Courtyard House: First, kill the hypocrites, leave none alive.

The wind along the moat carried the fishy smell of water and was as cold as a knife, cutting painfully into one's face.

Chen Feng squatted under the large willow tree, leaning against its rough trunk, his eyes fixed on the river. Moonlight shone on the water, shattering into silvery scales that rippled with the waves. The river was pitch black, its depths unfathomable, like a gaping maw ready to devour something at any moment.

He waited from dusk until late at night, and then from late at night until dawn.

Xiaoyu didn't come.

"The Old Spot"—by the moat, under the big willow tree. This was their secret base when they were kids. They would catch cicadas here in the summer, watch the leaves fall in the autumn, and in the winter… it was too cold in the winter, so they didn't come often. But whenever Chen Feng came back late from the factory, Xiao Yu would wait for him here, sitting on that big rock, swinging her legs, her eyes looking back at the way they came.

"Brother's back!" She would always jump up and throw herself into his arms.

The stones are still there, the willows are still there, and the river is still flowing. But the drizzle is gone.

Chen Feng's heart sank little by little. From full of hope, to unease, and now to icy despair. He had been waiting here for five or six hours. The wind by the river chilled him to the bone, and his wounds began to ache again, but he remained motionless, like a stone statue.

Maybe Xiaoyu came, waited for him but didn't see him, and left again. Maybe she never came at all, and "the usual place" was just something she said casually. Maybe... she never escaped at all, and died at Jia Dongxu's hands long ago.

The thought burrowed into his heart like a venomous snake, biting him until his very insides ached. He clenched his fists so tightly that his nails dug deep into his palms, drawing blood, but he felt no pain.

If Xiaoyu really dies... what's the point of everything he did?

Murder, escape, hiding and running, like a rat living in the shadows. He thought he was avenging his family, searching for his last remaining relatives. But if even Xiaoyu was gone, what meaning did his life hold?

The wind rustled through the willow branches, making a mournful, whistling sound, like someone was crying. In the distance came the mournful, lonely cry of a night bird. The moat flowed silently, carrying away time and hope.

Dawn was approaching. The east was tinged with the pale light of dawn, the sky changing from inky black to deep blue, then gradually tinged with gray. A thin mist rose over the river, hazy and indistinct, like a layer of gauze.

Chen Feng stood up and stretched his frozen legs. He took one last look at the large rock, then turned and left.

No tears. He had long since run out of tears. Now, his heart was filled with only a cold emptiness, like the water of this moat—seemingly calm, but with unfathomable depths and turbulent undercurrents.

But he can't die yet. Even if Xiaoyu is gone, his enemies are still there. Liu Guangfu, Yan Jiefang, Jia Zhangshi, Auntie Yi, Auntie Er, Auntie San... and all the people in the courtyard who contributed money.

Not a single one can be spared.

Blood debts must be repaid in blood.

That was his only reason to live.

At the same time, the courtyard was brightly lit, but the atmosphere was so oppressive that it felt like it was about to explode.

The news of the five bodies found in a hutong in the west of the city last night has spread. All five were adult males, and their deaths were gruesome, clearly murder. The police cordoned off the scene and investigated for a whole day, but found nothing—no witnesses, no clues, the killer is like a ghost, appearing and disappearing without a trace.

But everyone in the compound knew who did it. Chen Feng. Who else could be so ruthless?

The mourning tents in the front and middle courtyards haven't been dismantled yet, and the three coffins are still there. Yan Bugui, Liu Haizhong, Liu Guangqi. Three dead men, three broken families. The crying has weakened, not because they aren't heartbroken, but because they're too exhausted to cry anymore. The tears have dried up, leaving only numbness and fear.

The remaining people gathered at Liu Guangfu's house in the middle courtyard—the only place in the courtyard where they could still make decisions. Liu Guangfu's right arm was in a sling across his chest, and his face was still bruised, but the hatred in his eyes burned like fire. Yan Jiefang sat opposite him, head bowed, saying nothing. Jia Zhangshi huddled in a corner, her triangular eyes darting around, seemingly plotting something. Three older women sat to one side, their eyes red and swollen, their expressions dazed.

There were other residents, about a hundred people in total, including men, women, and children. Everyone was like a frightened bird, trembling at the slightest sound.

"We can't just wait like this, can we?" A middle-aged man broke the silence. His surname was Li, and he was one of the few able-bodied men in the compound. "That kid Chen Feng is unpredictable. Who knows if he'll come again tonight? If he does, will we even be alive?"

