Chapter 14: A Single Thought, Life and Death

Chapter 14: A Single Thought, Life and Death

Li Chaofeng and Jiang Biehe’s gazes swept toward Hu Tiehua, making him acutely aware of the tension in the air. A moment’s reflection revealed everything—he’d been targeted as Jiang Qin’s final hope.

Saving Jiang Qin was the last thing Hu Tiehua wanted, but the promise of the Bridal Robe Divine Skill changed everything. If the offer had come from Old Stinkbug or Dead Rooster, he’d have no doubts. But Little Gourmet God was a stranger, their acquaintance barely existing. Trust was nonexistent.

Sighing, he opened his mouth to refuse—only for Jiang Biehe to blurt out, “I’ll write down the Bridal Robe Divine Skill first! All I ask is that you let me return home. If you get me back alive, I’ll give you a reward even greater than the Bridal Robe Divine Skill itself.”

Hu Tiehua’s curiosity flared. Could there truly be a reward better than that legendary technique? Glancing at Li Chaofeng’s wary expression, he finally spoke. “A reward greater than the Bridal Robe Divine Skill? I’ve never heard of such a thing. Tell me more.”

Jiang Biehe coughed twice, his body stiffening as the blade at his forehead shifted slightly. Panic surged—he dared not move.

Li Chaofeng, meanwhile, weighed his options. Should he withdraw the Five Insect Blade Art now and kill Jiang Biehe? Trust was a luxury he couldn’t afford. Even if this “Brawny Man” claimed to be helping, who knew what else lurked in his mind?

Old Hu? The name stirred something in Li Chaofeng. In the Jianghu, there was a famed martial artist named Hu Tiehua—did this man match the legend?

Jiang Biehe’s chuckle broke the silence. “It’s only fair to warn you—” He paused mid-sentence, his body freezing. The Soulbound Dagger embedded in his skull trembled again, inching toward Li Chaofeng’s direction.

Though invisible to others, Jiang Biehe felt it clearly. If not for his iron grip, the dagger would’ve pierced his brain already.

Swallowing hard, he glanced at the tiger corpse beneath him. A gaping hole marred the beast’s head—where another Soulbound Dagger should’ve been lodged. Wait… Wasn’t there only one dagger?

Realization struck. Li Chaofeng’s dagger wasn’t just a weapon—it was remotely controlled. The blade in the tiger’s head had been a decoy, a message: I’m unarmed. Now, with a mere thought, Li Chaofeng could end him.

Seeing the faint smirk on Li Chaofeng’s lips, Jiang Biehe confirmed his worst fear. That dagger wasn’t just deadly—it was alive.

His life hung by a thread.

Jiang Biehe stilled, meeting Li Chaofeng’s gaze. His original plan had been cunning: write a forged Bridal Robe Divine Skill revision, then whisper to the Brawny Man about Li Chaofeng’s dagger. Perhaps the man would kill Li Chaofeng for it. Even in death, he’d have his revenge.

But now, he needed a new strategy—to convince the Brawny Man that the dagger in his skull was a divine treasure.

Let Li Chaofeng die!

As if on cue, Li Chaofeng turned to Hu Tiehua. “Since he insists on writing the Bridal Robe Divine Skill first, why not check its authenticity before deciding our next move?”

Hu Tiehua’s chest tightened. The Bridal Robe Divine Skill tempted him, but earning this youth’s resentment over an uncertain reward felt unwise. The boy had never wanted the technique—he’d only wanted to kill Jiang Qin without staining his reputation.

Jianghu’s reputation was worthless if it couldn’t be monetized.

Before he could refuse, Jiang Biehe interrupted, scanning the area. “Brother Li, you’ve brought paper and brush, haven’t you?”

Li Chaofeng smirked. Jiang Biehe’s cunning never ceased. “Of course. I’ve always wanted you to write something for me.”

Jiang Biehe laughed bitterly, death’s shadow sharpening his resolve. “A confession scroll, perhaps?”

Li Chaofeng paused. A confession? He’d never expected Jiang Biehe to admit guilt—but the idea intrigued him. “Can you?”

“Give me time, and I’ll write a whole book,” Jiang Biehe said, his voice steady despite the dagger quivering above his skull. “But our friend Hu here might not have the patience.”

Li Chaofeng’s gaze flicked to Hu Tiehua. In his mind, Jiang Biehe’s confession was worth far more than the Bridal Robe Divine Skill. True, any document from Jiang Biehe was worthless—unless it could be traded to Yan Nantian.

Everyone believed Yan Nantian perished in the Vale of Villains, but Li Chaofeng knew better. Yan Nantian wasn’t dead—he was merely waiting to rise again.

If Jiang Biehe’s forged Bridal Robe Divine Skill could prove Jiang Qin’s death, perhaps Yan Nantian would part with the real technique. After all, Yan Nantian had never hoarded divine arts—passing the Divine Sword Formula to Lu Zhongyuan, the Bridal Robe Divine Skill to Jade Youth Jiang Feng.

This was why Jiang Biehe still breathed.

But the Brawny Man had disrupted everything. As Li Chaofeng opened his mouth to argue, Hu Tiehua’s booming laugh cut through the tension.

“I’ll wait!” he roared. “Jiang Biehe’s confession will honor Yan Nantian’s spirit. Let the Bridal Robe Divine Skill vanish for all I care!”

His voice thundered with conviction, rattling Jiang Biehe’s composure.

Li Chaofeng studied the man, then burst into laughter. “Are you certain? He might die before finishing. The Bridal Robe Divine Skill would be lost forever.”

Hu Tiehua grinned wider. “So be it! I’m curious about the technique, but I won’t die for it. That confession scroll, though—that I must read. Nothing less will satisfy my rage!”

He glared at Jiang Biehe, eyes blazing. “Write, Jiang Biehe! I might not recognize the Bridal Robe Divine Skill’s authenticity, but I’ll know if your confession is genuine!”

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end