Chapter 582: Chapter 17: In the Name of a Master, I Bestow Upon You the Act of Killing!

In the room, Jing Hai had already come out from the bath and changed into the clothes newly bought by the attendant, lying on the bed drinking water. Xie Ya sat quietly beside him, watching.

Seeing Mu Qingge push the door open and enter, Xie Ya quickly stood up, and Jing Hai struggled to get up as well.

"You’re injured, so don’t move," Mu Qingge stopped Jing Hai’s movement and sat down in the chair where Xie Ya had been sitting.

"Brother Mu, I’m much better already! Really, after taking your medicine and soaking a bit, I feel no discomfort except for some muscle soreness," Jing Hai said to Mu Qingge, puffing out his chest.

His tone was full of gratitude.

Mu Qingge chuckled, "You were beaten up like that, pain is inevitable, but a good night’s rest will make it better tomorrow." She was well aware of the effects of her medicine. The hidden injuries in Jing Hai’s body had already been healed, and the external wounds were soaked to reduce swelling. However, it was normal for there to be lingering pain in his muscles after such a long beating.

"Brother Mu, thank you. Thank you to both you and Sister," Jing Hai sincerely expressed his gratitude to Mu Qingge and Xie Ya, his sunny smile restrained.

Mu Qingge, however, nonchalantly said, "As I said, consider it repayment for hosting us for a night and cooking that delicious rabbit meat for us."

Jing Hai stubbornly shook his head, "I know to Brother Mu and Sister, this is just a trivial matter, but to me, it is a life-saving grace."

Jing Hai earnestly looked at Mu Qingge and Xie Ya, saying in a determined tone, "I will definitely repay you!"

With that, he pulled off the quilt from his body, got off the bed, and wanted to kowtow to Mu Qingge and Xie Ya.

However, when he tried to bend his knees, he found that his legs seemed unable to move, and he could only maintain a half-squat position.

Jing Hai was shocked, looking at Mu Qingge in disbelief.

Somehow, he felt that the strange sensation in his body was related to Brother Mu in front of him.

Mu Qingge said playfully, "Heads can’t be kowtowed just like that." With that, she simply made a gesture, and Jing Hai was lifted off the ground, falling back onto the bed.

Jing Hai sat up on the bed, staring at Mu Qingge in amazement.

The force that had just acted on him was so powerful that he felt completely powerless against it.

It was hard to say how much stronger it was compared to the Dou Family’s servants and steward!

"Tell me, how did you end up getting beaten like that?" Mu Qingge ignored Jing Hai’s shock, only flicking her brocade robe lightly before asking.

At the mention of being beaten by the Dou Family’s servants, Jing Hai shuddered all over.

His face changed abruptly, nervously asking, "Brother Mu, have I caused you trouble? You should leave! Leave Haiyu City quickly!"

"Xiao Hai, don’t rush."

Jing Hai’s excitement caused a series of coughs. Following Mu Qingge’s signaling glance, Xie Ya poured a cup of warm water and handed it to Jing Hai.

Jing Hai took the water from Xie Ya, politely expressing his thanks.

Yet he didn’t drink the water but kept his eyes fixed on Mu Qingge, his urgency apparent without needing words, making it palpable to others.

Mu Qingge smiled slightly, "You don’t have the ability to implicate me yet."

Jing Hai was taken aback, his face immediately reddening. He bit his lip and lowered his head, shamefully saying, "It’s all my fault! If I hadn’t been impulsive, it wouldn’t have ended like this."

Then, he recounted everything that happened since he separated from Mu Qingge and Xie Ya.

"After Shi Bo and I entered Haiyu City, we parted ways with Uncle Second and headed to the Dou Family. By the time we arrived, many people were already standing at the entrance, trying to enter the Dou Mansion to work as house servants. Knowing that the Dou Family was indeed recruiting, we both felt even more excited, full of hope for the future. After queueing for a long time, it was finally our turn, only to be told that the recruitment quota was full and no more people would be accepted." Jing Hai said with a trace of a wry smile on his face.

