Chapter 1, The Boundary of Life and Death

Cai Shang did not speak, but the overwhelming killing intent emanating from him was so palpable that it seemed one could squeeze water from it, clearly conveying to Peng Lianhu that he intended to kill

He cast a cold glance at the bodies lying intertwined around him, took a long breath, which caused a sharp pain in his wound, and his face became even more contorted

Although heaven and earth regard the living as paramount, they have not been able to prevent the living from dying; although kings and nobles consider survival as merit, they have not been able to ensure that the living are free from suffering. Cai Shang murmured this phrase by Huiyuan softly, and could not help but let out a mournful cry towards the sky.

Peng Lianhu took a deep breath and sincerely said: "This is a fact; the information comes from the spies placed in various cities. Not a single member of the general's family survived; over thirty people and nearly a hundred households were all raided."

The blood has not completely dried up; instead, it is the sky full of cold crows that appears even more fragmented. A few trees, with their leaves nearly all fallen, stand in a dim and tragic manner, accompanied by the cawing of the crows, shivering in the faint autumn breeze, tainted by the scent of blood.

Peng Lianhu is indeed a master; he knows better how to protect himself. Life is the foundation of everything. In situations where he knows something is unachievable, he would never do something foolish to the point of risking his life. That would be a waste and an insult to life. A brave person, one who dares to fight to the death, often understands the true essence of life the best

Cai felt a sense of mutual sympathy amidst his sadness, and asked in confusion: "I truly do not understand, with someone like you, why would you willingly choose to be a gold medal messenger? Although it grants you a special status and earns the respect and fear of all officials, what significance does it hold?"

The wind continues to blow, gently blowing. It stirs the hair of the person who stands slowly, the disheveled hair making the already terrifying blood-stained face even more sinister, yet it does not hinder this person from rising.

Peng Lianhu seemed to shake his head with a sense of compassion, his gaze reflecting a hint of regret as he said: "I truly find it hard to tell you the truth; you have no need to return to 'Zhengyang Pass' at all"

Cai Shang's sword has already been sheathed, though it is unclear under what circumstances and at what time this sword was placed into its scabbard. In any case, at the moment when the dazzling brilliance, which almost filled the entire world of Peng Lianhu, vanished, Cai Shang's sword was already in its sheath

What is life ultimately? How will fate unfold? The tears in Cai's eyes conjure countless clear yet distant figures before me, so familiar, so dear, yet they can only represent endless sorrow

Cai Shang swiftly dodged, and the wrapped knife was held horizontally.

On the day he was healed, he could not recall which day it was; in his mind, there were only sunrises and sunsets, devoid of any concept of time. Therefore, he did not know what day it was now. However, regardless of which day it was, he carefully wrapped the knife in his hand with that tattered flag.

All the relatives have gone, all have left, yet only a single knife remains, only one knife. Upon thinking of this, Cai Shang unexpectedly laughed heartily towards the sky

What is he thinking? What is he anticipating? Perhaps he is contemplating the beautiful realms of "Tushita Pure Land" and "Western Pure Land" as proclaimed by Dao'an and Huayan, the masters of early Chinese Buddhist history

It seems to be searching for something, is it looking for a knife? Indeed, it is looking for a knife. I do not know whose knife it is, but this knife looks very good. Well, it is just a feeling, a strong murderous intent that emanates naturally from the blade, perhaps because the blade is covered in bloodstains; a knife that can kill is a good knife

It is futile to blame anyone, as no one can change this reality. This is because no one can alter the inherent nature of human aggression and possession, unless this world truly transforms into a Western pure land—Paradise.

What startled the countless cold crows was, in fact, that bloodied hand, a hand that seemed as if it had just been pulled up from the blood.

Peng Lianhu was taken aback and said in a daze: "Our Martial Emperor is also an extraordinary master?"

The opponent's armor seems to have failed to adequately protect his chest, which cannot be considered anything but a tragedy. However, it is evident that the blade embedded in the chest of the one who has risen is the work of the heartless. Anyone can imagine what a tragic and brutal end this is, perhaps reflecting the very essence of war

If you don't come out soon, I will roast you alive, you reckless creature. There were also several loud and careless curses.

Cai felt a deep sense of sorrow and shock, as he had not anticipated the exceptional martial prowess of Peng Lianhu. It seemed that the rumors circulating outside were not unfounded. Given his own strength in the Northern Dynasties, it was nearly impossible for anyone to surpass him, except for a few limited masters within the Er Zhu family. Among his contemporaries, only Er Zhu Rong could match him. However, encountering such a formidable opponent here was unexpected. Under normal circumstances, he would have been eager to engage in battle with the other party, but at this moment, he had long lost that competitive spirit. Yet, the latent desire for combat was ignited by the overwhelming aura of blades, prompting him to snort coldly, and his blade suddenly vanished.

