Opponents

Many people present thought that even if Qi Bei did not die, he would at least be half-dead. Who could have known that after fainting for a while, the boy would actually get back to his feet, lively and kicking? Apart from being scorched black like a piece of charcoal, he seemed to have suffered no other serious harm.

At that moment, Qi Bei's father, Raymond Nord, and the high priest of the temple walked over.

The temple's high priest came before Qi Bei, placed both hands atop his head, and recited a string of obscure magical incantations. In an instant, a pale-green radiance brimming with vitality enveloped his body.

A miraculous thing happened. Large patches of the charred-black skin covering Qi Bei's entire body peeled away, revealing skin beneath that was fair and tender—no less delicate than a young girl's.

Before, Qi Bei had been blackened all over. Although his clothes had been reduced to a few scraps of cloth, no one had thought much of it.

But now that his charred skin had turned fair, the feeling was completely different.

The change in the gazes of the many women around him said it all. Each one looked as fierce as a hungry wolf or tiger, as if she wanted to swallow Qi Bei skin and bones alike.

"Brother Qi Bei, your skin is actually as good as mine now." Feng Ruoyu exclaimed in amazement, reaching out her little hand to touch Qi Bei's chest.

This is molestation...

Qi Bei felt somewhat awkward. He was no exhibitionist, so he immediately stripped off the clothes of a nearby clan disciple and covered his exposed "spring light," completely failing to notice the shock that flashed through the temple high priest's eyes.

The main ceremony of the engagement had already concluded. Qi Bei and Princess Mingyue had formally become engaged, but after Fentian's disturbance, no one was in the mood anymore, and the engagement ceremony ended hastily.

Late at night, on Solitary Mountain.

Fentian stood atop the mountain. The frightening wound across his neck and face had already scabbed over, but he had not washed away the blood covering his body. He stood motionless amid the howling mountain wind, like a wooden stake.

The humiliation churning in his heart scorched his soul. That disgraceful scene kept flashing before his eyes, making his gaze alternate between madness and confusion. His hideous, ghostlike face twisted into an extreme contortion.

"Xiaotian, I have been satisfied with you from the day you were born until now. There is only one thing: your path has been far too smooth. You have never suffered grievances or setbacks. For a powerful man, that is a fatal flaw."

"Grandfather, isn't having things go smoothly a good thing?"

"Life has always been full of twists and turns. There are peaks and valleys. When a person keeps rising smoothly, the day he falls, the pain will be all the worse. Smooth sailing can make a person arrogant, but setbacks can strengthen his heart. A powerful man who has never experienced setbacks or humiliation may be a hero for a time, but he cannot be a hero for a lifetime. Xiaotian, remember your grandfather's words: if someone humiliates you, you must never let that humiliation control you. You must control the humiliation, then repay it to your opponent a hundredfold."

"Oh."

For no apparent reason, Fentian suddenly recalled a conversation he had had with his grandfather two years earlier.

At that time, Fentian had begun to make a name for himself on Tongtian Mountain. Coupled with his grandfather's status as an elder there, he had looked down on everyone under heaven.

That day, his grandfather had suddenly sought him out and said those words. Fentian, however, had let them go in one ear and out the other, never taking them to heart. The very next day, his grandfather had forever closed his eyes.

The sudden recollection of that conversation struck Fentian like an initiation from on high, and he seemed to grasp something.

"Grandfather, I understand." Fentian's twisted features slowly calmed, though the wound across his face remained hideous.

"Qi Bei Nord, today's humiliation will be repaid a hundredfold in the future. I cannot quell the fury in my heart only because I once regarded you as an ant. But now, I regard you as my opponent." Fentian threw back his head and let out a furious roar before speaking coldly, word by word. At that moment, he seemed to have been reborn.

At that time, Qi Bei was lying on the bed with his upper body bare, while Phantom's bonelessly soft hands pressed and kneaded his body. He had no idea that although his sword had not destroyed Fentian, it had forged the rebirth of his will through the flames.

Qi Bei, however, was utterly shameless and did not think about such things at all. To him, the moment Fentian had caused a scene, the two had become mortal enemies. Since they were enemies, what did his status matter? Since he had dared to strike, Qi Bei would not care about his status.

"Oh, ah, that feels great. A little to the left. Yes, press harder. Your young master can take it." Qi Bei cried out in comfort.

Phantom's pretty face flushed red. Unable to hold back, she punched him and scolded, "Young master, can't you just keep your mouth shut?"

"Phantom, how heartless of you. I'm still injured." Qi Bei sounded aggrieved.

"Injured? Young master, go look in the mirror. There isn't even a mole left on your entire body." Phantom huffed.

Qi Bei rolled over, seized Phantom's little hand, and pressed it against his chest. "My heart is injured. Of course you can't see it from the outside."

"Young master..." Phantom's face filled with shyness.

"Hmm?" Qi Bei's other large hand quietly reached toward Phantom's pert buttocks.

"Young master's skin is so smooth and tender now. When I touch it, it feels like I'm touching a woman." Phantom lowered her head, though a sly glint flashed through her beautiful eyes.

Qi Bei's wandering hand froze. He sprawled on the bed with both arms and legs spread wide. His heart truly was wounded...

I need to sunbathe. Tomorrow I'm going to have a [***] sunbathing session. Damn, this is too humiliating. Qi Bei wailed inwardly.

Just then, Vajra pushed open the door and entered, his voice rumbling. "Fifth Young Master, someone from the family head's residence has come to deliver a message. He wants you to go to the ancestral shrine immediately."

Now? Qi Bei sat up, his heart suddenly filled with doubt. It was already the middle of the night. What urgent matter could the old man have that required summoning him right now?

Qi Bei got dressed and went to the ancestral shrine.

The ancestral shrine was heavily guarded outside its main gate.

At the sight of this formation, Qi Bei's heart jolted. Could it be that after beating the young one, the old one has come? Has someone from Tongtian Mountain come to stand up for that brat? Damn, do they have no shame? A King Grade Lightning Mage was injured by this young master, a mere intermediate warrior, and they still have the nerve to seek backing!

Upon entering the ancestral shrine, however, Qi Bei discovered that only the family head, Kodi Nord; his father, Raymond Nord; and his elder brother, Huai'an Nord, were inside. All three wore solemn expressions.

"Qi Bei, come over and pay respects to our ancestors." Kodi Nord spoke in a hoarse voice.

Qi Bei acknowledged him, went before the ancestral tablets, knelt down, and respectfully performed the rites of worship.

After they had finished paying respects to the ancestors, Kodi Nord took out a small black box and handed it to Qi Bei. "This contains the deed to your fief. You are to set out immediately and head for West Spirit City."

"What?" Qi Bei's mouth fell open. They had summoned him to leave in the dead of night.

Kodi Nord ignored Qi Bei and called out, "Xiao Jiu, Thirteen, come out."

Two figures shrouded from head to toe in black robes appeared before Kodi Nord like ghosts and said respectfully, "Greetings, Master."

"From now on, I am no longer your master. Qi Bei Nord is. Follow him from now on." Kodi Nord spoke.