Chapter 1082
: A great deal of discussion
Shi Ji immediately understood the truth. It turned out that Zhang San's death was not caused by the Xuan Yu Stone, but by someone secretly taking action. That person used the evil energy of the Xuan Yu Stone as a cover, strangling Zhang San with a rope, causing him to suffocate to death.
Shi Ji immediately informed the village elders and villagers of this crucial clue. They were shocked and furious upon hearing it, and all expressed their determination to find the real culprit and avenge Zhang San.
After careful discussion, the village elders decided to gather all the villagers for a public trial in the village's central square in order to find the real culprit. Shi Ji was also invited to participate in this trial.
In the square, the villagers were buzzing with discussion, all speculating about the killer's identity. The elder, standing on the high platform, solemnly surveyed everyone present, then announced loudly, "Today, a heinous incident occurred in our village; villager Zhang San was murdered. We have now gathered some clues, and with everyone's help, we hope to find the true culprit and avenge Zhang San!"
No sooner had he finished speaking than a young man suddenly stood up, pointed at a middle-aged man in the crowd, and said, "I saw him acting suspiciously in the valley yesterday!"
The middle-aged man accused immediately retorted, "You're talking nonsense! I just went to the valley to gather herbs, how did I become a murderer? What evidence do you have?"
The scene became somewhat chaotic. Shi Ji stood aside, calmly observing. He noticed that the middle-aged man's eyes were shifty, as if he were feeling guilty. An idea struck him, and he stepped forward, saying, "Everyone, please calm down. I have a way to verify what this middle-aged man said."
Everyone looked at Shi Ji, wondering what brilliant idea he had. Shi Ji continued, "If he went to gather herbs, then he should have some on him or at home. We can send someone to search his house. If he doesn't have any herbs, then his story is suspicious."
The elder nodded after hearing this and immediately sent people to search the middle-aged man's house. A short while later, the search team returned and reported that no medicinal herbs were found in the man's home.
Seeing that his scheme was about to be exposed, the middle-aged man's expression changed drastically. He suddenly pulled a dagger from his sleeve and charged towards Shiji, intending to kill him. An uproar erupted as the villagers scattered in terror.
Shi Ji's eyes sharpened; he was prepared. With a nimble movement, he dodged the middle-aged man's attack. At the same time, he reached out and grabbed the man's wrist, which was holding the knife, and said coldly, "You think you can escape?"
The middle-aged man struggled, but couldn't break free from Shi Ji's iron grip. His face contorted with rage, he roared, "Let me go! You forced me to do this! I didn't want to kill anyone!"
Shi Ji remained unmoved and said calmly, "Killing is killing. What's there to think about or not? Do you think everything you've done can escape everyone's eyes?"
At this moment, the other able-bodied men in the village reacted and rushed forward to help Shi Ji subdue the middle-aged man. The elder looked at the subdued murderer and sighed deeply: "It really was you. Why did you choose this path?"
The middle-aged man lowered his head, remained silent for a moment, then slowly raised his head, tears glistening in his eyes: "It's all because of a grudge from many years ago. He plotted against me, causing my family to be destroyed and my life ruined. I just wanted revenge..."
The elder stared at the middle-aged man and said in a heavy tone, "Revenge? Do you know that when you respond to hatred with hatred, you will only make yourself a slave to hatred? Is Zhang San really as he claims to have committed such a grave crime?"
The middle-aged man gritted his teeth and replied, "Back then, in order to fight for the family property, he falsely accused my father of theft, which led to my father's arrest and imprisonment, where he eventually died of illness. My mother couldn't bear the shock and followed my father in death. How could I not avenge this?"
Upon hearing this, Shi Ji frowned. He sensed the hatred and pain in the middle-aged man's heart, but at the same time, he understood that such actions would not truly solve the problem.
He took a deep breath, slowly walked up to the middle-aged man, and said in a calm tone, "I understand your hatred and pain, but will taking revenge by killing really bring you relief? Doing so will only plunge you into deeper pain and regret."
