Chapter 32: The Weirdo

The three of them remained silent throughout the journey. Zhang Yuezhen held no desire to speak much to Chen Fei, and Chen Fei, naturally, had no intention of forcing an interaction.

"Should I just leave the medical clinic directly?"

An idea suddenly flashed through Chen Fei's mind, but he immediately dismissed it. He had already been branded with the Zhang family's mark; did he think he could simply walk away by paying a cancellation fee?

Unless he left Pingyin County, tearing ties with the Zhang family like this would only invite more trouble. Alternatively, he could change his face and continue living in Pingyin County.

If he went that route, Chen Fei could certainly support himself, given his alchemy skills. However, obtaining cultivation techniques or secret manuals would become much more difficult.

The damaged manuals found in the black markets were truly unreliable.

Chen Fei had previously placed high hopes on the "Thundering Sword Qi." He had thought that out of a dozen or so books, he would surely gain something. Yet, after reading through them all, not a single one was recognized by his system panel; they didn't even meet the most basic requirements for simplification.

It could be said that Chen Fei's previous acquisition of the "Immortal Pointing Way" and the "Shocking Word Art" was a stroke of absolute luck.

But luck is not something that follows you just because you want it to.

As for leaving Pingyin County, rebels were currently rampant outside, and it was unclear if it was due to divine wrath or human resentment, but strange and eerie phenomena were becoming more frequent.

The merchant caravans that used to be common sights now traveled to and from Pingyin County with much less frequency.

Unfamiliar with the outside world and lacking sufficient strength, Chen Fei had not yet decided where he should go.

"I'll wait and see."

Chen Fei glanced at Zhang Yuezhen. He didn't know why the Zhang family had suddenly summoned them today. If it was too dangerous, Chen Fei would certainly weigh the risks.

In less than the time it took to burn an incense stick, the three arrived at the Zhang family estate. They entered through a side gate and made their way into the main hall.

Many people were already standing in the hall. Chen Fei stood at the very end, while Zhang Yuezhen stood in the middle. This alone revealed Chen Fei's current standing within the Zhang family.

"I believe everyone is mostly here."

The current head of the Zhang family, Zhang Ting, scanned the crowd and said in a heavy voice, "I won't waste time with pleasantries. I have gathered you here today for only one reason: to capture and kill Sun Shu!"

Everyone was stunned by this statement. To think that summoning so many people was actually for the matter of Sun Shu. Since so much time had passed, many had assumed Sun Shu had long since left Pingyin County.

"If he is alive, I want to see him; if he is dead, I want to see his corpse! Whoever achieves this will surely receive a heavy reward from the Zhang family!"

Zhang Ting's voice echoed throughout the hall, serving as a guarantee. With so many witnesses, if someone actually managed to capture or kill Sun Shu, the Zhang family would likely produce something truly valuable; otherwise, they would fail to command respect.

A quarter of an hour later, the crowd dispersed, and Chen Fei's group arrived at Zhang Sinan's courtyard.

"It is exactly as my father said. If any of you have a way to kill Sun Shu, the Zhang family will not fail you," Zhang Sinan said, picking up a cup of tea and taking a light sip.

"Hasn't Sun Shu already left Pingyin County? How can..." Zeng Defang asked, puzzled.

"There are certain matters that are inconvenient to discuss in detail. I hope Elder Zeng, please forgive us."

"I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare," Zeng Defang waved his hands in a hurry.

"If that Sun Shu dares to show himself, I can kill him by myself!"

Zhang Yuezhen's eyes narrowed slightly, appearing determined. Her current status within the Zhang family was somewhat awkward; after all, she had come here seeking refuge.

If she could kill Sun' something, she would surely gain the recognition of the crowd and solidify her position within the Zhang family.

"Sun Shu is currently like a street rat; how would he dare to show himself?"

Zhang Sinan shook her head. Sun Shu's strength was at the Bone-Forging Realm, which was impressive, but for the Zhang family, it was well within their capability to deal with him. The problem was that they couldn't find him; he was hiding in the shadows.

