Chapter 18: Cao Lang's Assault

Returning home.

Qin Feiyang glanced around and saw Uncle Yuan sitting in a shady spot by the lake, fishing.

He composed himself, then walked over with a smile and asked, “Uncle Yuan, have you caught anything?”

Uncle Yuan grinned. “I don't know why, but the fish simply refuse to bite today.”

Qin Feiyang said, “Then perhaps it's best to stop fishing. I'll go smoke-dry that black ox I brought back last night. It'll be enough to last us for a while.”

“No need. You go take care of your own affairs.” Uncle Yuan smiled, turned to look at Qin Feiyang, and asked, “Feiyang, is something weighing on your mind?”

“Nothing at all.”

Qin Feiyang shook his head.

“Foolish boy, I've watched you grow up. Do you really think you can hide anything from me?” Uncle Yuan said warmly.

Qin Feiyang scratched his head, then briefly recounted what had happened with Lin Yiyi.

Uncle Yuan fell silent for a moment, then smiled. “I won't meddle in this matter. You'll have to decide for yourself. I'll just say this: not everything is as it appears on the surface.”

“So you mean Lin Yiyi might have her reasons?” Qin Feiyang asked.

“That, I don't know. You'll have to judge and discover for yourself,” Uncle Yuan replied without turning his head.

Some things cannot be spelled out plainly; Qin Feiyang had to figure them out for himself, or else he would become dependent on others.

Qin Feiyang pondered deeply, taking a long, steady breath.

No matter what one does, great strength is always required.

Rather than wasting time on wild guesses, he thought, it would be better to become stronger as soon as possible.

He was about to seclude himself for cultivation, but as he turned, he remembered the little wooden house had been reduced to ashes.

He glanced at the ruins and asked in puzzlement, “Uncle Yuan, why haven't you rebuilt the wooden house?”

Uncle Yuan chuckled. “There's no need. Soon, you'll be leaving Iron Ox Town.”

“Leaving?” Qin Feiyang was taken aback.

Uncle Yuan didn't explain, only smiled. “If you want to cultivate, just find a place for yourself. Feiyang, in two days it will be your fifteenth birthday. What gift would you like?”

“Whatever Uncle Yuan gives me, I'll gladly accept.”

Uncle Yuan smiled faintly and said nothing more. He continued to watch the float on the lake, a mysterious light flickering in his eyes.

Qin Feiyang sat down beside him and murmured, “This time, I'll break through to Nine Star Warrior in one go.”

He took out twenty Body Tempering Pills and swallowed them all at once.

A torrent of energy surged through him, nearly tearing his body apart!

...

By dusk, the news of the Black Demon Stronghold being burned had spread wildly throughout Iron Ox Town.

Amidst the shock, what prevailed most was joy.

Some even beat gongs and set off firecrackers in celebration.

The Black Demon Stronghold had long been infamous in these parts, hated by all, but because they were too powerful, no one dared to challenge them.

Now, with a single blaze reducing it all to ashes, the people were overjoyed.

In the Alchemy Hall.

Ma Hongmei was reclining in a chair, eyes closed, recovering from her injuries.

Knock, knock!

A knock sounded at the door.

“Come in,” Ma Hongmei said, opening her eyes.

The door opened, and a black-clad youth of about fifteen or sixteen hurried in, whispered a few words to Ma Hongmei.

“What? Is this information reliable?” Ma Hongmei leapt to her feet, her face full of disbelief.

The youth nodded. “The whole town is talking about it. It’s said a few hunters went near the Black Demon Stronghold this afternoon and found everything burned to ashes.”

Ma Hongmei asked, “What about the people from the stronghold?”

The youth shook his head.

“How could this happen? The stronghold had two martial masters, and the place was riddled with traps. Even I wouldn't dare to barge in...” Ma Hongmei muttered, her gaze flickering. “Bao Chuan, go to the stronghold and see if there are any survivors.”

“Yes, Master.” Bao Chuan replied, turning to leave.

“No need.”

At that moment, a hoarse voice called out.

And then—

An old man in black, staggering, entered the hall. His face was deathly pale, and a wound in his lower abdomen was seeping blood!

“Xiang Wu!” Ma Hongmei trembled and quickly said, “Bao Chuan, help him!”

Bao Chuan hurried to support the old man and helped him into a chair.

Ma Hongmei strode over, took out a healing pill, and had Bao Chuan feed it to him.

Once the old man had swallowed the pill, Ma Hongmei urgently asked, “Xiang Wu, what exactly happened?”

“It was Qin Feiyang... He and a white wolf... snuck into the Black Demon Stronghold at midnight and killed everyone... Even the stronghold master died at their hands...” the old man said in fits and starts.

“What?”

“How is that possible?” Ma Hongmei and her apprentice turned ashen.

“It’s absolutely true!” the old man declared, every word laced with venom.

Ma Hongmei was dumbstruck, unable to believe it.

Bao Chuan asked, “Master, do you think Qin Feiyang was just pretending to be weak all this time?”

