Chapter 122: Chapter 112: Following the Blade

Du Chengfeng felt that he should already understand this world well enough.

Alright, He Xiqing is like this, Ruan Shantao is like this, Xiang Rong is still like this... In this world, anyone with some ability turns into a monster after death, don’t they?

The first time, he was startled; the second time, he didn’t know how to react.

But now, it’s already the third time.

"Can I kill him?"

Du Chengfeng couldn’t help but ponder.

Indeed, retreating now is still the most rational decision, just like when facing He Xiqing back then. They both crossed swords several times, probing each other, growing numerous times before a true victory was determined.

However, this time, it’s a completely different scenario.

Unlike last time, this time he hasn’t been driven to the brink of despair. He can fight, he can continue, and the saber in his hand can still keep slashing.

"So, why stop?"

As he picked up the Rectangular Sword from the ground, it felt as if a warm hand rested on Du Chengfeng’s shoulder.

Was it Ruan Shantao?

No.

"It’s you..."

Du Chengfeng bowed his head, looking at the Rectangular Sword in his hand.

Perhaps this sword had once argued with Ruan Shantao. Why not wield it, use it to practice his path of righteousness, no matter how many difficulties await ahead, even if he needs to kill the Emperor of Nan Chen — but in the end, Ruan Shantao chose to give up, whether shackled by righteousness or unable to imagine the consequences of killing the Emperor of Nan Chen. That old man ultimately chose an easier path.

Rather than wielding this Bladeless Sword to sever the unknown fears, practice his righteousness, and open a path never walked by anyone before.

"What about you?"

At this moment, Du Chengfeng seemed to hear a voice softly whispering in his ear.

"Are you willing to trust me?"

"Hasn’t this been said countless times?"

Du Chengfeng gripped the sword in his hand.

Indeed, this has been said too many times since he discovered the experience Ruan Shantao left behind, since he swung the sword to kill Qi Jinshan... Indeed, it doesn’t match his original thoughts, nor does it align with his long-held persistence. Killing Qi Jinshan, proactively confronting the prairie vanguard, all have nothing to do with the peaceful life he seeks, and might even drive him further away from that goal.

However, taking a step back, can he attain his wishes?

No, it’s impossible, just looking at Ruan Shantao tells this. Ruan Shantao stepped back, thinking he could continue to achieve his righteousness in a roundabout way, but what was the outcome?

"Was it that he didn’t believe you could carve out a new path, or was it that he didn’t believe he could carve out a new path while holding you?"

Du Chengfeng stood up.

Whether foolishness or brute courage, he wasn’t Ruan Shantao. He wouldn’t retreat.

Think, then act — this was the last lesson Ruan Shantao left him.

Then, if you think but find it impossible to act, what should be done?

Yes, just like when humans were still apes. Facing cruel beasts, harsh environments, and brutal realities — no matter how many ideas they had, no matter how much they wanted to accomplish, what good would it do? Could they defeat those cruel beasts? Overcome the harsh environment? Survive in this brutal reality?

However, at some point, in a crucial moment, apes eventually picked up sticks and stones, pointing them at those ferocious beasts far greater in strength.

From then on, everything changed.

"Come!"

The sword’s edge rose, facing that torrential storm of countless blades.

The Rectangular Sword buzzed in excitement, this once extremely reserved heavy monster sword now faintly blossomed with scorching brilliance!

"Come!"

The Rectangular Sword seemed to shout in excitement too, it anticipated, it hoped, it was about to cleave through those real impediments!

Then, it was sheathed again.

"Don’t rush, I’ll use you later."

While saying this, Du Chengfeng picked up another weapon.

It was an exaggerated, vicious long halberd.

Alright, though it carried an unstoppable aura, wanting to rely solely on a heavy sword barely three feet to face that overwhelming storm of blade rain, was a bit too short.

This newly picked-up halberd was more suitable.

Moreover...

"I’ve wanted to try this for a long time!"

The exaggerated halberd spun into a light screen, even though the blade storm was overwhelming, for a moment it couldn’t harm Du Chengfeng!

Unlike its exaggerated appearance, the halberd was surprisingly easy to use!

"How dare you! How dare you!"

Seeing the regal halberd originally belonging solely to the Chu royal family fall into the hands of such a monstrous creature, Xiang Rong, who had already sprouted sixteen blind eyes, was filled with rage!

"How dare you touch it... How dare you touch it! I hate it! I hate it so much!"

Driven by extreme hatred, the deformed black phoenix in mid-air raised its eight sharp claws, swooping down to seize the halberd back!

But this provided Du Chengfeng with an opportunity.

"Though it’s our first meeting... I believe in you."

Saying this, Du Chengfeng swung the halberd in his hand.

"Are you willing to believe in me?"

The exaggerated halberd gave no verbal response.

It answered through action.

"Buzz—"

The remaining half of the black phoenix’s body plummeted from mid-air.

Its massive form slammed onto the ground, yet the deformed black phoenix still didn’t comprehend what just happened.

Or perhaps, it didn’t want to acknowledge it.

"How could it be... How could it be?"

Thirty-six blind phoenix eyes opened wide, Xiang Rong in mid-air couldn’t accept the reality before him.

"How could the regal halberd recognize you? Clearly, I’m the descendant of the Chu royal family! Clearly, I’m the true overlord! I’m the real dominance! I’ve killed so many... How could it choose you, a mere feces-producing beast..."

"Shut your mouth!"

Before the black phoenix finished speaking, Du Chengfeng aimed at the incomplete black phoenix in the air and threw the halberd.

Last time facing He Xiqing, he let the monstrous bird escape several times. This time, he wouldn’t let Xiang Rong get away.

"Clang—"

Seeing the other half of the phoenix also felled by the halberd in mid-air, Du Chengfeng picked up the Heavy Great Saber from the ground, identified the direction, and dashed towards the falling point of the phoenix’s remains.

Partly to reclaim the thrown halberd, and partly to deliver the final blow, ensuring Xiang Rong’s complete demise.

After all, unlike He Xiqing, the deformed black phoenix Xiang Rong transformed into possessed exaggerated vitality. Even with half its body, it nearly flew away; he truly couldn’t assure that the opponent was thoroughly dead.

Fortunately, after rushing over, he eventually saw the enormous corpse with even half its head missing, and also retrieved the exaggerated halberd he threw.

However, when Du Chengfeng turned to inspect the corpse, his brow furrowed.

"Could it... be like this?"

Gazing at the deformed corpse partially ripped open by the halberd, Du Chengfeng was astounded.

At the opening of the corpse, where flesh should have been cleanly severed, there was a human-shaped void.

Clearly, there should have been a piece of human-shaped flesh there.

Now, that piece of flesh had vanished without a trace.