https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-535-Nirvana-of-Martial-Arts-Two-in-One-/12981946/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-537-I-m-Being-Watched-Two-in-One-/12981959/
Chapter 536: The Heart of a Death Row Inmate [Two in One]
Chapter 536: The Heart of a Death Row Inmate [Two in One]
Fang Che's voice was deep and slow as he spoke.
"Among these children, there will undoubtedly be many who are unwilling to remain mediocre and useless. However, there are also quite a few whose minds have already been twisted. Those who are completely hopeless and have no desire to strive will also exist in large numbers!"
"The existence of this Nirvana Martial Academy is bound to be a major problem for the entire human realm, but only we, the Protectors, can shoulder this responsibility! No one else can!"
"The Protectors have more important matters to attend to, and even if the local government takes them in, they can only provide them with basic food and drink, waiting for their natural deaths, because they lack the means of the Martial Path!"
"Now that the decision has been made, we must take on this responsibility!"
"Only because we are the Protectors!"
"The lives of ten thousand families lie on my shoulders, and the fate of ten thousand people lies in my heart!"
"Fellow officers, we have no choice but to take on this responsibility!"
Fang Che continued without taking a breath, and this was the first time he had spoken so much in one go, "I won't hide it from you, officers, this Nirvana Martial Academy... is currently just a name, merely a vague concept. We haven't even researched how the children will graduate yet."
"How to teach them in batches, how to educate them according to their abilities... Because of their disabilities, it will be even more challenging. This requires endless patience, love, resources, and money! In other words, from now on, this place will be a bottomless pit for the entire Southeast Headquarters!"
"But this pit must be filled."
"Because this is the light in the mortal world, the path of humanity, and a ray of warmth in the midst of darkness and coldness!"
Fang Che felt his chest surging with passion, and he couldn't help but speak his mind.
His voice even sounded a bit unclear.
He took a deep breath and said, "I know that sometimes I'm too straightforward. I can offend people I shouldn't offend, and I've pretty much offended everyone. But at times, my kindness overflows, and I treat myself like a Martial Ant, but I always act like a savior."
"People like me always live with a heavy burden and weariness."
"I'm aware of my flaws, but I can't change them. Those who dislike me are mostly colleagues, and those who like me are mostly strangers."
"People like me are not suitable to hang out with others. No matter what group I'm in, I'll be rejected. Because no normal person would want a saint-like person by their side."
Fang Che smiled helplessly, "But there's no other way, I was born with these bones and flesh! If no one takes action, the world won't change. But if someone does, there will definitely be change!"
"Even if it's a small change, someone has to take action, right?"
"So I worry about these matters a lot. Moreover, these matters will always create new troubles, hardships, and annoyances for many people."
"But..."
Fang Che pursed his lips and said, "I've never regretted it."
He took a deep breath and said, "Regarding the Nirvana Martial Academy, I have a few humble opinions. I hope the officers can take them into consideration."
His words fell.
He bowed in greeting.
Suddenly, the entire hall erupted in thunderous applause!
Throughout Fang Che's speech, everyone's expressions were solemn as they stared at his face and eyes, listening quietly.
During this time, the only sound was Fang Che's voice; one could hear a pin drop! When Fang Che finally finished speaking, the applause erupted, startling even Fang Che himself.
All the department heads were clapping enthusiastically.
Mengu Xiongrushan's face, which resembled a judge of the Yin Guotang, was filled with praise.
Mengu Xiongrushan rushed over and heavily patted Fang Che's shoulder with his bear-like palm, saying loudly, "Well said! Well said, young man!"
His voice was full of admiration.
The others also smiled at Fang Che sincerely.
Zhao Shan He and An Ruoxing smiled with deep emotions.
Fang Che smiled and said, "It seems that the officers understand."
Mengu Xiongrushan laughed heartily, "Young man, today I'll teach you something. You accidentally spoke these words in the right place."
