Chapter 749: A Gentleman’s Revenge Is Timely

“Tian family taking power?” Tian Kuo exclaimed in disbelief, then shook his head vehemently, “Absolutely not!”

He turned serious and said, “Your Excellency, please understand, I joined the Mohists not for power or to replace King Chen with the Tian family. I’ve witnessed too many injustices and atrocities, and I know the world is on the brink of chaos. Destruction could come at any moment. That’s why I’ve been desperately seeking solutions. I was deeply moved by your teachings—universal love, mutual benefit, promoting the worthy, unity, and avoiding unjust wars. I realized my past mistakes and only wish to revitalize the State of Chen, spread Mohist teachings, end warfare, and usher in a prosperous era.”

Indeed, he’s still relatively pure… Meng Qi nodded slightly, feeling a bit touched.

He continued walking slowly with his hands behind his back, his tone low but now carrying a hint of smile: “If it benefits the world, what does it matter if the entire world criticizes you?”

“Huh?” Tian Kuo was stunned, not understanding the meaning.

Ahead of him, Meng Qi, dressed in a black robe with wide sleeves, walked slowly: “If the Tian family takes power, it’s not for personal gain but for the benefit of everyone in Chen. What’s wrong with that? Could it be that you, Tian Kuo, are worried about criticism, concerned about your reputation, and unwilling to do what is right for the benefit of all?”

Tian Kuo’s expression changed slightly. He muttered to himself, “What if the whole world criticizes me? What if the whole world criticizes me?”

After a while, he quickened his pace to catch up with Meng Qi, his expression solemn and respectful, bowing deeply: “Your Excellency’s words are profound and insightful, piercing through my desire for fame and reputation. I humbly accept your teaching. If it benefits the State of Chen and its people, what does it matter if the whole world criticizes me?”

Meng Qi nodded slightly: “The Tian family taking power is not about replacing King Chen, but because the current ruling families are arrogant, extravagant, hostile to the Mohists, short-sighted, only caring for themselves. When the critical moment comes, they will simply transform into the aristocracy of Chu and Tang, and the destruction of Chen will have nothing to do with them.”

Tian Kuo thought for a moment and asked, “Your Excellency means to eliminate the Wang and Gongyang families?”

“Previously, when Chen had the hope of revival, becoming strong and prosperous, these families colluded with the Golden Light Cave to sabotage it. They still feed on the lifeblood of Chen without any remorse. This is unjust and should be punished!” After the Mohist teachings were established, Meng Qi paid great attention to his words and actions. Every word and action must conform to these principles or have a strong justification. Otherwise, the Mohists following him would doubt and waver, leading to disunity from top to bottom.

Although initially, he was only trying to complete a mission, after changing their perspectives and uniting them, he felt a deep sense of responsibility. It came from their wholehearted trust and fearless dedication.

They are not objects, but living individuals. If he couldn’t always lead them, at least he should leave behind an image that would make them “never regret.”

Sigh, if I were a heretic, I wouldn’t have such psychological burdens… Meng Qi secretly sighed, realizing his own nature, examining his heart, perfecting his heart, and cultivating his heart. This itself was an important aspect of martial cultivation. Many powerful individuals had flaws in their hearts, making them vulnerable to defeat by weaker opponents.

Tian Kuo nodded firmly: “This injustice must be punished!”

He personally experienced those events and felt immense satisfaction when Meng Qi killed Gongyang Zeng.

After speaking, he suddenly looked embarrassed: “Our Tian family isn’t much different…”

“If there’s a sincere desire to repent and make amends, it’s not too late. Moreover, this matter benefits your Tian family without harm.” Meng Qi stood by the mountain path, facing endless fields of lush greenery, “The Golden Light Cave is powerful. Trying to reform under the Mohist name will definitely not work. However, if the Tian family takes power and implements moderate policies, doing the work without promoting Mohism, would the Golden Light Cave even care? Haven’t nearby states already implemented policies to abolish customs and toll taxes?”

