Chapter 216: Matters Concluded

Without showing any emotion, Meng Qi put away the “Evil God’s Eye.” Regardless of whether he could use it himself, handing it over to the Master of the Six Gates and the Wheel of Rebirth would definitely earn him good merits, possibly even a generous amount.

The many engraved seals on Zishang were glowing with brilliant, flowing light, and its sharp aura was almost tangible, piercing into the sky.

Meng Qi was deeply tempted. However, beside him, Huang Zhiqing, the chief constable and city magistrate of Yicheng; Wang Zai, the young genius from the Wang Clan of Zhujun; and several elders from the Wan and Ling families had all approached, their gazes fixed on the radiant purple glow.

Wang Zai had used the “Unyielding in Might” technique, which consumed a great deal of energy. Unless he had another way to replenish his strength, he would not pose a threat. Huang Zhiqing, however, was only lightly injured, and his “Thunder-Fist” had already reached a profound level. If not for his advanced age, he might have made it onto the lower end of the Human Rankings. The elders from the Wan and Ling families had not had the opportunity to fight and had preserved their strength while evading the Evil God, maintaining their Nine Aperture abilities intact.

Even so, based on his true strength, Meng Qi, with the Deathless Seal Art capable of withstanding group attacks, the Illusory Demon Body Arts, and the Wind God Legs for swift escape, and with Qi Zhengyan secretly assisting him, felt he had a seventy to eighty percent chance of seizing Zishang and fleeing. His only concern was that Huang Zhiqing, as a constable, might possess secret tracking techniques, which could lead to an inevitable bloody battle.

But was it really wise to seize the treasure like this?

Although the Ye family had suffered blood sacrifices, it was only those currently in the mansion who were affected. Some wastrel descendants were outside indulging in pleasures, while other promising offspring were traveling elsewhere. After such a catastrophe, if they were also deprived of Zishang, would that be just?

The grudge of the ambush had dissipated with the deaths of Ye San and the swordsmen. If Meng Qi took Zishang now, it would clearly no longer be about revenge but driven purely by greed and fear of the deadly mission.

Meng Qi’s gaze shifted to Tang Ren, who stood nearby, looking listless and haggard. He thought of Tang Lao Ye and Tang Mingyue’s expectations, of Tang Ren’s companionship and protection tonight, of his all-out efforts, of his praise for “Tang Jing,” of the tearful eyes of Tang Lao Ye, and of the eight words, “Impersonating your identity, bearing your karma.” A sense of reluctance welled up in his heart, and he did not want Tang Er to truly “disappear.”

Sighing, he spoke up: “Everyone, how should we handle the Zishang sword?”

After much deliberation, he abandoned the idea of seizing the treasure directly. There were many reasons for this, but ultimately, it was a matter of conscience. He felt such an act was contrary to his nature. Just like before, in the Tang family shrine, although he had loudly declared his intention to severely punish Tang Shu’s family, it was merely a verbal threat meant to provoke Tang Shu into appearing. If Tang Shu had not shown up, Meng Qi knew he would not have been able to follow through, at most assigning them to do chores at the estate—just like when he had used the joke about Gu Changqing’s preference for men to scare the big guards. It was all just empty threats.

An elder from the Ling family, who was friendly with the Ye family, sighed: “The Ye family has suffered a great disaster and their foundation is destroyed. Naturally, the Zishang should be entrusted to their descendants, giving them hope to rebuild their family.”

Including Tang Ren, several elders from noble families, although also covetous of Zishang, felt a sense of sympathy. Thinking of the possibility that their own families might suffer a similar fate, they nodded in agreement with the Ling elder’s suggestion. After all, there was only one sword, and dividing it would not be fair. It was better to take some of the weapons and treasures from the Ye family’s vault as compensation for their efforts.

Huang Zhiqing shook his head: “This approach is not appropriate. First, none of the Ye family members outside have reached the Six Aperture level. Even if they possess a treasure weapon, it would be like a three-year-old child carrying gold through a bustling street—utterly defenseless, provoking only envy and desire. Then, any capable bandit or robber could kill them and seize the treasure. Can we really take turns guarding the Ye family day and night?

“Secondly, the Ye family has suffered a horrifying massacre, which must be reported to the county city. The Zishang sword is one of the crucial pieces of evidence that must be presented in court.”

“Therefore, the Zishang should be entrusted to us for safekeeping. After resolving this case, we can return it once the Ye family has someone who has reached the Eight or Nine Aperture level.”

Unscrupulous! Meng Qi inwardly cursed, seeing from Tang Ren’s expression that he shared the same sentiment.

Entrusting Zishang to the Six Gates for safekeeping—would it ever be returned?

