Volume One – The Frontier of the Chen Kingdom, The Marquis Defies the Immortal Path Chapter 15 – Killing the Chicken to Warn the Monkey

The next morning, the three of them set out early. Following the direction they had previously determined, they moved swiftly through the wilderness.

Before long, Chen Yu returned to the spot where he had fought the fierce tiger the day before. The traces of battle remained vivid upon the land. Perhaps the conflict from yesterday had frightened away the wild beasts nearby, for today the area was unusually silent.

Chen Yu did not linger. He chose a direction and pressed on at speed.

The night before, after careful analysis, the three had reached two important conclusions: first, that the Nine Breaths Cultivation Technique was key; and second, that they must seek out other extraordinary beasts, much like the ferocious tiger—such formidable creatures were precisely the targets they needed.

Yet, to Chen Yu’s surprise, after half a day of relentless searching, they found nothing. The same held true for Jing Zhe and Xue Han.

Nevertheless, none of them lost heart. They had always been prepared for a long and arduous journey. If the path to immortality were simple, would it not be crowded with seekers?

Thus, several days passed with little to show for their efforts—except that each evening they enjoyed a delicious meal of roasted meat. No longer did they camp by the waterfall; instead, they pushed steadily forward, never splitting up. This not only saved them much time, but also strengthened their bond.

Along the way, they encountered several fierce beasts, but with their seamless cooperation, they overcame each threat with ease.

Day and night, their search for a worthy target was matched by their diligent practice of the Nine Breaths Cultivation Technique. This, after all, was the true foundation for their quest for immortality. Moreover, the peculiar environment here had caused the beasts to mutate beyond the ordinary, making this an ideal place to refine their art. None would squander such an opportunity.

Though none of the three felt any obvious change within themselves, who could say what time and diligence might yield? The path to immortality was not easily trodden or swiftly completed.

So, three months slipped by in silence. The three decided to pause their journey, returning to Blackwind Pass for a period of rest before continuing.

…

Under Xia You’s management, Blackwind Pass had not changed much outwardly, but it grew more prosperous by the day. In just a few months, more and more merchants arrived, filling the streets with bustle and noise.

With the transformation of Blackwind Pass came greater renown, and Green Forest River, which linked three cities, became a vital artery of commerce. This, in turn, brought even more opportunity to Blackwind Pass. Merchants came not only from the state of Chen, but from neighboring lands as well.

Yet, with prosperity came the gaze of those with ambition. Who could resist the allure of such a tempting prize?

Though the presence of Xia You and his companions deterred most troublemakers, now and then some would attempt to throw their weight around, making life difficult for Xia You and the others.

…

Chen Yu and his two companions had barely reached the outskirts of Blackwind Pass when they heard shouting ahead.

“What do you think you are? Do you know who I am? How dare you detain the Zhu family’s caravan!” A pale-faced youth was pointing arrogantly at Xia You and his men. “Do you know who the Imperial Secretary is? He’s my uncle from the Zhu family! You petty Blackwind Pass officials dare to cause trouble?”

Xia You’s face darkened, but he forced himself to suppress his anger. After all, the Zhu family wielded power, and he could not afford to offend them. Yet, Chen Yu’s orders left him no room to compromise.

“Young Master Zhu, we only…” Xia You began, struggling with the situation.

“What’s going on here?” a cold, dissatisfied voice called out.

Xia You’s expression changed instantly, as though he had spotted a lifeline. Yet when he turned and saw Chen Yu’s grim countenance, he realized at once that trouble had come.

Not daring to hesitate, he quickly reported the situation.

As Chen Yu listened, his expression grew colder. Without a word, he lashed out with his horsewhip, striking Xia You and sending him flying, blood at the corner of his mouth.

This sudden development shocked everyone. Murmurs of discontent and anger rippled through the crowd—even the soldiers of Blackwind Pass were astonished. They had expected Chen Yu to defend them, yet he punished Xia You instead.

The Zhu youth, emboldened, grew ever more arrogant, believing Chen Yu feared his connections.

“Haha! At least you know your place, Marquis. Let us through at once! Affairs of the Zhu family are beyond your jurisdiction.”

But Chen Yu did not even glance at him. Instead, he addressed Xia You coldly, “Do you know why I struck you?”

“I do!” Xia You answered, his momentary confusion replaced by resolve.

“And now, do you understand what must be done?”

Xia You gave no reply. He drew his sword and prepared to act.

“Commander Xia…” The onlookers, thinking he meant to harm himself, shouted in alarm, trying to stop him. The Zhu youth watched with smug satisfaction.

Yet, to everyone’s astonishment, Xia You surged forward and, in a single bound, cleaved the Zhu youth’s head from his shoulders.

A stunned silence fell over the gathering, broken only by a chorus of horrified cries.

“You… you dare kill our young master! How dare—” the Zhu family retainers shouted, torn between terror and outrage.

But Xia You gave them no chance to protest. Raising his sword high, he shouted, “Soldiers of Blackwind Pass, hear my command! Slay the traitors!”

The shocked guards quickly regained their wits. “At your command!” they roared.

Some had followed Chen Yu from the capital, hardened by bloodshed along the way; others were local outlaws, fierce and unyielding. Like wolves, they fell upon the Zhu family’s caravan.

“Kill…”

The scene sent waves of terror through the crowd. Fearing for their lives, they scattered to a safe distance, panic-stricken. Many wondered if this was all a trap set by Blackwind Pass, luring them in only to slaughter them like sheep.

In moments, all the Zhu family’s people lay dead.

“Marquis, what should we do with the bodies?” Xia You asked.

“Toss them into Green Forest River to feed the fish,” Chen Yu replied coldly.

With this ruthless display, Chen Yu struck fear into all who witnessed it.

“Remember this: Blackwind Pass is the domain of Chen Yu, the Rebel Marquis. Even the emperor, my own father, has no right to interfere here,” Chen Yu declared to Xia You and the assembled soldiers. “From now on, should such an incident occur again, show no mercy—kill without hesitation.”

“We obey, my lord!” came the response.

“Send a letter to my imperial father. If anyone is dissatisfied, let them beware my wrath. Also, inform the Zhu family that one of their people killed a chicken at Blackwind Pass. They are to deliver ten thousand taels of gold in compensation, or I will pay them a visit myself.”