Chapter 66: A Hundred Miles to Seek Revenge
Chapter 66: A Hundred Miles to Seek Revenge
After sitting back down, Panzong asked, “Fourth Brother, when do you plan to go?”
I thought for a moment and said, “When the Five-Colored Radiance appears again. In my estimate, only when it appears will it be possible to enter the cave. Otherwise, those Dragon Generals wouldn’t be so tense. That Five-Colored Radiance should appear at intervals, but there’s no pattern. In a little over three months, it has appeared five times. The last time it appeared was eight days ago, when I went to White Smoke Mountain. Even though the timing is unreliable, I think that as long as the people from the Saint Dragon Knights Corps haven’t obtained what’s inside, it will definitely appear again within a month. Only when it appears again will we have a chance, because then those Dragon Generals will be guarding the cave entrance. The other Dragon Knights won’t be a threat to us.”
Panzong nodded and said, “Will we make it in time if we go then? Didn’t you say there are guards at the foot of the mountain too? We have to pass two checkpoints before we can reach the destination. When the Five-Colored Radiance appears, there will also be Dragon Knights guarding the area around the cave. If that’s the case, it’ll be troublesome. Maybe we won’t have enough time.”
What Panzong said made sense. If we forced our way through two layers of obstruction in a row, it would be hard not to be discovered. Rather than that, it would be better to… My mind calculated rapidly. I smiled slightly as an idea came to me, and I lowered my voice. “Big Brother, I have an idea.”
Panzong and Jin and Yin leaned in, and I continued. “There are many mercenaries in this small city who came from all over to try their luck. Since they came here, of course they all want a share. Since that’s the case, why don’t we make use of them?”
Jin said, “You mean joining forces with them and charging White Smoke Mountain head-on?”
I smiled and shook my head. “Of course not. Why should we get mixed up with them? We just need to let out some news. Greed will definitely drive them to cooperate with us on their own. We just prepare and reap the fisherman’s benefit, isn’t that enough? Just wait and see. When the Five-Colored Radiance appears next time, I’ll make everyone in this small city who has designs on treasure become a strange army that gives the Dragon God Empire a massive headache.”
Yin laughed and cursed, “You brat—your bag of tricks is really something.”
I chuckled and said, “You two stay here and don’t go out. I’m going out right now to start making rumors.” As I spoke, I put on my bamboo hat, strapped Mo Ming to my back, and quietly slipped out of the inn.
Of course I wasn’t stupid enough to spread rumors myself. I found the largest money house and used the green crystal card Tian Zhong gave me to withdraw some gold coins. Money could make even ghosts push a millstone—if used well, it could play a crucial role.
As I walked along the road, I noticed there were even more people on the streets than a few days ago. The atmosphere in the small city felt a little strange. Only the merchants doing business were grinning from ear to ear. The profits they made in these three months were probably more than what they had made in the past three years.
It seemed the matter of the Five-Colored Radiance had already spread throughout the Dragon God Empire, known to everyone. The more people, the better. As long as I could make use of a portion of them, I could achieve my goal.
Thinking as I walked, I had already arrived at my destination.
I pushed the door open and that familiar stench hit me at once. I shouted, “Wan Shitong, are you home? Wan Shitong…” I called several times with no response. Holding my breath, I walked around his place. It was still just as messy, but the fat man was nowhere to be seen.
This guy went out and didn’t even close the door. Where could he have gone?
I shook my head and left Wan Shitong’s home. He hadn’t gone to the bar to drink again, had he? That fat man really never changed.
Where he lived wasn’t far from the bar. To be honest, I didn’t want to go there again—I didn’t want to run into Ke Lan and the others again. But to accomplish my goal, I had no choice. I could only hope they had already left.
Just as I reached the bar’s entrance, the bar’s door suddenly exploded with a boom, shattering to pieces. A round, rolling figure flew out from inside.
My eyes were sharp. I immediately recognized what had flown out—it was the fat man Wan Shitong, the one I was looking for. I swung my right hand and released a yellow glow that covered his body. With a backward pull, I yanked him over to me.
