Dual wielding volcanoes, killing through the west

"After this is done, please help me find out about two people." After so much buildup, and after repeated probing and testing, Zhang Renfeng revealed his true intentions to them: "Jimmy McGill, and Igorinacio Zolael."

After the words were spoken, there was a silence that lasted for more than a minute.

Logan's gaze shifted several times, his eyes narrowing unconsciously with a hint of apprehension. He chuckled, "These two are troublesome. If my information were still up-to-date, they'd already be under Laro's nose by now. Especially that lawyer... he's a hot potato right now; whoever takes him on is doomed. The Thunder Gang's treatment of traitors is quite ruthless."

"traitor?"

“He betrayed Tuku Zolael, leaked intelligence to Red Central, which ultimately led to Tuku being ambushed in the Gray Wolf Mountains and his entire army being wiped out.” Black Hand continued, “...At least, that’s what’s been circulating.”

“Nonsense.” Zhang Renfeng’s tone was very contemptuous. “That’s not true at all.”

"How did you know... Waaah..."

Before Black Palm could ask, Logan abruptly covered his mouth, interrupting him. The old hand took a deep breath, stared into Zhang Renfeng's eyes, and said in a deep voice, "I think everyone has their secrets. You have yours, and I have mine. Let's keep our secrets to ourselves."

"I agree to your request. Once you obtain evidence of water pollution, I will use my connections to find out about those two people."

Working with savvy people is so reassuring. Logan may look rough on the outside, but he's actually quite meticulous. Before reaching that level of relationship, he absolutely won't reveal a single word about things he shouldn't ask or inquire about.

Even if it's just a thin layer of paper separating us, he says he won't break through it, and he just won't.

Zhang Renfeng's lips unconsciously curled up as he grasped Logan's outstretched hand. "Deal."

----

The conversation about the town's fate continued late into the night. As his host, Logan didn't ask him to find another inn. Instead, he tidied up the attic on the second floor of the tavern, creating a sleeping space for him. Although it was just a floor separating them, it was enough to shut out the noise and commotion from the first floor.

Moonlight streamed down through the skylight overhead, making even the drifting dust seem to possess an artistic atmosphere.

The room was filled with various objects, including ornaments and weapons that had long been covered in dust—it was hard to tell whether they were collectibles or spoils of war. Zhang Renfeng believed that behind each of these items lay an extraordinary story, but for now they were gathered here, quietly covered in dust, waiting for their owner to open the attic door on a whim.

Two light knocks were made on the door.

“Mr. Zhang?” Leo, carrying a thick stack of quilts and blankets, squeezed through the somewhat worn doorway. “Logan asked me to bring these. He said we should make do with these tonight.”

"Ah, thanks."

Given the haste, there's not much to complain about in terms of accommodation. It's better than the little shack he slept in during the sandstorms.

Leo carefully laid out the bedding, then stretched the blanket out and covered him with it. After doing all this, the girl showed no sign of leaving. She stood there, her hands clasped together, hesitant, as if she wanted to say something but was unsure of what to say.

"Do you have something to ask me?" Zhang Renfeng sat cross-legged in the center of the blanket, with his legs crossed, in a "five hearts facing upward" posture.

"You...are you really...the Red Center?" Leo hesitated for a long time. Although reason told her that this was a question that should not be asked in person, she had to consider whether this might be the only chance she would ever have in her life.

"I've heard that the Red-bellied One has deer antlers, horse hooves, wolf teeth, two heads, and is at least three meters tall!"

When she asked the question, the girl's face flushed slightly, and her eyes sparkled like stars, with the expression of someone who had just met their idol.

"..." Zhang Renfeng revealed a mysterious smile, "Just now, when I was chatting with Logan and the others, you were eavesdropping outside, weren't you?"

"How did you know?" Leo's expression was one of utter shock. "I didn't make a sound!"

“Yes,” Zhang Renfeng said with a soft laugh, “but I can hear your heartbeat.”

Chapter 339: The Winners of the War (Third update today)

After the conversation, Zhang Renfeng also discovered that the girl's admiration for Hongzhong was basically due to her hatred for the Nulei Gang.

