“Chapter 90 Update”

"Chapter 90 Update"

"Xie Qingfeng watched the old Taoist's movements without a change in expression, his indifferent gaze taking in the scene that Hao Jixin found terrifying and bizarre, as if in slow motion."

"The black resentment transformed into wisps of fog, absorbed by the old Taoist's body. Simultaneously, this resentment formed a layer of black membrane covering him."

"The old Taoist thought this was a sign of his increased power, but everything has its duality. He practiced through unorthodox means, intending to enhance his abilities, but his technique was incomplete. The faster his skills advanced, the more he unknowingly exchanged his own life to fill the gaps."

"Had it not been for the deep blessings of his ancestors or the path laid by his master, he would have succumbed to backlash long ago."

"Originally, the old Taoist thought this young man had great abilities, so he used his proudest magical instrument to take him down in one strike, only to find his opponent seemingly paralyzed with fear, motionless."

"The old Taoist's lips curled in mockery, the bell in his hand ringing more harshly. But as he absorbed more resentment, he felt something wrong, a coldness in his bones, a pain he had never experienced before."

"Could it be the excessive resentment he absorbed this time?"

"Soon, he felt as if his body was deflating, a chilling cold seeping into his bones, causing his hand ringing the bell to tremble violently. His complexion worsened, movements sped up, eager to deal with this group quickly and return to meditation to suppress the discomfort."

"When he thought the time was right, the old Taoist shook the bell towards Xie Qingfeng. Invisible to others, countless black fumes rushed towards Xie Qingfeng, and the talismans above converged, shrouding the entire backyard in darkness like nightfall."

"Xie Qingfeng stood still, raising his hand lightly to block Jing Xiu's advance: 'It's nothing to fear.'"

"His deep, indifferent voice, steady without fluctuation, calmed Jing Xiu's nerves."

"Jing Xiu, having never seen such a display by the old Taoist, initially thought he possessed formidable power. But hearing the national master's reaction, he realized there was no need for premature action, saving spiritual energy."

"Jing Xiu swiftly stepped back, ready to watch the unfolding scene."

"The old Taoist, watching the black mist engulfing everything towards the young man, even imagined the next moment where his opponent would be entangled by resentment and collapse unconscious. He wouldn't let anyone die here, to avoid trouble, but what happened after they left was none of his concern."

"But the old Taoist's expectations were in vain. Just as the black mist surged, the young man effortlessly raised his hand, seemingly drawing something in the air. As the mist neared, it couldn't penetrate the barrier, and instead, was repelled back towards him."

"The old Taoist's face turned pale with shock. He hastily sat down cross-legged, pulling out talismans from his robes, but it was too late. The black mist enveloped him, leaving him with no means of defense."

"Blood began to flow from the old Taoist's eyes, nose, and mouth, his entire body, including his face, turning a ghastly iron blue."

"Xie Qingfeng finally lifted his hand when the old Taoist was down to his last breath, and instantly, all the surrounding black mist dispersed in a moment."

"Almost simultaneously, the talismans blocking the sky above fell to the ground. Upon touching the earth, they ignited, burning away completely in an instant."

"The old Taoist spat out a mouthful of black blood, collapsed on the ground unable to move, staring wide-eyed and speechless, furious and incredulous. His lifetime's work... destroyed just like that?!"

"'Master—' The young man behind him, terrified by the scene, rushed over, only to be kicked away by Jing Xiu, flying several meters and crashing into the locust tree before falling to the ground, unable to get up near the old Taoist."

"Hao Jixin and Li shuddered, looking at the young man sprawled silently on the ground, then at Jing Xiu casually retracting his leg, swallowing hard: What a guy!"

"Hao Jixin discreetly stepped back several paces, deciding it was best not to provoke Jing Yingdi in the future, fearing a kick might come his way someday."

"Xie Qingfeng, looking at the brightened backyard, instructed Hao Jixin: 'Contact Ai Yefeng, tell him to come and take these people away.' This matter was best handled by Ai Yefeng, the professional for the job."

"Hao Jixin promptly agreed and hurried to a corner to call Ai Yefeng, sending him the location after the call."

"Xie Qingfeng, looking at the old Taoist gasping for air and the young man knocked unconscious under the locust tree, said: 'You needn't glare at me. Even if it weren’t for me, your fate would've been the same eventually. Your master should have warned you when he initiated you, that the cycle of karma is inescapable. Your fate was average but secure enough to ensure a lifetime of peace. Yet, you grew greedy, impatient with the slow pace of cultivation, harboring forbidden thoughts. Now, you're reaping the fruits of your earlier actions. You should be grateful for the blessings your ancestors and master accumulated for you; otherwise... you'd have already perished from your own backlash.'"

"Initially disbelieving, the old Taoist's expression changed as Xie Qingfeng mentioned his master, realizing something and filling with fear."

"Xie Qingfeng continued: 'Do you know why I spared your life? You've wronged many; these souls will return their resentment to you over the next 49 days. The marks of this resentment will carry into your next life, subjecting you to all earthly sufferings... and this is the consequence you must bear.'"

