Chapter 36 Divine Investigator III

In the end, the difference came from their foundations.

Sects were built on the relationship between master and disciple, while clans were built on blood ties.

Each system had its own strengths and weaknesses.

Compared to the clan system, the sect system was more inclusive.

It accepted talented people regardless of their background, giving them an equal chance to become Gu Masters.

In contrast, because everyone shared the same bloodline, the clan system was far more united and could rally its members more easily.

The two systems had competed for millions of years, yet neither had ever managed to completely surpass the other.

Even so, whether in Central Continent, which claimed to value fairness, or in the other four regions, the status of mortals remained much the same.

To Gu Masters, they were little more than servants.

A Gu Master could command them, enslave them, or even kill them without facing any real consequences.

The biggest difference was that Central Continent’s sects gave talented mortals a chance to cultivate and escape the fate of ordinary people.

In the other four regions, such opportunities were exceedingly rare.

After all, someone still had to haul manure, till the fields, build roads, and sweep the streets.

Those tasks were never meant for Gu Masters.

“It was only luck.” Lin Feng smiled bitterly.

“I could never compare to Senior Tie.

You were born into the Tie family, one of the righteous path’s great clans.

From the moment you began cultivating, you never lacked primeval stones or Gu.

As for me, I had to struggle at death’s door time and time again.

If Miss Zhang hadn’t saved my life, I would never have reached where I am today.”

Although Tie Xue Leng had never personally lived a life like Lin Feng’s, he had captured countless mortals who had stumbled upon a Gu Master’s inheritance.

Most were blinded by the sudden power they gained.

They sought revenge, robbed, murdered, raped, kidnapped, and eventually stepped onto a path of no return.

He understood where their resentment came from.

In every society, someone had to remain at the bottom.

No amount of comforting words could erase the hatred that reality bred.

But understanding their resentment did not mean he would allow them to do as they pleased.

As the Southern Border Divine Investigator, Tie Xue Leng had no choice but to arrest them himself.

It was both his responsibility and his duty.

There might be understanding in this world, but there could never be limitless tolerance or forgiveness.

Good intentions were no excuse for crossing the line.

The moment someone challenged the order upheld by the righteous path, they had to face its judgment.

Only by enforcing that order could the innocent be protected and Southern Border remain at peace.

“Young brother, there’s no need to belittle yourself.” Tie Xue Leng shook his head.

“I’m only an ordinary man who happened to be born into a different family.

What you’ve experienced, I may have experienced as well.”

He looked at Lin Feng with genuine admiration.

“Compared to those spoiled brats who have never left their mountain strongholds, you’ve walked through life and death, yet you never strayed onto the demonic path.

Instead, you chose to stand with the righteous path.

That alone is worthy of respect.”

As he spoke, Tie Xue Leng couldn’t help but admire Lin Feng from the bottom of his heart.

Even so, a trace of doubt remained in his mind.

Most mortals who stumbled upon a Gu Master’s inheritance were quickly consumed by their newfound power and eventually fell into the demonic path.

Only a handful could turn back before it was too late and willingly join the righteous path.

I’ll have to test him later.

I will never wrong an innocent person, nor will I ever let a guilty person escape justice.

____

“Hey!

You two are you two done yet?” Tie Yuning puffed out her cheeks in dissatisfaction.

Tie Xue Leng had come to take her home, yet ever since meeting Lin Feng, the two had been talking as if you’ve known each other for years.

Have you forgotten I’m even here?”

“I finally got to meet the Iron-Blooded Divine Investigator I’ve admired for so long.

I got a little carried away.” Lin Feng laughed.

“My apologies for neglecting you.

Come, today’s meal is on me.

Let’s eat at Gold Leaf.”

Gold Leaf was the finest restaurant in Jia Village.

Its head chef was a Rank Three Food Path Gu Master.

Every dish he prepared was outstanding in both taste and appearance.

More importantly, each meal possessed unique effects.

Because of this, Gold Leaf was always packed with customers.

Its finest disheswere especially sought after, and the rarest ones were often auctioned to the highest bidder.

“Good!

You said it yourself.” Tie Yuning’s eyes immediately lit up.

She turned to Tie Xue Leng with a grin.

“Uncle, you heard him.

Today’s meal is on Lin Feng.”

She had long heard of Gold Leaf reputation and had always wanted to try its famous dishes.

Unfortunately, she had rushed out of the mountain stronghold without bringing many primeval stones, so all she could do was watch from afar whenever she passed by.

Tie Xue Leng looked at his niece and shook his head helplessly before cupping his hands toward Lin Feng.

“Young brother, you’re too generous.

Allow me to treat you instead.”

Lin Feng immediately shook his head.

“How could I let my senior pay?

I just returned from escorting the caravan and still have plenty of primeval stones.

Besides…” He smiled.

“If you won’t even let me buy you a meal, does that mean you don’t want to make a friend of me?”

Hearing that, Tie Xue Leng could only smile wryly.

“In that case, I’ll gladly accept your hospitality.

Thank you, young brother.”