Du Chengfeng arrived in another world.

  The incident occurred over two months ago, on a [month dark wind high night]. While half-asleep in drowsiness, Du Chengfeng suddenly felt a chill on his body. When he closed his eyes and reopened them, he discovered he not only lacked any [thick quilt] covering him but was completely devoid of [clothing] on his body.

  After spending two hours observing his surroundings, he finally confirmed he was definitely not dreaming in his bedroom. After another seven days, he ultimately verified that he had likely not entered some [practical joke program], but had truly arrived in another world.

  Regarding this unfamiliar world, Du Chengfeng didn"t know how to specifically describe it. People"s [dress style] somewhat resembled [ancient times], but when it came to determining which specific [dynasty] it resembled, this somewhat excessively tested his knowledge reserves.

  Moreover, different from the [ancient world] in his imagination, the environment here was savagely unexpected.

  The first three days in this world were spent by Du Chengfeng in the [woods]. On the fourth day, precisely when he encountered the first stranger, merely seeing the other"s [ancient-style attire] and honest-looking face, he still thought he could at least request a set of [clothing] from them, establish [good relations], then after finding shelter and familiarizing himself with the environment, repay the person - which would also count as a [beautiful anecdote].

  As for whether he could achieve repayment, this Du Chengfeng was still quite confident. After all, he had read many books; finding money-making methods was still achievable. Even if his knowledge might not be monetizable in this current environment, he could at least be considered physically strong with some stamina. When the time came to work for others, returning the [clothing] should at least be achievable.

  Although working for others might be arduous, like the old saying goes: [since coming then settle]. After understanding his circumstances, Du Chengfeng quickly accepted reality. After all, matters of daily life must be lived through wherever one is. Being able to rely on his own abilities for self-sufficiency and repay benefactors already constituted a quite satisfactory life in Du Chengfeng"s view.

  Yet who could have imagined that even after Du Chengfeng clearly demonstrated his human identity and explicitly promised [generous repayment] in the future, the man who appeared like a [hunter] still raised the stick in his hand towards him.

  『Future repayment? No need for future. Selling you to exchange money for wine - isn"t this better than any repayment?』

  Hearing the [hunter] say this, Du Chengfeng already realized that in the current situation, relying solely on reasoning would be ineffective.

  Being ineffective, then there remained only fighting.

  [Long staff] hacked downward, [fists and feet] flew horizontally. After [three punches two kicks], the one lying down turned out to be that fierce-looking [hunter].

  As [spiritual compensation] for nearly being robbed, the [hunter]'s complete set of [clothes] naturally fell into Du Chengfeng's hands. After finally obtaining [clothing] to wear, Du Chengfeng also ultimately realized why he could win even bare-handed.

  The reason was none other than the [hunter] being excessively emaciated.

  When clothed earlier, this [hunter] had appeared somewhat menacing. But after removing the [clothes], Du Chengfeng discovered the [hunter]'s limbs were even slimmer than his own.

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  With such meager strength still entering the [woods] to hunt? Afraid even a dog could snatch him away.

  Fortunately, Du Chengfeng ultimately remained kind-hearted. After pondering back and forth, he only took the [hunter]'s [trousers] and [straw sandals], leaving the [upper garment], [staff], and that [broken bow] (which might snap upon drawing) for the [hunter]'s self-defense.

  After all, although this [hunter] had nearly captured him for sale, he had at least provided crucial information:

  That there were human settlements nearby.

  Living in the same [village], Du Chengfeng didn"t wish to be excessively harsh. Moreover, he particularly wanted to understand why these people insisted on troubling him. It must be known that since entering the [village], he had always been [amicable towards others], humble and polite, working diligently without offending anyone. How could someone still find fault? Completely unreasonable.

  『How is it not offending?! We"re beating you precisely because since your arrival, we few have lost our livelihood! Isn"t this your fault?』

  After administering two [slaps], listening to the lead [hoodlum] speak through tears, Du Chengfeng finally understood their grievance held actual justification.

  Originally before his arrival, these [hoodlums] had been the [village]'s labor force. When households needed physical work requiring [young strong men] to assist, they would summon them, offering some coins or a meal. After these youths banded together, they began standardizing prices and extorting higher payments from peasants. Though the peasants resented this, in this [oxen and horses deficient] environment requiring human labor, they had no alternative.

  After Du Chengfeng"s arrival, his willingness to work hard for mere meals naturally made people prefer this sturdier laborer, thus ruining these youths" profitable scheme.

  『Ah, this...』

  Understanding the situation"s origins, Du Chengfeng became speechless.

  So his actions constituted [unfair competition] - no wonder they sought trouble.

  Nevertheless, he had no intention to change. After all, for his current situation, survival remained the primary priority. Only by establishing firm footing in [Yang Family Fort] could he have surplus energy to plan future endeavors.

  Regarding his future, Du Chengfeng didn"t contemplate much. Even possessing knowledge transcending this environment, he believed an ordinary person like himself couldn"t achieve meteoric success. [Having stable income, then settling peacefully] already seemed sufficiently satisfactory in his view.

  Naturally, having been mobbed, [spiritual compensation] must still be claimed. Thus after thorough searching, Du Chengfeng"s pockets gained over a dozen more [copper coins].

  Combined with his previous savings, the total now exceeded a hundred coins. Though not substantial, this brought him closer to his goal - through recent [odd jobs], he had grown familiar with the village"s [Carpenter Li], who promised that upon providing five hundred coins, the [good-hearted Carpenter Li] would supply several [purlin beams] to help build him a house near the [village entrance].

  Possessing a dwelling constituted the first step towards [peaceful dwelling and prosperous work]. Du Chengfeng naturally wouldn"t decline this goodwill. [Five hundred coins] for a small courtyard undoubtedly owed great debt to [Carpenter Li]'s generosity. Currently destitute, Du Chengfeng vowed to remember this [benevolent obligation] when future earnings permitted.

  Now, two months after arriving at [Yang Family Fort], through personal efforts and several [high-end yet simple commercial battles], Du Chengfeng finally holding five hundred coins sought [Carpenter Li], swiftly establishing his courtyard"s framework.

  This was his first residence in this world, the inaugural truly belonging shelter through two lifetimes. Though five hundred coins couldn"t build quality housing, he believed through perseverance, continuous renovations and improvements, this space would gradually become better.

  [A thousand-li journey begins beneath one"s feet]. At this moment, Du Chengfeng still harbored infinite longing for [beautiful living].

  Yet precisely when knocking on [Carpenter Li]'s door to discuss constructing a [latrine], Du Chengfeng suddenly heard a desolate [horn blast].

  Immediately, the [good-hearted Carpenter Li] frantically pushed open the door.

  This marked Du Chengfeng's first witnessing of [Carpenter Li] in such disarray.

  『What are you standing here for! Hurry to the [walled fort]!』

  [Carpenter Li] fiercely pulled Du Chengfeng's arm with astonishing strength.

  『Someone in the fort blew the horn! The bell will toll soon! Those [horsemen] are attacking! Keep dallying and you'll lose your life!』

  『...Ah?』

  The dense information within these brief words left Du Chengfeng stunned. In this moment, his foremost thought unexpectedly concerned his barely-started courtyard.

  He only desired [peaceful dwelling and prosperous work], ordinary daily life - was this so difficult?