Chapter 16

Good Men Don’t Live Long, Bad Men for 10,000

【The Tian Heng peak disciples refused to believe that Mu ZhiQiu practiced devil cultivation. They aggressively advanced towards Jun YanZhi and Ji KeQing. Not wanting to bother with them, Jun YanZhi stepped to the side of the path: 『I ask that everyone do a thorough investigation.』

Ji KeQing said coldly: 『I witnessed with my own eyes him being injured by the devil cultivation.』

Mu Zhi Qiu had a good friend named Yang DongYe. He had always been somewhat biased against Hui Shi peak. However, now he could no longer endure and criticized: 『A single man and a single woman. What could you be doing together in the middle of the night. Maybe it was senior brother Mu that interrupted your interlude and so you concocted an evil scheme to frame him!』

Ji KeQing’s expression turned dark on hearing his words. In her hand appeared the handle of her long sword Qing Hua and as fast as lightning she slashed at Yang DongYe. Upon hearing the soft chiming sound, Yan DongYe panicked and attempted to parry the blow, yet was still stabbed in the arm.

The people gathered around him lifted him back to his feet and said to Ji KeQing: 『You injured a fellow sect member!』

Outside the Qing Xu main hall, the atmosphere was in a state of mutual hostility.

Jun YanZhi frowned: 『Everyone please act with some propriety. You shouldn’t slander a woman’s reputation.』

Ji KeQing glanced at him then looked grimly at the crowd.

……

Wen RenMu rushed out of the Qing Xu main hall and looked at Jun YanZhi standing together with in solidarity with the beautiful young woman and felt his heart bursting with bitterness.】

ーExcerpt from 《A Calamity for All Living Things》Chapter 32.

The original text had Ji KeQing here. Unable to endure her purity being questioned, she stabbed a b.l.o.o.d.y hole into into Yang DongYe.

The matter had advanced by two months, but they were still raining abuse on Ji KeQing. How could this be? (1)

A long time later, Wen Jing heard Jun YanZhi’s explanation and understood.

Tian Heng peak had numerous disciples. Mu ZhiQi only had an opportunity to go on patrol after several months. However the refining of his devil merit law required blood refining once every month. If he had only gone on patrol at a later point, then there would have been many inconveniences.

Mu Zhi Qiu requested to do the mountain patrol on the 18th of each month and used this as a pretext to cultivate his devil merit law. Not doubting him, Wen RenMu gave his consent.

Jun YanZhi patrolled every month for three days. When drawing straws, he had ended up with the seventh through the ninth. In order to kill Mu ZhiQiu at a later time, he exchanged his slot with He Ling who held the sixteenth through the eighteenth.

However the eighteenth of each month was Ji KeQing’s day to patrol the sixteen peaks. Therefore, regardless whether it happened in the second lunar month or twelfth lunar month, he was bound to run into Ji KeQing sooner or later.

Now Lu ShaoQing and Wen RenMu had already stepped into the Qing Xu main hall. Remaining calm and collected, Jun YanZhi dragged Wen Jing along with him but was stopped by a Tian Heng disciple.

That disciple was enraged: 『You’re already leaving! Exactly how did you come to fight with senior brother Mu?』

Jun YanZhi said: 『What needed to be reported has already been reported. It would be better for you to wait for your master to come out than to argue about it again.』

At this time several people came up and surrounded them.

『First you injure Wu Ying, then you kill senior brother Mu. What hatred do you and Hui Shi peak have against us?』

『You said senior brother Mu is s devil cultivator. I look at you and see the true devil cultivator.』

Jun YanZhi calmly retreated a step :『I ask that you thoroughly investigate.』

Wen Jing was apprehensive.

Now would have been the time for Ji KeQing to take the role of protecting the male lead. However the female lead was not present. Was it up to him? He had only cultivated up to the sixth level of qi refining. He might be able to kill a dog or even a cat, but that was it.

Everyone was agitated. Yang DongYe slowly approached and roughly pushed Jun YanZhi: 『Were you not injured by this devil cultivator? Let me take a look at what manner of injuries you carry. 』

Jun YanZhi had been seriously injured and had yet to fully recover. The wound immediately began to bleed again.

