Chapter 59: Severely Wounded, on the Brink of Death
Lu Qing walked slowly down the path, his expression calm—but his mind was far from tranquil.
The gang of thugs he had crippled earlier would never again be able to commit evil. Even living a normal life would be nearly impossible for them now.
But why hadn’t he killed them outright?
Because Lu Qing wasn’t a killer by nature.
In his past life, he’d only ever slaughtered fish—never even touched a chicken or duck. To take a human life? That was something he simply couldn’t bring himself to do.
Though he’d been telling himself since his arrival in this world that it was harsher, more brutal, a place of survival of the fittest—still, the thought of killing weighed heavily on him.
He didn’t know what would change in him once he crossed that line.
Now that he’d become a Martial Practitioner, killing was no longer physically difficult. But the real struggle lay in the uncertainty: once he took that step, could he still remain the same?
If those thugs had been truly monstrous, irredeemable villains, he might have found the resolve. But his Abilities had revealed the truth—none of them were evil.
So he’d chosen to give them a chance.
Funny, he thought with a wry smile. I’m not like the protagonists in the novels I read back then—cold-blooded, ruthless from the moment they’re reborn. I’m still just an ordinary man.
Yet, after this incident, he finally understood the true power of a Martial Practitioner.
Even the weakest Qi Xue Jing cultivator stood leagues above an ordinary human. The difference in strength, reflexes, and defense was incomparable.
When he’d dealt with the thugs earlier, he’d felt it clearly—their movements and reactions were like slow motion to him, utterly harmless. He’d broken their limbs with ease, while remaining untouched himself.
Thank goodness martial cultivation isn’t easy, he mused. Breaking through to Qi Xue Jing is nearly impossible. If it were common, I shudder to think what this world would be like.
Yes, it hadn’t taken him long to reach Qi Xue Jing—but that was only because he had Abilities, his master’s guidance, and the Golden Loach to compensate for his weak foundation.
Most people, with no such advantages, would train for ten or even twenty years and still barely touch the threshold.
His master had once said: In this world, every Martial Practitioner is special—far more than one in a hundred. Without talent, you’ll never grasp the secret of linking Qi and blood. No matter how long you train, you’ll just be a strong-bodied warrior, nothing more. You can bully commoners, but face a real Martial Practitioner, and you’ll shatter like glass.
Lost in thought, Lu Qing returned home. After setting down his things, he let out a long breath of relief.
This trip to the Big Market had been bumpy, but overall, he was in good spirits.
Especially now that he’d successfully arranged through Ma Gu to get a War Blade.
The thought of finally owning his own War Blade in just a few days filled him with quiet anticipation.
He’d expected to wait four or five days before seeing Ma Gu again.
But he hadn’t expected to meet him the very next day.
…
Big Market, the rear courtyard of a residence.
Ma Gu’s face was drawn with worry. He called over one of his subordinates.
“Has the young master of the Wei family returned yet?”
“No, Ma Ye,” the man replied respectfully. “I’ve been waiting outside. There’s still no sign of them.”
“Why is it taking so long today?” Ma Gu muttered, unease creeping into his voice. They should’ve been back by now—just like yesterday.
Another long silence passed. The delay gnawed at him.
He paced back and forth, whispering reassurances: It’ll be fine. The Wei family’s guards are Jin Gu Jing masters. Just a short trip into the mountains—what could possibly go wrong?
But as time dragged on, his anxiety turned to panic.
He burst out, “Damn it! What kind of fool is that young master? Why did he insist on going into the mountains himself to find a birthday gift? Couldn’t he just send someone? Doesn’t he realize how many lives would be ruined if anything happened to him?!”
Just as Ma Gu was about to order a search party, a frantic messenger burst through the door.
“Ma Ye! Ma Ye! The young master—he’s back!”
“Back? Where is he?” Ma Gu’s heart leapt.
But the man’s face was pale with horror. “He… he’s back… but the young master… he… he…”
Ma Gu’s blood ran cold. He grabbed the man by the collar. “What happened to him?!”
“He… he might be dead…”
The words struck like lightning.
Ma Gu froze, stunned into silence.
Then, a wave of terror surged through him. He yanked the man closer, face twisted in rage. “How could he die? Who did this?!”
“I… I don’t know, Ma Ye! I saw the guards returning—carrying a stretcher. The young master was lying on it, covered in blood. His eyes were closed… no breath… I thought—”
Trembling, the man stammered.
“Shut up!” Ma Gu roared. He wasn’t dead yet—this man was just guessing!
Wait till I deal with you later!
He kicked the man aside, cursed, and bolted toward the front courtyard.
His fear only deepened.
Even if the man’s words were speculation, the truth was clear: the young master was in terrible condition.
Whether he was dead or dying, the consequences would be catastrophic for Ma Gu.
When he reached the front courtyard, he saw the Wei family guards surrounding a blood-soaked stretcher, faces grim.
On it lay the young master of the Wei family—pale as death, eyes shut, barely breathing.
“Li Huhui! What happened?!” Ma Gu’s voice cracked.
“Sir… he fell into a ravine in the mountains. His abdomen was sliced open by a sharp rock.”
Li Huhui’s expression was ashen. Fear gnawed at him. Failure to protect the master… what punishment awaits us when we return?
“What’s his condition now?” Ma Gu’s voice trembled. He couldn’t bring himself to ask the worst.
But Li Huhui understood. “He’s still alive—barely. We’ve stuffed his intestines back in, applied wound ointment… we’ve managed to stop the bleeding for now.”
Ma Gu’s chest tightened. Still alive… but just barely.
“What are your plans?” he asked, voice strained.
“We’re taking him back to the city immediately.” Li Huhui answered without hesitation.
“But you said the motion would worsen his injuries!” Ma Gu protested.
“Going back gives him a chance. If we delay, there won’t even be that.”
There was one thing Li Huhui didn’t say—it was also their only chance to survive.
But Ma Gu was already panicking.
If they left with the young master, and he died on the way—those guards might just vanish.
And then, he’d be the one blamed.
No. He had to do something.
Ma Gu’s mind raced. He needed a way out—any way to survive.
Then, suddenly, a face flashed in his mind.
His eyes widened.
“Wait—hold on! I have an idea. Maybe… just maybe… I can save the young master.”
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
