Chapter 2, I have arrived

Leaning against a large tree to regulate his breath and restore his energy, Jiang Feng allowed his body to gradually relax

Gently raising my head and taking a glance, the reeds swaying with the wind along the riverbank are undoubtedly the best hiding place. The reed bed is not wide, and it is impossible for me to remain concealed here for long. The best option would be to board a boat and drift downstream, as long as I can escape the control of the Liu family in Nanyang.

Why? Jiang Feng couldn't help but murmur to himself. It's a pity that during his university years, he majored in history. Although he had forgotten quite a bit after years of hustling in the business world, if history had truly followed its normal course, wouldn't he be able to leisurely enjoy life leaning against a great tree? Yet now, everything is no longer the history recorded in the original textbooks. He is forced to struggle painfully in the guise of Jiang Feng, also known as Jiang Erlang, who shares his name.

Jiang Feng, also known as Jiang Erlang, hails from Guangzhou. Coming from a family that has fallen on hard times, he pursued his studies at the Chongwen Academy in Guangzhou. He was headstrong and fond of martial arts, displaying a considerable spirit of bravado. Later, he was noticed by the prominent Xu family of Guangzhou, who recruited him as a clerk in the Guangzhou Governor's Office, responsible for gathering intelligence on surrounding forces, thus becoming a part-time scout.

Oh? A glimmer of light suddenly flashed across the dimly lit night, and Jiang Feng was overjoyed, as if a pillow had been delivered just when he wanted to sleep

This is Jiang Feng's current identity

Martial arts training can be understood as an advanced version of martial skills, albeit at a significantly higher level. However, the realm of magical techniques is truly difficult to comprehend. If it were not for his own experience of using magical techniques to save his life, and having witnessed and personally experienced the power of such techniques, he would find it utterly unacceptable

Taking a deep breath, Jiang Feng dashed out, his ghostly figure flickering in and out of sight under the night sky. After a few leaps, he had already sprinted several dozen meters, the strong scent of water indicating that he had reached the banks of the White River

He focused intently and observed carefully; this was clearly a vessel traveling downstream from Nanyang to Xiangyang. However, the terrain along the Bai River was rugged and the water flow was swift, making it unsuitable for navigation. Generally, merchants and travelers would take the Nanxiang Pass to travel north or south, yet during the flood season, there were still boats that could pass through.

Others who traverse time either possess the bodies of nobles, enjoying immense wealth and luxury, or they come equipped with advanced experience and technology, leading historical trends and becoming the vanguards of their era. They can also clearly understand the trajectory of historical development, aligning themselves with several historical figures of great renown, gaining a competitive edge and enjoying unparalleled benefits. At the very least, they can become cultured literati, relying on the appropriation of ancient poetry and prose to achieve a reputation for elegance and charm. But what about myself

Jiang Feng stretched lazily. Although he was quite dissatisfied with this identity, he still felt some gratitude towards Jiang Erlang for bringing him this robust and healthy body. Compared to his original physique, which had been depleted by indulgence in wine and pleasure, this body was truly remarkable

However, in Jiang Erlang's memory, his recollections regarding this aspect seem rather scant and vague. It appears that this fellow does not have much luck with women in this world, which is quite a contrast to his former self. Hehe, perhaps the arrival of my soul from the future will bring endless romantic fortune.

Time travel, a lamentable time travel! Why does such a thing happen to me, yet it is not at all as delightful and playful as depicted in novels?

Only after losing does one realize the value of what was lost. Jiang Feng has already lost the life and soul of the original world, and he does not wish for his current soul and life to vanish carelessly. Reflecting on the perilous journey of Jiang Erlang, who undertook reconnaissance missions in enemy cities amidst chaotic battles before his crossing and possession, Jiang Feng shudders.

Although my body has gradually returned to normal, my mood remains difficult to calm. The scenes I have encountered in recent days flash before my eyes like a series of circles.

Possessing the identity of a fallen family is not enough; it also falls to a poor spy scout to gather intelligence, constantly at risk of being captured by the enemy. What disappoints Jiang Feng the most is that this era is one that has never existed in Chinese history.

Before the Tang Dynasty, there was no Sui Dynasty; the chaos of the Five Barbarians was even more ferocious than in history. After the Tang Empire, which was established with great difficulty, experienced three hundred years of glory, history seemed to take a greater deviation. The Huang Yi Rebellion occurred, and there was no Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms. Instead, it was replaced by the resurgence of local noble families, warlords vying for power, and clan factions competing for dominance.

Parting the bushes, Jiang Feng carefully observed the surroundings. The night was late, and the area appeared very quiet. He had been running through the forest in this vicinity for over two hours without stopping, and he could already feel the dampness of the moisture gradually approaching his face

Even though Jiang Erlang possesses exceptional skills and martial prowess, many times events do not unfold according to one's will. A minor accident can lead to one's demise, especially in this era where human life is regarded as insignificant. Therefore, to survive more safely, one must carefully contemplate how to extricate oneself from the current perilous identity.

Life is hard; one cannot blame the government. Life is cheap; one can only bear the sword. At this moment, Jiang Feng also resents himself for having studied history in university. Why didn't he choose a more technologically advanced field like mechanical engineering or chemistry? At least he could have showcased his superior wisdom and knowledge in this era of low productivity. But now, it seems he can only continue along the original path of Jiang Feng, Jiang Erlang, unsure if any task might bring his journey of crossing over to an end.

The course of history may have changed, and that is acceptable; however, strategies such as distant alliances and close attacks, as well as the tactics of negotiation and maneuvering, remain unchanged. What saddens Jiang Feng is that in this time and space, many things have undergone tremendous changes, such as martial arts cultivation and the path of magical arts, which are things he could never have imagined before

This has already reached the vicinity of Baihe. Jiang Feng knew that the other party would not let him off so easily. On land, it was feared that scouts were already densely deployed, and his current appearance had likely been sketched by artists and sent to various checkpoints for posting. To escape the pursuit of his adversaries, the best method would be to flee via the waterways

What Jiang Feng found unacceptable was the many things that had already transformed in this time and space, which had diminished the advantages he naturally possessed as a gifted student in the history department to a nearly negligible extent

This Jiang Erlang, who is essentially the current self, seems to have been practicing a certain ancient Chinese traditional internal martial art. His internal energy and blood flow are balanced and enduring, and his running and jumping abilities not only far exceed those of his former self in the original world, but according to Jiang Feng's estimation, they likely surpass many of the sprinting and high-jumping athletes of that era. Particularly, his endurance is extraordinary, leading Jiang Feng to wonder if his abilities in certain aspects are also beyond the ordinary.

Suddenly, a phrase came to Jiang Feng's mind to describe the world he now understands—how chaotic it is!