Chapter Twenty-Seven

Li Yu’s eyes twitched so violently that they could have qualified as a full-blown seizure. But that wasn’t even the main issue. The real problem was the fact that he actually believed what the System had said.

His physique was terrifying. It could honestly be considered half of what made Li Yu the powerhouse he currently was. If he gave that ridiculously handsome bastard of a clone the Primal Tyrant Physique on top of his already absurd Verdant Heavenly Lightning affinity, then the clone would become a monster in his own right.

A terrifying monster. Not wanting to dwell on his own misery any longer, Li Yu quickly activated Mind Swap and returned his consciousness to his original body. The moment he stepped back into his own flesh, a familiar feeling washed over him. Comfort. Power. Strength.

The sensation of the Primal Tyrant Physique coursing through his veins. Still, the System’s words lingered in his mind. And the worst part was that they were probably true. That hypothetical scenario could very easily become reality if he chose to pass the physique to his clone.

Li Yu quickly comforted himself with another thought. If he had an affinity too, then surely he would still win. Right? His clone wasn’t the only special one here. If he also possessed some powerful affinity, then everything would be different.

At least that was what he told himself. He didn’t bother asking the System. That bastard had a special talent for damaging his pride in the most brutal way imaginable. No. Li Yu was perfectly confident in himself. If he had an affinity, he would definitely win.

After all, he was the superior one between himself and his clones. Right? ...Right? Deciding not to think too deeply about a topic that still hurt his soul, Li Yu shifted his attention elsewhere. Specifically...The second synchronization ability. Mind Connection.

With a thought, he activated it. Instantly, a strange sensation washed over him. It felt oddly familiar. Almost like joining a group chat. Or entering some kind of social platform. A communication channel formed between him and the clone.

Moments later, a calm and gentle voice echoed within his mind. Just how many tricks do you possess? You took control of my body instantly, and now this. It is amazing how someone so weak can perform so many impossible things.

Li Yu’s face immediately stiffened. A forced smile appeared on his lips. The green-haired Li Yu stood several meters away, calmly observing him. Even the bastard’s voice sounded different. It was still technically his voice. Yet at the same time, it wasn’t. There was a regal elegance hidden within every word.

A natural authority. An accent that only royalty could possess. Well... The bastard was a king after all. Even his voice carried a kingly aura. "Hey, brat. Listen carefully. You don’t get to talk shit here. You shouldn’t even be speaking without my permission." Li Yu hissed through the mind connection.

The other Li Yu raised an eyebrow. Then he replied. His tone sounded even more amused now. Oh? And why is that? Li Yu puffed up his chest. Trying to appear far more impressive than he actually was. "Because I’m the big shot around here. I’m the leader. And you’re my subordinate." The green-haired Li Yu nodded thoughtfully. 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

As though he had just heard the most ordinary statement imaginable. Yes. That much I already figured out. Li Yu blinked. The clone continued calmly. You are likely the original, while I am the clone. Trust me, I can feel it. So naturally, you call the shots.

That part isn’t difficult to understand. Li Yu smiled proudly. Then the clone continued. What surprises me is something else. For someone as weak as yourself, you possess remarkably powerful abilities. I have no idea how you accomplish them without producing even the slightest fluctuation of energy.

The smile instantly disappeared from Li Yu’s face. His eyebrow twitched. No wonder the bastard had been calmly observing him all this time. The guy had figured everything out almost immediately.

To him, Li Yu’s abilities probably looked like a child waving around a wooden sword while pretending to be a great warrior. "Sys." Li Yu called internally. "This version of me seems to know way too much. Why is that? Aren’t clones supposed to be blank slates or something?"

The System took a second before replying. At this point, the delay had practically become a habit. Well, yes. That would be true if your clones were normal clones. However, they are not. Li Yu listened carefully. Each clone is a parallel version of yourself from another reality. They retain their memories. They retain their personalities. They retain their experiences.

Everything that made them who they are remains intact. However, they are still fundamentally connected to you and incapable of truly harming you. The System paused. Then added another sentence. At least not in an excessive manner.

Li Yu frowned. That sounded suspicious. Very suspicious. Almost ominous. Was the System hiding something again? Probably. The damn thing loved keeping secrets. Still, Li Yu accepted the explanation for now. Then he decided to spend some time talking with his first clone.

After all, how bad could socializing with himself possibly be? The answer arrived several minutes later. BOOM! A thunderous explosion echoed across the mountains. Several massive rocks shattered apart. Fragments scattered everywhere.

Li Yu’s fist was buried deep within the side of a mountain. His eyes were bloodshot with rage. Veins bulged on his forehead. Meanwhile, several meters away stood the green-haired Li Yu. Verdant lightning danced around his body.

His expression remained calm. Composed. Elegant. As if nothing unusual had happened. "COME HERE! LET’S PLAY!" Li Yu roared through gritted teeth. The green-haired Li Yu blinked. Then tilted his head slightly. You don’t seem like you want to play.

His voice remained perfectly calm. In fact, you look as though you cannot wait to kill me. The clone paused. Then narrowed his eyes slightly. Though his face remained composed, something hidden flashed through those emerald eyes. Wariness. Perhaps even caution.

After all, despite how irrational Li Yu appeared right now... There was a very real possibility that he might actually charge over and attempt to punch his own clone into the next mountain range.