Capítulo 187: Chapter 187: Sincerity Begets Sincerity
Slowly, Zhong Shan walked into Yuheng Sect's grand formation.
As soon as he entered, Liu Suifeng stepped forward and asked, "How did it go?"
With a smile, Zhong Shan glanced at Liu Suifeng, then at everyone else, and finally spoke under the curious gaze of Princess Qianyou, "I didn't fail my mission. The ten thousand wolves have given up on targeting Yuheng Sect."
"Hoo," the people of Yuheng Sect immediately breathed a sigh of relief.
"And the terms? What conditions did the wolves set?" Princess Qianyou asked immediately.
"Liu Wushuang," Zhong Shan said solemnly.
"Unfilial son," Liu Suifeng's face showed a trace of pain. Although he resented Liu Wushuang, he was still his son. Watching his son die would be hard for any father to accept.
"It's already quite favorable," Mr. Shui Jing nodded from the side.
Gu Lin, however, was filled with jealousy.
"Three years," Zhong Shan suddenly said.
"Huh? Three years?" Everyone looked at Zhong Shan again, not understanding what he meant by three years.
"Liu Wushuang tortured that fire wolf for three months. The fire wolf demanded Liu Wushuang be handed over to it for three years. It can mistreat him, but must ensure that after three years, Liu Wushuang is neither dead nor crippled," Zhong Shan explained.
"Really?" Liu Suifeng's face was full of joy.
Everyone else looked incredulous. Was it really that easy? Were the wolves really so accommodating?
From Liu Suifeng's perspective, mistreatment? Let him be mistreated then, as long as he doesn't die. Besides, his son deserved some punishment. Saving Yuheng Sect was already a great fortune, and keeping Wushuang alive as well?
Liu Suifeng looked at Zhong Shan with immense gratitude.
"Go and tell him. In three years, he can regain his freedom," Zhong Shan said solemnly.
"Alright, I'll go right away," Liu Suifeng said, rushing off with an uncharacteristic lack of composure for a sect leader.
But considering the circumstances—facing the potential destruction of his sect and the imminent execution of his son—suddenly having the sect saved and his son only facing a three-year sentence, what father wouldn't be excited?
Soon, Liu Suifeng returned with an equally excited Liu Wushuang.
Liu Wushuang's face showed a mix of hope, disbelief, and regret.
"Senior," Liu Wushuang said respectfully, bowing deeply to Zhong Shan under Liu Suifeng's instruction.
Having his life spared meant more than anything. Three years would pass quickly. All of this was thanks to the kindness of the Ka Yang Sect member before him. He hoped everything was true.
"I am not your senior, Liu Wushuang. Before you go, I have some advice for you," Zhong Shan said, looking at Liu Wushuang.
"Yes," Liu Wushuang replied respectfully.
Gu Lin sneered, while the others listened patiently.
"Everyone makes mistakes, but not everyone can bear the consequences. You will spend three years making up for your past mistakes. In these three years, you may suffer all kinds of torture from the wolves, but your life will be spared. Without enduring storms, how can you see the rainbow? After three years, you will either be driven mad by the wolves or have your will honed as hard as rock, with a limitless future ahead of you. Whether you turn mad or become a dragon, I hope you make the most of it," Zhong Shan said solemnly.
Hearing Zhong Shan's words, everyone frowned slightly and nodded in agreement.
Liu Wushuang looked at Zhong Shan, and finally, his expression became serious. He bowed respectfully and said, "I will remember your teachings, senior. I will repay your great kindness one day. May I know your esteemed name?"
At this moment, in Liu Wushuang's eyes, there was only solemnity. The person before him not only saved his life, but the final advice also enlightened him, bringing boundless benefits.
Seeing Liu Wushuang's determined and grateful expression, Princess Qianyou furrowed her brows slightly, somewhat surprised as she glanced at Zhong Shan.
"Hehe, I'm not anyone significant. My name is Zhong Shan," Zhong Shan smiled.
"Yes," Liu Wushuang bowed respectfully.
Seeing his son suddenly so mature, Liu Suifeng's face showed a rare smile. This smile wasn't just because his son's life was spared, but it seemed like his son had grown up in an instant. Looking at his son, then at Zhong Shan, Liu Suifeng's eyes were filled with gratitude.
"Let's go," Zhong Shan said.
"Yes," Liu Wushuang immediately nodded and followed Zhong Shan, walking towards the center of the Yuheng Sect's grand formation, where the multitude of wolves gathered.
Watching Zhong Shan take Liu Wushuang away, Mr. Shui Jing shook his feather fan, his eyes filled with admiration.
Gu Lin, on the other hand, looked at Zhong Shan with jealousy. Liu Suifeng looked outside, his eyes showing a hint of reluctance. Ada and A'er showed excitement.
As for Princess Qianyou, at this moment, as she watched Zhong Shan leave, she clenched her fists, her eyes filled with uncertainty.
Once outside the grand formation, the ten thousand wolves became restless. Zhong Shan calmly led Liu Wushuang into the heart of the wolf pack.
The son of the fire wolf general looked at Liu Wushuang with his eyes burning red. If it were before, Liu Wushuang would have been trembling in fear. However, after Zhong Shan's guidance, he seemed to have changed, appearing calm and collected.
