Chapter 235 235 The Domineering Washing Sword Pavilion
Han Zheng was absent, Zhao Rongye detained, leaving Pei Xiuyuan as the highest-ranking Xuanjia Guard within the Smoke Wave Prefecture's Demon Cleansing Bureau.
One could say that Pei Xiuyuan had now essentially become the Demon Sweeping Captain in charge of the Smoke Wave Prefecture, a dream that previously seemed so out of reach for him.
But now that he had finally succeeded in taking charge of a State Mansion, the experience was far from enjoyable.
The responsibilities of governing a State Mansion weighed heavily upon him, a burden that Pei Xiuyuan found himself unable to bear.
At this moment, Pei Xiuyuan found himself missing Han Zheng immensely.
If Mr. Han had been there, even if the opponent were in the Dan Sea Realm, Mr. Han would surely have been able to hold his ground.
With a sigh, Pei Xiuyuan had no choice but to brace himself and step out.
Outside the Demon Cleansing Bureau's government office in the Smoke Wave Prefecture, Du Songquan, with his head full of silver hair yet a visage that was gaunt and ethereal, stood with over a dozen disciples from the Washing Sword Pavilion, their presence fierce and imposing in front of the bureau.
The news of Yue Jingtong's death had caused great upheaval within the entire Washing Sword Pavilion.
If it had been any other disciple, it might have been forgivable, but Yue Jingtong was one of their inner-door Direct Disciples and even a contender for the Pavilion's successor. How could his death be overlooked?
The Demon Sweeping Captain from the Demon Cleansing Bureau had killed Yue Jingtong, and this was a matter that required an explanation!
There were two attitudes within the Washing Sword Pavilion.
One was more moderate, seeking to understand why Yue Jingtong had died at the hands of Han Zheng.
The other was more radical, demanding that Han Zheng provide an explanation to the Washing Sword Pavilion, no matter the reason.
The latter was the majority view, and Du Songquan, who shared this view, was thus representing the Pavilion to both investigate and hold Han Zheng accountable.
Moreover, it was Du Songquan himself who had requested to come to the Smoke Wave Prefecture this time.
Strictly speaking, Yue Jingtong was not his direct disciple; Du Songquan had only taught him for a period when he first joined.
But Yue Jingtong was one of Du Songquan's favorite juniors within the sect.
Obedient and sensible, he would often present him with cultivation resources as a show of respect.
Thus, Du Songquan had invested a lot in him, knowing that if Yue Jingtong truly became the Washing Sword Pavilion's successor, his own status would rise considerably.
Who could have imagined that his protégé, before even having the chance to become the successor, would be slain by another? How could anyone tolerate this?
Seeing Pei Xiuyuan leading people out, Du Songquan spoke with a cold voice, "Where is Han Zheng? Which of you is Han Zheng?"
Pei Xiuyuan responded with a clasped hand gesture, "My lord has been occupied with important matters and is not present. How about Elder Du patiently waits a few days? Whatever matters there are can be discussed once my lord returns, how does that sound?"
"Not present? More like hiding and afraid to show his face!"
Du Songquan snorted coldly, "So young and already in charge of the Smoke Wave Prefecture, Han Zheng must have some backing at the headquarters of the Demon Cleansing Bureau. Now hiding away, is he seeking reinforcements?
However, it doesn't matter. I've heard that you people from the Martial World of Smoke Wave Prefecture have been colluding with that Han Zheng. I might as well start by slaughtering you all, to avenge my disciple!"
At these words, the expressions of Chen Jiuzhen and the others changed drastically.
Nobody had expected that Du Songquan, albeit from a major sect, would be so domineering, resorting to random killing when unable to find Han Zheng!
Taking a deep breath, Pei Xiuyuan replied in a stern voice, "Elder Du misunderstands! My lord is truly not present!
Moreover, his battle with Yue Jingtong was a fair fight to settle their grudge. The Washing Sword Pavilion seeking out my lord now – isn't that escalating the situation?
The Yue Family stirred up trouble in the Smoke Wave Prefecture and was exterminated by my lord along with his comrades from the Martial World of the entire Prefecture. Their crimes warranted death, and they got what they deserved!
Yue Jingtong's desire for revenge on behalf of his family is understandable, but he was killed by my lord for being inferior in skill, and the matter should be considered resolved.
Moreover, the battle was witnessed by Wei Wenruo, the heir of Yanshan Wei Family, and Zuo Xinglie, a disciple of the Dayi Arrow Sect.
The agreement was to settle the score between them, to decide life and death in an open and fair manner without interference from others. Now Elder Du, you come here so belligerently, calling for a fight right away, isn't that a bit excessive?"
