Chapter 4, The Heart of Compassion

The sound of wailing echoed, interspersed with a series of intermittent, foolish yet remarkably persistent voices

Ah!

Mother? What happened to your mother? One or two taels of silver! Why do you need so much silver?

These despicable scoundrels even bully someone as pitiable and mentally challenged as this! Reminded of his own experiences within the clan, Yang Ji was filled with uncontrollable anger

Well, I know that you are not lying

Yang Ji merely smiled faintly

How reminiscent these eyes are of his former self. Thinking of his deceased mother, Yang Ji could not help but feel waves of sorrow in his heart

Just as the words were spoken, Yang Ji moved his body. Suddenly, with a loud bang, he stepped forward heavily, meeting the gaze of the local thug, and glared back fiercely

It turned out that his mother was ill, and everything he did was for her.

No need, I have no use for these things. Please take them back with you

Mother... Aniu's mother is ill, and the doctor says it requires money... Aniu wants to treat his mother, Aniu needs one tael of silver...

In this world, martial arts reign supreme, and even the ruffians and thugs sometimes learn breathing techniques to strengthen their bodies. With the mastery of the three stages of Yang Ji breathing, one can manage to take on one opponent, but when it comes to facing five or six... it is feared that the next match will not be much better for Yang Erniu than the current one

These individuals are utterly lawless, and it is evident that they harbor murderous intentions

The other party did not dare to take action, yet Yang Ji had no reservations, delivering another slap that was both fierce and resounding

The knife that was originally meant to stab came to a sudden halt in mid-air, as the leader of the thugs looked at Yang Ji, his heart filled with uncertainty and suspicion

I do not have much money on me, only eighty-five coins, you can take it first. Although it is not enough for a tael of silver, it should be sufficient for treating your mother’s illness. Generally, doctors take advantage of orphans and widows, and they will certainly tell you some exaggerated things. You should go to the south of the city and seek out the doctor with the surname Zhou; he is highly regarded for his medical ethics and has a reputation for helping the world with his skills, and his fees are usually lower than others. If you ask him to treat your mother, he will definitely be able to cure her

This slap came unexpectedly, not only leaving the gang leader stunned, but also shocking the thugs who followed him, rendering them speechless

If it were not for knowing the truth, it would be hard to believe that such a robust and burly young man, who is as strong as a bear, is actually very fragile on the inside

Yang Jili shouted sternly

Bang!

Moreover, Yang Ji is not wrong; even if he is not well-regarded, a person's face and a tree's bark still belong to the Yang clan.

Yang Ji glanced over and saw that there were some items scattered around Yang Erniu, including a comb, a pottery jar, a bronze mirror, a statue, rouge, shoe insoles, and knitted embroidered cloth... These items had been kicked to the ground during the recent beating

Damn

Does this kid really have any backing?

A few individuals took advantage of the situation, leaving behind a harsh remark. Even though they felt unwilling in their hearts, they had no choice but to depart with their heads held high

Yang Ji discerned the effect, shouted sharply, and conveniently provided them with a way out

Yang Ji turned to leave. However, before he had taken more than a few steps, he was suddenly tackled from behind by Yang Erniu, who clung to his right leg

He is well aware that one must strike while the iron is hot, and at this moment, he cannot afford to show any weakness. In front of this group of people who bully the weak and fear the strong, the more resolute and assertive you appear, the more you will be able to subdue them

The leader of the local ruffians, keenly observing the situation, was well aware that his gang had all become cowards. He was so furious that he felt like he could crush his steel teeth in anger

Yang Erniu stubbornly insisted, refusing to let go at all

Losing such great face in front of his subordinates was an utter humiliation. With a knife raised in hand, he was about to strike at Yang Ji

You bastard, are you out of your mind thinking about money? How dare you sell a worthless stone for one tael of silver? Trying to swindle me, do you even know who I am? Brothers, beat him up, give him a thorough thrashing!

Indeed, several thugs initially displayed fierce expressions, intending to teach Yang Ji a lesson. However, upon hearing his words, they immediately hesitated and each one retreated.

