《*SoulBeast Evolution: Blind Vengeance*[Xianxia/LitRPG/Progression]》 Chapter 1: Awakening In the rear kitchen courtyard of the Zhao Manor in Tianwu City, a young man in white robes flailed his limbs wildly. Flies scattered in panic around him. A closer look revealed his clouded, lifeless eyes¡ªa man born blind. ¡°Look, our Zhao family¡¯s esteemed son-in-law is here to catch flies again!¡± ¡°A blind man hunting flies¡ªwhat a spectacle!¡± ¡°Let¡¯s bet! How many days will he need to catch one?¡± The gathered cooks jeered openly. In a martial world where strength reigned supreme, even ordinary folk held higher status than a blind man. Just as mockery peaked, the young man¡¯s hand shot out. Whether by luck or acute hearing, he snatched a fly midair. Ding! Congratulations, Host, for capturing a fly. The Divine Animal Evolution System is now activated! The synthetic voice in his mind stunned Lin Hao. As a transmigrator, he knew systems well¡ªthough this one had kept him waiting eighteen years. Still, its arrival was a lifeline. The activation condition? Capturing a live animal. Hence, he¡¯d chosen the fly-infested kitchen. Three days of ridicule, three days of effort¡ªfinally, success. Ding! Detected fly capture. Designate as pet? ¡°Yes,¡± Lin Hao mentally affirmed. Pet registered. Please name. ¡°Kung Fu Fly,¡± he replied, recalling a sci-fi film from his past life. Naming complete. A status panel materialized in his mind: [Kung Fu Fly] ID: 001 Master: Lin Hao Combat Power: 1 Lifespan: 50 days Skills: None Evolvable Organs: All The system¡¯s purpose clarified: enhancing animal allies. Two upgrade paths existed. 1. Full-Body Reinforcement: Strengthen all organs across four tiers¡ªBasic, Intermediate, Advanced, King. Each tier cost tenfold the last (Basic: 10,000 gold taels; Intermediate: 100,000¡­). 2. Stage Advancement: Seven ranks from D to SSS. A rooster reaching SSS could evolve into a phoenix! Each stage demanded at least 100,000 taels, escalating tenfold per tier. Crucially, pets needed King-tier Full-Body Reinforcement before advancing stages (e.g., D-King to C). Lin Hao¡¯s excitement dimmed as reality struck¡ªhe owned not a single coin. Ding! Newcomer Gift Pack unlocked. Claim? ¡°Claim!¡± Rewards: 1x Free King-tier Reinforcement; 1x Free Stage Advancement. Select pet. Five slots appeared mentally. The first held the fly; four remained empty. Lin Hao selected it. Ding! Reinforcement complete. Kung Fu Fly upgraded. The status panel updated: Combat Power skyrocketed to 1,000. Lifespan stayed unchanged. Ding! Stage Advancement successful. Kung Fu Fly reaches C-tier. Skill acquired: Bloodblade Scythe-Legs. The fly¡¯s avatar transformed¡ªmuscled body, legs armored in razor-sharp metallic blades. Lifespan surged to 500 days. Lin Hao exhaled sharply. This system¡¯s insane! Testing control, he opened his palm. Instead of fleeing, the fly perched obediently. Suddenly, Lin Hao¡¯s darkness lifted¡ªnot through his eyes, but via the fly¡¯s perspective. He could see. ¡°Boring. The blind fool actually caught one. Bet¡¯s off,¡± a cook grumbled. Through the fly¡¯s eyes, Lin Hao studied his tormentors¡ªgreasy, sneering men who¡¯d tormented him since his arranged marriage into the Zhao family six months prior. Born into the prestigious Lin clan yet shunned for blindness, he now endured humiliation as a live-in son-in-law. His ¡°wife¡± forced him to sleep on the floor, lower than servants. Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! As Lin Hao turned to leave, the head cook nudged an apprentice, who slyly stuck out a foot to trip him. Gotcha. The fly¡¯s vision revealed everything. For half a year, mysterious adversaries had sabotaged Lin Hao¡ªtainted meals, petty traps. These cooks were key players. But now, with a C-tier Kung Fu Fly¡­ Lin Hao smiled. Time to flip the script.
The Ultimate Beastmaster ¡°Trying to trip me? Pathetic.¡± Lin Hao¡¯s expression darkened as he raised his foot and stomped hard on the apprentice¡¯s ankle. Crack! The sound of snapping bone echoed. The apprentice collapsed, howling in agony. The head chef and others paled, staring at Lin Hao in shock. Could he see? Impossible. Everyone knew the Zhao family¡¯s blind son-in-law. ¡°Blind people have sharp hearing. He must¡¯ve sensed the trap,¡± the head chef muttered, though doubt flickered in his eyes. ¡°Let¡¯s test that blindness,¡± the chef growled, lumbering forward. His meaty hand swung toward Lin Hao¡¯s face. Whoosh! The Kung Fu Fly shot from Lin Hao¡¯s shoulder like a black dagger. A metallic glint flashed¡ª Thud! Three fat fingers hit the ground. Blood sprayed. ¡°AAAAAH!¡± The chef staggered back, clutching his mangled hand. The cooks froze, terror-struck. What demonic force had attacked? The fly landed calmly on Lin Hao¡¯s shoulder, cleaning its scythe-like forelegs. Enhanced by Bloodblade Scythe-Legs, its strikes were invisible to mortal eyes. Lin Hao¡¯s heart raced. If a fly can do this¡­ what about tigers? Dragons? Ambition flared. He needed funds¡ªfast. Even basic system upgrades cost 10,000 silver. Ignoring the whimpering cooks, Lin Hao strode out confidently. For the first time, bystanders shrank from him. Outside Zhao Manor, dusk painted the sky amber. Through the fly¡¯s eyes, Lin Hao gazed at the sunset. Freedom tasted sweet.
Tianwu City¡¯s bustling streets unfolded before him¡ªpagoda roofs, merchant stalls, the clang of blacksmiths. In this world of warriors and mages, strength ruled. Combat arts ranked Heaven, Earth, Mystic, and Mortal tiers. Mages guarded their secrets jealously; their techniques required academy training. Yet Lin Hao¡¯s path differed. He was a beastmaster¡ªbut no ordinary one. His system could elevate any creature to godhood overnight. His wanderings stopped before an unmarked shop with a black plaque. To the ignorant, it seemed abandoned. To the underworld, it was a kill broker¡ªa joint venture between the Zhao (wealth) and Lin (martial might) families. Lin Hao¡¯s lips twisted. This very den had sealed his fate six months ago, when he¡¯d been traded as a political pawn in the Zhao-Lin alliance. A blind groom for a cold-hearted bride. ¡°Where it began¡­ ends here,¡± he murmured, spotting a discarded bamboo hat with a black veil. He donned it, shadowing his face. Inside, floral incense wafted. Through the fly¡¯s vision, Lin Hao saw a woman approaching the exit¡ªslim, poised, her azure robes accenting curves that would make poets weep. Her face¡­ Zhao Ling¡¯er. His ¡°wife.¡± Her jasmine scent triggered memories: silent dinners, her contemptuous sighs, the bed she¡¯d forbidden him to share. At 24, she commanded Zhao commerce and ranked as a Tier 4 mage¡ªa prodigy. This shop was her domain. She¡¯d chosen him precisely because he was blind, harmless, easily controlled. As they brushed past each other, Lin Hao¡¯s voice cut through the veil: ¡°You think me beneath notice. Soon, you¡¯ll struggle to glimpse my shadow.¡± Zhao Ling¡¯er paused. No recognition showed¡ªjust the disdainful glance one gives a madman. The door closed behind her.
