Chapter 67: This Grudge Must Be Settled

Chapter 67: This Grudge Must Be Settled

"Quick, grab him!"

Zhang Hong roared, snapping out of his brief daze. His voice jolted the group from their shock, and they surged forward as one toward the Black-Cloaked Man.

"Cough, cough! This time I admit defeat, but I’ll be back!"

The Black-Cloaked Man coughed violently, pushing himself up with both hands before flipping to his feet. He glared coldly at the advancing crowd.

"Watch out!"

"Be careful, everyone!"

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The Black-Cloaked Man sneered as the mob rushed him, then flicked his wrist. Instantly, sharp cracks erupted, and thick, acrid smoke erupted from the ground, blinding everyone.

When the haze cleared, the Black-Cloaked Man was gone. The group stood frozen, exchanging bewildered glances.

"Damn it! He escaped!"

Li Mo clenched his fists, his face darkening as he recalled his opponent’s parting words.

"Mo’er, are you alright?"

Zhang Hong sighed, knowing they’d done their best. He hurried to Li Mo’s side, his voice laced with concern.

"I’m fine, just a few minor injuries", Li Mo replied, shaking his head.

His gaze then turned complex as he looked at Su Chen—his once junior apprentice, now surpassing him in strength. Without Su Chen’s help, defeating the Black-Cloaked Man would’ve been far more difficult.

Su Chen returned the treasure box to Li Mo. Upon opening it, Li Mo exhaled in relief to find the ginseng intact.

"Little Brother, we owe you our thanks", Li Mo said, turning to Su Chen with genuine gratitude.

"Yes, thank you, Master Su", Zhang Hong added. Earlier, he’d only heard of Su Chen’s talent from Li Mo, but now he’d witnessed his power firsthand—capable of besting even a Skyborne Phantom.

If his earlier camaraderie with Su Chen had been out of courtesy to Li Mo, this time it was genuine admiration.

Su Chen waved a hand. "Just a small favor, Senior Brother. No need to be so formal."

He paused, then warned, "But Senior Brother, be vigilant. The Skyborne Phantom may strike again soon."

"Understood!" Zhang Hong and Li Mo exchanged a glance, nodding firmly.

With the crisis averted, Zhang Hong thanked the others for their aid, offering small tokens of appreciation. As the crowd dispersed, Su Chen prepared to leave. Zhang Hong and Li Mo escorted him to the door, watching until he vanished into the night.

"Mo’er, you’ve got a sharp eye for people. Your junior apprentice might just have an unlimited future ahead", Zhang Hong mused, stroking his beard.

Li Mo nodded, still slightly stunned by Su Chen’s performance that night.

"Father-in-law, the Skyborne Phantom matter isn’t over. We must remain cautious."

"Agreed."

---

"Damn it! If it weren’t for that brat, tonight’s mission would’ve succeeded!"

Crouched on a rooftop, the Black-Cloaked Man glared at Su Chen’s retreating figure.

"Blame that meddling kid for ruining my plan. Since he insists on interfering, don’t expect me to hold back."

Light as a swallow, he shadowed Su Chen, following him until he entered a courtyard.

The Black-Cloaked Man had no patience for delayed vengeance. His usual habit was to stake out a target’s base first, but Su Chen’s humble dwelling required no reconnaissance. From a high vantage point, the courtyard’s layout was plainly visible.

Under the pale moonlight, he memorized the terrain, then waited. Like a panther stalking prey, he exercised patience.

He watched as Su Chen extinguished his lamp and lay down. Still, he made no move.

The city of White Stone grew silent, bathed in a silvery haze.

"Time’s up."

The Black-Cloaked Man rose, slipping through the streets and scaling the wall without a sound.

The courtyard was eerily quiet—perfect for his work.

He didn’t head straight for Su Chen’s room. Instead, he crouched by the window, retrieving a pearl the size of a fingernail. He peered inside, then flicked the pearl through the window. It struck the floor, releasing wisps of white smoke.

Soon, the haze reached Su Chen’s bed. The Black-Cloaked Man waited ten breaths, then glanced inside.

The smoke dissipated, revealing Su Chen sprawled like a sleeping pig.

"Tch. You’re out cold?"

The Black-Cloaked Man scoffed, opening the window and leaping in.

"What a dump!"

He grimaced at the sparse furnishings—worse than any hovel he’d stayed in.

Approaching the bed, his eyes turned icy. Without hesitation, he raised his hand and slammed it toward Su Chen’s head.

Clang!

"You’re not unconscious?!"

Su Chen’s eyes flew open. One hand blocked the strike, shocking the Black-Cloaked Man.

Su Chen didn’t reply. He countered swiftly, driving a palm into the assassin’s abdomen.

A surge of Vital Force tore through the Black-Cloaked Man’s insides, wrenching a pained growl.

"A Vital Force Cultivator!"

The Black-Cloaked Man gasped, horror dawning.

"Damn my luck! Out of all people, I target a Vital Force Cultivator!"

Forget revenge—he needed to flee. As Su Chen sat up, the assassin recoiled, vaulting out the window.

He poured every ounce of speed into his escape, leaping over the wall before glancing back. Su Chen had just stepped outside, his expression tinged with surprise at the assassin’s swiftness.

"Though I can’t match your strength, you’ll never catch me on speed alone!"

With that thought, the Black-Cloaked Man vanished into the night.

He failed to notice Su Chen’s piercing gaze tracking him—or that Su Chen made no move to pursue.

After fleeing for what felt like an eternity, the Black-Cloaked Man finally relaxed, realizing Su Chen hadn’t followed.

"Sigh, I’ll retreat and recover first. This Vital Force still lingering in me is too painful."

Half an hour later, he reached a dilapidated courtyard, slipping inside.

Back in his room, he sat cross-legged, channeling his Vital Force to purge Su Chen’s lingering energy.

"Who?!"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end