Chapter 286: Setting Out Again

The one who stood up to speak was Lu Yuanfeng. Seeing Lu Yuanfeng take the initiative to shoulder the responsibility, Lu Xingde, who had just been about to speak, found it truly difficult to continue and could only close his mouth with some unwillingness.

The reason Lu Xingde wanted to plead for mercy was, on one hand, that a traitor from his own family had already been executed by him on the spot, and he didn't want this matter to be made public, causing the Lu family's prestige to suffer another blow. On the other hand, it was because the person kneeling below was a talent who managed important family affairs for the Lu family. Without this person's help, the Lu family's path ahead would likely become increasingly difficult.

One of the people kneeling below was a disciple under Lu Yuanfeng. Since someone else was willing to destroy their own kin for the sake of justice, Gao Jinhe naturally had nothing more to say and nodded in agreement.

Under Lu Yuanfeng's announcement, considering that the two had not committed the crime intentionally, their death sentences were commuted, and they were sentenced to mine at Mount Fengtou for twenty years. Their crimes were posted at the market gate to inform the public.

Regarding the Lu family, who bore the main fault for this incident, Lu Yuanfeng also made a penalty: he confiscated two of their shops in Qinghe Market and bestowed one shop each to the Gao family and the Song family, who had contributed the most to defending the market.

Facing this expected punishment, Lu Xingde had grievances he couldn't voice. Over the years, he had focused too much on his own cultivation, exploiting the entire family's resources for his own use. To ensure the cultivators below could work well for him, he had been too indulgent with them, and today he finally reaped the bitter fruit.

After having the two men taken away, Lu Yuanfeng spoke to the crowd again: "Calling you fellow Daoists here today, besides dealing with the traitor in the market, is also to discuss with you all when we should set out to crusade against Eagle Nest Ridge and avenge the fellow Daoists who died in this battle."

In the few days since the market was breached, there had been no movement from Qinghe Market, mainly because everyone knew there was a traitor. Acting rashly would surely alert the enemy, repeating the mistakes of a few years ago. By the time they reached Eagle Nest Ridge, the enemy would have long since fled.

Now that the hidden danger of the traitor had been eliminated, the next step was naturally to launch a revenge mission against Eagle Nest Ridge. Without completely rooting out this scourge, the people of Qinghe Market would never be able to sleep soundly in the future.

"This matter must be swift. I think Fellow Daoist Lu's previous plan was quite good. Let us gather a portion of our elite forces and take the first step."

Although Gao Yubai's injuries had not fully recovered, he was the most eager among everyone present to seek revenge on Eagle Nest Ridge.

"To be safe, we should send a message to the Cao family in Pingyang County to see if they can send more people to act with us. After all, wiping out Eagle Nest Ridge is something they also desire." After Huang Shengxin finished speaking, he stroked the beard at the corner of his mouth and turned to look at Lu Yuanfeng.

Qinghe Market was not just a matter for the families of Qinghe County; a portion of the shares belonged to the Xiaoyao Sect. The greatest enemy Cheng Yilong and the others offended by attacking Qinghe Market was naturally the Xiaoyao Sect. As the person in charge here, Lu Yuanfeng naturally had to shoulder this responsibility. This was why he was so eager to discuss the counterattack on Eagle Nest Ridge with everyone.

Lu Yuanfeng nodded at Huang Shengxin and said, "Fellow Daoist Huang's words are reasonable. If everyone has no objections, let's use the previous plan. Let's all gather at Mount Funiu in three days. I will also immediately write a letter to Pingyang County, requesting them to send some people to act with us."

Seeing that everyone had no objections to this arrangement, Lu Yuanfeng spoke again: "Fellow Daoist Qingyu's injuries have not yet recovered. I think you should stay behind to hold down the fort at Qinghe Market. The market's grand formation has not been fully repaired. I will greet Junior Brother Ma at Mount Fengtou and ask him to help look after things. If you encounter any issues, just send a voice transmission to Mount Fengtou!"

"My injuries will not affect my ability to fight now. Why don't I go to Eagle Nest Ridge with everyone? One more person means one more bit of strength."

Seeing Song Qingyu actually refuse Lu Yuanfeng's kindness in letting her stay, Song Qingming felt a bit puzzled in his heart, not knowing what she was trying to do.

"Fellow Daoist Qingyu, we would naturally accept such intentions, but someone must hold down the fort in Qinghe Market. If you don't stay, it wouldn't be appropriate for me, the commander-in-chief, to stay behind!"

Hearing Lu Yuanfeng speak to this point, Song Qingyu could only sigh and agree.

After concluding the meeting and walking out of the market council hall, Song Qingming and Song Qingyu arrived at the Song family's shop.

After this turmoil, the two main people in charge of the Song family in the market—Fourth Uncle Song Changqiu had died in battle, and Second Sister Song Qingwan was still recovering from her injuries. The Song family members left in the market to manage the shop suddenly lost their backbone.

In the past few days, besides helping Song Qingyu with her closed-door healing and guarding her, Song Qingming had spent most of his time here managing these trivial matters. He had already sent a message home, but Sixth Uncle had not yet replied. Song Qingming also knew that he might not have found a suitable person for the time being.

"Fourth Uncle is gone, and your Second Aunt is injured. You need to pay more attention to the market's affairs now. Don't just know how to follow behind others. I am going home tomorrow. You manage the affairs here for now. If there is anything difficult to decide, go directly and ask your Aunt Qingyu."

Song Xinhu lowered his head, listening to Song Qingming's reprimand, and nodded from time to time.

Having cultivated for so many years, under the protection of the Song family, Song Xinhu had never carried out relatively dangerous missions. When the market was attacked a few days ago, he was lucky enough to be away from the market, accompanying Li Hongyu to Mount Yunwu to find food for the Skyfire Roc.

Returning to Qinghe Market the next day and seeing those rows of corpses and the other tragic scenes in the market, especially after seeing the somewhat broken corpse of his childhood friend, the third-born Song Xinjue, Song Xinhu had grown up a lot internally.

"Seventh Brother, you haven't seen that Xinhu hasn't had a smile on his face for the past few days. Why keep reprimanding him? He didn't leave the market on purpose that day." After Song Xinhu left, Song Qingyu finally couldn't help but remind Song Qingming.

"I am not reprimanding him because of that. I just hope he can grow up quickly. You also know that this world will not always be peaceful, and it's not something you can avoid just by hiding in Qinghe Market."

"It's all because my ability was insufficient. I couldn't hold out until you arrived, causing Fourth Uncle not to have a good end."

As Song Qingyu spoke, the corners of her eyes turned red again. Fourth Uncle Song Changqiu was a kind-hearted person. He had looked after every junior who came to Qinghe Market, naturally including Song Qingyu, who loved to sneak to Qinghe Market the most back then.

"Qingyu, if you encounter such danger again, I hope you will prioritize your own safety first."