Chapter 49 Compared to Lin Sui’s Life, His Life Is…

Chapter 49 Compared to Lin Sui's Life, His Was Worth...

Lin Heng once again gathered the same group of companions who had joined him on the previous hunting trip. Since they hadn’t fully enjoyed themselves last time, they were all eager when he proposed another outing. Each of them promptly instructed their attendants to prepare horses and bows.

Lin Heng approached Xue Zhao and clapped him on the shoulder. "Come on, we're going hunting soon."

Xue Zhao hesitated. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to go—being part of this circle was hard-won for him. But ever since his uncle’s death, his mother had become overly protective, even reluctant to let him leave the house alone. Though frustrated, Xue Zhao didn’t dare defy her.

Seeing Xue Zhao unmoving, Lin Heng frowned. "What, you don’t want to go?"

"No, I just need to inform my mother first," Xue Zhao quickly replied, sensing Lin Heng’s displeasure.

"A grown man still needing to ask his mother for permission to go out." Lin Heng scoffed.

"Brother Lin, wait for me a moment. I’ll be right back." Ignoring the jab, Xue Zhao hurried off to find Xue Shi.

Xue Shi was seated with her daughter Xue Ying in the nearby Orchid Lotus Pavilion, where noblewomen had gathered with their daughters. The young ladies played instruments, painted, or amused themselves while their mothers observed from the sidelines. The gathering served more as a matchmaking opportunity than for flower appreciation. However, since the Marquis of Jinyang had recently been reprimanded by the emperor, no one had bothered to speak with Xue Shi, leaving her slightly anxious.

Xue Zhao arrived outside the pavilion but didn’t dare intrude. He asked a maid to relay his message, and soon Xue Shi came out to meet him.

"Zhao’er, weren’t you playing in the garden? Did something happen?" Xue Shi asked upon seeing her son.

"Nothing’s wrong. Brother Lin invited me to go hunting, so I came to let you know."

"No, you can’t go." Xue Shi’s face fell instantly. "Last time you went with them, you encountered a tiger monster in the mountains. Have you forgotten?"

"Mother, that was just an accident. Besides, the Bright Mirror Bureau took care of that tiger monster. Nothing will happen this time."

"It’s still too dangerous. Even without monsters, what if something else goes wrong? Do you think those people you’re going with will look out for you?"

Xue Zhao was losing patience. He frowned. "Mother, I need to socialize."

"Then keep proper company. Look at those pampered nobles you’ve been associating with—"

Xue Zhao cut her off. "Do you think respectable people would give me the time of day?"

He pointed at himself. "Mother, have you forgotten what my status is?"

Though he was the Marquis of Jinyang’s only son, his status remained unacknowledged, and many noble sons wouldn't give him the time of day. It was only by deliberately befriending the Duke of Li’s third son at the academy that he had been accepted into this circle.

Yet his mother understood none of this and still blamed him.

Xue Shi fell silent, choked by her son's words.

After a long pause, she said tearfully, "This is all my doing. I've made you and your sister targets for scorn."

Seeing her distress, Xue Zhao softened his tone. "Mother, it’s not your fault. If anyone’s to blame, it’s Ji Chan... Our fortunes will change."

"Yes, better days will come for our family." Though she said this, Xue Shi’s forehead stayed creased with worry. Seeing she couldn't stop him, she relented. "If you're determined to go, be extra careful."

"Don’t worry. They'll have guards with them this time. There's nothing to worry about."

"Can you promise to return before dark?"

"Sure, I’ll bag a fox for you, Mom."

After saying goodbye to his mother Xue Shi, Xue Zhao rushed off to find Lin Heng.

Once he found Lin Heng, the group strapped on their bows, mounted up, and rode out of the Lotus Garden, escorted by four Second Realm cultivators from the Duke of Li’s household.

With these guards accompanying them, the group felt much more at ease.

"Lin Heng, where should we enter the mountains this time?" Zhang Xuyao, the third son of the Duke of Li, shouted boisterously. Zhang Xuyao's mother was the Duke of Li's second wife and a cousin from a separate branch of Lin Heng’s mother’s family, Yao Shi.

