[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-secret-buyer":3,"chapter-secret-buyer-secret-buyer-chapter-275":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Secret Buyer",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1759174,2324,"Chapter 275 - 212: Rain Falls in Wild Torrents While I Play the Zither","secret-buyer-chapter-275",275,"\u003Cp>\"As your master, I am not only teaching you cultivation but also the ways to conduct yourself.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within the vacant Martial Arts Dojo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is a branch of Hongji, much like the Peace Hotel, though this dojo doesn’t partake in any underground activities,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>it was merely established by one of the master’s named disciples back then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, the named disciple walked over and offered two cups of tea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Senior brother.\" Hong Xuesheng curiously observed this young man, offered the hot tea, and quietly sat at the side, waiting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She shares the same surname as her teacher from back in Jiangzhou. Because of this, even as a named disciple, she was allowed to establish a branch under the name of Hongji.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Fusheng nodded, picked up the tea, took a sip, and then looked at his solemnly seated first disciple, continuing:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When I first entered, the master also taught me bit by bit, and now, I pass on to you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Putting down the teacup, he gently asked:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lingzhu, let me ask you, if you have an enemy, and after you defeat them when you confront their family, what should you do?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Lingzhu seriously thought for a moment, then said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I would first explain the principles of benevolence and righteousness to them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Fusheng frowned. This disciple is exceptionally talented, but his nature is too soft.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just about to shake his head in disapproval.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Lingzhu continued clearly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I would cut off the head of the enemy and ask them if, in the name of benevolence and righteousness, they are willing to seek revenge?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Fusheng paused, then asked:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And then?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girl smiled, her eyes curving:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If they wish to follow the path of benevolence and righteousness, to sacrifice themselves for it, I would fulfill their wish, send them to their deaths, completing their grand wish for sacrifice.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She paused, her smile retracting, and continued:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If they are unwilling to uphold that righteousness and only wish to live in disgrace, I would have to, for the greater righteousness of the world, send them to their deaths.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"By this, the world’s benevolence and righteousness is upheld.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Xuesheng nearly couldn’t hold her composure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Fusheng lowered his eyelids, picked up the teacup, took a sip, and silently said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wouldn’t such an approach have oversights?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He intended to describe the Human-shaped Radar Technique he learned from his master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he heard his disciple shake their head:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I would leave the eldest, make an opening at their chest, hang them on a tree, and then leave.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Generally, the ones hidden are the youngest family members, and they are often closest to the oldest.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Lingzhu exhaled a breath:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I would quietly wait to see if someone comes to save the eldest. If none, I would continue to wait to see if anyone comes to collect the body.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If no one comes, I would have people throw the decayed corpses into a mass grave where wild dogs roam, and plant a fierce poison that activates after several days in the bodies, then leave grandly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girl closed her eyes:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In this way, anyone coming to collect the bodies would be tainted and die of poison. If there are still survivors in such a situation, I fear nothing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Fusheng twitched at the corner of his mouth:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why fear nothing?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am confident that they won’t catch up to me.\" The girl merely said this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dojo plunged into dead silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Xuesheng uneasily shifted in her seat, finding this little girl’s nature... a bit too ruthless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Fusheng listened to the rhythmic sounds of rain outside the dojo, finally asking:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t you advocate for benevolence and righteousness?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Lingzhu solemnly began:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Benevolence and righteousness are never about being soft-hearted. I wouldn’t do the act of sacrificing one to save hundreds. If the sky falls, I’d be willing to hold it up with my shoulders, sacrificing myself for righteousness.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"However, anything that threatens me, I will not ignore.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Fusheng was lost in thought for a moment:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you prioritize yourself, why sacrifice for righteousness? If you pursue righteousness, why the killings?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Lingzhu shook her head:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Killing isn’t evil. Can a gentleman not avenge his parents’ death?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As for saving people, I certainly wish to protect myself and not stand under a crumbling wall—it is the correct thing to do, but some things need someone to do them, someone to rise and take the responsibility.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Killing and saving, they have never conflicted.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Fusheng remained silent, carefully examining Wei Lingzhu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The little girl seemed to have her own philosophy of action, not necessarily right, but not necessarily wrong either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In this respect, there’s nothing more for me to teach you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Fusheng sighed softly and suddenly changed the subject:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your master-grandparent is here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Xuesheng’s eyes widened suddenly, who?