Slag Shou Cultivating Manual - Chapter 104

Chapter 104: Framing

Watching Huo Yiyang’s retreating figure, He Lang’s heart gradually calmed down.

No matter what, Huo Yiyang and Zhen Puyang were two completely different people. He really shouldn’t compare them. If Yang’er knew of this from the afterlife, he would probably throw a tantrum.

He had already set new goals and pursuits; it was even more inappropriate for him to be so easily swayed. His rationality had always been there, but due to a moment of guilt and nostalgia, he had indulged himself briefly. Although he had lost his emotional soul, he was not heartless. The bond formed over years of being with Zhen Puyang couldn’t simply be dismissed with the words “I don’t love you.”

No matter what, he and Huo Yiyang likely wouldn’t have any further connection. Yet, unfortunately, the next day, he heard the shocking news that Huo Yiyang had gone astray in his cultivation, resulting in broken meridians, and Wuding was trying to find a way to save him.

This news was indeed astonishing. Just yesterday, he had been riding high, full of confidence after his visit to the Supreme True Master. How could such misfortune strike today?

The sect began speculating whether he had received some favor from his martial uncle, causing his spiritual body to be overwhelmed and his meridians to swell uncontrollably. Others suggested he had been so elated that he lost his composure, leading to an unstable state of mind and forcing himself to cultivate, resulting in this calamity. A minority even guessed whether someone might have deliberately harmed him out of jealousy.

In any case, the victim was unconscious, leaving no way to uncover the truth.

On this day, Kong Huai emerged from seclusion. The incident had spread like wildfire within the sect. Though he had isolated himself for three months, there was no way he wouldn’t hear about it now.

When he first heard that his master had chosen a furnace, his brows furrowed tightly. But upon learning of Huo Yiyang’s misfortune, a sense of schadenfreude surged within him. He couldn’t help but applaud inwardly.

Kong Huai was well aware of how cold-hearted his master could be. He didn’t believe that a mere sect disciple, who had barely crossed paths with his master, could hold any real importance to him—unless it was self-inflicted. To seduce and covet his master was simply asking for trouble.

Thinking this way, Huo Yiyang’s pitiable state seemed entirely deserved.

As for the various speculations about the incident, Kong Huai had heard them and formed his own opinions.

Three months ago, he might have been entangled in such thoughts, guessing at the culprit behind the incident. But after his seclusion, his state of mind had cleared significantly. He was no longer as restless as he had been when provoked by Jiang Hanzheng. More importantly, he had uncovered the true face of a certain individual.

Without much deliberation, his mind immediately pointed to a suspect.

Thinking of Jiang Hanzheng’s possessiveness toward their master and his deliberately suppressed strength, Kong Huai became increasingly certain that this man was as unfathomable as someone possessed.

Kong Huai’s original intentions weren’t bad—he merely wanted to regain the care he felt he deserved. Though he harbored resentment and dissatisfaction, he had no intention of targeting or suppressing Jiang Hanzheng. Yet Jiang Hanzheng had transformed from a meek rabbit into a raging beast, even attempting to drive Kong Huai out entirely. How could he not be alarmed by such a dangerous individual?

He didn’t understand what kind of inflation in power had caused Jiang Hanzheng’s drastic change. However, he had become acutely aware of his narrow-mindedness and dark side. With Huo Yiyang receiving such a close opportunity from their master, it was unlikely Jiang Hanzheng would let him continue basking in the glory bestowed by their master.

Moreover, Jiang Hanzheng had the long-standing trust of their master and his seemingly innocent facade as a cover, giving him the confidence to act.

The culprit was almost certainly Jiang Hanzheng.

The more Kong Huai pondered, the more convinced he became.

What happened in the secret realm before could be dismissed as mutual wrongdoing, canceling each other out. But this time, it was jealousy clouding Jiang Hanzheng’s judgment.

Although Huo Yiyang’s downfall was a pleasing sight for Kong Huai, Jiang Hanzheng’s petty actions—striking someone when they were down—left him repulsed. Had Jiang Hanzheng completely forgotten their master’s teachings about being upright and honorable? If their master learned of his vile nature, how would he react?

Undoubtedly, Jiang Hanzheng’s favoritism would disappear. Kong Huai eagerly anticipated such a moment, but he also worried about whether their master would feel disappointment and sorrow.

The three months of seclusion had indeed matured him, allowing him to think beyond his previous selfishness.

Kong Huai exhaled deeply, hesitating.

Before he could confront Jiang Hanzheng, the latter came to him first.

“Senior Brother, it’s been a while,” Jiang Hanzheng greeted with a smile, appearing in Kong Huai’s quarters unannounced. His cultivation level allowed him to exude an unmistakable air of arrogance, ignoring the restrictive spells at the door as he casually strolled in. His gaze swept the room—a place he had once occupied—and his smile deepened.

Kong Huai frowned, naturally noticing Jiang Hanzheng’s significant increase in cultivation. His hostile demeanor suggested he wasn’t here for a friendly chat or to welcome him back from seclusion.

