Chapter 78: The Malignant Tiger of the Town

After this, Bai Muyun carefully nursed his health in the backyard, while Liu Changqing, new to the role of teacher, planned to remain there for a time to instruct his two disciples. Li Tianjun issued a strict order of silence to all those in the rear courtyard—servants and retainers alike—absolutely forbidding any word of Liu and Lu’s circumstances from spreading beyond their walls.

Half a month later, the various sects in the city had gradually departed, carrying with them much of the Yang family’s goods and provisions, leaving Yang Cheng with a considerable profit.

One day, Old Master Luo Hanyi came to ask the young master for a few days’ leave. It turned out that a relative of his was marrying off a daughter and had sent word, inviting him to the wedding feast. This family lived in Shudong Town, fifty miles south of Wuzhou City, and they had not seen each other for over a decade. Being advanced in years, Master Luo was prone to melancholy, and with only this one branch of kin left, he was determined to make the journey, regardless of the distance.

Yang Cheng had been in excellent spirits lately, with all affairs managed smoothly by Steward Su, Old Yangtou, and Li Tianjun. Upon understanding the situation, he decided to accompany Luo Hanyi on the trip. Master Luo, after a moment’s thought, agreed it was a good idea; after all, the young master must be growing weary of wandering the southern hills day in and day out. Moreover, Shudong Town was not far, the surrounding area was free of bandits, and there was little danger. Still, he suggested that Zhong Qiang and the others accompany them for safety.

Just then, Liu Changqing happened to pass by and, upon hearing of their plan, suggested that Bai Zhuluo and Mei Yuchen join as well. Any trouble they encountered would serve as good experience for the young ones. Besides, with their “Ripple Step” lightness skill, unless they ran into a master of the Golden Core stage, escaping danger would not be too difficult.

Yang Cheng thought this a fine idea and promptly informed Lu Baichuan as well, so he could bring Hua Mingzhu and the Li brothers along.

Bai Zhuluo, now thoroughly reformed, was wholly obedient to her master’s words. Given her special status, she took extra care to disguise herself, dressing as a young man.

Thus, after some hurried preparations, Yang Cheng set out with six youths, following Master Luo on their journey to Shudong Town.

The young people were delighted; daily training was arduous and opportunities to relax and breathe freely were rare. Laughter and chatter accompanied them along the way. Master Luo was quite fond of these children, especially enjoying his exchanges with Hua Mingzhu, whom he’d helped compile several martial manuals. The girl’s humility and courtesy endeared her to him, and he treated her much like a granddaughter.

Since the wedding would not be held until the following day, there was no need to rush. Yang Cheng took the opportunity to enjoy the scenery, choosing a few steady old horses for a slow, leisurely ride.

All went smoothly, and before noon, they arrived at Shudong Town. At the gate, military patrols were conducting checks. After Master Luo handed over a few silver coins, the old sergeant waved them through.

As they entered, a man approached eagerly to take their horses. “Where are you all headed?” he inquired.

Yang Cheng wondered if the townsfolk here were always so enthusiastic.

“We’re going to the Luo family,” Master Luo replied.

The man pointed to a street ahead. “Head down this street for five hundred meters, then turn right and continue about seven hundred meters more. You’ll find the Luo family there.”

Just as Master Luo was about to thank him, the man smiled broadly and extended his hand before Master Luo.

“What do you mean by this?” Master Luo asked.

With a mischievous grin, the man replied, “Ten silver coins for horse-handling, five more for directions—a total of fifteen coins.”

Master Luo bristled with anger. “We just entered town and you come to take our horses. It wasn’t our idea.”

The man’s smile vanished. “Business within the gate is ours, and these are the rules.”

Tempers flared, and soon several burly men closed in at the signal of their leader. Master Luo glanced back toward the gate—they’d barely gone ten paces—and saw the soldiers had apparently turned deaf to the commotion.

The man’s demeanor turned hostile and he seemed ready for violence. Li Tianxing and Mei Yuchen quickly stepped forward to shield Master Luo, intercepting the bullies. Li Tianbiao, hot-tempered as ever, had already drawn his sword, awaiting Yang Cheng’s command.

