Chapter 1318: The Venerable Masters’ Attitude
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Mingshi Yin’s reply was like a stone that stirred up a thousand waves.
The crowd began to whisper in hushed noises.
Previously, Mingshi Yi had denied his involvement in Xi Qishu’s death and came up with all kinds of excuses. By admitting to his crime now, was he not slapping his own face, Zhao Yu’s face, and the faces of everyone in the Zhao Residence?
At this time, the person who was most angered by Mingshi Yin’s admission was Zou Ping. He had lost three subordinates because of this matter. If he did not demand an explanation for his men’s wrongful deaths, how was he going to face his men in the future? How would he continue to lead the legendary troop?
“Silence,” Kong Wen said in a firm voice.
Everyone fell silent immediately.
Lu Zhou looked at Ming Shiyin. “Why?”
“Xi Qishu deserves to die!” Mingshi Yin replied.
Lu Zhou did not continue to ask Mingshi Yin questions. Instead, he looked at Mingshi Yin, waiting for Mingshi Yin to explain. After all, just the words ‘he deserved to die’ were not reason enough.
Mingshi Yin naturally knew his master was waiting for him to explain himself. He made up his mind before he said through gritted teeth, “Because he killed my brother, Meng Sheng!”
Zhi Wenzi and Zhi Wuzi. “…”
The others were puzzled.
Although Zhi Wenzi and Zhi Wuzi had never heard of the name Meng Sheng, they knew what the surname ‘Meng’ meant. This confirmed their previous speculation: the young man in front of them was a surviving member of the Meng family.
“Your brother, Meng Sheng?” Lu Zhou was perplexed.
“Meng Sheng and I grew up in the Meng Mansion. When I was eight years old, Xi Qishu killed Meng Sheng,” Mingshi Yin said.
Everyone from the Evil Sky Pavilion, except for Yu Shangrong, was surprised as well.
Mingshi Yin said with a smile, “I’ve never liked complaining, and I’m too lazy to talk about the past.”
Who would be willing to remember such an unbearable past? As for whether people believed him or not, Mingshi Yin did not care. Xi Qishu was dead, and this was the greatest consolation for Meng Sheng’s soul in heaven.
Mingshi Yin had only said all this because he did not want to deceive his master. He did not care about what happened next. Even if his master punished him, he still felt that it was worth it.
“A life for a life. That’s very reasonable,” Lu Zhou said as he nodded.
Everyone was stunned by these words.
“?” Mingshi Yin was even more stunned. His master did not even doubt him. How did his master know he was not making this up?
Zou Ping and Zhi Wenzi wondered if Mingshi Yin made this up as well.
Zhi Wenzi asked, “Little brother, which Meng Mansion are you talking about?”
Kong Wen interjected, “If I may, I’d like to make a few corrections. One, he’s not little. Two, he’s not your brother.”
Zhi Wenzi said awkwardly, “I apologize.”
Mingshi Yin replied honestly, “Meng Mingshi’s mansion. Meng Mingshi, the God of War and the hero of Mount Xiao.”
Zhi Wenzi’s heart skipped a beat upon hearing this even if he had already known this. After a moment, he said, “So you’re referring to that Meng Mansion. However, it’s been a long time since anyone has lived in that place. We don’t even know if there was a person called Meng Sheng. You said General Xi killed Meng Sheng, then you should at least produce evidence, right? I can tell that the old sir is wise and is able to distinguish right from wrong…”
“My words are evidence enough,” Lu Zhou said.
Zhi Wenzi. “…”
Zhi Wenzi felt as though he had been slapped.
Lu Zhou looked at Zhi Wenzi and said, “When I first accepted him as my disciple, he was only ten years old. He carried a piece of jade with him. The word ‘Ming’ was carved on the jade. Hence, I named him Mingshi Yin. Everything in the world has a cause and effect. His name, based on ancient scripts, means to be carefree and to have a clear mind and heart so that one would not stray onto the path of filth and darkness.”
Mingshi Yin had always thought his name was just a nickname. He did not put much importance on his name. It was fine as long as it did not sound terrible. He even switched his surname to Ri occasionally. The traditional idea that men should honor their surname always sounded like nonsense to him. He was not bound by such traditions.
