Chapter 110: Why Must Xu Ming Die? (Two in One Chapter)

Watching the demoness fly away, Xu Ming didn't give chase.

It wasn't because he was enchanted by her beauty and couldn't bring himself to kill her. It was simply because he didn't have enough time.

The Dao Pattern Eye had consumed too much of his energy. If he had pursued her and failed to kill her, only to collapse from exhaustion and be killed in turn, it would have been a joke.

"Sigh, my cultivation level is still too low," Xu Ming muttered to himself.

He deactivated the Dao Pattern Eye, slumping down to one side, panting heavily as beads of sweat rolled down his forehead.

If his cultivation had been sufficient, with enough spiritual energy and stamina to activate both the Dao Pattern Eye and Blood Qi Frenzy simultaneously, even if only for a few minutes, the burst of power in those moments would have been unimaginable.

He might have been able to take Mo Zhuer by surprise and kill her right then and there.

Unfortunately, all of this was nothing more than wishful thinking. Right now, he didn't have the strength to sustain two high-energy-consuming buffs at the same time.

Xu Ming popped a Qi Restoration Pill, regaining a bit of energy, and then headed toward the county office.

The Li family was undoubtedly connected to the Western Region Black Lotus Sect. It was likely that Yu Ping'an hadn't sought revenge against the Li family precisely because of the Black Lotus Sect.

The Black Lotus Sect must have some hold over Yu Ping'an. Xu Ming needed to inform Xu Pangda about this and draft several letters to send to Wudu City.

As for how Yu Ping'an would react to the letter, Xu Ming had no way of knowing.

When he returned to the county office, Xu Ming went straight to Xu Pangda's study.

Though it was late at night, the study was still lit by a flickering candle, its glow casting shadows on the walls.

Xu Pangda was still poring over the evidence and records collected over the past few days, determined to bring down the four major families of Baihe County.

Xu Ming felt a sense of relief and pride as he observed Xu Pangda's efforts.

Most officials, when they first entered politics, were filled with a genuine desire to serve the people and bring prosperity to their regions, leading them to detest corruption and injustice.

However, as time passed, and as they delved deeper into the complexities of bureaucracy, many grew disillusioned. Some were corroded by the lure of power and wealth, gradually losing sight of their original intentions.

Yet here was Xu Pangda, nearly a month into his term under such challenging circumstances, and he showed no sign of giving up. That alone was remarkable.

After all, his predecessors had all surrendered, opting to lie low. Xu Pangda had every reason to justify doing the same.

But he hadn't.

"Fifth Brother, what happened to you?" Xu Pangda was startled when he saw Xu Ming.

Xu Ming's chest was exposed through his tattered clothing, blood stained the corner of his mouth, and his face was pale. He looked like someone who had just narrowly escaped death.

"It's nothing. Just someone trying to kill me during a late-night stroll," Xu Ming said casually, taking a large gulp of tea before collapsing into a chair.

"???" Xu Pangda was stunned, wondering if he'd misheard. "Someone tried to kill you? Do they even know who you are?"

Xu Ming chuckled. "Of course they do. In fact, it's because they know who I am that they tried to kill me."

Xu Pangda stood up, slamming his desk in anger. "This is outrageous! Within the borders of the Wu Kingdom, and in a town no less, someone dares to assassinate a court official?!"

"The one who tried to kill me was the eldest son of the Li family," Xu Ming said with a tone of regret. "Originally, I wanted to spare him and use him to uproot the entire Li family, along with the other three powerful families in Baihe County.

But I was too naive.

If they dared to target me, they wouldn't leave behind any evidence. How could they possibly allow me to capture a living witness?

That eldest son of the Li family, just when I was about to capture him, detonated himself into a cloud of blood mist. Not even a shred of fabric was left behind."

Xu Pangda frowned deeply. "There must be someone pulling the strings behind the scenes. Otherwise, the Li family wouldn't dare act so boldly."

Xu Ming nodded. "The mastermind is the Black Lotus Sect. I encountered their saintess—she wanted my life."

"The Black Lotus Sect?" Xu Pangda was increasingly confused. "Fifth Brother, when did you ever cross paths with the Black Lotus Sect?"

"I have no idea," Xu Ming replied helplessly, shaking his head. "Could it be from my years in the Blood Asura Battalion, when I killed some of their cult members?"

"Our Wu Kingdom has always cracked down on the Black Lotus Sect. Plenty of people have killed their cultists, but for them to take you so seriously, even sending their saintess to assassinate you—that's likely a first." Xu Pangda studied his younger brother.

