Chapter 8: Revenge
Chapter 8: Revenge
What does Lao Gongren want from me? Chang Bolin asked, following his henchman into the woods.
I dont know, but he said it was important, the henchman replied stiffly.
Are you alright? You look pale, Chang Bolin replied.
The henchman mopped his face. Im fine, Im fine. Its late, thats all.
Chang Bolin peered at him for a second, then shrugged, dismissing him. I bet hes come to tell me theres a mistake, and I was chosen after all. I cant wait another second. Ive already spent way too long languishing in this dead-end outer sect. I dont want to end up as a lowly servant for the real cultivators forever!
Rright, his henchman agreed. He turned the corner, leading Chang Bolin into a bamboo grove. Past the grove, a cliff marked the edge of the mountain.
Lao Gongren is a disciple of Cao Liang, right? Jade Garden Peak. Ugh, Im not interested in plant cultivation. Sure, our Jade Garden Peak is one of the more unique peaks of Starbound Sect when it comes to similar-sized sects, and rare herb cultivation is an important source of resources for the sect, both in using and selling them, but its not my path. Im more of a sword cultivator. Id rather get picked up by Starbound Peak.
He paused, then waved a hand. No matter. I can work my way over there after Im in the inner sect. Anything to get me out of this hellhole.
Silently, the henchman nodded.
I wonder who chose me? Lao Gongren, maybe? Hes on the verge of forming his golden core, so he should be eligible to take on disciples soon. Or maybe I caught Peak Lord Cao Liangs eye? That wouldnt be too ba
A rope coiled around his ankle and flung him through the air. Taken by surprise, Chang Bolin hurtled helplessly after it. He bounced to a stop. The world swirled all around him, and it took him a few moments to catch his bearings.
He dangled off the edge of a cliff from a rope looped around his ankle. The rope coiled around a young, green tree that grew out over the cliff, a tree still bobbing gently from the force of flinging him over the cliff. His robes fell in his face, revealing his trousers. Frustrated, Chang Bolin kicked, trying to free himself. When that didnt work, he drew a knife from under his robes.
A rock smashed into his hand. He released the knife on instinct, then shouted and reached for it. Before he could catch it, someone yanked the rope, sending him bobbling away from the knife. It tumbled into the treetops far below, glimmering once before it vanished entirely.
Who dares? Ill kill you! Chang Bolin shouted.
Save your threats for the living, Weiheng Hui replied in a low voice.
Chang Bolin turned, his blood running cold.
A ghastly sight awaited him. Standing off-kilter, one shoulder higher than the other, Weiheng Hui held the other end of the rope on the cliffs edge. Dried blood stained his lips and chin and soaked into his blue robes. Matted to his body, his black hair laid limp. His robes hung in disarray, showing horrible bruises underneath.
Chang Bolins blood ran cold. I felt the qi leave his body. Hes dead.
Dont tell me
Hui smiled, revealing bloodstained teeth. You killed me, Chang Bolin. You did. Apologize for your misdeeds!
I did nothing wrong! You were a waste of space! Chang Bolin shouted. They never should have brought you to the sect! If you want to blame someone, blame Lao Gongren for picking you up in the first place!
Wrong answer. Hui let the rope slip through his hands.
Chang Bolin plunged toward the trees below. He braced himself for impact.
Hui caught the rope again, pulling him short. A sharp pop echoed over the forest. Chang Bolin screamed and grabbed his leg. It stretched oddly at the hip, yanked out of place.
Im not stronger than you. I cant beat you physically. But for all that youve trained your muscles have you trained your ligaments and tendons? Hui laughed.
Youyou monster! Chang Bolin bit out, panting. His face burned red with pain. Sweat ran down his face and soaked into his hair. He grabbed for his leg again, then winced and fell back as the motion set him swinging.
You killed me, Hui replied flatly. Or tried to, anyways. Ah, what a pity that this poor little disciple is so merciful that I cant bear to kill you in return! No fear, though, my friend. This poor disciple here isnt afraid to dish out a little pain. How do you like the taste of my old debt collectors techniques? I couldnt walk for months after this one!
Ill kill you. Ill kill you! Ill kill you again, and shred your soul to bits, scatter your energy to the four winds so you cant be reincarnated ever again! Chang Bolin shouted.
All that, over a little bit of pain? You really are a fragile kid. No wonder no ones chosen you for the inner sect yet. Theyve all seen you for the brat you are. Tutting, Hui tied the rope off on the tree beside him.
Llet me down! Chang Bolin cried.
So you can kill me again and scatter my soul to the winds, or whatever you said? I think youre better off taking a little nap out here. Dont worry. Someone should find you when the sun rises probably.
Laughing evilly, Hui vanished into the forest. His henchman will probably let him down as soon as Im out of sight. Not that I mind. If he was going to learn a lesson, hes learned it. If he wasnt at least I satisfied myself.
Staggering, he tripped and fell against a tree. Ah Im tired. I hope elder sister Mei is still in the cafeteria when I get there. With effort, he pushed himself off the tree and staggered onward. Wait for me, my beloved high-quality spiritual rice congee