The night grew darker, the silver moon in the sky was slowly being sheltered by the gathering dark clouds.
"Everyone should be asleep by now," Wei Wushang's eyes gleamed in the darkness of his room.
He jumped off the bed and walked toward a corner of the room, where a bear-like figure was resting.
Who else could it be but Zhang Wei?
Zhang Wei was clearly in bad shape, his nose appeared to be crushed, and traces of blood were still evident around his broken nose. Wei Wushang had wrapped a cloth around the man's head to contain the bleeding, he had no intention of killing the man.
Crouching down, Wei Wushang shook the man's body, but Zhang Wei showed no signs of waking up anytime soon. With a soft sigh, Wei Wushang lifted the man and exited his room.
His destination was the academy guard station.
The Academy station guard was an ordinary wooden house. It served as the residence for the chief guard and his family, with no other guards in sight.
This was another added benefit of being the chief guard. Unlike the other mortal guards who could only visit their families outside the academy twice a month, the chief got to live with his family in the academy.
Inside the chief guard's house, a candle was lit.
A middle-aged man sat with a jar of liquor in his hand. He took a gulp before delving into the paperwork spread across his table. This man was none other than the chief guard of the academy, Feng Tian. His appearance resembled that of a bull, featuring dark skin and muscular, bulging arms.
"Tch, the competition is drawing closer. I'll have to quickly pick out targets for this year's competition, but all these criminals have only committed minor crimes. Sending them to die doesn't feel right, but what can I even do." Feng Tian released a heavy sigh, then downed another mouthful of liquor.
Thud thud thud...
Suddenly, the sound of knocking came from outside the door.
"Hmm?" Feng Tian, who was drinking soundly, frowned as he put the liquor aside and slowly got up.
Thud thud thud.
The door was knocked again.
Feng Tian grabbed his saber and asked, "Who is it?"
Bang, bang, bang!
There was no reply, but the knocks were getting stronger.
"Hmph, this better be important, or don't blame me for being cold-hearted." Feng Tian snorted coldly as he walked over.
But when he touched the doorknob, his eyes flashed. Immediately, he retreated fiercely backward.
A resounding BAM echoed as the entire door was sent flying, crashing directly into him!
Feng Tian's quick reaction allowed him to raise his arms for defense, but his expression darkened instantly, a fiery killing intent blazing in his eyes.
But the next moment, he was dumbfounded.
"....Young master, you??" Feng Tian stuttered, the intense killing intent in his eyes vanished suddenly, like a deflating balloon.
"You're the chief guard?" Outside the house, Wei Wushang stood proudly, his eyes filled with coldness, gazing at Feng Tian indifferently.
"Um... Yes, it's me. Do you want something from me, Young lord?" Feng Tian quickly suppressed his erupting emotions and spoke respectfully. Though he was the leader among the guards, in the presence of an immortal, he had to show appropriate respect.
Wei Wushang hooked his finger, gesturing for him to come out. Feng Tian cursed in his heart, but hurriedly scurried towards Wei Wushang's side, like an obedient dog.
As he stepped outside, his heart nearly leaped out of his mouth. In his line of sight, Zheng Wei lay sprawled on the ground like a dead pig.
"What's happened to Zhang Wei?" Feng Tian was shocked and turned toward Wei Wushang, suspicion brewing in his eyes.
Wei Wushang's lips curled up, revealing a cruel smile, "This slave dared to offend me, I merely showed him his rightful place. Hehe, if not for those troublesome academy rules, I would have already killed him."
Feng Tian was speechless.
'Heartless bastard! Treating people like animals, how can you call yourself human!?' Feng Tian clenched his teeth secretly, but before Wei Wushang, he held his tongue. Without wasting another second, he crouched down and hoisted Zhang Wei onto his shoulders, carrying him back inside the house.
Wei Wushang laughed coldly and followed him into the house with an air of indifference.
