244: Chapter 243 Subsequent Arrangements 244: Chapter 243 Subsequent Arrangements Uncle-Master Li did not heed Hou Niao’s advice at all and directly steered the boat to land within the Governor Mu’s mansion.
Given his status, he was actually on par with You Sunzhi, the Governor of Da Feng Plain, but since he came from the capital, thus…
“You all just wait in the city, waiting for the outcome regarding rewards and punishments.
During this period, don’t go anywhere.”
Seeing the Master’s righteous and resolute demeanor, Rao Zongzhi just couldn’t help it,
“Master, not to mention Second Brother, even you yourself are like a clay Bodhisattva crossing a river, not knowing where you’ll end up, and yet you have the confidence to boast and thump your chest?
In my opinion, it would be better for you to communicate with Capital Commandant Li in advance, and also with Hou…”
Uncle-master Li glared, “Communicate with Li Chuping?
Have you ever seen an elder who needs to communicate with their junior?”
During their dispute, Hou Niao also roughly caught on to something – it seemed that Uncle-Master Li Mengyang and Capital Commandant Li Chuping were from the same family, so status aside, they would be discussing seniority; such was the true nature of the prestigious Jade Capital’s Cultivation families, where any two members pulled at random held high positions.
The three left the Governor Mu’s mansion.
Rao Zongzhi had his own destinations, whereas the other two headed straight back to the Sword Mansion’s external residence; the disciples who returned from the Southwest debate in Jin City were temporarily not disbanded, probably because among the thirty-five who went to battle, nine died and several were fundamentally injured, unable to continue their cultivation.
This was no small matter within the Quanzhen Sect, and it needed proper handling.
Reviewing the battle, discussing strategies, pursuing accountability to ascertain if there were any human factors involved, such as tactical issues, command issues, and matters of individuals not pulling their weight; this was a tradition upheld by the Quanzhen Sect, which is also why they were seen as the Demon Sect by other Daoist Sects – they resembled a military force more than a Cultivation Sect.
Hou Niao returned to his residence in the outer compound, which was very different from before he left; previously, nobody paid him any heed, but after returning, visitors were ceaseless; quite normal, for a fellow disciple with formidable strength was always respected, not to mention that in this debate, he indeed put in the most effort, single-handedly causing turmoil, and although not quite successful, he certainly foiled the Wu Sect’s good fortunes.
It wasn’t until dusk was approaching, close to the time for evening classes that his place finally quieted down.
Playing host was tiring, but he couldn’t afford to be perfunctorily courteous; in this debate, the Outer State disciples stood out, with Hou Niao’s surprising rise and the resolute defense unto death by other disciples, all worthy men who could potentially become good friends.
Hou Niao wasn’t foolish enough to put on airs in front of them.
After evening classes, Hou Niao, for the first time, didn’t immediately practice his swordsmanship; he needed to revisit his memories of the Spirit Communication Cave Mansion, a precious experiential wealth that might have unexpected effects on his future cultivation.
But then, another uninvited guest came to disturb him; Hou Niao held back his impatience, thinking whether he should move out before the case results were released.
Upon opening the door, it was Daoist Wang again.
“It’s so late, what brings Senior Brother here?”
Daoist Wang beckoned, “Sorry for delaying your cultivation, Junior Brother, but the Capital Commandant requests your presence.
It was too crowded during the day, so I had to come at this time.”
Hou Niao didn’t say much and followed.
He pondered the purpose of Capital Commandant Li’s meeting him this time.
But Daoist Wang remained silent, which prevented him from asking.
It was still that same small courtyard in the Sword Mansion, scenery as before, even the lights, shadows, and the arrangements in the courtyard seemed never to have changed their place.
He must be an extremely disciplined person, Hou Niao guessed.
The first time he came, he stayed in the courtyard while Capital Commandant Li did not show himself, but this time he was let into the room.
Li Chuping was reviewing something, head down, but that did not affect their conversation.
Hou Niao glanced at the room’s layout, which was extremely minimalistic, so he added another trait to the self-discipline – asceticism.
“It’s more comfortable for me to stand before a superior.”
“Ready to draw your sword at any time?” Li Chuping put down the Jade Scroll in his hands, “It’s a good habit to maintain.”
His calm gaze bore no sharpness, but still put pressure on him, not only because of the realm suppression but also the legends surrounding the Capital Commandant.
Comparatively, although Li Mengyang had the same level of cultivation, he did not impose as much pressure on Hou Niao as Capital Commandant Li did.
“I will keep it that way.”
“How did you handle the task I gave you?”
Hou Niao knew he would be asked this, “I didn’t do it.”
“Why not?” Li Chuping’s expression was unchanged, appearing unsurprised.
Hou Niao explained, “There was no opportunity.
If it was forced, it would raise suspicion; better to do nothing than be caught out.
With Hou present to lead the troops, and three Uncle-Masters there, I couldn’t naturally get close.
Once the debate was over, it became even less likely.
Yan Xisheng was defeated, yet I won against his opponent, making things quite awkward.
They didn’t want to deal with me, and I couldn’t force them, besides, I don’t have experience in these matters.”
Li Chuping waved his hand dismissively, “You have strong opinions – or rather, you’re obstinate.
However, considering that what you say is indeed true, let’s put an end to this task, once and for all.”
Hou Niao breathed a sigh of relief, but he was aware the issue regarding Yan Xisheng was far from over.
Li Chuping’s gaze turned playful as he looked at him, “You dare disobey Hou, not knowing that within the Quanzhen Sect, this is the gravest mistake?
No matter how great your achievements, they won’t outweigh this fault; it’s a matter of principle.
An error in a single debate is nothing; we can always try again.
But if the Sect’s discipline were to decay to where disciples can easily defy their elders and superiors, especially in public, then the Quanzhen Sect would truly face a problem.
What’s your explanation?”
Hou Niao remained silent.
What explanations were there to give?
How much truth should he tell?
Li Chuping gave him a suggestion, “Why not say you were acting out of pure concern for the Quanzhen Sect, and impulsively lost your temper in the heat of the moment?”
Hou Niao decided to be honest, as he deeply feared this Capital Commandant’s intelligence-gathering capabilities,
“It wasn’t like that.
I was merely indignant over the undeserved death of an elder, wanting to do something on his behalf, coincidentally in line with the interests of the Quanzhen Sect.
Hence, I confronted Hou.”
Li Chuping smiled faintly, “Is it Chong Ling from Anhe Daoist Sect?”
Hou Niao had gambled correctly; not even this intelligence head of Da Feng Plain could keep secrets from him, “Yes, Daoist Chong Ling has shown me kindness, and since I’ve learned the sword, I should right wrongs with it.”
“Including going to Jiang City to kill?”
Hou Niao, “That was only the beginning.”
Li Chuping rubbed his forehead, this stubborn youngster, “What if I were to stop you?”
Hou Niao, straightforwardly, “You shouldn’t stop me, it doesn’t interfere with the Sect’s affairs, and would actually benefit the efforts to counter the Wu Sect.”
Li Chuping sighed, “Alright, have it your way then.
After all, even Hou failed to manage you.”