Chapter 183: Keep Up With Me

When Yin Mao pressed a certain point on his wrist, Tian Ling instantly felt his entire arm go limp, robbed of strength, a wave of numbness and pain surging through it as though it had been rendered useless.

"Blockhead, you can call me a charlatan all you want. But if I am a charlatan, then does that not mean my master is one too? I can let your insults to me slide, but if you dare insult my master, then I must settle this with you."

As he spoke, Yin Mao stepped forward, planting a foot firmly on Tian Ling’s chest. In the next moment, his hand slapped Tian Ling’s face with a resounding crack.

It was by no means a gentle slap; five distinct finger marks immediately blossomed on Tian Ling’s cheek.

"You bastard, you dare strike me? Are you tired of living?" Roaring in fury at the blow, Tian Ling balled his remaining good hand into a fist and swung it at Yin Mao’s thigh.

But his movement was easily detected by Yin Mao, who merely shifted the foot pressing on Tian Ling’s chest and kicked the fist with his toe.

At the impact, the burly man cried out in pain. Now both his arms hung uselessly at his sides, limp and powerless, leaving him no option but to glare at Yin Mao with eyes blazing with hatred.

"Master Yin, please restrain yourself! I’ve brought my brother-in-law here to apologize to you," Zhang Zhiming hurried over and intervened just as both of Tian Ling’s arms had been incapacitated.

With Zhang Zhiming blocking his way, Yin Mao withdrew the foot he’d readied for another kick. His tone was less than pleased as he said, "Your wife’s brother is truly a brute. If you weren’t here today, I’d have beaten him until he soiled himself."

Casting one last angry look at the man sprawled on the ground, Yin Mao returned to his wooden chair and sat down.

"Look at yourself," Zhang Zhiming scolded as he helped his brother-in-law up and placed him on a chair nearby. "Why must you always resort to violence? Now you’ve learned your lesson with Master Yin."

Tian Ling’s bluster faded in an instant. Now, like a wounded child, he began to sob softly, his thickly bearded face contorted in grievance. "He’s crippled my arms. I’m a useless wreck now. Zhang Zhiming, just you wait—your family will pay for this with their lives."

Yin Mao, who at first still harbored some anger, suddenly burst out laughing at the sight of the burly man whimpering like a wronged woman.

Hearing his brother-in-law’s threats, Zhang Zhiming was briefly stunned. But Yin Mao’s laughter snapped him back to his senses, and he hurried over to Yin Mao’s side.

"Master Yin, my brother-in-law is rash and ill-mannered, but all he’s done is for his sister’s sake. Could you do me this favor and restore his arms?"

"Someone so childish isn’t worth my time. His arms are fine; I merely blocked his nerves. They’ll be back to normal in half an hour," Yin Mao replied calmly, picking up a cup from the table and sipping his tea.

Tian Ling, who had believed himself crippled for life, stopped crying at once upon hearing this. He ventured, "My arms are really all right?"

Yin Mao did not bother to answer. Anyone with even a little sense could tell he had no reason to lie.

"Master Yin said you’re fine, so stop worrying, Tian Ling. If your arms don’t recover, I’ll give you mine—would that do?" Zhang Zhiming said, as if soothing a child.

At this, Tian Ling finally let out a long sigh of relief.

And so, the three of them remained seated in the hall. Half an hour later, Tian Ling found he could move his arms again. Realizing he hadn't been crippled, his anger faded away.

"Master Yin, was my sister’s death truly caused by an evil spirit?" he asked, his previous aggression replaced by courtesy.

Yin Mao was a little surprised by this abrupt change in demeanor, though Zhang Zhiming seemed entirely unsurprised.

"Yes," Yin Mao replied plainly, seeing the other’s respectful tone.

"If that’s the case, then Zhang Zhiming must have invited you here to deal with that spirit. May I accompany you?" Tian Ling asked.

No sooner had he spoken than Zhang Zhiming stood up and tried to dissuade him. "That’s absolutely out of the question, Tian Ling. Evil spirits are not to be trifled with. If something happens to you, how could I explain to your father?"

"Mr. Zhang is right," Yin Mao added. "The evil spirit haunting your family is no minor fiend and is not easily subdued. If you come with me, I cannot guarantee your safety."

But Tian Ling paid their warnings no heed. He carefully sized up Yin Mao, then bowed deeply to him.

"I apologize, Master Yin. I was reckless just now—please don’t hold it against me. Still, if you are going to exorcise the spirit, I beg you to let me come with you."

"Give me a good reason," Yin Mao replied, curious about the burly man’s sudden humility.

"Master Yin, you may not know this, but my sister and I were only a year and a half apart in age, and we were always very close. Now she has died unjustly, and as her brother, I must avenge her. Yet, after coming to the Zhang household and hearing what you and Zhang Zhiming said, I realize I am powerless to do so. Even so, I want her killer to meet their end before my eyes; that, at least, would ease my heart."

"But the evil spirit in this household is no ordinary menace. I cannot guarantee you’ll survive if you come. If you die, I will not be responsible," Yin Mao warned.

"I understand, Master Yin. Just take me with you. My life or death is none of your concern—just focus on slaying the spirit and don’t worry about me."

Seeing Tian Ling’s resolve, Yin Mao considered for a moment, then nodded his assent.

Zhang Zhiming tried a few more times to dissuade him, but Tian Ling paid him no mind, and in the end, Zhang Zhiming wisely held his tongue.

At first, Yin Mao had not intended to bring Tian Ling along. But the man’s sincerity, and the deep bond he felt for his sister, moved him. Having grown up an orphan, Yin Mao treasured family ties above all else; though he had none of his own, seeing such devotion between siblings touched him deeply. And so, he decided to let Tian Ling join him on the mountain.