Chapter 405: To Repay Kindness and the Great Ones

May 8, Jinshan County City.

Behind the Jinshan Dao Academy, the Zhaixing Tower branch suddenly trembled slightly; as a shadow flickered into view, a figure stepped out in one stride.

The Dao Academy's guarding disciple, a Star Refining cultivator, merely glanced and immediately rose to bow deeply, "This is the Jinshan County Zhaixing Tower branch. Please present your identity token."

Xu Jin, just stepping out of the Zhaixing Tower, gazed at the Jinshan Dao Academy below the mountain, overcome with unexpected emotion.

A year ago, when he first arrived in this world, clueless and bewildered, his father Xu Dajiang had sent him to Jinshan Dao Academy for Star Pointing.

From fear, unease, and anxiety to eventual calm, Jinshan Dao Academy left an indelible impression on him.

It was Ning Yuchan's angel investment that enabled him to take his first step.

Otherwise, where he might be now is anyone's guess.

Nine months ago, when he left Jinshan Dao Academy, he rode the Headmaster's star-ship, and the journey took most of a day.

Now, returning, it took but an instant.

The Zhaixing Tower's teleportation sufficed.

The world changes too swiftly.

"My lord!"

As Xu Jin was lost in thought, the guarding disciple behind him broke into a cold sweat.

He did not know how strong Xu Jin's cultivation was, but he could compare.

In his perception, the aura of this cultivator before him was stronger than Headmaster Cao Chun's.

The urgent call pulled Xu Jin from his reverie; he casually handed over his token.

"Deputy Supervisor of the National Dao Academy."

As the guard verified the identity token, his scalp went numb.

A major figure!

A towering, celestial figure!

"My lord, I—I'll notify at once—"

"No. Do not tell anyone I came here."

With that, Xu Jin instantly launched into the stars, flying toward Xu Family Village.

Yet, barely as Xu Jin took flight, a crimson starlight shot skyward from within the academy, streaking toward him; within moments, it chased after him.

Xu Jin sensed the crimson light as it approached.

He knew who it was.

He paid it no mind.

A dozen breaths later, Xu Jin landed on the ruins of Xu Family Village.

The moment he touched ground, his gaze sharpened.

"Corrupt monarch—I only regret you died too easily!"

The entire Xu Family Village had been reduced to ruins.

Not only had it been slaughtered, but also burned to ash.

Now, all that remained were shattered walls and blackened rubble.

Looking upon it, Xu Jin's heart bore a weight beyond description.

Xu Jin had originally assumed the debt rested solely on himself, so he had taken his father away.

He never imagined the corrupt monarch would directly massacre Xu Family Village.

Yet, in Xu Jin's perception, not a single corpse could be found!

This filled him with shock and fury.

Had the corrupt monarch destroyed even the bodies of Xu Family Village's elders and villagers?

So cruel?

Xu Jin instantly activated his Mingji Star Pattern to full power; within moments, he arrived at a secluded hollow at the foot of the mountain behind Xu Family Village.

In the hollow stood over seventy uneven mounds of earth, overgrown with wild grass.

No tombstones—only chaotic mounds.

Only the innermost mound bore a large stone, carved with characters.

Tomb of Master Xu, whose courtesy name is Dajiang.

Xu Jin froze.

His father was still alive—he was alive! Why was there a tomb?

And someone had used a massive stone as a stele.

Clearly crude, the characters crooked and uneven.

As his fingers brushed the stone, he understood—it had been carved with star force.

The cultivator's base was at most Foundation Establishment mid-stage.

Who could it be?

As he pondered, crimson light landed far behind him—a cultivator at the peak of Fourth Realm, Ninth Layer.

An old acquaintance.

Tian Zhang!

Blood Butcher Tian Zhang, Supervisor of the Jinshan Dao Academy's Star Patrol.

At this moment, Blood Butcher Tian Zhang stared at Xu Jin in shock, wary; seeing Xu Jin turn, he asked sharply, "Who are you, and what business do you have here among the ruins of Xu Family Village?"

