Chapter 591: A Thousand Years of Merit and Sin, Judged by Posterity (Part 2)

Chapter 591: A Thousand Years of Merit and Sin, Judged by Posterity (Part 2)



"Damn, Wu Dao Tian actually acted on your order this time, Ninth Lord?"

Frost Sword was starting to admire: "That feels pretty good."

"Of course, it was my arrangement," said Dong Fang San San.

"Tsk, to order someone to wipe out an entire family, Ninth Lord, you really went through with it..." Yu Tian Qi also marveled in amazement.

"Hey, don't you two misunderstand me. I only asked him to kill Celestial King Xiao, I didn't order him to wipe out the entire family. How could I give such an order? Am I that kind of person?"

Dong Fang San San would not take the blame for wiping out an entire family.

So, the Wu Dao Tian who wiped out an entire family is not a Protector! Whether he will be in the future... that’s a matter for the future.

On this point, Dong Fang San San was very clear.

At the words "Am I that kind of person?" Yu Tian Qi and Frost Sword could only chuckle.

Who knows who insisted on dragging the entire continent into the grave last time.

Although Ninth Lord rarely issued such orders, if he did, the two of them wouldn’t be surprised at all.

"What about in the future?"

Frost Sword said, "At the time, this bastard even dared to provoke me. Fortunately, I was soft-hearted back then and didn't split him in two with my sword."

"The future is a different matter. Wu Dao Tian’s actions are different from ours as Protectors."

Dong Fang San San said, "He has no limits, how could he wipe out an entire family? That's immoral."

"..."

The two of them left with faces like they were constipated.

After leaving, they continued to grumble at each other.

"I told you long ago that we shouldn’t chat with Ninth Lord like this, see..."

"I guessed it long ago. Ninth Lord is like this, very devious and a seasoned silver coin!"

"Wu Dao Tian is probably Ninth Lord’s secret weapon."

"That’s even worse. Ninth Lord definitely has secret weapons, but it’s definitely not Wu Dao Tian. If it were Wu Dao Tian, he wouldn’t have been dispatched this time."

"That makes sense. Given Ninth Lord’s cunning, it’s impossible to guess."

"Perhaps Snow Simpleton might know something."

"Ha ha... You're really killing ducks at the South Heaven Gate..."

"How so?"

"You’ve already slaughtered him! You’ve called him Simpleton, what could he possibly know?"

"… I think you make a lot of sense… Let’s go drink?"

"Let’s go!"

...

After the two of them left.

Dong Fang San San paced around his room a few times before sending a message to Fang Lao Liu.

"Old Six, are you still comfortable?"

Fang Lao Liu reacted quickly: "What do you want from me now? I’ve already been ruined for you, and my son is still being used as a workhorse by you… Don’t even think about it."

Dong Fang San San was rarely embarrassed.

He couldn’t help but touch his nose.

He praised, "You’re a real old brother who understands me, I haven’t even opened my mouth yet."

"Ha ha..." Fang Lao Liu replied with a cold laugh.

I might not understand others, but you... I just have to be on guard!

I might not be able to guard against it.

Dong Fang San San said, "Old Six, let’s talk seriously. What do you think, if Archer is raised well, will he be able to take over my position in the future?"

This question startled Fang Lao Liu.

What is Ninth Lord up to? Why does he sound like he’s about to quit?

"Brother, you’ve carried the burden for so many years, how can you ask such a question?"

Fang Lao Liu was a bit anxious.

"Others might not understand, but you should. I’ve aged rapidly in spirit these years."

Dong Fang San San rolled his eyes and sent a heartfelt message: "Not to mention the past, how many brothers were there? Not counting me, how many are left who you can chat with now?"

Reading this, Fang Yun Zheng sighed, feeling somewhat melancholy.

He suddenly understood.

Indeed, time flies, and the youthful, spirited brothers who once galloped through the martial world together... Now, they have all faded away.

Dong Fang San San’s messages continued to come: "You’re just feeling a bit melancholic and regretful; but I, I’ve sent many brothers to their deaths myself."

"Old Six... To be honest, I don’t dare to recall, this feeling, you understand, right? I said I’m mentally and physically exhausted, and you don’t understand?"

"My brothers from back then, only you are left."

Despite the distance, Fang Yun Zheng felt the weight of Dong Fang San San’s words.

