A Twist of Fate

In a remote county in Yue Province, the annual county festival was underway. The city was decked out with lanterns and decorations, and the streets bustled with people. Xu Yang huddled in a corner of the street, dressed in rags, his heart full of helplessness.

At that moment, he was penniless, and his stomach was growling. Fortunately, he was used to this and had come prepared. He reached into his robes and pulled out a cold, hard flatbread. Opening his mouth wide, he took two fierce bites and wolfed it down in a few mouthfuls. He ate so quickly that it got stuck in his throat, so he grabbed the waterskin beside him and took several gulps to wash it down.

Though his stomach was full, Xu Yang wasn't particularly happy. He still had no idea where his next meal would come from. Xu Yang was an orphan, raised without parents by an old beggar. He'd grown up never knowing whether he'd have enough to eat. When he was ten, the old beggar fell gravely ill. With no money for treatment, he passed away, leaving Xu Yang to fend for himself.

Fortunately, Xu Yang had been sharp-witted from a young age. Though the last four years hadn't been easy, he'd never gone too hungry. He usually scraped together some meal money by doing odd jobs around the county or guiding visitors from out of town. But lately, for some reason, his luck had been terrible, and he couldn't find any work. He'd run out of money for food. The flatbread he'd just eaten had been his last ration. If he didn't find work soon, he'd have to go hungry.

Today was the county festival, when the townsfolk would all come out to enjoy themselves. It was a golden opportunity—perhaps he'd find a way to earn some money! So Xu Yang had left the ruined temple where he slept early that morning. But even now, he still hadn't found any work, and he was thoroughly dejected. It looked like he'd have to go hungry today.

After thinking it over, Xu Yang stood up and headed for the best inn in the county. Before long, he reached the entrance to Yuelai Inn. It was the finest inn in town, and people said its owner was on good terms with the county magistrate. No one dared cause trouble there, and most visitors from out of town stayed at the inn. Xu Yang had often found work there before.

But he hadn't been there for some time. Jia the Third and his gang had taken over the area nearby and driven everyone else away. That was one reason Xu Yang had been going hungry. But he couldn't afford to worry about that now. He had to earn some money first!

As luck would have it, just as Xu Yang arrived at the inn, he spotted the waiter, Xiao Wang, standing outside. His face brightened, and he hurried over. "Brother Wang, what are you doing here? Is there anything I can help you with?"

"Where have you been these past few days? You haven't shown your face in days. I was starting to worry about you!"

"Jia the Third and his men drove me off! Is there any work today, Brother Wang? I've had a rough few days. I'm about to go hungry," Xu Yang said with a grin.

"Your timing couldn't be better. I've actually got something for you, but you'd better handle it properly. If you botch it, we'll both be in deep trouble."

Xu Yang was overjoyed. He quickly thumped his chest and promised Xiao Wang he'd do a good job. After they discussed the details, Xu Yang knew what he had to do. It wasn't difficult—he just had to guide someone. The client was offering a generous reward, though, and Xu Yang wouldn't have gotten the job if he and Xiao Wang weren't on good terms.

Xu Yang waited by the entrance while Xiao Wang turned and went into the inn to find the client. Before long, Xiao Wang led a handsome, dashing young man over to him. "Yangzi, this is Young Master Li. He wants to visit some relatives and friends in Xiao Liu Township, south of the county. Take him there and look after him carefully, understand?"

Xu Yang hurriedly nodded and bowed. Young Master Li looked him over, then nodded. "Sorry for the trouble, young brother." As he spoke, he took out a small piece of silver and tossed it to Xiao Wang. Xu Yang's eyes went wide. A god of wealth! I've got to take good care of this gentleman. The tip's going to be generous!

Still grinning to himself, Xu Yang bowed and said, "Don't worry, Young Master Li. Xiao Liu Township isn't far from the county, and I live nearby. I know the way very well."

"Good. Let's set out now. I can hardly wait to see my old friend." As he spoke, a glint flashed in Young Master Li's eyes.

