Chapter 2: Wang the Blade

Wang Yidao turned his head and looked at Liang Xi. "Kid, who do you think you are? You dare to meddle in my business?" Soon, Wang Yidao understood everything. Why had Xiao Liu consistently refused his courtship? Was it because of this detestable pretty boy? A wave of jealousy surged in Wang Yidao’s heart. He knew Xiao Liu preferred refined, reasonable men, so for years, he had been trying to transform himself in that direction. But now, he had become a laughingstock in everyone's eyes!

*Smash.*

The exquisite wine bowl was shattered into pieces by Wang Yidao!

"Pretty boy, I challenge you to a duel! The winner gets Xiao Liu, and the loser dies!"

With that, Wang Yidao drew the thick-backed blade that had made him famous from his back. The tip of the blade hovered a mere fingernail's width from Liang Xi's nose. Seeing this, Ji Anran was about to erupt, but Liang Xi remained entirely unperturbed. He gestured for Ji Anran to stay calm, sit still, and not let these matters ruin the pleasant mood of the day.

Liang Xi used his right index finger to flick the sharp blade tip aside, continuing to eat and drink slowly as if Wang Yidao were non-existent. Wang Yidao, who hated being ignored above all else, let out a roar and raised his long blade, swinging it down toward Liang Xi’s head. This strike was surely infused with all the hatred he had harbored these past few days!

Facing the terrifying sound of the blade cleaving the air, Liang Xi did not even look back, simply tossing the wine cup he held in his hand. Though small, the cup carried the weight of Liang Xi’s profound internal energy!

*Bang.*

Wang Yidao’s body felt as if it had been struck by a heavy hammer; he was knocked flat to the floor by nothing more than a common wine cup.

"Still want to fight? If you aren't convinced, we can go another round!"

Liang Xi poured himself another cup of wine and said slowly, as if the scene that had just unfolded had never happened. By now, people were entering the Qingshan Tavern one after another. Seeing the disheveled and bewildered Wang Yidao on the ground, then glancing at the calm Liang Xi, they instantly understood what had happened. Wang Yidao had likely bitten off more than he could chew and gotten a beating, and was now unable to accept the result. It was a well-deserved thrashing!

Wang Yidao was a tyrant, and most people in the South Market had been bullied by him. Such a man deserved this day. "Come on, let's drink! I'm in a good mood today, I must have an extra cup!" Those entering the tavern all chose to turn a blind eye to Wang Yidao's predicament.

"That's enough! You come here to make trouble every day—have you ever thought about how I feel? How many times must I say it before you understand? I don't like you, I have never liked you! I am an innocent woman, and you have ruined my reputation! You've caused people on this street to point fingers at me and call me a shameless woman. I could kill you!"

Xiao Liu rushed in front of Wang Yidao, pointing at his nose and scolding him. Her petite frame seemed like an erupting volcano, venting years of suppressed anger in that moment. Her fair face was flushed bright red with fury! If looks could kill, Wang Yidao would have been sliced to ribbons long ago.

Xiao Liu was just a common tavern girl who wanted to live a quiet life, but she had been unlucky enough to cross paths with a rogue like Wang Yidao, who had disrupted her entire existence and dragged her into an abyss from which there was no return.

Having scolded him harshly, Xiao Liu wanted to drink some water to soothe her throat, but her hand trembled so violently that the cup fell to the ground and shattered again! This caused the furious Xiao Liu to explode once more. She turned and stormed into the back kitchen, emerging moments later wielding a butcher's knife. She stomped one foot hard onto Wang Yidao’s face and raised the knife with both hands, seemingly putting every ounce of her strength into the strike!

"Ah!!"

Wang Yidao had played with blades since he was a boy, but now his face was twisted in terror. A man who lived by the blade was actually afraid of one! It was truly poetic justice.

With this final strike, all the pain this man had inflicted upon her could finally end! How many years of injustice and humiliation had Xiao Liu endured?

*Clang.*

A fragment of the wine cup struck the blade, forcing the butcher’s knife to fall vertically. Wang Yidao rolled away rapidly, narrowly missing the sharp edge. He gasped for breath; it had been too close. If he hadn't reacted quickly, his head would have been gone by now!