Wan Shitong looked as miserable as could be. Shards from the shattered door had stuck into him, leaving cuts all over. The right side of his face was swollen high, and a thin line of blood ran from the corner of his mouth. When he saw me, he was overjoyed and said indistinctly, “Benefactor, Benefactor, please save me—he’s going to kill me!”
One look told me he had caused trouble again. I sighed. “What did you do this time? Do you really not want to live?”
Before Wan Shitong could answer, two people had already walked out of the bar. Truly, enemies met on a narrow road—it was Ke Lan and Baili Xiao.
We were already face to face, and with Wan Shitong involved, I couldn’t avoid them anymore. Helpless, I clasped my fists with both hands and said, “Brother Baili, Ke Lan, hello. What happened to make you this angry?”
Baili Xiao snorted coldly. “You came at the right time. I was just about to find you to settle accounts.”
I froze slightly. “Brother Baili, I didn’t provoke you. What exactly happened?”
The moment Wan Shitong saw Baili Xiao, he had already hidden behind me. Now he stuck his head out and said with grievance, “Benefactor, this time I really didn’t cause trouble. They came here and as soon as they saw me, they asked where you were. Of course I said I didn’t know. I really didn’t know. They didn’t believe me, so they beat me. Look, look—several of my teeth got knocked out. Benefactor, you have to avenge me!” As he spoke, he shoved his fat face toward me.
I frowned. It was because of me.
Even though I had no goodwill toward Wan Shitong, I still had use for him. I couldn’t back down now. “Brother Baili, is that how it was?”
Baili Xiao no longer had the refined politeness from last time. He said arrogantly, “That’s right. I beat him because of that. He said he had nothing to do with you—how could I believe it? Facts prove everything. If you had no relationship, could you have arrived here just in time to save him? This isn’t the place to talk. We’re leaving the city.”
I said angrily, “No matter why you’re looking for me, you shouldn’t casually hurt an unrelated person. What can’t be made clear here?”
Ke Lan, who hadn’t spoken, tugged at Baili Xiao’s sleeve. “Brother Baili, let’s go.”
From the moment she saw me, Ke Lan’s expression had been very downcast. Her face was pale, her eyes were a bit swollen—she had clearly cried before. It had only been a few days, but she seemed thinner again. Seeing her like that, my heart ached.
Baili Xiao snapped at Ke Lan, “You’re already like this and you’re still speaking for him? No. Today, no matter what, I have to get answers. Lei Xiang, if you still have even a trace of feeling for Ke Lan, then come out of the city with me.”
I looked at him, then at Ke Lan, and sighed. “Fine. I’ll go with you.”
When she heard that, a trace of joy flashed in Ke Lan’s eyes. I sighed inwardly—did she still not understand that it was impossible between us? I really couldn’t bear to hurt her again.
Behind me, Wan Shitong said timidly, “Benefactor, then you go with them. I’ll head back first.” It looked like he had been beaten into fear by Baili Xiao.
I grabbed his clothes and said, “Don’t go yet. I still need you for something.” He looked pitiful too.
“Gentle water—use your soft energy to smooth the pain before my eyes.”
A scatter of small blue light specks drifted from my hand and instantly enveloped Wan Shitong’s body. His wounds healed rapidly. Even the swollen part of his face gradually smoothed down.
Wan Shitong stared at the changes in astonishment. “Benefactor, is this healing magic?”
I nodded, didn’t bother with him further, and said to Baili Xiao, “Brother Baili, please.”
Baili Xiao snorted and, pulling Ke Lan along, turned and walked out of the city.
My time had been tight from the start—I had no idea when the Five-Colored Radiance would appear next, and the earlier the rumors spread, the better. But Baili Xiao kept tangling with me, and I couldn’t ignore him either. I had a good impression of Baili Xiao himself, and with Ke Lan, who loved me, I could only agree.
Along the way, none of us spoke. After my simple treatment, Wan Shitong looked much more spirited. When he ran into some of his drinking buddies, he kept greeting them. He no longer looked as miserable as before. Only when he occasionally looked at Baili Xiao did fear show in his eyes.
After leaving the small city, Baili Xiao walked into a patch of woods. I told Wan Shitong to wait for me outside the woods. This guy clearly treated me like a life-saving straw and kept telling me to be careful.
