"Fine, he ran over, but why did you follow?" Du Ge looked at Feng Zhong and asked, "I set up such a big trap, weren't you worried I'd let everyone escape and ruin my grand plan?"
"Brother Qi alone killed the Taotie, his reputation is immense. It's a wonder they'd dare to run," Feng Zhong said with a fawning smile.
"Do you really think so?" Du Ge looked at him and asked with a smile.
"Alright, I'm timid. I was afraid they'd kill me in the chaos," Feng Zhong scratched his head and said with a hint of shyness.
"Useless," Wang San glared at him.
"You know nothing. If those people ran, I could just write a few letters and trick them back. If I died, that would be the biggest loss for our team, wouldn't it?" Feng Zhong glared back. "Once, twice, three times... if Brother Qi scares them a few more times, I guarantee they'll be loyal from now on."
Du Ge glanced at him and said nothing more.
Feng Zhong was speaking the truth.
Currently, the three of them cooperated quite well. This time, Feng Jiu had transformed into the Taotie. There were still hundreds of contestants in the simulation arena. Who knew what other monstrous advancement skills they might have.
Moreover, the further they went, the harder it would be to find trusted partners. If any one of the three died, it would be detrimental to their future development...
Under everyone's watchful eyes, the Taotie transformed back into a human. The street quickly descended into chaos. People pointed and chattered from a distance at Feng Jiu on the ground, their words filled with worry for the future.
A living monster emerging from Luyang City was unprecedented. Coupled with what Feng Qi had said earlier about the Celestial Demon, it was no wonder they were afraid.
The appearance of the Taotie even eroded any lingering goodwill they had towards Feng Qi.
After all, Feng Qi was also a Celestial Demon.
Those not of our kind are bound to have different intentions.
Overhearing the crowd's discussions and looking at the unseeing eyes of Feng Jiu, Du Ge sighed. He was an old friend, after all. He couldn't let him die meaninglessly.
Thus.
Du Ge leaped up, jumped onto a nearby high platform, cleared his throat, and said, "Fellow citizens, many of you saw me yesterday, but many more don't know who I am. Today, I am here to formally reintroduce myself. My name is Feng Qi, the leader of the Peacekeeping Gang. My lifelong belief is to uphold justice and peace in this world."
He paused, looked at the still-chaotic street, and continued, "I know that some heartbreaking events occurred last night, causing your confidence in the Peacekeeping Gang to waver. This is not your fault; my work was not done well enough. Here, I apologize to everyone.
I have come to Luyang City today to address yesterday's events and provide an explanation. The person who just transformed into the Taotie was Feng Jiu, a Celestial Demon. It was under his instigation that the Divine Fist School harassed you last night, intending to frame the Peacekeeping Gang."
Buzz!
Another wave of discussion arose.
Du Ge raised his hand to signal for quiet, sighing, "I know it's shocking to hear such news suddenly. After all, the Divine Fist School is one of the leaders of the martial arts world. But the world is vast, and there are all sorts of people. He Yuanan, the head of the Divine Fist School's branch in Luyang City, has committed many wicked deeds in private.
When the rabbit dies, the fox feels sorrow.
The fate of the Iron Palm Sect made him restless, fearing that the Peacekeeping Gang would come to settle accounts one day. Therefore, when he was instigated by a Celestial Demon, he sent people to impersonate the Peacekeeping Gang and raid the citizens at night, intending to destroy everyone's trust in the Peacekeeping Gang from the root.
If the Peacekeeping Gang disappeared, he could continue to oppress the good people without worry.
The Taotie is indeed terrifying, but monsters can be killed. They have weaknesses. Once their weakness is found, they can be easily put to death.
But what about wicked people?
They look exactly like you, living among you. They will find ways to oppress you, eat your flesh, drink your blood, sleep with your wives. Day after day, year after year, your children, your grandchildren, your ancestors for generations will be oppressed by them..."
Du Ge's words were quite moving. The crowd's attention gradually shifted from the Taotie, and they fell into contemplation.
Unconsciously, all eyes focused on Feng Qi, forgetting his Celestial Demon origins.
"Wicked people are more ferocious than monsters. Moreover, you are helpless against them," Du Ge said with a look of grief and indignation, his voice gradually rising. He clenched his fist and swung it forcefully, "Compared to those wicked people, you have no martial power and are easily bullied. But it's different now. The Peacekeeping Gang has arrived, and I can be your advocate!
I am different from them. I am a Celestial Demon, and I must rely on protecting you to grow. The more stable your lives, the stronger I become. Fundamentally, I cannot harm you. We are mutually beneficial. You never have to worry about me abandoning you.
Indeed, compared to the Divine Fist School, the current Peacekeeping Gang is also weak. But a single spark can start a prairie fire. I will not abandon the faith and ideals I uphold just because the enemy is powerful.
Since ancient times, evil has never triumphed over good. I firmly believe that as long as one has a heart to uphold justice, they will move more upright people.