He couldn’t help but feel heavy-hearted.

"You know, surrounded by the new generation, I have no one to talk to. Since you’re not here, even with Snow Fu Xiao... I know you want to mention him, but... I have to talk to him, and he must understand as well."

Dong Fang San’s helplessness and fatigue, almost to the point of spitting blood, resonated through the distance, making Fang Yun Zheng feel the same way.

"Indeed, Brother, Lord Snow, though highly cultivated, is... well, it’s hard to describe his intelligence. And Rui Qian Shan is just so despicable... I understand you, really."

Fang Yun Zheng’s message, filled with emotion, was sent out.

"But you can talk to me Now I’ve returned, and we can communicate privately without anyone else knowing."

Fang Yun Zheng suggested.

He sincerely wanted to help his brother ease his worries.

"You’re so far away, I’m worried about leaks. This matter is so important, I can’t constantly seek you out."

Dong Fang San San’s message was equally emotional: "But now, I’m really feeling the strain, lacking the strength. A brother finally returned, yet is trapped in Bi Bo City due to greater plans..."

"Tell me, when I have any matters, I send Snow Fu Xiao or Frost Sword. At least Yu Tian Qi is still recovering from last year... Every corner is tight, the difficulties of our Protectors are unknown to others, but if you, Fang Lao Liu, claim ignorance, I’ll be angry."

Fang Lao Liu sighed, "Boss, I know your difficulties, but isn’t it a bit too early for you to be thinking about Archer?"

"Isn’t this what we brothers are for? I’ve got a belly full of grievances; who else could I confide in? If I confide in others, do I still want to maintain my image?"

Dong Fang San San’s message came through, filled with indignation: "Even if I’m burning with frustration and can’t find anyone to help, I still have to project an image of strategic planning, don’t I?"

Fang Yun Zheng sighed repeatedly, "Boss, you’re really in a tough spot. I can’t come over, but tell me, is there anything I can do for you? I’ll never back down from helping."

Dong Fang San San replied, "Save it. I’m already happy that you can chat with me. What could you possibly do? You’re half crippled now. Even if there’s something to do, you can’t help. If I’m short of hands and I call you over, what use would that be? I’d have to take care of you instead."

Fang Yun Zheng’s eyes suddenly lit up, "Brother, I can recommend someone to you. How about that?"

Dong Fang San San: "You? Recommend someone? Haha..."

Fang Yun Zheng was starting to get angry; the boss was really underestimating him: "What about Wu Dao Tian?"

"Isn’t Wu Dao Tian dead?"

Dong Fang San San was surprised: "You’re recommending a dead person to me? Lao Liu?"

"Boss, what kind of person do you think I am? Would I deceive you?!"

Fang Lao Liu was indignant: "It was me who personally rescued Wu Dao Tian back then. Could I have remembered it wrong? This guy is hiding under an alias, running a security agency in Donghu Continent. The Great Blade Security Agency, you know it, right?"

Dong Fang San San: "No way. Did you make contact with him?"

"Of course. Otherwise, I wouldn’t recommend him to you."

"Then tell me, Lao Liu. You’re indeed reliable, my Lao Liu." Dong Fang San San’s cheerful voice came through.

"Hehe, I’m your brother. Who else would I help?"

Fang Lao Liu laughed happily and told Dong Fang San San about Wu Dao Tian, adding, "Boss, this guy has a pretty stubborn temperament."

"Hey, with you around, I’m not afraid of his stubbornness."

Finally getting the information, Dong Fang San San felt his workload increasing.

"Lao Liu, I really want to give Archer more responsibilities. Think about it."

Fang Yun Zheng immediately panicked: "Brother, Archer is still a kid. He’s already carrying a heavy burden! You can’t push him to the limit. You have to give him room to grow, he’s your nephew!"

Dong Fang San San sighed, "I don’t want to, but the current situation..."

Fang Yun Zheng said, "Boss, I’ve already given you a person... You really can’t add more responsibilities to Archer."

He thought, his son already has multiple roles and is swamped.

If the boss adds more responsibilities... wouldn’t he be pushed to the brink of exhaustion?

So, this absolutely cannot happen. He said, "That’s it, Boss. I have things to do, can’t chat anymore."

As long as I withdraw, you can’t discuss it with me anymore.