The martial arts skills of these two individuals were completely beyond Cai Shang's expectations; among the messengers of the Liang army, there were actually such capable fighters.

The scabbard was not far away, pressed beneath a corpse, yet this did not deter him from the thought of retrieving the scabbard

Cai Shang is neither old nor particularly handsome, yet he possesses a certain aura that emanates from his very bones, which is precisely the essence of silence, much like the tragic connotation embodied by the scattered white bones.

Peng Lianhu had no choice but to retreat; his strike had not yet been fully executed, but retreat was imperative. This was a decision devoid of alternatives; otherwise, the only outcome would be death

Cai's voice suddenly became as cold as his gaze, yet his hand trembled slightly, and he took a breath and asked: "When did this happen?"

Cai Shang did not die, but half of his heart has already perished. Having seen through the sorrows and realities of this world, it is indeed possible to feel disheartened and despondent

Whoosh, whoosh! Two powerful arrows shot through the air like lightning.

"I am not afraid of suffering losses, nor will I stay behind alone," Peng Lianhu said boldly and proudly, displaying an attitude that seemed to disregard life and death. His youthful face was filled with a peculiar vitality and charm, with wildness and fierceness fully manifested in every nerve.

The sheath is very antiquated, so much so that it resembles an artifact freshly unearthed from two thousand years ago. The faint, subtle flowing patterns reminiscent of rain flower stones cause one's heart to tremble. The heart of the injured also quivered, but not because of the flowing patterns akin to rain flower stones, rather it was due to the two large characters in ancient seal script.

The sky appeared darker, shrouded in a layer of desolate shadows, with the wings of crows everywhere; the heavens were the domain of crows, and the earth was a stage of lifeless corpses.

He knelt quietly for almost the duration of a tea break, then stood up, picked up the well-wrapped knife, and walked into the depths of the forest without looking back. The only companions he had were the large bow on his back and two quivers of arrows, which were the only items not taken by the enemy

No, it seems that there is still a body that has not completely lost its life. Since it has not lost its life, it cannot be called a corpse! Indeed, that is not a corpse; he is still alive, and it is he who startled the flock of cold crows in the sky.

Cai, feeling a pang of sadness, questioned: "Why?"

Peng Lianhu smiled faintly and said, "I am not like other messengers; my identity is free, and I can withdraw from this organization at any time, even the Emperor Wu would not care about me. However, the Emperor Wu is the most respected emperor in the world today. Working for him, I do not demand anything in return; this is simply my character"

This is only because your foundation is very solid; even if I were to exert all my strength to kill you, it would be impossible to take your life with this one strike. However, you are indeed a remarkable person, a talent, and an expert with limitless potential. I believe that one day you will surpass me

A knife is indeed a knife, and it is a manifestation of another form of life. Indeed, this knife has completely integrated all the passion and power of Cai Shang's life; only in this way can one truly be called a good swordsman

Cai Shang saw a flicker of golden light, it was a gold medal, undoubtedly so. At that moment, Cai Shang suddenly realized that these three individuals were actually messengers of the Liang Dynasty's gold medal. No wonder they were a group of maniacs more terrifying than assassins, he couldn't help but silently curse his bad luck. Unfortunately, there was no room left for escape; the only option was to kill these two individuals. However, he knew that this was definitely not a simple task. Yet, he was aware of one thing: they were carrying out the most critical mission and would not entangle themselves with him.

Indeed, it is very exhausting. Finding so many dry branches and sticks is not an easy task, especially for Cai Shang. Even his chest has started to ooze blood again; after all, his injuries are too severe, and he no longer has the strength to walk far. Therefore, he can only spend what may be a long period of time in this relatively dry cave, accompanied by this sorrowful solitude. Fortunately, each deceased person carries a small amount of provisions, at least those of the soldiers he led do. The rations from these deceased are enough for him to eat heartily for a month. With a month’s time, he is confident he can recover. However, what changes will occur in the outside world? In this chaotic era of war, indeed, no one dares to imagine what tomorrow will bring.

Very well. You are indeed a worthy opponent; there are not many opponents in this world who can be appreciated, and you can be counted as one. I will let you truly experience the swordsmanship of my Northern Dynasty.

"Yellow Sea, you cannot escape. Do not think that hiding for over ten days will allow you to evade our watch. How naive and laughable you are." The sound of barking was followed by a triumphant and harsh shout.

Haha ... ... good, this doesn't sound like a sentence! Peng Lianhu said with a smile instead of anger

Peng Lianhu smiled and replied: "My master is an eccentric person. He does not care for superficial fame. Although the Martial Emperor treats him like a brother, he always sees himself as a commoner, disliking anyone who adds titles to him. We can only refer to him by his name, to remind him that he is still the same as he was before. He also does not wish for us to address him as master and disciple, yet he will always be our master"

Cai Shang found it somewhat strange, unable to believe that Peng Lianhu would directly address his own master by name, displaying a look of surprise on his face

Ding, ding! Both arrows struck the scabbard, and Cai Shang was somewhat astonished, secretly relieved that he had managed to kill one of his opponents right from the start; otherwise, he truly would not have known how to deal with that third arrow

"Hmph, I never expected that the esteemed General Cai would hide in the shadows and launch a sneak attack. It is truly disappointing." The person who first recognized Cai Shang actually displayed a look of disappointment.

