Chapter 149: Chapter 13 Decision
“Could it be… because he is a Fate Master, the Unique Destiny?”
For a moment, Yu Longqing seemed to grasp the key issue, but then he shook his head, “No, if I remember correctly, this Lord Ling, who studied fate under Elder Mo of the Zhou Yi Dynasty, also implies that his own fate is not unique!”
Although one has only a single life, not every Fate Master has to fight to the death; it only happens when destinies collide, and there is competitiveness, then they fight relentlessly.
For example: To break through the limits of the Merciless Swordsmanship, one must kill all others who practice the same sword technique, to gather all the essences of the way and transcend.
Those who practice the Art of Forging must also kill everyone on the same path to achieve a true breakthrough.
Because of this, driven by the desire for a unique destiny, not only do fellow disciples kill each other, but even teachers and students can become enemies.
There was once a powerhouse who killed his parents, spouse, children, and disciples, eliminating all attachments to forge divine energy.
Of course, this is for those who reach a certain realm, at least above the Seven-Star Contesting Fate Realm. For ordinary Fate Masters, they can practice together with others, at most the speed of their practice is just slower!
Just like this Ling Buyang, whose destiny is tied to the Mo Dao, he has an unparalleled talent in wielding this type of weapon, and he is a disciple of Mo Baiye, the founder of Mo Dao in the Zhou Yi Dynasty.
Mo Baiye is only a master of the Three-Star Knowing Fate Realm, far from contesting fate, so… the destiny associated with the Mo Dao is not about being unique, but to branch out and proliferate. The more he expands, the more benefits he reaps as the pioneer of that destiny.
As long as it is not the Contesting Fate Realm, all disciples, all followers, are safe.
Zhang Xuan’s specific destiny is unknown at present, but it is definitely not related to Mo Dao… that is to say, it is not possible for him to compete with Ling Buyang, so why the need to assassinate him?
“It’s not about destiny clash, but… a Mandate Chaos Master!” Liao Shiquan said with a grave expression.
“Mandate Chaos Master?” Yu Longqing frowned.
Even as the city lord, he had never heard of it.
“It’s said to be an existence that can disrupt fate, not tolerated by Heaven Mandate Hall. I’m not clear about the details, but I do know that this Lord Ling has already ordered the Liu Clan to pursue Teacher Zhang… he even issued a command that he can be killed if necessary!”
Yu Longqing was shocked.
This was a terrifying order. Zhang Xuan’s talent was notable and his growth rapid, but facing a clan and a Fate Master, he was certainly no match.
What should I do?
Seeing his thoughts, Liao Shiquan said, “City Lord, Miss is a student of this Zhang Xuan. If he truly is some Mandate Chaos Master, I’m afraid she will be implicated… You won’t be able to escape it either!”
Although he was appointed city lord by the Han Yuan Dynasty, in this world, Fate Masters reigned supreme over everything. If he offended Heaven Mandate Hall, the dynasty would not only fail to protect him, but they might also make an example out of him by dealing with him first.
“What is your opinion?”
Yu Longqing looked over.
Liao Shiquan’s eyes flickered: “Two approaches: First, the City Lord Residence sends troops now to support Lord Ling in capturing Zhang Xuan, essentially pledging allegiance. By doing so, even if the Miss encounters problems later, we have grounds to beg Lord Ling for mercy, considering we were oblivious to the situation and thus any mistakes were unintentional.”
Yu Longqing said, “And the second?”
Liao Shiquan replied, “The second is the same as before, pretend we know nothing, quietly inform the Miss to sever all ties with Zhang Xuan. That way, even if he gets into trouble… it won’t affect the Miss, and even if it does, we will have the opportunity to find a way around it!”
“Is there no third option?” Yu Longqing fell silent.
Knowing the city lord’s personality—that he valued loyalty and righteousness—Liao Shiquan quickly said, “My lord, that is a Fate Master, representing Heaven Mandate Hall… Once you help Zhang Xuan, you know the consequences. You must not make a foolish mistake! What’s most important now is how to save the Miss…”
“I know!”
Yu Longqing nodded, his gaze sharp: “Go gather the masters from the City Lord Residence and head to the Liu Clan. Say that the City Lord Residence is willing to support all of Lord Ling’s decisions unconditionally.”
“Yes!” Liao Shiquan breathed a sigh of relief and then showed a hint of confusion: “And what about you, City Lord?”
“I’m going to find Xiaoyu and bring her home first. Otherwise, if we really have to take action against her teacher, she may be unwilling, leading to conflict!”
Yu Longqing said.
Seeing that he remained wise at a crucial moment and wasn’t clouded by emotion, Liao Shiquan finally relaxed: “I’ll go at once!”
Watching him leave, Yu Longqing exhaled, changed into a black suit, leaped up, and quickly headed towards Baiyan Academy. In no time, he arrived at his daughter’s residence.
“Dad, why have you come?”
Seeing him push the door open, Yu Xiaoyu stood up.
“You… have reached the intermediate stage of the Physique Realm?” Seeing his daughter’s energy wasn’t concealed and her aura was grand and powerful, Yu Longqing was surprised.
