A big disaster is heading my way?
Lin Xun was astonished. He quickly put down his chopsticks and asked in surprise, “Big Brother Chu Feng, what do you mean?”
He was not surprised that his accommodation had been found by Chu Feng. Otherwise, the Rune Master Association President would not live up to his name.
When the originally flustered Chu Feng saw Xue Jin happily eating beside Lin Xun, his pupils immediately shrank as he recalled the expert mentioned by Old Diao, causing respect to rise in his heart.
Chu Feng took a deep breath and forced a smile. “Brother, could it be that you didn’t go out today?”
Lin Xun was taken aback. “I just returned from Haze Academy this afternoon.”
From his appearance, Chu Feng realized that Lin Xun genuinely did not know his current situation.
Chu Feng wasted no time and quickly informed Lin Xun about the various news that had stirred up the entire city.
As he spoke, Lin Xun’s expression turned serious as faint hints of iciness began to flow in his eyes.
“So far, we can confirm that the Yuan Clan, Jadelight Pavilion, Zheng Clan, Zhou Clan, and nine other factions will be taking action against you.”Chu Feng’s expression turned grave. “Do you understand now?”
Lin Xun nodded but still felt extremely puzzled. “I did anticipate some trouble after defeating Yuan Shi and Qi Yunxiao but I did not expect so many to pop up and create such a huge commotion. It seems that they think very highly of me.”
Chu Feng explained, “You don’t understand. These noble faction disciples can be defeated and even killed but the culprit can never be a commoner. This is the noble factions’ bottom line. If such a thing happens, it would be a challenge to their status and dignity, and that’s something they would never permit.”
Chu Feng paused for a moment before he worriedly said, “Moreover, I suspect that they’re stirring up such a fuss because they wish to make an example out of you to deter others. Killing you is merely an excuse!”
Lin Xun asked in surprise, “Have things already become so serious between the nobles and commoners?”
At this point, Xue Jin suddenly interjected, “It’s more serious than you think.”
A sliver of reminiscence appeared on Xue Jin’s tipsy face as he began to recount a story with a complicated expression.
A hundred and thirty-seven years ago during winter, a murder occurred at an inn in the empire’s capital.
The disciple of a fallen clan had gotten drunk and raped the inn owner’s daughter.
That night, a beautiful young girl, who was only thirteen, was raped and killed!
After it happened, the inn owner tried to seek justice but was ultimately killed along with his wife and their entire family of a few dozen members.
It was because the inn owner and his family were commoners. Although the noble disciple tried his best to keep the incident under wraps, a cultivator unintentionally heard about it. On that same day, he killed the noble disciple, drawing praise from many, and was even called a hero of justice.
Who could have imagined that a storm of blood would soon follow?!
The very next day, the cultivator called Ren Changyuan was personally captured and killed by General Blood Slaughter, Wen Zhongqing, who was very famous in the Forbidden City at the time.
On the same day, dozens of noble factions and Wen Zhongqing began a ten-day manhunt targeting the commoner cultivators, claiming they were eliminating rebels in the capital.
It rained blood for the next ten days with several tens of thousands of commoner cultivators mercilessly killed each day. The entire city was in an uproar and everyone felt as if they were in mortal danger.
Towards the end, the emperor had to personally step in to put a stop to the bloody massacre.
These ten days were called the Bloody Ten Days.
After the event, General Blood Slaughter Wen Zhongqing was stripped of his rank and dispatched to the northwest border. It was basically only a light tap on the wrist.
The factions that had participated in the slaughter were also let off with light punishments.
As for the countless commoner cultivators who had been killed, they became a bloody warning from the nobles to the commoners for many years after.
Even today, it was very rare for anyone to mention the Bloody Ten Days. Those who knew about it understood that the noble factions would do anything in order to preserve their status and power.
After telling the story, Xue Jin looked at Lin Xun and said, “This tragedy started with what should have been a trifling matter of a commoner cultivator killing a disciple from a fallen noble clan. What do you think about this?”
Lin Xun found that he was unable to remain completely calm. He never imagined that the relationship between the nobles and commoners had already deteriorated to such an extent.
After a long silence, he finally said, “In other words, my current circumstances are somewhat similar to Ren Changyuan?”
Xue Jin let out a carefree laugh and did not comment.
Chu Feng nodded and said, “It is indeed very similar. However, there are some differences between you and Ren Changyuan. For example, you’re not just a cultivator but also a rune master of the Rune Master Association.”
