Setting Off

The night was deep, and a chill permeated the silent streets.

Chu Ning moved through the alleys, his steps steady but slightly hurried.

The Wang family's search was intensifying, and he had to get back to his residence quickly to arrange for Elder Sister's departure.

As he pushed open the door, an oil lamp burned quietly, its faint light illuminating everything inside.

Chu Yun was leaning on the bed. Seeing Chu Ning return, she offered a faint smile. "Brother Ning, why are you back so late?"

Chu Ning looked at his sister's face, still pale but clearly much improved, and felt a warmth in his heart.

He walked over, sat on the edge of the bed, and asked softly, "Elder Sister, how are you feeling?"

Chu Yun nodded gently and said softly, "Much better. The doctor prescribed new medicine these past few days, and I feel much stronger than before."

She reached out and took Chu Ning's hand, her gaze gentle and tinged with concern. "Brother Ning, have you been very busy lately? You've been coming back less and less."

Chu Ning paused for a moment, then chuckled lightly. "I have been busy with some things, but don't worry, I'm always thinking of you."

Chu Yun looked at him, a complex emotion appearing in her eyes. She said softly, "Brother Ning, you don't have to do so much for me... You need to take care of yourself too."

Chu Ning's heart trembled, and a trace of determination flashed in his eyes. "Elder Sister, we are each other's only family. If I don't protect you, who will?"

Chu Yun smiled softly, her eyes turning slightly red. She squeezed Chu Ning's hand. "You've always been like this since you were little, always wanting to protect me..."

The firelight in the room flickered, casting shadows on their figures, warm and steadfast.

A moment later, Chu Ning said softly, "Elder Sister, I plan to have you move to Thunderclap Martial Hall to live."

Chu Yun was slightly taken aback. "Why?"

"The Wang family is aggressively hunting the culprits behind the annihilation of the hunting team. I don't want you to be alone here," Chu Ning said with a firm gaze. "Besides, the martial hall is safe. With the protection of Hall Master Lei, no one will dare to bother you."

Chu Yun lowered her head and pondered for a moment, then looked up. "But, is it really convenient at the martial hall?"

"Hall Master Lei has already agreed," Chu Ning said with a smile. "And if Elder Sister goes there, she'll be able to see many martial artists, which will also be good for your recovery."

Chu Yun stared into Chu Ning's eyes, then finally sighed and nodded. "Alright."

The next morning, Chu Ning packed some important belongings from their home and took Chu Yun to Thunderclap Martial Hall.

Along the way, he could clearly feel the increased presence of the Wang family's men and the stricter patrols, indicating a thorough search was underway.

However, relying on his status as an official of Thunderclap Martial Hall, the Wang family's men ultimately did not dare to stop them.

Soon, they successfully arrived at Thunderclap Martial Hall.

Lei Wanjun, having learned that Chu Ning would bring Chu Yun today, had specially arranged a quiet courtyard for Chu Yun to recuperate.

The courtyard was not luxurious but was very clean and tidy. Green bamboo was planted all around, and as the breeze blew, the bamboo shadows swayed, creating a rather elegant atmosphere.

A stone table was placed in the courtyard, with a small pond beside it. The water was clear, and a few koi carp occasionally swam by, adding a touch of vitality.

Chu Yun walked into the courtyard and looked around, a look of surprise in her eyes.

Her fingers tightly twisted the cloth of her bundle. The moon-shaped gate, hidden by the green bamboo, seemed like a gaping maw to her. Three months ago, when Widow Li from the village entrance was dragged away by creditors, the gate archway had been just as ornate.

"Elder Sister, the stone steps are slippery," Chu Ning reached out to help, but she suddenly grabbed his wrist.

"Brother Ning," her voice was as light as falling leaves, "can this place truly accommodate us?"

Chu Ning placed his hand over the back of her cold hand, the thick calluses from practicing the Rough Stone Hardening Technique rubbing against the old burn marks. "Elder Sister, this will be your residence from now on."

Lei Wanjun walked over and smiled. "Miss Chu Yun, this courtyard is quiet and elegant. If you have any inconveniences, feel free to send someone to find me."

Chu Yun quickly said, "Thank you, Hall Master."

Lei Wanjun waved his hand. "Just call me Uncle Lei."

Chu Yun was a little unaccustomed to it, but finally nodded. "Thank you, Uncle Lei."

Lei Wanjun smiled slightly, then said to Chu Ning, "Your Elder Sister will recuperate here, rest assured. I have also arranged for an experienced female martial artist to specifically take care of her diet and daily life."

Hearing this, Chu Ning finally put his mind at ease.

At this moment, shouts could be heard from outside the courtyard.

Chu Yun looked in the direction of the sound and saw the disciples of the martial hall training.

