"Please, Elder Tai Bai Yun Sheng, seek justice for us!"
"I implore you, Elder, to step forward and speak on our behalf."
"My entire clan, the old, the weak, the women, and children, the future of my clan is in your hands…"
Inside the room, a group of Gu Masters were prostrated on the ground. Some were sobbing uncontrollably, others wore expressions of deep grief, all pleading for Tai Bai Yun Sheng's help.
These Gu Masters were no ordinary men; they were all clan chiefs.
The Lou family, the Lu family, the Xi family… these were all medium or small-sized clans. In the process of storming the Eighty-Eight True Yang Building, they had suffered devastating casualties. If things continued this way, they feared their clans would face extinction.
Several times before, they had jointly submitted petitions demanding a retreat, but were met with Hei Lou Lan's harsh refusal.
Survival is paramount.
Hei Lou Lan's aggressive militarism had severely threatened the survival and development of these small and medium-sized clans.
But cowed by the Black Tyrant's fearsome reputation, these chiefs dared not confront Hei Lou Lan directly. After discussing it, they decided to come together to seek Tai Bai Yun Sheng's assistance.
Tai Bai Yun Sheng was the number one healing master of the Northern Plains, renowned for his compassion and holding the highest prestige among mortals. Now, he had also become a foreign surname elder of the Hei clan, deeply valued by Hei Lou Lan.
If they could gain Tai Bai Yun Sheng's support, perhaps their clans could obtain a precious chance to catch their breath and recuperate.
"Stand up first, then speak," Tai Bai Yun Sheng urged.
"Elder, if you don't agree, we won't get up!"
"Please, come and see our clan. Then you will understand our pain and sorrow. Our casualties are far too heavy. Women have lost their husbands, children have lost their parents, the elderly have lost their sons and daughters…"
"Elder, please persuade Lord Hei Lou Lan. If this continues, our clans will all be destroyed."
"Hmph! Not dying in the Royal Court struggle, but perishing in the Royal Court Blessed Land. If word of this spreads, where will the Hei clan's reputation be? How utterly ironic!"
The clan chiefs spoke all at once, their attitudes resolute as they remained kneeling.
"Alas…" Tai Bai Yun Sheng heaved a long sigh. He had actually long been dissatisfied with Hei Lou Lan's methods.
It was clear they could proceed slowly. Why was he so hasty?
Inflicting such heavy casualties was truly hard for him to bear.
In Tai Bai Yun Sheng's mind, it was likely the loss of the Building Lord Token during the second trial that had provoked Hei Lou Lan. There was another reason: the Supreme Elders of the Hei clan were pressing him urgently. Under this pressure, Hei Lou Lan had no choice but to go all out to clear the floors.
"Servants, serve tea to the clan chiefs," Tai Bai Yun Sheng summoned his attendants.
Turning back to soothe the assembled chiefs, he said, "I will go over there and speak with Clan Chief Hei Lou Lan. I will certainly do my best."
"Elder, you are truly a kind and benevolent man!"
"With your help, Elder, it is truly a blessing for our clan!"
"Elder, here is our joint petition. We will await your good news."
The clan chiefs were overflowing with gratitude.
Tai Bai Yun Sheng took the petition and tucked it into his robes. After taking his leave, he went to the great hall to see Hei Lou Lan.
Hei Lou Lan was not handling affairs in the great hall, but relaxing in the rear garden.
Tai Bai Yun Sheng hurried over and found Hei Lou Lan playing chess in a pavilion at the center of the lake.
Hearing his request, Hei Lou Lan first flatly refused, but Tai Bai Yun Sheng's earnest persuasion gradually softened him. "Fine. I can temporarily allow these clans to rest, but they must lend me all of their Gu worms. My army cannot afford a drop in combat power due to their absence! Lend one Gu worm, exempt one person. Lend a Rank Two Gu, exempt a Rank Two Gu Master. Lend a Rank Three Gu, exempt a Rank Three Gu Master. And so on."
"The Clan Chief is wise and benevolent. On behalf of all the clans, I thank you for your generosity." Tai Bai Yun Sheng knew when to stop. Upon returning, he informed the clan chiefs of the news.
The clan chiefs exchanged glances and finally accepted the condition.
Gu worms are the very foundation of a Gu Master. Borrowed Gu worms are easily damaged, but it is still better than losing one's life.
The attrition in these clans was truly too severe.
The next day, Hei Lou Lan ordered the Black Banner Army to go to the settlements of every clan to uniformly collect the Gu worms. Those who were late would not be waited for. He also sent Tai Bai Yun Sheng to oversee the matter and handle the related affairs.
Three consecutive days passed, and the matter was finally settled.
Tai Bai Yun Sheng returned to report and was treated to a banquet by Hei Lou Lan.
During the feast, Hei Lou Lan frequently proposed toasts. "Elder, drink this cup to the lees! Thanks to your joining my clan, our army has avoided countless casualties. You have saved countless lives, your merits and virtues are immeasurable."
"You flatter me. Man proposes, Heaven disposes. The Eternal Sky above watches. I can only do my best." A look of shame crossed Tai Bai Yun Sheng's face as he raised his glass in response. Hei Lou Lan's praise reminded him of Gao Yang and Zhu Zai.
In truth, ever since his return from the Blood Path main hall, every word of praise he heard felt like a mockery, lashing at his soul.
But today, by handling this affair, he had eased the conflict between the medium and small tribes and the Hei clan. In a sense, he had saved the lives of many Gu Masters.
This made him feel a little better.
