Chapter Thirty-Seven: The Art of Provocation

Hongshun’s mind was in utter turmoil: “I’ve already formed a deep-seated hatred with these two kids. They made me look so foolish, so miserable; there’s no way I’ll let them off. And if they ever get the chance, they won’t spare me either. After all, I gave the order to shoot them, and their beloved horse died because of it.

But what should I do with them now? Should I kill them in front of all these people? If they weren’t from Miao Manor, it would be easier—dead is dead, who would dare hold Xuanying Sect responsible? But what if they are? At most, I’d be scolded fiercely by the Sect Leader for roughing up the direct descendants of Miao Manor, but if I actually killed them, the Sect Leader might make me pay with my life just to cure his precious granddaughter.”

While Hongshun was secretly weighing his options, the man atop the Xuanying Peak called out again, “Hongshun, senior brother, have the people arrived or not? If not, please hurry over to Miao Manor and invite them again. The Sect Leader is still waiting. And, Hongshun, don’t waste any time! If you delay the Sect Leader’s business, don’t blame me for not reminding you in advance. By then, your days as head of Qingfeng Hall are numbered.” His tone was dripping with sarcasm, making it clear he had no respect for Hongshun.

Already furious, Hongshun’s anger surged upon hearing this jeering. He snapped, “Hongtao, stop using the Sect Leader to pressure me. I know what I’m doing—I don’t need you meddling.”

“You—!” Hongtao was left speechless. Hongshun’s reputation for being unreasonable was well-earned, and today he experienced it firsthand.

At that moment, Liu Lanzhi suddenly interjected, “Brother Hongtao, I beg your pardon. I am Liu Lanzhi, the young mistress of Miao Manor. My junior and I are here today specifically to treat your lady. We have been waiting here for some time, but this… Hongshun not only refused to let us treat her, he accused us of being spies and threatened to kill us. If we hadn’t been lucky, we’d have died at his hands already.”

Hongtao, contemplating how to deal with Hongshun, was delighted by Liu Lanzhi’s words—Hongshun had dug his own grave. Though pleased, he wore an angry expression as he said, “Is this true? This is outrageous! Hongshun, what’s your motive? The Miao Manor people are here, so why didn’t you let them in to treat her? Are you involved in harming the lady? Do you actually want her dead?” His anger grew, and he stared at Hongshun in shock.

Hongshun sneered coldly, “What a fool. We all know the disciples of Miao Manor, but have you ever seen these two? If you’re certain they are from Miao Manor, I won’t stop you—take them in to treat the lady. But if anything happens, don’t say I didn’t warn you. By then, you may lose your own head.”

Hongtao finally had a chance to ruin Hongshun, and he wasn’t about to let it go. He wanted to retort, but after glancing at Che and Liu, his confidence faltered. Treating the lady was critical—no mistakes could be made. With the Sect Leader furious, if these two children treated her and succeeded, it would be a great merit; but if they failed… he shuddered.

Hongshun saw Hongtao’s hesitation and mocked him further, “What, scared? This little girl is supposedly the young mistress of Miao Manor, and her medical skills are said to be second to none. Why not take a gamble—see if she’s here to heal or to harm?”

Hongtao clenched his teeth. The young mistress of Miao Manor was clearly Yang Cheng, not a little girl. Hongshun was trying to trick him, but he wouldn’t fall for it. Clearing his throat, Hongtao said, “Well, Hongshun, I’m just here to relay the Sect Leader’s message. Since I’ve done so, I’ll take my leave. As for inviting people from Miao Manor, you’d better hurry.”

He turned and left, leaving Liu Lanzhi stunned and speechless. What kind of people were these Xuanying Sect members? One was unreasonable, another as dumb as an ox—she felt she’d come to the wrong place.

Hongshun watched Hongtao walk away, murderous intent flickering in his eyes. Che and Liu noticed his shifting gaze and sensed danger—was he about to strike again? Before Hongshun could decide, Che Wuyou stepped forward, “Hongshun, senior brother, I have a few words to say.”

Hongshun was surprised. This boy looked dull and slow, but he was unexpectedly cunning. Did he sense Hongshun’s murderous intent? Hongshun eyed Che Wuyou coldly and said, “If you’re begging for mercy, save it. I despise cowards.”

Che Wuyou shook his head calmly, “I won’t beg you. I just want to tell you something. Whether you kill us or not is your choice.”

Hongshun: “…”

Che Wuyou continued, “You have two options. First, kill us. There are two consequences: If we truly are from Miao Manor and you kill us, your lady won’t receive proper treatment and you’ll pay with your life. Second, if you kill us, Hongtao and the other Xuanying Sect disciples will report to the Sect Leader that you killed suspected Miao Manor guests out of selfishness, risking your lady’s life. You’ll still pay with your life.

The other option is to let us treat your lady. That has only one consequence: if we cure her, we’ll demand you pay with your life for our horse.” He spoke with absolute confidence, as if Hongshun was doomed no matter what.

Liu Lanzhi was startled—was Che Wuyou trying to provoke Hongshun? Most bystanders stared at Che Wuyou in disbelief—was he inviting a quick death? If he claimed Hongshun was doomed either way, why not kill them now and gain an advantage? Only a few clever people sensed that the seemingly dull boy was using this approach to maximize his own chances of survival.

Regardless, everyone nervously watched, for their fate rested in Hongshun’s hands.

Hongshun was furious again, “You— you little fool! I’m going to kill you. I refuse to believe I’ll die for killing you. Who are you to demand I die for your horse?”

He snatched a broadsword from a nearby subordinate and, like a gust of wind, rushed to Che Wuyou. Seeing Che’s calm expression enraged him further, and he raised the blade, swinging it toward Che’s head.

But halfway through, Hongshun paused. The boy’s words made some sense. If he killed him now, even if Che wasn’t from Miao Manor, Hongtao would surely badmouth him to the Sect Leader, claiming he killed the guests sent to treat the lady. With so many witnesses hearing the two claim to be from Miao Manor, if anything happened to the lady, the Sect Leader would not forgive him.

Hongshun thought it over, then glared fiercely at Che Wuyou and withdrew the sword. He could crush these two brats later; there was no need to act now and give others an excuse.

Since they claimed to be from Miao Manor, he could let them treat the lady. If they failed, others would deal with them for him. He doubted these youngsters had the skill to pull off a miracle.

Hongshun’s gaze lingered on Che and Liu. He clenched his teeth, suppressing his rage, and stared at Che Wuyou for a long moment before saying, “Are you really from Miao Manor? Why didn’t your master come himself, or send your senior brother Yang Cheng? Sending two children to treat my lady—do you look down on Xuanying Sect, or are you deliberately toying with us?”

Che Wuyou, seeing Hongshun finally speak reasonably, secretly breathed a sigh of relief—he’d been nervous himself. Knowing when to stop, he quickly replied, “We truly are from Miao Manor. My master intended to come, but he’s elderly and recently unwell, so he sent us in his stead. My senior sister—”

Hongshun glared at him and said viciously, “Enough. Since you’re from Miao Manor, I won’t make things too difficult. Go see to my lady. If you truly cure her—” He sensed the crowd recalling Che Wuyou’s earlier words: demanding retribution for their horse. He faltered, inwardly cursing—he would kill these two one day to avenge his humiliation.

Hongshun clenched his fists and continued, “I’ll apologize to you and personally escort you out of Xuanying Sect. If you fail, you won’t leave alive.” He then gave instructions to his men, and personally led Che Wuyou into the sect, leaving Liu Lanzhi outside.