Chapter 06 :- “Let’s See Who Gets Cheated!”

In today's world, Lu Yu, a 21-year-old college student, is compelled to remain on campus to avoid attracting the attention of the future protagonist. 

As he disembarks from his vehicle at the school entrance, he inhales deeply, taking in the sight of the campus that feels both familiar and foreign to him.

At present, all preparations, except for those involving Xu Hao, are nearly complete, and all that remains is to await the apocalypse. 

However, the realization that he is the antagonist is somewhat perplexing. 

Lu Yu reflects on his past life, acknowledging that while he wasn't a paragon of virtue, he certainly wasn't malevolent. 

So how did he end up as the villain? 

This thought perplexes him.

What's even more exasperating is the fact that Chu Feng is slated to be the protagonist. In his previous life, Lu Yu was more of a failure than Chu Feng, so why should he be the protagonist? 

Lu Yu is not convinced. But for now, he has no other choice. His primary concern at this point is how to navigate in the end times.

Lu Yu had initially contemplated eliminating Chu Feng before his rebirth. 

However, the system has made it clear that meddling with the protagonist prior to the apocalypse could have unforeseeable severe consequences. 

For instance, imprisoning Chu Feng would not only require extensive planning but also carry the risk of swift arrest by the police.

And killing Chu Feng outright? 

What if Chu Feng reincarnates in a different person? 

This would not only waste Lu Yu's development time but also forfeit his plot prediction advantage. Therefore, dealing with Chu Feng before his rebirth is out of the question for Lu Yu.

With less than five days remaining until the apocalypse, 

Lu Yu asks Qiao Manli to arrange a meeting with Yan Yun and Xue Li to assist Wei Jianjun in purchasing a house. 

Meanwhile, Ding Feng is tasked with locating Xu Hao. As Lu Yu's arrangements progress, time continues to tick away.

With only 48 hours left until the apocalypse, Ding Feng finally locates Xu Hao, much to Lu Yu's relief. Xu Hao is a man of short stature with piercing eyes. 

He is also fond of gambling, earning him the nickname "Rat". Unlike Wei Jianjun, Rat is the protagonist's sidekick. But to Lu Yu, he is more important than Wei Jianjun.

On the 18th, at precisely 1:00 PM, 

Lu Yu seized an opportunity to depart from the academic institution, accompanied by Ding Feng, on a quest to locate Xu Hao.

Their journey led them to a quaint township nestled on the southern periphery of Yancheng.

Upon their encounter, Lu Yu inquired, 

"Are you Xu Hao?"

With a hint of pride, Xu Hao responded, "Yes!"

Lu Yu, now holding a seemingly ancient sword, questioned, 

"This is what you call a family heirloom sword?"

Standing in the courtyard of this modest town, Lu Yu scrutinized the three-foot-long, corroded blade he held, his expression one of concern.

Indeed, the bond shared between Xu Hao and Chu Feng was symbolized by this long sword.

As the story unfolds, it's revealed that in the aftermath of the apocalypse, the earth will witness mutations not only among its fauna, flora, and human inhabitants but also within certain antiquated relics.

In this realm, the historical backdrop bears resemblance to the Earth once familiar to Lu Yu.

In this world, the history is similar to the Earth where Lu Yu is from, spanning from the Qin and Han dynasties to the Three Kingdoms period, and the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties.

According to the plot data obtained by Lu Yu, Xu Hao's sword was discovered by his grandfather in an ancient tomb along with a few friends in his early years. 

When the apocalypse arrives, the surviving humans may awaken various abilities. The collective name for all awakened ones is "Profession".

There are Enhancers who excel at close combat and Shadow Assassins who specialize in stealth attacks. There are even more awakened power users who can control natural elements such as water, fire, wind, thunder, and earth. 

Of course, there are still some people who will awaken some non-combat life skills. For example: Builders, Casters, Enchanters, Alchemists, etc.

Before the rise of the foundry profession, Xu Hao's family long sword could definitely be considered a magic weapon for hunting monsters. 

With this sword, Xu Hao in his previous life became the overlord of this town. Food, women, power, everything. But that's not the point. The point is that half a year after the end of the world, Chu Feng fled to this small town with a team of survivors.

The leader of the survivor team saw Xu Hao's weapon cutting iron like mud, killing monsters like chopping melons and vegetables! 

He immediately became malicious. He found an opportunity to kill Xu Hao, and then captured this magic weapon. 

Chu Feng, who was in the team, saw all this in his eyes. It's just that in his previous life, he was too weak and did not have the qualifications to compete for the magic weapon!

In this life, Chu Feng was reborn with ten years of combat experience. Not only has he become decisive and ruthless, but also full of ambition. Therefore, if Lu Yu wants to survive from Chu Feng, this sword must be in his possession. 

It's just now… it's rusted all over, with a little force it might break. It is a long sword that is about to be broken. 

Is it really that legendary weapon?

"Having second thoughts?" 

Upon hearing Lu Yu's words, Xu Hao tightly grips the handbag given by Ding Feng, as if he fears that Lu Yu might reclaim it. 

"You were the one who approached me first, offering 200,000 Yuan for my family's heirloom sword!" 

"Now that the sword is in your possession, you want to retract the deal." Saying this, Xu Hao clutches the money even tighter and instinctively steps back.

"You're asking for trouble, kid!" Seeing Xu Hao's defiant stance, Ding Feng steps forward, a flash of anger in his eyes. 

He and Xue Li serve as Lu Yu's bodyguards. Both are of similar height, around 178 cm, with medium builds. They appear lean in their attire. 

The only difference is that Xue Li is slightly older and appears more composed. On the other hand, Ding Feng, a twenty-seven-year-old with short hair, exudes youthful energy. 

At this moment, Xu Hao's words have clearly provoked him. Xu Hao was his responsibility, and he had assisted Lu Yu in completing the transaction. 

Now, Xu Hao has duped him of 200,000 Yuan with a worthless sword, which is a direct affront to him.

"Want to hit me? 

Go ahead, hit me!" 

Instead of backing down, Xu Hao steps forward, bringing his face close to Ding Feng's, as if inviting a beating and showing no fear of the consequences 

"Let's see who gets cheated!" 

He is a ruffian himself, adept at indulging in vices like eating, drinking, gambling, and womanizing. 

If it weren't for the sword hidden under his grandfather's bed, which was rusted and worthless, he would have sold it long ago.

"You…" Ding Feng bellows in anger and is about to step forward to teach Xu Hao a lesson, but Lu Yu stops him. 

"Alright, Ding Feng, maintain your composure!" 

Lu Yu advises, once he finishes his statement. He then shifts his attention to Xu Hao, 

"Xu Hao, our agreement was to spend 200,000 yuan on your family's sword, not this worthless item. 

We intend to conduct a fair transaction, not to exert force. Do you understand?"

"I…I…I… this sword is a cherished family heirloom!" 

Despite feeling somewhat remorseful for deceiving them and selling them a valueless, rusted sword, Xu Hao musters the courage to continue his justification, 

"And… it was bequeathed to me by my grandfather."

"Your grandfather?"

"Yes, he entrusted it to me upon his demise!"

A/n :- Dear readers, I welcome your suggestions and feedback in the comments section below. If you find the story engaging and enjoyable, I would greatly appreciate it if you could leave a review for this novel.

Thank you for Reading.