Chapter 24: The Death of Someone
After brief negotiations, the groups were quickly decided.
Luo Chen, Luo Yuanshan, and Luo Yan formed one group.
Su Zimo and Su Xinyan formed another.
The remaining Luo disciples, including “what’s-his-name,” made up the third.
Once settled, Luo Chen pulled two round jade rings from his storage bag and handed them to Su Zimo and Su Xinyan.
“These sense each other’s positions—the closer, the stronger,” he explained. “All Luo members have one, and now you do too. Don’t stray too far. If we encounter Luo Jiutian, it’ll help us coordinate.”
The two exchanged a glance, reaching for the rings simultaneously.
Su Zimo nodded: “Young Master Luo’s trust honors us.”
Su Xinyan smiled: “Thank you, Young Master Luo.”
They understood: the rings, meant for Luo members, being given to them was not just a gesture but a sign of acceptance.
Luo Chen nodded slightly, saying nothing more. His gaze swept over the three groups, confirming their readiness, then signaled to depart.
The three teams split, setting off in different directions.
…
Some time later, the Luo disciples’ group moved cautiously along a forest path.
Their expressions were wary, steps light, none daring to relax.
Some glanced back occasionally, checking for movement, fearing Luo Jiutian might leap out from behind a tree.
Though Luo Chen’s earlier words had calmed them, calm didn’t erase worry.
They knew their group’s strength was weak—cannon fodder at best.
If they ran into Luo Jiutian, who knew what horrors awaited?
Unbeknownst to them, the terrifying Luo Jiutian was openly among them, in the group’s center.
Head down, he played the timid coward, trailing behind the others.
When someone looked back, he flashed an awkward smile, nodding quickly.
Halfway along, he suddenly sped up, sidling next to a mid-Foundation Establishment Luo disciple and offering a glowing recording stone.
“Take this.”
The disciple took it warily: “What’s this for?”
Luo Jiutian lowered his voice, sounding nervous: “Our group’s the weakest. If something happens, at least we’ll have a record… something to report to the Young Master.”
He avoided eye contact, his voice fading: “I-I’m not saying we’ll definitely run into trouble, just… it’s safer.”
The disciple hesitated, then pocketed it.
He saw no issue, even thinking this timid guy was somewhat useful, at least keeping his wits.
“Fine, I’ll hold it. Don’t fall behind.”
“Okay.”
Others overheard and nodded, finding the idea sound.
No one questioned his motives, and the group pressed on.
After a while, the terrain shifted. The flat path grew uneven, with vines tangling through the forest.
“Wait!” Luo Jiutian raised a hand. “I-I’ve got a stomachache. Can I… step away for a bit?”
They froze.
One stared at him: “You think we’re three-year-olds?”
Luo Jiutian shook his head.
“Then what’s a Foundation Establishment cultivator doing, suddenly saying he’s got a tummy ache and needs to leave?”
“No, no! You’ve got it wrong!” he waved frantically. “It’s just… I took a pill in the misty forest when I panicked. It’s probably a side effect. I’ll handle it over there and be right back!”
He pointed to nearby bushes.
They exchanged looks. Someone snorted: “Let him go. Going off alone now’s riskier than staying with us.”
They nodded, seeing the logic, and didn’t stop him.
“Fine, hurry up,” one waved.
“Thanks, thanks!” Luo Jiutian nodded repeatedly, darting off.
Once he left, laughter broke out.
“This guy’s such a coward,” someone shook their head. “Even handling a little issue, he’s all nervous.”
“But he’s honest enough. At least he’s not causing trouble.”
“Alright, let’s rest a bit. He’ll be back soon.”
…
Elsewhere, behind the bushes, Luo Jiutian confirmed he was alone, then pulled a corpse from his storage bag.
It was “what’s-his-name’s” body.
After killing him in the misty forest, he’d not only looted his belongings but kept the corpse for his plan.
He’d also found something intriguing on the body.
He pulled out a round jade ring.
When near Luo members, it reacted more strongly.
This explained how Luo Chen’s group had regrouped so quickly in the secret realm.
As for Su Zimo and Su Xinyan, they’d likely joined by chance.
Luo Jiutian tucked away his thoughts, slipping the jade ring back into the corpse’s sleeve.
He stood, brushing nonexistent dust from his hands.
“Senior,” he said, “what’s next… might not be pleasant to watch. If you mind, you can rest in the ring.”
White Tiger’s expression was indifferent: “No matter. I’ve seen too much bloodshed.”
“I thought you’d say I’m too ruthless, always going for the kill,” he said, glancing at the corpse.
“In this world, preaching good and evil is easy; surviving is hard,” she said slowly. “Leave enemies alive, and you’re nurturing a tiger. We both know that.”
He chuckled lightly, saying no more.
Closing his eyes, spiritual energy flowed, his body subtly shifting—skin, features, build…
In mere breaths, the figure behind the bushes was no longer “what’s-his-name” but—
Li Daming.
…
Meanwhile, back on the forest path, the Luo disciples waited.
“What’s taking him so long?” one frowned. “It’s been almost an incense stick’s time.”
“Did something actually happen?” another half-joked.
“Shut up, don’t jinx it,” someone smacked him. “If something happened, he’s not far—how could there be no sound?”
“But seriously, a guy like him might not escape if he runs into trouble,” someone muttered.
“Stop overthinking. We’ll know when he’s back.”
Just then, a rustle came from the bushes.
Crack—rustle—
The sound, though faint, was stark in the quiet forest. All eyes turned.
A burly man emerged, dragging “what’s-his-name’s” corpse, tossing it before them without pause.
In an instant, shock swept the group.
“Li… Li Daming?!”