However, looking into those eyes, Yang Ji found it difficult to utter words of refusal

I never expected it to be them... This is bad; it might not only fail to help Yang Erniu, but could also backfire and put myself at risk.

Oh no

Be quiet, be careful

This time, it is truly destitute.

You are seeking death

Yang Ji leaned down and patted Yang Erniu on the shoulder

As long as there is not a sufficiently strong power backing them, these individuals truly dare to commit murder in broad daylight

He has never suffered such a great loss before, and although the other party is clearly just a young lad, he finds himself unable to vent his pent-up anger.

Only he knows how dangerous the situation was just now. If he hadn't been calm enough and bold enough, he would likely be lying on the ground by now

Although this was Yang Ji's first encounter with them, his background had already been thoroughly investigated by others, who informed him accordingly

Head, I know this kid, his name is Yang Ji, he is from the Yang family and holds no significant status. Damn it, daring to obstruct our affairs, Yang Ji, are you tired of living?

Yang Ji suddenly let out a low cry, unsure of where he had been pricked. He felt as if something had stung him. The sensation of pain was very faint and fleeting, so Yang Ji did not pay it much attention. He hurriedly packed his belongings and left, completely unaware that a drop of blood had seeped into the stone he was holding in his arms

Yang Erniu suddenly exclaimed, his innocent eyes revealing a hint of anxiety and despair

At the moment when these individuals drew their knives, Yang Ji suddenly stepped forward, without a second thought, and delivered a resounding slap to the face of the leading thug.

Yang Erniu

His family is impoverished, with only an elderly mother to rely on, living in solitude and hardship, which is truly pitiful

Stay calm ... ... stay calm! There are many of them, and I definitely cannot defeat them alone. I must find a way to stabilize the situation, to dismantle them with words, and to intimidate them!

Yang Erniu shook Yang Ji's leg vigorously, and two tear-sized droplets flowed out, filled with sadness and longing

Yang Jidao

A thug with a sinister expression approached Yang Ji, his face contorted in menace as he rubbed his sore fists, exuding an air of threat. The surrounding thugs also wore unfriendly expressions, converging around Yang Ji and Yang Erniu, encircling them completely.

Brothers, take action, clean him up for me

Yang Ji smiled self-deprecatingly in his heart

If the information being investigated is incorrect, and Yang Ji actually has a powerful benefactor within the Yang clan, then wouldn't these people be seeking their own demise

Yang Ji's heart stirred as he took two or three steps around the corner, and immediately saw five or six people gathered ahead, using their fists and feet to vigorously beat a single individual

Such matters can happen only once and not again, as strength is the true path; it is absolutely imperative that this does not occur again next time

Hiss!

Yang Ji felt helpless, knowing that Yang Erniu was stubborn. If he were to refuse him, it would likely lead to endless trouble.

However, Yang Ji also knew that at this moment, he must not panic, nor can he retreat; he must remain steady

It is truly infuriating

Just as it was said, it happened swiftly

A sound of gasps filled the air, as the onlookers, who had been watching the commotion, turned pale with fear and scattered like they were avoiding a plague, no longer daring to join in the excitement

Scared!

These individuals are notorious for their predatory nature, preying on the weak while fearing the strong. Once they retreat and it becomes evident that they are afraid, they will be devoured by this group to the point of leaving no bones behind

Yang Jixian first sabotaged his affairs, and then threatened him with a sense of propriety, which stirred a trace of ferocity within him

As the local ruffians of Pingchuan County, their prolonged dominance is certainly not due to the inability of others to deal with them. Rather, it is because they are sufficiently astute, always gathering information beforehand, knowing precisely who in the ten miles and eight townships of Pingchuan County can be provoked and who cannot be.

These are probably all the possessions he has at home

You bunch of scoundrels, who dares to take action! Think it over carefully first; do you really believe you can touch me?

A thug revealed a fierce glint in his eyes and shouted loudly

He had the intention to kill Yang Ji Liwei, but was overwhelmed by Yang Ji's imposing presence and authority, and did not dare to take the risk to act.