Although Pei Xiuyuan was consistently humbled and suppressed by Han Zheng to the point of being left speechless, he was, after all, an elite member of the Demon Cleansing Bureau and had spent many years in local positions, gathering rich experience.
His words were logical and just, insisting that the battle between Yue Jingtong and Han Zheng was an agreed duel to settle their enmity, a fair confrontation.
The Washing Sword Pavilion's act of seeking trouble now would be seen as not accepting the outcome gracefully.
Yet Du Songquan just sneered, "Such fine words, but who knows how the Yue Family was killed? To settle a grudge by resorting to murder?
Don't think such deceit will be that easy to pull off. Anyway, today I have come to the Smoke Wave Prefecture to seek justice for my disciple!
Since Han Zheng has fled and will not give me this justice, then I will take that justice myself!"
"You Smoke Wave Prefecture's Martial World powers, not a single one of you will be spared!"
Tuoba Feng couldn't help but curse loudly, "Have you no sense of reason? Is your so-called justice just an excuse to use us to flex your muscles?!"
Wen Jingyun shouted angrily, "That Yue Jingtong is no good either! Originally, it was my son Wen Yanqing who was supposed to join the Washing Sword Pavilion, but because Yue Jingtong framed my son, causing him to become disabled, he ended up joining the Washing Sword Pavilion.
With such a scheming and vicious mind, merciless and unscrupulous, does your Washing Sword Pavilion also demand justice for him?"
Du Songquan flicked his sleeve with a cold laugh, "What a joke! My disciple within the Washing Sword Pavilion has always been known for his gentleness and humility, magnanimous in his actions.
Now that he's dead, you even dare to frame him, you are simply courting death!
The Wen Family, right? I'll start by making an example of your Wen Family today!"
A trace of killing intent appeared in Du Songquan's eyes.
It would have been better if Wen Jingyun had not mentioned this matter, but since he did, he had to die.
Everyone in the Washing Sword Pavilion knew that he had always been supporting Yue Jingtong.
If Yue Jingtong's reputation was ruined, it would mean that he lacked the ability to judge character, and his own reputation would be affected as well.
This was something Du Songquan absolutely could not admit to; the Wen Family must die!
With a wave of Du Songquan's hand, more than a dozen martial artists from the Washing Sword Pavilion simultaneously drew their long swords with a 'clang', instantly overflowing with Sword Gang energy.
These more than ten people were all martial artists in the Xuan Gang Realm!
Only a top-tier faction like the Washing Sword Pavilion could dispatch so many Xuan Gang Realm deacons at once.
Pei Xiuyuan felt cold sweat form on his forehead instantly.
Chen Jiuzhen and the others were also shocked.
Ji Tianhong's small eyes darted around, debating whether or not to betray them at such a time.
If anything went wrong, it would be playing the fool.
Ji Tianhong clenched his teeth, deciding to stay neutral for now and wait until they were truly desperate.
At that moment, a stern voice suddenly rang out.
"The Washing Sword Pavilion sure has a lot of nerve, to kill as you please, to wipe out a family at will, you're even more domineering than the Emperor!
The Emperor still requires a trial from the three judicial departments and conclusive evidence before taking a life, but the Washing Sword Pavilion doesn't even bother to inquire.
Are you seeking an explanation from me? Then, I, Han Zheng, will give you one here and now!"
Accompanied by the roar of thunderous rage, Han Zheng's figure descended from mid-air and landed in front of Pei Xiuyuan and the others.
"Sir!"
Pei Xiuyuan and the others were immediately excited.
They knew that Mr. Han would definitely be fine!
They were in a panic before, and the two sentences that Pei Xiuyuan had forced out were just bluster, about to collapse at any moment.
Now that Han Zheng had returned, they finally had a pillar of support and all heaved a sigh of relief.
Ji Tianhong carefully wiped off the cold sweat from his forehead, feeling secretly relieved.
It was fortunate that he had kept his bottom line at a critical moment and had not betrayed him; otherwise, Han Zheng would definitely not have spared him, and his entire Xuanyuan Cave would have to go mining.
"Are you Han Zheng, the one who killed my disciple?"
Han Zheng pulled out the Autumn Water Surprised Swallow Saber and pointed it at Du Songquan from afar.
"What if I am? You dare to come to the Demon Cleansing Bureau's government office and threaten to kill, you're quite bold!
The Yue Family should be exterminated, Yue Jingtong should die, that's my explanation to you!"
Han Zheng revealed a grim smile to Du Songquan, his attitude arrogant and impolite.
Before, Pei Xiuyuan was still explaining, but Han Zheng couldn't be bothered to waste words with them.
They had clearly come looking for trouble, and no matter how reasonable your explanations, they wouldn't listen.
At times like this, reasoning with words is useless, you have to use your fists and swords to make the point!
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