Chapter 5, unwilling to make an exception

Wen Zhi was a dan practitioner from the State of Qi, who once cured the incurable illness of the monarch of Qi with his elixirs. However, due to his indiscreet remarks, he angered the King of Qi and was captured and sent to the alchemical furnace for refinement. He was subjected to this process for three days without dying, and it remains unknown what method he relied upon.

The atmosphere was somewhat tense, and the three remained silent for a long time. Finally, the fisherman suddenly asked, "I heard that you were seriously injured?"

Yunmengze is vast, encompassing the mountains, forests, and marshes surrounding Yunmeng Lake, stretching over 800 li. It is the place where Wu Sheng lived in seclusion, located within Tianmen Mountain. After a journey of enduring the elements and sleeping outdoors, by the time he passed the essential landmark of Zhanghua Terrace, his clothing had become tattered, and his straw sandals were reduced to half, presenting a most disheveled appearance, akin to that of a beggar

Once the words were spoken, silence fell over the room, and the atmosphere became tense to the utmost degree

Wu Shengxin's heart tightened, and he halted his steps without turning back: "At the moment of parting, I have a word to offer."

Although it was anticipated in advance, witnessing it in reality still makes one feel anxious

He kept walking far away, and only after reaching the eastern entrance of Jishan did Wu Sheng dare to look back, confirming that they had not caught up. Suddenly, his legs felt weak, and he almost lost his balance.

One knows one's own affairs; Sheng Yuandan certainly cannot help Wu Sheng "generate" a Qi Sea, thus it is of no use to Wu Sheng

Even if the wrong person is killed, there is certainly no way to go back, Wu Sheng once again refused: "The city is eerily silent, it is no longer the time to act."

Upon seeing the Jing River, I no longer dared to approach the rocky ferry crossing. Instead, I found two fallen small trees, secured them with vines, and embraced them to float across to the opposite bank

Wu Sheng asked: "Why?"

At the foot of Tianmen Mountain, Wu Sheng exercised utmost caution. His caution was not misplaced, for at the western entrance to the mountain, he indeed encountered the patrolling guards of the State of Chu

The fisherman also said: "It is not only Xiao Zhao; we can die at any time and in any place!"

Wu Sheng was speechless: "No wonder... at that time someone used double hooks to block, was that Zhao Yuan?"

At a loss for words, only the occasional crackling sound of the oil lamp can be heard

The fisherman said: "This is the judge Sun Jiezai, and Zhao Yuan should be by his side."

After slightly easing his pace, Wu Sheng quickened his steps, moving faster and faster, until he simply broke into a run. The mountain pass, which was about five or six li long, was soon traversed, and ahead, the view opened up dramatically.

Suddenly, with a "clang," Xiao Zhao drew her sword

Wu Sheng felt physically exhausted, so he left the main road and sought a secluded corner to rest for the night before continuing his journey

Alchemy requires great talent; not just any cultivator can practice it. Therefore, alchemists are extremely rare, let alone a renowned alchemist. The Jixia Academy thus intervened, compelling the ruler of Qi to spare his life. Consequently, Wen Zhi left the State of Qi and relocated to Yingdu in the State of Chu

After a long while, the fisherman once again bowed and said, "I kindly ask you to return to the city with me."

Wu Sheng was taken aback, carefully recalling and shaking his head, saying: "Playing the qin in the upper garden, dressed in a fox fur quilt, resembling the figure in the painting, and guarded by soldiers... I did not kill the wrong person"

He waved his hand and said: "Indeed, it is a good thing, but one should not receive rewards without merit, so it is unnecessary."

This business is certainly not feasible, and at this moment, Wu Sheng declined: "As for matters of extravagance, I must respectfully decline."

Wu Sheng blinked and asked, "What does it mean?"

The fisherman and Xiao Zhao knelt quietly, motionless, watching Wu Sheng walk away.

The fisherman extended his hand in invitation, and Wu Sheng sat opposite him, while the strong man knelt at the doorway, holding a sword in his arms

The fisherman said: "It is Zhao She who is dead, not Zhao Yuan"

A tall man, who could kneel and still reach his own chest, was called Xiao Zhao. This contrast left him somewhat dazed—Xiao Zhao should not be like this

Wu Shengyu spoke from the heart, sincerely advising: "The downfall of the Tiger faction is not dependent on a single individual. Even if Zhao Yuan is killed, what difference would it make? Would it compel the Chu army, which is currently besieging the city, to withdraw? The world is in turmoil, and the wars between nations are unending; this is a great contest, beyond the power of you all to reverse. I predict that within a month, the Tiger faction will surely perish. If you wish to restore your country, you may go to Qi. The state of Qi is strong, and it is not impossible to form an alliance with the world to advocate for justice on your behalf. I have said all that I can; how you choose is up to you to decide." If you wish to restore your country, you may go to Qi. The state of Qi is strong, and it is not impossible to form an alliance with the world to advocate for justice on your behalf. I have said all that I can; how you choose is up to you to decide.

