C20 Hunter

"Zhao Lin, you don't see me as a friend!" Wang Yu exclaimed, eyeing the items in Zhao Lin's grasp, his breaths coming in short gasps. He understood the significance of these items to him—they signified an end to his servitude and the possibility of soaring alongside his senior brothers from the Outer Sect. Yet, he hesitated to accept them. First, he recognized their importance to Zhao Lin. Second, Zhao Lin had just requested his help and offered these items as if to say, didn't Zhao Lin consider him a friend?

Zhao Lin gave Wang Yu a puzzled look, unsure of the reason behind his strong reaction, but spoke honestly, "I've always seen you as a friend. In fact, you're the only friend I've made since joining the Firetalons. That's why I'm giving you these things. Take them—I'll be waiting for you in the Outer Sect!"

"Really? Alright, I'll accept them!" Wang Yu's voice was charged with excitement, though it was unclear whether it was the items or Zhao Lin's words that moved him more. "Wang Yu, this man may not be a saint, but he's not evil either. Don't worry too much. I'll wake him up, clear things up with him, and then you can come here to train. He's an Outer Sect disciple who has achieved Foundation Building, so he might be able to offer you some guidance."

Wang Yu nodded in agreement, unconcerned with the man's character. His main concern was that this was the first time Zhao Lin had sought his help. Zhao Lin crushed a pill, and Wang Yu noticed the pained expression that crossed Zhao Lin's face as he did so. Wang Yu was puzzled but kept his questions to himself. He was unaware of Zhao Lin's current financial struggles.

Zhao Lin placed the crushed pill on Cao Dahai's chest and activated his wakan. The pill dissolved into energy and entered Cao Dahai's body. As Zhao Lin channeled his wakan, Cao Dahai's breathing grew stronger, and his faint heartbeat began to throb powerfully once more.

"Don't hit me, please, no!" In that instant, Cao Dahai, who had just regained consciousness, let out a terrified scream. He shoved Zhao Lin aside and scrambled deeper into the cave. "Cao Dahai, it's me, Zhao Lin, not Chen Yong," Zhao Lin called after him, keeping his voice as soothing as possible. "No, I don't know any Zhao Lin. Please, don't beat me, I really don't know anything!" Cao Dahai remained inconsolable, clearly having been severely mistreated by Chen Yong and his cohorts.

"Zhao Lin, let me have a go!" Seeing Zhao Lin at a loss, Wang Yu approached Cao Dahai. Kneeling before Cao Dahai, Wang Yu spoke softly, "Don't worry, we've chased off the bad guys. It's safe here, there's no need to be scared!" Surprisingly, Wang Yu's reassurance had a calming effect on Cao Dahai.

After a while, Cao Dahai fell asleep, cradling his head. As they left the cave, Wang Yu said, "Zhao Lin, he seems to be temporarily disoriented. A few days of rest should set things right. Rest assured, I'll look after him." Zhao Lin nodded, quickly recounted the events leading to Cao Dahai's injuries, and emphasized that Cao Dahai must not leave the cave.

"They buried him alive? How barbaric. Hold on, you said he suffered because you incited him. What about the coroner, Chen Lin? This is bad, Zhao Lin, Chen Lin is in danger. But I suggest you stay out of it. If that elder saved you, it's unlikely that anyone from the Outer Sect will dare to target you. Better to just bear it," Wang Yu deduced, realizing Chen Lin was in peril.

"No, I can't let him die. If he's around, Lee Qing and the others will get what's coming to them. I'm off!" Zhao Lin disregarded Wang Yu's advice and, in a blur, dashed through the dense forest, leaping into the air. "Come back, it's dangerous!" Wang Yu, still at the original spot, was visibly distressed.

Zhao Lin was swift, quickly making his way back to the Outer Sect. Upon arrival, he casually strolled around, giving the impression that nothing was amiss. However, Zhao Lin's wanderings were strategic, allowing him to keep an eye on the South District where Chen Lin resided. He knew he couldn't keep this up indefinitely without raising suspicion.

"Am I too late?" Zhao Lin wondered after a lengthy wait with no sign of Chen Yong and the others. Suddenly, his expression turned grave, and he rushed towards the back mountain. As Zhao Lin departed, a disciple emerged from the South District, smirking at Zhao Lin's retreating figure. On the back mountain, Chen Yong and his group were awaiting something, and in their midst, a disciple lay beaten within an inch of his life.

Suddenly, the sound transmitting talisman in Chen Yong's hand lit up, bringing a look of elation to his face. He crushed the talisman in haste. "Brother Chen, Zhao Lin is also making his way toward the back of the mountain!" Chen Yong was ecstatic. "Quickly, everyone! Hide yourselves well. As soon as he picks up this foolish child, rush out and take him down!" Chen Yong's face twisted into a bloodthirsty grin. In a flash, the group concealed themselves, leaving only the barely alive Chen Lin behind.

After a short time, Zhao Lin indeed arrived at the scene. Spotting Chen Lin on the ground, he recognized him immediately. Yet, he didn't carelessly approach; years of hunting had honed his instincts, and he sensed the imminent danger. Zhao Lin scanned the forest with a cold laugh. "To be a hunter, one must possess the resolve of a hunter!" he muttered to himself before abruptly turning and confidently striding down the mountain.

"Why is he heading back? Did he detect our presence?" Hidden behind a stand of trees, Chen Yong and another person watched Zhao Lin's retreat. The other person voiced their confusion. "Don't be ridiculous. He's oblivious to his own tracks being exposed; how could he have noticed us? Maybe we beat Chen Lin so badly he's unrecognizable, or perhaps Zhao Lin never intended to save him at all," Chen Yong mused with uncertainty.

"Let's wait a bit longer. We can't afford any mistakes this time," Chen Yong, nearly at his wit's end from Lee Qing's pressure, resolved to continue the vigil. But as time dragged on without a sign of Zhao Lin, doubt crept in. Was he truly not coming to Chen Lin's rescue? Two hours, then four, and still no sign of Zhao Lin as dusk began to fall. Were they to abandon their plan?

"Damn it, will that bastard save him or not?" Chen Yong's patience was wearing thin. "Hey, he's coming!" At that moment, the person beside Chen Yong exclaimed with excitement. "Screw it, let's just go for it and take him out!" Unable to contain himself any longer, Chen Yong bellowed, and the disciples burst from their hiding spots, charging toward the indistinct figure in the fading light.

"Ah, ah, ah!" Screams of agony pierced the air as Chen Yong and his companions knocked the figure to the ground. "Idiots, I said to kill him, not to beat him up," Chen Yong raged, frustrated by his underlings' inability to follow simple instructions. "Fine, I'll do it myself!" A disciple nearby drew a dagger and lunged at the figure, who let out a blood-curdling scream.

"Why does that voice sound so familiar?" Chen Yong had a sudden, unsettling realization. "Who are you?" he demanded, seizing the screaming man by the collar. "Brother Chen, it's me, Wang Youcai, the one who brought you the message!" the man cried out, clearly distressed.

"What? Wang Youcai? Then where's Zhao Lin?" In a state of panic, Chen Yong shoved Wang Youcai aside.