No one answered. Everyone knew that if Chen Feng came again, they wouldn't be able to stop him. Those five men in the alley last night—they looked like desperate criminals—were dead too, weren't they? What could these ordinary people possibly fight with?

"How about... we call the police?" the three women whispered.

"Call the police?" Liu Guangfu sneered. "How many times have you called? What's the use of the police coming? They've been investigating for so long, have they caught anyone? Five people died last night, and the police still haven't caught them!"

"Then...what do we do?" the third woman cried. "We can't just wait to die, can we?"

"Wait to die?" Liu Guangfu stood up. Although his right arm was in a sling, his ruthlessness was chilling. "If I'm going to die, I'll take him down with me!"

"Guangfu, don't be impulsive," Yan Jiefang pulled him back. "We're outnumbered right now, we can't win a direct confrontation."

"Then what do you suggest we do?" Liu Guangfu glared at him.

Yan Jiefang fell silent. He didn't know what to do either. Chen Feng was like a ghost, appearing and disappearing without a trace, and his attacks were ruthless. How could ordinary people like them fight back?

Suddenly, Madam Jia spoke up: "I have an idea."

Everyone looked at her.

"What does Chen Feng care about most?" Jia Zhangshi's triangular eyes gleamed with calculation. "His sister, Chen Xiaoyu. That girl ran away on the day of the fire, and her fate is unknown. But if... if we spread the word that Chen Xiaoyu is in our hands..."

"Are you crazy?" an older woman exclaimed. "Where would we find a Chen Xiaoyu?"

"We don't have it, but we can say we do," Jia Zhangshi said. "We'll spread the word that Chen Xiaoyu has been captured and is being held somewhere. Chen Feng will hear the news and definitely come to rescue her. Then we'll set a trap and capture her in one fell swoop."

The room was silent. This idea... was too wicked. Using a young girl who might already be dead as bait to lure Chen Feng into a trap.

But it has to be said, this might be the only effective method. Chen Feng is like a mad dog now, biting anyone he sees, and he's impossible to catch. Only by using what he cares about most can we lure him out.

"But..." the third woman hesitated, "What if Chen Feng doesn't come? Or... what if he does come, and we can't beat him?"

"Then let's find more people," said Jia Zhangshi. "The courtyard will pay for it, and we'll hire tough guys who can carry weapons. We'll set a trap, wait for him to come, and then we'll all attack him and beat him to death with sticks."

Liu Guangfu's eyes lit up: "Yes! Hire someone! Is there any money left in the yard?"

Yan Jiefang thought for a moment: "We still have some money left from the last time we raised. The old lady's savings account... although she can't withdraw it, we can borrow some money first, and pay it back after everything is done."

"Borrow? From whom?" Auntie Er asked.

"I know someone," Yan Jiefang said, "who works at the neighborhood committee and can get money. The interest rate is a bit high, but I can still borrow it."

"Then lend it!" Liu Guangfu slammed his hand on the table. "Any amount of money is fine as long as it kills Chen Feng!"

"But..." the older woman still worried, "What if it fails..."

"Failure means certain death anyway," Liu Guangfu gritted his teeth. "Since we're going to die either way, we might as well give it a shot!"

The people inside looked at each other, and finally nodded. Yes, they were all going to die anyway, so they might as well take a gamble. If Chen Feng didn't die, they would all die.

"Then it's settled," Liu Guangfu said. "Jiefang, you go and borrow money, the more the better. Aunt Jia, you're in charge of spreading the word that Chen Xiaoyu is in our hands, being held... held somewhere in the west of the city. We'll tell you the exact location once the trap is set."

"Okay," Jia Zhangshi nodded, "I'll make the arrangements."

"Everyone else," Liu Guangfu glanced around, "get your weapons ready. Kitchen knives, clubs, shovels, whatever you have. When Chen Feng comes, beat him to death!"

"But..." a younger man said in a low voice, "Chen Feng has a gun. He shot and killed those five people in the alley last night."

The mention of guns silenced everyone. Yes, Chen Feng had a gun. How could they, with their cleavers and clubs, possibly fight a gun?

"Guns..." Liu Guangfu thought for a moment, "Let's get guns too."

"Get a gun?" Yan Jiefang was startled. "Those things aren't easy to get."