"There will always be people in this world who make the world better, and these people will truly understand you. But such people, whether in the officialdom or the Martial Path, must be in high positions to truly understand you."
"If you said the same words to the officials in the Protector's Grand Hall or the ordinary low-level officials, many would ask why you're pretending to be a saint. Even more would sneer at you, and even more would dislike you."
"Because you're having the most beautiful dream. But they don't have this dream, and they don't even dare to think about it!"
"Their status, vision, and hearts are not enough!"
"Only when one reaches a certain high position and truly rises above personal interests can they truly look at the world and think for the people. Only then will they truly understand you, believe that you speak from the heart, and even assist you."
"But those who are not at that level, even if they believe that you speak from the heart and do practical things, will still deny you. Because you highlight their smallness."
"So we understand and support you!"
Zhao Shan He laughed, "It's not that we're boasting, but with our experience and status, we naturally have plans for ourselves and our families. However, when it comes to official matters, we can truly prioritize the big picture and strive for the well-being of the people."
Fang Che nodded, "I believe you."
Zhao Shanhe observed his expression and couldn't help but laugh, "You'll understand in the future. Remember, when discussing matters, you should talk to those of higher caliber. For those of lower caliber, no matter how hard you try, it's useless."
"Do any of you have objections to what Captain Fang just said about the Nirvana Martial Academy?"
"We have no objections! Since we're doing it, we must do it to the best of our abilities. Our Southeast Headquarters can tighten its belt even more. After all, we've been poor for hundreds and thousands of years, so what's a little more?"
"Hahaha, well said!"
Zhao Shanhe placed his hand on Fang Che's shoulder, "Go ahead and do it!"
He then turned and stood up, "Let's go and take a look at our Nirvana Martial Academy!"
This place occupied a large area in the city.
Numerous makeshift houses had already been built inside, accommodating over ten thousand disabled children.
On the other side, countless large pots were steaming with hot water.
"Are they cooking?"
"No, they're boiling water to give these little ones a good wash."
All around, countless workers were sweating profusely as they worked. The surrounding walls had already been partially constructed.
"Is there still such a large open space in the city?" Fang Che was amazed.
He had thought it was outside the city.
"This place was originally a mountain in the city, called Half Cliff Mountain. It's not exactly a scenic spot, but it's one of the city's attractions."
"It's said that two great masters once fought here, and with one punch, half of the mountain was destroyed. However, who these two masters were is a subject of much debate, and there has never been a consensus."
"The four large courtyards around it belonged to several families. Last time they committed a crime, they were beheaded by Captain Fang in the square, and the Southeast Headquarters took them back."
Zhao Shanhe said, "I'll just flatten this place. I'll leave a small section of the mountain for the Nirvana Martial Academy as a memento."
"Then for the other areas, there are two small lakes nearby, which have turned into muddy ponds over the years; they're more of a nuisance. Let's just fill them in! Incorporate them into the plan. I think it's still quite spacious."
Zhao Shanhe smiled and said, "We can build dormitories here, and the nearby positions can be used for dormitories, with twenty people per room using bunk beds. On the other side, we can build classrooms, and there's a large area that can be divided into thirty cultivation grounds, along with several spirit energy cultivation rooms as a reward for outstanding students..."
Zhao Shanhe continued to walk and explain as he went.
"At its peak, it can accommodate one million disabled children at the same time. Three to four hundred thousand additional management staff should be sufficient."
"We should also hire more people to take care of their daily needs. After all, many of the children have physical disabilities."
Zhao Shanhe explained the plan in detail.
Finally, he asked, "Anything else to add?"
Everyone shook their heads.
According to Zhao Shanhe's plan, it was already perfect, taking into account all aspects.
Even Fang Che felt that there were many things he hadn't considered, but Zhao Shanhe had already thought of them.
It seemed that during this time, Zhao Shanhe had indeed put in a lot of effort and truly dedicated himself to the task.
