The Invincible Loser's Counterattack System: The Invincible Loser's Counterattack System, #4

By Hou Ji Xian Ren

Zhou Fei, known as "the number one failure of Chang'an" at the academy in the great Tang Dynasty's Chang'an, is actually a young man with a special identity and background. After accidentally acquiring a "failure system," he miraculously embarked on the path to becoming a top master, despite originally being unable to cultivate.

Facing challenges from academy teachers and ridicule from the nobility's children, Zhou Fei handles them with ease, demonstrating his extraordinary strength. An unexpected lodging crisis further allowed him to reveal his unique treasures and extraordinary methods, making his image of a failure even more mysterious.

How will Zhou Fei, with the failure system, rise against the odds to become a top master among the elites in the academy, continuing his legendary journey?

I refuse the path through the mountain of books, and I won't sail the endless sea of learning. Being such a failure already, why must I be transformed into a supreme master?
 

 

 

---

 

 

 Zhou Fei indeed had many questions to ask.

 But at this moment, he was speechless.

 He didn't know where to start.

 Fu Zi didn't rush him, leisurely sipping on his wine and then magically producing a bag of beef jerky.
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Zhou Yan
• Release date: May 23, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224410149

Book preview

Chapter 181: The Pride of Cultivators

Zhou Fei indeed had many questions to ask.

But at this moment, he was speechless.

He didn’t know where to start.

Fu Zi didn’t rush him, leisurely sipping on his wine and then magically producing a bag of beef jerky.

Zhou Fei felt a pang of hunger.

Fu Zi pushed the bag towards him, Don’t be shy.

Zhou Fei picked up a piece of beef jerky and popped it into his mouth. His eyes lit up, What kind of beef is this? It’s so delicious!

Fu Zi asked, Is that a question?

Zhou Fei quickly shook his head, No, no.

Fu Zi smiled and pointed to the horizon, What do you see?

Zhou Fei pondered the question for a while before answering, Chang’an.

Aside from that? Fu Zi asked again.

Zhou Fei said, The common people.

Fu Zi nodded, Not bad. I ask you, to the common people, what is the most important thing?

Zhou Fei fell into deep thought.

You fool, such a simple question requires so much contemplation?

Zhou Fei stammered, Food, clothing, shelter?

Fu Zi finally showed a satisfied smile, pinching a piece of beef jerky between two fingers and putting it in his mouth to chew slowly. Then he took another sip of wine, When there is food and drink, shelter from the rain, a loved one when sick, and children when old, that is the life ordinary people seek.

Zhou Fei found Fu Zi’s words very philosophical.

But philosophy is often the most difficult thing to understand.

Throughout history, many philosophers have ultimately become philosophers.

Have you thought it through now? Fu Zi asked. Your question.

Zhou Fei nodded, I have.

Ask it, Fu Zi said.

In the end, what am I? Zhou Fei asked.

With an unprecedented seriousness,

Fu Zi said, You’ve killed a person. Do you think they hate you more, or the knife in your hand?

Zhou Fei honestly replied, Naturally, they hate me.

Weapons are not to blame, similarly, martial arts and mental methods are not at fault either; the crucial point lies in the person, Fu Zi said, then pulled out a dagger from his bosom and threw it in front of Zhou Fei. This weapon, used by the greatest demon of the last Ice Age, was known as the deadliest weapon under the heavens. It could devour souls and even turn against its wielder.

Since obtaining it, this dagger has never been more than a meter away from me. I am still well and unharmed. Its infamy is merely ascribed by humans; it doesn’t harbor any killing intent on its own. Of course, this dagger has consumed too much blood. In the hands of someone with a weak will, it’s easy to be influenced. However, it merely amplifies the negative emotions within one’s heart; the root cause still lies within oneself.

Zhou Fei picked up the dagger, feeling a chill upon touch, and a sense of restlessness stirred within him, accompanied by a whispering in his ears.

Fu Zi glanced at him, This dagger is yours now.

Zhou Fei grimaced, This doesn’t seem like a good idea.

Are you afraid of it? Afraid of a dagger? Fu Zi said coldly.

Zhou Fei shook his head, I’m mostly worried my Xueyin Knife will get jealous.

Fu Zi was taken aback for a moment, then burst into laughter, Interesting, interesting. You really are a fascinating fellow. I don’t take back what I give. Keep it until you can suppress its malevolence, then return it to me.

Zhou Fei had no choice but to accept, Thank you, Fu Zi.

After a while, Zhou Fei continued, Fu Zi, I had a dream.

Fu Zi took a sip of his wine, What does that have to do with me?

