A Long Grind to Daoist Monarch-Chapter 154 - 127: Zhu Family, He Family

Seven or eight days passed in the blink of an eye.

The Zhu Residence in Yihai Prefecture finally received the corpse of Zhu Shou Rang, enclosed in a coffin.

Lao Ou, despondent and shell-shocked, traveled upstream along the Black Water River from the ferry in Wagang Village. 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

After disembarking, the Zhu Family dispatched two workers who hired an ox cart to haul it back, transporting it through the back gate to the side courtyard.

The funeral hall's long canopy had already been set up, and the musicians led by the Tea Master were in place, only waiting for this coffin.

The sound of drums and gongs mingling with cries and wails rushed into the ears.

This scene left Lao Ou somewhat startled, as if everything had been prepared in advance.

Like actors ready on a theatrical stage, with the audience seated and the roles in place.

Once the gongs sounded, the performance could begin.

After three quarters past noon, the main household of the Zhu Family gradually arrived.

Since Fifth Young Master's parents passed away, few relatives remained in the household.

He was unwilling to associate with the Patriarch and thus lived in the side courtyard, which was usually cold and deserted.

Yet, after his death, it suddenly became quite lively.

Cousins whose names were difficult to recall came to the door weeping mournfully, expressing their regrets, as if they all lamented Zhu Shou Rang's untimely demise.

As the sun slanted westward and the commotion slightly settled, the Zhu Family's renowned patriarch known for his shrewdness and impeccable name, Zhu Jinhe, calmly stepped into the side courtyard.

"I've read all the messages you sent. Ah Rang died unjustly."

The Patriarch named Zhu Jiren, was a notable figure alongside Zhu Jinhe in the main household, one pursued Daoism and the other martial arts, gaining significant fame ten years ago.

If not for Zhu Jinhe's tragic death in the ring, the position of Patriarch might not have fallen into Zhu Jiren's hands.

"Oh, Master…"

Lao Ou's chapped lips quivered, barely suppressing the hatred in his heart, intending to recount the collusion between Bai Qi and He Jingfeng, and how Li Yuan watched coldly as Fifth Young Master was beaten to death.

But as he raised his head, meeting the Patriarch's piercing gaze, a chilling sensation coursed down his spine, causing his words to shift:

"Second Miss remains in Wagang Village, it might not be safe! Should anything happen to her…"

Zhu Jiren waved his hand:

"The He Family boy lacks the courage for such extremes; if he harms Ling'Er even slightly, Shouwen and Shouliang will surely descend upon Black River County. Both are protective of Ling'Er, unable to bear her suffering any grievance."

"Lao Ou is inept! I failed to protect Fifth Young Master, please punish me, Master!"

Lao Ou bowed his head, draped in coarse burlap, seated before a fire basin.

In the vast Zhu Family, perhaps only he was willing to wear mourning cloth and guard Fifth Young Master's spirit.

Zhu Jiren consoled him:

"It's not your fault. I've learned about the old steward beside the He Family boy; he's a Third-Practice Expert invited from Celestial Water Prefecture, having refined two of his five organs, truly skilled.

I didn't expect Li Yuan to disregard the Zhu Family's connections, allowing Ah Rang to be harmed.

Outsiders can't be relied upon. Years ago, I opposed the consensus, traveled far and wide to establish the Weapon Craftsman Shop for him, to compete against Hundred Victory Hall.

Alas, hearts change easily, even seven or eight years of friendship stand thin as paper when in the end, it cost me my nephew's life!"

As he finished speaking, Zhu Jiren staggered, his body swaying, clutching his chest in sudden pain.

Lao Ou was shocked, quickly rising to support the Patriarch to prevent him from falling.

"My hatred runs deep! My brother Jinhe was slain by Ninghai Zen, and now his only son, my sole descendant, Shou Rang is also killed by Ninghai Zen's disciple!

How can I, upon a hundred years hence, face my parents and ancestors?"

Tears flowed from Zhu Jiren's eyes, each word steeped in genuine emotion, even causing Lao Ou to feel heartache, involuntarily speaking:

"Fifth Young Master, he was Jinhe's only seedling!"

"The deaths of the Zhu Family's main household must not remain unexplained; Lao Ou, you wait and see, I will make the He Family and Li Yuan pay!"

