Seated in the training ground of the Mountain Tiger School, surrounded by youths around his age and some even younger, Hong Wei didn't speak to anyone. He simply stood in place, silently waiting for the instructor to arrive.
Fortunately, the wait wasn't long. A man with a sturdy frame and a powerful presence strode into the courtyard, his steps heavy with confidence.
"Alright," the instructor announced, his voice carrying through the training ground, "today, we'll begin learning the Tiger Claw technique… something many of you have been itching to try."
"This move, as the name implies, draws from the ferocity and power of the tiger. It focuses on explosive force, swift strikes, and sharp tearing motions…"
The explanation continued, and then, the instructor moved on to demonstrate the move. His posture shifted, shoulders lowered, fingers clawed, muscles tensed like a coiled beast, and with a sudden burst of strength, his hand lashed forward like a tiger swiping at prey.
As Hong Wei watched, he noticed that, more than once, the instructor's eyes drifted toward Shan Mei, who stood quietly at the edge of the training ground.
She wasn't doing anything unusual, but her presence seemed to draw attention regardless.
Hong Wei, naturally, didn't like the situation, with their sneakily invasive gazes lingering on her.
Still, for now, he forced himself to return his focus to the lesson.
Soon, the instructor called for the students to begin imitating the technique, and the courtyard was filled with motion of arms swinging, legs shifting, shouts of exertion echoing under the sun.
Many of the students clearly had some familiarity with the move already. Though none could replicate the same ferocity the instructor had shown, they moved with confidence, their motions flowing.
But Hong Wei failed. Spectacularly.
Even so, he didn't give up. His movements were clumsy, and sweat quickly soaked through his clothes. Each motion drained more of his strength, and his limbs felt heavier by the minute.
Eventually, the instructor stepped over to him and said, "This technique, while still considered basic, is slightly advanced for someone with no martial background. You need to build your body first, and increase your strength."
With that, the instructor demonstrated a more simple, foundation building movement, and told him to practice that instead.
Hong Wei nodded silently and continued his training with the simpler form.
He didn't mind. Everyone had to start somewhere.
Time passed. The sun dipped lower, and eventually, the lesson came to an end.
When he made to leave, Shan Mei moved as if to support him, his body clearly exhausted, but out of pride, or stubbornness, Hong Wei gently refused her hand and walked forward steadily on his own.
Just as they were about to leave the courtyard, the same man from the reception desk stepped forward and called out to him.
"Wait a moment. This is the description for the medicinal bath you'll need to take."
He proceeded to explain that while the bath wasn't strictly required, without it, Hong Wei would hardly see any noticeable progress.
Hong Wei stopped and accepted the item from him. It was a thin bamboo slip, tied with red string, with carved characters detailing the ingredients and preparation method for the bath.
"Thank you," he said plainly.
While he didn't bother to address the man's previous attitude, he also didn't pretend as if nothing had happened. And so, after giving the bamboo slip a brief glance, he tucked it away. He'd read it properly later.
With that, he and Shan Mei finally left the Mountain Tiger School and intended to go on their way.
But suddenly, a loud voice rang out… clear, arrogant, and aimed straight at him.
"Stop right there!"
Hong Wei, already exhausted and feeling that he was being stopped far too often today, still turned his head to see who was interrupting him now.
And stepping into view was a youth clad in fine robes, clearly not someone affiliated with the Mountain Tiger School.
"Were you talking to me?" Hong Wei asked, narrowing his eyes.
"Who else would I be talking to, peasant?" the youth sneered, arrogance dripping from every word.
"I don't know what kind of relationship you have with that woman beside you…" he said, casting a bold glance at Shan Mei, "...but someone like you clearly doesn't deserve to walk beside her. From now on, she'll be accompanying me!"
Hong Wei's expression darkened. He was pissed.
How dare this arrogant shit lay eyes on his Shan Mei?
Still, he didn't lose his composure. He had already imagined that something cliche like this might happen… there were always stupid people in this world who didn't know their place, after all.
"That's Zhao Jinpeng, the town chief's son... what's he doing here?"
"What do you think? He must've caught wind of the beauty beside Hong Wei and couldn't restrain himself!"
"Hmph, that dog's known all across the town for his lust and arrogance."
"But even so, his father's the town chief. No matter what, even Hong Wei can't touch him... right?"
As Hong Wei pondered how to deal with this farce, more people began to gather. The murmurs swelled into a hum of curiosity and speculation.
Zhao Jinpeng, hearing their whispers, lifted his chin and straightened his back, as if their awe was his birthright. He wore a smug look, basking in the weight of his surname like it was armor.
But to Hong Wei, who had finally figured out who this clown was, the display only made him seem more pathetic.
He had no intention of killing someone over every petty provocation. That didn't mean he would let such insolence slide, either. So, he simply needed to teach him a lesson he wouldn't forget.
He glanced at Shan Mei, who was already radiating cold hostility, clearly offended by the insult.
"Break his legs," he said calmly.
The moment the words left his mouth, Shan Mei moved.
In a flash, she was beside Zhao Jinpeng. And before he could react, her foot slammed into his knee with a sickening crack.
"AAAGHH!!" Zhao Jinpeng's scream pierced the air, and the crowd erupted into an even greater uproar.
Hong Wei didn't bother looking back. He simply continued on his way, intending to end this foolish episode then and there. But just as he was about to leave—
"Do you think you can just walk away from this?!"
"My father will never let this go! You're dead! DEAD!!"
His voice was shrill, filled with pain, and laced with false bravado… like a third-rate villain clinging to his last shred of pride.
Hong Wei stopped and turned his gaze back.
And Zhao Jinpeng's mouth snapped shut under that calm stare.
Then, without a word, Hong Wei turned to one of the bystanders and said, "Pick him up. You're coming with me."
He had no intention of waiting for the town chief to come storming in… he would go visit the town chief himself.