Chapter 5: An Ordinary Old Martial Master

Impressed by Tang Tianlu’s genuine skills, Duan Wenxuan immediately entered into an agreement with him and handed over five silver dollars.

With trembling hands, the old man clutched the coins and attempted to kneel before Duan Wenxuan once more.

“No need for that. I have use for your abilities, but there’s no reason for constant kneeling.”

Tang Tianlu wiped away his tears, his face filled with joy yet still cautious. Compared to the Three Xia Brothers’ character, Duan Wenxuan now placed greater trust in this elderly man.

After all, the Three Xia Brothers were trapped by circumstances, whereas Tang Tianlu was different.

This old man must have been proud once, but now he had become a broken individual devoid of dignity. Once an intangible, steadfast belief is utterly shattered, it’s difficult to rebuild it.

Immediately after receiving the money, Tang Tianlu apologized to Duan Wenxuan, stating he needed to rush his son for medical treatment. Intrigued to understand Tang Tianlu’s current situation better, Duan Wenxuan decided to accompany him.

During their journey, Duan Wenxuan learned through questioning how Tang Tianlu had fallen to his current state.

The Tang family was once highly esteemed in Baoyi County. In his youth, Tang Tianlu’s household thrived on escorting goods with armed protection. By the time he reached middle age, having mastered the Eight Trigrams Palm and achieving effortless internal strength control, firearms began to emerge.

Tang Tianlu truly lived at an unfortunate time.

As the business of armed escorts became increasingly difficult, fewer people were willing to learn martial arts. After years of rigorous training, a commoner wielding a gun could effortlessly force you to surrender; what use was there then in studying martial arts?

With the escort trade no longer viable, fortunately, Tang Tianlu’s father, still alive and energetic, decided to disband their operations and transform it into a teahouse, which prospered well.

However, six months ago, troops arrived in Baoyi County. One military commander, hearing about Tang Tianlu’s skills, wanted him to teach some soldiers combat techniques. Unexpectedly, Tang Tianlu stubbornly adhered to the tradition that Tang Clan’s palm techniques should only be passed down from male to male, never to outsiders, and outright rejected the offer without any tact or diplomacy.

The military commander, with a fierce and unruly demeanor, flew into a rage on hearing Tang Tianlu’s refusal. He then allowed his soldiers to ransack and plunder the Tang family’s teahouse. Amidst the chaos, Tang Tianlu’s eldest son was accidentally shot dead.

Soon after the army left Baoyi County, turmoil engulfed the area as well. With a constant influx of refugees, it became impossible for businesses to operate normally. Tang Tianlu instructed his family to pack their belongings, initially planning to seek temporary refuge before returning once things settled down.

However, their journey only grew more perilous as they progressed.

When they first set out, they had some food supplies and ample money. But as the number of refugees increased along the way, desperate and starving individuals would resort to anything. After witnessing firsthand how those unwilling to ‘lend’ their provisions were mysteriously burned alive in the night, Tang Tianlu reluctantly began distributing their remaining food.

As winter abruptly arrived, their youngest son fell ill halfway through their journey. In the midst of chaos and warfare, they couldn’t find a doctor, and he eventually succumbed without knowing the cause of his illness. Later, their granddaughter went missing amidst the confusion. By sheer luck, they managed to reach Liyang City, but by then, they had reached the point of needing to beg for sustenance.

At his advanced age, Tang Tianlu found it difficult to secure employment. Now, he earns a meager income by helping others carry luggage.

Despite being a cultivator, Tang Tianlu could overpower a dozen men momentarily, but this burst of strength couldn’t be sustained. At his age, his vital energy was already depleted, exacerbated by the extreme exhaustion from recent hardships. Carrying goods for income proved less lucrative than relying on young, physically strong individuals without martial training.

As a result, the meager earnings barely provided enough food to keep them from starving.

Tang Tianlu’s voice trembled with deep remorse and anguish throughout their journey.

Soon, Duan Wenxuan arrived at the current residence of the Tang family. Unable to afford housing in Liyang City, they, like other beggars, had taken refuge in a temple dedicated to an unknown Buddha.

The temple caretaker, a decent person, allowed some dilapidated quarters behind the temple to serve as temporary shelter for these homeless families.

