Using his lightness skill, Han Changsheng ran outside the villa, catching sight of Wan Shishan.
The day before, Han Changsheng gave him a heavy blow. Although he didn’t want to kill the man, he was being difficult. Still weak, Wan Shishan needed someone to help him stand.
Frowning, Han Changsheng said, “Are you the one who called me out?”
The note tied to the arrowhead didn’t include a signature, only instructions to meet someone at the East pond outside the villa. The Tianning Cult didn’t write it, but it seemed Wan Shishan did.
Cupping his hand, Wan Shishan called back, “Hero, I asked for the hero to come here for a talk.”
Han Changsheng’s brow creased. Looking him up and down, he asked, “Why are you looking for me?”
“I want to make a deal with the hero.”
Han Changsheng’s eyebrows rose. “A deal?”
What stupid idea had the guy come up with?
Wan Shishan stared at him, then cupped his hand in submission again. “Hero Han.”
His eyes wide, Han Changsheng stared up at him. How did he know his last name was Han? Also, he wasn’t wearing his own face at all!
Seeing the surprise written across Han Changsheng’s face, Wan Shishan spoke with more confidence, “I have seen the mole on Han Hero’s hand.”
He touched the hand he was injured by a few days earlier.
“This is the second time this Han Hero defeated me.”
Deep in thought, Han Changsheng felt his right hand. There was a mole on the web between the thumb and forefinger of his right hand. Normally, if he was in disguise, he would cover it. But, since this disguise was only for An Yuan, it didn’t matter if the other features on his body weren’t hidden. Did Wan Shishan say the second time? Had he traded blows with this big blockhead before?
Seeing that Han Changsheng was at a loss, Wan Shishan added, “At the Tiandao prefecture.”
Han Changsheng slowly blinked slowly. Wan Shishan meant had to be the last time he visited, fifteen years ago. That was when his old master took him to the Tiandao prefecture. When they first arrived at the prefecture, no one knew their identities. The old master carried a five-year-old Han Changsheng the entire way, with a wooden sword in his hand. Then, they colluded with a large man who wasn’t watching where he was going.
The road was very wide, but the big man stood in the center and refused to move aside. He even asked the old master carrying a child to make way for him. Although Han Changsheng was only five years old, he’d begun his martial arts practice at the age of three. He was a prodigy who already knew where a human’s weak points were.
When the large man saw the old man had ignored and disregarded him, he got really angry. Holding up a fist, he declared, “One fist from Laozi…”
Before he could finish, his expression changed and he clutched his chest, collapsing to the ground.
Little Han Changsheng had stabbed his wooden sword to Wen Shishan’s Tanzhong acupoint. Though the child wasn’t very strong, to land a hit at the acupoint was a terrible thing. The large man was in a cold sweat on the spot, unable to speak.
The child looked up and said, “You dared to block my Tianning Cult’s path. You must be eager to die!” His face twisted in a dark but charming way.
The people watching the lively scene were shocked to see a five-year-old child beating a big man into speechlessness with a single move. When they heard it was the Tianning, fear flickered through them and they scattered like birds. The doors and windows around the street were tightly closed, no one dared to go out again.
Because of this, the news of the Tianning Cult spotted at the Tiandao prefecture traveled far and wide. Later, it grew more and more sinister and twisted. The rumors said that the cult brought out a child born from the devil itself. They said the child had peerless martial arts skills that he used to beat down a line of strong men with a wave of his hand, putting people in the Tiandao prefecture on high alert.
Han Changsheng couldn’t remember the details Wan Shishan mentioned, but he still had the impression that he beat such a big man. In surprise, he shouted, “So that was you!”
“It was me,” Wan Shishan said, “I heard the young villa leader Huangfu and his master Yue Peng came to the Tiandao mansion. I met Yue Peng fifteen years ago, when the hero was so young. I don’t know why you’re worthy of being Huangfu’s master and him your apprentice, but I also know that you are not Yue Peng. I was just a little surprised to see the mole on your hand. When you hit me, I knew you were the one who hit me back then.”