The shop¡¯s interior was sparse: a stone counter, iron candleholders, bloodstains poorly scrubbed from floor cracks. A scarred man eyed Lin Hao. ¡°Posting or taking?¡± he rasped. ¡°Taking.¡± Lin Hao¡¯s voice emerged distorted through the veil. ¡°Highest reward.¡± The man slid forward a ledger. Assassination targets glowed red: [Target] City Guard Captain, Zhang Hong [Bounty] 50,000 silver [Difficulty] 3 stars (Warrior Tier 5) [Target] Merchant Li Fu [Bounty] 20,000 silver [Difficulty] 2 stars (Warrior Tier 3) [Target] Bandit King, Huo Qiang [Bounty] 200,000 silver [Difficulty] 5 stars (Warrior Tier 9) Lin Hao¡¯s finger tapped the last entry. The clerk snorted. ¡°Five-star missions need collateral. 100,000 silver. Got it?¡± Lin Hao placed a jade pendant on the counter¡ªZhao Ling¡¯er¡¯s ¡°wedding gift,¡± worth triple the sum. The clerk¡¯s eyebrows rose. ¡°Huo Qiang¡¯s holed up in Blackwind Mountain. Three days. Fail, and we keep the jade.¡±
Dawn painted Blackwind Mountain crimson. Lin Hao crouched in bushes, the Kung Fu Fly scouting ahead. Its vision revealed a fortress carved into cliffs, bandits laughing over breakfast. Huo Qiang himself sat shirtless in a courtyard, cleaving boulders with a greataxe¡ªTier 9 strength. Crash! Another boulder split. The bandit king grinned, sweat glistening on scarred muscles. Lin Hao smiled. Perfect. He whispered, ¡°Go.¡± The fly zipped into the fortress, darting past guards. In the armory, it landed on an oil lamp¡¯s wick. Sizzle. The flame caught a hemp rope leading to¡­ gunpowder barrels.
Huo Qiang froze mid-swing. A faint hiss¡­ BOOM! The mountain shook. Fire engulfed the fortress. Bandits ran screaming¡ªuntil the Kung Fu Fly¡¯s bladed legs silenced them. By dusk, Lin Hao stood before Zhao Ling¡¯er, tossing Huo Qiang¡¯s head at her feet. ¡°Payment,¡± he said, voice still veiled. She stared, pale. The clerk wordlessly handed over 200,000 silver notes. As Lin Hao turned, Zhao Ling¡¯er called, ¡°Who are you?¡± He paused. ¡°Someone you¡¯ll never own.¡± The door slammed. Somewhere, a system chimed: Ding! Host completes first mission. Unlock: Beastmaster¡¯s Cloak (Camouflage +30%). Lin Hao grinned. This was just the beginning. Chapter 2: Assassination Mission ¡°Hmm?¡± As Zhao Ling¡¯er brushed past Lin Hao, she paused, glancing back at his retreating figure. That silhouette¡­ familiar? Her brows furrowed. For a moment, she stared, perplexed. But logic intervened¡ªher blind husband couldn¡¯t possibly be here. Shaking her head, she noted the stranger¡¯s steady gait, nothing like a sightless man¡¯s cautious shuffle. Curiosity flickered, then faded. She left without another thought.
Inside the shop, weapon racks lined the walls¡ªdaggers, rapiers, all tools of stealth. The air reeked of metal and blood-money. ¡°If you¡¯re here to buy weapons, we¡¯re closed today,¡± said the mustached clerk, eyeing Lin Hao¡¯s veiled hat. ¡°I¡¯m here for work,¡± Lin Hao rasped, deepening his voice. The clerk straightened, wariness replacing skepticism. Assassins weren¡¯t to be trifled with. ¡°Your name, sir?¡± Lin Hao paused. ¡°Jing Ke.¡± Jing Ke? The clerk frowned¡ªno such name on the killer rankings. A rookie? ¡°Tasks are ranked: Common, Intermediate, Hard, Red List.¡± ¡°Common. Local.¡± The clerk¡¯s lip twitched¡ªamateur. He flipped through files. ¡°Ah. Luck¡¯s with you.¡± He slid a dossier across the counter. A crimson Kill stamp glared from its corner. Target: Chen Da-Jiu Age: 38 Strength: Tier 2 Warrior Identity: Owner of ¡°Heavenly Gambling Den¡± Location: Heavenly Gambling Den Guards: 23 (Tier 1 Warriors) Bounty: 100,000 silver Attached was a portrait: a scar-faced brute, left cheek marred by a jagged blade mark. The dossier detailed his crimes¡ªrapes, extortions, beatings. ¡°Three percent commission deducted upon completion. Our agents will verify the kill.¡± Lin Hao nodded, exiting. 70,000 silver net. Not bad.
The gambling den¡¯s gaudy sign loomed, its doors shut tight. Inside, raucous shouts seeped through walls¡ªcurses, dice clatters, the stench of desperation. Next door, a pawnshop leeched off losers trading heirlooms for one more bet. ¡°Find him. Quick and clean.¡± The Kung Fu Fly zipped from Lin Hao¡¯s shoulder, slipping through a rear window.
Inside the den, ten tables swarmed with gamblers. Guards lurked in corners, muscles taut. At the far end, Chen Da-Jiu lounged, a courtesan squirming on his lap. His scarred face twisted into a grin as coins clinked into his coffers. Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. ¡°Old Ba¡¯s rigged dice are golden. Another million this month!¡± Through the fly¡¯s eyes, Lin Hao marked his target. Kill. The fly circled stealthily, avoiding Chen¡¯s¾¯¾õgaze. Enhanced intelligence guided its tactics¡ªno reckless charge. Chen, a Tier 2 Warrior, sensed movement behind him. He whirled, hand reaching for his dagger. The fly veered, landing on the courtesan¡¯s back. Wait. Patience. The courtesan giggled, oblivious, as Chen resumed groping her. The fly inched closer, scythe-legs glinting.
Outside, Lin Hao leaned against a wall, feigning disinterest. Minutes crawled. Suddenly¡ª Sssshhk! A wet slice echoed in his mind¡¯s eye. Chen¡¯s roar choked mid-bellow. The courtesan screamed as blood sprayed her face. Chaos erupted. Gamblers stampeded. Guards drew blades, searching frantically for an attacker who¡¯d already vanished. Through the fly¡¯s vision, Lin Hao watched Chen collapse, throat slit ear-to-ear. The fly darted out, evading flailing arms, and returned to its master¡¯s shoulder. Ding! Mission complete. 70,000 silver acquired. Lin Hao turned, melting into the crowd. Behind him, the pawnshop clerk gaped at the commotion.
At the assassin¡¯s den, the mustached clerk stared at Lin Hao. ¡°Already? It¡¯s barely been an hour!¡± Lin Hao tossed Chen¡¯s severed ear onto the counter. The clerk recoiled, then counted out silver notes with trembling hands. As Lin Hao left, the clerk muttered, ¡°Jing Ke¡­ Remember that name.¡±
Dusk fell. Lin Hao stood atop a rooftop, the fly perched on his finger. ¡°Next step: funds for evolution. But first¡­¡± He glanced toward Zhao Manor, where lanterns glowed. Zhao Ling¡¯er would soon hear whispers of a mysterious killer¡ªone who moved like shadow, left no traces. Let her wonder. The fly buzzed eagerly. Lin Hao smiled. ¡°Patience. We¡¯re just getting started.¡± Somewhere, a system chimed: Ding! Host completes first assassination. Unlock: Silent Hunter Title (Stealth +15%). The night swallowed them whole.
Claiming the Bounty ¡°Tch, just a fly.¡± Chen Da-Jiu sneered dismissively at the Kung Fu Fly but scanned the crowd warily. Rumors of a hired killer had put him on edge. ¡°If I find out who ordered this, I¡¯ll skin them alive!¡± he growled, grabbing a liquor bottle and guzzling. The fly¡¯s compound eyes glinted. Now. It streaked toward Chen¡¯s exposed throat. Sssht! Bladed legs flashed. A crimson line bloomed across Chen¡¯s neck. ¡°Huh?¡± Chen clutched his throat. Blood gushed between his fingers with a wet hiss. Gurgle. He collapsed, choking on his own blood. The courtesan¡¯s scream pierced the din. ¡°Boss is dead!!¡± Pandemonium erupted. Gamblers stampeded. Guards drew swords, searching vainly for an attacker who¡¯d already vanished through a window.