"We have to get it even if it's difficult," Liu Guangfu said. "Jiefang, when you borrow money, find out if there are any guns for sale on the black market. It doesn't matter if they're expensive, as long as we can get them."

Yan Jiefang's face turned pale, but he still nodded.

"Alright," Liu Guangfu said, "Go and get ready. These next few days, everyone stay together and don't go out alone. Take turns keeping watch at night and don't let Chen Feng take advantage of any loopholes."

The crowd gradually dispersed, each going about their own preparations. Liu Guangfu walked to the window, looking out at the dark courtyard, his eyes burning with hatred.

Chen Feng, you just wait. This time, I'm going to make sure you die.

When Chen Feng returned to the small villa, it was already broad daylight.

He collapsed onto the bed, exhausted, his body feeling like it was falling apart. The wound on his right shoulder had reopened, and the knife wound on his back ached. But the pain was even worse in his heart—an empty, hollow ache, as if a piece of him had been ripped out.

Xiaoyu didn't come. She might really be gone.

But he couldn't give up yet. As long as he hadn't found the body, there was still hope. Maybe Xiaoyu had gone somewhere else, maybe she was still alive somewhere, waiting for him to find her.

He had to keep searching. But before that, he had to deal with his enemies. Especially Liu Guangfu and Yan Jiefang, who already knew of Xiaoyu's existence and wanted to use her as bait.

They must die. And quickly.

Chen Feng sat up in bed and began to plan. The people who hired the killers probably already knew he'd killed five of Scarface's men last night. But they probably didn't know Scarface was dead and would still be making contact at the mass grave.

Perhaps... he could disguise himself as the scarred man, go to the courtyard to make contact, and lure Liu Guangfu and his group out.

But this idea is very risky. If it's discovered, they might be surrounded. Moreover, he's injured and has difficulty moving around, so he might not have the upper hand in a fight.

He needs a more reliable approach.

Chen Feng thought of Jia Zhangshi. That old hag was the most vicious and scheming woman. Last night in the alley, Liu Guangfu and Yan Jiefang said they wanted to find Xiaoyu and use her to lure him out. This idea was most likely Jia Zhangshi's.

If we can kill Jia Zhangshi first and cut off their strategist, then Liu Guangfu and Yan Jiefang will be easier to deal with.

But Jia Zhangshi lived in the backyard and rarely went out. How could she be killed?

Chen Feng thought for a moment and came up with an idea—to set it on fire.

Jia Zhangshi's house was a wooden structure, making it prone to fire. Setting a fire in the middle of the night would burn her to death inside without anyone knowing. Moreover, a fire could create chaos, allowing him to kill others in the confusion.

Yes, that's what we'll do.

Chen Feng began to prepare. He needed a source of ignition—matches or a lighter. He also needed flammable materials—kerosene or alcohol.

He searched the small house and found a bucket of kerosene, leftover from when he used to light kerosene lamps. He also found a box of matches. That was enough.

He planned to act that night. At two in the morning, when everyone was fast asleep, he would go to the backyard and set fire to Jia Zhangshi's house first. Then, taking advantage of the chaos, he would go to the middle courtyard to kill Liu Guangfu and Yan Jiefang.

But before that, he needs to rest and recharge.

Chen Feng lay back on the bed and closed his eyes. But he couldn't sleep; his mind was a mess. Xiao Yu's face, his parents' faces, the faces of those who had died at his hands—these images flashed through his mind alternately.

How many people did he kill? Qin Huairu, Jia Dongxu, Director Wang, Xu Damao, Yan Jiecheng, Liu Guangtian, Yi Zhonghai, Li Jianguo, the five scarred men, Yan Bugui, Liu Haizhong, Liu Guangqi… seventeen people in total. And several others were injured.

So many lives, so much blood. His hands were beyond clean.

But he didn't regret it. Those people deserved to die. They ruined his family and his life. It would be an injustice if they didn't die.

Blood debts must be repaid in blood.

Not a single one will be left.

Chen Feng gripped the knife in his arms tightly. The blade was cold, but holding it gave him a sliver of strength.

Night deepened.

The slaughter is about to begin.

At two o'clock in the morning, the courtyard was deathly silent.

A few lights were still on in the courtyard, lit by the night watchmen. But even they were tired, dozing against the wall. After a restless night and a whole day of anxiety, no one could hold on any longer.

