Chapter 401: A Multitude of Evil Deeds Will Surely Bring About Self-Destruction (Requesting Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 401: Those Who Act Unjustly Will Destroy Themselves (Seeking Monthly Votes)

They did not linger.

Chen Yi had Pei Qian fetch two sets of robes, then led him toward a residence situated south of the Smoke Flower Alley.

In the dim, drizzly weather, the two moved silently through the streets.

After all, in a bustling city like Shu Zhou, there was bound to be someone who might catch sight of them.

Moreover, several of the individuals they passed held positions of high rank, above the third tier.

Chen Yi took a detour, deliberately avoiding certain people.

Pei Qian felt his thoughts adrift, following Chen Yi's every step with mechanical precision.

Silence stretched between them along the path.

Only when his spirit had somewhat settled did Pei Qian hesitate, then speak: "Master, this time I've caused you trouble."

"I... I don't know..."

Chen Yi glanced sideways at him, having guessed what he was about to say, and asked in a calm voice:

"Do you wish to take him back to Mount Feng?"

"Is that your idea, or the command of the village elder?"

After a pause, he continued: "Or have you and the village elder prepared for the court and Wudang Mountain?"

Pei Qian opened his mouth, his face flushing, yet offered no answer to any of the questions.

A moment of silence passed.

Pei Qian clenched his fists, staring directly at Chen Yi, and spoke in a single, deliberate sentence: "He is my father!"

Chen Yi's footsteps halted, then resumed forward. "Then this matter is a private affair of the mountain clan. I shall not interfere."

As Pei Qian watched him walk away, his tense body relaxed slightly, his mind still echoing Chen Yi's words.

Pei Yonglin was his father.

Even if he had erred, he could not alter the bonds of blood.

Yet Pei Qian was aware that Pei Yonglin had undeniably killed Ma Shuhuan and his family, as well as the "Minor Path Lord" Hua Weiyang.

To save him would be difficult.

Unless...

Pei Qian steadied his thoughts, then set off with large strides to catch up with Chen Yi.

"Master, if it were me, how would you proceed?"

Chen Yi replied coolly: "Helping a relative is not the same as upholding righteousness. Few can achieve the great righteousness of sacrificing family for justice."

A faint smile tugged at Pei Qian's lips. "Please, master, teach me. How can I save him... and my mother?"

Earlier, he had heard Pei Menglou speak of this "Liu Wu" master's deeds, and thus felt inadequate.

In every discipline—martial arts, strategy, scholarship—he was far behind.

That was why he sought guidance from this master.

Just as the mountain clan's old adage says: "If a child's mind is not bright, one must find someone bright to learn from."

Chen Yi scanned the surroundings as he spoke: "Before you came, did the village elder give any instructions?"

Pei Qian's expression dimmed. "The elder said, if this matter is handled poorly, it will bring great calamity to the clan."

"The court has already lost a high official. The elder can still maneuver there, but Wudang Mountain's 'Minor Path Lord'...?"

Chen Yi nodded slightly. "The ways of the world are the ways of the world. Wudang Mountain is indeed more treacherous than the court."

Though the mountain clan was powerful, they lacked a divine immortal of the land. If they failed to handle this properly and provoked such a being, they would face no good end.

"However... there is a way to save your father, though it is not easy."

Pei Qian's eyes lit up. "Master, teach me!"

Chen Yi waved his hand. "Don't get ahead of yourself."

"To save your father, it is not merely up to you or me, nor to the village elder or the mountain clan. It depends on your father himself."

"My father?"

"Indeed. The condition is that he wishes to live."

Pei Qian looked puzzled. "Would my father not want to live?"

Chen Yi shook his head, offering no further explanation. "You'll understand when you meet him."

"Understood..."

Pei Qian was unaware of his father's condition, but Chen Yi was.

That evening, Chen Yi had indeed blocked Pei Yonglin's meridians, though he knew it was not impossible for Pei Yonglin to evade Song Jin's single sword strike.

