Chapter Sixty-Nine: Signing the Life and Death Agreement

"Ahem!" Qin Feiyang choked on his own saliva on the spot, tears even streaming from his eyes. This old man—was he not just utterly adorable? Beside him, Ling Yunfei's face was flushed crimson, struggling to suppress his laughter. Yet in his heart, he felt an unprecedented sense of comfort and release.

However, the people of the Ling family wore expressions of utter disbelief. It was obvious that Jiang Haotian had caused trouble first, yet Elder Feng Cheng of the Pill Hall—a mighty King of War—was not only unconcerned with justice but instead turned the blame on them. Where was fairness? Where was justice? Suppressed, furious, yet not daring to let their anger show. The Pill Hall and King of War were like two towering mountains, pressing down on them until they could barely breathe. They were like mute men forced to swallow bitterness, unable to voice their pain.

Qin Feiyang cleared his throat and smiled. "Elders, this is just a misunderstanding. How about we just let it go?"

A few of the elderly clan elders spat out blood on the spot. The others shook with rage, their bodies trembling. Their chests were about to burst with indignation. It was clearly he who had come to the Ling family to stir up trouble, and now he acted as though he were being magnanimous. In this world, how could there be someone so shameless? Their fists clenched tightly. If looks could kill, Qin Feiyang would have died a thousand deaths.

Ling Yunfei gazed at each of them in turn. "Is this too much for you to swallow?" he thought. "But have you ever considered that for these past ten-odd years, this is the life I've lived every single day? Have you ever thought about how I feel?" This was retribution. No, it was not nearly enough. "I will continue to take my revenge until you are utterly broken," he muttered, feeling the seed of hatred within him sprout and grow.

Feng Cheng feigned a moment of deliberation, then shook his head. "No, slandering a disciple of my Pill Hall is not something that can simply be let go." Elder Mo, his face expressionless, added, "Indeed. For a mere minor clan to dare challenge the might of our Pill Hall—if we don't make an example, how will we maintain our standing in Black Bear City?"

Qin Feiyang was dumbfounded. He considered himself shameless enough, but these two old men were even more so. Anyone who crossed them was doomed to a tragic fate.

"Esteemed elders, please... show some mercy," the Ling family patriarch bowed, lowering his once-proud head in supplication. He truly wanted to say, "Please don't go too far," but realized abruptly that such words would only make things worse. With the character of Feng Cheng and his companion, the Ling family would know no peace tonight if he spoke out.

"What a headache," Feng Cheng sighed, rubbing his temples. "All right, seeing how pitiful you are, I, as your elder, will let bygones be bygones. But from now on, I expect you to speak properly and not force old Mo and me to use force."

"If you do force me to act," Elder Mo said coldly, "I suggest you move your people out of here first." His words, though few, sent chills down everyone's spines. The implication was clear: if he took action, the Ling family would be wiped from the face of the earth.

"Thank you, elders. We will surely be more prudent with our words," the Ling family patriarch said gratefully. The other clan elders nodded in agreement. This was the sorrow of a family clan: no matter how powerful, they dared not challenge the four great powers—Pill Hall, Martial Hall, the royal family, and the Treasure Pavilion.

Feng Cheng said, "Jiang Haotian, if you have something to say, say it."

"Yes," replied Qin Feiyang, turning to the Ling family patriarch. "The advanced martial technique you took from Ling Yunfei—please return it to me."

"Didn't you say you didn't want it?" The patriarch frowned, unwillingness written all over his face.

"Who said I didn't want it? And even if I didn't, it's not yours to keep," Qin Feiyang replied. "Enough nonsense. Give it back."

A clan elder leaned over and whispered in the patriarch's ear.

Suddenly, the patriarch's eyes lit up. "Jiang Haotian, let's be reasonable. The city lord said clearly at the time that Ling Yunfei was also a contributor, but as a member of my Ling family, the technique should rightfully belong to us. I'll make a copy for you."

"Fine," Qin Feiyang nodded. "If we're talking reason, then before you make a copy, ask Ling Yunfei for his opinion."

"No need," the patriarch replied. "He'll surely agree."

At those words, fury flared in Ling Yunfei's chest. "Who says I'll agree? The city lord gave it to me personally—it's mine. Why should it belong to the Ling family?"

"You little brat, what did you say?" the patriarch snapped, turning to glare at Ling Yunfei, his face dark as water.

"Ahem," Feng Cheng interjected, his tone mild. "Are you trying to make me use force?"

"No, no, Elder Feng, you misunderstand," the elders hurried to smooth things over. "Patriarch, just give him the technique. What's meant to be ours won't get away, and what's not, we shouldn't force."

Seeing the situation, the clan elders quickly stepped forward, smiling obsequiously at Feng Cheng while urging the patriarch.

"You little brat, don't regret this," the patriarch mouthed silently.

A shudder ran through Ling Yunfei.

Noticing his unease, Qin Feiyang whispered, "What's wrong?"

"They might harm my mother," Ling Yunfei replied, eyes filled with worry.

"Don't worry, I'll think of a way," Qin Feiyang reassured him, then stepped forward and stretched out his hand to the patriarch. "Come on, hand it over. Don't be so stingy."

The patriarch ground his teeth in hatred, retrieved the bamboo slip from his spatial pouch, and tossed it to the ground with a sneer. "Pick it up yourself."

He wanted to humiliate Qin Feiyang with this gesture.

