Chapter 22: Strange Flower

Du Huoguan: "That's right. His actions genuinely united the people. Everyone in Dongjiuyuan, from top to bottom, trusted and obeyed him. They worked together, fighting campaigns in all directions, sweeping through the surrounding areas. They repeatedly defeated invaders, making it so that nearby powers no longer dared to offend them easily."

Nie showed no interest in his explanation. He simply asked, "Dozens of chances to leave have been given up over several years. Can you think of any other similar cases?"

Du Huoguan genuinely lowered his head and pondered for a moment. Finally, he slowly shook his head, saying, "Giving up a few times due to circumstances in a short period is possible. But for such a long time, abandoning dozens of opportunities? I doubt there's another case like that; at least, I haven't heard of a second one. As you know, finding a way to leave this place is the greatest desire of the local natives. Their very purpose in living is for this; if there's an opportunity, almost no one is willing to give it up. And as for the so-called 'bosses' here, none truly intend to settle down and establish long-term power. They mostly take turns leading, with one leaving and another taking over, each with their own ulterior motives. Otherwise, Dongjiuyuan wouldn't have been able to sweep through the surrounding areas so easily."

Nie was well aware of the local sentiment and situation, having stayed there for a very long time. It was precisely the current abnormality that surprised him and drew his attention. His reason for asking Du Huoguan was simply to confirm if there was anything he might not know, as he didn't concern himself much with worldly affairs.

Having received confirmation, he handed over the stack of papers he held.

Du Huoguan quickly accepted the papers with both hands. Seeing that the person on the couch had closed his eyes again, seemingly losing interest, he immediately continued explaining: "Considering all the circumstances, the large amount of supplies Dongjiuyuan received is highly suspicious. Combined with the elimination of hundreds of people in Dongjiuyuan, it looks like someone is using those supplies to 'clear the stage' in Dongjiuyuan, to avoid being discovered by the local powers. The fact that Shi Chun and the other person, who had delayed their departure, were framed, could be related to this. Qi Yueru's son and brother were killed, and she herself is still in the city. If their deaths are connected to Shi Chun and the other person being framed, Qi Yueru might very well suspect them as the murderers. And there is indeed reason for suspicion: the autopsy reports state that her son, brother, and others died by a blade, and Shi Chun and the other person use blades. The incident occurred in Dongjiuyuan, the killer used a blade, and there was existing animosity with her son—it's hard not to suspect them. However, one point is quite strange: if it really was her, why didn't Qi Yueru wait until they had left before making a move?"

Nie, who had been feigning sleep with his eyes closed, suddenly spoke plainly, "Have the false accuser and Shi Chun fight. Vengeance for grievances. The survivor will be released."

If Shi Chun knew his name had been spoken directly by this person, he would likely feel extremely honored.

Du Huoguan hesitated, then quickly said, "Based on the information gathered, Shi Chun is quite a capable fighter. The false accuser is unlikely to be a match for him." What he meant was that he had previously promised the accuser during interrogation that if he confessed honestly, he would not be held accountable. He had even brazenly asserted that his guarantee was effective. There were others present at the time, and going back on his word now would be embarrassing and would make him lose face with his subordinates.

Disregarding Du Huoguan's thoughts, Nie's subsequent instructions became even harsher: "The fight will be decided after ten drumbeats. Life or death will be determined within those ten beats. Only one party is allowed to leave alive. If both are still alive, they will both be executed."

What did he mean by this? This sudden turn of events left Du Huoguan completely bewildered. Ten counts for life or death? Shi Chun was the one who had been framed. Well, he didn't care about Shi Chun's life or death, and as for his promise to the accuser, he was prepared to go back on his word. There was no other way; who knew what was going on? The Prison Lord didn't even seem concerned about the possibility of an internal mole, yet he was actively interfering in the trivial matters of these minor figures, even giving specific instructions on how to proceed. What could Du Huoguan do? There was no avoiding it; he could only comply. He couldn't resist or question. Despite the Prison Lord's calm demeanor, he could be terrifying when provoked.

"It's been a long time since I've seen such a bare-knuckle fight," Nie added.

Although Du Huoguan didn't understand the reason, he grasped that the Prison Lord wanted to witness the fight. With no more excuses, he immediately agreed and left to make the arrangements.

After he left, Nie, who had been lying on his side, opened his eyes slightly and murmured to himself, "No wonder I couldn't understand what that girl was saying."

For some people, certain things are not incomprehensible because of a lack of understanding, an inability to grasp, or a result of foolishness leading to unenlightenment. Rather, it's because they are too rational, accustomed to approaching all problems with logical thinking, or perhaps, they have been in a position of power for too long, growing indifferent to certain aspects of human nature.

"Compassionate and righteous..." Seemingly no longer intending to sleep, Nie muttered Lan Qiaoyan's four-character phrase. He rose from the couch and walked to a window, gazing out at the desolate wilderness beyond the city. The sky was vast, the land wide, but there was little sign of life. His eyes seemed hazy as he mumbled, "A flower blossoming in the desert, a rare wonder..."

Not long after he left, Du Huoguan hurried back to inform the Prison Lord that the fight would be held in an open space outside the building.

Inside the prison, following the Jail Inspector's arrangements, a city guard had to persuade the false accuser. As for the Jail Inspector himself, no matter how influential he was, he didn't have the face to meet the accuser. It's one thing to be looked down upon by important figures—that's normal—but it's quite embarrassing if even a minor figure holds you in contempt.

"Huh?" The accuser was indeed surprised and asked urgently, "The Jail Inspector himself promised not to hold me accountable. How can... how can this be?" He didn't dare to finish his sentence, but the meaning was clear enough for anyone not foolish.

The city guard patted his shoulder and advised, "The Jail Inspector naturally keeps his word. But you've forgotten about the other two. Those two people you wronged want justice from you. If we simply let you go, they won't agree. Both of them are very stubborn and unyielding. They even endured torture without confessing. Now, they insist on a life-or-death fight with you, and we can't openly favor you. However, rest assured, since the Jail Inspector made a promise, we will definitely favor you. The tall one looks formidable, so we chose the shorter one instead. He's weaker, and we were quite harsh on him during the torture, so he's seriously injured. He's definitely no match for you."

The Jail Inspector didn't want to take the blame, nor did he dare to let the Prison Lord take it, so the burden fell on Shi Chun and his companion.

The accuser asked, full of doubt and surprise, "Then why must it be life or death within ten counts? And why are both executed if neither dies?"

The city guard found himself unable to explain further. He was just following orders and had no idea why. His face instantly darkened, and he turned hostile, snapping, "What's with all the questions? Do you have a choice?"

Meanwhile, Shi Chun had already been brought out of the prison first. There was nothing more to tell him except the rules for the life-or-death fight: play or die, no other choice. He had been taken to the empty ground to wait, and he indeed looked severely injured, his clothes ragged, body covered in crisscrossing bloodstains, and his face pale. He realized that these powerful figures were utterly unreasonable. Instead of resolving issues by investigating the truth of the case, they actually let the winner decide, and the city guards enforced this. It was too reckless and childish. Was this how they viewed those they considered "ants"?