There is no room for retreat; what remains must be close combat, for the two individuals have already charged over on horseback. If one were to use a bow, there would absolutely be no time to shoot a second arrow.

Cai Shang glanced at the knife in his hand with a hint of pride and said in a rather indifferent tone: "Chang Yizhi does not have that capability yet"

It is not a heart-wrenching wail, nor a faint sobbing; the sound of crying is not very loud. However, the gaze directed towards the sky, filled with despair, deep affection, and painful indignation, combined with the shape of the mouth that quivers in low cries, profoundly conveys the sorrow within Cai that could make the sun weep.

It is unknown how many people's blood has been used to forge this blade, yet at this moment, the knife is not employed for killing, but rather as a support, leaning on it like a cane, propping up a body that is not very tall, yet extraordinarily tragic.

That was precisely the knife of Cai Shang, which vanished without a trace. His knife, at an incomprehensible angle and arc, surprisingly slid out from beneath his own hips. This was considered by nearly all knife wielders to be a dead angle for striking, yet Cai Shang's knife miraculously struck from this very dead angle.

Everything seemed to be within Cai Shang's expectations, amidst a cold smile, a blood-red flame-like remnant rose from the ground

My master is Zheng Boqin!" Peng Lianhu said casually, mentioning a name.

"Are you Peng Lianhu?" Cai Shang said with some surprise, for he had heard half a year ago that a young swordsman had emerged in the Liang Dynasty, who was almost invincible in battle, yet he did not expect that he had become the gold medal messenger of the Liang Dynasty

What resonates the most is still Cai Shang, as he stands at the forefront of that surging and tumultuous momentum

This may be one of the reasons he is still alive, but such depth is not something an ordinary person can endure. Even more terrifying are the other wounds on his body, which have torn open most of the armor, resulting in a kind of eternal brutality. Blood continues to flow, but after being clogged by the dirt it has come into contact with, much of the precious blood has been obstructed. Yet he is still alive, which can only be described as a miracle.

The second rider unexpectedly leaped off the horse, using the rapid momentum of the steed and the weight of his own body to pounce towards Cai Shang, resembling a giant eagle swooping down on a vulnerable rabbit

"Is what you said true?" Cai's eyes were filled with a murderous intent, his gaze like two icy blades, firmly piercing into Peng Lianhu's face, yet his words trembled slightly

I, Peng Lianhu, have learned today that there truly no longer exist any genuine heroes in this world, no matter how high one's swordsmanship may be. Very well, let me visit https://m.hetushu.com to experience the renowned swordsman of the Northern Wei. " The messenger who first attacked Cai Shang said indifferently.

Thank you!" The two words finally escaped from Cai Shang's mouth, but the sorrow and indignation contained within them caused a sharp pain in Peng Lianhu's heart

He has changed, becoming like a maple tree in the autumn wind, able to express only silence, as silent as his blade

This is a heart-wrenching month, and what saddens Cai are those wolves and the lifeless corpses.

Peng Lianhu cautiously surveyed the surrounding tranquil mountains and forests, a strange feeling rising in his heart

A chill and sorrow rose from the depths of Peng Lianhu's heart, a chill born from Cai Shang's gaze and sorrow stemming from Cai Shang's plight, yet at this moment, there were no words left to comfort each other

In an instant, the heavens and the earth seemed to draw this incomparably brilliant blade light into a world of tranquility and deathly silence. At least that was the sensation of Cai Shang and Peng Lianhu; their sense of hearing seemed to have completely lost its function, and the entire world transformed into a spectacle of infinite outward scattering.

Peng Lianhu obviously did not die; a dead person would never pay attention to where others' knives are. However, Peng Lianhu was injured, with a shallow, thin, diagonal knife mark on his chest, which is a minor injury. But if this knife had been three-tenths deeper, it might have allowed others to see the heart through the crack of the wound, or perhaps the heart would have already been cut open.

The blade's radiance continuously scattered in Peng Lianhu's eyes, expanding and transforming, creating a tragic beauty reminiscent of blooming red azaleas and a dynamic sense of life

Alive, he is the only one, at least so far, he is the only one who has gotten up

Peng Lianhu certainly did not wish to die, so he had no choice but to retreat, taking advantage of the fact that Cai Shang's momentum had not yet completely enveloped him, retreating at a speed faster than that of drawing a knife.

Suddenly, the cold crows on the ground took flight in a flurry, causing even the timid crows to soar into the sky.