His words are filled with ambiguity, as he is confident that these people are unaware of the intricacies and intrigues within the large clan

The city at https://www.hetushucom.com had long since dispersed, and there were significantly fewer pedestrians on the streets. Yang Ji, carrying a backpack, turned a corner in the alley and immediately heard a sharp and piercing curse.

Yang Ji let out a sigh, feeling cold sweat all over his body

You little brat, don't think I don't know. In the Yang family, you are just like a servant, unloved by your grandmother and uncared for by your uncle, and you still want to come and scare me

The gang leader was furious.

Yang Ji felt a wave of difficulty in his heart. It had not been easy for him; he had exhausted all his efforts to earn eighty-five copper coins. If he gave all of it to Yang Erniu, then he and Liang Bo...

Help me, help me... buy a few of my things! One or two silver... one or two silver! A Niu wants one or two silver! Mother wants one or two silver! A Niu wants to save Mother...

What do you guys want to do? Let him go

Shh, it's fine, we managed to subdue them

Mother once said, one should not take things from others for free... Ah Niu has many things, look, look! Take whatever you like, take them all!

I... I remember you, you are a good person, thank... thank you

Yang Ji's expression changed slightly. When he rushed over, he did not think at all; he was driven solely by his youthful bravado and did not consider that he was about to confront a group of tyrannical and menacing local ruffians.

If you want to die, just try moving a little.

Suddenly, a figure resembling Cheng Yaojin appeared out of nowhere, startling a group of people. However, it didn't take long for several young men nearby, with their faces full of swagger, loose postures, and a somewhat disreputable air, to react.

Stars

A group of scoundrels! Get lost quickly!

Yang Ji comforted.

Yang Ji secretly reminded himself

The surrounding crowd, many of whom were watching with a sympathetic gaze, included some who did not hide their glee. Not everyone can intervene in certain matters; if one wishes to stand out, one must be prepared to pay the price.

Stop!

Perhaps it was Yang Ji's gentle voice that finally caused Yang Erniu's body to stop trembling and gradually calm down

It is indeed strange that upon seeing Yang Ji pick up this broken stone, Yang Erniu no longer held him back, as if a significant matter had been resolved. He tidied up the items on the ground and left in high spirits.

Yang Erniu clung to it like a drowning man grasping the last life-saving straw, refusing to let go under any circumstances

It is already quite late, and I must be leaving. Additionally, you should also head home early. Your mother might still be waiting for you

He was too impulsive. He thought we didn't want to manage it, but it was that we couldn't manage it

Without a moment's hesitation, Yang Ji shouted angrily and strode forward, parting the crowd and positioning himself in front of Yang Erniu.

Yang Ji Wuxia was managing these individuals, and as he saw the group of ruffians about to surround him, he felt a sense of urgency in his heart. However, he also understood that it was precisely in such moments that one must not lose composure.

Yang Ji said coldly, "Life and death depend on a single thread," and he became even calmer.

He exerted all his strength in this slap, delivering a heavy blow that directly caused the local thug leader to see stars, staggering backward. The right side of his face visibly turned purple at an alarming rate, quickly forming a distinct handprint.

Help me, I beg you, help me... Can you save my mother?

Let it be considered that I have purchased this item

Yang Erniu chuckled foolishly, as if a heavy burden had been lifted

This child is going to have bad luck

In the blink of an eye, numerous thoughts flashed through Yang Ji's mind, and he became increasingly calm.

Yang Ji's heart could not help but sink

Zhou Lingbang was filled with uncertainty; although he did not believe Yang Ji's words, the slap was undeniably real. A person who would dare to do such a thing is either a madman or truly has some kind of support that he is unaware of

The leader of the thugs flashed a fierce glint in his eyes, swiftly flipping his hand to draw a knife. The surrounding youths also turned pale, following suit to pull out their own knives. Each blade gleamed coldly, with a faint hint of blood visible on the edges—these knives had all seen blood.

This group of people is capable of doing anything.

Turning around, Yang Ji walked towards Yang Erniu

Seeing the person in the middle, Yang Ji was taken aback. This person he recognized was a congenital mentally disabled individual from the neighboring village, with an intelligence level equivalent to that of a child only a few years old.