Lin Heng and Zhang Xuyao were cousins, which was why they got along so well.

"Same spot as before. There are plenty of beasts there."

"That’s rough terrain to get through. Do you remember the way?"

Lin Heng scoffed. "Why bother? Last time’s guide did the job—we’ll use him again."

At the mention of the previous guide, the group burst into laughter. Someone added, "That runt’s still alive? Swore the tiger demon chewed him up."

"Probably tasted like dirt—not worth swallowing."

They laughed heartily and soon arrived at Huangxi Village.

Villagers loitering at the entrance bolted at the sight of these young noblemen on tall horses, accompanied by guards. No one dared approach or ask their purpose.

Lin Heng ignored them outright, heading straight for the home of Lin Sui's younger brother. Dismounting, he kicked the rickety gate wide open.

Gao Luo, wearing a sleeveless tunic, mid-swing splitting logs inside, looked up at the sound. Seeing Lin Heng and the group of mounted noblemen outside, his knuckles whitened around the axe handle.

"What do you want?" Gao Luo asked warily.

Lin Heng glanced at his right leg. "So, heard you’re a gimp now?"

"None of your damn business."

"My father sent someone to check on your leg recently, didn’t he? Bet they dosed you with fancy spirit drugs—otherwise, you wouldn’t be up so soon. Did he give you money too?" Lin Heng countered instead of answering.

Gao Luo stiffened. "If you're here for the money, I’ll return it now."

"Keep it. That chump change barely covers your leg’s worth—consider yourself lucky. We’re here because we need you to guide us into the mountains again."

"Hell no!" Gao Luo’s throat went dry at the memory of the last trip, and he refused without hesitation.

He had barely escaped with his life—there was no way he’d go back.

Lin Heng sneered. "Not like you’ve got a say. If you refuse, I’ll snap your other leg and make sure you never walk again."

He looked down at Gao Luo’s defiance and scoffed. "Don’t kid yourself—you really think Lin Sui would stand up for you against me. Wake up—stop dreaming."

With that, he gestured to the guards behind him.

One of them stepped forward, pinning Gao Luo with a predator’s stare.

The guard’s eyes bored into him, ice-cold, sending chills down Gao Luo’s spine.

"Shall I snap his leg now, Young Master?" the guard asked.

Lin Heng gave a short laugh and asked, "Gao Luo, are you going or not?"

Gao Luo clenched his teeth. "I'll go."

Gao Luo and Lin Heng's group entered the mountains through the woods behind Huangxi Village. About an hour after they left, A Chan's carriage finally arrived.

Lin Sui sat outside, guiding Chen Hui. The closer they got to Huangxi Village, the more uneasy she felt.

It had been two years since she'd last seen her brother. Did he even want to see her? Might he turn her away without letting her step inside?

The carriage stopped outside the Gao family’s house. The three of them got out and found the front door wide open. In the yard lay partially split firewood, but there was no one inside.

"Xiao Luo might have gone out. I’ll ask around," Lin Sui said before heading to the village entrance to inquire among the gossiping village women.

A few village women greeted Lin Sui with smiles, asking if she had found a better life in the city.

Lin Sui wasn't in the mood for chitchat. "Aunties, have you seen Xiao Luo? Why isn’t he home?"

An elderly woman spoke up, "Some young gentlemen came to the village earlier—they seemed to be looking for Xiao Luo. They seemed familiar, like the ones who took him away last time."

Another chimed in, "Exactly! They headed toward the back of the village, probably going into the mountains."

Lin Sui’s face fell. "Are you sure it’s the same people?"

The old woman thought for a moment. "There were more of them this time, but one of the boys looked just like you. I'd recognize that anywhere."

Lin Sui balled her fists and turned back.

A Chan and Chen Hui waited in the Gao family’s yard until Lin Sui returned, her movements stiff.

"Did you find your brother?" A Chan asked.