¡°Well done.¡± Lin Hao stood at the street corner, praising the blood-flecked fly on his shoulder. He strolled away, the gambling den¡¯s chaos fading behind him.
Back at the assassin¡¯s den, the clerk gaped as Lin Hao reentered. This rookie¡¯s chickening out already? he thought derisively. ¡°Mission complete,¡± Lin Hao stated flatly. ¡°What?!¡± The clerk¡¯s jaw dropped. Two enforcers emerged, hands on daggers. ¡°False claims cost tongues,¡± the clerk warned. ¡°Check the den. Slit throat.¡± Lin Hao leaned back in a chair, relaxed. As if summoned, a skinny scout rushed in. ¡°Boss Chen¡¯s dead! Throat cut! Must¡¯ve been a master assassin!¡± The clerk paled. Sweat beaded his brow as he bowed deeply. ¡°A-apologies, Master Jing Ke! Your payment¡ª¡± He produced ten gold notes¡ª10,000 each. Lin Hao pocketed them wordlessly. ¡°P-please visit again!¡± The clerk groveled at the doorway, watching Lin Hao disappear into dusk. ¡°Who was that?¡± the scout whispered. ¡°Jing Ke. Killed Chen in ten minutes.¡± The scout shuddered, touching his own neck reflexively.
In an alley, Lin Hao discarded his hat and cloak. Zhao Ling¡¯er¡¯s sharp eyes might recognize the garments. No loose ends. He melted into the twilight, the fly humming contentedly. Somewhere, gold notes rustled in his pocket¡ª70,000 closer to his next evolution. The night held promise. Chapter 3: Ultimate Cultivation Talent Lin Hao stepped into a clothing store and purchased a new outfit. As he exited, his gaze caught a spiderweb in the corner of the doorway. A thumb-sized gray-brown spider crouched at its center. A mosquito buzzed into the trap, struggling futilely as the predator pounced, injecting venom. Why not add a spider? With 100,000 gold notes burning in his pocket, Lin Hao nudged the arachnid onto his palm. ¡°System¡ªcapture this spider.¡± ¡°Ding! Host has captured a spider. Designate as pet?¡± ¡°Yes. Name: Wolf Spider.¡± ¡°Ding! Naming complete. Evolution available.¡± Lin Hao selected the spider icon. Mid-tier evolution cost 100,000 gold. The notes vanished. The spider¡¯s body swelled, turning venomous green. Fangs elongated like daggers. [Wolf Spider] Code: 002 Master: Lin Hao Rank: D-tier Mid Combat Power: 800 Lifespan: 1 year Skill: Lethal Venom Lin Hao tucked the creature into his pocket, its hardened exoskeleton safe from crushing. ¡°Ding! Second pet acquired. Reward: Random draw.¡± The system wheel spun. ¡°Congratulations! Obtained Ultimate Cultivation Talent¡ªmaximum martial aptitude, 100xÁéÆø absorption speed.¡± Lin Hao¡¯s breath hitched. Cultivation talent tiers¡ªWeak, Low, Mid, High, Supreme, Ultimate. Even Zhao Ling¡¯er, hailed as a genius, only ranked High. Now he stood at the pinnacle. Energy surged as ambientÁéÆø flooded his meridians. A pop echoed internally¡ªhis first spiritual vein unlocked. Level 1 Warrior. Fists clenched, Lin Hao nearly laughed. The ¡°blind cripple¡± could now cultivate.
Zhao Manor¡¯s grand dining hall buzzed with young clansmen fresh from training. Lin Hao strode past the servants¡¯ mess¡ªno more scraps for the ¡°madam¡¯s burden.¡± Third Steward Qin Chi, a weasel-faced man notorious for withholding Lin Hao¡¯s meals, fawned over a table ofÌôÌÞyouths. ¡°Third Young Master, more braised pork? This stew¡¯s simmered for hours¡ª¡± ¡°Tastes like gutter water. Fetch something edible!¡± Qin Chi bowed, obsequious. His eyes narrowed as Lin Hao entered the main hall. This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it. ¡°You¡ªthis is no place for trash!¡± Qin Chi blocked Lin Hao¡¯s path. ¡°Return to the servants¡¯ quarters where you belong.¡± Lin Hao¡¯s smile chilled. ¡°Move.¡± ¡°Insolent cripple! Guards¡ª¡± The Wolf Spider scuttled from Lin Hao¡¯s sleeve onto Qin Chi¡¯s neck. A pinprick bite. The steward gagged, face purpling. He collapsed, clawing at his throat as veins turned black. Pandemonium erupted. Lin Hao stepped over the convulsing body, Wolf Spider retreating into shadows. Lethal Venom: Instant paralysis. Death in three breaths. Young masters recoiled. Lin Hao seated himself at their table, ladling soup calmly. ¡°Anyone else craving gutter water?¡± Silence. He sipped, savoring the fear. The fly observed from a rafter, recording every twitch.
Later, in his barren chamber, Lin Hao meditated.ÁéÆøswirled around him like a hurricane. Pop. Pop. Pop. Three more meridians unlocked in succession. Level 4 Warrior. Zhao Ling¡¯er¡¯s cultivation chamber lay three courtyards east. She¡¯d broken through to Level 4 Mage at seventeen¡ªa prodigy. Lin Hao smirked. Catch up, wife. I¡¯ll be waiting. The system chimed: Ding! Host breaks through four levels in one night. Achievement unlocked: Unstoppable Momentum (Cultivation speed +10%). Dawn approached. Somewhere, a steward¡¯s corpse cooled in the morgue. Lin Hao¡¯s fingers traced the Wolf Spider¡¯s carapace. ¡°Tomorrow¡¯s menu needs... variety.¡±
Teaching the Third Steward a Lesson Third Steward Qin Chi¡¯s eyes narrowed as he spotted Lin Hao entering the grand dining hall. How dare this blind waste of space show his face here? Lin Hao feigned blindness, hands groping the air as he approached the serving counter. The Kung Fu Fly on his shoulder surveyed the lavish spread¡ªroast duck, braised pork, steamed fish¡ªa far cry from the slop served in the servants¡¯ quarters. ¡°What¡¯ll you have?¡± The chef trembled, recalling how the kitchen staff had mysteriously broken limbs after crossing Lin Hao days prior. Lin Hao randomly pointed at several dishes. By ¡°chance,¡± his selections included the most expensive cuts. He carried the laden tray to a table opposite Qin Chi and began eating with deliberate clumsiness. A piece of pork slipped from his chopsticks. The fly alighted on the meat, devouring it with microscopic efficiency. ¡°Pathetic,¡± Qin Chi sneered, striding over. ¡°Can¡¯t even hold your food, blind rat.¡± Lin Hao chewed slowly, ignoring him. Qin Chi¡¯s face flushed. He uncorked a vial under the table, pouring horse urine into Lin Hao¡¯s soup. The Kung Fu Fly¡¯s compound eyes recorded every movement. Lin Hao lifted the bowl to his lips¡ªthen hurled its contents at Qin Chi¡¯s face. ¡°How¡¯s the soup with horse urine taste?¡± Lin Hao rose, cold amusement in his voice. The dining hall erupted in gasps and stifled laughter. Young masters watched, torn between shock and delight. Qin Chi howled, skin blistering from the scalding broth. ¡°You¡¯re dead!¡± He lunged, fist aimed at Lin Hao¡¯s temple. Thud. His punch froze mid-air, blocked by an invisible force. The Kung Fu Fly braced against his knuckles, microscopic legs anchoring it like a steel rivet. Slap! Lin Hao¡¯s palm cracked across Qin Chi¡¯s cheek. Two more blows followed, leaving the steward¡¯s face swollen and bloodied. ¡°You¡ªhow?!¡± Qin Chi staggered back, then launched a sweeping kick. The fly zipped downward. Slick! Razor claws severed Qin Chi¡¯s Achilles¡¯ tendon. ¡°AAAAAGH!!¡± The steward collapsed, clutching his spurting ankle. Murmurs rippled through the crowd: ¡°Was that¡­ a fly?¡± ¡°Impossible! Since when do insects gut men?!¡± Lin Hao straightened his robes. ¡°A steward¡¯s place is groveling, not assaulting his masters.¡± He strode toward the exit, the fly perching on his shoulder to clean blood from its claws. Qin Chi writhed on the floor, rage contorting his features. ¡°This isn¡¯t over, cripple! The madam will hear of this!¡± Lin Hao paused at the threshold. Without turning, he murmured, ¡°Tell her. I¡¯ll be waiting.¡± The Kung Fu Fly buzzed once¡ªa lethal promise.
