yasinovel Chapter 73 On Crimes
Chapter 73 On Crimes
Through the gap between Pharmacist Xu and Lin Duhai, Chen Luo saw a hunched old man standing at the gate of the courtyard.
The old man was emaciated, his face was deeply lined with wrinkles, and he was hunched over. He looked to be at least eighty or ninety years old.
Only the deputy head of the martial arts school would add their surname before the title of "head of the school". For example, Lin Duhai is head of the school, and the school also has another head of the school, Chen.
If addressed directly as "Master," then without a doubt, this old man is Zheng Shanjia, the sole and legitimate Master of Qingyun Martial Arts School.
Chen Luo had heard Principal Huang mention this person before.
This old man was said to have been a powerful figure who had retired from the Martial Arts Selection Office of Shang County. His strength was unfathomable. However, he retired due to old age and returned to his hometown of Qingshan County, where he became the head of the Qingyun Martial Arts School.
However, this position of head of the academy is more of a nominal one. It is said that this old man rarely manages affairs on a daily basis. The affairs of the academy are usually handled by the two deputy heads and Steward Xu, also known as Pharmacist Xu.
The fact that Zheng Shanjia, who has been out of the public eye for a long time, was involved suggests that the private fight and murder at the martial arts school was indeed a serious matter.
Moreover, what chilled Chen Luo even more was that Lin Duhai, who was as ruthless and arrogant as a forest, was able to suppress his killing intent and immediately stop his attack with just a simple "Stop!" from Zheng Shanjia. The old man's power was truly profound.
Chen Luo's eyes flickered, but he did not back down or dare to be negligent. Instead, he followed the example of Pharmacist Xu and Lin Duhai, bowing and saying, "Disciple Chen Luo greets Master."
Zheng Shanjia glanced at Xu Chang and Lin Duhai, but said nothing to them.
He stepped into the courtyard, his steps slow but without the wobbling of an old man. Every step was steady, with Steward Song following closely behind. At the gate stood Lu Cheng, who kept sneering, and Hu Zilan.
Finally, she came to Chen Luo's side.
Zheng Shanjia looked up at him, but unlike Lin Duhai's imposing aura, Zheng Shanjia's gaze was calm, and he looked him up and down like an ordinary old man looking at a junior.
Out of respect and to avoid being careless, Chen Luo still lowered his head slightly.
"Did you kill that person outside?" Zheng Shanjia's voice was a little hoarse.
"Yes."
"Are you familiar with the rules of the martial arts school?"
"This disciple understands."
"Killing someone in a private fight within a martial arts school is a capital offense, are you aware of that?"
"This disciple understands."
When Zheng Shanjia asked the question, Chen Luo answered with his head down. Behind him, Pharmacist Xu's face grew increasingly ugly, while Lin Duhai sneered repeatedly.
Finally, Zheng Shanjia's withered eyelids twitched slightly. "Then do you plead guilty?"
Only then did Chen Luo finally raise his head and look directly at the old man in front of him. "This disciple does not acknowledge you."
"The evidence is irrefutable, yet you still won't confess!" Lin Duhai shouted coldly. Zheng Shanjia also looked at Chen Luo, his old eyes calm. "Why won't you confess?"
Chen Luo took a deep breath and said loudly, "Because the Hu Qiu I killed was an outsider to the martial arts school. How can killing an outsider be considered a private fight murder!"
Zheng Shanjia frowned slightly, his gray eyebrows furrowing as he turned to Steward Song behind him. "An outsider?"
Manager Song met Zheng Shanjia's gaze, his heart skipped a beat, and he hurriedly tried to explain, but Lin Duhai preemptively mocked, "The Hu Qiu you killed was the manager of my martial arts school, how can you call him an outsider! Don't try to fool Old Master Zheng by saying he hasn't been involved in affairs for a long time and doesn't recognize anyone in the school!"
