Chapter 326: Disposition
Chapter 326: Disposition
The news that the Qian Family's old ancestor was a cultivator of evil arts spread quickly throughout Tongxian City.
While everyone found it surprising, it didn't seem entirely unexpected. After all, the Qian family had a terrible reputation, and they had made far too many enemies.
As a result of the actions of the Qian family's elder, the entire family was placed under house arrest. No cultivator from the family was permitted to leave, and anyone who violated this order would be treated as if they were colluding with evil cultivators.
Once the elder was found, the Daotingsi would decide his guilt and then pass the appropriate sentence.
"I wonder what will become of the Qian family?"
In the Daotingsi, Mo Hua asked Zhou, the chief judge, as they drank tea together.
Mo Hua had come to the Daotingsi to assist Chief Judge Zhou.
Although the Qian family's elder had escaped, his cave abode remained, and the Daotingsi had cleared it out, confiscating everything in search of any additional clues or incriminating evidence.
Zhou invited Mo Hua to help with the investigation, as there were some array formations involved that he didn't fully understand.
Following the instructions of the former chief judge, Mo Hua carefully examined everything and identified the evil arrays within. He also found some other clues that implicated the Qian family's elder in a connection with Black Mountain Village.
With this evidence, they could submit a well-substantiated report to the Daotingsi. It would be easy for Chief Judge Zhou to write a report based on these solid facts.
After working for a while, Chief Judge Zhou invited Mo Hua for a tea break. During this respite, Mo Hua took the opportunity to ask Chief Judge Zhou about the likely outcome for the Qian family.
Zhou, still recovering from his injuries, looked a bit pale as he coughed gently before replying, "The Qian family's elder must be captured and executed to uphold the Daoist laws and serve as a warning to others."
"As for the other disciples of the Qian family... their punishment can vary in severity."
Mo Hua looked puzzled. "In what way?"
"If we decide to impose a harsh punishment, it goes without saying that most of the Qian family's cultivators will be put to death. Even if they aren't killed, their property will be confiscated, they will be exiled, stripped of their surname, and banished from Tongxian City. That's the inevitable consequence of my report to the Daotingsi accusing the Qian family of colluding with Heishan Stockade, conspiring with evil cultivators, and committing murder and robbery."
"However, if we decide to be more lenient, we can attribute the entire affair to the actions of the Qian family's elder, claiming that the other disciples were unaware of his evil practices. In this case, even if the Daotingsi holds them accountable, the punishment won't be too severe. At most, they'll lose their property, but most of the disciples should be able to keep their lives."
Chief Judge Zhou explained patiently, his expression kind.
Mo Hua, however, was taken aback. "Isn't there a lot of room for corruption in this situation?"
Zhou spluttered and coughed violently, giving Mo Hua a displeased look. "You're quite bold to say whatever comes to your mind..."
Mo Hua smiled sheepishly.
Zhou couldn't help but feel exasperated with Mo Hua. "Well, yes, it's true that such things can happen..."
Sighing, Zhou continued, "In this world, there are those who commit heinous crimes yet escape unscathed due to the protection of the Daotingsi, while others make minor mistakes but end up having their entire clans exterminated because they've offended someone within the Daotingsi."
"I'm telling you this not to encourage you to bribe or be bribed, but to help you understand how things work so that you don't find yourself at a disadvantage in the future."
"There are some things that, if you know the right people, can be easily resolved. But if you don't have the right connections, no matter how much effort you exert, you may end up banging your head against a wall, making a mess of things." Zhou spoke with the weight of his years of experience.
Having spent most of his life working in the Daotingsi, Zhou was intimately familiar with its inner workings.
These insights weren't necessarily profound or overly complex, but without someone to guide them, cultivators outside the Daotingsi might never understand them.
Mo Hua felt grateful for Chief Judge Zhou's guidance and patted his chest, saying, "Chief Judge, if you ever need help with array formations in the future, just let me know!"
Zhou couldn't help but laugh at Mo Hua's assurance. "Alright, then I'll have to rely on you, little array master!"
Mo Hua nodded confidently.
Within the scope of first-grade array formations, he now felt fearless and unrivaled. Except, of course, when it came to Mr. Zhuang.
Mo Hua then asked, "So, what will be the final decision regarding the Qian family?"
"What do you think?" Zhou countered, his eyes keen and cautious.
Mo Hua pondered for a moment, stroking his chin. "I think neither a harsh nor a lenient punishment would be ideal..."
"If we go for a harsh punishment, there will be too many casualties, and even if there are many evil cultivators in the Qian family, there are bound to be innocent people as well. A one-size-fits-all approach won't work."
"But leniency won't do either," Mo Hua continued. "The Qian family won't learn their lesson, and they might become even more brazen in the future."
"It's best to dig into their past misdeeds. For those with blood on their hands or a criminal record, execute or capture them as a warning to others. Then, confiscate their property and let the remaining cultivators suffer a bit. Make them forge artifacts, refine pills, or hunt demons..."
"When people live in comfort, they tend to develop evil thoughts. But if they're exhausted from hard work and fall asleep as soon as they lie down, they won't have the energy to plot mischief." Zhou's eyes gleamed as he spoke.
