g saw the only decoration he had seen since entering this courtyard.It was a small canvas, upon which three little figures were sketched with naive brushstrokes.Two slightly bigger ones, holding onto...Still gazing outward, at a fresh grave, Jiang Wang opened his eyes.

The tiny silver moon fell into his right palm, transforming into a silver moon mark branded upon it, before vanishing.

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But Jiang Wang could still clearly sense its presence. It possessed no power whatsoever, it would simply reappear whenever Jiang Wang willed it, connecting with the Taiyin Star and drawing his spirit into that mysterious and unknowable ethereal realm of the void.

He didn't explore the ethereal realm for too long, and the countryside he was in wasn't a place where he could relax and explore either.

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Not to mention whether the aftermath of the battle between powerful cultivators would spread, or whether cultivators from Fenglin City would come over to investigate. As for Jiang Wang himself, he had more pressing matters at hand.

If my memory serves me right, in three days, it will be the time for the inner courtyard selection of Fenglin Academy.

Once this point in time was missed, he would never be able to find the opportunity again - the opportunity for revenge.

Because the disciples within the inner courtyard are the ones truly recognized as Daoist disciples by the State of Zhuang, and Daoist disciples cannot be lightly insulted, let alone killed!

Casting one last glance at the dilapidated Taoist temple, where he had stubbornly lingered for days despite his illness, Jiang Wang took a large stride under the moonlight and walked away.

Before the dilapidated gate, weeds grew rampant. A gust of wind swept through, allowing moonlight to fall upon an old plaque lying on the ground for many years. The inscription was faded, but the two characters "hái zhēn" could be faintly discerned.

The moonlight shines on the newly-built grave, and the wind rustles through the leaves.

>

As if someone sighed.

Fenglin City isn't actually that small. For many generations who have lived there, it might as well be the whole world.

Besides the lord representing the will of the ruling state, Zhang, Fang, and Wang are the masters of this land.

As night fell deep, the back door of Yici Tower creaked open. A young woman's laughter filled the air as a man in a long shirt with slits on both sides stumbled out, his drunken swagger accentuated by an air of smug satisfaction.

His name is Fang De Cai.

This "Fang" surname isn't easily obtained. Since his grandfather's generation, they have served the Fang family for three generations before being granted this surname. It is precisely because the Fang family relies on him as a confidant that he has such financial resources, able to visit places like Yicui Tower, a sensual haven, once a month.

He suddenly pinched his sweetheart's sister again, and then he laughed loudly as he left.

That voluptuous woman glared at him, annoyed and coy. She kept nagging him with sweet words until his back disappeared down the alley. Only then did she spit: "A dog wearing someone else's clothes." Then she slammed the door shut.

She therefore failed to notice that a raggedly dressed man had already crept up behind Fang De Cai.

Fang De Cai had some martial arts skills. When he felt something was wrong, he suddenly threw a punch and turned around, but the other person simply slapped him with one hand, scattering his stance.

Then his throat was seized, he was lifted off the ground and slammed against the wall.

Compared to the swift swelling pain on his face and the increasingly difficult breathing, what terrified him more was that face.

With a gentle, calm expression, Jiang Wang's face.

"Ginger... Ginger..." Fang De Cai was being strangled, his throat constricting as he gasped in terror and struggled.

"Who ordered you to do this, Fang family, or Fang Pengju Were there others involved What kind of poison was in the wine How did you get in touch with the bandits from Xishan"

Jiang Wang asked these questions slowly, pinching Fang Decai's throat until he was about to suffocate, before leisurely releasing his grip: "Now, tell me everything slowly."

He glanced up at the moon, "We have plenty of time."

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A gentle breeze pushed clouds across the sky, partially obscuring the moonlight. In this alleyway, hushed conversations were held in whispers, as delicate as a demon's secrets.

This night, the bright moon hangs high in the windless sky. Those who survived have returned to the city.

When the sun rose, Jiang Wang stood at the entrance of Fenglin City's Daoist academy.

This is the end of a paragraph.

