Chapter Five: Though Unwilling to Seize Power, I Am Aware of the People's Suffering

After Chen Tong successfully saved Xie Hu with a blood transfusion, the entire Black Wind Stronghold erupted in celebration, everyone basking in the joy of survival after such a perilous ordeal.

The chief, Xie Qingshuang, personally arranged a banquet in the assembly hall. Inside, torches blazed fiercely, illuminating the hall as brightly as daylight.

Several heavy wooden tables were lined up, laden with large bowls of fine wine and fragrant roasted meats. The aroma of wine and meat filled the air, teasing the appetites of all present.

The bandits gathered around the tables, exchanging words and laughter, transforming the once grim and tense assembly hall into a lively and joyous scene.

Xie Qingshuang wore a sleek black outfit, her posture upright and commanding. Though her face was veiled with a light gauze, her heroic spirit shone through.

She moved gracefully, lifting a cup of wine and fixing her gaze on Chen Tong, her ruby lips parting softly.

“Young Master Xie, your great kindness has been etched deeply into the hearts of everyone in Black Wind Stronghold. We shall never forget it.”

“May I ask what your plans are for the future?”

“In this chaotic era, with so many warriors rising, your extraordinary medical skills surely accompany remarkable ambitions.”

Hearing this, Chen Tong slowly rose.

Clad in a simple robe, slightly worn but unable to conceal his scholarly elegance, he looked through the assembly hall toward a distant, unknown horizon.

“In this world where demons and heroes alike rise, I have no desire for power struggles. Yet I am aware of the suffering of the common people. I only wish to cleanse this land and protect a corner of the mortal world.”

Sitting nearby, Tieniu scratched his furry head, bewildered. His large, bell-like eyes were full of confusion.

“Brother Xie, what on earth are you talking about? This old rustic head of mine can’t quite follow; it all sounds like a fog to me,” he said.

The room fell silent for a moment before bursting into laughter.

Xie Qingshuang smiled softly and explained to Tieniu, “Big Brother Tieniu, Young Master Xie has a heart for all the people of the world. He wishes to use his own strength to create a peaceful sky for the common folk.”

“He hopes this chaotic age will end, so that everyone can live in peace and escape the ravages of war.”

Upon hearing this, Tieniu’s eyes brightened instantly. He slammed his palm on the table with such force that the bowls and chopsticks vibrated.

“Good! I, Tieniu, have always respected those who are capable and righteous! Brother Xie’s idea is exactly what I admire! In such troubled times, we need people like Brother Xie to stand up.”

Then, carefully surveying Chen Tong’s somewhat frail frame, he frowned with concern.

“But Brother Xie, your body is too weak. In these turbulent days, without some martial skill, it’s hard to survive.”

“I may not be the most skilled, but I can teach you some fighting techniques. What do you say?”

Chen Tong pondered briefly.

In such a perilous and uncertain age, martial skill was indeed essential for survival.

With gratitude, he cupped his hands and bowed slightly to Tieniu.

“Brother Tieniu, I am truly grateful for your kindness. If you would teach me, I would be honored.”

“Learning martial arts will give me greater confidence in my actions and a better chance to protect the people.”

Tieniu was straightforward and disciplined in his teaching, starting with the basics: horse stance and punching techniques, patiently guiding Chen Tong.

At dawn each day, as the morning light broke, the training ground of Black Wind Stronghold would already see their figures practicing.

“Come on, Brother Xie, for the horse stance, your feet must be shoulder-width apart, knees bent, and your body straight and steady like the pine trees of Black Wind Mountain,” Tieniu instructed, demonstrating with his stout legs firmly planted like immovable rocks.

Chen Tong followed carefully, soon beads of sweat formed on his forehead and his legs began to tremble.

“Brother Tieniu, this horse stance is really tough.”

“Don’t rush, Brother Xie. Martial arts require endurance. When I first learned, I suffered a lot too. Just keep at it,” Tieniu encouraged, patting Chen Tong’s shoulder.

Day after day, under Tieniu’s strict supervision, Chen Tong trained diligently.

Remarkably, as training progressed, Chen Tong discovered he absorbed martial techniques far faster than ordinary people, his learning pace doubling.

His physical strength also improved rapidly.

A month later, Chen Tong could skillfully perform several sets of punches. On the training ground, his movements were agile, his fists fierce and powerful.

Nearby, several bandits watched in astonishment.

“Hey, this Scholar Xie is no joke! His martial skills almost match those of our veteran brothers,” one bandit exclaimed admiringly.

“Yeah, who would’ve thought he’d become so strong, given how frail he looked at first. A true martial arts prodigy!” another agreed.

As Chen Tong reveled in his progress, suddenly—

[Alert!]

[Thanks to his martial skills, Chen Tong fought bravely in several battles against government soldiers, winning victories and rapidly gaining fame in Black Wind Stronghold, becoming a hero in everyone’s eyes.]

[However, a hidden crisis brewed within the stronghold like a ticking bomb, ready to explode at any moment.]

[That despicable traitor, taking advantage of Chen Tong’s bloodied battles and vulnerability, schemed in secret, laying numerous traps.]

[During one fight, Chen Tong fell into the carefully arranged ambush. Despite his utmost efforts, he was overwhelmed from all sides and ultimately died with regret.]

[...]

“What kind of broken system is this! It wants me to die again? Is it playing me!” Chen Tong exclaimed.

But he quickly calmed himself.

As his martial arts improved, Chen Tong began quietly moving through every corner of the stronghold, observing everyone’s subtle actions without arousing suspicion.

He often sat with the elders, patiently listening to their tales of the past.

“Old sir, you’ve been here for many years, haven’t you? Do you recall any strange incidents before?”

Chen Tong sat on a stone bench with a gray-haired elder, sunlight filtering through the leaves in mottled patches.

The elder took a slow puff from his pipe and said,

“Ah, though this stronghold is filled with unfortunate souls, it used to be relatively peaceful.”

“After the last government siege, though, something felt off, but this old fool can’t quite say what.”

Chen Tong nodded thoughtfully and continued his conversation.

When playing and laughing with the children, he subtly inquired about their parents’ behavior within the stronghold.

On an open ground, a group of children gathered around Chen Tong, clamoring for stories.

After finishing a tale, Chen Tong smiled and asked one boy.

“Xiao Hu, what does your father usually do? Does he ever take you to any special places?”

Xiao Hu scratched his head and replied, “Sometimes my dad goes out at night and doesn’t let me follow. I don’t know where he goes.”

Chen Tong’s heart stirred, but he kept his smile and continued playing with the children.

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