Chapter 383: Moonlight Illumination

have been biding his time for so many years. I didn't give him an opportunity to break through, and he certainly wasn't willing to give me a chance for a decisive battle.”...Zhong Xuan was seemingly...Cao Jie looked at Jiang Wang: "Is that all"

Jiang Wang nodded seriously and said, "That's it. Of course, this is just my personal impulse. If the country has other plans..."

"Sure," Cao Jie interrupted, nonchalantly saying, "I'll take care of it."

To be honest, before opening her mouth, Jiang Wang hadn't expected it to be this easy.

He got to know Cao Jie during this period. While they were familiar with each other, Cao Jie's attitude towards him was relatively mild but not particularly close.

He thought, at the very least, he should have a decent meal before making such a decision, as if he had some grand perspective.

The reason I hesitated for so long before opening my mouth is... if we miss this opportunity, he won't know when he can solve Lin Zhengren next.

Lin Zhengren's terror has been proven in spades on the martial arts stage these past few days.

>

Compared to Wang Yi Wu, who relentlessly pursued peak power and believed that the fist held all truth, Jiang Wang still feared Lin Zheng Ren more. This enemy would stop at nothing to achieve victory.

In order to get Cao Jie's agreement, and in order to be able to face Lin Zhengren in the first round of the main competition, he prepared several sets of arguments.

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But before he could get it out.

Cao Jie readily agreed, without even asking why.

Then Jiang Wang simply bowed his head and said, "Thank you, General."

"Only a little." Cao Jie smiled faintly. "You chose your opponent yourself. If you lose, don't blame me for making you face military law."

This will return the following:

Jiang Wang looked solemn and replied, "I will definitely not bear any resentment!"

Cao Jie raised his chin: "Go back and cultivate."

Jiang Wang then left and went to his own room.

And Cao Jie watched his back, only feeling that this young man was sometimes too serious.

But as someone who has been there, he also understood very well what kind of teenage prodigy would erase their arrogance and become so serious.

But the world is vast, and who isn't troubled

Besides a soft sigh, he didn't say anything.

In a small courtyard belonging to the Zhuang State.

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Du Ruhui and Lin Zhengren still sat opposite each other on the stone table.

Lin Zhengren sat upright, hands resting on his knees, and asked cautiously: "Minister of State, what about Shengguo..."

Du Ruhui glanced at him and said softly, "The Yellow River Conference is a major event in the world. No country would be so shortsighted as to start a war because of the outcome of the Yellow River Conference. You can rest assured! If there is any trouble, you are fighting for the country, and the state will also protect you."

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Lin Zhengren bowed his head in greeting: "Zhengren's handling of affairs is inadequate, causing the Grand Tutor much trouble."

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“You have defeated the Tianjiao of Shengguo, which has brought great joy to this old man. What else could I ask for from you” Du Ruhui patted his shoulder: “Zhengren, among family, there is no need for so much psychological burden.”

As a state minister, one naturally needs to have an air of dignity and composure. For Lin Zhengren, it was rare to see him in such a friendly moment.

This is the case now, because Lin Zhengren deserves it.

Entering the main competition of the Huang He Tournament is already the best result for Zhuang Guo in its history.

No one can deny that Lin Zhengren is a talent.

As for talents who could contribute to the State of Zhuang, Du Ruhui wouldn't mind being a bit more approachable.

Lin Zhengren nodded his head, unable to hide the emotion of admiration in his voice: “Zhengren understands.”

>

Du Ruhui looked at him, his voice filled with earnestness: "This is the best time for the State of Zhuang, but it could be even better, and should be even better. The old man hopes that you can grow together with the country."

Lin Zhengren said: "I wouldn't dare say I have grown together with the nation. My ancestors for generations have lived in this village, and I only wish to contribute my best effort to the development of our motherland."

Du Ruhui nodded in satisfaction: “The country will not let loyal and patriotic people suffer losses.”

He continued to encourage her for a few more sentences, and then, as if casually, asked: "Your water ghost is being raised very well. Is its name Xiao Li"

“It’s my brother’s name.” Lin Zhengren dared to shout the name on the martial arts stage, which was a sign that he wasn't going to avoid this question. He spoke slowly, “My entire Lin family was destroyed by villains, wiped out overnight. I will never forget this revenge!”

Du Ruhui's eyes were filled with pity: "This matter is due to the negligence of the City Lord's Mansion and the Jixing Division of Wangjiang City. The responsible parties have already been reprimanded. After the incident, I also strictly ordered the Jixing Division to investigate thoroughly."