Han Changsheng frowned. Fifteen years ago, after the Tianyuan Villa was defeated, Yue Peng came to the Tiandao prefecture to pick up An Yuan. That was when Wan Shishan saw him. The people there regarded him as Yue Peng, and he was too lazy to correct them, but Wan Shishan saw right through him.
“What kind of deal do you want to make?”
“I admire the hero’s martial arts,” Wan Shishan said, “And I want to idolize you as the leader of my Evil Wind Gang.”
Han Changsheng looked as if he swallowed a fly.
Are you kidding, leader of the Evil Wind Gang? Was it possible the stupid man wanted to hoist on him the poor state of the Tiandao prefecture?
Hurriedly, Wan Shishan added, “I know the hero doesn’t care about the Evil Wind Gang and doesn’t want to stay. However, my Evil Wind Gang has some prestige in the western regions. Hundreds of my brothers are willing to battle under your name.”
“We have thousands of pounds of silver and several boxes of gold in the stronghold. If the hero needs it, he can take it whenever he needs! The so-called strong dragon cannot repress the snake. The hero came back this time, I presume, because you wanted to spread your strength and influence to the Tiandao prefecture. Our brothers will work for you, saving you a lot of trouble.”
Han Changsheng almost couldn’t hold back his laugh.
How did Wan Shishan’s big brain grow? Only he could think up such a thing. I came to the Tiandao prefecture to develop my strength? If I were that motivated, the left and right guards and the four hall masters of the Tianning would wake up from their sleep with a smile on their faces each day!
Holding back his smile, Han Changsheng said, “What do you want?”
“I want something very simple,” Wan Shishan said. “For heroes, it’s just a very slight effort.”
His eyebrows raised, Han Changsheng said, “I’ll listen.”
Wan Shishan went on, “I want the life of Huangfu Fenxuan Xichen. Of course, I think the hero is with him only because you have a use for him. When you are done with him, give him to me!”
The expression on Han Changsheng’s face was wonderful. Wan Shishan’s request was very far out of his realm of expectation. This guy wanted to take the Dog Lord’s life?
“Why?” Han Changsheng asked, interested. When the Dog Lord left the Tiandao prefecture, he was only eight years old. What kind of grudge could he have with Wan Shishan? Did Wan Shishan saw how annoying An Yuan was when he was looking in the mirror? Did he decide he couldn’t bear it, so he chose to act in heaven’s stead?
With a sneer, Wan Shishan said, “When I was young, I thought about joining the Tianyuan Villa to practice martial arts. Huangfu Tugen, the old thief, wouldn’t accept me. It’s fine that he didn’t accept me, but to also insult me, saying I didn’t have what it took to practice martial arts. He told me to go home and farm.”
“I was angry. I learned by myself and grew the Evil Wind Gang. His Tianyuan Villa still had a problem with me. He always ruined my business opportunities! If someone else didn’t step in, I would’ve killed the old thief!”
“Now, even though he is dead, his son is still alive.” Wan Shishan paused, smiling ferociously. “His son looks like a girl, too. I will take him back to the Evil Wind Gang and let hundreds of our brothers taste him, then kill him in front of his old man’s grave. Let his father have a good look at the spirit of heaven. Can you picture it?”
Han Changsheng imagined it, seeing An Yuan, humiliated, being thrown into the den of thieves. He couldn’t help but shiver. Wan Shishan was bigger than everyone else, but his heart and eyes were far smaller than theirs. Huangfu Tugen was honest. This man was not meant to study martial arts. Although he had great strength, his constitution wasn’t suitable for cultivating internal skills, and he had poor agility. Barely enough to be a bandit. In fact, he was far more suitable for farming.
“What do you think?” Wan Shishan asked.
“Why do you think I will help you?” Han Changsheng replied, jokingly.
This question startled Wan Shishan. If the kid was really Han Changsheng, he should be the leader of the Tianning Cult. As the leader of Tianning, he came to the Tiandao prefecture in person. He had to have a good reason, but what could it be?
Now that the Tianning Cult was spread over the Wulin of the Central Plains, they haven’t been able to get involved in the Western regions. Maybe Han Changsheng’s arrival was to scout territory and accept disciples? The Tiandao prefecture was thousands of miles away from the Xiushan mountain. It was impossible to send someone there. They had to rely on the local forces; a strong dragon cannot repress a snake.
