Free Web NovelChapter 955: Chapter 676: Killing the Chicken to Warn the Monkey_2
But precisely because it was swift, it was enough to shock the hearts of the people. Yang Xiao had achieved the desired effect of establishing his authority, and the rest was to soothe the people’s hearts. He ordered Ling Yanyu to distribute a set of documents, all of which were evidence of Hu Chengbi’s collusion with Marquis Zhenbei.
Yang Xiao was not afraid of offending Marquis Zhenbei. After all, it was the other party who first played dirty tricks. Meeting force with force and countering strategies appropriately is preferable to endlessly repelling lesser attacks.
"Gentlemen," said Yang Xiao standing behind a half corpse, addressing everyone with a salute, "it was not my desire to hurt anyone today. However, Hu Chengbi was shameless. If any of you wishes to stay and work together with me on great endeavors, you are all welcome. If you wish to leave, I will not stop you, and we can part as friends." He respectfully saluted the crowd, "The way of the martial arts world is long; let’s support each other in the future."
This speech was gracefully delivered, prompting Granny Jin, the leader among the crowd, to be the first to respond, "A great man who respects talent is our good fortune. This old woman would like to follow you, and I hope for your continued support in the future!"
"Granny Jin, you are too modest. You are a senior, and I will need your guidance in the future on matters I am unfamiliar with," Yang Xiao replied to the elderly woman with a bow, his words full of cordiality. This response served as his thanks. With her stepping forward, the rest would be much easier to handle.
Sure enough, following Granny Jin’s lead, the rest echoed in agreement, and the atmosphere turned harmoniously joyful, hardly anyone minding the half-corpse still standing there.
These people were all discerning. Young, ambitious, capable, with strategy and vision, and having taken the place of the deceased Pingxi Marquis in less than three days demonstrated his significant background in the industry. Such a person was definitely a rising power that, barring unforeseen circumstances, would surely become a formidable local warlord.
The rest of the time was spent in merriment, with Yang Xiao affably engaging in casual conversations with everyone present, while Ling Yanyu quietly followed behind, taking notes and carefully recording the key information revealed by these individuals.
As for the half-corpse of Hu Chengbi, it was completely disregarded. Yang Xiao did not order the cleanup of the corpse or the scene, for to him, this corpse standing there served as the best advertisement—the consequences of crossing Yang Xiao.
Overnight, Yang Xiao, the new Pingxi Marquis, secured the loyalty of 2 Fierce Level Apostles and 14 Resentment Level Apostles, significantly bolstering his faction’s strength. At the end, with a smile, Yang Xiao raised a glass to everyone, his gaze carrying profound implications as he surveyed the group, lingering momentarily on Guardian Yun’s face.
"My friends, whatever you have done in the past, I do not wish to ask or concern myself with. However, now that you have joined me, you must observe my rules. I abhor those who play both sides, and if anyone among you has anything to disclose, do so before dawn, and all will be forgiven. If anyone does not wish to follow me, feel free to leave, and I will not make it difficult," Yang Xiao’s tone shifted sharply, the edge in his words significantly dampening the atmosphere as everyone covertly glanced at the half-corpse.
After all, the coffin-carrying Hu Chengbi still stood there, and the presence of this silent corpse greatly emphasized the weight of Yang Xiao’s words.
Yang Xiao was not one to dawdle. Having done what he needed to do and said what he needed to say, he left the rest of the time to Ling Yanyu. Yang Xiao had the intention to promote him, now giving him a chance to show his capabilities, also to facilitate Ling Yanyu’s future role in managing these rough characters in Xiang Ma Town—he was just a regular person, while these others were hardened killers.
In the early hours, after Ling Yanyu had recorded the details of these people, he came to find Yang Xiao, exhausted, "Master, it’s all recorded. Aside from that foolish Hu Chengbi who was made an example of, the other two Historical Level Apostles and 14 Resentment Level Apostles have all agreed to pledge allegiance to you. We now have our own foundation established in Xiang Ma Town."
