Chapter 143: Shocking Change
Shao family.
Originally, the Shao family had placed their suspicions on Bai He, so they had been keeping a close eye on him. However, they had not discovered anything new. Everything was because they had no evidence of their suspicions, so they could only drag it out.
Shao Yuxuan became more and more impatient as he dragged it out. “Father, if this continues, when will you be able to take revenge for fourth brother? I think it would be better to kill a hundred people by mistake rather than letting a thousand go. We might as well just kill all those people and be done with it.”
A ruthless expression appeared on his face as he made a hand gesture to slit his throat.
“Anyway, that group of people came from a small place in the countryside. Even if they die, no one will care about standing up for them. When the time comes, we’ll just find an excuse, such as encountering a ferocious beast attack.”
It had to be said that Shao Yuchen’s method was indeed time-saving and labor-saving. There was no need to care so much about it. He would just kill all of them directly and not have to worry about identifying the wrong murderer.
However, the only downside was that it was too cruel. After all, these disciples added together had more than a hundred lives.
Fifth elder hesitated slightly and said, “I think this is still a little inappropriate. After all, there are more than a hundred lives. It’s a little too cruel to kill them just like that.”
“I also think what elder Wu said makes sense. If word gets out or the news gets out, how would outsiders view our Shao Family? Wouldn’t our Shao family’s reputation in the capital be completely destroyed?”
According to the Shao family’s ability, dealing with these disciples with low cultivation was as easy as chopping melons and vegetables. However, no one could guarantee that there would be no mistakes. If any accidents happened or disciples ran away, at that time, their reputation would probably be ruined.
In order to catch a murderer, they actually sacrificed so many lives. This was simply a shocking matter. As long as a bit of news reached the ears of their arch-enemies, they would be able to bite down on this point. They would bite off flesh from their bodies.
A few conservative elders did not agree with this approach. On the other hand, the third elder revealed a mocking smile, “For people like you who are timid and cowardly caring about this and that, I think we don’t need to take revenge anymore. Let’s just let them all go.”
“That’s not true. We can understand that the second young master is eager to take revenge, but we must also consider the bigger picture. We can’t act on impulse. You must know that at this critical moment, as long as any news is leaked, it will be very disadvantageous to our Shao family.”
Many elders chimed in, “That’s right. Moreover, there are still a few big aristocratic families eyeing our Shao family covetously. If they catch us, it won’t be an easy matter to resolve by then.”
From the looks of it, the Shao family was divided into two factions. One faction was like the third elder and Shao Yuxuan. They felt that since these students were just insignificant people, there would be no trouble even if they died. There would definitely not be any problems.
The other faction was more conservative. The murderer was in the group anyway. Although they had not found him yet, there would be a day when he would give himself away.
Shao Yuxuan’s tone was a little impatient when he faced some of the stubborn elders, “As long as we do it clean, no one will discover us. You’re too cautious. What if the murderer runs away? ! Are you going to compensate my fourth brother’s life? !”
His words were a little blunt. Shao Feng, who had not spoken all this while, could not help but frown. “Yuxuan, you can’t be rude to the elders.”
Although Shao Feng also wanted to avenge the death of Shao Yuchen, the most important thing in his heart was still the family. After hesitating for a moment, he finally spoke:
“The elders are right. If we eliminate all those people, the risk is too great. It’s a troublesome time now. Moreover, the Academy Compet.i.tion is coming soon. If we divide our energy and manpower, I’m afraid that both sides will be in trouble.”
Shao Yuxuan immediately understood what Shao Feng meant when he heard that. He could not help but say, “Father! Didn’t you also want to avenge fourth brother previously? Why now –”
“Actually, the family head has a certain reason for doing this. It’s also for the Shao family’s consideration. I hope that second young master can understand. It’s just that now is a special situation. Moreover, second young master, don’t forget that Lin Bai is not here.”
When he mentioned Lin Bai, the third elder did not have a good expression on his face. Originally, he was also the suspect. However, he did not know what kind of dog-s.h.i.+t luck this kid had, to actually gain the favor of the Alchemist a.s.sociation.
Now that he was in the Alchemist a.s.sociation, even He Linsheng, who had a grudge against him, could not do anything to him. If he killed everyone except for Lin Bai, he would definitely be suspicious.
When that time came, if Lin Bai relied on the Alchemist a.s.sociation’s power to investigate this matter, who knew what kind of trouble he would cause.
“Moreover, I heard that Lin Bai is doing quite well in the Alchemist a.s.sociation. It is said that he is going to the City Lord’s estate soon. In that case, we can not act rashly.”
Hearing this, the third elder and Shao Yuxuan’s expressions were not good.
Just as everyone was discussing, they heard the news from the manservant that Lin Bai had returned. Everyone looked at each other, not knowing why Lin Bai would suddenly return at this time. Could it be that he knew of their plans.
Bai He and the others also received the news. They had not seen Lin Bai for some time. However, occasionally, Lin Bai would send back news, so they could rest a.s.sured knowing that he was doing quite well in the Alchemist a.s.sociation.
Just as they were about to happily go to the main entrance to welcome Lin Bai, he was carried back by someone. The few people who sent Lin Bai back also had gloomy faces and looked unfriendly.
Bai He and the others were instantly stunned on the spot. After a moment, they asked, “What’s going on?”
The person said unhappily, “He made a big mistake. The president kindly spared his life. Now that Lin Bai has been expelled from the Alchemist a.s.sociation, he is no longer a member of the a.s.sociation.”
He was too lazy to say anything else. After handing Lin Bai over to them, he quickly left.