Chapter 212: Qingye Hall Plans Gu Mo

"Brother, should we sever the head?" Gu Chutong asked eagerly in the desolate house, putting on her silver-threaded gloves.

Gu Mo shook his head slightly. "There's no need. We can hand it directly to the Qian family for disposal. We're not familiar with the local officials here."

"Oh, alright," Gu Chutong nodded, somewhat disappointed.

Gu Mo was speechless at Gu Chutong's tone. His sister seemed to be getting addicted to severing heads. Was such gore appropriate for a young girl?

Soon, Song Danyang, Old Madam Lin, and others arrived.

"Hero Gu, you truly are a Grandmaster whose mastery of inner energy is profound! Your exquisite control of internal force leaves this humble Daoist utterly amazed..." Song Danyang, currently Cangzhou's foremost admirer of Gu Mo, lavished praise without pause, to the point where Gu Mo could barely listen. While he didn't deny his deep understanding of internal force, it wasn't as unparalleled as Song Danyang made it out to be.

"Daoist Master Song, Daoist Master Song..." Gu Mo quickly interrupted him. "This Ye Xiao claimed to be from the Green Leaf Sect. Do you want to follow this lead and see if you can track down the sect?"

Song Danyang sighed lightly. "It's difficult. The Green Leaf Sect is a very peculiar organization. In recent years, both the Six Doors and our righteous martial arts factions have indeed apprehended members of the Green Leaf Sect."

While Green Leaf Sect members are tight-lipped, most commit suicide immediately upon capture, though some attempts fail. The Six Doors even hired masters skilled in psychic secret arts for interrogation, but they still couldn't uncover the Green Leaf Sect's whereabouts.

This is because the Green Leaf Sect's organizational structure differs from typical martial arts associations. Its members are few in number, don't know each other personally, and communicate solely through one-way channels. Even then, they only know each other's codenames, not their true identities.

Simply put, if one person is caught, their superior immediately cuts off all ties. Furthermore, they never seek revenge; if someone dies, they're gone, and the Green Leaf Sect acts as if that person never existed."

"How do they ensure loyalty with such a structure?" Gu Mo asked, puzzled.

"They don't."

Song Danyang shook his head. "The Green Leaf Sect has very few members. So far, no more than ten people have been killed or captured. Of these ten, six left no trace, clearly being suicide operatives. The other four all shared one characteristic: they had received immense favors from the Green Leaf Sect and were willing to die for it."

"For example, the Green Leaf Sect member you killed at the courier station recently while escorting the silver carriage, who was impersonating Ye Xiao. His identity has been uncovered: his name was Tong Fei, and he was originally a private tutor with a beautiful wife and a lovely son—a very happy family. However, his family was destroyed by a local tyrant. His wife was raped and committed suicide by jumping into a well. When he tried to sue, he encountered a corrupt official who took bribes and had him thrown into prison instead. His three-year-old son was brutally murdered by the tyrant right before his eyes."

"Later, Tong Fei was rescued by the Green Leaf Sect. They not only saved his life but also taught him martial arts, allowing him to personally exact revenge, killing the tyrant's entire family, and that corrupt official as well. Tell me, wouldn't such a person be absolutely loyal to the Green Leaf Sect?"

Gu Mo nodded. "Yes, they should be absolutely loyal to the Green Leaf Sect."

Song Danyang said, "All Green Leaf Sect members, like Tong Fei, have suffered various tragic fates before receiving assistance from the Green Leaf Sect."

"Was Ye Xiao the same?" Gu Mo asked.

"Likely so," Song Danyang replied. "Ye Xiao indeed had a tragic past, but we didn't know he was a Green Leaf Sect member until you killed Tong Fei."

"Ye Xiao was originally a scholar who studied diligently and passed the imperial examinations, carrying the hopes of his entire family. However, after finally becoming a successful candidate, he was framed and implicated in a cheating scandal. The other party's sole purpose was to seize his academic qualification."

"In court, his fiancée even stood up to testify against him for cheating. Ultimately, he was imprisoned, his elderly mother died of grief, and his lifelong prospects were ruined. After his release, he learned that his former fiancée's family had, through framing him, allied with a wealthy young master, seized his land, and even thrown his mother's remains into a cesspit, subjecting them to extreme humiliation."

