Chapter 177 : Chapter 177
Chapter 177: The Filthy Rich Army-Breaking Sect
Pay a visit to the Army-Breaking Sect branch!
As soon as the Jinyiwei heard this, the anxiety in their eyes immediately turned into excitement and eagerness.
Lord Cheng was angry!
One had to know that the Jinyiwei of Jiannan Circuit especially liked visiting others as guests.
Especially Jianghu forces.
They were absolutely polite and followed the rules, ensuring that when they left, the hosts would not feel even the slightest dissatisfaction.
Their only small flaw was that the souvenirs they took away would be a little excessive!
...
The Jingmen Circuit branch of the Army-Breaking Sect.
A group of martial artists surrounded Feng Yun like stars surrounding the moon, praising and flattering him to the utmost.
“Sect Master’s divine calculations are truly flawless. The Jinyiwei really did take in those refugees!”
They praised Feng Yun from the bottom of their hearts.
The Sect Master was truly brilliant in his calculations.
The Jinyiwei really had not left that group of refugees alone.
Now that Cheng Yu had become entangled with them, dealing with him would become simple.
“It was merely a minor scheme. Cheng Yu is nothing more than a common martial brute. What is there to praise?”
Feng Yun clasped his hands behind his back and raised his head smugly.
“Most of the plan has already succeeded. When the time comes, our agents among the refugees will create trouble, and we will step forward to accuse him. Cheng Yu will be too busy dealing with his own mess. He will definitely disgrace himself!”
Feng Yun’s plan was very simple.
He had planted his subordinates among that group of refugees in advance.
Then he had personally acted to chase them in front of Cheng Yu. Naturally, there would be people who stirred up trouble and forced the Jinyiwei to take them in.
Now, they only had to wait for their own people to act according to the situation, create crimes such as rape, murder, and plunder, then find an opportunity to flee.
The evil reputation and evil consequences would all be pinned on Cheng Yu.
Then, when these chivalrous Jianghu heroes stood forward to question him about his crimes, they could naturally make Cheng Yu and the Jinyiwei lose all face.
“Once that brat Cheng Yu takes those people in, he will become a criminal who indulged bandits in committing outrageous crimes!”
“Not only will the Jianghu be able to crusade against him, but even the court will not tolerate someone who damages its authority like this!”
Once the scheme was set in motion, Cheng Yu would definitely be caught between two fires no matter which side he faced!
Feng Yun continued, “Once we condemn Cheng Yu, we will surely bring honor to the main sect. This will be a great contribution worthy of heavy rewards!”
The other martial artists immediately rejoiced.
To be honest, dealing with someone like Cheng Yu had little to do with people at their level. Even if they gained Jianghu fame, it would not have much practical use.
But the Army-Breaking Sect and the Jianghu needed reputation.
They needed an excuse to send experts to take down that brat Cheng Yu.
And they had delivered that excuse.
Naturally, this would be a great contribution, and they would receive generous rewards!
That was the real benefit!
Feng Yun revealed a smile of complete confidence. “Everyone, get moving. It is time to make that brat Cheng Yu pay the price!”
In truth, the purpose of his scheme went far beyond simply embarrassing Cheng Yu.
More importantly, it was to recover face for the Jianghu!
Someone from the main sect had once revealed to him that the Jianghu, with its chivalry and righteousness for the people, should have been the just existence that loved the people like its own children.
In the end, Cheng Yu, a mere Imperial Hound of the court, treated the common people better than these martial artists did.
This matter was an even greater taboo than slaughtering Jianghu people!
If he killed people and became a villain, that was fine. There would naturally be experts to destroy him.
But if he became a good person, and became even better than the Jianghu, then the problem would be serious.
If he distributed silver and rice to the common people, what should the major Jianghu forces do?
Should they also distribute money and grain?
Impossible!
Why should they give up their benefits for a group of worthless ordinary people?
But if they did not distribute anything?
Would that not make them look even worse than an Imperial Hound of the court?
At present, there was only one solution.
Deal with Cheng Yu!