Baili Xiao and I stood facing each other, while Ke Lan stood to the side with her head lowered. Hatred showed on Baili Xiao’s cold, handsome face. “Lei, what exactly do you want to do to Ke Lan? Do you know? Ke Lan has been unable to eat or sleep because of you. She’s lost weight by several rounds. As her friend—her older brother—I’m going to ask you properly.”
I went blank. How was I supposed to answer that? If I was too absolute, Ke Lan wouldn’t be able to bear it. I sighed and said, “I’m sorry, Ke Lan. I told you before—I already have a girlfriend. My heart really can’t hold anyone else. Brother Baili, feelings can’t be forced.”
Ke Lan’s face instantly turned deathly pale. Her body swayed and she nearly fell. I hurried forward in a single step to support her, but Baili Xiao swept a hand and sent out a red battle energy. My Mad God Battle Energy naturally surged out to meet the attack and blocked his red battle energy. The forces collided with a bang.
With his other hand, Baili Xiao supported Ke Lan and said to her, “Ke Lan, why are you so foolish? He doesn’t love you. Why are you still hurting over him?”
Tears glimmered in Ke Lan’s eyes. She gently shook off Baili Xiao’s hand and said to me calmly, “Lei Xiang, I know. This isn’t your fault. If anyone is to blame, it’s me for being one step too late. You’re right—feelings can’t be forced. Yes, I like you, but don’t worry. From now on, I won’t trouble you again. I bless you.”
After saying that, she turned and ran. A few crystal-clear tear drops flung into the air. It looked heartbreakingly beautiful.
Baili Xiao shouted, “Ke Lan—” He took a step to chase, then suddenly stopped. He glared at me fiercely.
As Ke Lan’s figure receded into the distance, I said to Baili Xiao, “Brother Baili, hurry and chase her. She’s a weak woman—she’s in danger.”
Baili Xiao looked at me coldly. “You can still care about her? You hurt a girl like that, and you still have the face to care? This is close to the small city. Ke Lan won’t be in any danger. I’m going to teach you a lesson for her.”
With that, he flashed forward and charged at me. His palms flipped and countless red palm shadows formed, chopping toward me.
Baili Xiao’s momentum was fierce. Strike after strike forced me into a flurry. Under his attacks, I retreated more than ten steps in a row.
My mind was full of Ke Lan’s heartbreakingly beautiful look when she left. I couldn’t muster any intention to fight, and I fell into a disadvantage at once.
Baili Xiao’s battle energy was extraordinarily deep. Each attack was as heavy and forceful as a mountain-splitting axe. His palm wind carried a scorching heat that made my chest feel stifled. The younger brother of a Dragon General was indeed formidable.
Suddenly, Baili Xiao stopped. The red shadows filling the air vanished at once. He glared at me. “Why aren’t you fighting back? Feeling guilty?”
I shook my head and sighed. “Brother Baili, your martial skills are strong, but it’s not that I can’t handle them. I just don’t want to become your enemy. Can I ask you a question?”
Baili Xiao froze. “Ask.”
I looked at him intently. “Have you ever truly liked someone?”
Hearing that, hesitation flashed in Baili Xiao’s eyes. His face reddened slightly. “I guess I have.”
I nodded. “If I’m not wrong, the person you like is Ke Lan.”
Baili Xiao flared in embarrassment and anger. “What’s the point of saying that? Who I like is none of your business.”
I gave a bitter smile. “Don’t get angry. I’m saying this for a reason. Brother Baili—if I told you to go like someone else now, could you do it?”
Baili Xiao froze, puzzled. “Like someone else?”
I nodded. “Yes. Like another woman who deeply loves you. Could you do it?”
Baili Xiao was smart. He immediately understood what I meant. The anger in his eyes gradually faded, and he said despondently, “Falling for someone who doesn’t like you is the most painful thing. You guessed right—I like Ke Lan. But her heart is completely on you. Even though I know you aren’t at fault for what’s between you two, I still couldn’t stop myself from attacking you. Maybe it was jealousy.”
