Monarch Night

Since Ju Xiu Shui died in the line of duty, this old man also seemed to have aged completely in that instant.

Even when walking, he carried a heavy demeanor befitting someone of great age.

Qi Lie looked at Fang Che, who was observing Han Baiji’s departing figure, and sighed lightly, "Han Baiji’s parents, wife, son, daughter-in-law, grandson... all were martial artists; all held positions in various Guardian Halls, but they had all perished long ago... Last year, countless Shi family’s sons and daughters from Wei Wo Zheng Sect went to the Southeast for trials, and the only grandson Han Baiji had left died at Bai Pingzhou during that trial..."

"The entire family... has already sacrificed themselves entirely!"

"Only he remains, utterly alone... He always treated Ju Xiu Shui as his own daughter... now, Xiu Shui is gone too..."

Qi Lie’s expression harbored infinite confusion and sighs.

Fang Che was also stunned.

When he looked again at Han Baiji, he could no longer see his figure.

He couldn’t help but fall into a spell of silence.

"Truly... this world... this era..."

Fang Che sighed lightly.

"Like Han Baiji... in Baixiang Continent’s Guardian Hall, there are still four more of them. They’re all old folks now, and even when offered promotions, they’ve all refused... they’ve always stayed at Baixiang Continent’s Guardian Hall."

Qi Lie said, "Usually, if there’s no necessity, they don’t even go back home... Alas, after all, even if they did return home, there wouldn’t be any family to go back to..."

"These old guys, I see them clearly... they’re just thinking of continuously fighting in the Guardian Hall until... fighting to the day they die. And truly, without any attachments..."

Qi Lie chuckled, "Captain Fang, tell me... when will such days come to an end?"

"..."

Fang Che was speechless.

Because... who knows when such days will end. Even if Wei Wo Zheng Sect is gone, this kind of day in the Guardian Hall will persist.

Such families loyal to the cause will continue to exist and emerge.

"Master Qi, are you also from Baixiang Continent? You could call these old brothers over to your home often for gatherings. It would be some comfort."

Fang Che offered a pale-handed suggestion.

"My home?"

Qi Lie smiled bitterly, saying, "I... have no home either. I’m... like Han Baiji."

He laughed at himself, "Just the same... heh heh, heh heh..."

Fang Che felt a heavy thump in his heart.

Suddenly, he felt his eyes grow a bit moist.

Dongyun Yu said from the side, "You could take another concubine... you wouldn’t be lonely then."

Fang Che frowned and was about to rebuke.

These words... seemed a bit frivolous.

But Qi Lie was not offended and gave a bitter smile, "There was a time years ago, but it was never a meeting of like minds, different lifespans, mere beauty, what use is that? It’s just another occasion for parting in life and death; over time... it’s just not worth it."

His words were spoken quite casually.

After speaking, he smiled and walked away, his steps even seeming very light.

"Every evening, if we few are all here, we drink. Are you coming tonight?" Qi Lie had many things inconvenient to discuss at the Guardian Hall, and he genuinely wanted to remind Fang Che and others, so he extended the invitation.

Fang Che’s heart warmed, and he said, "We’ll come! All eight of us will come!"

Qi Lie walked off laughing, "Then I’ll prepare more. I didn’t expect tonight to be lively..."

Han Baiji came over, still concerned about Fang Che’s actions regarding the matter.

But Qi Lie didn’t even ask.

He totally trusted Fang Che.

After the events in Bibo City, he had chatted long with Song Yidao and knew a lot about Fang Che, naturally understanding that this Captain Fang wasn’t an impulsive person.

If he did this, there must be a reason.

Given that, he simply waited patiently.

He quickened his pace and walked away to inform the old brothers about tonight’s drinking and that Fang Che and others would come too.

You lot of old bachelors better not show that previous disgusting attitude, sighing and garnering sympathy; it’s really unappealing.

We all fight a lifetime for our careers, so why seek sympathy from others?

We should let others see our carefree spirit and youth!

We can still fight!

On that afternoon, when Fang Che issued commands, it was already nearing dusk.

The Lin Family hadn’t come to offer an ’explanation’; perhaps they were discussing strategies.

Or maybe waiting for the right moment.

Even Fang Che changed his previous decisive and swift approach, wanting to uproot the Lin Family immediately that day, becoming calm and unhurried.

