When Zhao Ya returned to Nandian Town, many people in the town had already been awakened by the commotion.
What a joke.
Earlier, Zhao Ya and Yang Bin caused such a big scene, with so many people dead, the merchants in the town weren’t fools; how could they not be alarmed?
But no one dared to come out.
Even those who usually claimed to be bold only dared to peek outside through the crevices in their doors.
As for those who were timid, they hid under their blankets, trembling in fear, not even daring to cough.
After all, in the dead of night, with such a great disturbance, no one knew exactly what was happening, or what if making a noise attracted trouble to themselves?
Zhao Ya was naturally aware of this, so he didn’t conceal himself, instead, he brazenly walked into Nandian Town carrying Yang Bin.
When the people peeking from behind their doors saw that Zhao Ya was carrying Yang Bin, who had ruled Nandian Town for over a decade, they all gasped in shock.
To know that Yang Bin had been able to tyrannize Nandian Town for so long, with not a single person daring to report him, it was clear what kind of methods he used.
But now, the once-arrogant Master Yang was being carried like a dead dog.
The shock was beyond words.
As Zhao Ya walked into the town, he suddenly stopped and loudly proclaimed.
"Dear villagers, I am Zhao Ya, a disciple of the Azure Dragon Temple. I have been entrusted by the Great Elder to come and cleanse the darkness of Nandian Town. This Yang Bin is utterly devoid of conscience, committing countless atrocities with irrefutable evidence. His crimes are unforgivable."
"Now that I have captured him, I will execute justice in public. If any have suffered under his tyranny, you may come forward to witness and accuse."
These words were like a stone thrown into a pond, causing countless ripples.
The people of Nandian Town heard them loud and clear; some could hardly believe their ears.
The once-arrogant Yang Bin was captured by a disciple of the Azure Dragon Temple and was about to be publicly executed?
How could this sound so unreal?
Although most people didn’t know the exact connections between Yang Bin and the Azure Dragon Temple.
But for him to have been able to flagrantly rule under the very nose of the Azure Dragon Temple for so many years, he obviously had backing.
Moreover, Yang Bin often boasted about his close relations with the elders within the Azure Dragon Temple.
So everyone had assumed that the Azure Dragon Temple and Yang Bin were in cahoots.
This was also why, though the Azure Dragon Temple frequently sent people to collect rents, no one dared to speak the truth.
So when they heard Zhao Ya claim that he was a disciple of the Azure Dragon Temple, many people found it hard to believe.
Zhao Ya understood the doubts and concerns of the people, but he was too lazy to explain further.
Because no amount of words could compare to the truth of the matter.
It’s okay if you don’t believe now; once you see Yang Bin’s fate, you will naturally believe it.
And so, disregarding whether anyone followed, Zhao Ya continued carrying Yang Bin.
But moments later, the sound of doors opening behind him made Zhao Ya smile slightly.
Those daring to come out at this time were either bold or those most oppressed by Yang Bin.
In the Mi Family Inn, the young assistant Mi Kangle was eager to try.
"Shopkeeper, let’s go out and have a look too. This is a rare opportunity."
Mi Haichuan was filled with concerns and worries.
Having operated the inn in Nandian Town for many years, he had suffered too much oppression, which left quite a shadow in his heart.
He even still suspected this might be a play orchestrated by Yang Bin himself, meant to lure out those who were dissatisfied with him, to capture them all in one swoop.
Seeing Mi Haichuan’s hesitation, Mi Kangle grew anxious.
"Shopkeeper, that Yang has lorded over us for so long, don’t you hate him? Now that he’s finally been caught by a master from the Azure Dragon Temple and is to be publicly tried, why are you still hesitant? Have all these years of grievances been for nothing?"
Mi Haichuan was finally moved; he nodded resolutely.
"You’re right, let’s go!"
And so, the two pushed open the inn door and stepped onto the street.
By now, more people were gathering on the street.
Though many harbored their own concerns, even a clay figure has a bit of fiery nature.
Moreover, now that Yang Bin was captured.
If they didn’t dare step forward even in such circumstances, they’d be too cowardly.
Thus the crowd gradually gathered, following Zhao Ya to the courtyard where Yang Bin usually resided.
By now, a group had already gathered at the gate.
Leading them was the Mute Girl.
Standing behind her were none other than the oppressed and disabled.
But at this moment, their previously numb faces finally showed some spirit.
Especially when Zhao Ya approached, carrying Yang Bin, many were so moved they couldn’t contain themselves.
"Yang Bin, you heartless bastard, when you severed the tendons in my feet, did you ever imagine a day like this?" one limping man shouted with tears streaming down his face.
Despite Yang Bin’s usual ferocity, facing the angry crowd, he was more pitiful than an ordinary person.
