Chapter 4 - Hidden intentions

Finally, the day had come for him to obtain his money, no, his junior to revenge on his bullies. Lots of audience gathered at the stage which was behind the library connected to the patriach's training room. Deng Zerong, Fang Shao, and Xian Nu all lined up, probably out of respect for using a precious space. They had never stepped on the stage before and just bullied others behind the scenes, cautious that other students could beat them one on one.

Lots of audience gathered around the door, sat on the fence and tree branches to watch such a spectacle. All of them were aware that the people gathered there weren't ordinary except for Yun Xialuo who was just a rookie.

In Feng clan, there were two branch clans. Deng Zerong, Fang Shao and Xian Nu were acquainted since they were young for they were both part of outer clans. Believing they were the most unfortunate ones, they bullied others to vent their frustrations or whenever they fail to achieve something that Feng Liuxie could. The victims were afraid of their influence in the clan, thus, they weren't brave enough to stand up and report their abusive actions to their teachers.

[It is too late to ask you this?]

System, you are allowed to ask me anything. I don't mind telling ya.

[Why did you offer to get out of the clan in exchange for this bout? Isn't it too much of a risk?]

Feng Liuxie knew system was unable to ask about this as he was busy the past few days training his junior and then himself, and was amused by this thoughtfulness. His first thought to take this risk was because usually in novels, a protagonist is basically a son favored by heaven, in simple words, he's extremely lucky. This is the first step to change his fate, why wouldn't the heaven cooperate with him, unless he was just one of the many protagonists.

His second thought was completely contradictory. Since the heavens needed to monitor his actions through Feng Liuxie, he was probably a villain in his last life and his actions are observed to restrict him which isn't mentioned in the novel at all. To test his hypothesis, he will need to leave the clan and see whether they will make him encounter the protagonist in any ridiculous way possible even after he left the clan.

His third and final thought was because the protagonist could possibly regain his memories. Although he was a NEET, he wasn't that stupid to not know about the butterfly effect. Since his soul could possess this body, that also means the protagonist could regain his past life memories early on. He can take this opportunity to run away and test the protagonist from a far but safe distance.

[Woah, so deep. Was that what you thought when you proposed this deal?]

Yeah. Are you being sarcastic?

[I was just curious why you were chosen despite a few others who died the same way. I guess they chose it carefully.]

They? Feng Liuxie wanted to ask about what the system mentioned, however, the saying goes curiosity kills the cat. Even if he wanted to ask, the system won't necessarily answer back with truth. He distracted himself with the match that was starting as both parties had now turned up.

As soon as the three looked at each other and nodded seriously, he had a bad feeling in which hopefully, the elders didn't help their children to rig this match. He asked for the system to cast a talisman where poison or foul play aren't effective on him. He expected it to cost somewhat expensive, but system didn't ask a thing. Seeing that Feng Liuxie was bewildered, system explained.

[A freebie on me. You have four other chances to ask me something for free as a beginner gift.]

The system sounded like a rich older brother, treating his younger brother to a luxurious meal, having something free is very pleasant to hear. Just as he was about to make a decision, a booming voice cut into his train of thoughts.

"Everyone, welcome to the match between Childe Deng Zerong, Fang Shao and Lady Xian Nu. This is the third time since the last heir had decided to use their status as a bet." A commotion stirred up as they heard the last sentence, the students that were present that day, were sure they heard that he was only leaving the clan but somehow the rumors must have been exaggerated.

Feng Liuxie has obviously submitted the conditions for this bout was him, leaving the clan. They did bite the bait, so willingly at that, they were so foolish that he couldn't help but smirk in triumph.

[You look like a villain.]

He was exhilarated. If it all goes well, he could confirm a few suspicions as well as reap all benefits provided by the system.

[Would the kid lose?]

Probably not. Yun Xialuo was focused on remembering all his techniques and getting stronger to catch up with me.

[I think the others have gotten stronger as well.]

Feng Liuxie scoffed at the system's rare mistake. The children of heirs are proud and arrogant as there is no one to restrain their rash behavior and teach them the rights and wrong of the world. He sighed. If no one guided them in their early years, they are just too late to save.

Since their pride lies in their talent, they would never dream that hard work can catch up to their ingenuity or that 'someone can catch up to them'. If these little villains can change, it would lead to a better life for them, nonetheless, if they keep blocking the protagonist's way, their life will end a terrible, torturous death. He was just giving them a small punishment before giving them the mercy of a painless death.

