Chapter Twenty-Nine: Deliberately Planting a Willow (Third Update)

The southern city quickly returned to its quiet state. After a brief moment of sorrow, Wu Yue composed himself once more.

At this moment, Yu Fu watched him with growing curiosity. It seemed that Wu Yue’s courage was increasing; he showed no fear or hesitation, calmly observing everything from beginning to end and even asking a few small questions. As for Zhao Qingzhi, she had let out a startled scream and retreated early into the carriage, which Yu Fu looked upon with disdain. He silently vowed that no matter how much Zhao Qingzhi beat him in the future, he would never call her “sister” again.

The monkey, feeling like a survivor of a great ordeal, had a sudden inspiration and thought of a name. He looked at Wu Yue speechless, stammered for a long while, then finally mustered the courage, trembling with fear, to call out the name that had long been famous in the city’s underworld—Wu Yue.

Wu Yue glanced at the monkey and smiled. It wasn’t exactly a connection, but there was no visible disgust either; it was simply a casual greeting. Yet that simple smile ignited in the monkey a fierce loyalty—the kind of devotion where a soldier would die for a comrade, and he, the monkey, was willing to perish for Wu Yue. Such a great figure had smiled at him! The monkey was utterly bewildered.

Wu Yue paid no mind. Before him now was Hou Baiyu. If killing Hou Baiyu earlier had been challenging without summoning Chang’an, now it was no longer difficult—though not quite as effortless as flipping one’s hand, it was still akin to slaughtering sparrows with a legendary sword.

Hou Baiyu’s face was marked by defeat. He had once thought his fate was about to turn, only to realize this was the final, crushing blow to his life. Someone capable of capturing even ghosts—was he still human? Hou Baiyu was now pondering two things: should he die swiftly and decisively, or should he resist fiercely before dying?

Which way would be easier? Less painful? Yet he truly wanted to live. As for escape, Hou Baiyu hadn’t even considered it.

Suddenly, a large head poked into the carriage, still heavy with sleep. “Little Qing said there’s a ghost outside? Where is it?” He looked around drowsily, muttering, “I knew Little Qing was lying—this is broad daylight.”

He yawned heavily before asking in confusion, “Where have we come to? Why is no one around? And why are there so many things scattered on the ground?”

Wu Yue was too lazy to answer, but Yu Fu responded without hesitation, “Li Wenzhang, go back to sleep. Once you’re rested, make room for me.”

“Why sleep in broad daylight when you’re young?” Li Wenzhang scolded bluntly, completely ignoring Yu Fu despite the latter’s protests.

“There’s a melon over there! Someone bring it to me, clean it off, and you’ll be rewarded.”

The monkey, feeling honored, inexplicably obeyed immediately, rushing over to pick up the largest melon, vigorously wiping it with his robe before handing it over.

Li Wenzhang took it without a word and tossed a silver coin to the monkey, who suddenly felt this was somewhat improper. “What a lowlife!” the monkey cursed himself inwardly but couldn’t help catching the coin without even saying thanks.

Meanwhile, the man had withdrawn his head back inside the carriage. Though the monkey wanted to explain, no one was listening. He consoled himself that this was a distinguished friend serving Wu Yue.

“Why haven’t you gone yet?” Li Wenzhang’s head appeared again as he casually threw the leftover melon rind backward, striking Hou Baiyu squarely on the head. Hou Baiyu seemed unfazed, sitting there dazed.

Wu Yue jumped down and looked at Hou Baiyu without any killing intent. He was neither soft-hearted nor cruel, but he never took out his anger on others; Hou Baiyu’s crimes did not warrant death. More importantly, Wu Yue didn’t dislike Hou Baiyu, even if the man gave no reason to be liked. Perhaps this was what they called an instinctive affinity?

“You once tried to kill me in the wilderness, but you also saved me in the end. Lin Ya appeared because of you, and Hong Xiu died because of me. I will not kill you.”

Hearing this, Hou Baiyu’s eyes brightened with emotion. Tears streamed down his face as he was about to say, “Brother, from now on I’ll follow you.”