Xu Yang said goodbye to Xiao Wang and led Young Master Li toward Xiao Liu Township. Before long, the two had left the county behind. It was the turn of summer into autumn, and the plants were growing thick and lush. The sky was clear and sunny, and by the time they were halfway there, Xu Yang was already sweating profusely. What puzzled him was that Young Master Li hadn't broken a sweat at all, as though the sun weren't shining on him.

After walking for over half an hour, they spotted a village in the distance. Xu Yang's face lit up, and he turned to Young Master Li. "Young Master, Xiao Liu Township is just ahead. Who are you looking for? I can ask around for you."

"No need. I'll go on my own. Here's your reward. Take it and be on your way," Young Master Li said, glancing at the village and tossing Xu Yang a small piece of silver.

Xu Yang took the silver and discreetly weighed it in his hand. It was probably about an ounce. Delighted, he thought, Ha! I've got money now. I won't have to go hungry for the next few days. I can finally breathe easy. He hurriedly bowed to Young Master Li. "Thank you for the generous reward, Young Master. Is there anything else you need me to do?"

Young Master Li waved him away, signaling for him to leave. Xu Yang bowed to him, then turned and hurried off.

Young Master Li watched the village before him. A glint flashed in his eyes, and his expression quickly darkened. He touched the ground with the tip of his toe, and his body shot forward with incredible speed, making no sound as he slipped quietly into the village.

A moment later, he landed in a courtyard. It was tucked away, with few passersby, and stood far from the other villagers' homes. According to what Li Yuan had learned, the owner lived alone and had a strange temper. The villagers hardly dared go near him.

Li Yuan surveyed the courtyard and called out, "Senior Brother, your junior brother Li Yuan pays his respects. It's been many years. I hope you're well. Please come out and see me." As soon as he finished speaking, the door creaked open, and an elderly man with white hair stepped out.

When the old man appeared, Young Master Li stood where he was and bowed. The old man looked him up and down, then gave a sinister chuckle. "So, Li Yuan, my junior brother, has arrived. It's been ten years since we last met. What brings you to see your senior brother today? Speak up. You've never been one to visit without a reason."

"Haha, Senior Brother, you're joking! I came here on business nearby and happened to remember that you lived here, so I thought I'd stop by and see how you were doing," Li Yuan said with a laugh.

"Oh, is that so? You're thoughtful indeed, Junior Brother. I'm deeply grateful. Now that you've seen me, if there's nothing else, you can leave. I wouldn't want to delay your important business," the old man said slyly.

Li Yuan's expression changed, his face darkening at once. He looked at the old man and said, "Senior Brother, let's not beat around the bush. You haven't forgotten what Master entrusted to you before he died, have you?"

"Heh! So you really did come for that thing, Junior Brother. But Master passed it on to me before he died. You'd best stop thinking about it."

"You bastard! Master told the two of us to take turns keeping it, handing it over every five years. But you took it and disappeared, trying to keep it all for yourself. It took me years to track you down!" Li Yuan's face was contorted with anger.

The old man gave a sly chuckle. "You must be remembering it wrong, Junior Brother. Master clearly told me to keep it by myself. What does that have to do with you?"

Li Yuan was furious. "Since you insist on keeping it all for yourself, don't blame me for making a move. It's just the chance I need to have Senior Brother show me what he can do." With that, Li Yuan leaped at the old man.

The old man chuckled. "Then let your senior brother show you what he can do!" The two of them immediately began fighting fiercely in the courtyard. A gale whipped through the tiny space as their movements grew faster and faster, each strike carrying tremendous force. After a short while, Li Yuan's strength suddenly surged, and he quickly forced the old man onto the back foot.

Seeing this, the old man cried out, "That's the Heavenly Demon Great Art! How do you know this heretical technique?" The sight of the martial art threw the old man off balance. Li Yuan seized the opening and drove a palm into his chest. The old man let out a scream, tumbled out of the courtyard, and flew into the woods behind it.

Li Yuan was delighted and was about to press his advantage when his expression suddenly changed. A stream of black energy spread across his face. He raised a hand and saw that his palm had gone pitch-black—he'd clearly been poisoned. His face twisted with hatred. "That old bastard is too cunning! Once I force the poison out, I'll grind your bones to dust. You won't get away!" With that, Li Yuan swiftly sat cross-legged and began circulating his energy to force out the poison.