I walked over, patted his shoulder, and said sincerely, “Brother Baili, Ke Lan is a good girl. There’s nothing wrong with you liking her. It’s just that she formed that first impression of me. In terms of conditions, you’re better than me in every way. The reason she can’t accept you is only because she can’t forget me in a short time. If you want her heart, you have to move her with your sincerity. To be honest, I feel very guilty toward Ke Lan. Work hard. I sincerely hope you two can be together. Only you are worthy of Ke Lan—aren’t you?”
Baili Xiao raised his head. “Brother Lei, I… To tell the truth, I’ve tried. But Ke Lan’s mind is completely on you. I don’t have any chance to get in at all. What should I do?”
I knew I had already dissolved his hostility. I smiled. “Brother Baili, I believe you’ve been training martial skills hard all this time, but you probably don’t understand a girl’s heart.”
Baili Xiao nodded. “Yes. Since I was young, my parents told me to take my big brother as a model and strive to become a Dragon Knight too—maybe even a Dragon General. I’ve been working toward that goal. Big Brother said my talent was pretty good. A few months ago, I passed the Dragon Knight examination and became a reserve Dragon Knight. Now it’s time for me to go out and gain experience. Ke Lan and I grew up together—childhood sweethearts, you could say—but she has always treated me like an older brother. All I could do was wait silently by her side, hoping that one day she would discover my feelings. More than a year ago, I noticed Ke Lan suddenly changed. She became very quiet and withdrawn. That lively, adorable little girl disappeared. Later I learned it was because she fell in love with you. Back then, my heart hurt so, so much. Every day I stayed by her side, afraid she might do something irrational. I treated her very well. I already did everything I could, but I still couldn’t move her heart. Maybe I really don’t know how to pursue a girl.”
After saying that, Baili Xiao lowered his head gloomily.
I sighed and smiled. “Brother Baili, do you know why Ke Lan doesn’t feel that way about you? It’s because you’ve been too good to her. Your goodness has already become her habit—something she thinks should happen—so she doesn’t react to it. I believe she might not even know your feelings right now. Pursuing a girl can’t be too cold, but it also can’t be blind clinging. As long as you have even a little place in her heart, keeping a distance and staying close at times is the best choice. And at the critical moment, you must confess. Don’t be afraid of being rejected. Only by losing again and again and still fighting can you win in the end.”
Baili Xiao was stunned. “Keeping a distance and staying close… Losing again and again and still fighting…” His eyes lit up. “You mean, I shouldn’t be so good to her anymore?”
He was smart—how could he become muddled the moment it came to feelings? I said helplessly, “It’s not that you shouldn’t be good to her. It’s that you can’t always be that good to her. I suggest you don’t stay with her all the time. It would be best to treat her well for a period, then disappear for a period. That way, maybe she’ll gradually start to… The rest depends on you. I believe your true feelings will be repaid. Now hurry and chase her. Right now is when she needs someone’s care the most.”
Gratitude showed in Baili Xiao’s eyes. “Thank you, Brother Lei.”
I shook my head. “No need to thank me. Consider it me doing something for Ke Lan. I believe you are her best choice. Treat her well. If I find out you change your heart, I won’t let you off.”
After my guidance, Baili Xiao’s mood opened up. He laughed. “Don’t worry. That day will never come. I’m leaving. Brother Lei, goodbye.”
“Goodbye.”
Watching Baili Xiao’s figure vanish at high speed, a faint smile appeared at the corner of my mouth. Ke Lan’s matter was finally resolved. From now on, I wouldn’t need to feel guilty anymore. Baili Xiao was a good person. I would bless them.
It was time to handle my own business.
When I walked out of the woods, Wan Shitong was squatting lewdly to the side, muttering something under his breath.
“Wan Shitong.”
Hearing me call, he lifted his head. Seeing that I was unharmed, joy immediately spread across his face, and he ran over excitedly. “Benefactor, that pretty-faced guy didn’t hurt you, did he?”
I shook my head and said coldly, “From now on, don’t provoke people you shouldn’t provoke. I won’t be able to just happen to appear every time.”
Wan Shitong nodded and bowed repeatedly. “Yes, yes. I understand.”
