The tranquility of the early morning was shattered by a sudden, brutal impact that tore open the slightly ajar courtyard gate, allowing four figures to burst inside.

Leading the charge were Wu Tong, Er Lin, and San Mu. Trailing behind them was a young man in his early twenties, clad in snow-white robes. His features were handsome, yet his complexion was noticeably pale. The corners of his lips curled upward, revealing a subtle, almost imperceptible trace of icy malice.

"Boom!"

At the entrance to Nie Kong's chamber, Wu Tong unleashed a punch. The door, which had only been repaired a few days prior, suffered its fate again, causing the very wall to tremble slightly.

"They're here," Nie Kong remarked, his feet settling onto the ground. He looked at Wu Tong and the others assembled at the doorway, a faint smile playing on his lips, and began deliberately dressing. The attire in this world was rather cumbersome, far less convenient than the clothes of his previous life; Nie Kong mused whether he should commission some tailored sets when he had free time later.

Wu Tong, Er Lin, and San Mu were momentarily stunned. They had anticipated a display of panic from Nie Kong, but instead, his calmness was unnervingly pronounced.

They had arrived with the mindset of a cat playing with a mouse, but Nie Kong’s reaction felt like punching cotton—utterly unsatisfying. The three exchanged a glance, confusion mounting. This sickly lad wasn't flustered at all; could he possibly be overconfident?

The thought struck them as absurd. They knew the extent of this invalid's wealth: he couldn't even scrape together a hundred gold coins by selling everything remotely valuable in his home, let alone afford the ten thousand gold coins required for a bottle of "Rejuvenation Dew."

Finally dressed, Nie Kong tugged slightly at his somewhat tight belt, then touched the back of his neck, chuckling softly, "Gentlemen, does it still ache here?"

"You..."

Their faces flushed crimson, shame quickly curdling into burning anger.

This morning, when Nie Fengxing finished his seclusion and returned home, Wu Tong and the other two rushed to lodge a complaint, embellishing Nie Kong's behavior over the last few days. In the process, San Mu accidentally let slip the details of how Nie Kong had initially scared and toyed with them. As a result, Nie Fengxing had berated them severely.

Now, Nie Kong cheerfully bringing the matter up was like rubbing salt into their wounds. The trio wished nothing more than to rush forward and smash Nie Kong's head into a pig's skull.

"Ahem!"

A dry cough sounded. Suppressing their rage, Wu Tong and the two bowed slightly, clearing the doorway. Nie Fengxing strode in with his hands behind his back, eyes narrowed. A flicker of surprise vanished instantly, replaced by a venomous glint that made him resemble a viper baring its fangs, ready to strike.

Though Nie Fengxing appeared composed, a dense, volatile anger churned in his chest.

Lately, nothing had gone right for Nie Fengxing. He had spent days in seclusion attempting to break through to the Ninth Stage of Spirit Attunement, only to fail, drawing scorn and mockery from peers who had only recently entered the Spirit Fusion stage. Returning home furious, Nie Fengxing then heard that Nie Kong's sickly appearance had vanished completely, and his cultivation had soared—rendering all the plans Nie Fengxing had devised before his retreat utterly useless. Hadn't this effectively slapped his face?

To be humiliated by a sickly weakling he had always dismissed—where could he possibly show his face now? Furthermore, among the younger generation of the Nie family, everyone knew of Nie Fengxing's covetous intentions toward Hua Mei. Failing to secure her would surely become another source of ridicule.

"So, the Third Young Master has arrived as well," Nie Kong said, seemingly oblivious to Nie Fengxing's expression. Recalling Nie Fengxing's habit of entering seclusion in the 'Ice Flame Cave' at the end of every month, Nie Kong smiled: "The Third Young Master has been secluded in the Ice Flame Cave for days; I trust you have successfully broken through to the Ninth Stage of Spirit Attunement, with the Spirit Fusion realm just around the corner."

"Hmph!"

