Chapter 277 - 255: The Dragon King’s Might (Part 3)
This only deepened Song Lingjun’s resolve to test the boundary.
Yet, he had not expected matters today to escalate to this degree.
Liu Zuifeng continued, "There was nothing wrong with testing earlier, but I said that once Gu Zhan arrives, your probing should cease, for Gu Zhan is different.
Recently, the Dragon King has been withdrawing not because he fears the Danyang Sect, but because the younger generation of Beidou Bang has no one capable. The Dragon King, a Gang Leader and venerated elder of the Martial Arts world, cannot personally resolve every issue; it’s unseemly for him to intervene in the squabbles of youth. Thus, he restrains his disciples—not out of fear for Danyang—but because Beidou Bang’s young are not strong enough, and if a conflict arises, Beidou Gang will suffer loss.
But now, Gu Zhan is here. The younger generation of Beidou Bang finally has someone capable, and not just anyone—someone bold enough to ignite discord between two factions. If you keep testing today, it truly is unwise."
Having spoken, Liu Zuifeng glanced at Mo Jingzhou and cupped his hands. "Uncle, am I right?"
Mo Jingzhou nodded and said, "The quarrels of youth ought to be settled by youth. But to abuse seniority against juniors—unacceptable. After all, I am not dead yet, am I?"
Song Lingjun’s expression darkened; he did not reply.
Liu Zuifeng bowed deeply to Mo Jingzhou and said, "Uncle, the Liu Family has nearly been wiped out. Aunt is dead. Uncle, are you here to kill me now?"
Mo Jingzhou remained silent, saying nothing.
Liu Zuifeng then turned to Xiao Chen, cupping his hands. "Second Uncle Xiao, long years have passed since we last met. Now, upon this meeting—will you kill me, Uncle?"
Xiao Chen’s fierce visage scrunched together awkwardly. He scratched his head and said, "Zuifeng... you... I..."
Liu Zuifeng turned his gaze to the group of leaders behind Mo Jingzhou, cupping his hands again. "Gentlemen—some of you watched me grow up, elders and uncles; some once rode beside me across the Martial World, brothers in arms; some were both teachers and friends; some trained alongside me... Today, I ask only this—are you all here to kill me as well?"
The cluster of leaders all fell into silence. Some lowered their heads, some seemed about to speak but held back.
Liu Zuifeng drew a deep breath, and said, "Right and wrong, truth and lies, I do not wish to argue today. Victors and vanquished; since ancient times, such is the world. The Liu Family lost to Squad Leader Gu, and I accept defeat, heart and soul. If Squad Leader Gu wishes to root us out, I understand; such is the Martial World’s way.
But as a Liu Family member, I cannot sit idle. Today, there is but one thing I ask—let me do a final deed for the Liu Family. Uncle, Second Uncle Xiao, all Beidou Bang elders and comrades—grant me this opportunity,
I wish to act according to the Martial World’s code,
and formally challenge Gu Zhan!"
The crowded throng fell suddenly silent at these words,
Everyone’s attention was fixed upon Liu Zuifeng and Gu Zhan.
The members of Beidou Bang felt conflicted. Most who roam the Martial World chase after fame and fortune, but in the end, none can escape the bonds of loyalty and righteousness.
Liu Zuifeng’s status is different,
Among the leaders present, most elders watched Liu Zuifeng grow to adulthood; the younger ones are either friends or peers, and even the youngest could not avoid ties to the Liu family entirely.
The words "loyalty and righteousness"—none in this world can escape,
Just as back in Canglan City, Yun Wei always shunned outright conflict with the Liu Family. On the day the Liu clan bled, the main force comprised the Pingyang Embroidered Uniform Guards. Later, Liu Zuifeng led the Liu Family branch to escape the city—many turned a blind eye, else how could so many escape?
Now, Liu Zuifeng faces them directly,
Truth be told, many Beidou Bang leaders already wish to leave, not knowing how to confront him.
In terms of loyalty—they would rather not face Liu Zuifeng blade to blade; yet Gu Zhan now stands as the leader among Beidou Bang’s young generation, likely the figure upon whom the next era will depend.
For a moment, the scene was absurd and somber.
Even Mo Jingzhou, gazing at Liu Zuifeng, did not know what to say,
For, after all, this was a child he’d watched grow since youth.
Mo Jingzhou’s mood was complicated,
At his level, he usually cast aside emotional concerns,
But, after all, he is only human,
Earlier, he could not face his own son’s internal strife, yet still he set the stage for it to happen,
The outcome was unexpected, but achieved his aims; and though each was his own choice, he still cannot calmly face the man who killed his son—even though he himself delivered his son to Gu Zhan’s blade, he cannot entirely abandon emotion.
Now, with Liu Zuifeng standing before him,
Just like the upheaval in Canglan City not long ago—had he not left, had he remained present, he certainly would not have been able to witness the fratricidal clash firsthand,
Now, faced with Liu Zuifeng so close,
To strike at the one who has called him uncle for decades, in the end he wavers,
After all, this is a child he himself watched grow,
The Liu Family is almost extinct,
He has wronged the Liu Family enough, shown enough ruthlessness.
After a long silence,
Mo Jingzhou sighed and said, "Zuifeng, leave now. Let the Liu blood never tread upon Canglan Dao again."
Liu Zuifeng shook his head, saying, "Uncle, now that I have come here today, I do not intend to walk out alive. Between Gu Zhan and me, an ending must be made."
Mo Jingzhou said, "Then, I have no reason to let Gu Zhan fight you. It won’t be fair, and besides, Gu Zhan has every right to refuse."