After he finished speaking, Zheng Shanjia narrowed his eyes, a glint of light flashing in his cloudy eyes, as if he understood something.
Ignoring Lin Duhai, he looked at Chen Luo and waited for him to continue.
"Qingyun Martial Arts School belongs to the Martial Selection Division, and naturally follows the rules of the Martial Selection Division."
Chen Luo stared at Lin Duhai and sneered: "The martial arts school clearly stipulates that its personnel are: first, clerks and stewards directly appointed by the Martial Selection Office; second, registered disciples and inner-view disciples who stay on duty. The former are limited to one year, and the latter are limited to the length of their stay."
"And that Hu Qiu," Chen Luo changed the subject, "was clearly appointed privately by Deputy Master Lin, never recorded in the Martial Arts Selection Office, and without the approval of the Master or the stewards. He's a member of the Lin family, you could even call him a slave of the Lin family. What does my killing of Hu Qiu have to do with the martial arts school's private duel?"
The courtyard fell silent instantly. A gleam immediately lit up in Pharmacist Xu's eyes.
That makes sense. If we strictly follow the rules of Qingyun Martial Arts School, only disciples, the school master, and stewards can be considered as internal staff of the school.
As for the rest, they are all outsiders.
From this perspective, killing an outsider doesn't seem to really qualify as a private fight.
Lin Duhai was taken aback at first, then flew into a rage, "Hu Qiu has served the Qingyun Martial Arts School for over six years. Everyone knows he's the manager of the school, and he's never been a servant of the Lin family. Don't try to distort the truth!"
"If one is not registered by the Martial Arts Selection Division, one cannot be considered a member of the martial arts school."
At this moment, Zheng Shanjia said calmly, "Is this Hu Qiu you're talking about ever registered with the Military Selection Office?"
Lin Duhai was speechless for a moment, and Pharmacist Xu immediately replied, "Reporting to the master, it was not registered."
"Then they are outsiders."
"but."
Zheng Shanjia looked at Chen Luo, his tone turning cold as he said, "Martial arts schools have their own rules, but outside, the laws of our Great Lin still apply. Martial artists must guard their hearts and bodies, and must never use force to break the law. No matter who the person is, even if they are a beggar on the street, they must not kill them without permission."
"good!"
Hearing Zheng Shanjia's words, Lin Duhai stopped arguing about whether Hu Qiu was an outsider or not, and followed Zheng Shanjia's lead, shouting: "Chen Luo, don't think that just because you're an outsider to a martial arts school, you can kill innocent people indiscriminately!"
As he spoke, he turned to Steward Song, "Steward Song, what are you standing there for? Quickly take this scoundrel to the county office to await trial!"
Just now, Chen Luo successfully identified Hu Qiu as an outsider to the martial arts school with just a few words. He wasn't stupid; he understood that this young man was clearly not recklessly killing, but had come prepared.
Right now, we can't let this kid keep arguing. We have to lock him up first, otherwise who knows what other tricks he might have up his sleeve.
Upon hearing this, Pharmacist Xu stopped speaking out to stop or side with Chen Luo, and simply looked at him.
He has done everything he could to help today; he has done all he could.
Moreover, he had already come to his senses and realized that Chen Luo was obviously prepared, otherwise he would never have been so clear about the rules of the martial arts school on his first day there.
Now, it's up to this kid to show what he can do.
Instead, Manager Song hesitated for a moment. Seeing that Zheng Shanjia and Pharmacist Xu were neither agreeing nor disagreeing, he could only slowly walk towards Chen Luo.
"This disciple did not kill innocent people indiscriminately," Chen Luo suddenly said.
As soon as he finished speaking, Manager Song immediately stopped and quietly retreated to his original position.
"I did not kill innocent people indiscriminately. The reason I killed Hu Qiu was because he deserved to die."
