Chapter 113

Chapter 113: Why Must Xu Ming Die? (4000 words)

As the bewitching woman flew off into the distance, Xu Ming didn’t chase after her.

It wasn’t that Xu Ming was mesmerized by her and felt too compassionate to pursue her for a kill.

Time simply ran out.

The Dao Pattern Eye had drained him of too much energy. If he chased after her without finishing her off, collapsing from exhaustion while she turned around and killed him instead, it would be utterly hilarious.

“Alas, my cultivation level still isn’t enough.”

Xu Ming deactivated his Dao Pattern Eye, panting as he sat down nearby. Sweat poured from his forehead like a waterfall.

If only his cultivation level were higher, with sufficient spiritual energy and stamina to activate both the Dao Pattern Eye and Blood Qi Berserk simultaneously, even if just for a few minutes… The explosive power generated in those minutes was something he could barely imagine.

He might’ve even ambushed Mo Zhu’er and taken her out unexpectedly earlier.

Unfortunately, all this remained nothing more than a beautiful fantasy from the past; his current body couldn’t sustain two buffs that consumed so much stamina.

Xu Ming swallowed a Qi-restoring pill, recovering slightly before heading toward the County Government Office.

The Li family definitely had connections with the Black Lotus Sect from the Western Regions. Perhaps the reason Yu Ping’an hadn’t retaliated against the Li family was because of the Black Lotus Sect—they must have some leverage over him.

Xu Ming needed to inform Xu Pengda about this and write a few letters to Wu Capital.

What Yu Ping’an’s reaction would be upon reading the letter, however, was beyond his knowledge.

Upon returning to the County Government Office, Xu Ming directly entered Xu Pengda’s study.

Even though it was late at night, a single candle still flickered within the study, casting shadows of people inside.

Xu Pengda was still reviewing evidence collected over these days, attempting to bring down the four major families of Baihe County.

Seeing everything Xu Pengda had done over these days filled Xu Ming with a sense of relief.

Most officials entering politics initially aim to serve the people and bring prosperity to their region, thus becoming fiercely opposed to injustice.

However, as time passes and they delve deeper into the political arena, facing various difficulties, some grow increasingly disillusioned with politics, while others are corrupted by sweet-talking traps and gradually lose their original intentions.

But now, despite having been here for almost a month under such circumstances, Xu Pengda still showed no signs of giving up—this was already quite an accomplishment.

Because previous county magistrates had given up, laid back, and Xu Pengda could’ve easily justified doing the same.

Yet, he didn’t.

“Fifth Brother, what’s wrong with you?” Xu Pengda was startled upon seeing Xu Ming.

Xu Ming’s chest robe was torn, blood stains on his lips, his face pale, looking as if he’d been drained dry by a fox spirit.

“Nothing serious, just walking around late at night when someone tried to assassinate me.” Xu Ming gulped down a large mouthful of tea and sat on a chair.

“??? Did I hear that right? Someone tried to assassinate you? Do they know who you are?”

Xu Ming chuckled. “Of course they know who I am. Or rather, precisely because they know who I am, they decided to kill me.”

Xu Pengda stood up, slamming his hand on the table. “This is sheer lawlessness! Within the borders of the Wu Kingdom! Even in the town! Someone dared to attempt assassination on an imperial official?!”

“The person who tried to kill me was the eldest son of the Li family,” said Xu Ming regretfully. “Originally, I thought I’d spare his life and use him to take down not only the Li family but also the other three powerful clans in Baihe County.

“But I was too naive.

“If they dared to kill me, there wouldn’t be any evidence left behind. How could I possibly capture someone alive?

“When the eldest son of the Li family was almost captured, he exploded into a cloud of blood mist, leaving not even a shred of clothing behind.”

Xu Pengda frowned deeply. “There must be a puppet master behind this. Otherwise, the Li family wouldn’t dare to act so brazenly.”

Xu Ming nodded. “The puppet master is the Black Lotus Sect. I encountered their Holy Maiden—she wants me dead.”

“Black Lotus Sect?” Xu Pengda grew even more confused. “When did you offend the Black Lotus Sect, Fifth Brother?”

“I don’t know when exactly I offended them either,” Xu Ming shook his head helplessly. “Could it be because during my years in the Blood Floating Pagoda, I killed some of their sect members?”

“Our Wu Kingdom has always cracked down hard on the Black Lotus Sect. There are plenty of people who have killed members of the Black Lotus Sect, but never has one drawn so much attention from them, to the point where even their Holy Maiden personally came to kill you. This is likely unprecedented.”