Zhu Jiren firmly gripped Lao Ou's shoulder, using it as support to stand upright:

"As for Ninghai Zen's disciple, don't concern yourself; his name spreads through Yihai Prefecture's Seventeenth Lineage, many wandering souls and ghosts have set sights on him."

Lao Ou nodded, Ninghai Zen's disciple bore a heavy burden, if not for his resilience and some connection with Pai Bang, he would've been dead multiple times.

The boy named Bai, best not step out of Black River County his entire life.

Otherwise, various attacks from the shadows would greet him, riddling him with hundreds of bloody holes.

"Lao Ou, you've labored long through travel, take your leave for now; I wish to speak with Jinhe and Ah Rang."

Zhu Jiren, disheartened, slightly hunched, resting hands on the coffin, his sorrow evident.

"Take care of your health, Master."

Lao Ou slowly withdrew from the vigil hall.

Could it be… Fifth Young Master really was deceived by slander?

Back then, the death of Master Jinhe had nothing to do with the Patriarch?

"Keep an eye on him. That old dog is loyal to Jinhe, protecting that little brat all these years.

Don't let him go mad, deliberately stirring trouble with Ninghai Zen's disciple, bringing calamity to the Zhu Family."

With no one around, Zhu Jiren shed his sorrowful demeanor, his expression turning cold.

Outside the threshold, at some unknown time, appeared a thickset middle-aged man:

"As you command, Master."

Zhu Jiren, hands behind his back, gazed at his brother's and nephew's tablets, speechless for a long time.

…

…

On the other side, at He Mansion.

The patriarch of the main household, He Lichang, clasped a letter, smiling at the beautiful woman beside him:

"My dear, I've often told you, Xiaoqi tends to hide his talents, not wishing to compete with his elder brothers. His resilience and adaptability ensure that even in Black River County, he won't cause any commotion."

The Lady of He Mansion still harbored dissatisfaction, most concerned for her youngest son, unable to accept He Jingfeng being dispatched to Black River County without having suffered hardship.

Simply enduring some suffering is one thing, but the place harbors a fierce entity, who could potentially endanger Xiaoqi's life at any moment.

"He managed this affair brilliantly; I pleaded personally to Lord Daoist Official for an enrollment spot.

Learning martial arts requires dedication; he is accustomed to comfort, lacking the resolve, so let him study Daoism."

Knowing a son's disposition best, He Lichang understood his seventh son He Jingfeng's temperament, incapable of enduring physical training and thus opted for meditative cultivation.

"Is it true?"

The woman's eyes lit up with joy.

Even though the He Family was one of the Thirteen Lineages, wealthy to boot, yet having three members as Daoist School enrollees was not easy.

Especially since the eldest, He Jinghong, was preparing for the Dao Trial, which was immensely costly, akin to a bottomless pit.

"When have I deceived you?"

The death of Zhu Shou Rang in the Zhu Family uplifted He Lichang's mood; nurturing a Master Craftsman in the Zhu Family not only strengthened them but also threatened his eldest son He Jinghong's standing in the Daoist School.

"Hmph, ten years ago you solemnly vowed vengeance for my elder brother…"

The woman inadvertently mentioned past matters, noticing He Lichang's expression darkening, hastily changing her words:

"That fierce man surnamed Ning recently accepted a disciple; Feng'Er mingles with him frequently, could he be led astray?"

Recalling how He Jingfeng confessed everything about delivering the secret text book to foster ties, He Lichang's furrowed brow relaxed:

"My view differs from the other twelve families; Black Water River cannot contain Ninghai Zen, this wild dragon, he'll return to Yihai Prefecture eventually.

Grudges and grievances dissipate like clouds; as long as our He Family stands firm, even if the other twelve lineages fall, what does it matter?

My dear, prepare an assortment of external items for cultivation, and send them to Black River County. Ah Qi's strategy is remarkable! Ninghai Zen's disciple, adept at practicing Tongwen Hall's Three True Techniques, his achievements in Martial Dao won't be lacking.

But if he becomes distracted by Daoist cultivation and delays his progress, there won't be another Ninghai Zen.

If people can be utilized by us without raising a formidable threat… Ah Qi's actions reflect my style!"