Translator: Cinder Translations
The relationship between Ji Yin and the Tian Sha Gang was delicate.
On the one hand, both sides were wary of each other, fearing treachery.
On the other hand, both sides needed each other's strengths.
Ji Yin needed the Tian Sha Gang to procure various spiritual herbs and capture young people who were literate.
The Tian Sha Gang, in turn, used Ji Yin's reputation as an immortal to intimidate powerful martial artists and officials of the Qian Kingdom, preventing them from easily attacking the Tian Sha Gang.
Tang Liang, in pursuit of immortality, had once eavesdropped on Ji Yin's morning lectures, but all he got were bits and pieces without understanding the essence.
The young people who failed to successfully cultivate were all executed under Ji Yin's surveillance. Tang Liang's idea of obtaining cultivation techniques from these young people ended in disappointment.
Tang Liang's expression was grim, his eyes full of unwillingness.
"Who among mortals doesn't want to become an immortal? But the fate of immortality is not easily obtained."
Guo Hang sighed, "Even heroes like the Young Acting Master cannot come into contact with the fate of immortality. Someone like me, a mere gang member, has even less hope. However, even a roadside beggar can obtain the fate of immortality, while the Young Acting Master cannot. This fate of immortality is truly unfathomable."
Tang Liang furrowed his brow, "What beggar?"
Guo Hang replied, "Young Acting Master, don't you know? Elder Ji Yin took on a personal disciple who used to be a beggar."
At these words, Tang Liang looked disdainful, "I thought maybe some beggar had good luck and stumbled upon immortal techniques. Elder Ji Yin's personal disciples are more than one, and the final outcome... heh."
Guo Hang continued, "But this time it's different. Elder Ji Yin should have truly taken in a disciple. This person can freely enter and leave the Tian Sha Gang. Elder Ji Yin's previous disciples couldn't even leave his courtyard."
Tang Liang raised an eyebrow, "Is this true?"
Guo Hang affirmed, "I wouldn't dare deceive the Young Acting Master. That person is called Song Wen, and he's also associated with the Tian Sha Gang. The Young Acting Master will find out with a simple investigation. I just met him."
"Let's go! Lead me to find that person."
Tang Liang was intrigued. He didn't dare confront Ji Yin directly, but surely he could handle a young man in his teens?
Guo Hang's expression froze for a moment, then he quickly grabbed Tang Liang, who had already taken a few steps.
"Young Acting Master, what are you planning?"
"Of course, to find that person and obtain the cultivation techniques," Tang Liang said as a matter of course.
"Young Acting Master, this must not be rash. What if Song Wen doesn't cooperate and refuses to hand over the techniques?"
Guo Hang's objective was not to let Tang Liang obtain cultivation techniques but to completely eliminate Song Wen as a threat.
If Song Wen did hand over the cultivation techniques to Tang Liang, Guo Hang's efforts would have been in vain.
Tang Liang's eyes narrowed, "He dares not to give them!"
Guo Hang continued, "Even if he hands over the cultivation techniques, after returning to the gang, he will report it to Elder Ji Yin. How will the Young Acting Master deal with that?"
Tang Liang pondered for a moment, "You make some sense. I didn't see it before. You, Guo Hang, do have some brains. So, what should we do?"
Guo Hang lowered his voice and said softly, "Naturally, we should secretly arrest him, extract the cultivation techniques, and then quietly dispose of him. This way, no one will know, and there won't be any suspicion. Before taking action, we need to assess Song Wen's strength."
After a moment of contemplation, Tang Liang nodded, "If this plan succeeds, you'll stay by my side in the future. Your brain is quite useful."
"Thank you for the Young Acting Master's appreciation."
Guo Hang's eyes were shining with excitement. It was truly killing two birds with one stone—dealing with the threat of Song Wen and gaining the Young Acting Master's favor.
Unaware of all this, after leaving the small stall, Song Wen returned to Ji Yin's small courtyard.
Upon returning to his residence, Song Wen began to meditate and cultivate.
Now that he had a way to deal with Ji Yin, he naturally needed to intensify his cultivation. The stronger he became, the better he could handle risks.
Four days passed in a flash.
During these days, besides daily cultivation and tending to spiritual herbs, Song Wen didn't go out.
Calculating the time, Song Wen knew that today was the day he should take the antidote.
Early in the morning, he came to the second floor. After knocking lightly on the door a few times, Ji Yin's voice came from inside before he could speak.
Song Wen could only wait quietly at the door. After a quarter of an hour, Ji Yin finally opened the door.
Glancing at Song Wen as if knowing his purpose, Ji Yin handed over a porcelain bottle.