"The Eternal Sky above, do what you can…" Hei Lou Lan downed his wine, set the cup down, and murmured thoughtfully, "Elder, your words are correct. Well said. The Eternal Sky watches us. The path ahead is mysterious and unpredictable. As mortals, we can only do our best. Elder Tai Bai, you do your best, and I, Hei Lou Lan, must also do my best, isn't that right?"
Tai Bai Yun Sheng sensed something hidden in Hei Lou Lan's words and asked, "Clan Chief, why do you say this?"
Hei Lou Lan laughed heartily and was about to speak when Hei Shu entered from outside to make a report.
He bore traces of blood, his expression respectful as he leaned close to Hei Lou Lan. "Reporting to the Clan Chief, the Black Banner Army has not disgraced its mission. Everything has been taken care of."
Tai Bai Yun Sheng felt the murderous aura surrounding him and a sense of foreboding filled his heart. He quickly asked, "What has been taken care of? Hei Shu! What exactly have you done?"
Hei Shu did not answer, merely raising an eyebrow and glancing sideways at Tai Bai Yun Sheng. His eyes revealed contempt for Tai Bai Yun Sheng's compassionate and sorrowful demeanor.
"Hahaha, Elder Tai Bai! Just like you said earlier, do your best! You do your best, I do my best! I have to go all out to break through the floors and complete the Supreme Elders' task as quickly as possible. Tell me, what crime have these people committed by fleeing before the battle? They relied on me to come here and develop. They take the benefits when it's good and hide when things get tough. Is there such an easy bargain in this world? Hmph! If everyone followed their example, could my army still exist? Would anyone still follow me to storm the difficulties?" Hei Lou Lan's voice grew harsh, and a fierce light flickered in his eyes.
The moment these words were spoken, it was clear what had been "taken care of"!
"Hei Lou Lan, you!" Tai Bai Yun Sheng shot up from his seat.
He glared at Hei Lou Lan, his face displaying shock, anger, and even hatred.
"How dare you!" Hei Shu was displeased and moved to strike, but Hei Lou Lan stopped him with a gesture.
"Elder Tai Bai, don't forget your current position." Hei Lou Lan restrained his fierce expression and unhurriedly poured himself a glass of wine.
Tai Bai Yun Sheng clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles turned white, his entire body trembling slightly with rage.
Staring fixedly at Hei Lou Lan, he wanted to curse, but the words would not come out.
Hei Lou Lan snickered and personally poured wine for Tai Bai Yun Sheng. "Elder, sit down. With such a fine scene, good wine, and delicious food, it would be a waste not to enjoy them."
"To hell with your good wine and food!" Tai Bai Yun Sheng swung his sleeve in fury, knocking the glass to the floor with a bang.
Hei Lou Lan was not offended. Instead, pointing at the food on the table, he laughed heartily. "Elder Tai Bai, this is your victory banquet! Without you stepping forward, how could they have trusted us so much and lent us their Gu worms? Without the Gu worms in hand, my Black Banner Army was able to easily suppress them without breaking a sweat. We have you to thank for all of this."
The words struck Tai Bai Yun Sheng's heart like a thunderbolt. He staggered back three steps, his face instantly turning deathly pale.
"Hei Lou Lan, you are truly a despicable villain!"
"Despicable? Can you really utter such naive words? Elder Tai Bai, you were once the young chief of a clan. Having lived so many years, how can you still not see the world clearly? So-called politics has always been dirty."
Tai Bai Yun Sheng wanted to retort, but he could not find the words.
He let out a cold snort, shook his sleeves, and walked away quickly without looking back, striding straight out of the great hall.
"Clan Chief, should we send someone to follow and watch Tai Bai Yun Sheng?" Hei Shu advised.
Hei Lou Lan raised his glass and drank, his expression calm without a trace of nervousness. He cast a glance at Tai Bai Yun Sheng's retreating figure and sneered, "Tai Bai Yun Sheng is nothing more than a mere healing Gu Master. What is there to fear? His reputation? Heh, after this, who would still dare to trust him? Bad news has wings…"
Hei Shu's heart trembled slightly. "As expected, the minds of those in high positions are unfathomably deep!" Only now did he realize that Hei Lou Lan's actions had killed three eagles with one arrow.
First, the bloody suppression of the small and medium tribes served as a warning to others. Second, it gave Tai Bai Yun Sheng a harsh lesson, making him understand his place. Third, it crippled Tai Bai Yun Sheng's prestige, solidifying Hei Lou Lan's own rule.
Tai Bai Yun Sheng rushed to the scene of the incident.
The massacre was already over. To better intimidate others, Hei Lou Lan had not ordered his subordinates to clean up the scene promptly.
Tai Bai Yun Sheng looked around. His face was pale, and his heart trembled.
The sacred palace was stained with blood, and corpses lay everywhere.
There were not only strong men, but also the elderly, women, and children. Some had their eyes wide open, dying with unresolved grievances. Others had their limbs hacked off or were cleaved in two, a miserable sight. There were also those with disheveled clothes and twisted expressions of pain, clearly having suffered inhuman humiliation before death…
This… All of this…
"It was all my fault! If I hadn't trusted Hei Lou Lan, if I hadn't mediated… I was so stupid, so naive! I actually didn't see through Hei Lou Lan's sinister intentions!! These people died trusting me!"
Tai Bai Yun Sheng's entire body trembled. The stench of blood assailed his nostrils. The scene of corpses covering the ground formed a tragic picture, delivering a massive blow to his fragile psyche.
His back hunched, his white beard trembling in the wind, his deep wrinkles, his dull gaze, his tightly clenched fists — all silently vented the profound sorrow, anger, regret, and self-blame deep within his heart!