"But as long as you're okay, that's all that matters. Fifth Brother, I think you should return to Wudu as soon as possible. I'm worried the Black Lotus Sect will continue targeting you. This time, they underestimated you. Next time, they might send one of their elders."

"I'm not too worried about that," Xu Ming said after a moment's thought.

"I have the jade token His Majesty gave me. If any Golden Core realm cultivator makes a move against me, the Mountain and River Fortune sealed within the token will activate, saving my life and locking onto the attacker.

Once I've used this life-saving charm, then we'll see. But I don't want to slink back to Wudu with my tail between my legs.

In any case, this is my problem, so you don't need to worry, Third Brother."

Xu Pangda listened to Xu Ming and wanted to persuade him further but ultimately gave up.

His Fifth Brother wasn't the reckless type. Those years of training in Blood Asura had put him through countless life-and-death trials. Xu Pangda trusted his brother's judgment.

"How about you, Third Brother? How are things going with those cases? Any progress today?" Xu Ming asked, changing the subject.

Xu Pangda shook his head, rubbing his tired eyes. "None.

Half of the people accusing the four families in Baihe County have already withdrawn their accusations.

As for the ones who haven't, I still can't find any evidence to back their claims.

There aren't even any witnesses besides the victims themselves.

And the subordinates under me are all paying lip service while secretly undermining my efforts.

I honestly feel like grabbing a sword and cutting them all down!"

Xu Pangda's reddened eyes reflected his exhaustion from days of toil.

"I might have a solution," Xu Ming said with a faint smile.

"Oh?" Xu Pangda immediately straightened up in his seat.

"Once I've rested for a few days, I'll visit the four noble families' homes one by one, and then…" Xu Ming laid out the plan he had previously discussed with Fang Ling.

At first, Xu Pangda thought his younger brother had come up with a brilliant strategy. But the more he listened, the darker his expression grew.

"Absolutely not! No way!" Xu Pangda objected firmly. "Fifth Brother, setting aside whether your strength is enough to take on all four noble families, do you realize what kind of backlash you'll face from the court for such actions?"

Xu Ming intended to use the special privileges granted by the emperor to take preemptive action against the four families—cutting them down first and presenting evidence later—plunging them into chaos.

In theory, this could indeed break the stalemate. The death of the core members of these families would sever their networks of influence, leaving everyone else in a state of panic. Those who had been oppressed by the families might even find the courage to come forward.

True, Xu Ming had the emperor's jade token and the authority to act first and report later.

But the problem was that a Sword of Imperial Authority was most powerful when unsheathed sparingly. Drawing it could result in severe backlash against the wielder.

The court officials would seize on this as an opportunity to attack Xu Ming. Xu Pangda wouldn't be surprised if some of them tried to ruin his brother's reputation. After all, many were vying to become imperial sons-in-law or curry favor with someone who might.

"Third Brother, my mind is made up," Xu Ming interrupted. "There's no need to try and dissuade me. If we keep dragging this out, even if I stay in Baihe County with you until your term ends, we won't make any progress."

"And those commoners truly are pitiful.

If I hadn't seen them, it'd be fine. But now that I have, I feel compelled to act.

Cultivators emphasize having a clear conscience, but we martial artists are the same.

If I don't even dare to take action on matters like this, won't I be hesitant in the future when throwing a punch? How could I possibly progress further on the martial path?"

Xu Ming's tone was resolute, exuding a righteous determination.

In truth, there was another small reason behind Xu Ming's decision: he was looking for a way to distance himself from the Wu imperial court—or at least make Emperor Wu reconsider the idea of marrying Wu Yanhan to him.

At the moment, Emperor Wu had indeed treated him generously, even promising him his daughter's hand in marriage. If Xu Ming were to leave Wu Kingdom and roam the world, it would seem ungrateful.

So, instead, he thought he might as well take some calculated risks, tarnish his reputation slightly, and let the court officials criticize him. Perhaps he'd even end up as a commoner.

Or, at the very least, he could provoke Emperor Wu into reconsidering the marriage.

Not marrying Wu Yanhan would be the best outcome.

It wasn't that he disliked Wu Yanhan.

Being employed by the court didn't affect his lifespan, and he could rely on the nation's resources to gain ample cultivation resources.

For Xu Ming, Wu Kingdom was like a great sect. Having such backing always came with benefits.