In this moment, Xu Jin had no other thoughts; he activated his mind, instantly shedding the illusion of the Hundred Illusion Star Pattern, revealing his true face!

"Xu Jin?"

Tian Zhang gasped sharply, "You're still alive?"

"Supervisor Tian, I am alive. The details are complex—I'll explain later. Here is my identity token."

To prevent Tian Zhang from overthinking, Xu Jin tossed his token over; Tian Zhang glanced at it once and turned pale again.

Deputy Supervisor!

This rank?

At least four levels above mine!

And this cultivation base!

Fifth Realm, Third Layer!

This—

Tian Zhang bowed deeply, preparing to offer formal subordinates' respect, but Xu Jin stopped him.

"Supervisor Tian, I came here about Xu Family Village."

At these words, Tian Zhang's face darkened, "Xu Jin, we did not fail to protect them—it was because the emissary carried official orders—"

"I know."

"Who built these graves?" Xu Jin asked. He no longer wished to hear the details of the massacre.

He knew the eunuch who came was Sixth Realm, Late Stage—beyond what Tian Zhang and his men could resist.

Seeing Xu Jin did not pursue the massacre, Tian Zhang exhaled in relief, then sighed, "That emissary ordered us to expose the 'rebels' of Xu Family Village for a thousand days. After he left, I couldn't bear it—I came at night, hastily gathered what remains, and made these humble mounds, as a small token of respect."

Hearing this, Xu Jin nodded gently.

"Supervisor Tian, you've done well."

"Ah," Tian Zhang shook his head.

"Who built my father's grave?" Xu Jin suddenly asked.

"I… I don't know."

Tian Zhang shook his head, "I came to collect the bodies seven days later. When I arrived, that mound was already there—but it was fresh then.

The one who built it had low cultivation.

I suspect it was likely a Dao Academy disciple close to you."

"Hmm?"

Hearing this, Xu Jin's mind stirred; he switched to his long-unused Third Realm Serpent Spirit and activated the Spirit-Scent Star Pattern.

On the broken stele, he detected three traces: one was his own, one was Tian Zhang's, and the third was faint, nearly gone—but strangely familiar.

Yet he could not place it.

"Supervisor Tian, were there any survivors from Xu Family Village?" Xu Jin asked.

"Six! They were away from the village that day. After learning of the massacre, they tried to return, but I had my trusted men intercept them.

Two women, one adult man, and three children—they were visiting relatives and escaped the disaster!" Tian Zhang said.

"Where are they now?"

"To prevent word from spreading, I assigned them to work on the Dao Academy's farmland. Their lives are modest, but bearable," Tian Zhang replied.

"Supervisor Tian, you've done well."

Hearing this, Tian Zhang shook his head, his eyes filled with helplessness: "No matter the cause, I know the people of Xu Family Village were innocent.

Yet I, as Supervisor, lacked the power to protect them."

"Have you never tried to break through again?" Xu Jin suddenly asked.

"At the end of last year, I exchanged some resources and attempted a breakthrough—failed," Tian Zhang chuckled bitterly.

"What caused the failure?"

"Multiple reasons—the spirit's cultivation was slightly lacking, and the star force concentration wasn't sufficient for Fifth Realm breakthrough."

Cao Shanlong lent me a fifth-rank Star Gathering Array, but we only prepared eleven fifth-rank Star Jade Guis—still short by a bit." Tian Zhang sighed helplessly.

Hearing this, Xu Jin nodded slightly. "Then break through again today."

"Break through again?" Tian Zhang stared in shock, then shook his head. "No way. Even if I break through, I'll fail again. Besides, I haven't gathered enough resources yet—I'd need to save up for another three or five years to have a decent chance."

"I'll provide them."

As he spoke, Xu Jin flicked out two Three-Variation Dragon Turtle Soul-Forging Elixirs. "Take these. They should push your Soul-Power to fourth-rank. First raise your Soul-Power, then break through."

