The master of Beiyuan Hall, Northern Island Master, was rejected by a head of a small family, losing face.
Beiyuan looked towards Bei Ming, who signaled him not to act rashly, affirming that whatever Tang Rao says is what goes, and how they handle things privately is their own accord, not conflicting at all.
"Tang Family Master is truly generous. In that case, we shall trouble you further, and hope Tang Family Master doesn't take offense."
Bei Ming cupped his hands to Tang Rao in respect and then led Beiyuan away without dragging things out.
Once they had walked a while, Beiyuan dared to ask his son what exactly happened just now.
"We've spent so much wealth and prepared so many gifts—have you forgotten your purpose?"
His son had always made him proud, never disappointing Beiyuan with his actions. How had he erred today?
Bei Ming knew his father was never one to ease his worries, hurt only by sending so gifts. Bei Ming hadn't yet promised Tang Rao additional benefits, and if he made such promises offhand, would his father's old heart not falter?
"Father, given Tang Rao's attitude, do you think we can ask him anything? If the initial attitude is poor, then later? We still hope Tang Rao speaks well to avoid offending his reputable backing. I think you forgot our purpose in pursuit of re objects."
Bei Ming in a few words conveyed those straightforward truths to Beiyuan, and the latter only listened to Bei Ming, seeing his father sufficiently convinced, only then did they sche to return to the mansion.
"Ming'er, you ought to tell father your thoughts, for I know you have the best ideas. The people behind Tang Rao are aware we've harbored those from West Island. If West Island folks bother Tang Rao again, and he blas us, won't it be counterproductive?"
The considerations Beiyuan had, Bei Ming already contemplated earlier, but since those baldy monks left, Bei Ming thought it slightly premature to discuss, thus didn't speak out.
"To alleviate things for Tang Rao without him noticing, our only move is to divert trouble eastward."
Bei Ming's expression turned mysteriously, leaving even his own father unsure what his son consistently contemplated.
"How exactly is this thod of diverting trouble eastward?"
Importantly, ensuring Tang Rao doesn't realize they are helping him.
If they misinterpret Tang Rao's intentions, those suffering will still be people from the Island Master Mansion.
"Haven't those few not yet left Northern Island? Then if they cause trouble on Northern Island and get reported, as Northern Island Master, will you stand up for justice? As for how to enact justice, that's another matter altogether."
Zhou Runfa's confession will follow procedure; if not, it becos easier resolved.
Bei Ming's idea gained approval from his picky yet unable-to-conceive-better-ideas father, their thoughts aligned, the setup awaiting Beiyuan's own deliberation; Bei Ming cared not.
Zhou Runfa and his group found an inn to stay, and imdiately upon entering, Zhou Runfa sneezed.
A chill ran down his spine; Zhou Runfa's intuition was sharp, sensing soone behind speaking of him, not rely talking, but scheming.
While feeling uneasy, ready to open a window for fresh air, a commotion started outside.
"Who dares act arrogantly before our Family Master?"
Zhou Runfa recognized the voice outside belonging to Gui Yi, one of the Eight Great Vajras he brought along.
They never shed their colors, plus their bald heads, making distinguishing them challenging.
These were Zhou Runfa's longti followers, naturally simplifying recognition in his case.
"We're here to seek justice, and you West Island bullies think us easy prey. Arriving at Northern Island, you bully us relentlessly; if you don't give a fair account today, none of you will leave."
The beggar-dressed man wielded a bamboo pole, his left hand clutching an empty bowl, indicating poor business.
Gui Yi puzzled over the accusation; after reaching Northern Island, their sole mission was revenge on Tang Rao, never harming others, not even beggars. Why had diverse individuals pinned such accusations on Zhou Runfa and his n?
"When did we ever bully you? Provide evidence; don't presu us easy prey from West Island. Looking at your late-stage divine power, one sneeze could kill you."
Gui Yi's threats, though routine, contemplated direct elimination of accusers if allegations persisted, deterring any further use by others.
Simultaneously, Gui Yi's words backfired.
Beggar and peddlers alike stared at Gui Yi, publicly accusing them of buying without pay, not compensating won, dodging lodging fees, alleging abuse and insults, oblivious to Gui Yi's feelings.
The busy inn saw many pointing at Gui Yi, knowing it was likely their enemies framing them, Gui Yi suppressed his anger, expecting peace wouldn't quiet matters.
Outside, calls against them matched earlier allegations precisely.
Zhou Runfa opened the window, stunned to face the sa condemning voices.
If committed, Zhou Runfa could admit fault, assuredly confess — crucially, they hadn't done anything, always framing others, never experiencing false accusations before, igniting displeasure.
"What do you intend?"
Gui Yi saw Zhou Runfa's room silent, assuming Zhou Runfa avoided confrontation, leaving Gui Yi to face crafty accusers, assuming authoritative stance.
First discerning their purpose, negotiating agreeable terms, if demands were unreasonable, West Island people spoke without regard, knowing challenges presented posed no threat to the Eight Great Vajras.
Confronting Gui Yi first struck them dumb—a fleeting lapse, troublemaker head stepped forth, saying, "We an no harm. If all parties are reasonable, isn't it fair to address the prior debts?"
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