Hahaha, trying to scare me?

Yang Ji stood up, gazing at the departing figure of Yang Erniu, his eyes filled with a sense of bewilderment. Soon, a thought crossed his mind, and a deep sense of guilt surged within him

Hehe, you are a good person, ... ... only you believe me, ... ... this piece of star iron is given to you ... ...

Yang Jiyi gritted his teeth, took out the money pouch from his body, hesitated for a moment, and then placed it into Yang Erniu's hand

Previously, when Yang Ji shouted angrily, they thought this young man was merely bluffing, but they did not expect him to actually dare to take action. When something unusual occurs, there must be a demon at work; five or six people were momentarily overwhelmed by Yang Ji's imposing presence and surprisingly did not dare to step forward

Yang Ji understood the ins and outs of the matter from his fragmented narration

The tone of this speech was both stern and forceful, and Yang Ji had them completely under his control

He and Yang Erniu can be considered to share a certain degree of mutual sympathy, so how could he bear to take his belongings

It is alright, do not be afraid, they have already left and will not harm you again

Yang Ji vaguely remembered that Yang Erniu had previously been beaten up for selling this item. On Yang Erniu's stall, this was the only item that was the least valuable.

... ...

The leader of the local ruffians was taken aback for a moment, then burst into an angry laugh, his brows revealing a hint of sinister intent

The sound emanating from those arms was stubborn and obsessive, much like a headstrong child

Yang Ji secretly felt pity for the book and the picture, and how could he be willing to take his belongings

Unexpectedly, although Yang Erniu accepted Yang Ji's purse, he still did not let go

Hmph! You little brat, don't get too full of yourself. One day, you will pay the price.

The relationships within the large clan are intricate and complex, filled with various intrigues and power struggles, unlike those of the local ruffians, which are straightforward and simplistic, determined solely by whose fist is stronger, making them the leader

Many people gathered around, yet not a single person extended a helping hand

Yang Erniu slowly raised his head; it was a face in its twenties, yet it bore the innocent eyes of a three-year-old child

Yang Ji had seen him a few times; each time, he was squatting here selling some small items, always behaving himself and never provoking trouble. This time, for some unknown reason, he was surrounded and beaten by this group of people

No... I did not lie... Aniu never lies. It is a shooting star... This is truly a star that has fallen from the sky... Aniu is not deceiving...

Hmph! This is a lesson for you. Remember, the ups and downs, the intrigues within the great clan are not something outsiders like you can comprehend. Moreover, even if I am a servant, I am still a 'servant' of the great clan. Killing you is as easy as stepping on an ant. — Believe it or not, as long as you dare to touch a single hair on me, this time next year will be the memorial day for all of you

Bang

... ...

Yang Erniu tilted his head back, displaying a face full of stubbornness

Yang Jiman glanced casually, randomly picking up the most inconspicuous object. It was a flat pebble, adorned with strange bark-like patterns, appearing as if it had been retrieved from some riverbank, utterly ordinary.

Yang Ji was taken aback

Yang Ji felt a chill in his heart. Although he had long heard of the notorious reputation of these local ruffians, it was only when facing them directly that he truly understood their ferocity

No! A Niu cannot take someone else's things for free

No, I am not lying... I am not lying, this is truly the meteor I picked up. This is really what I found in the mountains. I am not deceiving anyone... A Niu never deceives!

Damn it! Someone actually came to stir up trouble! I've been in Pingchuan County for so long, and this is the first time this has happened! Kid, speak up, how do you want to die

If the Yang clan members are to gather a group of people to accompany him in burial over such trivial matters, would that not be an unjust death

He knelt on the ground with his hands clasped behind his head, resembling a drooping ostrich. Yang Ji heard him mumbling and initially thought he was afraid, but after crouching down, he realized it was entirely different.

Yang Ji felt a pang of bitterness in his heart, yet he did not regret it. With a faint smile in his heart, he casually tucked the stone into his bosom

... ...

Alright. You can take all these things back; I won't be able to use so many. Just taking one is enough