Xiao Liu, now exhausted as if drained of all strength, slumped to the floor. She looked at Liang Xi, who had intervened. "Why didn't you let me kill him? A person like this deserves to die! He deserves it!"

Liang Xi stood up and said slowly, "He certainly deserves to die, but do you really want to sacrifice your own life for such a man? A life for a life is the natural order, but your life should be used for something more meaningful. Your wine is excellent; if you were dead, I would never be able to drink such fine wine again. Wouldn't that be a pity?"

"I didn't stop you to help him, but to help you."

Wang Yidao, having regained his life, now viewed Liang Xi as his savior. He crawled before him, kowtowing like a machine. "Thank you, young sir, for saving my life! From now on, I will do whatever you tell me to do, without a word of complaint!"

The fierce, courageous air that had once defined Wang Yidao was gone. To hell with being "Wang the Blade"—as long as he could survive, that was all that mattered! That was his truest thought now.

Liang Xi squatted in front of Wang Yidao and hooked his chin with a finger, forcing the man to look him in the eye. "You'll do whatever I say? Really?"

"Really! Really! Truer than gold!"

Liang Xi’s tone was gentle and his movements elegant, yet Wang Yidao could sense a terrifying power beneath that grace—the power to end his life at any moment!

Liang Xi was satisfied with the answer. "Good. From now on, answer whatever I ask."

"Yes, yes, yes! I would never dare to hide anything from you!"

The surrounding patrons found the scene comical. Who would have thought that the tyrant of the South Market, Wang Yidao, would now be groveling before Liang Xi like a dog—or rather, worse than a dog!

"I hear you are a trusted aide of Beifeng. That means you must know the South Market inside and out. Tell me, if someone like me wanted to open a shop in the South Market, would I need your permission?"

Liang Xi’s voice swept past Wang Yidao’s ears like a gentle breeze, making others feel a strange, soft sensation. How could a man’s voice be so pleasant?

Yet, that soft voice made Wang Yidao’s sturdy frame tremble again. He kowtowed once more. "No, no, no, Master! Please spare me! From now on, you call the shots in the South Market. I am nothing but a fart in your presence!"

"Why are you shaking so much? What are you afraid of? Am I going to eat you? Why would I want the whole South Market? I only need one shop. Can you handle this task for me?"

"I can, I can! Don't worry, Master, I will arrange everything for you!"

Wang Yidao remained prostrate, not daring to look at Liang Xi, his body shaking uncontrollably.

Liang Xi stood up slowly and patted Wang Yidao’s shoulder with a warm hand. "Good, I believe you. You may go now."

Wang Yidao’s heart finally settled; he knew he had just walked away from the gates of hell. He scrambled out of the Qingshan Tavern, not caring in the slightest about the contemptuous looks he received. After walking for several dozen meters, he straightened his clothes and wiped his face, as if that could restore some of his dignity. Yet, his unsteady gait proved that his heart was still filled with fear. Did he dare defy Liang Xi? He dared not!

Ji Anran now saw Liang Xi as a man of mystery. He was gentle, he was charming, he was heroic, he was affectionate toward her, and he was terrifying!

For a man to have so many facets—she really had a good eye for choosing men! Ji Anran couldn't help but admire herself.

"Anran, why are you looking at me like that? Is there something dirty on my face?"

Liang Xi touched his face. It was quite clean. Ji Anran’s gaze made him feel a sense of unease.

"I'm looking at my great hero. Others use powerful energy to instill fear, but with you, it’s completely different. With just a few words, you turned a brute into a coward. I find it quite magical. How did you do it?"

Liang Xi felt wronged. "Wronged, terribly wronged! That Wang Yidao just let his own paranoia get the better of him. What does it have to do with me? But the result is good, and now we can go to the South Market."

Paranoia? Ji Anran didn't believe that for a second, but since Liang Xi didn't want to elaborate, she knew better than to press him. As long as the result was good, why worry about the details?

It wasn't paranoia; from the very beginning, Liang Xi had used the "Star-Falling Technique" from the *Lingyun Records* on Wang Yidao. This technique could peer into the human heart and understand everything. No matter what secrets or thoughts the other person had, Liang Xi knew them in advance. Combined with the technique’s immense power and the fact that Wang Yidao had committed so many evil deeds in the past, a little intimidation was enough to solve everything perfectly!

