Why do I have so many masters?

Chapter 123 Annihilation (2/2)

Wang Anfeng watched as Xia Changqing disappeared from sight, his grip on the wooden sword finally loosening slightly.

If it hadn't been for his own rational restraint, he might have truly thrust the sword into the scholar's back.

The hardships of Aping originated from Danfeng Valley.

The bloodshed in the city rose because of this man.

Even the harm that befell that arrest officer's family was inextricably linked to Xia Changqing.

In his view, such a person naturally deserved to be killed. He had learned the principles of the Confucian Sect from Mr. Jiang, but adherents of the Confucian Sect were not merely feeble goody-two-shoes focused on self-preservation; they were to uphold ancient rites and practice benevolence. The right way to act, established a millennium ago by that old scholar, had been clearly answered:

If everyone likes it, what then?

It's not enough.

If everyone dislikes it, what then?

It's not enough.

One should favor the good in others and disdain their bad aspects.

Alas, his power was still insufficient, his will strong but his strength wanting. Your adventure continues at My Virtual Library Empire

Zhu Jian'an, noticing the young man's relaxed posture, realized it was unlikely for him to act rashly out of anger and withdrew his hand from his shoulder.

He had just pressed the pressure point on his own shoulder; the wound stabbed by that strange broken knife was slowly ceasing to bleed. Though he was not yet able to exert his full strength, walking was no longer hindered, and he immediately ordered the patrol officers to restore the original arrangement in order to return the area to order, assist in gathering evidence, and help the government officials to calm the citizens.

As for martial artists of Eighth Rank and above, they were to ride fast horses to the police station, bringing forensic experts to the scene of the incident.

Zhu Jian'an's commands were orderly and efficient—it was typically something Wang Anfeng would consider as Great Qin Ministry of Punishment operating proficiently, but at that moment, he sensed an indescribable oppression and his mind felt faint.

What worthy price must be paid to achieve such effective actions?

Each patrol officer in vermillion clothes respectfully saluted and then swiftly departed, their resilience firm yet flexible in the wake of anger, their brows furrowed in silence, their actions decisive and quick. Yet beneath this orderly behavior, there was a tremendous suppression.

The remaining four Middle Third Rank experts gathered around Zhu Jian'an. Just a while ago, Mi Xingfa had left in anger alone, presumably heading to his family's location. Everyone worried he might encounter trouble and wanted to secure the crime scene in advance. Eighth Rank martial artists spurred their horses to follow, and they would reach there first.

With the abilities of a Sixth Rank Martial Artist, stepping through the void, one could arrive in an instant.

Zhu Jian'an turned to look at the young man beside him and after a moment of silence, he asked,

"We are going to the Mi family's crime scene; do you want to come with us?"

Wang Anfeng was momentarily stunned, yet seeing Zhu Jian'an's solemn and earnest expression, it was clear this was no joking matter. The expressions of the four Middle Third Rank warriors around him shifted slightly, then, recalling something, they understood Zhu Jian'an's intention. Without speaking, they looked at Wang Anfeng, their gazes filled with a mixture of surprise and reflection, recognizing the young man's earlier performance without questioning it.

Zhu Jian'an's expression remained somber, observing the young man before him.

His query was not impulsive. Had Wang Anfeng not demonstrated martial arts capable of self-defense, had he not shown the aptitude to alter the course of events, or even had he not asked that particular question earlier, Zhu Jian'an would not have considered this.

But he had accomplished all these.

Therefore, in such a situation, he did not mind encouraging a junior, enabling the latter to see things more clearly.

Wang Anfeng's expression changed; he didn't hesitate for a moment and nodded deeply as he said:

"Of course."

Zhu Jian'an slightly nodded, uttered a sound of approval, and then switched the sword to his right hand and grasped Wang Anfeng's shoulder with his left. As his qi force surged, he had already taken off with the young man, stepping on empty air, body like a roaming dragon, soaring through the sky. In an instant, they shot out toward a distant mountain in the east, with the remaining four Sixth Rank experts not far behind.

Zhu Jian'an looked down at the tranquil and majestic Fufeng County City beneath his feet, observing the still peaceful mortal world around it. By now, dusk had begun to set in, the twilight was fading, stars were appearing at the horizon, and lights of red candles gradually lit up throughout the county city. The candlelight, filtered through red fabric, added much warmth, illuminating the bustling crowds and street vendors calling out, their various sounds blending together without seeming noisy but rather peaceful and harmonious.

Zhu Jian'an's expression changed, his stern face softened somewhat.

It was precisely because of what he saw before him.

That it was worth it.

The man withdrew his gaze and turned back to Wang Anfeng, falling silent for a moment before saying in a low voice:

"The problem with Great Qin does not lie with its enemy states."

"But with Jianghu."

Wang Anfeng fell silent, uncontrollably recalling his experiences since leaving Great Liang Village. He remembered the massacre of the Confucian Sect Master decades ago and the profit-motivated murderer. Different thoughts emerged in his mind, silently he said:

"...in Jianghu."

"But not just Jianghu."

No sooner had this thought appeared than the young man suppressed it actively. He didn't delve deeply into it as he had with the affair of the Confucian Sect Master, not letting his emotions or others' words affect his rational judgments and concepts. His mind was serene, neither sad nor joyful, as he looked down at the landscape below.

The strong wind brushed against his face, mountains and massive city passed by underneath, clouds clustered around.

The Mi Clan's noble residence lay less than a hundred li from Fufeng County City.

With the strength of a Middle Third Rank martial artist, even if not specializing in Light Body Technique, putting full effort into Qinggong would take him no more than half the time of drinking a cup of tea to arrive.

From a distance, the top of this small mountain was cleared by a martial arts expert's blade, creating a vast open area where buildings, halls for practicing martial arts, quiet rooms for meditation, and halls for ancestral worship were constructed.

Even though these buildings weren't the work of famous architects, tucked away among the forested mountainside, accompanied by red leaves, and bathed under starlight and moonlight, they exuded a quiet solitude. Clearly, a lot of effort was put into this setting. One could imagine that come spring, when flowers bloom, young men and women along with mischievous children would wander through, charming in the eyes of the oldest members of the clan.

For those elders who spent their lives amidst the swords and shadows of Jianghu, this was probably more appealing than fulfilling vendettas or galloping across the land on horseback, filled with joy and anticipation. Contemplating these thoughts under the moonlight, they must surely have pondered the futures of the children who bore a resemblance to them.

Whether to pursue martial arts, become heroes of Jianghu, or turn to scholarship, becoming scholars in the Academy, or simply grow quietly within the clan.

Whichever path they took, it would certainly be fascinating.

And all more intoxicating than the finest delicacies under heaven.

But now, whether the elderly or the children, or those of fascinating futures yet unfolded, all vanished into thin air like fleeting dreams, leaving no trace but the corpses behind.

A heavy scent of blood enveloped this place which should have been serene.

PS: Second update.

Thanks to Zhang Lang for the generous reward, and thanks to Another Flying Saucer for the generous reward as well. Thank you, both.