Memory is like a faithful hound; whenever you make the gesture of throwing, it always brings something back to you.

Le Yu remembers the girl named Frostleaf.

But the impression is no longer very deep.

Just as ordinary people wouldn't remember what the headline news was a few months ago, Le Yu is also close to forgetting that night several months ago.

Because he has experienced too much in these past few months—he met a lover he could spend his life with, successfully turned Xuanzhu County upside down, founded a newspaper, wrote novels, became the Patriarch of the Jing Family, won the election as the president of the Silver Blood Association, and even joined forces with Blue Flame to help build a harmonious society in Xuanzhu County...

Every single thing he did, every person he met.

Was much more important than the little maid who died in the courtyard.

Even though Le Yu personally witnessed her death.

But he doesn't even know how many corpses he has stepped over on his path.

The Silver Blood individuals killed by Yin Minghong and the Linhai Army, the Jing Family guards killed to protect Le Yu, and even the Heyang Army killed by Blue Flame in the Wolves Prison Dockyard... How many died because of him? More than hundreds?

When Le Yu attempted to change Xuanzhu County, Xuanzhu County changed him too—he was no longer the complacent dog who would be shocked by the death of ordinary people, but a dignified person in a chaotic world.

Habit is a powerful force.

Le Yu has learned to become accustomed to death.

Or perhaps it's merely because he activated the 'Ice Blood Physique.'

So when Le Yu was running away just now, he could without hesitation leave behind those intercepted Jing Family guards; and when he was kept in the inner city, he could calmly accept the playful arrangements of fate.

He could already view those insignificant people as fleeting clouds.

However.

Those fleeting clouds.

Were also another's beloved child, someone's reliance, a partner's companion.

Also someone else's white moonlight they miss every night, a red mole on their heart.

Also humans of flesh and blood.

"I remember." Le Yu calmly said: "Who are you to her?"

The young man was slightly stunned, then mocked himself with a laugh: "Yes, who am I to her? We had just agreed to get married and live well after leaving, but of those who escaped... only I made it out."

"Are you the servant who successfully escaped that night?"

"I've always been looking forward to the chance to meet with you alone." Rong Yao said softly: "So when I learned from the Deceitful Needle—or rather, Yin Minghong—that you were still in the inner city, I thought you might want to escape through the Black Sun Association's route."

Le Yu suddenly thought of a possibility: "Is the Black Sun Association a subordinate organization of White Night?"

"There's just a little connection; Black Sun was initially a violent organization created by the White Night Walker, but such gangs are parasites living off the nourishment of the people, impossible for the White Night Walker to control, and quickly mutated into money-driven henchmen of the Silver Blood Association."

"However." Rong Yao glanced at the tunnel behind: "Because of this bit of incense money, White Night has a bit of say in the Black Sun Association, such as... being able to insert White Night Walkers into it."

"To give me, this escaped slave, a new identity, and make my work for White Night more convenient, I became a minor officer in the Black Sun Association. Although I have no subordinates, all Black Sun facilities are open to me, including casinos, Red Dream Lou, and various city district tunnels."

"Therefore, I could wait for such an opportunity."

Rong Yao reached into his bosom: "Jing Zhengwei, I've been waiting for your arrival for a long time..."

"Long expected!"

In speed unseen, Rong Yao quickly drew a firearm from his bosom and aimed it at Le Yu. Le Yu slightly tilted his head, hearing a resonant gunshot echo endlessly in the tunnel, as a fierce bullet grazed his hair, accurately hitting a Tributor from the chamber of commerce coming down!

"There are gunmen below, number unknown!"

"The tunnel is too narrow; we have no room to maneuver!"

"Damn! I see Jing Zhengwei is inside!"

Rong Yao drew out another handgun and strapped it to his chest, saying softly, "Go quickly, I can only delay them for one or two minutes at most. Once they realize it's just me here, they will force their way through. I have no power to stop these well-fed Martial Artists."

Le Yu walked past him, unable to resist saying, "I thought..."

"Thought I came to kill you?" Rong Yao smiled, "Didn't I say? I'm now a White Night Walker working for White Night."

"I actually have a lot to say to you, but now isn't the right time, and besides... I don't want to say it anymore."

"Actually, when you mentioned you still remember Shuang Ye, I thought that was enough. Although you are an incorrigibly depraved pervert, your attitude towards the family's servants wasn't too bad. Shuang Ye even felt the easiest time of the day was when serving the young master for a bath."

