Cangwu City.
Tonight, Cangwu City is engulfed in a quietude it doesn't favor, with the streets nearly deserted except for the few newcomers to the city.
In this world where body refinement allows one to sleep only once every few days, such a desolate night scene is exceptionally rare.
Simultaneously, Lu Ming returned to the inn with Xia Jin's corpse, and those who accompanied him seemed like avengers holding back their rage, ready to explode at any moment.
"Old Lu, are we really just letting this go?"
"We should retaliate directly and show them our might. Do they really think the Immortal Sect is extraordinary for accomplishing just a couple of notable feats?"
A few attempted to vent their discontent.
Lu Ming listened as he hauled Xia Jin upstairs to a guest room, suddenly halting in mockery, "Let it go? No, it's just beginning..."
When can vengeance be considered settled?
He believed that Lord Situ Xiuneng wouldn't be one to leave grudges unpaid.
Having said that, Lu Ming continued to ascend the stairs, but after just two steps, Situ Xiuneng's voice came from the doorway, "If you wish to court death, I certainly won't stop you."
Lu Ming's expression changed, and his steps halted.
Those who had been venting their discontent hastily stood to the side, lowered their heads, resembling children who had made mistakes.
They knew Situ Xiuneng heard their earlier words.
"Lu Ming, it seems following me all these years has made you rise too fast for clear thinking," Situ Xiuneng said coldly, delivering words that made Lu Ming's heart anxious.
Lu Ming hurriedly replied, "My lord, Lu Ming knows his mistake."
What must come eventually comes.
He couldn't escape a scolding for his secret dealings to help Xia Jin.
Now the situation has escalated beyond simple reprimand.
Fortunately, he could endure any punishment.
"Mistake?" Situ Xiuneng snorted coldly, "No, you haven't erred. I did. Over the years, you've done much for me, and I thought you could handle great responsibilities, perhaps gaining a higher position to aid me further... Unexpectedly, you're so unfit for duty."
At this moment, Situ Xiuneng felt profound disappointment.
An unprecedented disappointment in Lu Ming.
He hadn't anticipated Lu Ming would be controlled by desire, tempted by power.
Stirring Bainian Xiang at the base of the Immortal Sect, knowing it's impossible yet yearning for Xia Jin's backing, leads to such foolishness.
Today's humiliation and inner displeasure were secondary.
Xia Jin's death and grief were also secondary.
Lu Ming's disappointment was the real pain.
What compares to realizing someone cultivated for decades is a failure unfit for great tasks?
Upon hearing Situ Xiuneng's forlorn words, Lu Ming's face was overtaken by fear, more terrifying than any scolding or punishment, "My lord, I was wrong... I acted foolishly."
Situ Xiuneng smiled indifferently, "Foolishly? This momentary folly bears a great cost."
"My lord... I'm also unclear how this happened so suddenly."
Lu Ming panicked, utterly panicked.
He had no idea what to say.
Justify?
It's useless.
Admit?
He refused to admit being unfit for duty.
Situ Xiuneng raised his hand to stop Lu Ming's words, "Once we return, go back to the Lu Family, no longer with me."
"My lord—"
Lu Ming was dumbfounded.
Situ Xiuneng outright discarded him.
Situ Xiuneng continued coldly, "Place Xia Jin's corpse properly and then come to my room."
He then scanned those around.
"If you don't want to die, don't go out... The Heaven and Earth Lake's Mountain Suppression Realm isn't few, nor many."
Implying he wouldn't avenge their deaths.
Replacements were always available!
The crowd hastily nodded, witnessing Lu Ming's outcome, losing the flame they held moments ago, silently vowing—not to leave without reason!
The sense of humiliation and indignation vanished completely at this point.
Situ Xiuneng, having ascended, stood as usual by the window gazing toward Yunlan Mountain.