This was like Liu Bei borrowing Jingzhou—once borrowed, never returned! If the Ye family had the strong backing of the Wang Clan of Zhujun, it would be fine. But how much value would the Wang Clan place on a weakened Ye family? Meng Qi could already foresee endless paperwork and legal battles dragging on for decades until the Ye family was completely ruined.

Before Meng Qi could speak, Wang Zai interjected, his expression serious: “Magistrate Huang, your suggestion is inappropriate. The Ye family is an ally of our Wang Clan. Having suffered such a disaster, it is our duty to safeguard the Zishang and nurture the Ye family’s descendants until they mature.”

Meng Qi and the others were unsure whether to believe him. Without the backing of the Wang Clan of Zhujun, this would be a blatant move to seize the Zishang. However, the Wang Clan had a decent reputation in such matters, usually returning treasures when rightful owners requested them.

Moreover, with only a few remaining members, and having always relied on the Wang Clan, did the Ye family even have the courage to ask for it back?

Hmph, it would be better to let me take care of it. At least I, Meng Xiao, keep my word. I’ll return it when I say I will, as long as I’m still alive! Meng Qi thought cynically, glancing at Tang Ren, who also looked eager, sparking a sudden idea in his mind.

As he was about to speak, Qi Zhengyan solemnly said: “Everyone, my cousin was severely injured by Zishang and nearly lost his life. How should we seek justice for this?”

After Meng Qi impersonated the second young master Tang, Qi Zhengyan’s public explanation was that his cousin Meng Qi had been gravely injured and was secretly recovering elsewhere. Otherwise, the renowned swordsman of the Benevolent Sage Emperor, who could make it onto the Human Rankings, would certainly have appeared for such a major event.

The atmosphere immediately grew tense. The elders from the Tang, Ling, and Wan families looked uneasy. Although their families had been deceived by evil cults, the act of ambushing Qi Zhengyan and his cousin was real. If they did not pay a price, the Huanhua Sword Sect would lose face, and the Wang Clan of Zhujun would be reluctant to intervene. In that case, their three families would suffer heavy losses, and the Ye family might be completely wiped out.

Wang Zai looked displeased but did not speak. In this matter, the Huanhua Sword Sect had lost face, and if no compensation was made, there could be a strong backlash. Previously, if the Huanhua Sword Sect had oppressed forces under their protection, a direct confrontation might have benefited their reputation, but now, having been manipulated by evil cults, engaging in another conflict with the Huanhua Sword Sect would be too risky to bear.

Although treasure weapons were rare and precious, their family was one of the top powers in the land and did not lack such items, making it unnecessary to take such a risk.

Huang Zhiqing’s expression was dark and silent. The arrogance of major sects and noble families often treated the court and the Six Gates with contempt, which was infuriating yet unavoidable!

Meng Qi had only one thought in his mind: “Master Qi, no, cousin, do we really need to coordinate this perfectly? I had just thought of this, and you spoke up!”

Maintaining Tang Er’s cold and ruthless demeanor as a swordsman, he said indifferently: “Does Qi Zhengyan want the Zishang? Isn’t this justice a bit too costly?”

One played the villain, the other the hero.

The elders from the Tang, Wan, and Ling families fell into thought. Although treasure weapons were valuable, they were not their own. It would be more cost-effective to appease Qi Zhengyan and avert the Huanhua Sword Sect’s wrath by giving up someone else’s treasure.

Besides, Qi Zhengyan was only at the Fourth Aperture. Even if he had hidden his true cultivation, he couldn’t be much stronger. Whether he could even protect the treasure weapon was questionable.

Qi Zhengyan, expressionless, continued: “The Ye family nearly faced annihilation, and both our sect and I feel deep sympathy. We would never stoop to seizing their treasure weapon. However, my cousin came here seeking refuge. If he had the aid of a treasure weapon, he could decisively eliminate his enemies and eradicate future threats. In that case, he would certainly no longer hold a grudge against the four families for the ambush and the injuries caused by Zishang. If he doesn’t hold a grudge, naturally, I won’t pursue the matter further.”

He spoke as if it were perfectly reasonable… This was Meng Qi’s thought.

As the one directly involved, if he did not pursue the matter, the Huanhua Sword Sect would have no grounds to object… This was the thought of the others.

Qi Zhengyan continued: “Everyone here knows my cousin’s skills. He should be capable of protecting the Zishang. Therefore, on behalf of the Huanhua Sword Sect and as the representative of Yicheng, I propose that, to resolve this matter, the Ye family temporarily lend the Zishang to my cousin for one year. The sword shall remain with him, and upon the year’s end, it shall be returned, witnessed by the heavens and the earth.”

Only a loan? And with a time limit? Wang Zai and others frowned slightly, yet they felt Qi Zhengyan’s request was surprisingly modest. Although the Gentleman Sword, Meng Qi, might take the treasure weapon and disappear into the vast sea of humanity, the saying goes, “You can run, but your temple cannot.” Qi Zhengyan was still here, and he was the representative of the Huanhua Sword Sect.

