"Don’t worry, I’m right outside Sun City," Xiang Yu said.

"I’ve noticed something off tonight," Long Wu said worriedly.

"What’s off?"

"At midnight, there was a lot of movement within the city’s self-defense force, like they’re preparing for war. I initially thought it was you conducting drills."

"No matter what happens outside, don’t leave your room," Xiang Yu said sternly.

"Can I help with anything?" Long Wu asked.

Long Wu used to follow Xiang Yu, witnessing big scenes; she knew something significant was happening tonight.

"Not for now, but I’ll call you if needed," Xiang Yu replied.

"Okay, just stay safe."

"Don’t worry."

After speaking, Xiang Yu hung up and quietly stood watching Sun City’s location.

"Brother Yu, should we force our way in? With our current strength, it wouldn’t be a problem," Tie Zhuzi suggested.

After all, the main force of the City Guard Army was gathered here, and although the self-defense force had numbers, they couldn’t compare to the City Guard in terms of weapons or personnel quality.

"No need, we’re all brothers; we can’t kill each other," Xiang Yu said casually.

"But Eck has taken control of the self-defense force. If we don’t act, Sun City will become theirs," Tie Zhuzi said with concern.

Xiang Yu laughed, "Impossible. Do you think anyone can just build Sun City? Without us, Sun City would remain a slum."

Tie Zhuzi nodded, realizing that Sun City’s development and governance weren’t tasks for just anyone.

"What should we do then?" Tie Zhuzi asked.

"Head to Lieyun City first; we’ll discuss other matters at dawn."

After speaking, Xiang Yu got in a car and drove his team towards Lieyun City.

Meanwhile, inside Sun City, someone hurriedly reported to Eck, "They didn’t come in; they drove away instead."

Eck widened his eyes, nervous, "What did you say? They left?"

"Yes, they seemed to be heading to Lieyun City."

"Does he plan to abandon Sun City?" Eck muttered. "Follow them closely and report back immediately with any updates."

The person responded and ran out swiftly.

Eck sighed and sat down, knowing his current position was entirely due to Xiang Yu.

Back then, he swore loyalty to Xiang Yu, but as his status changed, so did his swelling ambition.

Old vows and promises faded with time.

Now, Sun City was on a new path; industry was rapidly developing, agriculture was growing, and economic ties with surrounding cities were established.

Eck believed that Sun City would continue to develop at this pace even without Xiang Yu.

If he could replace Xiang Yu, he would become the ruler of this city.

As for Wolf Fang nearby, Eck believed that if given enough benefits, they wouldn’t trouble him.

In this world, there are no permanent friends, only permanent interests.

He had everything arranged in Sun City, and if Xiang Yu and his men returned, the self-defense force would eliminate them without hesitation.

Most of the self-defense force members weren’t aware of the situation; they simply followed orders.

Some were personally nurtured by Eck and vowed allegiance to him, which he relied upon.

Xiang Yu didn’t plan to return to Sun City but settled in Lieyun City, allowing his team to rest at the base.

Though the base was under repair, it was adequate for simple lodging.

Jackson was working tirelessly in the base, being a workaholic; his daily routine consisted of endless design work.

Sometimes Xiang Yu asked him to take a break, but Jackson couldn’t stop.

"Brother Yu, what’s your plan?" Tie Zhuzi asked worriedly.

"Let’s rest up; we’ll tackle everything tomorrow," Xiang Yu replied lazily. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

Tie Zhuzi knew Xiang Yu had a plan in mind, so he didn’t probe further and found a place to sleep.

The next morning, Xiang Yu went for a run, washed up, and had breakfast as usual.

Tie Zhuzi remained silent, always by Xiang Yu’s side, concerned about the complex situation and potential danger for Xiang Yu.

Around noon, noticing Xiang Yu’s calm demeanor, Tie Zhuzi anxiously asked, "Brother Yu, what are we going to do?"

"We can’t confirm Eck’s betrayal yet," Xiang Yu replied.

"Isn’t it obvious by now? How about I go to Sun City and see what’s going on?" Tie Zhuzi said gruffly.

Xiang Yu waved his hand to stop him, "Let’s call Eck directly and ask."

He then picked up the phone and dialed Eck. After five rings, the call was hung up.

Xiang Yu called again, and this time Eck answered.

"Xiang Yu..." Eck greeted.

"What’s going on in Sun City? Something feels off," Xiang Yu inquired.

"You found out," Eck admitted without hiding anything. "What’s your plan?"

"Did you betray?" Xiang Yu asked bluntly.

"I didn’t betray. Everyone has their own aspirations. I’ve contributed to this city’s development too. Now you have Lieyun City; why not hand Sun City over to me?" Eck confessed.

Everyone understood; given where things stood, further talk was futile.

"Do you think that’s possible?" Xiang Yu sighed, "Eck, you’ve been with me long enough to understand me. If you lay down your arms now, I can forgive you."

After all, Eck left COM with Xiang Yu, and unless absolutely necessary, Xiang Yu didn’t want bloodshed.

"There’s no turning back. It’s largely your doing that I’ve reached this point. Why did you give me so much power? Why did you let me recruit brothers? I now have over a thousand men, far surpassing the City Guard," Eck vented with some agitation. "Xiang Yu, hand Sun City over to me, and I won’t interfere with your development of Lieyun City."

"That’s impossible, Eck. Sun City needs me; it won’t develop under your leadership. You need to see the situation clearly; turn back before it’s too late," Xiang Yu advised earnestly.

"It’s not possible. Since we were brothers, I won’t make things difficult for you. You may take Long Wu and the others; I won’t harm them, but I’m determined to take this city," Eck decided.

"Is that really your decision?" Xiang Yu said sadly.

Since entering this world, Xiang Yu hated betrayal among brothers the most.

He hung up the call and sat silently.

"Brother Yu..."

Tie Zhuzi wanted to speak, but Xiang Yu gestured for silence, "Give him two more days to reconsider. If he remains stubborn, we won’t hold back."