Starting with the titmouse, seventy-two transformations

Chapter 159 Reunion with Zhao Lei's Family

Funing County.

It is located more than 60 li east of Shanyang County.

Compared to the ongoing turmoil in Shanyang County, Funing County has been relatively peaceful lately.

However, Zhao Lei's family is not having an easy time.

"Honey, how about we go back to Baishui Village?"

Sister-in-law Zhao held a bowl of dark, mushy medicine and fed it to Zhao Lei.

"Baishui Village..."

Zhao Lei's eyes lit up, and a look of interest appeared on his face, but he quickly shook his head with a wry smile:

"We can't go back. Our household registration has been transferred to Funing County, and we've run out of money..."

At this point, his mouth was full of bitterness.

When he first arrived in Funing County, he was ambitious and thought he could make a name for himself by relying on his archery skills.

As a result, in less than a month, he was left with crippled hands and a broken body, and the family spent almost all their money on his treatment.

The water in the county town is many times deeper than that in Baishui Village.

Even a ruthless scoundrel like Tong would probably be devoured without a trace, even down to the bones, if he went to the city. No wonder they only dared to act arrogantly in the village.

Unfortunately, I learned this lesson too late.

"Duh duh duh!"

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

Zhao's sister-in-law was taken aback and subconsciously looked at Zhao Lei, asking him to make a decision.

"Don't be afraid, I'll do it."

Zhao Lei struggled to his feet. His left arm was missing up to his shoulder, and the smell of blood, masked by the scent of herbs, still lingered on his body.

A few days ago, he was ordered to leave the city to accompany the officials of the Demon Suppression Bureau to kill demons, but he was attacked by a wolf demon and lost his arm.

Fortunately, he survived the ordeal.

Having lost an arm and no longer able to draw a bow, his job as an archer is likely over.

Moreover, the compensation and benefits that should have been paid have not been received.

It's not that there's no way, it's just that the officials above have embezzled it.

Moreover, the person who introduced this job, Zhao's sister-in-law's own brother, disappeared halfway through a business trip half a month ago, leaving no trace.

Their family is now struggling to make ends meet in Funing County.

Sometimes, he would think that if he had gone to Shanyang County with Sheng-ge back then, and they could have looked after each other, perhaps life wouldn't have been so difficult.

Even if I die, at least I can entrust my family with my care.

But now...

He drew his sword from his waist with his single arm, went to the door, and shouted through the wooden door:

"Who?"

"Open the door and collect the bank's deposit."

A gruff voice came from outside the door.

Joint guarantee silver was a type of silver that neighbors in the same neighborhood jointly guaranteed to protect against thieves.

Each household contributes money and manpower to purchase weapons collectively. Training is conducted every ten days to protect the peace and tranquility of each household in the neighborhood.

It was originally a good deed.

Unfortunately, after the change of the world, martial artists emerged like mushrooms after rain, and the spontaneous organization of these residents was gradually eroded and hijacked by gangs.

Nowadays, "Lianbaoyin" is actually a euphemism for protection money.

Previously, when Zhao Lei was working at the inspection department, he approved a tiger skin, so these local thugs didn't dare to provoke him.

But he had already lost his job and was crippled. How could he possibly withstand these ravenous gangs?
These gangs are like mountains weighing down on the poor, relentlessly exploiting and draining their blood and sweat.

The gang that occupied Anqingfang was called the Fierce Tiger Gang.

He even recognized the gruff-voiced man outside the door; his name was Niu Er, a martial artist who had just entered the Qi and Blood stage and was a minor leader in the Fierce Tiger Gang.

In the past, when people saw him, out of respect for the Inspectorate's authority, he would at least give them a smile, but the Joint Guarantee Bank was never mentioned.

Unexpectedly, they came knocking on my door just a few days after I fell on hard times.

"How much silver?"

Zhao Lei pursed his lips, gripped the knife hilt tightly, turned his head to look at Gouwa playing in the yard, and his eyes dimmed slightly.

For him, who has a family, everything is fine as long as he doesn't cross the line.

Even if it means taking a loss.