Those who were once brothers, born and died on the battlefield, have, in this past month, helplessly watched as wolves and crows devoured their flesh, leaving only bare bones. How tragic this is! How heart-wrenching!

Unfortunately, it has turned into a golden messenger, becoming a pawn for others. Cai disdainfully remarked

The blade, faintly glimmering with traces of blood, naturally emanated a terrifying aura of killing intent. Coupled with Cai Shang's intense murderous intent, the air in the mountains and forests became heavy.

Only the sword can determine everything, at least in this contest, the sword holds such an important position and role

The blue sky, the faint white clouds, the birds singing gently, the wind blowing with the unique colors of autumn, and yet Cai's sorrowful eyes suddenly became as deep as the invisible cold stars in the depths of the sky, seemingly a kind of enlightenment about life, but he did not utter a word; all of it was superfluous, for no language is more vivid than silence

Cai Shang remained motionless, as still as a slumbering snow-capped mountain, with not a trace of movement or change in his gaze, staring blankly at Peng Lianhu, resembling a stone sculpture that had been fixed in place for a thousand years

Cai Shang smiled faintly and said: "You are quite straightforward. In fact, in this world, there are countless individuals who are more formidable than I am. Your Martial Emperor Xiao Yan is already an extraordinary master; I fear that there are not many who could surpass him. You should set your sights even higher."

Five individuals are holding five ferocious-looking black dogs, who are restlessly scratching at the ground with their paws, displaying a sense of impatience. Additionally, five others are surrounding a dark cave, forming a curved line amidst the weeds, gripping the handles of their knives, appearing as if they are facing a formidable enemy, with their full attention focused on the dark entrance of the cave, as if a fierce tiger could emerge from it at any moment. Furthermore, five individuals are surrounding a dark cave, forming a curved line amidst the weeds, gripping the handles of their knives, appearing as if they are facing a formidable enemy, with their full attention focused on the dark entrance of the cave, as if a fierce tiger could emerge from it at any moment

Cai Shang is certainly not a weak opponent; at the very least, he shows no mercy to his enemies. The knife has ultimately been drawn, yet the opponent's momentum is even more ferocious

There were not many horses, only three riders. He immediately recognized that these were messengers from the Liang army. In fact, he had already discerned that there were only three riders, so he had prepared his feathered arrows. As long as they were not his own men, he would seize one of their horses to conserve his own strength. What puzzled him was how these Liang soldiers knew such shortcuts through the mountains and forests. However, he no longer needed to ponder this, as the first rider had already entered his range.

The knife wrapped in the flag lay across the small grave, resembling an offering, while Cai's injury resembled a tombstone, its upright form and somewhat tattered clothing wrinkled into an eternal sense of desolation

The warhorse let out a low whinny, as if expressing a sense of unease, which startled Peng Lianhu, who was immersed in a sorrowful mood.

The sound of "Woof Woof ... ... " turned out to be the frenzied barking of a group of dogs

Cai Shang does not dare to hope that anyone can pass through here. In this area of several hundred miles, there may be fewer than a hundred households, all because of the war. This is indeed a kind of sorrow; there is no stable life, and one does not even know where home is. Constantly worrying about the safety of life and the issue of basic sustenance is how painful and tragic it is

He revealed a smile that was more unsightly than crying, yet he was already too weak to laugh out loud or to cry out, perhaps fearing to disturb the loyal souls that had perished around him

Peng Lianhu could not grasp that kind of change, but it was true that Cai Shang had indeed transformed into another person, a person as profound as the unfathomable depths of a deep pool of water

"Very good!" Peng Lianhu praised.

The wind remains gentle, still soft, merely blowing the rising light smoke at a slight angle, resembling the curved waists of women. That faint shadow can actually merge with the bloodstains on the ground that have already flowed into streams! This may be a coincidence, a tragic coincidence

What kind of martial art is this? What kind of sword technique is this? No one knows, not even Cai Shang. Although it was a strike that emerged from a blind spot, Cai Shang felt a certain sensation, a manifestation of boundless explosive vitality. In his heart, he understood that this might not be called a move, nor could it be classified as any sword technique; it was merely an expression of the charm of life and the wild exuberance of vitality.

The blade's aura seems intent on tearing apart the garments, forming swirling vortices upon the skin

That is Peng Lianhu's knife

The gold medal messenger who flipped in the air was not in a good position either; the recoil from Cai's injury nearly caused him to feel lightheaded.

In the world, the most formidable force is not the act of killing, but the intense surge of life. This powerful vitality can annihilate all forms of life, much like a person who has consumed a thousand pounds of rice from hetushucom.com; either it is impossible, or it leads to a dead end. Everything has its limits, and the side effects produced by exceeding those limits are far more destructive than the damage caused by not reaching them.

"General Cai, you must take care of yourself. A person who has died cannot be brought back to life. As long as the green mountains remain, there is no fear of not having firewood to burn. Your health is of utmost importance," sighed Peng Lianhu softly.