Upon hearing this, the middle-aged man trembled slightly. He stared wide-eyed at Shi Ji, seemingly pondering her words.
The middle-aged man stared wide-eyed at Shi Ji, his lips tightly pressed together, as if he were waging a violent struggle deep within his heart. His face revealed a complex mix of emotions: regret, pain, confusion... These feelings intertwined, making his expression unusually distorted.
Suddenly, he abruptly raised his head, his eyes flashing with a resolute light. He stared intently at Shi Ji, his voice hoarse but firm, and said, "You're right. Doing this won't bring me true relief; it will only plunge me into deeper pain. I... I can't forgive myself."
After saying this, he suddenly stretched out his hands, clenched them into fists, and his inner strength surged throughout his body. Everyone looked at him in horror, not knowing what he was going to do. Suddenly, the middle-aged man shouted and slammed his fists into his dantian, spitting out a mouthful of blood.
"He...he's crippling himself!" someone shouted in terror.
Shi Ji and the elders rushed forward to try and stop him, but it was too late. The middle-aged man had already destroyed most of his own power; his face was as pale as paper, and his body was swaying precariously.
But a relieved smile appeared on his face, as if a heavy burden had been lifted. He struggled to his feet and bowed deeply to Shiji and the elder: "Thank you for your guidance, which made me realize my mistakes. I am willing to accept any punishment, but before that, I want to go down the mountain and find a quiet place to spend the rest of my life."
After saying that, he turned and slowly walked down the mountain. His back looked so lonely and desolate, as if the whole world had abandoned him.
Shi Ji and the elders watched his retreating figure silently, their hearts filled with emotion. They knew that this middle-aged man had already paid the price for his mistakes in his own way.
"I hope he can find his own path to redemption," the elder sighed.
Shi Ji nodded without speaking. He watched the middle-aged man's figure disappear into the forest before turning and leaving.
Shi Ji turned and left, but couldn't help feeling sorry for this middle-aged man who had once been filled with hatred but had now chosen self-exile. He shook his head, banishing these thoughts from his mind, and continued on his path of training.
However, what he didn't expect was that a more complex and dangerous storm awaited him ahead.
Several days later, Shi Ji arrived at a bustling town. It was lively and vibrant, the streets and alleys brimming with life. He was looking for an inn to rest when a group of people suddenly blocked his way.
"You must be Shi Ji? Our family invites you in," the leader said coldly.
Shi Ji was taken aback. He didn't recognize these people, nor did he know why they knew his name. But judging from their demeanor, he knew he had no choice. So, he nodded and followed them to a magnificent mansion. Upon entering, Shi Ji was led to a large hall. Many people had already gathered there; judging from their attire and bearing, they were clearly members of this family.
"Young Master Shi, please have a seat." A dignified voice came from behind. Shi Ji looked up and saw a middle-aged man stand up from the main seat and walk towards him.
"My name is Shi Ji. I am not sure what brings you to my family's summons?" Shi Ji asked, bowing.
"I wouldn't presume to offer guidance, but our family has recently encountered some trouble and needs Young Master Shi's assistance," the middle-aged man said.
It turns out that this family is one of the most powerful families in the city, controlling a vast amount of property and resources. However, recently, a power struggle has erupted within the family. The original patriarch suddenly died without leaving a will designating an heir. As a result, various factions within the family have begun to stir, hoping to seize the position of patriarch.
“We hope you can help us find the real killer and uncover the truth behind this power struggle,” the middle-aged man said earnestly.
Upon hearing this, Shi Ji frowned. He hadn't expected to be embroiled in another conflict so soon after leaving one village. But now that things had come to this, he couldn't refuse: "I will do my best."
Thus, Shi Ji was drawn into the vortex of this family power struggle and began a new adventure.
Having agreed, Shi Ji no longer hesitated and began investigating the matter. He first questioned some family members and servants, attempting to gather more clues. However, everyone's accounts differed; some were vague, while others offered conflicting accounts, leaving Shi Ji feeling quite troubled.