Dong Fang San San’s message came through, "Alright, go take care of your business."

"Alright."

Fang Lao Liu finally felt relieved.

As he walked out, he thought, today the boss was unusually easy to talk to, he dismissed me with just one sentence...

Fang Qian Yi was pruning the plants in the courtyard.

Fang Yun Zheng had just walked behind his wife when a sudden realization hit him.

He slapped his thigh, "Damn! I’ve been tricked!"

He was stunned!

What the... I gave Wu Dao Tian away?

I didn’t even realize it myself, how did I give him away?

Fang Qian Yi was startled, "What’s with the shouting... Who tricked you?"

Fang Yun Zheng was in a hurry, "I’ll tell you later."

He immediately went into the study and took out the Communication Jade to check.

After a while, he threw the Communication Jade aside in dejection.

His eyes were lifeless.

Boss, Boss, you really know how to play me... I just dug Wu Dao Tian out a few days ago...

And you’re already after him!

And I didn’t even notice... I was even gloating about helping you...

Damn!

I’m so stupid!

Fang Yun Zheng came out dejectedly, and Fang Qian Yi asked curiously, "What’s wrong?"

Fang Yun Zheng sighed deeply, his face bitter, and said resentfully, "Wife, do you think I’m particularly stupid? Easy to trick?"

Fang Qian Yi chuckled, "You stupid? You don’t even blink when you trick me..."

"That’s not what I meant..."

"Anyway, you’re not a good person."

"Then what about our son?"

"Our son is much better than you, obedient, clean, and promising. He’s already a hero of the continent now!"

"…I am too."

"Ha... with your little bit of merit... Ha, I don’t want to discourage you, but if it weren’t for me... if some other woman had your child, they would probably be much stupider than you."

"My son is the best in the world!" Fang Qian Yi said proudly.

"I’m the second best in the world."

"You... do you know what my biggest mistake in life is?"

"What?"

"My eyes, my eyes are broken." Fang Qian Yi sighed with sorrow.

"What’s wrong with your eyes?"

Fang Lao Liu was worried and quickly stepped forward.

"When searching for a man, his eyes are useless... He picked the wrong person."

Fang Lao Liu retreated into himself again.

...

Over on the other side, Dong Fang San San finished his conversation with Fang Yun Zheng and sat in his own room with his eyes closed, deep in thought.

After a deep sigh, he finally made up his mind.

Using their brotherly bond and his own cunning, he forced Fang Lao Liu to hand over Wu Dao Tian. Even Dong Fang San San himself felt it was inappropriate. This wasn't something Fang Lao Liu willingly did, nor was it what Wu Dao Tian desired.

He was using righteousness to coerce them into following his lead.

Dong Fang San San was well aware of this.

He also knew that Wu Dao Tian had no intention of returning to the Jianghu and didn't want to live the kind of life he had before. He just wanted to enjoy life.

He understood that Fang Yun Zheng was unwilling to expose Wu Dao Tian to him without Wu Dao Tian's consent.

But he still did it.

Because the Guardian Headquarters was in dire need, they were too poor and lacked manpower. There were only a few top experts, and Dong Fang San San was using them like spinning tops, constantly on the move.

Xue Fu Xiao and Rui Qian Shan had been running around at Dong Fang San San's beck and call, covering a distance equivalent to circling the continent countless times.

But what was Duan Xiyang, who had the same cultivation level, doing? He could do whatever he wanted!

How could they compare? For Dong Fang San San, having one more peak expert was like a life-saving straw, even if it meant breaking his head to get it.

Because... the disparity between them and their enemies was too great.

If they didn't consolidate all the forces they could use, and instead let them remain scattered, then sooner or later, they would be picked off one by one by the Only Righteous Sect, becoming a lifelong regret.

Moreover, it also involved the loss of divine authority and the withering of the continent.

"Despicable... Let me be despicable, I accept it."

Dong Fang San San let out a bitter laugh, "I can even do something as extreme as dragging the entire continent down with me, or forcing thousands of peak experts to their deaths at the Divine Mountain of Ascension... There's nothing I, Dong Fang San San, can't do."

"The merits and sins of a thousand years, let future generations judge. But the combat power on this side, I must consolidate!"

"Perhaps the phrase 'saving the world' is just an excuse for others. But for me..."