As he recalled, he slowly continued, "If they had truly been full, we would’ve chalked it up to bad luck. However, as we were preparing to leave, we saw someone lining up behind us, going into the Dou Mansion and getting a house servant’s badge. Both Shi Bo and I found it strange, so Shi Bo suggested we go take a look. Out of curiosity, we quietly followed and saw that the person who had been behind us handed over a heavy bag to the Dou Family’s steward. The steward of the Dou Family opened it, took out spirit stones, and with the exchange of a glance, even the dullest could understand what was going on!"

Jing Hai spoke with indignation, punching the bedboard angrily.

"Knowing they were secretly accepting bribes, Shi Bo and I couldn’t let it go. At that time, Shi Bo shouted out loud..."

"Are you saying Shi Bo was the first to shout?" Mu Qingge interrupted Jing Hai, asking.

Jing Hai nodded.

"Then why were you the one who got beaten?" Mu Qingge’s eyes narrowed slightly.

She wasn’t doubting Jing Hai’s words; she was evaluating Shi Bo in her mind.

Mu Qingge’s question made Jing Hai lower his head and grit his teeth. After a moment, he said in a deep voice, "Since Shi Bo raised his voice, naturally we had to demand justice. That steward from the Dou Family, upon realizing they were exposed, brought the Dou Family servants to chase us, cornering us against the wall. At first, he didn’t make a move, but simply insulted us, and then ordered us to kneel and beg for forgiveness. I refused, but Shi Bo knelt..."

Mu Qingge already knew what happened next, so there was no need for him to say it.

She slowly stood up, walked to the bedside, and gazed out the window at the courtyard view, speechless for a long time.

Jing Hai’s room suddenly fell into an eerie silence.

This quietness made Xie Ya furrow her brows in confusion and look at Mu Qingge’s back, while Jing Hai also slowly raised his head, looking at Mu Qingge with lost eyes.

Mu Qingge stood with her hands behind her back, the sunset’s glow cast on her face, as if shrouded in a golden veil.

"Xiao Hai, you know, in some ways, you’re indeed not as good as Shi Bo." Mu Qingge finally spoke.

However, her words surprised both Xie Ya and Jing Hai.

"Shi Bo knows how to adapt to the situation, how to protect himself when circumstances are unfavorable to him. You could call him cowardly, but often such people live longer than heroes." Mu Qingge spoke while slowly turning around.

The sunlight enveloped her, creating a distinct boundary of light and shadow on her body. The side near the window was wrapped in sunlight, as if an Immortal; the other half shrouded in shadow was as dark as a demon.

Jing Hai stood frozen, staring at her, unsure whether he was stunned by her current appearance or pondering her words. Xie Ya, too, looked at Mu Qingge, but she was more focused on contemplating Mu Qingge’s words.

"One must survive and live long to have the chance for revenge. Though the saying ’Do not underestimate the young and poor’ is true, it requires time to prove it. Dignity is not shown to others, but remains within oneself." Mu Qingge said while looking at Jing Hai.

She didn’t share the story of ’Han Xin enduring humiliation under his crotch’ but instead told him a straightforward truth. To uphold one’s dignity, one must become strong!

Become strong enough that no one dares abuse you, then today’s events will not occur again.

And to become strong, the first strength must be internal.

What is true internal strength? It’s not stubbornness or choosing death over insult; it’s genuine internal strength. True internal strength is the ability to endure and persist with clear goals in any adversity.

Even when surrounded by insults and words of misunderstanding, one’s determination remains unshaken.

"Do I have to lower my head like Shi Bo?" Jing Hai mumbled, hit by the impact of Mu Qingge’s words.

Always believing that poverty doesn’t equate loss of ambition, even as a civilian boy, he felt he should have his own dignity and should not bow down. Yet, Mu Qingge’s words left him bewildered.

