Chapter 24 The Nie Family Still Draws Lots

The youth mocking Wu Tian was named Nie Huixiang. Back in the Misty Forest, when Wu Tian encountered members of the Empty Gate and revealed his identity, he had used this very name. Nie Huixiang belonged to the Nie Family, one of the four great powers in Pingyang City. The Nie Family wielded tremendous influence in the city, rivaling even that of the local branch of the Qitian Sect. Nie Huixiang’s background was extraordinary; he was one of the sons of the current head of the Nie Family and a strong contender to inherit his father’s position. Even if he failed to become head, his future status would be anything but ordinary.

When Wu Tian was still considered a genius, Nie Huixiang had already taken a dislike to him. The reason was simple: standing beside Nie Huixiang at this very moment was a young woman—the daughter of the city lord, Song Qianqian. Known as the most beautiful woman in Pingyang City—though whether she truly deserved that title was debatable, as Wu Tian himself did not agree; he believed Xiao Hui was the true beauty.

When Wu Tian was still admired as a prodigy, Song Qianqian had been promised to him by her father, the city lord. Alas, fate turned cruel: Wu Tian suffered a calamity and became a cripple. The city lord swiftly broke off the engagement—or perhaps it was Song Qianqian herself who did so—leaving Wu Tian a laughingstock throughout the city.

Nie Huixiang’s jealousy had burned ever since; after all, why should Wu Tian, the Qitian Sect’s genius, be granted the city lord’s daughter, while he—Nie Huixiang, the Nie Family’s own prodigy—was overlooked? Now that Wu Tian had fallen overnight into disgrace, Nie Huixiang would never miss the chance to kick a man when he was down. Thus came this scene—blocking Wu Tian’s path to ridicule him.

If Wu Tian’s dantian had truly been shattered, he would have lowered his head and slunk away. But Wu Tian was no longer that broken man. Now, faced with Nie Huixiang’s provocation, he felt no fear at all.

“What I become is none of your damn business,” Wu Tian said coldly, glaring at Nie Huixiang. “If you don’t want your mouth swollen, keep it shut.”

Nie Huixiang was stunned into silence, as was Song Qianqian at his side. She had witnessed Wu Tian’s downfall with her own eyes—how he had been reduced to a dejected, spiritless wreck. Yet now, not a trace of that weakness remained; instead, he exuded a domineering confidence.

“You bastard!” Nie Huixiang snapped, but then his lips curled into a mocking smile. “Wu Tian, you’re jealous, aren’t you? Jealous that I stole your woman? Look at yourself now—your meridians shattered, your dantian broken, you’re not even worth as much as a street beggar! What right do you have to be with Miss Song? What right do you have to be the city lord’s son-in-law?”

“Right?” Wu Tian’s lips twisted into a scornful smile as he glanced at Song Qianqian beside Nie Huixiang.

Song Qianqian frowned at his disdainful expression. Proud as she was, Wu Tian’s attitude grated on her nerves.

“What’s with that look, Wu Tian? Do you think you’re above everyone else? Sure, you were once the Qitian Sect’s foremost genius, but look at you now! When I broke off the engagement, I even gave you a generous sum of silver. Have you no sense of gratitude?” she said coldly, her cheeks flushing with anger.

“Gratitude? What a joke! Do you think I care for your money? I’ll have you know, I gave it all away to beggars along the road. Don’t think just because you have a pretty face you can act so high and mighty. You say I’m not worthy? I say you’re not worthy to marry me!” Wu Tian laughed heartily, his entire bearing radiating unshakeable confidence.

Song Qianqian’s face reddened with fury, and for a moment, she was left speechless.

“How dare you speak so rudely to Miss Song—you must be tired of living! Even a cripple should know his place!” Nie Huixiang shouted, pointing at Wu Tian.

“Nie Huixiang, didn’t you say you wanted to pursue me? If you slap Wu Tian’s face a hundred times and cut out his tongue, perhaps I’ll consider it!” Song Qianqian, beside herself with rage, pointed at Wu Tian. She felt it beneath her dignity to act herself, so she ordered Nie Huixiang to do it for her.

Nie Huixiang’s face lit up with excitement. “Even if you hadn’t asked, I’d have taught this cripple a lesson! Just wait and see—I’ll cut out his tongue!”

“Trash,” Wu Tian sneered with contempt.

“Courting death!” Nie Huixiang’s face darkened as he charged straight at Wu Tian.

As a son of the Nie Family’s head, Nie Huixiang had enjoyed every adva