Tang Tianlu’s family huddled in a corner, his second son gaunt and pale, barely able to open his eyes. Beside him lay Tang Tianlu’s elderly wife, also visibly ill. Caring for them was a middle-aged woman with similarly sallow complexion, presumably Tang Tianlu’s daughter-in-law.

As Duan Wenxuan observed, another woman entered, her head wrapped in a dirty blue scarf, leading a seven or eight-year-old boy by the hand. With a brief glance at Tang Tianlu, a hint of resentment flickered in her eyes.

“Grandpa,” the little boy called out softly but with clear affection, rushing to hug Tang Tianlu’s legs.

The woman didn’t hinder the boy from approaching Tang Tianlu and even let go of his hand naturally. However, as soon as she turned away, tears began streaming down her face.

She was the wife of Tang Tianlu’s eldest son. Since her husband’s death, both she and Tang Tianlu’s elderly wife had come to view him as their enemy, blaming his stubbornness for the loss of their husbands and sons.

Tang Tianlu, truly drained of all pride, cautiously glanced at Duan Wenxuan. Seeing no change in his expression, he promptly took out five silver dollars and handed them to Gao Zhuoyu.

When they ran the teahouse, it was primarily managed by Tang Tianlu’s eldest son and his wife, Gao Zhuoyu, while Tang Tianlu himself focused on martial training. His youngest son died unmarried, the second daughter-in-law was timid by nature, and his own wife was now barely clinging to life. The only one capable of managing the family finances effectively was Gao Zhuoyu.

Gao Zhuoyu wasn’t inherently cruel or unreasonable.

Although she harbored resentment towards Tang Tianlu, throughout their marriage, she never considered leaving him. Moreover, she refrained from expressing her grievances in front of the children. In recent times, she diligently took on laundry work to buy medicine and care for her mother-in-law, showing utmost dedication.

As she accepted the silver coins, surprise flickered across her face.

Tang Tianlu’s weathered expression revealed traces of caution and regret. With drooping eyelids, he said, “I’ve found employment with this benefactor here. He wants to learn martial arts, so starting now, we’ll receive five silver coins per month plus five pounds of meat and ten pounds of rice. We’re saved.”

Gao Zhuoyu fiercely wiped away her tears, turned, and carefully stored the money, her voice strained as she exclaimed, “Why couldn’t you have done this earlier? It had to wait until our son was near death and your mother is barely hanging on for you to regret!”

Tang Tianlu, chastised by his daughter-in-law, remained silent, unsure how to respond.

Ignoring Tang Tianlu, Gao Zhuoyu then turned, taking her child’s hand, and knelt before Duan Wenxuan. She pleaded, “There’s no need for further words; you’ve essentially saved our family, giving my child a chance at life. We will forever remember this kindness.”

Duan Wenxuan helped them up.

The arrangement was settled. As Duan Wenxuan had mentioned, not only did he intend to learn martial arts, but there might also come a time when he would use Tang Tianlu’s body to return to Xuanlan Star and accomplish certain tasks.

If he was ‘buying’ their lives, Duan Wenxuan wouldn’t be stingy with money.

So without delay, Duan Wenxuan took the Tang family to find a rental house and promptly arranged everything they needed. Within a single day, he covered half a year’s rent upfront, hired a doctor, procured medicines, bought clothing, bedding, and provisions—all paid for by Duan Wenxuan.

Initially, Tang Tianlu hesitated, but eventually stopped protesting. After all, age brings wisdom, and he could discern that Duan Wenxuan might not merely want him for martial arts instruction; there could come a time when he’d expect Tang Tianlu to risk his life. However, Tang Tianlu didn’t feel it was unwarranted. Knowing he had few years left due to old age, finding someone willing to provide for his family amidst these times—when food is as valuable as gold—for the sake of his skills? It was indeed worth it.

Duan Wenxuan saved his entire family today, and should the day arrive when he asks Tang Tianlu to face certain death, Tang Tianlu resolved that he would never regret it.

Two more days passed.

Tang Tianlu, now well-rested, changed into fresh clothes and enjoyed a satisfying meal, gradually regaining his vigor.

Now, dressed in a black slanted-collar jacket and wearing neat cloth shoes, his once disheveled silver hair neatly combed back, Tang Tianlu appeared more spirited. Despite his depleted vitality, with his face pale and gaunt, his alert eyes gave him a hawk-like ferocity.