At the very least, he could attempt to avoid the vital points.

Yet Pei Yonglin did nothing, allowing Song Jin's blade to pierce straight through his heart.

It was hard to say he did not harbor a desire for death.

After nearly half a zhi, the three reached the residence in the southern part of the city.

Shui He had sensed their presence and hurried over. Upon seeing Chen Yi, he smiled and nodded in greeting.

He then glanced at Pei Qian and said, "A visitor from the mountain clan?"

Chen Yi nodded. "Bring him to meet this person."

Though Pei Qian did not recognize Shui He, he was well aware he was no match for him, and bowed respectfully: "I am Pei Qian of the mountain clan. I have met Master Liu."

Shui He inclined his head in acknowledgment, then said, "He has not eaten or drunk for three days."

Before Chen Yi could speak, Pei Qian could not help but ask, "Why... why?"

Shui He, unaware of his identity, replied casually, "Perhaps he simply doesn't wish to live anymore."

Pei Qian's eyes immediately filled with tears, which he managed to suppress.

"Please, Master, take me to him."

Shui He looked at Chen Yi, who nodded, then turned to lead the way.

Not long after, the three arrived at a room deep within the courtyard.

Shui He pointed to the interior. "He is staying here for now."

Chen Yi nodded slightly, yet had no intention of entering. He turned to Pei Qian: "You go in first."

Pei Qian glanced at the two men, then pushed the door open without a word and entered the quiet chamber.

Inside, the faint sounds of Pei Qian and Pei Yonglin's conversation drifted through the air, filled with the overwhelming emotion of a father and son reuniting.

Chen Yi listened for a moment, then walked over to the pavilion beside him, pulling down the hood from his head to gaze at the pool of water nearby.

At this point, the courtyard was slightly noisy.

Amid the sounds of rain and wind, laughter and cheers drifted in now and then.

Among them, Liu Rong’s boastful voice cut through: "You lot have grown a bit over these days, but you’re still far behind me."

"Unconvinced?"

"Then keep coming. If you can get me out of this circle, you win."

"Come on…"

Shu Rongtong, hearing the voices from that direction, followed suit, smiling as he said, "Liu Rong, not unfitting for a disciple of Dao Gui Front, his blade arts have truly advanced."

Chen Yi nodded, replying, "He still has a ways to go before reaching the pinnacle."

Liu Rong, though not the most talented, possessed a stern and resilient heart, with a certain rugged determination.

Yet,

He was rough and reckless, but had survived all these years without being killed, thanks to his "Dao Gui" master’s exceptional blade techniques.

In contrast, Chen Yunfan had already taken the first step beyond his limits, which clearly demonstrated his talent and character.

It was not as simple as it seemed.

Whether in martial arts, literature, or medicine, talent merely set each person’s baseline.

The ceiling, however, depended on their posthumous efforts.

Like Chen Yi himself, his talent was not outstanding, but through diligent effort, he had achieved this feat today.

Shu Rongtong smiled, then began speaking of the Bai Caotang.

"Master Xing has sent word that he has already agreed to establish the Bai Caotang in the location where the Rain and Wind Pavilion stands in the three cities of Jiuzhou."

"Yesterday, Yijing also mentioned this matter, and will temporarily assist in setting up a branch of the Bai Caotang in Shuzhou."

"First, to familiarize himself with the Bai Caotang’s operations, so that he won’t be at a loss in the future."

"Second…"

After a pause, Shu Rongtong turned to ask, "Have you met my sister yet?"

Chen Yi glanced at him sideways, asking, "Why didn’t you tell her about this?"

Shu Rongtong replied, "Tang Sister once received guidance from Master Li."

"If she knew of your situation, she would surely inform Xiao Sister promptly, which would ruin your prospects."

Chen Yi nodded knowingly. "Thank you."

"No need for thanks."