"Who is your master?" Cai Shang asked, his voice softening somewhat.

The crows flew in circles, perhaps fearing the murderous aura of this blade, they did not dare to approach the corpse lying beside the knife

Thank you for your mercy, I have still lost. Peng Lianhu's eyes showed no sorrow, but rather an indescribable sense of gratitude and respect. His complexion was somewhat pale, clearly indicating that the thrilling scene from earlier had left a deep and profound impression in his heart

The cold crows danced chaotically, causing a commotion in the sky, while sunlight filtered through the gaps in the crows' wings, casting dappled spots of light.

Peng Lianhu's complexion was extremely poor. Although Cai Shang's strike appeared no different from the previous one he had intercepted, he could clearly sense that the opponent's blade energy and fighting spirit had pierced through the layers of his own closed, tumultuous defenses, entering the space most affected by him. This posed an unimaginable threat to him. He had never anticipated that someone could strike from such an angle. In his eyes, his master was already the best, and he was almost catching up to his master, showing signs of surpassing him. However, Cai Shang's blade was indeed terrifying.

Cai Shang stood quietly like a tall tree, this was Peng Lianhu's impression, contrasting sharply with the earlier image of Cai Shang, who had wildly radiated the charm of life, almost presenting two extreme personas. Undeniably, he possessed a uniquely captivating allure, a tranquility akin to a deep lake, which almost led one to question whether he was a formidable master capable of instilling fear in even the fiercest of tigers

Half a month ago, the news only reached me a few days ago. Peng Lianhu, pressured by Cai's imposing presence, hurriedly responded

Cai Shang was taken aback, not expecting Peng Lianhu's reaction to be like this. Deep down, he faintly sensed that this gold medal messenger was indeed quite special

"Cai Shang, you are not dead yet?" the messenger, who had exchanged a blow with Cai Shang, fell heavily to the ground and asked in astonishment

Although Tsai's injury from this knife did not achieve such an effect, it is undeniably the most terrifying offensive.

It is unknown how many layers were bandaged, but it was very tight, and the true appearance of the blade could not be discerned. The blood-stained armor was solemnly folded by him, and then he dug a pit—not a very large one—next to the shallow graves of several soldiers he had buried with his own hands. He gently placed the folded armor into the pit, seemingly filled with sorrow, as his action of covering it with soil was so profound and gentle, as if he feared to disturb a tragic dream. Yet, the armor was ultimately buried in the ground.

In this world, there are not many genuine emotions that can truly move people, yet Cai Shang's unpretentious display of sincere feelings can undoubtedly resonate deeply with the heart.

The world is one family; I reside in the Northern Dynasty, and thus I practice the swordsmanship of the Northern Dynasty. This has nothing to do with ethnicity. Cai Shang was somewhat stubborn

The wind is gently blowing, and the pine trees in the forest rustle softly. This is a melody of lamentation, a feeling that resonates in Peng Lianhu's ears; perhaps they too understand this profoundly genuine, pure, and sorrowful emotion

Peng Lianhu was taken aback; no one expected Cai Shang to actually be in the mood to laugh. However, from the very beginning, he had deeply understood the feelings of sorrow, indignation, and pain contained within that laughter.

When the sound of the bowstring reached the ears, the first rider's throat had already acquired an additional item, which was an arrow.

A true master is not merely a common man; they do not seek to display the bravado of a commoner. The ability to be flexible and adaptable is what truly makes a person a master, allowing them to live freely and to have the opportunity to learn from their experiences, thereby enabling them to surpass their own limitations

The opened eyes carried a look of pain and sorrow, which is the only gift that war can bestow upon a soldier

No one knows whether he will die in the next moment; those things are not important. What matters is this moment, he is still alive, and beside him lies a heart that has already turned cold, a human heart, blood-red and terrifying. That belongs to the person whose chest lies cracked beside him, just moments ago it was his hand that wielded the knife, casually bringing out the spoils from the other’s chest.

Oh! The gold medal messenger seemed somewhat surprised that Cai Shang was able to evade his strike

Oh, I see. Zheng Boqin is indeed a remarkable figure. A few years ago, it was he who killed Emperor Xiao Baorong of Qi, gaining fame throughout the world. I did not expect that you would be such a disciple of his. It seems the rumors are not unfounded. The Ge Rong he encountered is indeed my own junior disciple.

The injured person, dragging their heavy footsteps, pulled out the only sheath that could match this knife from beneath the weighty corpse

This knife has followed him for more than ten years. Though people can become numb in the face of the brutal battlefield, deep down, there remains a trace of warmth. In this world, where human feelings are thin, and the realities are harsh and cruel, the only true friend is this knife, a knife that has unknowingly drunk the blood of many.

"Junior brother, you may leave first. If I do not arrive within a day, it means I have already died at the hands of General Cai. There is no need for you to feel sorrow for me," Peng Lianhu said淡淡地向冉长江道.

