Chapter 141: Bitter Enemies

A sudden surge of inexplicable anger flared up in Meng Qi’s heart, nearly prompting him to stride over and confront them directly. Zhen Hui, who had been staring fixedly at the kitchen, also turned his head toward Gu Changqing, his expression filled with pity and concern.

Misfortune should not extend to one’s family… Perhaps because he had come from a relatively stable nation in a past life, Meng Qi had only a thin and abstract impression of tragedies like entire clans being slaughtered and families being dragged into calamities, lacking any deep, personal experience. After all, nothing like that had ever happened around him. Thus, when he previously heard that his master’s entire family had been murdered and that he had taken revenge by killing the entire opposing family, he had only felt sympathy and speculation. Now, however, even though Gu Changqing’s family was not his own, the tragedy had arisen because of him, and the feeling was completely different!

Rage burned within his chest, and he longed to eradicate this group of utterly ruthless bandits, to tear the ringleader limb from limb.

Taking several deep breaths, Meng Qi patted Gu Changqing’s shoulder: “Changqing, don’t be too distressed. Perhaps it’s just a rumor.”

Gu Changqing shuddered slightly, his expression showing a hint of fear, forcing a faint smile: “Yes, it might just be a rumor. Although our Gu Clan doesn’t have any experts who have reached the Outer Scenery realm, we are still a reputable and powerful clan. How could we possibly fail to protect our people? Besides, there’s Shenduliao, who has always been at odds with Zeluoju. How could he possibly allow Zeluoju’s subordinates to act freely?”

He spoke rapidly, offering numerous excuses, desperately trying to prove that what they had heard was just a rumor.

Caught up in intense emotions, he had not used the secret whispering technique. Fortunately, their location was secluded, and the others were engaged in their own conversations, so no one paid attention. Even if someone had noticed, Meng Qi wouldn’t have cared. From what he had overheard earlier, it seemed that the Golden Temple had only recently yielded, and his master and the others were still in Bomi or other locations, not yet having returned to Shaolin. At this time, the well-known bandit groups were either hiding or staying close to their camps, posing little threat to him.

Sighing, the wealthy merchant, dressed in fine robes, said: “How could such a prestigious family as the Gu Clan simply hand over their own people just because of a letter from ‘Evil Scholar’ Kang Zhi? Who will follow such a family in the future?” Coming from a long-established family himself, the merchant looked down on and couldn’t understand the Gu Clan’s actions.

Hearing these words, Gu Changqing staggered backward as if nearly fainting, his expression pained and confused, his eyes hollow and fearful, yet faintly flickering with a burning flame.

The person conversing with the merchant was a desert traveler, well-informed and knowledgeable. He also sighed: “Actually, the Gu Clan’s young man made a grave mistake. Had he allied with groups like the Snow Mountain Sect and eliminated Zeluoju’s bandits, who could have said anything against him? Shenduliao would have been happy to see it and better protected the Gu Clan.”

“But instead, he associated with monks from the Central Plains, even killing two Nine-Orifice experts from the瀚海 region. This is one of the things the Great Asura King despises most. Although the Great Asura King is like a deity on earth and wouldn’t concern himself with such trivial matters, how could Shenduliao risk tarnishing his reputation by aiding the Gu Clan? Hmph, if not for this connection, given the old man’s protective nature, he would have already wiped out the entire Gu family.”

“Therefore, ‘Evil Scholar’ Kang Zhi sent two letters via the White-Headed Bird—one to Shenduliao and one to the Gu Clan’s patriarch. The former respected Shenduliao’s dignity, allowing him to silently approve the action, while the latter’s demand wasn’t too excessive, not demanding the total destruction of the Gu family, only the surrender of Gu Changqing’s immediate relatives. Without Shenduliao’s protection and considering Zeluoju’s inevitable retaliation, the Gu Clan’s patriarch had no choice but to submit.”

“This was still a rational decision, otherwise they might have faced total annihilation by Zeluoju.”

Although the Gu Clan’s fortress and the Evil Ridge were separated by half of the Vast Sea region, one month was enough for the White-Headed Bird to make two round trips.

The merchant let out a deep sigh, thinking of his own family, and realized they too might have to sacrifice a few to save the many. He said gloomily, “Is there no justice in the Hanhai region? Is it truly a place where only the strong can dictate others’ fates?”

“Haha, you’ve been a traveling merchant for years and still don’t understand this? Power is justice, and money and authority are also justice!” the desert traveler laughed heartily.

“At least in our Great Jin, the noble families and martial sects still maintain appearances, at least pretending to uphold justice.” The merchant shook his head.

As for the evil sects, they were kept in check by noble families and righteous sects, so they rarely dared to commit outrageously heinous acts.

Listening to their conversation, Gu Changqing clenched his teeth so tightly they nearly cracked, his fists clenched so tightly that blood began to seep out, as if his nails had dug into his flesh.

“Did I do wrong? Did I really do wrong?” He lifted his head, as if asking Meng Qi, but his gaze was hollow, not even knowing whom he was staring at.

Meng Qi’s heart was also filled with sorrow and rage. He took a few deep breaths, trying to calm himself: “No, you did nothing wrong. It’s just that they are too wicked and lawless.”

Gu Changqing abruptly stood up, then forced himself to sit back down, his expression emotionless: “Zhen Ding, please try to find out the details of this matter.”

His gaze was indifferent, carrying a chilling calmness.

Meng Qi nodded, then went outside and wandered around the street, finding a young boy and giving him some silver coins to discreetly investigate at the taverns and other places.

