Early the next morning, after the disciples of the Teaching Hall finished breakfast, Huang Ren and Wu Lian were busy cleaning up the Food Hall.
"What's wrong with you today?" Wu Lian muttered while working. "Didn't you sleep well last night? You've been distracted all morning—you even forgot to add salt."
"If you're tired, just go lie down for a bit. I can handle things here."
Huang Ren snapped back to reality. He glanced at his wife and forced a smile.
"It's nothing. Just a bit tired, that's all."
"Also… I need to head out for a while later."
Wu Lian glanced at him and said, "Don't put so much pressure on yourself. I already spoke with Senior Brother Man Xiongmu yesterday about the spirit-thread matter. Within a year, we should be able to gather everything."
She smiled as she continued, "Do you know who's refining the spirit threads this time? It's White Dragon— that little fellow. Even I didn't expect it. Senior Brother truly values him."
"Being on good terms with him is a blessing…"
Huang Ren listened as regret gnawed at his heart like a venomous serpent.
He worked numbly until dusk, when he suddenly realized—there was no more time.
"L-Lian…" he stammered. "I'm heading out for a bit."
"Why are you calling me that all of a sudden?" Wu Lian shot him an annoyed look. "I'm not that young anymore."
That was how he used to call her when they were young.
But now, both of them were old.
"You're not old at all," Huang Ren said softly. "You're just as beautiful as you were back then."
He wanted to step forward and hug her—but stopped himself, afraid she might notice something was wrong.
"Bah, at your age and still sweet-talking," Wu Lian scolded, though her face was full of smiles.
"I'm heading out."
"Alright. Be quick and don't delay."
Huang Ren grabbed a bamboo basket, making it look like he was heading to the Logistics Hall, then walked out.
The moment he stepped past the courtyard gate, he stopped.
His fists clenched tightly.
Suddenly, he turned around and ran back.
"You're back already? Forget something?" Wu Lian asked, surprised.
Before she could react, he wrapped his arms around her.
"What are you doing? In broad daylight!" she exclaimed, embarrassed. Her hands were wet, and she couldn't push him away.
"It's nothing," he said quietly. "I just felt like it's been a long time since I held you like this."
He took a deep breath, released her, forced a smile, and turned to leave.
At the doorway, he paused once more and looked back.
Wu Lian was watching him.
Huang Ren grinned, then turned and walked away.
It was dusk. His shadow stretched long across the ground.
"What's wrong with that fatty today?" Wu Lian muttered, watching his retreating figure. "He seems off…"
"I'll ask him when he gets back."
She shook her head and returned to work.
Wild Dog Cave
Huang Ren stopped outside the cave, not daring to enter.
If he ran into the cave lord himself, it would be over.
He couldn't afford to offend either side—but if he died at the hands of Wild Dog Cave, his wife and daughter might still receive some protection from Cloud Perch Cave.
He hadn't slept all night, yet his mind was clearer than ever.
Regret was useless now.
As he wandered through the ironwood forest outside the cave, an irritated, childish voice rang out.
"You again, fatso? Are you looking to die?"
Tong Jin stood there, surrounded by his usual group, his pent-up anger finally finding an outlet.
Ever since yesterday, his father had sternly warned him—never again think about that white dog.
He had never seen his father so cold and severe.
"If you dare touch that dog again," his father had said, "I will personally send you to Cloud Perch Cave. From that day on, you will no longer be my son."
The words still sent chills down his spine.
Now, seeing Huang Ren, Tong Jin snapped.
"T-this senior…" Huang Ren rubbed his hands nervously, trying to speak.
Tong Jin cut him off with a wave. "Beat him. Beat him hard."
The surrounding disciples burst into laughter and swarmed forward.
Fists and kicks rained down mercilessly.
Huang Ren was knocked to the ground, his basket flying away.
He curled up, covering his head. Before long, his skin split, his face swollen and bloody.
"That's enough," a female disciple said. "Any more and he'll die. He's still a fifth-generation disciple."
Tong Jin snorted. "Lucky for you, fatso."
"Throw him out. If I see you again, I'll beat you every time. Get lost!"
"I have something to say!" Huang Ren shouted through the pain.
He gritted his teeth and yelled, "Man Xiongmu is leaving the mountain today—going on an outside journey!"
Tong Jin froze. "Stop!"
The disciples halted.
Tong Jin stepped closer. "Where did you hear that?"
Huang Ren grimaced. "My daughter is close with that beast. They use voice talismans to stay in contact."
"I overheard it by accident."
"I just wanted to trade the information for some benefits…"
Tong Jin's heart skipped a beat.
Then he remembered his father's warning and shuddered.
He cursed under his breath, then slapped Huang Ren's fat face twice.
"Still thinking about benefits? I'll give you benefits—these hands."
"Get lost. Don't let me see you again."
Huang Ren struggled to his feet and limped away, bloodied and battered.
The message had been delivered.
The rest no longer concerned him.
Tong Jin's mood darkened further. Though he coveted that dog's pelt, his father's warning weighed heavily.
The others, unaware of the deeper situation, tried to cheer him up.
"Come on, let's go find some fun."
As they were about to leave, a voice echoed from the cave.
"Jin'er. Come inside."
Tong Jin stiffened.
He swallowed hard, then obediently entered the cave.
(End of Chapter)