Family Turmoil Chapter 9: The One Hundred and Eighth Time

For the first time in three years, Chu Xing found himself with the power to choose. For the first time, he glimpsed hope for the future, even wondering if, once he had saved enough contribution points, he could exchange them for a more respectable body refinement technique.

The feeling was quite pleasant.

Just as Chu Xing was about to turn into the alley where he lived, his steps involuntarily halted.

At the entrance stood three burly figures, like three walls, blocking the already narrow passage completely.

Sunlight was blocked behind them, leaving the alley shrouded in shadow.

The faint smile on Chu Xing’s face slowly faded.

The leader was none other than Zhao Hu, who was casually leaning against the earthen wall, scrutinizing Chu Xing as he approached.

Almost simultaneously, doors of the surrounding courtyards quietly cracked open. A series of malicious and pitying glances slipped through the cracks.

One of Zhao Hu’s followers, wearing a forced smile, spoke up: “Great genius Chu, collected your monthly allowance? Looks like you gained quite a bit this month.”

Chu Xing said nothing, quietly meeting his gaze without the usual timidness.

Seeing Chu Xing remain silent, the follower assumed he was still the same: “Just so happens today is plunder day. Brother Hu said he’s first in line to collect your contribution points. Same old rules, you know how it goes.”

Another follower counted on his fingers, proudly adding, “Let me do the math for you — including today, that’s exactly the one hundred and eighth time. Tsk tsk, Chu Xing, you really are Brother Hu’s most loyal regular!”

He even raised his voice a bit, lest those nearby miss it: “Guild rules say anyone can challenge someone within a month; the loser leaves five contribution points behind. Of course, our Brother Hu is generous and never asks for more.”

At that moment, Zhao Hu’s gaze swept over the token at Chu Xing’s waist, a flicker of interest passing through his eyes.

One follower immediately understood and peered closer, seeing the fresh number on Chu Xing’s token just after he left the Contribution Hall.

The follower froze for a moment before exaggerating his surprise: “Brother Hu, this kid’s made a fortune! He’s accumulated thirty-four contribution points this month?”

The atmosphere in the alley instantly heated up. Even the breathing from behind the doors grew heavier. For low-ranking outer disciples like them, thirty-four points meant more chances to plunder.

“Oh?” Zhao Hu’s eyes gleamed with greed as he reached out his hand toward Chu Xing.

“Thirty-four points? Perfect, saves me the trouble of looking elsewhere. Let’s start with you today!”

Chu Xing did not respond immediately.

His calm gaze swept over the two followers, finally resting on Zhao Hu’s outstretched hand.

He sneered inwardly. After three years of investment, today was the day to cash in, principal and interest.

Zhao Hu frowned impatiently at Chu Xing’s silence. Usually, by this point, the guy would be trembling and handing over the token. What was with this wooden stare today?

“Still want me to get rough? Just hand it over and save yourself some bruises.”

Chu Xing looked at the hand extended before him, then suddenly smiled.

“Brother Hu, did you just fish that hand out of the latrine? Why does it smell so strong?”

The air instantly tightened.

Zhao Hu’s hand froze mid-air; the follower’s grin locked in place; eyes watching from behind the doors all widened in unison.

“What did you say?” Zhao Hu’s face visibly flushed crimson.

“I said your hand stinks,” Chu Xing exaggeratedly covered his nose. “Brother Hu, you should watch your hygiene, or else the girls will want to hold your hand but will have to wear gloves first.”

“Pfft!” Someone couldn’t hold back a laugh, and the silence in the alley rippled immediately.

That laugh was like a fuse, instantly igniting Zhao Hu’s fury. Just as he was about to erupt, Chu Xing beat him to the punch.

“I’d fight if I had to, but only five contribution points each time? Like kids playing house — no fun at all.”

His eyes flicked to the exquisite little porcelain bottle hanging at Zhao Hu’s waist.

“How about we raise the stakes? If I lose, all thirty-four points are yours. If you lose, besides the five points, that body refinement pill is mine. Dare to accept?”

At those words, the heat in the alley seemed to freeze; even breathing became audible.

Everyone thought Chu Xing had lost his mind.

Zhao Hu was stunned for a moment before ecstasy surged through his heart, convinced this was a desperate act from a cornered rat.

“Fine! You asked for it!” Zhao Hu agreed at once, fearing Chu Xing would back out. “Everyone heard that!”

Chu Xing, watching Zhao Hu’s greedy and smug expression, added with a smirk:

“Look at you, already so pleased. If you didn’t know better, you’d think you’ve already won. Don’t rush—I’ll wake you up now.”

In that instant, the alley felt cloaked in dark clouds, heavy enough to weigh down the chest.

The suppressed laughter vanished completely. All the onlookers’ eyes now carried a trace of tension.

The ecstasy and greed on Zhao Hu’s face instantly drained, replaced by a sullen pallor.

That final sneer was like a slap, striking him hard across the face.

“Seeking death!”

The two words were squeezed through gritted teeth. Before the words fell, Zhao Hu roared, gathering his energy into his right fist. Instantly, a thick, earthy yellow aura wrapped around it.

Though thoroughly enraged, his innate arrogance made him underestimate Chu Xing.

To him, this punch didn’t even require full force.

Even so, the power behind it was fierce enough to break bones and tendons, leaving Chu Xing bedridden for half a month!

The ground cracked slightly beneath his foot as he charged like an enraged bull, a fierce wind following him straight at Chu Xing’s face.

The rushing fist whipped past, making Chu Xing’s clothes flutter.

But the smile vanished from Chu Xing’s face.

His eyes became icy cold in an instant.

Just as the heavy punch was about to graze his nose, Chu Xing shifted ever so slightly, stepping out with a subtle shuffle, sliding lightly three feet backward and to the side.

Whoosh!

The powerful blow barely brushed past his nose, smashing into empty air.

Zhao Hu’s fist missed, and his eyes flickered with shock.

He hadn’t expected this “waste” to dodge! The enormous momentum pitched him forward, leaving his guard wide open and a huge flaw exposed.

Chu Xing’s gaze sharpened. Opportunity!

He pushed off the ground and surged forward instead of retreating, his shoulder carrying the force, crashing hard into Zhao Hu’s chest before he could recover his balance.

Thud!

The muffled impact echoed like a drumbeat through the narrow alley.

Zhao Hu felt as if a great hammer had struck his chest, an overwhelming force crashing into him. He staggered back five or six paces before barely regaining his footing.

In their first clash, he had actually taken a loss!