16: Chapter 16 Change of Mind

It was just as the old saying went: there is no such thing as a free lunch. Behind those seemingly tempting opportunities, there often lay deadly traps.

Recalling the Man in Bamboo Hat's previous story, Yun Song felt more and more that his decision to firmly refuse was incredibly wise.

Lang Xiao was ruthless and vicious; just hearing about his deeds made one's hair stand on end.

Even if one were lucky enough to learn a peerless Martial Skill, what chance of winning would one have against such a fierce character?

He was just scraping by in The Mine, seeking nothing more than to live in peace.

The elderly village chief back home was still waiting for his return; if he lost his life due to a moment of impulsiveness, it would be truly too late to regret.

Thinking of this, Yun Song shook his head lightly, filled with emotion.

He looked up at the distant rolling mountains, his eyes filled with a bit more caution born from worldly experience.

This experience made him secretly warn himself that in the future, he must not be impulsive or reckless; everything must be carefully thought out and planned before acting.

But reality was often disappointing. Even if he sought stability, trouble could still come uninvited.

Just like his father back then, who was only on the way home... Yun Song didn't want to think about it anymore and let out a heavy sigh.

Just then, his eyes suddenly lit up.

Lang Xiao was dead, and the Man in Bamboo Hat no longer had the dangerous request for revenge; wasn't this the perfect opportunity to ask for the Secret Manual?

The journey home would be long, and learning martial arts would provide a means of self-defense.

But soon, Yun Song was in a dilemma again. He had just refused so decisively, and now asking for the Secret Manual with a thick face was truly too awkward.

If he upset the other party, he might even bring a fatal disaster upon himself.

It felt like two little people were fighting in his heart.

One urged, "Go try it, it's a rare opportunity!"

The other advised, "Don't humiliate yourself, it's too embarrassing!"

Suddenly, Yun Song's eyes lit up, an idea striking him.

The Man in Bamboo Hat was so severely injured; if he could get a Medicinal Pill to save him, perhaps he could ease their relationship.

But immediately he looked distressed again; he had no contribution points at all, so what could he use to trade for a Medicinal Pill?

After a brief hesitation, Yun Song gritted his teeth.

No matter what, he had to show goodwill first!

Thinking of the possibility of learning martial arts, he was both expectant and anxious; he took a deep breath and walked toward the Man in Bamboo Hat.

Although his steps were hesitant, he eventually stopped beside the other party.

"Senior, you are so severely injured; do you not have any Medicinal Pill on you?"

Yun Song asked with a forced smile. But when he saw the man's complexion clearly, he couldn't help but be shocked.

The other party's face was as dark as ink, his lips purple-black, his eye sockets sunken, and his eyes filled with pain and fear; this was clearly a sign of being poisoned!

The Man in Bamboo Hat slowly opened his eyes; the sharpness of the past was gone, leaving only a dullness.

His breath was weak, and his voice was as hoarse as an old bellows.

"I didn't bring any..."

Every word he spoke seemed to exhaust all his strength.

Yun Song's current obsequious appearance was like a different person compared to his previous attitude of keeping others at a distance.

The Man in Bamboo Hat saw this and revealed a bitter smile, "You brat, do you regret refusing me?"

"Senior is wise! Nothing can be hidden from you!"

Yun Song immediately wore a fawning smile, "Your ability to see through people's hearts is truly admirable to this Junior! I wonder what poison you have been struck with? I will go find an antidote for you right away!"

The Man in Bamboo Hat shook his head slightly, his smile filled with endless bitterness.

"It's useless... The poison has already invaded my internal organs; it's too late..."

He looked into the distance, his eyes hollow, as if he were already saying goodbye to the world.

Watching the man's breath grow weaker, Yun Song grabbed his arm in a panic.

"Senior! Think again, do you have any unfulfilled wishes? I will definitely help you complete them!"

The Man in Bamboo Hat was silent for a long time, then slowly shook his head.

Yun Song hardened his heart, suddenly knelt on both knees, his tone urgent.

"This Junior boldly makes a request! If you pass your peerless Martial Skill to me, I swear I will definitely carry it forward and let your fame spread throughout the Nine Provinces!"

His face flushed, his chest heaved violently, and his eyes were filled with burning desire.