Chapter Forty-Nine: Schemes

Chao Xiong told me that Dao Sansheng was a bastard. Young Master Liu pressed Chao Xiong beneath his feet, making it impossible for him to move. Chao Xiong thought back to his earlier days, when he had always been bullied—only after Dao Sansheng arrived did he enjoy a few good days. Now, once again, he was subjected to the same torment. They wanted him to curse Dao Sansheng, but he simply couldn’t bring himself to do it.

Lying on the ground, Chao Xiong gasped for breath, refusing to utter a word. Young Master Liu pressed his foot down on Chao Xiong’s head, tangling his hair into a mess and ripping out a few strands that fell to the floor. Chao Xiong’s mouth let out painful groans, but he still wouldn’t curse Dao Sansheng.

“You’re a tough one, kid. I almost admire you. But, since you’re so stubborn, I’ll add a bit of color to this. We’ve played for so long, but haven’t seen any blood yet—it’s no fun,” Sun Dali said, pulling out a dagger and plunging it into Chao Xiong’s thigh. He yanked hard, tearing through the fabric, his face twisted in a grimace, gritting his teeth as he exerted all his strength.

A scream burst from the room, audible to everyone outside. Dao Sansheng and Tu Tianxiong were on their way home, Dao Sansheng still answering Tu Tianxiong’s questions, when the familiar cry reached his ears. Alarmed, Dao Sansheng broke into a run toward his residence.

“I’m just adding some seasoning,” Sun Dali announced, producing a packet of white powder. “This is fine salt I prepared for grilling—lucky you, kid.” He prepared to sprinkle it onto Chao Xiong’s wound, and fear twisted across Chao Xiong’s face.

“Dao Sansheng, you bastard! Dao Sansheng, you dog’s offspring! Dao Sansheng, you fool! Dao Sansheng, you animal…” A stream of curses spilled from Chao Xiong’s lips, his voice hoarse and strained.

“I told you to curse him sooner, but you wouldn’t listen. Still, I won’t let you off so easily. You’ve really disappointed me, so you’ll suffer a bit more.” Sun Dali began to sprinkle the salt.

Before Sun Dali could finish, the door was kicked open, sending the door panel flying and striking Sun Dali, pinning him against the wall. The packet of salt spilled into his mouth, and with a gasp, he swallowed it all.

“Dao Sansheng, you’re alive?” The people in the room stared at him in terror, their faces full of disbelief.

“Dao Sansheng, my father is an outer sect elder—you’d better behave yourself. You remember last time, when you were caught and made into materials, don’t you?” Young Master Liu looked at Dao Sansheng, unable to utter a word, his gaze dull as he spoke again.

“This time, you’ve experienced the sect’s mission. How does it feel? This is what comes of defying me.”

Dao Sansheng remained silent, unable to speak as he took in the scene before him. Fury consumed him, clouding his reason. He raised his hand, summoning the gourd.

“What are you going to do, Dao Sansheng? If you kill me, my father won’t spare you. You’ll die an even worse death than me.”

Despite his bravado, Young Master Liu’s body trembled, his teeth chattering so much he could barely form words.

“So Elder Liu wants to kill my brother? Elder Liu really doesn’t care about the sect rules. Such a man isn’t fit to be an outer sect elder of Forge Heaven Valley.” As these words were spoken, a figure stepped inside, clad in white gauze, with a familiar face—Tu Tianxiong.

None of them dared offend Tu Tianxiong; terror filled their faces as they looked to Dao Sansheng, hoping he would speak and spare them. At this moment, Young Master Liu’s status was no longer of any use.

“I’m so salty I could die! I need water!” Sun Dali cried, rushing outside, only to be punched back in by Dao Sansheng.

The Liu family had been in Forge Heaven Valley for generations. Elder Liu was an outer sect elder, and the inner sect also had several Liu disciples. But they weren’t united. Tu Tianxiong, a candidate for future valley master, was thoughtful and quickly intervened, stopping Dao Sansheng.

“Brother, I see your friend hasn’t suffered any major injury. These fellows are vile, but the sect has its rules—you can’t kill them. You’ve already given them a wound; let that be your revenge. Is that acceptable?”

Though Tu Tianxiong spoke politely, his cultivation lent his words an oppressive force, making it clear that Dao Sansheng had no choice but to agree.

Young Master Liu and his companions, hearing Tu Tianxiong’s words, were elated, showering him with flattery.

“Senior Brother Tu, you truly are the sect’s elite, destined to be valley master. Your words and deeds are exemplary—we admire you greatly. No wonder you’re being groomed as the successor.”

Their praise pleased Tu Tianxiong, who increased the pressure on Dao Sansheng.

Cracks appeared beneath Dao Sansheng’s feet. He took a deep breath, smiled, and drew everyone’s attention.

“I think Senior Brother Tu is absolutely right. I’ll pick one person—how does that sound, Senior Brother Tu?”

Seeing Dao Sansheng submit, Tu Tianxiong withdrew his aura and looked proudly at the others.

“I, Tu Tianxiong, always keep my word. Choose anyone you like. If there’s any trouble later, it’s mine to bear. If anyone seeks revenge against you, it’s as if they’re revenging against me.”

His resolute statement satisfied Dao Sansheng, who listened and nodded.

Dao Sansheng’s gaze swept over the group, making them uneasy.

At that moment, the wounded Sun Dali hobbled over, looking at Dao Sansheng with hope.

“Brother Dao, just stab me once and let me go drink some water!”

He clung to Dao Sansheng’s leg, eyes pleading, even offering up his dagger.

“It’s the first time I’ve heard such a request, but I can’t grant it. I’m not one to fulfill others’ wishes so easily—I have other matters.” With that, Dao Sansheng continued to survey the group.

His hands clasped behind his back, flames danced between his palms, shifting from one hand to the other, until he suddenly flung them out. The fire spun among the group.

They tensed, sweat pouring from their brows. The flame dove, landing in Young Master Liu’s crotch. He’d been relieved when it flew past, but now, feeling the heat below, he jumped up.

“Ah! Save me, save me!”

Young Master Liu leapt about the room, striking strange poses. The others stripped off their coats and beat at him, but the flames would not extinguish—they continued to burn.

Tu Tianxiong’s face darkened. He hadn’t expected Dao Sansheng to be so cunning. How would he explain this to the Liu family? He acted swiftly, summoning an ice sword that transformed into a mist and snuffed out the flames.

“So cold, so cold—hot one moment, freezing the next…” Young Master Liu screamed, hysterical.

Meanwhile, Sun Dali ran outside, shouting, “Since you’ve picked your person, I can leave now. I’m off to get water!”

No one paid him any attention; all eyes were on Young Master Liu. Tu Tianxiong dispelled the ice, and Young Master Liu’s trousers were intact, though he’d fainted.

A few men carried Young Master Liu out, while Tu Tianxiong grew angrier—Dao Sansheng had outwitted him, and now the Liu family would surely hold a grudge against him.