With Feng Yun directing everything from behind the scenes this time, he was not only rendering a great service to the Army-Breaking Sect, but also seeking benefits for the entire Jianghu.
This would surely make his name famous under heaven!
That brat Cheng Yu could obediently become his stepping stone!
As soon as he thought of this, Feng Yun became incomparably excited. He looked forward to the moment when he would righteously accuse Cheng Yu.
He would surely have an extraordinary presence, and the people under heaven would praise him!
But at that moment, something unexpected happened.
Someone ran over in extreme panic and stammered, “B-Bad news! The Jinyiwei are coming toward us!”
The anticipation in Feng Yun’s eyes froze and turned into shock.
Why were the Jinyiwei coming here?!
Not far away.
The Jinyiwei were traveling in an orderly manner, but the direction they took was no longer the original route toward the Great Qian Capital.
The refugees followed closely behind them, deeply afraid of being ruthlessly abandoned.
Most of them were uncertain about their futures, and their faces were full of anxiety.
As bandits who had once burned, killed, and plundered, following a group of Jinyiwei was far too thrilling!
But among them, a small portion of people had faint excitement in their eyes.
It succeeded!
They had been taken in by the Jinyiwei!
After this, as long as they found the right opportunity, completed Sect Master Feng’s assigned task, led the refugees to burn, kill, and plunder, then found a chance to escape and leave the entire mess behind, they would receive unimaginable rewards!
This was what happened to Jinyiwei who kindly took in refugees after offending the Army-Breaking Sect.
They liked being good people?
What good person could an Imperial Hound of the court possibly be?
They had only invited trouble upon themselves!
The more these people thought about the great contribution they were about to make, the more excited they became.
But at that moment, someone noticed that something was wrong.
By now, dusk had passed.
The sky grew darker and darker, so dark one could not see one’s own hand before one’s face.
The Jinyiwei martial artists possessed Internal Energy, so they could still see clearly with their eyesight.
But the refugees, whether real or fake, were ordinary people.
They could barely see the conditions on both sides of the road.
At first, they did not think too much about it. They only needed to follow the Jinyiwei.
But as they kept walking, some people discovered something strange.
This road.
Why did it feel more and more familiar the farther they walked?
It was almost like... almost like the road to the Army-Breaking Sect branch...
The Army-Breaking Sect?!
These people trembled all over. Their steps immediately stiffened, and cold sweat poured down uncontrollably.
The Jinyiwei were going to the Army-Breaking Sect?
This was completely different from the direction toward the Great Qian Capital and out of Jingmen Circuit. There was absolutely no way this was merely on the way!
What did Cheng Yu want to do?
The tension and fear in their hearts kept expanding, but they did not dare stop.
They could only grit their teeth and continue walking.
Only when they finally saw that familiar, majestic mountain gate did the hearts that had been hanging in suspense finally shatter completely.
The Jinyiwei had really come here!
On the other side.
Cheng Yu examined the incomparably imposing mountain gate and crossed his arms with a slight nod.
As expected of the Army-Breaking Sect, one of the Nine Great Sects.
In terms of extravagance, it far surpassed those Jianghu forces of Jiannan Circuit.
This was only a branch, yet even its main gate had been built from extremely precious Luminous Stone.
Under sunlight, it shone brilliantly.
At night, it emitted a faint, gentle glow, displaying an extremely high status.
“As expected of the Army-Breaking Sect. They are even this willing to spend on building a gate.”
The value of a single block of Luminous Stone.
An ordinary household could not buy it even with a lifetime’s savings.
Moreover, the ordinary people of Great Qian did not have the qualifications to have savings at all. There would always be someone who squeezed them to the bone and sucked out their marrow.
A trace of anticipation appeared on Cheng Yu’s face.
“If this place were raided and confiscated, it would probably be more satisfying than any previous time.”
The largest force he had raided before had been Prince Qing’s Remnants.
However, those fellows had been obsessed with rebellion. Whenever they had some savings, they would use them to recruit soldiers and buy horses for their uprising. In the end, they had lost everything and had to start over.