After walking around in a circle, they entered several dormitories to check on the children, all of whom were speechless.
Seeing it with their own eyes, it was indeed as Fang Che had said: they could all move a little, beg for food, and ask for money, but they couldn't do much else.
All jobs that required physical strength to support their families were out of the question.
"A heavy responsibility and a long way to go!"
Everyone's mood became a little heavier after seeing this.
Everyone had the same thought in mind: make money! Make money! Zhao Shanhe had set up the framework, but the continuous investment required would be an astronomical figure beyond imagination!
However, the high-level officials of the Southeast Headquarters didn't feel any pressure about this.
Even if there was pressure, they were determined to give their all to make this happen.
"Even if I can't walk anymore, I can brag about this for the rest of my life!"
"In the future, when we plunder, we'll have to bring back even the things we don't value."
"Exactly."
"Let's hurry back and mobilize everyone."
At Zhao Shanhe's urging, the group dispersed.
Fang Che also wanted to leave.
"Where are you going?" Zhao Shanhe grabbed him, "You haven't finished your assigned task yet!"
Fang Che was baffled, "Isn't the meeting over?"
"The meeting is over for them, but not for you."
"..."
Fang Che was speechless, "What should I do then?"
"What should you do? According to Captain Fang's instructions, we've screened all the death row inmates in the major prisons."
Zhao Shanhe hummed, "It took a lot of effort and consumed a lot of energy to select those death row inmates who didn't have innocent blood on their hands and had some skills... We've selected less than a thousand people. Shouldn't Captain Fang go and take a look?"
"Hmm."
Fang Che frowned, "Then hurry up and lead the way!"
"Damn it!"
Zhao Shanhe's face turned black.
Seeing An Ruoxing sneering beside him, he cursed, "Why aren't you hurrying back to work? Why are you following me around like a pest?"
An Ruoxing gave a cold laugh, "Zhao Shanhe, have I offended you? I'm here to be the deputy commander, not your punching bag. How dare you treat me like this! Just wait, when you're abandoned by everyone, who will help you then?"
He hummed in response.
Turning around, Zhao Shanhe opened his mouth, feeling a bit regretful and wanting to apologize. However, with Fang Che by his side, he ultimately remained silent.
He merely grimaced.
Intending to vent his frustration on Fang Che, he saw that Fang Che had already walked ahead obediently.
"..."
Zhao Shanhe had no choice but to follow.
Suddenly feeling stifled...
The two of them arrived at the prison.
Fang Che couldn't help but sigh.
In this period, I've visited the prison too many times.
Aside from the night battles and the all-night battles... I've been running to the prison for interrogations. Finally, when I have some free time, I'm summoned for meetings and training...
"It's exhausting!"
Fang Che sighed, "Zhao Zongguan, I want to take a day off tomorrow."
Zhao Shanhe said, "Take a break. However, tomorrow there's an internal affairs meeting, and then there's the selection. Have your wife come to work early."
Fang Che sighed in despair, "Then my wife and I will take a day off the day after tomorrow."
"Important positions, only one person can take leave at a time." Zhao Shanhe's face turned cold.
You little brat, do you think I can't handle you?
"Then I'll resign! Nian Meng will also resign!"
Fang Che said painfully, "This job is impossible. You guys have fun!"
"You're lawless! Are you threatening me?"
"I dare not!"
"Hmph!"
Zhao Shanhe snorted angrily, "Your Life and Death Patrol Unit doesn't need to report to me. I can't control you guys!"
"You should've said so earlier."
Fang Che immediately felt relieved, "Zhao Zongguan, you are wise and mighty!"
"Get out!"
As they approached the prison, Zhao Shanhe sighed softly, "Fang Che, be careful with this task. There's too much at stake for you now. If something happens to you, it could really bring everything to a halt."
"I understand."
