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Chapter 36: Magus' Thoughts
Chapter 36: Magus' Thoughts
As Lu Qing and his companion went on a shopping spree at the grand market, their extravagant purchases naturally attracted quite a bit of attention.
So, when the two left, several people gathered outside the market, whispering among themselves.
"Boss, those two kids bought quite a lot of stuff. They're clearly rich, should we go and take some money from them?"
A youth with shifty eyes suggested first.
However, his suggestion was immediately met with disdain from the others.
Especially the man called Boss, who looked at him as if he were an idiot.
"Are you stupid or something? Didn't you see Master Ma being polite to that kid? And you want me to rob them?"
The one called little brother, who had just been scolded for no reason, felt a little aggrieved.
"I just thought they looked rich, look at all the stuff they're carrying. It would cost a few hundred coins just to get all that. They're such easy targets, we could have a good time for several days with just a small take."
Upon hearing this, Boss fell silent.
How could he not be tempted? Aside from other things, the meat those two were carrying was enough to make his mouth water.
They had been having a hard time lately, and it had been several days since they had any meat.
But when he thought of Master Ma at the market, he hesitated.
That man was not someone to be trifled with; offending him would bring trouble they couldn't afford.
Yet, when Boss thought of the valuables Lu Qing and his companion were carrying, he was tempted once again.
Just as the group was indecisive, inside the market, Master Ma waved and called one of his men over.
"Xiao Tian, if I remember correctly, that old doctor Chen lives in Jiuli Village, right?"
"Yes, that old doctor lives on the slope of a small hill next to Jiuli Village. People from the nearby villages all know him," Xiao Tian replied respectfully.
"Then, when you have time, go to Jiuli Village and find out if that old doctor has recently taken on a disciple named Lu Qing."
"Yes," Xiao Tian replied respectfully.
He knew that Master Ma wanted to check on the boy who had come to the market with silver to spend.
Xiao Tian suddenly remembered something and quickly reported, "Master Ma, when I came in just now, I think I saw Chen San and his gang lurking outside. They seemed to have their eyes on that boy, Lu Qing."
"Chen San? What are those good-for-nothings doing on my turf?" Master Ma narrowed his eyes.
"I heard that they stole some things from Dawu Village recently, and the village elder ordered them to stay away from the village. So, they came to this side," Xiao Tian replied.
"Those punks, instead of doing honest work, they only know how to steal and bully the villagers. Go and warn them that if they dare to lay a finger on any of our guests, I'll break their dog legs!"
"Yes, Master Ma!"
Xiao Tian left excitedly.
He had long disliked Chen San and his gang of thugs. They never did any honest work and only knew how to steal and bully others.
His cousin, who was married in Dawu Village, had once complained to him that Chen San and his gang had stolen several chickens from their home.
Xiao Tian had never had the chance to teach them a lesson, but now with Master Ma's support, he couldn't wait to give them a good beating.
Soon, noises and pleas for mercy could be heard from outside the market, but Master Ma paid no heed. He sat in his chair, deep in thought.
Lu Qing's appearance today had certainly given him a pleasant surprise.
If this boy was indeed the disciple of the renowned Doctor Chen, it would be wonderful news for him.
The villagers only knew of the old doctor's remarkable medical skills and compassionate nature, deeming him a divine doctor.
But what they didn't know was that in the city, this old doctor held an even more impressive status.
Many influential people, wealthy merchants, and officials counted him as an esteemed guest.
Not only was he an exceptional doctor, but he was also a highly skilled martial artist.
Even the county magistrate had praised his profound cultivation, saying he had almost reached the pinnacle of the post-innate grandmaster realm.
Master Ma had wanted to befriend such a remarkable figure for a long time but had never found a good opportunity.
Now, Lu Qing's appearance presented him with a glimmer of hope.
Chapter 36: A Magus' Musings
As Lu Qing and his companion, Wang Dauan, returned to the village after their extravagant shopping spree at the grand market, their haul naturally attracted quite a bit of attention. Unbeknownst to them, their departure had sparked whispered discussions among a group loitering outside the market.
"Boss, those two kids bought a lot of stuff. They're obviously rich. Should we take some money from them?" suggested a youth with shifty eyes.
His suggestion, however, was met with disdain from the others, especially the man addressed as Boss, who shot him a scornful look.
"Are you stupid? Didn't you see Master Ma being polite to that kid? And you want to rob them?" The admonished youth, feeling aggrieved, tried to justify himself.
"I just thought they looked rich, look at all the stuff they're carrying. It must've cost them a few hundred coins. They're easy targets; we could have a good time for several days with just a small take."
Boss couldn't help but be tempted by the prospect, especially considering the meat the two had purchased, which was enough to make his mouth water. They had been going through a tough time lately, and it had been days since they had tasted meat.
However, the thought of Master Ma's presence at the market gave him pause. Offending such a formidable figure would bring them nothing but trouble they couldn't afford. Yet, the valuables Lu Qing and Wang Dauan carried continued to lure him.
