Chapter 191 Bai Family
When Ximen Tianyu saw this, he clenched his other hand into a fist, his nails digging deeply into his palm, and he was completely unaware of the blood seeping out.
This was the first time he realized that human hearts could be so dark, so dark that they would sacrifice the peace of all mankind for their own selfish desires.
You have to know that Ximen Tingxuan represented not the Ximen family back then, but the human peace ambassador to the demon clan. They blamed the demon for Ximen Tingxuan's death, which was undoubtedly a big blow to the human-demon relationship which was not yet stable at the time.
Ximen Tianyu's anger was like a volcano that had been suppressed for a long time, and finally erupted at this moment. But he also understood that anger could not solve the problem, and only calmness and wisdom could allow him to avenge his parents.
After all, the Xiao family is different from Zhao Chao and his ilk. As a prominent family in the Dao League, it has a huge influence and deep roots. To bring them down, we must take it step by step.
So he continued to study the documents in depth, hoping to find solid evidence that could directly prove the Xiao family's crimes.
Among these intricate clues, he found the names of several key figures, who were either confidants of the Xiao family or accomplices driven by interests. Ximen Tianyu secretly noted in his heart that these people would become his next targets on the road to revenge and obstacles that he must clear.
The next morning, news spread that Zhao Chao's mansion had caught fire and that Zhao Chao had died unexpectedly.
Although Zhao Chao did not hold a high position in the Taoist Alliance, he still had some fame in the local area. Therefore, his sudden death caused quite a stir.
People in the streets, alleys, teahouses and restaurants were talking about this sudden incident. Some expressed regret, some were curious, and more were guessing the truth behind it.
And this news soon reached the ears of the Bai family.
The Bai family is one of the more famous families, but it is not a cultivation family like the Ximen family. Instead, it is a merchant family that runs most of the local fabric industry.
"What did you say? Zhao Chao is dead?"
Bai Zixuan, the patriarch of the Bai family, sat on a carved chair in the study, his brows furrowed, playing with a string of exquisite jade beads in his hands, his eyes revealing a bit of disbelief and deep thought.
"Yes, Master, the news has been confirmed. Zhao Chao's mansion suddenly caught fire last night. The fire was fierce. When the servants found out, Zhao Chao had unfortunately died."
Bai Fu, the butler standing in front of him, answered in a low and respectful voice.
"This is impossible!"
"Although Zhao Chao's cultivation is not very high, he is still a cultivator after all. How could he be trapped or even burned to death by ordinary fire? There must be another hidden story!"
Bai Zixuan stood up suddenly, and the jade beads in his hand broke due to the sudden movement and scattered all over the floor. The crisp sound echoed in the study. He paced back and forth, frowning, secretly calculating various possibilities in his mind.
"Bai Fu, send someone to investigate immediately. I want to know all the details of the fire at Zhao Chao's residence last night. Also, whether Zhao Chao has offended anyone recently, or has had any conflicts with any forces."
There was unquestionable determination in Bai Zixuan's voice.
"Yes, sir."
Although he was somewhat surprised by Bai Zixuan's reaction, Bai Fu still put his status as a servant in perspective. Knowing that he shouldn't ask about these matters, he bowed and immediately took orders and left. "Could it be that they did it? After so many years, they finally couldn't help themselves and took action? Then do I still have a way to survive?"
Looking at the place where Bai Fu left, Bai Zixuan's eyes flashed with complex emotions, including fear of the unknown and regret for the past. He sat back in his chair and closed his eyes, as if recalling those long-forgotten past events.
"That depends on what you do next."
A voice suddenly came from behind Bai Zixuan. He turned his head sharply and saw a figure slowly walking out of the shadow of the study. The man was wearing a black robe, and his face was hidden in the shadow of the hood, so his true appearance could not be seen clearly, but the faint spiritual power fluctuations emanating from his body made it impossible to ignore his existence.
"who are you?"
Bai Zixuan stood up vigilantly, secretly gathering spiritual power in his hands, preparing to deal with possible emergencies.
The black-robed man chuckled, seemingly not paying attention to Bai Zixuan's behavior, and started talking to himself: "Bai Zixuan, 20 years ago, with the help of the Xiao family, he served as a deacon of the Dao League. Later, for some unknown reason, he lost all his cultivation. Since then, he has withdrawn from the cultivation world and turned to the business world, building the Bai family. But over the years, the uneasiness and fear in your heart have never really dissipated, right?"
Bai Zixuan's face suddenly changed when he heard this. He didn't expect that this black-robed man who suddenly appeared knew everything about his past. He forced himself to remain calm and said in a cold voice: "What exactly are you doing visiting me so late at night? If you want to threaten me with this, I'm afraid you've found the wrong person."
The man in black robe shook his head slightly. His voice was low and magnetic. "Threatening you? No, I don't mean that. On the contrary, I am here to give you a chance, a chance to get out of this predicament."
"Predicament? Are you talking about Zhao Chao's death?"
Bai Zixuan frowned. Although he was confused, the other party's words were like a needle that accurately hit his pain point.
"It's not just Zhao Chao's death, but also the troubles you've been worried about." The man in black robes approached slowly, and every step seemed to step on Bai Zixuan's heartstrings. "I know your secret, and I also know why you are so nervous."
Bai Zixuan's face turned pale instantly. He forced himself to remain calm and tried to hide his inner panic: "I don't know what you are talking about. My Bai family is just a merchant family. How can it be related to you, a group of cultivators?"
The black-robed man shook his head slightly, seemingly not caring about Bai Zixuan's denial: "Merchant? Then how do you explain the fact that you followed the Xiao family's arrangement and killed Ximen Tingxuan?"
Bai Zixuan's body trembled violently, as if struck by lightning. He looked at the man in black robe in disbelief: "You...how did you know?"
"There is no such thing as an impenetrable wall in this world." The black-robed man's voice became noticeably deeper, "Especially when it comes to such a big secret. Do you think the Xiao family will keep the secret forever and let you enjoy your old age? They are just using you temporarily. Once your value is squeezed out, you will become a discarded pawn."
"No... No, they won't! I've done so much for them, they won't do this to me!"
Bai Zixuan's voice began to tremble, fear and despair intertwined in his heart.
The black-robed man sneered and continued, "Do you think the Xiao family will take their old friendship into consideration? In the world of cultivation, strength determines everything, and you are already a useless person, worthless to them."
(End of this chapter)