(PS: This chapter has 4512 words, making up for the chapter missed yesterday. Though lengthy, the plot necessitates this design, so please bear with it.)
"Bu Ruji, what is really happening here?"
Yang Tian's face turned somber.
Didn't Bu Ruji say earlier that he didn't know Wang Lingzhan?
Yet Shan Xue says that Bu Ruji and Wang Lingzhan have a master-disciple relationship; is Bu Ruji deceiving Yang Tian?
Bu Ruji's face was pale, bloodless, and his eyes were full of panic.
"Haha, Yang Tian, have you been deceived by him? This Bu Ruji was Wang Lingzhan's disciple back in the day. The master and disciple teamed up against me and cloaked me in the Pipa Blood Robe!"
Shan Xue spoke coldly.
"Bu Ruji, is this true?"
Yang Tian looked coldly at Bu Ruji.
Bu Ruji's expression was ever-changing, and eventually, he nodded: "That's right, Young Master, I am Wang Lingzhan's disciple, I know Wang Lingzhan."
"Then why did you deceive me?"
Yang Tian asked coldly.
"Because my master has been dead for a long time!"
Bu Ruji suddenly said.
"That's impossible! How could that beast Wang Lingzhan be dead? This is simply a joke; maybe you did something disgraceful!"
Shan Xue lowly shouted.
A powerful energy erupted from Shan Xue, fiercely pressing outwards.
Where it passed, trees, flowers, and reeds shattered.
"Master, please stop..."
Yang Tian gestured to Shan Xue to stand down.
Shan Xue snorted coldly and stopped, looking grimly at Bu Ruji.
"Bu Ruji, when did Wang Lingzhan die? Even if he is dead, why hide your relationship? Besides, you knew I was looking for Wang Lingzhan; you could have just told me he was dead. Why conceal it?"
Yang Tian asked sternly.
Bu Ruji's face was somewhat pale: "Because I didn't want to damage my master's reputation!"
"What happened back then? Speak immediately!"
Yang Tian urged anxiously.
"Wang Lingzhan was not only my master but also one of the Four Great Golden Spirit Guardians. However, he practiced an evil technique; if exposed, wouldn't he become a laughingstock among all Ancient Martial Artists? As one of the Four Great Golden Spirit Guardians, if he practiced an evil technique, how could he stand above all but one?"
Bu Ruji's words made Yang Tian frown.
Even Shan Xue fell silent.
"My master not only practiced an evil technique but also went insane, dying over a decade ago. If this got out, it would be a joke to all. As his disciple, I could only help him hide it, to maintain his final dignity."
Bu Ruji finished, taking a deep sigh.
Yang Tian fell silent.
If what Bu Ruji said is true, then everything makes sense.
After all, Wang Lingzhan was one of the Four Great Golden Spirit Guardians of the Dark Organization, which, under the old Saint Master, was not a Dark Organization but an Ancient Martial Dynasty.
The Four Great Golden Spirit Guardians, second only to one, above all others.
They could be considered enforcers of the Ancient Martial Dynasty. If it were known they practiced an evil technique, they would be utterly disgraced.
From this perspective, Bu Ruji's reluctance to mention Wang Lingzhan is understandable.
"If it really is , then everything makes sense!"
Yang Tian nodded in agreement.
Bu Ruji's face was dim; he respectfully bowed to Yang Tian and said: "Young Master, thank you for your understanding, but I have disappointed you. My master has long been dead and cannot follow you in conquering the world."
Yang Tian waved a hand: "Bu Ruji, you need not be sad. Since you are Wang Lingzhan's disciple, you shall replace him to follow the old Saint Master's subordinates, to restore the Ancient Martial Dynasty!"
Bu Ruji responded respectfully, kneeling with a plop before Yang Tian.
Yang Tian helped Bu Ruji up.
Beside them, Shan Xue's eyes shone fiercely, and he said coldly: "Bu Ruji, I don't believe what you say! Wang Lingzhan cannot be dead; with such strong skills, how could he die? Fifty years ago, he caused me limitless harm, and now I demand blood for blood!"
Saying this, Shan Xue swung out a violent palm strike.
A rumbling sound resounded, as Shan Xue's palm shattered a large ancient tree before them.
Bu Ruji's expression turned icy: "Shan Xue, do not insult my master. My master is at peace; if you dare disrespect him again, don't blame me for taking action!"
"You, a mere wretch, dare be so arrogant? Call your master out!"
Shan Xue said coldly.
Bu Ruji was thoroughly angered and was about to strike, but at this moment, Yang Tian shouted: "Bu Ruji, stand down for now. Shan Xue is my master; he has unresolved grievances. If Wang Lingzhan is truly dead, take us to see his remains. This will give an explanation to other Ancient Martial Artists!"
"Since Wang Lingzhan is dead, why do you fear taking us to see his remains?"
Shan Xue said coldly.
"Very well, since Young Master wishes to see, I shall take you there."
Bu Ruji said respectfully.
"Alright! I'll call the Saintess!"
Yang Tian quickly went to fetch Ling Ying, but upon hearing they were going to find Wang Lingzhan's remains, Wang Ying quickly insisted on coming along.
"President Wang, why are you coming along?"
Yang Tian quickly asked.
"Didn't you say Wang Lingzhan is an ancestor of mine? In that case, I must see him!"