Chapter 2107: Chapter 2144: Return to Daozhen Island
When Ding Fan injured Tie Haijiao, Tie Haijiao sensed the killing intent in Ding Fan’s heart, making this key member of the Tie Family feel fear. At this moment, seeing Ding Fan walking towards him with a battle saber, his heart was filled with terror. He said nothing, abandoned his battle armor, covered the wound on his body, rolled on the ground, turned, and fled like a scared dog, without a hint of his previous grace.
"Hmph, do you think you can escape?"
Ding Fan truly wanted to kill Tie Haijiao now. As he passed by, seeing Wu Qingxia’s helpless gaze, his heart ached immensely. At that moment, if he encountered gods, he would kill gods—in his eyes, Tie Haijiao was already a dead man.
As a martial artist, facing a woman required using drugs, and even that wasn’t enough—he even tried to use force. It’s not just that he did this to Ding Fan’s friend; even treating an ordinary person this way makes Ding Fan want to kill such scum.
Seeing Tie Haijiao about to escape, Ding Fan chose not to chase him but instead threw the battle saber in his hand. Hearing the sound of the wind behind him, Tie Haijiao immediately tried to dodge, but because of his injury and the saber’s incredible speed, he couldn’t evade. The saber pierced into his thigh.
"Ah~"
Tie Haijiao screamed in agony and fell to the ground, rolling non-stop. Gui Wu and another guard were horrified. From what they had just seen, Ding Fan nearly took Tie Haijiao’s life. Now, if the saber had been aimed at his heart, Tie Haijiao wouldn’t still be alive.
Ding Fan slowly walked to Tie Haijiao’s side, his eyes cold as if looking at a corpse. At that moment, he lifted his foot intending to kick this perverted scoundrel to death.
"Spare me, please spare me. I don’t want to die."
At this moment, Tie Haijiao felt the fear of death from the depths of his heart. Ding Fan seemed like a God of Slaughter from hell; as soon as that foot came down, he was certain he’d be dead. He retreated on the ground, pleading with Ding Fan: "You can’t kill me. I’m the only son of the Tie Family. If you kill me, my father will surely lead an assault on Xinkai Island, and the Skeleton Sect will be eradicated!"
Hearing Tie Haijiao’s words, Ding Fan grew even angrier. He raised his foot and stomped heavily towards Tie Haijiao. Seeing his actions, Wu Qingxia was terrified. The drug’s effect on her had likely lessened a lot by now. She struggled to sit up and shouted at Ding Fan, "Don’t kill him, Brother Ding, stop!"
The experts on Xinkai Island weren’t a match for the Tie Family, and they hadn’t had the chance to buy the Tigertooth Apes. If Tie Haijiao died here, then, as he said, Tie Hualong would surely avenge his only son, and the entire island would be doomed to accompany Tie Haijiao in death.
Perhaps Wu Qingxia’s voice halted Ding Fan momentarily. The foot meant to take Tie Haijiao’s life shifted slightly, stomping harshly on Tie Haijiao’s uninjured leg.
"Crack!"
"Ah~"
With a crisp sound of bone breaking, Tie Haijiao screamed in pain once more, nearly fainting. Ding Fan withdrew his foot, turning back to look at Wu Qingxia. He saw her covering her mouth, her face soaked with tears, eyes pleading, desperately urging Ding Fan not to kill Tie Haijiao.
Seeing Wu Qingxia’s appearance, Ding Fan felt a pang in his heart, sympathetic towards Wu Qingxia. He walked up to her, picked her up in his embrace, and left swiftly, never looking back at Tie Haijiao.
Although Gui Wu was somewhat clever, he was utterly terrified at this moment, unsure what to do. Only after Ding Fan had disappeared did he react, shouting to the other martial artist: "This is bad, something serious has happened. We must report to the elders quickly!"
The two dared not delay. Though Tie Haijiao was severely injured, killing them would be easy for him. The two ran towards the Skeleton Sect’s meeting hall on Xinkai Island.
They found two elders and told them the whole story. The two elders were equally startled and panicked, immediately taking Tie Haijiao and all three guards back to the meeting hall.
Tie Haijiao was unconscious at this point, but through the efforts of several elders, they managed to save all three men’s lives. The island’s two elders didn’t dare handle the matter and couldn’t contact the Second Elder and Fourth Elder, so they decided to detain all four, waiting for the return of the two elders.
Soon, the Second Elder and Fourth Elder completed their tasks and returned. Hearing about the incident, they were furious, shocked that Tie Haijiao dared to commit such actions!
This situation still needed dealing with. The Second Elder, Fourth Elder, and several stewards discussed and finally decided that the Fourth Elder would take over thirty people, carrying the four injured back to Tie Family Island.
Upon reaching Tie Family Island, the Fourth Elder said nothing, simply left the people at the dock, and returned. Before leaving, however, he conveyed to Tie Hualong a message to discipline his son properly.
Seeing Tie Haijiao beaten so severely stirred everyone on the island. Several powerful elders came upon hearing the news, questioning the three guards about the events. However, the three guards dared not say much, knowing Tie Haijiao was in the wrong.
