Chapter 110: Chapter 102: Qi Jinshan’s Ambition

The Rectangular Sword rejected Qi Jinshan.

This was an outcome Du Chengfeng had not anticipated. After all, this Rectangular Sword, although belonging to Ruan Shantao, hadn’t caused him any harm when he touched it before—yet now, after Qi Jinshan was thrown away, Liu Bolun nervously stepped forward to inspect the sword, touching it without being repelled.

Unlike most deadly weapons, this Rectangular Sword had never killed anyone, and it bore no trace of Evil Qi, naturally making it an object anyone could touch.

But why couldn’t Qi Jinshan touch it?

"You! What did you do just now!"

Qi Jinshan, climbing up from the ground, glared angrily.

"How dare you plot against me, the Governor! Have you already sided with those prairie barbarians?"

"Don’t speak nonsense, we really did nothing just now."

Du Chengfeng shrugged his hands. He and Liu Bolun hadn’t stopped Qi Jinshan’s reckless charge earlier; pinning the blame on them was unjustified.

Yet, without evidence, even if they claimed innocence, no one would believe them. Pondering a bit, Du Chengfeng took down the Sheathed Strange Sword from the wall and tossed it to Qi Jinshan.

"Governor, try it for yourself and see?"

Boom!

As soon as Qi Jinshan touched the hilt, he was once again hurled away.

This time, Qi Jinshan couldn’t pin the blame on them, as they were six or seven feet apart, far beyond reach to manipulate things.

"Oh well."

Standing up again, Qi Jinshan dared not touch the Rectangular Sword anymore. He merely pointed at the Strange Sword on the ground, looking at Du Chengfeng and Liu Bolun.

"Since this sword is peculiar, you two shall sharpen it for me."

"...Hmm?"

Du Chengfeng and Liu Bolun were taken aback.

They hadn’t expected, faced with the undeniable fact that the sword couldn’t be lifted, Qi Jinshan would still cling to it.

Clearly, it had been confirmed that the sword couldn’t be picked up, why did Qi Jinshan insist on using it?

If Qi Jinshan couldn’t wield this sword, Liu Bolun standing nearby could—though his reliability was questionable, with this sword, it could be considered a strategic asset.

Why did it have to be Qi Jinshan himself?

"Because safeguarding the territory is the Governor’s duty."

Saying this, Qi Jinshan bowed towards the Capital City to the south.

"Mr. Liu has retired to the countryside, no longer needing these things, but I still carry a duty... If I cannot wield a three-foot sword to defend the lands, it would be a disgrace to the court that nurtured me!"

"..."

Upon hearing this, Du Chengfeng subconsciously glanced at the Rectangular Sword on the ground.

Perhaps due to its heavy blade, the sword wasn’t three feet long, just over two feet.

Meanwhile, Liu Bolun furrowed his brow deeper.

"Protecting the territory, nurtured by the court, how many times have you used this reason? Last time, for these reasons, you wanted to send the soldiers of Yanzhou to Jizhou to die; this time, for these reasons, you aim to bury all of Yanzhou with you... No wonder you desire this sword so much; it’s to safeguard your own life?"

"Mr. Liu! Enough of your nonsense!"

Qi Jinshan’s face darkened.

"When the nest is overturned, not one egg remains intact! The prairie men are attacking aggressively; if we don’t fight till the end, are we to hand over Yanzhou City?"

"There’s still time! Why don’t you retreat?"

Liu Bolun glared angrily.

"Why not retreat! Why not leave a chance for the citizens in the city! Can you speak honestly? Will you reveal why you can’t wield this sword?"

"Forget it, someone like you, who retreats in battle, naturally cannot understand the greater good."

Shaking his head, Qi Jinshan no longer paid attention to Liu Bolun, instead focusing on Du Chengfeng.

"Hero, having spent this time together, I can see you are one who won’t shirk from battle... I promise you, once the matter in Yanzhou is resolved, I shall report to the court to commend your achievements."

Saying this, Qi Jinshan bowed again towards the Capital City to the south.

"So, hero, come, help me sharpen the sword."

"Actually, I’ve already sharpened this sword once... but right now, I’m more curious about one thing."

Du Chengfeng raised his head, scratching it.

"Why exactly do you refuse to retreat? I really want to know this."

"We are officials of the same court, does such a matter have to be spoken?"

Qi Jinshan was taken aback, yet upon seeing Du Chengfeng’s perplexed expression, he continued explaining.

"If you and I fight to the death in Yanzhou, there might be praise, but if we flee the city for the citizens’ sake, once in the south, the insignia at our waist would be in jeopardy... Regardless, this battle must be fought, to show the court the dedication of Yanzhou’s sons."

Saying this, Qi Jinshan paused.

"Of course, I know, you brought some folks from Jibei when coming south, and I am not a heartless person; naturally, I cannot see those from Jibei endure another calamity of war... How about this, you help me sharpen the sword and assist in defending the city, I’ll have the soldiers provide food, escorting your folks south. You and I will each get what we need, what do you think?"

"I..."

Du Chengfeng looked at Qi Jinshan.

Their gazes met.

In that moment, Du Chengfeng understood Qi Jinshan’s intent.

This was both assistance and a threat. Clearly, in Qi Jinshan’s view, the people from Yang Family Fort he brought were meant as leverage—if he agrees, grain will be provided; if not, it could be unsheathed swords that come.

At the same time, he understood why Qi Jinshan hadn’t considered retreat.

"You once sought knowledge from old Mr. Ruan, regarded as his disciple, respecting his legacy of Divine Soldiers, which I understand too."

Seeing Du Chengfeng still standing, Qi Jinshan continued to persuade.

"But what I must do now is what Ruan Shantao couldn’t accomplish; I must turn the tide in Yanzhou, giving the prairie barbarians a fierce counterstrike... Come, help me, even if it’s for the greater good."

"What Ruan Shantao couldn’t accomplish... is it?"

Du Chengfeng suddenly paused.

Then he bent down, picking up the Rectangular Sword.

With the treasure sword unsheathed, he quietly felt the will of the sword.

With inspiration piercing the fog, it exploded in his mind.