"I heard you later killed Steward Shen. Although I don't know the reason, I'll take it as if you avenged Shuang Ye."

Le Yu asked, "Don't you hate me? After all..."

"Hate, of course, I hate." Rong Yao hid behind a box in the tunnel, "I hate this wicked slave system, hate the Silver Blood Association, hate the Jing Family, hate Steward Shen, hate you."

"But what I hate the most is this society where everyone has to submit to their fate."

"Why must some people always be inferior to others? Why must we harm others just to survive? Why is our fate not considered fate?"

"This society shouldn't be like this."

"So you can't die here, at least not now. Those outside who don't want to submit to fate still need you to lead them to tomorrow."

"Fortunately, you encountered me."

"Go quickly, the people outside are from the Black Sun Association. I came here gambling on luck, waiting for you, and didn't call others. Be careful on your own."

Le Yu nodded and quickly walked out of the tunnel:

"See you tomorrow, Rong Yao."

Rong Yao was slightly startled and knocked back the Tribune from the business association who was testing the path at the entrance of the tunnel.

He never said his name.

Yet Jing Zhengwei spoke it directly.

"It seems people with good memories aren't too unlucky..." Rong Yao smiled wryly.

At this time, a voice from above the tunnel was persuading surrender, "Brothers below, why fight for Jing Zhengwei? As long as you kill him, the top ten Silver Blood business associations are willing to offer a handsome reward..."

"Sorry." Rong Yao fired again, repelling the Tribune from the business association who seemed to be persuading surrender but was actually trying to charge into the tunnel.

"I never risk my life for Jing Zhengwei."

...

...

"Fortunately, you encountered me." Ting Chaozao handed Lan Jianbo a wine bottle, "Otherwise, with you rampaging outside the city, no one could have saved you."

Lan Jianbo took a sip of wine, looking at the road at the pier entrance now turned into a three-layer defense line with sandbags by the Ting Family. Guards holding firearms were hiding behind cover, using gunfire to repel the mobs.

Lan Jianbo knew exactly why these mobs were taking such a huge risk to attack the port area—the warehouses by the pier were holding nearly all of Xuanzhu County's precious goods. Compared to common valuables like gold and jewels, the grains, dried meats, clothes, and wine in the warehouses were the necessities the mobs desperately needed.

Moreover, in the minutes it took for Lan Jianbo to regain his composure, he vaguely realized these mobs were not a disorganized group. There seemed to be a leader planning and directing them from behind.

They tried to use fire, hurl stones, and even break lampposts to push the battle line forward. They even threw Luminous Firepowder. Even though the Ting Family had firearms, facing tenfold numbers, endless interference, and the night environment, they were clearly at a disadvantage.

"I initially thought this riot was started by Jing Zhengwei and White Night," Lan Jianbo said, "But now it seems it isn't... If they had initiated it, they could have mobilized elite units to break through the lines, without needing to command these mobs lacking tactical skills to forcefully breach."

Ting Chaozao sat on a nearby box and said, "Riots are called as such because of their unpredictable suddenness. If it were Jing Zhengwei... he wouldn't need to make such a big deal. Or rather, he didn't need to do anything at all. Just by waiting a few more months, the entire Xuanzhu County would be his."

"Our generation of Silver Blood, he's stolen all the limelight."

"But the gun reveals those who stand out, and if this riot wasn't started by him, then tonight will be his death knell." Lan Jianbo turned his head slightly, glancing at the fiery port loading ships, "In comparison, you Ting Family making a fortune in silence is truly the wisdom of merchants."

"Oh?" Ting Chaozao tilted his head, "Did you notice something?"

"Once Jing Zhengwei gained power, your Ting Family was already preparing to evacuate Dongyang," Lan Jianbo said with full certainty, though he was guessing, "Your arms trades over the past two months were just a cover, meant to conceal your Ting Family's important personnel movements. Or perhaps the firearms were indeed transported, not sold to others, but as the foundation for your Ting Family's new rise."

"Your Ting Family was long dissatisfied with merely being merchants. You wanted more. The Silver Blood Association in Dongyang became your cage, and it was only this century-old foundation that prevented you from abandoning this land. But Jing Zhengwei... no, he blatantly conspired with Blue Flame to plunder Dongyang, prompting your Ting Family to resolutely decide to abandon your base in Dongyang."

"The places that sea transport can reach... Skyrim District? Or Chenfeng District?"

