Chapter 50: Melancholy

Although Xiao Wanli gritted his teeth in hatred toward Ning Xiu, once some words are spoken, they must be fulfilled. That day in the Thousand Bamboo Pavilion, he had nearly declared before all the upper echelons of the Bamboo Forest Society that Ning Xiu would be compensated. The reward arrived early the next morning—a bottle of pills called Purple Bamboo Elixir.

Ning Xiu had heard about the Purple Bamboo Elixir many times since joining the Bamboo Forest Society; the herbs used were said to be exceptionally rare and the cost exorbitant. Even elders might not receive a single pill in a year. Ning Xiu had the system appraise it: rated one and a half stars, its effect was to enhance inner strength.

It was a gift, so naturally Ning Xiu accepted it. Moreover, recalling Xiao Wanli’s disgruntled expression when he handed over the elixir made Ning Xiu want to laugh for reasons he couldn’t explain.

Since the Bamboo Forest Society was riddled with Xiao Wanli and Zhou Qun’s informants, Ning Xiu always chose to practice far from headquarters, on a barren mountain three miles away.

That day, as soon as Ning Xiu left the society, he noticed three shadowy figures trailing him. He paid them no mind, activating the Swift Steps technique and hurrying toward his destination. Though the straight-line distance was only three miles, traversing hills and ridges made it much farther. Trees rushed past, then faded into the distance behind him.

He picked up speed, veering deeper and deeper off the beaten path, until finally he stopped in a secluded spot deep in the mountains. Looking back, he saw the three shadows had kept pace—their lightness skill was impressive, and they had caught up in moments.

“You three have followed me all the way—how diligent. Why not show yourselves?” Ning Xiu called into the empty woods behind him.

“Quite perceptive,” the three figures emerged. Leading them was Zhou Ziru.

Ning Xiu glanced at their attire and sneered inwardly—how bold! They had come wearing the Bamboo Forest Society uniform, as though he was already in their grasp.

Besides Zhou Ziru, the other two had four emerald bamboos embroidered on their collars: both were elders. One was an old acquaintance of Ning Xiu’s—Sun Qian.

“You took plenty of rewards for a job not done. Hand over what doesn’t belong to you,” Zhou Ziru demanded.

“You trailed me all this way just for the Purple Bamboo Elixir?” Ning Xiu asked.

“Of course not. I want your life. But if you hand over the elixir obediently, we’ll let you die a little more swiftly,” Zhou Ziru laughed, adopting the posture of a victor.

“Oh, that’s good,” Ning Xiu smiled, took out the elixir, uncorked it, and poured it into his mouth.

The crunching sound of teeth breaking the pill was especially grating.

“You’re courting death!” Zhou Ziru’s expression darkened as he barked.

“Someone else is courting death,” Ning Xiu tossed the small porcelain bottle aside, his face calm. “I thought Zhou Qun was clever enough not to provoke me at such a critical moment.”

“Of course, it’s also possible he warned you, but you’re simply too foolish,” Ning Xiu added.

Truth be told, Zhou Ziru, despite his competitiveness and narrow mind, was not as foolish as Ning Xiu implied; otherwise, he wouldn’t have made it to the position of Outer Sect Steward. He had already estimated Ning Xiu’s capabilities as highly as he could, and to ensure Ning Xiu’s demise, he had brought along two elders for absolute certainty.

Alas, he misjudged the situation, misjudged Ning Xiu, and misjudged himself.

“Elder Sun, did I hear him right? Has this brat gone mad, claiming we’re the ones to die?” Zhou Ziru looked at Ning Xiu and suddenly burst out laughing; he hadn’t encountered something so amusing in ages.

Someone with the same second-rank cultivation as himself, acting as if he commanded the world, speaking as though even Zhou Qun meant nothing to him.

Such arrogance!

Sun Qian and the other elder likewise thought Ning Xiu insane.

“You find that funny?” Ning Xiu looked at Zhou Ziru and laughed along.

“Isn’t it hilarious?”

“If it were me, I wouldn’t be laughing,” Ning Xiu replied. Before his words had faded, the sword in his hand thrust out!

Zhou Ziru and the others had focused all their attention on Ning Xiu to prevent his escape, never imagining he’d attack first.

Just a moment before, the strange sword on Ning Xiu’s back was sheathed; the next, it was at Zhou Ziru’s throat.

By the time Sun Qian and the other elder reacted, the sword had already pierced Zhou Ziru’s throat.

Sacred Spirit Sword Technique—Sword Eight!

The attack was so swift that even the blood hadn’t had time to flow.

Overwhelmed by pain, every muscle in Zhou Ziru’s face trembled; his mouth gaped open, his eyes wide with terror.

“I told you, if it were you, you wouldn’t be laughing,” Ning Xiu coldly regarded Zhou Ziru and abruptly withdrew the Divine Sword of Remembrance.

As the sword came free, bright red blood spurted from Zhou Ziru’s throat like an arrow. He fell with a crash, not even able to utter a dying word.

“You dare kill Ziru!” Sun Qian roared, drawing a pair of Judge’s Pens and attacking Ning Xiu.

Zhou Ziru had been slain before his eyes; if Sun Qian didn’t return with Ning Xiu’s head, Zhou Qun’s wrath would be endless.

He could not afford the price. The other elder felt the same; his blue-bladed sword joined the fray.

Zhou Ziru’s strength was only at the entry-level second rank, and they thought Ning Xiu’s success was a mere sneak attack. Sun Qian was confident that, together, they could slaughter Ning Xiu.

Sun Qian had been at the second rank for ten years; his Judge’s Pens were wielded with peerless skill. In moments, he had thrust seven lightning-fast attacks at Ning Xiu.

The other elder coordinated smoothly, blocking Ning Xiu from behind; his sword created a web, sealing all escape routes.

Both were seasoned veterans—quick and ruthless.

Ordinary second-rank experts would be doomed under such an assault.

But Ning Xiu had already broken through to first rank—and was no ordinary man.

He brandished the Divine Sword of Remembrance, countering speed with speed!

Dazzling sword light flashed, weaving into nets that not only dissolved their attacks but enveloped them in return.

The sword nets were endless, unceasing.

Sun Qian and his companion struggled only briefly before dying amid the torrents of sword light.

Sheathing his sword, Ning Xiu stepped forward to perform his customary search of the bodies.

He had little hope for such things, so when he found nothing of value, his expression remained unusually calm.

Gazing at Zhou Ziru’s corpse, Ning Xiu felt a twinge of melancholy.

Why are there always such blind fools in this world? It seemed his original plans would have to change.