"Little brother, I want to thank you. If not for you, I suppose I would still be harassed by Wang Yidao. My reputation is already ruined. You are both good people. After this meal, don't come back to see me. I can promise you that no matter what happens from now on, I will live well!"

Liang Xi felt a sense of respect for Xiao Liu. He handed her a card embroidered with the character "Liang." "In the future, if you encounter difficulties, take this card to the Liang family in Yunzhou. They will surely help you."

The Liang family of Yunzhou? Wasn't that the most prestigious family in the world? This card itself wasn't worth much, but its true value lay in the Liang family. With a connection to them, eight or nine out of ten things in this world could be accomplished.

"Thank you, I will keep the card. But I won't use it. I'll just guard this little tavern and go nowhere. Little brother, if you are ever thirsty or feeling troubled in the future, the doors of the Qingshan Tavern will always be open for you!"

"Good, it's a deal."

Luo Mingyu knew the importance and rarity of the Liang family card. Whoever held it could have the Liang family fulfill any wish. "Yuanhui, why did you give Xiao Liu a Liang family card? That is a promise from the Liang family, worth thousands of gold. You didn't think this through. I know you did it for me, but it’s not worth it!"

Liang Xi didn't see it that way. It was just a card; good things should be used to help those in need. "Enough, don't say anymore, brother. As long as it concerns you, I will go all out. Xiao Liu is already pitiful; since I have the ability, why not help her?"

"I don't know what will become of her in the future, but right now, I want to give her a hand. I can't let her go astray. Helping others is, in a way, helping oneself."

Xiao Liu tucked the card away. It was her final trump card, one she would never use unless absolutely necessary. She always considered herself just a tavern keeper; it seemed she would never have the chance to use it in this lifetime. She had heard that Yunzhou was vast and rich, but it was a pity she had never been there in all her life.

The South Market was vast—beyond anyone’s imagination. Liang Xi considered himself well-traveled, but today, seeing the scale of the South Market, he was astonished. The Qingshan Tavern was merely on the edge of the market. Liang Xi looked left and right; there were many fresh and fun things here, some of which he couldn't even name.

"Move! Move aside!"

Wang Yidao ran up to Liang Xi, his expression respectful and fearful. "Master, the shop you wanted is ready. Why don't you come and take a look? If you are unsatisfied with the location or the goods, just tell me, and I will fulfill your wishes."

"Wang Yidao, it’s actually you! I can't tell, you managed to get everything done so quickly. Truly worthy of being a trusted aide!" Gu Zhenzhen was young and didn't care about social graces; she took every opportunity to mock him.

Wang Yidao heard this and felt a sense of pride; what others saw as mockery, he took as a great compliment. He immediately apologized with a smile, "Young lady, you are too kind. It is my honor to serve these masters!"

Gu Zhenzhen came from the Yechamen Sect and had seen sycophants before, but never one this shameless. Her eyes were truly opened today.

Liang Xi, however, remained composed. "You did well. Next time I see Beifeng, I will put in a good word for you."

Wang Yidao was almost on the verge of tears. Was he finally going to leave this hellhole of a South Market? In the eyes of outsiders, the South Market was synonymous with wealth, but only Wang Yidao knew that while the wealth was real, so was the danger. He had been struggling to maintain the market all by himself.

He was the manager in name, but he had to handle everything. In the early years, Beifeng had trusted him, but recently, Beifeng had apparently listened to rumors and appointed a kid who had only been in the market for a year as the second-in-command, a kid who now dared to challenge him! But now, Wang Yidao wasn't afraid. He had found a new backer: Liang Xi.

Wang Yidao was certain he wasn't wrong. He believed Liang Xi had a deep background and great power; the pressure radiating from him couldn't be faked.

The shop was large and well-positioned at an intersection, with a constant flow of people—it was bound to be profitable! The shop was clean, and the goods were neatly arranged. "Xiao Wuzi, come meet the proprietor. From now on, you will work well for this gentleman. If you do a good job, he won't treat you unfairly. Stop acting like a street urchin all day; what kind of look is that?"

"Master, this is Xiao Wuzi. He is smart, clever, and familiar with the South Market. Having him assist you is perfect," Wang Yidao said, pointing to a young boy behind the counter.