Listening Caozao blinked and smiled, "Although I've always known you're smart, I didn't expect you to guess so much just by looking."

"I used to not flaunt it because it wasn't necessary."

"Is it necessary now?"

"Of course, now my car has overturned, and I can't escape Xuanzhu County anymore. My only option is to turn to your Ting Family." Lan Jianbo asked gravely, "Listening Second, are you willing to accept an old friend's refuge?"

"This is truly... a wish come true!" Listening Caozao's face lit up with surprise, "The eldest young master of the Lan Family, most proficient in manufacturing and repairing mechanical cars, is willing to join our Ting Family. I'm certainly willing, but what does the Lan Family say?"

"Tonight when we move past, there probably won't be a Lan Family anymore." Lan Jianbo shook his head, "I just knew they still couldn't part with that bit of family business, so I drove out. Staying with them in the inner city is merely waiting for death."

Listening Caozao sighed, "Actually, it's normal. The incident occurred so suddenly this time, the Lan Family hesitating and unable to make a decision is understandable. If we hadn't prepared early, we might also be blocked in the inner city now."

"But is this really okay? Just leaving your family there?" Listening Caozao glanced at the few ships in the port, "Though time is tight, there should still be some spaces on the boats. If the Lan Family is willing to squeeze together, they can still come with us."

Lan Jianbo seemed tempted but quickly shook his head, "They can't come. The Lan Family is like a tree planted in the ground, growing strong by absorbing the nutrients of Dongyang's land, but they also can't leave this land."

"It's really a pity." Listening Caozao stood up, glanced at the first line of defense at the entrance that was about to be breached, "It seems time for the Ting Family is running short too, let's go."

Lan Jianbo nodded, "Right, I have some luggage in my car, have someone help me carry it over."

"No problem." Listening Caozao motioned for two subordinates to handle the overturned black car, leading Lan Jianbo toward the port cargo ships, "What a pity, if we had a little more time, we could even move all the goods from the other merchant associations..."

Lan Jianbo suggested, "Actually, you can throw out some goods, inciting the rioters to loot, which can delay enough time."

Listening Caozao was puzzled, "Why? Wouldn't this just convince them further that there's much good stuff in the warehouses, solidifying their decision to invade the port?"

"Your scenario assumes the rioters have a complete command system." Lan Jianbo smiled, "Against a regular army, this method doesn't work because they have a complete reward system; almost all looted goods must be handed over, and they know they will gain more after victory."

"But outside, it's just a bunch of rioters. To them, on one side is a tightly defended entrance, and on the other, goods they can pick up by bending over. Choosing is almost thoughtless."

"As long as chaos can be stirred, it will trigger greater chaos. This time difference is enough for the Ting Family to slowly select the goods you need."

Listening Caozao nodded, "Okay, I'll instruct someone to do it later... We're almost there, do you have any omissions? Once we leave this time, we almost can't come back."

"No." Lan Jianbo shook his head, "I have no nostalgia for Xuanzhu County."

"Good."

Listening Caozao beckoned, and two guards came up to seize Lan Jianbo.

"Tie a stone to him and throw him into the sea."

"Yes."

The sudden change left Lan Jianbo's mind momentarily blank, then he loudly questioned, "Hey hey hey, this isn't something to joke about!"

"Of course, it's not a joke." Listening Caozao pulled a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, picked one up, and glanced at him, "Do you want one?"

"Aren't we friends?" The overwhelmed Lan Jianbo asked resentfully, "I'm not good at Combat Technique, unarmed, and after leaving the Lan Family, I have no support. I can only rely on you in the future, surely I would be your best assistant and the best subordinate! Don't you still need to compete with your brother? Don't you think I can help you? Why kill me?"

"Because we are friends, that's why I leave you a whole body." Listening Caozao lit the cigarette, took a deep puff, and coughed repeatedly.

"So why—"

"Because you didn't come to see me."

"Huh?" Lan Jianbo was stunned.

"Since my brother came back, you never came to find me." Listening Caozao looked at the dark sea surface, "I used to think you were the only friend I could count as one, but when I lost power, you didn't even bother to offer a helping hand."

"Very clever, as the Ting Family was obviously being taken over by my brother. Keeping contact with me not only held no benefit but could also offend my brother, a lose-lose situation."

"But, but I was also the Patriarch at that time, I was very busy, and Jing Zhengwei also demanded we submit forty percent of gold and silver to fill the military fund pool—"

"Excuses are endless." Listening Caozao exhaled deeply, "I only look at what you did, then repay tenfold."

