The Aftermath Begins

Pei Yi looked even older now, and he stood silently beside Pei Que's corpse.

It's unclear how long he stayed there, but to outsiders, it seemed that most of the life force he already possessed had dissipated with the passing of his nephew.

Yuan Changsheng was carefully serving his master, not daring to speak.

His left ear was almost sliced off with Law Artifact, and he didn't even know when a long scratch appeared on his face, and he didn't know if it would disfigure him.

The other younger members huddled together, none daring to utter a sound, only their low sobs rising and falling incessantly.

When Kang Dabao arrived, his expression wasn't particularly sorrowful.

Others might only be able to tell from his ten fingers, which were almost raw and red from being clenched so tightly, that the Double Brightness Sect Leader was not at peace with himself.

The master and father stood beside Pei Que's corpse for a short time without saying a word. Apart from the Yuan Er, who were claiming to be recuperating, the other elders of the Chongming Sect arrived.

Pei Que was one of the most beloved disciples of the second generation. Not only Pei Yi and Kang Dabao were heartbroken, but the entire sect was also deeply saddened.

Yuan Jin's forehead was slashed by the Chengshan Sect's short-shirted Foundation Establishment with a long spear. The wound, though treated with medicine, was still not fully healed and was wrapped in layers of clothing, making him look somewhat comical. However, Yuan Jin maintained a solemn expression and spoke first, "Senior Brother, Senior Brother Pei, let's send someone to take Que'er back to the sect for a proper burial."

Kang Dabao was about to nod in agreement when Pei Yi, who had remained silent and taciturn throughout, spoke first. Though his tone was sorrowful, he was remarkably calm. "Junior brother, please wait a moment. This matter is not urgent. Senior brother, the sect leader, has important matters to attend to."

Everyone was stunned. They had thought Pei Yi was overwhelmed by the grief of losing his son, but they hadn't expected him to be so calm. No one spoke for a moment, leaving him to speak alone.

Only Jiang Qing whispered, "If Senior Brother Pei doesn't wait a little longer, we might..."

Before he could finish speaking, Pei Yi interrupted him with a wave of his hand, but he said:

"Which of my fellow disciples hasn't lost a loved one? This time, because of Rongquan's mistake, countless fellow disciples have lost their lives here. As Elder Double Brightness and Rongquan's teacher, how can I let personal matters interfere with public duty and delay important matters at this time?"

With just a few words, Pei Yi had silenced Jiang Qing, leaving her unable to persuade him any further. Yet, he himself spoke up:

"Beforehand, Senior Brother Ye and I sensed something amiss and advised Junior Brother Yuan to remain calm. After all, even if Rongquan and the Kuai Household had fallen into the hands of the Demon Correction Office, and the Ming Household's mountain gate was about to be breached, we should wait a while, observe the reactions from all sides, and then plead with the Acting Sima Gun and the Fei Household to try and salvage the situation. Rashly launching an attack would certainly not be a wise move."

But since Uncle Black Shoes kept urging us, we could only silently lead our troops to relieve the Ming Household's crisis. Now that I think about it, I'm afraid we fell into the Tie Household's scheme too early, which led to my Chongming Sect being trapped in a predicament from which it is difficult to extricate itself.

Pei Yi's words made Yuan Jin and Jiang Qing blush with embarrassment.

Ye Zhengwen had just taken the pill and applied a large amount of blood-nourishing and bone-strengthening medicinal herbs to his body before he could barely get up. His injuries were quite severe; his Dao Foundation, which he had only established a few years ago, almost caused him to fall from his cultivation level.

The abundance of medicinal herbs made his body smell so strong it was almost pungent. He stood silently, head bowed, deep in thought, and remained silent for a long time.

Kang Dabao's expression darkened further, and he sighed inwardly, saying, "If I hadn't let personal feelings interfere and had entrusted this temporary responsibility of managing clan affairs to Junior Brother Pei instead of the Second, things might be much better today. But the damage is done."

Fortunately, Pei Yi was merely stating the facts objectively, without any hint of anger or blame, nor a trace of resentment. But then he continued:

"Tie Liuyun has built up a great situation in recent years with the help of the state government behind him. He is not an unwise person. The situation in Ding Prefecture is clearly not good, and Two Instruments Sect is still eyeing us covetously. There is no reason for him to transfer troops from the Ding Prefecture camp to create a deadly trap for our Chongming Sect."

The only real conflict of interest Chongming Sect and him is these two mines in Tanggu County. The profits are so small that it's not worth his time and effort.

Therefore, what I'm worried about is whether the Yue Household is behind this attack? Is our situation just a casual move they've made, with deeper schemes behind it all? We might not be able to see clearly from our current position, but we could end up with our lives, the extermination of our clan, and the destruction of our lineage."

The crowd felt even more uneasy. They could understand the reasoning clearly, but their minds were more or less confused.