"Later, he became a disciple of the Cangzhou Grandmaster, Immortal Weng of Heavenly Secrets. The reason he was able to join Immortal Weng's tutelage was that he possessed a 'Heavenly Secrets Token.' There are a total of three such tokens in the martial arts world, which Immortal Weng distributed by chance in his youth. He had promised that anyone presenting a token could ask him for one favor."

"Ye Xiao's condition at the time was to become Immortal Weng's disciple. To ensure Ye Xiao's success, Immortal Weng even modified and weakened his renowned 'Heavenly Evolution Grand Method,' tailoring a unique martial art called the 'Heavenly Secrets Swordplay' specifically for Ye Xiao. After Ye Xiao mastered it, he descended the mountain, exacted his revenge, and subsequently gradually succumbed to the demonic path, committing countless murders."

"Looking back now, it's likely that the Heavenly Secrets Token Ye Xiao possessed was given to him by the Green Leaf Sect."

"Is it possible that Immortal Weng of Heavenly Secrets is a member of the Green Leaf Sect?" Gu Mo asked.

"Not very likely," Song Danyang replied. "Immortal Weng of Heavenly Secrets is well-respected in Cangzhou. Of course, I'm not saying it's entirely impossible, but if he were a Green Leaf Sect member, we wouldn't be able to track that lead anyway."

"Why not?" Gu Mo asked, confused.

Song Danyang gave a helpless smile. "Because of the 'Heavenly Evolution Grand Method,' which is said to predict all heavenly secrets, it's virtually impossible to find him. Unless he chooses to appear, anyone trying to find him would be anticipated and he'd simply evade them. The reason he's called Immortal Weng of Heavenly Secrets is his ability to calculate and predict without fail."

"Fortune-telling?" Gu Mo questioned. "Isn't that just a trick used by charlatans?"

Song Danyang explained, "Ordinary fortune tellers in the martial arts world use tricks to swindle money, but Immortal Weng of Heavenly Secrets is different. He is a Qi Cultivator, unlike us regular martial artists. He cultivates destiny and seeks communion with heaven and nature, aiming for transcendence."

"So he's a Qi Cultivator!" Hearing that Immortal Weng of Heavenly Secrets was a Qi Cultivator, Gu Mo understood and now believed that the Immortal Weng could indeed tell fortunes.

There are three types of martial arts in the world. The first, and most common, involves internal and external techniques, like those taught at this Pure Yang Temple, which emphasize inner force and moves. The second type is based on martial will, seen in explosive practitioners like Qi Tianshu and Ye Jinglan. The third, and most extraordinary, are Qi Cultivators. They are rarely seen in the martial world, often appearing like a group of reclusive eccentrics, cultivating destiny and refining fate in pursuit of transcendence.

Gu Mo had always heard of Qi Cultivators, but since entering the martial world, he hadn't encountered a single one. However, Qi Cultivators were merely mysterious, not disreputable.

Among the Qian Dynasty's Three Sects, Four Schools, and Seven Great Families, Penglai Island in the East Sea, one of the top three sects, is a Qi Cultivation sect. Its inhabitants remain reclusive in the East Sea year-round, detached from worldly affairs, solely pursuing transcendence, and rarely travel in the martial world.

Inside the desolate house.

Song Danyang explained, "There are three reasons why we don't suspect Immortal Weng of Heavenly Secrets. First, he has an excellent reputation in Cangzhou's martial arts world and has always been a solitary, reclusive cultivator. Second, as a Qi Cultivator, he consistently seeks to align with heavenly destiny, making it unlikely he's a Green Leaf Sect member. Third, although he's nominally from Cangzhou, he's constantly traveling and rarely stays here."

"Therefore, considering these three points, it's unlikely he's a Green Leaf Sect member, at least not their leader. Of course, now that his disciple Ye Xiao is a Green Leaf Sect member, it's not impossible that he might be one too."

"So, essentially, you have no clues about the Green Leaf Sect right now?" Gu Mo asked.

Song Danyang shook his head. "If the Six Doors can't track them, it's even less likely for us martial artists to succeed. Hmm, Hero Gu, are you interested in pursuing the Green Leaf Sect?"

Gu Mo shook his head slightly. "I only heard Second Master Qian mention the Green Leaf Sect before. He said they were very mysterious and claimed to be omnipotent if the price was right. I was just curious."

Song Danyang chuckled. "That's just a rumor exaggerated by the martial world. They're merely a hidden force whose motives are unknown. If they were truly omnipotent, why would they hide?

