Chapter 321 - Maneuvering
Benton didn’t feel great about the situation. He’d used Yang Xiu and Yang Ru as bait to attract enemy higher realm cultivators, putting the twins in danger. He’d also allowed them to watch him execute one of those cultivators, which wasn’t exactly what he considered exemplary behavior.
Once he’d finished dispatching the woman, he Teleported the twins back to the compound that was to serve as their base for the duration of the tournament.
Benton sighed. “What I did today is not something I want you two, or any other sect members, to consider a good thing. Unfortunately, this …” He almost said world before hasitly correcting himself. “This continent is not run by the rule of law. No sect or the Emporer’s faction is strong enough to enforce justice. Thus, we have to make our own. Which leads to injustice. Understand?”
Yang Ru quickly nodded.
His sister, on the other hand, said, “They wanted to attack us, juniors way weaker than them, in defiance of all custom, Master. Obviously, they deserved what they got.”
“In a way, I have to agree with you. I mean, I did kill one of them and maim the other. But here’s a question for you—do I deserve to be executed?”
“Of course not, Master!”
“Why not? I killed a junior. I could have Teleported Fatty Ren to the city and had him fight her instead.”
“But… But…”
“From the perspective of protecting our sect, my actions were completely justified. From the perspective of our enemies, my actions were a gross violation of social norms. If they had the necessary power, they’d punish me. Why does our perspective matter more than theirs?”
She opened and closed her mouth, but no words came out.
“It’s a difficult question,” Benton said. “My bottom line is that I will protect my sect members with my dying breath, consequences be damned. And I don’t regret that. I’d rather tens or hundreds or even thousands of enemy Golden Cores lay slaughtered than for any of you to be hurt. But I can still wish none had to be killed, and by explaining all this to you, I truly hope that, one day when you may be in a position to take a different path, maybe you will decide to be merciful. Understand?”