Chen Luo said calmly, "He took advantage of my being a newcomer to the martial arts school and not daring to act recklessly, yet he dared to steal several of the Spirit Nourishing Pills I had received. If it weren't for Pharmacist Xu's reminder, I would have been deceived by this scoundrel. According to the martial arts school's ironclad rules, anyone who dares to steal controlled pills is guilty of a capital offense. My killing him was eliminating a scourge for the martial arts school; how could it be considered a violation of the law?"
As soon as he finished speaking, Pharmacist Xu was stunned for a moment, but after thinking about it for a while, he immediately perked up!
He was originally worried that if Chen Luo said that Hu Qiu had given too few Nourishing Spirit Pills, Lin Duhai could use the excuse of negligence to cover it up for Hu Qiu, since the person was dead and there was no way to find out if it was really negligence.
In this case, although Hu Qiu was negligent, his crime did not warrant death.
Chen Luo's killing of Hu Qiu still constitutes unauthorized killing. He might be spared the death penalty, but he certainly won't be able to stay at the Qingyun Martial Arts School anymore.
However, if the act of supplying less of the Divine Elixir is defined as theft, the nature of the act is completely different!
Because the Nourishing Spirit Pill, as a medicine provided to registered disciples to break through the inner realm, is not as valuable as the Nourishing Qi Pill, it is still under the control of the Martial Selection Division. Stealing it without authorization is naturally a capital offense.
From this perspective, killing Hu Qiu seems to be an innocent crime?
"It's the same behavior, but with different labels, the results are completely different," Pharmacist Xu muttered to himself. "Why didn't I think of that back then?"
At the time, he only thought that Hu Qiu's failure to provide the elixir could be excused as negligence, but he never thought that it could be attributed to theft.
"Could it be that this kid has become cunning after spending so much time with that scoundrel Huang Mingyuan?" he wondered to himself.
Lin Duhai's expression changed immediately. "Don't spout nonsense! When did Steward Hu ever steal your Nourishing Spirit Pill? The man is dead, so what proof do you have?"
"I can prove it."
Pharmacist Xu immediately said, "Chen Luo sensed Hu Qiu's ulterior motives and was worried that the pills might be missing, so he specifically came to me to check. After my inspection, I found that five of the Nourishing Spirit Pills given to him were indeed missing."
"Xu Chang, how do you know this kid didn't deliberately destroy the five Nourishing Spirit Pills before coming to you for verification?"
Lin Duhai said coldly, "Master, you are wise. This witness cannot be considered genuine and cannot prove that Hu Qiu stole anything."
Pharmacist Xu retorted, "According to you, what evidence is there to prove that Hu Qiu didn't steal?"
Lin Duhai's face was grim. "I beg the Master to investigate thoroughly, so as to comfort the deceased!"
Both of them looked at Zheng Shanjia.
Hu Qiuren is dead, and there is no way to verify whether he stole the pills or whether Chen Luo was the one who destroyed them.
Therefore, the specific handling of this matter still depends on Zheng Shanjia's ruling.
Zheng Shanjia pondered for a moment, then looked at Chen Luo, "What else do you have to say?"
Chen Luo suddenly smiled: "This disciple has never touched the Spirit Nourishing Pill in the slightest. It was only after handing it over to Pharmacist Xu for inspection that I discovered there was a shortage."
"In this regard, I swear on my future in martial arts: every word I have said is true, and I have never tampered with the elixir in any way. If there is even a single falsehood, I will never be able to enter the Inner Realm in this lifetime."
Upon hearing this, everyone was stunned. Then, Lin Duhai's face turned ashen, while Pharmacist Xu's eyes shone brightly.
Pharmacist Xu said loudly, "Chen Luo, you are about to practice the 'Heart Sutra of Samatha-Vipassana.' If you break your vows, feel guilty, or are restless, you will never be able to see the inner realm. Do you understand?"
"This disciple understands." Chen Luo nodded.
