Chapter Sixty-Four: Every Man for Himself When Disaster Strikes

Whether it was Yutu or Li Que, both were always domineering—this had become Zhong Ming's sole impression of Baiyu Pavilion. At first, Zhong Ming had doubted it. Could the Palace Master of Baiyu Pavilion, the immortal Echan, truly utter such audacious words to Emperor Li Yuan of Tang, declaring, "I am the mandate of heaven; you must revere me"? Now, it seemed Baiyu Pavilion truly lived up to its reputation for immortal arrogance; such wild proclamations were not only spoken by Echan and Yutu, but Zhong Ming even believed that the lowest attendant sweeping the floors of Baiyu Pavilion would dare say the same to Li Yuan.

Heaven and earth are unfeeling, treating all things as straw dogs. There was nothing false in that saying. All the immortals of Baiyu Pavilion were superior beings; for mere mortals, they were as gods. In the eyes of Yutu and his ilk, Zhong Ming and his kind were no different from cattle and sheep. When a butcher slaughters livestock, he never considers their pain or thoughts. So it was with Yutu, who sealed Zhong Ming’s dantian with a flick of his finger, simply because he deemed Zhong Ming’s method of cultivating internal force too crude—a waste of the world’s spiritual energy. With one gesture, he shut down Zhong Ming’s progress in martial arts.

Such tyranny, such absurdity! It was like an adult killing a child for being too frail, reasoning that such a child could never accomplish anything in life. Laughable! Lamentable! Pitiful!

Yet Zhong Ming did not lose heart, nor did he collapse in despair. He clenched his teeth, raging only at his own weakness. Weakness was the original sin; a life forever on the brink had taught him this truth. Yutu would never reason with him, just as those cannibals who once caught him had relied on their strength to act as they pleased, devouring whatever they could seize. The strong never reason with the weak, for the weak are not worthy.

Both sides of this truth were crystal clear to Zhong Ming. When he calmed down, he felt no resentment, no panic, no furious curses; instead, he examined his body. Only his dantian was frozen; his vital energy was temporarily inaccessible, but otherwise he was unharmed. It was fortune amidst misfortune—his life was not threatened.

Raising his head, Zhong Ming stared in the direction Yutu had departed, and snarled, "Yutu, I will remember this grudge. One day, I will seek revenge!"

Zhong Ming was not petty; he could overlook minor slights and let others take their advantage with a smile. But Yutu had crossed his bottom line, seeking to dictate the course of his life, snuffing out his martial dreams. To not avenge this would be unworthy of a gentleman!

He watched for a long time before slowly withdrawing his gaze. Yutu was gone, leaving nothing but darkness in the night—much like Zhong Ming's own uncertain future. To seek revenge against Yutu would not be a matter of days or even years. Zhong Ming knew well: with his paltry skills, he couldn’t even defeat the lowest attendant at Baiyu Pavilion, let alone Yutu.

For now, the most pressing matter was to check on the old Taoist. Earlier, Yutu had struck Zhang Daozhen with brutal force; his situation was more dire than Zhong Ming’s. When Zhong Ming went to help him, Zhang Daozhen could not even stand; a patch of blood stained his Taoist robe—a clear sign that Yutu's methods had made him cough blood.

"Old Master Zhang, are you alright?"

Supporting Zhang Daozhen, Zhong Ming looked on with concern, for the old man’s face was pale as death.

But unexpectedly, once Zhang Daozhen was helped up, he began to laugh wildly, only to cough after a few laughs, likely aggravating his wounds.

---

Zhang Daozhen coughed, bringing up blood. "Master Zhang, what’s happening to you?" This behavior alarmed Zhong Ming, who feared Yutu had knocked the old man senseless.

Zhang Daozhen’s face was manic, almost mad, muttering repeatedly, "Heaven and earth united—just now, that man used the union of heaven and earth!"

Zhong Ming frowned, "Master, you’d best not speak. Your injuries are severe."

"It’s nothing, nothing, I’m not dead yet, and even if I died, it would be worth it!" Suddenly, Zhang Daozhen grabbed Zhong Ming’s arm and said, "Zhong, do you know—I've spent one hundred thirty-four years refining elixirs, reciting scriptures, seeking the Dao, studying formations! I've searched for the immortal realm left to us by our forebear for so many years, and my heart had grown cold. I thought it was all legend, that no one could live forever, no one could attain the immortal body. But today—today I have seen it! The union of heaven and earth; only a true immortal could perform such feats! Baiyu Pavilion has immortals, true immortals! After all my years seeking the Dao, I may finally glimpse the immortal realm!"

Hearing this, Zhong Ming’s brow furrowed deeper. Zhang Daozhen’s expression was crazed, almost as if possessed. He coughed up blood several times as he spoke, ignoring it, only tightening his grip on Zhong Ming’s wrist.

Zhong Ming thought to himself: The old Taoist may have been driven mad by Yutu’s attack.

With a sigh, Zhong Ming could only advise, "Master Zhang, you are injured. Rest first—when you recover, tell me all you wish."

"It’s nothing, nothing..." After two coughs, Zhang Daozhen let go of Zhong Ming’s arm and staggered into the house.