Yes, he wants to kill, but it is not Peng Lianhu he intends to kill, rather it is the place from which that pack of barking dogs emanates, seemingly the enemies of a thousand generations.

Cai's laughter grew fainter and fainter, like a lone wolf lost in the desert

A sense of ominous premonition rose in Cai's heart, and it was at this moment that a shimmering barrier appeared before his eyes

Blood, merely congealed into a string of fine droplets outside the knife marks, has not flowed down, yet the clothing bears a slight red hue, for there is no garment that blood cannot stain red

Today is a very nice day, even Cai Shang cannot deny this fact

The knife had unexpectedly vanished, disappearing at this most critical moment. The astonishment in Peng Lianhu's heart was beyond words, yet his knife had to strike. When facing the enemy, there could be absolutely no trace of tenderness, nor any hint of hesitation. Life, in the midst of a contest between masters, reveals its brilliance and charm in the blink of an eye; this is an unchangeable fact. Therefore, despite his astonishment, Peng Lianhu still drew his knife with the utmost speed

The brilliance, akin to a fading rainbow and a desolate sunset, creates an incredibly romantic and wild atmosphere in the tranquil space

He indeed did not bury this knife, just like his own existence. In fact, when he first held the knife in his hand at the age of ten, he knew that he would never be buried. But in the end, what has it all amounted to? He felt somewhat confused. Is it true that life can only fully manifest its value in this endless war? Is the only mission of a person to end the lives of others? He felt somewhat confused. Is it true that life can only fully manifest its value in this endless war? Is the only mission of a person to end the lives of others?

The world returned to complete silence and the tranquility it rightfully deserves in an instant

Cai Shang's figure swiftly retreated, his feet lightly touching the double poles behind him, skillfully evading this incredibly fierce strike at an angle

The cave was relatively dry, yet it appeared somewhat dark. However, having a place to rest was not too bad. The smell of smoke in the cave had not completely dissipated. Had he known that there were no venomous snakes or fierce beasts inside, he would not have gone to such lengths to use smoke, Cai Shang thought to himself

In the blink of an eye, he thought of a person, someone his master had once mentioned, a person capable of striking from the blind spot, but he had no time to recall who that person was, as Cai Shang's blade momentum had almost completely suppressed him

Recalling that at the age of 13, I used this knife to kill the bandit Black Wind, and at 15, I conquered the bandits of the Taihang Mountains with this same knife. Yet, after more than a decade of a military life, I have ended up in such a state, suffering not only from knife wounds but also bearing a heavy heart.

The clash of two blades resonated in the air, a remarkable convergence that was no mere coincidence. Cai Shang had completely mastered the trajectory of Peng Lianhu's blade. Although there was a slight gap in their minds, at the moment of the opponent's blade wind and body, he had fully entered another realm. This was an innate instinct of a master, where the true resilience of a person's life could be demonstrated between life and death. Moreover, Cai Shang employed the principle of responding to change with constancy, for he knew that in terms of strength, he would not be inferior to his opponent.

Cai Shang smiled faintly and said: "Xiao Yan is indeed an extraordinary person, talented in many areas. His mastery of the Six Arts is evident, and he has achieved a distinguished status. His skills in Yin-Yang, Wei-Hou, divination, grass script, fortune-telling, letter writing, and archery are all remarkable, enabling the Liang Dynasty to possess all five rites, with elegant music in harmony, a flourishing Confucianism, and a rich blend of literature and history. For hundreds of years, there has been no one like him. More importantly, Xiao Yan rose to prominence through military achievements. While one person alone cannot change the course of a battle, it is clear to all that he is undoubtedly a master of unparalleled skill. Ten years ago, he had a confrontation with General Yu Wenfu of our dynasty in Pengcheng. Yu Wenfu rarely speaks lightly of others, and he is even less inclined to admit that someone is superior to him. However, whenever he mentions Xiao Yan, his expression always reveals an unnatural discomfort. A discerning person can easily see that, although he suffered a significant defeat at the hands of Xiao Yan and Cui Huijing in Pengcheng, he did not gain any advantage over Xiao Yan. Yu Wenfu is certainly not inferior to me, and thus Xiao Yan is undoubtedly a master, of that there is no doubt."

In this past month, he has contemplated a great deal, never before has he thought so earnestly, nor has he ever pondered the questions of life's transience and the meaning of existence while witnessing death as he has in this month.

Cai Shang seemed to have returned to reality from another world, and his transformation appeared quite sudden; in an instant, he regained a chilling calmness that was unsettling.

Indeed impressive!" Peng Lianhu exclaimed in a low voice, followed by a long howl, as the blade surged forth like a raging tide.

Peng Lianhu's body trembled, and the brilliance in his eyes became even more intense and wild, like a rooster encountering a formidable opponent for the first time; he could not have imagined that the other party was so formidable.

