Death… and me

Du Shi Qing was going to treat the Iron Cloud Nation's emperor's sickness while Tie Shi Cheng was going through his most difficult time.

"Senior Du, not only did you save my father's life, you even offered treatment free of charge to we poor peasants. Furthermore, you even gave us a tael of silver before you left! My family is greatly indebted to your kindness!"

When the young man saw that Du Shi Qing still trying to recall the event, his eyes lit up and he grew even more excited. "My parents were not very well off back then. The future of our family was grim. Our lives depended entirely on the tael of silver you gave us. Senior Du, your kindness is greater than the Heaven and Earth. You are our saviour!"

"I see." Du Shi Qing seemed to recall fragments of events like this but his memory was hazy and he had no significant impression of any of them. He seemed to remember the incident only after the young man reminded him of it. He had treated countless people in his entire life. Such a piece of memory would have been nebulous even if it remained in his memory.

However, such an expression of gratitude on the road was indeed rare. But at least, it made him feel more satisfied with himself.

"My late father spoke of this incident many times. He told me to find you to repay your kindness when I grow up. Just before my father passed away, he said his only regret was being unable to repay this kindness."

The young man was in tears, "Thank you, Heaven. I have finally found Senior Du. He has also agreed to meet me so that I can show my gratitude. My late father would certainly be happy to know this."

The young man cried as he talked. His eyes turned puffy and his nose became runny.

"It's enough. I have felt your father and your gratitude."

Du Shi Qing was also becoming sentimental. He continued, "The past is the past. Your father…has already passed away?"

"Yes. Three years ago, he faced an unfortunate incident when hunting for tigers in the mountain." The young man said hoarsely.

"That's a pity. I am sure your father was a heroic man!"

In fact, Du Shi Qing did not really remember who the man's father was. He merely pieced the description of the man together to conceive a man that he thought he saved once. He figured it was probably an impecunious man whom he had saved and who had not forgotten his kindness. This man had asked his son to find a way to repay the physician and even made it his final wish on his deathbed. Furthermore, he must have been a heroic person to be "hunting tigers".

This man was a good person for sure.

Suddenly, Du Shi Qing suddenly felt he had done a really good deed. Although he could hardly remember the incident, this young man still displayed such immense gratitude towards him. This could hardly be a lie.

"It seems Senior Du has remembered!" The young man exclaimed excitedly, "My name is Chu Yang. I met you that year too, Senior Du!"

"Time passes by really fast. You are all grown up now!" Du Shi Qing stroked his beard and smiled. Surely, there was no place for skepticism towards a young man like him. In fact, Du Shi Qing felt as if he had just met the child of an old friend. Sighing, he said, "If your father could see your accomplishments today, he would certainly be very proud of you."

"I hope so. I started learning martial arts with my master six years ago." Chu Yang said hesitantly. With a look of embarrassment, he stuttered, "Oh my, I finally get to meet Senior Du in real person today. I have also learned that Senior Du is on a long journey towards Iron Cloud Nation. Although my skills are limited, I would wish to escort Senior Du there. I promise I will do everything I can to assist you."

"You don't really have to do that…" Du Shi Qing replied hesitantly.

"Will Senior Du not give me a chance to repay your kindness?" Chu Yang said sadly, "I know I am not very strong but this is my wish. I really hope to fulfil my father's final dying wish. Please allow me to protect you till you reach Iron Cloud Nation!"

After Chu Yang said this, all doubts seemed to be cleared. The eight guards' attitude towards Chu Yang had also changed. One of the guards patted Chu Yang's shoulder and said, "My boy, did you say your skills are lacking? The three of us couldn't even stop you."

Chu Yang said humbly, "That was because you all went easy on me. Knowing that I was just a young man, you all have chosen not to go full force. Otherwise, I would have been sliced in half already."

The guards laughed.

Although they knew they had not gone easy on the young man earlier, it was true that they did not go all out on him. Gradually they became more fond of this young man.

He did not forget the kindness of others and he was adamant about fulfilling his father's last wish. With a resilient attitude and a set of strong principles, a faithful and filial person like him would certainly be well-liked by everyone.

