The Village Girl Who Jinxes Her Husband Is Filthy Rich Chapter 2066: Liu Yichen

~4 minute read · 973 words
Previously on The Village Girl Who Jinxes Her Husband Is Filthy Rich...
Liu Shijun, the bold and capable heir of the Liu Castle, defied social expectations by marrying the kind-hearted scholar Ye Mohan. Their union flourished into a prosperous business partnership and a happy family, until both parents were tragically killed by bandits when their son, Liu Yichen, was only three. Following the suspicious poisoning of Liu Yichen's grandfather, the boy's great-uncle, Liu Minfeng, usurped control of the estate. Under the guise of a competition, Minfeng manipulated his older sons to force the young heir out of the castle, leaving a resolute Liu Yichen to vow he would one day reclaim his birthright.
Liu Yichen had arrived empty-handed. Desperate, he had been forced to turn to begging on the streets. Yet, destiny had other plans; while seeking shelter in a temple, he was snatched away by a mysterious figure draped in black. This captor whisked him away to a cramped, isolated chamber. Inside, the boy discovered a throng of others, all of the same age and all male. As soon as he was deposited within, the heavy door slammed shut. Aside from a lone iron grate for air, the room was hermetically sealed. Possessing a natural genius for mathematics and having been groomed in commerce by his grandfather since infancy, Liu Yichen took one scan of the room and calculated exactly how many captives were present: 166. While he remained baffled as to why they were being detained, his instincts, sharpened since Liu Minfeng seized the Liu Clan Castle, told him to remain on high alert. Knowing full well that escape was a fantasy in such a cage, he retreated to a corner, shedding no tears and creating no scenes. While his companions descended into numbness or sobbing panic, Liu Yichen stood apart. When others tried to draw near, he ignored them entirely. On the first day, the door rattled open, and rations were distributed—166 portions, one for every child, surprisingly lavish. The boys gobbled the food down, their faces smeared with oil, in a state of fleeting bliss. By the next day, however, only 83 portions arrived. Chaos erupted as the 166 children clashed violently over the insufficient food, sending bowls tumbling and scattering meals across the filth. Eventually, an older boy seized command, decreeing that everyone would split the rations; hunger lessened, but nobody felt full. Yet, amid the scramble, Liu Yichen had already secured a full portion for himself. The older boy glared at him, furious, inciting the others to shun him. Liu Yichen remained indifferent. By the third day, the rations plummeted to 41 servings. The older boy dictated the peace again, yet everyone remained hungry. Day four arrived, with only 21 portions—meaning four boys had to fight for a single share. The truce shattered. As several boys lunged for the portion in Liu Yichen’s grip, they were met with a brutal counter-attack; they were soon left wailing on the floor, beaten grey and blue. Not a single one of them was a match for young Liu Yichen. On the fifth day, only ten portions appeared, joined by a collection of knives scattered by their captor. The survival game had shifted from hunger to bloodshed. Morality had completely dissolved; even children, in their raw state, were capable of anything. When a dozen boys surrounded Liu Yichen, his resolve hardened. His eyes glowed with a feral, lupine intensity. In a blur of motion, a small, exquisite dagger appeared in his grip. The attackers recoiled at the sight of the blade, terrified to face him head-on. Once more, Liu Yichen successfully claimed his meal. High above, the man in black watched with growing amusement, a soft chuckle escaping his lips. He had personally searched Yichen earlier and found nothing—the boy had hidden the weapon in his shoe. Clearly, someone had ensured he was prepared for this. By day's end, only 80 boys remained. On the sixth day, with only five portions left, the headcount dropped to 16. On the final day, with only a fraction of food left, only the older boy and Liu Yichen remained standing. The older boy sneered, eyeing Yichen’s small dagger compared to his own heavy sabre, and jeered, Do you wish to end your own life, or shall I do it for you? The kindness he once feigned had evaporated, replaced by cold indifference. Liu Yichen tightened his grip on his blood-slicked dagger, his gaze sharp enough to cut. As the older boy roared and leaped forward, two-handed grip on his blade, Yichen moved with lethal precision. He slit the boy’s throat in a heartbeat. The attacker collapsed, limbs twitching for a moment before he lay still. Ha, exquisite! A booming laugh echoed as the door swung open. Liu Yichen pivoted, his expression masking a cold, childish vigilance. Who are you? he demanded. The black-robed man stepped forward, grinning. I am Qiu Yetian, Master of the Demon Cult. Liu Yichen’s pupils pulsed with tension. And why have you abducted me? No, what are you even doing? He was the last of 166. Had he not been trained by his grandfather’s warriors, and had his grandfather not gifted him that secret blade on his fourth birthday, he would have been the one rotting on the floor. Qiu Yetian grinned. Can you guess my intent? Yichen shook his head. I intend to make you my disciple, the heir to the Demonic Sect! Does that please you? Yichen frowned, shaking his head. I don’t like it! Qiu Yetian sighed, amused. You are truly audacious, little one. As the heir, you would command legions and hold the world in your palm. To be an emperor in the shadows—is that not what you desire? I do not! Yichen snapped. The Cult Master sighed, rubbing his chin. Fine, you are too young to comprehend. Simply begin your training under me. Liu Yichen raised his head, his eyes burning with a new fire. If I learn your arts and become this ruler, can I slaughter the wicked and claim my vengeance? Qiu Yetian paused, blinking. Was this child seeking power merely for retribution? Naturally. Once you sit upon the throne of the Demon Cult, your vengeance will be absolute. None will dare defy you! Fine! Yichen agreed instantly. What? the Master stammered. I will be your heir and your disciple, provided you grant me the power to exact my revenge! Yichen’s eyes shone with unwavering iron resolve.