As the group hesitated, Master Ma called one of his men over inside the market.
"Xiao Tian, if I remember correctly, that renowned Doctor Chen lives in Jiuli Village, doesn't he?"
"Yes, Master Ma. The old doctor lives on the slope of a small hill next to Jiuli Village. He's well-known to the people in the nearby villages," Xiao Tian replied respectfully.
"Then, when you have time, go to Jiuli Village and find out if that old doctor has recently taken on a disciple named Lu Qing."
"Yes, Master Ma," Xiao Tian acknowledged, understanding that his boss wanted to gather information about the boy who had come to the market with money to spend.
Xiao Tian then recalled something and quickly added, "Master Ma, when I arrived earlier, I think I saw Chen San and his gang lurking outside. They seemed to have their eyes on Lu Qing."
"Chen San? What are those good-for-nothings doing on my turf?" Master Ma narrowed his eyes, clearly displeased.
"I heard that they stole some things from Dawu Village recently, and the village elder banished them. So, they've come to this side," Xiao Tian explained.
"Those punks! Instead of doing honest work, they only know how to steal and bully villagers. Go and warn them that if they dare to lay a finger on any of our guests, I'll break their dog legs!" Master Ma ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument.
"Yes, Master Ma!" Xiao Tian left eagerly, eager to teach Chen San and his gang a lesson. He had long disliked their thieving and bullying ways, and now with Master Ma's support, he was determined to put them in their place.
Soon, noises and pleas for mercy could be heard from outside the market, but Master Ma paid no heed. He sat deep in thought, contemplating the surprising appearance of Lu Qing.
If he could befriend Lu Qing and, by extension, the renowned Doctor Chen, it might just be his chance to return to the city. He had grown tired of this backwater market, and if not for his father's order to stay here for five years due to a past mistake, he would have left long ago.
Lu Qing and Wang Dauan, oblivious to the events unfolding after their departure, continued their journey back to the village. Lu Qing remained vigilant, aware that their extravagant purchases might draw unwanted attention.
However, with the number of errands he had to run, he couldn't afford to make frequent trips to the market, so he had taken the risk. Fortunately, their journey back to the village was uneventful, and they reached the village entrance without incident.
They removed the red rope from the tree and placed it back under the stone slab before continuing on, their backs laden with supplies.
It was approaching midday, and most villagers were resting indoors, leaving the village streets largely deserted. Lu Qing and Wang Dauan reached Lu Qing's home without encountering anyone.
"Finally, we're back," Wang Dauan panted, setting down his load.
"Thank you, Brother Dauan. I couldn't have brought back all these things without your help," Lu Qing said gratefully.
The heavier purchases, such as the meat and grain, had been carried by Wang Dauan, while Lu Qing had carried the lighter household items.
"Don't mention it; it's the least I could do. In fact, I should be thanking you. Today was the first time I've spoken to Master Ma so closely, and he even remembered my name!" Wang Dauan exclaimed, still excited about the encounter.
"Is this Master Ma very powerful?" Lu Qing asked curiously.
"Of course!" Wang Dauan replied. "You should know that Master Ma manages the entire market. He has a group of men under him, and in these parts, he's the most influential person around!"
Lu Qing's curiosity grew. While the grand market had been more bustling than he'd expected, it was still just a small-scale affair, selling mostly agricultural products and simple goods. He wondered what had drawn someone like Master Ma to manage such a place.
"Has Master Ma always been in charge of the market?" he asked.
"No, there used to be an old man named Old Li who managed it. It was only about two years ago that Master Ma took over," Wang Dauan explained.
"I see..." Lu Qing murmured, deep in thought.
"Well, I should be heading back now. You must be tired, too, after carrying all these things. Get some rest," Wang Dauan said as he prepared to leave.
"Wait, Brother Dauan!" Lu Qing called out, stopping him. He then took out a piece of half-fat, half-lean pork from his basket. "Take this meat back and make something delicious for Grandpa Wang to enjoy tonight."
"I can't accept this! This meat isn't cheap. You should keep it for yourself and Xiao Yan," Wang Dauan protested, waving his hands.
"Please take it. You've been such a great help today, guiding me and carrying these things. Consider this a token of my gratitude," Lu Qing insisted.
"But it's too much. This piece of meat is worth over ten coins!"
"Just take it. If you don't, I might not ask for your help so readily next time," Lu Qing said with a smile.
"Alright, alright, I'll take it. Thank you!" Wang Dauan finally relented, accepting the meat.
"You're welcome. Now, go on. Grandpa Wang must be worried about you by now. Hurry back and let him know you're safe," Lu Qing urged, seeing that Wang Dauan still felt a bit awkward about accepting the gift.
After Wang Dauan left, Lu Qing cut off another small piece of meat and headed to Zhang Yezi's house to bring Xiao Yan home.
(End of Chapter)
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