When Leo was very young, and his memories were still hazy, a similar conflict had already broken out once. And the leader was none other than the Steppenwolf now holed up in the tavern, except that back then, his fur was shiny, his claws were sharp and long, and his two gleaming scimitars were held in his hands, not hanging high on the wall.

Once a conflict breaks out, it's like a drop of water falling into a boiling oil pan, leaving no room for negotiation.

Logan led all those willing to resist, forming a vast army that swept across the Fortress Mountains and set foot in Tianma Town for the first time, the territory of the Zolael family. On that day, even the once arrogant Zolael family learned to sit down at the negotiating table and, like people in civilized society, obediently negotiated.

The final result was that the Zolael family would ease restrictions on Numa Town and delegate some administrative authority to Logan. In short, a compromise was reached where both sides compromised, and all the casualties and bloodshed came to an end.

It wasn't exactly a victory, but for the people of Numa Town, it was better than defeat.

“I am not Logan’s biological daughter, but... my parents died in that battle, and he adopted me.”

Leo sat down next to Zhang Renfeng with his arms wrapped around his knees, his voice somewhat dejected. "I really don't understand, where did that ferocious wasteland wolf that Zola El feared go? We've already come to this point, and everyone is almost at their breaking point, so why is he still hesitating? What is he afraid of?"

“He has a family now.” In a sense, Zhang Renfeng felt a strong sense of empathy with the old wolf, and sighed, “A person with a family is bound by many things.”

"When people get old, they become afraid of everything. Actually, I think he's not afraid of death itself, but he's afraid of what will happen to you after he dies? What will happen to all the people who depend on him?"

Zhang Renfeng empathized and chuckled softly, "For him, this is a war he can only win, not lose. Once it starts, there's no turning back, so how can he not be careful?"

“You mean…” Leo looked at the back of his hand, a hint of frustration in his voice, “Am I a burden to him?”

“I wouldn’t say that.” Zhang Renfeng shook his head. “It was you who made him more ‘complete,’ no longer an angry killing machine, but transformed into a father. A father wouldn’t go on a killing spree over a disagreement; ‘forbearance’ is a father’s instinct.”

"As for whether this change is good or bad..."

He looked up at the bright moonlight outside the window and murmured, "Only time will tell."

----

Amy walked through the carpeted corridor in cotton slippers. Even in such an inconspicuous place, the carpets were imported from Turkmenistan. Walking barefoot on them wouldn't be uncomfortable at all.

She changed out of her swift swordsman-like attire from the daytime and into casual clothes, her hair falling naturally over her shoulders. She carried a tray with a cup of hot tea and a cup of hot coffee, and from a distance, she could hear Rancho's voice. He hadn't deliberately raised his voice; it was just that his powerful voice unconsciously penetrated the walls, making the windows and cabinets vibrate.

Having lived with him for so long, she had almost gotten used to it.

"Shouldn't I ask for more details now, my friend? After all, I've spent quite a bit of money on your 'story'."

“I entrusted you with the entire village affairs and even sent people to hang 13 in the forest, just as you said… What do you call those? Talismans? When my men came back and reported this to me, they couldn’t help but laugh out loud.”

"As a result, they're still there, firmly rooted to the spot. You, on the other hand, came running back, utterly dejected. All the time and energy I spent on you has gone down the drain. Tell me, is this a fair outcome?"

Rancho's tone was calm, but Amy, who knew him well, knew that when he spoke to someone in this tone, it was often to give them one last chance.

If you don't seize the opportunity, the next thing you'll be communicating with will be Rancho's hammer.

"'Iron Horse' Lord, I absolutely did not mean to fool you! It's...it's..." Hearing a thud from inside, Amy had no doubt that the visitor had knelt down. "The outsiders, there are two outside gunmen, white, both quite old. They were almost successful. Those villagers, those fools, they were all persuaded, really! I assure you!"

……

"Those who caused trouble?" Rancho paused for a moment. "Are they still around?"