Xiao Wuzi had bright eyes and hair that was always impeccably combed. His originally black clothes had been washed to a shade of gray, but there wasn't a single wrinkle on them. His shoes looked new but were slightly too large; still, the boy’s eyes sparkled with joy. He probably hadn't worn shoes like these before.

Liang Xi beckoned Xiao Wuzi over to get a better look and to give him some instructions. Xiao Wuzi ran over, looking nervous but bright-eyed. Such a child was easy to like.

"Greetings, Master!"

"Good. But you should call him Master, not me," Liang Xi said, pointing to the slightly surprised Luo Mingyu.

Luo Mingyu was confused. He didn't know what was happening—how had he become the proprietor? However, Liang Xi clearly didn't intend to explain, so he didn't dare ask.

Xiao Wuzi didn't care about the details. Who was the boss didn't matter as long as he got enough Yuan crystals. He just needed to guard the shop; he wouldn't ask about things he shouldn't, lest he invite death upon himself.

"Greetings, Master!" This time, he got it right.

Wang Yidao looked at Liang Xi, then at Luo Mingyu, and finally understood. So, the young kid was just a dog relying on his master's power. If he had known that, he wouldn't have groveled so much. It was all because of this kid that he had lost so much face. When he found an opportunity, he would definitely settle the score with this little bastard and show him the power of "Blade-Master"!

He was calling himself "Blade-Master" again, conveniently forgetting who had scrambled out of the Qingshan Tavern like a dog just a short while ago.

Liang Xi knew Wang Yidao wouldn't be so obedient. The man looked humble now, but he would strike the moment he saw an opening. Liang Xi had seen many such people; he knew Wang Yidao’s petty thoughts but didn't have the time to deal with him yet.

Whether it was Beifeng or Wang Yidao, these people had to die. The prosperity he saw in the South Market today was built on the ruins of the East Market. He was determined to help Luo Mingyu take back what rightfully belonged to him!

"Wang Yidao, you did well. This is your reward!"

Liang Xi tossed three bags of Yuan crystals to Wang Yidao. These would be enough to keep him comfortable for the rest of his life. Everyone loved Yuan crystals!

"Thank you, Master! Thank you! I will definitely serve you well!"

Wang Yidao was beaming. *That little bastard is truly wealthy. Before he dies, I must swindle more crystals out of him.*

"Liang Xi, how did I become the proprietor? What are you thinking?" Luo Mingyu was bewildered. What was Liang Xi trying to do? He wanted to return to the East Market, but this move was too fast!

"This was originally your place; you are just returning, so why be surprised? As for Wang Yidao, let him be smug for a while. I’ve heard there are two factions in the South Market. One belongs to Wang Yidao—they have deep roots but are old-fashioned. The other belongs to a young man called 'Little Blade.' Blade and Little Blade—they are natural enemies. Brother, do you think Little Blade knows about the commotion we caused today? And if he knows, how will he react?"

"Sitting on the mountain and watching the tigers fight! I love plays like this."

If a person's left and right hands were destroyed by internal strife, if they spent all their energy suppressing each other until both were battered and exhausted, Liang Xi would win!

Ji Anran now understood everything. The boy was full of schemes. Being an enemy of Liang Xi must be the most painful thing in the world. It was better to keep such a person as a friend.

"Brother Blade, I've found out. The strangers who came to the market today are using Wang Yidao as their banner. Not only that, Wang Yidao even gave them a shop! It’s clear as day that he is going against you!"

*Smack.*

A loud slap landed on the lackey's face, spinning him three times before he fell to the ground.

"Have I told you not to chatter in my ear? I've said it so many times, yet you don't remember. Let this be a lesson. If you do it again, I’ll throw you into the Holy River to feed the turtles!"

"Yes, yes, I won't dare again!" the lackey said, clutching his swollen cheek, his speech slurred.

Little Blade’s anger came and went quickly. He crossed his legs, manicuring his fingernails, not looking up. "You said that old bastard Wang Yidao gave those strangers a shop?"

"Yes, I saw it clearly. Wang Yidao was even fawning over one of the young men. It was disgusting."