"Liu Wushuang is yours now," Zhong Shan called out to the fire wolf.
"Woo~~~~~~~" The wolf raised its head and howled, and the ten thousand wolves became restless. Slowly, they began to retreat from all sides of the Yuheng Sect. As they left in grand procession, Liu Wushuang followed the little fire wolf, walking farther and farther away amidst the protection of the wolf pack.
As the wolves thundered away, raising clouds of dust, their imposing momentum receded into the distance.
Zhong Shan stood where the wolves had been, in the open space, watching as they departed.
Inside the Yuheng Sect, the disciples showed excitement one after another. The wolves had left; Yuheng Sect was safe.
Liu Suifeng, along with the other four senior disciples, also showed strong excitement.
Princess Qianyou, however, looked at Zhong Shan with narrowed eyes, a strange expression flashing in her eyes.
Only when all the wolves had left did Zhong Shan turn and walk back.
Zhong Shan entered the grand formation once again.
"Thank you," Liu Suifeng and his four disciples bowed to Zhong Shan.
"No need to thank me. I am under the princess's command and naturally share her concerns," Zhong Shan shook his head and smiled.
"Yes, thank you, Elder," the disciples thanked Princess Qianyou again.
"Alright, let's go. First, let's enter the Yuheng Palace and discuss why you sent guards to Seven Star Hall this time," Princess Qianyou nodded.
Then, with a wave of her hand, a white cloud appeared beneath her feet, carrying her and Zhong Shan towards the distant Yuheng Peak.
Ada and A'er flew behind at a distance, while Gu Lin, watching Princess Qianyou carrying Zhong Shan alone, narrowed his eyes with resentment, showing his anger openly.
Mr. Shui Jing glanced at Gu Lin and smiled faintly.
The five senior disciples of Yuheng Sect followed closely behind.
Atop the white clouds, Princess Qianyou looked at the solemn Zhongshan and asked, "Sir, in the recent election for the Lord of Wushuang City, did you exert all your efforts merely to repay the favor of Eight Gates Mountain?"
A hint of worry flashed in Princess Qianyou's eyes. During the crisis faced by Jade Harmony Sect, Zhongshan had shown no foresight. Even if he knew the solution, he wouldn't have revealed it without her inquiry. What did this indicate?
It suggested that Zhongshan still wasn't as loyal to her as Ah Da and Ah Er. He was merely in a subordinate relationship. If Zhongshan were transferred elsewhere, he would similarly turn against her.
Did Zhongshan put in so much effort for Wushuang City just to repay the favor? Princess Qianyou didn't want him to repay that favor, and she even hoped he would remain indebted. If such a talented person couldn't wholeheartedly serve her, wouldn't that be a failure on her part?
Turning to Princess Qianyou, Zhongshan's expression showed surprise, but he nodded and said, "That is indeed part of the reason, but not the whole."
With that part of the reason, Princess Qianyou had already confirmed that Zhongshan hadn't been fully won over. This meant that Zhongshan didn't fully belong to her yet. But that was also good; at least she knew Zhongshan hadn't been completely won over, giving her hope.
With a slight smile, Princess Qianyou asked, "Just now, it seemed like Li Wushuang had completely changed. If you were to take him under your wing, he would surely devote himself wholeheartedly. Sir, I'd like to ask, how did you do it? What kind of mystery lies in those few short sentences?"
Surprised by Princess Qianyou's directness and her insightful gaze, Zhongshan took a deep breath and replied earnestly, "Treat others with sincerity, and they will treat you the same."
What Zhongshan meant was: Treat others how you want to be treated.
Hearing Zhongshan's words, Princess Qianyou's pupils contracted, and then she thought about Zhongshan. Indeed, why did Zhongshan repay her favor? Wasn't it because she had once shown him favor?
"Princess, I've learned from your wisdom." Princess Qianyou immediately bowed.
Seeing Princess Qianyou bow slightly, Zhongshan furrowed his brows and quickly offered his hand, "I dare not, Princess. Your worth is immeasurable; you shouldn't do this anymore. I'm just a guard."
Princess Qianyou stood straight and shook her head slightly. "No, from today onwards, you are just you, and being a guard is just a nominal position."
"Princess, you're worrying too much. I'm unworthy of your kindness," Zhongshan immediately responded. He sighed inwardly. There was no escaping from receiving favors when under someone else's command.
"Whether I'm worrying too much is my business. As long as I don't lose you, it doesn't matter if I worry too much," Princess Qianyou said with a smile, treating Zhongshan with sincerity. This time, Princess Qianyou spoke frankly without beating around the bush.
Looking at Princess Qianyou, Zhongshan smiled wryly. "It seems I've been overly sentimental!"
"Overly sentimental? Haha, your analogy is indeed exquisite. You, sir, are like a willow leaf in the wind, drifting without roots. But from now on, you can only shelter under my tree for wind and rain," Princess Qianyou said with a smile.
"Princess jests. I'm just a floating willow leaf. In the future, I can only seek shelter under your tree and weather the storms," Zhongshan said with a shake of his head.
With things having come to this point, it was difficult for Zhongshan to remain low-key. It was time to embrace his new identity as soon as possible.
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