He hadn’t even asked.

Additionally, everyone was given a night off after today’s shift ended.

"The past few days have been exhausting, so today everyone should take a break. But everyone must stay safe, especially since starting tomorrow... it will be even busier."

Those staying on duty at the Guardian Hall were treated by Fang Che to a batch of Spiritual Power meals.

"If we’re going to work, to expend effort, then let’s eat and drink something good!"

Everyone’s enthusiasm instantly soared.

"Captain Fang, why do you seem completely unconcerned about the Lin family’s orders?"

Someone joked around and asked.

Due to the Ju Xiushui incident, everyone at the Guardian Hall currently had a negative impression of the Lin family, because no one was foolish.

Everyone was certain that Ju Xiushui was harmed by the Lin family; in this matter, every person had their own scale of judgment in their heart.

But lacking evidence, everyone could only glare helplessly.

In truth, when Captain Fang brazenly dealt with the Lin family this afternoon, everyone’s hearts felt extremely gratified.

Do you think there is no evidence? Trying to bully us?

Now, facing true bullying from us, how do you feel?

Simply claiming you attacked the Guardians, are you upset?

We may have no evidence for your killing of Ju Xiushui, but today, when you attacked the Guardians, there is eyewitness testimony!

So instead, we are less worried than people like Han Baiji, and several of the older folks have already secretly warned: Captain Fang is avenging the Chief Steward! The brothers must keep this in mind.

Failing to avenge the Chief Steward is already shameful beyond words. If we further create trouble and delay affairs... then we would be worse than pigs and dogs!

If anyone dares to speak about today’s events, don’t blame the brothers for lacking courtesy.

In the future, don’t bother mixing with the brothers!

Now everyone is close to Fang Che, even if they won’t say it openly, their hearts are close indeed.

Seeing Fang Che spending his own money to treat everyone to a meal, jokes immediately flew.

Fang Che smiled and said, "The bow is drawn, the arrow is nocked. The prey is there, it won’t escape, so why not play a little longer?"

"Besides, we must give the Lin family time to plead for reinforcements or to seek connections."

Then Fang Che reprimanded, "You must be flexible in your actions henceforth, how can you be so unreasonable? Of course, wiping out everything swiftly is gratifying, but what about the outside accomplices and the hidden conspirators?"

"Got it... got it, hahahaha..."

The bunch of fellows laughed heartily.

Fang Che raised a cup of wine: "Finish this cup, continue overtime, I’ll go and cozy up to those old men and butter them up."

"Okay!"

Everyone loudly agreed.

Mo Gan Yun, Yu Zhongge, and others raised their cups from eight directions in the hall simultaneously with Fang Che.

Drained in one go.

Watching the tall figures walk out, those on duty at the Guardian Hall each wore expressions of respect, filled with emotion.

Even a sense of security emerged.

"This is the genius of our Guardian Continent!!"

One person remarked with feeling: "Suddenly, I feel quite at ease, very safe. You know the feeling, right... it’s just, it’s just..."

He scratched his head, searching desperately for words, saying: "It’s that... even though I might die in battle anytime in the future, and the enemies in this world are so powerful, still... I just feel very at ease and safe! Do you know what I mean?"

He thought his words would be hard for others to understand, hoping for sympathy, and wanted to explain further.

But to his surprise, everyone listening nodded deeply in agreement.

"Yes, I have the same feeling."

"Because... we have such a group, even if shameless, even if disregarding rules, even if without evidence, they will be relentless to fight for justice for us!"

One person sighed slightly, raised a wine cup, and said: "This cup, to the Chief Steward Ju!"

Everyone raised their cups in solemn silence.

"No need to worry about Chief Steward’s affairs after death, even in the Netherworld, don’t idle. If one day we meet in the afterlife... we will still fight under your banner!"

"Captain Fang will get justice for you, Chief Steward, in this, we are absolutely certain now!"

The wine spilled onto the ground.

Sprinkled before the desk where Ju Xiushui worked when alive.

After a silent pause, the group of men simultaneously shouted: "Let’s have another cup!"

"Chief Steward Ju, now we are less afraid of death. Do you believe that?"

"This world has so much filth and squalor, but there is indeed true courage, righteousness, and empathy! You often said this. Cheers to you!"

"It’s truly meaningful!"