Suddenly the High Heaven Pavilion Disciple walked out to the crowd and circled around. His expression slowly turned to one of mockery and arrogance.
But the two Han men were not easily mocked and creased their forehead. “You little brat, walking around in circles has made this uncle dizzy. Do you want be the same?”
The youngster just snickered. Standing in front of the two men, watching the ‘poisoned’ man he spoke, “Your face is very pale. Looks like the poison you consumed isn’t so simple.”
“Of course it’s not.” He viciously responded: “If it were not, why would I be here and with my brother, instead of at the doctor’s. We’re here to reveal this boss’ black’ heart and his true colours! Hoping that no one will ever come back to buy from his store again, and have to suffer as we have!”
This made Boss He’s face pale, as he didn’t know what the aim of these two men was. If it was just extorting money then he would understand, but their motives were very puzzling and unclear.
Just when he was pondering, Yang Kai softly inquired: “Uncle He, did you offend anybody during this time?”
Thinking hard, Boss He miserably wailed: “No one.”
“Then could it be that your rice shop prevented someone from earning money?” Even though Yang Kai was young, he had experienced many things. So this thought was not impossible.
“This is just a humble job to survive, how could I prevent others from their income?”
[How peculiar!] Staring at the ground, Yang Kai thought hard, but was still confused.Then, the High Heaven Pavilion Disciple sneered and asked the two men a question. They shouted out: “Look, trickery!”
While shouting, the man resorted to a trick, to open the black heart of the poisonous apple.
This surprised the people around, for the morning had been quite sluggish. The Han man was wildly hopping about, while his fists were clenched. Jumping, he went to expose the poisonous truth.
Moving like this, his once pale face became flushed and rosy.
This caused to crowd to gasp. Clearly they were shocked over this sudden change.
“Poisoned.” Looking that the two Han men, he sarcastically said: “Such skill. I respect them, respect.”
The two men couldn’t help but pale. Not only did the fallen man not turn white, he also looked like he wasn’t poisoned.
The surrounding people also started to boo. They weren’t stupid, how could they not be able to understand the situation? They didn’t know what motives these men had, but to slander Boss He’s Rice Stand was shameful. Luckily, that High Heaven Pavilion Disciple had uncovered the truth.
More and more people had started to despise the men and started to praise that young man. This young man was naturally easy to like and with this incident, his reputation sky-rocketed.
Meanwhile, Yang Kai was secretly confirming his suspicions that they were all acting. They were acting out the play of a honourable knight uncovering foul play and protecting the weak, in order to gain reputation! If he hadn’t seen them together earlier in the alley, he was afraid he would had also believed them.
[But why did they go to all that effort?]The two Han men could no longer keep up the accusations. Staring fiercely at the young man they asked: “Brat, who are you to interfere in my brother’s issues!”
Gracefully he turned around and arrogantly replied: “I am High Heaven Pavilion’s Su Mu!”
Hearing those words, one of the men became afraid: “No wonder, you are a High Heaven Pavilion Disciple. A dragon is within here. Today, we two brothers admit defeat. If fate allows it, I hope we will meet again!”
This sentence felt like it was planned beforehand, making Yang Kai laugh.
Su Mu just laughed coldly: “Leave safely, for I won’t escort you!”
With the situation like this, and if it were indeed no accident like Yang Kai suspected. Then the two men would leave and ‘Su Mu’ would then seek out the audience’s praise. Especially Boss He’s.
But Yang Kai didn’t want Boss He to be fooled. Before those two men left, he quickly said: “You can’t let them go, they are too despicable. Today’s victim was He’s Rice Stand, but if we don’t teach them a lesson, they may target Liu Shi’s Clothes shop or Jiang Shi’s Grocery.”
Most of the crowd, who heard this, couldn’t help but notice that what he said was correct. How could they let these despicable villains leave so easily? If they let them go today then tomorrow they might target another shop and leave them destroyed. If it came to that, then they may not be as lucky as Boss He.
Thinking of this, the people started to block off the path in front of the two Han men.
From his position, Yang Kai could clearly see the panic in Su Mu’s eyes. This in turn, led Su Mu to source of the voice, to Yang Kai. While the two men exchanged glances and quickly readjusted their expressions.
Chuckling, Yang Kai added: “Fellow Disciple, there is a saying that goes; Good people follow through to the end. Just like how Buddha went to the west, why don’t you and I both arrest these two criminals?”
Seeing Yang Kai’s thin and fragile physique, Su Mu couldn’t help but burst out in annoyance: “Who’s your Fellow Disciple?”
Yang Kai replied: “I am also a High Heaven Pavilion Disciple. I entered the Main Gate three years ago.”
This made Su Mu speechless, for he really was a Fellow Disciple.
“Now, without further ado.” Yang Kai came forward and said: “Throughout the land, it is important to be reasonable. While one must also be chivalrous, so Fellow Brother, you must not let only me take the benefit. Let both of us arrest these two cowardly men and help Boss He claim justice, while also helping Black Plum Village. ”
With this statement, the surrounding people began to applaud. This filled Su Mu with anxiety, for he felt as if he was dragged upon a pirate’s ship by this unknown brother. Even he wanted to escape, he couldn’t.
Those two men were also glancing continuously at Su Mu looking for guidance/help/assistance. Looking at them, Su Mu couldn’t do anything for them.
“Brother, let’s go!” Pulling on Su Mu’s shoulder, Yang Kai rushed over.
[What is this!] Su Mu was in tears, wondering where did this Brother come from. [This really ruined my plans!] But it had already come to this point, so Su Mu could only charge over. While he was preparing to capture them, he was also signalling for them to look for an opportunity to escape.The two men nodded, but Yang Kai saw the exchange and guessed what they were doing.
He was worried that Boss He would be tricked, so he took extra precaution and shouted: “Friends, fellow owners, don’t just watch. Come help us two brothers!”
Hearing this, Boss He also went to help. The rice stand’s youngsters joined in, their hands carrying empty rag bags. Boss He, who was previously abused by these two men, so naturally they would want revenge.
Seeing that Boss He had acted, the crowd couldn’t just watch and they all flocked towards the two men to capture them.
Previously the two men weren’t worried, but as they saw this scene, their faces paled. So they quickly yelled: “Don’t hit the face!” While protecting their face, they curled up on the ground.
*Bam, bang, boon, bang* the sound of the beating rang out. Even though the businesses on this street were run by ordinary people, they currently displayed powerful fighting spirit that left others flabbergasted. These merchants more or less did anything for money and were generally detested by others. And now, when they were given to chance to release their stress, how could they be lenient?
This was especially true for Boss He’s Rice Stand’s waiter. With rag bags in his hands, he relentlessly beat down the men.
Furthermore, with so many people hitting these men, they couldn’t identify who was hitting them. So, these people didn’t have to worry about the consequences.
There is strength in numbers. Yang Kai only asked for their aid, but before he could even lift a finger, he was pushed aside by these merchants.
After a while, the beating gradually stopped and you could see the two men curled on the ground, bruised all over. The rag bag had also disappeared. Looking at the men, Su Mu’s heart cried out in pain, and his leg started to cramp. For the men were beaten bloody and their faces so swollen, that even theirs mothers won’t be able to recognise them.
This situation only occurred because the men didn’t have enough strength to protect themselves. Although they had swords, one could see that it was only for decoration. If they could use them would they suffer these attacks?
Though, would experts stoop so low as to perform such despicable acts?
Now, even though the beating was finished the merchants remained.
The two Han men with their horrendous faces, and hearts full of fear weakly called out with their hands trembling, “Su….”
Unfortunately, Su Mu’s expression changed and he loudly exclaimed, “What Su? You want this young master here, to give you *pasty bones?”
Seeing this, Yang Kai smiled and proclaimed, “You two scumbags! I don’t know have many others you have framed, but it’s extremely hateful!”
His words were an exaggeration, but for the merchants present, this seemed like the truth. That waiter who previously held the rag bag spat, *Pui!* “You trashes! You actually dared to act arrogantly at this rice stand!”
The waiter continued to let out his frustrations, but didn’t expect Yang Kai to expand on his statement. “Correct, These types of people should really die. Fellow Disciple, why don’t you and I each kill one. That will teach them to break the law again, and it will also be for the greater good.”
Hearing this remark, the two people on the floor started to break out in cold sweat and were terrified. They had never expected this frail boy to be so ruthless.
Su Mu just stared at him, trying to figure out whether or not he was joking. But Yang Kai’s face held no sign that it was a joke.
To tell the truth, although what the men did was cowardly, it wasn’t serious enough to die for. Undoubtedly Yang Kai’s punishment was a little too cruel.