Since ancient times, it was the responsibility of parents to name their children. They would meticulously choose a name for their children since it would accompany their children for the rest of their lives.
However, to Mingshi Yin, having parents was a luxury itself so he did not expect anything from them. Hence, how could he not be moved by his master’s words?
Zhi Wenzi said with a troubled expression, “Old sir, how can I trust your words?”
As soon as Zhi Wenzi’s voice fell, Lu Zhou raised his hand.
A golden palm seal was launched in Zhi Wenzi’s direction. It was the same palm seal that hit Zou Ping earlier.
The words Abandoned Wisdom could be seen on the palm seal, strung together like a dragon.
Zhi Wenzi was shocked and retreated immediately.
“Brother!” Zhi Wuzi cried out and rushed to Zhi Wenzi’s side.
The two brothers worked together and released four palm seals.
Boom!
The golden palm seal advanced unhindered and arrived in front of the two brothers.
Boom!
The two brothers flew back and spat out blood before landing on the ground at the same time. They felt their qi and blood surging; the pain was unbearable. When they finally struggled to their feet, they vomited blood again. The force of the palm seal was really too domineering.
“Lord Zhi!” one of the brothers’ men finally cried out.
“I… I’m fine,” Zhi Wenzi said as he raised his hand. How could he not know why Lu Zhou made a move? His earlier words were no different from courting death. After all, there was no need for someone who could defeat Zou Ping to reason with him. In his opinion, the old man in front of him was very likely a Venerable Master.
Finally, Zhi Wenzi endured the pain and cupped his fists together as he said, “Thank you for sparing my life, old sir.”
Lu Zhou said calmly, “To me, whether I kill all of you or reason with you, the result will be the same.”
Everyone retreated in unison.
The cavalrymen’s expressions changed drastically.
Zhi Wenzi did not dare to say anything.
At this time, a voice rang from the distance.
“Venerable Master Fan is here!”
Zhi Wenzi and Zhi Wuzi were overjoyed.
Zou Ping hurriedly waved his hand. Two cavalrymen stepped forward to help him up with great difficulty.
Zhi Wenzi did not expect Fan Zhong to really show up. He and his brother turned around and cupped their fists together, waiting for Fan Zhong’s arrival.
Zou Ping was the same.
Needless to say, the Zhi brother and Zou Ping’s men were even more reverent.
“Tell him to wait outside.”
“…”
Lu Zhou’s words were akin to pouring a bucket of ice water on them. His words were said in an ordinary tone, but there was something about it that made them feel strange.
Zhao Yu, who had seen Lu Zhou in action, hurriedly volunteered himself. “I’ll go!”
It did not take long before Zhao Yu returned. He bowed and said, “Venerable Master Fan said he’s willing to wait for you. He’s also said that he’ll come in when you want to see him.”
1
Zhi Wenzi. “…”
Zhi Wuzi nudged Zhi Wenzi with his elbow. He really wanted to ask if there was a mistake somewhere?
Zhi Wenzi, on the other hand, was perplexed. A strange and ominous feeling rose in his heart. He was about to open his mouth to protest when a voice rang from outside.
“The 49 Swordsmen are here.”
This time, without waiting for Lu Zhou to speak, Zhao Yu said impatiently, “Tell them to wait.”
“Understood.”
Soon enough, the messenger returned and said, “The 49 Swordsmen’s Yuan Lang said Venerable Master Qin has ordered for the gift to be personally delivered to the old sir. He said the gift is very important.”
“Let him come in alone,” Lu Zhou said.
“Understood.”
Shortly afterward, Yuan Lang walked in respectfully with a brocade box in hand. He was surprised to see so many people inside. He was puzzled when he saw Zhi Wenzi, Zhi Wuzi, and Zou Ping. Nevertheless, he did not pay attention to them since his mission had nothing to do with them.
Yuan Lang walked up to Lu Zhou and say, “The 49 Swordsmen’s Yuan Lang pays respect to the old sir.”
1