C8 Three Days Later the Mountain Ate Pigs

Since the eldest senior brother's breakthrough, Wu Pingfan's standing among the Starfall Peaks disciples had soared, eventually surpassing even the exceptionally popular second senior brother in terms of popularity.

The second senior brother was a prodigy in cultivation, with strikingly handsome features that made him a favorite among the junior sisters.

Despite having spent three years in seclusion without advancing to the Soul Manifestation state, he had actually concluded his retreat early, spending two years in deep contemplation within his cave dwelling.

That is until Zhuo Xianqun ousted him from the cave, giving his spot to his third junior brother.

It was expected that the third junior brother would soon achieve the Soul Manifestation state and permanently take over his place.

The fervor for the Master was swift to rise but slow to fade. Upon returning from the cave, the second senior brother gazed upon the desolate courtyard with a heavy sigh.

His junior sister was gone, his junior brother was gone; he was all alone.

Xiao Xiao offered him a biscuit, and he was moved to tears, gratefully wiping them away, "Junior sister is the kindest, always caring for her senior brother."

A glint of cunning passed through Xiao Xiao's eyes as she whispered something into the second senior brother's ear, leaving him frozen, the biscuit in his hand suddenly losing its appeal.

...

In Starfall Peaks, there was a house, and in that house lived Wu Pingfan.

It was Wu Pingfan's fifteenth day at Starfall Peaks, a time of tranquility. Thanks to the diligent efforts of Zhuo Xianqun's two devoted disciples, Wu Pingfan had successfully shed five kilograms, and even Coal had slimmed down by three.

Originally sporting a fuller face, Wu Pingfan's weight loss had sharpened his features, lending him a more youthful appearance, and even his dark eyes seemed to sparkle more brightly.

Zhuo Xianqun was so stressed that she was losing hair. Eventually, she summoned her cherished disciples and together they pored over recipes late into the night.

For the foreseeable future, it seemed they would have to forgo those indulgent dishes.

Wu Pingfan breathed a sigh of relief.

But sometimes, even if you don't seek out trouble, trouble finds its way to you.

One morning, a plump pigeon strutted back and forth in front of Wu Pingfan's window, cooing softly and occasionally peering curiously at the occupants inside.

Coal was promptly scooped up.

"Coal," Wu Pingfan called, and Coal strutted proudly over to him, pigeon in tow. The pigeon was petrified with fear, utterly motionless.

After Wu Pingfan freed the bird, he gently reprimanded, "Coal, not everything is for eating. This pigeon clearly has an owner; you can't just eat it."

Coal responded with two barks.

The pigeon had a letter tied to its tiny foot. Wu Pingfan didn't open it, reasoning that since it belonged to someone else, he should release it, as his master had taught him.

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Once the pigeon came to, it thrust its clear yellow foot forward and cooed, indicating it wanted him to open the letter.

"For me?" Wu Pingfan paused, then unfolded the letter, only to find several clumsily written characters blurred by ink, rendering them illegible.

He scrunched up his face, attempting to decipher, "Three days later... eat... pig?"

Why were they inviting him to eat pig?

The actual message was: "Three days later, a battle to the death on the mountain. Anyone who doesn't show up is a pig."

Eldest Senior Brother suddenly sneezed, oblivious to the upcoming pig feast in three days.

Xiao Xiao had spread the word about the upcoming duel between Second Senior Brother and the Master at Starfall Peaks.

With no cultivation skills, Wu Pingfan was bound to lose to Second Senior Brother, but Xiao Xiao's intent was simply to embarrass him.

News of the duel drew many of the Master's young fans, and even Zhuo Xianqun was informed by her disciple.

Zhuo Xianqun slapped the table, her eyes twinkling with mirth, "Excellent, excellent. The youth are to be feared. Remember to collect the bodies afterward and bring the pills I've developed, just in case someone is killed."

Yao Jing, upon hearing this, realized the gravity of the situation. What if Xiaowu accidentally maimed someone? That was the Immortal Master's most cherished younger disciple!

Xiaowu was a term of endearment for the second senior brother, yet he preferred to be called by his formal title.

Wu Pingfan was the only one still preoccupied with the thought of being invited to a pig feast.

He bolted the door and led Coal away, muttering to himself as they walked, "Coal, don't eat too quickly. Make sure to save some for me."

Coal expressed his discontent with a flick of his tail.

Upon reaching the back mountain, Wu Pingfan noticed a group of Starfall Peaks disciples gathered with looks of eager anticipation.

It dawned on him that the Starfall Peaks' disciples rarely consumed meat, so they must have all come together for the pig feast.

He took his place among the crowd, patiently awaiting the meal.

Hours passed, and the second senior brother, chilled to the bone, wore a grim expression, as did the restless junior brothers and sisters who whispered amongst themselves.

"Wasn't the Master supposed to come? Where is he?"

"Could the Master be too scared to show up?"

Wu Pingfan arched an eyebrow. Wasn't he present? Were they waiting for him to leave before they started eating?

At that moment, a junior sister shrieked, "Master, you've arrived!"

Wu Pingfan grunted in acknowledgment. Now that he was here, was it time to eat?

The disciples cleared a path for him. The second senior brother was seeing this fabled little junior brother for the first time and noted his youthful appearance.

Indeed, he looked so young that comparing him to the sect's newest recruits would not be far-fetched.

The second senior brother was suddenly at a loss; he had no intention of picking on a child.

"You... You're the Master?" he asked hesitantly, his eyes shifting to Coal beside Wu Pingfan, his wariness spiking.

Some cultivators used spirit animals for surprise attacks, first lowering their target's guard before striking decisively.

Given that this Master showed no signs of cultivation, his spirit animal must be exceptionally formidable.

With this thought, the second senior brother retreated a couple of steps.

"Did you write this letter?" Wu Pingfan asked, his gaze fixed on the man before him. The second senior brother's legs began to quiver uncontrollably as he nodded vigorously. Then he heard Wu Pingfan extend his hand and utter, "Pig."

He was expected to bring the pig back for dinner.

Pig?

Did he just call him a pig?

Murmurs of disbelief rippled through the crowd. The second senior brother glared, fury rising within him, "If you're so capable, let your spirit animal go!"

"Are you referring to Coal?" Wu Pingfan glanced at Coal, who stretched his canine limbs languidly before ambling to one side.

Could this dog actually understand human speech?

The second senior brother was dumbfounded time and again, nearly convinced that Coal was indeed a spirit animal.

He had neutralized a significant threat before the confrontation had even begun, which made him feel somewhat pleased.

Wu Pingfan went on to say, "Pig."

Three lines of frustration etched themselves onto the second senior brother's forehead. How could this Junior Master insult someone like that?

But, given that he was a Master, a degree of courtesy was due. He gestured respectfully and said, "Master, I welcome your guidance."

Wu Pingfan was suddenly reminded of his days with his own master, where if he took something from someone, he would always offer something in exchange. Since the other party had mentioned teaching, he decided he would indeed impart a lesson or two.

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