He didn't continue, and his eyes flashed with cold, sharp determination.

He immediately sent a message to Xue Fu Xiao.

"Stay in the Southeastern Donghu Continent for two more months."

Xue Fu Xiao: "Hmm?"

"In Donghu Continent, there's a Great Saber Escort Agency. The Chief Escort is Lu Dadao. His true identity is Wu Dao Tian, the Heaven Pillar Blade. But you can't scare him... And you can't go before he returns. You need to do this and that..."

Xue Fu Xiao's spirit lifted: "That's great! I'll remember!"

"Then close your eyes and send me the message I just said again," Dong Fang San San said, not feeling reassured.

Xue Fu Xiao: "..."

You really don't have any confidence in me, do you?

Just as he was about to close his eyes and send the message, he saw Dong Fang San San send a new message: "Forget it, I'll give you the steps. Follow my instructions carefully, and don't cause any misunderstandings. Remember, first, you do this and that... Second step... Fifth step, return to headquarters. That's it."

Xue Fu Xiao placed the communicator on his knee.

He sighed deeply.

After a long while, he replied weakly, "I think you don't need to say the fifth step."

Dong Fang San San: "Be careful."

Xue Fu Xiao's face turned red, and he put away the communicator.

He sighed deeply.

With his hands behind his back, he walked over to Qing Long Dao and asked, "Hao Ran, I'm asking you, what do you think of my wisdom?"

Yu Hao Ran forced a smile and said, "Dao Ye's wisdom is unparalleled. I can't even come close."

Xue Fu Xiao sighed and said, "When you say that, do you even believe it yourself?"

Yu Hao Ran instinctively replied, "No."

Boom! Yu Hao Ran was sent flying.

...

The underground world of White Elephant Continent was finally cleaned up.

Night Emperor reorganized things and left Ant King to represent him there before leaving promptly.

Xue Fu Xiao arrived. There was no danger on Fang Che's side either.

Night Emperor was relieved.

Since he had already taken action and come out, there was no rush to return to Donghu Continent. He might as well go to White Cloud Continent and clean up the underground world there too!

The Night Emperor of the Southeast couldn't just manage two cities.

So, the Night Emperor headed straight for White Cloud Continent.

With the recent slaughter in the two continents, the Night Emperor felt that his cultivation had fully recovered to its peak, and after Fang Che's healing last time, he even felt the path ahead widening.

So Sikong Ye was now full of energy.

The urge to wipe out the entire Southeastern Seventeen Provinces was almost uncontrollable. It had to be said that if the Night Emperor were to unify the underground world of the Southeastern Seventeen Provinces again and enforce the strict rules of Donghu and White Elephant Continents...

This time, the number of souls under his command might truly reach hundreds of millions.

But Sikong Ye didn't seem to care about this. Life and death, karma, and such things were not a concern for him.

Instead, he felt that he was killing evil people, and heaven should reward him...

In White Elephant Continent now, not only did martial artists feel comfortable, but even ordinary people felt that the world had suddenly become much more pleasant.

Although there was still a faint smell of blood, there was an inexplicable feeling of comfort in their hearts.

Those who had once frowned, had dragon tattoos, were bullies, were arrogant, and had a fierce appearance were no longer seen on the streets.

Countless tough survivors trembled in their homes, while their elderly mothers and wives went door to door, bowing in gratitude that their unfilial sons (husbands) hadn't been reported, and promising to reform in the future.

The Guardian Headquarters' uniform appeared on the streets, and suddenly, everyone felt a sense of awe and reverence.

A genuine fear arose from within, along with respect.

It seemed that no violent measures were needed; just the sight of this uniform on the streets was enough to ensure peace and stability.

During their free time, Yu Hao Ran and the others searched for traces and news of their "lifesaver" while also rigorously training the eight little ones.

Later, seeing that Ye Meng had exceptional talent, they decided to include her in the training as well.

Moreover, these elders treated males and females differently during training.

They were especially strict with the females.

If Fang Che and Yu Zhong Ge were training, then Ye Meng was undergoing special training! It was even more meticulous and harsh, including various scoldings and beatings, to the point of being appalling.

Ye Meng was suffering terribly.

However, she finally understood why those ferocious instructors from her childhood were stricter and more demanding with girls than with boys.