Fang Che smiled, "But my example has already been set. As for the others, Zhao Zongguan, you need to come up with a solution. I can't do it alone, and it's difficult to make progress. In the future, I can secretly contribute in other areas, but for high-profile matters, Zhao Zongguan, you need to find a solution and choose one or several others."
He spoke with hidden meaning, "Even if it's just me, even if I'm praised as a god, it won't help the image of the Southeast Headquarters' Protector. Moreover, I know my temperament; it's too rigid and fierce. If something happens one day and my image collapses, all our efforts will be in vain."
"Personal worship is never as good as the collective name of the Southeast Headquarters. Commander, you must consider this."
Zhao Shanhe sighed deeply, "How could I not know what you're saying? But it's really difficult to find others. Even the high-ranking officials at today's meeting don't have Life and Death Orders."
"Without the Life and Death Order as a talisman, many things can be traced back to them, but they dare not overstep their authority."
Fang Che suggested, "Consider Feng Xiangdong, Yu Zhong Ge, and Mo Gan Yun."
In fact, Fang Che was quite unclear about this.
Because on these occasions, Fang Che wanted Feng Xiangdong and the others to take the lead, but everyone unanimously pushed him forward.
"You're the captain, so you should do it."
Now, Fang Che felt that his reputation was already sufficient, and continuing to bask in the limelight like this might not be a good idea.
Because... Fang Che never forgot his identity as the Night Demon.
"They are even less suitable! They have Life and Death Orders, so they have nothing to fear by following you, but if they take the lead, it's a different story."
Zhao Shanhe looked dejected, "Feng Yu Xue and the Mo and Jing Clans' Clan Heads personally asked me to let them follow, but not to take the lead."
"Why?"
Fang Che abruptly stopped, utterly perplexed.
"This..."
Zhao Shanhe hesitated, opening his mouth but saying nothing, "You think about it and consider it carefully."
Fang Che furrowed his brows tightly.
Before he could sort out his thoughts, they had already entered the prison.
Zhao Shanhe instructed, "Gather those nine hundred and ninety-eight people in one room."
Then, Zhao Shanhe slipped away without a trace.
"These nine hundred and ninety-eight people are in your hands now."
Whoosh! Zhao Shanhe disappeared.
Fang Che was so angry he almost cursed out loud.
"You damn well better accompany me for a while before leaving!"
But Zhao Shanhe was already gone.
Fang Che, with a twisted face, had no choice but to accept this reality.
Then, a prison staff member ran over, "These are the materials prepared by the Commander for you."
Handing the materials to Fang Che, the staff member immediately ran off.
Captain Fang's cold expression became even more intimidating.
After looking through the materials, Fang Che became even angrier.
"Zhao Shanhe, you're really shirking your responsibilities! You've passed the buck so smoothly!"
...
The nine hundred and ninety-eight death row inmates, relieved of their execution tools, dressed in clean clothes, entered the grand hall.
Before entering, they were even allowed to take a bath.
And upon entering, they were provided with seats!!
This was truly a pleasant surprise.
"Today, a new leader is said to be coming, a principal who will give us a lecture and a speech... Could it be that we'll have official positions in the future, working in schools or martial academies?"
Someone's face was filled with hope.
"If that's the case, it would be too wonderful.
"Exactly, after all, it's just a Martial Academy. Even if it's strict, even if it's harsh, even if there are punishments, it's still better than being in prison or at the Southeast Headquarters, right?"
"If this is true... I can really brag about it."
"That's for sure. I've been robbing and looting all my life, and I've never had any thoughts of pursuing an official career. I've never seen such a luxurious life, and now that I've been caught and sentenced to death, I can still get an official position... Damn, I can say that my life is truly legendary!"
More than one person had this thought.
Everyone felt that this was a bit too surreal.
It was an unreal happiness because the situation had become very clear.
There was another task, a chance to redeem themselves, a chance to use their skills, and the headmaster's speech.
Even if they tried to control themselves and not think too highly of the situation, it was impossible. Because reality... it was just that beautiful!
