On that day, in Obsidian City, Zhengming Street.
After Li Qing forcefully expelled Wei Tian from his door, the neighbors began to worry about his situation, with some fearing they might be implicated as well. The Righteous Gang was notorious in Obsidian City, and those associated with it had a terrible reputation, making few willing to get involved.
Of course, this matter soon reached the ears of the second young master of the Yan family. Upon hearing about it, Yan Guian showed little reaction, merely shaking his head and smiling.
"It seems that the blacksmith Li is indeed just a half-baked martial artist, as you said, Uncle Jing. Tian Long has always enjoyed bullying the weak."
The burly middle-aged man named Uncle Jing was not very concerned about the matter. His expression darkened slightly as he sighed, "In this era, the path of martial arts is no longer suitable; one can barely fill their stomach, let alone practice martial arts."
Yan Guian smiled and replied, "Uncle Jing need not be so sorrowful. The family has already begun to find ways to provide enough meat for you few, and those recipes for invigorating qi and blood have been continuously improved in recent years, hoping to brew a medicinal wine suitable for this era."
Uncle Jing took these words as mere consolation and did not take them seriously. Improving recipes? Such matters were not easy; brewing had become quite difficult due to the scarcity of food in this era. Moreover, those recipes from the Yan family were the result of countless attempts by their ancestors; how could they be easily modified?
At this moment, Li Qing was still practicing his martial arts at home, diligently focused on his training. Unlike others in this world, he had enough food, allowing him to clearly feel his progress in martial arts. In recent days, he sensed that his internal strength had grown stronger, and he had become more adept at the Ancient Hammer Technique.
Just as Li Qing intended to continue his practice, he suddenly heard a commotion coming from a distance.
They’re coming!
At the entrance of Zhengming Street, a group of fierce-looking brutes appeared, led by a menacing man wielding a golden ringed broadsword. He appeared to be in his forties or fifties, with several scars on his face and a shiny bald head, exuding a strong killing intent.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
As this group passed by, every household quickly shut their doors and windows, not daring to make a sound.
"Boss, it's just ahead. That blacksmith is quite arrogant and doesn't take our Righteous Gang seriously!" Wei Tian said with a wronged expression, vividly portraying his feelings.
The bald man with the scarred face was none other than Tian Long, the leader of the Righteous Gang!
Tian Long sneered and said, "Heh, so there’s a blacksmith in Obsidian City who dares to look down on our Righteous Gang. Today, we must teach him a lesson!"
As his voice fell, his followers shouted the gang's slogan in unison: "Rob the rich to help the poor! Righteousness above all!"
"Rob the rich to help the poor! Righteousness above all!"
The loud shouts reverberated throughout the street.
Li Qing, who was at home, naturally heard these words. He couldn't help but roll his eyes, then donned his fine iron armor and picked up the Wushuang Hammer.
Across from Li Qing's courtyard, Old Man An wore a worried expression.
"Sigh, why won't the young listen to advice? Now he's in big trouble," Old Man An said anxiously, as if this calamity were about to befall him.
"Grandpa, will Uncle Li be alright?" An Xuan's face was also filled with fear. Though she had lost some weight, her pitiful appearance still made her look like a beauty.
"I don't know," Old Man An shook his head.
At that moment, the footsteps outside suddenly became chaotic; the Righteous Gang had arrived.
Old Man An quietly opened a small crack in the door, peering at the burly men outside, his worry deepening.
Bang!
Without saying a word, the leader Tian Long kicked open the courtyard door of Li Qing's home. The heavy iron doors fell with a crash, raising a cloud of dust.
As the dust settled, Li Qing, holding the Wushuang Hammer, looked at his broken courtyard door, his mouth twitching slightly.
This guy really goes all out in his act!
"Refusing a toast and opting for punishment, kid, how do you want to die?" Tian Long said, a self-satisfied grin spreading across his face as he slammed his golden ringed broadsword down onto the ground with a clang.
Clang!
With the fifty or so rough men standing behind him, the imposing aura was quite formidable.
"Tian Long, you’ve come to trouble me time and again, yet you speak of toasts and punishments," Li Qing's voice rose sharply.
"Hmph! Let me see how strong you are to dare look down on our Righteous Gang!"
With that, Tian Long raised his broadsword, the golden ring clashing against the blade, and charged at Li Qing.
Though it was an act, Li Qing was also eager to gauge the strength of other external strength experts, so he naturally would not let this opportunity slip by. He gripped the hammer tightly, his expression fearless as he swung it forward, wanting to clash head-on!
Those who understood the situation behind Tian Long couldn't help but scoff, "He truly doesn't fear death; our boss is an external strength expert with immense power. How could he possibly match him head-on?"
However, the next moment, a crisp sound rang out.
Clang!
The golden ringed broadsword struck the ink-black surface of the Wushuang Hammer, and two immense forces collided, sending sparks flying from the weapons. Seeing that Li Qing had actually blocked the attack, the one who had just spoken widened his mouth in shock.
