Chapter Twenty-Six: Profound Meaning

  Blood splattered everywhere, and the hundreds of people in the cave were all stunned, only hearing Ba Hu's mournful groans. Unfortunately, there was no pity in anyone's eyes, and the previous arrogance had ended up like this. Losing twice in a row was nothing, being unfaithful and losing face was also nothing. However, it was clear to everyone that after Yin Xu showed mercy twice, Ba Hu repaid kindness with ingratitude and launched a sneak attack from behind. This behavior was truly despicable, so most people's eyes were filled with contempt.

  Zhou Dashang helped Yin Xu up, while Pu Jun led his men with swords to guard him. Ba Hu's subordinates wanted to come forward to check on him, but they were intimidated by Pu Jun's might and hesitated. Ying Bu looked from a distance, shaking his head secretly, thinking that Pu Jun had thrown the sword to protect his master, and Ba Hu ended up in this state because of his own doing.

  Yin Xu sneered, his eyes filled with a mixture of provocation and mockery. He walked up to Ba Hu, who was struggling on the verge of death, and coldly laughed: "Why bother? I had originally intended to make an exception for you, so as not to ruin the brotherly harmony between us. But how could I have known that your heart is this narrow?"

  Ba Hu listened, his eyes wide with pain, but the intense agony made him speak. No one knew whether he was unbelieving or repentant at the end. Unfortunately, everything was too late!

  "Heaven's wrath can be survived, but self-inflicted evil cannot! Who is to blame?" Yin Xu said as he turned and walked away. Ba Hu's mouth was wide open, wanting to say something, but ultimately didn't shout it out. His struggling limbs suddenly fell to the ground, never to lift again, and his life came to an end.

  Zhongxinba Hu's subordinates finally couldn't bear it anymore, crying and rushing over. Pu Jun didn't stop them, after all, they were master and servant for a lifetime, he just stood by silently waiting for Yin Xu's instructions. The man was dead, Ying Bu shook his head in distress again, he waited with bated breath, what would Yin Xu do to the more than 100 remaining brothers of Ba Hu?

  Ba Hu's subordinates were immersed in grief over their leader's death, with some even shouting for revenge. Others quietly followed behind, not making a sound. Of course, there were also clever people who had already begun to think about the future. Ba Hu was dead, and without a leader, the dragon was headless. Was it realistic to seek revenge? Yin Xu's power was evident, with each of his men holding a long sword. Could they be provoked by mere wooden sticks and bamboo poles?

  Yin Xu paced back and forth, thinking about how to make amends. After all, the matter had already been made public, so finding a suitable solution was the top priority. Hearing the vengeful cries of Ba Hu's subordinates, he thought about his earlier leniency, only to be met with ingratitude. It seemed that sometimes one must be ruthless and merciless! Yin Xu's eyebrows twitched as he made a difficult decision.

  With a nonchalant turn, he swept his gaze across the room, his aura fierce and intimidating. Ba Hu's subordinates felt a chill run down their spines. Yin Xue said coldly, "I know you all resent me, but you saw what just happened - Ba Hu brought this upon himself, it wasn't my intention! Of course, if anyone is dissatisfied and wants to take revenge, they can come forward!"

  As soon as the voice fell, there were indeed a few fearless ones who rushed forward. Unfortunately, they were knocked to the ground by Pu Jun and others before they could get close to Yin Xu. The painful groans that followed made the rest of them fearful and hesitant to move forward.

  "Revenge? Let's see if you have the ability!" Yin Xu said with a smile: "Ba Hu is already dead, where will you go from here? Make a decision! If you want to avenge your boss, come on! Or resist the violent Qin with me, I'll treat you as a brother and do my best to protect you; if you want to leave, just say so; of course, if you have other ideas, please explain clearly, let's discuss it!"

  A sentence kept echoing in everyone's mind, the cave fell silent again, and many people were hesitant. The tense atmosphere made them feel pressured, how to choose?