Zhou Fei was caught off guard by the response, You were in it.

Fu Zi looked at Zhou Fei sideways, What, do you have a crush on me?

Zhou Fei said, Fu Zi, if you keep this up, we can’t continue this conversation. You’re supposed to be a teacher, can’t you maintain some dignity?

I’m afraid you can’t handle it if I become too dignified, Fu Zi said.

Zhou Fei was speechless.

Let’s just talk normally. I feel like if we continue the way we were, this book might get censored.

Heh.

I dreamt of the icy plains. The entire world was covered by glaciers, everything was blanketed in white, and only a handful of powerful beings were still alive. I could see their silhouettes, but other than you, I didn’t recognize anyone.

Fu Zi’s expression darkened, and after a moment, he sighed.

Winter is coming, Fu Zi said.

What’s ‘Winter is coming’? Zhou Fei asked, puzzled.

Fu Zi explained, It’s a legend known by few, yet it undeniably exists. Fundamentally, this world has only two seasons, one warm like spring, the other cold as winter. These two seasons alternate in ruling the world, with each cycle lasting ten thousand years. According to the temple, when the Goddess reigns over the land, it is warm spring. When the Demon King rules the world, it is the cold winter.

After the arrival of the harsh winter, the golden crow will vanish, the world will be forever enveloped in darkness, blanketed with white snow. Animals will die, plants will perish, humans will cease to exist, and everything will be no more. Even the most powerful cultivators can only struggle to survive in the winter, awaiting death.

Zhou Fei asked quietly, Has anyone ever survived the harsh winter?

Fu Zi pointed at himself.

Zhou Fei’s eyes widened.

He knew Fu Zi was formidable but didn’t realize Fu Zi was this formidable.

Besides you, sir, are there others? Zhou Fei continued to inquire.

Three more, Fu Zi said. A blacksmith, a carpenter, and a woman.

A woman? Zhou Fei’s eyes bulged.

Fu Zi warned, Careful not to pop your eyes out! What, you look down on women?

Zhou Fei’s head almost shook vehemently, Not at all, absolutely not. I’m just... slightly surprised, that’s all. Fu Zi, if those people have survived the harsh winter, their strength must be comparable to yours, immensely powerful. Why then, have there been no tales about them in the world?

Fu Zi smiled, The reason is simple, they’re too old. They survived the harsh winter, but ultimately, they can’t outlive time.

Zhou Fei was stunned.

He had fallen into habituated thinking, overlooking the most crucial point.

What’s the fairest thing in the world?

Time.

It treats everyone equally, and no one can withstand the flood of time.

Those whom the harsh winter couldn’t kill, time could.

Fu Zi added, Moreover, in my eyes, they’re not strong, just lucky to have dodged the harsh winter.

Zhou Fei didn’t see it that way.

In his view, surviving the resource-depleted harsh winter was not merely a stroke of luck.

It must be accompanied by formidable strength.

Of course, Fu Zi himself is of formidable strength, so he might look down on those people, but Zhou Fei couldn’t.

Noticing Zhou Fei’s expression, Fu Zi spoke in an indifferent tone, What do you think is the ultimate goal of cultivation?

Zhou Fei honestly answered, I don’t know.

Fu Zi said, The path of cultivation is lonely, and in the end, it’s about cultivating the mind. The more powerful a cultivator becomes, the more prideful they are. And how can a prideful person choose to barely survive?

Zhou Fei immediately understood.

Chapter 182: Return of Jade Jiaolong

The Flower Festival, can I not go? Zhou Fei asked his third question. First, I had to defeat Lie Chen, then after making it to Chang’an for the Flower Festival, I was stopped again. I’m really afraid that those monks will try to sabotage me while I’m at the Flower Festival. Although it’s said that religious people are compassionate, it doesn’t mean they don’t have vengeful thoughts.

Fu Zi said, You’re already an adult, you should learn to make your own decisions. You dare bother me with such trivial matters! If I hear you ask another question this idiotic, I won’t show you any mercy.

Zhou Fei was speechless.

Fu Zi glanced at Zhou Fei and said, You’re the worst student I’ve ever taught.

Zhou Fei retorted, Fu Zi, you remind me of my high school physics teacher.

Although Fu Zi didn’t understand what a physics teacher was, he could guess it was someone in the same line of work as him. Zhou Fei’s unintentional complaint also revealed the truth.

Most people would find this truth very interesting, but Fu Zi wasn’t interested. Or rather, the time when he was interested had passed.

