Chen Ping's Sword-Chapter 36: Man Proposes, God Disposes

"Why could you endure before, but can’t anymore now?"

Chen Ping sighed.

Zuo Duanshou was indeed a loyal little companion, always devoted and diligent in finding information for their small group.

He’s been a significant help in many ways.

Especially since Chen Ping hadn’t forgotten...

That night, sensing danger, he ventured out under the moonlight, taking the initiative to attack Big-Beard Zhang and the others. Zuo Duanshou tagged along, eager to fight together.

No matter his strength, his determination is truly moving.

But regardless of how loyal or capable he is, if he remains so reckless and unconcerned about consequences, it may not be suitable to stay together.

Sooner or later, he might cause harm to himself or his companions.

Zuo Duanshou’s eyes flashed with pain, "Before, I was dizzy with hunger, seeing their skills and knowing I couldn’t match them. I followed closely just hoping to find a chance to rescue my sister."

The result...

There’s no need to say more.

When you have apprehension, things often turn for the worst. 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

Not only was the rescue unsuccessful, but he also lost track of his sister.

If not for encountering kind people, he wouldn’t have survived, likely starving on the streets.

Zuo Duanshou paused and continued, "This time, outside Haitang Courtyard, I hadn’t planned to enter. I was listening from the side, overhearing them mention snippets about the [Lantern Festival] or [mission accomplished], and saw Dong Jinzhong and Zhuang Hongyi walking together...

Chang Sansi, Leopard, Black Wolf, and others accompanied them, probably discussing something secretly... Although it was too far to hear clearly, I saw a person—no, a group of people.

The middle-aged woman with a broken eyebrow wasn’t alone. Following her, from several carriages, were seven or eight women with their heads covered in black cloth, who were herded like pigs into the chambers.

In the midst, there were faint sobbing sounds..."

’I see.’

An adult’s breakdown might just happen in a moment.

Especially for someone like the young Zuo Duanshou.

He used to endure, harboring a sliver of hope that his opponents might slip up, providing a chance.

Of course, it was also because back then he was too weak, starving and lacking the strength to fight...

And now?

During this period, he ate well, slept well, and diligently practiced his Sword Technique daily.

With each thrust, practiced thousands and tens of thousands of times, his strength flowed throughout his body, convinced he’s much stronger now.

Moreover, in Haitang Courtyard, suddenly seeing his enemies, and perhaps spotting his sister, how could he possibly hold back?

"Either rescue my sister or fight till death, as if I never walked out of the wasteland and died beneath a wolf’s fangs."

Zuo Duanshou reached out his hand, tightly covering his rough, frost-cut black face, emitting low "oo-oo" sounds, akin to a wounded wolf.

Seeing Zuo Duanshou like this, Chen Ping sighed again.

Remembering himself at twenty-two, he was no different.

Seeing the girl who once swore eternal loyalty, silently floating in the well water...

Her bloated body, now unrecognizable.

Was that moment filled with helplessness and pity, crying out with no answer from heaven or earth?

Perhaps the only solution was to draw a sword in anger and rid the world of its filth, cleanly and thoroughly.

That’s what Chen Ping did, leading destiny to take a different turn, plunging him into turmoil ever since...

And Zuo Duanshou was the same way.

He could endure for a while, but eventually, he couldn’t anymore.

At that moment, personal safety, success or failure became irrelevant.

He had to act, there simply was no choice.

Otherwise, even if alive, he’d be a mere shell, eating and defecating.

Unable to forgive himself.

He is, after all, just sixteen years old.

It’s an age of fiery youth and towering spirit.

"Do you remember what we said after killing Boss Yat that night?" Chen Ping asked softly.

"Together, through thick and thin, life and death?" Zuo Duanshou raised his head, eyes suddenly igniting with hope, only to dim again moments later.

The foes were too formidable; his life was cheap, ready to sacrifice but unwilling to drag others into the abyss.

"No, you said your life was sold to me. If you die without accomplishing anything so soon after, wouldn’t this be a loss for me?"

Chen Ping laughed heartily, patting his shoulder, "Don’t think too much, humans plan, heaven fulfills. No opportunity now doesn’t mean none in the future; living brings all possibilities."

"Yes, Seventh Brother." Zuo Duanshou wiped away tears, nodded heavily, his eyes red.

Chen Ping did not blame him.

Nor could he bring himself to say more.

Impulsiveness is a character flaw.

But, once you start weighing pros and cons in everything, hesitating, you’re already aging.

A hundred years go by swiftly, continually calculating, ultimately, it’s rather tedious.

’Kidnapping women everywhere, plotting something big, I can’t believe there’s no puppet master behind this.’

From Zuo Duanshou’s recount, Chen Ping had roughly understood Seven-Colored Hall’s organizational structure and division of labor.

Cyan Hall managed the wanderers, beggars, and petty thieves; unquestionably, it’s focused on intelligence gathering.

Initially, when faced with crisis, they thought of many strategies, never considering fleeing the city...and there’s reason.

Because, Cyan Hall’s eyes were all over Xingqing Prefecture, conspicuous as they were, unable to find helpers, they would surely be discovered no matter where they went, especially when leaving the city.

Not far outside, they’d be caught.

Judging by Cyan Hall’s efficiency in collecting intelligence, there might be delays, but they’d definitely be found.

Sometimes, they’re more effective than the Government.

And Chizi Hall?

Judging by Zhuang Hongyi’s subordinate Meigu’s actions, this must be an organization specializing in trafficking women.

Under their control, there might be some brothels, performing venues...

The most exceptional women could even be offered to dignitaries.

It’s a deep and murky scene.

Courting the upper echelon forms an invisible and immense network...

This illustrates that hoping for the Government to take action against them is relatively unrealistic.

Even disrupting their plans once or twice can’t hurt Seven-Colored Hall’s roots, only making them stronger.

Aside from known Cyan Hall and Chizi Hall, is there also Huang Hall, Green Hall, or Purple Hall?

What do they each oversee?

Are they active solely in Xingqing Prefecture or extend towards other State Prefectures?

Recalling some past events from historical papers, Chen Ping roughly understood.

Having such an organization was simply catastrophic.

Without seeing it, naturally you could pretend nothing happened.

Yet, it was right before him, around him.

Truly unable to endure, the urge to act was strong.