Chapter 25: Effective Methods Are Always Simple and Brutal

Wang Jingyuan did not bother with suspense. "If you die, Liu Zhengfeng’s entire family will die with you."

Qu Feiyan was startled, but Qu Yang continued to eat and drink, completely unmoved by Wang’s words. Having wandered the pugilistic world for most of his life, he had seen his fair share of such intimidation tactics. Even though this man had treated him with unusual attention, they were still strangers. As a disciple of the Mount Hua Sect, who was to say whether he was simply trying to deceive him?

However, Wang Jingyuan was not your typical martial artist. He was simply too lazy to build suspense. He continued, "Zuo Lengchan already knows about your relationship with Liu Zhengfeng, and he intends to use this opportunity to weaken the Mount Heng Sect. No matter what preparations Liu Zhengfeng has made, Zuo Lengchan will certainly not let him complete his 'golden basin hand-washing' ceremony."

Hearing this, Qu Yang finally set down his wine cup. Unable to contain herself, Qu Feiyan asked, "Then, Grandpa Liu..."

Qu Yang raised a hand to silence her and looked at Wang Jingyuan. "I thought this was just a chance encounter on the road, but it seems you, young hero, were aiming for me."

Wang Jingyuan shook his head. "I knew you were headed for Hengyang City, but who could have known we would meet here? Since we have, it would be a shame not to make good use of you, wouldn't it?"

Qu Yang nodded. "If what you say is true, this information is indeed worth more than a thousand pieces of gold. I owe you a favor. State your terms."

"You’ve likely guessed it already. My trip to Hengyang is indeed to save Liu Zhengfeng. But I don't work for free. Firstly, I want to strike a blow to the reputation of the Mount Song Sect, and secondly, I want to force the Mount Heng Sect to owe me a favor."

Qu Yang probed, "I have heard that the Five Sword Sects are as close as brothers."

Wang Jingyuan waved his hand. "That’s just for show to outsiders. It’s a plastic alliance; behind closed doors, they’d tear each other’s brains out. Why else would Zuo Lengchan target Liu Zhengfeng? He stabs Mount Heng in the back, so I, representing Mount Hua, stab Mount Song in the back. It’s only reasonable."

"What is this 'plastic' you speak of?"

"You wouldn't understand even if I explained it."

Qu Yang asked again, "And what of the Mount Tai and Mount Heng Sects?"

"They are just irrelevant bystanders, knowing nothing, only fit to cheer from the sidelines."

"And what is this 'bystander'?"

"It’s not convenient to explain in detail."

Qu Yang began to catch on. "So, I have been a part of your plan from the very beginning?"

Wang Jingyuan smacked his lips. "Originally, you had no part in this, but since you’ve stepped forward, I’ll kill two birds with one stone. Let’s count this as the first favor I’m forcing upon you. I know you and Liu Zhengfeng intend to retire from the world, but your plan won't work. I’ll help you revise it. If I include this previous intelligence, that makes two favors—you owe me twice."

Qu Yang extended his hand. "A gentleman’s word."

Wang Jingyuan slapped his palm against it. "Consider it done."

Qu Yang withdrew his hand, looking intrigued. "I have never heard such a phrase before. Now, can you lay it all out for me?"

"It’s simple. You will speed to Hengyang City and beat Liu Zhengfeng until he is half-dead."

"This?"

"You’ve heard of a '苦肉计' (a ruse involving self-inflicted suffering), haven't you? Before you beat him, make sure to loudly denounce him for violating the rules of the pugilistic world, feigning friendship with you only to lead you into an ambush. The ceremony is near, and I’ve calculated that the Mount Song Sect has already sent men to monitor his estate. That provides the perfect group to 'ambush' you. To make it look authentic, make sure to drag them out and kill them."

Qu Yang frowned. "You said it yourself—it's a ruse. Won't others be suspicious?"

Wang Jingyuan waved him off. "I have my arrangements. I’ll muddy the waters enough that no one will care whether your actions are real or fake."

"I am all ears."

"I intend to spread rumors in Hengyang City."

Qu Yang was disappointed. "Mere rumors..."

Wang Jingyuan continued, "I know, I know—ordinary rumors are useless; one simple self-clarification would break them. But everyone knows that humans have two 'heads.' The 'big head' is complex and craves logical consistency. But the 'small head' is simple and easily satisfied. I’ve never seen anyone worry about the plot logic in erotica; as long as the 'small head' is satisfied, nothing else matters. So, I plan to spread lewd rumors about him. With my excellent writing, this will be incredibly effective. I guarantee no one will focus on the truth. Once these rumors spread, their power will take hold. Such rumors have two traits: they are hard to disprove, and even if they are proven false, the truth is far less interesting than the rumor itself. Thus, the truth will never spread as widely as the scandal."

Qu Yang looked puzzled. "This big head, small head, and lewd rumor... never mind."

"Just watch how I handle it. I guarantee Liu Zhengfeng will be able to wash his hands in that basin smoothly—he’ll be so deep in it that he won't be able to turn back even if he wants to."

Seeing Wang Jingyuan’s confidence, Qu Yang was intrigued. Even if it failed, the information Wang had already provided was worth plenty.

Qu Yang prepared to depart. "Then I shall await your good news, young hero."

Suddenly, he looked at his granddaughter with a troubled expression. Wang Jingyuan understood. "I know, it’s hard to get things done with a tag-along."

Qu Feiyan puffed out her cheeks. "You’re the tag-along!"

Wang Jingyuan ignored her and said to Qu Yang, "From now on, she is a little orphan I picked up on the road, taken in as my disciple. If your luck is truly terrible and you roll a critical failure, at least she will be under the protection of Mount Hua. If you succeed, I will have her find you. However, that will cost you a third favor."

Qu Yang nodded. "That is acceptable."

Wang Jingyuan scratched his chin, feeling a bit confused. "It’s strange. We’ve only just met, I haven't even prepared a presentation, and yet you dare to entrust your granddaughter to me. Do I possess some kind of protagonist aura?"

Qu Yang smiled. "I don't fully believe everything you said, except for one point. That one point is why I trust you."

"Which one?"

"That the Five Sword Sects are united in name only but divided in spirit."

Qu Yang continued, "Since there is discord, it is merely a matter of fame and profit. I see your internal energy is not strong and your martial arts are mediocre. Yet, you dare to scheme against me, Brother Liu, the Mount Song Sect, and the Mount Heng Sect all at once. It shows that your Mount Hua Sect has great ambitions. My three favors in your hands will likely be put to significant use. I believe you will take good care of Feifei."