"This is merely the beginning; the hard work is still ahead of you. Continue investigating the identities and backgrounds of these individuals. I suspect there are more like Hu Chengbi out there. The sooner we discover them, the better," Yang Xiao took a deep breath, "I do not wish to witness a second occurrence like the Golden Snake incident."
"Understood, I have formulated a plan. I’ve already made contact with all the informants we can trust; they’re reliable people. We are offering the highest price in Xiang Ma Town, and they are all willing to cooperate with us," Ling Yanyu stated.
"Good, remember the old saying: Money spent is no trouble; only when you’re stingy do problems double."
After pausing, Yang Xiao continued, "In some time, I will give you some Resentful Eyes, these things are true hard currency. Some crucial intelligence can be traded for with Resentful Eyes."
"This... isn’t it too wasteful to trade these for intelligence?" Ling Yanyu was naturally aware of their value, and hesitated, "Master, I’m worried about making a mistake and squandering these treasures."
Hearing this, Yang Xiao smiled, lifted his hand to pour a cup of tea, and Ling Yanyu accepted it with great trepidation.
"Yanyu, you are still young, and the road ahead is long. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes. The tolerance for error in life is high. Just go ahead and do it, I will always stand behind you."
"No matter how many people we have under our command in the future, or how many experts, and no matter how clever and intelligent they are, in Xiang Ma Town, you are the one I trust the most. Our relationship is that of both teacher and friend." Yang Xiao pointed at himself, then at Ling Yanyu, "Do you understand this relationship?"
"I understand! Master, you are really kind. Honestly, I never imagined I could have the life I have today." ƒrēewebnoѵёl.cσm
Ling Yanyu felt a sourness in his nose, recalling how he had come to Xiang Ma Town seeking a living, facing scorn from everyone. Now that he’s aboard Yang Xiao’s ship, even in Xiang Ma Town, he could be considered a significant figure.
"Yanyu, I have always kept your matters close to my heart. Your parents were wronged, and when you first came to Xiang Ma Town, it was to seek help from the local tavern to avenge your parents."
"Now, the one-year term we agreed upon is also nearly due. When the time comes, if you wish to seek revenge, you can bring the experts from our gang. If they are not up to it, then I will accompany you on this journey. The vengeance for one’s parents cannot be left unaddressed!" Yang Xiao spoke earnestly, genuinely fond of this apprentice.
"Thank you, Master!" Ling Yanyu’s eyes brimmed with tears, he had long been looking forward to this day.
"There’s still plenty to do tomorrow, you best go back and rest early. I have already spoken to Daoist Qingfeng, if anyone comes looking for trouble on the days I’m not here, you can contact him using the method I’ve left you."
After pausing, Yang Xiao specifically instructed, "Remember, do not let him come empty-handed or leave empty-handed. Take out whatever treasures you have in the Treasure Vault, pick the most valuable ones to offer to him, and make sure he accepts."
While sentiment matters, the necessary courtesies must still be observed. He regards me as a junior brother, and I cannot fail to show proper respect to this senior brother.
"Rest assured, Master, you have already explained this before." After saying this, Ling Yanyu was about to leave, but just one second before walking out the door, he stopped and slowly turned around.
"Something else?" Yang Xiao asked.
Hesitating for a moment, Ling Yanyu let out a sigh, "Master, you have a good heart, I can tell. Tonight, you were giving Guardian Yun a warning, weren’t you? You are clinging to past sentiment, unable or unwilling to kill her."
Yang Xiao didn’t explain much in return. It wasn’t that he couldn’t bring himself to do it, but rather, he still wanted to give her a chance. After all, back then, among his apprentices, there were only the Golden Snake and this woman, and now that the Golden Snake was dead, the only old apostle under his command was Guardian Yun alone.
"I really hope she understands your well-intentioned effort." Ling Yanyu turned his head to look out the window.
