Chapter 66: Escaped |
Even a fool would know what to do.
It seemed these two punished Choremen were also people arranged by Elder Xia.
Having found two more pieces of Leverage within Wukang Mountain, Shi Chun and his companion smiled, nodded, and Agreed to the terms. With that, each carrying his Carrying Pole, they Descended the Mountain.
After watching them go, Zou Xingbao suddenly asked Duan You next to him, "We're punishing them with labor, but they look like they're smiling happily. Did I see wrong?"
Duan You said, "Happy or not, the work still needs to be done.
Those two are impulsive enough to kill even Wei Bian; being Punished in the Discipline Hall is lenient."
Zou Xingbao chuckled, "Lenient? It's just that Wei Bian was in the wrong Beforehand, so there was nothing they could do.
Just Watch Closely; on the surface, being sent here is lenient, but secretly, they'll surely have a hard time. Fatty Martial Uncle was close to the Sect Master back then, and Wei Bian was close to Elder Yin.
The two had a good relationship; how could Fatty Martial Uncle make things easy for them? Didn't you see they weren't even given shoes?"
Zou Xingbao scoffed, "He 'Looks After' us because we've been in the Discipline Hall for a long time and gotten close to him.
Ultimately, it's because our Background isn't strong. If only someone who could speak up had put in a good word for us, it wouldn't have been nothing, but a small matter wouldn't have led to us being Punished all these years."
The road on the Mountainside was indeed much narrower than the Main Road on the front of the mountain; those going up or down had to turn sideways to pass.
Those carrying Carrying Poles up and down the mountain all seemed in a hurry, moving Hurriedly, but Shi Chun and his companion seemed somewhat out of place.
At the Mountain Foot, grass and Vegetation gradually appeared ahead, lush and refreshing.
A Stone Slab Road wound its way into the depths of the mountain forest. The two followed the path, not only observing the Laborers coming and going with their Carrying Poles but also looking Around for any guards.
Other Laborers on the road would always Observe their Barefoot state, curious and surprised.
Being confined in such a place, whether they had shoes or not was irrelevant to Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang.
Having just come from the Land of Exile, they had long been accustomed to being Barefoot; anyway, there was no need for any decency now.
They thought that not giving them shoes was Wukang Mountain deliberately trying to Make Things Difficult for them.
Little Did One Know, Elder Xia had truly forgotten this detail. Elder Xia was accustomed to making major decisions and didn't pay much attention to small details.
He would walk with his hands behind his back and wouldn't notice if people behind him were wearing shoes.
At first, the two thought that carrying twenty Carrying Poles of water in one morning would be a Relaxed task, at least for Cultivators like them.
It wasn't until they walked for a while that they realized it wasn't as Relaxed as they thought, because the journey was quite far; no wonder the Laborers carrying water along the way were all in a hurry.
And the reason everyone had to run so far to Carry Water was not to inflict Corporal Punishment, but because there were specific requirements for the Water Source.
For example, after a heavy rain last night, the water quality of ordinary Water Sources would become muddy, but the Water Source specifically Stationed by a group of Wukang Mountain Disciples would not.
Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang, who looked Around at the Water Source, found it quite strange that Wukang Mountain didn't place its Sect at a Water Source.
Following suit, after filling their Water Buckets like the other Laborers, the two picked them up and started back.
According to Wu Jinliang, they should find an opportunity to Flee now.
Shi Chun, however, said there was no rush. Since they had come all this way, they might as well take the opportunity while Carrying Water to observe Wukang Mountain's environment again, in preparation for the future.
Wu Jinliang felt there was some Reason to that, so the two toiled strenuously, then returned to the mountain.
Zou Xingbao and Duan You, who were waiting at the mountain road junction, waved to them to follow when they arrived.
At a certain intersection, one led each of them away.
Along the way, Shi Chun received instructions to remember his route and destination.
If nothing unexpected happened, the Water Vats at his destination would be his responsibility to fill every day from then on.
Within a Courtyard in one of the Pavilions and Towers, ten Water Vats were prepared in various corners.
Zou Xingbao led Shi Chun and pointed out the Location of all the Water Vats. Shi Chun nodded, indicating he had noted it, while internally he was Whispering, 'They're not even afraid of being Poisoned.