"Well, if you insist, you can follow me. Once we arrive at the Iron Cloud Nation, I will find you some good opportunities for you to further your career." Smiling at Chu Yang, Du Shi Qing finally agreed.

The eight guards also smiled happily. At a moment when Iron Cloud Nation was so badly in need of Du Shi Qing, a simple referral by him would make almost anything possible. If Du Shi Qing were to speak for this young man, a bright future would surely await him!

"I dare not accept this offer. I have no interest in fame and glory." Chu Yang said quietly, revealing a hint of dissatisfaction, "Once Senior Du is safe in Iron Cloud Nation, I will take my leave. Although I don't have many accomplishments, I am really not interested in Jiang Hu affairs. It is best for me to stay out of the way. I want to avoid losing my head."

How could Chu Yang not know Du Shi Qing's final test? Chu Yang deliberately acted like he detested fame and fortune. He also pretended to hide his distaste towards such tangible rewards.

When Chu Yang finished, even the carriage driver became more at ease. Shaking his head, Du Shi Qing laughed, "Very well. In that case, please follow me."

Chu Yang expression turned from one of distaste to one of triumph. He jumped excitedly and exclaimed, "Thank you, Senior Du!"

Seeing such a genuine and honest man, Du Shi Qing laughed. Little did he know that this "genuine, kind, honest, filial and faithful" young man was actually on the verge of throwing up.

It had never even crossed Du Shi Qing's mind that the "repayment of kindness" and "fulfilment of a father's dying wish" were lies. Chu Yang did not even know his own background, let alone the rest.

Nevertheless, Chu Yang had successfully completed the first part of his plan. He had managed to infiltrate the group and this would grant him access to the highest level of power in the Iron Cloud Nation.

Initially, Chu Yang had additional plans. However, this group was the key to everything. As long as Du Shi Qing's poisoning of Tie Shi Cheng was not exposed, he would still be of great use to Tie Bu Tian.

Once Du Shi Qing's group had developed a good impression of Chu Yang, this crucial step could be considered accomplished.

He once thought of changing his appearance before embarking on the mission. On a second thought, he realized his body would still leave traces of clue about his identity. That would not be ideal. It was easier to enter the Iron Cloud Nation using his true identity.

The identity of an expelled disciple of Beyond the Heavens Sect – Chu Yang!

In just one day, Chu Yang had formed strong ties with the eight guards. They ate and drink happily together. However, Chu Yang still felt a questioning gaze constantly directed at him. He knew that that the driver of the carriage was not truly convinced by him.

Although Chu Yang did not know that the driver's fighting abilities, he could feel that the man was hiding something. He was certainly not just an ordinary old man. He was probably not weaker than the seniors at Beyond the Heavens Sect.

He was the true protector of Du Shi Qing. He could probably subdue a thousand soldiers and ten thousand horses on his own.

While Du Shi Qing and the eight guards had no suspicions toward Chu Yang, only the carriage driver never truly trusted him.

In the afternoon two days later, the group finally arrived in a small town. A rumour was spreading around, "Beyond the Heavens Sect has announced that their disciple, Chu Yang, of Purple Bamboo Garden had killed his senior brother Shi Qian Shan. Because of his crime, he was expelled from the sect! From now on, he is no longer a disciple of Beyond the Heavens Sect!"

When they heard the news, Du Shi Qing's group was extremely surprised.

"Chu Yang, are they referring to you?"

Chu Yang's face fell. It was full of unspoken grievances. His eyes stared blankly and he appeared lost and confused.

"What happened? How did you get expelled from the sect?" Du Shi Qing frowned, "Judging by your personality, this is not possible!"

Chu Yang's expression remained cold. His hands subconsciously crushed a tuft of grass beside him. After a moment, he opened his mouth to explain, "My junior sister… we were engaged… but…"

He did not finish his sentence. There was no need for any verbal explanation. The look of pain on his face and his trembling hands already said it all. His expression spoke a thousand words.