In the courtyard, Lin Hao flexed his tingling palm. Qin Chi¡¯s face had left satisfying imprints on his skin. Ding! Host humiliates antagonist. Reward: 500 system points. He smirked. Justice tasted better than any banquet. Chapter 4: Water Magic Lin Hao returned to his quarters, gathered fresh clothes, and headed to the bathhouse. Luck favored him¡ªthe spacious communal pools were empty. He selected the largest tub, filled it with naturally heated spring water, and sank into the steaming bath. The Kung Fu Fly, averse to moisture, buzzed outside to explore. The Wolf Spider remained perched on the rim, guarding its master. Unbeknownst to Lin Hao, the fly drifted into the adjacent women¡¯s section, drawn by floral fragrances. His mind flooded with vivid imagery transmitted through the insect¡¯s eyes: billowing steam, lithe figures of young Zhao women, and¡ª Zhao Ling¡¯er. His wife glided into the chamber, flanked by two maids carrying silk robes and scented oils. The maids bowed and retreated as Ling¡¯er raised her hands. Her fingers traced an intricate pattern in the air, summoning a shimmering rune. Blue light pulsed, and the room filled with a dense mist, veiling her form as she disrobed. Water magic. Lin Hao marveled. So this is how mages manipulate elements. Though tempted to linger, he commanded the fly to withdraw.
Relaxing in his tub, Lin Hao mimicked Ling¡¯er¡¯s gestures, fingers dancing absently. The Wolf Spider¡¯s sudden hiss snapped him alert. ¡°Well, look who¡¯s here¡ªthe blind leech.¡± Second Steward Ma Tianyun waddled in, flanked by three lackeys. His piggish eyes narrowed at Lin Hao. ¡°Get this trash out. Scrub the tub twice!¡± The lackeys advanced, smirking. Lin Hao continued bathing, unfazed. Fwip! Fwip! Fwip! The Wolf Spider spat silken threads¡ªneedle-thin and venom-tipped. Each struck a lackey¡¯s cheek. ¡°AiyAAAARGH!¡± The men collapsed, faces swelling, foam frothing at their mouths. Ma Tianyun stumbled back, jowls quivering. ¡°D-demonic creature!¡± He fled, shoes slapping unevenly. Lin Hao rose, toweling off. The lackeys twitched but breathed¡ªsublethal doses. Wolf Spider¡¯s venom only kills on direct bite. Useful.
Outside, Ma Tianyun rallied a dozen servants armed with clubs. ¡°Kill that monster spider!¡± Lin Hao emerged, the Wolf Spider hidden in his sleeve. ¡°Y-you¡¯re alive?!¡± Ma sputtered. ¡°Alive?¡± Lin Hao tilted his head, feigning confusion. ¡°Was there danger?¡± ¡°Useless cripple.¡± Ma shoved a lackey forward. ¡°You! Go in first!¡± The men hesitated, eyeing the bathhouse door like a beast¡¯s maw. Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. Lin Hao strode past, suppressing a smirk. Let them cower. Tonight¡¯s lesson was clear: cross him, face the shadows.
In his chamber, Lin Hao replayed Ling¡¯er¡¯s rune patterns. His fingers traced phantom symbols, channeling the day¡¯s residualÁéÆø. A faint mist coalesced above his palm¡ªwater droplets trembling in midair. Ding! Host comprehends elementary water manipulation. Talent synergy activated: Hydro Control proficiency +10% He dismissed the vapor. Mastery would come. For now, patience¡ªand more gold to evolve his arsenal. The Kung Fu Fly alighted on his shoulder, antennae twitching with gossip from the servants¡¯ quarters. Tales of a cursed bathhouse, a demon spider, and a blind madman immune to poison. Lin Hao smiled. Fear bred caution. Let them whisper. Soon, the entire Zhao household would learn: the ¡°cripple¡± they scorned now pulled their strings. And when the time came, even Zhao Ling¡¯er¡¯s water magic would bow to his shadow.
Zhao Ling¡¯er¡¯s Suspicion Outside the bathhouse, Second Steward Ma Tianyun howled, clutching his groin as Wolf Spider¡¯s venomous silk struck its mark. Foam bubbled from his lips, his face purpling. The servants who¡¯d rushed inside now gaped at their writhing superior, his manhood rendered permanently useless. Zhao Ling¡¯er emerged from the women¡¯s baths, damp hair coiled like ink against her ivory robe. Steam clung to her, amplifying her ethereal beauty. Her frosty gaze swept over Ma¡¯s convulsing form. ¡°What happened?¡± Her voice cut through the chaos. A servant stammered, ¡°A venomous spider attacked! The second steward was¡ªwas¡ª¡± ¡°Spider?¡± Ling¡¯er¡¯s brow furrowed. She turned to Lin Hao, who stood motionless nearby. ¡°Describe it.¡± Lin Hao tilted his head, milky eyes vacant. ¡°Asking a blind man to describe a spider? How¡­ inventive.¡± He brushed past her, deliberately stumbling. His hands groped the air in exaggerated blindness. Ling¡¯er watched his retreating back, a flicker of recognition crossing her features. That posture¡­ Memories surfaced: the shadowy figure in the gambling den, movements precise as a predator¡¯s. The assassin called ¡°Jing Ke,¡± who¡¯d slaughtered a room of bandits unseen. ¡°You.¡± Ling¡¯er¡¯s voice halted him. Lin Hao hunched further, fingers trembling against the corridor wall. ¡°Yes, wife?¡± Her scrutiny lingered. The set of his shoulders, the cadence of his steps¡ªmirror images of the mystery killer. Yet here he stood, a pitiable blind fool. ¡°Nothing.¡± She dismissed him with a wave. ¡°Search every corner. Burn that creature if found.¡±
Safely secluded, Lin Hao shed the cowering act. His spine straightened, steps silent as a stalking panther. Wolf Spider crawled from his sleeve, mandibles clicking smugly. ¡°Too close,¡± he muttered. Ling¡¯er¡¯s sharpness demanded caution. In his quarters, he pondered wealth-building strategies. Assassination remained lucrative¡ªespecially with pets invisible to wary eyes. Who¡¯d fear a fly? A mosquito? His musings halted as the Kung Fu Fly¡¯s vision revealed an anomaly: a leather-bound manual on Ling¡¯er¡¯s bed. Martial Techniques for Water Affinity. Lin Hao¡¯s pulse quickened. Blind from birth, he¡¯d never touched a cultivation manual. Now, with the Fly¡¯s eyes, he devoured each diagram¡ªhand seals, meridians, qi circulation. ¡°Forbidden chamber, eh?¡± A smirk tugged his lips. Ling¡¯er¡¯s sanctum held secrets worth risking her wrath.