The state of Zhuang practiced Taoism as its national religion, and the most powerful supernatural power naturally came from Taoism. The Taoist academies scattered throughout all three counties of the country are a testament to this.

The Dao Academy is not only the first choice for young people in Zhuang Guo to practice, but even officials of all levels need to have a history of studying at the Dao Academy to be convincing.

Thus, the most valuable place in Fenglin City may not be the Mayor's Mansion, nor the grand estates of the three prominent families, but rather the Fenglin Academy.

The Taoist lineage of the Zhuang Kingdom belongs to the Yujing Mountain school, which places great emphasis on rituals and ceremonies. Consequently, the entire Daoist temple is built with grandeur and opulence. To say nothing of the pair of jade lions squatting on either side of the gate, they exude an air of majesty and nobility.

Jiang Wang's clothes were still ragged, and upon closer inspection, there was even a sour smell. He had only simply washed his face and haphazardly tied his messy hair back behind his head.

He stood before the wide-open gate of the Daoist temple, his whole being erect and proud, standing tall like a young pine.

The disciple guarding the outer gate rubbed his eyes again and again before he could believe what he saw and shouted, "Jiang...Senior Brother Jiang!"

Jiang Wang nodded and said, "Hello, Wu shidi."

As the most daring outer sect disciple in Fenglin City's Daoist Academy, he had participated in countless Daoist Academy missions. Basically, any outer sect disciple who had been there for over a year knew him well.

Wu's younger brother turned around and ran into the courtyard, shouting excitedly: "Brother Jiang Wang is back! Brother Jiang Wang is back!"

In no time, a multitude of outer disciples swarmed the Daoist academy, filling its entrance to capacity. Fellow disciples chattered incessantly, their voices a cacophony. It was evident that Jiang Wang commanded considerable respect among the outer disciples on a daily basis.

Among dozens of outer disciples, a few stood out. Even in the crowd, people subconsciously made way for them.

"You goddamn son of a bitch, Jiang! Where the hell have you been hiding these days I thought you were dead!"

The one shouting from afar was Du Yehu. As he ran, the muscles on his body seemed ready to burst out of his training clothes any second. His face was also unusual, covered in a thick beard. Just standing there, looking at his face alone, you'd think he was two or three years older than the other outer disciples. Someone might even believe he was some mountain bandit leader, not an eighteen-year-old boy.

Because he developed too quickly, he was known as a boy with premature gray hair.

He burst through the crowd like a bear, engulfing Jiang Wang in a hug. He ignored the faint sour smell on his body, muttering over and over, "Damn it! Damn it!"

"Welcome back!"

As he spoke, his eyes were bloodshot and his lips trembled. It was Ling He.

>

His face was handsome, with a high forehead and an air of composure. Dressed in a white practice robe, he stood behind Du Yecho, gazing intently at Jiang Wang.

Only one handsome young man walked over, sizing up Jiang Wang from head to toe before pointing at his tattered clothes and laughing, "How did you end up looking like a ghost"

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He was named Zhao Ru Cheng. He was exceptionally handsome, with a smile that seemed slightly frivolous on his face. But only those who truly knew him could see the hidden glimmer of tears in his captivating eyes.

These people have different appearances and personalities, but they are all close friends with Jiang Wang.

In numerous trials and challenges within the outer gates, they worked together, overcoming countless dangers and hardships. Their profound bond has been forged through these shared experiences.

But Jiang Wang's gaze went past them, landing only on the handsome young man in the crowd whose eyes seemed to be bloodshot.

He said nothing, made no move, but simply stood there, and yet was somehow the center of the crowd.

>

"It's been fifty-seven days since you left," Jiang Wang said, almost drawing out each word. "I think about you every day."

"I only want to soar high, wouldn't I miss my second brother" Du Yecho grabbed Jiang Wang's shoulders and shook him, wailing loudly.

Ling He and Zhao Ru Cheng both fell silent.

Fifty-seven days is a very specific and sensitive time, exactly fifty-seven days since Jiang Wang's disappearance.

Fang Pengju, dressed in fine silk robes, smiled and stepped forward: "It's good that you're back. Everyone has been very worried about you these past few days."

