Chapter 16: Little Abacus

At the center of the clearing, two bare-handed youths clashed. One was a burly figure with a steady stance—**Wang Dapang**, Han Li's old friend. Despite his bulk, Wang moved with surprising ferocity, fists roaring through the air. His opponent, a nimble boy, dodged tirelessly, aiming to exhaust Wang's stamina.

Han Li, though no martial expert, sensed Wang's advantage and relaxed. Scanning the crowd, he spotted a boy muttering tactics near a rock:

"Aim for the head! Kick his waist! Ah, missed! Go for the rear—harder!"

Intrigued, Han Li climbed down and approached.

"Brother, do you know why they're fighting?" Han Li feigned innocence.

The boy—**Little Abacus**—squinted. "Who *are* you? Never seen you before!"

"Han Li. Wang Dapang's old friend. Been in seclusion."

Little Abacus eyed Han Li's sect robes, then shrugged. "Fine. Let me spill the tea."

"It's all about a girl. Beauty brings disaster!" Little Abacus launched into the tale.

Wang Dapang's cousin, **Wang Yang**, was betrothed to a girl from a neighboring town. But **Zhang Changgui**, a wealthy disciple, wooed her with silver. Her family broke the engagement, returning Wang Yang's dowry. Heartbroken, Wang Yang drowned himself.

Enraged, Wang Dapang challenged Zhang to a duel. Losers would kneel and apologize. Zhang, cunning, demanded a team battle. Money bought mercenaries; Wang rallied loyal friends.

The clash drew crowds, splitting the sect into factions: the privileged versus the commoners.

"If they cheat, we'll swarm them!" Little Abacus ranted.

Han Li stayed silent. Years of meditation had dulled his impulsiveness. Plus, his mantra offered no combat skills. *Best to watch and leave.*

A cheer erupted. Wang Dapang's fist had found its mark—his opponent crumpled, unconscious.

The crowd split: half roared approval; the rest scowled. Wang swaggered back, smug.

Next, blades clashed as two hotheads lunged into battle.