Nightfall draped the Zhao estate. Lin Hao lay awake, mentally rehearsing water runes. Condensation formed above his palm¡ªa trembling sphere. Ding! Host replicates elementary water manipulation. Talent mastery accelerated: Hydro Control proficiency +20% Footsteps echoed outside. Ling¡¯er¡¯s silhouette paused at his door. Through the Fly¡¯s eyes, he watched her observe his feigned sleep, suspicion warring with logic. She left without entering. Lin Hao exhaled. The game deepened. Let her doubt. Let her hunt phantoms. Tomorrow¡¯s contract awaited: a merchant¡¯s rival marked for death. Payment¡ª50,000 gold. The Kung Fu Fly buzzed excitedly. Lin Hao stroked Wolf Spider¡¯s carapace. ¡°Rest well,¡± he murmured. ¡°Dawn brings work.¡± Invisible hunters needed no sleep. Only gold. Only growth. And revenge, patient as a spider¡¯s web. Chapter 5: The Compendium of Spells ¡°Little Spider, lock the door.¡± Lin Hao issued the command as he stepped into Zhao Ling¡¯er¡¯s private chamber. Wolf Spider leapt from his pocket, shooting two silken threads to yank the door shut. With practiced efficiency, it crawled up the strands and slid the bolt into place. The inner chamber carried Ling¡¯er¡¯s signature scent¡ªjasmine and frost. Lin Hao picked up the leather-bound tome on her bed, the Kung Fu Fly perching on his shoulder to magnify the text. Compendium of Spells¡ªCopied from Tianyan Academy. Lin Hao¡¯s eyebrows rose. Tianyan Academy, the empire¡¯s premier institution for mages, had recently admitted Ling¡¯er. This manual, gifted by an examiner, contained foundational theories on spellcraft. He flipped through pages detailing elemental runes, spiritual energy manipulation, and meditation techniques. Diagrams of hand seals and meridian pathways unfolded like a roadmap to power. So this is how mages harness ambient qi. Recalling Ling¡¯er¡¯s bathhouse ritual, he mimicked the finger motions described for a basic fire rune. His Ultimate Talent for cultivation ignited¡ªspiritual energy surged around him, resonating like a tuning fork. A flicker of flame coalesced above his palm. Though barely thumbnail-sized, its heat prickled his skin. Success! Footsteps approached. Lin Hao snapped the book shut, vanished the flame, and hurried to unbolt the door. Zhao Ling¡¯er stood framed in moonlight, her beauty sharpened by suspicion. ¡°Why was this locked?¡± Lin Hao feigned unease. ¡°The venomous spider¡­ I feared it might slip in.¡± Ling¡¯er¡¯s gaze swept the room, lingering on the undisturbed bed. Her lips tightened with disdain. Pathetic. ¡°Stay vigilant,¡± she said coldly, turning away. Lin Hao bowed his head, hiding a smirk. Behind him, Wolf Spider crept from the shadows, mandibles glistening with unspent venom.
Alone again, Lin Hao resumed meditation. Spiritual energy flooded his senses, a vast ocean awaiting command. The Kung Fu Fly¡¯s vision projected fire rune schematics into his mind. Ding! Host masters elementary fire manipulation. Talent synergy activated: Pyro Control proficiency +15% A fist-sized fireball erupted from his palm, illuminating the chamber. Lin Hao extinguished it with a thought. Too bright. Adjust output. He practiced until dawn, flames shrinking to pinpricks¡ªinvisible yet lethal.
In the Zhao family¡¯s ancestral hall, Ling¡¯er reviewed ledgers by candlelight. Her quill paused mid-column. That blind fool¡­ Why does his presence itch like an unsolved riddle? She dismissed the thought. Tomorrow¡¯s carriage to Tianyan Academy demanded preparation. Soon, this provincial cage would shatter. This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. Let the cripple cower in locked rooms. Her future gleamed brighter than any spellfire.
Lin Hao watched the Fly¡¯s feed¡ªLing¡¯er¡¯s midnight study, her furrowed brow. He traced a water rune in the air, conjuring a mist that blurred his silhouette. Ding! Host comprehends elementary water obfuscation. Stealth applications unlocked. The Wolf Spider skittered across the ceiling, spinning a web of silken tripwires. Patience, Lin Hao mused, extinguishing the mist. Let her chase academic glory. I¡¯ll claim the shadows. By the time Ling¡¯er learned the truth, he¡¯d be untouchable¡ªa phantom wielding beasts and elements alike. The candle guttered out. Somewhere in the estate, a servant screamed at a ¡°venomous¡± housefly. Lin Hao smiled. Let the games begin.
The Fire Rune ¡°Two more months, and I¡¯ll be free.¡± Zhao Ling¡¯er gazed at the moonlight filtering through her window, anticipation coloring her voice. To her, Lin Hao was nothing but a pebble on her path to greatness¡ªsoon to be kicked aside. Lin Hao, lying on his thin pallet in the outer chamber, caught her murmured words through the Kung Fu Fly¡¯s surveillance. A cold smile curled his lips. Let her dream. With the system awakening his potential, the day of reckoning would arrive sooner than she expected. Ling¡¯er swept into the inner chamber, her sharp eyes immediately locking onto the Compendium of Spells resting on her pillow. ¡°Did you touch this?¡± Lin Hao feigned nonchalance. ¡°The venomous spider alert had me worried. I checked every corner¡ªincluding your bed.¡± Her fingers tightened on the book. The manual¡¯s reversed orientation hadn¡¯t escaped her notice. ¡°Never enter my quarters again,¡± she snapped, frost crackling in her tone. ¡°Our marriage is a farce. In two months, I¡¯ll issue a divorce decree and return double your dowry.¡± Double? Rage simmered beneath Lin Hao¡¯s calm facade. No amount of gold could mend shredded pride. ¡°As you wish,¡± he replied flatly, unrolling his bedding with deliberate slowness. Ling¡¯er watched him settle onto the floor, perplexed by his lack of outrage. Father was right¡ªweaklings have no spine. The thought solidified her contempt as she retreated behind the carved partition.
Moonlight bled through lattice windows as Ling¡¯er changed into vermilion silk sleep robes, unaware of the Kung Fu Fly observing from a shadowed corner. Lin Hao¡¯s mind flickered with the Fly¡¯s feed¡ªpearl-pale shoulders, the dip of a collarbone¡ªyet stirred nothing but resolve. Beautiful, but poisonous. He redirected focus to his true purpose. In the inner chamber, Ling¡¯er sat cross-legged on her bed, entering deep meditation. The air around her shimmered faintly¡ªtestament to her fourth-tier mage prowess. If she¡¯s this diligent, I can¡¯t afford slackness. Lin Hao sat up, centering his breath. His fledgling spiritual senses reached outward, intertwining with ambient qi. Fire rune patterns from the stolen manual burned in his memory. Fingers danced. Invisible threads of psychic energy wove through darkness, sketching a primal sigil. Heat prickled his palms as the symbol ignited¡ªa fist-sized orb of flame hovering above his hand. Ding! Host masters elementary fire manipulation. Talent synergy activated: Pyro Control proficiency +25% The fireball pulsed, its golden light flooding the outer chamber.
Ling¡¯er¡¯s eyes snapped open. ¡°Who¡ª?!¡± She burst through the partition to find Lin Hao feigning sleep, the room devoid of magical residue. Her gaze swept over his still form, suspicion warring with logic. A blind cripple... casting fire spells? Preposterous. Yet the lingering warmth in the air contradicted her certainty. ¡°Explain this,¡± she demanded, voice sharp as winter ice. Lin Hao stirred lazily. ¡°Explain what? A nightmare?¡± Her flawless features tightened. For a heartbeat, she almost believed him¡ªuntil the Fly¡¯s wings hummed near her ear. Swat. Ling¡¯er¡¯s palm connected with nothing. The insect zipped behind a curtain as she glared at empty air. ¡°Filthy pests.¡± Lin Hao hid a smirk beneath his blanket. Let her hunt phantoms. Each passing hour saw him stronger, while her arrogance blinded her to the serpent coiling beneath the Zhao family¡¯s roof.
