SWORD OF FLAME

Village Thugs

"Bastard, how dare you mock us! Don't you know who we are!?"

"Yeah, I know. You're three worm-infested thugs. And on top of that, you're deaf too!" Fang Yun replied with his usual cocky tone.

"Let's beat him up! He needs a lesson!"

"If ganging up is all you're good at, why not wear sarongs, powder your cheeks, smear lipstick on your lips, and stand by the roadside? Who knows, maybe some fool likes unicorn-faced girls," Fang Yun mocked while laughing and clutching his stomach.

Ignoring his mockery, the three thugs lunged at him together.

With ease, Fang Yun dodged all their attacks. In no time, the three of them were sprawled on the ground. But the trouble didn’t end there—ten more fierce-looking men approached the scene.

"Who are you, kid? Why are you causing trouble in our territory!?" demanded a burly man with a large machete at his waist.

"Ask them," Fang Yun replied, pointing to the men lying on the ground.

"I asked you!" the man barked.

"I don’t want to answer. They started it, why should I explain anything?"

"They’re my men, and you laid them out! That means you’ve got a problem with me!"

"I’m not afraid! Come all of you, if you want to end up like them!"

"Arrogant brat!"

Fang Yun chuckled at the threat. "I will be arrogant when dealing with savages like you! Apologize to that little boy and I’ll let you go."

His expression turned cold. His eyes stared sharply at the gang leader, flashing with an intensity like leaping flames.

Refusing to be humiliated in front of the crowd gathering in the village, the leader shouted a command.

"Beat him and teach him a lesson!"

Upon the order, nine men drew their machetes. But before they could advance, Fang Yun darted forward using the Quiet Wind technique. He struck three of them in the chest, sending them flying and burning from within.

"So fast!" the gang leader muttered.

Without pausing, Fang Yun struck again—two more collapsed, clutching their stomachs in pain.

The leader was stunned. In just two moves, five of his men were down.

The crowd erupted in cheers, drawing even more villagers to the scene.

"Come on! You’re their leader! Don’t just give orders, step up!" Fang Yun shouted.

"Fight! Fight! Fight!" the villagers chanted.

The gang leader turned and shouted at the villagers.

"Shut up! One more word, and I’ll beat you all!"

Silence fell instantly.

Suddenly, applause rang out.

"Amazing... Told to step forward, and you threaten the crowd instead." Fang Yun’s voice was loud and clear.

"Pick someone your own size. What kind of man are you?"

The leader looked at his fallen men. The remaining four dropped their weapons and surrendered.

"Fine. If you won’t fight, I’ll let the villagers deal with you."

Out of options, and knowing the villagers would be harsher, the leader chose to fight Fang Yun. He charged with all his strength, striking repeatedly—but not a single blow landed. In fact, his target had vanished.

"Hey... Who are you attacking? I’m behind you."

The man spun around.

Boom!

The large thug was flung back fifteen steps. Blood gushed from his mouth as he clutched his burning chest.

"Still want to act like a big shot in this village?"

Groaning in pain, the man didn’t answer.

"So? Will you stop causing trouble here?" Fang Yun crouched in front of him.

"No more, warrior. I regret everything," the man replied, tears forming in the corners of his eyes.

"Why are you crying? Do you remember how many people you’ve made cry?"

The man shook his head. "I cry because I truly regret it."

"Alright." Fang Yun stood and addressed the villagers.

"Everyone, this man says he regrets his wrongdoings. Let’s give him a chance to change. I will leave this village soon, but if he causes trouble again, tell me. I’ll return and deal out proper punishment."

He placed a hand on the man’s shoulder, sending internal energy to ease his pain.

"Thank you, warrior. May I know your name?"

Fang Yun scratched his head. "Just call me the Nameless Warrior."

He walked over to the young beggar who still sat in the same place. He took out another gold coin.

"Go home and give this to your parents."

Then he returned to the food stall to retrieve Zhen Ni. Over a hundred pairs of eyes watched him with admiration as he walked.

"Thank you for looking after my sister, Uncle. Oh, and please prepare two meals for us," Fang Yun requested as he led Zhen Ni to a corner table.

The diners in the food stall couldn’t stop staring at him, filled with questions about who this young warrior truly was.

---

After finishing their meal, Fang Yun continued toward Mount Tianmen with Zhen Ni on his back.

Nightfall was approaching. They were still deep within the forest. Even if he used the Quiet Wind technique, they wouldn’t make it out before dark.

Fang Yun decided to camp in the forest. He lit a fire to keep them warm and gave Zhen Ni one of his spare shirts to wear.

Soon, Zhen Ni fell asleep beside him, hugging her knees even near the fire—whether from cold or another reason, he couldn’t tell.

Now and then, Fang Yun swatted away mosquitoes biting her. He watched over her like she was his own little sister.

As dawn neared, Fang Yun—who had stayed awake to protect her—was startled by shouts and cries echoing from deeper in the forest. A fight was happening.

Driven by curiosity, Fang Yun glanced at Zhen Ni, still sound asleep, then quickly walked toward the noise, certain a battle was taking place.