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Lingzhu also froze for a moment, curiously looking around:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Master-grandparent? Where is he?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rain outside grew heavier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gradually turning into a torrential downpour.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, oddly, despite the downpour, the long street outside the dojo remained crowded, many shops forced to stay open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Listening to the rain, listening to the bustling crowd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Fusheng calmly spoke:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"At this moment, they are probably catching up with an old friend.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a pause, he serenely began:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Never mind, today I shall speak of the Dao to you, just listen.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Xuesheng saw the young man glance sideways, his gaze falling on the ancient zither in the corner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Fusheng asked:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is this your zither?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Xuesheng quickly nodded, watching this Zhang senior brother, who was both younger and joined later than her,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She spoke to explain:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I often like to play a tune or two.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Fusheng nodded, politely asked:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"May I borrow the zither?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Xuesheng quickly nodded:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon her words, she saw the young man extend his hand, and the zither floated up, resting on his knees!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Xuesheng gaped in astonishment, controlling objects from a distance? This Zhang senior brother, whom she met for the first time, actually possessed such abilities?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She swallowed, could it be that Senior Brother Zhang had cultivated the Contemplation Technique to the Minor Perfection level, giving birth to the legendary Illusory Divine Realm??\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Lingzhu wasn’t surprised, merely asking in confusion:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Master, you also know how to play the zither?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Fusheng nodded and smiled:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When I was young, my mother signed me up for interest classes, and I learned a bit, but such an ancient style zither, I haven’t played before. Might as well try, might as well try.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With these words,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He placed his palm on the strings, gently pressing, then plucking with his fingers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Thud!!’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Xuesheng heard a clear zither sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the zither sound started, her vision blurred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When clarity returned, she and Wei Lingzhu found themselves amidst a lush flower cluster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The flowers emitted a faint glow, standing there, it felt like standing at the Other Shore’s abode.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was light above.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Xuesheng blissfully looked up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the sky, tens of thousands of indistinct figures shrouded in golden light sat solemnly, their vast chanting gathering like a morning bell,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>and also like a sudden enlightening stroke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The chaotic thoughts suddenly became clear, and past doubts dissipated at this moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two women sat cross-legged in the Other Shore Flower Cluster, quietly comprehending the Dao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because of fate, Zhang Fusheng bestowed upon her an opportunity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mercy, mercy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>......\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside the Martial Arts Dojo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rain intensified, yet more people walked the streets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No one willing to take the lead yet?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Innate Realm covered in tattoos murmured, coughing softly,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Injuries from the Ten Directions Vortex days ago had yet to heal completely,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Recalling that day still left a lingering fear,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I had acted to push back the Celestial Patrol Vehicle into the vortex then...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It would be me, slapped by the Ten Thousand Feet Bull Demon to the peach tree, drained and fallen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking about the Ox Demon, the Divine Favor Envoy’s eye twitched, then shook his head, banishing the terrifying figure from his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beside him, an Upper Envoy inquired:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sir, your condition is not good, we may not contend with the other sects...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who said we need to compete?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Divine Favor Envoy exhaled, coldly said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As long as the other sects don’t obtain it, we aren’t at a loss, and that’s success on its own.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pupils of several Upper Envoys shrank, someone asked:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You mean...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Divine Favor Envoy coughed softly, stroked his chest to calm the restless blood before speaking again:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When chaos arises, strike immediately, seize the opportunity, and kill Zhang Fusheng.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Upper Envoys’ expressions grew stern, then they silently nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tattoos on their bodies twisted even faster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Atop the high building.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Tianbao was escorted here, the moment he saw the old Taoist, his tense nerves slightly relaxed:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Old Xu... It’s been years.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old Taoist turned, gazing at Hong Tianbao, sensing the other’s still at the Grandmaster level, sighed slightly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Things have changed over time...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The voice paused, then shifted direction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Taoist Xu spoke softly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hong Tianbao, you shouldn’t have come, this moment, this place, is extremely dangerous, far beyond your involvement.