Bitter Realm: My Feet Step Through the Flames of War

This is what a Confucian scholar should do.

The two had just discussed Mo Qingchi, who had failed to capture the culprit, and was currently being tried on Defeng Ancient Road.

However, he provided a crucial clue, pointing directly to the deputy head, Shu Daoqian.

There was no other way. If some bombshell revelations weren't released, not only would he be stuck in the Defeng Ancient Road today, but Sui Wuduan, who was imprisoned, would also be doomed, with no chance to clear his name.

“I will not evade my punishment, but since you know why all this started and care about the reputation of our sect, I hope you can confess your mistakes, restore the truth, clear up the mess, and restore the integrity of the Confucian school.”

Shu Daoqian was furious: "In this case, what fault have I made?"

"You pretended to assign Wuwu to assist Yuexiao Sect in capturing the real culprit, but in reality you set up a trap to kill him. Wasn't this a mistake caused by your haste to draw conclusions?"

In the Hall of Pure Hearts, Yu Lijing and several Confucian scholars listened quietly to the conversation between Mo Qingchi and Shu Daoqian.

Bang!

Yu Lijing's sword, Xuanjing Tianhuai, was inserted into the bluestone bricks in the hall.

"Deputy Chief, are you really sending men to ambush and kill Sui Wuduan?"

Yu Lijing remained calm, but one hand was already on the hilt of his sword, revealing the true spirit of a leader of the Confucian school.

Shu Daoqian admitted: "It is indeed true."

Mo Qingchi, however, was surprised: "So frank, do you really think this trip was without fault?"

"Hmph, that time I forced him to kill me to prove his innocence. I gave the order then, and if Ruo Sui had not fought back in the battle, they would not have used their killing move."

A Confucian scholar in the Cui Xin Hall interjected, "The deputy director doesn't need to use such methods."

"When Sui Wuduan was imprisoned, the bloodshed stopped. But as soon as he was released, the bloodshed started again. His faction and our sect have many doubts about him. Who can cooperate with him in this way? I took this action to dispel the doubts about him in order to let Yuexiao Sect. If Sui Wuduan passes this test, they can work together to investigate the culprit of Danfeng in the future."

Shu Daoqian's sophistry left everyone in the hall speechless for a moment.

Before Mo Qingchi could speak again, Shu Daoqian pressed his advantage: "It was precisely because I trusted Sui Wuduan that I ruined the lives of five swordsmen from Yuexiao Sect. If I have made a mistake, it is that I have failed the five swordsmen."

The scholars in the hall began to change their tune: "The deputy magistrate also had his reasons."

Seeing that Mo Qingchi could not produce any strong evidence, Shu Daoqian revealed a ruthless look: "I will not make another wrong judgment. Sui Wuduan is the guilty party of Danfeng!"

At this point in the debate, Yu Lijing had no choice but to make a closing statement: "Shu Daoqian did indeed make a mistake in judging the case and should be punished, but since you have already confessed your guilt and resigned from your position as sect leader, we will not pursue the matter this time."

When the person in charge spoke, Shu Daoqian bowed his head and replied, "Yes."

"Mo Qingchi conspired with Ying Wuqian for his old friend. Although his actions are pitiable, they are still serious crimes. Considering your past contributions to Confucianism and the fact that you did not cause much harm after Ying Wuqian's death, you are hereby temporarily released from prison. From now on, devote yourself to the righteous path and bring blessings to the gods and the people."

Mo Qingchi's mind raced. Imprisonment was tantamount to admitting guilt. Regardless of his own mistakes, he feared that Sui Wuduan would never be able to recover.

He pleaded, "Could you grant me three more days? I already have relevant clues about the Single-Edged Criminal, and I will definitely be able to bring back the truth in three days."

Shu Dao angrily shouted, "You are a criminal, yet you still want to act recklessly?"

"It seems I have no choice but to take this chance and leave."