  Ying Bu stood on one side, his expression calm, but his heart was turbulent! He didn't care how Ba Hu's subordinates would choose, he cared about how Yin Xu would deal with different choices. Yin Xu only listed a few options, but did not specify the corresponding results, of course, the only predictable thing is revenge, which will be the most foolish choice, completely self-defeating and humiliating. Although he came with Ba Hu, at this moment, he could only think of being a calm bystander and couldn't intervene.

  After a moment, Ba Hu's subordinates began to whisper among themselves. Yin Xu still had that mysterious smile at the corner of his mouth, and as he swept his gaze over them, he thought to himself: This should be the most important choice you'll ever make in your lives, perhaps also the last one. Think carefully about whether to go or stay! Don't blame me later! As he thought this, he subconsciously clenched his fists.

  A moment later, Yin Xu said with a hint of a smile: "How is it? Have you thought it over?"

  Some people had made up their minds from the start and rushed over early, sneering: "Young Master Yin, we are willing to surrender!" They looked down on Ba Hu's behavior and were impressed by Yin Xu's demeanor, so they chose to "birds choose a tree to perch". Of course, there were no lack of opportunists who would lean towards whoever was stronger. By following Yin Xu, they could get hot meals and full bellies, why wouldn't they? This group had more than fifty people.

  "Hmm! Alright!" Yin Xu asked: "What about you?"

  Some of the loyal followers of Da Hu showed disdain and bluntly said, "Although we are not capable of avenging our leader, it is also impossible for us to serve you."

  "What's your intention then?"

  "We're leaving!" As soon as the words were spoken, someone echoed in agreement. Another person shouted: "I want to go home!" Some of the wavering people were infected and their hearts slightly tilted.

  Yin Xu smiled and asked again: "Have you thought it through? I'll give you one last chance, think carefully!"

  "Never mind, let's go, lest we suffer your scorn here!" The first few people immediately shouted loudly, and the crowd was in an uproar.

  "A last chance", also some astute and calm people, heard the unusual tone in Yin Xu's words, withstood the contemptuous eyes and jeers of others, and cast their lot with Yin Xu. They were lucky, for a moment later, they found that their choice was so wise.

  There were about seventy-four people who turned to Yin Xu's side. Yin Xu nodded, scanned them with a cold expression and said: "The path is yours to choose, don't blame me!" Then he ordered Pu Jun: "Kill! Leave no one alive!"

  Kill!

  The sound of the death knell struck his heart, and everyone was shocked and shouted: "Yin Donglai, you've gone too far!"

  "Are you going to ruin our lives just because we don't want to follow you?"

  ……

  The waves of questioning voices, the voices begging for mercy, and the terrified screams all fell on deaf ears as Yin Xu calmly said, "Are you going to go tell Qin's army our hiding place?" He turned his head to look at Pu Jun, nodding lightly.

  No more room for argument, Pu Jun led the crowd to charge forward directly. The result of the sword against the wooden stick was predictable. Listening to the heart-wrenching and terrifying cries for mercy, Yin Xu turned his back and looked at the dark stone wall, slowly closing his eyes, his sweaty palms gripped even tighter.

  Ying Bu watched and listened, feeling some shock in his heart. Yin Xu's actions were ruthless and merciless, and in an instant, fifty or sixty people became souls under the sword. But he could see that Yin Xu was helpless, and just looking at him closing his eyes and covering his face was the best proof.

  Ying Bu thought, if it were him, he would do the same. Fifty or sixty people left and either surrendered voluntarily or were captured by the Qin army and betrayed them. The hiding place in this mountain cave will be exposed soon, which concerns the safety of hundreds of people, so they have to be careful. Life has too many inevitabilities and helplessness. On the other hand, it is also a warning to the dozens of people who surrendered, and to establish prestige among the crowd.

  Perhaps there is also a meaning of demonstrating to oneself? Ying Bu secretly guessed, looking at Yin Xu's gaze became more complex and meaningful!