'
When Shi Chun asked where this place was, Zou Xingbao refused to Inform him and Exhorted him not to Inquire, because he was not a Sect Disciple.
As he left, a Wukang Mountain Disciple in the Courtyard handed a Silver Token to Shi Chun.
Shi Chun didn't understand its meaning, so Zou Xingbao explained that one Carrying Pole of water meant one token. Once he collected twenty tokens from this Courtyard and handed them to Pang Tiansheng, Fatty Martial Uncle, the morning's water-carrying Task would be considered complete.
When he walked back to the mountain descent path, Wu Jinliang was already waiting, having arrived first.
This time, Zou Xingbao and Duan You still didn't Descend the Mountain.
They told Shi Chun and the others to continue, saying their speed was too slow and they wouldn't be able to complete the morning's water-carrying Task at that pace.
As they Descended the Mountain, Shi Chun and his companion asked each other if they had Inquired About anything.
They found the same — they weren't allowed to Inquire. Instantly, they lost interest in staying and decided to Flee.
By the Cliff Edge, Bian Weiying's Skirt Hem fluttered in the wind. After confirming the two Descending the Mountain, a playful smile curled at her lips, and she turned and left.
She went directly to the Sect Discussion Hall.
Inside the Main Hall, a group of Sect Leaders were Discussing Matters.
Yin Huixin was also present. Suddenly, a Disciple guarding outside came to report, "Sect Master, Linkang City Lord Bian Weiying requests an audience."
Bian Jixiong, standing at the head, frowned.
The other Sect Elders looked at Each Other, their gazes filled with inquiry. The responses they gave were somewhat At a Loss, and even Yin Huixin was surprised.
After a brief silence, Bian Jixiong said in a deep voice, "Let her in."
The Disciple immediately withdrew.
Soon after, Bian Weiying quickly entered. After taking her Position, she offered Greetings to everyone, "Sect Master, esteemed Elders."
Bian Jixiong: "Don't you know we are Discussing Matters? What is so urgent that you must disturb us now?"
Bian Weiying cupped her hands and said loudly, "This Disciple wishes to Resign from the Position of Linkang City Lord."
As soon as these words were uttered, they immediately caused various strange and astonished reactions.
To Wukang Mountain, the Position of Linkang City Lord was one of the few good positions within Wukang Mountain; countless people sought it but couldn't get it. To put it bluntly, if Bian Weiying weren't the Sect Master's daughter, she might not have even gotten that Position, yet now she wanted to Resign?
Bian Jixiong looked at Yin Huixin, only to find his Wife was also Astonished, clearly unaware.
He frowned deeply and asked, "Reason?"
Bian Weiying said, "To Avoid Suspicion! Although the Sect made a decision regarding last night's Incident, Whispers and Gossip are still circulating. While the matter originated because of Wei Bian, this Disciple also bears undeniable responsibility.
Therefore, I Resign, wishing to return to the mountain for Concentrated Cultivation. I ask the Sect Master to Help Fulfill my wish."
Xia Fuli spoke up, "Weiying, there's really no need.
How can anything be done without Whispers and Gossip? If everyone reacted this way, nobody would get anything done."
"Yes, if you find anyone spreading rumors, just report them, and the Sect will Handle it accordingly."
"The matter has been concluded. Having a Clear Conscience is enough."
A group of Sect Elders offered words of comfort to varying degrees.
Bian Jixiong also said, "Don't make a hasty decision. Go back and calm down for a few days, then speak after you've thought it through."
Bian Weiying, however, insisted In Public, "Sect Master, this Disciple has thought it through very clearly.
These past years, being caught up in miscellaneous affairs has delayed my Cultivation. How can I balance gains and losses? After much deliberation, I have decided to Return to One's True Self and return to the mountain for Secluded Cultivation.
This is also to Avoid Suspicion, lest some say the Sect Master is Covering Up for his daughter. This Disciple is willing to Resign in Guilt.
I ask the Sect Master and all the Elders for your approval!"
Seeing that she truly no longer wished to be the City Lord, the Elders looked at Each Other in Dismay. At first, they had thought she was just putting on a show.
Bian Jixiong's gaze flickered for a moment, then he slowly said, "Are you truly sure?"
As Sect Master, he most feared his Disciples saying he was unfair. His daughter offering this 'pillow' to him, he didn't dislike it; rather, he found it comfortable to lean on.
