Chapter 83. The Wind Does Not Cease (1)

Jianghu, a place where there was never a day without trouble, but rarely had such a massive incident occurred.

The Martial World's Public Enemy.

Four characters that send chills down the spines of both the White and Black Paths, and even the martial world beyond. In the Jianghu, where countless killers and madmen run rampant, those branded as the Martial World's Public Enemy by the provisional martial alliance are almost impossible to find. In nearly a hundred years, fewer than ten people have been designated as such.

The title of Martial World's Public Enemy is not given out lightly.

Surprisingly, this time, the one branded as the Martial World's Public Enemy was not an individual but an entire organization.

The Nine Provinces' Renowned Family.

Three hundred years ago, this prestigious family, along with the Invincible in All Directions, had ended the Blood Cult's chaos and rooted itself in Central Plains. For nearly two hundred years, it had been a fortress-like martial family, renowned as the best in the world.

Such a martial family was now branded as the Martial World's Public Enemy. It was the first time in the history of the martial world that the most prestigious family of the White Path had been labeled as such.

Of course, being branded as the Martial World's Public Enemy did not mean that all the family's martial artists would die.

The title of Martial World's Public Enemy seals all movements of the organization. Once captured and the facts confirmed, if deemed appropriate, they would then officially become the Martial World's Public Enemy.

It was not an order that was easily issued. Given its extraordinary nature, it was not given out lightly.

However, to prevent the suspect from fleeing, the fact was announced throughout the martial world.

It was a somewhat intimidating order. But considering that even the most notorious killers rarely became the Martial World's Public Enemy, it also meant that the family's wrongdoing was significant.

Jianghu held its breath.

The matter was significant enough to convene the provisional martial alliance. The fall of a prestigious family that had been renowned as the best for a long time was a major event that drew the attention of the Jianghu.

The main residence of the Nine Provinces' Renowned Family in Huchang, Henan.

An innumerable number of martial artists gathered around it. Among them were monks in Taoist attire, Taoist priests, and elegant martial artists. Their numbers were close to five hundred.

With five hundred people surrounding the family, it was impossible to know how many had entered without being an insider.

Moyun Jun entered the family with a calm expression.

The martial artists guarding the outer courtyard bowed their heads.

"Lord Family Head!"

"Hmm, well done."

Moyun Jun greeted them warmly and entered the inner courtyard.

He headed to a building in the inner courtyard. Inside the particularly large structure, a faint medicinal scent permeated the air.

Sigh... Sigh...

A man in his twilight years lay there, breathing shallowly.

His entire body was wrapped in bandages. Even his neck and face had deep wounds, still red and raw.

He was Ming Tian.

Moyun Jun clicked his tongue.

"You've been through a terrible ordeal."

He had a rough idea of what had happened.

Ming Tian, on his way to the Yan Family in Jiangsu Province, was intercepted by Lian Huozheng and the Changying Corps. A fierce battle ensued, and due to bad luck, Ming Tian ended up in this state.

"Ha! A new martial technique? To be caught while cultivating a new martial art, your luck was indeed bad. Isn't that so?"

Moyun Jun turned his head.

There, a middle-aged man sat in a square chair. It was Ming Wushan, who had been holding his breath since Moyun Jun entered.

Moyun Jun smiled.

"You all went too far. To kill so many workers in an attempt to uncover your ancestors' martial arts? The number reached eight hundred, didn't it?"

"..."

"How could you commit such an inhumane act? What was so important that you had to keep it a secret?"

Ming Wushan bit his lip.

Indeed, the strongest accusation Moyun Jun had made at the conference was that the family had massacred innocent workers.

In reality, even the White Path of the martial world often turned a blind eye to minor flaws and corruption. This was especially true for the Nine Great Clans and the Seven Major Families.

However, involving civilians was a different matter.

The treaty of mutual non-interference between the government and the martial world had been in place for hundreds of years. But occasionally, the government would intervene in martial world affairs.

One of the most representative cases was when civilians were harmed.

A martial artist killing innocent civilians? This was something that could not be ignored.

Officially, martial artists were one thing, but the common people who tilled the land were subjects of the empire and the emperor's property. The government had to intervene, at least symbolically.

And the martial world disliked government interference in their affairs.

In other words, it was a sensitive issue. If it had been kept secret, it might have been different, but now that it was openly discussed, it was not unusual for the family to be labeled as the Martial World's Public Enemy.

"Tsk tsk. If I were you, I would have kept them under my wing. A proper job that would provide them with a lifetime of sustenance."

"..."

"Good for surveillance and useful for minor tasks. But you chose to kill them all instead."

"..."

"And to make matters worse, the martial art you claimed to be your ancestors' was actually a demonic technique?"

Ming Wushan's eyes wavered.

"This is... not a demonic technique."

"Haha! Does a demonic technique have to emit evil and demonic energy?"

"..."

"A martial art that consumes the human spirit. The family head lying here and the few elders who tried to escape have proven this well."

"..."

"There are still a few who haven't been caught. It might take some time."

Moyun Jun sat on the bed with a casual air.

"Whether direct or collateral, they are still part of the family, aren't they? Those who flee will be executed without question. But if they surrender, they won't die."

Ming Wushan's eyes deepened.

"At least ten years in prison. And their dantian will be sealed."

