novelraw Chapter 45 – Means
Chapter 45 – Means
"Hey, have you heard? A big family moved here from Willow Leaf Town, dozens of them."
"Of course, I also know that there are immortals in that family, and now they've pledged allegiance to the main family."
"Truly enviable. If only we could be fortunate enough to join the Northern Shore clan in this lifetime."
As the two peddlers chatted while walking, they turned a corner and arrived at the main road in front of the Zhao Residence.
They glanced at the plaque of the Zhao Residence, showing a hint of disdain.
"Those wastrels from the Zhao family are truly detestable!" one of them shook his head and said.
"Indeed, they were disciplined by the clan soldiers before, yet they haven't learned their lesson. Not long after, they went to our Southern Shore to cause trouble."
The other agreed, "The Zhao family's reputation has been ruined by these few. Now, whenever the shops on the Southern Shore see them from afar, they shut their doors in fear."
From their complaints, it was clear that the Zhao family's young ones had indeed gone too far.
Just as they were passing by the Zhao Residence, sudden, piercing screams erupted from within the courtyard.
"Ah!! Help!!"
"There's murder!!"
The two peddlers were startled by the screams, and others nearby gathered around upon hearing the commotion.
The screams from the Zhao Residence continued, but the main gate remained tightly shut, and no one dared to enter and investigate.
About a quarter of an hour later, the screams ceased, leaving only faint sobbing.
Bang!
The gate of the Zhao Residence was kicked open, and everyone turned to see Zhao Dapeng emerging, disheveled and covered in blood.
This sight frightened the onlookers, who quickly retreated to avoid him.
The two peddlers, both scared and curious, craned their necks to see Zhao Dapeng holding a hatchet in one hand and dragging a burlap sack with the other.
Such sacks were usually used for grain, but it was unclear what was inside this one, stained red with blood.
Dragging the bloodied burlap sack, Zhao Dapeng headed straight for the Yang Clan's mansion.
The clan soldiers received the news and quickly reported it up the chain, prompting Yang Tieli to rush over.
"Brother Zhao, what are you doing?"
Yang Tieli stopped Zhao Dapeng and asked.
Zhao Dapeng looked at him, gasping for breath, and forced a smile, "Leader Tieli, don't worry, I'm not causing trouble. I feel guilty and am going to the main family to confess."
"Confess?"
Yang Tieli glanced at the burlap sack behind him, having a rough idea of what had happened.
"Since it's on the way, why not go together?"
"That would be best!"
After Zhao Dapeng agreed, he followed Yang Tieli to the gate of the Yang Clan.
Yang Feiyun was already waiting at the entrance.
Outside, a crowd of onlookers gathered, craning their necks to get a better view.
Without wasting words, Zhao Dapeng knelt down upon arrival and kowtowed three times to Yang Feiyun.
"Master! I failed to discipline them, and these fools have disgraced the clan. It's my Zhao family's fault."
With that, Zhao Dapeng emptied the contents of the burlap sack, revealing six severed heads!
"Whoa!"
The gruesome scene made the villagers gasp, and some with weaker constitutions fainted on the spot.
Pointing at the rolling heads on the ground, Zhao Dapeng said, "These black sheep could not be kept. I've dealt with them according to family rules. I, Zhao Dapeng, am just an old farmer from the mountains. Any success I've had is thanks to the main family's grace. Today, in front of all the villagers, I swear to you, Master, that such a thing will never happen again in the Zhao family. If it does, I'll bring my own head to you!"
As his words fell, the onlookers began to chatter, some applauding, some sighing, and others just there for the spectacle.
Zhao Dapeng paid no mind to their opinions, for what mattered was how the Yang family viewed it.
After Zhao Dapeng finished speaking, Yang Feiyun turned to give some instructions to the steward, then stepped forward to help him up.
"Master, I..."
"Say no more, this isn't your fault."
