Wu dong Qian Kun: I, Lin Langtian, Refuse to be a Supporting Character

”How should we deal with these many factions from Southriver?” Battalion Leader Zhong Kui asked, his eyes narrowing as he looked around the room. ”Should we execute or release them?”

The four Banner Leaders exchanged glances, silent for a moment, until Zhao Gang spoke with a glint of ruthlessness in his eyes. ”I say we execute them all. The connection between these factions and Firecloud Sect is murky at best. Better to eliminate any potential threats than to let a single traitor slip through. The Dark Hall cannot tolerate rebellion.”

”That’s unwise,” countered Banner Leader Qi Liang, shaking his head as he responded. ”The Dark Hall has maintained its dominance in North Mystic not just because of its strength but because we enforce justice with both fairness and strict punishment. Combining these two has kept the factions here in line, and executing everyone indiscriminately would erode that trust. If we do this without clear evidence, it could easily create fear among neighboring factions. Headquarters might not appreciate the backlash.”

Zhong Kui’s brow furrowed, realizing that Qi Liang had a point. While the Dark Tribunal was indeed feared, every action it took had a clear basis in justice. If they started killing indiscriminately, the Tribunal would become the brutal sword everyone feared.

Seeing his commander’s hesitation, Lin Langtian’s gaze sharpened as he spoke up. ”Sir, I have a suggestion that may resolve this issue.”

The entire room turned to look at Lin Langtian, surprised that a newcomer would speak during such a high-level meeting. Even Qingtan, seated nearby, glanced his way, curious to see what he might propose.

Zhong Kui hesitated, then gestured with a slight smile. ”Well, Shadow Guard, let’s hear it.”

Lin Langtian had proven his strength during the recent battle, and even Zhong Kui now regarded him with a degree of respect. After all, Lin Langtian had defeated the Blood Puppet, a half-step Death Profound foe—something even Zhong Kui could not easily ignore. Moreover, his talent was remarkable; the entire room understood that Lin Langtian was destined for greatness and would one day wield both power and influence.

Upon receiving the nod, Lin Langtian responded after a moment’s reflection. ”Sir, my suggestion is neither to kill nor to retain them.”

”Neither kill nor retain…” Zhong Kui pondered this, his eyes narrowing. ”Are you suggesting…”

”Exactly, sir,” Lin Langtian confirmed. ”I propose we expel them all from North Mystic.”

”Expel them from North Mystic…” The four Banner Leaders exchanged glances, realizing that with dozens of factions and likely over ten thousand people, this would indeed be a massive undertaking. Still, they saw the advantage in Lin Langtian’s proposal. It preserved the Judge Army’s reputation, while also ensuring any hidden traitors were driven out without further risk.

”These factions have long been rooted in Southriver, where they’ve built up both wealth and influence,” Lan Yan pointed out, after a moment’s thought. ”Leaving everything to establish themselves in another region would be difficult. Do you think they would even agree to it?”

Most of these factions would likely end up in East Mystic, the closest region outside North Mystic. But East Mystic was heavily populated with powerful sects and kingdoms under the Eight Major Sects, led by Yuan Gate and Dao Sect, so newcomers from Southriver would face enormous challenges and hostility.

”It’s simple,” Lin Langtian replied calmly. ”If they refuse to leave, they’re guilty of aiding Firecloud Sect’s rebellion. At that point, we’ll simply destroy their entire sect, and they’ll have no basis for complaint.”

Lan Yan glanced at him with a hint of surprise. She hadn’t expected such ruthlessness from someone so outwardly refined.

Zhong Kui also took note. ”Cunning and bold,” he mused to himself. ”Very well. If any refuse to leave North Mystic, then we’ll charge them with rebellion and wipe them out.”

Once his approval was given, Lin Langtian spoke again. ”Sir, may I make one more request?”

”Oh? Go on,” said Zhong Kui, intrigued.

”It’s a small personal favor, actually,” Lin Langtian explained. ”As you might already know, I’m not originally from North Mystic. I come from a minor kingdom in East Mystic. I distinguished myself in the Grand Competition of a Hundred Kingdoms, winning the right to join Yuan Gate, the foremost of the Eight Major Sects in East Mystic. However, my relationship with the three Heads of Yuan Gate has deteriorated recently, and I’ve decided to break away and establish my own faction.

”However, with Yuan Gate’s influence in East Mystic, this is no easy task. If you were to give these Southriver factions some time to prepare for relocation, I might be able to gain their trust and draw them into my future faction.”

Realizing Lin Langtian’s plan, Zhong Kui let out a soft chuckle. ”Your ambition is commendable. But what makes you think these factions would follow you?”

”After witnessing today’s events, I believe they’ll see the value in an alliance with me. I can assure them of an influential partner back in East Mystic, which will make it easier for them to establish themselves. In exchange, I’ll gain loyal allies,” Lin Langtian replied confidently.

After a moment’s contemplation, Zhong Kui nodded. ”I’ll allow it. However, should any of these factions cause problems, they’ll face the full force of the Judge Army.”