"Yeah." Jiang Wang also smiled, "If you can't see the body, how could you not worry"

Fang Peng's face changed: "What do you mean by that After you got into trouble, I was frantic! I sent people to look for you everywhere!"

"That's why I didn't dare to show myself until today," Jiang Wang said softly.

"Jiang Wang! The attackers were remnants of the Xishan bandits, this is common knowledge! Could you possibly suspect me" Fang Pengju's face flushed red, clearly angry and surprised. "We Five Heroes of Fenglin are like brothers! Have you perhaps heard some rumors"

Ling He, Du Yehu, Jiang Wang, Fang Pengju, and Zhao Ruocheng were the most outstanding disciples of the outer courtyard of Fenglin City Daoist Academy. Because they hit it off, they often traveled together to eliminate bandits, sharing both successes and hardships. They were known as the Five Heroes of Fenglin.

Feeling the atmosphere suddenly become heavy, the outer court disciples who came to greet Jiang Wang began to feel uneasy.

Could it be that Fang Pengju harmed Jiang Wang

"Don't talk nonsense, Fang Pengju has always been upright and would never do such a thing! It must be a misunderstanding!"

"I don't think so... Senior Brother Jiang is not a fool who can be easily manipulated."

The crowd was whispering.

"You're all family here, don't talk nonsense!" Du Yeli stared at Jiang Wang, his face full of anxiety. His intuition told him something was wrong, but he couldn't stop what was about to happen.

Ling He thought for a moment and spoke, persuading, “Third brother, this period of time you must have gone through many things, suffered much hardship. Why not settle down first In a few days it will be the Inner Court selection of scholars, a matter that concerns your whole life, it needs to be treated with caution. The bandits from Xishan have already been wiped out by our joint efforts. If there are still any hidden circumstances, we can slowly unravel them. If you have grievances, if you have hatred, our brothers will definitely help you, even if it means going all the way to the County Daoist Academy and the National Daoist Academy, we will not hesitate!”

Kapo is our brother who swore brotherhood with us. I believe there must be some misunderstanding. Perhaps someone is stirring up trouble...

"Big brother," Jiang Wang interrupted him, "when have I ever spoken without thinking My regard for our brotherhood is no less than yours. So since I'm saying this today, it means things really are like this."

"Fang Pengju!" Jiang Wang turned to look at the young man in brocade, and pointed at him. "I hope that after you open this box, you can still be so righteous!"

>

It was then that everyone noticed a large box behind Jiang Wang.

"No matter what happens, Fang Pengju will never harm his friends!" Fang Pengju only paused for a moment before saying with determination, "I'll go see for myself what kind of evidence could make the third brother suspect his own brother!"

He strode out to the yard, drew his long sword from his hip, and sliced open the box with a single stroke!

A man with his hands tied up was revealed inside the box. He had a cloth stuffed in his mouth and looked extremely anxious when he saw Fang Peng, frantically whimpering.

Du Yexi and Ling He both fell silent. They recognized him, this was Fang Pengju's trusted servant, Fang DeCai.

That day, you sent a letter through your servant, inviting me to drink at the Moon Viewing Pavilion. When I arrived, you weren't there yet. He persuaded me to have a few drinks first and try the fine wine you had specially sent. The poison in that wine... was Two-Phase Yin-Yang散.

As soon as the poison took effect, a band of bandits broke in... I personally wiped out the bandits from Xishan, but I didn't expect to be nearly killed by a group of remnants here in Fenglin City!

Jiang Wang's voice echoed softly: "So the first thing I did after recovering was to find Fang De Cai."

Feng Pengju was silent for just a moment, then the next instant his sword shot forward!

"Beast! Our family has treated you well. You dare collude with bandits, forge letters, and harm my third brother!"

This sword strike was both swift and precise, spraying blood. Fang De Cai twitched violently, let out a few muffled gurgles in his throat, and finally lay still like a dead dog. From beginning to end, he didn't even have time to utter a word in his defense.

"Fang Pengju!" Nobody in the room was a fool. Though Du Yexi might be rough around the edges, he wasn't stupid. This time, his eyes widened with fury and anger boiled over.

