Zhang Cheng's head tumbled twice in the air before landing steadily on the ground, his face facing the statue of Heavenly Pivot Star Lord.
Zhou Wuji used the Tianji Profound Yin Sword Qi, and with the help of the True Person Zhihua activating the Tianji Profound Yin Sword Qi, they completely froze Zhang Cheng's blood.
There were only human heads and bodies in the hall, but no blood.
Even so, this scene is very impactful.
The crowd had witnessed murder before, but most of them never expected that True Person Zhihua would actually do it, let alone that Zhou Wuji would dare to draw his sword and kill someone directly.
Zhang Dingyang, the vice leader of the Great River Gang, was startled, but he quickly realized what was happening and angrily retorted, "Killing people without permission? Does your Northern Pole Sect have no law left?"
True Person Zhihua said casually, "The Great Ancestor said that matters of the Daoist sect should be decided by the Daoist sect itself."
" Zhang Cheng swore an oath before the Heavenly Pivot Star Lord, yet he lied and made false accusations; he deserves to die. This is the law."
Zhang Dingyang's lips trembled. His gaze swept over Lu Zhijing, who sat in the main seat. Lu Zhijing's expression was cold and stern, but he did not say a word.
He thought about it for a moment but ultimately didn't dare to say anything more.
The Daoist sect decides its own affairs; this was indeed said by the founding emperor. The scope of these Daoist affairs also includes the temple.
He wasn't unaware of these things, but he never expected the usually weak Northern Pole Sect to be so tough, even resorting to murder.
In fact, Zhang Cheng never swore an oath; it was Zhang Zhian who said things like "the good are innocent, and the wicked should die."
Zhang Dingyang regretted asking Zhang Zhian to do this. He knew Zhang Zhian was careless, but he didn't know Zhang Zhian was so incompetent.
Now that things have come to this, arguing with the Upper Court is pointless and would only cost him his life.
That's how the struggles in the martial world are. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose; sometimes you're powerful, sometimes you have to bow your head. No one has a smooth journey all the time, and no one can win forever.
Only by enduring and yielding when you lose can you have a chance to win next time.
Zhang Dingyang was a seasoned veteran who understood these principles well, so he simply shut his mouth.
Zhang Zhian was very agitated. He pointed at Zhou Wuji and shouted, "You've committed indiscriminate murder; the law will not tolerate this!"
True Person Zhihua slowly walked up to Zhang Zhian and stood in front of the finger that Zhou Wuji.
"Inspector Zhang, with the Heavenly Pivot Star Lord above, please refrain from shouting; it is extremely impolite."
Zhang Zhian dared not point at True Person Zhihua and could only lower his hand. However, he still could not accept that Zhou Wuji had killed someone in front of him. He said, "I will definitely report this matter to the Heavenly Master's Manor. I will not rest until Zhou Wuji is brought to justice."
"I will also report your false accusation against Zhou Wuji to the Heavenly Master's Manor. We will not rest until we, the Upper Court, receive an explanation."
True Person Zhihua didn't bother to say anything more to this person; she simply waved her hand and said, "Go."
Zhang Zhian hesitated, but ultimately didn't dare say anything harsh. He turned and left dejectedly.
Zhang Dingyang didn't say anything and silently followed Zhang Zhian out of the Heavenly Pivot Hall.
Several of his gang members followed him out, and Zhang Dingyang roared, "You bastards, take the body back!"
A group of people took off their outer clothes and barely managed to cover the head and corpse before descending Upright Yang Peak in a disheveled state.
Once they reached the foot of the mountain, Zhang Zhian calmed down and said to Zhang Dingyang, " Dingyang, this matter absolutely cannot be left like this!"
Zhang Dingyang sighed wearily, " Zhang Cheng is dead. I need to go back and explain things to the gang leader."
"Let's get in touch if anything comes up."
He really didn't have the energy to appease Zhang Zhian right now, and he was even less capable of interfering in the affairs of the Heavenly Master's Manor.
The death of a branch leader, who was also Fifth Rank martial artist, is a great loss for the Great River Gang.
The situation in Jade River County City had stabilized, but Zhang Cheng's sudden death means that whoever takes over as leader could disrupt the stability.
Moreover, this whole thing started because of him, so he has to go and talk to the gang leader Zhang Jinbao to get things cleared up.
After ordering his men to dispose of the body, Zhang Dingyang went to the mansion in the eastern part of the city to pay his respects to the gang leader, Zhang Jinbao.
Zhang Jinbao's house was quite luxurious, with five courtyards in the front and back, plus side courtyards on the left and right, a backyard and garden, etc., covering an area of several acres.
When he had nothing to do, Zhang Jinbao would stay in this house, where he kept dozens of beautiful dancers.
As darkness fell, the open hall was already brightly lit, and the melodious sounds of string and wind instruments drifted through the gaps in the window lattices into the central courtyard.