Wu Yue interrupted, “My trust is given only once, and you’ve lost it. This time, you’ll receive a light punishment.” He sparked a small flame at his fingertip and flicked it onto Hou Baiyu.

Hou Baiyu did not dodge. Instantly, it felt as if a fierce fire was burning inside him, every inch of his body wracked with unbearable pain. The agony was so intense that he even had the impulse to end his own life.

Wu Yue returned to the carriage, feeling somewhat regretful. Though borrowing those soul energies could have fully powered the Fire Stacking Technique, the visible energy from the green pill had been reduced by nearly half.

He didn’t even glance at the rolling Hou Baiyu. He knew it wasn’t that painful; it was merely for show. Frankly, Wu Yue felt a twinge of disappointment at this reunion with an old acquaintance.

In truth, Wu Yue’s approach was not ideal. If he had punished Hou Baiyu before speaking, Hou Baiyu might have been grateful despite the punishment. But now, Hou Baiyu was more likely to harbor resentment.

Wu Yue hadn’t thought that far. But someone else had—like the monkey, a petty character with a petty heart. Wasn’t that normal? Perhaps it was Wu Yue’s smile that moved him, or maybe it was his desire to regain the dignity he’d lost when being ordered around.

The monkey shouted loudly, “This man must not be spared! Master Wu, please allow me to speak.” He hurried over to Wu Yue’s side.

Wu Yue turned to look at the man who forgot everything as soon as he turned his head. The oversized wealthy man’s robe he wore looked utterly ridiculous.

“What’s on your mind? Just call me Wu Yue,” Wu Yue said. Since he had arrived here, he insisted on being called by his name. He was used to it—perhaps a new quirk, like those who couldn’t live unless everything was perfectly tidy.

The monkey still didn’t dare say Wu Yue’s name, but Wu Yue’s words encouraged him greatly. He shouted, “To cut the grass, you must remove the roots, or troubles will arise. I believe Hou Baiyu will hold a grudge against you, and though you possess unparalleled powers, he is still a cultivator and cannot be underestimated.”

The monkey rambled on, but the gist was clear: kill Hou Baiyu! He was a moderate threat, and killing him wouldn’t be difficult.

Wu Yue looked from the monkey to the furious Hou Baiyu, who, despite writhing on the ground, had exchanged half his pain for hatred. Hou Baiyu surely wanted to kill the monkey, and with full force, leaving no chance for survival.

“You speak as if inviting disaster,” Wu Yue said calmly. The monkey understood well: if Wu Yue refused to kill Hou Baiyu, offending him now would bring only hardship later, possibly even death.

The monkey gritted his teeth and knelt, shouting, “I am willing to serve you faithfully, Master!” His heart pounded wildly as he spoke.

This gamble was unlike the last, but the monkey had no choice. Like before, if he didn’t approach the boss of the knives, he would either starve or die beaten. Now, he gambled on Wu Yue being kind-hearted. His gentle smile, approachable demeanor, and allowing him to call him by name—all gave him hope.

Wu Yue was somewhat taken aback. When had his aura become so powerful? Yet those who sought him out were either useless or scoundrels. This was no garbage dump, and unfortunately, the monkey had misjudged.

Wu Yue refused simply, saying, “Hou Baiyu, you are not to harm him.” The monkey was devastated but believed Wu Yue’s words would hold true—at least for now. But what about later? Wu Yue wouldn’t always be in the city. The monkey had lost his bet.

Just then, the carriage’s rear window slid open, revealing the man who had ordered the melon retrieval. He called out, “Then go find the keys for us. Once you find them, I’ll let you join us.” He laughed heartily and closed the window.

Zhao Qingzhi looked puzzled, while Li Wenzhang shrugged and said casually, “One more person searching isn’t a bad thing. More strength means better luck.” A trace of pride flickered in his eyes.

Hearing this, the monkey felt as if he had heard a celestial melody.

“I’ll find them! I’ll find every key in the city!” That was hope—that was light!

His eyes reddened, fists clenched tightly.