However, I must admit, the Green Leaf Sect's disguise techniques are truly formidable. Almost all their members are skilled in bone shrinking and muscle tightening transformations, making it very difficult to detect any disguise traces unless you pay close attention. This is also the main reason why the Green Leaf Sect can hide so deeply. Our Cangzhou martial arts community and the Six Doors have always been investigating. If Hero Gu is interested, I will definitely inform you when we have any news!"

Gu Mo nodded. "That would be excellent. I'll await news from Daoist Master Song."

At this point, Old Madam Lin said, "Hero Gu, your martial prowess is unmatched. With matters here resolved perfectly, it seems our presence was somewhat superfluous. However, witnessing your capabilities was truly fortunate. Now that affairs are concluded, we should depart. Hero Gu, Daoist Master Song, might you consider gracing my Lin family with your presence? Our hasty departure a few days ago meant we couldn't properly entertain you both, which was truly impolite. Please allow this old woman an opportunity to make amends!"

Song Danyang quickly said, "Old Madam, you flatter this humble Daoist. I have been away from the mountain for quite some time now, and a message has arrived at my Pure Yang Temple stating that a traitor from many years ago has reappeared. I must pursue and apprehend this person. Time is short, and I cannot linger longer. The next time I visit Tang'an County, I will certainly pay my respects to you!"

Gu Mo also cupped his hands and said, "Old Madam Lin, I also have matters to attend to back in Yunzhou, so I won't impose."

Song Danyang quickly interjected, "Hero Gu, surely you aren't so busy for the next ten days or half a month? This humble Daoist genuinely invites you to visit Shinnan Mountain. I have greatly benefited from your guidance these past few days. Would you be willing to accompany me to the Pure Yang Temple and allow me to extend my hospitality?"

"Perhaps next time. Aren't you also needing to pursue that traitor from your sect?" Gu Mo said. "I travel the martial world constantly. In the future, I'll have more opportunities to visit Cangzhou. The next time I'm here, I will certainly trouble Pure Yang Temple with a visit. But not this time, as I have urgent matters in Yunzhou!"

"If that's the case," Song Danyang said, "then this humble Daoist won't keep you any longer."

Afterwards, the group bowed and then departed their separate ways.

Song Danyang returned to Pure Yang Temple on Shinnan Mountain with his disciples, while Old Madam Lin took the Lin family disciples back to Tang'an County. A multitude of matters awaited her at the Lin family now, including compensation for the Qian family, the resignation of the Lin family head, and the current impact on the Lin family's reputation, all of which needed her attention upon her return.

Gu Mo, meanwhile, headed towards Cangyuan City with members of the Qian family.

He still needed to return and gather information; out of five wanted criminals, he had only eliminated one, leaving four more.

As for Ye Xiao's corpse and the bounty, Gu Mo entrusted these matters to the Qian family, who were the local power in Cangzhou. Given the great favor Gu Mo had extended to them, the Qian family would naturally handle these minor affairs properly.

Before coming to Cangzhou, Qian Duoduo had promised a reward of 10,000 taels of silver or a bank for killing Ye Xiao. At the time, when Gu Chutong discussed it with Qian Duoduo, they chose the 10,000 taels, as the siblings didn't plan to stay long in Cangzhou and had no interest in managing a business.

However, now that Qian Duoduo was dead, Gu Mo and Gu Chutong didn't bring it up again.

But Qian Yue proactively raised the issue, stating that once the compensation from the Lin family arrived, it would be given along with Ye Xiao's bounty. If Gu Mo and Gu Chutong had already returned to Yunzhou by then, the Qian family would even arrange for it to be delivered there.

Soon after, the Qian family concluded their negotiations with the local Tongjiang County government, and once the matter of Ye Xiao's death was handled, a contingent set off towards Cangyuan City.

Inside the carriage, Gu Chutong was somewhat dispirited.

Gu Mo was a little surprised. They had just earned over ten thousand taels, and given Gu Chutong's money-loving nature, he found it odd that she was dispirited.

"What's wrong?" Gu Mo asked. "Aren't you happy even after earning money?"

Gu Chutong shook her head slightly. "I just can't quite understand something."

"What don't you understand?" Gu Mo asked.

"Are those people from the Green Leaf Sect worthy of sympathy?" Gu Chutong asked.

