Curse

Old Jack felt wronged, but he swallowed his anger and took out the relevant certificate the Martial Soul Hall had issued for Tang San.

The gatekeeper glanced at it and immediately laughed. "Blue Silver Grass, a trash soul, with Innate Full Soul Power? Hahaha, what do you get out of laughing me to death? What a huge joke. I've worked at the academy for years and never heard of Innate Full Soul Power, let alone on a trash soul like Blue Silver Grass. I reckon this certificate is probably forged."

"You... you're clearly making things difficult for us country folk. You, just wait—I'll go find the Martial Soul Hall steward." Old Jack was usually good-natured, but now he was furious and couldn't hold back anymore.

No one dared forge a Martial Soul Hall certificate, and the gatekeeper knew that too. But most people sending new students would slip a little something. The saying goes, "The king of hell is easy to deal with, but the little devils are a pain." That was the logic here. In his eyes, Old Jack had no clue about social graces!

Seeing that the old man and the boy really intended to go to the Martial Soul Hall, the gatekeeper felt a flicker of unease. But then he thought, the Martial Soul Hall wouldn't make a big fuss over two country bumpkins. Feeling annoyed, he muttered offhand, "Holy Soul Village? If you ask me, call it Beggar Village instead."

"What did you say?" Old Jack spun around and glared at the gatekeeper. The legend of Holy Soul Village was his greatest pride, and the gatekeeper's words were unbearable.

The gatekeeper was startled by the sudden intensity and stepped back instinctively. But he quickly recovered, cursing inwardly, It's just an old man, what's there to be afraid of? "What, you don't agree? Did I say something wrong? Look at you, and look at this Poor Devil—your clothes are all patches. If that's not begging, what is it? We don't take beggars here. Get lost, get lost." With that, the gatekeeper reached out to push Old Jack, intending to drive them both away.

At that moment, Tang San couldn't hold back anymore. Quick-eyed and nimble-handed, he grabbed the gatekeeper's wrist, pulled it to the side to deftly disarm his strength, and at the same time stepped forward with his right foot, planting it right behind the gatekeeper's left foot. Then, with both hands, he shoved hard at the gatekeeper's Lower Abdomen. Tang San had considerable strength. The gatekeeper stumbled back instinctively, but with Tang San's foot hooked behind his heel, he lost his balance and toppled backward with a thud, landing flat on his back.

"Kid, you're asking for it." Being knocked down by a little beggar was humiliating. Furious, the gatekeeper scrambled up and charged at the boy.

Tang San's eyes flashed coldly. His arm trembled slightly, and the Sleeve Sword was ready to strike. [Tang Sect Mysterious Heaven Treasure Record, Article Three: When you've confirmed an opponent is an enemy, if they have a Path of Seeking Death, show no mercy, or you'll only bring yourself trouble.] In Tang San's view, the gatekeeper had already earned that path by laying hands on an old man like Old Jack, on top of his harshness. Tang San raised his arm, ready to finish off this foul-mouthed gatekeeper.

"Alright, stop right there." Just then, a somewhat hoarse voice rang out, halting the gatekeeper and indirectly saving his life.

The gatekeeper froze for a moment, then did a complete one-eighty from his earlier arrogance. He bowed and scraped to the newcomer, putting on a fawning expression. "Master, you're back."

Not far away, Lin Ye's spirits lifted. Here he comes, here he comes. Yu Xiaogang, hands behind his back, stepping out to act impressive. The newcomer was a man in his forties or fifties, with a crew cut, plain features, and a stubbly face. His hands clasped behind his back gave off an air of a master. But the lazy, slovenly vibe ruined it, making the whole thing feel awkward and mismatched. The result was that this old man was forcing a pose, coming off as really putting on airs. So this is Yu Xiaogang? Looks pretty ordinary. How did those two women fall for a guy like this? Lin Ye sized him up, thoroughly puzzled.

But he didn't dwell on it. Instead, he said to Lin Qiu'er, "Can't you inflict Misfortune on people? See that kid and that greasy old man? Hurry up and cast your spell—make them run into big trouble."

Lin Qiu'er shot him a glance. "What, do you have a grudge against them?"

"Don't worry about that. Just do what I say, and I'll treat you to something good later." Lin Ye urged.

"You said it." Lin Qiu'er's big, round eyes lit up—that was a craving for good food. Afraid he'd back out, she quickly used her ability on Tang San and Yu Xiaogang. From then on, the two would be plagued by constant Misfortune, just like Lin Ye had been a few days earlier. The difference was that Lin Ye had figured out why he was unlucky and taken countermeasures. After getting shaved, Lin Qiu'er didn't dare act up anymore. But Yu Xiaogang and Tang San? It'd be a miracle if they ever found the cause.

Tang San and Yu Xiaogang, that pair of old pals, had no idea they'd been hit with a Curse. After reading Tang San's certificate, Yu Xiaogang's old eyes lit up as he sized up the boy, his mental gears already turning. "This is a Martial Soul Hall certificate—no mistake. Old sir, on behalf of the academy, I apologize for what just happened. Leave this child to me."

From the gatekeeper's attitude, Old Jack could tell Yu Xiaogang was no ordinary man. Seeing the apology, he took the chance to back down. "No, no, no need to apologize. We were in the wrong too. Master, then I'll leave the boy to you. Xiao San, go in with Master, and make sure you listen, got it?" Tang San nodded repeatedly, signaling he'd behave.

Seeing this, Old Jack smiled with relief. What a good child!

He would never know that the good child in his heart had just been contemplating murder and arson.

Old Jack gave a few more instructions before slowly taking his leave.

At that moment, Yu Xiaogang's gaze fell on Lin Ye and his group across the way.

When he saw Xue Di, Yu Xiaogang's eyes went wide. The old man swore he had never in his life seen such a beautiful, elegant woman.

That icy aloofness that kept others at arm's length only made one want to conquer her all the more, but even more so, she seemed unattainable, inspiring self-doubt and shame.

Seeing this Master standing there dumbfounded, Tang San was puzzled. Following his line of sight, this self-proclaimed pure and chaste old virgin also put on a piggish expression, just like Yu Xiaogang.

Xue Di's senses were sharp. Seeing two humans staring at her with that disgusting look, her expression instantly turned cold.

"Hiss!"

Tang San and Yu Xiaogang shuddered, feeling as if they were trapped in a frozen wasteland, or as if a basin of icy water had been poured over their heads.

This person is terrifying! Tang San quickly averted his gaze, eyes fixed on his nose, nose fixed on his heart, like a frightened quail.