In fact, just yesterday, two direct members of the Zhang family had been killed. Otherwise, the Zhang family would not be this angry.

Chen Fei said nothing, merely standing to the side. The matter was certainly tempting, but based on the strength he currently displayed to the outside world, he didn't look like someone who could kill Sun Shu.

Even if Chen Fei eventually contributed, he would likely just be doing the work for someone else to reap the rewards.

A moment later, 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 had not given the cultivation manual for the "Lightness Pill"

It was somewhat unfair, pill-making formula-making, but Zeng Defang, despite being a veteran alchemist, was powerless to change the Zhang family's decision. Ultimately, as long as one was not a direct member of the Zhang family, one was merely a servant in their eyes.

Chen Fei smiled slightly and bowed in farewell.

The Zhang family's bounty on Sun Shu was quickly spread throughout Pingyin County.

The Zhang family had previously issued a

bounty on Sun Shu, but it had been ineffective. This time, however, the Zhang family was truly serious; the bounty amount was extremely high, and they offered additional benefits.

If someone from outside the Zhang family discovered Sun Shu, not only would they receive the most money, but they could also directly enter employment in the Zhang family'

s shops, with their personal safety guaranteed.

To an ordinary person, the temptation was undoubtedly much stronger.

...

The North City refugee camp.

Compared to other places, the conditions here were not only poor in terms of hygiene, but even the order was somewhat chaotic.

Zhou Shi occasionally glanced at a figure standing under the courtyard wall. He didn't know when this person had arrived in the vicinity a few days ago. Usually, the person didn't go out to work, nor did they seem to eat, as if they were constantly motionless.

However, there were many such strange people in the refugee camp. Zhou Shi usually didn't pay them much attention, but ever since the Zhang family's bounty was issued, his thoughts had changed.

Perhaps, this person is the one the Zhang family is looking for?

The thought crossed his mind, but he had no way to prove it. He couldn't just claim that someone looked strange, because that's who Sun Shu was.

As night fell, Zhou Shi was gnawing on a hard, black bread roll, and for some reason, the image of the person he had seen during the

day had resurfaced in his mind.

After thinking for a moment, Zhou Shi sought out his childhood friend, Zhou Li.

"Go to the Zhang family to report the person?" Zhou Li looked at Zhou Shi with surprise.

"I specifically asked others, that person is really strange. They don't go out to work, they only go out occasionally. They don't even seem to eat, unless they have money, and if they have money, why would they stay here?" Zhou Shi whispered.

Zhou Li's brow furrowed, thinking that Zhou Shi's words made sense. Of course, the most critical part was that the Zhang family's bounty was truly too tempting.

As long as one provided useful information, one could receive a substantial bounty, and even secure a job in a Zhang family shop. Even if the Zhang family family's bounty was truly too tempting. Even if the Zhang family was just doing it for show, they would likely arrange a good job for them.

"So, should we try?"

"Try, of course we must try!"

A bright smile appeared on Zhou Shi's face. His brother was currently working as a handyman in a medical clinic, and although he had food and shelter, it was barely enough to support their whole family.

If that strange person was indeed Sun Shu, then their whole family would be able to leave the refugee camp and live a normal life.

"Let's go!"

Zhou Li nodded and was about to to pull Zhou Shi out the door, when he suddenly noticed that Zhou Shi's body had stiffened, and his gaze was fixed intently on something behind him.

A sudden shock hit Zhou Li's heart. He turned around to look, and a figure was standing there, eyes bloodshot, staring at them.

"Hearing you talk about the Zhang family, it seems you are indeed related to me."

Sun Shu grinned, and there was a hint of bright red on his teeth, as if he had eaten something.

"This... this place is occupied, you need to go elsewhere if you want a place to stay," Zhou Li, swallowing a gulp of a swallow, spoke loudly.

"Don't be afraid, it won't hurt, just for a moment!"

Sun Shu did not respond to the question, and in a flash, he appeared in front of Zhou Li, his hands pressing down on Zhou Li's head.

(End of Chapter)