Then he changed the subject: "Do you know who destroyed your family"

Lin Zhengren wore a mournful expression, his teeth clenched so tightly they almost shattered. He squeezed out the words through gritted teeth: "I curse my incompetence! I can't even identify my enemy! All I know is that he wears a mask of a mountain spirit. He is ruthless and powerful, about the same height as me."

Of course, he couldn't possibly know that the person was Jiang Wang. If he had known Jiang Wang's identity, he could have easily deduced the murderer of Dong A's case through the Decaying Wood Decision and subsequently inferred the truth behind the destruction of Fenglin City Domain. It would be a very reasonable development.

...the problem is… Zhu Wei and I were together in Xin'an City before he decided to betray the country!

Given Du Ruhui's wisdom, it wouldn't be difficult to guess Zhu Wei's secret of treason.

So, Lin Zhengren, truly did not know who his enemy was.

Even before the meeting at the confluence of the Yellow River, Emperor Zhuang had provided him with information about the prodigies from other nations. Even though he already knew that Qi's prodigy Jiang Wang was from the state of Zhuang.

His secret determined that he absolutely could not connect Jiang Wang's two identities.

Du Ruhui looked at him for a moment, and said in a low voice: "That man is not simply an evil person. He has a deep hatred for my Zhuang Kingdom. First, he went to the Daoist Temple in Wangjiang City and extorted the Daoist art from Mu Xu Mu Jue. Then, he went to the Lin clan's territory and slaughtered your entire family. Shortly after that, taking advantage of the war between Zhuang Yongguo and my country, when our army was away, he entered Xinan City at night, using Mu Xu Mu Jue's restraint against Mo Xing Dao technique to assassinate Vice Minister Dong A!"

"The murderer who killed Dong Xiang was actually him" Lin Zhengren was shocked, angry, and resentful: "Who is this person!"

He muttered thoughtfully, "This person knows about the Decrepit Wood Strategy and is very familiar with Lord Dong Xiang. He must be from the State of Chuang, perhaps even from Qinghe County. Yet, he harbors hatred for the State of Chuang and keeps a close eye on its affairs..."

"A former disciple of the Maple Forest City Academy, now the Tianjiao of Qi State, Jiang Wang!" Du Ruhui gave the answer, slowly saying: "These days, the one who has been sitting on the stand every day."

Lin Zhengren's showdown with Jiang Limeng, of course, he saw Jiang Wang, and Jiang Wang also saw him. But both sides were very taciturn and did not have any communication, not even a pause in their eyes, as if the encounter near Qichang Mountain had never happened at all.

But Du Ruhui is remembered.

He didn't know how Jiang Wang got to Qi State, that would have to be investigated later. But he knew that the blood debt of Fenglin City was on this young man.

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And Dong'a's death, he would never forget.

This is Zhuang Guo's son of the soil, and now he is also an immortal enemy of Zhuang Guo.

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“Why did he, who became the pride of Qi and had a bright future ahead of him, return to Zhuang to commit violence”

Lin Zhengren precisely expressed a mixture of astonishment, anger, and bewilderment. His voice was tinged with grief and pain: "Yes, yes. No wonder I had an indescribable familiarity with him. It turns out he really is the Jiang Wang I knew! Although his temperament has changed greatly, his outline is still very similar... I thought... I thought it was just a coincidence in names. I thought the Jiang Wang from Fenglin City perished along with Fenglin City."

The information Emperor Zhuang provided only stated that Jiang Wang originated from the Zhuang border, but did not mention that he was from Fenglin City. It is also reasonable that Lin Zhengren and Li Jianqiu, who rarely spoke to each other, failed to uncover more specific details.

In a state of half-understanding and half-grief, Lin Zhengren suddenly raised his head and shouted hatefully: "He came from the Fenglin City Academy, the country gave him resources, let him cultivate, nurture him into a talent, he even had the qualifications to participate in the Three Cities Debate! Now why does he hate the country so much Because of the fall of the Fenglin City domain"

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He raged, "But that was the White Bone Demon's doing! He should hate the White Bone Demon!!"

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Du Ruhui sighed and said with deep emotion, “There are thousands of people in this world with thousands of thoughts. Some people are just like that. No matter how good you are to them, they only think it's their due. But as long as something doesn't go their way, they feel the whole world owes them a debt and believe that all their hardships are someone else’s fault.”