"You should think more about tonight’s matter."

"Tonight? Rong Shu, you’re so confident in surpassing me?" Shu Rongtong heard the words and smiled enigmatically, "Does that mean Chen Er has a real chance against me?"

Chen Yi fell silent, then said, "A friendly sparring session is all that’s needed."

Shu Rongtong’s smile grew more peculiar. He turned his head, pretending to examine the fish in the pool.

"That’s only fitting."

He was now more eager than ever to see Chen Yi face his former opponent, Xiao Jinghong, as he had been before.

Of course, if Xiao Jinghong did not show up tonight, it would be his own standing at stake.

Not bad either.

The previous clash between them had both been more restrained.

But with Bai Da Wei and Shu Jian Jun present, they didn’t need to hold back much, even if they were gravely wounded or near death, they need not worry.

Approaching noon, Pei Qiang finally emerged from the chamber with a gloomy face.

Shu Rongtong glanced at him, signaling, "Looks like it won’t be easy."

Chen Yi was well aware, his gaze falling upon the chamber, where he could faintly see a frail figure seated on a chair.

In just three days, Pei Yonglin had been drained of all vitality, his entire being drained of vigor.

Pei Yonglin seemed to sense Chen Yi’s gaze, turning to look at him.

Upon seeing Chen Yi, a faint smile crept onto his gaunt face, tinged with gratitude and sorrow.

Chen Yi understood, but did not intend to engage, waving his hand to extinguish a wind seal on the chamber door.

The door creaked open.

Pei Qiang regained his senses, turned, and walked toward Chen Yi and Shu Rongtong.

Shu Rongtong stepped back silently, clearly unwilling to speak further.

Chen Yi stood still, waiting for Pei Qiang to approach, then said, "I suppose he intends to take this upon himself alone."

"Not only resigning as the leader of the Mountain Clan, but also sending you to Wudang Mountain."

Pei Qiang nodded slowly, "Elder brother, my father said… if he lives, many people will die."

"Besides the court and Wudang Mountain, there’s… there’s…"

Before he could finish, Chen Yi interrupted, "If he wants to live, there is only one way."

He knew what else there was.

The Ji Zhou merchant guild, and the Cao family behind them in Qinghe.

If Pei Yonglin lived, they would surely find it impossible to rest easy, and would surely try every means to eliminate him.

Pei Qiang quickly said, "Please, elder brother, enlighten me!"

Chen Yi looked at him, "The way is this: your father needs to serve the court."

Pei Qiang paused, "The court?"

"But… but Ma Shuhuan…"

"You think he’d have killed Ma Shuhuan and his family, angering the court, and yet the court would accept him?"

"Yes, yes…"

Chen Yi looked into the chamber and explained, "In some people’s eyes, the things your father did are unforgivable, even the Mountain Clan should be wiped out."

"But in other people’s eyes, your father living is more beneficial."

The reason, you don’t need to understand. You just need to go back and ask him whether he is willing to join the White Tiger Guard."

Pei Qiang looked bewildered, "White, White Tiger Guard? I think I’ve heard of it…"

Shu Rongtong, beside him, was moved, "One of the four divisions of the Palace Secretariat, in charge of border affairs."

"Brother Chen, this truly is the only way to save him."

Upon hearing this, Pei Qiang immediately nodded, "I’ll go right away."

Chen Yi stopped him, then said, "I'll say it straight."

"The things your father did are still hard for people to accept; even if he managed to survive by sheer luck, he'll probably have to struggle through life from now on."

"The senior brother, I understand!"

Pei Qian had already heard Pei Yonglin recount some of the past events, so he naturally knew Chen Yi was not acting without purpose.

In fact, if Pei Yonglin were not his father, not the leader of the mountain clan, he would not have intervened in this matter.

Alas—

Pei Qian bit his lip, turned around, and returned to the study.