The Tianning Cult used that method to annex the Yanxi Mountain Villa and the Moai Valley, exchanging protection for favors. The most important force of the Tiandao prefecture, though, was Wan Shishan. If he obeyed the Tianning, he could expand his territory under their name. It was a win for both of them.
However, he didn’t know why Han Changsheng wanted to be with young villa leader Huangfu. He had no idea, but he was certain he was concealing his identity. So far, anytime the cult was mentioned, Huangfu Fenxuan Xichen had absolutely unreconciled expression of hatred. Maybe that was why the Huangfu boy is still useful for Han Changsheng?
Of course, Han Changsheng’s real reason for coming was unexpected. Even if Wan Shishan got beaten to death, he wouldn’t realize it. Even Han Changsheng, himself, would have never known he’d stoop to this level.
With a mild jest in his demeanor, he said, “Stop putting gold on your face and stop making yourself look good. A poor place like the Tiandao prefecture is not even in my sights.”
The Tianning cult did as it pleased. The idea of expanding its territory was not even listed on their agenda. As for things like taking young brothers’ power to expand and kill the other sects, all the other cult leaders did it by chance. That was how he took the Fufeng stronghold as well! By accident!
Wen Shishan was stumped for words, “Then you…”
Han Changsheng said, “I have only one thing to ask you. Who killed Huangfu Tugen?”
His eyes wide, Wan Shishan said, “Huangfu Tugen, weren’t you the one…”
He thought the Tianning killed Huangfu Tugen, so he was determined to believe that Han Changsheng and Huangfu Tugen’s son did not get along. Han Changsheng followed the young villa master in anonymity, but he had other motives. What motive could it be?
Han Changsheng frowned. Suddenly, his body moved, flashing towards Wan Shishan. Kicking away the guy who helped him, the cult leader grabbed his arm and pointed at his Tanzhong acupoint.
Wan Shishan’s huge body arched like a shrimp, and his face grew twisted and ugly. He couldn’t say a word.
Coldly, Han Changsheng said, “Since you don’t know, you are useless to me. The only reason I came to this damned town was to find out who killed Huangfu’s father.” Adding pressure to his fingers, Wan Shishan’s body was as soft as mud under his hands.
“I didn’t want to kill you at first, as I didn’t want to dirty my hands.” Han Changsheng sneered. “But you have only yourself to blame, your wickedness sought your own death. No one schemes on Huangfu Fenxuan Xichen. As long as I am around, no one can do so much as touch his finger. Even if it’s torture, only this Laozi may do it. Whoever dares dream of harming him, only death awaits!”
With a hard turn of his fingertip, blood poured down Wan Shishan’s chest.
Drawing his hand away, Han Changsheng stepped back to wipe away the blood. Wan Shishan fell to the ground like a puddle of mud and twitched. The blood in his face faded, and, finally, he died.
Wan Shishan’s little brother was too scared to run away. Han Changsheng didn’t know if Wan Shishan told them his real identity. To avoid any more trouble, he kicked a stone with the tip of his toe, knocking the little boy to the ground. He screamed and fell to the ground, dead. Han Changsheng turned back to the villa.
Once Han Changsheng faded into the distance, An Yuan jumped out from behind a tree. He walked up to Wan Shishan’s corpse, then squatted to check his breathing. He was watching as Han Changsheng left the villa earlier, then held his breath and followed him undetected. He was eavesdropping the entire time.
He heard every word Han Changsheng and Wan Shishan said. Wan Shishan knew of his mysterious teacher’s real identity. But he died before he could say it out loud.
When Wan Shishan proposed to trade with Han Changsheng, An Yuan’s teeth itched from anger, but he was also curious about what Han Changsheng would do. After all, Han Changsheng stayed with him. He was confused about why Han Changsheng would bind himself to him, but his last words made his heartbeat quickly. He almost couldn’t help but leak his breath.
“As long as I am around, no one can do so much as touch his finger…”
An Yuan’s ears felt hot. He looked at Han Changsheng’s retreating figure. His eyes dark, he sighed, “Why do you provoke me again and again…”
No matter who the man really was, he didn’t want to let go.
