The Bright Moon Sect stood eighteen hundred li from Phoenix Cry City. Founded four hundred and seventy-eight years ago, it counted among the long-established sects and was currently the foremost sect in Yu Province.
Even among all the sects of the entire Eastern Realm, it ranked in the top five.
As mentioned before, reaching the fourth-rank realm could extend one's lifespan to a hundred years.
Those in the third rank realm could live at least a hundred and fifty years.
Those in the second rank realm generally lived between three hundred and five hundred years.
Those in the first-grade realm could live a thousand years.
That was under normal circumstances. Some might not live to the minimum lifespan of their realm, while others could exceed its limits.
The point of all this was that the Bright Moon Sect might well have old monsters from two or three hundred years ago still around.
Officially, almost everyone from the generation of the Bright Moon Sect's founding patriarch had died.
But nothing official had been said about its second- and third-generation patriarchs.
But at this moment, the Bright Moon Sect's master was a genuine second-rank realm expert.
Ning Jixiang sat in the great hall. He was eighty-three that year, but looked like a well-preserved middle-aged man in his forties or fifties.
A longer lifespan did not mean eternal youth.
True Qi could keep someone alive and slow their aging, but their appearance would still change.
This also meant Sect Master Ning had already entered the second rank realm in his forties or fifties.
Beside him stood his first disciple, Di Yunjie, who was already over fifty, a third rank expert currently overseeing all important sect affairs.
Ning Jixiang was reading the newspapers Di Yunjie had brought back for him.
Di Yunjie waited quietly, not daring to say another word, unsure what his master thought.
He felt indignant. That Zhang Qingyuan was so brazen, daring to use his master's name without permission. Outrageous!
He also feared his master would lose his temper and demand an explanation from the Tianyang Sect.
Not because he was kindhearted, but because he had been on good terms with Zhang Qingyuan and the others' master, Zhang Jing'an, the previous sect master of the Tianyang Sect.
They were both in the third rank realm, and Old Zhang had even taken a blade for him in the Battle of Kunlun.
He had promised to look after the Tianyang Sect for him.
Some of his martial uncles in the sect had indeed proposed swallowing up the Tianyang Sect while its dragons were without a head.
He had been the one maneuvering on its behalf, wanting to give the Tianyang Sect a chance.
Yet now, Old Zhang's disciple was running this wild!
He could not help asking: did you know your disciple was this bold?
He thought to himself, Jing'an, oh, Jing'an. Your disciple is courting death himself. If my master gets angry, don't blame your brother for not helping you.
Time ticked past, and Di Yunjie was nearly breaking into a sweat.
After a long while, Ning Jixiang put down the newspaper. He had started reading from the fourth issue.
Back then, he had even praised the young man for having ideas. Now it seemed this young man not only had ideas, but plenty of nerve, too.
"Heh, that little brat."
Hearing his master speak, Di Yunjie let out a long breath.
His master sounded not angry, but rather a little like an elder teasing a junior.
Still uneasy, he asked, "Master, aren't you angry that he said all this about you?"
Ning Jixiang put down the newspaper and looked at him. "What good would getting angry do me?
"Didn't you read what it said?
"Am I supposed to tell them the newspaper is all nonsense, that I'm actually nowhere near as glorious and noble as it makes me out to be? Tell them I don't want to bother with their damned affairs, that I think poorly of Yu Province's martial world, that our Bright Moon Sect doesn't want to protect an old-established sect like the Tianyang Sect, and that we want a share of the spoils ourselves?"
"Uh... you're magnanimous, Master."
Zhang Qingyuan had guessed everything correctly. He had heaped praise on Sect Master Ning precisely because he was certain the man could not get angry even after finding out.
Ning Jixiang thought for a moment, then said, "But we can't just let that brat off, either. He has no regard for any law or authority.
"How about this? They never held a ceremony for their new sect master's succession, did they? In a few days, take a Seven Stars Pill and visit the Tianyang Sect to offer congratulations.