Chen Feng moved like a shadow, silently scaling the back wall. He knew this place too well; he could navigate it with his eyes closed. The moonlight was dim, the clouds thick—perfect timing for his move.

Jia Zhangshi's room was at the far end of the backyard. The windows were dark, and there was no sound from inside. Chen Feng quietly walked to the window and listened—there was a soft snoring sound; she was fast asleep.

He pulled a kerosene can from his pocket, opened the lid, and poured the kerosene onto the walls and window frames. The smell of kerosene was strong, but it quickly dissipated in the night breeze. Then he struck a match and threw it where the kerosene had been poured.

"boom--"

Flames leaped up and instantly ignited the wooden window frame. The fire quickly spread, licking at the thatched roof.

Chen Feng retreated to the shadows and watched silently. The fire grew larger and larger, illuminating half of the backyard. From inside the house came Jia Zhangshi's terrified screams: "Fire! Help!"

The night watchman was awakened and shouted, "Fire in the backyard! Help!"

Chaos erupted in the courtyard. People rushed out of the houses, some carrying buckets of water, others holding basins, running haphazardly towards the backyard.

Taking advantage of the situation, Chen Feng scaled the wall and entered the central courtyard. The courtyard was deserted; everyone had gone to fight the fire. He quickly walked to Liu Guangfu's house; the door was ajar.

He pushed open the door and went inside. The room was dark, but he could hear faint breathing sounds coming from the inner room. There was more than one person.

Chen Feng gripped his knife tightly and quietly entered the inner room. Moonlight streamed in through the window, barely enough to make out two people lying on the bed—Liu Guangfu and Yan Jiefang! They were actually sleeping together; they must be truly terrified.

The two were fast asleep, completely unaware that someone had entered. Chen Feng walked to the bedside and raised his knife.

Just then, Liu Guangfu suddenly opened his eyes!

When he saw Chen Feng, his pupils contracted sharply. He wanted to shout, but Chen Feng's knife had already fallen.

"puff--"

The first knife pierced Liu Guangfu's chest, so deep that bone was visible. Liu Guangfu screamed in agony, waking Yan Jiefang, who was standing nearby.

"Guangfu!" Yan Jiefang exclaimed, trying to get up, but Chen Feng's second stab was already upon him.

"puff--"

The knife pierced Yan Jiefang's neck, and blood gushed out. Yan Jiefang's eyes widened, and he covered his neck with both hands, trying to say something, but could only make a "hoarse" sound.

Liu Guangfu tried to struggle, but Chen Feng didn't give him a chance. The third and fourth stabs were fatal. Liu Guangfu and Yan Jiefang soon went still, their blood staining the entire bed.

Chen Feng stood by the bed, panting heavily. He'd killed them all. Liu Guangfu and Yan Jiefang, the two men who most wanted revenge against him, were dead.

But he wasn't finished yet. There was also Jia Zhangshi, that old hag.

He turned and rushed out of the house, back to the backyard. The fire had grown large, and Jia Zhangshi's house was completely engulfed in flames. People in the yard were desperately trying to put out the fire, but it was too intense and out of control.

Chen Feng hid in the shadows, watching Jia Zhangshi's house collapse in the flames. That old hag should have burned to death by now.

He turned to leave, but just then, a voice sounded behind him:

"Chen Feng!"

Chen Feng turned around abruptly and saw a middle-aged man standing in the moonlight, holding a shovel in his hand, staring intently at him.

It was that man surnamed Li from the compound. He had just gone to put out the fire and was coming back to get something when he bumped into Chen Feng.

"Chen Feng! You..." the man tried to shout, but Chen Feng had already pounced on him.

A knife slit his throat. The man fell to the ground, twitched a few times, and then lay still.

But that shout had already alerted the others. Some people looked over and saw Chen Feng.

"Chen Feng is here!" someone shouted.

Instantly, everyone turned to look. The firelight illuminated Chen Feng's face—his blood-stained face, his cold eyes.

"Grab him!"

"Don't let him get away!"

People rushed over with weapons. Chen Feng turned and ran, scaling the wall and disappearing into the night.

Shouts came from behind.

But Chen Feng didn't care. He killed four more: Liu Guangfu, Yan Jiefang, Jia Zhangshi, and a man surnamed Li.

There aren't many left.

The blood debt is almost paid off.

He ran very fast, like a gust of wind.

The night wind carried the smells of blood and burnt food.

The killing continues.