Chapter 16: The Death of Third Brother Lu

"Old Three Lu is dead?"

"Isn't it so? Apparently, he slipped and fell into a trap he dug himself."

"Oh my! How could he be so careless?"

"Careless? If you ask me, it’s more like retribution!"

"Retribution?"

"Have you forgotten that there were over a dozen corpses in Old Woman Lu’s burial ground? It must be the vengeful spirits seeking a life for a life!"

"So, those people really were killed by him?"

"Most likely! Given the things Old Woman Lu did while she was alive, who would go to bury her? Those pallbearers from out of town usually leave as soon as they finish the job. If he hadn't killed them, how could it be such a coincidence that they all lost their lives in the graveyard right after the funeral?"

Lu Shijiu glanced at the villagers huddled together in groups, whispering and gossiping, and couldn't help but sneer.

If one cannot exact revenge while alive, what power could one possibly have after death?

She had been a vengeful spirit for so many years, yet had she ever been able to inflict even the slightest harm upon them?

Weren't they all still living their lives, enjoying their wealth and status?

What she hadn't expected was for her "father" to be so savage as to commit mass murder right at Old Woman Lu’s gravesite, without even a shred of concealment or hesitation. She was even more taken aback that while she had only gone back to retrieve an item, he had managed to slaughter all dozen of them in one go.

The motive was merely his refusal to pay their agreed-upon wages...

Perhaps she had underestimated the cruelty of this family from the very beginning.

She lowered her gaze, masking her emotions, and followed the procession home in silence.

Lu Tianming’s corpse was covered by a white cloth and carried on a wooden door. The ones carrying it were the Wang brothers, Da Ping and Xiao Gen, who were from a poor family in the village and had been hired by Old Man Lu at a high price.

Following closely behind was Old Man Lu, looking much more hunched than before, followed by Mrs. Xue, who was sobbing uncontrollably, and the silent Lu Shijiu. They made their way home, step by step, under the prying eyes and whispers of the villagers.

"Father! What is going on?"

As they neared the house, a surprised male voice called out from the entrance.

Old Man Lu spotted the man, and as if his soul had suddenly returned to his body, he raised his cane and swung it at him.

"You wretch! So you finally know how to come back!"

"Father, Father, haven't I returned now?" Lu Old Four, also known as Lu Tianxing, hopped around, dodging the blows while pleading for mercy.

"Returned? When your mother was being shrouded, it was done in haste, so it was understandable you couldn't make it. But when she was buried, you didn't even come back to see her off for the last time! Are you even human? Get out! I, Lu Xingfa, have no son like you!" Old Man Lu shouted hoarsely, swinging his cane with all his might.

"Father, your son was delayed by matters! As soon as the work was finished, I rushed home without stopping."

"What could be more important than seeing your mother off? You unfilial wretch!"

After several failed attempts to strike, Old Man Lu was panting like an ox, nearly collapsing.

"Father! Father! Don't be angry! I was wrong! Your son was wrong!" Terrified, Lu Tianxing quickly supported his father with one hand while soothing his chest with the other.

"Uncle Lu, where should we put Old Three?" Wang Daping asked.

Once Old Man Lu caught his breath, he shoved Lu Tianxing aside. "Put him in his room; it’s the second door on the right."

"Father, Third Brother, he..." Lu Tianxing finally realized that something was wrong.

"Fourth, your Third Brother... he's gone," Old Man Lu said with a raspy voice.

"Who did this?" Lu Tianxing immediately scanned his surroundings, his eyes turning bloodshot.

"When we found him, he had fallen into a trap he dug himself, and he had already breathed his last..." Old Man Lu closed his eyes.

"How is that possible? Third Brother is an expert hunter and has decent martial arts skills. How could he fall into his own trap for no reason?" Lu Tianxing looked completely incredulous.

"We will discuss everything after your Third Brother is shrouded!" Old Man Lu waved his hand weakly.

"Uncle Lu, about the wages..." Wang Daping and his brother asked, standing in the courtyard and rubbing their hands together after settling Lu Tianming’s body.

"Get out! Can’t you see the house is in chaos?" Lu Tianxing snapped, picking up a large broom from the wall to chase them off.

"Now wait, Uncle Lu, you said it yourself: two hundred coins per person for carrying the body down the mountain, no credit. How can you go back on your word now that the job is done?"

Wang Daping, an honest and simple man, turned red with indignation.

"That's right! If you act like this, who will dare to work for you in the future?" his brother, Wang Xiaogen, added.

"Are we not neighbors and fellow villagers? Asking for payment just for helping out!" Lu Tianxing said with immediate dissatisfaction. "Are you thinking my father is old and easy to bully? Let me tell you, even if my Third Brother is gone, my second brother and I are still here! It’s not your place to step on us!"

"Step on you? It was your father who promised the wages, we didn't force him! Who knows what kind of unclean things your Lu family has provoked, with people dying one after another? If it weren't for those two hundred copper coins, who would have gone up the mountain to move corpses for you?" Wang Xiaogen retorted angrily.

"You!"

"Enough!" Old Man Lu roared, his gaze shifting to Lu Tianxing. "Do you have any silver on you?"

Lu Tianxing gripped the broom tightly, his eyes flickering. "Father, you know that expenses are high when traveling. How could I have any silver? Besides, we are all neighbors; it shouldn't be a big deal if we delay payment for a few days."

Wang Daping turned sharply toward Old Man Lu. "Uncle Lu, we only came because you said the payment would be settled immediately. You can't just treat your words like wind!"

"Nephew Wang, don't worry! Your uncle will settle it immediately." With that, he leaned on his cane and went into his room to get the money.

After seeing the Wang brothers off, Lu Tianxing muttered, "These people are so short-sighted, trying to kick us while we're down just because Third Brother is gone. If he were still here, they wouldn't dare utter a peep, even if we forced them to work for ten or fifteen days!"

Hearing this, Old Man Lu felt his breathing tighten. "You also know your Third Brother is gone. Watch your behavior from now on!"

Lu Tianxing shrank his head. "Understood, Father. But how much silver is left in the house? We need to arrange Third Brother's funeral as soon as possible!"

"When is your Second Brother coming back?" Old Man Lu asked, ignoring the question.

"It might take some time. His affairs are quite troublesome recently, and he won't be back for a while," Lu Tianxing replied dismissively, playing with the broom.

Old Man Lu’s cloudy eyes were filled with regret. "If your Eldest Brother were still here, none of this would be a problem. It’s a pity..."

Hearing this, Lu Tianxing immediately perked up. "Father, how did Eldest Brother go missing?"

"Don't ask about things that don't concern you!" Old Man Lu’s thoughts snapped back, and he scolded him sternly.

"Understood!" Lu Tianxing stood to the side, looking deflated.

"For these next few days, stay home and help with your Third Brother's funeral. After that, I won't care how you live your life, but you'll have to find your own money. As things stand, the family really can't afford any more..." Old Man Lu’s voice trailed off.