Chapter 668: Not Looking For Anything (III)

Chapter 668: Not Looking For Anything (III)

“Are you hard of hearing?!” The inspector general’s anger was almost palpable. “What’s with the act, your ears are keener than mine! You’re around one hundred years old, but slipped out to have a good time with prostitutes a few days ago. Do you really think I didn’t see you?”

“You think too much, how would I ever do that?” the old man burst out laughing.

“I thought that being neutral was a good idea since I’m not afraid of anything.” The inspector general ignored the old man; he focused on his confusion around his decision. “I fear neither Silver Moon nor other people. They’re all inconsequential! But... Yao Si is a bit off today. This Li Hao... also seems highly assured of himself! Old man, where do you think his confidence comes from? Will those of Silver Moon really pit themselves against the world for his sake?”

The old man paged through some books and smiled. “I don’t know, I’ve stayed out of these matters for many years. How would I know? But I’ve come to a few new revelations over the past years of perusing ancient tomes.”

“What?”

“To embrace Buddha’s feet in one’s hour of need—to seek help in the last possible moment!”

The inspector general had thought that the old man was about to impart some words of wisdom. He blinked. Was that it?

“As for where the Buddha’s feet is, I don’t know. But... we’ll see in three days. I don’t demand deeds of merit, but I do ask for no faults. See to things yourself after three days.”

The inspector general thought for a bit before he nodded. “Fair enough, so the old man has the benefit of some experience after all. I more or less understand what you mean. Very well then!”

He said no more and turned to leave, but mentioned after further thought, “Do you think Hou Xiaochen’s made it to that step or not? Can he fully stabilize his cultivation?”

“I don’t know, you can try him yourself or ask him.”

“Ridiculous!” cursed the inspector general. The old man liked to be mysterious in his old age! This was how he spoke all the time now, quite an irritating experience for anyone on the receiving end.

Another thought occurred to the inspector general in the midst of his annoyance and he suddenly smiled. “It’s fine, I know what to do now! Ah, right, don’t go anywhere for the next couple of days. Something might happen in Skystar City and I’ll need you to show your face and calm the situation in critical moments!”

“You make it sound like your father is only good as a tool...” the old man started laughing.

“I would be more polite if you didn’t keep making younger siblings for me,” sneered the inspector general. “You should take it easy at your age. My youngest brother is younger than my grandson! This is highly embarrassing!”

“You don’t understand,” sighed the old man. “This is called listening to the heart. What is the true heart of martial dao? I have grasped some of it these years as well. It is to be carefree and unfettered. When I am free and unrestrained, I find heaven on earth. That is martial dao!”

“Heh!” The inspector general quit the conversation and left. Whatever you say. I won’t deny anything you say.

The old man looked into the distance when he left and chuckled. “A carp leaping over the dragon’s gate has appeared in what was a quiet, noiseless place. We were in a pool of stagnant water. There will be fun times ahead!”

He looked outside with a slight furrow. Yao Si... something was off about you today!

The Yao Si of twenty years ago was clearly emblazoned on the minds of the older generation. That wasn’t a man who spent his days hugging a tea mug. Yao Si back then had been an extremely domineering, cruel individual.

Had he stabilized his cultivation level? He’d become inscrutable to some after these five years.

......

“Then it must be an ancient academy of the north, one without much cultural foundation to it.”

Yu Qi glared at him, but felt that her younger brother made sense upon further thought. The young man had been like a fool before and didn’t even know how to take a taxi. Perhaps he didn’t recognize that many characters, maybe the ancient halls of knowledge in the north really weren’t worth much.

“That’s right... I’ve heard people say that his background is ordinary. What kind of decent education could he have received since he’s not a noble? A lot of ancient academies have closed up shop around the dynasty. We used to have some chances before, but now even that has been snuffed out...” Yu Qi grumbled and finished in an inaudible voice, “I hope he succeeds. It’s been so many years and no one like him.”

“Me too, but... sis... we shouldn’t hold out hope,” Yu Qi answered just as quietly.

“I can’t be bothered talking about it with you!” Yu Qi decided to ignore her brother and left the house.

“Sis, where are you going?”

“To earn money! What are we going to eat tomorrow if I don’t earn more money? You spent 180 coins out of 200 to buy a bunch of paper scraps. I’m so pissed! I’m not giving you the money next time!”

“Sis, that’s knowledge!”

“Bullshit!” Yu Qi cursed, already out the door. Yu Ming remained in a merry mood since he knew that his sister would still give him money next time she earned some.

However, he sighed as he looked at the books behind him. He couldn’t be so wasteful next time. He’d been gripped by impulse yesterday and was familiar with the teacher who sold the books. The teacher was almost out on the streets and his family had nothing to eat. That was why Yu Ming had spent 180 coins to buy these books that’d almost become waste paper.

“Demon Sword... does Demon Sword know what political reform is?” murmured the little boy. Perhaps he didn’t and just wanted to kill people. Oh big sis, don’t hold out too much hope.

......

Skystar City agitated with a fury; so did the rest of the central region as news spread. Word even reached the four cardinal continents.

Beheading nobles, one hundred of them! The story shocked every corner it reached. Everyone’s eyes were gathered on the central region, on Skystar City.

......

Silver Moon, White Moon City.

Director General Zhao’s expression shifted rapidly; Huang Yu sank into deep thought.

Kong Jie’s forehead was furrowed tightly and he said after a long moment, “I was thinking he’d be quiet for a few days, but now... Ole Zhao, do you think Ole Hou can protect him? Why doesn’t he advise the lad? He’ll easily get himself into trouble with how he’s proceeding...”

The director general remained silent, focusing on the pen in his hand. He wrote and drew certain things—no one knew what. Kong Jie began to fidget impatiently. It was so much effort talking to educated people sometimes!

“Do you have any ideas, Ole Huang?”

“What?” Huang Yu lifted his head with bafflement.

“I said that Li Hao must be in a lot of danger! He was already a public enemy to begin with, but people gave him chances because they were wary of certain things or rules. Not to mention, they were also on guard against each other. He can still find his footing if he withdraws now. Why must he create such an uproar?”