Chapter 73: A Shift in Mindset, Probing the Truth
Lu Qing was on his way to the Big Market.
Yes, the person he was seeking was none other than Ma Gu—the overseer of the Big Market.
Ma Gu had connections even with the Wei family. If anyone would know the true nature of the Black Wolf Gang, it would be him.
Walking slowly, Lu Qing’s expression remained calm.
He felt a strange shift within himself.
Despite having just killed many people, his heart remained remarkably still.
If anything, it felt as though he’d shed a heavy chain, and his spirit had grown unexpectedly light.
Was he some kind of born killer?
After slaughtering so many, he felt no fear, no tension—only relief.
Or was it because he’d killed only scum, leaving him with no guilt?
Lu Qing pondered, puzzled.
Ever since he’d advanced in martial cultivation, he’d deliberately avoided bloodshed, fearing what might become of him once he crossed that line.
It was perhaps a lingering remnant of his past life in a modern, law-abiding society—a kind of misplaced moral sensitivity.
But now, he realized, he’d been overthinking it.
Killing wasn’t something to rejoice in, but its impact on him wasn’t nearly as devastating as he’d feared.
As long as he held onto his true self, the act of killing couldn’t corrupt his soul.
Lost in these thoughts, Lu Qing arrived at the outer gate of the Big Market.
It wasn’t market day today, and the place was deserted.
He glanced around, then turned toward a nearby residence.
Reaching the front gate, he found it locked. He rapped a few times.
Soon, the door creaked open.
The man who appeared was startled at first, then visibly surprised.
“Lu Xiao Langjun? What brings you here?”
It was Xiao Tian—the man Lu Qing had met before, a subordinate of Ma Gu.
“I’ve come to pay my respects to Ma Ye. Is he at home?” Lu Qing asked.
“He is—yes, he’s in the backyard drinking. I’ll go fetch him!” Xiao Tian hurriedly replied.
“No need for that,” Lu Qing said. “I’ll go straight to the back myself.”
He didn’t want to waste time.
Xiao Tian hesitated briefly, then nodded. He knew Ma Ye had long wished to befriend this young man—so much so that he’d even gifted him his prized sword.
“Please, follow me, young master,” Xiao Tian said, stepping aside.
Lu Qing followed him through two gates, entering a charming little courtyard.
Beneath a vine-covered trellis sat a stone table, and a man was drinking alone—no one else could it be but Ma Gu.
“Wait here, young master,” Xiao Tian said, then dashed forward, whispering urgently into Ma Gu’s ear.
Moments later, Ma Gu rose with a look of delight, turning toward Lu Qing.
“Lu Xiao Langjun! What a surprise—what brings you here?”
“Ma Ye, you’re in fine spirits—such an early hour, and already drinking?” Lu Qing smiled as he approached.
“Just passing time with a few cups,” Ma Gu chuckled, clearly pleased. “Would you care to join me?”
Of course he was in high spirits.
The recent matter involving the Wei family’s young master had been resolved perfectly. Not only had he escaped punishment, but the Wei Family Grand Manager had personally rewarded him with valuable gifts.
His mood had been excellent ever since.
“Perhaps another time,” Lu Qing declined. “Today, I’ve come seeking your counsel on a matter.”
Ma Gu finally noticed the War Blade slung across Lu Qing’s back.
His expression shifted instantly—his eyes sharpened, his demeanor grew serious.
“Xiao Tian, go outside and keep watch. Don’t let anyone come near.”
“Yes, Ma Ye.”
Once Xiao Tian had left, Ma Gu gestured for Lu Qing to sit.
“Lu Xiao Langjun… what’s happened?”
Lu Qing didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he asked, “Ma Ye, do you know a man named Han Wu?”
“Han Wu?” Ma Gu frowned, thinking hard. Then he shook his head. “Never heard of him.”
“He claims to be a disciple of the Black Wolf Gang. He also has a sworn brother—Zhao Xiong. Both are members of the gang.”
Zhao Xiong—the black-mole man Lu Qing had kicked to death. The name had been revealed through his Abilities.
“The Black Wolf Gang?” Ma Gu stiffened. “What do you have to do with them?”
“Are they truly dangerous?” Lu Qing asked.
“Well, I wouldn’t say they’re that powerful,” Ma Gu admitted, “but they’re infamous for their underhanded tactics—cruel, ruthless, and dishonorable. They’re involved in shady dealings: brothels, gambling dens, you name it. They’ve built real influence in the county, one of the three major gangs.”
“I see,” Lu Qing murmured, thoughtful.
“Did you have a grudge with the Black Wolf Gang?” Ma Gu asked.
“Let’s just say… my parents were likely killed by them.”
Ma Gu fell silent.
Grudge? This wasn’t a grudge—it was a blood feud!
But then… why hadn’t he known?
Earlier, Xiao Tian had reported that Lu Qing’s parents had died from drowning by accident in Jiu Li Village.
Now, it seemed the truth was far more sinister.
“Lu Xiao Langjun… are you certain about this?” Ma Gu pressed.
“I’m still investigating,” Lu Qing replied. “But the elders in the village said it—so it must be true.”
“And those two men—Han Wu and Zhao Xiong…?”
“Earlier today, a group of thugs claiming to be from the Black Wolf Gang stormed our village,” Lu Qing explained. “They wanted to take me and Xiao Yan hostage—claimed we owed the gang a debt for my parents’ deaths. Those two were among them.”
“Then the villagers stopped them. Only then did I learn my parents’ deaths were tied to the gang.”
“And those men…?”
“All dead,” Lu Qing said flatly.
Ma Gu was stunned.
He hadn’t expected his young friend to have just killed people.
But then he remembered—Lu Qing was a martial cultivator.
In this world, every warrior carried blood on their hands.
As long as it wasn’t mass slaughter of innocents, even the magistrate wouldn’t interfere.
He thought for a moment, then asked, “You didn’t manage to question them before killing them?”
Lu Qing shook his head. “I was too eager. I didn’t get a chance to ask.”
Ma Gu sighed inwardly. My little brother’s killing instinct is stronger than I thought.
“So even though you’ve killed several members of the Black Wolf Gang,” Ma Gu said slowly, “you still don’t know the truth about your parents’ deaths?”
“That’s correct,” Lu Qing nodded. “But I do know something—Han Wu and Zhao Xiong weren’t full-fledged members. They were only peripheral affiliates. And they had other brothers—other thugs—who’ve been terrorizing the area. I believe they were the ones who actually killed my parents.”
“Peripheral members?” Ma Gu blinked.
Then, his eyes suddenly widened.
A spark of recognition flashed across his face.
“I think… I know who you’re looking for.”
(End of Chapter)
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