Chapter Four: Hospitality

Lei Yan and Qing Ling followed Ba Tai and the others toward the village. Though they could already see it in the distance, it still took them about half an hour to reach it. As they passed the riverbank, a group of children gathered around, chattering away.

"Grandpa Village Chief, what's wrong with Xiao Yu and Xiao Tian?"

"Big brother, what are you carrying on your back?"

"Big sister, your clothes are so pretty!"

"Oh! We have guests in the village!"

...

"Today we've welcomed distinguished guests. Er Lengzi, take them to play by the river!" Ba Tu laughed as he shooed the children away.

In his previous life, Lei Yan had never known family, love, or friendship. Now, burdened with a vendetta as deep as the sea, seeing the radiant, innocent smiles of these children stirred envy in his heart.

"Our village is considered one of the larger ones in this area. Even so, outsiders rarely visit, so please don't mind the children," Ba Tai said with a smile.

He led the way, with Lei Yan and the others following closely. Before long, Lei Yan heard the sounds of livestock and shouts—voices that sounded like people practicing martial arts.

After the time it takes to brew a cup of tea, they arrived at the village entrance. There stood a woman, wringing her hands and pacing anxiously. Upon seeing Ba Tu and his companions, her eyes lit up with excitement and she rushed toward them.

"Tian! Yu!" she called out as she ran, tears glistening in her eyes. She hurried to Ba Tu's side and began examining the child slumped on his shoulder. Finding the child's eyes tightly shut, she asked anxiously, "Brother Tu, what happened to the children?"

"It's all right, they've just fainted," Ba Tu replied with a smile. "Let me introduce you to the benefactors who helped us rescue the children." He then turned to Lei Yan and Qing Ling. "This is my wife."

"Thank you! Thank you both!" the woman exclaimed, relieved to hear her children were safe and grateful for Lei Yan and Qing Ling's assistance.

"There's no need for thanks," Lei Yan replied. Seeing the woman reminded him of his own mother. Had it not been for Tai Zhen Sect, he might have enjoyed the same happiness. The thought made his murderous intent surge within him.

Ba Tu and Ba Tai exchanged startled glances, sensing the sudden violence emanating from Lei Yan. For a moment, they didn't know how to react. The woman, being a simple farmer's wife, was oblivious to such things and broke into a smile. "I'll prepare food and drinks right away!" Taking the children from Ba Tu, she headed into the village.

Her words abruptly snapped Lei Yan out of his thoughts. He looked at Ba Tu and Ba Tai and gave a sheepish smile. "Sorry, I was remembering some unhappy things just now."

"Young man, don't dwell too much on such matters! Come, let's sit inside," Ba Tai said, patting Lei Yan's shoulder.

They made their way into the village. Qing Ling followed silently, inwardly wondering, "What's wrong with him? Even when killing, I've never seen him radiate such murderous intent! Sigh... What am I thinking? Why do I care so much? The important thing now is to find the antidote, then... humph..." She clenched her fist and swung it at Lei Yan's back as she thought.

Upon entering the village, Lei Yan noticed a clearing to the right, with stone weights, spears, and staffs laid out. Dozens of villagers were practicing with these weapons, their shouts echoing across the open space.

Ba Tai saw Lei Yan looking at the clearing and explained, "Those are the strong men of our village. Thanks to them, we're able to live here in peace."

On their way, many villagers eyed Lei Yan and his companions, some greeting Ba Tai. Soon, Lei Yan and Qing Ling arrived at a thatched hut. As they entered, Ba Tu called out, "Wife, are you finished yet?"

"Almost! Get the jars of wine buried outside; I'll be ready soon!" came the woman's voice from the kitchen.

Before long, food and drink were set on the table. Ba Tai opened a jar of wine and poured generous bowls for Lei Yan and Qing Ling, as well as himself. "Lei, Ling, thank you both for your help. Let me offer you a toast!"

Lei Yan had often drunk wine in his previous life, but hadn't tasted any since arriving here. He smiled, raised his bowl, and drank it all in one go. The aroma lingered on his palate, prompting him to ask, "Is this rice wine?"

"Indeed, in the mountains we don't have fine wine—only what we brew ourselves. I hope you don't mind. Please, eat more," Ba Tai replied with a smile. He gestured to Qing Ling, inviting her to drink.

Qing Ling only touched her lips to the wine, then fixed Lei Yan with a glare. She had seen him slip something into his drink and dared not drink hers.

Lei Yan saw her glare and smiled helplessly. What he had added was the antidote; since he had poisoned her in the woods, this was the perfect opportunity to give her the cure.

"Come, Lei, let me toast you as well!" Ba Tu raised his bowl.

"Cheers!" Lei Yan responded heartily.

"Tai, have we visitors?" a husky voice called from outside. Ba Tai quickly instructed Ba Tu, "Go help your second uncle inside!"

At his word, Ba Tu stood and went outside. Ba Tai turned to Lei Yan, "Ba Tu's second uncle injured his leg fighting bandits years ago. He has trouble moving now."

As soon as he finished speaking, Ba Tu returned, supporting an elderly man with a cane. The old man's appearance was weathered, clearly older than Ba Tai, his hands trembled, but his eyes shone with vitality. Upon entering, he addressed Ba Tai, "Tai, was it the people from Wan Family Village? They must be desperate!"

"Second brother, how many times have I told you not to worry about these matters? Your only task now is to rest and recover—understand?" Ba Tai said with heartfelt concern.

"Yes, I'm crippled now, so what business is it of mine?" the old man replied with a bitter smile.

"Second uncle, how can you say that? You taught me the blade, and the villagers are waiting for your guidance. How could you be useless?" Ba Tu helped him to a seat.

"Ba Tu's blade technique was taught by this old man," Lei Yan thought, surprised. The blade technique, steeped in murderous intent, could only be mastered through killing. Clearly, the old man was no ordinary person.

"Enough! I know my own condition," the old man waved his hand dismissively. "I suppose these two are the ones who helped rescue Yu and Tian?"

"This is Lei, and beside him is Ling," Ba Tai introduced.

"Sit, I'm here to drink!" The old man poured himself a full bowl, flicked his wrist, and sent the bowl flying toward Lei Yan. "Lei, let me toast you!"

Lei Yan smiled, unfazed by the gesture. He reached out, effortlessly dissipating the force from the bowl, and drained it in one gulp.

"Impressive! Well, I won't disturb your drinking. Enjoy yourselves," the old man said, standing and leaving. Having roamed the world for years, he had met all sorts of people. He worried Ba Tai and Ba Tu might be deceived, and feared Lei Yan and Qing Ling could threaten the village. Thus, he came to test Lei Yan's strength and assert his own presence.

After the old man departed, Lei Yan quietly picked up his hand from the table, rubbing his slightly numb palm. Though he had seemed to catch the bowl easily, only he knew that the force behind it was at least a thousand pounds. To exert such strength without breaking the bowl, he immediately recognized the old man as a master.

With the old man gone, the group resumed their meal and drinks with gusto. Once they were sated, Ba Tu arranged two thatched huts for Lei Yan and Qing Ling to stay in, then left them for the night.