Their accumulated gold, silver, and treasures had not been particularly abundant.
But the Army-Breaking Sect had stood in the central region of Great Qian for nearly a thousand years and had never suffered any great upheaval. In recent centuries, it had grown even stronger.
It was absolutely filthy rich!
Just as Cheng Yu was imagining this, a guarded voice suddenly rang out.
“This is the land of the Army-Breaking Sect. Those who come, halt!”
Feng Yun walked out with a group of martial artists. As they looked at the Jinyiwei outside the gate, their hearts were somewhat flustered.
Had Cheng Yu realized that the matter with the refugees was too abnormal and come to hold them accountable?
However, that was not enough of a reason to offend the Army-Breaking Sect.
If the two sides became enemies, the only reason would be that Cheng Yu had failed to pretend to love the people and flew into shameful anger after being exposed.
In that case, Feng Yun’s original goal could still be achieved.
Thinking of this, the members of the Army-Breaking Sect immediately calmed down. They would first see what exactly that brat Cheng Yu had come to do.
At this moment, they held every advantage of terrain and people. The advantage was theirs!
As the Sect Master, Feng Yun cupped his hands politely and said, “So it is Lord Cheng in person. May I ask what brings you to my Army-Breaking Sect?”
Cheng Yu revealed a faint smile.
“Can I not come to have a look if there is nothing important? This is one of the dignified Nine Great Sects. I am a person of limited experience and have never seen a force as imposing as your esteemed sect.”
“I imagine all you great heroes must be as open and honorable as the rumors say. Cheng is impressed!”
When they heard that Cheng Yu’s words were full of compliments.
And that he did not at all seem like the vicious man from the rumors who drew his blade at the slightest provocation.
Feng Yun and the others, who had originally been somewhat tense, relaxed.
Joy and satisfaction even emerged in their hearts.
Did they hear that?
Cheng Yu, the infamous Imperial Hound of the court who had killed who knew how many Jianghu people, still had such a good attitude before them.
A mere Cheng Yu was also nothing more than someone who bullied the weak and feared the strong.
In Dragon Abyss Path, he had relied on the authority of two Jinyiwei Assistant Commissioners to borrow another’s might.
In Jiannan Circuit, he had relied on there being no top experts to act arrogantly and commit every evil deed along the way.
Now that he was facing a great force like their Army-Breaking Sect, even if this was only a branch, he naturally had to lower his head!
Feng Yun raised his chin and revealed a condescending smile.
“These are merely hollow reputations of ours. Lord Cheng truly overpraises us. There are few people under heaven who can be acclaimed by all and called great heroes!”
Although his words sounded modest, they were also filled with a sense of distance.
Being praised, especially by an enemy like Cheng Yu, was certainly something to be proud of.
But he did not want to have too much connection with Cheng Yu.
For someone of the Jianghu, being praised by a notorious Imperial Hound of the court would not be considered a good reputation if word spread.
Moreover, Feng Yun believed he already had the other party firmly in his grasp. In his heart, he considered himself part of a great sect and a great force, and he was full of disdain toward Cheng Yu.
A mere brat who had obtained a little strength through luck—was he even worthy of judging the Jingmen Circuit branch Sect Master of the Army-Breaking Sect?
“No, no, no! Great heroes are great heroes. Why refuse the praise?”
Cheng Yu smiled with utmost sincerity.
The more he encouraged and praised the Army-Breaking Sect’s people, the more their expressions became light and pleased.
Feng Yun could not help but stroke the wisp of beard on his chin.
“Lord Cheng, there is no need to be so courteous. If you have come here for something, just speak plainly. If there is anything we can help you with, we naturally will not refuse.”
Although he said this, no matter how simple the matter was, he would definitely be unable to do it in the end.
Hearing this, Cheng Yu nodded and pointed behind him.
“Then I will speak plainly. Everyone, please look behind me at those homeless refugees.”
When most of the refugees heard themselves being mentioned, they were immediately startled.
