Chapter 278 - Let It Be
"The Dragon-Binding Hand..." Rao Shuang’s tone carried undeniable astonishment. "Is it the same Dragon-Binding Hand, Zhou Yuzhu, who ‘bound three thousand tails in the East Sea’?"
Tang Jinnian continued organizing the gadgets in the box and replied nonchalantly, "It’s not that mystical. People from the jianghu love to exaggerate and spread rumors. Don't believe everything that you hear."
Rao Shuang bit her lip. "The Dragon-Binding Hand was truly unparalleled in reputation back then. Even if there’s some exaggeration, how far could it go? It’s said that in Xuanhua Prefecture, he single handedly infiltrated Wolf Tail Mountain’s Nine Wolves Stronghold to save a stranger—a woman.
"Amidst a hundred bandits, he beheaded the stronghold chief and rescued her, retreating unscathed. Such skill couldn’t possibly be fake. I remember that for a time, half the jianghu was talking about him. I even heard that many orthodox sects sent invitations, asking him to become a guest elder, but he suddenly disappeared a few years ago..." Her voice trailed off, and her gaze settled on Tang Jinnian’s face.
"Mm." Tang Jinnian nodded, replying casually, "I’ve heard about it. That may have happened."
"Then how did he end up..." Rao Shuang started to ask but stopped, realizing that Tang Jinnian didn’t seem particularly interested in the topic.
Tang Jinnian raised his head slightly, casting a sidelong glance at Rao Shuang. His lips curled into a faint, bemused smile. "How did he end up with me?"
His gaze sent a chill down her spine. Swallowing nervously, Rao Shuang nodded.
Tang Jinnian shifted his gaze back, closing the lid of the box. As he fiddled with an intricate lock in his hand, he spoke carelessly, "Two years ago, I took a contract to eliminate the leader of the Golden Roc Sect, Ruan Wentian. The Dragon-Binding Hand happened to be visiting Ruan Wentian.
"When I struck, he caught me in the act. I initially planned to deal with him as well. As it happens, I accidentally learned he was from Xianlong Port, so I captured him to make him work for me. At first, he resisted and called me some vile heretic... He claimed he would never stoop to my level.
"But after a few rounds of medicine and some suffering, he became obedient... I forced him to ingest a potent poison that acts every six months. Without my antidote, he’d face a fate worse than death, so he has no choice but to listen to me and care for my mother since I’m often away hunting rare treasures."