"This..."
Feeling Li Qing's current strength, Tian Long was slightly surprised. He hadn't expected Li Qing to have refined his external strength to such a level, completely unlike a novice in the external strength realm.
However, the stronger Li Qing was, the more likely the plan could be realized, and his mood lifted.
Having not fought for many years, Tian Long's qi and blood surged once more, eager to engage in a fierce battle with Li Qing.
Thus, he unleashed several strikes in quick succession, each one reaching its peak power.
Yet, all these strikes were met with Li Qing's firm blocks, proving ineffective.
At this moment, the others were nearly stunned, their eyes almost popping out as they witnessed their boss seemingly locked in a fierce battle with Li Qing.
Li Qing had gauged Tian Long's general strength and, seeing the expressions of the others, knew it was time to hold back.
Clang!
After blocking another strike from Tian Long, he whispered amidst the chaos, "Enough, conserve your strength; I cannot reveal my true power."
Upon hearing this, Tian Long suddenly realized he had gotten a bit too carried away. The fact that Li Qing was an external strength expert must not be disclosed; it was crucial for executing the plan!
Immediately, he shouted, "Hahaha, not bad, kid, you have some strength, but just now I only used thirty percent of my power. Next, I will go all out!"
Hearing this, the people behind Tian Long finally breathed a sigh of relief. It turned out their boss was merely excited and hadn't used his full strength.
Li Qing understood that the opponent would be holding back next.
In the next moment, Tian Long's muscles bulged, and his clothes began to swell with the surge of power.
He swung his sword again, this strike appearing exaggerated and causing a sense of dread.
Li Qing received this thunderous yet weak blow, feigning defeat as he staggered back a few steps before flying backward.
"Hahaha, Wei Tian, go tie this guy up and bring him back to the gang!"
"Once we return, I’ll make sure to torment this fellow properly!"
Tian Long laughed wildly, his voice shaking the courtyard walls.
"Understood, Boss! You truly are unmatched in skill!" Wei Tian scampered forward with a rope, his eyes filled with a hint of apology as he approached Li Qing.
At this moment, the others began to boast about Tian Long's martial prowess, showering him with flattery, almost elevating him to the status of a martial god.
"Brother Li, please bear with it... I’m sorry," Wei Tian said in a voice smaller than a mosquito's.
Li Qing merely nodded slightly, putting on a reluctant expression.
Just as Wei Tian was about to tie Li Qing up like a meat dumpling and prepare to take him away, a slender figure suddenly dashed out, blocking the path of the group of thugs.
An Xuan spread her arms, her eyes glistening with tears as she trembled, "You... you all let Uncle Li go, don’t take him away."
At once, the Righteous Gang members led by Tian Long halted, looking at the pure-faced little girl with mocking expressions.
In this era, they hadn't seen such a clean and clear face and gaze in a long time.
"Hey, this little girl is quite pretty, but it's a pity she's a bit thin. She'll definitely grow into a graceful beauty in the future."
Someone eyed An Xuan with a greedy gaze, like a wolf sizing up a weak lamb.
"Xuan Xuan, come back!" Old Man An rushed out in shock, grabbing An Xuan and repeatedly apologizing.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry! My granddaughter is still young and doesn't understand; I truly apologize!" Old Man An said, his voice trembling.
"You say you’re sorry, but I see your granddaughter hasn’t eaten well in a long time. Why not let her follow me?" someone in the crowd provocatively suggested.
At this moment, Li Qing could no longer stand by. He coughed and said, "Ahem, this girl is favored by the second young master of the Yan family."
As soon as the name Yan family was mentioned, the members of the Righteous Gang immediately fell silent, their gazes shifting to their bald leader.
Li Qing's words were meant to pressure Tian Long to rein in his subordinates and keep them in check.
Tian Long snorted coldly and said, "Hmph, let’s go back."
At this moment, Old Man An's face showed a struggle and conflicted expression before he stepped forward.
He used his hunched figure to block the tall and burly Tian Long and said in a low voice, "Tian Long, I don’t know what offense Master Li has caused you, but I have some black wheat mushrooms at home. Could you let him go? He’s just a young man who doesn’t understand."
Tian Long smiled at this moment, glancing back at Li Qing, unexpectedly pleased to see that he had some reputation here, with someone willing to defend him.
However, letting Li Qing go was out of the question; this was part of the plan.
"Get lost! Our Righteous Gang robs the rich to help the poor, how could we possibly be interested in your little food? If you dare to meddle again, I’ll chop you and your granddaughter into pieces!" Tian Long shouted fiercely, a true outlaw.
As soon as these words were spoken, Old Man An was frightened and hurriedly pulled his granddaughter back into their home.
Though the retreat was somewhat awkward, Li Qing watched with a hint of warmth in his heart.
(End of Chapter)