As a governor, Qi Jinshan should by no means appear in the armory.

According to what Du Chengfeng had heard from Liu Yanran earlier, since trouble occurred at the armory in Youzhou during the reign of the Great Chen, for safety reasons, there have always been strict regulations regarding access to the armory—the general armory manager needs the governor’s consent to enter, and the governor also needs the opinion of the armory manager to enter alone.

This regulation that seems to block both ends is also a helpless move. After all, military officers of this level can cause trouble without having to do anything with the armory. This regulation is more like a safety measure.

After all, if they can be notified in advance, if any trouble indeed occurs in the armory, everyone can be prepared and know how to handle it.

Just like Du Chengfeng here, his access to the Yanzhou armory is backed by the Yan Province Governor’s Mansion. If he indeed gets crazed due to coming in contact with a weapon he shouldn’t touch, the offices would dispatch people to drop the Dragon-breaking Stone, trapping him inside the armory—although this wouldn’t solve the fundamental issue, at least the scope of trouble can be controlled, gaining time to find someone for help.

Of course, there are also some who don’t follow the rules, like Liu Bolun, who came in privately. Although he doesn’t have the backing of the Yan Province Governor’s Mansion, as the former general armory manager of Yanzhou, he knows how to sneak in for some peace—and when Du Chengfeng discovered Liu Bolun, he vouched for him.

Now Du Chengfeng is temporarily leading the work here in Yanzhou and indeed has the authority to let civilian Master Craftsmen in, though he hasn’t reported this yet. However, Liu Bolun is just secluded deep in the armory and doesn’t cause any trouble.

So the issue lies here.

Du Chengfeng and Liu Bolun, one present and one former, both can enter the armory without notification. How did Qi Jinshan get in?

"Back when Mr. Ruan wanted to inscribe within the armory to contribute to Yanzhou’s safety, I escorted him there."

Qi Jinshan responded to Du Chengfeng and Liu Bolun’s skepticism with this.

"So now is not the time to quibble over these matters. In emergencies, act decisively; quickly give me the sword!"

"...Huh?"

Only now did Du Chengfeng realize that Liu Bolun, who was originally lying on the ground drinking, had somehow repositioned himself under the huge ’Ren’ character.

And the sword was coincidentally blocked behind Liu Bolun.

This repositioning halted Qi Jinshan’s steps.

"What do you want the sword for?"

Du Chengfeng frowned tightly.

Qi Jinshan had added to the chaos before, and now what new trouble was he brewing?

"I want to defend Yanzhou City."

Qi Jinshan declared righteously.

"I want to defend this city to the death against the steppe people!"

"Then please, Governor Qi, be the vanguard yourself in this first battle."

Lying on the ground, Liu Bolun hugged the wine jar, showing some disdain.

"Governor Qi, haven’t we discussed this matter quite a bit? This isn’t about exterminating bandits or quelling a riot... It’s not what you think! This is a confrontation between two armies! You’re sending soldiers to their death! You’re using their lives to supply the enemy!"

"Mr. Liu, it’s one thing for you to be cowardly in battle, but how can you belittle the brave soldiers fighting the enemy this way?"

Upon hearing Liu Bolun’s criticism, Qi Jinshan’s face immediately darkened.

"As for you, abandoning your post, and now daring to show yourself again... Do you really think I, as governor, can’t deal with you?"

Speaking thus, Qi Jinshan stepped forward, attempting to force his way through!

At this moment, a large hand pressed down on Qi Jinshan’s shoulder, making it difficult for him to move forward.

"Governor, why the hurry?"

Du Chengfeng furrowed his brows looking at Qi Jinshan.

"You’re not going to the battlefield, why do you need the sword?"

"Who said this governor isn’t going to the battlefield?"

Qi Jinshan immediately stiffened his neck.

And upon hearing Qi Jinshan’s words, Du Chengfeng understood the situation.

Indeed, as he judged, unlike the bloodthirsty Liu Yanran from Ji North, Qi Jinshan’s martial skills might be marginally effective against ordinary people, but once actual combat begins, not to mention Evil Qi emanation, even the intrusion of Evil Qi, Qi Jinshan might not necessarily be capable of fighting—this is despite Qi Jinshan’s advantage of having Evil Qi weapons, enhancing his combat power.

If Qi Jinshan just used the sword at his waist...

The scene might be unbelievably tragic.

"Thus I came to the armory to select a weapon, which is also my duty as a provincial governor."

Though he said this, Qi Jinshan’s gaze remained fixed on the Rectangular Sword behind Liu Bolun beneath the ’Ren’ character.

It was at this moment that Du Chengfeng realized that these governors of provincial armies had such responsibilities—for instance, Liu Yanran from Ji North, under normal circumstances, when Ji City falls, Liu Yanran needs to escape with troops, and subsequently, fueled by extreme emotion from losing the city and ground, directly enter the realm of Evil Qi intrusion, or even emanation.

Of course, one might turn into a mindless monster, but nonetheless, this kind of being who gets stronger by killing would become a nightmare for enemies, making sure they couldn’t live peacefully, even if they seize the land.

"Moreover, this sword belongs to Mr. Ruan, and it must hold Mr. Ruan’s scholarly righteousness."

Qi Jinshan spoke eloquently. 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

"Though I may not compare to Mr. Ruan’s unparalleled valor, wielding this Divine Soldier at least grants me some combat prowess. By then, we could collaborate, I’ll defend the city, you repel enemy troops, and Yanzhou City will be safeguarded, won’t it?"

"This..."

Du Chengfeng couldn’t help but ponder.

If it’s just him, then it’s indeed too late to extinguish fires everywhere, but if Qi Jinshan could have some combat capability, then perhaps they could sustain—of course, this all depends on whether he really could contend against that abomination called Xiang Rong, but clearly, compared to such a monster, he’s at least ten He Xiqing short.

So no matter how well Qi Jinshan plans, it’s impossible...

"Wow!"

Just as Du Chengfeng was lost in thought, Qi Jinshan suddenly rushed towards the sword on the wall—even enveloped by Liu Bolun as quickly as possible trying to prevent him, this sudden move allowed Qi Jinshan to seize the hilt.

Then came a muffled "boom."

Qi Jinshan’s entire body flew backward instantly, even faster than when he had lunged forward.

And the Rectangular Sword still hung undisturbed on the wall.

Both Du Chengfeng and Liu Bolun could confirm they hadn’t touched Qi Jinshan at all.

The Rectangular Sword had rejected him.