Chapter 95

Think about it and decide for yourselves."

As soon as these words were spoken, the brows of several people relaxed.

But opposite them, the expressions of Tian Wei and the others suddenly became unpleasant.

Their original intention was to have Lin Cheng use his authority as Master to make the Mighty Far Hall’s Dragon-Ascending disciples form an alliance with them; they hadn't expected Lin Cheng to let the disciples decide for themselves.

Forming an alliance on one's own versus forming an alliance under the Master’s requirement—the significance is not the same.

If you form an alliance yourself, if one day you feel your ally is no good, you can dissolve the alliance at any time.

But if the Master requires the alliance, even if your ally asks you to do something you don't want to do, you can only grit your teeth and accept it; the binding force is much greater.

"Brother Lin, wasn't it agreed that the disciples of the two gyms would form an alliance?" Tian Wei said with dissatisfaction.

Lin Cheng laughed, "Brother Tian, you had already discussed it with your disciples before coming to propose the alliance. I didn't have time to consult my disciples' opinions. If I forced them, this Master would be too overbearing."

Saying this, he looked at Xu Yang and the others, "Whatever your thoughts are, just say them directly. Master Tian will not blame you."

Jiang Ping hesitated for a moment, then stood up first and said, "Master Tian, we have already formed a unit with Gu Haoming of the Gu family."

Saying this, he pointed at Zhang Yong and Zhao Zhifei and continued, "We do not oppose the alliance, but we must first discuss it with Brother Gu before giving an answer."

Hearing Jiang Ping’s words, the eyes of the disciples from the Tiger Roar Fist Gym all lit up.

If they could form an alliance with Gu Haoming, they wouldn't need to care about the other Mighty Far Hall disciples.

"It is indeed worth discussing."

Tian Wei was all smiles, his previous dissatisfaction disappearing without a trace. He hadn't expected that he could let his disciples connect with Gu Haoming.

"What about you?"

He looked at Xu Yang, Sun Tao, and Lin Wei again.

"This junior has already formed an alliance with several senior and junior sisters from the Pure Maiden Hall. Please forgive this junior for being unable to agree," Lin Wei said, cupping her hands.

"My family has also found an ally for this junior," Sun Tao said.

Everyone’s gaze turned to Xu Yang.

Xu Yang cupped his hands and said, "This junior has also found an ally!"

He didn't have any allies, but if he refused directly, Tian Wei and the disciples of the Tiger Roar Fist Gym would inevitably lose face.

"That is truly a pity."

Tian Wei said, "However, even if you cannot form an alliance, you can still support each other in the Purple Sun Gate. I have a good friendship with Master Lin, and you should also continue this friendship."

Xu Yang and the others all cupped their hands in agreement, and Tian Wei soon led his people away.

"Junior Brother Xu, who did you form an alliance with?" Sun Tao asked curiously.

"This junior doesn't have any allies. I was just worried that if I refused, the disciples of the Tiger Roar Fist Gym would lose face and target me after we reach the sect," Xu Yang said with a bitter smile.

Sun Tao was stunned, "Why don't you come over to my side, Junior Brother Xu? The ally my family found for me has decent strength."

"Junior Brother Sun, he doesn't even look up to Gu Haoming. Could it be that the ally your family found for you is Cao Rong or Yun Feng?" Jiang Ping’s sarcastic voice rang out.

Xu Yang ignored Jiang Ping and cupped his hands, "Many thanks for Senior Brother Sun’s good intentions, but this junior has no plans to form an alliance with anyone at the moment."

If it were just Sun Tao alone, he might have considered it.

Sun Tao had a good personality, was righteous, and wouldn't offend anyone casually; he was a good candidate for an ally. Unfortunately, Sun Tao had already formed an alliance with others, and he didn't want to be tied to people he didn't know.

Who knew if, among these people he didn't know, there were any who had already become spies for the Blood Lotus Sect?

The saying "there is strength in numbers" makes sense, especially in a place like a sect; being able to have a group of people unite can avoid many unnecessary troubles.

But at the same time, it can also attract many unnecessary troubles; if your ally causes trouble, you can't just stand by and watch.

Moreover, the specific situation of the Purple Sun Gate was still unclear, so forming an alliance rashly was unwise.

Furthermore, why would experts like Gu Haoming and Cao Rong want to protect a weakling like you? In the end, they are after something you have.

Sun Tao laughed, "I actually didn't want to either, but since my family arranged it, I had no choice."

When disciples from families like theirs form alliances, it’s not just two juniors moving forward together in the Purple Sun Gate; the families are the same. It is basically out of interest, and both sides benefit.

Xu Yang had nothing. Forming an alliance with someone basically meant going to shoulder their burdens and act as a hired thug.

If he were willing to do that, he would have already agreed to the Liu family back then.

Liu Xiao of the Liu family was the third-place finisher from the previous session; he was far stronger than the disciples of the Tiger Roar Fist Gym.

And there was the Cao family; Cao Rong was the first-place finisher of this session. Which one of them, if picked out, wasn't stronger than the disciples of the Tiger Roar Fist Gym or the likes of Gu Haoming?

"Xu Yang, come see me!"