Tian Kuo collected his thoughts, holding paper and brush in his hands, listening intently while quickly taking notes, fearing to miss a single word. He had never been so focused when his father taught him martial and literary skills in his youth.

“Punishing injustice and benefiting the people is not a banquet with music and dance. There will be bloodshed. Once we become weak, it will be the Mohists who die.” Meng Qi sighed deeply.

Tian Kuo’s face showed sorrow. In the past two or three years alone, dozens of Mohists he knew had died for the cause. He had already realized the difficulty and cruelty of spreading Mohist teachings and benefiting the world, no longer the idealistic young man he once was.

“The Golden Light Cave is outside, and if it doesn’t involve the Mohists, it will be struck down like thunder. Only the Tian family can act, using the excuse of internal strife to deceive heaven and earth.” Meng Qi’s tone gradually became serious.

The Golden Light Cave was a sect beyond the mundane world. As long as their interests were not involved, would they care about worldly political changes?

Meng Qi’s thoughts were already clear, and he spoke fluently: “Once the Tian family succeeds, the Wang and Gongyang families will be completely eradicated, including their affiliated aristocracy. This will free up many resources and official positions. The Tian family can then claim to be strengthening Chen’s capabilities as an excuse to select the worthy and capable, widely establish public schools, cultivate and promote martial artists, ensuring no one associates them with the Mohists.”

“A weakened Chen can also take this opportunity to declare to neighboring small states that it will not attack or invade. In Tang’s eyes, a Chen without a Grandmaster and now quiet is no different from other small states. Then secretly sending envoys to bribe Tang’s important officials can ensure temporary peace.”

“Once Chen’s foundation is stable and it can navigate both sides skillfully, it can wait for a good opportunity to sell itself at a good price, ensuring the royal family and the Tian family retain resources and fiefs at the very least.”

Tian Kuo was listening with growing excitement, but the last sentence hit him like a thunderclap, making him almost think he had misheard—wasn’t this supposed to save Chen?

Meng Qi turned to look at him: “The momentum of the world has already shifted. Chen has missed its opportunity and is now too weak to catch up unless some miraculous genius appears and attains the Dharma Body within ten years.”

“That’s right. With Wu Hou’s assistance, King Wu defeated the rebels in a year. Now he has fully recovered and gained support from Daoist and Buddhist sects, invading southern states with unstoppable momentum, forcing other powerful nations to make some reforms.” Tian Kuo exhaled, his mood heavy.

Meng Qi smiled: “There’s no need to be so discouraged. If our Mohists rise in Qi, revitalizing Qi, we might still have the strength to punish injustice. At that time, all Mohists in the world will be one family, united in love and mutual benefit, and perhaps Chen can retain its title.”

Tian Kuo’s eyes lit up, his mood lifting, and he also felt that the identity of a Mohist transcended the boundaries of family and nation.

“Your Excellency, how should we proceed specifically?” he asked for guidance.

“Persuade your father to act during discussions of state affairs, wiping out the Wang and Gongyang families in one fell swoop. Then announce to various states and the Golden Light Cave that the Wang family colluded with the remnants of Yuxu, attempting to seize power. We first caught Gongyang off guard and eliminated them. Later, due to internal strife, the Gongyang family was eradicated by the Tian family and its affiliated clans. Now the Tian family reveres King Chen, aligns with Chu and the Golden Light Cave, no different from before. We sincerely invite Chu and the Golden Light Cave to send experts to temporarily garrison Chen to prevent other small states from taking advantage of the chaos.” Meng Qi spoke eloquently, and the final show of loyalty was a given.

Tian Kuo contemplated the plan and remarked, “After Your Excellency eliminated Gongyang Zeng and his son, their power was significantly weakened, which enraged the Golden Light Cave. They dispatched a supreme master to protect the Gongyang family and oversee the hunt for Mohists in Chen. It is said to be the direct disciple of that Red Cloud Daoist from back in the day.”

