The Xu Household Massacre

The living room reeked of blood.

Xu Zhengyang lay in a pool of blood, his eyes still wide open.

Hua Qianxiong flicked his horsetail whisk. "Death settles all debts. Today's matter ends here. If either household dares stir up trouble again, don't blame this poor Daoist for showing no mercy."

"We will heed Daoist Master Hua's teachings!" Xu Zhengtai gritted his teeth and cupped his fists, then lifted Xu Zhengyang and left without looking back.

Xie Zhengtang cupped his fists. "Sorry for the trouble, Daoist Master Hua."

Hua Qianxiong smiled. "Mingxi was careful enough to discover Xu Zhengyang's poisonous scheme in time, allowing him to escape harm. Zhengyang was my disciple, after all. I failed to discipline him properly. If the Xu Household comes looking for trouble again, this poor Daoist will not spare them. As for Zhengyang's wife, Chen Tieniang, I will keep her in check when she returns."

After a few more pleasantries, Hua Qianxiong left with a smile.

Xie An could not help asking, "Father, did you and Daoist Master Hua agree beforehand that Xu Zhengyang would pay the debt with his life?"

Xie Zhengtang rubbed his temples. "It was Xu Zhengyang's idea to ask Daoist Master Hua to mediate. Daoist Master Hua is highly respected. Even the county magistrate treats him with deference, so I could hardly refuse.

"Before this, Daoist Master Hua only said he would give me a satisfactory explanation. He said nothing more."

Xie An grew more certain of his suspicion. "Xu Zhengyang killed himself so decisively. It was as though he was covering something up."

Xie Zhengtang sighed. "I know. But he's dead now, and I have no way to keep pressing the matter openly."

Xie An asked, "What about A Shan?"

Xie Zhengtang said, "Her body is outside. They said Xu