Using his lightness skill, Han Changsheng ran outside the villa, catching sight of Wan Shishan.
The day before, Han Changsheng gave him a heavy blow. Although he didn’t want to kill the man, he was being difficult. Still weak, Wan Shishan needed someone to help him stand.
Frowning, Han Changsheng said, “Are you the one who called me out?”
The note tied to the arrowhead didn’t include a signature, only instructions to meet someone at the East pond outside the villa. The Tianning Cult didn’t write it, but it seemed Wan Shishan did.
Cupping his hand, Wan Shishan called back, “Hero, I asked for the hero to come here for a talk.”
Han Changsheng’s brow creased. Looking him up and down, he asked, “Why are you looking for me?”
“I want to make a deal with the hero.”
Han Changsheng’s eyebrows rose. “A deal?”
What stupid idea had the guy come up with?
Wan Shishan stared at him, then cupped his hand in submission again. “Hero Han.”
His eyes wide, Han Changsheng stared up at him. How did he know his last name was Han? Also, he wasn’t wearing his own face at all!
Seeing the surprise written across Han Changsheng’s face, Wan Shishan spoke with more confidence, “I have seen the mole on Han Hero’s hand.”
He touched the hand he was injured by a few days earlier.
“This is the second time this Han Hero defeated me.”
Deep in thought, Han Changsheng felt his right hand. There was a mole on the web between the thumb and forefinger of his right hand. Normally, if he was in disguise, he would cover it. But, since this disguise was only for An Yuan, it didn’t matter if the other features on his body weren’t hidden. Did Wan Shishan say the second time? Had he traded blows with this big blockhead before?
Seeing that Han Changsheng was at a loss, Wan Shishan added, “At the Tiandao prefecture.”
Han Changsheng slowly blinked slowly. Wan Shishan meant had to be the last time he visited, fifteen years ago. That was when his old master took him to the Tiandao prefecture. When they first arrived at the prefecture, no one knew their identities. The old master carried a five-year-old Han Changsheng the entire way, with a wooden sword in his hand. Then, they colluded with a large man who wasn’t watching where he was going.
The road was very wide, but the big man stood in the center and refused to move aside. He even asked the old master carrying a child to make way for him. Although Han Changsheng was only five years old, he’d begun his martial arts practice at the age of three. He was a prodigy who already knew where a human’s weak points were.
When the large man saw the old man had ignored and disregarded him, he got really angry. Holding up a fist, he declared, “One fist from Laozi…”
Before he could finish, his expression changed and he clutched his chest, collapsing to the ground.
Little Han Changsheng had stabbed his wooden sword to Wen Shishan’s Tanzhong acupoint. Though the child wasn’t very strong, to land a hit at the acupoint was a terrible thing. The large man was in a cold sweat on the spot, unable to speak.
The child looked up and said, “You dared to block my Tianning Cult’s path. You must be eager to die!” His face twisted in a dark but charming way.
The people watching the lively scene were shocked to see a five-year-old child beating a big man into speechlessness with a single move. When they heard it was the Tianning, fear flickered through them and they scattered like birds. The doors and windows around the street were tightly closed, no one dared to go out again.
Because of this, the news of the Tianning Cult spotted at the Tiandao prefecture traveled far and wide. Later, it grew more and more sinister and twisted. The rumors said that the cult brought out a child born from the devil itself. They said the child had peerless martial arts skills that he used to beat down a line of strong men with a wave of his hand, putting people in the Tiandao prefecture on high alert.
Han Changsheng couldn’t remember the details Wan Shishan mentioned, but he still had the impression that he beat such a big man. In surprise, he shouted, “So that was you!”
“It was me,” Wan Shishan said, “I heard the young villa leader Huangfu and his master Yue Peng came to the Tiandao mansion. I met Yue Peng fifteen years ago, when the hero was so young. I don’t know why you’re worthy of being Huangfu’s master and him your apprentice, but I also know that you are not Yue Peng. I was just a little surprised to see the mole on your hand. When you hit me, I knew you were the one who hit me back then.”