Mingyi Zhengsheng uttered a resounding cry, and instantly, sword intent swirled around him, surging forth with boundless power.

Yu Lijing remained calm, but the hilt of his sword was slowly withdrawn from his hand: "Mo Qingchi, you cannot act recklessly in the Cuixin Hall."

Just as tensions were about to rise, a thunderous roar and a long gust of wind transformed into a sword command, its power awe-inspiring and chilling.

"It is the sword token of the Venerable Confucian Master!"

As soon as the order was given, Yu Lijing sheathed his sword and bowed to the Confucian scholars in the hall.

Mo Qingchi remained unmoved, but said with a sigh, "Everyone in the Confucian school knows that Sui Wuduan is not the real culprit. It is only because the real culprit cannot be caught that Sui Wuduan has been stigmatized to this day. Venerable Confucian, where is your sense of law?"

These words were extremely treasonous, but Mo Qingchi was already prepared to break with Defeng Ancient Path and didn't care about offending one more person.

Knowing full well that the real culprit was in the martial arts world, the powerful organization Defeng Ancient Path chose to turn a blind eye, with none of its masters stepping forward to arrest him.

Mo Qingchi couldn't understand or even respect such behavior.

Suddenly, a white figure descended upon the Pure Heart Palace, bringing with it a strong sense of pressure.

"Rectify what Heaven and Earth do not uphold, judge what black and white do not judge, punish what humans and ghosts do not commit, and break what the sun and moon cannot break. Confucianism and Legalism are both ruthless, while Legalism and Confucianism are both selfless."

The people in the Cui Xin Hall panicked immediately: "Greetings, Venerable Master Fa Ru!"

"Greetings, Venerable Confucian Scholar!"

Jun Fengtian stood in front of Mo Qingchi and said coldly, "The laws of Confucianism have no right to question those who have deviated from the right path."

"If the ancient virtues of Confucianism can restore my innocence, I am willing to accept my punishment. If not, then all the people in the world may doubt the Confucian code of conduct."

Faced with Jun Fengtian's oppressive power, Mo Qingchi did not back down. The guilty defend the innocent, not to atone for their own sins, but because the truth should be the truth.

The two glared at each other, their respective beliefs sparking silently, colliding, and then dissipating.

After a long while, Jun Fengtian said, "You, go to prison for your crimes. As for the other criminal, I will personally arrest him."

"Mo Qingchi awaits news of the arrival of the esteemed Legalist to restore order."

"Take him away."

Ultimately, he couldn't escape imprisonment. Helpless, Mo Qingchi had no choice but to follow the two Confucian scholars into the prison of Defeng Ancient Road.

The footsteps startled Sui Wuduan, who was meditating with his eyes closed. He rushed over, grabbed the iron bars of the window, and shouted, "Saint Si, how could it be you?"

"Ha, it'll be fun to go to jail with you."

"Holy Priest!"

Mo Qingchi approached Sui Wuduan and asked softly, "Is your mother's name Xi Duanhong?"

Chapter 356 Imperial Decree and Loyal Heart, Divine Nurturing and Carefree Life

Jun Fengtian's steps were somewhat heavy as he left the Defeng Ancient Road.

He recalled the injustice suffered by Suiyuan and his wife back then, and now it was their son's turn. Whether as Suiyuan's master or Xi Duanhong's sworn brother, he felt he was incompetent.

Why hasn't the truth about the Danfeng criminal been investigated all these years?

Why didn't I go looking for Sui when he disappeared for sixty years without any reason?

Mo Qingchi's question still echoed in my ears: What exactly are the laws and regulations of Confucianism?

I have always prided myself on the principle that "Confucianism and Legalism are impartial, and Legalism and Confucianism are selfless," but in this matter, I have feelings, selfishness, and guilt.

