No one in the crowd noticed Wuying, who stood quietly on the sidelines, observing the unfolding situation. She wanted to see Xuefeng in action and simultaneously teach him a life lesson. Expecting things to escalate, she had already steeled herself to end the man's life if necessary.
When she saw the man draw another knife, she acted instantly, slashing with her sword and severing his head. What she hadn't anticipated was Xuefeng's shock at the sight of the headless body. She had forgotten that he had never witnessed such brutality before.
As they approached the fountain, Wuying gently cleaned the blood from Xuefeng's face. The cold water seemed to clear his mind, and he looked at her with a questioning gaze.
"Was it necessary to kill him? Couldn't we have just imprisoned him or something?" Xuefeng asked, still grappling with the situation.
"According to the clan rules, anyone who dares to attack the Young Master of the Liu Clan with killing intent must be eliminated on the spot," Wuying replied seriously. "The only exception is a duel with your permission. In all other instances, death is the penalty at our discretion."
She paused, then added, "There's a reason why we don't have prisons in this world. When everyone is a cultivator capable of becoming a powerful entity, keeping enemies alive is dangerous. Imagine if you imprisoned this man. Over the years, he would grow resentful and seek revenge once released. The only way to stop him would be to lock him up for life, which is a waste of resources."
"So, we just kill anyone who poses a future threat?" Xuefeng asked, conflicted as he realized he would need to change his beliefs to survive in this world.
"It's not your fault he was a criminal. If he wanted to stay alive, he should have led an honest life without stealing and killing," Wuying explained while wiping the blood off his clothes. "This world is about survival—kill or be killed. If you hadn't killed him, he would have found a way to kill you. This scenario will repeat many times, so you need to learn to be ruthless. The strong survive; the weak perish. That's the harsh reality."
Xuefeng had known this world was cruel, but he had been fortunate to live a peaceful life until now. This was his first personal encounter with such brutality.
'This man tried to murder an innocent boy. Do you think someone like that should walk free and have the chance to do it again?' Ling interjected, trying to make him see reason.
'No,' Xuefeng replied after a moment of contemplation.
'As Wuying said, imprisoning them won't change their nature. The only way to stop them from committing more crimes is death,' Ling explained. 'I'm not saying killing is always right, but if someone aims to kill you, the only response is to kill them first. Don't show mercy to those who would gladly destroy your bloodline for your riches.'
"I understand," Xuefeng said, addressing both Wuying and Ling. "I will be more cautious in the future."
Though he doubted he could become a ruthless killer immediately, he realized what was necessary to protect his loved ones. He wouldn't seek to kill for his gain, but he would retaliate if his life was threatened.
"Let's go to the restaurant. You'll feel better after eating something," Wuying suggested, squeezing his hand comfortingly.
"Mhmm, let's go," Xuefeng nodded, mentally noting to repay her. After all, Wuying had just saved his life.
"Where are your parents?" Wuying asked the boy, turning her attention to him.
"I don't have parents. They're already in heaven," the boy replied, lowering his head sadly.
"Oh, so we're the same. I also don't know my parents. How about you join us for dinner? We can buy the Spirit Awakening Liquid afterward," Wuying suggested with a gentle smile, patting his head.
"I would love to. Thank you, big sister," the boy agreed, smiling at their kindness.
'Sigh, I guess this incident served its purpose. If I want to survive in this world, I need to learn how to kill,' Xuefeng thought, resigning himself to the harsh reality. 'By the way, where's the herb? I had it in my hand, but now it's gone. Did you take it, Ling?'
'Yes, I was afraid you might damage it, so I stored it in my space. It was a decent meal,' she admitted, almost playfully.
'Was that herb special? Should I ask the boy where he found it?' Xuefeng wondered.
'Fate Spirit Herbs don't appear in the same area twice. You might find one in a store by chance. Ask to see their collection; the Trade Union might have one,' Ling suggested.
'Okay, we'll check after dinner.'
It didn't take long for them to arrive at the Golden Phoenix Restaurant. There was a long queue at the entrance, given that it was dinner time and many cultivators were waiting for a table. Ignoring the queue, they headed straight for the entrance, causing several people to frown at their blood-stained clothes.
"Welcome, guests. We're fully booked at the moment. Please wait in line," a young male waiter said, halting them.
"We'll take our usual room. You can check with Manager Wu; she knows who I am," Xuefeng replied curtly, not in the mood to prove his identity every time he visited.
"Uh..." The waiter hesitated, recognizing Manager Wu's name. From Xuefeng's tone, it was clear he had access to the private rooms, which not everyone could use.
"Ah, Young Master Xuefeng, it's good to see you again. Please come in," a female voice called from the lobby, and Ciu Riu appeared to escort them.
"Thanks," Xuefeng said, as they followed her past the flustered waiter.
Upon hearing the name "Young Master Xuefeng," the disdainful expressions of those in the queue disappeared.
Ciu Riu had been anxious about the Liu Clan's cooperation with the Trade Union. Knowing that the Golden Phoenix belonged to the Union, she wanted to make a good impression on the Liu Clan's Young Master. Seeing them at the door was her chance for redemption.
"Young Master, there's a room reserved for you. Please follow me," she said, trying to appear as polite and gentle as possible. She didn't mind the boy's plain clothes, given that he was with Xuefeng.
"Just bring us the best dishes from the menu and a bottle of good wine," Xuefeng ordered once they were seated.
After Ciu Riu left, Wuying asked, "Since when do you drink wine?"
"Starting today. Don't worry, I just want to relax a bit," he reassured her with a smile, though it made her more concerned.
'Did I push him too soon? I hope he'll be alright,' Wuying thought, uneasy about the situation.