"Damn these bastards." Seeing the sickles left behind by the black-clad men on the ground, the villagers cursed. They had been delighting in how well their various crops were growing, but they hadn't expected this to stir envy in others. "They even planned to set fire, even preparing firewood."
Some spotted piles of firewood around the cornfield.
"Fortunately, we were vigilant, and they didn't succeed." Some breathed a sigh of relief.
"We must practice harder from now on. These bastards may very well return."
"Yes."
...
The villagers were grateful that many had chosen to learn martial arts from the Lin family. Although many were past their prime, the close combat techniques taught were undeniably practical. Furthermore, the breathing method Master Hui Zhen from Ding'an Temple taught greatly fortified them after a year of practice. Everyone, children and teenagers particularly, found these techniques invaluable.