These old-timers knew that men and women were different. On the battlefield, in a broad sense, once you step onto the battlefield, you are a soldier, an enemy, and everyone is treated equally.

But in reality, it's not the same, especially when pushed to the brink.

The treatment of captured men and women is even more different! Women who choose this path face far greater dangers than men!

That's why their training for girls is even more stringent, to the point of cruelty, so that in the future, these girls will remember and be stronger, better equipped to handle the various crises that may arise in their lives!

Some of the childhood grudges hidden deep within her heart quietly dissipated.

"When I have time to go back, I must thank the instructors from those years. I'll buy them more wine to drink... and I'll sincerely say thank you to the instructors."

Ye Meng made up her mind.

While they were training, Qi Lie and Han Bai Ji, among others, had already started preparing for the joint burial of Zuo Guang Le and Ju Xiu Shui.

Although they were from different families, they were still two Guardian Headquarters.

It was as if the two Guardian Headquarters had joined in marriage.

Although this joint burial was not to be publicized, and they couldn't make it common knowledge, they still used the highest ceremonial standards.

One side sent off the daughter, while the other welcomed the son-in-law.

Fang Che and Ye Meng, as representatives of a loving couple, each held the spirit tablets of Zuo Guang Le and Ju Xiu Shui.

The Guardian Headquarters' experts wore black uniforms and escorted them along the way.

The White Elephant Continent Guardian Palace's experts, led by Bai Xiang Zhou, met them halfway.

All the way until they were buried in the West Mountain Cemetery.

The two were buried together, finding peace in the soil.

The tombstone was changed to: "Zuo Guang Le and Ju Xiu Shui's Joint Grave."

Everyone bowed deeply, their faces solemn, expressing their blessings for the ill-fated couple's next life.

Everyone left.

Fang Che sat alone in front of the tombstone, silently drinking a jar of wine. He watched as the red and white flowers danced and fluttered in the cemetery, his gaze unfocused, lost in thought.

That night.

Fang Che had a dream.

It had been a long time since he last dreamed, and martial artists already slept little.

But this time, the dream was exceptionally clear.

He dreamed of a wedding scene, with Zuo Guang Le wearing a bright red ceremonial robe, and Ju Xiu Shui by his side, her smile as beautiful as a flower. Ren Chang Tang Zheng and the other brothers served as emcees, welcoming guests and attendees. The scene was lively and bustling.

Fang Che sat at a table, with blurry figures of people toasting and drinking beside him.

In a daze.

Zuo Guang Le and Ju Xiu Shui came to toast him.

Zuo Guang Le's laughter was bright, with a hint of guilt, as he hugged Fang Che and sighed, "Fang Che, it hasn't been easy for you lately, has it?"

Fang Che was stunned.

Suddenly, a surge of heartache rose, and he couldn't speak.

Zuo Guang Le raised his cup:

"Fang Che, today, thank you!"

"Ju Xiu Shui and I toast you! Thank you for making it happen!"

Ju Xiu Shui's smile was bright, still as graceful and spirited as ever. In the red robe, she was even more dazzling, as she raised her cup and said, "Fang Che, thank you!"

Fang Che raised his cup, his heart filled with mixed emotions, his senses overwhelmed. He stared at them, dazed.

Zuo Guang Le saw Fang Che's expression and burst into hearty laughter, hugging Fang Che's shoulder and whispering in his ear, "Actually, the brothers all know. Fang Che, you're amazing... I've always said that you're the person I most admire!"

The other brothers also came forward, their smiles sincere. Ren Chang and Tang Zheng were on the side, cheering, and they also raised their cups.

"Fang Che, today we toast you!"

"We have no regrets!"

"Don't worry about us!"

"Your responsibility is heavy, your burden is heavy, you've endured more than us. Fang Che, please finish this cup. You'll always be the Fang Che we most admire!"

"..."

The night deepened.

Ye Meng, who had already fallen asleep, suddenly felt something was wrong and quietly opened her eyes.

She saw Fang Che, who was sleeping beside her, very rarely snoring softly; his lips were tightly closed, but there were two trails of tears constantly spreading from the corners of his eyes.

Tears silently flowed from Fang Che's sleeping eyes, wetting the pillow.

Then, she saw Fang Che's lips twitch, revealing a smile like he was crying.

With his eyes closed, he slept and muttered in his dream, "Good wine!!!"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end