Chapter 65: Empty

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    Doctor Wu is dead.

    The so-called greatest doctor of Eastern Port City attempted to flee the city with his son last night. Between waiting until the Xiao Sect decided on his punishment and trying to escape the city, the doctor ended up choosing the latter. As far as he was concerned, his life was forfeit either way, making the risk worth it. Doctor Wu might not have been wrong in that, but it doesnt matter now.

    Doctor Wu did not succeed.

    Where should I put this, Brother Liu?

    Those are Hundred-Year-Snake Eggs. Place them in the cart with the other stuff. Make sure not to remove the temporal talisman.

    Doctor Wus clinic is located in one of the wealthier districts of Eastern Port City. Compared to the buildings around it, it is not unusually large, though it is certainly luxurious. The clinic is not made to treat as many patients as possible. Instead, its purpose is to cater only to those wealthy enough to afford Doctor Wus services. While Doctor Wu had other establishments around the city, this clinic was his pride. To be treated here was a sign of success!

    That is how things used to be.

    Brother Liu, how about this?

    Heavily poisonous. It might be best if you dont take another step.

    What?

    Liu Jin hums.

    Yes, it is as I feared. This will kill once you take your fifteenth step. Do remain still until I am done treating you.

    It is an odd feeling, going through a dead mans things.

    Doctor Wu is dead, and the Xiao Sect has seized all his assets. Such a conclusion was inescapable from the moment his involvement with the Yun Sect was revealed to all. His death only hastened an already inevitable outcome.

    Even so, that doesnt make Liu Jin feel any better.

    Brother Liu! Please! Tell me it is safe already!

    Stop whining, Big Nose! Boss will tell you when hes done. Just stand still and be quiet. On you, its an improvement.

    Big Nose Li had shown up at Liu Jins doorstep early in the morning to deliver the news as well as to tell Liu Jin he was being summoned to the Xiao Sects compound. Patriarch Xiao Zheng had a job for him to do.

    Of course, even before talking to the man, Liu Jin had figured out what was expected of him.

    As the wealthiest doctor in Eastern Port City, Doctor Wu was in possession of several rare ingredients and medical recipes, to say nothing of the cultivation pills and alchemical tools sure to be stored in his many properties. All those treasures now belong to the Xiao Sect, and it is natural for the Xiao Sect to want an inventory of their new possessions.

    In other words, they needed someone who could accurately identify what was most valuable.

    To be honest, Liu Jin is reasonably sure the Xiao Sect has doctors and alchemists capable of doing this job. That it was assigned to him is a sign of how trusted he is by Xiao Zheng. In fact, one could even say this is Xiao Zhengs kindness. Liu Jin proved himself in the tournament, and now, Xiao Zheng has given him yet another chance to show the Sect his worth.CHeCk for new stories on no/v/el/bin(.)c0m

    However, Liu Jin cannot find it in himself to be grateful for this.

    A soft sigh escapes his lips.

    For years, Liu Jin hated Doctor Wu. Liu Jin hated how Doctor Wu repeatedly tried to tarnish his fathers name by spreading all sorts of rumors about him. Liu Jin also hadnt been fond of Doctor Wus son, Wu Yan. When they were young, Wu Yan would often parrot his fathers views at Liu Jin, leading to many fights between the kids, fights that Liu Jin lost.

    Due to this, Liu Jin would often dream of Doctor Wus fall. Liu Jin would dream of the day people would see the man for what he truly was.

    In a way, that was exactly what ended up happening thanks to the Eastern Port City Tournament, and it was by his hand that Doctor Wus fall had been set in motion.

    How curious it is that Liu Jin feels no joy from any of this.

    Doctor Wus clinic is devoid of patients and doctors. Only the members of the Xiao Sec walk its halls. Furniture is pushed out of the way, and doors are broken as they go from room to room, searching for anything of value.

    Throughout it all, Liu Jin feels much like a thief ransacking someones grave.

    Brother Liu No, Young Master Liu! Please, tell me it is done!

    Liu Jin gives Big Nose Li a flat stare.

    Unsurprisingly, the older boy could be well behaved when his health was at risk. Well, if he werent like that, he wouldnt have been able to remain at Xiao Fangs side for so long.