Tie Hualong quickly learned about the matter and understood the truth behind it. The face-conscious Tie Hualong said nothing upon realizing the details, as it was indeed a humiliating situation for him.
Tie Hualong remained silent, but several elders were unwilling to let it go. They clamored to go to Xinkai Island, intending to teach the Skeleton Sect a lesson and show them who’s really in charge.
Meanwhile, the Second Elder came alone to Tie Family Island. Tie Hualong told the elders to remain patient, meeting the Second Elder with some embarrassment.
Upon seeing Tie Hualong, the Second Elder continuously apologized to him, then explained that he had been persuading Wu Qingxia to marry Tie Haijiao. Wu Qingxia had seemed moved, but the incident with Tie Haijiao had hurt her feelings, and she now didn’t want to mention this matter anymore.
However, he assured Tie Hualong to let Tie Haijiao recover, promising to find a way to persuade Wu Qingxia to agree to marry Tie Haijiao. If the two families became in-laws, those elders who opposed the matter would have nothing to say. Without the involvement of those elders, the Second Elder would have already led people to pledge allegiance to the Tie Family, given the harsh days they face on Xinkai Island.
His words contained more falsehoods than truths, merely serving to appease Tie Hualong. Strangely enough, Tie Hualong actually believed it and felt quite embarrassed, since it was Tie Haijiao’s fault. Consequently, he sent many gifts with the Second Elder to apologize to Wu Qingxia, promising to educate Tie Haijiao properly and ensure such incidents never happen again.
The Second Elder left expressing deep gratitude. Tie Haijiao’s attempt at coercion ended with a broken leg, although Wu Qingxia didn’t succumb. This appeared as a draw, but it was not actually the case.
If the situation were reversed, should a disciple of the Skeleton Sect dare harm a Miss from the Tie Family, the Tie Family would obliterate the Skeleton Sect in no time. The Skeleton Sect, after all, is relatively weak now.
The Tie Family’s power surpasses that of the Skeleton Sect. The Second Elder and others could only submit to the Tie Family for now, though the incident left everyone simmering inside as their dignified leader had nearly been coerced. What face could the Skeleton Sect have to speak of strengthening itself in the future? Hence, this matter will undoubtedly be revisited.
Upon returning to Xinkai Island, the Second Elder immediately sought Wu Qingxia and Ding Fan, urging them to head to Daozhen Island at once. With seven thousand Crimson Flame Bodhi in hand, he instructed them to exchange them for Black Obsidian at Daozhen Trade Firm.
Seven thousand Crimson Flame Bodhi could fetch twenty-one thousand Black Obsidian, ample to purchase two or three Tigertooth Apes. Having these slaves at the Third Realm of the Divine Realm would mean a chance at defense should the Tie Family strike.
"Doing this is right; we’ll go at once."
This time, Ding Fan didn’t refuse. He understood that once Tie Haijiao healed, he would surely seek vengeance. Even if Tie Hualong restrains him from targeting Wu Qingxia and the Skeleton Sect, he would undoubtedly turn his wrath towards Ding Fan, making his life difficult.
The duo departed that day, with Ninth Elder escorting them to Moon Mist Island alongside two elders at Second Realm of the Divine Realm. Upon arrival, they parted ways, for no one would dare act on the island, challenging its authority.
Neither Ding Fan nor Wu Qingxia dared linger, promptly heading to Yuexia City where they used the teleportation array during a less populous time, aiming to stay unnoticed.
Having traveled via the teleportation array twice before, they were no longer dizzy, although a queasy feeling lingered. Upon reaching Daozhen City at night, they didn’t head directly to Daozhen Trade Firm, instead returning to the inn from their previous visit.
Since the incident, Wu Qingxia remained disheartened. While physically recovered, the situation dealt a significant emotional blow. Her mood remained low and she spoke little, her face void of expression.
Ding Fan was unsure how to comfort her regarding such a topic, understanding that mentioning it would only amplify their awkwardness.
As dawn broke, they refrained from leaving immediately, waiting until midday when Ding Fan knocked on Wu Qingxia’s door, finding her in poor condition. He gently suggested, "Perhaps it’s best you don’t go. Stay here and rest well. I can manage alone, you appear quite weak."
Wu Qingxia, upon hearing Ding Fan’s suggestion, nodded without a word and retreated to her room, recognizing his care, given her poor complexion.
Seeing Wu Qingxia resting, Ding Fan picked up the large bundle containing the Crimson Flame Bodhi and headed to Daozhen Trade Firm, immediately requesting Steward He.
Steward He was delighted to see Ding Fan, greeting him warmly and eyed the large bundle in Ding Fan’s hand with a surprised glint. Upon learning Ding Fan had brought seven thousand Crimson Flame Bodhi, Steward He became more serious.
"It seems this business transaction is beyond my authority. Please wait while I seek approval!"
Steward He apologized to Ding Fan before stepping out, returning quickly accompanied by Madam Yan. When Ding Fan saw Madam Yan enter, his eyes lit up.
Today, Madam Yan was adorned in a black dress, a choice untypical for regular women. Yet, she bore it gracefully and with ease.