Few people would swear an oath on their future in martial arts, especially a disciple about to practice the "Heart Sutra of Cessation and Contemplation," because this mental cultivation method requires a calm mind and a clear conscience. Therefore, Chen Luo's oath could not possibly be false.
Zheng Shanjia was silent for a moment, then slowly nodded, "Then this matter will be easy."
He turned to Steward Song and asked, "Who is in charge of distributing the medicines from the warehouse and matching the accounts with those taken by Hu Qiu? Let's see if the amount of the Nourishing Spirit Pills is less in the warehouse or less with Hu Qiu."
"Master, I am in charge of the storeroom. The amount of Nourishing Spirit Pills distributed to Hu Qiu that day was absolutely not lacking," Manager Song said, bowing his head.
"Since Chen Luo has sworn an oath, the problem is not with Chen Luo, and there is nothing wrong with the warehouse."
Pharmacist Xu interjected, "Then these five Nourishing Spirit Pills must have been stolen by Hu Qiu. This scoundrel, an outsider to the martial arts school, dared to commit such a serious crime. He deserves to die. Chen Luo is naturally innocent in killing him."
Lin Duhai's face turned ashen. He wanted to argue further, but Zheng Shanjia stopped him with a raised hand.
He said calmly, "Since things have come to this, there's no need to argue anymore."
"Although Hu Qiu is guilty, Chen Luo, you acted without consulting me first, which was too reckless. Your term as a registered disciple will be reduced by one month."
"Deputy Master Lin made a poor choice in hiring, allowing such a scoundrel to infiltrate Qingyun Martial Arts School. He shall be fined three months' salary."
"Vice Curator Lin, do you have any questions?"
Lin Duhai took a deep breath. It was too late to argue now. He suppressed his anger and resentment and gritted his teeth, saying, "Duhai has no objection."
"And what about you?" Zheng Shanjia turned his gaze to Chen Luo.
"I still have some doubts," Chen Luo said.
"Oh?" Zheng Shanjia looked at Chen Luo, and Pharmacist Xu quickly gave Chen Luo a wink, signaling him to stop while he was ahead.
Chen Luo said, "When I came to the martial arts school, the two hundred taels of silver I brought with me also disappeared and I can't find it."
"Two hundred taels of silver?" Zheng Shanjia asked in confusion, while Pharmacist Xu had a strange expression.
"That's right." Chen Luo nodded. "This disciple suspects that it was stolen by Hu Qiu."
"Absurd! With no one left to testify, are you just throwing all sorts of dirty water on a dead person?"
Seeing that Chen Luo had escaped the death penalty through his words, Lin Duhai was already furious. He couldn't help but sneer, "Do you really think that by saying this, the martial arts school will just give you a hundred taels of silver for nothing? Do you really think everyone at my Qingyun Martial Arts School is a fool?!"
Besides, martial arts schools don't charge tuition, so who the hell would carry two hundred taels of silver with them? The more he thought about it, the more ridiculous it seemed. "Whether Hu Qiu stole your silver or not, a search of his mansion will tell!"
"That is exactly what I intend to do."
Chen Luo looked at Zheng Shanjia and continued, "This disciple wants to search Hu Qiu's courtyard, firstly to find the two hundred taels of silver, and secondly to find the whereabouts of the five missing Nourishing Spirit Pills."
"This matter is approved," Zheng Shanjia calmly agreed.
After this incident, it was necessary to search Hu Qiu's residence anyway, so the so-called two hundred taels of silver was just a side matter.
He looked at Chen Luo, "Anything else to say?"
Chen Luo hesitated, glancing at Lin Duhai as if he had something to say but then stopped, his gaze lingering on him.
Lin Duhai was easily angered and snapped, "Why are you looking at me like that? Just say what you have to say!"
"Speak frankly," Zheng Shanjia said.
"I've heard that Hu Qiu was originally a retainer of the Lin family and has a close relationship with Deputy Master Lin. Therefore, it's unlikely that Hu Qiu would have hidden the silver he stole from me directly in his own residence..."