I said seriously, “I want you to do something for me. After it’s done, I won’t treat you poorly. Are you willing?”
Wan Shitong nodded again and again. “Willing, of course willing. Being able to do something for you, Benefactor, is my fat man’s good fortune.” The expression on his face showed it was sincere.
Satisfied, I smiled. “I want you to spread some news in the city. You must make it known to everyone. Can you do it?”
Wan Shitong patted his chest full of fat. “That’s my specialty. No problem. Don’t worry—I’ll do it beautifully for you.”
“Good. I hope you mean it.” I reached into my clothes, took out a note, and handed it to him. “Do it according to the instructions on the paper.”
Wan Shitong took the note and read it roughly once. He said in shock, “Benefactor, is what’s written here true? If it is, then the whole world will be thrown into chaos.”
I said coldly, “You don’t need to care whether it’s true or not. You just need to spread this message so everyone in the small city believes it’s true. Then you’ve completed the task.”
I took out a large money pouch and tossed it to him. “There are one hundred gold coins here as your operating funds. After it’s done, I’ll give you another hundred as your reward.”
Wan Shitong clearly hadn’t expected I would give him money. He took the pouch, opened it, and took one look. Greed instantly filled his face. He had never seen that much money in his life. Driven by profit, he became even more deferential, bowing and scraping as he said, “Yes, yes, don’t worry. I can definitely do it. Absolutely.”
For him, two hundred gold coins in total was an astronomical number.
I nodded. “It’s best if you can. Also, you must not let anyone know where the message came from. I don’t need to tell you—you should know how to do it. If word leaks, I won’t be soft.”
As I spoke, I casually flicked my hand. A yellow battle energy shot out and boomed, blasting down a large tree beside us.
Wan Shitong trembled from head to toe, staggered back two steps, and waved his hands repeatedly. “No, absolutely not. I’ll definitely keep it secret.”
“You can go.”
Wan Shitong stuffed the gold coins into his clothes. With both respect and fear, he saluted me, then returned to the small city.
The next day, a message began circulating in the small city. The message said: White Smoke Mountain truly had a divine artifact appearing. The Five-Colored Radiance was the best proof. Because each appearance of the Five-Colored Radiance was stronger than the last, it proved the divine artifact was about to be unearthed. The divine artifact would automatically recognize its master. Whoever obtained it would have power like a god, becoming the number one person on the continent. The divine artifact was not in White Smoke Mountain, but in a cave on a small peak within the mountain range. As long as one had firm faith, regardless of strength, anyone had a chance to obtain the divine artifact…
In many conspicuous places, there were even maps posted with the specific location of the peak where the Five-Colored Radiance appeared.
This was the material I had given Wan Shitong yesterday. This guy acted quickly. Early in the morning, the whole small city was already in an uproar. Some people even embellished it, describing the divine artifact as something that would make you invincible the moment you obtained it.
Panzong and I sat in the inn’s main hall, eating while listening to the discussions around us. A knowing smile appeared on my face. These two hundred gold coins were worth spending. The news spread so fast.
Even though the three Dragon Generals led by Li Feng had extraordinary strength, they couldn’t kill everyone. Even though Dragon Knights had transcendent status in the Dragon God Empire, driven by greed, I didn’t believe these mercenaries, wandering warriors, wandering mages, and even commoners would give up this great opportunity.
The most vicious part of my message was that most of it was true—except for whether there really was a divine artifact there.
Since a frontal approach wouldn’t work, I would muddy this clear water. Only then would we have a chance.
Panzong said in a low voice, “Fourth Brother, you’re really amazing. You went out for a short while yesterday and already made this message known in every street and alley. I have even more confidence in you.”
The corner of my mouth lifted. Thinking of Li Feng and the others’ anger when they dealt with these people, I showed a crooked smile. “Big Brother, just wait and see. When the Five-Colored Radiance appears next time, it will be the start of chaos. I hope it appears a few days later. That way, more people will gather.”
“Yes. The more people, the more chaotic it gets, and the bigger our chance. Right—Fourth Brother, don’t forget to bring some food back for Second Brother and the others later. Since we didn’t let them come out, Jin and Yin are a bit unhappy.”
