Immortal of the Nine Realms

"I swear, I will wash this place with blood!" Gu Shuai said in a grim tone as he drank the medicine.

The others remained silent, lost in thought.

"It's been over a month, and we still have not found a single clue." Bu Qingyun sighed lightly. "If this continues, we'll go crazy eventually...."

Zhu Kui cleared his throat a few times, then looked at everyone. He hoarsely said, "Becoming an Immortal Seedling is not that easy. You must all have a bit of patience."

Gu Shuai sneered. "Patience? That's easy for you to say, but you're not the one dealing with those insignificant mortals."

A hint of embarrassment crossed Zhu Kui's face, and he fell silent.

Bu Qingyun frowned. "Although this place is merely an illusion, dying in the illusion may very well mean true death. Right now, Gu Shuai, you have offended the local ruffians, and they may come knocking."

Gu Shuai's expression turned menacing. "If they dare to show up, I'll slaughter them."

In just a month, he felt his composure slipping. Not only was he forced to interact with these insignificant mortals, but he was also subjected to their humiliation. He was after all once a Golden Core Realm cultivator and an elder in others' eyes. He now felt like a tiger getting bullied by a bunch of dogs.

"If they really do come looking for trouble, it could cause some problems. We are currently powerless..." Bu Qingyun glanced at Fang Yunmeng and Bu Qingyu, then at Fang Chen and Zhu Kui, and chuckled bitterly. "Not only are we powerless, but we might as well be seen as old, weak, and sick."

Zhu Kui certainly fit the "old and weak" description while Fang Chen fit the "sick" description.

Fang Yunmeng and Bu Qingyu were now no different from ordinary girls. They couldn't contribute much.

Bu Qingyu said softly, "Brother, we can only earn three taels of silver each month, and even that is barely enough to cover our basic expenses. We have to count every penny just to afford our meals.…"

"What can we do? The combined salary of Gu Shuai and me is only three taels of silver," Bu Qingyun replied.

"I found a job doing needlework a few days ago; it pays one tael of silver a month," Fang Yunmeng chimed in.

Everyone felt a flicker of joy, but the atmosphere quickly turned heavy, and each person wore a grim expression.

When had they started feeling happy over an extra tael of silver each month?

"Is Gu Shuai staying here?"

"Oh, and there's a sign saying they are teaching fist techniques for one tael of silver a month? Hahaha.'"

Suddenly, a commotion erupted outside the courtyard.

The group froze momentarily, and Gu Shuai's face darkened ominously. Bu Qingyun's expression turned serious as he said, "Those ruffians have come knocking. I might as well ask Bodyguard Lin to talk to Black Old Three and resolve the conflict."

"Isn't Black Old Three the one who's being manipulated by Bodyguard Lin? Asking him for help would only play into their hands," Gu Shuai said, anger flashing in his eyes as he slowly stood up. "I will no longer endure this. Today, I will make them bleed."

With that, he ignored everyone's warnings and charged toward the courtyard door. As soon as the door swung open, he was met with the sight of a dozen figures standing outside.

Meanwhile, the neighbors nearby watched with fear.

The leader was a tall, skinny middle-aged man with skin as dark as coal. Upon seeing Gu Shuai, he sneered coldly. "So you really live here."

Gu Shuai's expression was dark. "What do you want, Black Old Three?"

"What do I want? Don't you know? You've offended Bodyguard Lin and expect to have a good outcome? He has made it clear that he wants to see you begging for mercy on your knees. If you want this matter settled quickly, you might as well kneel and knock your head a few times," Black Old Three said with a mocking grin.

Gu Shuai laughed maniacally, his eyes filled with disdain. "Kneel to an ant like him?"

However, his laughter was soon cut short. Seeing his expression, Black Old Three flew into a rage. With a single command, the ruffians behind him rushed forward and pinned Gu Shuai to the ground, beating him mercilessly.

"How did these outsiders offend Third Master Black?"

"They're done for. I remember there were two pretty girls among them. I hope Third Master Black doesn't take a fancy to them; otherwise, they'll definitely be mistreated."

"Shh, keep your voice down; don't bring trouble upon yourself," the nearby neighbors whispered among themselves.

Bu Qingyun rushed forward, trying to pull Gu Shuai out of the crowd. "Stop it!"

However, Third Master Black noticed this scene and immediately ordered his men to pin Bu Qingyun down as well and beat him.

Fang Yungmeng and Bu Qingyu were visibly anxious.

Fang Chen, supporting Zhu Kui, stood under the eaves and watched. Fear welled up deep within Zhu Kui's eyes. With his current physical condition, a beating from these ordinary people could very well be fatal for him.

Fang Chen spoke slowly. "That's enough. If you have something to say, why not say it properly?"

Beside him, Zhu Kui was so frightened that his scalp tingled, signaling Fang Chen to shut up and avoid bringing trouble upon themselves.

"Oh?"

Third Master Black motioned for his men to stop and took a keen interest in Fang Chen and Zhu Kui. He had already learned about Gu Shuai and Bu Qingyun's backgrounds and knew that these two outsiders had a few burdens with them.

"You must be that blind man, huh? And this old man beside you. You've got quite the guts to meddle in my affairs," he said with a smile.

Zhu Kui hurriedly replied, "I haven't said anything yet. Please don't misunderstand, Third Master Black."

"Misunderstand what? You're all in it together anyway," Third Master Black sneered.

His gaze brightened when it fell on Bu Qingyu and Fang Yungmeng.

"It's over. Those two girls aren't hiding well; they're going to suffer now," the neighbors peeking in couldn't help but shake their heads.

"So the rumors were true; you really do have two such beautiful ladies hidden here," Third Master Black chuckled, rubbing his hands as he approached the two women. "Ladies, are you able to sleep well in this rundown place? Why not come to my residence? I have a big bed for you."

"Don't you dare!" barked Fang Yunmeng, forcing herself to remain calm.

Bu Qingyu instinctively took a step back, her face turning pale as a thought struck her. If something were to happen… even if it was just an illusion, her heart would shatter instantly.

Fang Chen sighed internally. He hadn't wanted to stand out in this place; he just wanted to quietly find a way to escape. But if he didn't take action now, not only would he suffer, but everyone else would too.

Releasing his hold on Zhu Kui, Fang Chen stepped forward toward Third Master Black.

"Third Master, that blind man is coming your way," one of his lackeys mocked.

Third Master Black halted, turning to Fang Chen with a half-smile. "Blind man, are you playing the hero to save the damsel?"

Gu Shuai and the others wore complex expressions. If Ji Liang hadn't spoken up for them, Third Master Black and his crew would have probably thought it beneath them to act against a blind man.

"Third Master, give me some face and just leave," Fang Chen said softly.

"Face? What's your face worth?" Third Master Black laughed, as if he had heard the biggest joke in the world.

In the next moment, he felt a shadow flash before his eyes. In an instant, Fang Chen had locked his arm around Third Master Black's neck.

"My face may not be worth much, but it's worth at least as much as your life, I'll tell you that. Now, will you give me this bit of face?" Fang Chen said softly.

Now, with just a slight increase in pressure, Third Master Black's neck would be dislocated, leading to his immediate death. He had lost his cultivation, but his skills as a martial artist were still intact, and the deadly techniques he had learned in the army had not been forgotten.