Wen Jing flew into a rage, his blood rushed to his head as he jumped out and with a boom struck Yang DongYe on the chest: 『Don’t touch my senior brother Jun!』He furiously scolded: 『If something happens to my senior brother, I will have you pay with your life!』

Everyone looked stunned. Jun YanZhi’s expression altered slightly.

Yang DongYe’s blood roiled but he didn’t dare cause trouble in front of Qing Xu’s main hall. His expression turned gloomy as he retreated. As he turned around, within his sleeve came the sudden ejection of a beam of light as slender as a needle.

Although the needle was thin, many of those present could see it clearly.

Jun YanZhi’s eyes narrowed faintly and he flew out to block it with his body. His inscrutable gaze swept across Yang DongYe, then he slumped to the ground, unconscious.

Wen Jing was stunned. He threw himself at Jun YanZhi’s body in a panic: 『Senior brother, what did you do to senior brother?』

Jun YanZhi’s silently shut his eyes without a word. A trickle of blood slipped out of the corner of his mouth.

Wen Jing felt around and unexpectedly found a long needle piercing his body. It was pitch black and coated with a highly poisonous demonic beast extract. Wen Jing glared with loathing at Yang DongYe: 『You seriously injured senior brother. You struck a vicious blow with poison in hand! What poison did you coat this needle with?!』

Yang DongYe was fl.u.s.tered: 『Don’t make false accusations……』

The needle was coated in a poison that would only cause itching. How could it be possible it would cause him to spit up blood or kill him?

Wen Jing was worried.

Jun YanZhi had blocked the needle and shielded Ji KeQing from injury. The hero saves the beauty. This was the content in the original text……

In the original text Jun YanZhi didn’t die. At this time he also wouldn’t die……right?

But this Yang DongYe was truly hateful!

Just then, several people dropped from the sky in a gust of wind. It turned out to be He Ling and Liu QianMo at last.

『What’s going on? Didn’t you say he’d already regained consciousness?』 Liu QianMo crouched down.

Wen Jing shouted with fury: 『These people from Tian Heng peak were completely unreasonable and poisoned fourth senior brother. His state is the result of their actions!』He then pointed at Yang DongYe: 『It was him! He used a concealed weapon on senior brother!』

He Ling heard his words and coldly looked at Yang DongYe. His left hand waved and formed a gale from the ground which grew bigger and bigger.

Gui XinBi anxiously called out: 『Ask first before you fight again!』

Everyone’s long hair danced in the wind. Eyes narrowed, they were all somewhat amazed.

『Was this the Four Underworlds Wind?』

『Duan Xuan had actually pa.s.sed it on to He Ling?』

Just then, from within the main hall, several people flew out led by taoist Xi Fang himself. His expression slightly sank. Not with anger, but with some power he said: 『Step down. You are not allowed to be presumptuous in front of Qing Xu’s main hall.』

He Ling coldly looked at him, then slowly let the wind in his palm die down and stepped aside.

Xi Fang glanced at He Ling and looked him up and down for a moment. He saw a tall and straight handsome young man with a grim face who had a strong resemblance to that person……

He pensively creased his brow and slowly spoke: 『Just now I thoroughly investigated the matter of Mu Zhi Qiu. Within his body was discovered the energy of blood refining, devil tool use, and practice of devil merit law. It is unmistakable.』

The group of Tian Heng peak disciples were in disbelief and looked at each other with dismay.

Wen RenMu pulled at Yang DongYe and asked in a low voice: 『What happened to Jun YanZhi?』

Yang DongYe turned deathly pale: 『Just now I, just now……』

Wen Jing took the opportunity to hit a person when he’s down and shouted: 『This Yang DongYe attacked my senior brother with a poisoned needle!』

The matter took a turn for the worse.

Jun YanZhi had caught the devil and performed a great merit for Qing Xu sword sect but then Yang DongYe attacked him in turn. How could they not fear the reason why?