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The chubby old man stayed silent for a moment:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s my disciple.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Taoist Xu chuckled, gazed at Hong Tianbao:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s about the Sea-Stabilizing Divine Needle Iron, you should know what that means, other sects are half convinced, but I’m seventy percent sure of this news.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a pause,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Taoist Xu continued:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After all, I know you used to be part of the Ling Mountain faction, including your master Yuan Feidao and of course, your disciple.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And the Sea-Stabilizing Divine Needle Iron is indeed a Supreme Treasure of the Ling Mountain lineage.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Tianbao’s lips trembled, but he shook his head and said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Believe it or not, the Sea-Stabilizing Divine Needle Iron is not on my disciple.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Taoist Xu stared at the chubby old man for a while.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He nodded:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I believe you, but I still have to try—however, since it’s your disciple, if in the end I win for the Eastern Sect, I can have a good talk with the kid.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Tianbao felt relieved, gently exhaled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rain continued to fall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked up, the sky was covered in dark clouds, the time reached evening, but the moon was not visible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The heavy rain poured continuously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Taoist Xu patted Hong Tianbao’s shoulder, sighed softly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Once, I was not as good as you, you were the brightest star in our generation, across dozens of cities, it’s a pity...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Tianbao said somberly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What’s past is past, at least now I have a good disciple, he is exceptionally talented, I want to watch him continue, to go higher.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Taoist Xu pondered for a moment:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I can’t guarantee anything, but if today, he survives the dispute, my Eastern Sect will not trouble him...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Provided, he cooperates.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a pause,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Taoist Xu said earnestly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Old Hong, go see your disciple, persuade him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The rain has intensified, the dispute is about to start.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon finishing, he glanced aside, signaling a Director at the Grandmaster level to step forward, supporting the chubby old man down the high building,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two walked in the rain, amidst gazes, weaving through the crowd, reaching the Martial Arts Dojo’s entrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the Martial Arts Dojo, suddenly came the sound of a zither.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The zither sound was not intense, very serene, as if the lofty mountains and flowing water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Elder Hong, please.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Grandmaster spoke, assisting the chubby old man into the Martial Arts Dojo, just seeing two women meditating with eyes closed, seeing a young man with his back to them, engrossed in playing the zither.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They stepped forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was little Fusheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young man played the zither while glancing sideways, not speaking, but mouthing silently—\"Master.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He silently said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Please be seated first, and as for you... Eastern Sect’s Grandmaster?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Eastern Sect Grandmaster frowned, softly said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Young man, our Divine Favor Envoy sent a message, if you are willing to cooperate, we will make every effort to protect you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He saw the youth playing the zither smile, not responding, only mouthing silently:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sit and listen to me play.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Grandmaster was displeased, wanted to interrupt, but was horrified to find he couldn’t control his body!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He awkwardly, slowly, and rigidly sat cross-legged,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gentle zither music suddenly grew passionate!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The music pierced through the torrential rain outside the house.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, in the dark clouds, a bolt of furious lightning struck down, illuminating everyone’s face——\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, at this instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amidst the rain, under the lightning, within the zither music.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Conflict erupted suddenly, fighting surged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First were the disciples, then the Stewards, Grandmasters, and Upper Envoys all joined, buildings collapsed and evaporated, streets tore apart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amid the roar,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only the Martial Arts Dojo remained intact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fight grew fiercer, seemingly involving the Innate, dazzling lights pierced the night, lighting up half of Dragon Boat City.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The chilling murderous air swept in from outside the Martial Arts Dojo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The zither music resonated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young man was still playing fervently, fingers plucking, dancing on the strings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The zither sound grew stronger, even stronger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the zither’s sound, Hong Tianbao was filled with a thousand doubts and worries, the Eastern Sect Grandmaster couldn’t move, as if sunk into the deepest, thickest quagmire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside came the sound of overturning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Half of the Dragon Boat was sunken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The zither music still continued.\u003C\u002Fp>",2248,"2026-06-08T09:33:25.352Z",1,"novelbin.me","85f465a3fd6ce04d322842baa1b7771c734af91ab71a40de64158400dbf264a6","secret-buyer-chapter-276","secret-buyer-chapter-274",547,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fsecret-buyer-cover.jpg"]