Chapter Four: When Heaven Defies Human Wishes

Seeing the murderous intent flashing in Zheng Daqiu’s eyes, Liu Heng felt a tightening in his throat.

“Are you going to kill me?” Liu Heng forced down the fear welling up inside him. “Don’t forget, you’re not even a camp leader yet. Like me, you’re just a minor leader.”

“Do you even deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as me?” Zheng Daqiu sneered. “I have Shi Dagui backing me. With your level of ability, you think you can compete for the rear camp leadership? If I kill you today, I’ll be the rear camp leader. Let’s see who dares challenge me then!”

Liu Heng knew all too well that, barring any unexpected turn, he was doomed this time.

Inside the tent were Zheng Daqiu and five bandits. Two had subdued Yang Yuan, while the other three blocked the tent’s entrance.

The commotion inside caught the attention of the bandits near the main tent. They gathered outside the door, swelling in number until several circles of bandits stood there.

All these bandits remained outside, merely spectators to the conflict inside the tent. Even the other minor leaders of the rear camp stood aside, unwilling to interfere in the dispute.

Liu Heng’s heart sank. He hadn’t expected Zheng Daqiu to be so audacious, to dare attempt murder in broad daylight.

“Zheng Daqiu, I have the archers’ camp behind me. If you kill me, aren’t you afraid they’ll come after you?” Liu Heng could only hope the archers’ presence would make Zheng hesitate.

“No need to scare me,” Zheng Daqiu said with a cold laugh. “Once I become rear camp leader with Shi Dagui’s backing, do you think I’d fear that Li Shuheng from the archers?”

Liu Heng bit his lip, thinking grimly that he might be the first time traveler to be killed so soon after arriving. He wondered if death would allow him to travel back again and resume his role as a librarian.

Zheng Daqiu sneered, “I had planned to let you live a few more days, find an excuse to kill you once I was firmly in charge. But I didn’t expect you to challenge me for rear camp leadership, even pulling in the leaders from the left and right camps to help. Since that’s the case, you can’t be allowed to live. Remember, don’t blame me when you die—blame yourself for offending me and challenging for the rear camp leadership.”

With that, Zheng Daqiu raised his knife high.

Outside the tent, a stir broke out.

Just then, a cold voice rang out: “Zheng Daqiu, if you dare bring that knife down, I guarantee you won’t live another moment.”

“Who the hell is threatening me? Don’t want to live anymore?” Zheng Daqiu’s arm froze mid-swing. Angrily, he turned his head to look behind him.

At a glance, his face changed drastically. The knife in his hand poised to strike downward.

“Don’t move,” Chen Xunping said coldly. “Move once more, and my arrow flies immediately. Don’t believe me? Try it and see which is faster—your knife or my arrow.”

Zheng Daqiu’s knife hung suspended. He scowled, “Chen Xunping, this is a matter for the rear camp. It’s none of the archers’ business.”

“True, the rear camp’s affairsI'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.