Du Chengfeng just wanted a peaceful life.

It’s often said that rivers and mountains may change, but one’s nature is hard to change. Although in this chaotic world where killing makes you stronger, he has lived through some days, but as a man of peace, he always felt out of place with this world—even though for self-preservation and to survive, he has already embarked on the path of gaining strength through slaying, Du Chengfeng understood that this wasn’t what he wanted.

What he wanted was simply to live comfortably and happily, just to live his own life, to sustain himself through his own effort. He would have a small yard, keep a dog or two cats, and plant two trees—a jujube tree and another jujube tree.

This is all he ever wanted, and he had resolutely reaffirmed his belief countless times.

"Then, why don’t you leave?"

The question from Li Carpenter echoed in his mind once again.

Yes, why not leave? If this is all he wanted, he could just go. Leave Yang’s Fort, depart from Yanzhou City, head further south towards those more peaceful places.

"Perhaps because those places will inevitably become chaotic as well?"

Well, this can indeed be considered a reason, after all, anyone with clear sight could see the nomads are raising armies southward, and this southern Chen empire is on the brink of collapse, where eggs can’t remain unbroken under a fallen nest—meaning that no matter where he hides, there will be a day to face the chaos, so rather than let danger come to his doorstep, why not face it sooner.

But upon careful thought, this reasoning doesn’t hold up either.

Wars take time, prolonged battles take even more time. Even if this war will sweep the land, as long as he escapes far enough, by the time the flames of war reach his doorstep, he may very well be old and grey, almost nearing death.

He might have even died of old age, given that the level of medical care in this world might not be advanced.

So, no matter how he thought about it, Li Carpenter was right; leaving would be the most sensible decision, the correct action, as the saying goes, a wise man never stands under a dangerous wall—since he already knows there’s danger, he should indeed leave.

But why hasn’t he left yet?

Even up until now, he still hasn’t left.

"Hoo..."

Letting out a heavy breath, Du Chengfeng gently caressed the handle of the Rectangular Sword before him.

This sword originally belonged to Ruan Shantao, the old man even said he would teach him some things. Du Chengfeng himself had fantasized about what this elderly man of rich experience could bring him—at least he could learn literacy, perhaps some knife-sharpening skills, something he couldn’t quite grasp like the aura of poetry and books, and so-called grudges and Divine Soldiers.

Of course, more importantly, maybe this old man could answer the most bewildering questions for him.

But before he learned any of that knowledge, before he voiced his questions, the old man Ruan was already dead.

Transformed into a monster, then killed swiftly in two blows.

And this death brought even more confusion to Du Chengfeng.

Old man Ruan had never killed anyone in his life, his body untouched by any Evil Qi, so where did his power come from? Well, even considering it was the power from the aura of poetry and books, why did he turn into a monster catalyzed by Evil Qi after he died?

Of course, more crucially, knowing the monster Ruan Shantao became was a colossal being rooted within Ziyang Mountain, why did he feel compelled to return for another look after escaping?

Anyone with common sense could see this was a suicidal act, seeking death.

Nevertheless, he did just that.

"What was I thinking at that time?"

Du Chengfeng couldn’t help but clench his fist.

Worried about old man Ruan?

Forget it, he wasn’t that close to the old man anyway.

Trying to stop the monster?

Come on, when had he ever been this noble.

Wanting to investigate the battle’s result? 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚

This holds even less ground, would such information be worth gambling his life to witness?

"Hmm..."

Du Chengfeng’s mind was in chaos, prompting him to raise his head, casting another glance at the large "Ren" character.

Perhaps this was why he came to the arsenal, the character left by old man Ruan not only suppressed the arsenal’s blade aura but also soothed Du Chengfeng’s chaotic thoughts.

Though he and old man Ruan were only nominally teacher and student, at least the character left by Ruan held some effect.

But still, it was merely a slight effect.

Even from a distance, Du Chengfeng heard the monstrous Ruan Shantao’s roars echoing through the mountain, clearly even Ruan Shantao, who adhered to the path of benevolence throughout his life, at the end exposed all his troubles and distractions beyond righteousness.

Perhaps from the start, old man Ruan was unable to offer him any guidance.

After all, even Ruan Shantao’s righteousness, didn’t achieve true purity.

Not even as pure as the Rectangular Sword before him.

"So indeed."

Du Chengfeng stroked the grip of the old sword.

"Was it him who placed you here, or did he simply can’t use you anymore?"

The heavy block of iron remained silent, offering no reply.

Indeed, even forged into sword and blade, steel remains steel, how could it possibly give him any answers?

This confusion, this bewilderment, ultimately he must resolve it himself.

Thinking thus, Du Chengfeng turned and walked out of the arsenal, fetching his horse before returning to the street.

It was at this moment, an official clerk frantically ran over.

"Not good! Sir! Not good!"

Upon seeing Du Chengfeng emerge from the arsenal, the clerk quickly grabbed his arm.

"Sir! Many murderers have suddenly appeared in the city! There’s even a monster... The Capturers are barely holding up! Without anyone to dispel the Evil Qi, they themselves might turn mad! You must leave quickly, sir! If you’re late, it might be too late!"

"Oh? Is that so?"

Du Chengfeng furrowed his brow slightly.

As expected, just as he anticipated, Ruan Shantao’s downfall was merely the beginning, after his demise, the hidden issues within Yanzhou City were bound to erupt terrifyingly.

"So you should hurry there, sir! Any later and it might lead to major trouble... Sir? Sir, why are you trembling?"

The clerk urging him suddenly paused.

Was this anxiety? Fear? Or was it panic at the unfolding chaos?

If not, why would this manager of army supplies tremble like this?

"...It’s nothing, let’s go."

Taking a deep breath, Du Chengfeng forced a smile.

This trembling was neither anxiety nor fear, not even panic.

It was a kind of excitement, stemming from bodily instinct.