Next, he stared at his own information in the panel.
[Name: Li Hao
Age: 17 (Life Span: 131)
Physique: Extraordinary Mortal (Hardened Skin)
Balance: 23 Taels of silver
Life simulation: 0 (Requires 200 taels of silver) [Use? Yes/No] (Warning! Insufficient Balance!)
Points: 359]
'As expected!'
This time, there was no plus sign beside the column of physique. Three hundred fifty-nine points were not enough to upgrade his physique to the next level. It is as expected, so Li Hao wasn't disappointed.
His current strength should suffice for a while. He recalled from the simulation his panel's strengths and weaknesses. The panel provides him with overpowering strength, yet also does not allow him to practise martial arts independently.
"Collecting more money is my path to success."
A peak-level Skin Hardening Realm martial artist, such as Li Hao and his father, could act as a local tyrant within Qingfeng County.
"That is enough."
To earn money, Li Hao has already started thinking about going on an expedition. He wished to increase his own strength before those emmissaries arrived. Time is tickling away.
"Those people should arrive within four days at most."
Not much time was left. He felt a sense of urgency.
…
Inside Zhenhao's room.
"Father! Let's go on an expedition!"
Cough! Cough!
"What happened, Hao? Didn't we plan to lay low for a while?"
Recently, Zhenhao was confused about his son's changing behaviour.
"Yes, but don't we have to sell those stolen goods? Father, let me handle them. I will take some brothers with me to a nearby county and sell them for profit."
After he mentioned the matter of selling goods, Zhenhao became half-convinced. His gaze moved toward the rows of chests and goods placed in the corner of his room. There were all kinds of goods, from Jade vases to jewelry. To properly safeguard against betrayal or theft, all the treasures were placed by Zhenhao's side.
"We do need to convert them all into cash."
As he spoke, his eyes met Li Hao's. 'He is already a martial artist…Maybe, it will be a form of training for him.'
"Alright, you may go, but take some men with you."
He placed his hand on Hao's shoulder. "There is a Qinghe County in the direction of south, which neighbours our Qingfeng County. My men know the way; they will take you there. Be careful."
Li Hao nodded to show understanding. "I will."
…
The next day, Li Hao stared at the three individuals chosen by Zhenhao to travel with him. All were martial artists in the Body Strengthening Realm. Two were at the advanced level, and one was at the peak of it. After Zhenhao, these three were the strongest within their bandit group.
Li Hao was speechless. 'He really chose the most experienced people for me.'
He did feel the warmth of his father's care. In this kind of world, people were selfish; it was rare to see a good family bond in the wilderness.
At this time, for unknown reasons, Li Hao missed his family back in the previous world. His father is usually indifferent, but someone who is extremely reliable. Mother's love and care. His siblings ' memories of arguments and laughter. Vision blurred, a moist feeling in his eyes.
While Li Hao tried to calm down, the three bandits stood awkwardly, making eye contact with one another. Each has their own thoughts.
'It is said that the boss's son does not have any ambition, wasting time on reading and writing.'
The one with peak attainment in the Body Strengthening Realm stared suspiciously at Li Hao. 'Why did the boss suddenly ask us to accompany his son to Qinghe County?'
Within a few seconds, his gaze moved from Li Hao to his two comrades. 'Together, we three are the strongest after Zhenhao. What kind of work requires us all to be together?'
He was truly confused, not being able to understand the situation. The other two had similar doubts.
"I am grateful for your help. Today, we shall depart for Qinghe County. There are some things we have to sell there."
Li Hao managed to barely compose himself. Soon, noticing the weird looks from the three bandits, he quickly understood their thought process. Hence, explaining the work early to gain their goodwill.
After saying so, he cupped his fist at them.
"Young master need not be so humble. We are eager to accompany you on this journey."
The three cupped their fist in response. In their heart, Li Hao has already gained some respect.
"By the way, what are your names?" He looked at the strongest among the three and asked.
"My name is Da Zhuang,"
"Er Gouzi"
"Xiao Niu"
The three bandits spoke their names respectively. Li Hao was secretly amazed at the naming sense of their parents. 'Truly remarkable.'
"I believe, you know me." He asked in a questioning manner.
"Of course, you are Zhenhao's son."
Li Hao nodded his head. "From now on, you three can follow me. Father must have informed you about it."
After hearing his words, the three stared at each other. Their expression was wavering slightly.
Li Hao noticed it but did not say anything, waiting for their response.
The strongest among the three replied after a few-second pause. "We have naturally been informed about it."
Just as he said, and looked up, he noticed that Li Hao had disappeared.
A hand suddenly touched his shoulder from behind.
!!!
He turned around sharply! "Wh..at!?"
Behind him stood Li Hao, with one hand behind his back, and the other still placed on his shoulder.
The bandit felt as if a mountain were firmly placed on his body. He could not move at all! It was a straight-up strength submission!
The other two bandits, each one having attained advanced levels in the Body Strengthening Realm, were extremely shocked in their hearts. 'When did he move!?' They only saw a blur as he moved past them and appeared behind Da Zhuang!
Silence!
After the passing of half a minute had passed, Li Hao calmly removed his hand and walked back to his original position.
"Let me clarify one thing to you three. I am a martial artist and stronger than all three of you combined."
As he said so, no one spoke a word. There was an atmosphere of silence yet again.
It seems, today, these three were fated to have their hearts shaken continuously!
Now, without waiting for Li Hao's words, Er Gouzi quickly saluted and bowed down.
"This Er Gouzi is grateful to be of service to young master!"
Li Hao looked at him in satisfaction. 'This guy is quick to act.' Next, his eyes moved towards the remaining two.
Suddenly being looked at, the two returned to their senses. Quickly saluted and bowed their heads in unison. "We are grateful to be of use to the young master!"
'Finally…Now, this marks the beginning of my life towards being a bandit.'