Lin Sui’s voice trembled. "No. Xiao Luo might have been taken into the mountains by Lin Heng and the others."

A Chan and Chen Hui exchanged glances. Not long ago, they had learned how Lin Sui’s so-called brother had crippled her younger brother. Was this man really such a monster?

"I have to go into the mountains to find Xiao Luo. Lin Heng has no humanity—I’m afraid Xiao Luo won’t come back if he goes with them."

Seeing Lin Sui’s determination, A Chan knew she couldn’t be dissuaded. But letting her go alone was too dangerous, so she looked to Chen Hui.

Chen Hui reassured Lin Sui, "Stay calm. I’ll go with you to search. First, ask the villagers where they entered the mountains so we can follow."

"What about A Chan?" Lin Sui glanced at her. After spending time together, she knew A Chan’s health was delicate—even walking too fast left her breathless, let alone climbing mountains.

Leaving her alone in the village didn't feel right with Lin Sui.

"It’s fine," A Chan said. "I’ll stay here and wait for you. There are lots of people nearby—nothing will happen."

Lin Sui thought for a moment. "Wang Third Madam lives next door. I’ll ask her to watch over you. If anything happens, call for her."

"Alright," A Chan agreed.

Lin Sui first inquired around the village, then went to Wang Third Madam’s house to ask for her help before finally heading into the mountains with Chen Hui.

After they left, A Chan locked the gate and went inside.

Xiao Luo had been staying in the west room, while Lin Sui’s belongings remained untouched in the east room. Despite her absence for two years, the place was perfectly clean.

A Chan sat on Lin Sui’s old bed, trailing her fingers over the headboard—not a speck of dust.

She couldn’t help but think, *No wonder Lin Sui always worried about her brother. He must have missed her just as much.*

How wonderful. Though not related by blood, they cared for each other like true siblings.

The mountains behind Huangxi Village weren’t steep, but they went on for miles. Some areas even Gao Luo had never ventured into—the village elders had warned against it.

This time, Gao Luo led Lin Heng’s group toward the western hills, where game was supposed to be plentiful. Yet strangely, they only spotted a few rabbits and two pheasants—nothing else.

Annoyed, the group demanded Gao Luo take them elsewhere.

Gao Luo recalled the hunter Zhang, who lived at the foot of the mountains, telling everyone about the southwest hills teeming with rabbits, deer, and foxes.

A few villagers had followed him and returned with a good haul.

After a brief hesitation, Gao Luo guided them southwest.

He rarely came this way—the area bordered the forbidden zones the elders warned about.

This time, Gao Luo noticed the vegetation was unusually dense, with no discernible path.

Two of Zhang Xuyao’s guards stepped forward, cutting through the brush with their blades to force a trail.

Seeing their steady progress, Gao Luo realized they had experience navigating mountains and kept silent.

Further ahead, rustling grass caught their attention.

Zhang Xuyao perked up. "White fur—is that a fox?"

"Quiet, or you’ll scare it off," Lin Heng hissed, drawing an arrow. He missed, and the hidden creature bolted.

The group gave chase. Moments later, Lin Heng returned, holding a bleeding fox.

Zhang Xuyao said to him, "Hey, I saw a deer run down into the valley below. Let’s check it out later?"

"Sure."

Gao Luo immediately objected. "We can’t go there."

"Why not?" Zhang Xuyao sneered.

"It’s dangerous. Our village elders warn against going there."

His words drew mocking laughter.

"Hah! Dangerous? What makes your villagers so special? Who do they think they are?"

Another jeered, "Lin Heng, your guide’s useless—too much of a coward."

Zhang Xuyao turned to his guard. "Can you remember the way back?"

The guard nodded. "Yes, Young Master. No need to worry."

"Good. Since my man knows the way, we don’t need this brat slowing us down."

Lin Heng glanced at Gao Luo with contempt. "Get lost."

Gao Luo gave him a wary look, suspecting they wouldn’t let him go so easily. Still, he turned to leave.

After a dozen steps, a whistling sound cut through the air. Two arrows embedded in a tree beside him. Before he could react, a third struck his shoulder.