Mu Qingge smiled and said to him, "You have aspects that aren’t as good as Shi Bo’s, but Shi Bo also has areas weaker than yours. I mentioned that Shi Bo knows how to adapt and maintain self-preservation. However, he has no bottom line; for him, saving himself is paramount, even at the cost of pointing a dagger at your heart. He’s ruthless and sly, but because of these traits, he’s destined to achieve nothing more in his lifetime. He can never become a true strong person. You, on the other hand, are resilient and courageous, yet too rigid. Think carefully, had we not passed by or intervened today, you might now be just a cold, lifeless corpse—then how would you talk about revenge? About rising tomorrow? If you had conceded and apologized like Shi Bo, preserving your life first, then you would have the chance for revenge. A boy who has never cultivated bowing to power is not disgraceful."

These words gradually washed away the confusion in Jing Hai’s eyes.

They also made Xie Ya look thoughtfully at Mu Qingge.

In her mind, she even envisioned, if she were in Jing Hai’s position, what choice she would make?

The result was disheartening because she realized her choice would likely be the same as today’s Jing Hai—to never bow down in the name of dignity.

"Talking about dignity when you can’t even save your life? Ridiculous." Mu Qingge suddenly sneered.

These words, like arrows, pierced Xie Ya’s heart, making her eyes widen abruptly.

Jing Hai also raised his head, shocked to look at Mu Qingge just like Xie Ya.

They seemed eager to voice some rebuttal, but somehow found themselves unable to counter her.

Indeed! What dignity is there when life is lost? What use is dignity when one’s dead? Who would remember a boy who once refused to bow to the Dou Family’s power?

The most absurd part is, the enemy still lives freely while the person is dead—that’s the greatest irony!

"Xiao Hai, why do you cultivate? Why do you seek strength?" Mu Qingge suddenly asked.

Jing Hai stared at her blankly, unable to respond for a moment. "I... I..."

Mu Qingge didn’t rush him, just quietly waited.

After a while, Jing Hai finally said, "I wanted to become stronger, originally hoping to have skills to find my parents."

"Originally?" Mu Qingge’s lips curved slightly.

Jing Hai pursed his lips tightly, his hands hanging at his sides slowly clenching the bedding. After a while, he looked up suddenly, his eyes shining with determination, "Now, I want to become stronger so that one day I won’t be bullied anymore!"

"Then do you dare to kill?" Mu Qingge’s lips curved wider, her smile held a seductive allure.

...

Haiyu City, Dou Mansion.

The Dou Family steward, who went to capture Mu Qingge, returned to the Dou Family’s castle dejectedly.

In the family conference hall, he knelt on the ground, not daring to look at the Family Head’s expression.

Within the Dou Family, those of status were seated around the Family Head. Seven or eight pairs of eyes, like burning spots, were fixed on the steward as if trying to pierce several holes through him. 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

After a long pause, the Family Head of the Dou Family finally spoke slowly, "You say that person has ties with Li Yuntao?"

"Ye...yes...! Li Yuntao first stopped us from entering the inn, and later threatened our Dou Family not to bother that person anymore," the Dou Family steward answered, his voice trembling lightly.

"Hmph! Useless!" The first person seated to the right of the Family Head snorted coldly at the steward. "Scared into submission by Li Yuntao like this? When he tells you to leave, you leave? Are you Dou Family’s servant or his Li Family’s?"

This reprimand left the kneeling Dou Family steward pale with humiliation.

Only after he finished scolding did the Dou Family Head speak slowly, "Enough, Second Brother. Li Yuntao is the top expert in Haiyu City, even if he opposed, Li Yuntao could kill him with a single slap, which wouldn’t change anything."

His tone held an undertone of jealousy towards Li Yuntao.

After speaking, he murmured in a deep voice, "Who is this person that Li Yuntao himself stepped forward? Didn’t they say he just beat up Li Yuntao’s precious daughter earlier?"

"Indeed! I’m puzzled too. With the temperament of the Li Family, it’s surprising Li Yuntao hasn’t broken his bones after his little princess was beaten in public. Why is he protecting him like this?" the first person to the Family Head’s left also looked to him, puzzled.

His words made the Dou Family Head’s brow furrow even tighter.

After a while, he said, "Didn’t they say there’s another guy involved with the one they saved?"