"This is everyone's only chance to survive, and we must seize it. We might even get an official position... Even if our cultivation never recovers, that's fine too."
"I wonder how they found out about my woodworking skills. The Protector knows that I used to be a carpenter... Did they go to my home? Hiss..."
"Not only did they find your home, but they also found mine."
"Me too..."
The crowd whispered to each other, and then they suddenly realized: among these nine hundred and ninety-eight people, every single one of them had a family and a career!
They all had wives and children.
And the Protector had all this information.
They looked at each other and smiled bitterly, "No wonder Zhao Zongguan is willing to let us redeem ourselves. Now it makes sense."
"Of course. Without any leverage, we would've been executed long ago. So it's better to leave them with something to hold over us. This way, we can live."
"Exactly, exactly."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
Just then, a surge of killing intent suddenly rose outside, like a mighty river, swelling with the tide.
The crowd looked at each other in shock.
Some people's faces turned pale, "I'm most afraid of this person. Every time this killing intent rises, I feel like I'm already at the execution ground... In these days, more than forty thousand people have been taken away and beheaded because of this killing intent..."
Someone nearby offered comfort, "Don't worry, Captain Fang isn't coming for us this time. We've been settled... Captain Fang is going to the death row prison to take someone for execution."
"But I still want to pee..."
"Me too, me too..."
"Thank goodness, we don't have to face this killing intent every day."
The crowd felt relieved.
Then, the killing intent grew stronger and stronger, closer and closer, overwhelming like a tidal wave, sweeping across the land...
The crowd's faces turned pale, "No... It can't be, right? It feels like... it's heading straight for us?"
"This... the smell is so strong."
One person's face turned pale, and he trembled, "No, no... It's going to turn soon, it's almost there."
"Please turn soon... We're all good citizens now. We're teachers now... Please, Captain Fang..."
"This... Why does it feel like it's heading straight for us?"
Someone was so scared that they clamped their legs together.
They really had to pee... But they were going to be role models for others, so how could they be scared to the point of wetting themselves?
It was understandable for them to be afraid. If they didn't have any hope of living, and they were just waiting to be beheaded every day, they probably wouldn't be so weak.
But the problem was that they already knew they would survive.
However, during these days, they were still in the death row prison, constantly watching as batches of people were taken away and executed by Fang Che.
Experiencing life and death several times a day was enough to make anyone pee themselves.
It had gotten to the point where Fang Che didn't even need to be physically present.
As long as someone shouted, "Captain Fang!" these three words...
Everyone would feel an urge to urinate.
This had almost become a conditioned reflex. Every time the killing intent surged, everyone would eagerly raise their hands, "Guard, I need to use the toilet..."
The killing intent grew thicker.
Closer and closer.
Initially, the crowd whispered and discussed, but gradually, fewer people spoke, and eventually, everyone fell silent.
They sat there like wooden chickens.
Their eyes were wide, unfocused, staring into the distance, awaiting their fate.
Then, they experienced what they had gone through countless times before.
As the killing intent drew near.
The crisp sound of footsteps, as if Death itself was marching to the beat of a drum, each step filled with purpose.
Boom! One step! Boom! Another step! The crowd's hearts beat in unison with Captain Fang's footsteps, gradually falling into perfect sync.
Closer and closer.
No turning! It didn't turn! Their heartbeats deviated from the rhythm of Captain Fang's footsteps.
They began to pound rapidly.
Even their breathing stopped.
The footsteps stopped at the door.
Then, everyone tilted their heads stiffly, staring at the door.
Their hearts pounded like a torrential downpour, as if they could feel it in their throats.
Don't come in!
Please, don't come in!
Please... Turn back... Waaah... We're teachers, we've reformed, we've changed our ways, we've turned over a new leaf!
Amidst everyone's anticipation.
The door, contrary to their wishes, opened.
Bang!
A tall, dark-clad figure stood at the doorway.
(End of Chapter)
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