Chapter 676: Chapter 654: So What If I Protect My Own Again?
The outskirts of Anyang City.
In the days since they returned, Shen Han found time to help the seniors of Xiaoyao Peak heal their injuries.
Several peak masters, including Master Xingchuan, had injuries that wouldn’t heal in just three days.
During these days, Shen Han was constantly thinking of ways to assist.
Through the extraction of lexicons, the living environment had improved considerably.
The conditions were harsh, but Shen Han would always add a lexicon of [delicious] to the food,
so that everyone could live a little better under such circumstances.
But Shen Han was also very clear.
Some disciples of Xiaoyao Peak, some people in Yun Mansion.
Had grown more and more resentful against him.
Moreover, news had already spread outside.
As long as they revealed Shen Han’s whereabouts to them, the Shen Family would not only overlook any grievances, but also offer generous rewards.
At night, Shen Han sat on a hillside.
The bright moon hung in the sky, and the chirping of insects continued around.
It was autumn, but the sound of insects hadn’t lessened.
The moonlight scattered around, giving off a unique feeling.
In his mind, he pondered countermeasures.
The opponent’s strength was too formidable.
If there were any slip-ups, his demise would be almost unavoidable.
Shen Han wasn’t too worried about himself, just about those around him.
In comparison, it was not so easy for him to die.
Under the moonlight, Shi Yuezhu also sat down next to Shen Han.
"What are you thinking about?"
She asked softly.
Shen Han turned his head, and in the silver moonlight, Shi Yuezhu’s demeanor bore a cooler aura.
After a moment of hesitation, Shen Han leaned forward slightly.
Their lips met, absorbing each other’s warmth.
When they parted, Shi Yuezhu lowered her head and leaned on Shen Han’s shoulder.
"I have a plan."
"Are you thinking of letting them go to the Shen Family to expose us?"
Shen Han hadn’t mentioned anything, but Shi Yuezhu had already guessed what he wanted to say.
"They hold a grudge against me and are dissatisfied with me.
Letting them leave is good for both us and them."
Shi Yuezhu said nothing, just nodded.
She also understood this reasoning.
If those disciples sneaked away to report, the risks they would face would be greater.
It would be better to let them leave openly, at least allowing enough preparation time.
"After they go to report, Yuezhu, I hope you can take our close ones and leave first.
Hide, and conceal yourselves even better than now.
I’ll handle the rest.
The one the Shen Family hates is me, and I should be the one to act."
Hearing this, Shi Yuezhu wanted to respond, but Shen Han continued explaining.
"I have also trained on the Southern Heaven Continent for several months, and I’m familiar with this new cultivation system.
Once you all hide, it will be easier for me to handle matters.
Besides, I’ve already received some information here.
The person backing Shen Ao has returned to the Southern Heaven Continent.
They are not so easy to deal with me, rest assured."
As his words concluded, Shen Han handed over a bag of Washing Marrow Pills and the cultivation technique manuals he had brought back.
"After hiding, if anyone wants to practice the new system,
they can attempt it after washing their marrow and cleansing their body.
Perhaps someone will happen to find an opportunity."
Shen Han spoke softly, finalizing all instructions with Shi Yuezhu that night.
"For those who have passed, I’ll avenge them.
The cultivators of the Southern Heaven Continent are not gods.
That Tiger Peak Manor is not an Immortal Sect of the Divine Abyss.
They shed our blood, I will have them repay it in kind."
At Five Immortals City, Elder Si Zhi’s words, those instructions.
Shen Han actually didn’t agree with them.
Especially the idea that he could get hurt, but he should ensure not to harm anyone from Tiger Peak Manor.
To avoid retaliation, should they just keep being cowed?
Shen Han absolutely did not agree with this.
Faced with enemies, compromise will only make them more unscrupulous.
Seeking peace through struggle, only then might peace exist.
Unless Tiger Peak Manor feels pain, the crisis will never be averted.
If they choose not to rest until death, then let their entire sect perish.
On the hillside, the two leaned on each other, waiting for the dawn to rise.
At noon, Shen Han gathered everyone together.
Today, he also prepared some better meals.
The gathering was still simple, but it was already the best they could do for now.
Except for the still-injured elders, almost everyone came.
Most of the young ones weren’t severely injured.
At that time, they didn’t even have the chance to step forward and fight.
A single thought could have been their end.
So the young ones who remained were mostly unharmed.
The senior brother in charge of food started distributing meals.
Seeing today’s sumptuous dishes, plenty of whispers began to float around.
"As expected of the core, once he returns, even the food we eat becomes much more lavish."
Someone whispered.
Though whispered, how could the people around not hear it?
Inside the cave, it remained silent.
It seemed everyone was pretending not to hear it.
Yet the more it was like this, the more some grew bolder.
"Coming here, we’re basically waiting to die.
Since we’re waiting to die, enjoying some good food is only natural."
