Following normal human logic,
When you spot a problem, you point it out.
"'It'? Could the Water Uncle Second Brother mentioned be..."
The message was relayed.
This... this... this fucking... sigh...
The more you say, the more mistakes you make!
Now he was stuck between a rock and a hard place - he had to speak up.
[That's right, Water Uncle isn't human, but don't spread this around Second Brother. I'm only telling you because I trust you]
"Don't worry, don't you know what kind of person I am? Besides, whether it's demons, spirits, or anything else, we shouldn't judge good and evil by race."
"Our Huang Family has done business in Blackwater Market and dealt with more demons and spirits than you've ever seen."
"Every single one of them was decent, righteous people. As the saying goes, 'More chivalry is found among butchers than among scholars'."
"Look at 749 - our Huang ancestor bled for 749, and what happened? Those investigators have human forms but don't act human."
Lu Ding didn't hold back when criticizing himself.
Find common ground, build rapport, then elevate one while disparaging another.
This kind of rhetoric.
It completely dazzled Di She.
His sense of connection skyrocketed.
Reading these words, Di She felt indescribably comforted!
At this moment, he felt immensely fortunate to have sworn brotherhood with 'Huang Xun'!
Shared values, identical thoughts!
Closer than real brothers!
[Well said! Second Brother, you've truly spoken from my heart! 'More chivalry is found among butchers than among scholars' - that's exactly right!]
[The 749 people are just a bunch of frauds. Your words actually corroborate what the Tianli Sect says in another way]
"You're connected with the Tianli Sect too?!"
The more they talked, the more secrets spilled.
Now this was getting interesting.
He quickly waved to the side.
Yan Feifan approached and dutifully took out his phone to photograph the sand table.
This was all evidence!
A voluntary confession!
Di She wasn't in the mood for concealment anymore.
After suppressing his emotions for so long, finally having a peer to pour out his grievances to...
[I have some connections with Chang Yan, one of the Tianli Sect's Nine Pillars]
"Third Brother, you know one of the Nine Pillars? Did he tell you this?"
[Not him, other Tianli Sect members mentioned it while drinking]
Seeing this, Lu Ding thought - now that made sense.
Chang Yan, from their limited contact, wasn't the type to say such things.
"Oh, the Tianli Sect people - I've had some contact but not much. They're very cautious. You must be quite capable to get close to them."
"Third Brother, tell me more about Water Uncle - I'm more interested in that. Maybe we can do business together, strengthening our bond."
[I can't reveal too much about Water Uncle - I don't know much myself. Just a few points: Water Uncle is powerful, and Water Uncle isn't human]
"How about this, Third Brother - when we meet at Drowned Corpse Cave, bring Water Uncle along. We'll talk, and it'll ensure your safety too."
"749 destroyed your family - they're definitely looking for you. Having a powerful guardian would be much safer."
"And you need to understand my position - it's not that I won't help. I can secretly assist any surviving Di family members."
"But just in case - I mean just in case - if others besides our Huang family recognize you at Drowned Corpse Cave..."
"If 749 comes, I can help you personally, but what about the Huang Family? So you need some insurance."
"We'll work together openly and covertly - much more effective."
Appealing to emotions, explaining with reason.
No one can offer unconditional, 100% support.
Reading 'Huang Xun's' words, Di She felt only overwhelming gratitude.
In this world now, only his two sworn brothers and Water Uncle treated him well.
He couldn't make things difficult for Second Brother!!
[Don't worry Second Brother, I'll talk to Water Uncle]
[We brothers will work openly and covertly, gathering strength until the day we emerge like a hidden dragon, take revenge, and overthrow 749!]
A smile crept onto Lu Ding's face.
What more proof was needed?
No need for further interrogation.
"Well said, Third Brother! Though the road is hard, if we encourage each other, brothers united can cut through metal!"
[Let's encourage each other, Second Brother!]
[I'll go talk to Water Uncle now]
His smile laced with mockery.
"Overthrow 749? Hahahahaha......"
Glancing at the time - already past midnight -
He continued: "My dear Third Brother... when we meet tomorrow, you'd better have the power to overthrow 749... and do bring your Water Uncle..."
Lu Ding's Slash Attack energy flickered around his hand.
Tomorrow, the moment he sees them - no questions asked - unleash it immediately!
Water Uncle or Dirt Uncle - doesn't matter!
Twenty-plus hours of charging.
After finishing documentation, Yan Feifan approached: "This guy's definitely mentally unstable, Lu-ge. I've recorded everything - will submit the report later."
"Good work, Feifan. After tomorrow's fight, we can go home."
Reinvigorated Di She went straight to Water Uncle,
Relaying Huang Xun's words and concerns.
After careful consideration,
"He makes good points. Your sworn brother is truly righteous - knowing 749 destroyed your family yet still choosing to help you."
"And he considers his own position and family - shows foresight."
"Smart, loyal, and unprejudiced against beings like me - someone worth befriending!"
"But you spoke carelessly - be more guarded with everyone in future."
"For now, I'll accompany you tomorrow!"
Di She bowed deeply, eyes reddening: "Thank you, Water Uncle!!"
Today marked the second time he'd felt familial warmth.
Both 'Huang Xun' and Water Uncle made him momentarily forget he was now an orphan.
Still surrounded by family.
Time passed minute by minute.
On the river outside Drowned Corpse Cave,
Hundreds of figures stood gathered.
Among them were enforcers from Blackwater Market's three families,
And outsiders who'd obtained slots through them.
The crowd gathered mainly because everyone feared -
What if their people found treasures inside,
Only to be robbed upon exiting?
Lu Ding's group hid among the masses.
Behind him stood not just Yan Feifan and Wutian,
She was rather dazed -
Having thought her participation impossible
After their slot-granting 'Huang Xun' disappeared.
Yet Lu Ding hadn't revoked her slot - come if you want.
With so many people already, one more made no difference.
Though Lu Ding had some interest in Drowned Corpse Cave,
He'd take whatever came - no forcing fate.
This trip's gains were already substantial.
As for Tang Tian... to prevent impulsive actions, Lu Ding had struck harder - he still hadn't woken up.
Watching Lu Ding ahead, Tang Miao - who'd only heard legends of Corpse-Shattering Taishui's methods -
Now truly understood.
As she opened her mouth to thank him again,
Lu Ding spoke first: "What is it?"
But to Wutian beside him.
"Amitabha... this humble monk sees a great demon!!"