Su Mu could only ask: “Brother, isn’t that a bit excessive?”
“Excessive?” Yang Kai just shook his head: “If their little lie were to succeed today, then Boss He’s life would have been ruined. How would he maintain a livelihood? They’ve already tried to push someone so close to the edge. So, how is this excessive? You know, for every being, every action that they commit, will always have consequences.”
Previously, when those merchant heard Yang Kai’s words, they had also thought this. But hearing his reasoning, they understood the sense behind his words and were conflicted. But the final decision wasn’t up to them, so they just stood on the side-lines. But when Boss He wanted to say something, he was stopped by a look from Yang Kai.
“This…..this may certainly be the case, but we can’t just casually go killing people.” Now Su Mu was really worried. He didn’t think that this Disciple in front of him was so ruthless and merciless. Originally, he had planned it out quite well; Firstly, those two men would go slander Boss He and then he would go and stop them, saving Boss He. Then, they would escape and he would receive gratitude from the Boss thus accomplishing his goal. But he hadn’t thought that such a vicious Disciple would appear, so easily choosing to kill them.
This was far from good.
Su Mu could see that the two men were pleading him to save them. Within those gazes, were signs of threats. How could Su Mu not understand their meaning?
It was like being tied to the body of a grasshopper. If we are to suffer a tragic end, then you would not come out unharmed. That was what they were trying to indicate to him.
At that moment, Yang Kai spoke, “Brother, there is no other method. Through my experiences, killing is a natural thing. Could it be that you haven’t killed before? Or you guys already know each other…….so you are unwilling to kill?”
This statement made Su Mu’s heart jump to his throat. Turning around to look at Yang Kai, he found a mischievous smile.
“Brother what do you mean?” With a cool face he questioned, while thinking whether or not Yang Kai saw through him. He hadn’t revealed any clues, so how could he know?
What he didn’t know, was that Yang Kai knew of his plan purely by coincidence. If not he would had also been fooled.
Boss He was also smart, he understood the hidden meaning in Yang Kai’s words and asked Su Mu: “Little Brother, what tune are you singing?”
Yang Kai had revealed a portion of Su Mu’s true colours, how could Boss He not be able to see?
Yang Kai just shook his head, he didn’t point out anything in particular but just continued to stare at Su Mu: “Brother, I think that you are a courageous person, but you are hesitating. Don’t worry; I am here to accompany you and the villagers too. So what are you afraid of?”
“What am I afraid of?” Su Mu laughed out loud, as if reassuring himself, he said: “What am I afraid of? Isn’t it just killing a person? Who hasn’t killed before?”
It was like he was unwillingly to admit he hadn’t killed before, in front of Yang Kai.
In the end, this person’s disposition shocked him. Su Mu hadn’t stepped down from the challenge.
Su Mu then directed a cold, ruthless intent towards the men lying on the ground. Looking into that young man’s eyes, those two men knew they were finished. This round, they were used too thoroughly.
“Brother, let’s do it.” Yang Kai continued to pour oil on the flame.
Breathing deeply, Su Mu slowly nodded.
Seeing this happen, the two men immediately knew their end was nigh. So how could they endure without doing anything? Jumping up, they pointed towards Su Mu and proclaimed: “Su Mu, you treacherous bastard. You asked us brothers for a favour, to slander Boss He’s stand so that you could come to the rescue and become a hero. But how do you repay us? Not only are we beaten like pigs, now we have to die for your crimes. You really are trash.”
“You liars!” Hearing his scheme revealed, Su Mu was furious.
“Hmph!” As if their injuries didn’t affect them, the men just sneered and the larger man shouted out loudly, informing all: “Everybody, young or old, today my brother and I came out and caused trouble for you. But this was all at the command of Su Mu. He had taken fancy to Boss He’s daughter, but sadly she rejected him. So he hatched a plan to obtain her.”
When this was revealed, something clicked inside the heads of the onlookers. Many people could not help but turn to look at Su Mu with disbelief in their eyes.
[So that was it!] Yang Kai was satisfied that he had guessed correctly, Su Mu really had an ulterior motive. Though he had thought it was something related to profit or reputation, he wouldn’t have thought it was actually for his own sexual desires.He had also met the Boss’ daughter, even though she wasn’t outrageously beautiful, she was still a work of art. An alluring body accompanied with delicate features; a slim figure, which made her easily the most beautiful girl in the entire village at the small age of fourteen.
Such a young girl had unfortunately caught Su Mu’s eye, provoking such trouble.
“What utter rubbish!” Su Mu’s face was as red as a tomato, trying to deny the truth.
Sneering the man continued to say: “I have said no lies. Even though we two brothers have our faults, and done some criminal acts, slandering Boss He and poisoning his rice this is something we would never do. Fellow people, you should know that sabotaging others’ livelihoods is equal to sabotaging my own. So how can I survive? Everything was instigated by this little brat.”
This statement was very sincere, causing everybody to start laughing.
In a timely manner Yang Kai asked: “After this was over how much did he promise to give?”
“Fifty two silvers!” The man replied.
“Fifty two, that’s a lot.” Yang Kai softly said while nodding.
During this banter, Boss He was listening carefully. This made him understand the situation thoroughly, turning towards Su Mu he angrily said: “You despicable person. You actually dared to use such dirty methods to get my daughter. Thankfully she has eyes and saw your true face. Ah, how could High Heaven Pavilion have such a degenerate Disciple? You are ruining your Sect’s good name. You are vain and selfish! Completely opposite to brother Yang! I feel ashamed for your mother and father!”
Surrounding merchants also started to feel more contempt towards Su Mu’s outrageous acts.
Su Mu’s face was bright red, for he knew that he could no longer come back to Black Plum Village; for his mask had been taken away and his true face had been revealed.
And the source of all his misfortunes was in front of him…………this Disciple! If not for him, he would have been able to win the boss’ favour and further his reputation. That would have made it easier to curry the daughter’s love for him.
But all that planning had gone to waste. Not only had he failed to gain any reputation, he had also lost reputation he had previously for being a Disciple of High Heaven Pavilion.
Under that situation, Su Mu put on a calm face and turned towards Yang Kai and asked: “Brother, how may I call you?”
“You guess!” Yang Kai replied with a wink.
Taking a deep breath Su Mu said: “Though you may have chosen to withhold your identity, I will able to find out. For you have already entered the school for three years, yet you are not even an Ordinary Disciple! That means you are a Trial Disciple and within the entire school, there are only a few of you. Finding you will be simple.”
When he finished he immediately turned around and left. In the end, he did have some strength. For those who blocked his path, he pushed them to the side. Stomping away unhindered
When he had left, the people had only just remembered the two Han men. But where were they? There was no trace, for when Yang Kai and Su Mu were arguing, they had sneakily ran away.
The debacle had finally been resolved. Yang Kai was satisfied, for he had exposed the deceit, gained approval from the merchants and Boss He was especially grateful to him.
That waiter also looked at Yang Kai in worship.
After the crowd dispersed, the Boss’ wife also came out. Taking Yang Kai’s hand, the more she looked, the more she came to like him.
On the contrary, Boss He’s he was full of worry: “Virtuous nephew Yang, today you have offended Su Mu. I’m afraid that in the future, this will cause you ceaseless trouble.”
After this incident, Boss He’s started to refer to Yang Kai more intimately.
“Afraid?” Yang Kai just smiled. “The Main Gate has its own rules, so even if he hates me to death he can’t do anything.”
“Even so, you must be careful nephew. If because of your involvement in this matter you were to suffer misfortune then this Uncle would worry greatly.
“I will be careful.” He consoled.
Yang Kai was immensely grateful to the He couple for extending a helping hand. They even insisted he stay for dinner, originally Yang Kai wanted to, but was scared away by the boss’ wife.
“Little Yang, where are you parents? Where do you live? Have you married already?”
Looking at this, clearly the boss’ wife wanted to become his mother-in-law. Knowing this, Yang Kai hurriedly left.
When he left, he was carrying a bag of white rice, but it far surpassed the amount 20 silvers could get you. So for an entire month, Yang Kai didn’t have to worry amount his meals.
Originally, Yang Kai was worried that Su Mu would ambush him on his way back. For as innocent as Su Mu looked, he was a sinister and treacherous snake on the inside, this was not impossible. Though, even when Yang Kai returned, Su Mu hadn’t appeared.
He thought about it carefully, not attacking was the correct choice. Even though duels between Disciples often resulted in death, the Main Gate didn’t allow the needless killing of others. In short, if Su Mu had attacked on his way back to the Sect, then when things leaked out, it would have resulted in his own doom too.