"The old Taoist was finally terrified, but unable to speak or move, the backlash making his bones feel as if pierced by wind, too painful to even lose consciousness."

"Hao Jixin and Li vigorously rubbed their arms, thankful they never harbored harmful intentions, lest they suffer in their next life."

"Ai Yefeng arrived quickly, being nearby in the city. He rushed over, not wanting to keep Xie Qingfeng waiting."

"When he arrived, already having informed his colleagues, he was still shocked by the scene. Upon understanding the old Taoist's misdeeds in his jurisdiction, his expression darkened."

"Realizing the severity of the situation, he reported it and gratefully turned to Xie Qingfeng: 'Mr. Xie, this matter... thanks for your help. His abilities were considerable, and the location was remote. Being a food establishment, we never suspected.' He couldn't imagine the malicious intentions of the old Taoist hidden behind the facade, deceiving countless people over the years."

"The investigation would need to be thorough and slow. The thought of how many more might have been harmed if he lived another day was chilling."

"Xie Qingfeng: 'It was mere coincidence that I stumbled upon this.' He then mentioned the old Taoist had only 49 days left, and as for the investigation, the old Taoist might not be able to speak, but the young man and his disciples could reveal much."

"Ai Yefeng nodded repeatedly in agreement."

"After giving instructions, Xie Qingfeng glanced at Li, who was nervously shrinking his neck nearby, and waved him over. Li hurried forward: 'Sir...' He had heard everything. The newcomer was from a special department, and he was fortunate enough to encounter such a high-ranking official."

"But now that the old Taoist couldn't speak, could he still find his middle school classmate?"

"As Li approached, Xie Qingfeng turned and walked towards the unconscious disciple, with Jing Xiu leisurely following. When they reached the young man, Jing Xiu didn't wait for Xie Qingfeng to speak and kicked the young man a few times. He quickly woke up."

"The young man initially looked dazed, but as he remembered the recent events, his face turned pale with fear. He tried to get up, but a foot pressed down on his back. At the same time, a menacing whisper came from above: 'Answer truthfully when asked. Otherwise, I won't mind crushing your bones inch by inch starting from your shoulders. Don’t worry, you'll stay alive, but... it'll be a fate worse than death.'"

"Li, who heard everything clearly, was speechless..."

"Ai Yefeng, standing not far away, was at a loss..."

"Should he pretend he didn't hear that or actually didn't hear it?"

"Then, slowly turning away to look at the sky: 'Why haven't Mu Zhang and the others arrived yet? Brr, I feel a bit cold today.'"

"What followed was easy. The young man was clearly terrified by Jing Xiu's brutal demeanor. Xie Qingfeng asked, and he answered everything, revealing the address, age, name, and even how much money was spent for Li's middle school classmate."

"Once everything was said, Jing Xiu kicked the young man again, knocking him unconscious."

"Ai Yefeng then coughed lightly and turned back: 'Mr. Xie, do you need assistance? That place is quite far.'"

"Xie Qingfeng looked at Ai Yefeng, considering the necessity of an investigation and that Li's previous case would require future interactions and records. He wrote a talisman with spiritual power and handed it to Li: 'Mr. Ai here is an official. You can follow him from now on. When you find your middle school classmate, stick this talisman on him. The malevolent formation on you will naturally transfer back to him.'"

"As for how the classmate would be affected by the formation in the future, that was no longer his concern."

"Li nodded repeatedly, clutching the talisman tightly in gratitude. Thankfully, he had added Mr. Hao on WeChat. After resolving everything, he planned to pay the remaining fee and later buy some gifts to thank the master."

"After Ai Yefeng's colleagues arrived, Xie Qingfeng, Jing Xiu, and Li left first. Li would follow them for the rest of the procedures."

"This trip took longer than expected, so Xie Qingfeng and Jing Xiu headed back first."

"As Hao Jixin was about to leave after dropping them off, Jing Xiu raised his hand to stop him, pulling open the passenger door to peek inside."

"Hao Jixin turned, meeting Jing Xiu's gaze, and felt an ominous premonition: 'What’s wrong?'"

"Jing Xiu, expressionless, slightly curled his lips: 'I promised to teach you martial arts last time. I’m free tomorrow and the day after, no classes. Come over before dealing with your employer’s tasks in the morning, and I’ll start with the basics.'"

"Hao Jixin shuddered, knowing it! This man must be looking for payback, and he had no choice but to obediently learn: 'What time should I come?'"

"He usually picked up the master around nine and hoped it would be just an hour earlier at eight, which he could endure."

"Jing Xiu, aware that Xie Qingfeng usually set his phone to do-not-disturb mode during sleep, wasn’t worried about disturbing him: 'Let’s not make it too early.'"

"Hao Jixin's face brightened: 'That’s great!'"

"He then heard Jing Yingdi continue: 'Come at five in the morning.'"

"Hao Jixin: '........'"