Chapter 133: Sulfur Smokes Out Fear, Gao Mingcheng Becomes the Scapegoat

Extraordinary occurrences are common enough, yet one rarely encounters the extraordinary individuals behind them.

The snake charmer’s little serpent was never de-fanged. In fact, the snake he used for his performance was not only venomous, but carried a lethal toxicity. These creatures belonged to a breed from his village known as the "Cauliflower Snake," so named for their mottled, vegetable-like appearance and thick, heavy tails. Though they were fierce, their attack patterns were clumsy and predictable, making them rarely fatal to humans. However, these snakes possessed a peculiar, low-level cunning; they would often feign ignorance, only to strike from behind when an enemy least expected it. They were notoriously difficult to kill, especially at night, for they were nocturnal hunters—swift, adept at camouflage, and nearly impossible to spot in the darkness.

The guests at the Xiao estate were wealthy, pampered aristocrats who had never witnessed such a terrifying reptile. The charmer, relishing his theatrics, goaded the snake to crawl toward them. The guests held their breath, paralyzed with fear. As the snake reached them, it suddenly opened its maw and spat a stream of red liquid onto their faces. The liquid was not mere water, but potent venom—a toxin so vicious that it caused immediate stiffness, icy chills, and total paralysis. Worse still, it was highly contagious, spreading rapidly through the blood. In such a state, death was instantaneous.

"The Cauliflower Snake! It’s terrifying, it’s poisonous!"
"What do we do? What do we do?"

It all happened in a heartbeat. By the time the guests realized what was happening, the serpent had already unleashed its mist and was lunging at them. Escape seemed impossible.

"Run!" someone screamed. The guests shrieked and scrambled to flee in a chaotic frenzy. Even Xiao Xiong watched the rampaging snake with a flicker of genuine fear.

"Hahaha! Do not panic, everyone. It is merely a small trick of mine."

Seeing the guests in a state of utter panic, the snake charmer burst into laughter. The guests looked on as the snake slithered back onto his hand. The "venom" was nothing more than red dye contained within a pig’s bladder hidden in the snake’s mouth, which had burst upon command. The guests were left shaken and humiliated; Xiao Xiong’s expression was dark, though he held his tongue for the sake of his guests.

Disgusted, the crowd glared at the charmer. Unfazed, the man played with the snake and asked, "I wish to perform a feat of 'A Dragon Entering the Nose.' Would one of you be so kind as to assist me by placing this little serpent into my mouth?"

Humiliated and fearful, no one volunteered. The charmer’s eyes finally landed on Gao Ming. "My friend, fate has brought us together. Why not lend me a hand?" His tone was less a request than a command, which Gao Ming found deeply grating.

"Go on, help him," Gao Ming’s master whispered. "Extraordinary people often have eccentric temperaments." Reluctantly, Gao Ming stepped forward. The performance involved the snake entering the charmer’s mouth and emerging from his nostril—a perilous feat.

"My thanks," the charmer said, handing over the snake. As the cold, icy weight of the creature touched his arm, Gao Ming froze, afraid to even breathe.

"Hurry up! Don't just stand there; if the snake gets agitated, it really will bite," the charmer warned. Gritting his teeth, Gao Ming forced the snake toward the man's mouth.

"Hahaha, you’re quite obedient, lad. Not bad, very clever," the charmer chuckled. Gao Ming didn't know how to respond, cursing inwardly: *Damn it, I never provoked you. Why must you bully me like this?*

"Alright, it’s beginning! Is everyone ready?" the charmer shouted, slapping the table. The guests, their color returning, were quickly caught up in the thrill of the spectacle.

"Ready!" they cheered.

Only Xiao Xiong remained silent, his expression unreadable, deep in thought.

"Lad, why aren't you moving?" the charmer urged, eager to keep the crowd—and their potential tips—engaged. Gao Ming looked at the expectant guests, took a deep breath, and brought the snake to the charmer's lips. The creature, perhaps sensing danger or perhaps repulsed by the man’s foul breath, bared its fangs.

"Ah! Be careful!" the guests shrieked, some covering their eyes. Ignoring them, Gao Ming slowly pushed the snake into the charmer's mouth.

"Mm, tastes alright. A bit fishy, but better than a dead snake, isn't it?" the charmer mumbled, his voice muffled by the serpent.

Just as the snake was halfway into his mouth, a sudden gust of wind blew through the window. The guests, flushed from wine, welcomed the breeze, but Gao Ming caught a sharp, stinging scent. His eyes widened—it was the smell of sulfur.

*Bad news,* Gao Ming thought. Snakes feared sulfur above all else; it would drive them into a frenzy. He looked at the charmer, whose previous confidence had vanished, replaced by sheer terror. The man struggled to pull the snake out, but it was too late—startled by the chemical, the serpent had burrowed deep into his throat.

The guests, seeing the charmer thrashing, assumed it was part of the act and clapped in delight. But seconds later, the charmer collapsed, his face turning black, and he drew his last breath.

A death at the Xiao estate could not go unpunished. In the ensuing investigation, no source for the sulfur was ever found. Yet, a life had to be paid for with a life, and Gao Ming, the one who had assisted the charmer, became the designated scapegoat.