If Tang Rao still couldn't figure out who the person was, who knows when they'd ever see the murderer again.
"I know this person, he's just a madman. I can vouch with my character and life that he's definitely not soone from the Kao Shan Sect. We have accurate rosters for every division in our sect, which are open to verification at any ti. Plus, this person is an enemy of the Kao Shan Sect. Even I almost fell for his trap, so it's clear he's just trying to incriminate by claiming to be my subordinate."
After Tang Rao explained Yan Lin's identity and the heinous acts he'd done since arriving on the North Island, the people present mostly believed him. But belief aside, their losses were real and couldn't just be written off because the person was foolish, right?
"Tang Family Master, what should we do now? Our family shop has been passed down for generations, and our entire family relies on it. Without the shop, how's that different from taking our lives? You must seek justice for us, we beg you, Tang Family Master!"
The man, unconcerned about his dignity, knelt in front of Tang Rao in front of everyone. Where one person did this, a second would follow. Soon, nearly ninety percent of those present were kneeling, creating a rather impressive scene.
"What authority do I have to resolve this for you? Don't forget, I'm also a victim here. This person frad , ruined my reputation, and made carry this heavy burden. I haven't even had a chance to vent my grievances. You ask to seek justice for you, but who will seek justice for ?"
Tang Rao had no intention of doing such thankless tasks.
The people here were no better than those from the Peach Blossom Land. They only approached Tang Rao with humility when their own interests were under threat. If their interests weren't affected, they might badmouth Tang Rao. And if Tang Rao needed sothing, they'd not only shut their doors but might even trip him up.
In weighing the cost-benefit too clearly, Tang Rao felt that if he were to do good deeds, he should receive so compensation; otherwise, he'd be at a loss.
"Seek justice? What result do you expect from in seeking justice for you?"
Tang Rao didn't directly state his intentions; instead, he smiled slyly like a fox and asked the crowd what outco they wanted.
"At the very least, we should be compensated for our losses. He should pay with his life!"
Compensate for their losses?
How much money could a madman have? Let alone compensate for losses, he might not even have enough Purple Crystal to ensure his basic needs.
"What if he has no money to compensate? I can only ensure his life. Would that be acceptable to you?"
For every question, Tang Rao had to think thoroughly. He couldn't risk putting himself in jeopardy doing so good deed, only to be downplayed later.
"No way, the losses we suffered are too great; a life alone can't compensate. We must be compensated, or we won't agree."
A few won, looking enchanting, clustered together. Upon hearing Tang Rao saying he would only ensure Yan Lin's life but not help with compensation, their expressions changed, and they imdiately started clamoring, almost breaking into tears.
Tang Rao found it strange. He was just giving an example, yet faced such strong opposition. If they truly captured Yan Lin, took his life, but didn't et these people's demands to recover their losses, what would Tang Rao do when they all ca after him for compensation?
"You see, everyone has this attitude towards the murderer. There's nothing I can do to seek justice for you. After all, finding the murderer is a small thing. If we kill him and he isn't wealthy enough to compensate everyone, would you bla and expect to compensate? I don't have that kind of money, and it's a thankless and risky job for , Tang Rao!"
Tang Rao didn't mince words; he said it as it was. The people scheming after minor advantages felt embarrassed after being called out by Tang Rao and refrained from further deliberation.
"What? Cat got your tongue after I exposed your thoughts?"
Tang Rao's words were thirty percent genuine and seventy percent sarcastic, making those present too ashad to continue acting shalessly.
"Since I'm done explaining, and I've said everything that needed saying, I've got things to do, so I'll pardon myself!"
Just leaving?
Who knows how they've been surviving these days. Tang Rao's simple farewell was akin to sending them back to square one. No, worse than square one. At least before, they had so hope. Knowing it was Tang Rao's 'subordinate', they could seek justice from soone. Now, with Tang Rao's clarification that the person had nothing to do with him, they had no one to seek compensation from. In retrospect, it might've been better to ask Tang Rao to help catch the real culprit first.
"Tang Family Master, please wait!"
Ultimately, it was a plump woman who couldn't bear it and called out to stop Tang Rao.
"Tang Family Master, I know we were too greedy earlier. Whether the shop remains or not doesn't matter anymore. My husband was killed by that person. I want him to pay with his life. All I ask now is for him to pay with his life, I beg of you, Tang Family Master!"
After the plump woman spoke, those with families also stopped demanding compensation. Tang Rao felt sowhat relieved. After all, so people valued more than just money, though it wasn't a bad thing to help those with genuine feelings. As for those who valued money more than life, they deserved to end up empty-handed. Such people served no aningful purpose.
"I'd like to see how many are willing to give up compensation and only seek a life for a life. But let be clear: even one opposing voice ans I won't help find the murderer. Your choice now is crucial, so choose wisely."
After Tang Rao stopped talking, there was a mont of silence. Then a large group of people began to choose sides.
"What are you doing? Anyway, losses are losses, no money is a given. Don't you want soone new to continue this cri spree? If you lose your own life, don't say we didn't warn you."
Right, as long as Yan Lin remains free, aside from the shop losses, their lives aren't secure either. Today it might be soone else, but tomorrow, it could be them.
"Well, accept fate. Anyway, I've accepted it. Losing money is minor compared to losing our lives; I'll side with you guys!"
Those who were hesitant were swayed and joined the group led by the plump woman; suddenly, everyone unanimously decided they wanted justice at the cost of a life, not for money.
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