In a way, the status of a disciple from a great sect was even more valuable than a treasure weapon, as evidenced by Qi Zhengyan’s demonstrated strength and his current ability to sit on equal footing with Huang Zhiqing and the heads and elders of several families.

Moreover, they could make the Gentleman Sword, Meng Qi, swear an oath on his Primordial Spirit!

“That seems acceptable. After a year, the Ye family might have someone who has opened their Apertures, their inner world just beginning to form, and they might have the basic ability to wield a treasure weapon, enough to defend themselves,” Huang Zhiqing relented. “But the Gentleman Sword must swear an oath on his Primordial Spirit.”

Wang Zai nodded in agreement.

Meng Qi secretly rejoiced but remained composed: “As long as it can appease the anger of the Huanhua Sword Sect, I have no objections.”

The group quickly reached a consensus: for now, the Six Gates and the three noble families would each send experts to guard the Zishang at the yamen, and it would be handed over to Meng Qi the next day.

Afterward, they searched the Ye family mansion and discovered that all the weapons and elixirs had been contaminated and rendered useless.

…

Silently, they returned to the Tang family. Tang Ren, who had expended a great deal of energy, immediately went to his meditation room to take medicine and recover. The elders and guests who had completed their tasks also took their leave one by one.

“Second Brother, is everything resolved?” Tang Mingyue had heard about the intense clash of treasure weapons earlier. Coupled with her continuous concern for the matter and seeing the elders’ expressions, she was already certain of the outcome.

Meng Qi nodded and briefly recounted the events, making Tang Mingyue feel both frightened and angry: “The Heaven-Annihilation Gate is truly despicable! Those who nurture Evil Gods deserve to die!”

Although Ye San was a wastrel, the Ye family still had decent descendants, including Tang Mingyue’s close female friend.

Looking at her expressive and adorable face, Meng Qi sighed: “Ninth Sister, from now on, I entrust the family matters to you.”

“Eh? What do you mean?” Tang Mingyue was puzzled.

Meng Qi spoke solemnly: “I have already discussed with Qi Zhengyan. The Huanhua Sword Sect will fully support you as the head of the family. The Wang Clan and the elders feel guilty and won’t oppose it strongly. Grandfather Tang will also fully support you once he sees that it’s settled.”

“Second Brother, what about you?” Tang Mingyue was shocked.

Meng Qi sighed: “I lied before. The assassins from the Benevolent Society I encountered on the boat were my own doing, and I dragged Wan Brother into it. If I stay, it will be harmful to the family and to you all.”

Thinking of the scars on her brother’s face, Tang Mingyue found this explanation natural. She said with concern: “Second Brother, Yicheng is close to the capital, and our family has a treasure weapon. The Benevolent Society assassins wouldn’t dare to cause trouble…”

But she couldn’t finish her sentence.

If the Benevolent Society feared such things, they wouldn’t be one of the Nine Evil Sects. They specialized in assassination and were even more feared than the Heaven-Annihilation Gate. Of course, every year, many Benevolent Society assassins were killed by disciples of major sects, noble families, and the Six Gates, maintaining a tacit boundary between them.

“Ninth Sister, don’t worry. The world is vast, and I can change my appearance with another mask. Even with many Benevolent Society members around, it would be like searching for a needle in a haystack. Besides, my strength is advancing rapidly. In just a few years, I might break through the生死玄关 (Life-Death Barrier) and be capable of facing the Benevolent Society’s assassins directly,” Meng Qi reassured Tang Mingyue.

(Note: “生死玄关” is a Taoist/Buddhist cultivation term referring to a critical breakthrough between life and death realms. It’s retained in pinyin with explanation for cultural accuracy, as common in xianxia translations.)

The Benevolent Society wasn’t like the Heaven-Annihilation Gate, a sect of madmen. Assassination was both a form of training and a business. If it required the use of external assassins, the price would have to be reconsidered.

“Second Brother, do you want to take Canglan with you?” Tang Mingyue asked tearfully.

Meng Qi smiled: “This is for protecting the family. I have my own clever plan.”

He continued to comfort her: “Don’t worry. The more famous I become, the more stable your position as the family head will be.”

Tang Mingyue looked worried and pitiable. She bit her lip and asked: “Second Brother, when will you leave?”

“Tonight. Please apologize to Grandfather for me,” Meng Qi said solemnly.

Tang Mingyue nodded heavily: “You must be careful!”

An hour later, the night had deepened, with moonlight spilling over the rooftops, casting a silvery frost. Tang Mingyue stared at the pale moonlight, lost in thought.

She wondered when she would see her second brother again…