Chapter 39

Jun Changxiao's sudden kick was quick and precise. As the young master of the Jin family fell dramatically to the ground, his servants finally snapped back to reality.

"My son!"

They rushed over in panic, helping their master up. They saw a large footprint on his right cheek and immediately realized that the kick had not been gentle.

Jinyi, clutching his face in pain, sputtered, "You... you dare to hit me!"

"Boy, you're in trouble!"

"Our young master is the third son of the Ai family. Hitting him is equivalent to hitting the entire Ai family!"

"You Iron Bone Sect people are dead meat!"

The men shouted angrily.

But they quickly fell silent as disciples poured out of the gate, standing behind Jun Changxiao with fierce expressions.

Despite the Ai family's reputation, the young master only had a few men with him. Faced with nearly a hundred Iron Bone Sect disciples, they quickly lost their nerve.

It was clear that having a group of disciples was beneficial. Their mere presence could deter troublemakers without Jun Changxiao needing to lift a finger.

"You said Ai family?" Jun Changxiao asked, crossing his arms. "Is it supposed to be intimidating?"

Li Qingyang leaned in and whispered, "Headmaster, the Ai family is a prominent family in Huyang City."

Huyang City? Jun Changxiao recognized the name. It was one of the eight major cities in Qingyang County, second only to Qingyang City, known for its large population and numerous influential families and sects.

Li Qingyang continued, "The Ai family has been in the elixir business for generations in Huyang City. They are suppliers to many and have strong financial resources and extensive connections. They are much more powerful than my family."

"Elixirs, huh?" Jun Changxiao rubbed his nose thoughtfully.

Li Qingyang added, "This young man is Ai Zuo, the third son of the Ai family head. He's known for his arrogance and bad behavior throughout Qingyang County."

"Ai Zuo?" Jun Changxiao shook his head. "That name sounds like it's made for getting beaten."

Li Qingyang sighed internally. He had hoped to convey the seriousness of the situation, but the headmaster seemed more focused on the young man's unfortunate name.

Ai Zuo, enduring the stinging pain in his face, yelled, "You there, call out the headmaster of the Iron Bone Sect and have him apologize to me immediately!"

Jun Changxiao replied coolly, "No need to call anyone. The headmaster is right here."

He waved his sleeve dramatically, standing tall and confident.

Ai Zuo blinked in confusion, looked at Li Qingyang, and shouted, "So you're the headmaster! Apologize to me at once!"

Li Qingyang took a step back, glancing at Jun Changxiao, indicating with his eyes that he was not the headmaster.

Realizing his mistake, Ai Zuo scanned the disciples behind Jun Changxiao, unable to determine who the headmaster was. Frustrated, he yelled, "Whoever the headmaster is, come out and surrender!"

Li Qingyang and the disciples exchanged looks, thinking, "Is this guy an idiot?"

Jun Changxiao's expression darkened. He finally lost his patience and roared, "Are you blind or just stupid? The headmaster is standing right in front of you! Can't you see?"

As he spoke, he stormed forward.

The servants quickly positioned themselves between Jun Changxiao and Ai Zuo. One of them stammered, "I w-warn you, don't... don't..."

"Move!" Jun Changxiao shouted, shoving the stuttering servant aside. He grabbed Ai Zuo by the collar, his eyes fierce. "Listen up, kid. I am the headmaster of the Iron Bone Sect!"

His voice was low and deadly, exuding a murderous aura.

Ai Zuo was paralyzed with fear, breaking out in a cold sweat.

The Ai family servants, seeing their master's predicament, were equally terrified.

Jun Changxiao, who had slain many bandits, now unleashed his fearsome aura. His presence was overwhelming, making the servants tremble with fear.

"Haven't you heard me?" Jun Changxiao roared again.

The sound was so loud that Li Qingyang and the disciples flinched. For Ai Zuo, it was like thunder, causing him to nearly faint. Trembling, he stammered, "I-I heard you!"

Jun Changxiao pointed towards the steps below, his voice cold, "Get out."

In an instant, Ai Zuo's servants, as if their energy channels had been unblocked, grabbed Ai Zuo and fled at top speed, not daring to utter another word.

Jun Changxiao turned back.

The disciples, awestruck, took a step back instinctively.

"Headmaster," Li Qingyang said weakly, "Are you alright?"

Jun Changxiao walked over, his fierce aura fading. He placed a hand on Li Qingyang's shoulder and sighed dramatically, "Don't I look like a headmaster?"

Li Qingyang felt a pang of sympathy.

The disciples shared the sentiment, understanding their headmaster's frustration.

"Don't cry," Lu Qianqian called from under a tree, glancing at the injured boy on the ground.

...

In the Iron Bone Sect's medicine pavilion, there was no medical equipment or medicine, just a simple bed. They placed the injured boy on it, and Jun Changxiao began to examine him.

For a martial sect, facilities like the medicine pavilion, practice halls, and weapon rooms were essential.

But there was no rush. Development had to be gradual. Rushing things could lead to mistakes.

"Headmaster," Li Qingyang said after inspecting the boy, "He has eight broken ribs and serious internal injuries. His condition is critical and needs immediate treatment."

Jun Changxiao asked, "Can we bring a doctor from the town?"

Li Qingyang shook his head. "The injuries are too severe for an ordinary doctor. Unless..."

"Unless what?"

"Unless we use an ancient elixir to save him."

He believed that if the headmaster used a powerful healing pill, it could cure the boy easily.

"This..." Jun Changxiao pondered.

Lu Qianqian, leaning against the doorframe, said calmly, "Elixirs that can instantly heal severe injuries aren't common. You think they're like jelly beans?"

"True," Li Qingyang admitted, "The boy can hold on for another two hours at most."

Jun Changxiao considered his options. He did have a healing elixir, but was it worth using on a stranger?

"Headmaster," Li Qingyang said, "Should we save him or not?"

"Save him!"

"Don't save him!"