“Master Tang, I’ve rented a vehicle. There are many refugees outside; I encountered some individuals earlier and promised to find them later. Given the uncertain situation now, I must trouble you to accompany me.”

“What ‘trouble’? Lead the way, Landlord.”

Tang Tianlu composed himself, following closely behind Duan Wenxuan like an old butler.

During their journey, after about two hours, Duan Wenxuan began spotting various makeshift tents haphazardly erected, serving as crude shelters against the cold.

Soon, the vehicle stopped as directed by Duan Wenxuan.

Without even stepping out, he noticed movement among the refugees who, despite being emaciated and listless, resembled lingering spirits barely clinging to life. Their faces briefly showed signs of animation. Similar vehicles had visited before, usually coming to purchase people.

Buying people is good—it means there’s a chance for them to survive. Tang Tianlu still felt lingering fear; without Duan Wenxuan, his family wouldn’t have fared much better. With more snow expected in a few days, it was uncertain how many more lives would be lost after each storm.

With the driver and Tang Tianlu providing protection, Duan Wenxuan followed his memory to the tent of the Xia brothers.

Upon seeing Duan Wenxuan, Xia Wenwu initially froze in surprise. Just as he reached out to pull Duan Wenxuan closer, Tang Tianlu swiftly moved half-step forward, locking eyes with Xia Wenwu in an unyielding gaze.

Xia Wenwu’s heart jolted, quickly suppressing any further thoughts. “Young Master Duan, where were you earlier?! We couldn’t find you and feared something had happened. Wenjie even got into a fight, getting his head badly injured.”

When Duan Wenxuan disappeared, they suspected someone might have tried to ‘lay hands’ on him, possibly kidnapping him secretly.

“I simply went home by myself.”

The underlying implication was that Duan Wenxuan did not trust the three brothers at all.

Xia Wenwu wasn’t foolish; he avoided mentioning this again and instead cheerfully asked, “So…what does Young Master Duan mean now?”

“I’ll take you to Liyang City, and later on, I plan to open a teahouse. You three brothers can assist me there.”

“Sure, sure, no problem!” Xia Wenwu’s face lit up with joy.

However, moments later, Xia Wenxue emerged from the tent, casting a resentful glance at Duan Wenxuan and muttered, “Why didn’t you come earlier? Our sister passed away just two days ago - it’s all your fault!”

Previously, Xia Wenjie’s sister had been barely clinging to life, and ultimately she succumbed two days prior.

As close cousins, their bond was deep.

Immediately after Xia Wenxue’s outburst, Xia Wenwu, who was supporting Old Man Xia, displayed a fierce expression and abruptly slapped his cousin hard across the face.

“Apologize! Apologize to Young Master Duan!” At that moment, Xia Wenwu resembled a starving wolf finally catching sight of food. Even towards his own brother, he showed no hesitation!

“Wenxue, apologize!” Xia Wenjie, rushing over, also wore a grim expression. His injury was evident, with a large blood-crusted wound visible on his forehead.

Duan Wenxuan glanced at the Three Xia Brothers, realizing that as long as they didn’t suddenly attack and kill him, he still had his chance. Once back in Hanming Country, each of them would be in a state of Silence, leaving him with nothing to fear.

After initially blaming Duan Wenxuan, Xia Wenxue immediately regretted it. With a swollen face and blood visible at the corner of his mouth, he nonetheless offered an apology.

Duan Wenxuan accepted their apologies promptly. He instructed them to gather all valuable belongings and get ready to depart for Liyang City by car. As for the worn-out clothes and tattered items, they were left behind.

Once Duan Wenxuan departed with the Xia family, others swiftly rushed to claim their abandoned tents and ragged garments.

Inside the vehicle, Duan Wenxuan produced some prepared food. The Xia brothers devoured it like ravenous mad dogs; even these grown men’s eyes turned bloodshot, resembling crazed beings by the end.

Despite being so full that the food nearly reached their throats, the Xia brothers, along with Old Man Xia, Mrs. Xia, and Xia Wenjie’s wife continued stuffing more food into their mouths, secretly pocketing some as well.

Only those who have experienced hunger, hunger on the brink of death, truly understand the preciousness of food.