Tian Zhang froze for a moment, then didn't hesitate—he took the elixirs, swallowed one, and immediately began refining it.

Tian Zhang had cultivated for nearly twenty years; his Soul-Power had long reached the peak of third-rank ninth layer, yet he'd been unable to break through.

As soon as the Three-Variation Dragon Turtle Soul-Forging Elixir entered his belly, his Soul-Power surged upward.

As for Xu Jin, he began personally clearing weeds from each desolate grave and repairing them.

Though it was meaningless, it was a gesture of respect.

An hour later, Xu Jin had not finished tidying the graves, but Tian Zhang had already refined both elixirs—his expression was filled with overwhelming excitement.

His Soul-Power, stuck at the peak of third-rank ninth layer for six or seven years, had finally broken through—to fourth-rank.

Not only had he broken through to fourth-rank, he'd surged straight to fourth-rank second layer.

A massive leap.

"Since your Soul-Power has broken through, let's now break through to fifth-rank Star Gathering."

Xu Jin immediately pulled out his own fifth-rank Star Gathering Array and prepared twenty fifth-rank Star Jade Guis. "Just break through. If you need more, I'll supply them."

"This—"

Having just received such a great favor, Tian Zhang hesitated only an instant before accepting them.

After years of struggle, Tian Zhang knew well: opportunity knocks but once.

This was no time for false modesty.

Xu Jin continued clearing weeds and tidying the graves.

One and a half hours later, after consuming eighteen fifth-rank Star Jade Guis, Tian Zhang's greatly strengthened Soul-Power successfully broke through to fifth-rank.

Tian Zhang's expression was beyond ecstatic.

Originally, according to his plan, he'd needed to save resources for at least five to seven years before attempting another breakthrough.

Yet today, with Xu Jin's help, he broke through in a single day.

"Tian Duzhu, please take good care of the graves of the Xu Family Village."

"And give each of the six survivors five taels of silver monthly." Xu Jin instructed.

"Rest assured, Xu Jianzheng!"

"Also, investigate who erected this grave marker."

Xu Jin gazed at the crookedly carved stone, feeling a pang of emotion.

The person who placed this stone must have risked their life to do so.

Just for that gesture alone, Xu Jin owed them some repayment.

Return kindness with kindness. Repay hatred with hatred.

After tidying all the desolate graves, giving Tian Zhang one final instruction, and sealing his Soul-Power, Xu Jin instantly stepped through the stars and vanished.

Half a minute later, Xu Jin arrived above Jinshan County, Heshui.

Hidden in the air above Heshui, Xu Jin looked down upon the county town.

He came to Heshui to fulfill a promise made last year.

Last June, shortly after successfully marking his star, when his cultivation was only at Qi-Consumption fourth layer, he'd been assigned to the Patrol Star Guard and sent on a mission.

That was Xu Jin's first moment of recognition—and it was on that mission that he prepared for the Ascension of the Can-Dou Platform.

The mission: suppress demonic forces.

It was also on that mission that Xu Jin witnessed true evil.

The wanted demon Qi Shanye had been instructing him, while demons across Jinshan Prefecture committed atrocities day and night.

After completing the Heshui mission, eight children rescued from cruel organ harvesting were saved.

Xu Jin delivered those eight children to the Relief House and left two hundred taels of silver.

To intimidate the Relief House officials into treating the traumatized children well, he declared he would return in six months.

But for the past half-year, Xu Jin himself had been constantly on the move, exhausted.

Only today did he finally find a moment of respite.

It had been exactly eleven months.

I hope those eight traumatized children are well.

Otherwise—

The next instant, Xu Jin silently descended into Heshui County and headed straight for the Relief House.

Though years had passed, Heshui County had not changed.

Entering the Relief House, Xu Jin frowned—the stench was unbearable.

The conditions were worse than a year ago.

"Who are you?"

An elderly man in clerical robes approached Xu Jin as he explored the Relief House.

"A passerby."