He knew she had reached the pinnacle of the Accumulative Phase two days ago and become famous in one battle. He thought she would be consolidating her cultivation these last two days but hadn’t expected her to not only have broken through but also reached the Mid Physique Realm of the Source Pool!
That level of strength was no weaker than that of older students like Chen Hao.
“After learning that I had reached the pinnacle of the Accumulative Phase, my teacher personally created a cultivation method for the Physique Realm suitable for my constitution, so I was able to advance quickly…”
Yu Xiaoyu explained, speaking of her teacher with deep respect and admiration in her eyes.
The cultivation method taught by her teacher allowed for rapid progress without any side effects, making her feel its profound mystery more and more.
“There’s a situation I want to know your thoughts about…”
Yu Longqing looked over and relayed to her in detail the news and analysis shared by Steward Liao.
“…That’s how it is. You’ve grown up now and have your own judgment and decision-making abilities. No matter what choice you make, I will support you, even if it means paying a great price, I won’t have any regrets!”
After explaining, Yu Longqing looked over with a serious face.
He supported his daughter in whatever she did and was willing to work hard for the outcome.
It was a form of respect as well as a form of affection.
“I…”
Yu Xiaoyu’s face turned pale.
On one side was her respected teacher, Zhang laoshi, and on the other, the Heaven Mandate Hall… How should she choose?
After what seemed like an eternity, Yu Xiaoyu clenched her teeth and let out a breath, “Dad, I remember you told me that a person must remember kindness and have their own principles in whatever they do. Without those, living will have no meaning…”
“That’s right, the biggest difference between humans and animals is having our own perseverance and principles. If we lose these, we are no better than animals!”
Yu Longqing nodded.
“In that case!”
Yu Xiaoyu’s gaze became resolute, showing a determined look: “I choose to stand by Zhang laoshi whether in advancement or retreat. If he is captured or killed, as his student, I will certainly defend him, strive for him, and avenge him, even if it means facing danger!”
“Worthy of being Yu Longqing’s daughter…”
Seeing that she had indeed chosen this path, Yu Longqing nodded in satisfaction.
If she had chosen the path described by Steward Liao, although he would still support her, he certainly would feel somewhat disappointed.
People can give up certain things for themselves, for others, or for benefits, but definitely not their humanity.
“Does this mean… you agree with my choice?”
Yu Xiaoyu was taken aback.
“Of course!”
Yu Longqing nodded: “If you don’t protect a teacher who has been kind to you, what’s the point of living?”
“Thank you, Dad…”
Yu Xiaoyu’s eyes reddened: “It’s just… I’m afraid I’ll drag you down!”
Yu Longqing smiled: “You are my own daughter, what’s there to fear about dragging me down? To tell the truth, not everything that the Heaven Mandate Hall does is correct, and they have done many things against the grain over the years.”
“Dad…” Yu Xiaoyu threw herself into her father’s arms.
“Stop crying, prepare yourself now… I’m going to inform Zhang laoshi, suggest he better leave Baiyan City. If he doesn’t go, there might be a great battle! At that time, enough strength and energy will be needed.”
After pushing his daughter away, Yu Longqing looked at her with doting eyes.
“Understood!”
Yu Xiaoyu nodded.
Now that he knew his daughter’s decision, Yu Longqing said no more. His body leaped, leaving the room, and before long, he arrived at the School Head’s office.
He wanted to know what choice School Head Lu would make in this situation.
“I… will naturally send people to assist Lord Ling and strictly carry out his every command!”
Lu Mingrong said, “Baiyan Academy has always been greatly favored by the Heaven Mandate Hall. We will strictly comply with any orders they give, without refusal!”
Yu Longqing nodded and said no more.
Everyone has their own aspirations, and one cannot force others.
“In that case, I’ll go prepare as well, and we must not let this Zhang Xuan escape…” Yu Longqing bowed with his hands clasped.
Lu Mingrong responded with a sound.
As Yu, the city lord, walked away, School Head Lu turned his head toward Wu Yunzhou nearby: “What do you think?”
Wu Yunzhou: “Is it possible that Lord Ling has some misunderstandings about this Zhang laoshi? Should we go and explain?”
Lu Mingrong shook his head: “You haven’t dealt with this Ling Buyang; I’ve known him for many years. He is extremely infatuated with power and obstinately self-righteous, refusing to listen to advice. If I go over to explain now, not only will it be useless, it might even implicate the entire academy…”
“What should we do?” Wu Yunzhou looked anxious.
Lu Mingrong: “It’s simple, starting today, I resign from the position of school head, and you will take over. Then lead all the Elders to find Lord Ling and state our willingness to respect all his decisions, and as for me… I will now go find Zhang laoshi and figure out a way to get him out of Baiyan City!”
“To let him leave?” Wu Yunzhou was stunned.
“Yes!”
Lu Mingrong nodded, his gaze flashing: “As long as he leaves Baiyan City, Ling Buyang won’t be able to find him, and whether there’s an issue or not, Baiyan Academy won’t be involved anymore. That way… it’s also a way of repaying the favor he did me in helping with my breakthrough. Even if there are repercussions later, it will only be my personal actions and have nothing to do with the academy.”