After receiving an affirmative answer, he said in a deep voice, "Tomorrow morning, take another group of men and take care of the troublemakers. Let me remind you, my friend, this is your last chance. If you mess it up again... I hope you will cherish it."

"I understand, I understand! I definitely will, I definitely will!"

After expressing her gratitude profusely, the door opened, and Amy saw a brightly dressed Native American running past her. For him, it felt like he had just escaped death; his survival instinct left him no time to think, and he practically tumbled and crawled down the stairs.

"Ha, they can't even close a door properly, what a lowly race." Rancho sat behind his desk and sneered. "No wonder they got played like fools by the Americans."

Amy's serious expression softened slightly as she brought in hot tea and hot coffee and gently placed them on his desk.

"I heard you almost got into a fight with Logan at the Steppenwolf Tavern this afternoon?"

“…” Amy’s hand, which had picked up the cup, flinched slightly, as if she had been pricked by a needle. “I’m sorry, Mr. Rancho, I… couldn’t control my emotions.”

“Your self-control in the face of the enemy who killed your parents is already quite remarkable, child.” Rancho rarely smiled as he slowly stood up and stretched his limbs. “At your age, I might have drawn Swift Sword and pierced his throat with one blow.”

With its massive and sturdy frame, it truly lives up to its name as the "Iron Horse." The movement of its back and waist stretches out a hard outline of its muscular body.

“Someone died.” Amy tried to keep her tone calm, but she couldn’t suppress the hatred she felt for Logan. “He was a gang member, and he died in a dark alley. That was his territory, so he should be held responsible!”

“You’re right.” Rancho nodded casually. To him, the dead gang member didn’t seem that important. “However, for the time being, let’s not hold a grudge against Logan. Let’s just pretend we don’t see him.”

"Why?" Amy asked, puzzled. "He's been blocking our way! From five years ago until now, doesn't the gang intend to deal with him?"

“There’s no need for that, just keep him in check.” Rancho’s expression was very relaxed. “He’s just an old wolf, he can’t cause any trouble. Before long… hehe, I guess the people of Numa Town will skin him alive before we even have to lift a finger.”

"People are forgetful, child. They won't remember what this old wolf did for them. These short-sighted fools mostly live in the present. When this old wolf can no longer provide shelter for his followers..."

“If everyone steps on him, he will never be able to rise again.”

Chapter 339: Closer to Hell

"Food, water, and wine... enough to last you four days down there. This mine isn't that deep; I estimate you'll reach the bottom in half a day at most." Black Palm handed Zhang Renfeng a small satchel, then suddenly patted his forehead as if remembering something. "Oh, right, after I got back last night, I thought about it and made you a little gadget!"

He half-squatted down and fiddled with Zhang Renfeng's belt for a bit. With a click, a fixing hook appeared on the front side of the belt loop. On this hook was a kerosene lamp, freeing up the hand that would have been holding the lamp.

“Logan can’t come. He asked me to pass on a message to you… You’re a tough guy. Once you get out safely, we’ll have a proper chat.” Black Palm gave the kerosene lamp hanging on his belt one last tug, making sure his creation wouldn’t fall off and was perfectly stable. Then he patted Zhang Renfeng on the shoulder with satisfaction. “Have a safe journey.”

"Thanks."

Zhang Renfeng turned around, looked at the mine entrance standing in front of him, and took a deep breath.

To maintain structural stability within the tunnels, mining teams construct formwork using logs to support the entire passageway. However, these life-saving measures often become less effective as mining progresses deeper. From this perspective, the deeper the mine, the greater the risk of collapse.

The sun had just risen, and whether he liked it or not, the town would be awakened once more by its sunlight. Meanwhile, he himself had to simultaneously venture into an underground world inaccessible to sunlight, birdsong, and gentle breezes. Thinking about it, it was rather ironic.

"Oh, right, about that weapon you asked me to use, I've been wanting to ask about it, but I haven't had a chance." Black Hand suddenly remembered this. "Are you sure the numbers are correct? This weight... isn't it too heavy for a human?"