When the White Bone Dao was causing havoc, he managed to escape. But how many people from our Imperial Punishment Department and the City Guard lost their lives! We mobilized the entire nation to eradicate the White Bone Dao. Countless academy students died in this purge, yet this man simply fled with unfounded hatred, vanishing far away...only to return with his vengeance burning even brighter.

“This man lacks morality, but possesses great talent. Now he is the pride of Qi, representing the strongest nation in the world at the Yellow River Summit. His future is bright. Zheng Ren ah.”

Du Ruhui looked at him, saying with a tinge of pessimism: "If one day this old bone of mine is gone... Enemies like Zhuang Guo will have to be repelled by you..."

Lin Zhengren endured his grief: “Duke Du, you will surely ascend to the True Cave soon. Everyone in Zhuang Guo depends on you. As for that villain Jiang Wang…”

He gritted his teeth: "I'd rather die than coexist with him!"

"Really, truly, to see the true immortal is not easy," Du Ruhui sighed, then shook his head and said: "Perhaps, there's another possibility. If Jiang Wang is related to the White Bone Path...then it makes sense that he could escape the fall of Fenglin City. And now that the White Bone Path has been wiped out, he certainly has reason to hate the country."

Lin Zhengren naturally understood the truth about Fenglin City's domain and knew that Du Ruhui was 'editing' that past. He also understood that Jiang Wang couldn't possibly be a practitioner of Bai Gu Taoism.

But of course he couldn't know.

>

He doesn't know or understand.

He was just a young monk who didn't know the truth and therefore wouldn't suspect his own national teacher.

This is a simple response.

So his face was full of anger, gnashing his teeth.

It wasn't until this moment that he suddenly 'woke up' and realized, "Now that you mention it, I understand why Jiang Wang harbored such a deep resentment towards my Lin family! That night in Wangjiang City, his actions weren't simply out of malice!"

In Du Ruhui's heart, this was indeed a question.

Jiang Wang hated Dong A, and the destruction of Zhuang Guo could be understood. But the extermination of the entire Lin clan in Wangjiang City was out of character. After all, Dong A had high hopes for him. In Xinan City, on that long street, their duel to the death did not harm a single innocent citizen.

But Du Ruhui felt that Lin Zhengren might not have a good answer. A national prodigy like Lin Zhengren, he might be hiding 'evil' that should not be revealed to him. At least when he is useful to the country, it should not be exposed.

So he deliberately didn't ask.

At this time, for Lin Zhengren to be able to proactively give an answer would be ideal.

Of course, his response was deliberately made to seem like he didn't care much, just a lighthearted——

"Oh"

Lin Zhengren gritted his teeth, as if lost in reminiscence.

He gazed at the night sky, as if he saw again the bloody night of Wangjiang City. Finally, he spoke: “That Jiang Wang was originally the son of a medicine dealer in Fengxi Town, Fenglin City. After his father died, he took the family wealth and entered the Fenglin City Daoist Academy to cultivate. He left only his stepmother and his stepsister behind in Fengxi Town, struggling to survive.”

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Ginger Wang's stepmother was named Song Ruyi, who lived alone in town. She single-handedly supported her daughter and struggled to keep a failing herb shop afloat. Their lives were incredibly difficult.

>

Later, due to business dealings, I met a capable young man from the Lin family named Lin Zhenglun. Zhenglun patronized her quite a bit, and the two gradually developed feelings for each other.

When it comes to seniority, Zheng Lun can be considered my cousin. He doesn't have a talent for cultivation, but he has a great talent for business. Our Lin clan is a prominent family in Wangjiang City, and the clan's medicinal herb business is entrusted to him.

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Lin Zhenglun and Song Ruixi fell deeply in love and decided to spend their lives together. Although my grandfather was unhappy that she was a widow, he eventually accepted it because Zhenglun's love was so sincere.

As for Jiang Wang's side, besides having to send his sister away, claiming she was raised by the Jiang family, there wasn't any obstruction.

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After their marriage, Zheng Lun and Song Ruyi were deeply in love. Song Ruyi would often send money to Fenglin City, using Lin family property to support the Jiang family. Zheng Lun didn't say anything about it. They lived a blissful life for a while.

It's a pity that good times don't last. For a while, the herbal medicine business wasn't doing well, and Zhenglun suffered heavy losses. My grandfather told him to take a break from his work and focus on taking care of himself.

