Chapter 245: Chapter 245 The Wise Man

Mortals amongst themselves can have the likes of princes, and when a clerk’s document is sent saying that the Prince’s Mansion lacks an Innate Patron, they would like to recruit one with a generous reward.

Such an invitation is not so easily refused.

If a clan only has one Innate, they might ignore the royal summons—after all, that single person is the pillar of the home.

Moreover, reaching the Innate level in martial cultivation doesn’t mean there is no further road ahead. Indeed, some might choose to indulge in life as they please, but others aim to go even further beyond the ‘hundred-foot pole.’

The likelihood of achieving Martial Enlightment may be low, but having reached Innate, who would be so easily defeated?

In fact, for martial cultivators aspiring to Immortality, Martial Enlightment isn’t the only option, nor is it the mainstream choice. The true mainstream approach is to find one’s own serendipity and thus become an Immortal.

For example, what Tian Yangni and Lang Zhen are doing is exactly this.

Innate Experts can also look for their own serendipity, and although they might be older, the risks reduce significantly when wandering the world. Moreover, once they reveal their cultivation level, it’s easier to gather information.

In short, the Gu Family currently has one Innate at home, and it’s not ruled out that there could be a second, just that they’re not returning home.

Facing such an adversary is indeed a headache for the Tian Family.

“An Innate?” Feng Jun sneered disdainfully, “I’ve killed more than one Innate.”

He glanced at Tian Yangni again, “Bright and early tomorrow, send someone to inform the Gu Family. Have their Innate come here and explain clearly what exactly is going on… daring to harm Old Lang, the Gu Family really has the gall!”

“This…” Tian Yangni showed a troubled expression. The Tian Family had no shortage of brave men, and there were certainly those who would dare to make the trip, even to the domineering Gu Family.

But designating an Innate to come to a riverbank and explain something was a direct challenge to an Innate’s dignity. If the Gu Family killed that person and hung them up at the door, the Official Government wouldn’t even question it.

The dignity of the Innate is not to be insulted; even the prince’s mansion would not dare to do such a thing, so how could the minor Tian Family presume to do it?

The Tian Family Disciples were not afraid to sacrifice their lives, but it was quite unnecessary to actively seek death.

Just as he was hesitating, Yu Zhengqing coughed lightly, “Ahem, Mr. Feng… If you can ensure that this thief is indeed from the Gu Family, my Yu Family will help you with this matter, we might even join you in dealing with the Gu Family.”

“Facing the Gu Family, I can manage on my own,” Feng Jun outright refused. His nature had always been such that he preferred to do things himself rather than owe favors—unless someone recognized his abilities and wanted to flatter him.

It was also because of his character that he struggled to make headway long after graduation.

He simply made a solemn declaration, “If this person doesn’t belong to the Gu Family, everything in this courtyard, I will give to you.”

The fellow from the Gu Family sneered, “Everything… how much could that possibly be worth?”

To his surprise, Yu Zhengqing clapped his hands and said briskly, “Since the Divine Doctor has such confidence, I’m put at ease. If the Gu Family dares collude with Wonderful Hand Pavilion, let them await a life of fleeing… However, what if the Gu Family members don’t come?”

“Not only must it be someone from the Gu Family who comes, but it must also be that Innate,” Feng Jun said sternly, “I give him three days. If he doesn’t show up, don’t blame me for rooting out his Gu Family entirely.”

Yu Zhengqing heard the phrase “root out entirely” and couldn’t help but twitch at the corners of his mouth. The Yu Family ran the CheMa Trading Company and was no stranger to various Jianghu tactics. The real head of the CheMa Trading Company knew even more.

Yet, the thought of rooting out an entire clan with thousands of direct relatives was somewhat chilling…

Especially chilling since that clan… damn, had Innate experts.

What Yu Zhengqing didn’t know was that Feng had long had a feud with the Gu Family, and now with Lang Zhen injured, he felt even more remorseful.

Having tested the power of firearms, why not test the power of tonnes of explosives?

However, the injured member of the Gu Family couldn’t withstand the pressure and shouted, “I am not from the Gu Family! What is your intention by pressing me so hard?”

Feng Jun laughed angrily, “I haven’t asked what your intentions are, yet you’re questioning mine? Don’t be in such a hurry to deny it; there are many ways to test kinship. Your family’s Innate will understand how to write ‘regret’ if they insist on denying it.”

The injured man’s face changed color again and again until finally, he roared lowly, “What on Earth do you want to do?”

Hearing this, Tian Yangni couldn’t hold back any longer. He stepped forward and with a lift of his hand slapped the man hard across the face.

“Boy, you’re pretty arrogant. Did we force your Gu Family into Wonderful Hand Pavilion? Did the Divine Doctor invite you here? Now you’re actually asking what the Divine Doctor intends to do… Do you really think all the justice in the world is on your side?”

He had already decided to cling to Feng Jun’s thigh; the hesitation before was just a bit troubled by the man’s reputation—after all, the Tian Family and the Gu Family were not on the same level, and if the Divine Doctor changed his mind midway, the Tian Family truly wouldn’t be a match for the Gu Family.

