"Make Huang Baitao's crimes known to the public!"
"Pay the Like-Elephant Martial Hall a hundred thousand taels of silver in compensation!"
"You disciples of Thunderbolt Martial Hall's Inner Courtyard will atone for your master's crimes by kneeling before the gates of the Like-Elephant Martial Hall!"
Originally, Li Beichen had wanted to root out evil completely and eliminate everyone who had taken part in this matter.
But Meng Juxiang and Zhang Meng had insisted on executing only the chief culprit.
The others would receive a stern warning and a lighter punishment.
Even so, Zhang Meng's demand not to kill them left Lin Xiong and the other Thunderbolt Martial Hall disciples looking grim.
Lin Xiong lowered his voice and said to Zhang Meng, "A man's life ends with a single chop. Zhang Meng, don't you think you're asking too much...?"
Before Zhang Meng could reply, Li Beichen spoke, his killing intent chilling. "Lin Xiong, you still don't understand the situation. I'm informing you of what will happen."
"Can't you see the blade at your throat?!"
His gaze blazed as he swept his eyes over every person from Thunderbolt Martial Hall.
"If someone didn't know what Huang Baitao had done, the Like-Elephant Martial Hall won't demand anything of them."
"But... if I find out someone failed to come and atone, they'd better be prepared to follow Huang Baitao to the Yellow Springs!"
At those words, some people looked grim, while others wore relieved expressions.
Just then, the Like-Elephant Martial Hall disciples finally arrived.
Seeing them, Zhang Meng addressed everyone from the hall.
"Brothers, the mastermind Huang Baitao has been executed. A few of you, come help gather evidence of his crimes!"
"Lin Xiong, lead the way!"
Li Beichen went with them as well.
Before long, Li Beichen came out carrying the secret correspondence