"May I ask, last June, the Relief House took in eight children victimized by organ harvesting—where are they now? Only two remain. What happened to the others?"

Xu Jin's Mingji Star Pattern spread out—he found only two children with twisted limbs, hollow-eyed and curled on straw mats, yellow, withered, and emaciated.

At least they were still alive—but the other six were gone.

"Who are you to them?" the clerk asked cautiously.

"Last year, I pitied them and donated two hundred taels. Surely that's more than enough for a year?" Xu Jin asked.

"Oh! So you're the benefactor! To be honest, those six children were adopted."

"Adopted?"

Xu Jin frowned.

Children victimized by organ harvesting were among the most severely disabled—many could only crawl.

One good soul might adopt one—but six? In this small county?

"Who adopted them? And what happened to the former head of the Relief House, Su Mingbai?"

As Xu Jin pressed, the old clerk's eyes flickered with panic. "I don't know who adopted them. As for Director Su—he was promoted!"

Seeing this, Xu Jin felt a dark premonition rise.

Without further words, he instantly activated Wen Meng and began dream interrogation.

Wen Meng was effortless against an ordinary man—within moments, the truth was laid bare.

When Xu Jin finished, his eyes blazed with fury.

Adopted? No.

The six missing children were all dead.

They'd all died of illness within a few months.

It was normal for organ-harvested children to die of illness.

But what he learned was that they'd been left without food, clothing, or medicine—left to die alone.

Six dead.

And the head of the Relief House? Promoted.

Now he was the third-ranking official of Heshui County—the Deputy Magistrate.

Moments later, Xu Jin woke the clerk, tossed him ten taels of silver. "Go. Cook some hot porridge—for those children and the elderly here."

With a grim expression, Xu Jin headed straight for the Su Family Mansion—the current residence of Heshui's Deputy Magistrate, Su Mingbai.

A three-courtyard residence—lavish.

Even had gatekeepers.

But to Xu Jin, everything reeked of blood.

He kicked out—shattering the gate and storming into the Su Mansion.

It was evening. Deputy Magistrate Su Mingbai was inside, dining.

One man, three concubines, wine and delicacies filled the table—at least eight dishes.

What a life.

But to Xu Jin, every dish on the table was made from the flesh of those harvested children.

"How dare you! Who are you?"

Seeing Xu Jin charge in, Su Mingbai roared—two Cast-Star-level attendants lunged forward and were instantly kicked unconscious.

Su Mingbai, barely at Cast-Star late stage, was kicked into a bloody cough.

As he reeled in shock and rage, he suddenly recognized Xu Jin.

"You—"

"You—"

"You piece of filth!"

Xu Jin slapped him—shattering half his teeth.

Xu Jin was already considering how to punish Su Mingbai—should he flay him alive himself?

Should we hand him over to the Jinshan County Office for handling?

While hesitating, Su Mingbo, recognizing Xu Jin, suddenly roared, "You're just a Dao Academy disciple—dare you lay a hand on me? Watch out—my uncle will kill your whole family!"

Clearly, Su Mingbo's cultivation base was too low to discern Xu Jin's true level.

But hearing this, Xu Jin became intrigued.

Uncle?

So Su Mingbo has someone behind him!

No wonder he rose so fast—he must have powerful backing.

Otherwise, he wouldn't dare act so wickedly, or dismiss the warning of a mere Dao Academy disciple!

If that's the case, let's see who his patron is.

"Who is your uncle?"

"My uncle is a big shot in Jinshan County! I'll scare you to death if I say his name—your pathetic Dao Academy disciple, he could crush you with a single finger!"

Crack!

Xu Jin directly snapped Su Mingbo's thigh bone.

Su Mingbo screamed like a slaughtered pig from the pain!

"Send your uncle here to save you right now! If he doesn't arrive within a quarter-hour, I'll break off one of your limbs!" Xu Jin, like a demon, tore off Su Mingbo's entire thigh!

Trembling, Su Mingbo pulled out his Star-Plucking Token in his screams.

(End of Chapter)