Nie Fengxing's pupils contracted slightly, and his cheek twitched. Wu Tong and the other two stood behind him, casting looks of schadenfreude toward Nie Kong, as if to say, Kid, you're finished. Truly finished.

Seeing their expressions, Nie Kong knew Nie Fengxing’s seclusion had likely been fruitless; his words must have hit a raw nerve. However, Nie Kong didn't care. There was no turning back for him and Nie Fengxing; offending him further was inconsequential.

"Wu Tong."

Nie Fengxing suppressed the urge to smash Nie Kong’s smiling face, letting out a long breath and tilting his head slightly before speaking abruptly. Internally, he sneered: For a dignified Eighth Stage Spirit Master to stoop to fighting this waste—it would be beneath him; even winning would only invite further mockery. Didn't you owe me a bottle of 'Rejuvenation Dew'? Watch how I play you to death this time. This time, I want more than just Hua Mei!

Hearing the order, Wu Tong quickly stepped forward, his face grim: "Nie Kong, let's skip the pleasantries. Surely you know why the Third Young Master is here?"

Nie Kong feigned hesitation. "Is the Third Young Master here to claim the 'Rejuvenation Dew'?"

Wu Tong stared intently at Nie Kong, finally catching a glimpse of deeply hidden tension in his demeanor—a sight that made him secretly triumphant. I knew it! This sickly brat's composure was just an act! Wu Tong sneered coldly, "If I recall correctly, you promised the Third Young Master you would return a bottle of 'Rejuvenation Dew' last time."

"I will return it," Nie Kong replied with a cautious smile.

"Good, then bring out the 'Rejuvenation Dew' now," Wu Tong said mockingly, inwardly cursing: Act! Keep acting, you bastard! Think this will fool us?

"This..." A flicker of struggle crossed Nie Kong’s eyes, and the straight line of his back bent slightly. "Do I really have to take it out?"

"Take it out!" Seeing Nie Kong’s posture, Wu Tong finally felt a surge of victory, lifting his hand confidently as half the frustration of the past few days dissipated.

"Then... I'll really take it out?" Nie Kong’s back bent further.

"Take it out!" Wu Tong commanded.

"I... I am really taking it out..."

"Take it! Ha! Can't keep up the act anymore, can you?" Wu Tong roared with glee, all his pent-up annoyance vanishing.

"I really took it out," Nie Kong gritted out.

"Hurry up, take it out, quickly show us!" Er Lin and San Mu were equally thrilled, unable to contain themselves, and began jeering from behind.

"Nie Kong, I think you don't have it," Wu Tong said sarcastically. In his eyes, Nie Kong was now like a small sea fish flopping onto the shore, merely struggling in its final moments—a fish he could crush flat or mold round at will.

Witnessing this, Nie Fengxing's smile widened, revealing unconcealed disdain. He had expected this brat to hold out longer, but he was exposed so quickly. Life was... truly lonely as snow! Yet, the thought of Hua Mei’s exquisite face and charming figure ignited a fire in his heart, dispelling the chill.

"I re-really took it out. You... you won't regret it..." Nie Kong hunched his shoulders, speaking hesitantly.

"Bring it out, bring it out, we won't regret it." Wu Tong was full of mockery, while Er Lin and San Mu grinned widely at Nie Kong, their faces crinkling into joyful mounds.

"I have it out! The Rejuvenation Dew... is here!"

Nie Kong suddenly let out a light laugh, swept his right hand across his chest, and his back instantly straightened. In his palm rested a tiny jade vial, no bigger than a thumb tip.

"This is the 'Rejuvenation Dew'? You think I'm a three-year-old? Trying to fob me off with this empty vial that the Third Young Master gave you? Hahahaha, you're killing me..." Wu Tong burst into unrestrained laughter, snatching the small jade bottle from Nie Kong's hand. The cork thudded as it was pulled out, releasing a dense wave of fragrant essence. Wu Tong’s face froze, like a duck suddenly having its neck gripped; his laughter ceased abruptly.

...