Chapter 84 - 39: Killing the Tiger (2)

Chapter 84: Chapter 39: Killing the Tiger (2)

After all, this was a massive and comprehensive collection of medicinal herbs he was saving for an emergency. How could he possibly give them up so easily?

’The nerve of this guy!’

A glint flashed in Lord Hu’s eyes, a hint of impatience showing on his face.

The only reason he had sat down to negotiate nicely with Fang Rui, "magnanimously" offering to buy the herbs at their original price, was because Fang Rui was an Entry Grade Martial Artist.

’But does this kid really think he can do whatever he wants just because he’s an Entry Grade Martial Artist? How naive!’

’He’s just a sickly weakling. Even if he’s become an Entry Grade Martial Artist, he’s still just a sick kitten!’

Lord Hu’s expression hardened as he reached for the broadsword resting beside him.

’Looks like we’re not going to reach an agreement!’

Fang Rui’s eyes narrowed. ’Why are you forcing my hand? Why are you in such a hurry to die?!’

It was best not to kill at home, but that didn’t mean he *couldn’t* kill at home.

’Kill him, bury the body properly, and then take Mom, my sister, Third Sister, and Nannan to another courtyard. Once the news of the county reserve army’s defeat spreads and the city falls into chaos, the Tiger Gang might not even have time to worry about me...’

’And even if they do have time, so what? The Tiger Gang wouldn’t send their Gang Leader himself for a single Elite Gang Member. The rest of them would just be lambs to the slaughter!’

As Fang Rui considered this, a ruthless resolve grew in his heart.

In that instant, the air seemed to freeze, thick with a grim, murderous tension.

Just then, a voice suddenly called out, "Brother Fang!"

It was Jiang Ping’an!

He strode in, a deliberate smile on his face as he asked Fang Rui, "And who might this be?! Brother Fang, aren’t you going to introduce me?"

"This is Lord Hu of the Tiger Gang. He wants to buy some medicinal herbs. I said I’d consider it, and a disagreement arose..."

"Oh, the Tiger Gang!"

Jiang Ping’an glanced at Lord Hu. "Lord Hu, is it? When doing business, it’s best to be amicable. I happen to know a few Entry Grade Martial Artists myself. We should all sit down for a meal sometime, have a chat..."

His words were soft but carried a hard edge, clearly taking Fang Rui’s side.

’This is a friend worth having. He really steps up when it counts.’ A glint appeared in Fang Rui’s eyes.

He would remember this favor.

Lord Hu glanced at the saber hanging from Jiang Ping’an’s waist, then back at Fang Rui. It was him and his two lackeys. If they were to really fight, even if they could win, they would likely pay a steep price.

He suppressed the killing intent in his heart and forced a smile back onto his face. "Alright then... Brother Rui, I’ll be on my way. You think it over. We’ll see each other again!"

’See each other again? After this, you won’t be seeing me ever again.’ Fang Rui sneered inwardly, letting Lord Hu leave with his two lackeys.

He wasn’t afraid, but it was still for the best not to do it in his own home. Besides the trouble it would cause, he also considered Lord Hu’s blood to be dirty and unlucky.

"I can tell that man won’t give up easily, Brother Fang. Be careful in the coming days."

"Don’t worry, Brother Jiang. I have a plan. You came here because..." Fang Rui already had his suspicions but asked anyway.

"It’s like this..."

Just as he’d thought, it was about the news of the county reserve army’s great defeat.

"...My influence is limited here in Willow Alley... If anything happens, Brother Fang, you should take your mother and sister to Sweet Water Well Alley. I can look out for you there..."

These were words from the heart.

"Alright. Thank you, Brother Jiang."

Fang Rui didn’t agree immediately.

Because he wasn’t sure yet if they would move.

Third Lady owned two other courtyards: one in Sweet Water Well Alley in South City, and another in Bai Yang Alley in East City...

Yesterday, Fang Rui had been busy with other matters and hadn’t had time to ask for details. Even if they were to leave Willow Alley, he would need to compare the two locations, discuss it with Third Lady and Mrs. Xue of the Fang Family, and then make a decision.

...

After Jiang Ping’an left, Fang Rui gathered Third Lady and Mrs. Xue of the Fang Family to ask about the other two courtyards. The three of them discussed whether to stay or leave.

After some comparison, they found that all three places had their own advantages.

Willow Alley was a bit small, but not unlivable. Its advantages were: no need to move, less hassle, familiar neighbors, and it was comfortable;

The courtyard in Bai Yang Alley was the largest and most spacious;

The courtyard in Sweet Water Well Alley was medium-sized, but its advantage was that Jiang Ping’an would be there to look out for them, which might prevent some unnecessary trouble.