Gu Mo paused for a moment, then pondered and said, "I don't have a definitive answer to your question. From their own perspective, take Tong Fei for example: he originally had a happy family and should have had a wonderful life. But it was destroyed by a tyrant and a corrupt official. At that point, he was indeed worthy of sympathy, and his desire for revenge was justified. I personally agree with the saying, 'When a common man rages, blood splatters five paces.'

The Green Leaf Sect saved his life and gave him the power to exact his revenge. His loyalty to the Green Leaf Sect, his acceptance of their orders, and his willingness to die for them are understandable; he did nothing wrong from that perspective. However, the innocent people he killed also did nothing wrong—for instance, the escorts transporting the silver for the Qian family. They were merely trying to earn a living to support their families. They did nothing wrong and offended no one, yet Tong Fei or Ye Xiao killed them simply to repay a debt or complete a mission. They were truly innocent.

I cannot say what is right or wrong, because if I were Tong Fei or Ye Xiao, after experiencing a similarly tragic fate and being saved by the Green Leaf Sect, I would also pledge my unwavering loyalty to them without hesitation. I wouldn't care if the Green Leaf Sect was righteous or evil, nor would I care if they asked me to commit heinous acts. I would only know that when I had fallen into the deepest abyss of despair, the Green Leaf Sect pulled me back. At that moment, my life would belong to them.

However, I would also be prepared for the consequence: 'He who kills, shall himself be killed.' The Green Leaf Sect gave me a new lease on life, and in return, I sacrificed my life to them and carried out their tasks. Therefore, it would be perfectly reasonable for me to be killed by others, because I would indeed be committing evil deeds and acting as a villain!"

Gu Chutong said grimly, "So who was truly at fault then? Was the Green Leaf Sect wrong?"

Gu Mo shook his head. "The fault lies with the villains who started it all. If not for that tyrant and corrupt official, Tong Fei would still have had a happy family. The Green Leaf Sect wouldn't have approached him. And the Green Leaf Sect's help was inherently purposeful; the Green Leaf Sect is an evil organization, and their 'help' is merely a means to find people willing to sacrifice their lives for them!"

Gu Chutong thought for a moment and said, "I think I understand. From Tong Fei and Ye Xiao's perspective, the Green Leaf Sect is their god, their light. But in essence, the Green Leaf Sect is an evil organization because, while they showed kindness to people like Ye Xiao and Tong Fei, they commit far more wicked acts, annihilating entire families and slaughtering innocent people."

"In other words, there's no question of sympathy or difficulty in distinguishing between right and wrong. I just need to clearly understand my own stance. If I were Tong Fei or Ye Xiao, the Green Leaf Sect would be a faith, a source of light. If I were one of the people harmed by the Green Leaf Sect, then it would be the worst, most evil organization in the world. And since I am, in reality, an ordinary person of the martial world, from my perspective, the Green Leaf Sect is an evil organization!"

Gu Mo nodded. "When a situation is unclear, first clarify your own position. It's like if you see your friend involved in a conflict outside. Before you intervene, determine your stance: are you acting as your friend's ally, an ordinary bystander watching the spectacle, or a righteous hero of the martial world upholding justice?"

"If you're acting as a friend, don't question who's right or wrong; just help directly. If you're a bystander, simply watch the show and avoid getting into trouble yourself. If you're a martial hero intending to uphold justice, then be prepared to offend your friend and sever ties with them."

Gu Chutong nodded. "I understand, Brother. But there's one more thing I can't figure out."

"Tell me," Gu Mo said.

Gu Chutong slowly said, "Wasn't Lin Xiangdong's punishment too light? Everyone only cared about one thing: that Qian Duoduo died. And Lin Xiangdong claimed Ye Xiao killed him, that he didn't intend to kill Qian Duoduo but was framed. As a result, it seemed he shouldn't necessarily pay with his life. In the end, pointing out Ye Xiao's whereabouts seemed to buy him his life back."

"It seemed reasonable enough. But it felt like no one considered that he colluded with Ye Xiao and robbed the Qian family's silver carriages multiple times, leading to the deaths of so many escorts. Shouldn't Lin Xiangdong bear responsibility for *their* deaths? Why was he only held accountable for Qian Duoduo's death? It's not fair!"

Gu Chutong fell silent for a moment.