Zheng Lun was a stubborn person, and he felt stifled inside. He would buy himself drunk every day as an outlet for his frustration. Song Ruiyi often argued with him because of this.

I don't actually know much about their relationship.

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All they knew was that on that day, Zheng Lun came home late and they had a big fight. It is said that things even got physical... Song Ruyi then jumped into the well.

At this point, Lin Zhengren paused. This was a "story" he had carefully polished, rehearsing it countless times in private. But since it was a memory, it couldn't be too smooth or sound like a fabricated tale.

He took a deep breath and continued, "This is a family matter of the Lins. Our ancestors intentionally concealed it, so it never reached the officials. It was only dealt with by confining Zheng Lun within the clan."

Later, Jiang Wang heard of Song Ruyi's death and sought out several fellow disciples from the Daoist academy. They came to my door. To be honest, at that time they were all just at the level of wandering cultivators, and I could have easily expelled them on my own.

But on the one hand, we are all disciples of the Daoist sect, and perhaps colleagues in the future. I don't want to damage our relationship. On the other hand, Song Ruo Yi died in the Lin family after all. She came from Fenglin City and didn't have a good life for a few days before she died. My Lin family can't escape responsibility. So I stepped forward to mediate with him.

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At that time, he didn't make any rude demands. He only asked the Lin family to give an explanation for Song Ru Yi's death...

Lin Zhengren sighed: "Zheng Lun was heartbroken and felt guilty towards Song Ruyi's family, so he committed suicide on the spot, saying that death would be his way to make amends. Zheng Lun is gone, and I am saddened by it, but this was his choice, and I can only respect it."

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He said that he was only left with pain in his life, and that he hoped that if he died, he could see Song Ruo Yi again and live a good life. I know there's no such thing as hell or reincarnation, but I just hold onto this hope... what else can I do"

Lin Zhengren looked saddened: "At the time, after Zhenglun committed suicide, Jiang Wang said that this matter was over."

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I also had Zheng Lun's medicinal herb business transferred to the Jiang family, as a way of paying for the upbringing of Song Ruixi.

I thought that this matter would just pass.

Unexpectedly, a year has passed...

Lin Zhengren choked up a bit, but quickly wiped away his vulnerability and said with hatred: "I didn't expect that in Jiang Wang's heart, this matter had never passed. He just wasn't my opponent at the time, so he could only endure it. After I gained strength, the first thing I did was to slaughter the entire Lin family!"

These words are half true and half false, with a clear structure, each link distinct, and irrefutable.

Apart from Jiang Wang, I'm afraid there is no one else in this world who could stand up and expose the truth.

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And now that Qi's genius, can his words still be believed by the people of Zhuang

So whatever he says, that's what it is.

He truly harbors a burning hatred.

After repeating it too many times, in his heart, he truly felt that Jiang Wang had killed his entire Lin clan.

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On that bloody night in the city of Wanging, he was an innocent victim from beginning to end.

He now, is nothing more than a pitiful man burdened by the blood debts of his entire clan.

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Marching forward under burden, unyielding and tenacious.

Such quality, of course, would be admired by Du Ruhui.

“He was so cruel as to exterminate the entire Lin clan for this already settled matter. He is truly petty and vindictive, seeking revenge for even the smallest of grievances. Given this, it's not hard to understand why he harbors such hatred for his own country that raised him.”

Du Ruhui listened quietly to Lin Zhengren's story and sighed, "I didn't expect a Taoist temple in Fenglin City to raise such a villain. This is Dong A's oversight. He only focuses on cultivation but not on morality."

Lin Zhengren reluctantly suppressed his anger and, after a moment's thought, asked: "This person is so vicious yet has become the representative of Qi State's genius. Can we expose his true nature to Qi State Justice will prevail; how can he continue to flaunt his power"

Through this exchange tonight, he had thoroughly cleared himself of any suspicion. He had gained the Grand Minister's greater trust. And now, with the support of the State of Zhuang, he could openly target Jiang Wang.

As for Du Ruhui, he also found a reason that fit Jiang Wang's behavioral logic, which could be used to smooth over the potential risks of the Fenglin City incident. He also properly cautioned this young national prodigy, making his thoughts more in line with the interests of the nation.

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Both parties felt that they had achieved their desired outcomes through this conversation.

So, the old and the young, the two of them, became a little closer.

But now is not the time to settle accounts.