Xu Pengda looked at his younger brother.

“As long as you’re safe, Fifth Brother, you should return to Wu Capital quickly. I’m worried the Black Lotus Sect will continue to pose a threat to you. This time, the Black Lotus Sect underestimated you, but next time, they might send an elder or something.”

“That’s not something I’m overly concerned about.”

Xu Ming thought for a moment.

“I carry a jade pendant granted by His Majesty. Should any cultivator at the Golden Core Realm stage attack me, the mountain and river fortune contained within the pendant will activate, saving my life and locking onto the attacker.

“I’ll consider using this life-saving talisman later. I don’t want to slink back to Wu Capital like this.

“To sum it up, this is my matter, Third Brother, you needn’t worry about it.”

Hearing this, Xu Pengda wanted to persuade him further but eventually decided against it.

His fifth brother wasn’t the impulsive type. Moreover, after enduring countless life-and-death situations during his training in the Blood Floating Pagoda, Xu Pengda trusted his brother’s judgment.

“How are things going with you, Third Brother? Any progress today regarding those cases?” Xu Ming changed the topic.

Xu Pengda shook his head and rubbed his eyes.

“No progress.

“Currently, half of those accusing the four families of Baihe County have withdrawn their charges.

“Even among those who haven’t withdrawn, I can’t find any evidence.

“There aren’t even any witnesses besides the parties involved.

“And my subordinates are still paying lip service while secretly undermining me.

“I really want to grab a sword and kill them all!”

Xu Pengda’s red eyes, weary from working day and night, reflected his exhaustion.

“In fact, I do have a method,” Xu Ming smiled.

“Oh?” Xu Pengda immediately straightened up.

“After I recuperate for a few days, I’ll pay a visit to the homes of these four powerful clans, then…”

Xu Ming explained his plan to Xu Pengda, which he had previously discussed with Ling.

At first, Xu Pengda thought Xu Ming truly had a good strategy, but the more he listened, the worse his expression became.

“Absolutely not! Under no circumstances!” Xu Pengda said firmly to Xu Ming. “Fifth Brother, let’s not even discuss whether your strength is sufficient to confront these four powerful clans. Do you realize how much criticism you’ll face from the court if you proceed with this?”

Fifth Brother intended to use the special privilege granted by His Majesty to deal with the four powerful clans of Baihe County first and ask questions later, disrupting them before gathering evidence.

Indeed, if this method were used, it might break the deadlock. Once the main figures of the four powerful clans were eliminated, their network of relationships would be severed, everyone would tremble in fear, and those threatened by these clans would gain confidence to stand up.

True, Fifth Brother carried the jade pendant bestowed by His Majesty, granting him the authority to act first and report later.

But the problem was that the Shangfang Baolian remained effective when unused. If it were activated, the backlash against its wielder would be severe.

Then, the ministers at court would seize the opportunity to attack Fifth Brother in every possible way, which wouldn’t surprise me.

After all, others aspire to become princes or relatives of princes.

“Third Brother, I’ve made my decision, no need to dissuade me. If we keep dragging our feet like this, accompanying you in Baihe County until the end of your term won’t yield any results.

“Moreover, the common people are truly pitiable.

“If I hadn’t seen them, it might be better. But now that I have, I want to resolve the issue.

“A cultivator seeks clarity of thought, but we martial artists are the same.

“If I don’t dare to take action, how can I punch confidently in the future? How can the path of martial arts continue?”

Xu Ming’s tone was very serious, sounding extremely righteous.

In reality, Xu Ming had another small reason: He wanted to somehow distance himself from the Wu Dynasty court or make Emperor Wu reconsider marrying him to Wu Yanhan.

Currently, Emperor Wu treats him well, even promising his daughter in marriage. Leaving the Wu Kingdom to wander the world would feel inappropriate.

So, he decided to take calculated risks, creating some blemishes on his record, allowing him to be attacked by court officials, or even becoming a commoner.

Or, by taking risks, he hoped Emperor Wu would no longer insist on marrying him to Wu Yanhan.

Not marrying Wu Yanhan would be the best outcome.

It wasn’t because he disliked Wu Yanhan.

Since holding office in the court wouldn’t affect his lifespan, and he could obtain many resources for cultivation through the state machinery.

For him, the Wu Kingdom was like a great sect, and relying on a great sect always brought many benefits.

However, if he continued staying in the Wu Kingdom,

Next time, Emperor Wu would certainly arrange another marriage. If he refused again, it would be rude.

