The truth of the matter became apparent, and all eyes turned to Lin Canghai, awaiting his decision.
"Wenjie, do you remember the first time my grandfather and I saw you?"
"At that time, you were suffering from hunger, having mistakenly consumed toxic bread. It was my grandfather who saved you. You really shouldn't repay kindness with enmity."
Zhang Wenjie's body trembled, his head bowed in silence.
Lin Canghai's complexion changed, his goatee trembling as he spoke sternly, "Please bring the implements!"
Duan Huairen complied.
Zhang Wenjie's face turned pale, kneeling before Lin Canghai, pleading, "Master Lin, I know I've erred. Please spare me this time. In the future, I swear to turn over a new leaf."
Lin Canghai remained unmoved, his face ashen.
Zhang Wenjie then grabbed my trousers, begging, "Guangting, I implore you. I don't want to die."
Images of Chen Lao Da, Chen Lao Er, and Ding Laotou flashed before my eyes. With these thoughts, I shook off Zhang Wenjie's hand.
"If only I had known this day would come."
Unable to restrain herself, Zhang Ling said, "Master Lin, Mr. Zhang was momentarily bewitched by the White Gang and led astray. Perhaps..."
Lin Canghai waved his hand, cutting her off.
After a moment, Duan Huairen, wearing thick insulated gloves, approached carrying a plate.
With a clang, he slammed the plate on the table. Inside were dozens of crimson steel balls, radiating a red halo, alongside a pair of copper chopsticks.
This was called "Eating Beans."
The temperature of the steel balls soared to over a thousand degrees. Once consumed, they would burn through the intestines, causing excruciating pain as they rolled and moved within the body, eventually incinerating the internal organs, resulting in a gruesome death.
"There must be rules. Wenjie, pick up the chopsticks. Once you've finished, you may leave." Lin Canghai closed his eyes slowly.
Duan Huairen sighed and said, "At this point, take my advice, down them all at once, sparing yourself further suffering."
Zhang Wenjie's face was filled with terror as he picked up the plate. The steel balls rolled and rubbed against each other, emitting a sizzling sound.
Suddenly, a glint of cold light flashed in his eyes as he tossed the plate of hot steel balls into the air.
"Watch out!"
Instinctively, we raised our arms to shield ourselves. The steel balls fell to the ground with a clatter, bouncing in all directions.
Seizing the opportunity, Zhang Wenjie leaped up, smashing the window glass and jumping out from the second floor. When we reached the window, we saw him limping away into the darkness.
"Fire! It's on fire!"
The high temperature of the steel balls ignited nearby silk items, flames leaping up.
Quick on his feet, Duan Huairen grabbed a fire extinguisher.
"Lingzi, quickly take Master Lin away from here."
Before leaving, Lin Canghai instructed me, "Hurry and chase after Zhang Wenjie. Now that the situation has escalated, we can't let him escape, or we'll all suffer the consequences."
"Understood. He won't get away."
I immediately leaped from the second floor and chased after Zhang Wenjie in the direction he fled.
In the distance, I heard a series of car horns blaring. Zhang Wenjie was crossing the road, causing traffic congestion and eliciting a chorus of curses.
"Reckless! Doesn't care for his life, does he?"
"There are cameras here. He's asking to be hit!"
"..."
I shouted, "Stop!"
Glancing back, I saw Zhang Wenjie striding hastily across the road without a care in the world.
After chasing him for four or five blocks, we reached a construction site ahead, where the road was blocked, trapping him in a dead end.
"Why aren't you running anymore?"
"My legs... I can't run anymore."
Zhang Wenjie leaned on his knees, waving his hand, his face pale, panting heavily. His excessive indulgence had left him physically weak.
"Let's make... a deal, shall we?"
"I know... a secret, about... Master Lin. As long as you let me go, I'll... I'll..."
Suddenly, his body swayed, staggering forward two steps before collapsing face-down at my feet.
"Zhang Wenjie, spare me this act. Get up."
"Get up, do you hear me?"
"Zhang Wenjie, Zhang Wenjie."
After calling out several times without a response and hearing no signs of breathing, I became anxious. I quickly turned him over, only to see his face drained of color, his glasses shattered, blood covering his face. I checked for breath, but felt no sign of life.
Zhang Wenjie had died suddenly!
A glasses case fell out of his pocket. Upon opening it, I found golden leaves from the "Doctrine of the Gods." I pocketed the glasses case and hastily left the scene.
Back at Botong Hall, the fire had been extinguished, leaving only minor damage to the curtains and sofa.
After recounting Zhang Wenjie's sudden death, Lin Canghai sighed and instructed Zhang Ling to take some time to visit his family and ensure their well-being.
That chapter was now closed.
"Guangting, I suspect that the body of Princess Pingyuan and the warrior figurines of Yuwen Tai are still in Tianjin. You must leave immediately."
"Master Lin, it's been two months since the incident. How can you be so sure they haven't taken the items away?"
Lin Canghai poured a cup of tea, took a sip, and said slowly, "You're not aware of this. Tianjin Port is under strict surveillance. They can only use fishing boats, and they must be deep-sea fishing boats. What day of the lunar month is it today?"
"Twenty-fifth of the first lunar month."
Lin Canghai nodded, "I've inquired. For good luck, deep-sea fishing boats set sail on the day of Long Tai Tou, the second day of the second lunar month. So, we still have time."
Upon hearing about the trip to Tianjin, Zhang Ling volunteered first, "Let me finish my business, and I'll go with Guangting. It'll be good to have someone accompanying on the way."
Lin Canghai glanced at Zhang Ling and said calmly, "Lingzi, it's a long journey. It's not convenient for a woman like you. Let Huai Ren go."
Zhang Ling pouted reluctantly and said, "Oh," before picking up the car keys and leaving in a huff.
Lin Canghai shook his head, "You two go to Dagang Oilfield and find someone named Jiang Erwa. He'll take care of everything."
Jiang Erwa was from northern Shaanxi. When Lin Canghai was supporting the pot in northern Shaanxi, he had collaborated with Jiang Erwa several times. This man was generous and trustworthy.
Jiang Erwa's parents worked in Changqing Oilfield. In 1964, when the large oilfield was discovered in Tianjin, Jiang Erwa went to Tianjin with his parents to support the work there. Later, he worked in a state-owned enterprise.
After explaining everything, Duan Huairen went to the train station to buy tickets.
"Master Lin, I have one more thing. After much consideration, I feel it's necessary to tell you."
"What is it? Speak freely."
I recounted the matter of Shi Jingxia to Lin Canghai in detail. After hearing it, Lin Canghai frowned, his expression changing.
"Guangting, can this person be trusted?"
"I vouch for it with my life. Absolutely reliable."
After a moment of contemplation, Lin Canghai said, "After this ordeal, the guild could use some extra hands. Since that's the case, you make the decision for yourself."