Yet Jiang Hanzheng maintained the same courteous demeanor as when they first met, greeting Kong Huai with polite words, leaving no trace of abnormality.

The more Jiang Hanzheng feigned innocence, the more certain Kong Huai became that it was a mere facade. Looking up at him, he spoke disdainfully, refusing to play along. “No need to pretend. Master might buy into your act, but I find it utterly revolting. Admit it—Huo Yiyang’s misfortune was your doing.”

Jiang Hanzheng’s smile faltered slightly but never disappeared, making it seem even more insincere. Strolling leisurely around the room, his pace slow and casual, he exuded an air of laziness.

Kong Huai grew furious at his nonchalant attitude. His sharp accusation seemed to strike a soft spot, eliciting no significant response. Feeling humiliated, he also felt bitter disappointment toward their master.

“You’re a disgrace to Master’s devotion. Clearly… I should be…”

Before he could finish, Jiang Hanzheng’s gaze darkened. His steps halted as he cut him off abruptly, unwilling to let him continue.

“Oh? Senior Brother believes Master shouldn’t treat me this well? That he should only be gentle with you? That you’re the only one allowed to bask in the limelight? Let me tell you—it’s no longer like that. It will never be like that again!”

Jiang Hanzheng’s tone grew slightly agitated, tearing through Kong Huai’s composure. Just as quickly, he regained his calm, speaking with a deliberate air.

“Have you never thought about your actions, Senior Brother? Merely hearing that Huo Yiyang received the kind of closeness from Master that neither of us ever had—you probably wanted to tear him to pieces yourself, didn’t you? That he’s still alive is proof I’ve shown mercy. Can you honestly say you didn’t feel a shred of satisfaction? In the end, we’re both selfish. So why bother putting on this sanctimonious act, pretending to be outraged on Master’s behalf? It’s laughable.”

Jiang Hanzheng’s bluntness stripped away all pretense, leaving Kong Huai visibly pale. Though seething with anger, he found himself unable to retort.

Currently, his cultivation was no match for Jiang Hanzheng’s, and with their master openly favoring him, any rash action on Kong Huai’s part would only brand him as a bully.

Perhaps this was Jiang Hanzheng’s new strategy to garner sympathy from their master. How could Kong Huai let him succeed?

Seeing Kong Huai’s conflicted expression, Jiang Hanzheng smirked subtly, his hands clasped behind his back.

“Coincidentally, Huo Yiyang’s incident occurred the same day you emerged from seclusion. Isn’t it possible someone might use this against you? Given your history of arrogance and indifference toward fellow disciples, what do you think Master or the sect leader would believe?”

Kong Huai sneered inwardly. The “someone” he referred to was undoubtedly Jiang Hanzheng himself.

With confidence, he replied, “True, Huo Yiyang overstepped, attempting to seduce Master while I was away. He deserved punishment, but I…”

Before he could finish, Jiang Hanzheng’s smile deepened, and the restrictive spell suddenly shattered. A figure dressed in white appeared, letting out a faint sigh.

“So that’s how it is.”

The unexpected arrival of He Lang caught Kong Huai off guard. His entire body tensed as panic set in, realizing the implications of his earlier words.

“Master, I… I have nothing to do with Huo Yiyang’s incident.”

The feeble explanation only made him appear guiltier. He Lang frowned, his tone weary. “No need to explain…”

He had long known about Kong Huai’s arrogance and recklessness. Considering his sympathy for Huo Yiyang and the fact that this mess stemmed from his own choices, He Lang felt deeply disappointed.

“Master, it’s Jiang Hanzheng! Do you even know what your good disciple has actually done…”

Jiang Hanzheng, standing nearby, remained expressionless, but the oppressive aura around him grew heavier, suffocating Kong Huai.

He Lang looked at him helplessly, his expression devoid of hope and his gaze cold. “What now? On the very first day of your return, you’ve already given Zheng’er attitude and set countless traps for him, both openly and covertly. But I have always urged Zheng’er to be tolerant and patient with you, giving you plenty of face. And now you’ve gotten bolder, daring to slander Zheng’er in front of me? Kong Huai, stop looking down on others while overestimating yourself!”

By the time He Lang addressed him by name, there was indeed a trace of anger in his voice.

“…” Being addressed by his full name felt like a dagger to Kong Huai’s heart, nailing him to the spot. He was completely paralyzed, his blood running cold, unable to react or even think.

Staring into He Lang’s eyes, now filled with indifference, Kong Huai suddenly felt drained of any energy to explain himself. It seemed that his master had been completely deceived by Jiang Hanzheng, wholeheartedly believing him to be innocent and deeply wronged. Meanwhile, Kong Huai stood entirely in opposition, reduced to being nothing more than the target of prejudice in his master’s eyes.

Even without considering Jiang Hanzheng’s extraordinary cultivation and fortune, the blind trust of their master alone gave him plenty of reason to be arrogant.

Author’s note: Lang Lang actually knows everything!

Thank you, dear readers, for your support—feeling so blessed!