"Yes! When they left, they only took away the one who was beaten to near death but left another one behind. Our people apprehended him," someone responded.

A gleam flashed in the Dou Family Head’s eyes as he coldly declared, "Bring him up."

Shortly after, Shi Bo was dragged into the conference hall by the Dou family servants.

His appearance immediately brought a stench that made every Dou Family member cover their mouths and noses in disgust.

"What’s the matter? Why does it stink like this?" Dou Family’s Second Brother shouted irritably.

The person dragging Shi Bo hurriedly replied, "Second Master, this boy got scared and wet himself, then was locked up in the dungeon, so..."

Everyone in attendance understood the notorious conditions of the Dou family’s dungeon.

Thus, after this explanation from the house servant, the Second Brother of the Dou Family, even with his most unruly temper, merely expressed his dissatisfaction with a disgruntled snort and no longer pursued the matter.

Shi Bo, lying in a daze, seemed to have entered a trance, appearing lost and oblivious.

The surrounding voices seemed nonexistent to him.

"What’s wrong with him?" The Dou Family Head pointed towards Shi Bo with displeasure. He hoped to extract information from him, but his foolish demeanor was quite frustrating.

The house servant kicked Shi Bo’s back hard upon hearing this.

Caught off guard, Shi Bo lunged forward, falling flat on the ground, which startled him awake. He shouted loudly, "Ahh! Don’t kill me! I don’t want to die! Don’t kill me!"

"Silence!" A commanding voice descended from above.

Shi Bo trembled, his emotions stabilizing somewhat, and closed his mouth tightly.

"Boy, what’s your relation to that other boy, the one who saved him? Who is he? What’s his background? Tell us everything!" The Dou Family Head spoke coldly.

Shi Bo’s shoulders quivered, his lips pursed in silence. His eyes darted around nervously, not daring to look up.

"You still won’t speak, boy! Do you want to die?" Dou Family’s Second Brother roared angrily.

Terrified, Shi Bo feared for his life, biting his lip and closing his eyes tightly. "I... I dare not... If I speak... I’ll have nowhere to go... I’ll be homeless..."

His stammering words reached the ears of several Dou Family members.

Initially, this was a trivial matter—someone dared challenge the Dou Family’s authority, so they’d send someone to capture and torture them severely enough before killing them.

However, Li Yuntao’s sudden involvement complicated the situation.

His appearance made the incident more complex.

It also aroused suspicion within the Dou Family regarding Mu Qingge’s identity, prompting them to question why Li Yuntao would regard a stranger so highly.

The only person who could provide clues was right in front of them.

Shi Bo seemed frightened but his inadvertent words prompted knowing smiles from several Dou Family members.

Dou Family’s Third Brother glanced at the Family Head, who then slowly lowered his eyelids. Understanding the signal, Dou Family’s Third Brother softly coaxed Shi Bo, "Boy, you need not fear. Our Dou Family is the top family in Haiyu City; if you share what you know, we’ll allow you to stay and enjoy riches, perhaps even return home gloriously."

This enticing offer stirred yearning within Shi Bo’s eyes.

Though smart, Shi Bo was simply a village lad, and no match for these sly old foxes on the seats.

Once Dou Family’s Third Brother spoke, Shi Bo quickly shed his fearful demeanor, looking up excitedly. "Re...really?"

His expression prompted knowing smiles in the hearts of the Dou Family members.

Dou Family’s Third Brother continued, "Of course it’s true. Our Dou Family wouldn’t stoop to deceiving a penniless boy."

This assurance seemed to solidify Shi Bo’s resolve.

He gritted his teeth, decisively responding, "Alright! I’ll say everything I know. We’re not going back anyway." After encouraging himself, Shi Bo began, "I wasn’t familiar with those two; all I know is that Jing Hai met them in our village and brought them back home. They were heading to Haiyu City, so we traveled together. On the road, I saw their attire and reckoned they might be young masters from big families, possibly a good opportunity. But that stubborn Jing Hai was unwilling to inquire further, and I dared not say much. Once outside Haiyu City, we separated, only meeting again on the street..."

