Previously on The Legendary Son-in-law of the Emperor...
Tong Shishi apologizes to Ye Xuan for her past actions, and they walk towards Wan'an City. As they approach Evil Dragon Mountain, Ye Xuan points out that some of the cultivators Tong Shishi has helped may be waiting there. A group of these scattered cultivators, led by a man named Li Zhao, ambushes them, revealing their intent to rob Tong Shishi.
"Li Zhao, are you truly not human?"
Tong Shishi gazed coldly at the gaunt youth, vividly recalling their first encounter when he was critically wounded. She had meticulously tended to him, aiding his recovery.
Yet now, this very individual had orchestrated an ambush to seize her Spirit Stones!
The profound sense of betrayal sent shivers of rage through Tong Shishi.
The emaciated youth remained unfazed by her accusation, a faint smile gracing his lips. "That was merely a ruse back then, a facade. We are bandits; surrender your Spirit Stones and depart with your lives."
"Also..."
"My name isn't Li Zhao. It's Lu Fan."
The individual identifying as Lu Fan stated this with composure.
"Lu Fan?"
Tong Shishi appeared momentarily taken aback. "You're the bandit Lu Fan from Yun Country's wanted list?"
Lu Fan offered a nod. "Indeed."
Tong Shishi's expression grew exceedingly complex. She glanced at Lu Fan, clenched her small fists, then relaxed them, turning to Ye Xuan by her side. She whispered, "Young Master Ye, would you be willing to assist me?"
Ye Xuan gave a slight smile. "How do you wish for them to perish?"
Tong Shishi's expression remained troubled as she softly replied, "Could you spare their lives?"
Ye Xuan's smile vanished, and he remarked indifferently, "More will suffer if this continues."
Tong Shishi opened her mouth, unsure how to respond, for Ye Xuan's words resonated with truth, yet...
Ye Xuan did not immediately make a move, calmly stating, "Consider carefully before you give me your answer."
To him, this band of so-called bandits was less than insignificant, akin to mere specks of dust.
The strongest among them, the gaunt youth Lu Fan, was only at the cusp of the Heavenly God Realm.
Such a level of power was utterly negligible in Ye Xuan's presence.
What truly piqued his interest was the choice Tong Shishi would ultimately make.
"Boss, this brat doesn't seem to be taking us seriously at all!"
The exchange between Ye Xuan and Tong Shishi ignited a malicious killing intent within the group of bandits.
The emaciated youth, Lu Fan, did not act rashly. Instead, he narrowed his eyes, assessing the black-robed youth beside Tong Shishi, who appeared younger than himself.
His sudden appearance made Lu Fan wonder if he was the scion of some influential Family.
However, this speculation did not instill apprehension in Lu Fan. He was, after all, a bandit, accustomed to surviving by plunder. Once this endeavor was concluded, he intended to relocate immediately. Why then should he concern himself with the identity of the other party?
With this thought firmly in mind, the emaciated youth, Lu Fan, dispensed with further pleasantries and gestured with his hand.
Instantly, three bandits surged forward, launching an assault on Ye Xuan.
It must be acknowledged that despite their seemingly casual demeanor, the bandits' attacks were swift and deadly, aiming for three critical points: Ye Xuan's lower body, his throat, and his heart.
Even for a Cultivator, these three targets were fatal; a successful strike would guarantee death or severe injury.
It was evident these men were seasoned veterans, their hands stained with blood.
Yet, Ye Xuan remained completely immobile.
This inaction, as perceived by the three bandits, naturally led them to believe he was paralyzed by fear.
Disdain flickered across their faces. Where had his earlier bravado vanished?
Was this all there was to him?
However, just as their blows were about to connect with Ye Xuan, they froze mid-motion, utterly immobilized.
Witnessing this turn of events, Lu Fan and his cohorts' pupils constricted sharply.
"Go!"
Without a moment's hesitation, Lu Fan bellowed and turned to flee.
The others followed suit wordlessly, scattering and escaping, leaving only the three frozen figures before Ye Xuan, motionless.
Ye Xuan's gaze remained fixed on Tong Shishi, awaiting her decision.
Tong Shishi was deeply conflicted, but after observing the three bandits' attack on Ye Xuan, she finally resolved her inner turmoil and nodded. "Kill them."
Having uttered those three words, Tong Shishi appeared utterly depleted, her face turning ashen.
Bam!
At Tong Shishi's command, the three figures before Ye Xuan detonated, their blood erupting in a gruesome and terrifying spectacle.
Meanwhile, Lu Fan had already fled with desperate speed, covering a hundred miles in what felt like an instant, yet he showed no sign of stopping, continuing his frantic escape.
Because Lu Fan understood acutely that this time, he had clashed with an insurmountable obstacle, one of unimaginable hardness.
Impenetrable!
Only by maintaining his relentless flight could he hope for a chance at survival!
This was Lu Fan's solitary thought.
Boom!
But in the subsequent moment, Lu Fan lost consciousness, all awareness ceasing.
An invisible force had annihilated him.
Apart from Lu Fan, every other bandit met their demise.
It was as simple as a fleeting thought for Ye Xuan.
Ye Xuan lightly brushed his sleeve, dissipating any trace of the fallen bandits.
It was as though they had never graced the mortal realm.
As he performed this gesture, Ye Xuan spoke, "Do not wrestle with the righteousness of your choice; live with a clear conscience."
Tong Shishi shook her head, tears welling in her eyes. "I don't understand."
With a slight smile, Ye Xuan remarked, "Our world is governed by numerous rules, present in every nation, every Sect, and every realm, all designed to restrain human emotions and desires."
"Yet, there will always be those who defy these regulations."
"The world contains both good and wicked individuals, with virtue and vice arising from a single thought, much like what you once told me. What you believed to be right back then was, in fact, profoundly mistaken."
"And the wrongs they committed today were considered righteous in their eyes, a means to an end. However, their actions trampled upon your inherent goodness, which you deemed incorrect, compelling you to deliver retribution."
"To you, that was justice."
"But while your initial decision to show them mercy might have felt right to you, honoring the goodness within your heart, it failed to reciprocate the wickedness they displayed."
At this juncture, Ye Xuan raised his right hand, gently stroking the space between heaven and earth.
It was as if a blade sliced through the very fabric of existence.
Ye Xuan's gaze was placid as he stated plainly, "Thus, a principle exists in this world, known as using evil to subdue evil."
"Cease killing through the act of killing!"
"Any principle, no matter how profound, must be anchored in one's own strength."
"If you possess sufficient power, even your flatulence will be lauded as fragrant."
"Conversely, if you are weak and inept, even your most righteous deed will be dismissed as inconsequential by others."
Ye Xuan's pronouncements were undeniably coarse.
However, this time, Tong Shishi paid no heed to the crudeness of his words, for she had truly grasped his meaning.
She gazed at Ye Xuan, a peer in age, yet articulating profound reasoning that far surpassed her own understanding.
"I understand now," she breathed.
Tong Shishi drew in a deep breath, her eyes now filled with clarity.
Many years later, when Tong Shishi had ascended to become a legendary figure in the Alchemy World, she would still vividly recall that day. She often reminisced, sharing with future generations the principle of good and evil.
To indulge goodness is the greatest evil!
Ye Xuan withdrew his gaze and offered a detached smile, "I'm glad you understand. Let's depart."
For Tong Shishi, the path forward suddenly appeared significantly more illuminated, and she strode with renewed determination.
This newfound clarity wasn't limited to the mountain trail but extended to her entire journey of Cultivation.