Zhang Dingyang waited outside the screen wall, and could faintly hear the melodious and beautiful singing voice inside.
He felt a pang of envy; the gang leader hardly cared about gang affairs and spent his days indulging in pleasure, living a carefree life.
However, everyone in the gang held this leader in extremely high esteem. There was no other reason than that this man was Zhang Jinbao, the Sea-Swallowing Flood Dragon, Third Rank martial artist.
Without this person in charge, how Great River Gang have the right to establish a firm foothold in Jingyang Commandery?
Led by a beautiful maid in light clothing, Zhang Dingyang entered the open hall.
The strong aroma of wine and rouge filled the bright hall.
More than ten Sunlight Pearl hang in the hall, each covered by a lampshade, making the light in the hall bright yet soft.
The gang leader, Zhang Jinbao, sat in the main seat. His long, gray hair was casually tied into a bun, and a long scar ran diagonally across half of his face, giving him a more fierce look.
His bright green eyes, in particular, gleamed with a fierce, wolf-like glint.
Perhaps because it was still a bit hot, Zhang Jinbao was wearing a loose, light shirt, revealing his broad and strong chest muscles.
This person, simply sitting casually on the wide, soft couch, was already taller than the maids standing beside him, making him appear even more imposing.
Every time Zhang Dingyang saw this gang leader, he was filled with dread.
He guessed that Zhang Jinbao's martial arts intent might be too strong, or that Zhang Jinbao was deliberately releasing his pressure to make his subordinates respect him.
Regardless, Zhang Jinbao was like a demon god in his heart, and he had genuine awe for him.
Zhang Dingyang didn't dare to look any longer and immediately bowed deeply, clasping his hands in a fist salute. "Chief, I have something important to report."
Zhang Jinbao, seated at the head of the table, laughed heartily and said to the maid beside him, "Go, prepare a seat and a feast for the vice-leader."
He then said to Zhang Dingyang, "Since you're already here, why not have a few drinks with me?"
Seeing that the gang leader was quite interested, Zhang Dingyang didn't dare to refuse and could only sit down in the lower seat.
The maid quickly set up the table and laid out a sumptuous feast.
Zhang Jinbao raised his wine bowl to Zhang Dingyang, Zhang Dingyang could only bow and hold up his bowl to drink with him.
After drinking three large bowls, even with Zhang Dingyang's cultivation level, his whole body turned red, and he felt as if his internal organs were on fire, but he could only force himself to endure it.
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" Dingyang's alcohol tolerance is still so low, haha..."
Seeing Zhang Dingyang's embarrassed state, Zhang Jinbao couldn't help but laugh. He put down his wine bowl and waved his hand, and the musicians playing immediately stopped. The women dancing in the hall wearing light gauze dresses also filed out.
In the blink of an eye, the bustling hall became empty.
Zhang Jinbao casually asked, "Speak, what happened?"
"Chief, Zhang Cheng is dead. He was killed by a Daoist priest named Zhou Wuji..."
Zhang Dingyang drank several bowls of strong liquor infused with medicinal herbs, and was now dizzy and lightheaded. He forced himself to stay awake and recounted what had happened.
"What exactly do you want?" Zhang Jinbao asked.
The gang leader spoke casually, as if he were just asking a question. Zhang Dingyang, however, felt a sudden tightness in his chest. The intense tension instantly sobered him up considerably, and he became much more sober.
Zhang Dingyang replied cautiously, "The Third Miss wants to stand up for her friend, and I'm doing this for her too."
"As a result, Zhou Wuji didn't give me any face, and I was a little annoyed."
He hurriedly added, "Before taking action, I wrote to Lu Zhijing to ask for Lu Zhijing opinion. Lu Zhijing replied that he would uphold justice and that he would not tolerate any cultivator from the Heavenly Pivot Lineage who broke the law..."
" Lu Zhijing is cunning but cowardly, a coward, not worth mentioning. Zhang Zhian is courageous but reckless, a piece of trash."
Zhang Jinbao scoffed, "Look at the two people you've chosen; they're both incompetent."
Zhang Dingyang lowered his head and admitted his mistake. "I misjudged the person. I just didn't expect that such a small matter would end up like this."
"That Zhihua, Third Rank- rank True Person Immortal, actually used such ruthless methods."
He didn't mention Zhou Wuji; it's normal for a young man to be ruthless when he's young and impetuous.
"Life is tough for the Northern Pole Sect; when faced with trouble, they inevitably have to bare their fangs and display their ferocity."
Zhang Jinbao shook his head. "Even if the Northern Pole Sect's wrecked ship really sinks, it's not something we can touch."
He looked at Zhang Dingyang and asked, "What are your plans?"
"We can only keep this a secret with a few of our men and suppress it for now."