Xi Fang’s face sank: 『Go at your top speed to Nan Yan peak and invite your senior uncle Gao to come heal Jun YanZhi.』He then approached Lu ChangQing and said: 『Your disciple bullied and humiliated a fellow sect member. With this type of conduct, what should be his punishment?』

Lu ChangQing was originally the person in Qing Xu sword sect who stood below one and above ten thousand (2), but today the matter of Mu ZhiQiu and Yang DongYe and made him lose a great deal of face. His complexion ashen, he spoke with fury: 『Lock up Yang DongYe and beat him to death! (3) The rest of the disciples will reflect on their mistakes in seclusion and may not descend the mountain!』

Everyone was silent, not daring to say a single word.

Lu ChangQing’s taoist robes fluttered as he flew into the sky and left without another word.

Wen RenMu’s eyes swept over those from Hui Shi peak. Restraining his anger he commanded several people to bind the dumbstruck Yang DongYe. Bowing his head he chased after his master.

♥

Evening, Hui Shi peak.

All of Hui Shi peak’s disciples waited in front of Jun YanZhi’s bed feeling somewhat nervous. With Gui XinBi adding oil to vinegar (4) to the story of the conflict with Tian Heng peak, it seemed very thrilling as if they had been there themselves.

The old man with the aura of an immortal covered the man with the pale complexion with a quilt. He wiped the sweat from his forehead and said softly: 『He holds the poison of the black ink snake. It’s not too serious and he should be fine after a few days rest.』

Liu QianMo and the rest felt relieved: 『Many thanks senior uncle Gao.』

Gao Yan waved his hand back and forth and smiled faintly: 『We are all of the same sect and should help each other.』He smoothed his beard: 『Since there are no great issues, I’ll be heading back. Goodbye for now.』

Liu QianMo promptly escorted him out, exchanged goodbyes, and came back again.

Wen Jing sat at Jun YanZhi’s side and felt that perhaps he thought too highly of himself. Maybe he’d unconsciously allowed himself to get too close to his senior brother? And so he stood up and waited off to the side.

Jun Yanzhi glanced at him then said to Liu QianMo: 『I’ve inconvenienced my senior brothers and junior brothers, especially junior brother Lu.』

Wen Jing blushed and said in a small voice: 『I haven’t….. haven’t done…. done anything for you to say ー』

As he was faltering, he was interrupted by He Ling: 『I’ll be heading back first, you rest quietly.』

Jun Yanzhi: 『Second senior brother, take care.』

Wen Jing: 『……』

Gui XinBi unfolded himself and said to Jun YanZhi: 『A good man has a short life, a bad man leaves a legacy of ten thousand years. (5) Since you haven’t died, then continue doing a good job working for Hui Shi peak.』

Liu QianMo frowned, still not saying a word and listened to Mo ShaoYan’s very slow words: 『Among us, the one that will live the longest is fifth senior brother.』

Everyone laughed loudly. Gui XinBi said coolly: 『How am I a bad person? Being able to survive is a skill.』

Jun Yanzhi didn’t speak but only looked at the quilt.

Laughing and chatting, Liu QianMo smiled and said: 『We should be going, you keep resting. Can someone be left to wait upon you?』

Jun YanZhi silently looked at Wen Jing strongly demanding his answer only to hear yelling from outside the door. The voice was heavy and stifled but carried a bit of feeling of distress: 『Senior brother Jun has awakened? I request leniency from senior brother Jun!』

Liu QianMo looked stern: 『People from Tian Heng peak.』

Everyone promptly filed out and a.s.sumed a fighting stance only to see a few disciples from Tian Heng standing in front of the door led by a disciple completely filled with remorse with a bowed head and clenched teeth.