As long as this disciple could provide him with a steady supply of fine wine, he wouldn’t care if Zhou Fei was a demon who crawled out of hell.

You can go to the Flower Festival, or you can not. However, I recommend you go. How can you see a rainbow without experiencing a storm? If you don’t experience deceit, you’ll never learn to fight back. The monks of the Suspended Temple are quite disciplined, at least Xinpan is still there, and he can keep them in line. Also, I have a feeling that the answers to some of the problems you’re facing can be found at the Suspended Temple, Fu Zi said earnestly.

Zhou Fei replied, I understand.

Fu Zi took a sip of wine, Oh, by the way, you won’t be going alone this time. I’ve found you a companion.

Zhou Fei scratched his head, Which senior brother or sister will it be? It can’t be Senior Sister Tu, right? Doesn’t she have classes to teach?

Fu Zi smiled mysteriously, You’ll find out on the day of departure. It’s a secret for now.

Zhou Fei began to deduce.

Among the senior brothers, sisters, and nephews in the academy’s back mountain, he could first rule out Feng Huayue. She definitely wouldn’t go with him since the Suspended Temple, unlike the academy, wasn’t tolerant enough to allow a Demonic Sect Saintess to roam about all day. If Feng Huayue went to the Suspended Temple, it would be tantamount to delivering herself to her enemies.

Second Senior Brother was in seclusion, Eldest Senior Brother was Fu Zi’s lackey, Third Senior Brother was a homebody, Senior Sister Tu couldn’t go because she was a teacher and had already used up her vacation days. If she took any more leave, her salary would be deducted. Given Senior Sister Tu’s personality, she would never take unpaid leave.

That left only Yue Chen.

However, that guy had been lovesick recently and had a strong urge to go back to Zhiyue Temple and confront his father. He probably wasn’t within the scope of consideration either.

Who could it be then?

Judging from Fu Zi’s expression, though, he was determined to keep the secret until the end.

Garlan.

Spring has arrived, and the flowers on the mountain have bloomed.

They are as white as snow.

This easily reminds people of the snow disaster that broke out in the Tang Dynasty not long ago.

This snow disaster caused the Tang Dynasty to suffer heavy losses, setting the country back by at least five years or more, and the military’s strength was also greatly impacted. The blizzard came so suddenly that many soldiers were frozen to death.

As a result, several neighboring countries around the Tang Dynasty began to stir. They had been wanting to challenge the Tang Dynasty for days but had not dared to make a move before, fearing defeat. Now, with the Tang Dynasty suffering such a heavy blow, the emperors of these countries could hardly restrain themselves.

Of course, all of this had nothing to do with the temple.

At least that’s how it appeared on the surface.

During the time of the snow disaster in the Tang Dynasty, some problems also emerged within the temple. Despite efforts to hide them, some information still leaked out.

Among the most concerned pieces of news was that Tung, the Seven Kills Priest of the Life and Death Hall, was injured.

After Chu Weirui’s defection, a fierce conflict broke out in the Life and Death Hall between the Seven Kills and the Lian Zhen Priest. Since then, Tung had been avoiding the public eye, and the priest’s throne in the Life and Death Hall had been vacant for a long time. Even the High Priest of the Life and Death Hall didn’t know what had happened to Tung. If it weren’t for Tung contacting him telepathically every few days, the High Priest might even think Tung was dead.

Today, Tung made his first appearance in the Life and Death Hall since his injury.

He summoned all the priests and deacons back.

These priests and deacons kneeled on one knee in the hall, starting from the moment the sun rose until now.

Among them, some could no longer bear the burden and felt as if their kneecaps were about to shatter.

Yet, even so, not a single one dared to stand up or even make a sound.

Because the person sitting on the throne was Tung.

The most brutal priest in the history of the Life and Death Hall.

Tung leaned in his chair, one hand supporting his cheek, his gaze fixed on the entrance of the hall, as if waiting for someone.

Finally, as the noon sun shone into the hall, a figure appeared following the light.

The corners of Tung’s mouth slightly curled up, revealing a cruel smile: You are indeed my disciple, bold enough. To dare return after defecting, are you here to accept your punishment?

The returnee was none other than Chu Weirui.

After nearly a year of leaving the temple, she has returned.

Chu Weirui never considered herself a defector. Her faith in the Goddess had never wavered. With her unwavering Dao heart, Chu Weirui ignored Tung’s questioning and walked forward calmly and resolutely.

At this moment, a priest who was kneeling on the ground stood up and roared, Audacious!

Chu Weirui glanced at him and continued walking forward.

Another deacon stood up and shouted, Halt!

