Chapter 33
“Should I just leave the medical center?” A sudden thought popped up in Chen Fei’s mind, but he quickly dismissed it. Chen Fei was now marked by the Zhang family, and he couldn’t just leave without paying the termination fee. Unless he left Pingyin County, breaking ties with the Zhang family would only cause more trouble in the future. Alternatively, he could change his identity and continue living in Pingyin County, relying on his alchemy skills to support himself. However, it would be difficult to acquire any secret martial arts manuals in the future.
The damaged secret manuals sold in the black market were unreliable, to say the least. Chen Fei had hoped to obtain the Thunderous Sword Force and had bought more than a dozen manuals, but none of them had met even the most basic criteria.
Chen Fei had been lucky to obtain the Immortal Way and Astonishment Formula before, but luck wasn’t something that could be relied on forever.
As for leaving Pingyin County, the outside was now filled with rebel armies, and many evil occurrences had taken place. The frequency of merchant caravans traveling to Pingyin County had decreased significantly.
Chen Fei hadn’t made up his mind on where to go since he was unfamiliar with the outside world and lacked the strength to defend himself.
“Let’s see what they want.”
Chen Fei glanced at Zhang Yuezhen. He didn’t know why the Zhang family had suddenly summoned him, and if it were too dangerous, he would have to consider his options carefully.
In a short moment, the three of them arrived at the Zhang family mansion through a side door and entered the main hall, where many people had already gathered. Chen Fei stood at the back, while Zhang Yuezhen stood in the middle, indicating Chen Fei’s current status within the Zhang family.
“Everyone’s here.”
Zhang Ting, the current head of the Zhang family, looked at the people present and spoke solemnly. “I won’t waste time with idle talk. We’re here today for one thing only: to capture Sun Shu!”
Everyone was stunned to hear this. They had thought Sun Shu had already left Pingyin County long ago, and they couldn’t believe that the Zhang family had summoned so many people for this.
“Whoever can kill Sun Shu and bring back his corpse will be handsomely rewarded by the Zhang family!” Zhang Ting made a promise that was sure to appeal to everyone. With so many people watching, the Zhang family had to provide a worthwhile reward.
After fifteen minutes, the crowd dispersed, and Chen Fei and the others went to Zhang Sinan’s courtyard.
“As my father said, if any of you can kill Sun Shu, the Zhang family won’t let you down.” Zhang Sinan sipped his tea lightly.
“But Sun Shu has already left Pingyin County, hasn’t he?” Zeng Defang asked, puzzled.
“There are some things that cannot be discussed in detail, please forgive me, Elder Zeng.”
“I understand, I understand.” Zeng Defang quickly waved his hand.
“If Sun Shu dares to show his face, I can kill him by myself!” Zhang Yuezhen narrowed her eyes, intent on achieving this goal. Her position within the Zhang family was still precarious, and if she could kill Sun Shu and win everyone’s approval, her position would be much more stable.
“But Sun Shu is now a rat crossing the street, how would he dare to show himself?”
Zhang Sinan shook her head. Although Sun Shu had decent strength in the Bone Tempering Realm, he could still be dealt with by the Zhang family. The problem was that they couldn’t find him, and he was hiding in the shadows.
Just yesterday, the Zhang family had actually lost two direct descendants. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be so angry.
Chen Fei didn’t say a word and just stood to the side. Although this matter was quite tempting, Chen Fei’s current outward strength didn’t seem like he could kill Sun Shu.
In the end, even if Chen Fei tried, it was probably just him serving as a sacrifice for someone else.
After a moment, the group left Zhang Sinan’s courtyard. On the way, Zeng Defang patted Chen Fei’s shoulder. He knew that last time, the Zhang family hadn’t given Chen Fei the recipe for the Light Spirit Pill.
This matter was somewhat unfair, but even though Zeng Defang was an old alchemist, he couldn’t change the Zhang family’s decision. In the end, as long as someone wasn’t a direct descendant of the Zhang family, they were just servants in their eyes.
Chen Fei smiled and bid farewell.
The Zhang family’s bounty offer soon spread throughout Pingyin County.
The Zhang family had previously offered a bounty for Sun Shu, but it had been ineffective. However, this time, the Zhang family was serious. The bounty was very high, and they offered other benefits as well.
If someone outside the Zhang family found Sun Shu, not only would they receive money, but they could also directly enter the Zhang family’s store, and their personal safety would be guaranteed.
For ordinary people, this temptation undoubtedly became much stronger.
The North City Refugee Camp.
Compared to other places, the sanitation here was poor, and even the order seemed somewhat chaotic.
From time to time, Zhou Shi glanced at a figure under the courtyard wall. He didn’t know when this person had arrived nearby. They never saw him go out to work or eat, as if he was always still and unmoving.
However, such strange people were still common in the refugee camp. Zhou Shi didn’t pay much attention to it normally, but since the Zhang family’s bounty had been issued, Zhou Shi’s thoughts had changed.
Perhaps, this person was the one the Zhang family was looking for?
Zhou Shi couldn’t help but think this, but he had no way to prove it. They couldn’t just assume someone was Sun Shu just because they looked strange.
As night fell, Zhou Shi gnawed on a hard piece of bread so old it had turned black, and the image of the person he had seen during the day inexplicably appeared in his mind.
Zhou Shi thought for a moment and found Zhou Li. The two had grown up together.
“Should we report that person to the Zhang family?” Zhou Li was surprised when he heard Zhou Shi’s idea.
“I asked around, and that person is really strange. He doesn’t normally go out to work and only occasionally goes out. Unless he’s someone who has money. But if he does, then why would he stay here with us?” Zhou Shi whispered.
Zhou Li frowned, thinking that Zhou Shi’s words made some sense. Of course, the most important thing was that the Zhang family’s bounty was really tempting.
As long as they provided useful information, they could receive a substantial bounty and even work in the Zhang family’s store. Even if it were just for show, the Zhang family would probably arrange a decent job for them.
“So, should we try it out?”
“Of course, we should. Let’s go together!”
Zhou Shi’s face lit up with a bright smile. He knew that his brother was working as a handyman at the clinic, and although they had food and shelter, it was still not enough to support their entire family.
If that strange man turned out to be Sun Shu, they could finally leave the refugee camp and live a normal life.
“Let’s go!” Zhou Li nodded in agreement and was about to pull Zhou Shi out the door when he noticed Zhou Shi stiffen and stare intently behind him.
Alarmed, Zhou Li turned around to see a figure standing there, their eyes bloodshot as they looked at the two brothers.
“I heard you mention Zhang’s family. It seems like it concerns me,” Sun Shu said with a grin, revealing teeth stained with some unknown substance.
“This place is already occupied. If you need a place to stay, go somewhere else,” Zhou Li said nervously, swallowing hard.
“Don’t be afraid. It won’t hurt. I just need one strike!” Sun Shu ignored Zhou Li’s plea and, in a flash, appeared before him, pressing his hands on Zhou Li’s head.