Chapter 1701: Chapter 981: Big Shot
Thinking of this, Yang Xiao increasingly felt the heavy burden on his shoulders. His assignment to such a crucial place was a testament to the trust the General Bureau placed in him.
"Mr. Yang Xiao, not long ago, Hei Mu Zhenyi led an attack on your country’s Ru Lin Academy, causing many innocent lives to suffer. Such shameless actions are truly unjustifiable. I hope you will convey to Chief Yue upon your return that this was entirely the foolish decision of Hei Mu Zhenyi alone and does not represent the consensus of the Japanese Apostles. Our Jiu Mountain Family wishes for eternal friendship with your nation!" clad in a white kimono, Jiushan Shunyu solemnly entrusted Yang Xiao.
"Certainly! I will surely convey your message, and I believe Chief Yue will definitely understand the intentions of your predecessor!" Yang Xiao raised his cup, and as soon as it was empty, the attendant beside him promptly refilled it with sake.
Hei Mu Zhenyi was once the President of the Black Wood Society. Shortly after he raided Ru Lin Academy to rescue the young Sect Master, his body was discovered in a remote fishing village, along with the bodies of many Black Wood Society masters, a scene too dreadful to witness.
According to statistics, nearly all the remaining notable masters of the Black Wood Society were there. The once Blade of Japan had become history, and subsequently, the remaining Heimu Clan members faced the furious reckoning from Yang Qianhe of Ru Lin Academy, even hiding in Japan was useless.
"Mr. Yang Xiao, the Heimu Family has already paid the price for their foolishness and recklessness. The family is now but a name, with only a few old, weak, and sick members left, living in hiding every day. I hope you can find Old Dean Yang Qianhe of Ru Lin Academy to help mediate this bloody turmoil, it’s troubling!" Jiushan Jinglan, the only woman among the five elders, earnestly requested.
"It’s just that..." Yang Xiao withdrew his gaze, pretending to inadvertently glance at the Mu Girl’s hand resting on the table. Her hand slowly released the wine cup.
"I understand the goodwill of your predecessor in wanting to mediate this struggle, but perhaps you are unaware that during this shameful raid, the only son of Elder Yang, Yang Yunluo, the Dean of Ru Lin Academy, was brutally murdered. The culprit was none other than Black Wood Society President Hei Mu Zhenyi, and even his body was taken away and chopped into several pieces."
"During the assault, the Academy’s Scripture Pavilion was burned down, faculty and student dormitories, teaching facilities, Martial Training Field, and many other places suffered indiscriminate attacks, resulting in heavy casualties. I’ve seen the photos of the scene, the flames were blazing, it was truly horrific."
"The century-old foundation of Ru Lin Yang Family nearly destroyed overnight, and Old Dean Yang deeply mourned the loss of his beloved son, a parent burying their child. Who can understand their pain? If the culprits are not punished as a warning, I don’t think even Ru Lin Academy would agree, nor would my Patrol Defense Office." Yang Xiao spoke with passionate fervor, full of momentum. But when he saw the Mu Girl’s hand grasp the wine cup again, he immediately swallowed his subsequent words.
Indeed, the one appearing openly was Yang Xiao, while the Mu Girl was actually controlling the situation. The two had previously agreed that during the banquet, they wouldn’t directly communicate, so they established a set of codes.
Whenever the Jiu Mountain Family made a request, Yang Xiao would act according to the girl’s instructions. If she held the wine cup, it meant the matter could be agreed upon, but if she released it, it indicated refusal.
Releasing then gripping again meant Yang Xiao had said enough on the same issue and should remain silent.
Yang Xiao managed to reach where he was today through more than just his looks and effort. His greatest advantage was his obedience, listening to those with the strongest influence.
Facing Yang Xiao’s direct refusal, Jiushan Jinglan showed no sign of displeasure, merely nodded, and said no more.
This was just a minor episode, not affecting the friendly atmosphere of tonight’s banquet at all. Both sides engaged in conversation, guests and host were equally joyful, and Family Head Jiushan Cangxuan repeatedly mentioned the relationship between the two countries, discussing nothing but positive energy. Yang Xiao couldn’t help but be impressed by the elder’s spirit and desire for peace, their conversation highly congenial.
Inevitably, they finally discussed the Ghost Sect and its leader, reputed to possess abilities akin to gods and demons. Upon mentioning this person, the usually composed Jiushan Cangxuan couldn’t contain his emotions. He had once held high hopes for this exceptionally talented young man, even recommending him to the previous leader, never anticipating their ambition and ruthlessness to surpass their talent.
In a few short years, they had used formidable strategies to fully control the Ghost Sect, purging all internal opposition and subsequently integrating more than two-thirds of Apostle Families within Japan.
Were it not for a few prominent families, led by the Jiu Mountain Family, standing in opposition, the current Ghost Sect would have already swallowed all Apostle Families in Japan, achieving unprecedented unification, and this was merely the first step of the Ghost Sect Leader’s expansion plan.
Facing the current situation, Jiushan Cangxuan candidly admitted he was no longer the match for the Ghost Sect. The main reason they could still hold on was due to the leader’s remaining gratitude for past kindness.
"But that gratitude is running out, isn’t it? Kah Party’s ninjas have already made a move against you." Speaking with intelligent people, Yang Xiao preferred straightforwardness, disliking to beat around the bush.
Hearing this, Jiushan Cangxuan nodded with a sigh: "You’re right, their patience is almost exhausted. This incident serves as a warning to my Jiu Mountain Family, but as long as there is one member of the Jiu Mountain Family still alive, we will not give up."