They had only just been chased by the Army-Breaking Sect’s people, and it had not been easy for them to survive under the Jinyiwei’s protection.
Why were these two sides now praising each other and speaking so pleasantly?
And why had they been mentioned?
No matter how one listened to it, this did not sound like anything good!
“These refugees suffered from disaster and have no fixed homes. Their livelihoods are a grave concern. Cheng should personally settle them, but my appointment in the Great Qian Capital is urgent. I fear His Majesty’s Dragon Might may be enraged, so I truly have no spare time.”
“Your esteemed sect is the leader of Jingmen Circuit, bearing the responsibility of chivalry and the righteous path. I would like to ask your esteemed sect to turn hostility into friendship, help settle these people, and contribute to the chivalrous path under heaven!”
After Cheng Yu finished speaking, he cupped his fists, his expression filled with anticipation.
Not far away, in midair.
Chang Ningxiao reclined half-lying on the Blue Radiance Sword, watching this scene from afar.
A trace of doubt appeared on her beautiful face.
“Does Mister intend to push the problem back to the Army-Breaking Sect? I fear the other side will not let things go as he wishes...”
When the Army-Breaking Sect members heard that Cheng Yu was turning things around and asking them to accept the refugees instead, even using the chivalrous righteousness the Jianghu cared about most as his reason, they all frowned and looked toward Feng Yun.
What should they do?
Once Cheng Yu said this, they had fallen into the same trap as Cheng Yu.
If they dared refuse these people now, then when something happened on Cheng Yu’s side later, just how thick-skinned would they have to be to follow the original plan?
How could they stand on the moral high ground and criticize and humiliate Cheng Yu?
Feng Yun’s expression did not change, but a trace of coldness flashed through his eyes.
This brat Cheng Yu was not merely a reckless martial brute without a brain. He actually had some schemes of his own.
He knew how to use the same line of thought to make things difficult for Feng Yun.
Unfortunately, Feng Yun had long anticipated this point and had already thought of a method.
In secret, he faintly released a trace of imperceptible aura, sending it toward his own people planted among the refugees.
On the surface, he hesitated for a moment, then finally decided, “This... Very well. Since Lord Cheng has spoken, my Army-Breaking Sect must naturally place chivalry first and the common people first. We agree...”
Agree!
They were chivalrous people of the Jianghu, so they had to agree!
But before he could finish speaking, fierce resistance suddenly erupted among the refugees.
“No, my lord! These martial artists killed so many of our brothers, and today, they almost killed us too! We absolutely dare not entrust our lives to them!”
Once someone said this, all the refugees understood the terror of the situation.
They had robbed people from the Army-Breaking Sect. This was a great enmity, and that was why so many people had died.
If they fell into Feng Yun’s hands again, they would definitely lose their lives!
“We do not trust these martial artists. They will only kill us!”
“Honored officials, you cannot abandon us!”
The refugees wept bitterly and begged the Jinyiwei, completely unwilling to leave Cheng Yu.
When some of the Jinyiwei saw this situation, they immediately became furious.
“My lord has already spoken. How would the Army-Breaking Sect dare disobey? What are you afraid of? We have to enter the capital and do not have time to take responsibility for you!”
They refused the perfectly good way out and even started being picky.
They were truly people who did not know what was good for them!
The fake refugees planted by the Army-Breaking Sect hurriedly shook their heads. “We do not care! We are only willing to follow you, my lords. If you do not want us, we would rather die!”
They drew daggers again, pretending they were about to kill themselves.
Guided by them, the other refugees also began imitating them one after another.
“What are you doing?!”
The Jinyiwei gritted their teeth, wishing these people would really kill themselves and be done with it!
In Jiannan Circuit, when had they ever been put in such a difficult position?
They were not afraid of dealing with martial artists.
But a group of refugees had made them this helpless!
The next moment.
Sharp Internal Energy erupted like silk, and a high, clear beast roar rang out.
The sound of a Qilin!
Feng Yun had acted. His Internal Energy struck the daggers in the refugees’ hands, knocking them all to the ground and crushing them into pieces.