This kind of thing was not without precedent. After all, the Gu Family had enormous influence. If they were willing to submit to the Divine Doctor, the Tian Family could indeed be sacrificed. In reality, just by letting the Gu Family go, the Tian Family would face endless troubles.

But the Divine Doctor had no intention of making concessions, and the Yu Family was eager to try their luck without any ambiguity. Under such circumstances, if Tian Yangni did not understand the importance of taking the opportunity to show their mettle, it would be in vain to have the status of a clan elder.

At the very least, Feng Jun was very satisfied with his performance, “Be careful, don’t kill him.”

“We’ve already searched him. It’s hard for him to die if he wanted to,” Tian Yangni bared his teeth in a grin, speaking coldly, “Knowing that my Tian Family is responsible for the security yet repeatedly causing trouble, do you really think the Tian Family members are all dead?”

The injured party really didn’t take the Tian Family seriously, believing the Gu Family could easily crush the Tian Family. It was only because the cost would be high and not necessarily worth it that they had not yet acted, not to mention that he was also from the Wonderful Hand Pavilion.

With both identities combined, he fully had the right to say: What is the Tian Family worth?

However, at this moment, his main opponent was not the Tian Family, but Feng Jun!

He had been very arrogant just now, but in fact, including the Wonderful Hand Pavilion, no one would underestimate Feng Jun — being able to kill an Innate Expert in a direct confrontation was already a very terrifying capability.

It was precisely because of this that the patron of the Wonderful Hand Pavilion chose to stand in the distance to watch, rather than approaching to observe closely.

As of now, with another Innate Expert having died at Feng Jun’s hands, he was to be taken even more seriously.

This individual wouldn’t care much for the Yu Family, but he had to take Feng Jun’s stance seriously.

Therefore, he heaved a sigh and spoke up decisively, “Alright then, I am from the Gu Family, so what? I left Yangshan when I was very young and haven’t had much contact with my family.”

Blood relation tests cannot be faked. With the other party insisting on such actions, continuing to deny it would be meaningless and could only anger them further.

Upon hearing this, Feng Jun let out a cold laugh, “Now you remember to clear your name? It’s too late!”

“Alright, I have some inside information to share,” the man was quite unyielding. Once he admitted his identity, he immediately corrected his attitude, “This matter isn’t significantly related to the Gu Family. If you can spare the Gu Family, I’m willing to reveal every detail.”

Tian Yangni upon hearing these words, raised his hand and delivered another slap, “What’s all this ‘your excellency’ talk? The Divine Doctor is so esteemed… don’t you even know how to show proper respect?”

“Fine then, Divine Doctor,” the man spoke without emotion, “If you are willing to spare the Gu Family, I will tell you everything without reservation.”

Yu Zhengqing could not help but snort coldly at these words, “Beautifully said, but aren’t you just afraid to die? If the Wonderful Hand Pavilion is full of people like you, it’s no wonder they can’t compare to the Hundred Flowers Tower.”

“Who says I’m afraid to die?” The man gave him a cold glance, then turned to Feng Jun, “I am willing to fully cooperate, not to seek life, but to seek a swift death, as long as your honor… Divine Doctor spares the Gu Family.”

This kind of determination to die was rare in the current Earth Realm, but in this plane, it was fairly common — everyone was accustomed to life and death, as it was just the way things were.

In a society that values morality and responsibility, a tarnished reputation could indeed be more terrifying than death itself.

No one is unafraid of death, but as long as one’s death is meaningful, it no longer matters.

“Sparing the Gu Family…” Feng Jun pondered for a moment. Actually, if the Gu Family was willing to cooperate, he might not necessarily make things difficult for them. Sending an entire large clan of thousands to their demise without differentiation seemed a bit cruel.

However, when he turned his head and saw Lang Zhen meditating and healing not far away, he was reminded that showing mercy was unwise. He could not help but inwardly ridicule himself, thinking that he indeed had a short memory for the blows he received.

So he stated coldly, “I don’t know what you’re going to say, and the value of this information might not be worth sparing the Gu Family.”

In his view, the other party would likely bargain, but little did he expect the man to nod in agreement straight away, “Well then, perhaps Divine Doctor can make a judgment after hearing the message?”

This was handing over the initiative to the opponent — the value of the information, you decide for yourself.

“You are quite clear-headed,” Feng Jun nodded.

Truth be told, he liked to communicate with such people where no one plays tricks and straightforward talking is preferred.

In many instances, playing tricks does not bring any reward but only complicates matters. On this plane, the key to solving problems is still the strength of one’s martial prowess.

After all the effort spent on playing various schemes, once discovered, matters still resort to martial force — what’s the fun in that?

Without the tricks, everyone saves time and effort, and it can prevent infuriating the opponent and causing more serious consequences.

Unfortunately, many fail to see even this simple truth, hoping to gain more through such cleverness.

But the injured man was wise, understanding that the key to deciding the outcome lies in martial might — of course, he also had to gamble that the Divine Doctor was someone who kept his word.

Feng Jun indeed was such a person, “I am not particularly interested in annihilating your entire Gu Family. Just don’t force my hand.”

The man nodded, then looked around, “Then, please, Divine Doctor… dismiss the unrelated parties.”