Chapter 1652 - 616: Lesson (Part 3)
"But you have clearly not shown this.
"Let me ask you, if you were in the Jianghu and happened to meet some people from the Jianghu, would you disclose your family’s tragic incident in such detail and honesty?"
"This..."
Cold sweat immediately broke out on Fang Jie’s forehead:
"Indeed, I wouldn’t. Not only would I not disclose it, but I would also deliberately hide it. If someone really found out, I would downplay it.
"Even if I inadvertently mentioned the three words ’Blood Lotus Sect,’ I would never discuss more."
"That is exactly the point."
Su Mo nodded:
"It’s not too late now that you understand.
"Moreover, you are new to the Jianghu and do not know the deceitful nature of people’s hearts, so such recklessness is understandable.
"But Old Chen... you are not a fledgling in the Jianghu.
"I asked you to follow Fang Jie, to prevent him from making mistakes.
"Although this flaw was Fang Jie’s mistake, ultimately, it was your inadequacy.
"Do you admit it?"
"I admit it."
Chen Dinghai quickly said:
"Please punish me, Young Master."
"Being away from home, there are many inconveniences. I initially intended to note this for now and not punish you.
"But if I note it this time, what should be done next time?"
Su Mo sighed gently:
"I will punish you with three rods. Do you accept this?"
Upon hearing this, Chen Dinghai immediately breathed a sigh of relief:
"I accept wholeheartedly."
Su Mo nodded and glanced at Yang Xiaoyun beside him.
Yang Xiaoyun said nothing more, reached out, and the Dragon Abyss Spear landed in her hand. She turned the spearhead and used the shaft as a rod, approaching Chen Dinghai to deliver the punishment.
Fang Jie quickly pleaded.
Yet, in the exchange of glances with Su Mo, he was intimidated by Su Mo’s gaze and dared not speak.
Then three thumping sounds were heard.
After the three strokes were delivered, Chen Dinghai grunted, his forehead already covered in cold sweat.
Nevertheless, he first cupped his hand in salute to Yang Xiaoyun:
"Thank you, Lady."
Then he turned to Su Mo and said:
"Thank you, Young Master, for the fair punishment."
"Hmm."
Su Mo nodded and looked at Fang Jie again:
"Remember that when treading the deceitful paths of human hearts, you must be careful, and not reveal any flaws.
"You do not have martial arts, and if someone discovers that you are causing trouble.
"Anyone can take your life with a single strike.
"Therefore, you must be extremely cautious and vigilant."
"...Yes, I understand."
Fang Jie agreed earnestly, just occasionally glancing at Chen Dinghai, feeling deeply sorry in his heart.
For a moment, he appeared dejected, as if he had taken the beating himself.
Su Mo nodded:
"Alright, let this matter rest for now.
"Old Chen, you have just been punished; you should rest in the inn.
"Fang Jie, prepare yourself; you will accompany me to the banquet later."
"Yes."
Both agreed, turned around, and left.
The punishment by Yang Xiaoyun was probably not light, causing Chen Dinghai to wince with every step he took.
Fang Jie hurriedly supported him as they left together.
After the two departed, Yang Xiaoyun glanced at Su Mo:
"This boy has a decent temperament; after this incident, he might be fit to inherit your skills."
"After following Hei Bodhisattva for half a year, he hasn’t really gone astray."
Su Mo nodded slightly:
"We’ll see after this matter is settled...
"If he learns to understand people before learning martial arts, even if he matures late, he might still make a name for himself in the Jianghu."
"It wouldn’t be hard for you to help him make a name in the Jianghu?"
Yang Xiaoyun smiled brightly.
Su Mo chuckled:
"Don’t joke around; you know what I mean."
"Hmm..."
Yang Xiaoyun nodded.
"Old Chen’s actions were somewhat selfish, hence the three strokes to remind him."
Su Mo took out a porcelain bottle from his pocket and handed it to her:
"Take this to Fang Jie."
"Alright."
Yang Xiaoyun smiled slightly and turned to leave.
Meanwhile, Fang Jie had already helped Chen Dinghai to the room, took off his outer clothing, and let him lie down.
"Uncle Chen, it’s all my fault for not thinking things through, causing you to be punished by Brother Wu."
Chen Dinghai gave him a glance and shook his head:
"This has nothing to do with you. The Young Master is fair. When mistakes are made, there must be consequences.
"These three strokes are really nothing. Don’t worry about them.
"Remember the Young Master’s sincere teachings."
"Ah?"
Fang Jie was puzzled, not having realized this aspect.
But looking at the three bloody welts on Chen Dinghai’s back, he couldn’t help but ask:
"Uncle Chen, you’re skilled in martial arts, why are you so afraid of Brother Wu? Is it because he understands people’s hearts deeply?"
"..."
Chen Dinghai silently rolled his eyes.
Understanding people’s hearts alone, how could it make us serve him so devotedly?
No matter how clever the scheming, it ultimately only supports a person behind the scenes.
This boy simply doesn’t understand the power of the Supreme Elder...
But he didn’t intend to share this with Fang Jie.
If the Supreme Elder enjoyed it and it got out on his end, it wouldn’t be as simple as three strokes.
And these three strokes... were likely also a reminder to him.
Today’s deliberate interference aimed to lower Su Mo’s evaluation of Fang Jie.
This matter cannot escape the Supreme Elder’s discerning eye.
The three strokes were a message: he has his plans, and it isn’t for me to intervene.
Now that three strokes have settled the matter, it is considered past.
Otherwise, it is uncertain if I could have kept my life.
Thinking of this, he gently shook his head:
"The Young Masters’ power goes far beyond your imagination.
"You’ll understand in the future... Since he is willing to teach you, learn well."
At this point, he winced, feeling the burning pain on his back.
Although the injury isn’t severe, it hurts nonetheless.
Fang Jie nodded:
"I understand."
At this moment, Yang Xiaoyun’s voice came from outside the door:
"Fang Jie, come out for a moment."
Fang Jie exchanged a glance with Chen Dinghai and quickly answered:
"Coming."
Chen Dinghai also quickly tried to sit up and step outside to greet her.
However, Fang Jie, being quicker, went out and soon returned.
Chen Dinghai was still putting on his outer garments and hurriedly asked:
"Where is Lady?"
"Gone."
Fang Jie said, holding the porcelain bottle:
"But she asked me to apply this medicine for you, saying it was from Miss Situ.
"Once applied now, it will be healed in the morning."
"Thank you, Lady, for the medicine."
Chen Dinghai quickly bowed in gratitude.
Then he reached to take it from Fang Jie’s hand:
"Let me do it."
"Uncle Chen, you should lie down, and I’ll apply the medicine for you."
"... In that case, thank you."
Chen Dinghai thought for a moment before taking off his outer garments and lying down.
As Fang Jie applied the medicine, Chen Dinghai casually chatted with him.
Sometimes, he pondered and sighed lightly, gradually finding Fang Jie more agreeable.
Once the medicine was applied, Chen Dinghai said to Fang Jie:
"The Young Master said you will accompany him to the banquet tonight. You should go now. Don’t worry about me."
"Hmm, then, Uncle Chen, take good care of yourself. If I have the chance, I’ll bring you some good food when I return."
Fang Jie said with a smile.
Chen Dinghai initially wanted to refuse, but after seeing the smile on Fang Jie’s face, he finally sighed:
"Then thank you."