"No wonder. By the way, General Cai, I advise you not to return to Zhengyang Pass." Peng Lianhu said hesitantly

"I never expected that this mountain path would have people passing through," Cai said to himself, while quickly shrinking his body behind a not very dense thicket, waiting like a magical leopard for the prey to pass by, his gaze fixed and unblinking on the other end of the small mountain path

With a clang, Cai's body staggered slightly, yet he could not evade the full-force strike from the second gold medal messenger. However, it did not injure him; instead, it caused his sword to be drawn from its sheath

Peng Lianhu looked like a dazed otter, completely at a loss for how to comfort or say anything. Gazing at Cai Shang's heart-wrenching and gut-wrenching expression, all words seemed so pale and powerless, a sorrow that no language could alleviate or replace

Cai Shang looked at Peng Lianhu in astonishment, as if he were examining a monster, and said with a faint smile: "Do you not feel that you are at a disadvantage?"

He understood very well who was behind the mischief. After all, he was a Han person, and within the Tuoba family, he had always been just a servant. He missed Emperor Xiaowen somewhat, but unfortunately, he had not completed his great undertaking before passing away. At this moment, he did not want to disturb the Liang army, as that would be the least ideal course of action. Therefore, he had to take the mountain path, the more remote the better. The place he wanted to go was Fengtai, bypassing Zhengyang Pass. What he most wanted to do now was to let the warmth of home and the gentle touch of his wife's hand soothe the wounds in his heart.

The wind continues to blow gently, occasionally a solitary maple leaf or two twirls in farewell to the branches that nurtured its maturity

These three riders seem to be exceptionally skilled at coordination. The angles chosen by the two arrows indeed create a sense of helplessness in dealing with them. Through these two angles, Cai Shang thought of a third angle, which is definitely not an easy one to handle. Cai Shang was almost certain that if the first rider did not die, he would be the one to take on the role of the archer at that angle

The bloodstains seemed to have congealed on his face into a form of eternal sorrow, the tightly fitted armor had lost its original color, leaving only a patch of crimson, so red that it was somewhat blinding! It was his own blood, as well as the blood of others, and on that crimson armor was embedded a blade, seemingly not very deep, at least half of the blade still remained outside his body

Peng Lianhu knew that Cai Shang had misunderstood him, and hurriedly explained: "My master encountered a young expert named Ge Rong three years ago, whose angle of attack was very similar to that of General Cai. I suspect there may be a connection to General Cai, which is why I asked this question"

The sound of rapid hoofbeats echoed from afar, shattering the natural tranquility that had enveloped the serene mountains and forests.

Thank you very much for holding me in such high regard; I will certainly remember your words well. You are my goal, and if given the opportunity, I would like to seek your guidance. Peng Lianhu, amidst his admiration, still spoke with a hint of pride, as if he were not the one who had just been wounded.

Cai Shang indeed admires Peng Lianhu for being able to make such a quick response and decisive choice in such a short period of time, but admiration is one thing, and what determines fate is the knife

"Senior brother, let us together take him down and bring him to King Linchuan," Ran Changjiang said, glaring fiercely at Cai Shang.

Cai Shang looked at Peng Lianhu with suspicion and coldly replied: "How would you know Ge Rong?"

Indeed, this is my junior disciple Ran Changjiang. I did not expect General Cai to have heard of my name, and I am very pleased. Being able to challenge a higher opponent is my greatest wish, Peng Lianhu. Peng Lianhu's eyes radiated a fervent light, yet his voice was remarkably calm, allowing one to distinctly sense that deep within him lay a still pool of water.

In this hellish slaughterhouse of a world, that bloodied hand indeed appears somewhat frail and weak, as it slowly moves its trembling body across the ground

Cai's action of drawing the bow was so swift that the splendid arc, reminiscent of a full moon, created an illusion for the onlookers

Ding! The second horseman unexpectedly sliced through the seemingly phantom arrow with his sword, while the third rider had already concealed himself beneath the horse's belly

Peng Lianhu hesitated for a moment and said softly: "General, you must take care to grieve and adapt to the changes. I have received news that due to your defeat, and with the support of the Yiluzhu family behind the scenes, Tuoba Yuange will have all your family members put to death."

This is Peng Lianhu's knife, but even more splendid and terrifying is Cai Shang's knife, resembling a broken rainbow and a sunset, illuminating a scene of tragic beauty and bloodshed in the void

As the screams of agony reached Cai Shang's ears, he also heard two shouts of anger, coinciding with the second twang of his bowstring.

"Are you Cai Shang?" The first messenger, upon seeing the knife that faintly glimmered with traces of blood, asked in astonishment, while the knife in his hand also became exceedingly heavy.

In this world, how many upright individuals can live for a long time? Today, I, Cai Shang, have taught you a lesson; all of this is what the secular world has taught us: survival of the fittest! Cai Shang said coldly.

Cai Shang did not respond, but instead increased his speed to the limit, gliding towards the place where the dog was barking like a phantom, without even turning his head back.

