Su Mu has come to cause trouble

After ensuring the boy was settled, Yang Kai didn't hurry to leave. After all, the boy had given him some dry rations the previous night. He intended to stay until the boy woke up before departing with peace of mind.

The hunter busied himself inside, nervously flitting about until the clinic's physician, annoyed by his incessant noise, chased him out.

"Doctor Chu said, 'Luckily, he was treated in time, or else my son wouldn't have made it.' Benefactor, I, Zhang Shan, can never repay your immense kindness. I'll be at your service for life, no matter what."

With that, he knelt before Yang Kai.

Yang Kai did not lift him up immediately but instead smiled and said, "Brother Zhang, a man's knees are made of gold. Your kneeling has already repaid the favor. No need to dwell on it, especially since I also ate some of your son's dry rations. It's I who owe you."

Only then did Yang Kai help Zhang Shan to his feet.

Zhang Shan, moved to tears, exclaimed, "Benefactor, you are truly a good person!"

As they spoke, the physician emerged and informed Zhang Shan, "He's out of danger now. No need to worry, though he has lost a lot of blood and might sleep for a while. He'll be fine when he wakes."

Hearing this, both Yang Kai and Zhang Shan felt relieved.

Once the tension lifted, Yang Kai felt a wave of fatigue. The day's excitement, coupled with his injuries and blood loss, had taken a toll on him. Although he had been exhilarated at the time, it had still caused some harm. Relaxing now, he fell asleep, not waking until morning.

At dawn in Lingxiao Pavilion, many disciples were up early, their hearts racing with anticipation as they gathered and looked toward a particular spot. Their eager expressions and restless movements resembled wives awaiting the long-awaited return of their husbands from war, filled with focus and expectation.

As time passed, the crowd grew, and all eyes turned toward Yang Kai's small hut.

Today was another day to challenge Yang Kai! The disciples of Lingxiao Pavilion couldn't miss this nearly free chance to earn contribution points. Some felt sorry for Yang Kai, given that he got beaten every five days, but figured if they didn't challenge him, others would. Besides, if he was to be beaten anyway, they might as well take the opportunity themselves. Many resolved to go easy on him, so as not to cause him too much pain.

By this hour, Yang Kai would usually be up sweeping, but today was different. The disciples waited but saw no sign of him, craning their necks toward the hut.

"What's going on with Yang Kai? Is he oversleeping? Why isn't he out yet?"

"I don't know. I haven't seen him these past few days."

"Has he left Lingxiao Pavilion?"

"Impossible. You know how stubborn he is. He wouldn't leave, not even if beaten to death. If he were to leave, he would've done so when he was demoted to a trial disciple months ago."

The crowd speculated, unaware that Yang Kai had taken leave a few days ago to visit Black Wind Mountain and hadn't returned. Yang Kai's usual solitary nature meant no one noticed his absence.

As the discussion continued, a group approached. Leading them was a handsome young man with an elegant demeanor, though his face now bore a scowl. He muttered curses through gritted teeth as he walked.

Surrounded by several Lingxiao Pavilion disciples, he stood out even more.

Arriving at the crowd, the youth looked displeased and asked, "What's going on? Why are so many people here?"

A disciple nearby quickly stepped forward and whispered, "Young Master Su, today is the day to challenge Yang Kai, so everyone's here for contribution points."

The youth named Su raised an eyebrow and laughed, "Looks like our Brother Yang is having quite a tough time."

His words were full of mocking glee.

"Yes, every five days he gets beaten until he's unconscious," the disciple explained.

Young Master Su chuckled again, "Indeed, my anger feels much alleviated, but it's not enough. We must drive him out of Lingxiao Pavilion. Once he's no longer a disciple, I can deal with him as I please."

"You're right, Young Master Su. That kid dared to ruin your plans in Wumei Town, utterly unaware of your status. He should've known better!"

This flattery pleased Young Master Su, who nodded approvingly.

This Young Master Su was Su Mu, whom Yang Kai had exposed during his scam in Wumei Town, forcing Su Mu to leave in disgrace. Back in Lingxiao Pavilion, Su Mu had quickly found out Yang Kai's identity. However, due to the sect's strict rules, he couldn't take direct action until now, bringing his followers to trouble Yang Kai, only to find many others already there for the same reason.

Displeased, Su Mu waved his hand, "Tell them to disperse. Today, Yang Kai is mine."

He spoke as if Yang Kai were a performer in a brothel, available for both entertainment and pleasure.

One of his men stepped forward, clasped his hands, and announced, "Fellow disciples, today's challenge with Yang Kai has been reserved by Young Master Su. We ask for your understanding and patience."

His words caused a stir, with many looking at Su Mu in confusion. Someone shouted, "Why? Yang Kai usually picks his challengers by broomstick. Why should you get special treatment? Isn't there a first-come, first-served rule?"

Someone quickly pulled him aside and whispered, "That's Su Mu. Don't you know who he is?"

"Who?" The newcomer asked, having not been around long enough to know.

"Idiot, there's an elder in our sect named Su and a core disciple named Su. Who do you think he is?" The other hinted.

Though the words weren't explicit, the listener quickly understood, shutting his mouth. As a regular disciple, he couldn't afford to offend someone with such backing.

"Winning against Yang Kai isn't worth the trouble."

"Exactly," the newcomer agreed, breaking into a cold sweat.