As soon as the door opened, several men rushed in, scaring Gouwa so much that he hid inside. "Hey, Brother Zhao, your arm is broken, that's pretty bad!"

The leader, Niu Er, glanced at Zhao Lei with a nonchalant air, his eyes darting around:

"It's not much, just 10 taels of silver per person, collected in one lump sum for three years. After that, you won't have to pay for the next three years."

Ten taels per person, totaling thirty taels, was the price he had secretly assessed over the past few days.

For ordinary families, this amount of money is simply unaffordable.

But right now, the Zhao family is spending tens of taels of silver every day to hire doctors, get medicine, and prepare medicine!
The Zhao family used to be unassuming, but unexpectedly they turned out to be a fat sheep.

"Ten taels per person, why don't you just rob me?"

At this moment, Sister-in-law Zhao rushed out carrying a wood-chopping knife, her expression excited.

"You shrew, you're spouting nonsense, accusing our Fierce Tiger Gang of robbing people!"

A glint of shrewdness flashed in Niu Er's eyes. He waved his hand and shouted:
"Go, tie her up, take her to the yamen, and let the officials judge the matter!"

Zhao's sister-in-law is only of average to above-average looks, but she has a hot figure. She has been busy these past few days and has already attracted attention.

These gang members were not good people to begin with; they had done plenty of things like forcing women into prostitution.

Now the Zhao family is in ruins, with a cripple, a woman, and a half-grown child, and no roots in the local area, making them perfect targets for exploitation.

"What are you doing? What are you trying to do? Someone come quick!"

Zhao's sister-in-law was terrified and screamed for help, but the neighbors on both sides seemed not to hear her and all closed their doors tightly.

They were all unwilling to provoke the Fierce Tiger Gang.

Soon, the crippled Zhao Lei was knocked to the ground. Gouwa rushed out to save his mother, but was knocked unconscious by two slaps.

Zhao's sister-in-law was cornered, her hair disheveled, clutching a kitchen knife as she stubbornly resisted.

"Sister-in-law Zhao, you don't want anything to happen to your husband and son, do you?"

Niu Er grinned lewdly and stepped forward, reaching out to snatch the wood-chopping knife:

"If you serve us three brothers well and make us comfortable, then the father and son will be fine; otherwise..."

"Otherwise what?"

Just then, a clear, cold voice came from the doorway.

"hiss~"

Then, a flash of yellow light appeared, and a small yellow snake appeared around Niu Er's neck.

It was only as thick as a thumb, but with a "crack," it snapped Niu Er's neck.

Before the other two Tiger Gang henchmen could react, a yellow flash streaked before their eyes, and then their heads rolled off their shoulders.

Blood splattered all over Zhao's sister-in-law's face!
"Ah..."

"sister in law!"

Just then, Liu Sheng appeared and simply nodded at Xiao Huang's ruthless behavior.

This treasure-hunting snake is a rare species. Don't be fooled by its small size; it possesses immense strength. How could three mere gang henchmen possibly be a match for it?

“Sheng…Sheng-ge’er…you…”

Sister-in-law Zhao was stunned for a moment, then recognized Liu Sheng, her face still showing disbelief.

After more than a month apart, Liu Sheng had undergone a dramatic transformation.

I've grown taller and stronger, and more importantly, my demeanor has changed.

Ninety to one hundred people died at his hands, including many Qi cultivators.

Having walked a path marked by blood and bones, one's temperament is naturally quite different.

"Take a look at Gouwa first."

Liu Sheng pointed at Gouwa, signaling to her, then closed the door and helped Zhao Lei up.

“Sheng-ge’er…”

This simple and strong man, whose face was bruised and swollen, burst into tears the moment he saw Liu Sheng.

If Liu Sheng hadn't arrived in time, their family's fate would probably have been...

"Brother Lei!"

Liu Sheng took out the White Lotus Transformation Talisman, activated his qi and blood, and in an instant, a ray of spiritual light flew out from the red talisman, turning into sweet rain that fell on Zhao Lei.

After a while.

Zhao Lei was overjoyed as he moved his newly grown left arm:

"My...my arm...has grown back?!"

(End of this chapter)