There will absolutely be no hard-hearted person who is not moved, and there will absolutely be no one who does not understand Cai Shang's feelings. Peng Lianhu has never shed a tear, not even at the moment his father was beaten to death or when his mother passed away from illness. Yet at this moment, tears could not help but fall, driven by the whip of sorrow and sighs, sliding down from the corners of his eyes, because he deeply understood the profound feelings that Cai Shang held for his loved ones, feelings so deep that they could completely disregard the ocean.

The blade is excellent, the techniques even more so, and no one would dare to doubt his momentum and skill in seizing the moment.

"Do you not understand my temper?" Peng Lianhu said somewhat unhappily

It is said that a man should not shed tears lightly, yet Cai weeps unabashedly in front of another man, and no one finds it amusing, absolutely no one, not even the most ignorant child would find such behavior laughable, for as long as there is life, one can feel the emotions contained within that cry

The ground endured a powerful strike, with soil and grass exploding outward, demonstrating its terrifying lethality

Cai knelt heavily down, right in front of the small grave where the battle armor was buried, so devoutly, so sorrowfully, that tears seemed to glimmer within.

Tears could not help but well up, two streams, very clear, very clear, as they slid down the cheeks, Cai Shang's low, lingering sound transformed from laughter, filled with grief, sorrow, anguish, desolation, pain, and heartbreak, into cries

Cai Shang's blade light surged and shot forth like fireworks, and Peng Lianhu let out a muffled groan, a very heavy groan

That is the calligraphy of his master, and it is also his name, which is not a very pleasant name—"Cai Shang." That year, when his master gave him this knife, he was only ten years old. Yet it was at that moment that he understood that from then on, Cai Shang would never part with this knife. This knife is his life; he must cherish it as he cherishes his own life. Because his name is engraved on the sheath, he cannot let this knife be forgotten.

Ran Changjiang seemed to hold great respect for this senior brother, and no longer spoke. He simply turned over and mounted his horse, shot a cold glare at Cai Shang, and said淡淡地道: "I know what to say, senior brother, please rest assured"

The grass in the mouth of the cave has not completely withered, providing just the right cover for the existence of this cave. What remains is to go into the forest to gather a pile of fallen leaves and dry grass, and then borrow that somewhat tattered flag to create a relatively comfortable bed. More importantly, it is necessary to search for some herbs; in this world with only one seriously injured person, everything seems so difficult and arduous.

The barking of the dog grew louder, yet the direction was already clearly etched in the minds of the two individuals

The laughter startled all the birds resting in the forest, causing them to flap their wings and soar into the blue sky. In the mountains and woods, the only sound left was the echo, more sorrowful than the laughter, resonating in response, and there was also the gentle rustle of the pine trees.

One of his legs remained kneeling on the ground, and it seemed that a single knife was still insufficient to fully support his body. After all, the fact that he was able to survive was already quite a miracle

Peng Lianhu seemed to have an epiphany in his heart, hurriedly securing his warhorse, and galloping after Cai Shang towards the place where the dogs were barking. He had only sustained a minor flesh wound, and there was no significant harm, not even the slightest hindrance. Deep down, he truly felt grateful for Cai Shang's mercy in sparing his life with that one strike; otherwise, he might have faced certain death.

They were a group of individuals with bloated faces, and just by looking at each person's bloodshot eyes, one could tell that the weapons at their waists had undoubtedly tasted a great deal of blood

Today I have gained some more insights, I used to think that Emperor Wu was a great Confucian..." At this point, Peng Lianhu smiled awkwardly and asked in confusion, "May I ask what the relationship is between General Cai and Ge Rong?"

General Cai!" Peng Lianhu exclaimed in astonishment

Along the way, Liang Jun set up many checkpoints. Xiao Hong was indeed determined to launch a northern expedition. Cai felt a sense of amusement, finding it laughable that Emperor Wu of Liang, Xiao Yan, was truly confused and foolish, as he actually appointed such a timid and fearful person as the commander. However, there was a hint of bitterness in his heart; he felt he had no right to laugh, having been defeated at the hands of Chang Yizhi. Although he was isolated and without support, he ultimately faced defeat. He harbored some resentment towards the court, as they clearly had the capability to send troops for rescue but chose not to deploy them. This was indeed a source of pain and disappointment for him.

"You are Han, you should not use the sword techniques of the Northern Dynasties, but rather the sword techniques of my Han people," Peng Lianhu said coldly

This is Cai Shang's knife; in fact, Cai Shang's knife is not merely this. Cai Shang's knife is omnipresent and all-encompassing, much like the mournful autumn wind that permeates every inch of space in the sky

Cai Shang stood silently in the wind, like a withered tree

On the ground, there still lay bodies in various states of death, and there were others like him, half-standing; those were the flag bearers, who had not fallen, yet seemed to stand as an eternal monument.