Traitor

The strong, pungent smell of urine filled the room, making one feel nauseous.

In this environment, Yang Heng had no trace of sleepiness. He decided to go out for some fresh air and return once the smell dissipated.

After putting on his clothes and shoes, Yang Heng walked out the door.

It was pitch black outside, and the world was silent. The moon had hidden itself. If not for a few stars still twinkling in the sky, an ordinary person would not be able to see their hand in front of their face, let alone the path.

As a Blood Brave Disciple, whose body had been tempered by the Marrow Cleansing Pearl, Yang Heng's eyesight had greatly improved, granting him the ability to see in the dark.

Within ten meters, he could see clearly, as if it were daytime.

Going out for fresh air was a spontaneous decision, with no particular destination in mind. After a moment of thought, Yang Heng decided to take a stroll by the river.

Under the silent night sky, listening to the gentle murmur of the flowing water was also a unique pleasure.

Soon, Yang Heng arrived at the riverbank.

The riverbank was lined with large stones, and mud and sand had accumulated. Under the starlight, the sand and stones emitted faint glimmers of light, scattered and irregular, like the stars in the sky, some bright, some dim.

The stream under the night sky presented an even more beautiful scene.

Looking out, he saw the stream flowing slowly along its winding course, like a pure white jade belt, rising and falling, moving forward with waves, reflecting the cold, clear moonlight.

The sound of the flowing water was like beautiful notes played by delicate jade hands, pleasant to the ear, soul-stirring, making one forget their troubles and immerse themselves in it.

Yang Heng lay down at the base of a large stone, about three meters high, closed his eyes, and quietly listened to the notes that flowed into the depths of his soul. He was captivated, feeling a sense of ease in both body and mind. The long-held tension in his nerves relaxed considerably.

At this moment, the sound of the flowing water was like the most potent hypnotic melody in the world.

Listening to the sound, Yang Heng's brows relaxed, his face appeared peaceful, and he seemed to have fallen into a deep sleep.

However, most things that happen in the world are rarely satisfactory. Often, just as success is within reach, obstacles suddenly appear.

And Yang Heng was currently facing such a situation.

Just as Yang Heng was completely sinking into his dreams, suddenly, a voice reached his ears, startling him awake. Yang Heng's sleepiness vanished instantly.

Yang Heng turned around and looked towards the source of the sound through a gap in the rocks. Not far away, about seven or eight meters ahead, two figures stood facing each other, their lips moving as they spoke in low voices. One of them had a humble expression, his head lowered; he was clearly the one of lower status between the two.

Yang Heng recognized both of them: Wang Ming and Master Zhang!

But the one bowing and scraping was Master Zhang!

Wang Ming, as a low-level apprentice at the apothecary shop, how could he possibly make Master Zhang, a master at the shop, lower himself and act so subserviently towards him? Yang Heng found it very interesting, perhaps hinting at a shocking secret.

He decided to continue listening.

His current position was extremely concealed, surrounded by large stones arranged in a disorderly fashion. Furthermore, the stone in front of him was enormous, completely hiding his body. One would not discover him hiding here unless they came very close.

Yang Heng held his breath and listened intently.

"Master Zhang, I need you to quickly find out the time and route for the apothecary shop's next transport of medicinal herbs to Qinghe City, so we can make preparations on the mountain."

Wang Ming stared intently at Master Zhang, a hint of dominance showing in his eyes, speaking in an unquestionable tone.

"This..."

Master Zhang's face showed difficulty, and he spoke hesitantly.

"What, is there a problem?"

A cold glint flashed in Wang Ming's eyes, and he said sternly.

"Young Master, you may not know, but the last time the medicinal herbs were intercepted, Shopkeeper Chen and Lei Xiong both suspected there was a traitor in the shop. They searched for a while and even focused their suspicions on us masters, questioning us.

If I hadn't secretly worked to instigate everyone to resist collectively, it would have been dismissed, but the consequences would have been unimaginable.

If the medicinal herbs are intercepted again in such a short period, I fear I won't be able to clear my name, and my life will be in danger."

Master Zhang's face was full of worry, and he spoke bitterly.

"Haha, so that's what you're worried about." Wang Ming chuckled and continued, "You don't need to worry about safety. Once this job is done, your task will be complete. You can return to the stronghold and reunite with your son."

"Your son has performed well at the stronghold, and with your contributions, the Stronghold Master greatly appreciates him. I heard he's preparing to promote him recently."

Upon hearing this, Master Zhang's bitter expression vanished, and his face lit up with excitement. "Really?"

"Of course, it's true. With my status, would I lie?" Wang Ming's face showed displeasure.

"No, no, no." Master Zhang repeatedly shook his head, his face full of flattery.

"Young Master is the Stronghold Master's most valued disciple. The foundation of the stronghold will be handed over to you in the future. Your words are equivalent to the Stronghold Master's words. I definitely believe you."

Master Zhang said with a fawning smile.

The two chatted for a few more moments. Wang Ming said, "It's getting late. If I return too late, it might arouse suspicion. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave. You wait here a while longer before leaving."

With that, Wang Ming turned to leave.

At this moment, Master Zhang spoke.

"Wait."

Wang Ming turned back to look at Master Zhang, only to see Master Zhang looking embarrassed. He asked doubtfully, "Is there anything else?"

"Young Master, last time you told me you wanted to recommend my son for... for Deputy Leader?"

Master Zhang gestured upwards with his hand a few times, a fawning smile on his face.

"Deputy Leader?"

"The Leader!"

"The Leader?" Master Zhang was stunned, grinning from ear to ear. "Young Master, you've truly given me a huge surprise today. I... my son and I will definitely obey your commands, go through fire and water, no matter the cost."

Wang Ming nodded, smiled, and didn't say anything more before turning to leave.

After a while, Master Zhang departed with a look of joy.

Only when Master Zhang's figure had long disappeared into the darkness did Yang Heng step out from behind a large rock.

Due to an accident, he had been forced to wander out and had unintentionally overheard such a secret, making the trip truly worthwhile.

Yang Heng secretly rejoiced.

That Wang Ming was a traitor was something Yang Heng could understand.

But he hadn't expected that even Master Zhang, a person of high status in the apothecary shop, was also a traitor. This greatly exceeded Yang Heng's expectations.

The Hundred Herbs Pharmacy was riddled with holes.

Yang Heng sneered.

Recalling the stronghold mentioned by the two, Yang Heng guessed it might be Black Wind Stronghold?

Wang Ming, Master Zhang, and the man in black who appeared at Wang Gui's house were all in league.

In this case, Wang Ming's true identity should be a disciple of the Black Wind Stronghold Master, and his joining the apothecary shop was part of a hidden agenda.

As for the reason for Master Zhang's betrayal, it might be related to his son, who was a bandit in the stronghold.

Master Zhang, oh Master Zhang, the suffering you inflicted on my past self is now due for repayment.

Yang Heng sneered, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

He did not intend to tell the apothecary shop about this.

Firstly, he had no evidence. Without proof, the shop wouldn't believe what a mere apprentice like him said and investigate a shop master with a relatively high position.

Secondly, he harbored no good feelings towards the apothecary shop to begin with. He was only staying there now to obtain the credentials to join the Medicine King Gang; otherwise, he would have long since fled.

Yang Heng wished for something bad to happen to the apothecary shop.

If he hadn't obtained the Martial Arts Manual and achieved success in his cultivation, he might have ended up like Zhao Er and the apprentice surnamed Zhang.

Dead, or worse than dead!