Chapter 87

As the local strongman in Xuzhou City, he naturally knew what kind of status Wang You Shan held. Once this noble figure stepped in, even Yunshan Temple wouldn't dare to act rashly. He never expected that Zhao Jin and his gang of half-grown kids were so strong, capable of killing people from Yunshan Temple. He also didn't expect that Zhao Jin's father would be so ruthless, directly silencing the remaining witnesses. Most surprisingly, Zhao Jin's gang had such deep connections that they could even settle things with Yunshan Temple.

Thinking about how Zhao Jin had come to seek his help, and how he had pretended not to be home to avoid the matter, he realized that if the matter were to be pursued, his family would surely face serious trouble.

Cheng Tongtou, feeling tense and fearful, immediately released Liu Yong, treated him well, and quickly gathered a few of his subordinates to discuss the matter. He was now regretful, having gained many benefits over the past five years due to his connection with Zhao Zhentang, but at the critical moment, he had failed to see the importance of this relationship and had to consider how to make Zhao Jin not hold a grudge against him.

Fortunately, he knew that his own Chen Ergou and Liu Yong had a good relationship with Zhao Jin, and there were people who could speak on their behalf, so he quickly called both of them over.

The result of the discussion was the same; the subordinates had also heard about the incident, and some had even seen the bodies of the six monks, all of whom had been killed with guns and knives, further proving the strength of Zhao Jin and his gang.

"Chen Ergou, you can speak to Young Master Zhao. Take these fifty taels of silver and invite Young Master Zhao and his friends to the best restaurant in the city for a meal. All expenses can be reimbursed. Be sure to apologize and explain that I was indeed out of town that day."

Seeing Cheng Tongtou's fearful expression, Chen Ergou didn't say anything on the surface but inwardly sneered. He was glad that he had known the gravity of the situation that day and had secretly given Zhao Jin some advice. Otherwise, he might have suffered as well.

Thinking this, he politely said, "Big Brother, don't worry so much. Young Master Zhao is a reasonable person. Once everything is explained, there won't be any problems."

Cheng Tongtou wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and said with a bitter smile, "That kid took six lives in one go, and his father silenced the rest. They even have the power to stand up to those monks. Such means, I'm really afraid!"

At this point, someone beside him interjected, "Big Brother, we've also dealt with Yunshan Temple before. They have powerful backing. They're just at a disadvantage now, but they will definitely seek revenge in the future. Wang You Shan is just a powerless official, he can't cause much trouble. We might as well curry favor with Yunshan Temple, provide them with information, and in the future, this will be a great favor."

Hearing this, Cheng Tongtou's expression improved. He pondered for a moment and then said, "Chen Ergou, take ten taels of silver and go. Just explain the situation. It's just that we didn't pass on the message, which isn't a big deal."

Chen Ergou glanced at the person who had suggested this and asked, "Big Brother, should I take Liu Yong with me?"

"Take him along. Give him a good scolding on the way. He's one of our Black Tiger Temple people, not Zhao Jin's. He needs to understand the gravity of the situation. If he acts recklessly again, I'll give him three cuts and six holes!" Cheng Tongtou's courage grew as he spoke, and his voice became louder.

Liu Yong, standing in the corner, quickly bowed and apologized. Cheng Tongtou impatiently told them to leave. As they were about to exit, they could still hear Cheng Tongtou shouting, "Take a hundred taels of silver to the Yunshan Temple's branch outside the city and find the head monk to build a relationship."

Liu Yong and Chen Ergou didn't say anything as they walked out of the Black Tiger Temple. Once they were outside the temple area, Chen Ergou spat and whispered, "Seeking death, still being smart. Xiao Yong, you must tell Young Master Jin that I was the one who gave you the message that day. Whatever Cheng Tongtou does, it has nothing to do with me."

Liu Yong, who was following behind, was taken aback but then smiled and said, "I already told Big Brother Zhao that day. Big Brother Zhao remembers this favor."

Hearing this, Chen Ergou finally breathed a sigh of relief.

The bloody fight the night before had been resolved satisfactorily the previous day. The first real combat and killing, the intense struggle of power, and the final resolution were all first-time experiences for everyone, and thinking about it was exciting.

Today, everyone gathered to practice martial arts, but their minds were not fully focused. After practicing for a while, they started discussing the battle.

"After I thought about it, we were really lucky that night. If anything had gone wrong, not only would we not have saved Xiao Lan, but we would have lost our own lives," Zhao Jin said, seeing that everyone was enjoying the discussion and decided to share his thoughts.

Everyone listened intently. Zhao Jin continued, "But we shouldn't be discouraged. It was our first time, and we need to see our strengths. Because we have been training hard for these past few years and sparring every day, we were able to handle those bandits. Otherwise, no matter how well we planned, if we couldn't fight, it would be for nothing."

Hearing this, everyone felt much better. Wang Zhaojing, who was reading a book, looked up and smiled, "Brother Zhao truly has the demeanor of a great general. Winning and losing are common, and it's important to summarize the gains and losses."

Zhao Jin waved his hand, and Chen Sheng, who was polishing his long sword with a piece of velvet, said without looking up, "When I got home that night, my grandfather said that I had truly used a sword. Before, I was just playing around, and it didn't count. My father said that letting me run wild here isn't a solution, and he plans to have me work as a constable in the government office first, then take over his position as a bailiff."

"I and Shitou didn't dare tell our families. We washed our clothes secretly at a well outside," Ji Xiang said with a smile.

Dong Bingfeng, sitting there, added, "My father was scared, but our family's soldiers said it was a good thing. They said that learning martial arts always involves seeing blood and killing."

Sun Dalei chuckled and said, "I live alone, and the servants at home can't control me. No one said anything."

Wang Zhaojing didn't speak, but Zhao Jin's smile faded. Chen Sheng's words, though casual, reminded him of something. Their happy life of practicing and competing in martial arts would eventually come to an end. Chen Sheng would become a bailiff, Wang Zhaojing would study for the imperial exams to gain an official position, Ji Xiang and Shi Manqiang would help their families in business, and Dong Bingfeng would inherit his family's position as a thousand-household commander.

What would he do? He had many choices: the hereditary position of a hundred-household commander in Xuzhou, a constable or executioner in the government office. Doing any of these would ensure a life of comfort, but such a life would be mundane.

Zhao Jin was not content with a mundane life. His ideal was to leave his name in this era, not to live an ordinary life.

"Big Brother Zhao, what did your family say, Big Brother Zhao..."

Seeing him lost in thought, someone nearby called out to him. Zhao Jin shook his head and was about to explain when the courtyard gate was knocked on, and someone outside called, "Big Brother Zhao, it's Liu Yong."

Dong Bingfeng, who was closest to the door, opened it and said with a smile, "Dalei brought a lot of good food, come and eat together."

Seeing Chen Ergou outside, he didn't continue. Everyone in the courtyard greeted them with smiles. They had fought side by side and experienced life and death together, and their relationships had become much deeper.

Chen Ergou didn't dare to be as casual as Liu Yong. After bowing outside, he entered. He had met Zhao Jin once before, and after a day and a night, he felt that Zhao Jin had changed. Compared to before, Zhao Jin now exuded a more imposing presence, and his every move carried a sense of authority.

Does one naturally become more formidable after killing? Chen Ergou thought to himself, but his respect for Zhao Jin grew even more. He smiled and said, "Young Master Jin, my big brother asked me to apologize to you. He was indeed out of town that night and couldn't help. Please accept this silver as a token of his apology, to be used for sharpening weapons or other needs."