Chapter 280: Chapter 231: Good Days
The disturbance emerging from the grasslands army was spreading rapidly; the actions of certain powerful figures, reckless and unchecked, were bound to have substantial impacts.
Yet, the speed of message dissemination does have its limits; at least as far as Du Chengfeng is concerned, in distant Songzhou, he hasn’t heard any word. Here he is still discussing settlement issues with Liu Bolun, joyfully envisioning a future of beautiful life.
"I think Yangzhou is a nice choice."
After three days of contemplation, Liu Bolun finally shared his thoughts.
"It has mountains and waters, good environment, very livable, and the food is delicious, perfect for retirement..."
"Are you choosing mountains and foods?"
Du Chengfeng immediately retorted, although not very knowledgeable about South Chen’s geography, he at least knows that Yangzhou, pointed out by Liu Bolun, is most famous for a somewhat unique service industry.
He’s not very fond of such places of gentle allure, preferring locations with more functionality.
"If you ask me, we should go to the Northwest."
Du Chengfeng found a spot on the map.
"It also has mountains and waters, the environment is okay, land is cheap, and wide enough... I could build a martial arts training ground there, or even fence off a bigger area to have a horse track, when idle, we could practice riding and archery, keeping fit."
"... This can be built anywhere, not to mention, are you really lacking funds now?"
Even though Liu Bolun was somewhat prepared psychologically, he didn’t expect Du Chengfeng to propose such an outrageous idea.
"Forget it, ask around after returning, I’m sure the others won’t agree with you on this."
Knowing he can’t persuade Du Chengfeng, Liu Bolun planned to gather collective ideas; villagers might not agree with settling in Yangzhou, but going Northwest to brave the elements is surely something they won’t entertain.
But even before departing, Du Chengfeng had another task at hand.
He intends to send Li Da Lang back, which is why during the previous battle he ensured this person’s survival — after all, during his attempt with the Yin man’s method, he stole some cheap wine from the Li family and even kicked an old man attempting to stop him whilst in drunken stupor. Of course, after sobering up, he apologized, but felt merely saying sorry was somewhat inadequate.
Thus, Du Chengfeng plans to return the old man’s son, concluding the matter. Otherwise, carrying such indebtedness made him somewhat uneasy.
"Then shall we act separately and meet in Yizhou?"
"Alright."
Liu Bolun once again set off with the big cart, loaded with his prepared wine, while Du Chengfeng found a new war horse — initially there should have been two, but Li Da Lang hasn’t recovered these past few days; the excessive usage of his body by the Yin man Wu Zhao had indeed left substantial aftereffects, leaving the two riding one horse for now.
"But it’s not really a big deal."
On the horse, seeing Li Da Lang looking quite dejected, Du Chengfeng thought for a moment and explained a few things.
"There’s a saying ’break and then establish’, once healed from temporary damage, your body becomes tougher, like bones that become thicker after healing from a fracture... you’re a Martial Artist, should understand this principle?"
"I understand."
Li Da Lang gave a bitter smile, unsure how to respond.
He understands, as someone who practices martial arts, he naturally knows the principle of repeatedly taming the body and recovering from fatigue, leading to increasing strength — but this time, what he endured was beyond taming. His body is nearly ruined under the excessive use by that formidable figure, such severe damage, can it truly recover?
However, such issues were mere trivialities for Li Da Lang, as he remained immersed in the previous shock, unable to snap back.
He is still shaken by that strength.
Whether it’s Du Chengfeng, or the Yin man who occupied his body, he has personally experienced this; both physically and mentally, he has encountered strength that could be described as extreme.
Indeed, humans could truly be so powerful.
Indeed, the world is so vast.
"Indeed, the world is vast."
Upon hearing Li Da Lang’s sigh, Du Chengfeng patted him on the shoulder.
"But thankfully, you’re still young, there will be a day you’ll grow strong too."
"I... Thank you."
Taking a deep breath, Li Da Lang expressed gratitude towards Du Chengfeng.
Such hesitant behavior appeared a bit clingy, and Li Da Lang was someone who believes in showing gratitude not just in words, but through actions that he could undertake to repay his life-saving benefactor — but following days of traveling, seeing Li Family Village just ahead, he gradually realized, there might not be another meeting between him and his savior.
Just as the warrior named Du Chengfeng said, the world is vast.
They each have their own paths to tread.
"Alright, go home."
After handing Li Da Lang to his family, Du Chengfeng rode off to Yu Lao’er’s home.
Li Da Lang was merely compensating for an obligation, whereas Yu Lao’er was someone Du Chengfeng truly felt grateful for; although just an ordinary farmer, it was precisely due to his inspiration that Du Chengfeng could grasp a new technique.
Earlier he had only combat in mind, believing sheer power and destruction sufficed in achieving anything, yet when facing the mountains and fields, he realized that simple destruction couldn’t accomplish everything.
"Anyway, let’s have a drink, who knows when we’ll meet again."
"Alright then..."
Seeing Du Chengfeng appear once more, Yu Lao’er’s mood was somewhat mixed, despite various reasons leading his life into chaos, ultimately his days were improving.
If he could just sort out the water channel, he might find himself able to send his son to study before his grandson’s generation.
"Then strive on."
Feeling Yu Lao’er’s yearning for a better life, Du Chengfeng was quite pleased.
Indeed, this is life, not filled with battles and fighting matches, nor incessant life-and-death attempts, but simply living cautiously yet steadily, everything shall turn better eventually.
At this moment, Du Chengfeng believed so.
This compelled him to drink a few more cups.
Meanwhile, while immersed in intoxication, a figure descended from high above into the distant Yizhou City.