Shui Hetong watched the door close, then said, "The White Tiger Guard may have saved Pei Yonglin's life, but they are not easy to get along with either."

He looked at Chen Yi, thinking aloud, "Do you think the White Tiger Guard will accept Pei Yonglin?"

Chen Yi nodded, "The Ji Zhou Trading House has come under the White Tiger Guard's attention."

Shui Hetong laughed outright, "Those who do wrong will inevitably destroy themselves. The Ji Zhou Trading House has done enough evil; they deserve to be wiped out."

Chen Yi glanced at the sky, then said calmly, "Not so easily."

"Still, it's enough to let the White Tiger Guard suffer heavy losses from the Ji Zhou Trading House."

"As for later... it all depends on the situation in Kyoto's capital."

Earlier, he had passed on the connection between the Clear River Ci family and the Ji Zhou Trading House to the White Tiger Guard through the help of Zhang Xing.

If the White Tiger Guard truly stood on the Emperor's side, there should be some movement by now.

It was precisely at this moment that Pei Yonglin found a sliver of hope—after all, the people of the Ji Zhou Trading House must have some value, however small.

Not long after.

Pei Qian stepped out of the study, his expression slightly relaxed. After closing the door behind him, he bowed deeply to Chen Yi.

"Senior brother, my father has agreed."

Chen Yi glanced at him, nodded to Shui Hetong, and left.

"Then come again in a few days."

"Also, there's something else I need you to do."

"Yes..."

Shui Hetong watched the two depart, feeling a touch of admiration.

"Chen Yi, Chen Qinzhou... your younger brother's marriage to this lord—it's hard to say if it's a blessing or a curse."

He shook his head, smiling, and dashed toward the martial arts arena, calling for Liu Lang.

"Don't tease these youngsters anymore."

"Come, give you another chance—if you can't move me even then, stay here tonight."

Liu Lang paused, gripping his long blade tighter.

"Just the way I like it..."

...

After noon passed.

The people of Shu Zhou Prefecture began moving westward.

Some came from afar, having heard the news; others were there for the spectacle, joining the noble families.

Of course, they didn't trudge through mud and water like the wandering heroes, but instead took boats directly from the lake, heading north out of the prefecture, then westward, straight toward the upper reaches of the Red River.

Inside one of the boats.

Chen Yunfan looked out the window with interest, watching the boats, their lanterns glowing like stars on the river, sailing away. "These young lords," he said with a hint of amusement, "can't stay contented in the capital, chasing after pleasures and entertainments. They come out here just to make a scene?"

Ci Qingwu covered her mouth and laughed. "They probably think they're out enjoying the mountains and waters."

"After all, their martial arts skills are so modest, they can't see what's happening inside the city."

When he came to that point, she turned to ask, "Yunfan, are you done with the capital's affairs? How is it you have time to come here?"

Earlier that morning, she had heard Chen Yunfan say he would handle the government business, yet here he was, arriving before noon.

Just as she was about to eat, she saw Chen Yunfan return, rushing in a hurry, dragging her to the lake, securing a boat, and racing out of the city.

Chen Yunfan smiled faintly, twirling the golden mask in his hand. "Then you'll know soon enough."

Thinking of all those young lords who only speak grandly, seeing someone in the boat wearing a golden mask soar into the sky, heading straight for Bai Da Xing and Xue Jian Jun and the others—it must have been quite the display.

Ci Qingwu didn't know these details, but found it rather strange.

"After all, it's probably just... Yunfan brother..."

Meanwhile, in a boat not far off, Prince Qin Gong Tang Xiu accompanied by several guards had also come.

Though he had no right to stand by and watch, he wasn't merely observing for sport.

After all, he wanted to recruit a few capable people.

Tang Xiu looked at the boats bobbing on the water, raised his hand, and ordered, "Hoist our Qin Gong Prefecture's flag, so that those of worth will know where I am."

"Yes..."

As expected, the evening chapter would follow.

(End of chapter)