Dawn approached. Ling¡¯er resumed meditation, unaware her husband now mentally rehearsed advanced runes. The Kung Fu Fly traced glowing patterns only he could see¡ªice daggers, wind blades, earth spikes. Two months. Lin Hao¡¯s fingers twitched, etching phantom symbols into moonlight. Let¡¯s see who discards whom. Somewhere in the city, a gambling den owner awoke screaming, a venomous spider nesting in his beard. The Wolf Spider¡¯s latest contract¡ª50,000 gold¡ªhad been fulfilled before breakfast. Gold meant evolution. Evolution meant power. And power, Lin Hao mused as Ling¡¯er¡¯s qi fluctuations echoed through the wall, would be the sweetest revenge of all. Chapter 6: To the Treasury ¡°It couldn¡¯t be him.¡± Zhao Ling¡¯er stood in the dim outer chamber, her gaze lingering on Lin Hao¡¯s feigned slumber. The notion of a blind cripple wielding fire magic was absurd¡ªa fantasy born of late-night fatigue. She retreated to her bed, dismissing the anomaly as a trick of overtaxed senses. Lin Hao waited until her breathing deepened into sleep¡¯s rhythm before exhaling silently. Too close. The Kung Fu Fly¡¯s vigilance had saved him¡ªthis time.
Dawn painted the Zhao Manor¡¯s central hall in gold. Zhao Gaolie, the clan patriarch, drummed thick fingers on an armrest carved with snarling dragons. Beside him, the gray-haired steward Zhao Rong bowed, relaying the previous night¡¯s chaos. ¡°Third Steward Qin¡¯s tendons were severed¡­ by a fly?¡± Zhao Gaolie¡¯s voice rumbled like distant thunder. ¡°So claim the witnesses, my lord.¡± Zhao Rong¡¯s rheumy eyes narrowed. ¡°Though how an insect could maim a first-tier warrior¡­¡± ¡°Monitor Lin Hao.¡± The patriarch¡¯s command brooked no argument. ¡°Even vermin bite when cornered.¡±
Lin Hao strolled into the kitchen, the Kung Fu Fly scouting ahead. Chefs scrambled like startled hens, piling his tray with delicacies reserved for Zhao elders¡ªroast pheasant glazed in honey, steamed dumplings stuffed with crab roe. ¡°The blind leech feasts while we scrape crumbs,¡± muttered a sous-chef. Lin Hao¡¯s milky eyes swept mockingly toward the voice. The man flinched, clutching his bandaged hand.
The treasury¡¯s iron-banded doors loomed ahead, flanked by guards whose muscles bulged beneath chainmail. Their leader, a bearded brute, blocked Lin Hao¡¯s path with a sneer. ¡°Look who¡¯s wandering blindly again.¡± Laughter rippled through the guards. Lin Hao smiled¡ªa predator¡¯s baring of teeth. ¡°I¡¯ve come to collect six months¡¯ stipend. Thirty thousand taels.¡± The bearded man¡¯s mockery curdled into greed. ¡°A blind man counting silver? Let¡¯s wager. Name anything in my hand¡ªguess right, I pay ten thousand. Guess wrong, your thirty thousand¡¯s mine.¡± Lin Hao tilted his head as if considering. The Kung Fu Fly alighted on the guard¡¯s shoulder, compound eyes dissecting the fist clenched behind his back. ¡°A copper coin,¡± Lin Hao declared. ¡°Worn smooth from fondling in taverns.¡± The guard¡¯s face purpled. He uncurled fingers to reveal a grooved copper piece¡ªexactly as described. ¡°Cheat!¡± He lunged, but the Kung Fu Fly¡¯s wings hummed a warning. Lin Hao stepped back, innocence perfected through years of mockery. ¡°Will the Zhao Clan¡¯s honor tolerate welched bets?¡± You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. The guards exchanged uneasy glances. Honor was a blade hanging over all their necks.
Zhao Rong observed from a shadowed archway, his wizened face impassive. The blind fool¡¯s luck? Or something darker? As Lin Hao departed with forty thousand taels¡ªthe guard¡¯s coerced payment¡ªthe old steward noted two anomalies: a fly tracing precise circles above the victor¡¯s head, and the faintest scorch mark on the treasury¡¯s lintel.
In the manor¡¯s deepest vault, Zhao Gaolie studied a ledger by lamplight. His finger paused at an entry¡ªLin Hao¡¯s stipend: 30,000 taels, withdrawn. ¡°Rong.¡± The steward materialized like smoke. ¡°My lord?¡± ¡°Accelerate the surveillance. If he¡¯s the spider behind this web¡­¡± The patriarch¡¯s jade paperweight cracked under his grip. ¡°Burn him before he spins further.¡±
Lin Hao reclined in a rarely used gazebo, the Kung Fu Fly patrolling the perimeter. Wolf Spider skittered across his palm, venom sacs glistening. Ding! Host¡¯s wealth exceeds 50,000 taels. Evolution available for contracted beasts. He selected the Kung Fu Fly. Wings blurred as it expanded¡ªfrom housefly to hornet size, compound eyes gleaming with lethal acuity. Ding! Kung Fu Fly upgraded to Tier 2. Poison stinger unlocked. Stealth capabilities enhanced. A servant girl passing below screamed as the Fly dive-bombed her coiffure, shearing a lock of hair without touching skin. Lin Hao chuckled. Forty thousand taels bought more than evolution¡ªit bought chaos. And chaos, in the Zhao Manor¡¯s gilded cage, was the perfect smokescreen.
Seizing the Wager The bearded guard¡¯s confidence wavered as Lin Hao¡¯s unnerving calm gnawed at him. This blind fool¡¯s too composed¡ªdid I walk into a trap? But pride overruled caution. He stormed to the kitchens, the Kung Fu Fly shadowing his every move. Minutes later, he returned clutching what appeared to be an egg. The guards snickered¡ªa crocodile egg, hollowed and refilled with water, its shell meticulously glued. Perfect bait for a blind man¡¯s mistake. Lin Hao cradled the counterfeit egg, fingertips tracing hairline fractures invisible to others. The Fly¡¯s surveillance feed flashed in his mind¡ªthe guard¡¯s sly grin as he injected water through a needle. ¡°Time¡¯s up!¡± The guard snatched back the egg, smugness returning. ¡°A crocodile egg,¡± Lin Hao declared. Murmurs rippled through the onlookers. ¡°But the weight¡¯s wrong. Cracked and refilled¡­ with water.¡± His palm struck the egg. Liquid splashed the guard¡¯s boots. ¡°Impossible!¡± The bearded man¡¯s face purpled. ¡°You cheated!¡± Laughter died as Lin Hao extended a hand. ¡°Ten thousand taels.¡± The guard¡¯s fingers twitched toward his sword hilt. ¡°Take it from me, cripple.¡± Lin Hao smiled. The Kung Fu Fly dive-bombed, scythe-like claws aimed at the guard¡¯s wrist. Steel flashed¡ªa desperate slash missed the Fly by millimeters. ¡°What sorcery is this?!¡± The guard backpedaled, sword whirling in panicked arcs. Wolf Spider chose that moment to strike. Silk threads lanced from Lin Hao¡¯s sleeve, piercing the man¡¯s neck. Neurotoxins flooded his veins. Foam bubbled at his lips as he collapsed, twitching. Lin Hao plucked the gold note from limp fingers. ¡°A lesson in honor.¡± The guards stared, horror dawning. That spider¡ªthe one from the bathhouse! The fly that maimed Third Steward Qin! ¡°He¡¯s¡­ a beast tamer!¡± Whispers ignited like wildfire. The blind waste of flesh they¡¯d mocked now commanded monsters.
Zhao Rong observed from a latticed window, his aged fingers tightening around a jade talisman. The report to Lord Gaolie would require¡­ delicacy.
Lin Hao strode past trembling guards, the Fly buzzing a victory lap above his head. Wolf Spider nestled in his sleeve, venom sacs still glistening. Ding! Host¡¯s reputation as a Beast Tamer spreads. Contracted creatures gain +10% aggression. He paused at the treasury threshold. ¡°My stipend. Thirty thousand taels. Now.¡± The clerk fumbled with lockboxes, coins clinking like a coward¡¯s teeth.