On guard, Liu QianMo asked: 『What are you requesting?』

A disciple pushed past the one standing in front and met his gaze with red and swollen eyes but then wordlessly bowed his head. Forced to subst.i.tute for him, the disciple in the lead said: 『Senior brother Liu, this is Yang DongYe’s elder brother, Yang DongShan. His younger brother was very foolish and offended senior brother Jun. Tonight, master has ordered that he be killed. Yang DongShan is unable to accept this and wishes to request that senior brother Jun be lenient and spare Yang DongYe.』

Gui XinBi sneered: 『Before this matter with your Mu ZhiQiu came to light, my senior brother rooted out a scourge while in the service of Qing Xu sword sect. Yet in turn he ended up in this state and you want your brother to be forgiven?!』

Yang DongShan bowed his head, tears dripping to the ground, but still remained silent.

The disciple at his side said: 『DongYe and Mu ZhiQiu’s friendship was deep. He was deceived and unable to accept the truth. Furthermore he is a loyal person and for love of his friend felt that he was fighting an injustice. His intention was not malicious and he had no intent to kill. He also said that the poison on the needle was only meant to cause itching and was not at all deadly. Perhaps it was only that senior brother Jun’s original injuries were aggravated by the needle. We are requesting that senior brother Jun let him off this one time. His older brother cannot speak but he would be immensely grateful……』

Mo ShaoYan said very slowly: 『His intention was not malicious, but he almost killed our senior brother. Your Tian Heng peak is truly difficult to deal with……』

Gu JingPing also said: 『Why are you not asking your master?』

Several disciples looked at each other in dismay and said with embarra.s.sment: 『Master is very angry. He feels Mu ZhiQiu’s actions tonight have lost him face. He is not willing to relent. We already asked master many times and master said that in order to save Yang DongYe’s life, then senior brother Jun first must also be willing. His elder brother is desperate……』

Liu QianMo restrained his anger and said: 『Senior brother Jun is resting now. Do not say anything more regarding this matter.』

Gui XinBi said impatiently: 『Go, go. Leave before you become a bother. You want us to show you mercy, when have you shown mercy to us?』

Yang DongShan stared blankly with swollen eyes and bowed his head somewhat dazed.

Mo ShaoYan was also agitated and said: 『You bully us at every opportunity, but do you ever think of how we feel?』

Just then, from beyond the door came the gentle voice of a young man: 『Senior brother, please be careful.』

Everyone turned turned their heads. Standing by the door was a man in cyan clothes supporting himself against the wall. His complexion was pale but his appearance was like something out of a painting. At his side stood a thirteen or fourteen year old youth with a delicate appearance supporting his arm.

Yang DongShan looked dazed only to hear that man slowly open his mouth and say with a low voice: 『Yang DongYe’s matter, just forget about it and return home.』

【Jun YanZhi forgave Yang DongYe. Frightened, Yang DongYe bowed his head in apology towards Jun YanZhi and Ji KeQing and expressed his grat.i.tude. Once Wen RenMu found out, his heart was in disarray and toward the brothers of the Yang clan he slowly began to feel some dislike. Jun YanZhi heard Yang DongYe had been having difficulties in Tian Heng peak and sent a top grade technique to him. From then on, the brothers of the Yang clan were deeply grateful and often spoke words of praise to the other disciples thus the disciples of Tian Heng peak slowly began to change.】

ーexcerpt from 《A Calamity for All Living Things》Chapter 33.

Author’s Notes:

Remember who Yang DongYe is? He was that one building foundation cultivator from the beginning who rescued Wu Ying. (6)

Translator’s Notes:

1. Totally feels like something is missing so I rechecked the raws but other than the excerpt, which didn’t happen this time around, I didn’t see anything about slandering Ji KeQing. I don’t know why she’s being brought up at this point. I guess the author is saying she was still slandered like in the scene, but now it’s behind her back and I suppose we’re to a.s.sume it happened again?

2. Essentially saying he’s second in command of the sect

3. It translates to kill him or beat him to death. It wasn’t clear which one was intended but I was feeling dramatic…

4.Adding details to make a story more interesting

5. Had to do a little research on this. I believe it’s similar to the good die young; evil never dies. (the funny meaning). Or more like it’s easier to accomplish your goals if you have flexible morals. It’s the same wording as the chapter t.i.tle but I expanded it a little here for clarity.

6. He shows up in chapters 10 & 12. I didn’t remember him either.