Once refusing marriage was to achieve personal ambitions, but twice rejecting it would be disrespectful.

To put it simply, he didn’t want to get married so early. By then, having a son and a daughter would surely hinder his freedom.

Simply put, it was “fear of marriage.”

“Fifth Brother… You…”

Looking at Xu Ming’s determined gaze, Xu Pengda took a deep breath, stood up, and bowed respectfully.

“Fifth Brother, on behalf of the wronged commoners of Baihe County, I thank you in advance! Please rest assured, Fifth Brother! If the court holds you accountable, they must pass through me first! I’ll fight to death to uncover the crimes of the four tyrannical families in Baihe Town!”

Seeing the appearance of his third brother, Xu Ming was momentarily stunned.

He felt that his third brother seemed to have imagined something.

In his heart, perhaps his image had transformed into a “people-oriented, selfless” figure, tall and noble.

And because of his “selfless sacrifice and relentless pursuit”, it ignited his third brother’s passion, strengthening his belief in fighting for the people regardless of the cost.

“Third Brother, there’s no need for this.” Xu Ming returned the bow, worried that Xu Pengda might do something rash!

“No!” Xu Pengda’s eyes were resolute. “Fifth Brother, I stand with you, come what may!”

After flying away from Baihe County, Mo Zhu’er arrived at a mountain peak on the outskirts.

Mo Zhu’er walked to a large rock, took out a jade token, and inserted it into a groove beside the rock.

The next moment, a crack appeared in the rock in front of Mo Zhu’er, revealing a cave entrance.

Mo Zhu’er entered the cave, lighting several torches, illuminating the entire cave in a fiery red glow.

“Welcome, Holy Maiden.”

Deep within the cave, disciples of the Black Lotus Sect stood guard on either side.

Mo Zhu’er ignored them and walked straight into her stone chamber.

The door closed, and Mo Zhu’er set up a barrier in the room. She placed a black stone in the center of a magical array.

As Mo Zhu’er chanted incantations, reciting cryptic runes, black lotus flowers blossomed from the stone.

Suddenly, the petals scattered, forming the ethereal figure of an old man.

“Disciple pays respects to Master.” Mo Zhu’er knelt on one knee, bowing respectfully.

The old man’s eyes locked onto Mo Zhu’er. “Is the mission complete?”

Mo Zhu’er raised her head. “The remaining ten pairs of young boys and girls will be sent to the Black Lotus Sect headquarters in three days.”

The old man shook his head. “That’s not what I meant.”

The old man stared intently at his disciple. “Did you obtain Xu Ming’s life and Fang Ling’s heart?”

“Master, allow me to report this matter.” Mo Zhu’er spoke solemnly.

“Hmm? Speak.”

“Although Xu Ming is merely a Heroic Soul Realm martial artist, his physical strength far exceeds that of ordinary martial artists I’ve slain before. Moreover, he’s also a Sword Cultivator.

“Judging by his spiritual energy, he’s only at the Furnace Building Realm stage. However, judging by the sharpness of his Sword Qi, he might surpass even ordinary Cavern Realm Sword Cultivators.

“And his eyes are strange.”

“Strange? In what way?” The leader of the Black Lotus Sect asked.

“Xu Ming’s eyes reveal cryptic runes that are difficult to understand. It’s unclear if it’s a problem with Xu Ming’s eyes themselves or if he knows a spell unknown to me. My illusions have no effect on him.” Mo Zhu’er reported honestly.

“…” The leader of the Black Lotus Sect fell silent, seemingly pondering something.

“It seems that Xu Ming is more interesting than we anticipated.” After a long pause, the leader of the Black Lotus Sect chuckled. “What? Are you losing confidence in killing him?”

Mo Zhu’er lowered her head. “I can’t handle him right away, so conservatively speaking, I retreated first and will reassess the situation later. But I still have confidence in killing him.”

The leader of the Black Lotus Sect crossed his arms behind his back. “My disciple, I trust you completely. The task of assassinating Xu Ming is entrusted to you. Don’t disappoint me.”

“I understand, Master.” Mo Zhu’er bowed. “However, there is one thing I don’t understand. Although Xu Ming is indeed a genius, why must he die?”

“You don’t need to understand.” The projection of the Black Lotus Sect leader grew dimmer. As his figure disappeared, his final words echoed throughout the room, “Since someone paid a high price for his life, we must ensure their satisfaction.”

Mo Zhu’er lightly lowered her eyelids. “Understood.”