”Understood. Thank you, sir,” Lin Langtian said, giving a respectful nod.

”Very well, then,” Zhong Kui announced to the others. ”Let’s proceed with Lin Langtian’s suggestion. Prepare the notice of expulsion, and grant them a three-month window to relocate.”

”Yes, sir!”

”With the leaders of Southriver currently scattered, I have a plan,” Lin Langtian said, looking directly at Zhong Kui. ”If I can unite these forces, I’ll have a strong foundation for an independent faction in East Mystic once I step down as Shadow Guard. I hope Battalion Leader will grant me this chance.”

”Oh?” Zhong Kui raised an eyebrow, surprised. ”So you want to create a faction in East Mystic?”

Not only Zhong Kui, but also the four Banner Leaders, looked at Lin Langtian in surprise. They knew his current role as Shadow Guard to Qingtan appeared insignificant but would ultimately place him among the Dark Hall’s elite if she succeeded Bo Xuan as the next Hall Master. Lin Langtian would become the Hall’s second-in-command, a position of influence unmatched even by the eight major sects’ leaders in East Mystic.

For someone to leave behind such a promising path in favor of establishing a new force in a different region was unheard of. Many would never dream of passing up such an opportunity, but Qingtan understood Lin Langtian’s nature well; he wasn’t one to accept a subordinate’s role for long.

With a slight smile, Qingtan met Zhong Kui’s gaze, nodding as she spoke. ”Since Brother Langtian has already decided, I fully support him. Please grant him this opportunity, Battalion Leader.”

Zhong Kui paused, his expression unreadable. But after a moment, he nodded. ”Very well. This solves a difficult problem for us, and whether or not you succeed in uniting the Southriver factions is your own concern.” Still, he sensed something special in Lin Langtian—both an unyielding resolve and the cunning ambition of a leader. ”This one has courage and ambition,” he thought.

”Thank you, Battalion Leader,” Lin Langtian said, bowing slightly. Zhong Kui nodded approvingly.

”No need to thank me. Your efforts have already earned you this. Killing a half-step Death Profound opponent deserves reward, so consider this your due. However, keep in mind that uniting the Southriver forces won’t be simple; they’re deeply rooted here in North Mystic. Even if your strength matches theirs, they’ll likely be reluctant to trust you.”

Lin Langtian nodded, acknowledging Zhong Kui’s warning. He was prepared for the difficulties; he knew his lack of reputation among Southriver’s veteran leaders would require both patience and skill.

”I’ll go with you, Brother Langtian, to speak with them,” Qingtan offered, her tone resolute. With her position as Bo Xuan’s disciple, she commanded a level of respect in North Mystic that far exceeded Lin Langtian’s.

”Thank you, Sister Qingtan,” Lin Langtian replied with a warm smile, not declining her offer.

”Compared to saving me from the Blood Puppet, what I’m doing is hardly worth mentioning,” she said with a light laugh.

…

The two walked together toward the Southriver faction leaders’ hall. As they approached, faint voices inside revealed their occupants’ anxiety.

”Oh, so they’re afraid,” Lin Langtian murmured, glancing at Qingtan. He pushed the door open, and the two stepped inside.

Dozens of leaders, deep in anxious conversation, looked up as they entered. Seeing a young man and woman they didn’t recognize, the faction leaders appeared confused.

”This is Lady Qingtan and the Shadow Guard,” a Judge Soldier announced.

Upon hearing the names, the leaders’ eyes widened. Although they were distant from Dark City, they were keenly aware of its power. Qingtan, as Bo Xuan’s disciple, held a status comparable to that of a royal inspector in an empire, and if she passed her trials, she would be like a crown prince. As for Lin Langtian, though his face was new to them, his ferocious battle prowess and the ”Fiery Lotus of Demon Fury” were still fresh in their minds.

Their presence commanded such authority that the hall instantly fell silent.

”Lady Qingtan, Shadow Guard, we have no part in Firecloud Sect’s rebellion!” an elderly man in a yellow robe said, his tone pleading. ”We were invited here by Tang Lie as guests. We had no intent to join in any conspiracy. Please, grant us justice.”

Others quickly echoed his sentiments, nervously attempting to distance themselves from Firecloud Sect’s fate. Many believed that if they pleaded sincerely enough, Qingtan might spare them.

Seeing the noise growing again, Qingtan’s eyebrows knit together in annoyance, and she gave Lin Langtian a glance. He immediately stepped forward, his voice commanding. ”Silence! The Judge Army’s decision has already been made. Await your judgment quietly.”

The hall instantly fell silent, its occupants anxiously eyeing Lin Langtian and Qingtan. These influential leaders of Southriver now sat quietly like children awaiting a scolding.

Surveying the room, Qingtan’s gaze hardened as she delivered the verdict. ”By order of the High Command, you are all found guilty of collusion with Firecloud Sect. Your punishment is exile from North Mystic!”

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