Chapter 25: Ambush and Murder!

Li Mu was not originally from this world, so he felt that being exploited was something perfectly ordinary. The only way not to be bullied... was to become strong oneself.

On that note, there was something worth mentioning: the local authorities in this world seemed strangely silent. Traveling from village to village, Li Mu often heard people discussing various gangs and factions, but rarely did anyone mention the government or magistrates. He had no idea what the situation truly was...

Even if there were official authorities, Li Mu doubted they would be of much use. He had read history books and knew that in feudal times, officials were mostly corrupt. Looking at Wu Gong County now, with gangs everywhere and no official intervention, it was clear either the authorities were in collusion with the gangs, or their power paled in comparison. So relying on them for protection was likely futile.

He could only rely on himself.

And to protect himself, he needed martial strength.

Thankfully, he wasn’t entirely powerless—he still had his golden finger. Even now, repairing hooves was made easy thanks to the beast-taming ability granted by that golden finger. This power wasn’t even specially highlighted within its capabilities, suggesting it was merely a minor perk.

Once he truly began cultivating, and the golden finger’s abilities were fully unleashed, it wouldn’t take long before he developed real fighting power.

But all of this depended on actually learning martial arts.

He had only used the “Strength of the Green Ox” once, never again. Yet that one time, his frail body had managed to unleash terrifying force. Once he became physically strong, his power would surely grow even greater.

Only then would he truly gain a foothold in this world.

After all, having crossed over to this realm, he didn’t want to remain a worthless nobody, trampled by all.

He didn’t need to rise above everyone else, but he hoped to have the right to say “no.”

Thinking this, he took a deep breath.

“No matter what, I must learn martial arts. If Uncle Jiu doesn’t agree, I’ll head to the county town and find a martial arts school—even though training is expensive, I’ve heard the lowest price is fifty taels of silver, and that only covers a year’s instruction.”

“But as long as I set out on this path, everything will fall into place.”

Li Mu’s gaze grew resolute. He was just taking a deep breath—

But at that moment—

Suddenly, Li Mu’s balance faltered; he sensed the big green ox beneath him lurching forward violently. Alarmed, Li Mu barely had time to react before he heard a loud thud.

The ox had toppled headfirst to the ground, letting out a distressed bellow.

Unprepared, Li Mu was thrown off its back, instinctively bracing himself with his hands, but still crashing to the ground, so dizzy he could barely think.

What was happening?

Startled, he quickly turned his head to look.

He saw that the ox’s front hooves were now bound behind its hind legs. Looking closer, he spotted a rope, looped around the ox’s front legs, tripping it.

What?

Li Mu was still dazed.

“Got it!”

An excited voice rang out from nearby.

Li Mu’s heart skipped a beat; he looked toward the source of the voice.

Having rolled straight off the ox’s back, he was in a sorry state, his limbs aching. But when he looked, his anxiety spiked.

In the moonlight, he saw two dark figures appear ahead.

Both wore coarse cloth garments, their faces wrapped in cloth.

Most crucially, in the moon’s glow, Li Mu saw each held a gleaming hatchet!

“Damn, I’ve been targeted!”

Seeing this, Li Mu immediately understood what was happening, his face going pale.

He had feared this very situation.

When working in Li Family Village, he’d collected payment discreetly, worried about jealous eyes that might come after him.

But evidently... he’d still been marked!

“What do you want?” Li Mu forced himself to stand, retreating two steps, eyes fixed on the masked men, striving to remain calm and steady.

“Kid, spare us the chatter. Hand over all the money you’ve got! If you try to hide anything, don’t blame us for being ruthless!”

One of them spoke viciously—the same voice that had just excitedly shouted “got it.”

Li Mu’s heart pounded, forcing his mind to race.

Two masked men—two possibilities.

One, they only sought money, not blood. Masked faces meant they weren’t worried about Li Mu tracking them down later.

Two, they were acquaintances. Masked faces meant they feared Li Mu recognizing them.

Either way, it was good news—they seemed to want only money.

Staring at the hatchets, Li Mu’s mind spun. He replied decisively, “Fine, I’ll give you the money. Just don’t hurt me.”

His decisiveness made the two pause, exchanging a glance.

Then the one who hadn't spoken yet said in a hoarse voice, “Smart kid. As long as you hand over the money, we won’t harm you.”

The voice was hoarse, but clearly forced.

Acquaintances?

Li Mu realized this at once.

This man had deliberately disguised his voice. If they were strangers, there’d be no need.

Of course, it was possible the man was just cautious, worried Li Mu might recognize him by his voice later.

Unclear for now.

In recent days, Li Mu had traveled through many villages, meeting lots of people—among six villages, he’d gotten to know plenty. That point hardly mattered.

He considered this, but spoke decisively: “All right.”

He pulled out the money he’d earned today, wrapped in coarse cloth, and tossed it toward them.

With a thud, the first man couldn’t contain his excitement, his eyes shining in the moonlight as he rushed over and opened the bundle.

A pile of broken silver and copper coins spilled out.

At least six or seven taels of silver.

To an ordinary villager, it was already a considerable sum.

But the man glanced at it and his expression darkened; he glared fiercely at Li Mu.

“Kid, are you playing games? I said all your silver! This little bit—you think you can fob me off like a beggar? Want me to chop you up right here?!”

He brandished his hatchet.

The other man, after checking the bundle, also looked at Li Mu with cold, icy eyes.

Li Mu answered steadily, “This is all the money I have on me, not a single coin hidden.”

“Nonsense! You’ve been traveling the villages, and in Li Family Village you worked for four days, earning this much daily! Where’s the rest?!”

The man stood up, furious, his voice icy.

Villager!

Hearing this, Li Mu instantly realized that the two were most likely from Li Family Village!