Gu Mo continued, "That's how the martial world is; many legends and stories are beautified. Take the Lin family affair, for instance. If it spread, many might say I upheld justice for the Qian family. But in reality, I didn't help much, nor am I that righteous. If I were truly righteous, I should have killed Lin Xiangdong, or even continued to investigate. Was the silver carriage robbery really just Lin Xiangdong's individual act? Shouldn't the Lin family bear responsibility?"

"Then I would have to investigate the Lin family, fighting to the death with them. But what would be the purpose? To seek justice for the Qian family or for those escorts? But are *they* absolutely righteous? Was all of Qian Duoduo's money clean? Did the Qian family rise from an unknown small family to their current standing without innocent blood on their hands? Did those escorts, on their path to renown, never kill innocent people?"

"Alas, to be blunt, there is no absolute justice in the martial world. So-called justice, fairness, and impartiality all exist only within a set of unspoken rules. Lin Xiangdong was punished not because of justice or injustice, but simply because he was suppressed by these rules. Why was he suppressed? Because Qian Duoduo held some weight within these rules, as did I, and Song Danyang. Thus, Lin Xiangdong was punished. But those escorts, who no one even mentioned, didn't have enough weight, so Lin Xiangdong wasn't punished for their deaths. And Qian Duoduo's weight wasn't enough to warrant the Lin family's punishment, so Lin Xiangdong's punishment was the end of it."

"Then, who set these rules?" Gu Chutong asked.

"They formed naturally," Gu Mo said. "No single person can establish them; even the emperor must abide by them. They are determined by mainstream thought. Just like the concepts of good and evil: when mainstream thought deems random killing evil, then it is evil. When mainstream thought deems random killing permissible, then it is righteous. Mainstream thought refers to the ideas accepted by the majority."

"But in this system, ordinary people are oppressed. Do they also accept it?" Gu Chutong asked, puzzled.

"They do," Gu Mo chuckled. "Haven't you noticed that virtually everyone adheres to these rules? Ordinary people strive desperately, whether by studying, practicing martial arts, earning money, or seeking fame, all to elevate their own status, increase their 'weight,' and conform to these rules, striving to reach the top. Aren't we doing the same?"

"Then will there be people who don't accept it and rebel?" Gu Chutong asked.

"Yes, of course," Gu Mo said. "The peasant uprisings throughout history were surely people rebelling. Some were suppressed and failed, while others succeeded in failing."

"What does 'succeeded in failing' mean?"

"At the moment of their success, they stood at the pinnacle of the rules. Then, the dragon-slayer became the new evil dragon."

Gu Chutong suddenly understood. "I get it. It's not the rules at fault, but human nature. As long as people have selfish desires, such rules will emerge. So, all we can do is gain greater influence within these rules and increase our own 'weight.' Ordinary people either study or practice martial arts."

"Just like us in the past, when we were beggars, we were oppressed and had no rights. But when you, Brother, first killed that beggar leader, we began to gain some 'weight.' Later, as your martial arts improved, our 'weight' became heavier and heavier. Now, you've become one of the individuals with the most 'weight,' which is why you have the freedom to choose."

Gu Chutong's eyes became unusually resolute. "Brother, I understand. In summary, this world is about power. Officials have authority, which is a form of power; the wealth of rich merchants is also a form of power; and for us, who live in the martial world..." Gu Chutong clenched her small fist and said fiercely, "This is *our* power. I may choose not to bully others, but I must possess the *ability* to bully. The rules cannot be changed, but we can seize control of them!"

"Uh..." Gu Mo paused, slightly taken aback. His original intention was to say that while the rules couldn't be changed, they could stand at the pinnacle of those rules.

But Gu Chutong's understanding seemed to make even more sense.

"Brother, am I wrong?" Gu Chutong asked.

"No, you're absolutely right," Gu Mo said. "Sister, I support you. Practice your martial arts diligently, and do whatever you wish. Your brother will always have your back!"

"Alright, Brother!"

Gu Chutong's gaze was firm, and her entire demeanor shifted at that moment.

Her eyes gradually sharpened, as if they could pierce through all the mist before her. The resolve deep within them shone like a glittering star on a cold night, unyielding. The lingering traces of youthful naivete and childishness seemed to vanish at that very moment.

Gu Mo smiled, a subtle smirk playing on his face.

He knew that Gu Chutong had entered the 'Dao' of martial arts.

