Spare me, brave hero!

The incident of the Golden Dragon being subdued by a wild beast spread through Green Skin County like wildfire; in less than a day, there was hardly a soul who did not know. Golden Dragon’s reputation was ordinarily exalted, for Green Cloud Sect was the county’s sole sect, boasting numerous members and considerable power. The county magistrate, for all his authority, was little more than a figurehead, his every plan and intention subject to Golden Dragon’s approval.

Such was the way of the world—across the seven nations, cultivation sects were held in high esteem. A single cultivator at the Golden Core stage rivaled a force of two or three hundred soldiers in might; their power was extraordinary. As long as these practitioners were properly managed, their presence greatly bolstered the strength of the state.

Throughout the streets and alleys, tales of Golden Dragon’s misadventures were on everyone’s lips, growing more outrageous and exaggerated with each retelling. Some, delighting in stirring trouble, even adapted the story into popular narrative performances, sparking a wave of theatrical fervor around Golden Dragon throughout Green Skin County.

Yet Xie Wujie was having anything but an easy time. Disguised as a Green Cloud Sect disciple, he accompanied Yuan Xiao to the back mountain. To leave the sect by its main gate was pure folly—a death sentence. The entrance was guarded, every passerby scrutinized, and wanted posters plastered everywhere seeking Xie Wujie.

Despite whatever misfortune befell him, Golden Dragon remained the sect’s master and a Golden Core cultivator, so the disciples dared not defy his commands. Privately, the tales of Golden Dragon had spread everywhere, but openly, respect was maintained.

Golden Dragon finally managed to get out of bed, making his way to the cultivation hall to observe his disciples’ progress. His gait resembled a toad walking upright, knees bent at ninety degrees, and with a protrusion behind him—a wooden stake prepared by the old master, known as the “wooden plug.”

“At that moment, the sect master was sprawled on the ground, and the one-horned wolf was so majestic, pouncing right onto the master. The master let out a wailing scream!” One disciple animatedly described the scene to those who hadn’t witnessed it firsthand, even mimicking the wolf’s movements, prompting bursts of laughter from the others.

“And what happened to the one-horned wolf?” asked a mischievous disciple.

With a sly grin, the storyteller replied, “Zhang Danian realized he’d caused a disaster, so he climbed onto the wolf’s back and made his escape!”

“Tsk, tsk, what a lucky wolf! But I heard the sect master can only relieve himself by digging with his hand now—is that true?”

“Who knows?”

The disciples bantered, the atmosphere lively, all of it reaching Golden Dragon’s ears. His face darkened; he had intended to supervise, but hearing such talk made him abandon the idea.

“If I don’t bring Xie Wujie back and torment him thoroughly, how can I assert my authority in Green Cloud Sect?” Golden Dragon seethed, wishing he could tear Xie Wujie apart.

At that moment, Xie Wujie was not far from him, slipping past toward the back mountain. Owing to the one-horned wolf, no one dared venture there, believing the beast to be a menace—unaware that it had been tricked and fed a pill by Old Yu.

This circumstance provided Xie Wujie with an excellent opportunity; if he reached the back mountain, half the escape would be accomplished. Yet Yuan Xiao, accompanying him, was noticed by Golden Dragon. Yuan Xiao feigned deference, but his hatred for Golden Dragon was deep—having been deceived for so long, made the enemy’s adopted son.

He knew that if he revealed his true feelings now, Golden Dragon’s cultivation was formidable, and he stood little chance in a fight. To die recklessly would serve no purpose; since he was alive, he must find a chance for vengeance—for his parents, not for a meaningless sacrifice.

Yuan Xiao’s acting was poor, his expressions odd, and Xie Wujie marveled at it internally, thinking that even a fool could see Yuan Xiao was hiding something.

But to Golden Dragon, Yuan Xiao’s behavior seemed normal. In other times, Golden Dragon might have noticed something amiss, but now, no matter whom he looked upon, he was simmering with anger—having been humiliated by a one-horned wolf…

He assumed Yuan Xiao was mocking him inwardly, just not daring to show it; thus, he suspected nothing further.

Yuan Xiao clenched his fists, struggling to restrain himself.

“How goes the search for Xie Wujie? Have you noticed anything in Green Skin County these past three days?” Golden Dragon asked, bandaged hands behind his back.

“Foster father, I’ve searched everywhere inside and out. Xie Wujie seems to have vanished from the earth—I can’t find him at all,” Yuan Xiao replied, cupping his fists.

Golden Dragon ground his teeth, pain from his injuries nearly unbearable. The wounds had begun to fester, and but for attentive care from several maids, they might have worsened. Even so, the daily consumption of spiritual medicine was considerable.

“Damn it—dig three feet into the ground if you must, but do not let him escape! Now you’re my only son. When I am gone, the sect will be yours. Do not disappoint me!” Golden Dragon declared.

Yuan Xiao nodded, “Rest assured, foster father. I’ll send people—or rather, today I’ll search personally!”

“Good, worthy son!” Golden Dragon turned his gaze to Xie Wujie, whose face was wrapped in bandages, thoroughly disguised. He kept his head bowed, silent.

“And you are…?” Golden Dragon frowned.

Xie Wujie lowered his voice. “That day, I saw the sect master in distress and went to help, but the beast was too strong. Its tail struck my face, leaving it covered in wounds. Thus, I cannot show my face to the master; I beg your pardon.”

Golden Dragon mused—indeed, several had come to help him that day—and took a favorable impression of this disguised disciple. He sighed, saying, “You’ve suffered. Take these silver coins and buy some spiritual medicine to treat your injuries.”

“Thank you, master. I will help Brother Yuan capture the one named Xie. Even if I can’t defeat him, I’ll scratch him at least, to repay this bitter enmity!” Xie Wujie replied.

Golden Dragon was pleased and nodded, “Very well, you two get to work!”

He felt gratified; not all his disciples were boisterous braggarts—some were truly loyal.

Once Golden Dragon departed, Yuan Xiao wiped sweat from his brow. “Damn, you nearly scared me to death. If you’d slipped up, both of us would be finished. I wouldn’t get my revenge; I’d have to kill the old villain now!”

“My acting is reliable. You, however, are unnatural. Let me give you a tip: when lying, don’t look your opponent in the eye. Eyes don’t lie; if you avert your gaze, a clever person will quickly notice,” Xie Wujie advised.

“So you’re skilled at lying?” Yuan Xiao frowned. He preferred upright men and now regarded Xie Wujie as a smooth talker.

Xie Wujie sighed, “In the past, I worked in sales. If I couldn’t put on an act, how could I persuade clients? Without clients, I’d be starving. Would you pay me?”

“Brother Wujie, I didn’t realize you had such hardships. Clearly, I misjudged you,” Yuan Xiao said.

“Let it be. The past is best left unspoken—if I started telling you my story, three days and nights wouldn’t suffice. Let’s leave now, before things change,” Xie Wujie said.

“Alright!” Yuan Xiao agreed, and the two headed for the back mountain. As they approached the entrance—a cave—they spotted a furtive figure lurking nearby.

Xie Wujie wondered if someone was spying on them; Yuan Xiao noticed too. They crept closer, and as they reached the cave entrance, a ragged man suddenly leapt out, falling to his knees and crying, “Mercy, good sirs!”