Zhong Ming felt uneasy and followed the old Taoist to the doorway, watching him mutter for a while before finally swallowing a pellet and sitting cross-legged to heal.

The oil lamp in the room had gone out, likely because the wick was too short and needed trimming. Zhang Daozhen ceased his muttering and focused on recovery, allowing Zhong Ming to finally let go of his worries.

Gently closing the wooden door, Zhong Ming turned to leave. His mind was in chaos—he knew he wouldn’t be able to sleep. As soon as he stepped out of the small fenced yard, he saw someone standing at the gate. Startled, he thought Yutu had returned to silence witnesses.

But upon seeing clearly, he relaxed; it was Hu Su.

Hu Su stood quietly outside, still carrying his strange longbow.

"That man just now is a major figure from Baiyu Pavilion. You must never provoke him, or you’ll lose your life," Hu Su said, his voice tinged with helplessness, coming out of genuine concern.

Zhong Ming looked at Hu Su with interest, cupping his hands in thanks. Then he asked, "So you saw everything?"

Hu Su nodded. "The commotion caused by his immortal arts was too great. I couldn’t help but notice, so I came to check."

It turned out Hu Su had been hiding nearby, but Zhong Ming wasn’t foolish enough to ask why he hadn’t helped. Yutu was trouble no one wanted. Whatever neighborly bond they had, it wasn’t enough for Hu Su to risk his life for Zhong Ming; even if Yutu had tried to kill Zhong Ming, Hu Su would likely have only watched.

"You didn’t just come to warn me to avoid that Yutu, did you? Is there something else?"

Seeing Hu Su linger after speaking, Zhong Ming knew he had more to say.

Hu Su nodded, "I’ve figured out most of what happened. The formation is too dangerous, and Young Master Guangling can no longer serve as the lamp at the heart of the array. I came to tell you—I’m taking Young Master Guangling home."

---

Zhong Ming chuckled and nodded in agreement. When disaster looms, everyone flees for themselves. Who would dare associate with Zhong Ming now that Baiyu Pavilion was involved? Besides, Hu Su would take Li Guangling home regardless of Zhong Ming’s opinion; his mention was a courtesy, not a request.

Seeing Zhong Ming agree, Hu Su wasted no words and turned to look for Li Guangling.

Watching Hu Su’s tall figure depart, Zhong Ming suddenly called out, "Hunter Hu, could I ask a favor?"

Hu Su paused, hesitated a moment, then said, "Speak your request; I may not be able to help."

Zhong Ming knew Hu Su’s relationship with Carpenter Li was exceptional, always following his lead, almost like master and servant. Many matters were not his to decide.

"It’s not a difficult thing. I just want you to check if my dantian can be saved."

Feeling the persistent chill within his dantian, Zhong Ming cared deeply. He knew Hu Su was no ordinary man, likely a martial expert, at least more knowledgeable than himself. Asking someone wise was the only way to feel at ease.

This time, Hu Su did not hesitate. He walked over to Zhong Ming and reached out to probe the area of his dantian.

He had witnessed Zhong Ming’s injury earlier, but had kept out of it, preferring to avoid trouble. Now, with Zhong Ming’s request, Hu Su had to act; after all, his master held Zhong Ming in high regard, and if he died, his master would be grieved.

Without a word, Hu Su sent his own energy into Zhong Ming’s dantian to investigate.

Zhong Ming felt a surge of force, far more domineering than his own, entering his dantian. Before he could react, Hu Su abruptly withdrew his hand, as if Zhong Ming’s dantian contained a thorn.

As Hu Su’s energy entered, it was instantly frozen, the chill spreading into his own body. Had he withdrawn his hand any later, he would have been affected too.

With lingering fear, Hu Su hid his hand behind his back, staring at Zhong Ming in surprise.

Seeing Hu Su’s tense expression, Zhong Ming knew it couldn’t be good. He forced a smile, "Well? Can my dantian be saved?"

"In my view, the method used to injure you is strange—beyond the understanding of martial artists like us..." Hu Su hesitated, and Zhong Ming understood that it was likely hopeless, managing only a bitter smile, "So you mean, there’s no cure?"

"Not entirely hopeless, but ordinary methods won’t work. Since it’s an immortal’s technique, perhaps only an immortal can undo it."

Zhong Ming nodded, understanding now that the immortal arts Yutu and the others used were vastly different from martial skills. Asking Hu Su had been in vain.

He gave a bitter laugh, "Why did I bother asking?"

"If you truly wish to try to find a solution, you could ask the old Taoist inside. Though Longmen Mountain’s Daoists are ordinary folk, their alchemical arts are not to be underestimated—otherwise, Master Chen wouldn't have specially sought out an alchemy expert from Longmen Mountain for the palace. Or you could consult your uncle Yang Yanlang; as far as I know, Yang Yanlang might be able to find you a way out."

After reminding Zhong Ming, Hu Su did not linger, turning toward the village.

Standing before the small yard, Zhong Ming drew a deep breath and clenched his fists.

His eyes were resolute as he murmured to himself, "As long as there’s a way, I will not give up! If all else fails, I’ll go to the Suiyun Mountains and seek Master Yaya. I refuse to believe Yutu can truly crush my path to martial arts with a single finger!"