Zhang Dingyang had already thought this through. He said, "I will go to the Upper Court to apologize and let this matter rest for now."
"As for Zhang Zhian, he is truly incompetent and will surely be dealt with this time, so we don't need to worry about him."
"Okay, let's do it that way."
Zhang Jinbao didn't really care about this; the death of a helmsman was nothing to him.
As for losing face, that's true, but he couldn't argue with the Jingyang Upper Court, since they had four Third Rank True Person.
Besides, he wouldn't risk his life for such a small amount of face.
He's fought his whole life, weathered countless battles in the martial world; now that he's reached a certain age, it's time to enjoy fine wine and beautiful women...
At this age, still fighting and killing? What a fool you must be!
Life is short, so enjoy it to the fullest if you have the means...
Zhang Dingyang then cautiously asked, "Judging from Zhihua's arrogant demeanor, could it be that the Northern Pole Sect has produced another First Rank Celestial Master?"
"Mind your own business. Even Fourth Rank Daoist priest could crush you."
Zhang Jinbao was speechless. Zhang Dingyang seemed smart, so why was he thinking about such useless things?
Even if the Northern Pole Sect produces First Rank Celestial Master, it will cause concern among the Six Sects of the Daoist Order, the Heavenly Master's Manor's Mansion, and even the emperor will have reservations.
Zhang Dingyang was just a gang leader, nothing special in Jingyang. What did this big event have to do with him...?
In the Heavenly Pivot Hall of the Jingyang Upper Court, Lu Zhijing sternly reprimanded Zhou Wuji, saying that he shouldn't have killed people arbitrarily in the Heavenly Pivot Hall, as this was disrespectful to the Star Lord and had caused a lot of trouble, etc.
Before Zhou Wuji speak, True Person Zhihua stepped forward. "You don't criticize Zhang Zhian and Zhang Dingyang for being too arrogant, but instead criticize your own people? That's unreasonable!"
Lu Zhijing dared not speak harshly to True Person Zhihua. He was inferior to him in both cultivation and eloquence, so he could only turn and leave.
Lu Wuyuan dared not be presumptuous and respectfully bowed to True Person Zhihua before leaving.
The remaining three, Zhixing, Zhiyuan, Yigeng, all praised Zhou Wuji, saying that his sword strike was very satisfying.
Zhou Wuji politely thanked everyone and then asked his apprentice Yang Tie Ying to arrange for Wuyun to rest, and to send Wuyun back to Jade Star Temple the next day.
Once the Tianshu Hall was empty, Zhou Wuji formally bowed to True Person Zhihua in gratitude.
He could win this time even without True Person Zhihua, but it would be difficult for him to kill Zhang Cheng.
After all, he was Fifth Rank martial artist, and he couldn't possibly reveal his true strength just to kill someone.
Anyway, that sword strike was very satisfying, and it vented my anger.
As for Zhang Dingyang and Zhang Zhian, he would remember this grudge and not be polite when the opportunity arose.
True Person Zhihua waved his hand and said, " Zhang Zhian is not thinking straight. He knows you have an official title from the imperial court, yet he still dares to show his face."
She chuckled and said, " The Heavenly Master's Manor has absorbed cultivators from seven sects, so it's naturally chaotic internally, and it's normal for them to undermine each other."
True Person Zhihua then reminded Zhou Wuji: " Zhang Dingyang is a smart man. Logically speaking, he wouldn't be so reckless as to cause trouble in the Upper Court."
"I've heard that Lu Zhijing has some dealings with the Great River Gang, after all, the Lu Household's business is inseparable from water transport. There might be some kind of collusion behind this..."
Zhou Wuji nodded; the old Daoist priest had reminded him of this point Zhiyuan ago.
Whether this matter is related to Lu Zhijing or not is not that important. In any case, Lu Zhijing is definitely thinking of suppressing him.
He can't do anything to Lu Zhijing right now, and saying these things would only make him angry.
True Person Zhihua then said, "This is a very proud and honorable thing to do. I will have someone go out and spread the word."
"It also lets outsiders know your abilities, boosting your reputation. That's how fame is built up..."
Zhou Wuji understood this perfectly; to become True Disciple, one needed sufficient fame and experience.
Besides, fame is always a good thing; few people wouldn't like being famous, but he's not that kind of person.
"You shouldn't go out either. The Great River Gang probably won't dare to retaliate, but we need to prevent some people from taking the opportunity to cause trouble..."
True Person Zhihua said solemnly, "Your primary task now is cultivation; don't worry about other trivial matters."
Zhou Wuji nodded; he understood what True Person Zhihua meant—he was telling him not to act recklessly.
He couldn't help but ask, " True Person, is there any news about that matter?"
True Person Zhihua nodded. "The sect leader has already sent a message to the Heavenly Master's Manor. We're just waiting for the Heavenly Master's Manor verification; we should have news in September..."