After Pei Yi explained things clearly, everyone understood much better, but no one was in a hurry to speak. Only Ye Zhengwen, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke up and asked:

"My two sons, take your Senior Brother Pei downstairs to settle in first. Anle can stay a little longer."

As soon as he spoke, most of the younger generation present looked puzzled, but dared not question what the elder had said. So, led by Jin Shilun, they put Pei Que in the coffin and took him away.

People say that Duan Anle most resembles his teacher, and that is indeed true. Among the younger generation, only he has remained calm, and it is difficult for outsiders to detect any pain on his face.

In addition, he has helped handle many matters, both big and small, over the years, and has been diligent and proper in his work. Therefore, it is only natural that the sect leader would give him a special regard.

As soon as the younger generation left, Ye Zhengwen carefully conjured a barrier talisman, encircling everyone remaining in the area.

But when he spoke again, his tone was much heavier. "My words were indeed somewhat presumptuous, but I had to say them. Brothers, do you think there's something fishy about Uncle Black Shoes?"

Ye Zhengwen's voice wasn't loud, but it sent a shiver down the spines of many people present.

After all, his words were indeed substantial, and Chongming Sect and the others had only rushed to Learning Forest Mountain under the urging of the Daoist Black Shoes, but the latter had not shown up for a long time when they were anxiously waiting.

If Kang Dabao hadn't abandoned his future and turned back on his way to Ying Prefecture, whether Chongming Sect would have won would have been secondary; the question would have been whether all those present would have survived unscathed.

Jiang Qing was stunned for a long time. He lowered his head, squinted his eyes, and pondered for a while before speaking slowly:

"Now that I think about it, Uncle Black Shoes was indeed a bit different before. His voice, appearance, and mannerisms were exactly the same as usual, but he seemed to have lost some of his sharpness."

After Jiang Qing finished speaking, everyone felt a sense of relief.

Compared to the outcome of the Daoist Black Shoes joining the Yue Household and Chongming Sect, the explanation that Jiang Qing was misled and deceived by outsiders is certainly more acceptable.

Although Ye Zhengwen was somewhat surprised by Jiang Qing's words, he still asked, "Where is that Uncle-Master in Black Shoes?"

Upon hearing this, everyone fell silent. After a long pause, just as Jiang Qing was about to guess, Pei Yi spoke up first, saying, "At present, the whereabouts of Uncle Black Shoes is no longer the most important matter."

The most urgent matter is for our sect leader to make a decision as soon as possible. If the Yue Household insists on making a big fuss and the Fei Household is unwilling to do everything in their power to protect us, should our Chongming Sect simply move to the Two Instruments Sect?

"Of course you can't go," the long-silent Sect Leader Kang Da finally spoke, his answer decisive. He then looked at Pei Yi and asked, "Junior Brother Pei, has Rongquan recovered?"

All eyes turned to him. Pei Yi, like everyone else, was filled with complex emotions. He spoke in a barely audible Pei Yi, "Sect Leader, I beg your mercy. I have already lost my nephew; I cannot afford to lose another disciple."

Kang Dabao's eyes showed reluctance, and he sighed softly, saying quietly, "Junior brother, I understand."

Just as the two finished speaking, another cultivator came rushing over from afar, riding a flying sword.

Everyone present focused their gazes, and even the Sect Leader Kang Da's expression was complex as he murmured, "Uncle-Master Black Shoes."

Two days later, the Cloud Horn Prefecture Court

He should have been in seclusion at Kuang Liuting, but he was now quietly sitting in a secluded courtyard, eyes closed and silent. Gun Shilu, who should have been in charge of all the affairs of the Sima Office, stood beside him, his expression respectful and not daring to make a sound.

As the sun began to set, Kuang Liuting finally opened his eyes and asked in a low voice, "How is the situation outside Learning Forest Mountain?"

Gun Shilu respectfully replied, "News has just arrived. Jiang Qing and the others were initially outmatched, but Kang Dabao turned back midway and defeated Gu Honglang of Yin Wind Valley, allowing the Chongming Sect to turn the tide of battle. The Demon Correction Office Foundation Establishment cultivators on the Jumo Division's side were either killed or seriously injured, with almost none escaping."

This result was clearly beyond Kuang Liuting's expectations, but after Gun Shilu finished speaking, the Earl of Nan'an's eyes showed a strange light, and he murmured in a low voice, "Kang Dabao has actually returned. This is rare. Not only did we not expect it, but I'm afraid even Tie Liuyun and the Yue Household could not have thought of this."

Gun Shilu readily agreed. He wasn't simply echoing Kuang Liuting's words; he just felt that the opportunity to meet Ye Shui, the patriarch of the Fei Household, was truly rare. Not to mention Kang Dabao, a mere True Cultivator, even some Golden Core cultivators from less privileged backgrounds in Shannan Circuit would be tempted.

Kuang Liuting thought to himself, "I underestimated him before."