If he wanted to deal with Yang Kai, then he would definitely come to challenge him, while making a fuss too. As for the matter of Yang Kai’s identity, there is no doubt that he would be able to find it. In the High Heaven Pavilion, as long as Su Mu inquired a bit, then naturally he would find his identity.
Su Mu’s true strength was something that Yang Kai could not full confirm, but he most definitely was at the peak of the Tempered Body Boundary. The only thing was, he didn’t know what stage Su Mu was in.
[I need to focus more on practicing] Otherwise, Yang Kai truly couldn’t continue staying at High Heaven Pavilion.Knowing this, Yang Kai swiftly returned back to his hut to practise.
At this hour, he was unable to practise the Tempered Body Record, but he could practise the basic skills that the school gave. These basic skills were to establish the foundations for the Tempered Body, to achieve spiritual consumption beyond his own body. This was the aim.
Yang Kai’s previous usage of the Shaolin arts and the leg whip were all based around his foundation work. If not for this, then the skills couldn’t be considered true martial arts. They would only be considered as the basic of basic skills, essential for all to learn.
To the left of Yang Kai’s hut, was a wooden figure. This was made, from a century old tree, by Yang Kai to practise on. Small dents were littered over it; there were even traces of blood. These were all made through Yang Kai many days of diligent training.
Assuming his position, Yang Kai started to hit the wooden man. He infused all his might into each strike, beating the wooden man relentlessly. *Peng, peng* rang out as he struck the wooden man. However, after a few strikes, he felt that something was amiss.
It was his own fists and leg so he clearly felt that they were stronger than before. From the strike and the sound it made, all of them were stronger and more stable, incomparable to before. And over time, his hand and the bones started to feel numb and warm. This clearly indicated that he was stimulating his meridians, increasing his atmospheric affinity.
Reaching the Tempered Body Fourth Stage, gives birth to the atmospheric affinity, developing your meridians further and allowing you to sense the energy more clearly. This warm feeling was Yang Kai’s meridians developing.
Yang Kai practised until the sun set, only then did he stop. Even after this period of time, not only was he not fatigued, he even felt more alive. Ever since he merged with that Golden Skeleton, his strength seemed to skyrocket. Walking twenty miles today didn’t even tire him out; even with the added weight of the sack of rice he did not show the slightest trace of being fatigued.
It was only when he was cultivating his tempered body, that he would truly feel pressure. Thinking about that morning’s practise, Yang Kai couldn’t help but shudder. That pressure was like the heaven and earth were crushing him, absolutely horrifying.
But with strain/pressure come development. Without extreme pressure, how could you possibly advance?
Only then, would a person’s true potential show. And only then would your strength grow, step by step, each time breaking past your limits.
Though currently, even after throwing large amounts of punches and kicks out, Yang Kai has yet to feel any fatigue. He doesn’t feel strained, how can he force out his potential and improve?
This made things difficult and made him depressed. That skeleton also gave him extreme recovery, making the basic skills of the school useless. Did that mean that he could only practise for half an hour each day at sunrise?
Daylight had around twelve full hours, and yet he could only practise for half an hour. What would he do the rest of the time? Sleep? That was obviously impossible! Yang Kai immediately rejected the idea.
While he absentmindedly cooked, Yang Kai thought about how he should train to exhaustion. If anyone else knew of this, they would have laughed to death.
Other practitioners may have wanted to take it easier, but Yang Kai wanted to push himself to the limit.
In the end, he still couldn’t think of any good methods. Though the main reason was Yang Kai needed elixirs to help boost his training. There were also other methods, but in the end, all of these had one thing in common, they required money.
In High Heaven Pavilion, contribution points were the currency. Alas, Yang Kai was poor and only had a measly twelve points.
After the rice finished cooking, he wolfed down a few bowls. Although there were no side dishes, and he could only eat plain rice, Yang Kai was very satisfied. That was the only meal in the past few days, which made him full.
After dinner, he couldn’t go train, so he went to take a bath. After that he lay down and went to bed. Continuing his practise, there would be no result, so he might as well try to solve that problem. Consider the solutions, to hasten the work speed.
After thinking for a while, he suddenly remembered; the black book.
One of the pages had something inside, so Yang Kai figured that the other pages would be the same. So if he had enough strength, he could unseal each page.
The first page contained the Golden Skeleton, which was also the cause of his current predicament.
While the second dealt with the methods to cultivate the tempered body with Golden skeleton.
However the third page remained blank. He had already tried to decipher it, but Yang Kai concluded he wasn’t strong enough yet.
With the first and second pages unlocked, Yang Kai could start to study them. But after good half day he still couldn’t figure them out. Until he accidentally turned to the third page and went into a trance.
[Eh?] Yang Kai frowned as he started to read the third page.Almost instantly, countless gold words started to appear on the page and jumped into his mind. Then a small whirlpool started to appear in the centre of the page. From it, arose an antique incense burner.
This turn of events left Yang Kai in shock, but quickly he started to rejoice.
[That’s right! didn’t I break through into the fourth stage this morning? Last night I was still in the third stage, but today I’m in the fourth stage! So that’s why I couldn’t access the third page before.]Although it was only one level, it had still hindered his ability to comprehend the third page.
After he thought about this, Yang Kai couldn’t help but feel regret. If this morning he had discovered this, then he wouldn’t need to waste time now thinking about it.
Calming his beating heart, Yang Kai held the incense burner and carefully inspected it.
This burner wasn’t large in size, and was a common item used by people. But it was half sealed, with a lid on the mouth and a few holes. It was also antique and of outstanding quality, but it wasn’t attention grabbing at all.
He took a sniff, but after noticing there was no odour, he slowly lowered it.
[What is it made of?] Even after a while, Yang Kai still didn’t know but could only go on the information imprinted in his mind.After a short pause, Yang Kai opened his eyes with a strange look in them.
According to the information in his mind, this incense burner could aid him during training. The burner itself has no special properties, however if you were to gather herbs and burn them in it, the fragrance released would aid you during training.
Different herbs were needed for different stages.
Unfortunately, Yang Kai had some doubts. The plants needed to aid him at his current level were the Three Leaved Destruction/Chaos Spirit Flower and the Dead Jedi Tree Grass.
According to his understanding, the values of these two herbs were not high but they were very hard to find. They also possessed small amounts of toxins. Inhaled over a short period of time, and these toxins will cause lasting damage to the body.
[Would these two herbs really be effective?]These herbs were definitely available in the Contribution Hall, but with Old Man Meng’s personality, he would definitely charge high prices for them. And with only a few points in his possession, how could he spend them like that?
There was only one option left. He would have to venture into the Black Wind Mountains to look for them himself. Yang Kai had already hunted in there before, so was quite familiar with its geography and perhaps the herbs were there.
[I shall head off to the mountains tomorrow!] With his problems currently solved, Yang Kai slowly drifted to sleep. But before he fell asleep, he checked the fourth page so as to not repeat this morning’s embarrassing action. Unfortunately nothing appeared; it seemed that Tempered Body Fourth Stage was not sufficient for this page.The next morning, Yang Kai got up early.
Yesterday’s practise had already had such a large impact on his cultivation, so naturally he would make full use of the short time he had to cultivate. Not to mention, he was not the kind to laze about.
While immersing himself in the purple eastern air/gas, that slow but with the might of heaven and earth infused, Tempered Body Record Fist’s might gradually unfolded.
While he was a stage stronger than yesterday, Yang Kai still didn’t make much progress on the fist. You could only perform it twenty times and when he touched his back, torturous pain responded. His back, hip and bones all ached, they felt like smashed beans.
Inhaling a mouthful of purple gas, his bodily senses as energy became clearer. His meridians all opened up and began to expel the impurities within his body.
With his daily training finished, he started his sweeping, which since absorbing the Golden Skeleton he had been able to complete in only one hour. After he finished sweeping he ran to the Contribution Hall.
Although Yang Kai had decided to go into the mountains to find the herbs, he had no knowledge regarding herbalism. He had only heard of the Three Leaved Chaos Spirit Flower and the Dead Jedi Tree Grass, and didn’t know what they looked like.
Most of his preparatory work for his journey into the Black Wind Mountain was done. To avoid an embarrassing situation, Yang Kai hurried to the Contribution Hall to write down the herbs’ appearance.
Originally he had planned to ask Treasurer Meng to teach him, he hadn’t expected Treasurer Meng to give him a book on herbs instead.
Looking at the book, Yang Kai found that it had an introduction to herbs and their medical properties, habitats and illustrations. Though it would give create a feeling of disappointment in those who read it. As it merely contained information on ordinary grade herbs and nothing on the herbs of a higher grade, but it was quite suitable for Yang Kai’s current needs.