Gao Luo let out a scream as he collapsed to the ground, losing his balance and tumbling down the slope.

Even in such a moment, he could clearly hear the laughter of those men.

Lin Heng turned to Xue Zhao beside him and said, "Not bad, Xue Zhao. Your archery is impressive."

The arrow that had struck Gao Luo was shot by Xue Zhao.

"You flatter me," Xue Zhao replied with a smile.

The group watched as Gao Luo rolled down the mountain, not giving him another thought, nor caring in the slightest whether he lived or died.

Lin Heng had already made it clear earlier—he didn’t want this kid to have an easy time. Since that was the case, it was better to just make him disappear in the mountains.

They hadn’t personally killed him, after all. It was just an accident—a stray arrow. Whether Gao Luo survived or not was up to fate—hopefully, he wouldn’t be eaten by wild beasts.

The group hurried away, heading toward the ravine Zhang Xuyao had pointed out. The nearer they drew, the more rustling they heard around them.

Soon, they spotted a deer grazing, head bowed. The group immediately gave chase, running after it into the ravine.

Yet, none of them noticed that the deer’s movements were unnaturally rigid, every step a perfect copy of the last.

Zhang Xuyao soon caught up to the deer and let an arrow fly.

The arrow struck the deer’s neck, but instead of collapsing, the deer continued running forward.

"What’s going on? Why isn’t that deer bleeding?" Zhang Xuyao was certain he hadn’t misseen. He turned back, his face fell.

Only then did the group realize that a wispy fog had crept up around their ankles at some point. Though the sky was still bright, the light had dimmed for no reason.

Lin Heng spotted a rabbit hiding in the grass and poked it with his bow. The rabbit’s body was stiff, unmoving, as if it had been dead for a long time.

"My lord, this place isn’t right. We should retreat immediately," one of Zhang Xuyao’s guards urged.

The guards quickly closed ranks around the group, but before they could get far, the fog grew denser. A tiger’s roar echoed from deep within the mist.

Soon, a massive black tiger, nearly three meters long, appeared in their line of sight. Its gaze was uncannily human, sizing them up.

"You lot again," the tiger suddenly spoke, its voice unmistakably human.

Lin Heng and the others were terrified. Wasn’t the tiger demon supposed to be captured? How was there still one here?

The guards protecting Zhang Xuyao exchanged glances, realizing their peril. Without hesitation, they lunged at the tiger demon together.

But to the group’s horror, the black tiger demon slammed all four guards dead with a single strike each.

Second Realm guards—dead without a struggle.

The tiger demon bit down on one of the guards’ arms, took a bite, then scowled. "Shame they’re all male. The meat’s not tender at all."

Lin Heng and the others swallowed hard. "G-Great Tiger, none of us are tasty. If you want women, we can bring them to you."

"Yes, however many you desire," Zhang Xuyao quickly added.

"Really?" The black tiger demon narrowed its eyes, as if weighing their words.

"Of course," another man chimed in. "We’ll tell you this instant where to find tender women."

"Go on," the tiger demon said, its eyes gleaming with cruel delight. It loved watching humans grovel to appease it for survival.

"Yellow Creek Village!" the man shouted, then pointed at Lin Heng. "His sister is there today—she’ll surely satisfy you, Lord Tiger."

"Oh?" The black tiger demon turned to Lin Heng. "What does your sister look like?"

Any anger Lin Heng felt toward his companions vanished the moment he met the tiger’s massive, gleaming eyes. Compared to his own life, Lin Sui’s was expendable.

He hurriedly replied, "My sister is very beautiful, pampered and kept indoors. She—she’ll meet your requirements, Lord Tiger."

"Very well. You’ve proven your worth, so I won’t eat you today."

The black tiger demon tilted its head back and bellowed, "To Yellow Creek Village! Bring that woman back!"

As its voice rang out, countless shadows materialized from the thick fog behind it. Had Gao Luo been there, he would have recognized one of them—Old Zhang the hunter, who he’d just seen.