"Better than dying. Better than living in constant fear."

"..."

"Did you not anticipate this outcome when you buried the workers?"

Ming Wushan bit his lip in silence.

Moyun Jun's eyes turned cold for a moment.

"I have a proposal."

"..."

"You must know that the family's heir, who was in seclusion, has disappeared."

Ming Wushan's eyes wavered.

Moyun Jun smiled. It was a minor reaction, but a satisfying one.

"You know where the boy has fled to."

"..."

"Let's not make things too difficult. If you tell me where he has fled, I will reduce the sentences for you and your daughter."

Ming Wushan's expression changed.

"Even my daughter will be imprisoned?"

"Did you think otherwise?"

Moyun Jun shook his head.

"Even if it was under orders, a child who has cultivated a demonic technique is still a child. Moreover, this child tried to kill the heir of the Yan Family."

"That... is..."

"You know how important Lian Huozheng is, don't you?"

Moyun Jun chuckled.

"The most outstanding young hero who dared to challenge the hypocrites. The young tiger of Jiangdong who stood alone against a massive organization to protect his family."

"..."

"His martial arts and bravery are so outstanding that he is even called the reincarnation of Sun Ce, the Little Overlord. In the midst of this, his wisdom is also remarkable, and he is said to be the reincarnation of Lu Xun."

Moyun Jun nodded.

"Remarkable. His martial arts, wisdom, boldness, and execution are all extraordinary. I have never seen such a talented person."

"..."

"Do you understand? Currently, Lian Huozheng is a passionate hero who has captured the attention of the martial world. In a sense, he has single-handedly brought down the family."

Ming Wushan's lips trembled. Blood trickled from the bitten lip.

"In other words, public opinion will demand the death penalty for anyone who tried to kill Lian Huozheng, regardless of the reason. Do you think your daughter can escape the wrath of public opinion?"

"I... I..."

"Think about it. As the organizer of the conference, I can influence the sentences of the two of you. If things go well, it might end with just sealing your dantian. No imprisonment."

Ming Wushan looked at Ming Tian.

Ming Tian was still unconscious. Even if he regained consciousness, he wouldn't live long. The doctor said his lifespan had been drastically shortened.

Ming Wushan lowered his head.

Moyun Jun, who had been quietly observing Ming Wushan, stood up.

"In four days, all the family's martial artists will be transferred to the martial alliance."

"!!"

"A temporary leader will also be chosen. Though that's not important."

Moyun Jun patted Ming Wushan's shoulder.

"I'll be staying at a nearby inn for four days. If you change your mind, come find me."

He already knew that Ming Wushan's resolve was wavering.

It was better to leave quickly. The value of the information would be higher when Ming Wushan came to talk on his own.

Of course, by then, today's promise would be meaningless.

"Rest well."

Moyun Jun looked up at the sky as he left the building.

"Phew, it's a bit hot, but the sky is clear. What a beautiful day. Hahaha!"

* * *

Bang!

"Oof."

Gadangshang, who let out a sound like a hiccup, fell to the ground.

"Can't you greet me properly?"

"Ah! Why are you doing this again!"

Crack!

"Ah!"

Gadangshang, holding his shin, hopped around.

The old man clicked his tongue.

"I thought I had taught you well, but you got involved in something big and caused a major incident?"

"Major incident? Why is this a major incident? It's a great thing!"

"This brat?"

"..."

"One more word and I'll beat you until dust flies on a rainy day. Understand?"

Gadangshang shrank back.

His master was a man of his word, and he didn't look in a good mood.

In such times, it was best to be submissive. Gadangshang smiled foolishly.

"Hehe, just saying."

"Sigh, I raised this idiot as my only successor. The ancestors must be weeping in their graves."

"Still, why is this an incident?"

"You brat. Why do you keep your head up? Everyone knows you were involved in this. How will people think of you when you become the leader of the Beggar Sect?"

"..."

"Following the rules, right?"

"Damn, you crazy brat! Do you know how many snakes there are among the White Path martial artists? Do you think they'll team up with a troublesome guy like you?"

Gadangshang's face crumpled.

"Then what should I do? You heard what the family did, right? Should I just let it go? Is that what the Beggar Sect should do?"

Gadangshang's voice was slightly agitated.

He was a passionate man, even at his age. He believed in standing up for what was right, even if it meant facing his master's wrath.

The old man snorted.

"Did you think you could help without anyone knowing?"

"..."

"What? You should have hidden yourself completely, you flea!"

"Ah..."

"What? Tsk! How are you getting dumber? Who filled your lungs with air? That Lian Huozheng?"

"..."

"Did Lian Huozheng fill your lungs with air?"

Gadangshang rolled his eyes and nodded calmly.

"Yes, Master."

"Snort! Anyway, that guy is not ordinary. Is he still around here?"

"Yes. He's in a bad state too."

The old man pointed at the main road.

"Let's see the famous tiger's face. Lead the way."

"Hehe, yes!"

"Hey, why is his nickname 'Gale Wind'?"

"I don't know."

"Isn't he a tiger now? After the lion, it's the tiger?"

"That's what I said."

"Is he a feline?"

"He's quite temperamental."

"You must hate him, right? You're more like a dog."

"..."

"Let's go."

"Woof woof."