"Can you shoot it out?" Zhang Renfeng smiled, offering no explanation, but simply asked.

"That's no problem."

"Okay." He waved to Black Palm, turned around, and walked into the entrance of the mine. His voice gradually faded into the echoes of the cave. "I'll come back to get it."

----

……

"?!"

Zhang Renfeng instantly drew his Volcano Pistol, stood sideways, and aimed the muzzle at his right side—a narrow gap.

"Oh God..." He rarely showed such a helpless expression, but clearly, he had underestimated the torment this place inflicted on the human will.

Especially when he's all alone here.

The cave was long since dark, and the mine was getting narrower. He was already quite muscular, and with each step, his shoulders would brush against the stone wall. He could only try his best to ignore this uncomfortable feeling. Zhang Renfeng had thought that the darkness would dull his senses, but the opposite was true. All his senses, including sight, hearing, and touch, became more acute, so acute that it annoyed him.

This wasn't the first time he'd been startled by the wind blowing through the mine and instinctively drawn his gun. Luckily, he managed to control his finger and not pull the trigger all the way down; otherwise, the bullet, hitting the stone wall at such close range, would inevitably ricochet and injure him instead.

However, this feeling was not unfounded.

"Ha... at least that means someone has been to this height before..."

As the light swept across the gap, Zhang Renfeng saw a not-so-spacious space on the other side. Perhaps it was a branch mine they were trying to open, but in any case, all he saw were two dust-covered corpses.

Dry, dilapidated, only a shriveled shell and bones remain.

Judging from their postures, they seemed to have been fighting over something before they died. Considering the environment, Zhang Renfeng was more likely to be fighting over food and water than gold or US dollars. In the underground, far removed from the human world, the latter was meaningless, while the former might prolong their lives a little longer.

They... no, it should be said that they might have some money or something on them, but Zhang Renfeng had no interest in squeezing through the gaps to steal it.

He stared at the corpse for a long time, then suddenly felt nauseous, followed by a dizzying sensation as the world spun around him.

"No... I'm going to vomit..."

The dark rock wall seemed to stretch out, becoming an endless passage. And within this darkness, fangs sprouted, ready to swallow him whole!

This fearless killer, in his incredibly ruthless life, rarely truly experienced what "fear" was.

So what if you're invulnerable to swords and spears? So what if you're born with superhuman strength?

Here, darkness can wash over you silently, like a tide, swallowing you whole. Just like those two corpses, dying in a place no one knows. Not even crows or vultures will visit; layer upon layer of stones cover you, as if you were buried in a bottomless tomb.

"That's how those people who were buried with the emperor felt, damn it..." Water was no longer enough to quench his thirst, so perhaps taking that into consideration, Logan thoughtfully prepared some strong liquor for him, and as he expected, it was indeed used very soon.

He gulped down a few mouthfuls of wine, and before it affected his judgment, he decisively stopped, just to bolster his courage.

"If I had known, I should have taken half the money first!"

----

"Boom!"

The wooden planks used to build the walkway had been idle for too long and had become unreliable, so Zhang Renfeng chose to jump from a high place and crash heavily to the ground.

The instant he landed, an alarm bell rang in his mind. He always valued this intuition; according to his master, it was called "subconscious." Where does this subconsciousness come from? It's developed through hundreds, thousands, or even more training sessions. When faced with danger, the body naturally knows where it should be.

The martial artist was more sensitive to this dangerous atmosphere. He looked around and saw nothing unusual except for the more open rock walls and fewer human traces.

The sound of pattering water came from below.

"An underground river?" Zhang Renfeng squinted, took a deep breath, held it, closed his eyes, and focused all his senses on his ears.

Normally, he could easily hear the heartbeat through the walls on the other side using his hearing ability. Even in a relatively noisy tavern, this skill was still effective. But in this dark, sunless cave, his hearing ability was limited and not as easy to use; he had to selectively discard some of his senses.

And... things that we, as humans, subconsciously rely on.

Zhang Renfeng extinguished the kerosene lamp and let himself sink into darkness.

……

The sound of water.