"Then, in the name of a friendly exchange, beat the hell out of that little brat for me."
"Yes!"
Di Yunjie understood his master's meaning. The Seven Stars Pill was a supreme healing medicine.
He wanted him to cripple the boy first, then heal him...
"But this newspaper really is a fine thing." Changing the subject, Ning Jixiang picked it up again. "It can even call black white.
"Think about it carefully. Our Bright Moon Sect is in Bright Moon City, over a thousand li from his Phoenix Cry City. How could they come interview me on the very day that boy was attacked, return that same day, and get it into the newspaper the next morning?
"Are their reporters all experts of the upper three ranks who specialize in lightness techniques and movement arts?
"That's impossible. Didn't any clever people notice such a huge hole?"
How could there be no clever people? Di Yunjie cupped his fists and replied, "This disciple suspects there must be plenty. But clever people aren't the only ones who can read what's in the newspaper. Most readers are still ignorant commoners and rogue cultivators of the martial world whose indignation has been stirred up.
"The newspaper's purpose is to make most people sympathize with the Tianyang Sect's plight and resent the East Sea Sect.
"Once most people accept it, what can a few clever people do even if they know the truth?
"Just like you, they have no choice but to acknowledge it."
Ning Jixiang rose and nodded, deeply moved. "Yes. What can knowing change? Sometimes, most people don't need the truth. That's why I said this newspaper is a fine thing.
"How much money it makes doesn't matter. At a critical moment, this little sheet of paper is a knife that can kill."
Di Yunjie wholeheartedly agreed with his master. This single newspaper had painted the East Sea Sect as villains overnight. If they handled it poorly, nobody would speak up for them even if Zhang Qingyuan wiped out their sect. That was what made newspapers terrifying.
He looked at his master questioningly. "Master, do you want to start a newspaper here, too?"
Ning Jixiang said, "Indeed. This thing is a formidable weapon. Others will certainly recognize that eventually, so the sooner we publish a newspaper, the more attention we can attract."
"Then shall this disciple make the arrangements now?"
Ning Jixiang shook his head and considered it. "Summon all the elders of the sect for a meeting!"
"Yes!"
Meanwhile, Zhang Qingyuan and the others had reached the East Sea Sect's entrance.
Before its gates, the mighty punitive army had surrounded the road leading up the mountain to the East Sea Sect.
Gao Yulong emerged with several elders, escorting their fifth elder and more than two hundred disciples.
His face brimming with enthusiasm, Gao Yulong strode out as though the people before him had come for a banquet rather than to demand an explanation.
Behind them, the Tianyang Daily's top reporters, Ma Xiaowu and Zhou Keren, along with deputy editor Yang Wenxiu, held paper and pens, recording this moment.
Ma Xiaowu and Zhou Keren were a sixth rank martial artist and a seventh rank martial artist respectively. Zhou Keren, in particular, also had a talent for drawing.
Deputy editor Yang Wenxiu had absorbed the essence of Zhang Qingyuan's teachings even more deeply, becoming an accomplished editor of the "third stage of newspaper power."
The three meticulously recorded this historic moment.
Gao Yulong hurried forward and seized Zhang Qingyuan's hand, saying warmly, "Welcome, Sect Master of the Tianyang Sect, to our humble sect. Forgive me for not coming farther to receive you. Welcome as well to the Tianyang Sect's elders and all our fellow martial artists!"
He was all smiles, but inwardly he truly wanted to kill them all, dig a pit, and bury them.
Zhang Qingyuan did not respond to Gao Yulong's warm welcome. Pulling his hand free, he said sternly, "Sect Leader Gao, we haven't come for a friendly exchange today. I'm sure you know my senior brother was targeted by assassins a few days ago. We've come specifically to demand an explanation for my second senior brother. I hope you can give my second senior brother, Zheng Jianxin, an accounting."
Gao Yulong stepped back and addressed the onlookers. "Fellow martial artists, Sect Master Zhang, and everyone from the Tianyang Sect.
