With the Blade

Chapter 296: Chapter 247: Dengzhou City

The familiar aura, this situation often occurs.

The most common is the so-called "déjà vu," which is "Have I seen this somewhere before," followed by the so-called "familiar aura," which is "It feels not so unfamiliar, but I can’t quite remember"—in life, these are extremely common things, and in situations where there are important matters to attend to, these feelings are often quickly ignored.

But in the eyes of the strong, it’s a different matter.

Especially for Du Chengfeng, who in the past was only vaguely aware of this, but after coming into contact with the culture of the Yin people, he recognized the importance of the "ghost in the heart," or "subconscious"—after all, in this ghostly Idealist World, there is a situation where a "firm will can change reality."

And this means that anything capable of affecting will, or rather mindset, cannot be useless.

"There could be danger here."

After pondering for a moment, Du Chengfeng decided to give some instructions.

"It feels like the time at Taiyin Mountain, ready to erupt at any moment. If it really happens, Cui Yuan, you’re responsible for breaking through, my elder brother, you gather everyone and lead them to retreat, and you, Juster, you lead the armored cavalry to hold the formation, the armor and weapons will be given to you later. If we can’t win, sound the horn, let little Cui come to support you, and I’ll come over immediately."

"What about yourself... oh."

The words of concern had just been spoken when the folks voluntarily closed their mouths.

Obviously, the least to worry about was Du Chengfeng himself. If there’s any danger, he could actually perform better alone, whereas the convoy was more of a burden to Du Chengfeng. After all, with such a large target, no one could guarantee a few wouldn’t die.

Under Du Chengfeng’s protection for so long, they almost forgot that a normal refugee team wouldn’t last long.

"But maybe there won’t be any danger after all."

Du Chengfeng smiled, indicating to everyone not to be so tense.

"I’ll go and test the local customs first."

Saying this, he led the bandit captives toward the soldiers guarding the city gate.

Still familiar with good people and good deeds, it was also his way of judging the local customs.

What surprised him, however, was that before he could speak, some of the captured bandits had already started shouting.

"Brother! Save me! I even bought you a meal!"

"Save me! You must save me! I don’t want to die!"

"I’ll give you everything! I’ll give you everything I have hidden!"

... Huh?

Du Chengfeng immediately felt something was off as the soldiers guarding the city came over.

"Thank you, brave warrior, for capturing so many bandits... Why are you shouting! Shout again and we’ll kill you all!"

While sending a few soldiers to suppress the shouting bandit captives, the leading officer warmly shook Du Chengfeng’s hand.

"Such might and courage, truly impressive, and as Dengzhou is in dire need of talents, why don’t you rest here for now and chat with the lords?"

"Well..."

Du Chengfeng frowned slightly, the familiar aura became even more pronounced.

But unlike the real Yin people, just mimicking superficially, he couldn’t analyze where this aura felt familiar.

"I am an official of the imperial court."

After contemplating for a moment, Du Chengfeng simply took out the long-unused military ordnance officer credentials from his saddlebag.

"Do you have a post station here?"

"Yes, yes, how dare we neglect an officer."

The officer’s smile became more obsequious, his mannerisms as if truly welcoming a superior.

But it was merely an appearance.

With Du Chengfeng’s current perception, just the crossing of gazes already made him feel the faint and almost imperceptible killing intent hidden in the officer’s eyes.

Clearly, just a moment ago they were eager for talent, even inviting him in for a detailed discussion, but once he revealed his identity as a court official, they suddenly wanted him dead... Ah, it’s this feeling, how could he not be familiar with it?

"Good gracious, has Dengzhou City already revolted?"

Du Chengfeng found himself at a loss for words.

However, given the current situation, Dengzhou seems to be rebelling secretly, not openly at least, those soldiers guarding the city gates haven’t decided to kill him in broad daylight—nonetheless, this was shocking enough for Du Chengfeng, considering it’s the first state capital he’s seen raise the banner of rebellion.

As for himself, he didn’t count, his saddlebag still contained the Grand Tutor’s seal, even if the Emperor of Nan Chen came, he couldn’t overturn his case.

"Rest assured, I’m only passing through this time."

Upon realizing they were merely descendants of ordinary rebels, Du Chengfeng lost any intention of conflict. After all, Nan Chen hasn’t provided him with any grains or salary, so there’s no need to rush to suppress the rebellion for Nan Chen.

"Additionally, those behind are my... followers, accompanying me on a long journey, and after such exhausting travel..."

"Understood, understood."

Upon hearing Du Chengfeng was just passing through, the fierceness hidden in the officer’s eyes subsided again.

"Since they are the officer’s followers, they certainly won’t be mistreated."

"That’s good then."

Du Chengfeng sighed, with a few hints of lament on his face.

"Let’s go, meet your superior, I have important matters to discuss."

"This way, this way, please."

The officer’s smile grew even wider.

Although the events at Jizhou were distant, after so long, they have spread. Seeing that credential just now, the officer already guessed that this officer might not have secured a favorable position in the court, and was sent to the northwest by a mere document—calling it an appointment to sugarcoat it, or banishment, to be blunt, explaining why this officer didn’t look too pleased.

Those bandits earlier, he indeed recognized them, the largest group of mountain bandits in Songzhou, capturing them all at once demonstrated this officer’s capability. Given such talent, the Nan Chen court didn’t know to cherish, no wonder Nan Chen has fallen to such a state.

Luckily, Nan Chen doesn’t value talents, but Dengzhou needs them.

"Officer, we’ve arrived."

Saying this, the officer who led Du Chengfeng into the governor’s mansion, saluted respectfully.

"The governor is inside."

"Don’t worry."

Seeing that they hadn’t even asked him to remove his saddlebag, Du Chengfeng felt more at ease.

"I’m just here to pay a visit... huh?"

As he pushed open the door, Du Chengfeng suddenly frowned.

"Why is it you?"

Inside, Qian Yu, who was sorting through documents, also spewed out a mouthful of tea.