12. A Hero

The people on the streets were panicking, begging, crying, and shouting for help as the bulky man strangled the child and continuously hit him against the doorway. One hit is all it would've taken to make the child's head explode, but it was clear the man wanted the child to be awake and in pain.

He laughed as he ground the child's face into the wall. Everyone watched on, too helpless to do anything. They knew that if they stepped in, they would definitely be killed by this crazed monster of a man.

It was then when a dark clad figure attacked the arm that held the child, loosening the man's grip around his neck enough for Mao Yin to snatch the child back.

Quick as a shadow, he approached the crowd and handed the child to the surprised Shi Yao who just happened to arrive to the front of the audience.

"Take care of him for a moment."

Mao Yin faced the burly man before drawing the sword that he had purchased specifically for this conquest.

The man chuckled angrily as he saw Mao Yin. "You think you're some kind of hero, don't you? Coming over here and showing off? What can a wimpy little boy like you do to me? I'll f*cking tear your arms off, strip you naked and hang you up on the city gates for everyone to see whether you're a man or a woman."

'Ha, he dares speak to you in such a manner?' The old demon spoke. 'Now I understand what it means to have eyes but fail to see Mt. Tai. Make sure to come back for this one. I will be sure to drink his foul blood like hot soup.'

Mao Yin's expression didn't fluctuate in the least. Instead of wasting his breath speaking, he moved forward with his sword.

The man reacted quickly though and drew his axe, chopping downwards with both hands. Mao Yin reached out and held the blade of the axe with his left hand, letting the sword in his other hand chop down, severing both of his hands from the wrist. It was a simple, clean, and efficient move with no added glamor.

The man was unable to compete with Mao Yin's speed and decisive movements so he could only watch in terror as the blade came down with a flash of light, severing both of his hands.

Mao Yin ignored his screams and kicked him backwards before turning his attention back to the little boy in Shi Yao's arms. Ignoring everyone's looks, he lowered the boy to the ground, feigning concern.

The child's face was a mess. His nose was broken, there were wood splinters in his eyes, his teeth were shattered and bloodied, and the skin on his face was grated to a bloodied pulp.

Some of the weaker villagers weren't able to watch and turned away to retch while others hid behind their tears like Shi Yao.

"Is he going to die?" She asked, stifling sobs.

Mao Yin spared her a glance. "He won't."

He covered the boys face with his hands to hide the black mist that seeped into his battered skin as he healed him.

After a few moments, he moved his hands to reveal the boy's fully healed face much to everyones disbelief.

"It's a miracle!" Someone shouted

"He must be one of Heaven's disciples!"

The crowd sang his praise.

Suddenly, a stout woman led by one of the children who were playing earlier burst through the crowd, sobbing violently and held the child. "My poor Jun'er!"

She looked up at Mao Yin gratefully through her tears. "Bless your heart! Thank you so much for saving my Jun'er! Is there anything I can do to repay you?"

Mao Yin smiled softly, giving people the impression of an angel who had descended upon the earth. "There is no need for thanks. It is my duty to help those in need."

Eventually the crowd dispersed and Mao Yin himself turned to leave as well only to find that his sleeve was caught. Shi Yao met his eyes hopefully and fumbled over her next words.

"S-senior, if it's not too much trouble, I wanted to extend an i-invitation to come stay at my manor for a few days to rest since it looks like you've been traveling. I can treat the wound on your h-hand and i-if you would like, we could converse ab-about the Dao of the sword. I have lots--"

Mao Yin disguised his impatience at her bumbling with a kind smile and silenced her with a finger hovering over her lips.

"Then I'll have to thank you and ask you to lead the way in advance."

Her face flushed crimson at his proximity, much to Mao Yin's amusement.

It seems that his little act had made an impact on her heart. That would definitely make things easier for him.

She led him to her manor and treated the wound on his hand from when he grabbed the axe with great care, even going as far as to blow on it.

He was led to a spare room and left to freshen up.

"Will you be joining us for lunch?"

Mao Yin shook his head. "I still have matters to attend to today so once I clean up, I will be out until later."

Shi Yao looked to be a little crestfallen. "Oh, I see."

Mao Yin gave a small smile. "But I will try to make it back by dinner."

Her expression lifted. "Then I'll be sure to make it grand!"

He gently removed his glove and gently ruffled her hair, putting on an air of indulgence.

"Run along then."

Her face turned as red as a tomato as she escaped to make preparations.