Chapter 17

C17 – Am I a Terrible Man?

Under the cover of night, Yin Xu and Wu Sheng made their way towards the city gate of He County. After checking three consecutive inns, they found no vacancies. Ultimately, Yin Xu offered ten taels of silver to the innkeeper, securing a middle-class room.

With the waiter delivering their meal and hot water, the master and servant shared a simple dinner. Following their ablutions, they retired for the night without further activity.

Given the single bed in the room, Wu Sheng naturally didn’t have a share.

Yin Xu meditated for four hours, his meridians gradually expanding under the influence of Demonic Qi, facilitating the necessary openings. Even the Devilish Exercise showed signs of breaking through the initial stage.

Satisfied with his cultivation session, Yin Xu ceased his practice. Casting a glance at the snoring Wu Sheng, he rose and approached the window. Pushing it open, a chill wind greeted him.

“Loong’an Temple?” Yin Xu supported himself on the windowsill with one hand and leaped out. With a few swift bounds, he vanished into the night.

The winter night air was biting, the streets deserted long ago. Yin Xu released his Demonic Qi, shrouding himself in a black mist akin to a drifting cloud.

Passing through a narrow alley, Yin Xu’s figure flickered, vanishing like a specter.

Shortly after, a cloaked figure emerged in the alley, scanning the surroundings before cautiously advancing.

Just as he neared a house’s doorway, a sudden surge of black mist assailed him. Reacting instinctively, he channeled his inner strength, unleashing a powerful punch. However, the force dissipated without striking anything.

As he prepared to depart, two figures emerged at the alley’s entrance, their features obscured by the light. Recognizing them from their encounter at the teahouse earlier, Yin Xu paused.

Licking his lips ruefully, Yin Xu pondered his limited cultivation; absorbing another’s spiritual energy had reached his threshold. Any further attempts would surely prove fatal.

Departing in regret, Yin Xu’s velocity left bystanders in awe.

Teng Yu observed a familiar figure approaching, unprepared for the bizarre scene unfolding. Witnessing the man enveloped in a dark mist, Teng Yu remained vigilant, wary of the ominous aura.

Opting against advancing, Teng Yu maintained his position, silently observing.

Teng Yu’s companion squatted beside the corpse, sensing an unsettling chill emanating from it.

Scrutinizing the state of the deceased, Teng Yu furrowed his brow, “Seems like the infamous Devilish Exercise. Could it be someone from the Evil Sect?”

“A’Si, the first prince’s elite Dark Guard, yet he couldn’t resist. The perpetrator must possess considerable strength,” mused the companion.

“Since we’re not the targets, delving further seems unnecessary. Just exercise caution going forward,” Teng Yu advised.

“Agreed.” The companion rose, nudging the corpse aside, “What shall we do with this individual then?”

“Not our concern,” Teng Yu shrugged, departing the alley without further deliberation.

Hastening to catch up, the companion trailed closely behind Teng Yu, both vigilantly surveying their surroundings.Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m