The last place the Single-Edged Sinner appeared was Liu Family Village in the Western Martial World. Jun Fengtian headed west. According to Mo Qingchi, the Single-Edged Sinner once swung his sword at Tiandu. If there are no clues in Liu Family Village, it might be worth a trip to Tiandu.

Liujia Village is more than 200 li away from Tiandu. Is it a coincidence or is the criminal wandering around this area by ulterior motives?

Thinking of Tiandu, Jun Fengtian pictured Luo Hou, and his heart grew even heavier.

Every step and every journey, whether long or short, is filled with reflection. The greatest fear is making mistakes, losing sight of principles, and forgetting one's original aspirations.

The weather at dusk was unusually muggy, making it hard to breathe.

Today marks the 49th anniversary of the passing of the legendary thief Jin Jiansi from the Western Martial World. His widow, Xi Erniang, along with her servants, are paying their respects at his grave.

The grave stood at the edge of the woods; it was new, with only a few newly sprouted wild grasses.

Xi Erniang reached out and pulled it off, then clasped her hands together and prayed, "Master, your death was suspicious. Erniang will definitely find out the truth for you and let you rest in peace in the afterlife."

Suddenly, sword energy swept across the sky in the distance, flames blazed, and a chilling killing intent emanated from it.

Soon after, several screams of agony followed.

The strange movement was coming from this direction, getting closer and closer, like the low panting of a wild beast.

The servant boy, Qingkong, was not even ten years old. He was so frightened that he hid behind Xi Erniang and clung tightly to her clothes.

"Don't be afraid of the clear sky."

The branches were pulled aside, revealing a panicked figure with a strange sword stuck in his exposed chest.

"Holy Sword!"

Xi Erniang exclaimed in surprise, for the sword stuck in the man's chest was none other than the Holy Sword that had been stolen years ago.

Just as she stood up to ask for clarification, a loud and majestic poem rang out:

"Rectify what Heaven and Earth do not uphold, judge what black and white do not judge, punish what humans and ghosts do not commit, and break what the sun and moon cannot break. Confucianism and Legalism are both ruthless, while Legalism and Confucianism are both selfless."

It was Yu Ming Danxin Jun Fengtian who came after them. Xi Erniang quickly pulled Qingkong and hid behind a big tree.

"Regarding the Holy Sword case, please surrender."

The mysterious swordsman remained silent.

Jun Fengtian raised an angry eyebrow: "If you remain stubbornly deluded, I fear you will face eternal damnation."

Perhaps sensing the danger, the mysterious swordsman's sword energy spontaneously surged towards Jun Fengtian.

brush!

Jun Fengtian was already on guard and easily dodged the attack, but unexpectedly, the sword energy advanced again with fierce force.

"Kill if you want to, a true swordsman's skill is unparalleled!"

Jun Fengtian, wanting to observe his moves, stepped forward and pointed his fingers like a sword, engaging him in close combat.

After several rounds, the two were locked in a stalemate.

The swordsman had no chance to draw the holy sword from his chest; instead, his innate sword intent shot out wildly and without any pattern.

Although Jun Fengtian was surprised, he was determined to bring this person back, so he showed no mercy and opened the Supreme Balance Codex in his hand, revealing his amazing skills for the first time.

"Like an autumn mountain, its commands, once issued, will never return to the true laws of Heaven and Earth!"

As soon as the word "law" was written, he frantically flipped through the legal canon in his hand, and in an instant, the Confucian classics took shape like a magnificent palace wall.

Then, with a powerful strike, the swordsman was seriously injured, blood gushing from his mouth.

Its invincible power instilled fear in the inhabitants, and the swordsman turned and fled.

Jun Fengtian was about to give chase when he heard a long-lost voice: "Wait."

"Ok?"

Xi Erniang walked up to Jun Fengtian and whispered, "Brother..."

Seeing someone he hadn't seen in a long time stirred Jun Fengtian's heart, but according to the records of the Confucian school, Xi Duanhong was a dead man, and he could not recognize him.

"Who are you? I don't know you."