You may not know, but last night, I visited the Beggar's Sect, the Taishan Sect, the Huashan Sect, the Emei Sect, and the Tianshan School within Luyang City, and sincerely invited them to join the Peacekeeping Gang in upholding justice.
Fortunately, the leaders of these sects were enlightened and immediately agreed to join our Peacekeeping Joint Defense, and to protect Luyang City together with us.
After the Divine Fist School committed their evil deeds, the Peacekeeping Alliance was the first to identify the culprits.
Just now, He Yuanan, the head of the Divine Fist School, has been executed, and the instigator, the Celestial Demon Taotie, was also slain before your very eyes by me.
Upon learning of your suffering and hardship, I resolved your problems in the fastest possible time. With such painstaking effort, am I not worthy of your trust?"
Saying this, Du Ge raised his long sword high. After a moment's thought, he raised it slightly higher to his side, a little further from his head, and proclaimed loudly, "Today, on behalf of all the citizens of Luyang City, I swear by this sword that slew the ferocious beast, I will dedicate my life to fighting for peace and justice. This sword, which could slay the Taotie today, will be able to kill all evil people in the world tomorrow, kill all chaotic Celestial Demons, and bring about a bright and clear world."
He paused, looked at the stirred-up citizens, and smiled slightly, revealing a gentle smile. "Of course, it is better to see actions than to hear words. No matter how many pretty words are spoken, they are useless. Everyone, just watch my actions. Later, please spread the word and inform the victims from last night, as well as those injured by the Taotie on the street. After I clear out the remnants of the Divine Fist School, I will provide everyone with reasonable compensation."
After speaking.
Without waiting for any response from the crowd, Du Ge leaped down from the platform, beckoned to his two great protectors, and pushed through the crowd to return to the Divine Fist School's encampment.
Just as Feng Zhong had guessed, neither the Divine Fist School nor the Iron Palm Sect members had left.
Feng Jiu's sudden transformation into the Taotie had shattered their perception of the world. Everyone was lost in confusion about the future, unsure of where to go.
The Taotie was a monster. Was Feng Qi, who could kill the Taotie, not also a monster?
Feng Qi is also a Celestial Demon. Can he win by fighting a Celestial Demon with the body of a mortal?
What's the point of dying at the hands of a Celestial Demon?
If they are killed by Feng Qi, will the Divine Fist School really avenge them?
In the end, they are just people at the bottom, trying to make a living in this world...
Seeing Du Ge return, everyone in the courtyard instinctively took a step back, fearing he would suddenly lash out.
The scene of Feng Qi chasing down the Taotie seemed to linger in their minds. That terrifying speed, coupled with Wang San's containment, meant no one was a match for him.
"Don't be afraid." Du Ge scanned the people in the courtyard and smiled. "Feng has his principles. He only punishes the ringleaders. Now that He Yuanan is dead and the Taotie is dead, killing you all is meaningless and only creates more bloodshed. I'll ask you one question: are you willing to join the Peacekeeping Gang, and from now on, strive for peace and justice, and live more meaningful lives?"
"Sect Leader Feng, can we?" someone from the Divine Fist School asked.
"Of course, the Peacekeeping Gang welcomes anyone who abandons evil and turns to good." Du Ge smiled and looked at Han Zuo and the others. "The same goes for you. I know you were responsible for yesterday's events, but you were misled by Feng Jiu, so it's understandable. Moreover, He Yuanan of the Divine Fist School took the blame. The old sect leader is waiting for you to reunite in the Peacekeeping Gang. Clearly, you can all live in peace and work towards a common goal. Why must you stubbornly oppose me? Do you only feel at ease if you fight me to the death and are ultimately nailed to the pillar of shame by me?"
You stole our businesses, beat our fathers, and now you want us to live in peace with a simple word?
Han Zuo and the others remained silent, occasionally glancing at Wang San and trembling. The Fear of the Delicate continued to affect those targeted by Wang San.
Everyone present knew that Feng Qi's grand pronouncements were all fake. Slander, intimidation, and threats were his true nature.
But at this moment, Feng Qi had laid out a path for them, giving them ample face. It was time to take it!
It's better to live a dog's life than to die a noble death!
"We are willing to join the Peacekeeping Gang and serve the Sect Leader." People from the Divine Fist School spoke one after another.
"Not for me, but for justice." Du Ge corrected them, looking at everyone. He then turned back to Han Zuo and the others. "And you? Are you still waiting for the reinforcements Qiu Muqian is bringing?"
"Feng Qi, how is my father?" Qiu Feipeng asked, his voice trembling.
"He's seriously injured. The doctor said he might need two years to recover." Du Ge glanced at him and added, "But if you continue to cause trouble, it's hard to say. Fourth Young Master, the doctor said the patient cannot withstand further agitation."
Qiu Feipeng's eyes widened suddenly, and he said anxiously, "Don't touch my father, we'll join the Peacekeeping Gang."
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