Immortals and Demons Forever

Chapter 32: Massacre

With the plan finalized, the next day Zhong Da personally took Old Blackhead to meet He Jin, a member of the Supervision Team in charge of the heavy industry zone. He Jin was one of Cao Shang’s men; he used to act like an old buddy with Zhong Da, but today things were different. “Oh my, Brother Da, what brings you to see me so early?” “I’ve got a favor to ask, brother. That stinking old man is sick—he’s practically a consumptive. He can’t do a damn thing. Let’s get him out of here fast before he infects the others. The guys are really fed up with him.” Old Blackhead’s health had indeed been poor for some time; when he coughed violently, it sounded as if he were about to cough up his lungs. “Isn’t he with Su Mu? Why isn’t Su Mu here—why did you come to me instead? Oh, I get it—you’ve become his errand boy now, haven’t you?” Zhong Da suppressed his anger and scratched his head helplessly. “When you’re under someone’s roof, you have to bow your head. I’m actually hoping the Supervision Team will take him out sooner rather than later. Anyway, I know he won’t last long in the Heavy Industry Zone. Once he’s gone, I’ll be the one calling the shots here.” The news of Su Mu defeating Zhong Da had already spread like wildfire yesterday; a scandal this big couldn’t possibly have escaped He Jin’s attention. “That’s a clever plan, but you’re really becoming more and more pathetic.” “I’ve sunk this low—I’ve long since given up on myself. As long as I have wine and meat every day, I should be content.” “Hahaha, you should find time to practice your martial arts too. Drinking and feasting every day is what good-for-nothings do. I think your skills have regressed—that’s why you lost to Su Mu. Oh my, you can’t even beat a newcomer. You’re such a disappointment.” “You’re absolutely right, Brother Jin. So, about that old guy…” “No problem. That consumptive guy has been getting on my nerves too. Since he can’t do any work in the Heavy Industry Zone, he came over here to earn a paycheck—he’s got to work, doesn’t he? Old man, come with me. Let’s take you back to where you belong.” He Jin couldn’t resist teasing Zhong Da a few more times before leading Old Blackhead away. “Just you wait! Go ahead and gloat—you won’t be gloating for much longer.” Zhong Da watched their retreating figures with a cold smile. “When the time comes, I’ll take you and Cao Shang out together!” When Zhong Da returned, he saw Su Mu repeatedly slamming both fists into the wall, causing thick layers of black heavy sand to peel away like rain, and he was left speechless! They had rarely touched the areas covered in black heavy sand, yet this material—which had seemed indestructible to him—was surprisingly so fragile. Chen Li stood nearby, his face equally stunned. Su Mu cleared a large area and, once finished, paused to catch his breath. “Wait a moment. Tell everyone that, for some reason, the black heavy sand here has softened. Have them all gather here to dig.” “Got it! But, Mu Ge, how did you do that?” “Just grab a handful and feel it for yourself.” Zhong Da bent down, scooped up a handful, and rubbed it between his palms. He immediately let out a surprised “Huh!” “What’s going on? Why has the sand gotten so soft?” Su Mu couldn’t reveal the real reason, of course, so he simply said offhand, “The palm technique I practice is called the Falling Sand Palm. It’s specifically designed to soften sand—it’s the perfect counter to this.” “Oh, so that’s how it is. No wonder you were constantly pounding on the wall that day, Mu Ge—you were actually practicing your martial arts.” “Enough about that. Did you see Old Hei off?” “I did.” “Good. Now we just have to wait until tonight. Do any of you have any specific ideas about the top-grade spirit stones?” Su Mu suddenly asked in a low voice. Chen Li was startled and stammered, “Mu Ge, you—you… aren’t planning to pocket them for yourself, are you?” “Why not? Once Cao Shang is dead, the matter of the top-grade spirit stones will come to light, and they’ll naturally be confiscated soon enough. Before that happens, we can secretly stash away a stone or two to use for our cultivation later.” “If we get caught doing that, we’ll be in big trouble.” “I was just throwing it out there. It’s entirely up to you guys whether you want to go through with it.” At the camp, inside a three-story building. Song Dachui slammed his fist down on the desk with a thud. “What did you say? Su Mu defeated Zhong Da and became the boss of the Heavy Industry District? Damn it, how could this happen? We plotted against him, and yet he’s still thriving?” Cao Shang’s face was grim as well. He’d been the one to come up with the plan, but Su Mu’s actions hadn’t followed the script he’d written at all—this outcome was a massive slap in the face. Erhu said impatiently, “I don’t think we need to make such a big deal out of this. Just transfer him back from the Heavy Industry Zone. I’ll go over there myself to supervise the work—and you’ll see how I’ll crush him!” “Your motives are way too obvious. You won’t be able to shut everyone up. We can’t just act on a whim for a moment’s satisfaction. Once the people backing him get wind of this and seek revenge, we’ll all be in deep trouble.” Cao Shang rubbed his temples. “Never mind, I’ll think of another way. But don’t you guys find this strange? Su Mu’s skills were originally no match for Zhong Qiang’s, yet in just three short days, he’s become a completely different person. How did he pull that off?” “Could it be that Zhong Da lost on purpose?” Sun Datou still couldn’t believe Su Mu was that capable. “That’s unlikely. Zhong Da cares so much about saving face—once I mentioned what happened to his younger brother, he’d definitely have to deal with this seriously. Plus, with so many people watching, he simply couldn’t afford to lose.” Cao Shang said with certainty. “Don’t worry. There’s one person who must know the secret behind Su Mu’s sudden rise in strength, and I’ve already called him over.” The group was taken aback and was just about to ask when Tang Kuan walked in, followed by a trembling old man—none other than Old Blackhead. “May I ask what business these young masters have with an old man like me?” Cao Shang smiled. “Don’t be nervous. I called you here just to ask you one question. As long as you answer honestly, I’ll double your wages for this month, and you’ll get five days off without any pay deductions. I treat you pretty well, don’t I?” “Thank you, young master. What would you like to ask me?” “Here’s the thing: after Su Mu had a run-in with Zhong Da, his strength skyrocketed in just three days. How did he do it? Did he practice anything in particular?” “Well… the old man has absolutely no idea. Little Mu didn’t do anything—he was even seriously ill.” “You’re on good terms with him, aren’t you? Then you must know about what’s going on between us and Su Mu. If you don’t tell us, you’re in for a rough time.” Cao Shang’s gaze suddenly turned icy. Old Blackhead shook his head repeatedly. “Young masters, this old man truly has no idea!” “You old fool, you’re pretty stubborn!” Erhu walked over, slapped him three times in quick succession, and grabbed the old man by the hair. “You old geezer, don’t push your luck!” Old Heitou spat blood and trembled all over with fear. “I—I really don’t know… Young masters, spare my life… Spare my life!” Erhu flung him to the ground, and Tang Kuan drew his police whip. “Are you going to talk or not?” “Spare my life!” Tang Kuan gave a dark chuckle. “For an old has-been, you’re pretty loyal. I’ll teach you not to be so stubborn!” Crack! Three lashes landed in quick succession. Just as the fourth was about to strike, Cao Shang reached out to stop him. “No need to beat him anymore—he’s already dead.”