Library of Heaven’s Path 2: Eternal Destiny

Vol 2 ch 16: Compensation

“Shut up!”

Ling Buyang slapped Xu Xin across the face, making him spin several times.

This was the greatest mistake of his career. He had barely managed to keep it hidden. Now, you want me to admit it in front of everyone? Are you trying to ruin me?

“My lord, I just couldn’t believe he dared speak to you that way…” Xu Xin’s face showed confusion.

How did trying to help end with me getting hit?

“Keep quiet unless spoken to!”

Suppressing his anger, Ling Buyang steadied himself and looked at the man in front of him, Sun Qiang. “Since you’re accompanying Young Master Zhang in his trials, you must be someone of considerable influence. I trust you wouldn’t spread such unverified and baseless rumors that could damage my reputation. More than my reputation, it would bring shame to the entire Machete Sect. That wouldn’t be wise, would it?”

As expected from an experienced Destiny Master, Ling Buyang swiftly shifted the focus, invoking the stature of the Machete Sect.

The implication was clear: without evidence, saying such things would provoke a powerful force. While he might be a minor figure, insulting a faction known for its fate mastery would have severe consequences. Even if you were from a prominent family, you wouldn’t escape easily.

Understanding this, Sun Qiang smirked with a casual wave. “You're impressive!”

Ling Buyang’s face turned red with rage, teeth clenched. “I not only represent the Machete Sect but am also a Destiny Master of the Destiny Hall…”

Sun Qiang interrupted, “You’re spectacular!”

Ling Buyang’s expression darkened, and after a long pause, he exhaled sharply. “Fine, I admit I acted without thorough investigation. However, whether Teacher Zhang is a Chaotic Fate Practitioner or was genuinely on a trial, that’s just your claim. I’ll still conduct my investigation.”

“Investigate all you want. I’ll just keep telling everyone how outstanding you are,” Sun Qiang retorted.

“You—” Ling Buyang’s eyes bulged in frustration. “Can we be a bit more refined with our words?”

“Of course!” Sun Qiang replied nonchalantly.

“You’re aptly named,” Sun Qiang added, provoking another glare from Ling Buyang.

“Apologies. Today’s events were due to my hasty judgment,” Ling Buyang admitted, holding his forehead as he steadied his composure.

Hearing this, Xu Xin couldn’t hold back. What does he mean by hasty judgment? If they follow this logic, won’t that ruin me? I was the one who reported Zhang Xuan as a Chaotic Fate Practitioner!

“Lord Ling, he’s just praising you, so he must be feeling guilty. Why are you admitting fault?” Xu Xin blurted out.

“Praising me?” Ling Buyang nearly spat out blood.

“That’s right. He kept saying, ‘Lord Ling, you’re incredible,’” Liu Tianzheng added hurriedly.

They’d all heard Sun Qiang’s words. Though crude, his statements had been praises. Why was Ling Buyang upset?

“Enough!” Ling Buyang felt a headache coming on. Sun Qiang’s words weren’t just adjectives—they were nouns!

Unable to voice this, Ling Buyang gritted his teeth and bowed slightly. “My apologies for my error. We’ll be taking our leave.”

He motioned with his hand. “Let’s go!”

If he previously considered capturing Zhang Xuan as his ticket to promotion, now he wouldn’t dare touch him.

Sun Qiang’s unpredictable nature meant that if Ling Buyang pressed on, the events of today would become public knowledge, tarnishing his reputation beyond repair.

“Just an apology?” Zhang Xuan’s voice cut through the tension as he stepped forward, eyes cold. “You hurt my students and forced them into corners. Do you think a simple apology is enough?”

“What do you mean, Young Master Zhang?” Ling Buyang stopped and frowned.

“Apologize to them!” Zhang Xuan pointed to his three students.

“You must be joking.” Ling Buyang’s eyes narrowed. “I’m an official Destiny Master, a figure of prestige. They’re just students with no cultivation. Why should I apologize to them?”

“Teacher, there’s no need. We weren’t hurt badly,” Yu Xiaoyu said, trying to ease the tension. Even her peers nodded, grateful but aware of the danger in provoking Ling Buyang.

Not just them, even Yu Longqing and Lu Ming stood frozen. When they warned Zhang Xuan, they hadn’t imagined he would turn the tables so decisively.

“Whether it’s necessary isn’t up to you,” Zhang Xuan said firmly. “When you make a mistake, you apologize. That’s the rule, an unchanging truth.”

“You…”

Ling Buyang’s fury surged but he knew not to act rashly without understanding Zhang Xuan’s background. Taking a deep breath, he said, “It’s true I acted on misinformation and hurt your students. I’m willing to make amends.”

He turned to Xu Xin. “Where are the three Destiny Disks I told you to bring? Give them to Teacher Zhang!”

“Um…” Xu Xin hesitated, eyes twitching. “They’ve already been gifted to him.”

“They’re gone?” Ling Buyang was stunned. Three Destiny Disks, worth millions of Source Coins, had been handed over so easily?

“Yes…” Xu Xin’s embarrassment was palpable. In three days, he had lost over a million Source Coins pursuing the wrong person.

With no choice, Ling Buyang addressed Zhang Xuan. “I’ll inform the Destiny Hall and ensure they send replacements. Rest assured, I won’t go back on my word.”

“All that just to avoid saying sorry?” Zhang Xuan’s brows furrowed.

Ling Buyang’s patience frayed. “And if I refuse to apologize?”

“You’ll apologize,” Zhang Xuan said, stepping forward. The power of his Jade Bone Realm surged, and he closed the distance in an instant.

Apologies were just words. If confrontation was needed, it would be absolute, ensuring his authority was recognized and respected.

“Impudent!” Xu Xin lunged to defend, his role as Fate Guardian demanding he protect Ling Buyang even at the cost of his life.

Air burst as Xu Xin’s full Jade Bone Realm power surged, his strike descending like a hammer, fierce and unyielding.

“Watch out, Teacher Zhang!” Yu Longqing and Lu Ming shouted.

But Zhang Xuan didn’t dodge. He met the attack head-on with a fist.

“It’s over for him,” thought Liu Tianzheng, recalling his own defeat against Zhang Xuan’s weaker strength. Facing Xu Xin’s full might, Zhang Xuan seemed doomed.

But as the punch connected, Xu Xin’s body was sent flying, blood spurting mid-air.

No techniques. Just brute force. Xu Xin lost outright.

Shock swept the crowd, including Ling Buyang, whose pupils contracted.

He’d let Xu Xin engage Zhang Xuan to gauge his strength, and now he knew: a 20-something with 99 units of force at the Jade Bone peak.

No wonder he wasn’t intimidated.

“Alright, I’ll apologize!” Ling Buyang declared, breathing deeply.

Zhang Xuan smirked, knowing he’d made his point and stepped back. Though he was strong, confronting a Dharma Aspect expert outright carried risks, especially with Machete Sect techniques untested.

Ling Buyang turned to Yu Xiaoyu, Liu Mingyue, and Hong Yi, bowing. “Forgive me for the harm I caused. I, Ling Buyang, sincerely apologize.”

“Just words?” Sun Qiang interjected.

“Xu Xin!” Ling Buyang called, expression stern.

“Yes!” Xu Xin stumbled forward, producing Source Coin notes. Ling Buyang verified the amount and handed it to Yu Xiaoyu. “Here’s 300,000 Source Coins as compensation.”

Yu Xiaoyu gasped, looking to her teacher for guidance. She’d never seen so much money.

“Take it,” Zhang Xuan instructed. With his back turned to Ling Buyang, he added, “Let this be the last time. Now leave!”

Author's Note