Chapter 19: There Are Countless People Like Wang Er in the World

Upon hearing Wang Yan's words, Zhang Wu's heart sank, but he remained uncertain.

"If Wang Yan continues to press me, I will undoubtedly be exposed!"

"With Zhao Yun absent and Wang Yan lacking martial skills, it is better to take a drastic step..."

Clang!

He suddenly drew his sword and, with a simulated sense of righteousness, shouted, "A warrior may be killed but not humiliated!"

He then charged straight at Wang Yan.

Wang Yan, however, remained unfazed, showing only disdain.

Just as Zhang Wu approached, Zhou Cang appeared, delivering a powerful punch and kick, instantly repelling him.

Seeing his attack fail, Zhang Wu turned to flee the county office.

The sudden turn of events left everyone in shock.

"Zhang Wu dared to assassinate?"

In the courtyard, Wang Er, who had long harbored anger towards Zhang Wu, seized the moment and charged at him with newfound courage.

"How dare you attack our master? Where do you think you're going?"

At that moment, a flash of light appeared.

Zhang Wu suddenly drew a dagger from his sleeve.

Wang Yan was alarmed, "Wang Er, watch out!"

But it was too late.

The dagger's cold gleam enlarged Wang Er's pupils, filling him with terror, yet he did not halt his advance.

Pshh.

The dagger pierced Wang Er's chest, blood instantly gushing out and staining his clothes.

As Zhang Wu tried to escape, he suddenly felt a heavy weight on his leg. He looked down to find Wang Er clinging to his right leg.

"Villain, you won't get away!" Wang Er, despite blood flowing from his mouth, clung tightly.

Unable to shake him off, Zhang Wu, in a fit of rage, stabbed Wang Er repeatedly in the back.

Pshh.

Pshh.

After a few more stabs, Wang Er's grip loosened, and Zhang Wu turned to flee, only to be met with the sharp tip of a cold spear.

"Zhang Wu, prepare to die!"

Zhao Yun had arrived, thrusting his spear through Zhang Wu's head, killing him instantly in a gruesome manner.

Pulling his spear from Zhang Wu's body, Zhao Yun knelt and reported,

"Master, I found Taoist scriptures, Yellow Turban headbands, and correspondence with Sun Qing and Sun Ji in Zhang Wu's home!"

Witnessing the bloody scene, the crowd was horrified. Hearing Zhao Yun's report further shocked them.

The county magistrate's mouth hung open in disbelief.

But the evidence was irrefutable.

"I can't believe this treacherous Zhang Wu deceived me for so long."

"Without the Immortal Master, Zhen Ding would have fallen to the Yellow Turbans sooner or later."

At that moment, everyone wore solemn expressions.

Wang Yan had exposed Zhang Wu's treachery as if using magic.

The crowd gazed at Wang Yan with newfound respect and awe.

Ignoring the others, Wang Yan hurried to Wang Er's side, looking at his blood-soaked wounds with a mix of anger and sorrow.

"Wang Er, you were always so timid. Why did you do something so foolish?"

Zhou Cang gently supported Wang Er.

Knowing his end was near, Wang Er smiled weakly at Wang Yan, "Since following you, Master, I've seen hope. I didn't want to be a coward anymore. Today, I was finally brave."

Wang Yan, moved to tears, said, "No, you've never been a coward. Remember that day at the execution ground, how you caught the steamed buns with your hands raised high?"

"You were the bravest of all the people."

A spark of excitement lit up in Wang Er's eyes, but then his expression darkened. "It's just a pity I'll never taste those steamed buns again."

Wang Yan, filled with grief, said, "I have more than just steamed buns and porridge. I have biscuits, pork, and many other delicious foods. If you live, I promise you'll have plenty."

Wang Er, looking content, said, "Master, it's enough. Those steamed buns were the best food I've ever had. I have no regrets."

"In my next life, I'll follow you again and watch you perform miracles..."

With those words, Wang Er died in Zhou Cang's arms.

Wang Yan stood up in anger and coldly addressed the crowd, "Any remaining followers of the Yellow Turbans, step forward now!"

His aura of menace made the air feel icy.

Several people began to tremble.

Wang Yan coldly scanned the crowd, pointing out, "You! You! You..."

He pointed at the people he had noticed on the streets earlier.

Without a doubt, they were all hidden Yellow Turban followers.

Believing Wang Yan could genuinely read minds, they immediately fell to their knees, begging for mercy.

"Immortal Master, spare us!"

"We deserve to die!"

Some even wet themselves in fear...

Wang Yan knew there were likely more Yellow Turban spies hidden in the county office.

He sternly commanded, "Those who haven't come forward yet, do so now, or must I drag each of you out myself?"

Many people, including some officials, fell to their knees in a rush, begging for forgiveness.

Wang Yan was surprised by the number of people he had flushed out.

No wonder Zhang Wu had dared to challenge him openly.

By a twist of fate, he had quelled a rebellion.

The county magistrate, wiping sweat from his brow, felt relief.

Had it not been for Wang Yan, he would have lost his head.

[Emotion Points +99]

[Emotion Points +99]

[Emotion Points +99]

...

"Leave the handling of these traitors to the magistrate."

"Yes, sir."

After speaking, Wang Yan glanced at Wang Er with a look of compassion, "Zhou Cang, give Wang Er a proper burial."

"Yes, Master."

He then left the room, his silhouette radiating an air of mystery.

Accompanied by Zhao Yun, Wang Yan walked through the crumbling walls of the county office, observing the desolation.

Once a prosperous town, Zhen Ding was now marked by the devastation of the Yellow Turban Rebellion. Scorched earth and rising smoke told tales of suffering.

Walking on the uneven stones, Wang Yan's steps were heavy with contemplation.

"Wang Er followed me for just a few meals."

"And there are countless people like him."

"Not killed by Zhang Jiao's ambitions, then by the Emperor's negligence."

"What should I do after quelling the Yellow Turban Rebellion?"

"Should I support this rotten Liu dynasty?"

Under the dim starlight, Wang Yan looked up at the sky, feeling lost.

"Zilong, if you had to choose between the people and the Emperor one day, what would you choose?"

Zhao Yun, taken aback, replied, "In these tumultuous times, it's hard to discern right from wrong. The people suffer, longing for the benevolent rule. I can only follow what is just."

Wang Yan smiled, admiring Zhao Yun's loyalty.

No wonder he remained steadfast with Liu Bei despite opportunities with Yuan Shao and Gongsun Zan.

"Is Zilong advising me to act with righteousness?"

Zhao Yun clasped his hands, saying, "Master, you've always acted righteously. Whatever choice you make, I will follow."

Wang Yan felt reassured by his words.

Back at their lodging, Wang Yan, exhausted and saddened by Wang Er's death, prepared to rest.

Surprisingly, he found a warm, fragrant presence on his bed.

"Chang'er, what are you doing here?"