Yang Cheng smiled. “Whose rules are these? You certainly know how to do business.”

The man, seeing only one old man and one youth among a group of teenagers, grew bold. “These are Tiger Lord’s rules. If we do business for you, you pay. Even if you take it up with the authorities, we’re in the right.”

“Calling roadside robbery a business—what nonsense!” Master Luo retorted.

“Mind your words, old man. This is legitimate business sanctioned by Shudong Town. All four gates are under our Tiger Lord’s control. If you don’t want to pay, then go back the way you came.”

Bai Zhuluo whispered to Yang Cheng, “Master Yang, these men are weak. We can deal with them easily. You and Master Luo can just enjoy the show.”

Yang Cheng waved her off. “Master Luo came to attend a wedding, not stir up trouble for our hosts.” He said to the man, “Fine, here are your fifteen coins. Take them.”

Li Tianhu, though resentful, accepted the coins from Yang Cheng and handed them over.

Satisfied, the man grinned and stepped aside to let them pass.

Master Luo understood Yang Cheng’s meaning and, when they were some distance away, said, “Did I put you to any trouble, young master?”

“It’s nothing,” Yang Cheng replied. “We’re new here, and the Luo family is hosting a celebration. Let’s not make trouble for them.”

Mei Yuchen, however, protested, “Brother Cheng, are we just going to let this go?”

Li Tianxing, straightforward and meddlesome by nature, added, “How many people have suffered because these men are allowed to get away with this?”

Yang Cheng, equally displeased by their conduct, thought for a moment. “Master Luo, you go on ahead to your family. We won’t follow—you handle your business, and we’ll find a place to stay. Tianxing and Yuchen, go investigate this Tiger Lord and see what he’s about. Find out who we’re dealing with.”

Master Luo nodded. Li Tianxing and Mei Yuchen, having long harbored indignation, eagerly agreed. Li Tianbiao, excited, piped up, “Brother Cheng, let me go too.”

Li Tianxing scolded him, “Your temper will only make things worse. Stay with Sister Hua and the others; protect Brother Cheng and Master Luo.”

Li Tianbiao pouted. Bai Zhuluo, meanwhile, told Li Tianxing, “Be careful, Senior Brother Tianxing. You too, Junior Brother.”

Hua Mingzhu, usually timid and cautious, had killed before, and was not as afraid of trouble as she once was. Master Luo knew these children were no pushovers—and with their formidable teachers behind them, if worst came to worst, they could always summon help. So, with a sigh, he said nothing more.

After a while, Yang Cheng spotted a pleasant-looking tavern and booked several rooms for their stay, while Master Luo went about his own business.

After lunch, Yang Cheng took the two girls and Tianhu and Tianbiao out to explore the town.

Shudong Town was not large, situated on a mountainside with the town on one side and a sheer cliff on the other. The view was spectacular; mist drifted in the distance and the scenery was unique. The five of them enjoyed themselves, soon forgetting the earlier unpleasantness.

As they strolled and chatted, Bai Zhuluo, though new to the group, had grown close to her companions. Still, as someone dependent on their hospitality, she felt awkward addressing Yang Cheng. He, for his part, was tired of her formal “Master Yang,” which sounded unnatural. “Zhuluo,” he said, “just call me Brother Cheng like the others do.”

She nodded, but hesitated. “But Master Yang, you’re sworn brothers with my master and Uncle Lu. Wouldn’t calling you Brother Cheng mess up the seniority?”

Yang Cheng laughed. “Not at all. Everyone’s different. Besides, I’m still young—don’t lump me in with them and make me feel old. It’s just a title; no need to stand on ceremony.”

Bai Zhuluo was speechless. In her family, etiquette and seniority were everything—how could anyone be so casual? She glanced at Li Tianhu and Li Tianbiao, both nodding vigorously in agreement. Clearly, her two junior brothers had never given such matters a second thought.

Among the five of them, only Hua Mingzhu appeared as a girl to outsiders. She had filled out, no longer the scrawny figure of the past, and now looked graceful and lovely. With her short sword slung across her back, her bearing grew ever more distinguished, drawing many admiring glances from passersby.