Just as cultivation level had different ranks, so to were herbs, weapons and medicinal pellets. They were divided into, Ordinary Grade, Earth Grade, Heaven Grade, Mystery Grade, Spirit Grade and Saint Grade; and each grades were then divided into three levels – lower, middle and peak level.
Luckily the herbs that Yang Kai needed were both Ordinary Grade, Lower class herbs so they were in the book. And since they were such a low grade, their value wasn’t high.
After he left the Contribution Hall, Yang Kai went to the General Affairs Office. After all he was still a sweeper of High Heaven Pavilion and this roundabout journey to Black Wind Mountain would take more than a day. So he had to ask to be excused from his work.
The General Affairs Office didn’t make things difficult for him. They gave Yang Kai three days of leave, with his obligations taken care of he set off…
Black Wind Mountain was only twenty miles away from High Heaven Pavilion by foot. Since it wasn’t that far, Yang Kai frequently went there to hunt for his meals, making him quite familiar with the terrain.
In this mountain was a vast and diverse range of herbs. But since it was his first time collecting herbs, Yang Kai made sure to be fully prepared. Carrying his water, food supplies, a shovel and a bag, he hit the road.
Rushing over, Yang Kai came to Black Wind Mountain and surveyed the area. The Mountain was like a prehistoric monster, lying down between the heavens and the earth. Imposing, with no end in sight, the mountain with its lush forests, jagged edges proudly stood against the horizon. Standing there, Yang Kai felt a cool breeze blow through his hair.
Within Black Wind Mountain lived many ferocious beasts. Some high levelled ferocious beasts could even make martial practitioners flee with no chance of victory. So generally when people ventured into the mountain, they wouldn’t go too deep. The first thirty or so miles were classified as the safe zones; while the next ten miles were the dangerous zone. And the area beyond that was the life-threatening zone. Basically the deeper you went, the more dangerous it was.
Since Yang Kai was only looking for ordinary grade lower level herbs he didn’t need to venture too far in. So naturally, he didn’t have to worry about his safety as he would only be searching within the safe zone.
Currently it was still in the early hours of the morning and Yang Kai was trying to recall whether or not he had stumbled upon those herbs in his previous trips to the mountain. But it didn’t matter whether he had or not, as he was prepared this time to find them equipped with the knowledge from the book.
Thinking back, Yang Kai remembered that there were many potential places for herbs to grow in. In his current situation he didn’t even know the locations of the herbs he wanted to find.
But filled with anticipation, Yang Kai followed the familiar track into Black Wind Mountain.
After half an hour Yang Kai spotted his first harvest hidden within the thicket next to the track he, was a bunch of Li Chi/Sharp Teeth herbs. Harvesting them, Yang Kai put them into his bag and continued his search, thinking to himself this was a good start. Walking down the road, Yang Kai looked at the various vegetation scattered about, and memories of the forest came flooding back, informing him of his location. With his knowledge of the Mountain, gained from hunting, he could accurately create a mental map of where he was in relation to High Heaven Pavilion, preventing him from getting lost. By evening Yang Kai had collected four different types of herbs.
When searching for herbs it is naturally very hard, not to mention that many people like to come here to collect herbs, making it even harder to find them. Although Yang Kai only found four herbs, he was still pretty satisfied.
Unfortunately Yang Kai didn’t need these four herbs, to make matters worse their grades were only at Ordinary Grade, lower level too. Nevertheless, if he were to take them back, he could exchange them for contribution points, so they were of some value.
At this time the sun had already started to set. With much haste, Yang Kai finally arrived at an area which was suitable for the growth of many herbs.
This area was very strange, for all its bountiful vegetation it was devoid of any living presence. Especially for an area of thirty feet around the area of herbs the land was completely dead and nothing grew, not even weeds.
Though at the centre of this wasteland, there were three bunches of grass. They fluttered in the wind; Yang Kai saw that they were brown coloured, and thought that is was just necrosis. But this was just the grass’ natural colour.
After looking at it in more detail Yang Kai recognised them as a type of herb and with a sigh of relief, rushed over. With a wide grin plastered on his face, he quickly dug them all up.
A little while later, these three herbs were collected.
As he held these herbs, Yang Kai took out the herbalism book that Treasurer Meng gave him earlier and checked it to see where he had seen them before. They were indeed the Dead Jedi Tree Grass. The illustrations, growth and environment all matched up.
Dead Jedi Tree Grass grew from dead trees, which made it quite easy to find. Basically in the mountains, any place that had dead land, you could find it growing nearby.
Carefully, Yang Kai placed the grass in his bag and took out some water and food, then took out his water and food and looked for a place to eat and rest.
This time when he entered the mountains his main goal was to find the Three Leaved Chaos Spirit Flower and the Dead Jedi Tree Grass, now that he had found the Dead Jedi Tree Grass, he needed to switch his focus to the Three Leaved Chaos Spirit Flower. Not only did he need to find the Three Leaved Chaos Spirit Flower but he also needed a large quantity of it. Yang Kai decided he must double his efforts.
Though right now, it was already evening and the sun had set. This was naturally an inconvenient time to search for herbs so Yang Kai decided to find a spot to rest and continue tomorrow.
Previously when he entered/forayed into the mountains, he had never stayed overnight; however as the saying goes “Even if you hadn’t tasted pork, you have at least seen a pig before”. On that note, he naturally knew the dangers of the mountains at night.
After he found the nearest tree, Yang Kai climbed up and looked for a suitable place to sleep, after locating a place he immediately laid down and closed his eyes.
By one-thirty am, Yang Kai had yet to fall asleep, so he took out the black book and turned to page three. With a thought, the incense burner floated out.
This was also a little mystery that Yang Kai had solved about the black book. Anything that was stored inside could be called out and returned at will. It was after all a storage book, and the burner had obviously been placed in there before so this function didn’t come as a complete surprise.
What Yang Kai didn’t understand was that apart from the incense burner, other things could not be stored in the book. This made him wonder, was the black book a soul stone? Do soul stones normally have restrictions on what to accept and reject?
After only playing with the black book for a short while, Yang Kai fell asleep. He had just spent the entire day walking around the mountain, exhausting himself to no ends.
After a peaceful night, Yang Kai got up early the next morning and practised the tempered body record for half an hour. In order to gather a good harvest, he must work very hard for the next two days. He also felt that he was on the brink of a breakthrough, not only did he feel that his atmospheric sense was at the utmost limit; he also felt his body was as well. Yang Kai just needed a final push in order to breakthrough.
The discovery that he was near to a breakthrough left Yang Kai in ecstatic. For it took him three years to make it to the Tempered Body Third Stage. But on the second day of obtaining this book, he had broken through and now once again, will break through again. This training speed also made Yang Kai somewhat scared.
Practising the Tempered Body Record consumed a large amount of stamina. So Yang Kai rested afterwards and slowly regained his stamina. After he had regained his stamina he ate some of the remaining food he had and continued his search for the herbs.
Yesterday he had travelled to all the places from his memory that could potentially grow his required herbs. Today he would have to rely on luck. Fortunately, the value of these herbs was not high, so the chance of finding them today was still high.
After an entire day of searching, Yang Kai had found a total of seventy-eight herbs and two Three Leaved Chaos Spirit Flowers. This time he had finally found the herbs he required to activate the incense burner, but the quantity he had was still lacking.
Time passed by, and soon darkness came. Yang Kai was still awake though, it was not because he wasn’t tired but rather that he was too hungry to fall asleep.
Originally he had planned to hunt some wild life, but had not even seen a single rabbit. Unfortunately, he could only find some fingernail-sized berries which were very sour. When he finished eating them, it only made him feel hungrier.
[Ah! If I knew that this was going to happen, I would have brought more rice balls!] Yang Kai repented. There is no shop in these desolate areas, where is he going to find food?This hunger was a real embarrassment. Yang Kai then saw in the distance, a hint of a fire. Instantly his energy came back, picking himself up, he walked towards it.
They dared to light a fire in a forest; these people were either idiots or they had nothing to fear. This time, these people belonged to the latter.
When he approached, a person near the fire thundered: “Who!”
At that moment, Yang Kai felt his muscles tighten and his spine shiver. The two people by the fire were vigilant. One was tall and the other was short.
One had a burly physique and held a bow with an arrow notched, pointing the arrow at Yang Kai. The other was a young boy, aged about eleven and his eyes were bright and held no trace of fear. In this boy’s hand was also a bow, and he also had notched an arrow back, but it was much smaller.