However, Chu Feng soon said in frustration, “However, only a few people know about your other identity at the present, making it rather useless in this situation.”
Lin Xun was speechless. “That’s the least of my concerns. I’m still confused about why there are such serious disagreements between the nobles and the commoners.”
Chu Feng sneered and said, “Brother, allow me to put it to you in simple terms: it's to protect their status and interests! In the empire, there are only so many positions of power and resources to go around. If the commoners were to rise up, they would definitely take away a slice of the pie. Which noble faction would allow such a thing to happen?”
Lin Xun frowned. “Status and interests?”
Chu Feng confidently said, “Correct. The higher your status the greater the benefits which can also be referred to as cultivation resources! Haven’t you noticed that the cultivation resources in the empire, especially the highest tiers, will always end up in the hands of the noble factions?”
“A noble has access to various cultivation resources since birth. On the other hand, even the simple act of cultivating is an uphill task for a commoner and they have to constantly risk their lives to fight for cultivation resources. This is the gap between the nobles and the commoners!”
Lin Xun found that this indeed made sense and could not help but fall into deep thought.
For the first time, he realized that internal issues were not the only factor that would make a cultivator stumble in his cultivation journey. There were also numerous unforeseeable difficulties that could hinder someone.
Today’s matter was an excellent example. All he did was defeat two noble disciples and as a result, he now had to face many potential problems. Although it seemed ludicrous, the cruel truth behind it made Lin Xun feel threatened.
Xue Jin suddenly asked, “Now that you know, what are your plans?”
Lin Xun was silent for a moment before the corners of his lips suddenly curved as if smiling. However, there was no trace of emotion in his smile.
He calmly answered, “Although Ren Changyuan ended up dying, it does not mean I will follow in his footsteps. In my eyes, there is no difference between nobles and commoners, not now, not ever. The only distinctions I make are between friends and enemies.”
Chu Feng was stunned. Alarmed, he asked, “You…what do you plan on doing?”
Xue Jin seemed to understand and his drowsy, drunk eyes gleamed without anyone noticing. “Kid, are you sure?“
Lin Xun shrugged. “Will they let me off if I admit defeat now?”
Soon after, he took a deep breath. There was nothing but calmness in his black eyes as he said, “Since they’ve chosen to be my enemy, they must pay the price for their decision!”
Xue Jin let out a hearty chuckle and downed an entire bowl of alcohol. “Showing courage in the face of adversity and viewing death as mere sleep. That’s how men should be!”
Comprehension suddenly dawned upon Chu Feng as he gazed at the composed Lin Xun and the laughing Xue Jin. This might be what true cultivators are: always armed with courage and fearing nothing in this world!
……
Chu Feng soon bid them goodbye and hurriedly left.
He already knew Lin Xun’s decision and also decided to go crazy with him this time!
Upon knowing that Lin Xun needed the most up-to-date information, a short bow, healing and recovery medication, Chu Feng immediately declared that he would take care of it.
Information and resources were things that the Rune Master Association never lacked.
Chu Feng even wanted to use his influence and power to aid Lin Xun but this was immediately turned down by Xue Jin.
After Chu Feng left, Xue Jin finally said, “I wish to hear your plan.”
Lin Xun’s reply was simple. “Take the initiative and strike first.”
Xue Jin asked, “Do you need me to do anything?”
Lin Xun grinned. “You just need to appear in time when I need you.”
Although the request seemed shameless, Xue Jin rather admired it. “That’s how Blood Kill Camp students should be. I had thought you had already forgotten everything you learned when you arrived in Haze City.”
Lin Xun rubbed his nose and said, “That’s true. I realized that I can't seem to get used to the lack of blood and violence ever since coming here.”
A dazzling smile suddenly formed on his lips. “However, that chance is finally here!”
……
When night arrived, Lin Xun departed from the residence alone.
The bustling streets were even busier than they were in the day, the pedestrians seemingly weaving together into a never-ending tapestry of activity.
The busiest places were naturally the inns, brothels, and gambling houses. Places where people could get drunk and make merry.
Drunken Cloud House.
In the hearts of numerous men, Drunken Cloud House was a first-class pleasure-seeking establishment where they could forget all their troubles. It was also an irreplaceable haven where they could be pampered and feel loved.
The women here were all very pretty and gentle. Some were sexy and seductive while others were cold and arrogant, and each had their own special charm.
It was not cheap either. When Lin Xun arrived, he had to pay an entrance fee of three silver coins.