At the center of the Chaos Market, several vicious-looking humanoid creatures in ragged armor—let's call them "Chaos Thugs"—were surrounding a pitiful sunflower vendor, aggressively demanding so-called "Life Crystals." The other vendors and customers kept their distance, angry but afraid to speak, clearly wary of these thugs.
The sunflower vendor trembled, its petals drooping as it pleaded through weak mental waves, "My lords... I... I truly don't have any Life Crystals... They are the supreme treasures nurtured by my race. How could I possibly have any...?"
"Cut the crap! You look well-fed and glossy, so you must be hiding something good! Search it!" The one-eyed thug waved his hand impatiently, and his men moved to rob it.
Li Wuyang had not intended to meddle, but the way this group was bullying the weak reminded him of scenes he had once seen of street punks harassing small vendors. The sense of justice in his heart—or perhaps simply his urge to meddle—was becoming hard to suppress.
He glanced at Xuan. She remained expressionless, as though everything before her had nothing to do with her.
The Tatian Boot, however, clamored in his mind, "Go get them, kid! When you see injustice, let out a roar! Strike when it's time to strike! Let them see the power of your... right-hand glove!"
Li Wuyang's mouth twitched. This boot really loved stirring up trouble from the sidelines. Still, his hands were itching anyway. This was the perfect chance to test the Earth-Splitting Gauntlet in real combat.
"Hey! A bunch of grown men bullying a plant? Have you no shame?" Li Wuyang folded his arms and strolled over leisurely, his tone teasing.
The Chaos Thugs froze and turned toward Li Wuyang. His aura was concealed—he habitually restrained it—and he was dressed ordinarily. He was also accompanied by an