Although Yang Kai was faced with the two arrows, he didn’t have the slightest intention to retaliate. Walking around, he acted as if their threats were nothing big.
“Take it easy. I only entered the mountain to collect herbs.” Yang Kai quickly said.
After they heard this, the two people looked at each other. The larger male, slowly lowered his bow and arrow down. He then signalled for the boy to relax and laughed: “I had thought that the fire had attracted a wild beast, but it was just a false alarm.”
“Sorry, I’m sorry.” Yang Kai said slightly embarrassed and laughed.
Touching his forehead, the burly man waved towards Yang Kai: “Come, the nights are cold and surviving alone here will not be easy.”
When he heard this, Yang Kai walked up and sat next to the fire. Beside him, the burly man kept looking at Yang Kai and couldn’t but feel pity when he saw Yang Kai’s thin, bony body.
Now that they were sitting together it would be natural to talk to each other. From this chat, Yang Kai learnt that this father and son pair lived at the foot of the mountain, and came here to hunt and earn a living. Although they weren’t rich, it was enough to maintain adequate food and clothing. The boy, although he was young, was a veteran at hunting. And along with his father, they had come to Black Wind Mountains many times to hunt. Thus their knowledge of the mountain was far greater than Yang Kai’s.
Yang Kai also told them a bit about himself. After he told them that he was a High Heaven Pavilion Disciple, the burly man was taken aback. While the little boy became more interested in Yang Kai and kept on glancing at him with his glossy, black eyes.
The Han man exclaimed, “My son also wanted to train to become a practitioner, but his talent was not enough and he was refused. So, he practically worships you people.”
This statement made Yang Kai recall the past three years and his experiences. Not only did it move him deeply, it also made him softly rub the boy’s head with affection.
When he was about to speak, Yang Kai’s stomach interrupted with a loud *grrr*. The little boy stared blankly and suddenly laughing out loud, from his bag he took out some dry rations and gave it Yang Kai.
This once again made him very moved, but he didn’t accept. Yang Kai looked at the burly man and he smiled: “Eat it. It seems that you did not eat anything today.”
This time Yang Kai didn’t reject the offering and quickly wolfed down the rations.
After chatting some more the three then went to sleep around the fire. Though Yang Kai didn’t dare sleep too heavily, if any danger were to approach the father and son, he would be able to react. He also considered this to be returning the favour for giving him the rations previously.
Fortunately, the night passed peacefully and nothing happened.
When the morning arrived Yang Kai didn’t wait for the father and son to wake before quietly leaving. But before he left, he left two herbs behind as a thank you for last night.
If these two herbs were crumpled they had a healing effect. Since they were constantly in the mountains, these herbs were bound to be useful to the father and son pair.
With the eastern purple gas increasing in volume, Yang Kai trained the Tempered Body Record for half an hour. When he finished his practise, Yang Kai took in a large breath of the purple gas causing his meridians to suddenly shake. A warm feeling then began surging through his body, with the energy in his meridians swirling endlessly
The Tempered Body Fifth Stage! His intuition was correct, he indeed broke through today. After practising for half an hour he really broke through to the next stage!
Yang Kai was extremely happy, and felt immense gratitude towards the Golden Skeleton within his body.
Although it had not been very long since he obtained the proud Golden Skeleton, he had broken through twice thanks to it and the Tempered Body Record. This speed was simply unmatched. And this was practising under quite a number of restrictions. If he could practise all the time, what speed would he reach then?
This thought left Yang Kai somewhat speechless. Though after all, the Tempered Body was only the foundation to becoming a true warrior. Training the early stages were easier, the higher the realms, the greater the difficulty to train in.
After a quick rest Yang Kai continued to search for herbs.
Today he had yet again gained quite a harvest. He had collected more than a dozen herbs and caught a plump rabbit, solving his food problems.
This was already the third day of his mountain journey and he had reached the end of the ten mile safety zone. Any further and Yang Kai dared not to enter inside, for with his current strength his only option was to become food for the beasts within.
Although he did not go too deep, his harvest was still quite good. He had collected more than twenty different types of herbs, and counting the previous two days he had forty different types making his journey here very fruitful. Unfortunately, the two main herbs that he needed were very small in quantity.
To find forty different types of herbs in three days was no small harvest. Even if they were all ordinary grade, lower rank herbs, he was still able to exchange them for a fair amount of contribution points. But this greatly reduced his training time, doing more harm than good.
It was now the afternoon and Yang Kai had started to walk towards the track that would lead him back to High Heaven Pavilion.
Yang Kai was only given three days of leave, so he had to return before tomorrow morning, otherwise there would be harsh punishment awaiting him.
Yang Kai felt that he had plenty of time, and was certain that he could return before dark. After all, he was only 50 kilometres away, not a long distance.
Average walking speed is 5Km/H – which means it will take a NORMAL PERSON 10Hrs to walk that distance!)
In his heart he held great anticipation with regard to the black book’s third page. Thinking about the results it would bring for him, made him delighted causing his steps to contain a bounce.
Halfway through his journey back, Yang Kai heard an unexpected, piercing cry not too far from his position, which was mixed with the cries from a child.
When he heard this, he stopped moving and strained his ears. Soon after, his face changed and Yang Kai swiftly ran towards the direction of the sound.
When he was listening to the sound, he recognised it as the sounds of the father and son pair from the night before. And that child’s crying sound was from the little boy.
Those two probably had encountered some sort of trouble, or why would they make such a ruckus. Last night they had given Yang Kai some of their rations, and even if were for their past kindness, how could he just ignore their trouble?
As he ran towards them, the father’s roaring became increasingly desperate and the boy’s voice grew softer and softer.
Yang Kai’s face gradually hardened as an ominous feeling arose from within him.
By the time Yang Kai arrived, the father’s roar could no longer be heard, and he only saw a dark cave in a high hill. To the side of the cave in the midst of some bushes, tangled between some spider webs was a silver bow. This bow the same one the little boy had been holding the previous night.
Without thinking, Yang Kai threw these possessions onto the ground, heightened his senses and plunged straight into that dark and sinister cave.
Although the light inside the cave was not bright, it was still enough to see.
When he looked around, Yang Kai was shocked to discover that the cave was covered in webs. On the walls and the ground, they crisscrossed each other and varied in thicknesses. Layer upon layer, the road ahead was blocked by the multitude of webs.
Not only that, the cave was damp. The water dripped down at a steady pace, and when Yang Kai took a step forward, his foot sank into the ground.
Steeling his nerves, Yang Kai walked to the sound of deep breathing. Only he saw a large human sized cocoon spun from a spider’s thread in a chrysalis-like state. At the top, it revealed a human face, which belonged to the burly man from the night before.
Worriedly, Yang Kai dashed over to the trapped hunter, his worry eased upon discovering that he was only unconscious.
Hearing Yang Kai calling to him, the hunter groggily awoke and called out feebly, “Save the child! He was dragged further inside. I beg of you! Please… save my child!”
“Got dragged inside?” This shocked Yang Kai, as he struggled to free the hunter from the web. Sadly the web was too strong for his current strength, being unable to break it he could only temporarily give up. Diving into the hole, he chased after the little boy.
From behind the hunter warned: “Be careful! That is a Demonic Spider Beast!”
When he heard the words, Demonic Spider Beast, Yang Kai’s heart thumped loudly. These Demonic Beasts were not like ordinary wild animals; they loved to slaughter. They were true ferocious beasts and Yang Kai was not a match for even the lowest among them with his current strength.
In the Black Wind Mountains, the reason why the first thirty miles were deemed a safe zone was precisely because there were no ferocious beasts. Unfortunately, it seemed one had appeared here. This was completely out of anyone’s expectations.
Now that he knew it was a ferocious beast, Yang Kai movements became more cautious and faint. Slowly, he groped his way through the tunnel and after about ten feet, he spotted the little boy.
The son was in a similar situation to his father, wrapped up in a cocoon which was suspended in mid-air by a larger spider web.
At the side of the little boy, there was an enormously, large Flower Patterned Spider sucking on a straw. The straw was inserted in the little boy’s arm, and you could clearly see the dark red blood streaming out from the straw and into the spider’s mouth.
On the ground of this hillside cave, were various bones of all different types of beasts piled up like mountains. One could only imagine the amount of time the Demonic Spider Beast had spent living here and the number of poor souls, humans and animals alike, that had fallen prey to it.
Yang Kai had no time to spare to think about this spider’s capabilities and form an appropriate plan. Every second he delayed, increased the chances of this little boy ascending straight to heaven. After a moments silence, he suddenly charged forward.