Han Changsheng frowned. Fifteen years ago, after the Tianyuan Villa was defeated, Yue Peng came to the Tiandao prefecture to pick up An Yuan. That was when Wan Shishan saw him. The people there regarded him as Yue Peng, and he was too lazy to correct them, but Wan Shishan saw right through him.
“What kind of deal do you want to make?”
“I admire the hero’s martial arts,” Wan Shishan said, “And I want to idolize you as the leader of my Evil Wind Gang.”
Han Changsheng looked as if he swallowed a fly.
Are you kidding, leader of the Evil Wind Gang? Was it possible the stupid man wanted to hoist on him the poor state of the Tiandao prefecture?
Hurriedly, Wan Shishan added, “I know the hero doesn’t care about the Evil Wind Gang and doesn’t want to stay. However, my Evil Wind Gang has some prestige in the western regions. Hundreds of my brothers are willing to battle under your name.”
“We have thousands of pounds of silver and several boxes of gold in the stronghold. If the hero needs it, he can take it whenever he needs! The so-called strong dragon cannot repress the snake. The hero came back this time, I presume, because you wanted to spread your strength and influence to the Tiandao prefecture. Our brothers will work for you, saving you a lot of trouble.”
Han Changsheng almost couldn’t hold back his laugh.
How did Wan Shishan’s big brain grow? Only he could think up such a thing. I came to the Tiandao prefecture to develop my strength? If I were that motivated, the left and right guards and the four hall masters of the Tianning would wake up from their sleep with a smile on their faces each day!
Holding back his smile, Han Changsheng said, “What do you want?”
“I want something very simple,” Wan Shishan said. “For heroes, it’s just a very slight effort.”
His eyebrows raised, Han Changsheng said, “I’ll listen.”
Wan Shishan went on, “I want the life of Huangfu Fenxuan Xichen. Of course, I think the hero is with him only because you have a use for him. When you are done with him, give him to me!”
The expression on Han Changsheng’s face was wonderful. Wan Shishan’s request was very far out of his realm of expectation. This guy wanted to take the Dog Lord’s life?
“Why?” Han Changsheng asked, interested. When the Dog Lord left the Tiandao prefecture, he was only eight years old. What kind of grudge could he have with Wan Shishan? Did Wan Shishan saw how annoying An Yuan was when he was looking in the mirror? Did he decide he couldn’t bear it, so he chose to act in heaven’s stead?
With a sneer, Wan Shishan said, “When I was young, I thought about joining the Tianyuan Villa to practice martial arts. Huangfu Tugen, the old thief, wouldn’t accept me. It’s fine that he didn’t accept me, but to also insult me, saying I didn’t have what it took to practice martial arts. He told me to go home and farm.”
“I was angry. I learned by myself and grew the Evil Wind Gang. His Tianyuan Villa still had a problem with me. He always ruined my business opportunities! If someone else didn’t step in, I would’ve killed the old thief!”
“Now, even though he is dead, his son is still alive.” Wan Shishan paused, smiling ferociously. “His son looks like a girl, too. I will take him back to the Evil Wind Gang and let hundreds of our brothers taste him, then kill him in front of his old man’s grave. Let his father have a good look at the spirit of heaven. Can you picture it?”
Han Changsheng imagined it, seeing An Yuan, humiliated, being thrown into the den of thieves. He couldn’t help but shiver. Wan Shishan was bigger than everyone else, but his heart and eyes were far smaller than theirs. Huangfu Tugen was honest. This man was not meant to study martial arts. Although he had great strength, his constitution wasn’t suitable for cultivating internal skills, and he had poor agility. Barely enough to be a bandit. In fact, he was far more suitable for farming.
“What do you think?” Wan Shishan asked.
“Why do you think I will help you?” Han Changsheng replied, jokingly.
This question startled Wan Shishan. If the kid was really Han Changsheng, he should be the leader of the Tianning Cult. As the leader of Tianning, he came to the Tiandao prefecture in person. He had to have a good reason, but what could it be?
Now that the Tianning Cult was spread over the Wulin of the Central Plains, they haven’t been able to get involved in the Western regions. Maybe Han Changsheng’s arrival was to scout territory and accept disciples? The Tiandao prefecture was thousands of miles away from the Xiushan mountain. It was impossible to send someone there. They had to rely on the local forces; a strong dragon cannot repress a snake.