I smiled helplessly. “There’s no way around it. Who told them they’re outsiders here.”
Panzong asked, “Right—Fourth Brother, how have you been living since you came to Dragon God?”
Now I no longer had any reason to hide things from Panzong and Jin and Yin. I smiled slightly. “After I came to Dragon God, I first went to find your two fourth sisters-in-law.”
Panzong froze. “Fourth sisters-in-law? You have a girlfriend? Quick—tell Big Brother. If there’s a chance, let Big Brother meet them too, and I’ll help you look them over.”
I lowered my voice. “It’s like this. Back then, when the Beast Emperor sent me to the Dragon God Empire to go undercover, I studied at Tianshou Academy…” Starting from when I first entered Tianshou Academy, I told him how I met Zi Xue, how I later won Zi Yan’s heart, how the Aura of Death flared up on the road to Xi Lun Academy, and how I later helped Tianshou win the title of the Dragon God Empire’s number one academy at Xi Lun Academy. I told him everything.
But I concealed everything about Mo Yue.
Aside from telling Zi Yan and Zi Xue in order to obtain their forgiveness, and unintentionally telling Bai Jian, I didn’t want anyone else to know about it.
Panzong listened, stunned, eyes full of shock. He suddenly punched me. “You brat—still calling yourself a brother. You hid it from us so hard. You didn’t even tell us you had a girlfriend until now—and you have two at once. As Big Brother, I’m a total failure. What about that Forbidden Art?”
Even though he scolded me, when he mentioned the Forbidden Art, concern still showed in his expression. It made my heart feel warm.
I hurriedly forced a smile. “Big Brother, don’t be angry. It’s my fault. I’m telling you now, aren’t I? Before, there really wasn’t any chance to talk about this. You can’t blame me completely. As for the Forbidden Art, there’s no major problem for now. The Mad God Battle Energy I cultivate can suppress it. It’s just that each time it flares up, it becomes a bit more severe than the last. For now, it won’t be a problem.”
I thought to myself: there would be even more things for you to be surprised about later. At the very least, there would still be a Mo Yue who could become your fourth sister-in-law—of course, only if she was willing to forgive me.
Panzong glared at me fiercely, tilted his head, and said, “Fourth Brother, you just wait. Later I’m going to tell Jin and Yin, and we’ll deal with you together.”
Thinking of Jin and Yin’s curious nature, if they learned that I had only now told them about the Zi sisters, who knew what reaction they would have? I immediately gave an awkward smile. “Big Brother, I know you love your brother the most. Can you really bear to watch your brother get tormented by them? Good Big Brother—how about I give you another gemstone?”
Panzong refused without mercy. “No need. With that diamond, I have enough. Don’t think you can buy me off with this. You brat—using public business for private matters. You delayed so many days before coming to complete the task the Beast Emperor assigned you, and you even deceived us brothers. Come on—let’s go back now.”
My heart stirred. I put away my servile look and laughed. “Big Brother, are you really going to do that?”
Seeing my expression change as if I wasn’t afraid of him anymore, Panzong said angrily, “What? Isn’t it right for Big Brother to deal with Little Brother?”
I glanced at him and leaned back comfortably in my chair. “Right, of course it’s right. But as for Big Sister-in-Law’s matter… Big Brother will have to handle it himself. If I get dealt with by you, I won’t have any strength left to help you find a wife.”
As soon as I mentioned a wife, Panzong’s face reddened, and his expression changed. “Then if I stand on your side, you’ll…”
I nodded, leaned close to his ear, and said, “Anyway, it’s not easy for us to come to Dragon God. We might as well take the chance to go to Dragon Valley and have a look. If there’s a beautiful dragon girl who suits your heart, I can help matchmake.”
Panzong said happily, “Really? That’s great.”
I pretended to sigh. “That’s what I was thinking. But since Big Brother refuses to forgive Little Brother for that tiny mistake, I won’t be able to accompany you. What a pity.”
This time it was Panzong’s turn to force a smile. He scratched his head. “It’s a small matter. Why take it to heart? I’m Big Brother. I still have that much tolerance. I’ll explain it to Jin and Yin. Is that good enough?”