Yang Feiyun said gently, "When one person attains enlightenment, even their chickens and dogs ascend to heaven. If any family had an immortal master, they wouldn't fare better than your Zhao family."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Dapeng was first stunned, then overjoyed.
The crowd gasped even louder, realizing that a Zhao family member had indeed succeeded in cultivation!
This news had not been released before, not even to Zhao Dapeng himself.
"Master! Do you mean my son has succeeded?"
"Hahaha, would I lie to you? But old Zhao, we should now address him as Immortal Master Zhao." Yang Feiyun laughed.
"Yes, yes, according to the rules, that's how it should be!" Zhao Dapeng nodded eagerly, his eyes squinting with joy.
"Come, let me take you inside to change clothes. Earlier, Immortal Master Zhao accompanied Immortal Master Liang up the mountain. The two had a delightful conversation, feeling as if they had met too late."
Hearing Yang Feiyun's words, Zhao Dapeng immediately understood.
He whispered, "Rest assured, Master, the Zhao family will stand by the Liang family!"
The two entered the Yang Clan's gate, and the six heads on the ground were cleared away by the clan soldiers.
Now, no one cared about their deaths; more discussions revolved around the main family gaining two more immortal masters.
Meanwhile, the Liang family was also led to their new residence.
Upon entering the courtyard, they were stunned.
The courtyard prepared by the Yang family was far more luxurious and grand than their old home in Willow Leaf Town.
And this was just the beginning. When they saw the newly cultivated fields, the three-story tavern, and several newly decorated shops, they couldn't hold back their emotions and burst into tears.
They had thought they would be living under someone else's roof, doing hard labor, but the Yang family not only protected their lives but also preserved their dignity. Most importantly, they felt respected.
"Master Yang, the Liang family is eternally grateful!"
Liang Min, the second in command of the Liang family, said tearfully, "Such great kindness cannot be repaid. We only wish to serve the main family for generations!"
"Brother Liang, you're too kind."
Yang Xiaolei waved his hand, "The Liang family has always had ties with ours, and now that the Liang family's immortal master has joined our Immortal Mountain, we're family. No need for formalities."
After settling the Liang family, Yang Xiaolei returned to the Yang Clan and found Yang Feiyun.
"Second Brother, the Liang family is settled," Yang Xiaolei said.
Yang Feiyun nodded, "Lingqing's method worked perfectly. Without us having to intervene, the problem was resolved, setting the tone for both families."
As they spoke, they looked up at Misty Mountain, feeling grateful to have a descendant like Yang Lingqing in the Yang family.
In the Yang Clan's Forbidden Zone.
After meeting the Yang family's cultivators, Liang Yi was taken to the branch residence by Zhao Qi.
Just as they left, Gao Hui, the mayor of White Stone Town, arrived outside the formation to visit.
"Greetings, Patriarch Yang."
"Mayor Gao, you're too kind, please come in."
Yang Lingqing welcomed him inside.
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After Yang Guanfeng left, she temporarily took over as the head of the family and had dealt with Gao Hui several times.
For this young girl, just over fifteen, Gao Hui had genuine admiration.
Her style differed from Yang Guanfeng's, yet her management and social skills were equally impressive.
"Here is this month's reward from the Dynasty, please keep it safe."
After they sat down, Gao Hui took out twenty Spirit Crystals from his Storage Bag.
Since Yang Guanfeng was chosen by the Dynasty and left, the Yang family received Spirit Crystals as compensation each month.
"Twenty? Why are there ten more this month?" Yang Lingqing asked.
Gao Hui smiled, "Brother Guanfeng made a contribution in quelling the unrest in the east, and these ten extra are a reward from the Dynasty."
Upon hearing the word 'contribution,' Yang Lingqing showed no joy, only a hint of worry.
More than contributions or extra rewards, she hoped for the safety of her ancestor.
"This visit has another purpose, to discuss something with Patriarch Yang."
"Please speak freely, Mayor Gao."