Gu Chutong's current martial arts realm was actually quite profound. She had just consistently remained by his side, leading to an understated demeanor that made it easy for others to overlook. In reality, though only seventeen or eighteen, she was already considered a top-tier martial arts expert in the martial world.

She had reached a level where she could comprehend her own unique martial will at any moment.

To be honest, given Gu Chutong's martial arts cultivation, it was quite rare in the martial world for her to only now comprehend her own 'Dao.'

However, considering her age, entering the 'Dao' at eighteen was equally rare.

He didn't know what exactly Gu Chutong had comprehended at that moment.

He didn't ask further.

The thoughts of martial artists differ from ordinary people. Especially for those whose martial arts are more profound, their will is increasingly distinct from the norm, something that can only be intuitively grasped, not explicitly stated!

As Gu Mo and his companions returned to Cangyuan City, news of the events at the Lin family gradually spread like wildfire throughout Cangzhou's martial world.

The eldest young master of the Lin family, one of the Seven Great Families, had been crippled, and the family head deposed. This was undoubtedly a major event in the martial world, a truly sensational affair across the entire Qian Dynasty's martial realm, causing quite a stir.

The current head of the Lin family was temporarily filled by Lin Gu, the second brother of the former head, Lin Chuan. Lin Gu himself held considerable prestige in Cangzhou's martial world, praised as the hidden weapon master most likely to inherit Old Madam Lin's divine craftsmanship, and known as the Grandmaster of Mechanisms. He had always rarely interfered with Lin family affairs, dedicating himself entirely to studying mechanical arts. This time, he was purely pushed into the role because his status and influence within the clan made him the most suitable candidate.

However, as soon as Lin Gu took office, he encountered significant trouble.

The matter of the Qian family seeking justice spread throughout the martial world, but it didn't lead to the expected praise for the Lin family's righteousness or Old Madam Lin's justice in punishing her kin. Instead, many in the martial world condemned the Lin family for abusing their power. They criticized Lin Xiangdong for causing the death of the Qian family head and nearly bankrupting Datong Bank, only to end up with two broken legs. Some even claimed the Lin family was putting on a show, that Lin Xiangdong's legs weren't truly broken, and Lin Chuan's removal as family head was just a temporary measure.

All at once, the Lin family's reputation plummeted, and their businesses across various regions were severely impacted.

The newly appointed Lin Gu was overwhelmed, yet utterly unable to stem the decline or prevent the rampant rumors from spreading in the martial world. This forced Lin Gu to rush back to Lin Family Village and kneel, begging Old Madam Lin to revoke his interim head position. He claimed he lacked the ability and was unfit for the role. Immediately, the entire Lin family was in chaos, and many elders publicly chastised Lin Gu, saying he was useless.

Meanwhile, in the Lin Family Village, within the ancestral hall.

Lin Chuan, the former head of the Lin family, sat alone before the ancestral tablets, diligently copying the family precepts.

From outside the door came a series of "squeaking" sounds. Lin Chuan looked up and saw Lin Xiangdong, in a wheelchair, laboriously sliding closer, a joyful expression on his face. He said, "Father, this is truly gratifying!"

Lin Chuan remained expressionless, continuing to meticulously copy the ancestral precepts.

Lin Xiangdong continued, "Father, Uncle is currently surrounded by a group of elders, who are all cursing him, saying he's good for nothing. Haha, Father, you didn't see it, Uncle was almost drowned in their spittle! And that dog Lin Xiangxi, who thought that with us father and son out, the Lin family would be theirs, actually believed being the family head was so easy! Now he's also getting scolded alongside his father!"

Lin Chuan slowly put down his brush and asked, perplexed, "What? Has he only been in office for such a short time and already made a major mistake?"

Lin Xiangdong said with a smile, "It's Uncle; he's completely useless, all because of the Qian family incident. After Uncle took office, he couldn't even suppress the rumors and negative reputation. Now, the Lin family's businesses everywhere have plummeted. Uncle couldn't handle the pressure, so he went to beg Old Madam to replace him. And that Lin Xiangxi, who used to be so arrogant and wanted to compete with me for the young master's position, now has a great opportunity before him, but he can't seize it—what a good-for-nothing! He couldn't even suppress those rumors in the martial world. How simple it is!"

Lin Chuan's face darkened. "If it were you, what would you do?"