"I am deeply sorry about the assassination attempt against Sword Immortal Zheng.
"As soon as I learned of it, I immediately launched an investigation.
"I am neither someone who shirks responsibility nor someone afraid to bear it."
"And what did your investigation find?" Zhang Qingyuan asked.
"Everyone, look!" Gao Yulong stepped back several paces and pointed at the fifth elder, who had already sunk into despair. "It was him, our East Sea Sect's fifth elder. This man harbored a wolf's ambition and sought to annex the Tianyang Sect.
"After hearing that the Tianyang Sword Immortal, Zheng Jianxin, had made his name, he wanted nothing more than to eliminate him.
"Behind our backs, he secretly left the mountain and hired assassins, plotting to kill Sword Immortal Zheng and stir up trouble in the martial world.
"After it happened, he even tried to deny it. Fortunately, we found evidence in time and restrained him. We were simply waiting for Sect Master Zhang to arrive and execute him, to set the record straight!"
The fifth elder utterly despaired. He stared fixedly at his eldest sworn brother, Sect Leader Gao Yulong.
He had sensed something wrong ever since the man went out that day, but he had never imagined they would make him a disposable pawn.
He recalled what they had told him last night.
"Old Sixth, you have to think of us. Was it easy for us to get this far?"
"Exactly, Old Sixth. As long as you confess, you can save us and the foundation we built together. You've already been exposed. Even if we don't hand you over, they know you went looking for assassins."
"Old Sixth, rest assured. As long as you cooperate and preserve the East Sea Sect, we'll take good care of your wife and children. When the time is right, we'll definitely avenge you!"
"Do you want us all to die together?"
"I know what we're doing isn't honorable, but things have come to this. We can't make any more unnecessary sacrifices. Only by preserving the spark can we consider the future."
"Even if you won't think of yourself, think of your wife and children. If we all die, who will look after them?"
Bound tightly, the fifth elder heard their words echoing in his ears, his heart chilled and filled with despair.
He longed to drag these ungrateful bastards down to death with him, but they were right about one thing: he still had a wife and children.
A man would compromise for his family...
Everyone watched the fifth elder, who merely lowered his head without a word.
Zhang Qingyuan's brows knitted tightly. He did not believe a single word Gao Yulong had said.
One glance made it obvious that they had pushed this man out to take the blame.
Glancing at Gao Yulong, Zhang Qingyuan felt rather helpless.
Why aren't you resisting?
If you don't resist, how the hell am I supposed to wipe out your whole sect?
"Sect Leader Gao, was he the only one?"
Gao Yulong nodded with utmost sincerity. "Only him!"
"Even so, you must be held guilty of failing to discipline your subordinates," Zhang Qingyuan said provocatively.
He had to provoke him, preferably into striking.
As long as he struck, Zhang Qingyuan could unleash his second senior brother and finish them off.
He had no desire to suffer the consequences of striking a snake without killing it.
"Yes, yes, yes. Once this is over, we'll certainly bring generous gifts and visit to apologize!" Gao Yulong replied with an obliging smile, his attitude as accommodating as could be.
Behind Zhang Qingyuan, Bian Zhenxuan and the others were growing anxious, too.
They had already discussed it at the inn a few nights ago. Even their normally silent Old Sixth had agreed to wipe out the East Sea Sect.
But now that the other side was so sincere in admitting fault, it was difficult to strike.
Public scrutiny was a double-edged sword!
The spectators were watching how Gao Yulong handled this, but they were also watching how Zhang Qingyuan and the others would resolve it.
They certainly could not attack outright now.
They had right on their side, but attacking outright would lose them that advantage.
Zhang Qingyuan clasped his hands behind his back. "Since Sect Leader Gao understands the greater good so well, there's little more we can say. Otherwise, before so many fellow martial artists, I would look petty and small-minded."