The fisherman took a deep breath and said, "Sir, what you killed that day was not Zhao Yuan, but Zhao She."

After speaking, he directly stepped past Xiao Zhao and walked out of the wooden house

Having said that, the fisherman took out a brocade box, inside which lay a blue elixir: "This is the Shengyuan Pill, refined by the esteemed master Wen Zhi. After you consume it, you will be able to restore yourself to your original state within a maximum of seven days."

Having spoken, he rose and walked straight to the door, but the strong man did not make way. Instead, he drew the long sword from his bosom, held it with both hands at his brow, and bowed, saying: "We do not wish to serve a fallen nation. If you do not agree, please step over my corpse."

Wu Sheng continued to shake his head: "Killing the wrong person is your fault, not mine. Zhao Yuan has already realized this, and it is difficult to find a good opportunity. Although I am not afraid, I also do not wish to seek death"

The strong man glared at Wu Sheng and said with great emotion: "For the country, how could one hesitate to sacrifice oneself!"

Wu Sheng frowned: "Do you want to seek death?"

This issue, if not answered well, will likely make it difficult to pass today. Whether it is the fisherman in front or the strong man at the door, they are not something he can handle. Wu Sheng felt his heart racing out of his chest

At this moment, it is not the time to be entangled in names and surnames. Wu Sheng gazed into Xiao Zhao's eyes and slowly said: "Since I bound my hair and practiced swordsmanship, I have killed seventy-two people. I remember when I first became an assassin, I charged only three hundred coins for killing one person. Do you know how much I charge now for killing? The minimum is one gold coin. For those who offer less than one gold coin, I do not kill, nor do I kill for free"

After a long while, the fisherman bowed again and said: "I have a miraculous elixir that can regenerate flesh and bones, and within seven days, one can fully recover. I earnestly request you to lend your hand once more; whatever you desire, we will do our utmost to fulfill it."

Le Yin is a noble official in charge of music within the palace. Although his power is not substantial, his status is quite prominent. The Zhao clan ranks among the three major noble families of the State of Chu, and many members of the clan have been granted esteemed positions. Zhao Yuan was appointed as a Sanlu Grand Master, and his brother was appointed as Le Yin, which is not surprising at all.

The fisherman said: "On that day, for reasons unknown, Zhao Yuan invited Zhao She to the upper garden. It is said that when Zhao She left, he was dressed lightly. Upon seeing him, Zhao Yuan took off his quilt and offered it to him... This is not a mistake of the gentleman."

Isn't this a waste of time

Wu Sheng forced himself to remain calm: "Sun Jiezi launched a surprise attack from the side, making it nearly impossible for me to succeed. In order to kill Zhao She, I had no choice but to abandon the Jade Sword. Now that I have lost the sword and am severely injured, I can hardly walk. Do you wish to examine my wounds for me?"

The fisherman gazed at Wu Sheng, whose heart raced, yet he maintained a composed demeanor, responding with a faint smile

This renowned alchemist is so famous that even Wu Sheng, an assassin who once resided in a remote area, has heard of him. Inside the small wooden box before me, there is even a wooden slip personally signed and handwritten by Wen Zhi, simply detailing the usage of the elixir. It appears to be genuine without a doubt

The voice of the fisherman came from behind: "Please speak."

After a long gaze, the fisherman bowed deeply again, touching his forehead to the ground, and offered a grand salute: "We still have a substantial reward to offer."

Wu Shengdao: "Why has Sun Jiezai's profound cultivation not been mentioned before?"

Calm down, calm down

Wu Sheng's rejection caused the atmosphere in the room to grow cold once more. It was unclear whether it was merely an illusion, but he sensed a chilling intent to kill.

After a pause, he said softly: "I do not wish for an exception to be made today"

Could it be that killing Zhao Yuan is not enough, and the fisherman still wants me to take action to kill Zhao She?

With a single question, Wu Sheng seemed to see the flame of the oil lamp flicker gently, and his heart jumped in sync with the flame.

The fisherman said: "The fault lies with me"

The fisherman said: "Lord Zhao Yuan, you have a younger brother Zhao She, who serves as the Minister of Music"