Peach Blossom Divine Medical God Chapter 1901 - 1895: Seen Through
Previously on Peach Blossom Divine Medical God...
Chen Yang inwardly chuckled upon hearing the proposed course of action, as it aligned perfectly with his expectations.
The elimination of these two individuals by the Secret Bureau served as a double benefit, effectively severing ties to the Blood Bat Hall while simultaneously providing Chen Tianmin with a straightforward path to vengeance.
"Chen Yang, come with me for a moment," Ma Jiantao suddenly addressed Chen Yang.
"Certainly," Chen Yang responded, pausing briefly before accompanying Ma Jiantao to a secluded area.
Once they reached a quiet corner, Ma Jiantao eyed Chen Yang and inquired, "You orchestrated this deliberately, didn't you?"
Chen Yang paused once more.
"Don't try to fool me. Even if these two were eager to meet their end, they would have definitely proclaimed their affiliation with the Blood Bat Hall. You intended to use their transgression as justification for their elimination and then leverage my Secret Bureau's resources to deflect any investigation from the Blood Bat Hall, correct?" Ma Jiantao elaborated.
Chen Yang had initially intended to keep his machinations secret, but he hadn't anticipated Ma Jiantao's astute deduction.
Since his guess was accurate, there was no longer any purpose in maintaining the pretense, and Chen Yang offered a sheepish chuckle of admission.
Ma Jiantao felt a sense of resignation but refrained from further comments, as he possessed a deep understanding of Chen Yang's character.
Had these two not committed unforgivable offenses, Chen Yang would never have resorted to taking their lives.
With the matter concluded, there was nothing more to discuss.
Nevertheless, Ma Jiantao solemnly cautioned Chen Yang about the dangers of provoking the Blood Bat Hall, warning of the potentially unending repercussions.
"Chen Yang, I am not exaggerating; this Blood Bat Hall organization is exceptionally formidable. You must exercise extreme caution," Ma Jiantao stated with utmost gravity.
Ma Jiantao held Chen Yang in high regard, viewing him as a young man brimming with prodigious potential whose future achievements would undoubtedly be extraordinary, provided he continued his cultivation journey.
Consequently, he was disinclined for Chen Yang to become entangled with the Blood Bat Hall, an association that could significantly jeopardize his prospects.
Sensing Ma Jiantao's genuine concern, Chen Yang acknowledged his advice with a nod. "Yes, I understand."
"As long as you are aware of the risks. Let us consider today's incident resolved; our Secret Bureau will handle the aftermath. I will contact you if any significant developments arise," Ma Jiantao said, intending for Chen Yang to depart and leave the situation behind.
Appreciating Ma Jiantao's considerate gesture, Chen Yang expressed his gratitude multiple times before discreetly departing the scene, as suggested, with Wang Cai, and journeying back to Liuhe Village under the cover of night.
The subsequent days unfolded without any notable disturbances.
Chen Tianmin, recuperating at the Green Cloud Taoist Temple, had nearly fully regained his health during this period of rest.
He now appeared virtually indistinguishable from an ordinary person, his recovery complete.
With his health restored, Chen Tianmin possessed a robust physique, bearing a striking resemblance to Chen Yang.
Upon Chen Tianmin's complete recovery, Chen Yang informed him about the confrontation with the Blood Bat Hall.
Chen Tianmin was initially taken aback by the news, followed by a profound sense of relief.
"With those three gone, we are truly safe now. If my involvement had brought trouble to the entire Liuhe Village, I would have been guilty of a heinous crime."
During these tranquil days, Chen Tianmin's peace of mind had been elusive.
He harbored a constant fear that the Blood Bat Hall might retaliate, potentially initiating a massacre that would engulf Liuhe Village and its surrounding areas.
Upon hearing from Chen Yang that the issue had been definitively resolved, he felt a wave of relief wash over him.
"Indeed, you should remain here from now on, Uncle. Dealing with the Blood Bat Hall is not a matter that can be resolved swiftly," Chen Yang stated, nodding in agreement.
Chen Tianmin intuitively grasped this reality; having been entangled with the Blood Bat Hall for decades, perhaps no one understood its complexities better than he did.
Seeking retribution and investigating the perpetrators behind the annihilation of his Chen Family through the Blood Bat Hall was an endeavor that would undoubtedly require considerable time.
"Very well, I shall heed your counsel. For the time being, I will remain here to cultivate in peace and formulate further plans when the opportune moment arises," Chen Tianmin concurred.
...
As night descended.
Chen Yang was engaged in quiet cultivation within his residence.
His practice was abruptly interrupted by the unexpected arrival of Liu Taoist.
Liu Taoist appeared utterly exhausted, seemingly burdened by an unspoken weight.
It was evident that he had been tirelessly searching for disciples and had only just returned. He had not even gone back to the Green Cloud Taoist Temple but had proceeded directly to Chen Yang's clinic.
"Old fellow, what brings you here?" Chen Yang expressed his surprise upon seeing Liu Taoist.
"Allow me a drink first; I am parched. I will explain everything after quenching my thirst," Liu Taoist gestured, proceeding directly to the backyard water tank, where he procured a ladle and drank deeply.
Chen Yang observed Liu Taoist's disheveled state with a suppressed urge to laugh.
"Are you ready to speak now? Why the sudden visit? Have there been any new developments regarding the disciples?" Chen Yang inquired with a smile.
With a solemn expression, Liu Taoist gently shook his head. "A worthy disciple is not easily found. It has been half a month, and still, I have found no suitable candidate."
Chen Yang felt a pang of concern for Liu Taoist upon hearing there had been no progress.
The six-month time limit was fast approaching. If Liu Taoist failed to select a successor for the inheritance, it would fall into the hands of Lion Tiger Mountain.
While they belonged to the same Sect, if Lion Tiger Mountain were to acquire the legacy, the Red Cloud lineage would undoubtedly face complete extinction.
There would be no one to carry on its traditions.
"Still no luck? What about your six-month deadline?" Chen Yang inquired.
Liu Taoist replied gravely, "That is precisely why I sought you out, my young friend."
As he spoke, Liu Taoist settled himself into the rocking chair within the courtyard.
He continued, "My young friend, you are, in fact, the individual I am most pleased with."
"Your innate talent is extraordinary. Despite limited exposure to formations, you managed to overcome the first and second formations laid down by our Ancestor. With even a little dedicated practice in formations, you would undoubtedly be capable of receiving the inheritance."
"Furthermore, your upright character makes you an ideal candidate to inherit our Red Cloud lineage!"
"Hold on, old friend. I was quite clear the last time, wasn't I? While the inheritance itself is tempting, I genuinely have no desire to expand your Red Cloud lineage. I am truly not the right fit," Chen Yang interjected swiftly, anticipating Liu Taoist's intentions.
The inheritance of Red Cloud was indeed appealing; accepting it would surely accelerate his cultivation exponentially.
However, Chen Yang was not a person who solely focused on the immediate gains.
If he accepted the inheritance, he would become intrinsically linked to the Red Cloud lineage.
The task of reviving Red Cloud would then become his solemn duty, a path he had no intention of treading, nor did he wish to shoulder such a burden.
Therefore, he could not consent to Liu Taoist's proposal.
"Young friend Chen Yang, you... ah!" Liu Taoist's face contorted with conflict and sorrow.
He desperately wished for Chen Yang's assistance in this matter.
His high hopes for Chen Yang were rooted in the belief that his acceptance would bring about the revitalization of their lineage.
Yet, Chen Yang remained steadfast in his principles, refusing the inheritance, which brought Liu Taoist considerable distress.
The many words he wished to convey ultimately dissolved into a heavy sigh.