Upon hearing the news of the Demon Correction Office's setback in Tanggu County, Kuang Liuting showed little anger, but simply said:

"Their skill in training their disciples is still lacking. The Yue Household simply flicked their wrists, and the crime of killing an official was so heinous, yet the Chongming Sect didn't take it seriously at all, just obeying without question. This shows how arrogant they are in their daily lives, and where is even a trace of loyalty and righteousness left?"

Gun Shilu hesitated for a moment before speaking, "Chongming Sect is somewhat lacking in foundation, and the managers are also young, having not received imperial favor for too long. As long as they are properly disciplined, they can still serve the state court well in the future."

Kuang Liuting was slightly surprised upon hearing this. After looking Gun Shilu up and down for a while, he said, "Gun Shilu, this position of Chunchen is difficult, isn't it? You've suffered a lot."

Kuang Liuting's few words, though seemingly casual, caused Gun Shilu to break out in a cold sweat. Just as the latter was about to defend himself for his previous excuses, Kuang Liuting stopped him with a wave of his hand.

Then, the Earl of Nan'an said in a low voice, "I knew they would cause trouble sooner or later, so I thought it would be better to make a big scene now and take some more heads to set some rules for them. After all, it's better for some Foundation Establishment to die now than for some Golden Core cultivators to die later."

The Yue Household and Tie Liuyun are truly short-sighted. They were the ones who, along with the Fei Household, raised the banner of the Chongming Sect, and now it's been destroyed. This is a disgrace to more than just the Fei Household.

Are they really not afraid of summoning that old bird from the Fei Household as well? If it's truly provoked, who in the Cloud Horn Prefecture Court can do anything to it? Just those two Lower-Grade Golden Core from the Yang Household's direct lineage?!

Gun Shilu responded as usual, but inwardly he felt that the words of the Earl of Nan'an were too far-fetched. The Yue Household was not just slapping the face of the Capital Region Faction. If Chongming Sect really suffered a disaster this time, it would clearly be slapping the face of the Marquis of Earl of Nan'an as well.

However, having just been reprimanded, he had no mind to offer any advice. He had completely forgotten the words on the letter from the capital, and simply stood there quietly, holding his breath and not uttering a word.

Kuang Liuting saw it clearly, yet spoke again, his voice now carrying a hint of menace:

"I don't know if Chongmingzong has the ability to find out the Yue family's wrongdoings. If not, then there's nothing else we can do. We'll just have to handle it according to the law, kill those who should be killed, and exile those who should be exiled. The Liangxi and Haibei regions are currently plagued by demonic disasters, so there's plenty of space. We won't have to worry about finding places to settle them."

Not long after he finished speaking, someone came from outside the courtyard.

Even Yue Lin and Fei Nanying were unaware of his early departure from the pass, so only his trusted confidants were here. Criminal Bureau Assistant Meng, stepped in, a slight look of surprise on his face, and bowed, saying, "Reporting to Your Excellency, the Daoist Black Shoes has come to see you with his men."

Kuang Liuting showed no surprise, simply asking, "Who came?"

Compared to when he colluded with Gun Shilu to commit favoritism and corruption for Kang Dabao and others, Criminal Bureau Assistant Meng, seemed much more composed. He spoke as follows:

"The Daoist Black Shoes, Kang Dabao who concurrently served as the Pingrong Magistrate and oversaw Jin County affairs, Kang Chongming Sect, the True Disciple of Kang Rongquan, Kuai En, the head of the Kuai Household of Tanggu County, and Peng Xingyu, the steward of Five Old Mothers Mountain. Except for the Daoist Black Shoes, the rest all bared their chests, carried thorns, and repeatedly admitted their guilt."

The news caused the expressions of the two people in the room to freeze. Gun Shilu exclaimed in surprise, "Five Old Mothers Mountain has already finished the competition so early?"

Kuang Liuting tapped the table lightly with his finger for a few moments. After a few breaths of "tap tap tap," a loud "bang" resounded, and a dent the size of an eyeball appeared on the table. After the dust rose, the Earl of Nan'an's low murmur followed:

"I don't think Yue Lin is such a foolish person. How could Fei Nanying be so impatient to jump out and challenge others when he has just become Middle-Grade Golden Core and is at the height of his fame?"

It turns out someone on Five Old Mothers Mountain was in a hurry and urged him to act. So, is it too much for me to go through with the arrangements made by the Imperial Clan Head, such as sending Hongguo to Five Old Mothers Mountain to become a holy maiden?

Is this truly True Person Moon Hidden's intention, or are the other cultivators of Five Old Mothers Mountain being too hasty, unwilling to see the various families of the capital region establish themselves too deeply in Cloud Horn Prefecture, leaving them with nowhere to settle down in the future?

Upon hearing this news, Gun Shilu felt that some of his previous doubts had become much clearer, and he said, "Lord, should we send someone to summon them first?"

Kuang Liuting shook his head and said softly:

"No rush. I'm still in seclusion. How can I come out so soon to judge them? Let them wait and see. After the Yue Household arrives, I'll hear their side of the story. I want to see what these lawless rebels can come up with to me."