This time, Chu Weirui didn’t even bother to look.

She walked forward at her own pace, steadily and resolutely.

More and more priests and deacons stood up, forming a wall in front of Chu Weirui. In unison, they roared, Insolence!

Faced with the roars of so many priests and deacons, Chu Weirui remained extremely calm and unpressured.

She only felt that these people in front of her were extremely pitiful.

After being a dog for so long, they had forgotten that they were human.

How could dogs stop her?

Chu Weirui said softly, Move.

The priests and deacons involuntarily parted to the sides.

They were horrified to discover that there was an incredibly strong sense of command in Chu Weirui’s words.

They had only felt this sense of command in Empyrean Ziwei and the Seven Kills Priest.

Just like that, Chu Weirui stepped over the wall formed by the priests and deacons.

She crossed it as easily as stepping over an insignificant crack.

After a few more steps, she arrived before the throne.

Tung remained in the same posture as when she had first arrived, with one hand supporting his cheek in a fist and his body slightly tilted.

He raised his head and looked at Chu Weirui with his only eye.

Why do you not kneel before your master?

Chapter 183: From Today Onwards, I Am the Seven Kills

Tung’s voice wasn’t loud, not even clear.

Yet, it exploded in everyone’s ears like the toll of a grand bell.

The dazed priests instantly snapped back to reality, their faces flushed and breathing rushed as if they recalled something immensely shameful. This shame then turned into absolute fury, driving away their fear of the Jade Jiaolong.

Just a deserter from the temple, nothing more.

Her return was merely a march towards death.

What was there to fear?

Thus, these awakened priests raised their hands simultaneously and chanted in unison once again, Behold the High Priest, kneel!

Kneel!

Their voices echoed throughout the hall.

Like fireworks set off by the common people during the Spring Festival.

Exploding in the not-so-bright Hall of Life and Death.

However, they forgot one thing.

Chu Weirui seldom kneels.

The number of times she has knelt in her life can be counted on one hand.

The first time she knelt was to accept Tung as her teacher.

The second time was after becoming a disciple, when Tung took her to meet Empyrean Ziwei.

The third time was after losing all her powers, kneeling before Tung.

And the last time, which was also the most humiliating.

Knowing Chu Weirui’s uncontrollability, Tung had always been somewhat suppressive towards her. The effects weren’t too good before, but after Chu Weirui lost her powers, this suppression became unbridled.

Before leaving the temple for Chang’an, she had sworn before a statue of the Goddess in a roadside temple.

Never again in this life shall I kneel to anyone.

Now, she has returned, possessing the strength not to kneel.

Thus, faced with Tung’s words, Chu Weirui remained calm.

There’s no one in the entire temple worthy of my kneel.

How audacious!

The priests, having recovered their senses, couldn’t tolerate such blasphemous words and quickly said, We beseech the Seven Kills Priest to punish Chu Weirui for her grave disrespect!

Tung, however, laughed, Chang’an has nurtured you well; you’ve changed a lot from before.

That’s because you know too little about me, said Chu Weirui.

You say there’s no one in the temple worthy of your kneel, then in the entire Great Wilderness, is there anyone worthy? Tung asked, slightly curious.

Chu Weirui nodded.

Tung urged, Tell me?

The Goddess, said Chu Weirui.

Tung nodded, That’s acceptable.

The Master of the Watch, Chu Weirui continued.

Eh? Tung chuckled, You still wish to become Yue Jingyu’s disciple-daughter-in-law, I see.

Chu Weirui: Heh.

Anything else?

After thinking for a moment, Chu Weirui said, Fu Zi.

Tung’s expression instantly darkened, becoming chillingly cold. His fingers tapped on the armrest of the throne as he said indifferently, Chu Weirui, don’t think that just because you visited Chang’an, you’re under Fu Zi’s protection, or that having the Lian Zhen Priest backing you up means I wouldn’t dare to do anything to you. This is the Hall of Life and Death, where the Goddess has granted me the power to determine life and death.

Chu Weirui calmly said, The Goddess did not grant you the power; don’t flatter yourself. The power was granted to the person holding this position. You can sit here, but so can I.

Tung’s anger nearly burst forth from his eyes.

But soon, he calmed down.

It seems I have still underestimated my proud disciple, Tung said. The position of the Grand Priest of the Hall of Life and Death has always been reserved for you. Come back.

Everyone else in the temple felt that this was the best resolution.

Chu Weirui’s return was to reassume the position of Grand Priest, wasn’t it?

Moreover, by allowing her to return to her position, the Seven Kills Priest was indirectly admitting his past mistake, a form of yielding.

