a journey into immortal cultivation

Chapter 26 — Malice

Chapter 26 — Malice

Mulling over the three basic arts, Wang Lin’s heart stirred. He formed the seals for Fireball—but not a spark appeared. He tried again and again; once a fleck of fire winked out the instant it was born.

“Talent… always talent,” he sighed, turned to Earthfissure, and split a hairline crack in a boulder—no wider than a little finger. Good enough to bluff mortals, useless in a real fight.

Last he practiced the Attraction Art. Results were better, if still meager. Since Attraction led to Object-Driving at the second layer and, after the third into the fourth, to flight-sword selection at the Sword-Spirit Pavilion, he threw himself into it.

Near nightfall, he headed back. Having reached First Layer Qi Condensation, his senses were keener; as he passed the chores hall by the east gate, familiar voices pricked his ear.

“Senior Brother Liu, you set my quota at a hundred jin of firewood. Why raise it to a thousand? I’m no newcomer—these years I’ve never shorted you your ‘gifts.’ Push me like this and I’ll be forced off the mountain!” That was Zhang Hu.

“Zhang Hu, don’t say I’m making it hard. Year-end’s close; I’m not exactly living easy. You’ve been slacking, then shoving me into the fire. I sent your wood to the Dan Room and got reamed out. Brought it back and saw you’re real capable—of that hundred jin, thirty were water.” Liu’s voice was cold.

“Impossible! Slandering me because Zhao Fugui slipped you a talisman and asked for cushier work—and I caught you at it. Such a small thing, and you want to drive me out? You’re filth. I quit. I’m going to the elder!” Zhang Hu snapped.

“You force my hand. Blame your bad luck for seeing what you shouldn’t. You’re not leaving tonight. If the elders learn of this, I’ll have your whole family wiped out.” Liu’s tone turned murderous.

A strangled cry. Wang Lin burst through the door.

Liu’s face was twisted, dagger lunging for Zhang Hu, who was pinned against the wall, terror-struck.

No time to reach him. Wang Lin cast Attraction. An invisible hand seized Liu mid-thrust; the dagger’s tip had already scratched Zhang Hu’s chest—blood welled—but the blade froze.

Liu panicked, body crushed by unseen force. Zhang Hu, pale and sweating, slid aside on hands and knees, gasping thanks.

Wang Lin’s brow beaded. Holding a struggling man with Attraction strained him to the limit. The moment he saw Zhang Hu out of danger, his focus wavered and the grip loosened.

About to break free, Liu thrashed harder. Zhang Hu’s gaze flicked from Wang Lin to Liu, hardening. He snatched up the chopping axe, stepped to Liu.

Terror flooded Liu’s eyes; he bucked wildly. Zhang Hu gritted his teeth, muttering, “A man without venom isn’t a man. You forced this—threaten my whole family?”

“Zhang Hu, what are you—!” Wang Lin’s heart lurched; Attraction snapped.

In that instant of freedom, the axe came down. A melon-crack thud. Liu jerked twice and went still.

The axe clanged to the floor. Zhang Hu stared at the blood-slick corpse, face contorted, saying nothing.

Wang Lin stood numbed. It was the first time he’d seen a body like this. At length he managed, bitterly, “You…”

Zhang Hu lifted his head, features twisted, each word squeezed out: “You saw it. I didn’t want to kill him. Without you, he would’ve killed me tonight! He forced me—he did!”

Wang Lin fell silent.

Zhang Hu drew a steadying breath, then crouched to rifle the corpse. He found a gray bundle brimming with hundreds of the travel talismans issued to outer hands. There was a thread-bound ledger too; he skimmed it and tucked it away. After a further search he pried open a floor panel and pulled out a single yellow slip.

He weighed it, then turned to Wang Lin. “I owe you my life. I can’t stay in Hengyue now. Once Liu turns up dead they’ll trace it to me—but I’ll be long gone. These I’m taking. As for this talisman—whatever it is, it’s what he killed over. You keep it.” He offered the yellow paper.

Wang Lin didn’t reach for it. “Why… go this far? If you hadn’t killed—”

Zhang Hu frowned. “Enough. Don’t bring it up again. I’ve had my fill these years. If you still count me a friend, take the talisman.”

Wang Lin accepted it with a wry nod.

“I’m leaving. This has nothing to do with you. The sect’s trail will stop at me—and by then I’ll be out of Hengyue. Hmph. Zhao has room enough; I refuse to be an outer drudge for life.” Zhang Hu’s expression shifted through turmoil to resolve. At last he turned and walked out.