Feng Tian quickly laid the injured man on the table and began treating his injuries. He wasn't afraid that Wei Wushang would stop him, as he understood that this was the very reason Wei Wushang had brought the man here. If it had only been a minor beating, the academy might let Wei Wushang off with a warning, but if Zhang Wei were to die, repercussions would surely follow.
After being the Chief guard for so many years, Feng Tian was well accustomed to the rules and regulations of this place.
While waiting for Feng Tian to finish the treatment, Wei Wushang casually strolled around the room. His gaze briefly grazed the paperwork, but after a quick study, he lost interest. His attention was then captured by a wine jar placed nearby, which he immediately picked up with intrigue.
Feng Tian said with a flattering smile, "If lord likes it, then please feel free to take and drink it. It is an apology from me for letting my subordinate offend Young Lord." Even while treating Zhang Wei, he had never once taken his attention off Wei Wushang.
"Stop blabbering and focus on your task," Wei Wushang spoke in a flat tone, before moving to stand behind him and closely overseeing the treatment.
Feng Tian laughed dryly and continued the treatment, but in his heart, he was full of anger towards Wei Wushang. 'Don't be so full of yourself, you arrogant brat. Weren't you just a mortal a month ago? Hmph, wait for my son to grow up and become an immortal cultivator. He'll definitely seek revenge, not just on you, but on all those who have looked down on me!'
Feng Tian attentively tended to the injured man's wound, beginning by applying a fine powder to the cut at the back of his head. He then spread a dark green paste over the powder, creating a soothing layer. Finally, he wrapped a clean bandage around the area, securing it carefully in place.
"All done," Feng Tian wiped the sweat from his forehead and turned to face Wei Wushang. Just then, without warning, Wei Wushang ruthlessly smashed the wine jar onto his head.
Kachak!
The jar shattered upon impact, wine splashed all around and fresh blood flowed from Feng Tian's head.
"Bastard, you're courting death!!" Feng Tian's face distorted with raging fury, he could no longer suppress the anger within him. He wanted to teach this lawless brat a lesson.
However, Wei Wushang was one step ahead. His two fingers, bathed in silver light, sliced through the air like a pair of ruthless daggers, mercilessly jabbing at Feng Tian's eyes.
Martial Intent of Strength!
Feng Tian's pupils dilated in horror as he hurriedly rolled to the side, narrowly evading Wei Wushang's attack.
The slicing breeze brushed his skin, leaving behind a tingling sensation.
"Are you out of your mind?" Feng Tian shouted at the top of his lungs, quickly putting some distance between them.
"Noisy," Wei Wushang snorted coldly, but he didn't immediately pursue. Instead, he picked up the saber that Feng Tian had placed on the table.
Instantly, Feng Tian broke into a river of sweat.
He was only a mortal, despite years of training that had granted him a sturdy physique. If he were to face Wei Wushang now with bare hands, there was no doubt in his mind that he'd be reduced to minced meat.
'Damn it! Against any other brat, I might still stand a chance, but this one...' Feng Tian's eyes involuntarily darted towards the unconscious Zhang Wei, and the little bit of fighting spirit he had dissipated and he decisively decided to retreat.
"Boy, you're way too arrogant. Not only did you severely injure Zhang Wei, but you also dared to come to my home and attempt to kill me. Do you think you're some big shot? Hehe, wait until I inform Lord Shang Fei. I'll see if you'll still be so brazen!" With those words, Feng Tian immediately ran out of the house.
Wei Wushang stood firmly on the spot, with no intention of giving chase. He raised his head and laughed, saying, "Hahaha, Feng Tian, have you thought this through? Are you sure you won't regret this?"
"Regret? Heh, I haven't regretted a thing. You're the one who's going to end up regretting making an enemy out of me!" Feng Tian sneered. With a mocking smile on his face, he turned around to take one last look and his face immediately turned deathly pale.
He saw Wei Wushang holding a saber, slowly advancing deeper into the house. Inside, his wife and children were sleeping!
"NOOOOO!!!"