The Tianning Cult used that method to annex the Yanxi Mountain Villa and the Moai Valley, exchanging protection for favors. The most important force of the Tiandao prefecture, though, was Wan Shishan. If he obeyed the Tianning, he could expand his territory under their name. It was a win for both of them.
However, he didn’t know why Han Changsheng wanted to be with young villa leader Huangfu. He had no idea, but he was certain he was concealing his identity. So far, anytime the cult was mentioned, Huangfu Fenxuan Xichen had absolutely unreconciled expression of hatred. Maybe that was why the Huangfu boy is still useful for Han Changsheng?
Of course, Han Changsheng’s real reason for coming was unexpected. Even if Wan Shishan got beaten to death, he wouldn’t realize it. Even Han Changsheng, himself, would have never known he’d stoop to this level.
With a mild jest in his demeanor, he said, “Stop putting gold on your face and stop making yourself look good. A poor place like the Tiandao prefecture is not even in my sights.”
The Tianning cult did as it pleased. The idea of expanding its territory was not even listed on their agenda. As for things like taking young brothers’ power to expand and kill the other sects, all the other cult leaders did it by chance. That was how he took the Fufeng stronghold as well! By accident!
Wen Shishan was stumped for words, “Then you…”
Han Changsheng said, “I have only one thing to ask you. Who killed Huangfu Tugen?”
His eyes wide, Wan Shishan said, “Huangfu Tugen, weren’t you the one…”
He thought the Tianning killed Huangfu Tugen, so he was determined to believe that Han Changsheng and Huangfu Tugen’s son did not get along. Han Changsheng followed the young villa master in anonymity, but he had other motives. What motive could it be?
Han Changsheng frowned. Suddenly, his body moved, flashing towards Wan Shishan. Kicking away the guy who helped him, the cult leader grabbed his arm and pointed at his Tanzhong acupoint.
Wan Shishan’s huge body arched like a shrimp, and his face grew twisted and ugly. He couldn’t say a word.
Coldly, Han Changsheng said, “Since you don’t know, you are useless to me. The only reason I came to this damned town was to find out who killed Huangfu’s father.” Adding pressure to his fingers, Wan Shishan’s body was as soft as mud under his hands.
“I didn’t want to kill you at first, as I didn’t want to dirty my hands.” Han Changsheng sneered. “But you have only yourself to blame, your wickedness sought your own death. No one schemes on Huangfu Fenxuan Xichen. As long as I am around, no one can do so much as touch his finger. Even if it’s torture, only this Laozi may do it. Whoever dares dream of harming him, only death awaits!”
With a hard turn of his fingertip, blood poured down Wan Shishan’s chest.
Drawing his hand away, Han Changsheng stepped back to wipe away the blood. Wan Shishan fell to the ground like a puddle of mud and twitched. The blood in his face faded, and, finally, he died.
Wan Shishan’s little brother was too scared to run away. Han Changsheng didn’t know if Wan Shishan told them his real identity. To avoid any more trouble, he kicked a stone with the tip of his toe, knocking the little boy to the ground. He screamed and fell to the ground, dead. Han Changsheng turned back to the villa.
Once Han Changsheng faded into the distance, An Yuan jumped out from behind a tree. He walked up to Wan Shishan’s corpse, then squatted to check his breathing. He was watching as Han Changsheng left the villa earlier, then held his breath and followed him undetected. He was eavesdropping the entire time.
He heard every word Han Changsheng and Wan Shishan said. Wan Shishan knew of his mysterious teacher’s real identity. But he died before he could say it out loud.
When Wan Shishan proposed to trade with Han Changsheng, An Yuan’s teeth itched from anger, but he was also curious about what Han Changsheng would do. After all, Han Changsheng stayed with him. He was confused about why Han Changsheng would bind himself to him, but his last words made his heartbeat quickly. He almost couldn’t help but leak his breath.
“As long as I am around, no one can do so much as touch his finger…”
An Yuan’s ears felt hot. He looked at Han Changsheng’s retreating figure. His eyes dark, he sighed, “Why do you provoke me again and again…”
No matter who the man really was, he didn’t want to let go.