The enormously, large, Flower Patterned Spider did not expect to be disturbed at that moment. Shortly after Yang Kai charged forward, a large amount of force was applied to the side of the Demonic Spider, and a large hole was torn in the web. The Flower Patterned Spider fell alongside Yang Kai. The little boy also fell through the hole and onto the ground.
Being attacked so abruptly; caused the Flower Patterned Spider to turn furious. Its eight long, hairy legs stamped the ground, and all of its eyes focused on Yang Kai.
Before he even had to time to get up, he was pinned down by a single pounce from the Flower Patterned Spider.
Yang Kai snarled, a steel fist flew out and landed squarely on the throat of the spider. This momentarily stunned it; Yang Kai took the opportunity to kick the spider, sending it flying away.
With a single roll, Yang Kai got to his feet and crouched down, his eyes fully focused on the movements of that Flower Patterned Spider.
After that small confrontation, Yang Kai’s furiously beating heart had calmed slightly. For that Demonic Beast’s rank was not that high, otherwise he would even be able to struggle against it. It’s most likely just only a First Realm Demonic Beast.
However even if it was only a first realm Demonic Beast, given Yang Kai’s current strength it was still a difficult opponent.
As both sides were sizing up their opponents, the Flower Patterned Spider started to show signs of impatience, and it wasn’t just him Yang Kai began to exhibit them as well. It seemed that the little boy had lost too much blood, and was showing signs of poisoning. If the current situation could not be resolved quickly, then there would be no time to save him.
Suddenly, the Flower Patterned Spider opened its mouth to spit out a long, gem-silk thread. It spat the thread towards Yang Kai, signalling the start of its attack.
Previously, Yang Kai had learnt about this thread’s durability, so naturally he was wary to not be trapped by it. At once, he rolled to the side and narrowly dodged the attack.
The spider didn’t show much reaction to his dodge and continued to spit out other thread pieces. By the time Yang Kai noticed the spider wasn’t aiming at him it was already too late, the entire cave had been covered by in a web of these threads, sealing off his exits and trapping him inside.
“Are you forcing me to fight to the death?” Yang Kai laughed at that thought, any fear he had previously harboured was quickly expelled by the arrogance seeping out from his bones, pumping adrenaline through his body.
With the current situation, if he didn’t kill the spider, he would not be able to leave. Since it had come to that, he could only fight to the bitter end; either you die or I die.
With time ticking, Yang Kai could not afford to delay. Firmly planting both feet on the ground, he sprinted towards the Flower Patterned Spider. Out flew another strand of thread; fortunately, Yang Kai was on guard, so how could he not avoid it?
After dodging three of these threads in succession, he had finally closed the distance between them. But before he could throw out a punch, that Flower Patterned Spider raised its front two legs and drove them towards him.
Yang Kai could only lift up his arm to block, the spider’s forelimbs pierced through his arm.
Yang Kai roared out in pain, his blood boiled out. Not only was he not in a fearful panic, instead he had an indescribable feeling of excitement and anticipation in his heart. All of his bones clanking together caused a warm feeling passed through his entire body.
Throwing out a punch, Yang Kai’s fist whistled through the air and smashed into the eyes on the left-hand side of the Flower Patterned Spider’s head. The moment his fist hit, it pulverised two eyes.
The Flower Patterned Spider was horrified. Even with its limited intellectual capacity, it knew to fear that human, who now had blood dripping from his arm. When it went to retract its two legs that were lodged into Yang Kai’s arms, the spider found that the arm muscles had tightened around its forelimbs, causing the spider to be unable to pull them out.
Yang Kai’s second punch followed shortly after his first, pulverising another two eyes.
The Flower Patterned Spider screeched out in pain, incessantly trying to retreat, but its hind legs could only scratch the ground. In desperation, it lashed out at Yang Kai, leaving many shallow wounds on his arms. Although they weren’t deep, they still drew blood.
But, the pain only served to increase Yang Kai’s adrenaline, his whole body bubbled with overflowing strength. The corners of his mouth curved into a cold and merciless smile as his fists flew endlessly towards the spider’s forehead. Under the unceasing barrage of attacks, the Flower Patterned Spider’s forehead cracked open, and its bodily fluids oozed out.
A dismal whimper escaped from its mouth, the Flower Patterned Spider did not wish to sit and wait for its death. From its mouth, it spat out streams of its web, and at such close proximity, the web wrapped Yang Kai up.
However at that moment, the Flower Patterned Spider was in a horrible state; its head was disfigured so much that it had nearly burst. If it wasn’t a Demonic Beast, and had the tenacious vitality that is associated with it, it would have already died many times over.
Since this was the case, even though it had trapped him with its web, under Yang Kai’s relentless fists, it soon ceased all signs of struggling.
Yang Kai would have never imagined he could win a fight with a Demonic Beast. Furthermore, not only had he survived, he had also killed it.
Even though it was a First Realm Demonic Beast, it was still not something a cultivator at the Tempered Body Fifth Stage should be able to defeat. Although Yang Kai’s wounds weren’t considered light, he didn’t feel much pain from them; as if they nothing at all.
After certifying that the Flower Patterned Spider was truly dead, Yang Kai went to extract the leg that had pierced into his arm. When he pulled it out, a gush of warm blood followed.
Without even pausing to inspect his injuries, Yang Kai tore apart the spider web that was binding him and rushed to the little boy’s side; gently cradling his body he brought him out of the cave.
The little boy’s father had managed to finally escape from his web cocoon. And just as he was preparing to run further into the cave, he saw a blood-drenched Yang Kai carry out his son. He quickly inquired: “What happened to him?”
“He has lost too much blood and has also been poisoned.” Yang Kai replied.
After reaching the cave’s entrance, Yang Kai placed the little boy onto the ground and raced towards his fallen bag. Taking out some of the herbs inside, he began chewing on them. Without hesitation he called over the hunter: “Chew on these herbs to soften them, and then feed them to him.”
The hunter was already scared out of his wits, so when he heard Yang Kai’s orders, he didn’t hesitate. Swiftly, he placed the herbs into his mouth and began to chew them diligently.
In that moment, Yang Kai’s mind was all too clear; his understanding of each herb’s medicinal properties began to appear in his mind within his mind. Which herbs could detoxify, which herbs could help with healing, and which herbs could help staunch blood flow; the knowledge flowing through his mind was comparable to that of a veteran pharmacist.
After a short period of time, Yang Kai took out the herbs he had been chewing on and smeared them over the little boy’s arm. The hunter followed his actions and began to feed the chewed up herbs to his son.
Under the nervous gazes of the two people, colour gradually returned to the boy’s pale face and his breathing steadied.
The hunter could finally release the tension in his heart and fell on his buttocks. Crying out loudly he said, “Thank god nothing happened, Thank god nothing happened……..”
Yang Kai poured cold water on his new found hope: “Not yet, my herbs are only low levelled ones and can only alleviate his symptoms. You have to leave the mountain and find a doctor; otherwise, I’m afraid that the poison will become incurable. ”
The hunter could only listen to Yang Kai’s advice. Immediately he said: “Then I shall go take him to find a doctor now.”
“There’s no hurry.” said Yang Kai as he held out his hand to stop him. “Allow your son’s condition to stabilise first before moving him.”
“Yes… What you said is true.” With such a great catastrophe befalling on the hunter, he had long since lost his nerve. So whatever Yang Kai said, he would follow.
After replying, he remembered that his saviour was also injured. His injuries were not light, so he worriedly asked: “Saviour, do you not want to also treat your own wounds.”
Yang Kai replied: “No need.”
“But you have shed such a large amount of blood, how is that alright?” The Hunter looked at him in shock.
“I don’t know.” Standing up, Yang Kai jumped up and down vivaciously. “Even I don’t know, but I feel great.”
He not only felt great, but also excited. Yang Kai suspected all this was somehow related to his Golden Skeleton, but how could he explain it to a simple hunter? As he thought back to the recent fight, Yang Kai’s blood began to boil once again.
That was the very first time he had ever been in a life or death situation. But he had not experienced even the slightest amount of fear. Instead, he had only felt enjoyment at the feeling of blood splattering all around him; as though it was the most common occurrence.
“That’s right, please wait a bit and I will return soon.” As he picked up his bag, Yang Kai once again rushed into the cave.
The hunter thought he had gone to sort out the Demonic Beast’s corpse, but that was not it.
Although the Flower Patterned Spider was a Demonic Beast, its corpse didn’t hold any value; it was too low levelled.
Yang Kai’s goal was to pick up herbs growing inside the cave!
Before he had begun his battle with the Flower Patterned Spider, he had discovered a large amount of purple coloured flowers. Previously, he didn’t have the time to examine them, but now, once he got back to them, his spirits couldn’t help but rise.