"Exactly, exactly." Gao Yulong's eyes brightened, and he smiled. "That's right. We're neighbors, after all. We've had close dealings and friendly relations in the past. How could we let a wolf-hearted fellow like this ruin the bond between our two sects?
"Nothing could be better than your magnanimity, Brother Qingyuan!"
Who the hell has had close dealings with you?
Zhang Qingyuan cupped his fists and smiled. "I hope you'll keep your word, Sect Leader Gao. I, too, hope our sects can have more dealings and exchanges."
The atmosphere shifted as Zhang Qingyuan abruptly changed his tone.
"Then let me verify this man's identity. If he really is the culprit, shall I execute him here today before everyone?"
"Of course, of course." Gao Yulong extended a hand. "Please!"
Zhang Qingyuan followed Gao Yulong forward, gesturing with both hands behind his back. Seeing this, Bian Zhenxuan whispered something into Zheng Jianxin's ear.
Soon, the two reached the fifth elder.
Gao Yulong shouted at him, "You beast, raise your head!"
"Kill me if you want. Why waste words?" The fifth elder turned his head away.
Gao Yulong looked somewhat embarrassed, but Zhang Qingyuan smiled. "Oh, quite a backbone."
"This only happened because I failed to discipline him."
"No matter." Zhang Qingyuan looked at the fifth elder. "You did all this?"
The fifth elder raised his head, his eyes bloodshot, and looked at Gao Yulong. Gao Yulong's expression instantly became quite a sight, his heart nearly leaping into his throat.
He was about to speak when the fifth elder turned his gaze back to Zhang Qingyuan. "That's right. I did it all myself. It had nothing to do with them."
Zhang Qingyuan nodded. "You're a real man."
"Hmph. The victor becomes king, the loser a bandit. Kill me or carve me up, as you please."
Zhang Qingyuan raised his head and turned toward the crowd behind him. "You all heard him. He has confessed."
"Sect Master Zhang, kill him!"
"Sect Master Zhang, kill this scum of the martial world!"
"Rid the martial world of this menace!"
After hearing the fifth elder confess, the martial artists erupted, every one of them eager to see him eliminated.
Zhang Qingyuan raised a hand and pressed it down. Once they quieted, he said, "Everyone! We did come today to demand an accounting for our Tianyang Sect and my second senior brother. But I think he merely lost his head for a moment."
"What does Qingyuan mean?"
Hearing Zhang Qingyuan say "but," Li Moran asked in confusion, "Is he actually going to let him go?"
Beside him, Bai Shuyan shook his head and frowned. "I don't know. Surely not?"
The others had also heard Zhang Qingyuan's reversal in tone and began discussing it again.
The fifth elder, especially, seemed to glimpse a chance of survival.
Even Gao Yulong and the others were stunned, inwardly aghast as they stared at him in disbelief.
They did not want the fifth elder alive. Only a dead fifth elder was a fifth elder worth commemorating.
They had already offended him beyond reconciliation. If Zhang Qingyuan spared him today, how would they get along in the future?
Their hearts and loyalties would inevitably splinter!
But Zhang Qingyuan actually said, "Since he dares to own up to what he did, I also hope he can recognize his mistakes and mend his ways. So I'll take it upon myself to ask you on behalf of my senior brother, Zheng Jianxin: are you willing to abandon evil and turn to good?"
Gao Yulong was on the verge of tears. You're not a monk. Why are you being so magnanimous?
He hurriedly said, "Brother Zhang, why keep scum like him alive? Since he's already made a move against Sword Immortal Zheng, there's no telling what other vile things he'll do in the future. Though he's my sworn brother, I still have to say this: you absolutely mustn't show mercy."
The fifth elder looked at Gao Yulong in astonishment. He couldn't believe his eldest sworn brother could say such a thing.
The victim himself clearly wanted to let him go, yet his own people wanted him dead!
His heart was now cold as dead ashes, and he gave a bleak smile.
