"Stop, don't run!"
Zhang Yuan had just reached the corner of the street when suddenly he heard a stern shout and the sound of running footsteps behind him.
In the next moment, a man in rough clothes dashed past him, clutching a bag with a hole in it.
White rice spilled out all along the way.
Whizz!
The man in rough clothes hadn't run far when a crossbow arrow swiftly shot over, piercing his right leg.
Squelch!
The sharp arrowhead penetrated the man's trousers, digging into his flesh, causing him to cry out in pain involuntarily.
He lost his balance and fell to the ground headlong.
Soon after, two fully armed soldiers caught up, one of them holding a short crossbow, shouting profanities, "I told you to stop, and you dare to run, you little punk?"
The man in rough clothes held his bleeding leg, rolling on the ground and wailing, "Please, spare my life, sir soldier. I won't dare next time, I beg you, my sixty-year-old mother is still at home..."
Before he could finish, one of the soldiers caught up with him, grabbing his hair bun and forcibly lifting his head.
"The County Magistrate ordered, those causing chaos in the street are to be executed without mercy!"
The soldier smirked, drew his waist knife, and slashed the throat of the man in rough clothes.
Blood sprayed several feet away, splattering on the scattered rice on the ground, a scene that was extremely shocking!
The soldier tossed aside the now lifeless body with disdain, stood up straight, and looked around.
The pedestrians on the street dared not meet his gaze, silent as cicadas in winter.
Sheathing his knife, the soldier shouted, "Hey, you officials, hurry up and clean the ground, damn it!"
He called out to his companion, then swaggered away.
Two government officials in black rushed over to start handling the lifeless body on the ground.
"Disperse, everyone disperse, nothing to see here!"
The surrounding people whispered among themselves, then gradually left.
Zhang Yuan, who witnessed the entire scene from the street corner, also quietly departed.
His heart was filled with dread.
It had only been a short time since the city gates of Linhe County Town closed, not even a day, and already signs of instability were appearing among the residents, completely different from the calm Zhang Yuan expected.
Zhang Yuan thought the town was very stable.
But the bloodstained reality told him that a truly peaceful place did not exist!
Of course, Zhang Yuan had no sympathy for the rough-clothed man who was killed.
Brought upon himself, he cannot live!
He hurried back home.
"Mother, things are a bit chaotic in town now, please don't go out. If there's anything, just let me know."
Mother Zhang, who was sitting in the courtyard stitching shoe soles, nodded at his words, "I know."
She was more worried about her son, "You shouldn't go out either."
Zhang Yuan smiled, "Don't worry, I'll check on our food supplies."
He went to the kitchen to inspect.
Regarding the stock of food at home, Zhang Yuan could only be grateful for his constant habit of "no comfort without grain."
After settling in the county town, he had stocked up on firewood, rice, oil, and salt in the kitchen.
Along with dried meat from his hunting, there was enough to sustain him and his mother for two or three months!
Plus, a dog could also make a difference.
As for drinking water, there was no need to worry, as there was a well in the corner of the yard, providing an endless supply.
Zhang Yuan breathed a huge sigh of relief, feeling the weight in his heart lighten.
He didn't leave the house again that day.
Linhe County Town was not like the remote mountain villages. Here there were gangs, big families, as well as government offices and the guard army.
Who knew how many Martial Artists were here?
Whenever he came to the county town, Zhang Yuan was always very cautious, fearing he might inadvertently offend someone, who could kill him with a slap.
Although he had now become an Entering Force Martial Artist,
even with the extraordinary abilities from his three Host forms, it didn't mean he could act recklessly.
He still had to lie low.
In the afternoon, Zhang Yuan took a medicinal bath and continued practicing the "Rock Foundation Skill."
The "Rock Foundation Skill" comprised of Nine Forms, of which he had mastered two of the Entering Force forms and had gained significant insights from his practice.
It was through such persistent dedication, rain or shine, that his Qi and Blood Value increased daily.
Even if only by a point or two, maintaining progress was precious!
Moreover, as his Qi and Blood Value increased, Zhang Yuan's skin and muscles became more robust and powerful, capable of unleashing four to five hundred pounds of force without relying on his Host form.
He could already harness the fourfold strength of the Black Giant Ant!
Thump, thump, thump!
While he was immersed in practice in the courtyard, the front gate suddenly took a few heavy knocks.
"Is anyone there? Is there anyone inside?"
Woof woof!
Da Hu, who was lounging in the corner watching Zhang Yuan practice martial arts, jumped up and barked furiously at the gate.
It also sensed the malicious intent of the person knocking!
Hmm?
Zhang Yuan's gaze narrowed. He quickly put on an outer garment and went to open the front gate.
It was getting dark by then, and outside stood three men with cyan belts around their waists.
One of them was burly and hideous-looking, with a deep scar on his left cheek. He coldly assessed Zhang Yuan and said, "Are you the owner of this house?"
"That's right."
Zhang Yuan replied expressionlessly, "What do you want?"
"Hehe."
The scar-faced man chuckled, patting his furry chest with his hand, speaking deeply, "Fish Alley is our Cyan Robe Gang's territory. From now on, you must pay one tael of relocation silver each month, or don't blame us if anything happens!"
Zhang Yuan realized they were here for extortion.
He had visited the county town many times before and had never heard of the Cyan Robe Gang, not knowing if it was newly established or previously unknown.
But whatever the case, Zhang Yuan had no intention of submitting to their extortion!
He stepped onto the threshold, shouting sharply, "Get lost!"
How dare some nobodies come looking for trouble!
The three men looked formidable and intimidating.
But Zhang Yuan instantly saw through them as mere ordinary people.
Merely strong and combative, with greater fighting capability than most.
A true Martial Artist, even when collecting protection fees from commoners, wouldn't settle for such a small amount of silver.
The scar-faced man turned pale and stumbled backward, almost falling down after hitting a companion behind him because of Zhang Yuan's sudden aura.
Zhang Yuan's daunting presence filled the scar-faced man with terror.
He felt like he was facing a fierce beast ready to devour him!
"Respected Martial Artist..."
He trembled as he spoke, "I offended you, please forgive me!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the scar-faced man suddenly pushed aside his companions and fled in panic, devoid of any sense of loyalty.
The other two men were dumbfounded, standing there like wooden chickens.
Realizing they had provoked a Martial Artist, they truly wished they could tear apart the person who provided them this information.
But now, having offended a Martial Artist, they feared for their own safety!
When Zhang Yuan's indifferent gaze came their way, one of the men snapped back to reality, dropping to his knees with a thud.
He began slapping himself hard while crying, "Please forgive us, sir! Spare our lives!"
The other man hastily followed suit, kneeling on the doorstep of Zhang Yuan's house.
Slapping themselves loudly, their faces swollen and red!
"Enough!"
Zhang Yuan waved his hand dismissively, "Get lost."
He closed the gate again, not feeling particularly relieved.
This was just the beginning, and the county town was already in turmoil; he had no idea when peace would be restored.
For now, there was nothing Zhang Yuan could do.
All he could do was strive to improve his own strength!