“Excellent.” Meng Qi felt quite pleased.

Tian Kuo didn’t notice his emotional shift: “Where will the remnants of Yuxu come from?”

The Golden Light Cave and Chu wouldn’t be easy to deceive!

“Of course, it’s me, Su.” Meng Qi pointed to himself, revealing a slight smile, full of hidden meaning, “At that time, you can inform the Golden Light Cave about the traces and information of Yuxu’s remnants.”

King Chen’s kindness and tragic death have yet to be avenged!

This task is not enough to hone myself!

…

Inside the imperial court, the young current King Chen sat in the high seat, his eyes dull and half-asleep. Below, Grand Minister of Rites Wang Dan, Grand Minister of Justice Tian Heng, and Grand Minister of Works Gongyang Gao were discussing state affairs. The supreme expert from the Golden Light Cave, Yu Ziheng, sat beside with a sword in his lap, leaning against a pillar, his eyes half-closed, seemingly in a trance.

Tian Heng held a scroll, his anger flaring: “In recent days, there have been many evil deeds in the upper camp, making merchants fearful!”

“How can banditry ever be completely eradicated?” Wang Dan, already old, lowered his eyelids, his tone calm and indifferent.

“More than just bandits?” Tian Heng turned to his son, “Read them out specifically.”

Junior Minister of Justice Tian Kuo spoke solemnly: “A Wang family member publicly whipped a slave to death, using cruel methods.”

“They said it was a slave. Whether he lives or dies has nothing to do with outsiders,” Wang Dan remained composed, secretly speculating. Tian family suddenly raising such issues, could it be they want to exchange for something?

Tian Kuo didn’t say much and continued reading: “A Wang family member bullied a merchant at a tavern and took away a singing girl.”

“I’ve already punished him. Nobles shouldn’t be subjected to punishment,” Wang Dan felt slightly annoyed, realizing the Tian family was targeting him.

Tian Kuo continued reading the list of injustices committed by the Wang and Gongyang families, finally turning to King Chen, bowing deeply: “The prosperity of the upper camp was hard-won. These harmful elements must be quickly eliminated.”

The young King Chen was startled, waking from his dream, wiping the unknown liquid from the corner of his mouth, looking at Tian Kuo in confusion, wondering why he was reporting to him today?

“How dare you!” Both Wang Dan and Gongyang Gao shouted.

“The court session ends here today.” Wang Dan flicked his wide sleeve and walked toward the door. Not understanding the Tian family’s intentions, he decided to forcibly interrupt the session first and then make his calculations.

Suddenly, he slowed his steps, noticing a young man in ancient attire with a tall hat at the entrance. His clothing was dark, highlighting a steady and ancient aura, and his face was unfamiliar.

“Who are you? Daring to intrude into the forbidden area!” Wang Dan shouted fiercely.

Meng Qi stood with his hands behind his back, looking straight at him: “One who eliminates harmful elements.”

As the words fell, his right hand extended, sweeping down from above. His fingers were like jade, covered in a glow, radiating an ancient and wild terrifying aura.

The sky and earth turned dark, and under the heavy force, the surrounding void constricted, emitting a terrifying attractive force. Wang Dan wanted to retreat, but he was involuntarily drawn forward. The constricted and distorted void made his body heavy, his movements slow. He tried to pull out his hidden treasure, to use his supernatural techniques and martial arts moves, but everything was painfully slow!

In his vision, that white hand grew larger and larger, filling his sight, as if bewitched, then struck his forehead.

Crack!

The reactive light shield shattered. Wang Dan’s forehead cracked, his brains splattered, and his body collapsed to the ground, not a single intact bone remaining.

“Flipping Heaven Seal? The Yuxu remnants!” Yu Ziheng, a disciple of the Golden Light Cave, leapt up, his voice carrying a hint of panic!