A gentleman never lets a grudge go unavenged.

Three days later, Zhao Liang arrived early at the summit, where a figure clad in white was already waiting.

Bai Ling waved to him and said, “Zhao Liang, you’re really early.”

“You’re quite punctual yourself, Miss Bai. Why isn’t Little Bai here?” Zhao Liang couldn’t help but ask, noticing the absence of the little fox.

“That wretched creature saw my mother was at home today and refused to come out with me. Hmph, ungrateful thing!” Bai Ling still bore a grudge against Little Bai for abandoning her.

“Haha, perhaps it’s better that it didn’t come—less trouble to deal with.”

“Right, Zhao Liang, aren’t we supposed to teach Tian Er a lesson today? Let’s go!” Bai Ling remembered their purpose and urged Zhao Liang.

“No need,” Zhao Liang replied.

“What’s the matter?” Bai Ling asked, puzzled.

“Tian Er has already left Tian Family Village. No one knows where he went.”

“That’s nothing to worry about. He can’t have gone far. We’ll ask around nearby. I’m sure we’ll find him in a few days,” Bai Ling said confidently.

“Let’s first check Tian Er’s wife’s family home. We might learn something there,” Zhao Liang suggested.

Without further ado, Bai Ling summoned the Snow Cloud Ribbon, took Zhao Liang with her, and flew toward Niu Family Manor, the home of Tian Er’s wife.

Upon inquiry, they learned that Tian Er and his wife had visited more than two months ago, but stayed only a few days before leaving. They said they were heading to Jimo City to make a living, perhaps working in a tavern, though the details were unclear.

The two immediately set off for Jimo City, and once there, began searching tavern after tavern. Jimo City wasn’t large—there were only a dozen or so taverns. After over an hour, they finally found Tian Er at the Heqi Tavern.

Tian Er was working as a waiter, serving dishes to the guests. Spotting Zhao Liang at the entrance, he dropped his tray and bolted for the backyard.

Why did Tian Er flee at the sight of Zhao Liang? First, he had a guilty conscience; second, he knew he could never beat Zhao Liang. He was lazy and gluttonous, skinny and weak—no match for Zhao Liang. If they fought one on one, he’d be thoroughly trounced. Last time, he’d only dared trouble Zhao Liang because he brought two accomplices.

Zhao Liang and Bai Ling pursued him relentlessly. When they reached the backyard, the small door was open—Tian Er had clearly just escaped through it.

They rushed outside and saw Tian Er desperately sprinting ahead.

Within less than half a stick of incense’s time, Zhao Liang and Bai Ling caught up to him.

Zhao Liang blocked Tian Er’s path and asked, “Tian Er, why are you running so fast? Are you in a hurry to reincarnate? Why not greet an old friend?”

“I… I have urgent matters at home and need to get back. Zhao Liang, don’t block my way—let me through!” Tian Er pleaded.

“I’ll let you through, but let’s first talk about how you colluded with others to rob me and forced me off the cliff.”

Tian Er’s expression changed instantly. He denied it outright, “What robbery? What forcing you off a cliff? I never did any such thing—you’re slandering me!”

Not only did Tian Er refuse to admit his wrongdoing, he even turned the accusation back on Zhao Liang, making Zhao Liang’s teeth itch with anger.

“Still won’t admit it?” Zhao Liang narrowed his eyes.

Sensing Zhao Liang’s murderous intent, Tian Er mustered his courage and said, “I didn’t do it. What should I admit? What, are you planning to torture me for a confession?”

“Damn you, I’ll teach you what happens to stubborn liars!”

Before he finished speaking, Zhao Liang swung his fist and struck Tian Er squarely in the face.

Tian Er’s nose burst like a jar of sauce, blood pouring freely.

“Ow!” Tian Er clutched his nose, tears and snot streaming down.

Zhao Liang paid him no mind. His fist, as large as a bowl, landed again, this time on Tian Er’s eyes.

“Ow!” Tian Er’s eyes swelled tremendously, resembling a pair of panda eyes.

Zhao Liang spat on the ground, breathing heavily, “Still stubborn? Will you admit it or not?”

“I…”

“If you won’t admit it, I’ll kick you to death.”

Come on, can’t you give me a chance? Before Tian Er could even speak, Zhao Liang’s foot landed on his stomach.

Howling in pain, Tian Er clutched his belly and squatted on the ground.

Zhao Liang pummeled him several more times, “Will you confess? Will you confess?”

Rolling on the ground in agony, Tian Er begged for mercy.

“Stop, stop, I admit it! I admit it—it was me who gathered people to rob your jade. But you falling off the cliff wasn’t our doing; I only found out afterward.”

Hearing Tian Er finally speak the truth and beg for mercy, Zhao Liang decided to spare him.

“Tell me, how should this matter be settled?”

“I… I’ll compensate you with money.”

“Money? Do I look like the kind who cares about money?”

Hearing this, Tian Er breathed a sigh of relief. Bai Ling, standing nearby, looked at Zhao Liang in a new light.

But Zhao Liang’s next words left both Tian Er and Bai Ling utterly stunned.

“Go on, how much will you pay?”

Could you at least have some principles? Didn’t you just say you weren’t greedy?

Tian Er’s mouth twitched. He gritted his teeth and said, “I’ll pay you ten taels of silver!”

“Deal!” Zhao Liang didn’t even haggle. He stretched out his hand. “Give me the money!”

“I don’t have any!” Tian Er wailed.

“Damn you, you’re playing games with me!”

As he spoke, Zhao Liang raised his fist threateningly.

“Don’t hit me, don’t hit me! If you must, I’ll offer my wife in exchange.”

“Your wife is so ugly, she couldn’t fetch even a single tael. You beast, to even think of selling your own wife! Looks like I’ll have to teach you a lesson on her behalf today.”

Zhao Liang delivered several more kicks to Tian Er, whose cries echoed like those of a slaughtered pig.