Ma Hongmei shook her head. “Impossible. For five years, he’s come to the Alchemy Hall countless times seeking the Bone Washing Pill. I know him well—he wasn’t pretending. There’s only one explanation: his illness has been cured!”

“He even dared to burn the Black Demon Stronghold. Master, this man must not be allowed to live!” Bao Chuan’s eyes flashed with murderous intent.

Ma Hongmei knew this better than anyone. If Qin Feiyang rose to power, he would surely come after her one day.

“Take some men and bring me his head!” she ordered.

“Yes!” Bao Chuan bowed.

“Wait,” the old man interrupted, a cold smile on his lips. “I have an idea. We can get rid of Qin Feiyang without Elder Ma having to get involved personally.”

“What idea?” Ma Hongmei asked eagerly. It would be best if she didn’t have to intervene herself.

The old man said, “The stronghold master had a son named Cao Lang, who entered the Martial Hall two years ago. He’s said to be a One Star Martial Master by now.”

“Cao Lang?” Ma Hongmei was surprised. “I’ve heard of him—immensely talented, a rare prodigy. I didn’t realize he was the stronghold master’s son.”

The old man explained, “Because the Martial Hall has never liked the Black Demon Stronghold, Cao Lang’s identity has been kept hidden.”

Ma Hongmei suddenly understood. “You want Cao Lang to deal with him?”

He nodded. “If Cao Lang manages to kill Qin Feiyang, it saves us the trouble. But if he’s killed instead, we’ll inform the Martial Hall of Cao Lang’s death... When the Hall Master finds out, Qin Feiyang will be doomed no matter how many lives he has!”

The old man laughed slyly.

“Excellent idea. Either way, it benefits us.” Ma Hongmei smirked, her words icy. “Bao Chuan, go to the Martial Hall and find Cao Lang. Tell him about his father’s death. I trust you know what to say?”

“Understood.” Bao Chuan grinned coldly.

...

Deep into the night.

As Qin Feiyang sat cross-legged on the ground, a powerful aura suddenly erupted from within him.

Eight Star Warrior!

He opened his eyes, and two brilliant lights shot forth.

“Come, have something to eat.”

Uncle Yuan’s voice drifted into his ears.

Qin Feiyang looked over.

Five meters away, a bonfire was burning. Uncle Yuan sat beside it, roasting two large fish.

The delicious aroma made Qin Feiyang’s stomach growl.

He got up, walked over, and sat beside Uncle Yuan with a smile. “Two big fish! Not a bad catch today, Uncle Yuan!”

Uncle Yuan smiled. “As long as you have patience and a calm heart, you’ll always reap rewards.”

“Patience... Calm heart...” Qin Feiyang mused for a moment, then nodded as if awakening from a dream. “Uncle Yuan, I’ll remember your words.”

“Eat up!” Uncle Yuan handed him the two fish with a smile.

Qin Feiyang grabbed them and devoured them ravenously.

“Slow down, don’t choke on the bones,” Uncle Yuan cautioned.

Qin Feiyang pondered this advice, then looked at Uncle Yuan curiously. “Uncle Yuan, why do I feel like every word you say lately is full of hidden meaning?”

“That’s life. Many things and words that seem ordinary at first may one day offer you unexpected opportunities. So wherever you go, observe, listen, think, but speak little. Say what needs to be said, and keep quiet when you should.”

Qin Feiyang nodded, committing these words to memory.

Soon, the two fish were gone.

Throwing away the bones, Qin Feiyang said, “Uncle Yuan, I’ll continue cultivating. If you’re tired, rest early.”

“Alright.”

But just then—

A furious, murderous voice came from the entrance. “Qin Feiyang, get out here!”

“Hm?” Qin Feiyang frowned, stood up, and looked toward the entrance, spotting a dark figure racing toward him.

“Uncle Yuan, I’ll go see what’s happening.”

He quickly left, heading toward the figure.

Beneath a willow tree, the two met.

They stopped a few meters apart, appraising each other.

“Who are you?” Qin Feiyang asked in confusion.

Opposite him stood a black-clad youth of about fifteen or sixteen, unusually tall—at least one meter eighty-five—broad-shouldered and burly, exuding a fierce energy.

But Qin Feiyang had no recollection of this person.

The youth didn’t answer, only asked, “Did you burn the Black Demon Stronghold?”

“I did,” Qin Feiyang replied.

“Prepare to die!” the youth roared, lunging forward with a palm strike.

From his palm, true energy surged forth!

“A Martial Master!” Qin Feiyang’s expression changed dramatically. He leapt aside, barely dodging the blow, and shouted, “Can’t we talk before fighting?”

“My father’s murderer cannot live under the same sky as me! Today, if I don’t tear you to pieces, I swear I won’t rest!” the youth howled, hair bristling, charging at Qin Feiyang like a mad beast.

Qin Feiyang retreated rapidly, thoughts racing.

Black Demon Stronghold...

Father’s murderer...

Could it be...

A glint flashed in his eyes. “Are you Cao Lang?”

“Hm?” The youth frowned and paused. “How do you know?”

“So it is you!” Qin Feiyang’s heart tightened. “Your father told me himself, of course I know.”