Making Money in Progress

Green Willow Village.

Yang Heng tore off a strip of his sleeve and used it as a mask, covering his face as he swaggered into the village, heading for Wang Gui's house.

Along the way, he used his Blood Essence to contract his vital energy, instantly making Yang Heng's body much thinner, his eyes dull, and his skin sallow.

He looked unremarkable.

People like him were everywhere these days.

Yang Heng did this for caution, to reduce the risk of exposure.

His cultivation had broken through to the Accumulating Qi and Blood stage, and he had gained initial control over his Blood Essence, allowing him to slightly alter his body shape and appearance, equivalent to a different kind of disguise.

This way, even if he met someone he knew, they wouldn't recognize him.

After a while.

Yang Heng arrived at Wang Gui's doorstep.

Wang Gui was indeed the village's Great Landlord, having earned a lot of ill-gotten gains by oppressing the common folk.

His residence was vastly different from those of the villagers, exceedingly luxurious.

Before Yang Heng stood a two-courtyard residence built with bluestone, with a stone lion on either side of the main gate.

The stone lions were ten feet tall, baring their fangs and claws, looking fierce and extraordinary.

The main gate was currently open. Looking inside, one could see exotic flowers and rare plants planted in the courtyard, meticulously tended. A swarm of bees buzzed around the flower pots.

In the center of the courtyard stood an old tree, which looked extraordinary even from a distance.

This old tree was lush and verdant, exuding vigorous strength, rising from the ground, displaying a majestic aura that reached for the sky.

If Yang Heng hadn't inquired about Wang Gui's character and confirmed it.

Looking at the scene before him, who would have thought that this courtyard was home to a bully who extorted and tyrannized others?

Anyone would think the owner of the courtyard was cultured and a noble scholar.

It could only be said that evil people often knew how to package themselves, appearing magnificent on the outside while being utterly filthy within.

Yang Heng shook his head, clasped his hands behind his back, and swaggered into the courtyard.

As he passed the stone lions, he suddenly kicked one.

With a loud boom, the tall stone lion toppled to the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust.

Hearing the commotion, a middle-aged man, resembling a steward, soon emerged from the house, his face cold, the anger in his pupils barely contained.

Wang Er thought to himself:

I'd like to see which servant caused such a ruckus. Are they trying to overturn the heavens by not being present for a moment?

It's time to teach these servants a lesson.

Wang Er entered the courtyard and noticed a stranger standing in the center, commenting on the old tree.

Just as he was about to curse, he saw the person turn around. Their face was covered with cloth, and their exposed eyes exuded a fierce glint. The curse that had reached his lips was immediately swallowed.

Wang Er's heart skipped a beat. This visitor was not friendly!

After all, what normal person would wear a mask in broad daylight?

This person must have malicious intentions, and might even be someone he knew, or at least had met once, otherwise, there would be no need for a mask.

Wang Er's mind raced. He forced a smile onto his face and spoke loudly, intending to alert those inside that trouble had arrived.

"Esteemed sir, what brings you here?"

Yang Heng saw that his voice was extremely loud and understood his intention. He smiled faintly, unconcerned.

Yang Heng said coldly, "I'm out of money. I've come to get some from you."

Get some money?

Do they think we're a bank, where money can be taken at will? Such arrogance.

Wang Er was furious.

But he wasn't a fool. He knew that the visitor's boldness must stem from some backing.

Soon, the people inside heard the commotion and all came running out.

There were five of them, all men.

Four were dressed in coarse linen, sallow and gaunt, their eyes dull. Judging by their attire, they were either servants or laborers.

The other man was dressed in official's attire, his face ruddy, with a few whiskers on either side of his mouth. His eyes darted around, giving him a shrewd appearance.

Without a doubt, this was the master of the house – Wang Gui, the Great Landlord!

Seeing that Yang Heng was masked in broad daylight, Wang Gui understood that the visitor was not here with good intentions, but he did not show any signs of panic.

After listening to Wang Er's introduction, Wang Gui chuckled and said, "So, esteemed sir is a bit short on cash lately and has come to borrow some money. Of course, that's no problem."

"I, Wang Gui, usually enjoy making friends with heroes. If you're in trouble and come to my door, I will certainly help."

He paused, then turned to Wang Er and said, "Wang Er, go get ten taels of Silver and give it to this brave sir."

Wang Er's face showed difficulty. "This..."

Seeing Wang Er dawdling, Wang Gui shouted, "Didn't you hear me? Hurry up!"

Immediately, Wang Er went into the inner room to get the money.

Shortly after, Wang Er came before Yang Heng, holding ten taels of pure white silver, and handed it over.

Yang Heng saw this and sneered, "Ten taels?"

"I'm afraid that's not enough!"

Upon hearing this, Wang Gui's expression instantly turned cold. He thought to himself, this person truly doesn't know what's good for him.

He had originally intended to resolve this risk quickly with ten taels of silver, as he had other important matters to attend to.

Who knew Yang Heng was greedy for more? Then he would have to resort to force.

Ten taels of silver was no small sum in those days; it could buy ten adult servants or support a family of three for a year.

Wang Gui signaled to a few of his servants and sternly ordered, "Get him!"

The four servants, hearing Wang Gui's words, dared not disobey. They still relied on Wang Gui for their livelihood.

If they refused, not only would they lose their jobs, but they would also be severely beaten.

They grabbed their tools and rushed forward, quickly arriving before Yang Heng.

Yang Heng saw them charging with brooms and wooden sticks as weapons, without any formation, and their legs weak. They were out of breath after only a few steps. He couldn't help but chuckle, not taking them seriously at all.

Dodging a swinging wooden stick, Yang Heng looked coldly at his attackers. He extended his right hand and gently pressed it against the chest of the one closest to him.

A surge of immense power erupted. The man felt as if he had been hit by a charging water buffalo. His chest throbbed with pain, and his body was sent flying backward.

He flew five meters before crashing heavily into the doorframe with a loud bang.

Everyone's gaze turned to him. They saw him collapse limply on the ground, legs splayed, spitting up blood, looking as if he were at death's door.

The others, witnessing their companion's miserable state, quickly dropped their weapons and fled out the door in panic.

Earning so little in a month, why risk my life?

Only after they had run out the gate and disappeared from sight did Wang Gui snap back to reality. He cursed loudly, "A bunch of ungrateful wolf cubs! You eat my food, live in my house, and when it comes down to it, you abandon me and flee. Truly worthless."

Hearing this, Yang Heng laughed disdainfully, having thoroughly witnessed Wang Gui's hypocrisy.

"Eat my food? Live in my house?"

"They all look pale and weak, clearly not eating well. Why should they risk their lives for you?"

"You..."

Wang Gui's face turned ashen, his finger trembling as he pointed at Yang Heng, too enraged to speak.

Wang Er looked anxious and whispered into Wang Gui's ear, "Master, this person is powerful. We can't fight him. It seems we'll have to ask that honored guest to step in."

Wang Gui nodded, made a deep bow towards the inner room, and said respectfully, "Sir, I beg you to lend us your assistance. I will surely reward you handsomely afterward."

A voice came from the inner room: "Alright."

Before the words had even fallen, a man in black shot out of the room like a phantom. With a flash, he appeared before Yang Heng, his gaze icy as he looked at him.

His eyes were incredibly cold, like he was looking at a dead man!