"A family patriarch resorting to such petty tricks—how laughable," Qin Feiyang sneered, stepping on the bamboo slip. With a surge of inner power, the slip was reduced to dust.

"What?" The Ling family was dumbstruck. He had destroyed the martial technique! Ling Yunfei, too, felt both pain and regret. This fellow was simply squandering a precious treasure! Even Feng Cheng and Elder Mo looked on in disbelief.

"You destroyed the technique right in front of us—what is the meaning of this?" the patriarch roared.

"It means that what you hold dear is worthless in my eyes," Qin Feiyang replied with a cold smile. "So tell me, who is humiliated now?"

"You—" The patriarch's voice shook with rage, his teeth audibly grinding. "A word of advice: don't go too far!"

With an innocent expression, Qin Feiyang replied, "You're the one who brought disgrace on yourself. Now, let's discuss the second matter: hand over Ling Yunfei's mother."

"Impossible!" the patriarch cut him off without hesitation. The clan elders' faces darkened as well, their glares even more menacing than before.

Qin Feiyang felt a chill in his heart—just as he suspected, there was more to this than met the eye. He asked calmly, "Why not? She's just a defenseless woman. I can't imagine what use she could be to you."

"This is a family matter. It has nothing to do with you," the patriarch replied coldly, glancing at Feng Cheng and Elder Mo. "Elders, I can agree to anything else, but not this. I hope you can make Jiang Haotian restrain himself."

"Indeed, he should restrain himself—otherwise, I shall report this to King Yan!" At that moment, a commanding voice resounded. The city lord, master of the Treasure Pavilion, and head of the Martial Hall arrived in quick succession.

"City lord, please stand up for the Ling family! Jiang Haotian, relying on the Pill Hall, is turning the world upside down!" The Ling family, as if seeing their saviors, rushed to the city lord, voicing their grievances.

"What do we do?" Ling Yunfei asked anxiously.

"Don't panic, I have a plan," Qin Feiyang whispered. He had anticipated the city lord's arrival—the man disliked him, so how could he stand by after receiving word?

The Martial Hall master said, "Jiang Haotian, you've had enough. Go back now and stop making trouble."

"I'm not making trouble. Since all the esteemed lords are present, let us speak plainly," said Qin Feiyang, turning to the patriarch. "On behalf of Ling Yunfei, I formally challenge your son, Ling Sheng."

"A challenge?" the patriarch raised an eyebrow.

"That's right! Disputes between warriors should be settled the warrior's way. Three days from now, Ling Yunfei and your son will duel outside the city. If Ling Yunfei loses, both he and I will be at your disposal. If he wins, you must return his mother to him. Do you dare accept?"

The room fell silent. Was this youth crazy? Did he not know Ling Yunfei was considered a cripple?

Feng Cheng's expression darkened. "Jiang Haotian, this is too risky. I do not approve."

"Fortune favors the bold, as everyone knows," Qin Feiyang replied with a laugh. "Besides, Ling Yunfei is my friend. How can I stand by?"

"He betrayed you, and you still treat him as a friend? Are you out of your mind?" Feng Cheng snapped.

"Thank you for your concern, Elder Feng," Qin Feiyang said. "But my mind is made up. As long as the patriarch accepts, I won't go back on my word. I can even sign a life-and-death contract right now!"

"You're mad—completely mad! Come with me at once!" Feng Cheng shouted, grabbing Qin Feiyang's arm, intending to drag him away.

Seeing this, the patriarch smiled coldly. "Jiang Haotian, I accept your challenge. Let's sign the life-and-death contract!"

"I do not approve!" Feng Cheng barked.

Elder Mo suddenly spoke. "Feng, since Jiang Haotian has spoken, he can't go back on his word. Otherwise, our Pill Hall will be known as oath-breakers."

"You too? Are you out of your mind?" Feng Cheng was beside himself.

"Feng, Elder Mo is right. Our Pill Hall's reputation must not be tarnished," another voice chimed in.

Luo Xiong entered the hall then, his face expressionless, his thoughts unreadable.

"You're all insane!" Feng Cheng roared. He turned to Qin Feiyang. "I'll ask you one last time—are you really going to sign this contract?"

Qin Feiyang nodded.

"Hopeless. I wash my hands of you," Feng Cheng muttered, storming out of the hall for some fresh air.

Qin Feiyang was deeply moved. He did not know how things would end, but at least now, the people of the Pill Hall truly cared about him—especially Feng Cheng.

The Ling family patriarch glanced at Qin Feiyang and, unable to contain his eagerness, called out, "Bring ink and paper!"

Soon, a servant entered with a jade tray and set it on the table.

"I will write the contract myself," the city lord announced, stepping forward with a blank sheet of paper and brush. With a few vigorous strokes, the contract was quickly written.

Qin Feiyang read it carefully. "Add a clause: the Ling family must not harm Ling Yunfei's mother. If they do, all the great powers shall join forces to annihilate them."

The city lord raised an eyebrow and looked at the patriarch.

"Add it," the patriarch said in a low voice.

The city lord wrote the addition, then stepped aside.

The patriarch bit his finger and pressed a bloody fingerprint on the contract. He looked at Qin Feiyang with a sneer. "Your turn. Don't even think about backing out."

Qin Feiyang smiled broadly, sliced his own finger, and pressed his print alongside.

With that, the life-and-death contract was sealed.