It is a deliberate murder if one can distinguish.
It is an unintentional mistake if one cannot.
But to claim ignorance of these two ingredients would severely tarnish the reputation of the King of Northern Chefs, rendering him unworthy of the title.
However, Gang Nan's implication was clear.
Your current predicament implies ignorance. If you insist you can distinguish, it is merely to save face.
Zhang Wei pondered for a long time.
"Fine."
"At this point, I can only admit that it was indeed my fault that Lang Tu died."
"I am willing to take responsibility for Lang Tu's death."
Gang Nan stood stunned.
He admitted it.
He actually admitted it!
With all the carefully prepared words and strategies, he just admitted it!
Could it be... his senses had truly dulled, leaving him uncertain about his ingredients?
This was the only explanation!
The King of Northern Chefs... nothing more than that!
Gang Nan quickly concealed his surprise, his tone flat as he said, "Zhang Wei, you have saved the third-generation Lang Tu's life multiple times on the battlefield. Our Wolf Valley is indebted to you."
"Furthermore, Lang Tu's death was due to your good intentions, not deliberate murder."
"We do not require you to take responsibility, but Wolf Valley will no longer welcome you."
"Zhang Wei... you may leave." Big Wind Novel
Zhang Wei looked up at the sky, silent for a moment before replying, "Alright."
Gang Nan turned and left.
Zhang Wei remained seated, motionless.
After a long, long time...
"Is this what you wanted... was it worth it?"
"I do not care for mere reputation."
"Heh heh heh, I never expected you to be such a soft-hearted person."
"However..."
"Things will not unfold as you wish. Prepare yourself. I suspect this matter will not end so easily."
Zhang Wei sat in his chair, talking to himself.
As if conversing with someone.
...
Three days later.
The sky above Barbecue Castle had yet to clear.
But in these three days, events had unfolded like a whirlwind.
After the succession of the new Lang Tu, a series of new decrees were issued, and the existing administrative structure was completely overhauled, replaced by his loyalists.
These past few days had been a bloodbath in Barbecue Castle.
The crimes of the third-generation Lang Tu, Terry, were made public, transforming him from a hero of Wolf Valley into a despicable villain.
Yet, Gang Nan's filial piety was touching, and he still acknowledged Terry's contributions to Wolf Valley. However, Terry's former subordinates were not so fortunate, and many were arrested on charges of being part of a faction.
Among them were survivors of the Yun Kingdom campaign.
And today, these individuals were being led to the execution grounds.
At this moment, Gang Nan sat on the grand chair atop the high platform, a formidable figure.
His face was no longer marked by humility and caution; instead, it bore an arrogant expression of someone who had reached the summit and could survey all below.
Now, he was.
Triumphant!
His grand ambition achieved!
A vast world awaited him!
"Report to the Lang Tu, Terry's accomplices have been brought forth!"
"Mm~"
Gang Nan stood up, gazing at the kneeling prisoners.
Besides Terry's personal guards, there were also officials who had long controlled the vital departments of Wolf Valley. Regardless of guilt or innocence, they were all detained here.
For twenty years, Terry had commanded Wolf Valley, and with his influence, he could arrest whomever he pleased.
The prisoners were divided into several groups.
The first group pleaded with Gang Nan, citing various familial ties and past friendships.
The second group presented facts and reason, proving their innocence.
The third group were the resigned ones, having seen the futility of resistance and given up.
The fourth group were Terry's loyalists, who continued to curse even as they were brought here!
But Gang Nan paid them no mind, completely disregarding their pleas and cries of injustice.
"You traitors, still spewing nonsense at the brink of death. Very well, out of consideration for our past connection, I shall forgive your impertinence... Hahahahaha!!!"
Gang Nan shed all pretense.
He addressed the prisoners, "You are all Terry's followers, who have occupied high positions for years, enjoying rights you did not deserve."
"However, given your past contributions, I shall allow you to follow Terry to the afterlife."
"This farewell ceremony for the third-generation Lang Tu shall be paved with your corpses!"
According to Wolf Valley's customs, animal bones used for paving represented subjugation, signifying being buried with the deceased and serving as their slaves in the afterlife.
To use human bodies for such a purpose was a blatant humiliation, typically reserved for slain enemies.
It was an act of extreme insult.
The officials of Wolf Valley, with their fiery tempers, could not accept the current Gang Nan or the tragic fate of their former colleagues.
One man stepped forward. "Lang Tu, there are hundreds of people here. Do you truly intend to execute them all?"
Gang Nan snorted. "What, do you require sympathy to execute rebels?"
"Using bones for paving is highly inappropriate. I implore the Lang Tu to reconsider!"
Gang Nan let out a soft hum.
He slowly said, "Then, let us conduct a test."
"All those who oppose my decision, please step forward. I shall consider your stance."
The threat was evident.
The previously disgruntled crowd fell silent.
"I believe it is inappropriate!"
"Me too!"
"And me!"
A group of passionate officials stepped forward.
Joining them were many onlookers – hunters, butchers, and barbecue chefs.
Despite their families' repeated attempts to dissuade them, they stepped forward resolutely.
Gang Nan's smile grew colder as he looked at the protesting crowd. "Do you know the consequences of opposing me?"
"Hmph, at worst, death!"
Those who stepped forward had already accepted this fate.
"Well said!"
Gang Nan declared, "Since you are prepared, I shall not hold back. From this day forward, there shall be only one voice in Wolf Valley – my voice!"
"All who oppose me are obstructing Wolf Valley's progress and should be buried beneath the bone pits!"
"Guards... apprehend them!"
The surrounding guards hesitated.
After all, besides officials, there were many common folk present.
A riot could have unimaginable consequences.
Furthermore, Barbecue Castle was not a large place, and people were more or less related.
How could they act?
Gang Nan slammed the table, and the high-grade wood, worth more than gold, instantly turned to powder.
The shockwave spread out!
Those nearby could barely stand!
"Did you not hear what I said?"
"Apprehend them!"
The words were squeezed out through gritted teeth.
An unmatched terrifying aura erupted!
It reminded everyone that the person before them was the only Level 60 Super Expert in Wolf Valley!
The guards exchanged glances and had no choice but to act.
Countless voices cried out in grief, "The heavens are blind! To raise such a viper!"
"Alas, Wolf Valley has no hope for the future!"
But now, no one could stop Gang Nan!
At this very moment!
A flash of blue lightning exploded!
Descending from the sky above the overcast Barbecue Castle.
The lightning struck downwards vertically, gone in an instant!
Before the scorched execution grounds, Zhang Wei's figure appeared out of thin air.
"Excuse me, I'm here to crash... a public execution."