<h4>Chapter 1230: Chapter 1238: No News (2)</h4>


    "Elder Tong, are you suggesting we just let it go like this?" Yuan Yun asked unwillingly.


    "A gentleman’s revenge is never toote, even after ten years," Tong Zhentian replied calmly. "Unless we have enough resources, dering war on the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion now would be tantamount to seeking death. If Ling Chen were here, do you think he would do that?"


    "He would." Zhang Zhongfeng, who had been silent, suddenly spoke. "I know the personality of our sixth brother. He never saw himself as a gentleman. If someone infringes on his interests or friends, he would go to any lengths to seek justice. Even knowing the difficulties, he wouldn’t give up. I believe if sixth brother were here, he would certainly retaliate against the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion with all possible means. Even if he failed, he would expose their ugly face to everyone."


    At this point, Zhang Zhongfeng paused slightly and continued, "Elder Tong, if we endure quietly and focus on developing the Dragon Tiger Hall as you suggested, do you think it’s truly feasible? Why did the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion kill Ling Chen? As you said earlier, beyond personal grievances, it’s mainly because the existence of the Dragon Tiger Hall threatens the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion. Since they dared to assassinate Ling Chen, dealing with the Dragon Tiger Hall is only a matter of time. By then, before the Dragon Tiger Hall could grow, it might already be wiped out by the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion."


    Zhang Zhongfeng’s words immediately plunged everyone present into deep thought.


    It must be admitted that Zhang Zhongfeng’s argument made a lot of sense. Moreover, given the style of the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion, it’s quite likely they would do such a thing.


    After pondering for a moment, Tong Zhentian nodded, sighing deeply, "Mr. Zhang is right; my consideration was wed. The Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion killed Ling Chen, and their next step will surely be to deal with the Dragon Tiger Hall. Rather than passive defense, we should take the initiative."


    After a brief pause, Tong Zhentian looked at everyone and said, "The chance of sess in this struggle with the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion is slim, I believe everyone knows this in their hearts. So, if anyone wants to withdraw, I absolutely will not stop you, nor will I me you."


    Feeling Tong Zhentian’s gaze, everyone lifted their heads, and no one chose to retreat.


    "Very well!" Tong Zhentian smiled slightly and said, "Since you all have made your decision, let’s work together and give it our all. The martial arts world has been tranquil for so many years, it’s time for a change."


    As his words fell, two people walked in from outside the door. The middle-aged man in the lead was unfamiliar to everyone, but the young woman following behind was well-known to everyone as Zhu Qing.


    "Lady Zhu." Yuan Yun stood up, scrutinizing the middle-aged man, and asked, "Who is this?"


    "Hello, my name is Zhu Houchang." Zhu Houchang politely greeted everyone and said, "I know about Mr. Ling’s situation. I came here this time to apologize to you all because of our negligence, which caused Mr. Ling to encounter misfortune." As he spoke, Zhu Houchang turned his head and sharply ordered Zhu Qing behind him, "Kneel!"


    Zhu Qing kept her head down, silent, and with a thud, knelt on the ground, drawing a dagger from her waist and pressing it against her fair neck.


    Seeing their actions, Qiu Yong frowned and asked, "Mr. Zhu, what are you doing?"


    "Elder Qiu, Mr. Ling was Zhu Qing’s employer, and regardless of what happened, Zhu Qing should have stayed by his side. However, on the night of Mr. Ling’s incident, Zhu Qing was not able to follow closely, which led to his demise. Our Zhu family has always been clear about rewards and punishments, and if a mistake is made, it should be paid for. So, she is here to atone for her sins with death."


    As Zhu Houchang finished speaking, Zhu Qing gently bit her lips, closing her eyes slowly, her trembling eyshes revealing her inner turmoil.


    Suddenly, she gritted her teeth, wielding the dagger to stab her throat.


    "Stop!"


    Witnessing this scene, everyone’s expressions changed dramatically. At the critical moment, Tong Zhentian waved his sleeve, and a teacup ced on the coffee table flew out, urately hitting Zhu Qing’s right hand.


    ng! With a crisp sound, the sharp dagger fell to the ground.


    Yuan Yun strode forward, picked up the dagger from the floor, helped Zhu Qing up, and said, "Mr. Zhu, we understand the situation. That night, it was Ling Chen who didn’t let Lady Zhu follow; she was just following orders and had nothing to do with it. Moreover, thanks to Lady Zhu not being with Ling Chen, otherwise, more than just Ling Chen would be missing now."


    Hearing this, Zhu Houchang raised an eyebrow, his expression heavy, and asked, "Could it be that the assant was a Heavenly List expert?"


    "Indeed." Qiu Yong nodded, "We just can’t confirm the person’s identity, only knowing they are from the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion."


    "What do you intend to do next?"


    "If we let others bully us, and if we do nothing, how can we continue in the martial arts world?" Yuan Yun said solemnly, "If people don’t offend me, I won’t offend them. Since the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion killed Ling Chen, we must repay blood with blood."


    "Count me in." Zhu Houchang spoke up.


    Everyone was slightly taken aback and curiously looked at Zhu Houchang, asking, "Mr. Zhu, this matter has nothing to do with your Zhu family. There’s no need for you to get involved in this troubled situation."


    "No, you’re wrong," Zhu Houchang said. "This matter does have something to do with the Zhu family, and the Zhu family is obligated and responsible to seek justice for Mr. Ling. When Mr. Ling hired our Zhu family, an agreement was already made. Now that he’s encountered misfortune, ording to reason, our employment rtionship should end here. However, our Zhu family would benefit too much from this, which is not our style. Therefore, our Zhu family has decided, even though Mr. Ling is no longer here, we must be worthy of thepensation he paid."


    Upon hearing Zhu Houchang’s statement, everyone brightened up; with the Zhu family’s assistance, their hope increased.


    "Good!" Tong Zhentian nodded slightly, "We will remember the Zhu family’s justice and righteousness in our hearts. Mr. Zhu, may I ask, how much help can the Zhu family provide?"


    "One hundred elite assassins plus one Heavenly List assassin, I wonder if Elder Tong is satisfied?"


    Heavenly List assassin?


    Everyone gasped; although they admired the Zhu family’s approach, they hadn’t expected the family to be so generous as to send out a Heavenly List-level assassin.


    With the addition of these people, everyone seemed to see a glimmer of hope.


    Tong Zhentian gently stroked his beard, smiling and nodding, "The kindness of the Zhu family we will remember. However, dealing with the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion is not easy and requires careful nning. Mr. Zhu, once we’ve drawn up a n and everything is ready, we’ll notify you."


    "Alright. Everyone, we will take our leave now!" Zhu Houchang cupped his fists in farewell to everyone, then turned and walked out of the room with Zhu Qing.