Crimson blood rapidly dissolved on Jing Xi’s chest. The Primordial Energy released by Jing Yan entered Jing Xi’s body in an instant, wiping out his vitality in the blink of an eye.
Jing Yan did not let Jing Xi die too painfully.
Although Jing Xi was nothing more than trash and a scoundrel, he was still a member of the Jing Family. Jing Xi’s sins were heavy, and Jing Yan would not spare his life, but he wouldn’t intentionally let him die in agony.
From the moment Jing Yan flicked his finger to Jing Xi’s death, it was but the span of a blink.
Inside the Council Hall, Jing Xi’s howling ceased.
"Jing Xi..." The Seventh Elder appeared sorrowful as he walked up to Jing Xi’s corpse.
He extended his withered fingers to close Jing Xi’s eyes that were still open.
"Seventh Elder, you’ve grown old too. It’s time for you to step down from your position as an elder," Jing Yan said.
The Seventh Elder knew of Jing Xi’s misdeeds, yet turned a blind eye, allowing Jing Xi to commit evil acts. Even when Jing Xi’s crimes were exposed, he still thought to shield him. Jing Yan felt that he was no longer fit to serve as a family elder.
"Hehe... I am indeed very old. Well then, from today onwards, I’m no longer the Jing Family’s Seventh Elder," the Seventh Elder first sighed with a bitter smile, then nodded heavily.
Jing Yan’s decision was not one that anyone in the family could change.
So even if he didn’t agree to step down, he had no power to stop Jing Yan’s decision. Not to mention his role as an elder, even the Clan Leader’s appointments and dismissals were probably just a matter of Jing Yan’s word.
"From now on, start a self-examination within the family immediately!"
"Anyone who violates the family rules or the laws of Donglin City shall not escape punishment. I hope that from top to bottom, the Jing Family takes our family rules and the laws of Donglin City seriously!" Jing Yan said, looking at Jing Chengye.
"Yes!" Jing Chengye replied, his nervous heart somewhat relieved.
When Jing Yan asked the Seventh Elder to step down, Jing Chengye was also very worried. He, too, had heard about some of Jing Xi’s actions and, like the Seventh Elder, had not investigated them.
Therefore, Jing Chengye knew that this was an opportunity given by Jing Yan.
If he failed to do the tasks assigned by Jing Yan well, then he might have to step down from his position as Clan Leader.
"Alright! Everyone go about your business," Jing Yan said, waving his hand, then turning to Yan’er and the old hunter, "Clan Leader, please arrange for these two to be safely sent back."
"Good, I’ll arrange for someone to escort them home right away," Jing Chengye quickly agreed.
"Thank you, Milord, thank you all the lords," the old hunter kept bowing deeply in gratitude.
He didn’t want to stay here a moment longer. These were all important figures in Donglin City, far beyond his status.
"I will never forget the kindness you have shown in saving my life," Yan’er bowed to Jing Yan, ready to leave the Jing Family with her grandfather.
"Wait a moment!" Jing Yan suddenly called the two to a halt.
They stopped and looked at Jing Yan with a hint of confusion.
"Yan’er, would you like to become a Martial Artist?" Jing Yan asked.
He had this thought suddenly; he always felt that Yan’er was different from ordinary people. Although she wasn’t a Martial Artist yet, Yan’er’s courage and calmness in the face of danger far exceeded that of ordinary people.
Another concern was that he feared these grandfather and granddaughter might be targeted for revenge. Jing Xi’s people wouldn’t dare retaliate against him, but it was a different story for Yan’er and her grandfather.
"Become a Martial Artist?"
"Can I?" Yan’er looked at Jing Yan incredulously.
"Whether you can become a Martial Artist, I can’t be sure right now, but we can try," Jing Yan said with a smile.
"But... I’ve heard that becoming a Martial Artist requires expensive resources..." Yan’er frowned.
"That’s not a problem. Here’s what we’ll do, from now on you’ll work at the Splendid Pill Tower, starting from the role of a junior sales assistant. I’ll speak to the Chief Manager Su Zixuan, she usually takes good care of people and if you have the talent, she’ll guide you on the path of Martial Arts. Working there, you’ll be able to earn Spirit Stones for your efforts," Jing Yan quickly proposed.
"Thank you, benefactor! I’ll work hard at my job and strive to become a Martial Artist," Yan’er said, her beautiful eyes shining with excitement.
"Old man, what do you think?" Jing Yan nodded and then looked at the old hunter.
The old hunter was Yan’er’s grandfather, and if he disagreed, Jing Yan naturally couldn’t force his arrangements.
"What do I think? It’s wonderful! If my granddaughter could become a Martial Artist, that’s more than I could have ever dreamed of," the old hunter was nearly as excited as Yan’er.
"Since both of you agree, let’s settle it then," Jing Yan said with a smile.
"Clan Leader, have someone take Yanran to the Splendid Pill Tower and explain things to the Chief Manager Su Zixuan. Mmm, and as for Yan’er’s grandfather, also arrange a residence for him in Donglin City, so that the two of them can see each other often," Jing Yan told Jing Chengye.
"Sure, that’s no problem at all," Jing Chengye said, relaxing.
However, he then paused in confusion.
"Jing Yan, isn’t Uncle Chenxing the Chief Manager of the Splendid Pill Tower?" Jing Chengye didn’t know about what Jing Yan had done at the Splendid Pill Tower.
"Not anymore. Uncle Chenxing has gone to Pill Country; he has more important tasks there. The Chief Manager of Donglin City’s Splendid Pill Tower is now Su Zixuan. Oh, and Jing Shanqu no longer holds his position there," Jing Yan mentioned casually.
He did not elaborate on the specifics.
Without further explanation from Jing Yan, Jing Chengye dared not ask more.
After everyone dispersed from the Council Hall, the Jing Family’s internal examination began immediately, with their intelligence network in full operation. All the deeds committed by the Jing Family members that violated the family rules came to light.
And anyone who violated the rules was punished.
It must be said that the majority of the Jing Family’s descendants were indeed strict with themselves, and there wasn’t a second case like Jing Xi’s crimes. A small portion who had committed minor offenses, of course not deserving death, were punished to ensure they wouldn’t dare to offend again.
That evening, Jing Chengye came to see Jing Yan again.
"Jing Yan, the problem with Jing Shanqu is quite serious. I have gathered some information, and it appears that Jing Shanqu was also involved in the atrocities committed by Jing Xi," Jing Chengye said seriously.
Jing Chengye knew that Jing Shanqu was certainly not favored by Jing Yan, otherwise, why would Jing Yan kick Jing Shanqu out of the Splendid Pill Tower?
After the events of the day, Jing Chengye did not dare to conceal anything from Jing Yan.
"Jing Shanqu? Are you sure he was involved?" Jing Yan frowned.
"I can confirm his involvement; although we haven’t uncovered all the details yet, it is certain that he is directly connected to the deaths of three women," Jing Chengye stated.
"Kill him," Jing Yan said in a low voice.