After Jufeng's return, a bloody storm swept across Huaguo's territory, but it was not caused by a hurricane; rather, it came from the west and the North.
As Mu Shu and Mu Zhongde began to clash, the northern grasslands also launched attacks on Hua Gang. Of course, prior to this, Jufeng had ventured north once, killing a man and severing some ties.
Only one night passed.
On the vast and boundless grasslands, the wind blew through the tall grass, swaying it first to the east and then to the west. In the distance, two figures could be seen seated on the ground in Long Grass Prairie, sharing a jug of prairie brew and two jade cups. It was unclear whether they were enjoying each other's company or exchanging final farewells.
The wine jug and cups formed a river between them, with an old pair of friends on the opposite bank—old partners. A few months ago, they had witnessed the transition of the Prairie Wolf King together on this very grassland. Now, however, they were here to bid each other farewell.
Situ Yu filled Lin Cheng's cup to the brim. The youthful face that had once been innocent had long since matured. After experiencing battles against the Prairie Wolf and the Unification Alliance, he had become a formidable regional leader. Even in the face of another catastrophe for Hua Gang, he no longer appeared as gloomy and depressed as before; instead, he laughed and chatted freely.
After an elder with a ridiculous name took control of Hua Gang, he immediately imprisoned Flower Snow Moon. Yet Situ Yu had swiftly escaped his clutches and sought refuge on the grasslands.
Lin Cheng was sent by Pizza Hut to hunt down Situ Yu.
However, much time had passed since then, and Lin Cheng had not returned with news of Situ Yu's death. Now they could sit down calmly together for a drink.
With their cups full, Lin Cheng raised his glass and drank it down in one go. He wiped away the spilled drops of wine from his mouth with his sleeve and exclaimed in delight.
Perhaps it was due to this being their last drink together that Lin Cheng's actions were bold and unrestrained, unlike his previous chivalrous demeanor.
Situ Yu looked somewhat melancholic and tentatively asked, "Isn't there a compromise? The current Hua Gang is no longer worth your life. Wouldn't it be better for us to create a brand new era together?"
Lin Cheng shook his head, gazing out at the empty sky beyond the meadow. It was dusk now; the sun hung low in a hazy glow, as if it were within reach.
He murmured, "I grew up in Hua Gang. Hua Gang provided me with food and clothing, and taught me all my skills. Do you know why?"
Situ Yu shook his head, picked up the wine jug, and continued to pour wine into Lin Cheng's cup.
Lin Cheng continued, "It's all for today."
"Ever since I was born, abandoned by my parents, and began my lonely wandering, my fate was already sealed. My life has long been sold to Hua Gang, and now that they want to reclaim it, I will gladly give it back."
"It's just that the way I do it must be my own choice."
After Lin Cheng finished speaking, Situ Yu had already filled his cup. The former raised his cup and drank it all in one go, inevitably spilling some wine on his clothes.
Seeing Lin Cheng's determination as firm as a drawn bow, Situ Yu fell into a brief silence. After a moment, he asked, "Is there any unfulfilled wish you have?"
Lin Cheng thought for a moment, then suddenly smiled. He picked up the sword that had accompanied him throughout his life from the soft grass and said, "In this life, I can be free of worries, with only my sword by my side. I just hope that after I die, you can help me find a good resting place for this sword. Then I can leave without any regrets."
Situ Yu nodded solemnly; this was a swordsman entrusting his legacy to someone he clearly trusted deeply—Lin Cheng.
Bending down again, he filled Lin Cheng's cup with wine, this time also filling his own. He first handed the cup to Lin Cheng and then picked up his own cup again, saying, "In the end, I can't do anything else for you. Let these three cups of wine serve as your farewell toast."
Upon hearing this, Lin Cheng laughed heartily and said, "In ancient times, Yan Dan sent Jing Ke off at Yishui Riverbank; now here on the prairie, Situ Yu bids farewell to Lin Cheng. That's enough! To be treated like the heroes of old—my life has not been in vain!"
"Cheers!"
“Damn!”
The wine cup clinked lightly in the evening glow, dancing in the long grass under the gentle breeze of the Prairie, evoking a timeless passion!
Lin Cheng rose, skillfully twirling his sword in the air with remarkable grace and precision, then vanished into the Long Grass Prairie along with his figure.
Situ Yu gazed at the empty wine cup on the grass pile, falling into silence for a moment. Then, as if murmuring to himself or appealing to the heavens, he spoke.
“Is this truly an inescapable fate?”
“And what of my life?”
…
The Long Grass Prairie stretched for miles, making it nearly impossible to see far ahead, and one could easily get lost, struggling to find their way.
However, Lin Cheng had no intention of discerning directions. Holding his sword, his gaze remained calm as he walked straight ahead, as if an invisible thread was guiding him. At the end of this destined path lay something that ignited his fervor.
Before long, Lin Cheng reached out and brushed aside the tall grass in front of him, arriving at a clearing. This so-called clearing was merely a patch where the tall grass had been cut down and trampled underfoot, forming a mound. Standing atop that mound was a person—someone destined to face Lin Cheng since their first meeting.
“I should thank you for coming all this way to meet me. I thought someone with your current fame would look down upon a mere grassland encounter like this.”
Jufeng had been strategizing in Washing City when suddenly news from Situ Yu reached him from the prairie—Lin Cheng had invited him for a duel. Initially, Xue and others strongly opposed it, fearing it might be a trap. However, after some contemplation, Jufeng decided to accept the challenge.
He believed that Lin Cheng was not the kind of person who would resort to tricks.
Jufeng smiled lightly and explained, "I come from humble beginnings as well, so I understand your feelings. I am willing to help you achieve a perfect ending."
Lin Cheng scoffed dismissively and said, "I was just being polite. Do you really think you can kill me today?"
Jufeng did not show anger at the scoff, nor did he feign indifference; he simply stated, as he always did, "In the past, it might have taken some effort, but now, you are certainly no match for me."
Lin Cheng was taken aback by the words, and the Path Short Sword in his hand buzzed ominously.
After a moment, he composed himself and murmured, "Your words are still as difficult to accept as before."
Jufeng did not respond because Lin Cheng had already raised his sword, pointing it directly at him.
To show respect, Jufeng also chose his weapon—the Universal Grade Two Knife, which had been meticulously repaired and now looked as good as new.
"Hiss!"
A sharp blade of light surged forth like a dragon, slicing through the tall grass as its tail stirred up clouds of dust.
Jufeng calmly watched the Dragon Head rushing toward him and slowly raised his sword.
This battle was destined to be lost in the annals of history, for there were no witnesses, no one to bear witness to it.
No one knows the details of the battle; they only know that in the end, only one person walked out of here.
His name was Jufeng.
In the battle of the Prairie Wolf King, Lin Cheng left a vivid mark on this land beneath his feet.
He had slain the Four Wolf Guards, including the Wolf Guard Leader.
And now, he himself lay buried here.
It is uncertain whether this was fate's design.
(To be continued)
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