This information was practically useless.

Several Dou Family members frowned in displeasure, feeling they were being toyed with by a mere boy.

Noticing the Dou Family’s displeasure, Shi Bo promptly responded, "I’ve spoken every word truthfully. What I know, I’ve shared."

"Did you hear the purpose of their visit to Haiyu City?" Dou Family’s Third Brother suppressed his anger, squeezing out a hint of a smile to ask.

"I... I don’t know," Shi Bo replied trembling.

This answer froze the smile on Dou Family’s Third Brother’s face, and he ordered the house servant, "Take him away."

Shi Bo was dragged out in confusion.

Even as he left, he still dreamt of staying with the Dou Family.

With Shi Bo gone, the foul smell in the conference hall gradually dissipated.

Dou Family’s Third Brother finally spoke to the moody Family Head, "Big Brother, should I send someone to investigate where this person has been and whom they’ve met since arriving in Haiyu City today?"

"Go ahead," the Family Head replied in annoyance.

Dou Family’s Third Brother silently withdrew.

Second Master Dou violently shattered the armrest of the chair with his fist and said to the Family Head of the Dou Family, "Why bother with all that? Just because that Li fellow says we can’t touch him, we can’t? Who does this Li Yuntao think he is, daring to meddle in our Dou Family’s affairs? If you ask me, there is no need for such trouble. Just send someone to capture that boy, torture him thoroughly, and kill him if necessary. What can Li Yuntao do about it? Could he possibly offend our Dou Family for a dead man?"

"Second brother, you must not be rash!" The Family Head of the Dou Family reprimanded.

Sighing, the Family Head of the Dou Family said, "Today’s Dou Family is no longer yesterday’s Dou Family. Recently, the Li Family and the Bai Family have been in secret communication. Do they really think we’re unaware? They’ve suddenly hired many Floating Guests to join their family, claiming it’s for guarding purposes, but in reality, we all know what it’s for. If it weren’t for this, our Dou Family wouldn’t need to recruit house servants under the pretense of hiring Floating Guests. Now, our Dou Family must not act rashly, or we’ll fall into the trap set by the Li Family and Bai Family."

The Family Head’s words made Second Master Dou very frustrated. He stood up abruptly and said to the Family Head, "Ugh! I really dislike all these convoluted schemes of yours. Anyway, just call me when it’s time to kill and fight!" With that, he turned and left the meeting hall.

...

In Jing Hai’s room at the inn, he was the only one left.

After Mu Qingge said, ’Do you dare to kill?’ he floated away lightly.

And Xie Ya didn’t linger either, only saying pointedly, "Shi Bo’s dagger nearly pierced your chest." With that, he chased after Mu Qingge and left.

What did it mean?

Jing Hai pondered deeply but could not understand!

Is there a necessary connection between daring to kill and Shi Bo wanting to kill him?

Or could it be...

’Shi Bo wants to kill him, so he has to kill Shi Bo to prove he dares to kill?’ This conjecture made Jing Hai’s pupils constrict sharply. He shook his head repeatedly, muttering to himself, "No... no, I cannot kill Shi Bo!"

Even though Shi Bo was ruthless enough to want to kill him, he could sever ties and become strangers, but he couldn’t bring himself to kill him.

If he killed Shi Bo, what would happen to Shi Bo’s parents? How could he return to the fishing village with any dignity?

Jing Hai painfully grabbed his hair with his hands, burying his head in his knees.

When he closed his eyes, all that appeared in his mind was the image of Shi Bo raising the dagger and bringing it down on him without hesitation.

Shi Bo’s menacing face and the raised dagger sent chills down Jing Hai’s spine.

Suddenly, the dagger fell sharply, stabbing into his chest, a burst of intense pain exploding in his mind, the blood staining his vision red. Jing Hai discovered his hands were sticky with the blood, the blood-stained dagger tightly gripped by him, and the one lying in the pool of blood was not himself, but Shi Bo.

Jing Hai was stunned! He looked at Shi Bo, not knowing what had happened, only seeing in Shi Bo’s widened eyes his own blood-soaked, devil-like self.

