. Though the dances were less complex than before, their elegance had improved.

”Stay alert, these Kushan rascals are trying to trap us. They seem to be nobles from small countries. Just look, it’s okay to make a move, but don’t disgrace the Han Dynasty.” Zhang Su scanned the dancers and communicated to everyone there via Voice Transmission.

Upon hearing this, Yan Yan, Zhang Ren, and the others sobered up. The others, initially entranced, also cleared their heads a bit, but they continued watching the dance.

The Kushan eventually succeeded in heightening the atmosphere, and as wine and meat were served one after another, the atmosphere between the Han and Kushan officers noticeably became more harmonious. In the end, as the barbecued meat was brought out, both the Han and Kushan generals stopped sitting rigidly and started mingling.

”I didn’t understand your customs before and got you into trouble, so here, I’ll drink to my own penalty.” After the free mingling began, Zhang Ren carried a wine jug and approached Carano, noticing that Carano seemed to hold a relatively high position among the Kushan generals.

”The battlefield was chaotic at the time, so you had no chance to explain. Besides, a loss is a loss.” Carano shook his head, raised his bowl of wine, and didn’t let Zhang Ren drink as a penalty. After clinking cups, he drank in big gulps.

”Let’s not bring this up again in the future then.” Zhang Ren said with a smile, clearly seeing that the other party understood the situation and wasn’t too bothered. ”I must say, you’re indeed very strong, surely stronger than me.”

”I wouldn’t say my martial arts are excellent, but among your group, there’s someone whose martial arts are extraordinary.” Carano smirked, pointing towards Wutugu.

Zhang Ren turned, seeing a pile of bones in Wutugu’s direction, breaking into a cold sweat as Wutugu continued gnawing on a massive chunk of meat. ”Uh, that’s General Wuo, considered one of the ten strongest in our country.” Zhang Ren laughed awkwardly, slightly embarrassed.

Hearing this, Carano was taken aback. ”Such a talent, despite appearing confused, is inherently connected with martial prowess. His strength is formidable, and would be top-class in our country, likely about to grasp the ’Outward Appearance’ realm,” Carano replied admirably.

”What is ’Outward Appearance’?” Zhang Ren asked, puzzled.

”’Outward Appearance’ is a realm we cultivate where inner Buddhas manifest externally. The third step combines the inner Buddha with oneself, and the final step leads to becoming a Buddha,” Carano explained proudly.

”You mean his strength in your place is about the level of combining with the inner Buddha?” Zhang Ren frowned, ”That doesn’t sound very strong.”

”It’s quite strong,” Carano said seriously. ”In our country, only a handful reach the final stage, and some aren’t even military officers.”

”Uh, are there stronger ones?” A bit alarmed, Zhang Ren switched topics.

”Once one becomes the inner Buddha, only Gods and Buddhas materializing in the Mortal World remain stronger,” Carano laughed aloud. ”But honestly, even after all these years, I’ve never heard of actual Gods and Buddhas appearing.”

”Has anyone become a God or Buddha?” Zhang Ren relaxed considerably, thinking that as long as real Gods weren’t involved, they could handle it. After all, they had people who fought against God and Demon-level opponents.

”Yeah, like I said, when the inner Buddha becomes oneself,” Carano stated with a hint of respect. ”But I’m unlikely to achieve that in this lifetime.”

”Oh, that’s different. Any tales of breaking the sky dome and ascending? That Mortal World stuff is trivial.” Zhang Ren chuckled.

”No way—those who can break the sky dome are mythical Gods and Buddhas,” Carano replied incredulously.

”Well, a few years back, someone in our country broke through the sky dome and ascended.” Zhang Ren looked at Carano sincerely, causing Carano to twitch, unable to believe Zhang Ren’s words.

”Difficult to believe, but thousands witnessed that event—strong as Gods and Demons, surrounded by five or six like him,” Zhang Ren pointed absentmindedly towards Wutugu. ”The universally acknowledged strongest in our world.”

”Hiss...” Every Kushan person who heard sucked in a breath, startled by a being who can shatter the sky dome, akin to a God or Demon stepping out from myth.

”Alas, that person ascended, so the current strongest is uncertain.” Zhang Ren gave a helpless shrug, and the Kushan generals all silently remembered this.

”You seem to have many with Legion Talent, though,” Carano changed the subject.

”Yes, most of our frontline officers have Legion Talent,” Zhang Ren nodded, and Carano’s chest tightened—such unparalleled power for each frontline officer in the Han Dynasty seemed unfair in the extreme.