"If you had offered a helping hand then, you'd now be my real brother from another mother; but choosing to distance yourself then, don't blame me for kicking you down now."

"You're, you're wrong to do this." Lan Jianbo shook his head vehemently, shouting with all his might, "Where in the world is such life-or-death friendship? If you insist on holding people around you to a Saint's standards, you'll inevitably end up a lonely soul!"

As they spoke, Lan Jianbo suddenly broke off: "You, your Ting Family actually tests human nature on purpose? Your brother was exiled, you were stripped of power... your Ting Family intentionally does this to see if you have 'true friends'?"

Ting Zhaozao smiled early: "You are really smart."

"Insane, you're all insane." Lan Jianbo looked incredulous: "Human nature can't withstand tests, it's like dropping a glass cup once, it doesn't break, drop it twice, it doesn't break, but if you keep dropping it, it will eventually break! How can you possibly test out 'true friends' like this? Lunatics!"

"You think there aren't any because you never truly consider others as friends." Ting Zhaozao shook his head and said: "In our Ting Family's direct lineage, we almost all have to undergo such tests, firstly to test friends, and secondly to make us understand that there are very few people in this world worth our trust and effort."

"For a businessman, the most important thing is to distinguish who is a friend and who is a fat sheep."

Lan Jianbo was taken aback, suddenly remembering that for generations, the patriarchs of their Lan Family favored honest and diligent children more.

Every merchant family has its own unique way of inheritance.

"Can't you just give me one chance?"

Ting Zhaozao looked at Lan Jianbo tied with stones and shook his head: "Don't you understand yourself, that opportunities are not given by others, but gained by yourself?"

"Goodbye then."

"My once friend."

Watching Lan Jianbo sink into the pitch-black sea, Ting Zhaozao suddenly realized that the cigarette in his hand had long burned out, even burning his fingers.

He let out a bitter smile, walked onto the deck of a cargo ship, and found the man appreciating the 'night view' of Xuanzhu County: "Brother, I have a proposal..."

Ting Zhaozao brought up Lan Jianbo's suggestion to throw goods to create chaos, and Ting Wanjian nodded: "Alright, send someone to do it."

"Yes."

"By the way, have a drink with me."

Ting Zhaozao was a bit surprised, but didn't refuse, went to get a bottle and glasses, and poured two cups of clear, fragrant wine for them.

"Brother seems very happy?"

"Yes." Ting Wanjian watched the thick smoke rising from the fire in the inner city, with a satisfied expression: "Very, very happy."

Ting Zhaozao raised an eyebrow: "Tonight's turmoil... is it related to you?"

"You could say it is, or you could say it isn't. I actually didn't know such a thing would happen tonight, but... a few days ago, someone asked me for some Luminous Firepowder."

"Who?"

Ting Wanjian spoke a name, and Ting Zhaozao blinked and nodded: "So brother is happy because it causes trouble for Jing Zhengwei?"

"More or less." Ting Wanjian laughed: "Before leaving, being able to give Jing Zhengwei such a 'big gift', he should be able to rest in peace, right?"

Ting Zhaozao was taken aback, let out a soft sigh: "Does he really make you remember for so long?"

"You don't understand, the old undead don't understand either." Ting Wanjian laughed: "None of you met anyone who could pass the test, but I did."

When he said this, Ting Wanjian's face was full of proud satisfaction, as if the one who passed the test was himself.

"He was my confidant, my destiny, my future, I even wish he were a woman, so we could build a perfect family."

"We had planned it all, I in Scandinavia, he in Xuanzhu County, using the glory to support Scandinavia, using Scandinavia to devour the glory, inside and outside united, achieving unparalleled achievements."

"But now... only I remain."

Ting Zhaozao took a sip of wine: "What do you mean just one, aren't there still us family members?"

"But family, I cannot choose, and he was chosen by myself." Ting Wanjian glanced at him, mocked: "Are you, like the old undead, unable to find true friends in your youth, so you start pouring all your feelings onto family?"

Ting Zhaozao put down his wine glass and turned to leave: "I'm going to check on things outside."

"What a foolish little brother..." Ting Wanjian watched his brother's back, sneered, then turned to look toward the northern sea, pouring all the wine into the sea:

"Well then, Jing Zhengwu, I will abide by our agreement..."

"The Ting Family will become the king of Scandinavia."