Elsewhere, Zhao Ling¡¯er traced a fire rune in her meditation chamber, oblivious to the upheaval. Her husband¡¯s name flickered briefly in her thoughts¡ªa pebble soon to be kicked from her path. How wrong she was. The pebble had grown fangs. And the Zhao Clan¡¯s gilded halls would soon run red with them. Chapter 7: Power Ascension Lin Hao strode past the cowering guards, their earlier mockery frozen into fearful silence. The Kung Fu Fly circled overhead, its wings humming a lethal lullaby. The Fly held its own against a second-tier warrior earlier, he mused. But with 1000 combat power, it barely matches that level. The Wolf Spider¡¯s 500 makes it first-tier¡ªunacceptable. ¡°System. Evolve my pets.¡± A holographic panel materialized in his mind¡¯s eye. He selected the Fly¡¯s icon and tapped Primary Enhancement. Ding! Enhancement successful. Kung Fu Fly combat power increased to 2000. 10,000 taels deducted. The gold note vanished from his sleeve as data streamed through his consciousness: [Kung Fu Fly] Code: 001 Master: Lin Hao Combat Power: 2000 Lifespan: 499 days Skills: Bloodedge Scythe-Claws Evolution Tier: C (Primary+) Satisfaction warmed Lin Hao¡¯s chest. Now it could shred that bearded fool in seconds.
¡°A fly with combat prowess¡­¡± The raspy murmur came from behind a vermilion pillar. Chief Steward Zhao Rong emerged, his gnarled hands clasped behind his back. ¡°The master was right. You¡¯re no ordinary leech.¡± Lin Hao paused mid-stride, the Fly¡¯s compound eyes transmitting the old man¡¯s calculating gaze.
The treasury¡¯s iron doors loomed ahead, guarded by sigils that glowed faintly against theft. Inside, ledgers stacked ceiling-high chronicled the Zhao Clan¡¯s decadence. A sharp-featured clerk glanced up, rat-like eyes narrowing. ¡°Well, well. The blind beggar comes begging.¡± Chen Si¡ªFifth Assistant to Zhao Rong, embezzler of three concubines¡¯ dowries, and current obstacle. ¡°Six months¡¯ stipend. Thirty thousand taels.¡± Lin Hao¡¯s tone could frost summer wheat. Chen Si sneered. ¡°What does a worm need with gold? Be grateful for scraps.¡± ¡°Scraps feed dogs.¡± Lin Hao¡¯s fingers twitched. ¡°You¡¯ve feasted long enough on mine.¡± The clerk shot up, chair clattering. ¡°You dare accuse me?!¡± ¡°Embezzlement¡¯s a delicate art.¡± Lin Hao¡¯s lips curved. ¡°But clumsy thieves leave trails¡ªlike the missing funds from last autumn¡¯s silk shipment.¡± Chen Si paled. How could the blind wretch know? ¡°Guards!¡± he shrieked, rounding the desk. ¡°Remove this slanderous¡ª¡± Fire blossomed in Lin Hao¡¯s palm. If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. The clerk froze, pupils reflecting dancing flames. ¡°M¡­mage?!¡± ¡°Care to test your flesh against fire?¡± Lin Hao rotated the searing orb. ¡°Or perhaps my pets?¡± The Kung Fu Fly dive-bombed Chen Si¡¯s desk. Scythe-claws flashed¡ªoak splintered as the massive table cleft in two. Chen Si stumbled back, urine darkening his robes. ¡°M-monster!¡± ¡°Monsters?¡± Lin Hao stepped closer, the Wolf Spider emerging from his sleeve. ¡°Or justice?¡±
Zhao Rong observed from the threshold, his aged pulse quickening. The Fly¡¯s afterimage still burned his retinas¡ªa crescent moon of destruction. He¡¯s awakened. The realization chilled deeper than winter. A cripple turned beast-tamer and pyromancer? Even the Third Young Miss¡¯s fourth-tier talents paled in comparison. Yet when Lin Hao turned, milky eyes seemed to pierce the steward¡¯s hiding place. ¡°Enjoying the show, Chief Steward?¡± Zhao Rong stepped into the light, face schooled to neutrality. ¡°Merely ensuring clan assets are properly managed.¡± Lin Hao tossed the embezzlement ledgers onto the trembling clerk¡¯s lap. ¡°Then manage this.¡± The Fly alighted on Zhao Rong¡¯s shoulder, mandibles clicking. A warning.
That evening, thirty thousand taels heavier, Lin Hao reclined in his chambers. The Kung Fu Fly patrolled the rafters while Wolf Spider spun poison-laced silk across doorways. Ding! Host¡¯s reputation as a Mage-Beast Tamer spreads. Contracted creatures gain +15% loyalty. Laughter bubbled in his throat. Let Zhao Gaolie scheme. Let Ling¡¯er dismiss him. Every coin stolen, every fear harvested, fueled the storm gathering in a blind man¡¯s palms. And when it broke? The Zhao Clan¡¯s gilded towers would burn.
Extorting the Chief Steward Zhao Rong¡¯s eyes narrowed as he observed the Kung Fu Fly¡¯s enhanced speed and precision. Earlier, it matched a second-tier warrior. Now it rivals third-tier¡­ How? Lin Hao, seated casually, addressed the air where the steward stood. ¡°Since you¡¯re here, let¡¯s settle the accounts.¡± Zhao Rong stiffened. ¡°How did you detect me?¡± ¡°Footsteps.¡± Lin Hao tapped his ear. ¡°Each has a unique rhythm.¡± The old steward entered, ignoring Chen Si¡¯s trembling bow. His gaze locked onto the Fly¡ªits wings humming with newfound lethality. ¡°This clerk claims my six months¡¯ stipend records are lost.¡± Lin Hao¡¯s tone dripped mock concern. ¡°What say you, Chief Steward?¡± Zhao Rong snatched the ledger Chen Si offered. Pages rustled until he froze at an entry: Lin Hao ¨C Monthly Stipend Received. Every month. For half a year. ¡°Explain.¡± The steward¡¯s whisper could frost hell. Chen Si collapsed to his knees. ¡°Mercy! I¡­I yielded to greed!¡± ¡°Threefold restitution,¡± Zhao Rong decreed. ¡°Or lose your thieving hands.¡± The clerk scrambled to produce three gold notes. Lin Hao cleared his throat. ¡°A family matter,¡± Zhao Rong forced a smile. ¡°Double compensation for your discretion.¡± Lin Hao¡¯s milky eyes glinted. ¡°Tenfold.¡± ¡°Five!¡± The steward¡¯s cheek twitched. ¡°Done.¡± Fifteen thousand taels changed hands. Zhao Rong¡¯s pulse throbbed at the financial hemorrhage¡ªand the realization he¡¯d underestimated this ¡°cripple.¡±
Lin Hao emerged into sunlight, wealthier by 150,000 taels. The Fly scouted ahead as he veered into a tailor¡¯s shop. Minutes later, a hooded figure in black robes and steel mask exited¡ªthe persona of ¡°Jing Ke,¡± phantom benefactor of Tianwu City¡¯s underworld. His altered voice, raspier and deeper, practiced as he walked: ¡°The Black Market awaits.¡±
Zhao Rong watched from a teahouse window, jasmine cup trembling in his grip. The masked stranger¡¯s gait¡ªtoo familiar. That slight limp from Lin Hao¡¯s childhood injury¡­ ¡°Summon the Shadow Falcons,¡± he hissed to an attendant. ¡°Track that man.¡±
In a dilapidated storefront reeking of sulfur, Lin Hao faced a one-eyed alchemist. ¡°Phoenix Marrow. Ten drams.¡± The disguised voice echoed within his mask. The vendor¡¯s eye widened. ¡°That¡¯ll cost fifty thousand!¡± Gold notes slapped the counter. ¡°And five Hellspider eggs.¡± As transactions concluded, the Kung Fu Fly¡¯s wings stilled¡ªa warning. Four silhouettes materialized on nearby rooftops, qi signatures suppressed but lethal. Lin Hao smiled beneath cold steel. Let them report a mysterious buyer. Let Zhao Gaolie chase ghosts. The real prey still gorged itself in gilded halls, oblivious to the viper coiling beneath its throne. Chapter 8: Timed Mission The dim interior of the Black Market shop reeked of incense and secrecy. Manager Tong stood deferentially beside Zhao Ling¡¯er, who studied a mission scroll with narrowed eyes. "Timed assassinations require precision," she mused, her voice cool. "The target is a second-tier warrior, but his bodyguard is fourth-tier. Classify it as medium difficulty." Tong bowed, stamping the document with a crimson seal. The door creaked open, and a shadowed figure cloaked in black entered. "State your alias," Tong demanded. "Jing Ke." The distorted voice echoed beneath the steel mask. Zhao Ling¡¯er¡¯s gaze sharpened. The mystery man who cleared yesterday¡¯s task in hours. Her initial intrigue faded as he requested another low-tier job. "All local assignments are exhausted," Tong apologized. "The nearest is five hundred li away in Qingyang Town." The masked figure hesitated. "However¡­" Tong¡¯s smile turned sly. "We have a timed mission here in Tianwu City. Medium tier. Reward: one million taels." Behind the mask, Lin Hao¡¯s pulse quickened. One million. Enough to evolve Wolf Spider twice over. "Details." Zhao Ling¡¯er interjected, her tone edged with warning: "The kill must occur precisely when the Underground Bazaar¡¯s lights extinguish tomorrow night. Fail the timing, forfeit payment." "Payment ready when I return." The masked figure snatched the mission scroll. As the door slammed, Zhao Ling¡¯er frowned. Arrogant fool. Fourth-tier swordsmen don¡¯t die easily.