    You will be fine, Liu Jin says, stepping away from Big Nose Li. Just remember not to remove the temporal talismans on any of these things. They are there for a reason. You might also wish to avoid speaking for the rest of the day. It will not end well.

    Big Nose Lis eyes bug out. His whole expression seems to be asking him if hes serious.

    Liu Jin shrugs.

    What reason would I have to lie?

    Amusement, obviously, but Big Nose Li doesnt have to know that.

    Behind them, Su An guffaws.

    No, Little Brother definitely does. Xiao Nan crosses his arms and nods his head in perfect agreement with himself. Trust me. Making people angry is my greatest talent. When it comes to infuriating others, my ability is definitely Emperor-class. As far as my generation goes, Im definitely the second-best at making others angry.

    Not the first?

    Alas, there is always someone better, Xiao Nan says with such solemness that Liu Jin cannot help but smile. Regardless, I am quite good at it, so I always know when someone is angry at me.

    Xiao Nan ends it with that, but Liu Jin can hear the words he left out just fine.

    You are angry at me.

    If my father asked me to lie to you, I definitely would. Liu Jins fingers tap against the large desk in the office as he speaks. Knowing that, what right do I have to hold a grudge? Elder Brother acted to protect the Xiao Sect and to protect Xiao Fang.

    Not that Xiao Fang would agree with that last part.

    I fully understand why Elder Brother did what he did.

    Xiao Nan hums. That may be so, but just because Little Brother is able to understand it in his head doesnt mean Little Brother accepts it here.

    Xiao Nan taps his heart.

    We are friends, Little Brother. Family. Being manipulated by someone you trust is hurtful. Even if it was to fool Elder Hui, I did use you as a distraction. It is okay to be angry at me.

    Liu Jin clicks his tongue. Even if Elder Brother says it, it feels too petty.

    If that is petty, then Little Brother could stand to be a little pettier. In fact, if Little Brother is petty, then this Xiao Nan is an irresponsible fool who let two children bear a big burden by their lonesome.

    It really is eating him up, Liu Jin realizes. Xiao Nan truly is bothered by what he did.

    What would Master do in this situation?

    Liu Jin wonders about it for a moment before realizing that path would lead to nowhere good. Still, it is not as if his list of role models is that big. It is not like he can ask himself what Xiao Fang would do.

    Huh.

    One punch.

    Huh?

    Ill punch Elder Brothers face once to work out my petty anger. Elder Brother can then feel happy about receiving punishment.

    It is not quite challenging Xiao Nan to a duel in three years but itll do.

    I was not expecting to hear that.

    Good. I was not expecting to say it.

    I are you sure, Little Brother? Xiao Nan is, for once, utterly bewildered. I dont mean to insult you, but punching me can hurt you.

    He is, after all, a cultivator in the Earth Realm.

    I trust Elder Brother knows how to make himself punchable.

    Liu Jin cracks his knuckles once.

    And moves.

    The impact behind his blow breaks all the vases in the room and rattles the door. The books lying on the bookshelves end up scattered all over the floor.

    Xiao Nans head is turned to the side, Liu Jins fist pressed against it. Liu Jin knows Xiao Nan is the one who moved his head back to protect Liu Jin. There is simply no way for someone like Liu Jin to harm Xiao Nans body.

    Still, hitting him does feel kind of good.

    I think I understand why so many people are quick to violence, Liu Jin says, pulling his fist back with a thoughtful expression

    It does have its advantages. Xiao Nan grins. Consider me surprised, Little Brother. To think you are already in the Ninth Level of the Inner Realm. You were hiding your strength during the tournament?

    Liu Jin shakes his head.

    No, my body was ready for a breakthrough back then, but it would have been troublesome if I couldnt control my Qi like usual during the matches. Thats why I decided to hold back on having a breakthrough until everything was over.

    As far as Liu Jin is concerned, it was the right choice. The strategy he used against Yun Han simply wouldnt have been possible if his control hadnt been as good as usual.

    Xiao Nan laughs and pats Liu Jins back.

    Never change, Little Brother. Never change.

    ~~~