"Disgusting? Hah, what’s disgusting about that? That’s just who Wang Yidao is—a bully who fears the strong. Let’s go! Since we know, we should go and offer our congratulations. Don't forget to bring carefully prepared gifts. I don't need to teach you such small things, do I? Don't embarrass me!"

"Understood! Brother Blade, don't worry!"

The group headed toward the busiest shop in the South Market. Seeing Little Blade approaching, people scattered. Perhaps the two "Blade Brothers" would fight again today!

*Firecrackers popped.*

A new shop opening naturally required firecrackers.

"Haha, congratulations! I’m not late, am I? A small gift, please don't mind."

One doesn't hit a smiling face. Since Little Blade brought a gift, he was a guest and deserved a drink. Since when was Little Blade so polite? In the past, when a new shop opened, he would have come to extort them. A gift? Only if the sun rose in the south.

Had he changed his ways, or was he plotting something?

"Thank you, thank you! Please, come in!"

Liang Xi and Luo Mingyu handled such social rituals with ease. As for the beauty Ji Anran, she didn't need to do anything; her mere presence was a massive draw. Gu Zhenzhen was the happiest; she was eating constantly, her cheeks puffed out, turning her into a happy little squirrel.

The scene was one of peace and joy, yet someone was determined to break it! This was, of course, what Liang Xi wanted to see—when two tigers fight, one is bound to be injured!

"What are you here for? You aren't welcome here! Take your junk and get out!"

"Oh, whose dog is barking here again? I told you before, don't keep dogs. Mad dogs biting people is painful! Really."

After a while, Little Blade seemed to notice that Wang Yidao was the one speaking. He looked apologetic. "Oh, isn't this Brother Blade? Misunderstanding, it’s all a misunderstanding. A few days ago, I was bitten by a mad dog, and my lackeys are worried about me. They follow me everywhere—half a step of freedom, none!"

*Smack.*

Little Blade swung his arm and slapped one of his lackeys hard. The lackey spun four times. "Eyeless fool! This is my big brother. My success and your meals are all thanks to him. What mad dog? Go, apologize sincerely to my brother. Loudly, so everyone can hear! One mistake, and I'll break your dog leg!"

Impressive. Truly impressive. The performance was complete; that slap was heavy enough to ruin the lackey's face! The good show was about to start.

Wang Yidao snorted heavily, knowing Little Blade was using the lackey to insult him. Did he think he couldn't tell?

"Brother, why so much anger? Drink some ice water to cool off. I’ve missed you these past few days. It’s a pity you never accepted my invitations to the theater. Today, it’s all thanks to the proprietor of this new shop that we can meet. We must have a drink."

"I only drink with brothers and friends. Who do you think you are?"

"In your presence, I am nothing. But I came here with good intentions, and the host hasn't even spoken yet. Why are you so worked up, outsider? Oh, I know—you want to show off your heroic spirit in front of these people. Spare us! Who in the South Market doesn't know that yesterday you were pinned under Xiao Liu’s foot like a dog? I heard you were so scared you wet your pants. I didn't see any heroic spirit, but I can certainly imagine the coward you were!"

*Bang.*

Unable to bear it any longer, Wang Yidao slammed an iron fist toward Little Blade's face. Little Blade reacted quickly, hooking a bench with his left foot to counter. Wang Yidao’s punch shattered the bench!

Wang Yidao was like an enraged lion, drawing his long blade and pointing it at Little Blade. "You little bastard, want to fight to the death with your grandfather?"

Little Blade was unafraid, flipping his wrists to reveal a pair of short swords, connected by a thin iron chain. He spun the swords with his index finger, creating a circular light screen that shimmered with danger.

"Come on! I’m not afraid. Everyone here knows you’ve wanted to kill me for a long time. I’m right here, do it! I told the boss before I came that you’d cause trouble, and I was right. Everyone is watching—I came to congratulate, but you can’t tolerate me, so I’m just defending myself!"

"Brother Little Blade, you’ve suffered so much over the years, there isn't a single spot on your body without a scar. Why won't you tell Boss Beifeng? He would surely seek justice for you!"

Another performance! The lackeys were crying now, truly looking pitiful.