However, if he stayed in Wu Kingdom, the emperor would likely try to arrange another marriage later. Refusing twice would be genuinely disrespectful.

The first time, it was to pursue his aspirations. The second time would be an affront to the emperor's dignity.

The truth was simple: he just didn't want to marry so early. Once he had children, how could he ever be free again?

Two words summed it up: fear of marriage.

"Fifth Brother… you…"

Seeing Xu Ming's determined expression, Xu Pangda took a deep breath, stood up, and clasped his hands in a formal bow toward his younger brother.

"Fifth Brother, on behalf of the wronged people of Baihe County, I thank you! Rest assured, Fifth Brother! If the court holds you accountable, they'll have to get through me first! I'll stake my life on uncovering the crimes of Baihe's four tyrannical families!"

Xu Ming froze for a moment as he looked at his elder brother.

It seemed Xu Pangda had let his imagination run wild. In his mind, Xu Ming's image must have transformed into that of a selfless, noble hero—someone willing to risk everything for the sake of the people.

Perhaps Xu Ming's fearless determination had even reignited Xu Pangda's passion, solidifying his resolve to fight for the people no matter the cost.

"Third Brother, there's really no need for this." Xu Ming returned the bow, feeling a bit concerned his brother might do something reckless.

"No!" Xu Pangda's gaze was firm. "Fifth Brother, I'll stand with you, come what may!"

---

After leaving Baihe County, Mo Zhuer arrived at a mountain peak on the outskirts of the region.

She approached a large boulder, took out a jade token, and placed it into a groove beside the rock.

The next moment, the boulder split open, revealing the entrance to a cave.

Mo Zhuer stepped inside. The flickering flames of torches illuminated the cave in a fiery glow.

"Welcome, Saintess!"

At the far end of the cave, Black Lotus Sect disciples stood on either side, standing guard.

Mo Zhuer ignored them, walking straight into her stone chamber.

Once the door was closed, she set up a barrier within the room. Then she placed a black stone at the center of a ritual array.

Chanting an incantation filled with obscure and unintelligible syllables, she formed intricate hand seals.

One by one, black lotus flowers bloomed from the stone.

Suddenly, the blossoms scattered, forming the phantom of an elderly man.

"Disciple greets Master." Mo Zhuer knelt on one knee, bowing respectfully.

The elder's phantom gazed at her intently. "Did you complete the task?"

Mo Zhuer raised her head. "The remaining ten pairs of boys and girls will be delivered to the Black Lotus Sect headquarters in three days."

The elder shook his head. "That's not what I'm asking about."

He fixed his gaze on his disciple. "Have you claimed Xu Ming's life and Fang Ling's heart?"

"Master, I was just about to report on that matter," Mo Zhuer replied solemnly.

"Oh? Speak."

"Xu Ming, though merely a martial artist at the Heroic Soul Realm, possesses an extraordinary physical strength far surpassing the warriors I've encountered before. Moreover, he's a sword cultivator.

While his spiritual energy suggests he's only at the Furnace Foundation Realm, his sword aura is so sharp that even ordinary cultivators at the Cave Mansion Realm would pale in comparison.

Additionally, his eyes are peculiar."

"Peculiar? In what way?" asked the Black Lotus Sect leader.

"Xu Ming's eyes can manifest some sort of intricate and cryptic runes. I'm not sure if it's an issue with his eyes or if it's some technique unknown to me. Either way, my illusions had no effect on him," Mo Zhuer explained honestly.

"..."

The Black Lotus Sect leader's phantom fell silent, as though pondering deeply.

"Interesting. It seems Xu Ming is even more remarkable than we anticipated," he finally said, a faint smile spreading across his face. "What's the matter? You lack the confidence to kill him?"

Mo Zhuer lowered her head. "I couldn't subdue him in a short amount of time. To play it safe, I withdrew and decided to reassess the situation. But given time, I am confident I can kill him."

The Black Lotus Sect leader clasped his hands behind his back. "Disciple, I trust you fully. The task of assassinating Xu Ming is yours—do not disappoint me."

"Understood, Master." Mo Zhuer nodded respectfully. Then, after a moment's hesitation, she added, "But there's something I don't understand. Xu Ming is indeed an extraordinary talent, but why must he die?"

"You don't need to understand."

The Black Lotus Sect leader's projection began to dim, and just before it disappeared entirely, his final words echoed throughout the room:

"Since someone has paid a hefty price for his life, it's only fitting we deliver satisfaction."

Mo Zhuer lowered her gaze. "As you command."