Vol 2 End: Xi Jao

In the carriage that went off, Richard had a smug look on his face as he eyed the knocked-out beauty. He intended to trace her gentle cheek with his hand, only for his wrist to be held tightly by the same guard who had subtle interactions with Yang Lin. The guard looked coldly at Richard, not intending to have the woman wronged in any way. In the closed carriage, the other orphans were muttering to themselves about what had transpired, most were shocked by the fact that Yang Lin could really take a beating, he didn't even let a grunt escape his lips, much less a scream, all for Xiao Ming.

The ladies deemed the lass both fortunate and unfortunate. As for Richard, he snorted coldly and retrieved his hand.

Behind and in front of the carriage were the officials of Plight City, accompanying the orphans on their way to the Military School situated within the Plight Canyon Region, an isolated land south of the city. In front of the carriage, on a black horse, the same twin star official who punched Yang Lin was looking down at his swollen knuckles, seemingly in deep thoughts.

"Sir, why haven't you killed that brat? He was overstepping his boundaries..." The one riding parallel to him asked, only to notice the bruised hand, erupting a gasp involuntarily.

"I intended to strike to kill. The generated force of my punch was sufficient to kill anyone below the Martial Divide plane. However, in that split second before he blocked, I can swear his eyes were eclipsed by an otherworldly glamour," The man replied. "My experience in war spoke to me via my instincts. If I really chased the subject with the will to murder the boy, I'd be the one who died."

Hiss…

The man could not believe his ears. Drawing out a cold breath, he then asked, "And you think letting him off the hook is the wiser option? His eyes were that of a madman!"

"Well, by the time he comes back to seek vengeance, his wrath would rain down on the Military School, not the Military Office." The man replied, his fist was trembling for some reason. In that split second, it seemed as though he paid a quick visit to the netherworld of the dead and returned, it was a frightening experience. "Just to be safe," he continued, "We will assign a Soul Hunter to assassinate the boy."

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Back at the docks, Yang Lin heard the voice as though commanding him to follow the old man. However, he downright ignored it.

Standing up, he began to tidy up the stall, silently picking up the splattered fish off the floor, cleaning them with his clothes, then returning them neatly into their baskets respectively. He didn't care if the old man was an expert in hiding, his impulsive outburst was his responsibility, and he wound not shy away from cleaning up the mess.

By the side, the people who were smitten in terror slowly calmed down, and the owner of the stall approached Yang Lin who was tidying up the place regardless of his swollen arms. Seemingly, that strike had made quite the impact.

"Youg man, don't worry about these little things, let uncle do it." The man who approached was in his early forties, though some wrinkles could be spotted on his sun-kissed skin. He didn't expect that this teenager would actually prioritize the stall over his well-being after being harassed like that. This gesture moved the owner of the stall and caused his anger to extinguish.

"That won't do, uncle." Yang Lin replied, "Men always take responsibility for their decisions. And my decision was the catalyst behind the ruin of your business, so this is only natural. Moreover, I am homeless as you have just witnessed, and I am broke. This is the least I can do. However, once I make enough money, I will compensate you, uncle."

Yang Lin's tone was soft and cordial, a sharp contrast to his outrage the moment earlier. The man knew he must be trying his hardest to suppress his anger and not implicate those who are innocent. They say that rage and greed share one trait; they're both blind. The fox was infuriated as well, Yang Lin had just missed the chance of finding himself a powerful backer who gave subtle hints of disdain towards this city. As an immortal being, it knew the weight one's backing carried in the world of cultivation. With power, everything is just and reasonable.

"Then, this uncle can only be shameless and ask this nephew to stay in my house. Of course, once nephew has enough money to pay rent, nephew will pay for both the rent and compensation, what do you say?" The man said. Though, he did not helo Yang Lin with the stall. He wasn't worried about Yang Lin's integrity, it was rare to find an upright youth in these tough times, and Yang Lin's character reminded him of someone he held dearly to himself.

"I'll have to thank you then, uncle…?" Yang Lin cast a glance at the man, he was asking for a name.

"My name is Xi Jao, you can call me uncle Xi from now on. Nephew?..."

Yang Lin smiled. Replying, "My name is Lin. I'm an orphan with no surname, uncle Xi."

"Is that so," uncle Xi nodded and said, "Lin'er it is."