Lin Xiangdong said, "That's easy. Find some other martial world incidents, promote them heavily to overshadow this controversy. Then invite some prominent martial artists to speak ambiguously, subtly distorting the cause and effect of the Qian family affair, shifting it to personal grievances. Afterward, widely publicize how righteous the Old Madam was, coming out personally to uphold justice for the Qian family even at her advanced age. The matter would simply blow over. How simple!"

Lin Chuan sneered, "Yes, how simple indeed. If you can think of it, do you really believe your uncle and Lin Xiangxi couldn't?"

"Then why didn't they?" Lin Xiangdong asked, puzzled.

Lin Chuan said coldly, "This is called 'advancing by retreating.' The change of a family head is a huge matter. How could it possibly change twice in such a short time? Even if your uncle were truly useless, the Old Madam wouldn't replace him now."

"He's trying to cut off my path, don't you understand? Do you really think those rumors in the martial world spread so quickly on their own? Your uncle is behind it, using public opinion to pressure the Old Madam into declaring that I will never be reinstated. At that point, the position of family head will be entirely his."

"The Old Madam couldn't possibly fail to see through his tactics, but it doesn't matter. He also knows the Old Madam can discern that he's orchestrating these rumors, but what can she do? With his current 'advancing by retreating' move, the Old Madam has no choice. It's impossible to change the family head a second time in such a short period. So, she can only remove the 'interim' from his interim head title. As for you and I... well, you definitely won't have a chance to return. With this move by your uncle, my chances are now slim too."

Lin Xiangdong said with a bewildered expression, "Uncle... wasn't Uncle always only interested in mechanical arts? He knows such tactics too?"

Lin Chuan said coldly, "If your uncle were truly that simple, would I have been wary of him for so many years? Would I have almost lost to him back then? If he were truly only focused on mechanical arts, how could he have maintained his martial world reputation and clan prestige, always second only to me? And by what right has Lin Xiangxi consistently outranked you? Your name is Xiangdong (towards east), and his son's name is Xiangxi (towards west)—isn't the challenge to me obvious?"

"This..." Lin Xiangdong was momentarily speechless.

Just then, a young servant entered from outside, cupping his hands. "Master, Young Master, news just arrived: Old Madam has ordered Second Master to formally assume the position of family head!"

Lin Chuan nodded slightly, continuing to copy his book.

Lin Xiangdong immediately panicked. "Father... what do we do now?"

"What do you mean, 'what do we do now'?"

Lin Xiangdong asked, "Us? How will we live our lives from now on? You have absolutely no hope of returning, and I'm crippled... Won't we just be bullied to death?"

Lin Chuan looked up, glanced at Lin Xiangdong, and said, "Have you ever seen a martial arts Grandmaster being bullied?"

Lin Xiangdong: "..."

Tang'an County, Lin Family Estate.

The new Lin family head, Lin Gu, who had gone to beg Old Madam Lin to replace him, and his son Lin Xiangxi, returned sheepishly to the Lin family estate after being thoroughly scolded by the Old Madam, to take charge of affairs.

No sooner had they arrived than a large group of clan elders appeared at the Lin family estate with Old Madam Lin's appointment decree, summoning all high-ranking members to announce that Lin Gu would formally assume the position of family head, effective immediately.

After a brief handover ceremony,

Lin Gu, with a grim expression, and Lin Xiangxi arrived at the family head's study.

After entering,

The father and son exchanged glances, then both began to laugh.

Lin Xiangxi cupped his hands and said, "Father, congratulations! After all these years, your wish has finally come true."

Lin Gu sat in the chair, gently caressing the armrest. "This position should have always been mine. If it weren't for Old Madam's favoritism back then, Lin Chuan would never have had a turn."

"That's all in the past, Father," Lin Xiangxi said. "The one who laughs last is the winner, and you are the winner now."

"Yes, I am the winner now!" Lin Gu said, his face beaming with joy.

Just then, a knock sounded at the door.

"Who is it?" Lin Xiangxi asked.

The person outside replied, "It's me, Young Master. I'm Ah Fu. I'm here to bring tea for you and Master."

Immediately, Lin Xiangxi went to open the door. Indeed, it was his servant, Ah Fu.

Ah Fu entered the study, carrying a tea tray.

Just as the tea tray was about to be placed on the table, Lin Gu suddenly drew a sword and placed it against Ah Fu's neck, saying coldly, "You are not Ah Fu. Who exactly are you?"

