Zhu San spat out a mouthful of blood and looked up at the sky.
Ce Jiu's gaze fell on him. Frowning, he asked, "Are you Zhu San?"
Zhu San struggled to his feet and slowly bowed. "Zhu San pays his respects to the Young Clan Leader."
Ce Jiu said coolly, "You have half an hour. Clean yourself up, then come with me to see the clan leader." As he spoke, he tossed over a pill. From its medicinal scent, everyone knew it was no ordinary pill.
Qian Ye's mouth fell open, his mind reeling. He recognized that pill. It was one of the Ce Family's finest, reserved for direct-line descendants who had suffered serious injuries. What had Zhu San done to deserve one? He looked miserable, but in truth he hadn't been badly hurt. He had no need for a pill like that.
Zhu San was surprised, too, and looked at Ce Jiu in confusion.
Ce Jiu said coolly, "Hurry up."
Zhu San jumped. "Yes."
Half an hour later, under the complicated and uneasy gazes of Qian Ye and the others, Zhu San left with Ce Jiu, heading for the center of the Star Luo Domain to meet the clan leader, Ce Lao Yan.
Back where they stood, quite a few people looked at Qian Ye and his two companions with glee.
Those three had ruthlessly beaten and bullied Zhu San. Now it seemed Zhu San might be about to rise again. If he did, their days would be numbered.
They might have brought some benefits to the family, but those contributions were nothing compared to those of the Ce Family's direct-line descendants. And Zhu San had been personally escorted away by the Young Clan Leader, Ce Jiu. Judging by his attitude, Ce Jiu had treated him with considerable courtesy.