"This is the antidote for this time."
Finishing his words, Ji Yin went downstairs.
"Thank you, Master, for the medicine." Song Wen looked respectfully at Ji Yin's departing figure.
He had a feeling that Ji Yin's mood today was somewhat off, as if he had encountered some unpleasant situation.
What Song Wen didn't know was that, until today, none of the new disciples had successfully drawn Qi.
Song Wen took the porcelain bottle back to his room.
He uncorked the bottle, revealing a dark red pill inside. After a brief moment of contemplation, Song Wen tilted his head back and swallowed the pill.
Originally, he had planned to take the antidote later to test whether it could resist the toxicity and enhance his blood and mystical energy.
However, upon careful consideration, he decided against it. There was no need to risk his life for an experiment.
If the toxicity were to suddenly erupt violently, it could take his life instantly, and regret would come too late.
After taking the antidote, he felt nothing unusual, just like swallowing an ordinary pill.
Nevertheless, Song Wen felt a slight sense of relief. At least for the next seven days, he didn't need to worry about the "Seven Days Heartbreaking Pill."
At the hour of You (5-7 PM),
After several days of hard cultivation, Song Wen decided to take a stroll outside and have dinner along the way.
"Song Wen, where are you going?"
As soon as he stepped out of the door, he heard Ji Yin's voice coming from the first floor.
Song Wen looked up and saw Ji Yin standing in the corridor on the first floor.
"Reporting to Master, I'm going out for a walk."
Ji Yin nodded, "Return early. The night in Yancheng is not peaceful. You've just begun your cultivation, your spiritual power is weak, and you don't know any spells. You won't be a match for slightly stronger martial artists."
"Thank you for your concern, Master."
With that, Song Wen walked out.
Regarding Ji Yin's sudden concern, Song Wen understood clearly that it was merely out of concern for the loss of a promising medicine slave, not genuine concern for his life.
However, Ji Yin's words made sense. The danger in Yancheng at night indeed increased exponentially.
Song Wen found a decent restaurant not far from the Tian Sha Gang.
After a short while sitting down, the waiter brought out excellent food.
After eating and drinking his fill, as Song Wen stepped out of the restaurant, he saw Guo Hang approaching him.
"Songzi, didn't expect to meet you here again today."
Note: 'zi' with names is used as an honorific for scholars.
Seeing Guo Hang coming towards him, Song Wen looked at him with some doubt.
Last time they met, Guo Hang was clearly avoiding him. Why was he so enthusiastic today?
Moreover, Guo Hang's appearance seemed a bit too coincidental.
Without changing his expression, Song Wen smiled and said, "Guo Ye, it's indeed a coincidence. Have you had dinner? If not, let me treat you."
Guo Hang replied, "How can I let Songzi pay? Come, I invite Songzi to listen to the music in the Pavilion."
Song Wen intended to find a secluded place and dispose of Guo Hang, but Guo Hang unexpectedly came to him. Song Wen felt suspicious.
Initially, when they first met, Song Wen was betrayed by Guo Hang. He dared not underestimate Guo Hang, who seemed like just a small local thug.
He always felt that Guo Hang was up to something today. Upon further reflection, Song Wen realized.
Today, Guo Hang came alone. Previously, he was always accompanied by two big men, but they were nowhere to be seen today.
"Why didn't I see your two men today?"
Guo Hang's face showed a trace of panic, "They... they had something to do today and didn't come with me."
He came today alone to lure and capture Song Wen. Knowing that fewer people involved would be better for this, he naturally wouldn't bring his two useless subordinates.
Seeing Guo Hang's unnatural expression, Song Wen immediately made a decision.
"Thank you for the invitation, Guo Ye, but Master instructed me to return before dark when going out. I must disappoint your kindness."
Song Wen bowed slightly to Guo Hang, walked out of the restaurant gate, and headed towards the Tian Sha Gang.
Watching Song Wen's departing figure, Guo Hang's expression first showed some disappointment, then turned sinister.
Although it wasn't completely dark yet, the sun had already set early, and the sky was dim. There were few people on the road, only scattered individuals.
Forcing action was still feasible.
He raised his right hand, making a throat-slitting gesture.
Song Wen walked along the main road, heading several dozen zhang ahead. In front of him on the right, there was a fork leading into a dim narrow alley.
Without any hesitation, Song Wen continued forward.
As he approached the fork, suddenly three figures in black rushed out from the alley.
The three figures were dressed in black armor with their heads covered and only their eyes exposed.
The closest one to Song Wen raised his hand and grabbed towards him. When Song Wen realized there were thugs nearby, and they were only two feet away.