"It seems this matter is not simple," Shi Ji thought to himself. He needed a deeper investigation and more clues to uncover the truth.
That night, Shi Ji decided to sneak into the family study, where the secret of the patriarch's death might be hidden. He evaded the patrolling guards and nimbly climbed through the window into the study. The study was dimly lit, and the bookshelves were filled with books and documents.
Shi Ji carefully examined each document, trying to find any clues. Just then, he suddenly discovered a strange will that clearly stated the heir to the family headship was a young member of the family. However, this will had been deliberately hidden.
A thought struck Shi Ji: this might be the key to solving the mystery. He carefully put away the will, preparing to reveal the truth to his family members the next day.
The next morning, Shi Ji summoned all family members and announced the will in the hall. The crowd erupted in uproar; some were surprised, some were angry, and some looked ashamed.
“According to this will, the heir to the family head should be this young man,” Shi Ji said, pointing to the name on the will.
However, at that moment, a somber voice suddenly rang out: "This will is fake! It's a complete forgery!"
Shi Ji looked in the direction of the voice and saw an elder from the family step forward, staring at him with a face full of anger. "You think you've uncovered some truth? You've just been used!"
Shi Ji frowned slightly, realizing that things were far more complicated than they appeared. He took a deep breath and said calmly, "Since you assert that this will is fake, then please produce the evidence."
The elder sneered and pulled a document from his robes. "This is the real will! You've been blinded!"
Shi Ji took the document and examined it closely. Sure enough, it listed another person's name as the heir. He was shocked. What was going on? Two wills—which one was the real one?
The family members began to whisper amongst themselves, and the hall descended into chaos. Shi Ji knew he had to find out the truth as soon as possible, otherwise this power struggle would never be quelled.
Holding two completely different wills, Shi Ji was filled with doubt. He glanced at the family members present, each with a complex and unfathomable expression, as if everyone had a secret and everyone could be the mastermind behind this conflict.
“Since there are two wills, we need to carefully examine them,” Shi Ji said in a deep voice, her gaze sharp as a knife, as if trying to pierce through everyone’s hearts. “I will ask a professional pen and ink appraiser to verify the authenticity of these two wills. In the meantime, I hope everyone will remain calm and not act rashly.”
No sooner had he finished speaking than a family member stepped forward urgently: "Young Master Shi, I believe you are fair. I am willing to offer any help, just to find out the truth as soon as possible."
Shi Ji nodded his thanks. He knew he needed the support of these family members, but at the same time, he had to remain vigilant and not be taken advantage of by anyone.
Just then, a servant rushed in, his face filled with panic, and reported, "It's terrible! The family treasury has been robbed! A large number of treasures have been lost!"
This news was like a bombshell, instantly causing a huge uproar within the family. Family members discussed it amongst themselves, filled with fear and unease. The theft of the treasury not only meant the loss of family wealth, but also potentially indicated a serious security threat within the family.
Shi Ji frowned, realizing that this matter was far more complex than a simple dispute over a will. Even greater trouble lay ahead, and he had to uncover the truth as soon as possible to quell the storm.
Shi Ji immediately stood up, glanced at everyone present, and said in a deep voice, "Everyone, please remain calm. The theft of the treasury is clearly related to this will dispute, and perhaps someone is trying to take advantage of the situation. I will investigate both matters simultaneously and give everyone an explanation."
An elder from the family asked in a trembling voice, "Young Master Shi, can you really find the thief and recover the treasure?"
Shi Ji nodded firmly: "I will do my best. But now, I need everyone's cooperation. First, please tell me the specific details of the theft of the treasure vault."
The servant who brought the news rushed forward and described in detail how the treasury had been robbed and the missing items. Shi Ji listened attentively, asking questions from time to time to obtain more details.
After understanding the situation, Shi Ji said, "Next, I will proceed in two steps. First, I will have a professional calligraphy appraiser verify the authenticity of the will to determine the legitimate heir. Second, I will investigate the theft and recover the stolen treasures. These two matters may be related, so we must proceed simultaneously." (End of Chapter)