Be sure to call me Sir Mouse

As Mr. Ming spoke, Taf sat in deep contemplation, lost in the vivid scenes from the previous encounter, which played repeatedly in his mind. "Yes, I was careless in my actions, putting the only people I care about in harm's way," he admitted remorsefully.

PLOP!

As he dropped to his knees, a mist formed in his eyes.

"I'm sorry, old man Ming. I realize now that I put you and your family in harm's way. I can't imagine how I would have lived with myself if things had gone terribly wrong."

Taf's cheeks were wet with tears as he continuously berated himself for his incompetence.

Mr. Ming, with a gentle and understanding tone, comforted the tearful youth, saying, "Now, don't be so hard on yourself. Lessons are meant to be learned when you're young. It can be said that you have. It's a fundamental part of growing up, as no one is born an adult, right?" After these comforting words, Mr. Ming patted the youth on the shoulder before assisting him up.

Haha!

"This old man was here to care for that small matter, but it is water under the bridge. I, after all, finally got to stretch these old legs of mine." He continued slowly imparting his words of wisdom,

"Now, let's clean up this mess before someone comes and sees it. Especially Mrs. Ming. Could you imagine the fright she would experience?" 

Taf rubbed his eyes before dusting himself off. He then looked at the scattered bodies.

Old man Ming's words made a lot of sense. This sight would frighten Mrs Ming, but what if little Sue saw these corpses.

"After we are finished, this old man will tell you tales of his splendid past. 'How glorious was I back in the day? I bet you won't roll those eyes at my tales now, huh?' Mr. Ming laughed while shamelessly boasting."

Taf could only shake his head when he heard Old Man Ming's words. He saw the old con man he knew return to his shameless self. The place was a mess, so returning to its previous state took time. Mr. Ming had someone he knew come to help out with the bodies. When Taf asked who that was, he was told it was an old friend and nothing more. Taf didn't continue questioning after receiving this response, thinking it was a need-to-know basis. After everything was taken care of, they sat at a table with some tea and engaged in a bit of chat.

" I'm guessing you are shocked, huh? Got any questions, do you?" Old Man Ming broke out in conversation as he sipped on his tea.

" Yes, I actually do," Taf responded excitedly. Are you some retired master or a hidden cultivator who lives among us mortals?"

Haha!

"No, I wouldn't call myself a master, and I definitely am no cultivator. Although I am not a master, I have been taught certain skill sets from my previous occupation before I retired."

Chuckles filled the room as Old Man Ming listened to the little ones questioning.

" I see you're going to be all secretive about it, huh? Oh well, I won't say anything about it then, " a disappointed Taf said after countless insinuations were rejected.

" Ok... ok, don't get all sad on me again. I was once part of an organization that filled certain requests from special top-ranked clients."

With his words, Taf's eyes became wide with excitement.

"To complete my given tasks, I was trained relentlessly in fighting, poisoning, guerilla warfare, camouflage, and others."

Old man Ming looked smug while responding to the curious youth's question.

Taf's face showed an even more inquisitive look as he heard Old Man Ming's words. " So you were once an assassin?" he hurriedly asked.

" Yes, of sorts, but that's all you will get from me. "

The old man had a teasing look as he spoke,

" The most important thing now is to give you some well-deserved training, right? Or do you still want to be bullied by everyone?

Taf couldn't hide the excitement that was plastered all over his face. 

How awesome would I be if I were like old man Ming? When they dare mention the mouse after that, they may need to put a 'Sir' in front of it.

A smug look started to show on his face as his imagination went wild.

" Ok, calm down."

Mr Ming interjected as he noticed Taf drifting away.

"Starting tomorrow, we will start your lessons. I will begin teaching you all the tools you need to learn to defend your little life."