At those words, the Stablehand froze briefly, then came to his senses and approached Su Ziqiong, seemingly hoping to comfort her.
But just as he reached out to stroke her cheek, Su Ziqiong dodged him.
Su Ming was utterly embarrassed. His hand hung awkwardly in the air before he drew it back in disgrace.
Anger stirred in Su Ming's heart as well. He had received help from a Mysterious Expert and obtained a Spatial Ring containing records of countless Divine Arts. They would surely help him rise to the ranks of the prodigies.
To think he would suffer such embarrassment now! Still, he soon recovered.
Although Su Ziqiong was merely a servant's daughter and currently held the lowliest position, she was exceptionally kind and liked helping the weak.
Once... while he was tending the horses, his inadequate care had enraged those prized steeds. They attacked him, leaving him gravely injured.
Yet when he reported it to the lineage, they were cold and heartless. They paid no heed to his suffering and instead blamed his negligence for causing problems with the horses and making them restless.
A protector of the lineage's Law Enforcement Hall ordered someone to lash him seven times seven—forty-nine strokes—before letting the matter rest.
Su Ming had carved that grudge into his heart. One day, he would have his revenge!
Those whips were all low-grade Spirit Items that radiated intense heat. Every lash felt like flames burning his body, bringing excruciating pain.
After all forty-nine lashes, he could not even stand. His legs were weak, and his entire body was a bloody mess. His back, in particular, had no intact skin or flesh left.
That day, dazed and barely conscious, he had struggled out of the Law Enforcement Hall before collapsing.
Without question, had no one cared for