Their steps were neat, their movements sharp, and their fists whistled through the air. With every punch, they brought a thunderous momentum.

A flicker of surprise flashed in Chu Yun's eyes. "They... are so powerful."

Chu Ning smiled slightly. "When you've recovered, I'll teach you some simple body-strengthening exercises too."

Chu Yun looked at Chu Ning in surprise, then nodded gently, a long-lost sparkle appearing in her eyes.

Lei Wanjun patted Chu Ning's shoulder, his gaze solemn. "Your strength is not weak, but remember, there's always someone stronger. The prefectural city is not like a county town. There are countless experts and outstanding individuals there."

He pondered for a moment, took out a letter from his huái, and handed it to Chu Ning.

"Keep this letter safe," Lei Wanjun said with a deep gaze. "If you encounter any insurmountable obstacles in the prefectural city, go to 'Fulong Residence' and find someone named Song Cang. Give him the letter."

Chu Ning took the letter, looking slightly confused. "Who is this Song Cang?"

Lei Wanjun smiled. "He's an old acquaintance of mine in the prefectural city. He was once a renowned figure. If you truly encounter a difficult situation, he will help you overcome it."

Chu Ning took a deep breath, solemnly put the letter into his embrace, and cupped his hands. "Thank you, Hall Master."

Lei Wanjun waved his hand and said with a hearty laugh, "Why thank me? You're my person, of course I have to protect you."

Chu Ning bid farewell to Chu Yun and Lei Wanjun, his gaze firm as he stepped out of Thunderclap Martial Hall.

However, he didn't immediately head for the prefectural city.

He still had a score to settle before leaving.

The usury from the Wang Family Pawnshop.

The poison of high-interest loans, sucking the blood and flesh of countless common folk.

Tonight, he was going to intercept all of these "sheep"!

He arrived at Shen's Leather Shop.

Shen Yan sat behind the counter, his eyes slightly narrowed, fingers tapping on the ledger, his expression lazy.

The wind chime at the door suddenly rang.

A familiar figure quietly walked in.

"Chu Ning?" Shen Yan raised his eyelids, a slight smile playing on his lips, "You didn't just come to say hello, did you?"

Chu Ning walked up to him, his voice low, "Where is the wealth of the Wang Family Pawnshop usually stored?"

Shen Yan's pupils contracted slightly, then he chuckled, "You're not thinking of... making a move on the Wang family, are you?"

"That's right," Chu Ning said calmly, "I want a hundred taels of gold."

Shen Yan stared at him for a moment, then suddenly laughed, "You truly are audacious. But I'm happy to see the Wang family in trouble."

He closed the ledger and lowered his voice, "The Wang Family Pawnshop's assets are stored in three places."

"One is the pawnshop itself, but the money here flows quickly, and most of what's stored are pledged items, not large amounts of gold and silver."

"The second is the pawnshop's underground vault, which is the core wealth storage area, but it's heavily guarded and extremely secure."

"The third is the Wang family's escort team. Every ten days, the Wang family transports the interest collected by the pawnshop, profits from pawned items, and loan repayments to the prefectural city."

Shen Yan paused, his gaze sharp as he looked at Chu Ning, "Tomorrow is the escort day."

Chu Ning's lips curved upwards, "Then we'll hijack the escort."

Shen Yan dipped his finger in tea and drew on the sandalwood desk, "Coiled Dragon Mountain Pass is shaped like a snakeskin, but the real death trap is here—" His fingertip pressed heavily on a spot, "The crevice in Eagle Beak Cliff. Three years ago, heavy rain washed away the load-bearing rock, and now only a half-foot wide foothold remains."

Chu Ning gazed at the water-marked map, then suddenly drew his short knife and trimmed the candle wick. In the flickering shadows, the tip of the blade precisely landed on the cliff top, "Good, tell me the exact time."

"Falling rocks to block the road, trapping them like fish in a barrel," Shen Yan clapped his hands and laughed, "As expected of the madman who dared to kill Wang Li!"

Shen Yan's fingertip brushed the edge of the ledger, and he chuckled softly, "The Wang family's escort carriage leaves the city at the hour of Xu (7-9 PM)."

He looked up, a hint of playfulness flashing in his eyes, "However..."

"However, what?" Chu Ning frowned.

"The leader of the escort is Wang Chongshan's sworn adopted son, Wang Zheng," Shen Yan lowered his voice, "He cultivates the 'Blood Fiend Palm,' and his palm strikes cause decay upon contact with blood. Three years ago, he single-handedly wiped out over a hundred bandits from Black Wind Stronghold."

Chu Ning sneered, the thunder patterns on his palm faintly surfacing, "Perfect. New debts and old scores will be settled together."