Chapter 11: All and More

Liu Shen had just stepped out and walked a few paces when he suddenly halted, scratching his head as he stared at the unfamiliar scenery. Where did I come from just now? He was never familiar with Creekmouth Town, having followed Yuan Xiaofei all the way here without paying attention to which village of Creekmouth this was.

How should I get to Wei Dafeng’s house?

Just as Liu Shen was about to find someone to ask for directions, a voice called out behind him, “Sir, please wait!”

He turned to see Yuan Xiaofei running over, clutching a yellowed booklet in his hand. Liu Shen asked curiously, “Why are you chasing after me?”

“This... this...” Yuan Xiaofei shoved the tattered ancient book into his hands, a little embarrassed. “My sister said you are a good man, so she told me to give this to you.”

“Hm?” When Liu Shen saw the crookedly written title, "Mad Demon Blade Technique," his expression grew strange.

“A blade technique?”

Liu Shen's face grew serious as he opened the worn booklet and glanced inside. Upon realizing it was indeed a martial blade technique, his heart began to beat faster.

He closed the book and looked around. After confirming no one was nearby, he hastily dragged Yuan Xiaofei back into his straw hut and asked sternly, “Where did you get this?”

“It... it’s not stolen,” Yuan Xiaofei quickly clarified, seeing Liu Shen’s serious expression. “It’s a family heirloom from Hongmei's family. Her parents used to be caravan guards. When they fled during calamity, her leg was broken and the relatives abandoned all her belongings. This booklet was found among her clothes.”

Liu Shen’s expression softened at the explanation, then he asked, “Do you know what this is?”

“I do.” Yuan Xiaofei nodded. “Hongmei said it’s a family blade technique, but neither of us can read, so we don’t know what kind.”

“Do you know how valuable it is?”

“No.”

Liu Shen hesitated, unsure whether he should speak frankly. He’d spent years working at the Chishui Gang’s docks, aware of the weight carried by the word “martial artist.” To practice martial arts, both internal and external skills were essential, and these things were precious. If a poor laborer wanted to learn, unless he inherited something from his ancestors, he’d have to join a martial society, gang, or school. Otherwise, access was nearly impossible. Even if one could access such things, the price was beyond the means of ordinary folk.

Liu Shen had always dreamed of learning martial arts, but after four years at the docks, he hadn’t been recruited by the Chishui Gang, let alone allowed to learn any skills.

Now, this "Mad Demon Blade Technique" was clearly an external martial manual. How could he not be excited, not be anxious?

But... it was someone else’s family heirloom.

The siblings didn’t know its worth, offering it to him, while he understood full well. If he accepted it without a word, it would feel dishonest.

Liu Shen struggled with his conscience, but could not get past it. He said outright, “If you sell this blade technique to the right person, you and your sister need never worry about livelihood for the rest of your lives, you know?”

Yuan Xiaofei was startled by the words, but after a moment, broke into a wide grin. “It’s Hongmei’s family heirloom. No matter how much it’s worth, we won’t sell it.”

“No matter how much it’s worth, you won’t sell it.” Liu Shen repeated, chuckling, then asked, “So you’re just giving it to me?”

“That’s right.” Yuan Xiaofei scratched his head. “I stole your money, but you caught me and didn’t beat me or hand me to the authorities. You even bought food for my sister and me and taught me about life. I feel... someone like you deserves it.”

His simple words flowed into Liu Shen’s heart like a stream of pure water, soothing him deeply.

“Well said!” Liu Shen laughed, clapping his hands. After a moment’s thought, he said, “Have your sister pack up. Once I’ve finished my business, you two will follow me to the county town.”

“To the county town with you?” Yuan Xiaofei was momentarily stunned. “Why are you taking us to the county town?”

“For a good reason,” Liu Shen smiled, then grew serious. “I may not be a saint, but I’m not a villain either. Since you two are giving me your family heirloom, how can I simply take advantage of you?”

