Chapter 12: Teaching the Rabble a Lesson

Murder. My heart pounded faster. If this were an era of peace, I suppose I would already be a wanted criminal by now. From the young man’s introduction, I learned that his sister’s name was Lan Yue, his own was Lan Tian, and their home was in Fenglan City, ten miles away.

“Thank you for saving me,” Lan Yue said earnestly.

“No need for thanks. If it were someone else, I would have done the same.” Yet, would I really save someone else? I nearly lost my life this time. Clearly, if one’s strength is lacking, it’s best not to act recklessly.

“Big brother, why don’t you use a weapon?” Lan Tian looked up at me and asked.

“Weapon? But I don’t know how to use one,” I replied, sounding utterly naive. Both Lan Tian and Lan Yue stared at me, speechless.

“Sir, there are weapon shops in Fenglan City. Tomorrow I can take you to pick one out—it’s the least I can do to repay you for saving us,” Lan Yue offered.

“All right, thank you.” After walking for about an hour, we finally left the desert and arrived before the ancient fortress we’d seen earlier.

“Miss Lan Yue, why is there a building here in such a desolate place?” I asked.

“This used to be a weapon trading center, built for those who ventured into the desert. One day, a group of soldiers came and looted every weapon in the shop; the owner disappeared and was never seen again,” Lan Yue explained.

“People go into the desert for adventures?” I asked, puzzled.

“Yes. The hides of low-level beasts can be sold for money in Fenglan City. The hides of higher-level beasts are even more valuable, as are their bones—especially those of defensive types, which can be forged into shields, arrows, and other weapons.” Lan Yue paused, then continued, “Moreover, slaying these beasts can increase one’s strength. Training helps, but nothing improves your skills faster than real battle.”

Inside a shop in Fenglan City: “Boss, how much is this sword?”

“Ten taels of silver, very cheap,” the shopkeeper replied. I touched my pockets—they were empty. I sighed.

“What’s the matter, sir? Not enough silver?” Lan Yue asked.

“Yes, I only have these silver scraps,” I admitted with a wry smile, showing her the meager coins.

“I have enough. See if there’s anything else you want to buy—get everything at once so we don’t have to make another trip,” Lan Yue said with a smile.

“That’s right, big brother, just say what you want. My sister has plenty of money,” Lan Tian chimed in.

“Miss Lan Yue, where did you get so much money? I hope you’re not spending your family’s savings recklessly?” I asked.

“Of course not!” Lan Yue protested.

“Are you buying or not? If not, don’t waste my time,” the shopkeeper said impatiently.

“Who says we’re not buying? Do you think we can’t afford it?” With that, Lan Tian pulled out a handful of gold coins.

I picked out a few basic skill books, then the three of us went to look at weapons. The shop was filled with swords, sabers, and all sorts of arms. I chose a dagger that looked especially sharp, and together we headed south, toward Lan Yue’s home. Her house was in a small alley at the southern end of the city. She told me that aside from her elderly grandmother and her very young sister, there was no one else at home. She and Lan Tian had been raised by their grandmother since they were little. As for their parents, Lan Yue said she’d never seen them.

As we entered the alley, a few middle-aged men blocked our way.

“Hand over your money, kid, or you’re not getting past here today,” snarled a fierce-looking man.

“Lan Suo, don’t do anything stupid!” Lan Yue called out.

“Lan girl, your uncle’s a bit short of cash lately. Why don’t you go somewhere else for a while?” the man said with a leering grin.

“Hmph! You haven’t even paid back what you stole from me last time!” Lan Tian puffed up his chest, staring defiantly at the man.

“Oh, I’d forgotten if you hadn’t mentioned it! Don’t worry, your uncle will pay you back when he has money,” Lan Suo said, trying to sound earnest.

“Big Hammer, enough talking—let’s just take it,” said another man, stocky and overweight.

“That’s right, Big Hammer. It’s just some money—why all the chatter?”

“Robbing people isn’t hard, you two don’t need to teach me. Aren’t we all neighbors here?” Lan Suo replied.

“If you won’t, we will. Just don’t get in the way,” the fat man said.

“I don’t need you telling me what to do! I’m warning you all—no one touches these people!” Lan Suo snapped.

“Big Hammer, are you turning on us?” one of them said.

“That’s right, old friend, don’t forget our oath: share fortune and hardship together.”

“I haven’t forgotten. I just don’t want to rob these ones today. Let’s find someone else,” Lan Suo said as he started to leave the alley.

“If you’re not robbing them, we’ll do it ourselves. Move or stay out of our way,” the fat man said.

“I said, none of you are to touch these people!” Lan Suo was growing impatient.

“If you can’t do it, then leave. No one’s stopping you,” said another man.

At that, the two men rushed at us. The fat man struck out with his palm, but I easily dodged. I’d planned to teach these ignorant thugs a lesson, but Lan Suo quickly stepped in front of us.

“Big Hammer, are you really going to be our enemy?” the fat man growled.

Lan Suo raised an eyebrow, “I’ve made myself clear. If you insist on robbing them, you’re showing me no respect.”

“Move, or don’t blame us for being rough!” The fat man’s eyes blazed with menace; he clearly thought we were easy prey.

“If you want to fight, fight! Cut the nonsense!” Lan Suo barked.

The two exchanged a glance, then threw their fists at Lan Suo. The fat man aimed for vital points—throat, temple. Lan Suo could only fend them off, unable to strike back. I knew it was time to step in and restore order. These third-rate thugs needed to learn a lesson! I lashed out with a kick to the fat man’s face, sending his bulky body flying like a kite with a broken string. The short man, seeing things go wrong, turned and ran without a second thought. So much for brotherhood! When trouble comes, people only think of themselves. I had to admit, people are selfish by nature. With those two dealt with, Lan Yue and I were about to leave when Lan Suo called after me.

“Thanks, brother!” Lan Suo saluted with clasped fists.

“You’re skilled, brother. Want to make some money?” he asked.

I turned. “How?”

“By going into the desert to hunt high-level creatures. I’ll come find you tomorrow,” Lan Suo said, and strode out of the alley.

Lan Yue explained that Lan Suo, nicknamed Big Hammer, never had a proper job, was addicted to drink, and lately had been mixing with lowlifes, robbing passersby.

“Actually, Uncle Lan Suo isn’t all that bad,” Lan Tian said.

“I can tell,” I replied. “He’s just taken a wrong path. If he turns back, he can start anew.”

Lan Yue’s grandmother was in the yard washing clothes. Lan Yue went to her, “Grandma, let me do that. I brought a friend home.”

The elderly woman gave me a gentle smile, which I returned. She asked, “Xiao Yue, did you find the antidote?”

“Yes, I found it. Where’s my sister?” Lan Yue asked.

“She just took some medicine and is lying down in the house. Go give her the antidote.” Apparently, centipede legs really could neutralize poison—how unbelievable. Before long, the little girl woke up.

Afterward, I left for Fenglan City on my own. After all, there were no grown men in Lan Yue’s family except for the young Lan Tian, and I felt out of place staying with them. Unexpectedly, I ran into Big Hammer again in the city—this time, he was being besieged by a group of men.