"No—!" Jing Hai dropped the dagger with a shout.

The sound echoed in the room.

After it dissipated, only Jing Hai’s rapid breathing remained.

He sat on the bed covered in sweat, wrapped in a blanket, his wide eyes bloodshot.

It was as if he had a terrifying dream, in which he had killed Shi Bo...

Outside, darkness had already enveloped the surroundings. Inside the room, there was no electric light. Jing Hai sat alone in the dark, holding himself tightly with both hands.

He didn’t know why he had such a dream, could it be that he subconsciously wanted to kill Shi Bo?

Knock knock—!

The sound of knocking on the door suddenly came.

Jing Hai was startled, looked towards the door, steadied himself, and said, "Come in."

The tightly closed door was pushed open, a corner of a plain skirt appeared through the gap. The warm candlelight gradually dispelled the darkness in the room, Jing Hai watched as Xie Ya, holding a candleholder, walked into his room.

Xie Ya placed the candleholder on the table in the room, looked at Jing Hai, and asked, "Had a dream?"

Jing Hai bit his lip and nodded.

In front of Mu Qingge and Xie Ya, he seemed able to let down his guard. Perhaps it was because they saved him?

Xie Ya walked to the bedside, her bright eyes clear and noticeable. "What kind of dream scared you like this?"

"I... I dreamed I killed Shi Bo..." Jing Hai murmured, once again burying his head.

For a long time, not hearing Xie Ya’s voice, Jing Hai nervously looked up, only to find Xie Ya still standing beside his bed. Like an injured little beast, he looked at Xie Ya pitiably and asked, "Sister, am I very bad?"

Xie Ya slowly shook her head, "He wanted to kill you, it’s normal for you to want to kill him."

Jing Hai froze, unable to accept, "But... but we were once the best of friends! We grew up together, played together, when I was abandoned by my parents, he was by my side... Even if he wants to kill me, I can’t kill him!"

"You said it was once. If he has murderous intent towards you, should you just stand still and let him kill you if you meet again?" Xie Ya asked.

"No! Of course not!" I would run!

Jing Hai wanted to say these three words, but facing Xie Ya’s eyes that could see through one’s heart, he held them back.

"Sister, what did Brother Mu mean when he left?" After a moment, Jing Hai asked voluntarily.

This question had troubled him for a long time, and now that someone was here to talk to, he naturally asked.

However, Xie Ya didn’t explain as he expected, instead shaking her head, "I can guess a little of anyone’s mind. But, as for him, I can neither guess nor see through."

Jing Hai was puzzled.

Xie Ya also paused, her thoughts seeming to drift far away.

After a while, she snapped back, realizing Jing Hai was watching her, she smiled faintly, patted his head, and said, "Don’t think too much, get a good rest. Perhaps you’ll know the answer tomorrow morning."

With that, Xie Ya started to leave.

"Sister, can I go with you?" Just as Xie Ya reached the door, Jing Hai suddenly asked.

Xie Ya stopped, turned her head slightly.

Under her gaze, Jing Hai awkwardly lowered his head, softly said, "After such a thing happened, I don’t want to go back to the fishing village, and there’s nowhere to stay in Haiyu City. I don’t know where to go, so can I follow you?" He looked up at Xie Ya, pleadingly, "Sister, I promise I won’t cause trouble. I can cook, I can wash clothes, I’ll be your servant!"

Xie Ya quietly listened to him finish, and in his expectant eyes, slowly said, "This, I cannot decide."

Such an answer disappointed Jing Hai a little, but he understood, "Never mind, tomorrow I’ll ask Brother Mu. It would be great if he agrees."

"What if he doesn’t agree?" Xie Ya curiously asked.

Jing Hai was stunned, tugged at the corner of his mouth, optimistically said, "That’s okay. The Southern Continent is so big, I can go anywhere and find a good family to join, cultivate, and grow stronger. One day, I will become a strong warrior!"

He hoped to follow Mu Qingge and Xie Ya, but if that hope couldn’t be fulfilled, he would continue on his path of strength.