Chen Luo feigned hesitation, "It's very likely hidden in Deputy Curator Lin's courtyard."
"What do you mean?!"
Lin Duhai's eyes widened. He hadn't expected Chen Luo to be targeting him. "Why would I, Lin Duhai, stoop to such a despicable act!"
"Don't be angry, Master Lin. It's possible that Hu Qiu kept it for himself behind your back."
Chen Luo bowed and said, "I humbly request permission to search the courtyard. If the silver is not found, I am willing to apologize to Master Lin and offer him two hundred taels of silver as compensation."
Upon hearing this, Pharmacist Xu was taken aback, then a knowing glint flashed in his eyes, and his expression became playful.
Lin Duhai's expression changed drastically.
At this point, he finally understood what Chen Luo was planning.
This kid's real intention wasn't to search for silver, but to use the opportunity to enter his yard!
They weren't coming for him, but for the master's courtyard. Or rather, they were coming for Lin Lu, who was cultivating in his courtyard!
You should know that Lin Lu was cultivating in his master's courtyard. This kid used the excuse of searching for two hundred taels of silver to apply to enter the master's courtyard, just to get close to Lin Lu!
As for why he approached Lin Lu...
Lin Duhai gritted his teeth, his face growing increasingly grim the more he thought about it.
Naturally, I want to learn from Hu Qiu.
Hu Qiu was able to use Song Ruokui to plant a mental barrier in him, so he must be thinking of retaliating in kind. If he really gets close to Lin Lu, who knows what kind of trouble he will cause!
"You think I don't know what you're trying to do?"
Lin Duhai was absolutely furious. "You've only been here for the first time, how dare you be so arrogant as to search the main courtyard!"
"Master Lin, calm down."
At this moment, Pharmacist Xu casually remarked, "Two hundred taels of silver is no small sum. Since Chen Luo is willing to use it to apologize, he clearly respects Master Lin. Why not let him search him?"
"If Master Ruolin is innocent, he can get two hundred taels of silver for free; if you insist on stopping him like this, it will only arouse suspicion."
"You!" Lin Duhai glared at Xu Chang.
"Stop talking."
Zheng Shanjia said, "Since that's the case, Chen Luo, go and search Master Lin's courtyard now. If you don't find anything, just compensate Master Lin with two hundred taels of silver."
"Master!" Lin Duhai exclaimed anxiously.
"Stop arguing." Zheng Shanjia gave him a deep look and said calmly, "Since you dared to do it, you must bear the consequences."
Lin Duhai was startled.
These words, though seemingly directed at Hu Qiu, were more like a warning to him.
Does the museum owner know what he made Hu Qiu do?
"This disciple will go immediately!" Chen Luo said firmly. "If there is any misunderstanding, I will certainly apologize to Master Lin!"
After saying this, he turned to walk out of the courtyard gate.
"Wait!"
Lin Duhai stared intently at Chen Luo. Lin Lu was at a critical moment and absolutely could not be disturbed in the slightest.
This guy is especially cunning, like a jackal or fox. Even he himself is furious. If he gets close to Lin Lu, who knows what kind of mental block Lin Lu might develop from being angered by him!
He took a deep breath, suppressing his overwhelming anger, and said in a deep voice, "I suddenly remembered that Hu Qiu did indeed leave a small box in my villa yesterday. Perhaps it contains your two hundred taels of silver."
He practically spat out the last few words through gritted teeth, "Steward Song, quickly go to my villa and fetch that small box."
"Yes."
Manager Song accepted the order with a strange expression and left.
However, they left and returned shortly afterward.
He was holding a small box in his hands, which he carefully placed on the stone table in the middle of the group.
Then it was opened, and inside were twenty gleaming silver ingots.
"Master Sherin is wise."
Chen Luo grinned at Lin Duhai, "This is the two hundred taels of silver that I lost."