Lin Xiangxi's expression changed, and he immediately became wary.

Ah Fu slowly raised his head, a smile appearing on his face. "Second Master, have you already forgotten how you obtained this position, so soon after becoming family head?"

Hearing this, Lin Gu immediately retracted his sword and said, "Can't you Green Leaf Sect members be less secretive in your actions? What if I accidentally misjudged and killed someone by mistake? That wouldn't be good."

"It's fine," the "Ah Fu" replied. "Master Lin, rest assured. You are a client our Sect Master pays special attention to. If you were to kill me, a second person would come to liaise with you; it wouldn't affect our cooperation."

Lin Gu slowly sat down and said, "Speak. What do you want?"

"Ah Fu" respectfully said, "Young Lady Yun Xiu of the Yun family will be holding a fashion exhibition in Tongtai City seven days from now. The Lin family has also received an invitation. We need Master Lin to arrange for a few people to enter."

"What do you intend to do?" Lin Gu asked.

"Kill some people," "Ah Fu" replied. "Master Lin, rest assured, you won't be implicated. Just arrange for a few expendable individuals to attend the event. If they are intercepted and killed during the process, who could possibly blame you?"

After saying this, "Ah Fu" mused for a moment, then added, "According to our Sect Master's instructions, this matter will be handled along with resolving the recent rumors troubling you."

"What do you mean?" Lin Gu asked.

"Ah Fu" replied, "Now that you have formally assumed the position of family head, there's no need to continue spreading rumors unfavorable to the Lin family outside. Don't you coincidentally need a major event to divert the attention of the martial world?"

Lin Gu's pupils contracted slightly. "You intend to kill Young Lady Yun Xiu of the Yun family?"

"Ah Fu" nodded. "At the exhibition, many prominent family members are killed, and Young Lady Yun Xiu of the Yun family is kidnapped—isn't that big enough news? Furthermore, the kidnapper is Shangguan Shang, the Lascivious Demon, one of the Qian Dynasty's Three Great Lecherous Bandits. Won't that instantly divert the attention of the martial world? Who would still care about the minor matter of a mere Qian family head being killed?"

Lin Gu's pupils contracted. "The Lascivious Demon Shangguan Shang is also a Green Leaf Sect member?"

"Not exactly," "Ah Fu" replied. "While our Green Leaf Sect isn't a righteous faction, we still despise lecherous individuals. He's merely being hired for a favor."

Lin Gu's expression suddenly shifted slightly. "Your goal is Hero Gu Mo of Yunzhou?"

"Ah Fu" smiled slightly. "Master Lin, your quick mind is admirable."

"This is utterly insane," Lin Gu said. "Gu Mo is one of the Ten Great Grandmasters. You dare to plot against even him? Aren't you afraid of losing everything? While I don't know your objective, you should carefully consider the consequences of scheming against Gu Mo. The entire Yunzhou martial world stands behind him!"

"Ah Fu" chuckled lightly. "You needn't worry about that. A mere Gu Mo is insignificant in the eyes of our Green Leaf Sect!"

Lin Gu gave a cold laugh and said nothing more, merely nodding. "Tomorrow, I will arrange a team to travel through Cuiyun Gorge to attend the fashion exhibition in Tongtai City. I will finalize the specific personnel and itinerary and inform you."

"Thank you, Master Lin. I shall take my leave!"

"Ah Fu" bowed respectfully to Lin Gu, then to Lin Xiangxi, and retreated from the room, still carrying the tea tray.

Lin Gu watched "Ah Fu" depart, then slowly said, "These Green Leaf Sect rats truly infiltrate everywhere. This knife is useful, but it could wound us at any moment."

Lin Xiangxi chuckled. "Father, don't worry. While the Green Leaf Sect's disguise techniques are formidable, our Lin family's tracking methods are also renowned. If that useless Lin Xiangdong could track Ye Xiao, then this Ah Fu won't be able to evade our tracking. By then, we..." Lin Xiangxi made a throat-slitting gesture and said, "Scheming with a tiger is dangerous, but if we can skin the tiger afterward, then there's no problem!"

Lin Gu nodded, then suddenly said with a solemn tone, "Xiangxi, you are intelligent, but remember this: the smarter a person is, the more prone they are to making overconfident mistakes. You must always be vigilant and approach every matter with reverence. This Green Leaf Sect... they are becoming too confident and are about to make mistakes!"