With a decision in his heart, Jing Hai suddenly felt a lot more relieved.

"Have a good rest." Xie Ya said, then turned and left Jing Hai’s room.

"Sister, you should rest well too." Jing Hai called to Xie Ya’s departing figure.

Xie Ya closed Jing Hai’s door, lifted her eyes and saw Mu Qingge standing in the corridor.

’So, he’s not at ease either.’ Xie Ya murmured to herself.

Mu Qingge only glanced at her and returned to his room.

The next day, as dawn broke, Mu Qingge awoke from her cultivation and saw the shadow of a person standing outside the door through the crack.

"Come in." She lowered her eyes to think for a moment, then spoke.

Hearing the sounds inside, the person who had been standing outside for a long time finally pushed the door open and entered.

The person who came in was Jing Hai, carrying a basin of hot water in his hands.

After entering the room, he showed Mu Qingge a bright smile, placed the washbasin on the stand, and said to Mu Qingge, "Brother Mu, come and wash your face. I borrowed the inn’s kitchen this morning and made breakfast, it’s ready to eat."

Mu Qingge got down from the bed, walked to the washbasin, glanced at Jing Hai, and then silently washed his face and hands.

Jing Hai did not linger and quickly exited the room.

After Mu Qingge finished his grooming, he saw Jing Hai come in again with a tray full of food, beads of sweat on his forehead.

He deftly placed the food from the tray onto the table and then said to Mu Qingge, "Brother Mu, you eat first. I’ll bring another portion to my sister."

Having said that, he ran out of the room with the tray.

Mu Qingge went to the table and sat down, his gaze sweeping over the simple porridge and side dishes on the table.

By the time Jing Hai returned to her room, she had finished the breakfast he had specially prepared.

Along with Jing Hai, Xie Ya also entered.

Upon entering, Xie Ya automatically stood behind Mu Qingge.

Jing Hai, however, became somewhat nervous, standing uneasily in front of Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge looked at him and also said nothing.

After a brief moment, Jing Hai suddenly knelt in front of Mu Qingge. This time, he knelt without hesitation. He was startled but quickly reacted, saying to Mu Qingge, "Brother Mu, Jing Hai has an unreasonable request. I want to follow you, may I...may I?"

"Why?" Mu Qingge asked coldly. "Why do you want to stay by my side? Do you think that by staying with us, no one will bully you? Or do you think we can protect you?"

"No! It’s not because of that!" Jing Hai was startled and hurriedly explained, "Brother Mu, I didn’t think that far. I never thought of asking you to protect me. I just don’t know where to go and want to follow you, that’s all."

"Will you be a drag on us then?" Mu Qingge’s voice turned somewhat cold.

"I..." Jing Hai was struck silent; he really wanted to say no. However, in truth, he knew that his own uselessness would indeed be a burden to the two of them.

After a moment of silence, Jing Hai spoke again, this time with a flame of determination burning in his eyes, he said to Mu Qingge, "Brother Mu, please teach me cultivation! I promise to work hard and become strong! I don’t want to be a burden to anyone anymore; I don’t want to hide behind anyone else. I want to be strong. I want to protect myself and those I wish to protect!"

"So you want to become my apprentice?" Mu Qingge’s lips curled slightly, the smile becoming mischievous.

Jing Hai was taken aback but quickly reacted, nodding excitedly, "Yes! I want to be your apprentice! Brother Mu, no...Master, please accept me as your disciple. I will work hard in cultivation and won’t let you down!"

Joy was written all over Jing Hai’s face—he never dared to hope to have Mu Qingge as his master before.

"Don’t be too quick to call me Master." Mu Qingge interrupted Jing Hai’s words during his excitement.

Jing Hai looked at her with a hint of puzzlement in his eyes.

Mu Qingge looked at Xie Ya, who turned and left. Shortly afterward, she returned carrying a black-clad person who had fainted, placing him in front of Jing Hai.

Thud—!

The black-clad person was thrown in front of Jing Hai by Xie Ya.