The High Priest of the temple never admits wrong, nor does it yield.

The Hall of Life and Death has no precedent for apologies.

This was pioneering for the entire temple.

What else could Chu Weirui be dissatisfied with?

Chu Weirui breathed out, Do you think this is a favor?

Tung: Isn’t it?

Chu Weirui laughed.

She lifted her head and closed her eyes.

Past events began to slowly pass through her mind.

At Vermilion Bird Lake, Zhou Fei exhausted all means, using swords, runes, and formations to finally kill Wang Huan.

In the temple’s stone chamber, a letter arrived from the Balancing Path, containing Qiao Huaixi’s Qian Qiu.

A rune that incorporated the history of the Great Wilderness for a thousand years.

In her hands, it transformed into a historical scroll that swept through the entire temple.

And it swept her into Chang’an.

At the Demonic Sect Gate.

Those damn stones blocked her path.

The Frost Heaven Sword Intent of Mr. Xin from the academy paved a way for her.

This thread of sword intent was ultimately integrated into Qian Qiu by Chu Weirui.

Chu Weirui slowly lowered her head and took out a piece of paper from her sleeve.

A wrinkled piece of paper.

Tung’s eyes sharply contracted.

Because he sensed the intent to kill.

Endless, inescapable killing intent.

Chu Weirui pinched the talisman paper with two fingers and gently tossed it towards Tung.

Within the Hall of Life and Death, the aura transformed into visible waves, spreading out one after another.

It surged past the hall’s entrance, flowed across the courtyard in front of the hall, and rushed towards the pear grove along the stone steps.

Amidst the silence.

Someone stood up, took a few steps, then returned to their original position.

Then, they slammed their palm down.

The ground cracked.

In the Lianzhen Hall, the Lian Zhen Priest shook his head, his gaze filled with pity.

After the storm.

The Hall of Life and Death was filled with kneeling figures.

All the priests and deacons knelt on the ground, their foreheads pressed tightly against the floor.

Their bodies trembled.

The throne of the Hall of Life and Death had been shattered.

Tung sat on the ground, the blanket draped over him now reduced to dust, revealing his Yan Armor legs and arms.

Chu Weirui’s breathing was slightly rapid, beads of sweat appearing on her forehead, her face somewhat pale.

However, her expression remained indifferent.

Tung raised his hand to cover his left eye.

There had originally been an eye patch there.

Now, that too was gone.

His expression was full of confusion.

How could this be?

The fact that your Heavenly Demon Eyesight didn’t work has left you perplexed? said Chu Weirui.

Tung looked up at her, The reason?

Chu Weirui smiled, Didn’t you say that the authority here was granted by the Goddess? In that case, me killing you is also a power granted to me by the Goddess. Do you have any objections?

Tung was furious.

Tung was in agony.

Tung died.

The arrogant and unyielding Seven Kills Priest died just like that.

Chu Weirui let out a long breath, put away the talisman paper, and turned around.

She looked at the kneeling priests and deacons on the ground and suddenly found them both ridiculous and pitiful.

From today onwards, I am the Seven Kills Priest, Chu Weirui said indifferently. From now on, I will be the one in charge here. I have finished speaking. Who agrees, and who opposes?

Greetings, Seven Kills Priest, the kneeling people below shouted in unison.

Their voices were filled with respect and fear.

Chu Weirui muttered softly, This line Zhou Fei taught me is quite effective.

Chapter 184: The Journey to the Suspended Temple

The Suspended Temple is located in Qin Kingdom, which is situated in the northwestern desert. Long ago, it was often dismissed by other nations as barbaric.

This term of barbaric differs fundamentally from barbarian.

It described the people of Qin as lacking in manners, crude and impulsive, unfit for refined society.

However, the rise of the Suspended Temple as a center of Buddhism in the Great Wilderness transformed it into a holy site in the hearts of many Buddhist followers. Consequently, the image of Qin Kingdom improved significantly. At least in the eyes of Buddhists, the land of the Suspended Temple was regarded as the most sacred place on Earth.

Unparalleled.

Qin Kingdom is also the only one among the Seven Kingdoms of the Great Wilderness that does not recognize the temple as the state religion.

Even the mighty Tang Dynasty, whose state religion is the temple, also known as Taoism.

Traveling from the Tang Dynasty to Qin Kingdom by carriage takes at least two months at the fastest. Therefore, although the Flower Eating Festival is held in autumn, Buddhist followers from Tang Kingdom and other groups planning trips to Qin, including official exchange groups, opt to start their journey