His face was pale, his whole body trembling.
Zhao Ya chuckled softly at the sight, then casually tossed Yang Bin in front of the Mute Girl and the others.
"Those who have grudges take revenge, those who have complaints settle them. He’s yours now, but let me remind you, don’t be too impulsive. Killing him right away would be too easy for him."
It wasn’t until this group of oppressed disabled people rushed up with cries and shouts that the group following realized Zhao Ya had not been lying.
Everything he said was true.
Accompanied by the furious and hatred-filled roars of these disabled people, Yang Bin, surrounded in the middle, emitted a most heartrending scream.
The screams echoed through the skies, which ought to appear terrifying amidst the chilling night.
But whether it was these disabled individuals or the townsfolk and merchants, they felt nothing but excitement and exhilaration.
Mi Kangle’s face flushed with excitement, he whispered, "Shopkeeper, give me a slap, I think I’m dreaming."
Mi Haichuan was equally overwhelmed, "No need to doubt, we’re not dreaming, because I already tried."
Mi Kangle also wanted to squeeze through the crowd to land a kick or two on Yang Bin, only to find he couldn’t get in no matter how hard he tried.
There was no way, the crowd was simply too large.
Who wouldn’t want to vent their resentment while Yang Bin was still alive?
Zhao Ya stood quietly on the side watching, he didn’t stop them no matter how excessive their actions seemed.
Because without experiencing others’ suffering, one shouldn’t advise them to be kind.
With the deeds Yang Bin had committed, any torment he faced was deserved.
He merely gazed at the overcast sky, channeling his Qi and blood, silently accumulating strength.
It must be admitted, Yang Bin’s life of luxury had made his stamina far better than the average person.
Additionally, Zhao Ya had thoughtfully mixed a life-preserving elixir into the Poisonous Powder he prepared for Yang Bin, which heightened his sensory sensitivity.
So, even after all this time, Yang Bin still hadn’t died.
But his loud screams had gradually turned into groans of extreme pain from the very beginning.
Now, Yang Bin only wished for a quick death.
Because the ordeal was simply too painful.
But he also knew, without Zhao Ya’s consent, he couldn’t possibly die peacefully.
Thus, he used his last ounce of strength to cry out to Zhao Ya.
"Master Zhao, I’m willing to hand over the account book, just grant me a quick death."
Surprisingly, Zhao Ya remained unmoved, not even glancing at Yang Bin, instead directing his gaze towards the town entrance.
"Still not here?" Zhao Ya muttered under his breath, gently squeezing his arm.
There was the Hand Crossbow seized from Hei Yunzi.
At this time, the Hand Crossbow was already loaded with a Crossbow Arrow.
Meanwhile, Zhao Ya adjusted himself to his best state.
The reason he was so on guard was that Zhao Ya was well aware, the upcoming battle could be the fiercest he faced since embarking on Martial Dao.
The reason was none other than this.
The one backing Yang Bin, an unknown elder from the Azure Dragon Temple, would undoubtedly have a contingency plan laid out in Nandian Town.
So Zhao Ya deduced that the information had been transmitted as soon as things began to change tonight.
Nandian Town was only fifty miles from the Azure Dragon Temple, the elders could reach in no time.
So if they were coming, it should be around this time.
Compared to this, Yang Bin’s offer to surrender the account book was insignificant.
Just as Zhao Ya was fully prepared for battle, a number of extremely swift figures were sprinting down the road outside Nandian Town.
In the blink of an eye, they reached the town’s entrance.
The leading figure was scholarly but with a face so gloomy it seemed water could drip from it—Elder Yu Zhang, who had once advised Xia Jiye.
Following him were several others, varying in stature and build, but without exception, they were Azure Dragon Temple elders in good relations with Yu Zhang.
Even without entering Nandian Town, they had already heard Yang Bin’s cries of agony.
Yu Zhang’s expression changed, unable to endure anymore, he quickened his pace towards Nandian Town.
Simultaneously, Zhao Ya, who had been conserving energy, suddenly sensed something, his eyes bursting with dazzling brilliance.
When he looked up, he met Yu Zhang’s eyes as he entered Nandian Town.
Upon seeing Zhao Ya, the rage in Yu Zhang’s heart became uncontrollable.
"Rascal, what have you done?" Yu Zhang roared.
This shout shook the people of Nandian Town.
However, the originally barely alive Yang Bin perked up after hearing the shout. Drawing strength from who knows where, he opened his already torn mouth, and shouted indistinctly.
"Elder Yu, save me."
Then the crowd scattered.
When Yu Zhang saw the "mangled flesh" that was Yang Bin on the ground, the fury in his heart reached its peak.
He stopped, glaring intensely at Zhao Ya.
"Is this your doing?"