Meanwhile, the ongoing match was rousing the originally silent audience as they confirmed the bet. Feng Liuxie said nothing in response, thus they believed it to be the truth. As soon as the judge of the match signaled the start, Deng Zerong charged forward, leaving him with many . Taking his time, Yun Xialuo observed the opponents in front of him to see whether they had poison or other tricks up their sleeves.

The sword's sound in the air reverberated in his ears, as he swiftly ducked underneath, and tackled Deng Zerong, kicking him with full force on the knee. He fell face down, his knees on the ground as if he was begging for forgiveness before being executed. The audience were shocked to silence, but didn't dare laugh at him for his dad was still the dean. The protagonist asked Deng Zerong if he admitted defeat, the sword pointing at him on the neck.

The little young master was being rash, and it was entirely his pride that led to this mistake. If the protagonist hadn't held back, his head would have been slashed off the ring after falling. After a silent dilemma in his mind between his father's harsh scolding or having injuries from beaten up, he would rather be reprimanded than suffer humiliation. "I admit defeat."He lowered his head both in shame and not wishing to see his father's disappointed face. The guards restrained him in order to not interfere with the match.

Switching targets, he focused the internal energy onto his legs, and dashed towards Xian Nu, easy and weak. Though he didn't see her exact prowess, he was sure she was strong enough to be on Deng Zerong's team, thus, he needs to end this match quick or else his inexperience with battles will show.

He gathered internal energy into his left hand, and threw the sword with all his strength at her. Xian Nu who was prepared to receive the attack, what she didn't expect was Fang Shao, who had a bigger build would defend for her. The sword flew away, nonetheless, it was enough to distract Fang Shao for just a moment. He slashed through her abdomen and her thighs from the back as well as her Achilles tendon in order to not let her stand.

As she let out a pain of cry, Fang Shao struck where he thought the origin of the voice was. In front of him was Xian Nu, the tip of the sword grazing her neck slightly; her eyes widened, wanting to scream in pain, but was knocked out easily by Yun Xialuo before she could.

Last week, his senior had already warned him not to straight confront Fang Shao as he could be defeated from two blows of his heavy fist. He needs agility and flexibility to counter against this type. He smiles as he thought of his senior's gentle advice before the match. "If your opponent's fast, get faster than them. This target is weak and has low endurance. Go crush him. Be careful not to exert yourself too much."

He mumbled. "I won't. Don't worry, senior." He retrieved his sword back, threw two traps. The first one was a feint for the shoulder which Fang Shao dodged easily and the other was for the neck. He couldn't elude the attack on time because the attack was in range of his sword. It took only a while for him to be shocked. Trusting his battle gear, he blocked the attack like a shield. "As expected, you rich masters are always cowards, with expensive gears and items, why were you so confident when your skill is ...", he paused a bit before uttering, "literally trash."

He provoked Fang Shao. Unlike Deng Zerong who is just a slow starter, Fang Shao is very hot-tempered. That was why he got into many fights including the seniors who were stronger than him. Normally, this would make him slip up, however, Fang Shao is the type to get stronger with provocations.

Their battle was an endless exchange of blocking and returning. One thing Fang Shao didn't know was he had less stamina than most of the kids. He couldn't last more than two rounds, and that was his limit of a weak body. The herbs didn't affect him much, the doctors couldn't help him, exercises and only daily walks could help build up stamina. It was his acquaintance who told him this information in advance.

Due to the public watching, the elders weren't able to interfere with the match no matter how much they want to help them succeed. If their children fails, their first step of the plan will also be brought down by others. It may take a year or two to bring it up to the supporters of their faction again. They wished someone could turn over this ridiculous farce and make their sons with.

Yun Xialuo was bored from watching him struggling to crawl up, they were wasting his precious time to meet his senior. He glared at Fang Shao who shakily fell down from his fifth attempt and calmly smiled. "Please stop wasting my time will you?" The audience cheered loudly for his triumph.

After he made this fact clear, he turned away and left his back completely opened to them. Humiliated by the fact that a former victim who was crying at their feet three months ago, was now even ignoring them boldly, Fang Shao was unable to hold back his anger from showing on his face.

He shakily held out a small dagger, coated with poison. He mustered any internal energy left to hurl it with force at Yun Xialuo's heart. Unfortunately, it was caught by someone before it reached him, the dagger was instantly crushed into pieces. A person that possessed such power and strength, was a big figure in the clan that no one except Feng Liuxie knew he was coming to see a trivial bout.