"No," Du Ruhui said earnestly. "Regardless of Jiang Wang's true colors, since he represents the State of Qi this time, he is the face of the State of Qi, and the State of Qi will definitely protect him. Your Lin family was exterminated, and Fenglin City was destroyed. This is a blood feud, but we have no evidence to expose it. Even if we did, bringing it up now would inevitably be suppressed by the State of Qi. After all, the State of Qi is a powerful nation, while our State of Zhuang has just risen and cannot afford to confront them head-on. This matter needs to be planned carefully."

Of course, Lin Zhengren knew he had to "be patient and take things slowly," otherwise, what was the point of enduring all this hardship

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But he still looked full of hatred: “Are we just going to let him get away with this”

Du Ruhui looked at him and said, "Blood vengeance must be repaid with blood, but we must wait for the right time. We were able to raise our flag at Suolong Pass after waiting for decades. Remember, the angrier you are, the calmer you must be, and the more hatred you have, the more patient you must be."

Lin Zhengren took a deep breath, closed his eyes tightly, and gritted his teeth.

After a long while, he finally opened his eyes and said, "Zheng Ren has learned."

Du Ruhui nodded with satisfaction: "You have trained diligently. Your next opponent should be one of these five: Bei Gongke, Huang Su, Xie Ai, Dong Guo Pao, or Jiang Shaohua. If you can win another match, it would be a tremendous achievement for our Zhuang State. Of course, even if you don't win, no one will blame you. As long as you fight with style and let people see the heroism of our Zhuang land heroes, that would be enough."

>

Lin Zhengren earnestly said: "Zhengren will definitely do his best, regardless of life and death!"

"No, no," Du Ruhui shook his head and said, "You must cherish your life. Losing is not a big deal, but you need to keep yourself alive for future use. Your life should not be lost on the Guanhe Platform. Zhuangguo still needs talents like you to build it up. Do you understand"

This is utter nonsense. Throughout history, there have always been strong players watching over the Yellow River's Grand Tournament; very few people have died.

But Lin Zhengren still focused on the key point and looked deeply moved: "I understand!"

Du Ruhui looked at the night sky, where there were few stars and the moon was bright: "It's getting late. Do you still have any questions about your cultivation"

“I have one thing I don’t understand. You said earlier that Jiang Wang forced the old master to give him the wooden ruler, and he used it against Dong Fuzhang. But that wooden ruler belonged to our master…”

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Lin Zhengren deliberately stuttered and continued, "The headmaster of Wangjiang City Daoist Academy once said that only my junior brother Fu Baosong was suitable for this technique. Although I have no chance to learn it, I have some understanding. This technique does indeed have a restraining effect on the Wood-based Dao Techniques, but it shouldn't be that powerful, should it"

After thinking for a moment, Du Ruhui responded: "This kind of sorcery still has untapped potential. Fu Baosong has already contributed this art to the National Academy of Sciences, and the academy also made the latest research progress recently. After I go back, I will have someone bring it to you."

That old geezer said he wasn't suitable, and only passed it on to Fu Baosong. This was a skill meant to be taken to the grave. But Fu Baosong turned around and donated it! Is that being a gentleman What a joke!

Lin Zhengren hesitated: "But... Dean of the Wangjiang City Daoist Academy said that I'm not suitable for this art."

"That was in the past. The most primitive techniques were indeed obscure and difficult to master." Du Ruhui waved his hand and said, "Now that they have been improved, those problems have been removed. When you learn it later, you'll know."

"Thus, Zheng Ren bid farewell to the State Minister."

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"Don't be so formal. Your progress is also the progress of Zhuangguo. I am very happy to see you grow."

As the saying goes, a good teacher produces outstanding disciples, and wise advisors bring about talented officials...

The bright moon has shone through the ages.

(In the chapter-reading room, everyone was arguing fiercely.)

In fact, in a vibrant world of Xianxia, it's normal to like certain characters and dislike others. Even disliking the protagonist is no problem.

I just saw this world, and I'm sharing it with you.

People in this world are diverse, and the fact that readers find solace in the fictional world of novels doesn't say much.

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I only hope that everyone will discuss rationally and avoid personal attacks.

>

Also, Lin Zhengren has character cards. If you like him, give him a thumbs up for free.

This one doesn't count.)ley was shattered, and the innate barrier was broken. This involved a fundamental change in the celestial rules of the Demon Realm, which would naturally attract the attention of powerful demons—durin...