If he didn’t see incorrectly, those purple coloured flowers were actually the Three Leaved Chaos Spirit Flowers that he desperately needed.
Three Leaved Chaos Spirit Flowers grew in dark and damp places with a lot of corpses; making this cave an ideal environment for them to grow in.
With his heart full of anticipation as he entered the cave, Yang Kai was so joyous that he nearly laughed.
Helping others will really reward you well. It seemed that this saying must be true! If he had not come to rescue the father and son pair, then he would never have found the herbs that he was looking for.
The vast expanse of purple flowers in front of him truly were the Three Leaved Chaos Spirit Flowers. Plus, there appeared to be a vast quantity of them; a quick count showed there were at least thirty to forty of these flowers. These small purple flowers, all bunched together, would make anyone who saw them feel delighted.
Without further ado, Yang Kai hurriedly took out his shovel and started to harvest these herbs.
While he busied himself, Yang Kai’s heart was more than contented. Just as he was preparing to leave the cave, Yang Kai discovered a red, mushroom like plant in the corner of the cave.
His curiosity piqued, Yang Kai walked towards it to carefully examine it. This thing was about the size of a bowl, dark red and was like a mushroom or fungus. Yang Kai didn’t recognise this thing, for it was not mentioned in the little book that Treasurer Meng had given him.
Could it be a priceless treasure? Rolling up his sleeves, Yang Kai went to pick the mushroom like plant. As for the matter of its identity, he could work it later; it didn’t take much space up in his bag anyway.
By the time Yang Kai exited the cave, his bag was filled to the brim.
“Let’s go, I will descend the mountain with you.” Yang Kai told the hunter, treating him like an equal.
“Many thanks saviour.” The hunter was moved to tears; for he knew that Yang Kai was worried they would encounter more danger on the journey out. That’s why he was following them.
“We just happen to be travelling the same path, no need to thank me.” Yang Kai replied humbly, and the three of them quickly descended the mountain.
By evening, they had already arrived back into town, and in the dark, they searched for the doctor’s home.
Even after settling the little boy, Yang Kai wasn’t in a rush to leave. After all, that night, the little boy had given him some of his rations. So, he had to stay until the boy opened his eyes; only after that, would his heart be at peace.
Inside, the hunter was paced around restlessly, worried about his boy. Before long, the doctor shooed him out — saying he was too noisy.
“Doctor Chu said it is fortunate we did some emergency treatment. Otherwise, my son would have truly lost his life. Saviour, your mercy and kindness I will be forever unable to repay. Even if I worked hard my entire life, I will be unable to repay you.”
As soon as he finished speaking, the hunter knelt down in front of Yang Kai.
Yang Kai did not help him up but smiled and said: “Big brother Zhang, men only kneel before gold. With you kneeling, you have harmed our good relationship; you do not need to kneel to me in the future. I also ate some of your child’s rations, if you are talking about owing, then I owe you too.”
After finishing his sentence, he went to help Hunter Zhang up.
Hunter Zhang was moved to tears: “Saviour, you truly are a good person!”
As they were speaking, the doctor walked outside and said to Hunter Zhang: “It is no longer dangerous, so you need not worry. But because he has lost a large amount of blood, he will be asleep for a while longer but once he wakes up, he’ll be fine.”
When they heard those words, Yang Kai and Hunter Zhang both let out sighs of relief.
Once he relaxed, Yang Kai felt a wave of exhaustion flow through his body. Today had been far too exciting; he had also received many wounds and lost tons of blood. Even with his previous energy, his body had still received damage, so when he relaxed himself, he fell asleep until the sun rose.
Early in the morning, at High Heaven Pavilion, many of the disciples woke up early, with high spirits. Together they gathered in a certain region, waiting in anticipation. Thirsty eyes, craned necks, and an unruly state of mind; these things were consistent throughout the crowd. Together they surrounded the house like a housewife who had waited many years for her husband to return home. Exemplifying their devotion and expectation.
With the passing of time, the number of people who gathered here gradually increased. It was like they were telepathically connected, everybody turned their heads at the same time to look at one place.
That place was the path that leads to the residence of Yang Kai – a small little hut.
Today was the day when they could once again challenge Yang Kai! This was equivalent to a free contribution point box, how could these Disciples give up this golden opportunity? Some people pitied Yang Kai’s predicament, for every five days he was challenged and beaten to a pulp. This was really a bit too brutal.
However, sympathy alone could not help Yang Kai. Even if they did not challenge him, many others would gladly take their place. In the end, he will still be beaten to a pulp, so they might as well do it themselves, at least they could take it easy on him. When they thought about it like that, they all came to try their luck.
[En, if he chose me, I will definitely hit lightly, so he will not be injured too badly.] Many people were making excuses like this in their hearts.Typically Yang Kai was already awake and had begun to sweep the area by this time, but it was really strange today. Even after waiting quite a while, they still had not seen Yang Kai. Even when they tiptoed over to look around, they could not find him.
“What’s with Yang Kai? Did he oversleep? Why hasn’t he come out yet?”
“I don’t know, thinking about it, has anyone has seen him in these past few days?”
“Could it be that he has already left High Heaven Pavilion?”
“Impossible, it’s not like you don’t know about Yang Kai’s stubbornness. Even if you killed him, he would not leave. If he really wanted to leave, he would have left a couple months ago, when he was made into a Trial Disciple. Why would he wait such a long time just to leave in the end anyway?”
Surprisingly with all the discussion going on, no one knew that a few days prior, Yang Kai had asked for leave to enter the Black Wind Mountains and had yet to return. Though this was no surprise, for during normal days, Yang Kai did not interact much with others, and so naturally no one knew of his whereabouts.
While this group were making a ruckus, a person had started to walk towards this crowd. His face was flawless like jade, and his body also like jade, he really was a handsome youth. But no one knew why at that moment, this youth’s expression was very gloomy. As he walked, he was gnashing his teeth and cursing someone.
Following behind this youth, were a large number of High Heaven Pavilion Disciples. Surrounding him, they made him seem to be the centre of attention.
While the youth was surrounded he showed a very unpleasant face. He said in doubt: “Why is it? Why are there so many people here?”
In response to his request someone hurriedly came up to him and informed him in a lowered voice: “Master Su, today is the day we can challenge Yang Kai. So many Fellow Disciples have gathered here today to collect some contribution points.”
The youth that was called Master Su furrowed his eyebrows before laughing heartedly. “Looks like our Fellow Brother Yang is in an abyss of suffering.”
His words were fill with delight at Yang Kai’s misfortune.
“En. Basically, he is challenged every five days. Not only that, he will not admit defeat unless he can no longer stand properly.” The person who had spoken earlier further explained.
Master Su laughed again: “En, this young master feels that the resentment in his heart has decreased greatly. But this is not enough; I must make him leave High Heaven Pavilion. For as long as he is not a High Heaven Pavilion Disciple I can do whatever I please with him and no one can say a word.”
“Master Su is right. That brat dared to tarnish your good name; he really cannot differentiate between a noble and a horse. He doesn’t even bother to inquire as to Master Su’s identity. He is too arrogant!”
This ass-kissing made Master Su feel much better, causing him to repeatedly nod his head.
Master Su, whose reputation Yang Kai had tarnished, was exactly the same Su Mu he had met in Black Plum Village. It was the same Su Mu, along with the two Han men, upon whom Yang Kai had enforced justice. Because of this, Su Mu had flown into a rage, enquiring around High Heaven Pavilion on the identity of Yang Kai.
In the end, he had found out about the ins and outs about Yang Kai in less than a day. After all, he did have his own network of connections and channels. But under the iron rule of the Main Gate, he could not easily move his hand and had waited until this day to bring a bunch of people over to cause trouble for Yang Kai. Unfortunately he didn’t expect that so many other people would also come for Yang Kai.
This made Su Mu somewhat displeased, waving his hand, he said: “Make them leave. Tell that today, Yang Kai will only be mine today.”
This statement made Yang Kai sound like some sort of young girl, or like an available prostitute, ready to be brought.
The person next to him promptly walked into the crowd, cupped his hands and said: “Fellow Brothers and Sisters, today’s battle with Yang Kai, Master Su has already reserved it. So I ask my Fellow Brothers and Sisters to please line up at the door and watch. I am sorry any inconvenience.”
This announcement took many by surprise. They all turned to Su Mu in confusion and asked: “Why should we? Every time, Yang Kai would use his broom to choose the opponent, so for what reason should we allow you to fight him? Even if he did not choose, shouldn’t it be first come, first served?”
