Chapter 1: Unexpected Decision

  Without a sense of responsibility, taking advantage of the storm to end the library's business early, as soon as I stepped into the campus, I felt that the entire school was shrouded in an unusual atmosphere. There were those who were anxious and preparing to flee south; there were also those who were outraged and wanted to take up arms, but more were bewildered by the situation, not knowing what to do.

  "Hulan's army has already approached the Sacred Capital, now is the best time for us men to make a name for ourselves on the battlefield! Brother Fengyu, are you still going to be a turtle hiding in its shell?"

  Blocking the wind and rain on the road was a young man in brocade clothes, somewhat excited. Unlike the man who wanted to look at the world with cold eyes, Lin Yuhanshan was undoubtedly the second kind of person. As a descendant of a famous family, he had always had a passion for loyalty and dedication to the country. So when he saw that certain someone who was happy about being able to reduce his working hours, he felt an indescribable sense of disgust.

  But Feng Yu's attention was now focused on the girl beside him.

  Xiaolan, this is a name that has haunted him countless times in his dreams.

  When was it that they were once childhood friends, innocent and carefree; making a pact to the mountains and seas, never to part ways.

  She is his goddess in heart, so beautiful, so noble, sacred and inviolable.

  She set his blood boiling, and he unwittingly gave in to her tender loving care!

  Unfortunately, time is changing and nothing lasts forever.

  She is still delicate and lovely, still tender and pitiful.

  However, the object of his dependence had long since passed away. The young man opposite him was born into a prestigious family, the grandson of General Gao Zhan, the commander-in-chief of the imperial army, and the only son of Lin Renshan, the governor of Jinzhou. He was extraordinary in both literature and martial arts, which made Feng Yu feel ashamed of himself.

  "Sorry!" Xiaolan said in a low voice, her hands still fidgeting with the hem of her clothes as she used to when she was younger. But she immediately lifted her head and boldly stared at Feng Yu, saying: "Actually, I've wanted to tell you for a long time, although you're very good to me, but I don't want to live in poverty anymore. What I need is someone strong to protect me. Can you do that? You have nothing and can't give me happiness!"

  Standing still for a long time in the wind and rain, completely unaware of the passage of time.

  He has always been a bystander, accustomed to the ups and downs of life. His humble origins also made it impossible for him to stand out in this rigidly hierarchical society.

  But will it always be like this? Can I really give you nothing at all?

  Feng Yu shook his head with force and recalled what he had written in the library earlier: The chaotic era is coming!

  The chaotic world is about to arrive, and everything will change. Feng Yu took a deep breath, and the years of struggling for survival allowed him to quickly recover. Although this thorn still remains in his heart, Feng Yu knew that at least he wouldn't be as blank-minded as before.

  There was no intense reaction from Lin Yuhans as expected, Feng Yu simply said calmly: "Alright, I wish you happiness!" and turned to leave. The calm habit she had cultivated over the years made her unintentionally reveal emotional loss of control in front of them.

  "Little boy, are you a man?" Lin Yuhans' face turned red with rage as the expected effect did not occur. The life of being surrounded by stars and moons made him unwilling to accept things not going his way, so he gathered all his strength and struck out with a palm at the wind and rain.

  Unexpectedly, Feng Yu lightly shifted his body and easily dodged the palm.

  "Hold back!" Just as Lin Yuhanshan was about to make his move, Chu Tiandie hastily called out to him. He was one of the few friends Feng Yu had in the academy.

  However, what really made Lin Yuhans stop was a man and a woman who followed behind Chu Tiande.

  The man's demeanor was elegant and refined, unexpectedly he was Fu Zhongshu, a prominent figure in the recent years of Shenglong University. He came from a humble background, yet at the age of thirty, he held the position of Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Rites, renowned for his wisdom and honor throughout the country, becoming an idol for countless young people.

  The woman was dressed in a suit of armor, looking elegant and refreshing. She was none other than Lin Yuhans' cousin, the only daughter of General Zhenbei, Zhuo Jingwen.

  Lin Yuhans didn't want to lose his composure in front of these two people, so he coldly snorted and stormed off.

  Feng Yu nodded and left without a word, ignoring Zhuo Jingyuan's disdainful gaze and Fu Zhongshu's thoughtful stare.

  Nothing matters anymore.

  The Strong!

  Two strong words deeply imprinted on Feng Yu's mind.

  A crazy idea suddenly sprang into mind.

  Whether it's the footsteps of the times or an individual's emotions, they are all inevitably merged into the pace of the great era.