Chapter 131: Chapter 118: To Become an Immortal, Ride the Crane to Heaven (Part 2)

In the end, on one side is the weighty reality, on the other is the visible shortcut. Who can refuse such temptation?

Even if this temptation would drive people mad, it doesn’t matter. After all, madness is a matter for the future, while the gains from the shortcut are right in front of one’s eyes.

"Therefore, there must be law and order, to let people know that killing comes with a severe price."

Seeing that Du Chengfeng had understood, Liu Bolun nodded.

"As for those who have killed and are stained with Evil Qi, they should be executed as a deterrent. Firstly, to fulfill the saying ’a life for a life’, to gain public trust, and secondly, to prevent them from continuing their crimes until it turns into something unspeakable."

"Hmm..."

This time, Du Chengfeng understood.

If one cannot maintain their inner integrity and lets the Evil Qi invade, they will become a killing maniac. Even if it reaches the point of Evil Qi externalization, once their consciousness becomes scattered, the Evil Qi will instantly transform them into a monster — both situations signify significant public security incidents, especially the latter, where such a monster can strengthen itself through killing, posing a moving disaster.

"This is also why Capturers responsible for security hold a status in Da Chen comparable to War Soldiers... Of course, it’s different in the Northern Mountain Dao, where everyone carries weapons, making it difficult for Capturers to enforce the law since they can’t arrest everyone."

At this point, Liu Bolun paused.

"But starting from the Southern Mountain Dao, it’s different. The Capturers here are even fiercer than War Soldiers, so brother, you better watch yourself and stop claiming you’re a rebel."

"What do you mean I’m a rebel? How can you falsely accuse me out of thin air?"

Du Chengfeng immediately stood his ground.

"You saw it yourself, that Qi Jinshan, Duke Qi, died fighting valiantly. What does it have to do with me?"

"You..."

Liu Bolun was left speechless by Du Chengfeng’s shamelessness.

But indeed, that’s what happened. At the underground arsenal in Yanzhou, only the three of them were present. Now that Qi Jinshan is dead, and given his own status as a fleeing official, he can’t reveal himself. This directly means that as long as Du Chengfeng doesn’t admit it, no one knows he’s a rebel.

"Anyway, be careful. This can’t be hidden for long. Once the imperial army arrives at the front line, they will eventually find out it was your doing."

"No, they won’t. I already cremated Duke Qi’s body, but unfortunately, I left the ashes in the city... Ah, those prairie people are too cruel!"

Du Chengfeng shook his head continuously, causing the nearby prairie military general Zhihu to twitch his eyelid.

As a surrendered captive, he witnessed firsthand what that so-called cremation actually was. If burning a body to ash with a single blade could count as cremation... How can this be blamed on the prairie people?

Incredible, truly incredible, this level of shamelessness is identical to those tribal leaders!

Such a person is destined to be a leader! These surrendered soldiers are following the right person!

"Enough, let’s get back to business."

Seeing the topic straying farther, Liu Bolun shook his head.

"Anyway, there’s definitely something wrong with this Mountain God Temple. Trying to let ordinary people be exposed to Evil Qi, what are they up to? This is opposing the government and the court. I think we should go to the county office... never mind, forget I said that."

As soon as the words left his mouth, Liu Bolun realized, should he report it, he might be the first to be caught.

Besides, with such a big spectacle at the Mountain God Temple, is the Yi County office truly blind?

As outsiders, it’s important to learn to adapt to local customs. If this mutual understanding is really broken, no one would look good.

"Ah, this Da Chen..."

With a sigh, Liu Bolun returned to the wagon to drink again.

Better to get drunk; with inebriation comes muddled thoughts, saving him from thinking too much.

"So I’m planning to go learn a bit, and by the way, freeload a few meals to conserve our food supplies."

Saying this, Du Chengfeng shared some food.

"Anyone want to join?"

"I do!"

Seeing Du Chengfeng ready to go, Carpenter Li simply raised his hand.

"Brother Du, count me in."

"I’ll go too."

Even Cui Yuan, who had been in his own world, raised his head.

"Since Mr. Du believes there is merit in the methods of this Mountain God Temple, I should also go to check it out."

"I’ll, I’ll go too..."

Having already downed half a jar of wine, Liu Bolun also raised a foot.

"Since you’re all going, what’s the point of me staying behind? I won’t do this, I’m going too."

"I’m going too!"

Prairie military general Zhihu also stood up.

"I..."

"What are you going for?"

Du Chengfeng instantly widened his eyes.

It’s expected for everyone to be curious, but what’s this prairie guy stirring into the mix?

"I’ve always admired Wanghua... Don’t hit me! I’m speaking the truth!"

Seeing Du Chengfeng reaching into the saddle bag for a weapon, Zhihu shrank his neck.

The truth hurts; these prairie people aren’t fit to remain in the group alone. It’s fine when Du Chengfeng is around, as they have some status as surrendered soldiers. But if Du Chengfeng’s not there... whether it’s refugees attacking them or them fighting back, no one can say.

After all, it was the fear of prairie warriors that led them to abandon their homes and become refugees; who can truly have positive feelings for prairie people?

"Well... let’s all go up the mountain together then."

With a sigh, Du Chengfeng waved at the two boys guarding the grain wagon at the mountain gate, signaling them to count the tuition for these over three hundred prairie armors and charge it to his account.

And those prairie armors, led by Zhihu, lowered their heads.

This is perhaps why they are willing to follow this fire-blade warrior. A powerful leader might make them submit, a cunning leader might earn their acceptance, but a leader willing to consider their feelings...

They had never seen one before.

"Then let’s all go."

Seeing everyone eager to go, Yang Xuan, the elderly man, simply gave in.

"Anyway, I’ve seen many fellow villagers tempted. If you all want to go, then let’s all go together. But don’t say I didn’t warn you, those people at the Mountain God Temple don’t really seem like good people."

"That doesn’t matter, we’re not exactly good people either."

Du Chengfeng couldn’t help but laugh.

After having the prairie armors take off their armor, Du Chengfeng led a group to find the young monk carrying the Magic Sword.

Seeing a group of fierce men with weapons at their waists walking towards them, the young adults from the Mountain God Temple instantly went on alert—if not for the young monk maintaining order, they might have cowardly fled on the spot.

"Why flee? These are righteous warriors escorting the people. Without them, could these people reach our Yiyang safely?"

After reprimanding the young adults briefly, the young monk turned to Du Chengfeng’s group with a bow.

"We humble folks are inexperienced; forgive us for the embarrassment... So, are you all hoping to go into the mountain and learn the Immortal’s Strange Technique?"

"Indeed, it does trouble this Immortal elder."

Saying this, Du Chengfeng motioned, and the villagers of Yang Family Fortress brought forth the grain wagon, which was their tuition fee.

After handing over the fee, the young monk summoned his people to lead the group of refugees into the mountain. Meanwhile, Du Chengfeng’s group followed a guide and passed by the young monk.

At this moment, Du Chengfeng reached out and brushed against the golden-armored deity next to the young monk.

"Hmm?"

With just a brush, Du Chengfeng’s eyes suddenly widened.

The sensation he felt was not illusory.

The armor plates on that golden-armored deity felt indistinguishable from real steel.