Upon receiving Zhou You's invitation, Gu Zuo was pleasantly surprised. He thought his commendable performance had caught Zhou You's attention.

Gu Zuo had inquired about Zhou You's purpose for heading south and grew more curious about him. How formidable was he?

Gu Zuo searched for related videos and news about Zhou You. Rarely did he see Zhou You take action, making it hard to gauge his abilities. Some still doubted Zhou You's capabilities.

However, Gu Zuo was skeptical of those doubts. A man who could willingly be married by Shao Qi must possess unique qualities. It was Zhou You's unaccounted-for ten years that intrigued him.

Perhaps there's a hidden sect unknown to the world, or maybe he obtained a martial arts manual that could dominate the world.

Regardless, understanding Zhou You was crucial.

Their intentions aligned, and they scheduled to meet the next noon, with Zhou You hosting.

Gu Zuo arrived as promised.

Their initial interaction was amiable. Zhou You indeed had an unassuming demeanor.

Handsome and non-threatening men are always appealing.

"I feel like Mr. Zhou settled for less by marrying Marshal Shao," remarked Gu Zuo.

"Marriage isn't a transaction. There's no notion of gain or loss," Zhou You replied, sensing their differing viewpoints.

"So, you probably perceive me as a self-serving opportunist."

"That's a bit extreme. I previously had little knowledge about you."

"That only means I wasn't significant enough to be on your radar. I feel like a jesting fool," Gu Zuo said self-deprecatingly.

Zhou You hadn't expected him to be this self-aware. He wasn't an extremist. So why had he made so many prior misjudgments?

"Many believe I aim to compete with Shao Qi for the marshal's position, to vie for military power."

"Isn't that the case?"

"It's not just that. I want to best him, to shatter the myth of him in the people's eyes. If our nation ever recognizes someone as the Martial God, that person must be me."

Zhou You looked him over. Such a handsome young man, yet not the brightest, huh?

"So, you think Shao Qi is above you? This is the first time I've heard someone believe they can become a god. But I can assure you, you won't be the first."

"Yes, I've accepted that fact. So, I'm curious, who's stronger between you and Shao Qi?" Gu Zuo had a fierce fighting spirit; he was always itching for a fight.

"Never fought him, so I wouldn't know." Zhou You joked, "Domestic violence is a bad thing, you know."

Gu Zuo stood up, his face unreadable, "Then I have my answer. I shall take my leave."

"Sit down!" Zhou You's immense mental force enveloped Gu Zuo, pressing him into his seat, immobilized, "I called you here, and I'm not done speaking."

Gu Zuo's eyes widened in shock. He recognized this feeling of being out of control since he could do it too. However, he wasn't nearly as powerful as Zhou You.

"You may speak now," Zhou You said calmly, taking a sip from his coffee cup. The taste was a bit off.

"You... you can control people with your mental power?"

"Have you forgotten that I'm also a mental manipulator? If you can do it, so can I."

"No, it can't be that simple. There are plenty of mental manipulators, but they only control objects, not people."

"Once you consider a person as an object, it becomes simple."

"That's twisted! People have their own thoughts and feelings, they can resist. Especially those with strong will. It's not as easy as you make it sound!" Gu Zuo had spent a long time mastering this and had kept it as his trump card.

Was it because he used it publicly for the first time when he fought Zhang Huaishen?

"You learned it from me, didn't you?" Gu Zuo sounded certain. It's not a skill everyone would think of, and Zhou You had never shown this ability before.

"What if I did?"

"Haha, at least that proves I'm superior to you in some way. They all call me a genius, and a genius is always surpassing others."

"Such a chuunibyou thing to say. Are you even out of college? There's more than one genius in the world. My younger brother's a genius too, and he's only eleven. Why are you so keen on comparing yourself to us?"

"Martial artists never compare based on age or experience."

"Fine, believe what you want. I have nothing more to say." Zhou You sighed, Gu Zuo's mindset could be both a strength and a hindrance.

Ancient scriptures mention that improper cultivation can lead to madness. Those who are overly obsessive will have heavier inner demons, which will surely affect their progress.

Zhou You released his mental grip, and Gu Zuo gasped for air, no longer harboring ill intentions towards Zhou You.

Chapter 218: The Duel (Part 1)

"You're formidable!" Even without a direct confrontation, Gu Zuo was certain he stood no chance against Zhou You.

Zhou You took another sip of his coffee and signaled to the waiter, "Excuse me, could you get me a different type of coffee? Something with a more standard taste."

A twitch appeared at the corner of Gu Zuo's mouth. "This particular coffee is made from beans cultivated in our country. I admit its taste isn't the best, but you won't find the flavorsome ones here anymore."

Zhou You nodded. He had chosen to meet at this café knowing Gu Zuo's fondness for its Western dishes. Had he known, he would've opted for a different venue.

"If you don't like it, we can switch places," offered Gu Zuo.

"There's no need. I've said what I wanted to. Enjoy your meal; I'll be on my way." With that, Zhou You rose to leave.

Gu Zuo, with a clouded expression, asked, "You're just leaving like that?"

"Is that a problem?"