Outside, Lin Hao reviewed the scroll through the Fly¡¯s compound eyes: Target: Ma Feiyu Age: 25 Rank: Second-tier warrior Entourage: Li Kun, fourth-tier swordsman Location: Underground Bazaar Exchange Center Window: Year 9986, 7th month, 5th day. 20:00 hours, during blackout. A timed kill during a blackout? Orchestrated chaos. Lin Hao¡¯s lips curled. The spoiled Ma heir¡¯s reputation for brutality made this assassination morally palatable¡ªand financially irresistible.
Fifteen thousand taels weighed heavily in his sleeve as he entered a smithy. Molten metal hissed in crucibles. A dwarf blacksmith, beard singed at the edges, hammered a glowing blade. "I need micro-armor," Lin Hao rasped. "For an insect." The smith paused, squinting. "You mocking me, stranger?" Gold notes slapped the anvil. "Five-millimeter chest plate. Adamantine alloy. Now." This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
Nightfall found Lin Hao back in his chambers. The Kung Fu Fly tested its new armor¡ªa shimmering carapace that turned dagger thrusts into sparks. Wolf Spider lurked in shadows, venom sacs plump. Ding! Host¡¯s preparation for timed mission detected. Contracted creatures gain +20% coordination during synchronized strikes. He smiled. Let Li Kun parry swords. How would he counter a hyper-envenomed spider drop-kicked by an armored fly?
Zhao Ling¡¯er paced her moonlit courtyard, unease prickling her spine. Shadow Falcons had lost the masked man¡¯s trail near the slums. Who are you, Jing Ke? Far below her gilded pavilion, in the city¡¯s bowels, the Underground Bazaar¡¯s lanterns flickered. Merchants hawked forbidden relics. Ma Feiyu laughed, tossing coins at chained dancers. None noticed the metal-masked figure observing from rafters, a fly perched on his shoulder, a spider coiled in his palm. Time ticked toward darkness.
Forging Armaments The dwarf blacksmith¡¯s forge hummed with heat as Lin Hao observed silently. The clang of hammer on steel echoed rhythmically, each strike precise. ¡°Dwarven craftsmanship,¡± Lin Hao mused, recognizing the race¡¯s legendary metallurgical prowess. Walls lined with failed sword prototypes spoke of exacting standards¡ªdiscarded blades piled like metallic bones. When the dwarf finally quenched the glowing blade in water, steam hissing like a serpent, he turned squinted eyes toward his visitor. ¡°Weapons or armor?¡± the dwarf grunted, wiping soot from his beard. ¡°Armor. For pets.¡± The dwarf¡¯s hammer slipped, clattering against the anvil. ¡°Pets?!¡± Lin Hao raised a finger. The Kung Fu Fly landed, wings shimmering. Across his shoulder, the Wolf Spider emerged, mandibles clicking. ¡°Insects?!¡± The dwarf¡¯s roar shook the rafters. ¡°You mock¡ª¡± The Fly zipped to the forge, talons seizing the 200-pound hammer. It lifted the tool effortlessly, hovering like a mythic crane. Simultaneously, the Wolf Spider¡¯s silk lashed out, yanking a black iron ore block across the floor. The dwarf¡¯s curses died mid-syllable. ¡°By Moradin¡¯s beard¡­¡± ¡°Materials?¡± Lin Hao pressed. ¡°Volcanic Adamantine.¡± The dwarf reverently produced a crimson-veined ingot. ¡°Rare. Expensive. Survives dragonfire.¡± ¡°Use it.¡± The dwarf¡¯s calloused fingers measured the Fly¡¯s thorax with a tailor¡¯s precision. ¡°Micro-joints need mithril hinges. Spider¡¯s carapace requires segmented plating.¡± His earlier irritation melted into artisan¡¯s fervor. ¡°Completion time?¡± ¡°Dawn.¡± The dwarf already sketched blueprints, eyes alight. ¡°First insect armor in history! The Guild will weep!¡±
Night deepened. Lin Hao studied the dwarf¡¯s samples¡ªa dagger that split hairs, a breastplate deflecting crossbow bolts. The Fly tested its provisional armor: a scrap-metal cuirass allowing full wing mobility. Ding! Host¡¯s innovative armoring strategy detected. Contracted creatures gain +25% durability when equipped with specialized gear. Satisfied, Lin Hao tossed a gold note onto the anvil. The dwarf snorted. ¡°Triple this. Volcanic Adamantine¡¯s not free.¡± Another note joined the first. ¡°Triple upon delivery.¡± The dwarf¡¯s grin flashed through his beard. ¡°Deal, human.¡±
Zhao Ling¡¯er¡¯s spies reported nothing. The masked ¡°Jing Ke¡± had vanished after visiting a smithy¡ªone frequented by nobles and mercenaries alike. ¡°Focus on the Underground Bazaar,¡± she ordered. ¡°Ma Feiyu¡¯s death must look accidental.¡±
At dawn, Lin Hao returned. The dwarf presented two creations: For the Fly¡ªa scarlet exoskeleton with retractable wing-blades. For the Wolf Spider¡ªinterlocking obsidian plates, venom reservoirs integrated into fangs. ¡°Test them,¡± the dwarf urged. The Fly dive-bombed an anvil. Sparks flew as wing-blades sheared iron. The Spider tanked a hammer swing, carapace unscathed. ¡°Masterpieces!¡± The dwarf danced a jig. ¡°Name your price for production rights!¡± Lin Hao tossed the remaining gold. ¡°Secrecy¡¯s your payment.¡± As he left, the dwarf shouted after him, ¡°What lunatic arms insects?! I love it!¡±
Nightfall approached. In a rented attic, Lin Hao equipped his companions. The Fly¡¯s armor gleamed hellish red; the Spider¡¯s plates absorbed light like black holes. Ding! Host¡¯s preparation complete. Mission success probability revised to 89.7%. He smiled. Let Li Kun¡¯s fourth-tier sword meet evolution-forged steel.