Chapter 55: Cruelly Framed

At that moment, the crowd around us began another round of gossip.

“Look, Zou Bao’s blade can’t even touch Lin Yao.”

“I didn’t expect the gap to be this wide.”

“Don’t kid yourself. It’s obvious Lin Yao can’t beat Zou Bao—he didn’t even get a chance to draw his blade…”

I merely smiled faintly at these pointless remarks, then swiftly kicked Zou Bao aside and leisurely drew the Snowblade from my ring.

I crooked a finger at Zou Bao, who was clutching his chest and grimacing in pain—an unmistakable gesture of mockery for someone so concerned with saving face.

With practiced ease, I summoned Snowblade and combined it smoothly with my Six-Star Steps, wielding the weapon with precision.

I had intended to toy with him a bit longer, but I hadn’t anticipated that Zou Bao, for all his brute strength, possessed neither speed nor intellect.

I hadn’t used much force at all, yet within five minutes, he was already battered and bruised all over.

Glancing at the astonished crowd, I sheathed my Snowblade and turned to leave.

I looked back at Chen Chen and said, “Let’s go. There’s no point in staying…”

Just as I finished speaking, I felt a sudden chill race up my spine—a cold intent targeting my lower back.

Fortunately, my reflexes were swift; even as I turned to dodge the fatal attack, my arm was still grazed, leaving a shallow cut.

My smile vanished as I looked at Zou Bao, who had just failed in his sneak attack.

Without hesitation, I retrieved an ordinary weapon from my ring and drove it straight into Zou Bao’s heart.

I hadn’t set out to kill him, but people like him have always disgusted me the most.

Shaking the blood from my hand, I gazed coldly at the lifeless Zou Bao. My phone began to ring—doubtless the Ghost King announcing the outcome of the game.

I had no interest in checking it. Instead, I quietly left the basketball court with Chen Chen and the others.

On the way back, I couldn’t help but ponder: I was once someone who didn’t even dare kill a chicken. How had I become so ruthless?

Perhaps it was because of the Ghost King...

Chen Chen and the others noticed my mood and scrambled to tell jokes, quickly lifting my spirits. Soon, I was listening intently as Li Zijian shared a funny story.

I’d wanted to try out my newly learned Spirit-Gathering Finger Technique, but Zou Bao had been too weak. I would have to wait for another opportunity.

I caught sight of the only woman in our group—Chu Yao. She rarely spoke to me, quietly following along whenever we went out. Someday, I should introduce her to little Nangong Xi; I had a feeling they’d become close friends.

After the Ghost King sent out his message, the entire afternoon was uneventful. My classmates discussed it briefly in our group chat, then rested.

As for me, I spent the afternoon cultivating, pausing only for a piece of chocolate at dinner.

...

It wasn’t until after five the next morning that I finally opened my eyes.

The others were sprawled asleep on their beds, but I was wide awake.

I considered stepping outside for some fresh air, when suddenly the Ghost King appeared.

“Classmates, this will be your final game over these seven days.

“The rules are very simple. I will privately message each team with an identity; one team will be the Wolves, the others will be Prey.

“The Wolf team must kill the designated team within the allotted time. If they fail, every member of the Wolf team will be punished.

“Of course, other teams may eliminate the Wolves and claim their identity.

“The game will end at eight o’clock tomorrow morning. The game begins now.”

After reading the rules, I realized the Ghost King’s games were growing ever more varied.

I quickly checked my messages—relieved to find that the Ghost King hadn’t assigned me the Wolf role.

I noticed the first target was a team led by someone named Xu Duoxin, but I didn’t know him—only that he was from Class Two.

My priority now was to figure out which team had been designated as the Wolves.

It was just after five; few people were awake yet. I decided to investigate on my own.

Taking precautions, I messaged Chen Chen, just in case something happened.

The morning air was brisk, the cool wind fully rousing me as I hurried across the sports field, peering into each dormitory I passed.

But it seemed everyone was still asleep; I circled the school grounds once.

At last, I sat on a bench by the field to rest.

Lost in thought, I was startled by a sudden shout from the direction of the school building.

At the first sound, I sprang to my feet and raced toward it.

Within minutes, I was pressed against a wall at the corner.

Cautiously, I peeked out—it was my old nemesis, Jiang Yuan.

To my surprise, he had reached the Second Grade of Spirit Leaf, his spiritual energy seemingly stronger than mine.

Standing before him was Xu Duoxin. So, Jiang Yuan’s team must be the Wolves.

“Better to die early and be free. I have no choice but to do this,” Jiang Yuan said, brandishing a broadsword with a leering grin—his words made my skin crawl.

As I debated whether to save Xu Duoxin, Jiang Yuan’s sharp gaze found me.

I shrank back, but before I could react, someone slipped a black bag over my head from behind!

A sense of dread seized me. I reached for my weapon, but my assailant was clever—delivering a sharp blow to the back of my neck.

It was a strike beyond the skill of ordinary people, and I staggered, losing consciousness.

Cursing inwardly, I could do nothing.

...

I didn’t know how long I was out, until someone slapped me awake.

Dazed, I opened my eyes to see Hua Ling.

I shot him a murderous glare, then quickly surveyed my surroundings.

I was tied to a chair, seemingly in Jiang Yuan’s quarters.

I hadn’t expected Jiang Yuan to collude with Hua Ling to ambush me—truly despicable.

Hua Ling, seeing I was awake, wasn’t surprised. He gave me some water, then left.

I felt for my ring—damn! Jiang Yuan must have taken it.

Without it, I was unarmed and unable to free myself.

After a while, I heard footsteps outside. I tried to feign sleep, but he entered before I could prepare.

“Well, you’re awake?” Jiang Yuan said, fingering my ring.

I spat at him and said, “Only a coward resorts to ambush. Dare to untie me?”

“I wouldn’t dare. Everyone knows the fearsome reputation of Lin Yao. Letting you go would only invite trouble,” he replied with a sneer.

Then he drew a dagger from my ring and plunged it into my leg.

I swore loudly as pain exploded through me, biting my lip as Jiang Yuan looked on with smug satisfaction.

Finally, he glanced at me one last time and said to his lackey, “Beat him within an inch of his life. Leave him breathing.”

With a laugh, he strode out the door.

I let out a cold chuckle and shut my eyes tightly.