Chapter 605 - 44: How Can the Cunning Art of the Ghostly and Wicked Be Termed Dharma
Qian Tong carried his knife and bow, while Hu Daoist held his banner. Together, they headed toward the inner house within the fortress.
As they walked, a fragrant scent wafted through the air. Anyone who caught a whiff of it, whether guards, maids, birds, or livestock, collapsed helplessly to the ground, unable to move, merely watching as the two strode confidently through halls and rooms.
This scent was effortless to deal with ordinary people, but for those with resilient bones and deep Inner Qi, it wasn’t as effective. They still had to confront such individuals personally.
Besides, if Zhang Zhan wasn’t dead before his eyes, Qian Tong wouldn’t be at ease.
The two proceeded straight inside and reached the inner chamber. Qian Tong suddenly stopped, his vigilance spiking—he deeply understood Zhang Zhan wasn’t someone easy to handle. Thus, he didn’t rush in across the threshold. After scanning thoroughly with a sharp gaze and finding no traps, he sneered coldly and stepped forward boldly.
Upon sighting the person lying on the bed, his gaze sharpened, his hand descended steadily at his side as he slowly drew the knife from his waist. Then, like a nimble spirit ape, he lunged forward with all his power and swung downward in a fierce slash.
Just as the blade fell, a hand suddenly stretched out from beneath the blanket and firmly caught hold of his knife-wielding wrist. At the same moment, another hand unerringly clamped down on the back of the blade like a pair of iron pincers.
Qian Tong was startled. He struggled but failed to free himself, realizing the situation was unfavorable. He quickly abandoned his weapon and leapt backward, shouting in fury, "Who is it?!"
When he managed to get a clear view of the person, his body shuddered, and he exclaimed, "Liang Wu?!"
Liang Wu tore aside the drapes and leapt out, his face alight with anger and his eyes locked onto Qian Tong. He growled, "Leader was right; it truly is you plotting rebellion!"
Initially, Qian Tong appeared flustered, but after glancing behind him and seeing Hu Daoist step inside, he regained his composure, scanned the surroundings, and coldly said, "And what if I am? Where is Zhang Zhan? Has he escaped?"
Liang Wu clenched his fists tightly and said in a low voice, "Qian Tong, I can’t understand—Leader has treated you well, so why would you harm him?"
"Why?"
Qian Tong suddenly became agitated, swinging the knife in his hand and roaring, "Because I’m not willing to accept it! This foundation was built by us brothers’ blood and sweat—why should we hand it over to that greenhorn child?!"
Hu Daoist stepped forward, the corner of his lips curling into a sinister smile. "Why waste words on him? Zhang Zhan is gravely ill; even if he escaped, he won’t live long. Get rid of this man quickly, then kill Zhang Zhan’s sons too. Gun Mang Mountain will be yours."
Hearing this, Liang Wu trembled uncontrollably, his rage exploding. He barked, "Qian Tong, vengeance should not extend to family! If you dare kill Leader’s family today, are you not afraid that one day Chunde will come to kill your children?!"
Qian Tong hesitated, visibly torn. He indeed feared retaliation, knowing that killing Zhang Zhan could still be excused as an act against his illness. But if he annihilated the entire household, how many would stand by him?
Hu Daoist’s sly, wolfish glint flashed within his squinted eyes, and he said, "When cutting weeds, you must remove the roots. As for those disobedient, I’ll personally take care of them for you. What’s there to fear?"
He was intentionally urging Qian Tong to take this ruthless step, so the latter would rely more heavily on him afterward.
"You demon Daoist!"
Liang Wu, furious beyond restraint, stepped forward and struck a punch aimed directly at Hu Daoist’s face.
His strength was formidable, having been personally instructed by Zhang Zhan. In his youth, he could wrestle lions and tigers barehanded. Though not as strong as before, he remained in his prime, and this punch carried immense Power Dao, its energy surging outward.
Hu Daoist, however, remained unperturbed. He chuckled sinisterly, flicking his sleeve, and with a deft motion unleashed a talisman while shouting, "Thunder!"
A deafening boom echoed as the entire chamber seemed to shake. Liang Wu, touched by the talisman, was instantly thrown into the air, landing over three meters away. Struggling to rise, he coughed up several mouthfuls of blood before collapsing again, powerless. His eyes, bloodshot with fury, glared at Hu Daoist, and he spat, "Demon Daoist!"
Hu Daoist dismissed him with a contemptuous wave of his sleeve and said, "You mere mortals, no matter how skilled your martial arts, are but laughable fools in the eyes of us Immortals."
Seeing Liang Wu, such a warrior, laid low by Hu Daoist’s casual effort, Qian Tong felt both fear and dread. He turned to Liang Wu and urged sincerely, "Brother Liang, why insist on following Zhang Zhan to the bitter end? You’ve seen it—Hu Daoist’s boundless mana is unparalleled. I’ve invited him to oversee Gun Mang Mountain, ensuring no one dares defy us in the future. With our brotherhood united, we could recruit troops, conquer cities, overthrow nations, and carve out our own empire. Think of the Da Wei Grand Ancestor—why shouldn’t we? Someday, I’ll be emperor, and you’ll be the great general. I’ll ensure your descendants are honored for generations, basking in untold wealth and glory."