Jing Hai looked at the black-clad person, his eyes narrowing. Judging by the attire, he wasn’t a good person. Had his sister subdued him?

At this time, Mu Qingge spoke, "He’s an assassin who sneaked into the inn in the latter half of the night. There is no token to prove his identity, but it’s not hard to guess who’s behind it. If you want to be my disciple, then kill him."

"What?" Jing Hai’s eyes widened as he looked at Mu Qingge.

Kill someone? He had killed rabbits, wild chickens, and fish, but never a person!

As he was stunned by Mu Qingge’s words, Xie Ya had already taken out a dagger and tossed it in front of him.

"I..." Jing Hai didn’t reach for the dagger but looked at Mu Qingge and Xie Ya.

Mu Qingge’s gaze was indifferent as she watched him, "I only teach the skill of killing. To become my disciple means learning methods of killing. You can take your time to think, or you can give up. I do not lack disciples."

As Jing Hai was caught in a dilemma, fierce disputes broke out within the Dou Family.

"Second brother, you’re truly muddle-headed! You actually hired an assassin to kill in secret? The person hasn’t returned, probably got killed." The head of the Dou Family said angrily.

Dou Family’s second lord had a dark expression but said nothing.

At the right moment, Dou Family’s third lord said, "I’ve already investigated. After that person left the teahouse, they went to the Floating Guest clan, stayed for a long time before coming out."

"Floating Guest clan?" The Dou Family Head’s eyes narrowed slightly, frowning, "That place is not somewhere our Dou Family can meddle in." After pausing, he added, "Did you find what she did or whom she met inside the Floating Guest clan?"

"She was seen speaking to the leader of a Yellow Level Floating Guest team for a few words before following him out. Later, she left from the courtyard where tasks are issued by the Floating Guest clan." Dou Family’s third lord replied.

"Courtyard for issuing tasks?" The Dou Family Head’s eyes lit up, asking, "Did you find out what task she was issuing?"

Dou Family’s third lord shook his head, "No."

This answer left the Dou Family Head disappointed but helpless.

"Big brother, what do we do now?" Dou Family’s third lord asked.

Dou Family Head said, "Since there are no clues from that side, then focus on the Li Family, Li Yuntao over there!"

...

Kill or not to kill?

That is the question.

Mu Qingge made it clear—she only has the skills to kill, wanting to be her apprentice means having the courage to kill.

Jing Hai, hesitating, slowly picked up the dagger.

He kept telling himself that the person in front of him was not innocent, he was a bad guy.

Yet, when he thought about the scene that would unfold when the dagger pierced in, the splattering blood, he felt his hands tremble.

"Xie Ya, do it for him." After waiting for a while, Mu Qingge seemed to have lost patience and stood up.

"No! I can do it!" Jing Hai stopped Xie Ya’s action.

With red eyes, he looked at Mu Qingge and gritted his teeth, "I can do it! I know, I’ve always known, once you start cultivating, you’ll encounter these things. A true strong person must be baptized by blood. I can do it!"

Words finished, he gripped the dagger with both hands and fiercely thrust it towards the heart of the black-clad man.

The dagger went in easily, but contrary to his expectations, there was no spray of blood. He only saw the blood quietly oozing from the wound saturating the black fabric.

A life disappeared so silently.

Jing Hai was taken aback, letting go of the dagger, sitting on the ground, staring pale-faced at the corpse.

The blood flowed quickly, gradually staining the floor red.

"What happened here?" Suddenly, a voice came from outside the door.

Nervously, Jing Hai looked over and saw a corner of a fine robe entering his view.

His gaze slowly moved up to see a middle-aged man with upright features and a compelling presence. His attire was extraordinary; his aura wasn’t something one could look at directly.

"So it’s Li Family Head. Nothing much, just dealing with some uninvited guests." Mu Qingge looked at the newcomer, speaking in a calm tone.

Li Family Head!

The top expert in Haiyu City!

Jing Hai’s eyes shrank rapidly, once again shocked!

The appearance of Li Yuntao almost dispelled his fear from killing for the first time...