"Second Brother." Fang Pengju held up his blood-stained long sword, shame etched across his face. "I... was overcome with anger and just wanted to kill this beast in revenge for Third Brother!"

"It's okay." Jiang Wang watched Fang Pengju finish his performance before taking out a piece of paper from her pocket, covered in densely written characters. "This has Fang Decai's confession and signature. Would you like to see it, Pengju"

"Bang!"

"Fang Pengju casually discarded his sword and suddenly knelt down. "I don't need to see to know what's written on it. I can only say that the bandits from Xishan still harbor ill intentions towards me. I don't know what price they paid, but this beast Cai is so devoted! But Third Brother, believe me, I have always been honest and straightforward. I have never done anything underhanded. No matter what the reason for this incident is, the Fang family will definitely give you an explanation. I will offer a reward of ten thousand taels of silver, and I will definitely eradicate all bandits within a radius of a hundred miles to wash away the hatred in Third Brother's heart!"

Among the crowd, a disciple from the outer court spoke up: "That's right, Senior Brother Jiang, you five heroes of Fenglin are all righteous men and the pride of our Fenglin City Daoist Academy's outer court. Don't be provoked by villains!"

"My mother was once seriously ill, and it was Fang's brother who generously helped us. I believe he is not this kind of person."

"And there are those who spit on the corpses of their opponents, saying things like, 'Such a wretch deserves to die! He has slandered our brother and ruined the brotherhood of the Five Heroes of Fenglin. If he were still alive, I would cut him into a thousand pieces!' "

"Fellow disciples, there's no need for further discussion!" Fang Peng raised his hand to stop the crowd from arguing. He knelt a few steps forward and looked at Jiang Wang earnestly: "After my third brother disappeared, I led people to search everywhere, several times to the point of tears. Everyone knows about my loyalty to my third brother, heaven and earth can bear witness! But even though I ask with an innocent heart, if it wasn't for the trust I had in wealth, and my third brother trusting me, how could this beast have taken advantage All the blame lies with me, I am willing to take full responsibility!"

“I am willing to spend all my personal wealth to compensate for the pain of my third brother; I am willing to be whipped to atone for my mistake in trust; I am willing to go alone to fight pirates and vow to exterminate the remnants of Xishan. As long as the remnants exist, I will not return to the city!”

“I am willing to do this, not for compensation. My third brother almost died, this hatred is hard to repay! It's just that we are brothers, I cannot forgive myself!”

"If…" Fang Pengju finally choked out, his voice trembling with emotion as he gritted his teeth. "If Third Brother still harbors resentment, then take this sword and kill me! Pengju will have no complaints!"

All eyes were on the bloodstained, earth-shattering long sword.

"Brother Fang, you shouldn't do this!"

“I believe it's not your fault. A man of valor wouldn't easily speak of death.”

This scene, upon being witnessed, evokes strong emotions in all who see it, with many voices rising to dissuade.

Even Ling He fell silent for a moment before speaking again, "Third Brother, Fourth Brother, this matter..."

Jiang Wang waved his sleeves and strode forward: "Pengju, I have endured countless hardships for you in the past, and you have also stood up for me. We five brothers together, we've also experienced life and death together."

>

Regardless of whether it was Ling He, Du Yehu or Zhao Rucheng, they were all deeply moved. The blood and tears they experienced together, the days they fought side by side, the joyful moments they shared... only they themselves knew.

>

The bond of life and death, how can it be summed up in just a few words

“Third Brother…” Fang Pengju lowered his head, and tears streamed down his face uncontrollably. “A thousand mistakes, ten thousand wrongs, it’s all my fault. I shouldn't have trusted the evil servant, nearly causing a huge disaster!”

"But since Pengju said so..." Only to hear Jiang Wang slowly say, "Then, the third brother, respectfully obeys!"

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Let me know if you have any other text you'd like translated!rom saying anything. Facing someone like Ye Qingyu, who came from a wealthy family, it was actually difficult to advise her on being thrifty. Because she might already be very frugal. It's just that...