"Shut up! When will you learn to control your mouths? I am the younger brother; it is only natural for the big brother to beat me. Why do you make it sound so different? Be quiet! I’m telling you, if I die today at my brother’s hands, it’s my own fault. You are not allowed to seek revenge, understand?"

"You little bastard, still spouting nonsense! Let me tear your mouth off!"

Wang Yidao was going insane. Who had been bullying whom more? He was clearly the one being bullied, yet now Little Blade was the victim! He had to finish this!

Wang Yidao lunged, his palm extended in a move designed to cripple Little Blade. If this were before, Little Blade would have fought back, but he had just spotted a figure approaching from behind Wang Yidao—it was Beifeng. With him here, he wouldn't be bullied.

Playing the weakling? Everyone knew how to do that. He had once disdained such tactics, but he had realized they were quite effective.

*Thud.*

Little Blade knelt before Wang Yidao in front of everyone. "Brother, I know, all the mistakes are mine. You are right; a person like me has no right to live. If I die at your hands, I am happy!"

Little Blade was acting so strangely. For a person of his character to kneel was impossible. Wang Yidao, even in his rage, kept a sliver of clarity and wanted to stop. But seeing the smug look on Little Blade’s face, he couldn't hold back!

*Bang.*

"Stop!"

"I want to see who dares to move today!"

A powerful burst of energy, like a heavy punch, knocked Wang Yidao over. At the last moment, Beifeng had finally arrived and witnessed everything!

"Little Blade, get up! Kneeling in public like this, what does it look like? I am here; Wang Yidao wouldn't dare move!"

He had heard that Luo Mingyu’s shop was opening and, as an old friend, had intended to congratulate him. He had been delayed, and upon arriving, he had seen this—a brother beating his younger brother, a senior not tolerating his junior. Very good, very good indeed!

"Wang Yidao, I know you and Little Blade don't get along, but I didn't expect you to actually try to kill him. If I hadn't come, what would you have done? Would you really have killed him?"

"Boss, it’s not my brother’s fault, it’s all mine. I shouldn't have come today. I’ll leave!"

Liang Xi thought Little Blade’s retreat-to-advance tactic was clever. Leave? As if!

"Why are you leaving? You are a guest today. Wang Yidao took this opportunity to retaliate, and you have been enduring it—do you think I don't know? Have I told you that you remind me of my younger brother? I didn't protect him well in the past and regretted it for years. Today, I will not let anyone hurt you!"

Beifeng had a younger brother? That was news to everyone. But that didn't matter now. How would this end?

"Wang Yidao, I’ll give you a chance. Either kneel before Little Blade and apologize, or get out of the South Market! From now on, your life has nothing to do with me!"

Wang Yidao hated Little Blade to the core. *That little bastard, he calculated everything.*

Leave or apologize? For Wang Yidao, that was never a choice. Leave the South Market? Never. Apologize? What did that matter? Lose face? He never cared about that.

Wang Yidao knelt before Little Blade and kowtowed. "I was wrong, please forgive me!"

It wasn't that Wang Yidao lacked dignity; he finally realized there were things more important than dignity. The feud was set, and he would find the right time to settle it. He wouldn't stop until he crippled that little bastard.

Liang Xi hadn't expected this. Wang Yidao could actually discard his dignity. This wasn't the same as his earlier fawning; the man was now filled with fighting spirit. He must have deep feelings for the South Market; if not for the market, he wouldn't do this!

If it were him, what would he do? Liang Xi believed he would make the same choice. Once out of the South Market, there was no return. But as long as he was there, he could always find a chance to pay back the humiliation. This man was a real man; he had underestimated him before.

"Good. Since you’ve apologized, let’s turn the page for my sake. No one is to mention this again. From now on, you are all brothers!"

*Yes, from now on, we are all brothers!*

"Luo brother, I’m here. Why didn't you come out? I’m truly happy for you today. I’ve always wanted to find a way to make amends, and seeing you have this shop puts my mind at ease. If you encounter any difficulties in the future, come to me. I will never refuse."

"Is that really what you think? Aren't you worried that when you have nightmares, I’ll come looking for you?" Luo Mingyu finally walked out, smiling faintly.

"Brother, don't talk nonsense. I haven't done anything wrong, what is there to fear? Now that we brothers are together again, that is what makes me happiest, isn't it?"