Book 16: Chapter 24
The tongueless servants of the manor moved in silence as naturally as if they were in a separate dimension to the rest of the world, but it felt as if the rest of the world actually isolated the manor. Their blank expressions were proof that nobody understood them, and they themselves did not seek to be understood. Wang Du’s residence was at the end of this silent, dark-green courtyard.
Twenty years ago, mentioning his name alone had the same effect as mentioning “Baima” nowadays. As a matter of fact, Wang Du put down more bandits and rebels than Baima had.
Wang and Xie Clans had rooted themselves in numerous departments of the imperial court, so their fates were bound to the imperial court’s. Thus, the imperial family trusted them the most among the Seven Champion White Princes to the point that they believed Dark Robe Brotherhood would never betray them. Their history went all the way back to Li Dynasty’s prime.
Black Robe Brotherhood was originally a family of aristocrats, the type with money and power, yet were close to falling from grace. They were once notorious for being a family of martial artists whom picked on those beneath them and showed no regards for what their ancestors left behind. Several centuries ago, Wang and Xie clans decided to purge the bad eggs in their clans and usher in new policies. The patriarch of that generation genuinely wished to do better and to aid those in need. Ever since then, they were able to reinvent themselves into one of the major orthodox faction’s sects. When the last dynasty was at its end, Dark Robe Brotherhood stopped up and contributed significantly for the people. Li Dynasty’s progenitor, therefore, awarded them handsomely and started their familial relationship.
Through the passage of time, Black Robe Brotherhood was on track to returning to their roots again. Although Dark Robe Brotherhood could not compare to the other six Champion White Princes under Wang Du’s leadership, they had maintained their position, which was still a testament to his abilities.
Besides Jin Wangshi, who was whistling, and Su Xiao, who was deep in thought, the others were on edge. This rubbed the steward the wrong way enough for him to want to trip Su Xiao, but a vibration in his ear numbed his limbs. Wang Du’s cough told the steward that his intent was noticed. Following a salute at the doors, the steward voiced, “Your disciple seeks an audience.”
Now that they learnt the steward was Wang Du’s disciple, it made sense as to why he was so proficient with “Forbidden Lightning Wind” and why he was so protective of Wang Du’s reputation. His background reminded Bai Lian of her own shifu, which reduced her distaste for the manor’s surroundings.
“Come in.”
There was no telling his age based off his voice. Interestingly, his voice sounded refreshing initially, but it gradually turned rough later on, and then the contents were erased from memory. By the time they snapped out of it, they had already subconsciously stepped through the doors.