Neither vindictive nor overly benevolent, his heart clearly distinguished between good and evil, and he knew how to mete out appropriate punishments.
Indeed, he was an exceptional young man...
Zhou smiled. "You've got a good head on your shoulders. You remind me of an old man who always advocates for moderation and impartiality in all things."
"Master Luo, is there something you need?" Mo Hua asked, seeing through his pretense.
"Well, since we've met like this, I was wondering if you'd honor me by accepting an invitation to my abode to appreciate some tea," Master Luo offered.
Mo Hua, already full from the tea he had consumed, was about to decline, but Master Luo's enthusiasm was difficult to refuse, and he was curious about this "Tuolong" tea. So, he nodded in agreement.
Master Luo personally escorted Mo Hua to his abode, carefully retrieved a tea cake, and proceeded to brew the tea with his own hands before presenting it to Mo Hua.
"Please, enjoy."
Mo Hua glanced at the tea's color, a faint golden hue reminiscent of dragon saliva, and took a sip. The tea broth was thick and fragrant, like dragon musk.
It was far more delicious than the tea Chief Judge Zhou had offered him.
Mo Hua couldn't help but marvel at the apparent difference in lifestyle between Master Luo and Chief Judge Zhou; it seemed that Master Luo's days were far more "indulgent."
"This is excellent tea!" Mo Hua praised.
Although he didn't know what made it so special, the taste was exceptional.
Master Luo's face lit up with pleasure at the compliment, and he seemed to bask in the praise like a warm spring breeze.
Mo Hua took another small sip before leaning closer to Master Luo and asking, "So, what brings you here?"
"Nothing urgent," Master Luo replied nonchalantly. "I merely wanted to invite you for tea."
Mo Hua gave him a look that clearly said, "I don't believe you for a second."
Master Luo sighed, a bit embarrassed, and coughed lightly before lowering his voice. "Master Qian wishes to meet with you."
"Master Qian?" Mo Hua asked, intrigued.
Master Luo sighed again. "The scandal involving the Qian family's old ancestor has shaken the entire city. Now, with the family under house arrest, Master Qian is unable to leave. He's worried about their fate and has sent a message through an intermediary, hoping to meet with you."
"But why me?" Mo Hua wondered aloud.
"Master Qian has a wide social circle, given his profession as an array master, but in this matter, he's at a loss," Master Luo explained. "In the end, he could only turn to you for help."
"What does Master Qian want to discuss with me?" Mo Hua inquired.
"I'm not entirely sure," Master Luo admitted. "However, I assume he'll want to ask about the potential consequences for the Qian family."
Master Luo sighed softly, a mixture of emotions playing across his face. "Such a prominent family, now facing ruin."
Mo Hua considered this for a moment before nodding in agreement. "Alright."
Master Luo's face lit up with relief and gratitude. "Thank you, Mr. Mo!"
After their meeting, Mo Hua sought out Chief Judge Zhou to obtain a letter of introduction to gain access to the Qian family. He then made his way to meet with Master Qian.
Before engaging in conversation, Mo Hua used his spiritual sense to confirm that there were no Qian family elders or Foundation Establishment cultivators nearby—only Master Qian himself.
As Master Luo had predicted, Master Qian's concerns centered around the fate of the Qian family and the potential consequences they faced from the Daotingsi.
While this matter was relatively minor to Mo Hua, it was a life-or-death situation for Master Qian.
However, the final decision rested with the Daotingsi, and Mo Hua couldn't overstep his bounds. He could only offer a few simple suggestions and assurances:
"The Daotingsi upholds justice and fairness. They won't kick someone who's already down. The Qian family has committed crimes, but it won't come to the point of executing the entire clan."
Master Qian's tense expression finally relaxed, and he exhaled in relief.
Mo Hua then asked, "Do you know anything about the Black Mountain Village incident, Master Qian?"
Master Qian offered a bitter smile and shook his head.
He was a reclusive array master who devoted himself to the study of formations. Even if he had ten times the courage, he wouldn't dare involve himself in matters pertaining to evil cultivators.
Mo Hua nodded in understanding. "In that case, as long as you remain ignorant of certain matters, you'll be safe."
Master Qian possessed the strength of a first-grade array master, a true master of his craft. Such individuals were rare and valued wherever they went.
Even if the Daotingsi decided to impose severe punishment on the Qian family, if Master Qian could prove his lack of involvement, they would find a way to spare his life.
This was because he was an array master.
Even without the Daotingsi's intervention, his connections within the community of array masters would be enough for the former chief judge to show him mercy.
Master Qian's eyes shone with gratitude as he listened to Mo Hua's words.
As Mo Hua turned to leave, Master Qian stopped him and apologized, "Given my current situation, I can only see you off here. Please don't take offense, Mr. Mo."
"Not at all, Master Qian," Mo Hua replied politely.
As he turned to depart once more, Master Qian called out to him again. With a deep bow, Master Qian solemnly vowed, "I won't say thank you for your immense kindness, Mr. Mo. If you ever need my assistance in the future, I, Qian, will gladly risk my life to fulfill your request!"
"There's no need for such formality, Master Qian," Mo Hua said, returning the bow. He thought to himself that there might indeed be a time in the future when he would require Master Qian's help.
(End of Chapter)
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