"It's understandable from their perspective as well." Gu Shenghui heard Pei Yan's sigh and immediately guessed his thoughts, offering consolation.

"I know, it's normal for Blood Fiend to think this way, but the Daoist Realm still holds such ideas, hehe." As Pei Yan spoke, he let out a cold laugh and didn't continue, leaning back in his chair while leisurely eating broad beans, watching the match.

Once the competitors were chosen, everyone else was promptly removed from the arena. The two remaining looked at each other, and as the hosts, the Daoist Realm showed the spirit of hospitality. Ning Quanchen stepped back and gestured for his opponent to make the first move.

Di Xin, seeing this, didn't hold back. He tore off his thick jacket, revealing his combat-clad agile body. Facing Ning Quanchen's invitation, he reached towards his waist, drew out an object, and fired a shot straight at Ning Quanchen.

Bang! The gunshot exploded on the platform, leaving Pei Yan stunned, with a broad bean slipping out of his mouth. He was familiar with gunshots; even if someone fired a gun near his ear, he wouldn't be so shocked. However, someone choosing to use a gun in such a match was beyond belief to him.

Ning Quanchen, standing opposite, was equally shocked. Facing the incoming bullet, he didn't dodge. He let it hit him, watching the spent bullet casing drop at his feet and clash against the slate floor of the arena. With a puzzled and angry look in his eyes, he coldly laughed at Di Xin, "Are you insulting me by using such low-grade alchemy tools against me?"

In response to Ning Quanchen's question, Di Xin shrugged innocently and laughed, "Ah, I've not had this ability for long, and I'm not skilled at using it yet. Do you think its power isn't enough? Then let me try boosting it a bit."

As he spoke, Di Xin raised his hand, aiming at Ning Quanchen's head, pulled the trigger, and fired another shot. While the bullet escaping the barrel still sounded like a bullet, upon contact with Ning Quanchen's body, it unleashed an explosion comparable to a grenade, shrouding Ning Quanchen in smoke and dust from the massive explosion and shockwave.

After this shot, Di Xin didn't stop. He continually squeezed the trigger, unloading the entire magazine, then casually discarded the useless pistol and rushed into the smoke.

Most people were simply astonished by the drastic change in power displayed by the handgun on the platform. Only Gu Shenghui and Xia Yu, who had shared the experience of that match, weren't watching the fight but instead turned their attention to Pei Yan, who was silently staring with a grim expression.

"What's going on?" With his head lowered, Pei Yan picked a broad bean from the bag and asked gravely, "Tell me, is it what I think it is?"

"Yes, that's right! Among the teams attacked back then, they were included." Gu Shenghui sighed helplessly, "Since the two major teams merged into the Investigation Office, they've always been part of the core force going on missions. During the initial attacks, this squad was deceived by the opponent's abilities and stabbed in the back."

"How many died?" Pei Yan suppressed his inner turmoil, blew his nose, and inquired.

"Two, Zhang Liren and Shen Bing were killed, and Pei Yong was critically injured, losing an eye and an arm." Gu Shenghui watched Pei Yan's mood closely, worried he might impulsively charge onto the stage.

With a crunch, the broad bean in Pei Yan's hand shattered. He didn't act rashly but lowered his head even further, hiding his expression. He picked another broad bean from the bag, chewing casually while asking, "Why didn't you tell me at the time?"

"When you returned, the match was about to begin. Do you know how much effort the office has put into this match? It couldn't afford any mistakes, so to prevent you from getting too emotional, it was decided to delay notifying you. It was my decision, so if you're angry, blame me." Gu Shenghui lowered his head sincerely.

"I understand." Pei Yan wiped his mouth and looked up expressionlessly at the intense battle happening on the stage, softly saying, "I want this person dead, but not only that, I want him to return all the powers he took from my friends. He doesn't deserve such abilities. Can you do that?"

As soon as the words left his mouth, he raised a hand to stop Gu Shenghui from speaking further, coldly stating, "I wasn't speaking to you."

A moment later, Lin Junzhao's voice responded, "Killing him, that's your task. I'll take care of reclaiming your friend's abilities. Just tell me what you wish for."

"Understood." After saying this, Pei Yan's stern expression faded away. He leaned back into his seat, assuming a nonchalant demeanor and watched the fight with a detached gaze.

"Are you alright?" Xia Yu, sitting nearby, observed Pei Yan feigning ease while sitting in his seat, loudly munching on broad beans, but his eyes were red and welled with tears, prompting her concern.

"I'm fine! Don't worry about me. I'm not a kid anymore; I can handle this. It's just hard to accept at the moment. Give me a moment of peace, and I'll be fine." Pei Yan said as he wiped his eyes, holding back tears, and self-deprecatingly remarked, "See, you had to say it, and here I was trying to appear more composed and mature."

"That wouldn't be the you I know." Xia Yu said, patting Pei Yan on the shoulder, causing tears to stream down Pei Yan's face as he crushed a handful of broad beans from the bag in his hands, choking out, "Why? Why? I work so hard to become stronger, just so the people I know won't get hurt. Why do people still have to die, why?" 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

The faces of Zhang Liren, who enhanced firearms, and Shen Bing, capable of using Qi to manipulate, flashed through Pei Yan's mind. Although these individuals, compared to Wang Wenze, Shangxing, and Ye Jiumu, didn't occupy major roles in Pei Yan's circle, they were still crucial friends. Recalling his early days, Pei Yan's one-on-five duel with this squad helped him recognize his abilities more clearly, enabling him to achieve his first victory of his life during the Spring Festival battle with Divine Desire.

The scenes of celebrating with drinks and resolving past grudges after the match were vivid. Even after separation, whenever they met in the investigation office, greetings were exchanged without residual grudges. Pei Yan felt their sincerity, straightforwardness, and kindness.

Why, why do good people often meet bad ends?

"Why ask why? In war, casualties are inevitable. Pei Yan, don't shoulder everything by yourself. We aren't children either."