After that was said, someone pulled at the speaker and whispered to them: “That is Su Mu. Do you know who Su Mu is?”
“Who?” This person had just been accepted into the Sect, so he really didn’t know who Su Mu was.
“Idiot! There is an Elder who is surnamed Su, there is also a Core Disciple within the top ten surnamed Su. Why don’t you say who he is?” That person spoke.
Although the one listening didn’t nod his head in understanding, he still understood the meaning behind those words. He had been temporarily stunned by the information. When he heard that Su Mu had such powerful people backing him, how could he dare make another sound?
“Winning against Yang Kai will not even earn me many contribution points, so it’s best not to offend him.”
“Yes, yes, yes.” The person replied while cold sweat dripped down his back.
Su Mu was very satisfied with the reaction to his demand, but witnessing this made him snort softly in disdain.
Although today’s battle with Yang Kai had been secured by Su Mu, the crowd had yet to disperse. They didn’t know what Yang Kai had done to offend Su Mu, so of course, they wanted to stay behind and watch the show.
After waiting for some time, Yang Kai still hadn’t appeared. Su Mu impatiently asked: “Where is he?”
“I don’t know. Usually, he is already out sweeping the grounds by this time. So, I don’t why he has yet to come out. Master Su, should we check his hut?”
After thinking for a bit, Su Mu nodded and replied: “That’s a good idea. He is just a small and insignificant sweeper, yet he dares to make this Master Su painstakingly wait for him. I will make him pay for this!”
The location of Yang Kai’s residence was no secret, so the people around Su Mu swiftly lead the way.
The ones who had stayed behind to watch the show also followed, creating a grand procession of Disciples.
A short while later, the procession of people had arrived at Yang Kai’s small hut. When they saw the pitiful and wretched state of his hut, with holes littering the hut walls, they were not surprised. For no apparent reason, Su Mu lifted his hand pointed at the hut: “That brat lives here?”
“Yang Kai is a Trial Disciple, he all his own clothing, food, housing and training materials needs to be provided by himself. The Main Gate will definitely not provide them for him. This hut was probably built by his own hands.”
“Good, good, good.” Su Mu laughed happily. Thinking about how drenched Yang Kai would become on rainy days elevated his spirits.
Sighing, Su Mu controlled his smile and strode confidently, like a dragon or a proud like tiger, forward. With a loud voice, taking care to clearly articulate each word he called out: “Yang Kai! Get your arse out for this Master Su and prepare to receive a nice beating!”
That loud shout was powerful, like a storm and yet unlike a storm it was not detached and uncaring it was filled with utter hatred. The hatred and bloodthirsty desire, made everyone present shiver in their shoes. This clearly displayed the level hatred between Yang Kai and Su Mu to the crowd; evidently it was not a small grudge.
Su Mu stood there, exuding a majestic presence. At this moment, it appeared that not even the eight winds could move him. After he finished shouting, he waited expectantly outside the door for Yang Kai to coming running out, while pissing his pants, and crying to beg for mercy. The more he thought about it, the more arrogant be became.
But no matter how long he waited, there was not even a hint of movement within the hut.
Su Mu’s face was now full of rage, snarling he called out again: “Yang Kai, be a smart guy and get your arse out here. Otherwise, we will come inside and drag you out.”
Yet, there was still no reply.
Su Mu now felt there was something odd, for if Yang Kai was really inside, there should be at least sounds of him breathing. Could it be that he was not inside?
Su Mu signalled one the people around him exaggeratedly. That person promptly sprang forward, forcefully kicked down the wooden door and rushed into the small hut.
Not long after they had entered, that person ran out again and reported to Su Mu: “Master Su, there is no one inside. There is also a small accumulation of dust. Looks like this trash knew that calamity was approaching and had already fled.”
“Fled?” Su Mu nearly vomited blood in anger. He had racked his brains, scheming for many days all in preparation for this day, the day he would get to exact his revenge and make up for the shame he suffered at the hands of Yang Kai. He had even brought this many Disciples to come and watch the show, yet that Yang Kai had unexpectedly fled?
This was like a powerful punch had been let out, but landed on a piece of cotton. It made Su Mu feel gloomy and depressed.
“Speaking about it, for these past few days, we haven’t seen even a strand of hair from Yang Kai.”
“A wise man will submit to the circumstances. Since Yang Kai had offended Su Mu, he probably knew that all hell would break loose; forcing him to leave the Main Gate.”
“No wonder even after waiting such a long time, he had yet to appear.”
“Ah! Now that Yang Kai has left, we will no longer be able to obtain easy contribution points.”
The crowd muttered softly, none of their mutterings escaped Su Mu’s ears.
Although he was pleased by the respect they were showing him, he hadn’t been able to extract his revenge. Thus, Su Mu heart was still unsatisfied.
After thinking for a while, with a gloomy face, Su Mu could only accept the fact he would not get to extract his revenge on Yang Kai today. In a fit of rage he said: “That trash really got lucky, however my anger will not dissipate. Burn down this pitiful hut.”
This demand alarmed everybody present, even the people Su Mu had brought with him were stunned. One asked: “Master Su, is it a good idea to start a fire inside the school?”
“What are you afraid of?” Su Mu eyed him: “Even if the sky falls down, I will be there to catch it. Furthermore, it isn’t even important to the school. So what if it is destroyed, it wouldn’t be much of a loss. Also, leaving this ragged hut standing will harm this younger master’s eyes.”
Hearing him speak dispelled the concerns within their hearts. With the Master Su as backing them, burning this hut was nothing.
Before they lit the fire, some went to look for dry grass to use as kindling.
After a while, everything was prepared. Grinning, Su Mu lit a torch, its flames distorted his face greatly making him appear evil?.
“Yang Kai, I warn you never to let me see your face in the future. Otherwise, I will not let you live or die!” Su Mu said while grinding his teeth. Just as he was preparing to throw the torch into the hut, a person to his side tapped his shoulder and whilst releasing a bloodthirsty aura enquired of him: “What is this for?”
Su Mu didn’t even need to think before replying: “Burning a house.”
“Why are you burning my house?” That person’s voice carried a hint of anger.
“Your house?” Su Mu curled his lip ferociously and turned his head. As soon as he saw the speaker, he immediately jumped to the side like a frightened rabbit seeing a wolf. Then with an exaggerated movement, he assumed a defensive posture. His face was filled with alarm and the hairs on the back of his neck all rose.
It was because the appearance of the person who had spoken was too frightening. Not only were his clothes all tattered, his hair was messed up, with plants sticking out all over the place and dirty beyond compare. His body also displayed numerous bloody marks, his clothes were bloodstained and a bulging bag was tied around his back. God only knew what was in there.
A gentle breeze blew past, causing his tattered pants to flap revealing a strong and sturdy leg covered in leg hair.
The wind carried with it the stench from Yang Kai’s dirty filled body, which Su Mu was unable to stomach that smell. That appearance, coupled with the blood and smell made Su Mu want to vomit up his three meals.
That posture, that manner, was strangely familiar.
If he were to hold a broken bowl in one hand, then he would look exactly like a beggar.
But…….why did he feel that this horrifying person looked familiar?
Su Mu looked more closely, becoming more and more confused. After he thought for a while he cried out: “Yang Kai!”
If it’s not Yang Kai, then who could it be? Even though his body shape had changed and his face was covered in filth, how could Su Mu, who hated Yang Kai deep down in his bones, not recognise him? If he could he not recognise him then who could?
Yang Kai also recognised Su Mu. Grinning widely, he revealed a set of ivory white teeth. “If it isn’t Fellow Brother Su who brazenly tried to frame others in Black Plum Village?”
The voice that said so was full of ridicule, turning Su Mu’s white face a deep red. Stamping his foot Su Mu retorted: “Yang Kai, you did not choose to walk the path to heaven but chose to walk through hell’s gates! You are destined to die today!”
“You want to find issue with me?” With his brow creasing, Yang Kai asked.
“Nonsense!” Su Mu cried proudly. “You thought I came to see you?”
“If you have something to settle with me, come and find me. Why do you need to burn down my house?” Yang Kai questioned.
Su Mu promptly threw the touch away and rushed to step on it; like he was stamping on Yang Kai directly. Venting on the torch, after a while, the torch was finally stamped out.
This moment of pause allowed the people present to understand what was happening. They finally realised that Yang Kai had not run away from fear of Su Mu, but rather that he had only left to complete some business.
But what business did he have to complete which had caused his appearance to become so appalling? Such bloodiness, isn’t it a bit too much? Also, the tears in his clothes were obviously made by some sort of sharp weapon. Who did he go and fight with? And was it a life and death fight?