He paused, raised his brows, and continued, “This time, I’ll take you to town. First, to find you a job so you can earn a living. Second, to find a clinic to cure your sister’s leg!”

“To find me a job, and cure my sister’s... leg...” Yuan Xiaofei was dazed. Then, with a thud, he knelt on the ground, his tears streaming as he bowed low.

“Thank you, benefactor!”

“Oh, stop with the ‘benefactor’ nonsense...” Liu Shen hauled him up. “In the end, I’m still getting the better deal.”

“No!” Yuan Xiaofei wiped away his tears. “Hongmei’s leg is a thorn in my heart. If you can cure her, you’ll be like a second father to us!”

“Don’t say such things...” Liu Shen glared at him. “My name’s Liu Shen, I’m only a few years older than you. Just call me Shen Brother, not benefactor or second father.”

Yuan Xiaofei nodded shyly, then called, “Shen Brother!”

“That’s enough.” Liu Shen waved him off, then as if remembering something, asked, “By the way, do you know where the Wei family estate is in Creekmouth Town?”

“Wei family estate?” Yuan Xiaofei was puzzled for a moment, then answered, “It’s not far, two or three miles from here.”

Liu Shen nodded. “Then take me there.”

“Alright! I’ll tell Hongmei.”

Yuan Xiaofei rushed inside to share the good news with Hongmei, telling her to pack so they could follow Shen Brother to the county town. Then, full of excitement, he came out to lead the way.

“Shen Brother, this way...” Seeing Yuan Xiaofei, lively and animated now, nothing like the sullen, defiant boy pinned to the ground earlier, Liu Shen couldn’t help but find it amusing.

He was, after all, just a half-grown boy.

Liu Shen wrapped the "Mad Demon Blade Technique" in a cloth and tucked it inside his jacket, unsure whether his good deed had saved the siblings, or had fulfilled his own destiny. Or perhaps, both?

Yuan Xiaofei asked curiously, “Shen Brother, what are you going to the Wei estate for?”

“I have a matter to attend to,” Liu Shen explained. “A friend at the docks, named Wei Dafeng, died from exhaustion while working. Before he passed, he asked me to deliver his money pouch home.”

“Was it the money pouch I stole?” Yuan Xiaofei asked, recalling something.

“Yes.” Liu Shen saw the shame in Yuan Xiaofei’s expression and reassured him, “I told you, taking a wrong path isn’t frightening—what’s frightening is being so lost you can’t turn back. That’s when a person is truly finished.”

“I understand.” Yuan Xiaofei grinned. “Once you help me find a job, I’ll keep only what’s needed to support Hongmei, and find a way to return the rest.”

“You’re a teachable lad...”

“All thanks to Shen Brother’s guidance.”

They chatted as they walked, soon arriving at the Wei estate.

Once they’d found out where Wei Dafeng’s home was, Liu Shen took Yuan Xiaofei along and knocked at the door.

To their surprise, it wasn’t Wei Dafeng’s wife who answered the door, but a burly, rough-looking man whose face was covered in scars.

The man glanced at them, his expression unfriendly. “Who are you looking for?”

Liu Shen looked around to confirm he hadn’t made a mistake, then asked, “Is this Wei Dafeng’s house?”

“Wei Dafeng?” The burly man responded, nodding. “Yes, but Wei Dafeng isn’t at home now.”

Of course Liu Shen knew Wei Dafeng would not be at home. Hearing faint cries of children and a woman’s soothing voice from inside, he asked, “Is Wei Dafeng’s wife home?”

“What’s it to you?” The man scowled, glaring at him. “If you’ve got business, spit it out. If not, get lost. Don’t annoy me.”

Liu Shen was silent. Considering that Wei Dafeng had been away for a year, and yet his wife had given birth to a son, it was not hard to guess this man’s identity...

If Wei Dafeng knew that the son he’d worried about until his dying breath wasn’t his own, who knows if he’d rise from the grave to settle the score with this man...