After quite some time, Meng Qi returned to the inn. The table was full of roasted lamb legs and other dishes they had previously ordered, but all were now cold and untouched. Even Zhen Hui had been telling Buddhist stories to comfort Gu Changqing, completely ignoring the delicious food.

“It seems the news is true.” Meng Qi said solemnly, his right hand tightly gripping his sword hilt, longing to draw it immediately and slay the bandits.

“How did my parents and siblings die?” Gu Changqing spoke haltingly, as if afraid to hear the answer.

Meng Qi glanced around and called out loudly: “Waiter, bring the food to our room.”

This was not a place for further discussion.

Gu Changqing rose like a soulless corpse, staggering up to the second-floor guest room.

Meng Qi closed the door, ensuring no one was nearby before saying: “Your uncle and aunt clearly understood the fate awaiting them at the Evil Ridge, so to avoid humiliation and torture, they killed your younger brother and sister on the spot and then took their own lives.”

Gu Changqing stared at Meng Qi, two tears suddenly sliding down his cheeks, his voice trembling with sorrow: “My father risked his life many times for the clan, leaving himself with chronic injuries. Every time the weather turned cold and damp, his entire body would ache, keeping him awake all night. My mother came from a scholarly family, always gentle and refined, never arguing with others, only silently taking care of my father and us. My younger brother was barely ten, just beginning to cultivate his energy, a brave little man. My younger sister was only a few years old, lively and adorable, always running after me. How could they bear to do this? How could they bear to do this!”

“Changqing…” Meng Qi wanted to say something, but he felt that all comfort, all words, were powerless in the face of such tragedy.

Gu Changqing buried his face in his hands, sobbing uncontrollably: “I opened my spiritual gate at twenty, which was considered quite good within the clan. My father had high hopes for me, but instead, I ended up bringing disaster to my family…”

He suddenly lifted his head, staring at Meng Qi, tears streaming down his face: “Was it wrong to pursue justice? If I can’t even protect my own family, what right do I have to call myself a great hero?”

His voice was filled with deep confusion and self-doubt.

Meng Qi looked at Gu Changqing sincerely: “This matter arose because of me. Even if there was a mistake, it was mine. Moreover, I don’t think pursuing justice is wrong. The mistake was that we weren’t cunning and ruthless enough compared to the villains. To become true heroes, we must be more resourceful than bandits and outlaws, and eradicate them completely, leaving no future threats.”

This was also his reflection on his previous actions—thoroughly eliminating evil is not just an empty saying.

“Is that really so?” Gu Changqing asked, still uncertain.

“Don’t you want revenge?” Meng Qi deliberately asked, hoping to help Gu Changqing overcome his self-blame.

Gu Changqing abruptly stood up, his eyes burning with indescribable hatred: “Of course I do! I wish I could kill ‘Evil Scholar’ right now, this ringleader of all evil! I want the clan leader to kneel before me! This grudge is beyond reconciliation!”

Suddenly, he seemed to come back to life.

Meng Qi nodded solemnly: “You must understand that only by gaining power can we seek revenge and uphold justice.”

“Yes, and I’ve realized an important truth—trying to reform evil-doers is useless. Only by making them understand that committing evil deeds will cost them tenfold or more will they dare not act recklessly.” Gu Changqing said bitterly.

Meng Qi did not argue. This was also part of his own belief. Reform and punishment must go hand in hand to be righteous. Small crimes can be addressed through reform and minor punishment, but for those who commit heinous crimes, only severe punishment can serve as a deterrent. At such times, reform is shallow and ineffective.

He pointed at the food on the table and calmly said: “If we are to seek revenge, then we must first replenish our strength.”

“What’s next?” Gu Changqing looked at Meng Qi expectantly.

With a metallic ring, Meng Qi unsheathed the Red Sun Subduing Evil Blade: “Next, we head to the Evil Ridge!”

“What?” Although Gu Changqing wanted revenge, he hadn’t thought of acting immediately—his strength was still far from sufficient!

“This matter arose because of me, and I will help you seek vengeance no matter the danger. Moreover, currently, the Evil Ridge’s leaders only include the Four-Orifice ‘Evil Scholar,’ and two Seven-Orifice experts. The rest are mere bandits below the Six-Orifice level. Although they are numerous, it’s not impossible to strike. At least it’s better than waiting for Zeluoju or other leaders to return.” Meng Qi said solemnly, “Only by making the bandits realize that even within the Evil Ridge, they cannot escape the consequences of their actions will they dare to commit fewer evils.”

He had not considered seeking help from elders like his master, because normally, they would not take lives. At most, they would capture ‘Evil Scholar’ and imprison him in the back mountains of Shaolin, reciting sutras to reform him.

“Exactly, the ‘Evil Scholar’ certainly never imagined we would dare to attack the Evil Ridge directly!” Gu Changqing’s expression twisted into a ferocious grin.

Meng Qi pointed his sword toward the Evil Ridge, his voice cold: “This journey will be dangerous, but I am not afraid. I only wish to cut down ‘Evil Scholar’ and take his head, to set fire to this den of evil. What about you?”

“I fear neither death nor anything else. What else is there to fear?” Gu Changqing’s face was pale, but his eyes burned like flames.

“Senior Brother, I want to come too! Gu Brother’s family died saving me.” Zhen Hui rarely spoke so seriously.

Meng Qi thought for a moment: “You can secretly handle setting the fires. Avoid direct confrontation.”

“Yes.” Zhen Hui nodded firmly.

Meng Qi sheathed his sword and sat down directly: “Then let’s eat. Afterward, we’ll flatten the Evil Ridge!”