In the end, after some discussion, the three of them decided to stay in Willow Alley for the time being. If necessary, they would re-evaluate the situation and choose a suitable courtyard to move to then.

In any case, Third Lady had already stocked the other two courtyards with grain and bedding. They could move in at any time, ready to live in.

After their discussion, Mrs. Xue of the Fang Family and Third Lady went to an inner room to do some needlework and chat.

Fang Rui remained in the main hall, sitting behind the counter and pondering the matter of Lord Hu. ’My original plan was to tail him for a couple of days, pick a good spot, and let Lord Hu disappear without a sound... Now, it seems I have to move the plan up.’

’Tonight? No, maybe even sooner!’

The lesson from Gao Yao had taught Fang Rui that delays breed complications.

"Perhaps, even now, during the day, I could..." he muttered.

Thinking it over, he realized it was actually an excellent option.

Doing it during the day would, on one hand, be completely unexpected;

On the other hand, while the city was growing chaotic, thieves and burglars generally operated at night. During the day, Willow Alley was still very safe.

’This also means I won’t have to go out at night, which could put Mom, Ling’Er, Third Sister, and Nannan in danger!’

As for being seen in broad daylight?

’If I’m going to kill someone, I’ll definitely be masked... Besides, in times like these, ordinary people avoid going out during the day if they can... Even if they hear a cry for help, they won’t dare to get involved...’

With these thoughts, Fang Rui’s resolve hardened. "There’s no time to lose. I’ll go now and kill that damned tiger!"

He said a word to Mrs. Xue of the Fang Family and Third Lady, telling them to lock the door from the inside, and immediately left.

...

Fang Rui walked along the street.

Unlike its usual hustle and bustle, the city streets were now deserted. The few pedestrians he saw were all hurrying along, reminding him of the "empty-nest" villages from his past life.

’The news of the reserve army’s defeat hasn’t spread widely yet, so it seems the Government Office’s lockdown has been somewhat effective. Of course, in this era, unlike my past life with its developed internet, news travels slowly anyway...’

’Still, no matter how slow, the news will be out by this afternoon, tonight, or tomorrow at the latest.’

Fang Rui mused to himself as he looked up at the gloomy sky. It was as if he could see through a veil, witnessing the calamities of war gathering like dark clouds, ready to descend upon Changshan County Town.

He didn’t go directly to Lord Hu’s house. Instead, he first went to another location to retrieve a buried cleaver.

He dug it out of the ground and unwrapped the linen cloth, revealing mottled rust stains on its surface.

"The Blade of Tetanus?! I guess you could call that a decent buff!"

Fang Rui muttered, masking his face with Ge Cloth, and headed straight for Lord Hu’s house.

...

「Lord Hu’s House.」

"...Wife, bring out a piece of cured meat! Make something good for lunch, your master is having guests!"

Lord Hu cursed, "Pah! You think you’re the only ones with friends? You think I don’t have connections?"

"That little bastard from the Fang Family has gotten bold, thinking he can suck up to some governmental officer and I won’t be able to touch him?!"

"Hmph, just you wait and see how I’m going to deal with you this afternoon!"

"Yes, master!"

A somewhat attractive woman came out of the main hall, carrying a piece of cured meat.

A chubby little boy followed behind her. "Mama, cut me a piece of the cured meat. I want to roast it..."

Before he could finish, a figure dropped down, and the two of them collapsed with a THUD, THUD.

"WOOF WOOF! WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF!"

The rapid barking of a dog rang out.

"Who’s there?"

Lord Hu scrambled up vigilantly, drew his broadsword, and went outside.

Just in time to see:

Fang Rui slice horizontally with his blade, cutting Lord Hu’s large black dog in two.

"You damn thief!"

Lord Hu’s pupils shrank. He glanced at his unconscious wife and child beside Fang Rui, then roared at the masked man, "Who are you? How have I offended you?"

Fang Rui didn’t answer. His figure flashed, and he pounced like a great bird.

"Good, good, good!"

Lord Hu laughed in fury, flicking his broadsword up to stab from an unbelievable angle.

The strike was simple, vicious, and deadly. It was unadorned yet masterful, and impossibly fast!

A savage grin spread across his face, as if he could already see Fang Rui’s chest pierced by the blade, blood gushing forth.

However, in the next moment, something happened that left Lord Hu utterly dumbfounded.

The figure dodged with incredible speed, slipping behind him like a shadow and pressing a palm against his back.

...