After parting with Sun Tao, Lin Cheng’s voice transmission rang in his ears.

Although Xu Yang was puzzled, he still stepped into Lin Cheng’s courtyard once again.

"Disciple pays respects to Master," Xu Yang said, cupping his hands.

"Sit!" Lin Cheng pointed to the chair beside him.

Xu Yang was even more curious about why Lin Cheng had called him over. In the past, when Lin Cheng summoned him, he wouldn't invite him to sit; he would always have to stand and listen to instructions.

Lin Cheng was silent for a while, then said, "Master wants to ask you for a favor. Although it is a bit excessive, I hope you can agree."

Xu Yang’s heart stirred, and he said, "Please speak, Master. If this disciple can do it, I will not refuse. But if this disciple is powerless, please forgive me for being unable to agree."

Even Lin Cheng knew it was excessive, so it probably wasn't something easy to do; therefore, he didn't agree immediately.

Lin Cheng deliberated for a moment and said, "Master actually hopes that you can look after your Senior Sister Lin Wei. Although the Purple Sun Gate is a righteous sect, the disciples within are not united; there are frequent instances of mutual slaughter, as well as various factional struggles and mutual scheming.

Master knows that you are a cautious person. Even the conditions offered by the Cao family could be refused by you; clearly, you are someone who dislikes taking risks. This request is somewhat excessive for you.

But your Senior Sister Lin Wei is, after all, my daughter, and I also want my daughter to have some security. Among all the disciples, only you have this ability."

He asked Xu Yang to help look after Lin Wei not only because he knew Xu Yang had the best talent among all the disciples of the Mighty Far Hall, but also because he valued Xu Yang’s cautious personality the most.

He hadn't liked this personality of Xu Yang’s before, feeling he was too timid and lacked the sharpness and drive of a martial artist.

But when his own daughter was about to leave him and step into a dangerous place like the Purple Sun Gate, he felt Xu Yang’s cautious personality was actually quite good.

Although he might not necessarily achieve great things, he would certainly survive better than others.

To a father, this point was more important than anything else.

"Master does not require you to form an alliance with her; I only hope that when she is about to do something risky, you will dissuade or remind her, and when it is within your power, it would be best if you could help her."

Asking his disciple for a favor for the first time, Lin Cheng’s expression was somewhat unnatural.

Xu Yang thought for a moment, stood up, and cupped his hands, "This disciple can agree to Master. Within my power, I will help look after Senior Sister Lin Wei and ensure her safety. But if Senior Sister Lin Wei does not listen to persuasion, or if it would endanger this disciple’s life, please forgive this disciple for being powerless."

Lin Cheng had treated him quite well; within his power, he was willing to repay this favor.

"Good!"

Only then did Lin Cheng show a smile, "Master knows this is difficult for you. Rest assured, I will instruct her to listen to your advice.

Master will not take advantage of you either. Master will help look after your younger sister in the future. When you go back, tell her that if she is bullied in the future, she can come find me.

When she is of age, Master will take her over and teach her martial arts."

"This disciple thanks Master!" Xu Yang cupped his hands again.

With Lin Cheng’s words, he finally didn't have to worry about Xu Qing’s safety.

Originally, he had been racking his brain over whom he could trust to secretly help look after her, but now that was no longer necessary.

Lin Cheng waved his hand, "Alright, go."

When it was dark, Xu Yang walked through the night back home and told Xu Qing what Lin Cheng had said.

He had already discussed it with Xu Qing; after he left, Xu Qing would move to their eldest uncle’s house to live.

For small matters, the eldest uncle or the Qiu family could solve them; for things they couldn't solve, she could go find Lin Cheng.

The next day, he saw Lu Ren, whom he hadn't seen in a long time, outside the Mighty Far Hall.

His expression was somewhat decadent; he no longer had his usual high spirits, and there was a bit more resilience and forbearance.

Of course, this might be because Lu Ren hadn't seen him; if he saw him, perhaps Lu Ren would lose his composure.

Because at this moment, Lu Ren hadn't noticed his appearance. In front of the Mighty Far Hall gate, a figure was kneeling in front of Lu Ren, pulling on his hand and begging, "Brother Lu Ren, only you can save me.

With your reputation as a Dragon-Ascending genius, you only need to step forward and say one word to save me. I beg you, I don't want to die..."

This person was crying while speaking, holding onto Lu Ren’s hand and refusing to let go.

Xu Yang looked over and was instantly amused.

This person was none other than Lu Ren’s first and number-one lackey, Luo Dehu.

It had been almost a year since they last met; he hadn't expected that when they met again, it would be Luo Dehu kneeling and begging Lu Ren.

"What kind of act is Luo Dehu putting on?" Xu Yang asked Zhang Hong curiously.

Zhang Hong whispered, "He joined the Great River Gang. It seems he was short on money and sold some of the gang’s information to others. Now that the Great River Gang has found out, they have issued a kill order on him, and he has come to beg Lu Ren to save his life."

Xu Yang was somewhat surprised. He had only seen Qian Jiaxing and thought only Qian Jiaxing had joined the Great River Gang; he hadn't expected Luo Dehu to be a member of the Great River Gang as well.