Chapter 163: Lin Nuo, Actually Incredibly Ugly

Chapter 163: Lin Nuo, Actually Incredibly Ugly

Early in the morning, Lin Nuo took Ling Meng out for breakfast.

“Today is our first step into the Righteous Path Organization, so let’s have a good meal before we head out.”

“H-h-head out?”

Ling Meng felt something was off with this statement.

“We’re heading out to hunt fierce beasts and build our merits. What’s wrong with that?” Lin Nuo retorted.

“N-nothing, Master is right.”

The master and disciple chose a corner table at the inn. Lin Nuo ordered some common breakfast items: meat buns, vegetable buns, shao mai, century egg and lean meat congee, soy milk, and Ling Meng’s favorite large wontons. As for the Meat Floss Cake, there was none nearby, so they would have to make do with their rations. Of course, having a pot of fragrant tea was necessary for early breakfast at an inn.

There were quite a few people having breakfast that morning; folks liked to sip tea while enjoying their morning meal and chatting animatedly.

Usually, they talked about interesting gossip, like how Old Wang was digging into Old Mei’s territory, or how Aunt Li on the city wall was yelling at the top ten ladies from dawn to dusk. The inn was filled with a lively atmosphere.

However, today the topic took a strange turn.

“Hey, do you guys know? Someone died yesterday—General Huang of the General’s Mansion was killed, and two Taoists were also murdered.”

“I heard it was the Poison Bee who did it. He even left a special mark on the bodies.”

“That’s just sick! Making it so outsiders wouldn’t know he did it. The scary part is, we still don’t know what he really looks like!”

“Now there’s a call to arms in the city, many masters have come. I wonder if the heroic Lin Nuo from the peaceful town of Yi Zhou will show up.”

“Are you talking about Lin Nuo, the great hero? I’ve heard tales of his deeds. If he comes, he’ll definitely catch the Poison Bee!”

…

Suddenly, the discussion in the inn shifted from the terrifying Poison Bee to praising Lin Nuo.

Meanwhile, sitting in the corner, Lin Nuo quietly listened to the townsfolk’s chatter while calmly sipping his tea.

As a rational villain, he could forgive these commoners for their ignorance.

Don’t misunderstand, I’m Lin Nuo and I’m right here, but I absolutely won’t help you catch any Poison Bee. Why would I disrupt someone’s livelihood?

Besides, I have no grudge or feud with the Poison Bee. He’s just a killer, trying to make a living; why should I go and ruin that?

Also, assassins are a type of villain, a fellow; who knows, maybe we’re even from the same world, sharing the same dream of assassinating Su Kexin!

Ling Meng, sitting opposite Lin Nuo, was also listening to the townsfolk talk, her anger rising as she crushed the bun in her hand.

Lin Nuo was dumbfounded.

What the heck? Has this girl gone mad? You’re the villain here! They’re talking about killers and you’re getting riled up, trying to uphold justice?

Your perspective is all wrong.

Lin Nuo calmly asked, “What’s wrong? Did the bun offend you?”

“N-no, it’s not the bun.”

Ling Meng shook her head, trying to calm her fury.

“I just heard a name that made me hate it.”

“What name? Poison Bee?”

“No, it’s Lin Nuo,” Ling Meng said earnestly.

Oh, good thing it’s not the Poison Bee. I was worried you, a villain, might have your mindset corrupted and start advocating for justice.

Wait, what? Did you just say Lin Nuo???

What kind of deep-seated grudge could that be?

Lin Nuo remained calm and composed:

“Why do you hate him?”

“Because he’s the enemy of the Refining Demon Sect. I heard he ruined our plans in Wind Sea Forest, causing the demise of many disciples. He also has some incredible achievements, whether it’s saving the princess or defeating foes in Hu City, showcasing his exceptional abilities. What’s more infuriating is that he’s practically my age. In our sect, he’s viewed as a must-kill enemy.”

“Oh, I see.”

Lin Nuo continued sipping his tea, though inside he was fighting off countless Grass Mud Horses.

What the heck? Not a single thing you said is something I wanted to do! And I didn’t even do it!

Regarding Wind Sea Forest, that was just your group mixing up friend and foe and ending up taking each other out.

“What about you, Master? What do you think of this Lin Nuo?” Ling Meng asked.

“I have no dealings with him, we have no grudges or feuds, but I heard he’s just a name without real substance, merely riding on rumors to get fame. You don’t need to think too highly of him.”

“Once is coincidence, twice is coincidence, but the third time definitely isn’t coincidence! He must have unique qualities. Plus, Master taught me to be cautious and never underestimate my opponent. I can’t underestimate him.”

“……”

Sorry, the third time was still a coincidence. I can personally verify that—no tricks here.

And when I told you to be cautious, wasn’t that meant for dealing with me? You could completely underestimate that guy.

Lin Nuo continued, “You haven’t met him, have you?”

“Never,” Ling Meng shook her head. “What about you, Master?”

“I’ve seen him.”

“How’s his appearance compared to yours, Master?”

“What do you think of my looks?”

“Handsome, charming, dashing! Master looks even better at night!” Ling Meng lit up with excitement.

“Alright, alright, what does night have to do with anything during the day?”

Lin Nuo sighed, this girl had her head full of nonsense.

At night, without makeup, he looked just a bit more handsome, but if outsiders overheard their conversation, they’d think he was doing something scandalous with her at night.

Lin Nuo cleared his throat and continued, “Lin Nuo is incredibly ugly, way worse than me. If you ever see a handsome guy calling himself Lin Nuo, he definitely isn’t the Lin Nuo from the Xuanyun Sect you’re looking for.”

“Utterly hideous? That’s fantastic! Then I can kill him without holding back.” Ling Meng was thrilled to hear this; she absolutely loved to slay ugly enemies.

Lin Nuo: “……”

Thinking, what if you’re a beauty fanatic? Would you go easy on him if he turns out good-looking?

This Ling Meng is quite naive. After his little prattle, she thinks a handsome guy can’t possibly be the Lin Nuo from the Xuanyun Sect.

This move is called self-harm for survival.

However, listening to what Ling Meng had to say, Lin Nuo learned some big news.

It seems that his reputation has already spread among the various underworld forces, branding him as an enemy.

In his last life, he too was seen as an enemy, but in this life, the reasons were entirely different.

In his last life, he was the villain harming their interests; in this life, he was the righteous force threatening their interests.

What the heck?

At that moment, the Poison Bee assassin was sitting at a table behind Lin Nuo, enjoying breakfast. He loved to secretly assassinate his targets and then blend into the public during the day, mocking these useless commoners from the shadows.

Facing away from Lin Nuo, he was also listening to the folks talk about Lin Nuo’s deeds.

He was incredibly furious! They were supposed to talk about his terrifying exploits, but suddenly switched to glorifying that little brat Lin Nuo!

In his anger, he crumpled the bun in his hand.

“Did you just crush a bun?” Lin Nuo suddenly sensed someone was crumpling buns.

“I did not, Master.”

Ling Meng innocently shook her head.