Zhang Qingyuan said, "Show mercy where you can. My senior brother is fine, isn't he? We should still give him a chance. There is no greater good than recognizing one's mistakes and mending one's ways."
"Sect Master Zhang, you're being foolish! How can you spare someone with the heart of a wolf and the lungs of a dog? What if he harbors resentment and seeks revenge later?" the East Sea Sect's fourth elder hurriedly urged.
He had been the one to suggest pushing Old Fifth out to take the blame, and he had also been the one to suggest assassinating Zheng Jianxin.
Even if others wanted Old Fifth alive, he didn't.
Guilt was part of it, and reconciliation was basically impossible.
If Old Fifth lived, he would certainly resent him. What if he sought revenge on him later?
Zhang Qingyuan looked at Gao Yulong and Ma Zhengyuan in puzzlement and asked, "Hiss... neither of you seems to want him alive?"
"We only wish to set the record straight and make an example for the martial world. These are words of justice!" said the fourth elder, Ma Zhengyuan.
"Sect Master Zhang..." The fifth elder raised his head, his face utterly bloodless.
He was in despair,
He was helpless,
He was chilled to the heart,
He was resentful...
"Do you have something to say, Fifth Elder?" Zhang Qingyuan bent down and leaned close to him.
Gao Yulong and the others were tense to the extreme. They had now offended him beyond all repair.
Zhang Qingyuan's body blocked the fifth elder's face.
The fifth elder said nothing. He remained silent.
Zhang Qingyuan nodded, then nodded again.
To those behind him, these slight nods made it look as though the fifth elder was revealing something. After all, Zhang Qingyuan was blocking his face.
"What do you want to say?" Zhang Qingyuan asked softly, nodding as he spoke.
Just as the fifth elder was about to open his mouth, a saber burst out through his neck.
Blood dripped from the tip of the blade. The fifth elder's eyes went wide, and everyone present was stunned by the sight.
Looking up, they saw the East Sea Sect's third elder standing behind him.
He grinned, about to say, "If you can't bring yourself to do it, I'll kill him for you."
But before he could speak, Zhang Qingyuan stumbled backward and shouted, "Senior brother, save me!"
Huh?
Everyone looked at Zhang Qingyuan. None of them knew what the fifth elder had told him.
Gao Yulong stepped forward to steady him, but the instant his hand touched Zhang Qingyuan's shoulder, Zhang Qingyuan went flying backward.
A trickle of blood seeped from the corner of his mouth, and he collapsed in front of his six senior brothers.
"Sect Master, how are you?"
"East Sea Sect, you went back on your word!"
His senior brothers all glared with eyes wide in fury.
By now, the melon-eating spectators had gathered around as well.
Zhang Qingyuan pointed at the bewildered members of the East Sea Sect. "The fifth elder just told me the idea came from them. He was only... a scapegoat... They've already killed the fifth elder to silence him, and now they want to kill me too... urgh!"
His eyes rolled back, and he fainted.
Hearing Zhang Qingyuan's words, Zheng Jianxin flew forward, sword in hand.
"East Sea Sect, you're courting death!"
The other members of the East Sea Sect all looked at Gao Yulong too. What have you done?
Gao Yulong now had a hundred mouths and no way to defend himself.
They had seen the fifth elder confess everything.
They had seen Zhang Qingyuan magnanimously forgive him.
They had also seen Gao Yulong try to say something.
They had seen Zhang Qingyuan nodding the whole time, too.
They had still seen the third elder kill him to silence him.
They had likewise seen Gao Yulong send Zhang Qingyuan flying with a blow.
Every one of them seethed with righteous indignation, glaring at the East Sea Sect.
By now, Gao Yukai had realized what was happening, but it was too late.
Zheng Jianxin had already charged at them with his sword, and they could only draw their swords to meet him.
With a ringing clatter, the East Sea Sect members drew their sabers and swords. Once again, everyone saw it.
The "unconscious" Zhang Qingyuan thought to himself, Thanks to Yin Susu for the friendly sponsorship.