Some began to speak discouragingly.
"I am not even familiar with him; we haven’t exchanged many words. Why should I die because of him..."
Inside the cave, various discordant voices drifted out.
Just as Shen Han had foreseen.
This period of bitter days was bound to breed resentment in people’s hearts.
Madam Yun’s grandfather, who was eating his meal, couldn’t bear to listen anymore.
Among those speaking, there were people from the Yun Family.
"Our Yun Family was able to rise up and stand out in Great Wei.
It’s thanks to the Pill Formula and Pill-Refining Technique Shen Han gifted us.
Back then, when we lived prosperous days at the Yun Mansion, why didn’t you say you weren’t familiar with Shen Han?
Why did you accept this blessing back then?"
Madam Yun’s grandfather’s words silenced many of the gossipers.
Though they fell silent, a few still snorted a couple of times.
Seeing this, Shi Yuezhu couldn’t help but turn and look at Shen Han.
The two exchanged a glance.
Everything was just as Shen Han predicted.
There weren’t many people present; together with those from Xiaoyao Peak and the Yun Family, there were less than a hundred people.
But Shen Han and Shi Yuezhu could sense that many already harbored resentment in their hearts.
A huge powder keg, ready to explode at any moment.
After lunch, Shen Han spoke up and invited everyone to stay, as he had some words to say to them.
As soon as he spoke, many voices from the crowd emerged again.
Dissatisfaction, complaints, even hatred...
Shen Han and Shi Yuezhu could hear clearly what was truly in the hearts of these people and the current situation.
Seeing this, Shen Han wasted no time.
He stepped forward to address the people.
"During this period, we have shared hardships and overcome numerous obstacles.
But I know, the beginning of these troubles is ultimately tied to my own head.
Today, I’m speaking to everyone as a farewell."
Once Shen Han said this, everyone was taken aback.
Madam Yun, Madam Yun’s grandfather, they became a bit unsettled.
Those familiar with him exchanged words about sharing joys and pains.
But Shen Han simply paused.
"The current Great Wei, amidst numerous changes and dangers emerging.
Our encountered changes are mainly due to my enmity with the Shen Family.
Through these days of reflection, I have thought it all through.
The Shen Family has already said that as long as you report my whereabouts, everything will be forgiven."
Saying this, Shen Han looked toward those who were complaining and voicing grievances before.
At this moment, their faces were filled with shock.
They did not expect Shen Han to proactively let them report on him...
Many of them already had thoughts of secretly doing so.
But when Shen Han said these words, a sense of guilt welled up in their hearts.
"As I just said, for those who wish to leave, go and report it together.
Ensure your own safety, and it comes with some benefits.
I will wait here for their arrival.
However, I ask you to forgive a delay of three days, giving others time to hide."
They understood who Shen Han was referring to by "others".
People like Madam Yun, Shi Yuezhu would surely not compromise with the Shen Family.
Even if they did compromise, it’s highly likely they wouldn’t survive.
Only some of the more peripheral disciples or Yun Family members might escape the calamity.
"After three days, whether you go to the Shen Family to report or find somewhere else to hide, it’s up to you.
However, I also need to remind you.
The Shen Family may not necessarily keep their promises.
Please weigh your options and prepare in your hearts."
After Shen Han finished speaking, he waved his hand, signaling everyone to disperse.
The conditions inside the cave were harsh.
Anything that needs to be carried was placed into the Storage Ring.
Moving out wouldn’t take long.
As night fell, Shi Yuezhu led the people.
Those who needed to leave did so first.
A group of less than thirty people.
With fewer people, it became easier to hide.
They were all core members, and the level of trust between them improved significantly.
Among the fifty or so remaining, though unspoken.
Shen Han knew they were unwilling to keep wandering.
They no longer wanted to live with constant alertness and danger.
"Everyone, as we part today, I bear no resentment towards you in my heart.
Homeless wandering, extremely dangerous.
No one wishes to live such days; I understand your feelings.
With this farewell, we might not meet again, so please take care.
For those going to report, please give me three days’ time, thank you."
Shen Han spoke sincerely, having had no intention of dragging them along.
But Shen Han’s attitude made those present even more guilt-ridden.
Many stepped forward, offering their owned supplies to Shen Han.
Some approached to apologize directly to Shen Han.
A scattered group of people left one after another.
After more than an hour, the remaining crowd in the cave kept dwindling.
Most felt that today might be the last time they see him.
Shen Han stood without any chance of winning.
An elder brother seemed to have something to say, waiting until all others left.
When only he and Shen Han remained, he stepped forward.
"Junior Brother Shen, please accept this Sound Transmission Magical Artifact."
After handing over a Sound Transmission Magical Artifact, the elder brother continued.
"I feel guilty but can’t do much.
Junior Brother, keep this Sound Transmission Magical Artifact. If there’s news from the outside, especially from the Shen Family.
I will promptly relay it to you."
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