Bian Weiying: "Completely certain."
Bian Jixiong took a deep breath, "Alright, then on this matter, this Seat will Act Arbitrarily just this once.
Granted! It's good for you to return to the mountain; from now on, focusing on your Cultivation is also a good thing." His gaze swept over everyone, "Everyone, since the Position of Linkang City Lord is now vacant, let's Discuss Matters together today.
Let's see who is suitable to take over as City Lord."
Yin Huixin stared intently at her daughter's expression and reaction.
Down the mountain, on the Stone Slab Road in the forest, Wu Jinliang, Looking Around, finally found an opportunity where no one was in front or behind them, and he quietly called out, "Chuntian."
Without him needing to speak, Shi Chun also saw it.
He urgently replied, "Go."
The two immediately dashed into the Dense Forest beside them, Carrying Poles and all.
They casually tossed their Water Bucket Carrying Poles into a Puddle, then crouched low, using the terrain and trees for cover, and swiftly Escaped into the mountains.
However, they hadn't Escaped far when they heard a series of sharp Ga-ga! cries from the trees.
Startled, the two looked up, only to see a Blue-Plumage Crow-Sparrow perched on a branch, Watch Closely them and shrieking, flapping its wings.
If it had just been one bird shrieking, it would have been fine.
But everywhere they went, the Blue-Plumage Crow-Sparrows in the trees joined the commotion, all Watch Closely them and shrieking Ga-ga!, then flapping their wings and flying into the air, following their escape.
The two immediately changed their expressions drastically.
They had occasionally seen these birds on trees along their water-carrying route before, and had thought they were just ordinary forest birds. Now, it seemed it wasn't that simple at all.
No wonder Wukang Mountain dared not send people to Watch Closely them.
The two picked up stones from the ground, using their Stone Throwing Skill to knock down a few, but it was useless.
The birds still wouldn't be scared away, stubbornly following them and shrieking.
"Chuntian, what's going on?" Wu Jinliang gave a Strange Cry.
"No matter what's going on, it's too late. I saw a River over there from the mountain," Shi Chun shouted, pointing ahead.
The two immediately ignored the birds and Fight Desperately towards the River.
The water-carrying Laborers in the mountain area were all Startled.
They successively dropped their Carrying Poles and Leaping Movement into the trees, looking in the direction of the pursuing flock of crows.
That scene Startled Duan You and Zou Xingbao, who were sitting idly at the mountain road junction.
Seeing this Situation, they looked at Each Other, then their expressions uniformly changed. Could it be such a coincidence? The two immediately grew afraid and quickly Leaping Down the Mountain to confirm.
On the mountain, a group of Enforcement Disciples had already performed Flash Movement to the Cliff Edge and were gazing into the distance. After spotting the direction of the pursuing flock of crows, the Leader waved a hand, and the group immediately flashed and Leaping Down the Mountain, rushing to pursue them…
Inside the Council Hall, after a period of open and secret contention, the new candidate for Linkang City Lord had just been Finalized.
Suddenly, a Disciple rushed in from outside, reporting loudly, "Sect Master, that Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang Escaped while being Punished with water-carrying!"
Bian Jixiong was startled. He wanted to ask if those two fellows were crazy.
He immediately shouted, "Hurry and chase them!"
The Disciple said, "The Enforcement Disciples have already gone to chase them after Hearing the news."
Among the Elders, some chuckled, "I really don't know what those two are thinking.
As Prisoners of Wukang Mountain, why do they think they can easily run away right under Wukang Mountain's nose?"
Others had a Solemn Expression, reminding everyone, "Those who dare to run must have some Backing. We must not be careless; we should add more Manpower to the Full-Force Round Up!"
Bian Jixiong agreed, shouting, "Issue the order! Add a few more teams, Full-Force Round Up!"
Elder Xia Fuli's face had already darkened; it certainly didn't look good.
Bian Weiying, still in the Hall, waiting for the Handover of the City Lord's grand position, was Stunned and Speechless. She had resigned from the City Lord's grand position precisely because of those two.
Now that she had successfully resigned, those two had run away. What was she supposed to do? She couldn't Go Back on One's Word and ask for the City Lord position back.
(End of Chapter)