In an inn along the main street, at a table by the window, Xia Xiayin was picking up food for Xia Ci.
Xia Ci could only hold his bowl to eat. Although his internal power was now profound and he could mostly take care of himself, eating was still troublesome since he couldn't see the dishes on the table.
"Brother, that Yan Sanniang is so beautiful. Do you think I could be as beautiful as her when I grow up?"
"Definitely more beautiful than her."
Xia Xiayin giggled, then looked down at her chest and pouted, saying, "How did her chest grow so big?"
Xia Ci smiled slightly, truly not knowing how to answer this question.
"Brother, after we finish eating, let's go upstairs to rest. I booked two rooms. I'll be right next door to you, and I can hear you if you call me anytime," Xia Xiayin said.
"Mm, good." Xia Ci nodded.
"By the way, brother, do you really plan to affiliate with Yan Sanniang?" Xia Xiayin asked.
Xia Ci nodded and said, "It's quite suitable. We don't have much reputation in the martial world, and I'm now blind. If we go to those established Pursuit Towers, we won't receive much attention, will have difficulty getting firsthand intelligence, and won't earn much money.
Yan Sanniang's Pursuit Tower has just been established and is in need of people. Moreover, she also needs to quickly build a reputation, so she'll be more attentive in her work. I've heard of Yan Sanniang's reputation before. She has extensive connections in the martial world, and is said to have some remarkable background. Her intelligence capabilities should be decent."
For Xia Ci, becoming a bounty hunter and affiliating with a Pursuit Tower was inevitable. After much consideration, Yan Sanniang's offer did seem quite suitable. If it didn't work out, he could always withdraw later.
Although he was eager to carry out bounty missions, he wasn't in a rush. With the Nine Yang Divine Skill by his side, he no longer lacked a sense of security and could proceed steadily.
Soon, the two finished their meal.
Xia Xiayin supported Xia Ci as they prepared to go upstairs.
Just as they reached the staircase, a large group of people suddenly burst into the inn from outside. There were about twenty of them, led by a middle-aged man with a tiger's back and bear's waist, a face full of beard, eyes as sharp as a hawk's, wearing a dark-colored tight outfit with a wide thick belt. A saber hung at his side in a sheath with ancient patterns, exuding a murderous aura. Behind him were people of varying heights and builds, all exhibiting the unique hardy temperament of martial world figures.
"Which one is Xia Ci? Come out!"
The group entered with an imposing manner, slamming tables and kicking stools, immediately throwing the inn into chaos and causing many patrons to voice their displeasure with curses.
The tiger-backed, bear-waisted middle-aged man shouted, "I am Zhang Xiong of the Great Saber Gang. Anyone who has a problem, stand up and face me!"
In an instant, the inn fell silent.
The Great Saber Gang's name carried weight in Linjiang City, being one of the largest gangs, claiming to have eight hundred saber-wielders. Its leader, Lu Yingchuan, known in the martial world as "Old Saber Handler," was one of the leading figures in Linjiang City's underworld and a famously top-tier expert. Under him were the four hall masters—Wolf, Bear, Tiger, and Leopard—all notorious fierce characters.
Zhang Xiong was the second among Wolf, Bear, Tiger, and Leopard, nicknamed "Big Black Bear."
Seeing the situation, the innkeeper hurriedly came forward with a flattering smile and greeted, "Ah, Master Xiong, your esteemed presence! Please sit down. I recently acquired some good wine..."
"Get lost!"
Zhang Xiong directly slapped the innkeeper to the ground.
At this moment, one of his followers pointed at Xia Ci, who was about to go upstairs, and said, "Brother, there's only one blind man here."
Zhang Xiong looked at Xia Ci, then sized up Xia Xiayin, and bowed slightly, saying, "Mr. Xia, Miss Xia, I've long heard of you. I have something I need to ask you about. I hope you two will give me face and cooperate."
Xia Xiayin didn't speak, only quietly placed her hand on her sword's hilt, while Xia Ci bowed and said, "Hall Master Zhang, I've long heard of you. Whatever you wish to ask, please do. I'll tell you everything I know without reservation."
"Straightforward!" Zhang Xiong said. "I heard that you siblings, Mr. Xia and Miss Xia, killed Zhou Tong and claimed the reward at the magistrate's office. Is this true?"
Xia Ci knew that since Zhang Xiong had come looking for him, he couldn't possibly be truly here to ask about this matter. Zhou Tong had been the most notorious wanted criminal in Linjiang City for a time, attracting much attention.
When the siblings submitted the head and claimed the bounty, the magistrate's office would have certainly announced it immediately.
Xia Ci said, "Yes, that did happen. What guidance does Hall Master Zhang seek?"
Zhang Xiong said in a deep voice, "Mr. Xia, this Zhou Tong, our Great Saber Gang had been tracking him for a long time. We deployed many men to capture him and many of our brothers were injured. Just when we had finally wounded and trapped him, you siblings came to pluck the peach. That doesn't seem right, does it?"
Xia Ci calmly replied, "Hall Master Zhang, your words are incorrect. When it comes to capturing and killing wanted criminals, whoever gets them last claims the prize. That has always been the rule. If everyone who had ever engaged could make a claim, wouldn't that create chaos? And how would you determine whose contribution was greater and whose was lesser?"
Zhang Xiong said coldly, "That may be the rule, but to capture Zhou Tong, I still have more than a dozen brothers lying injured. Mr. Xia, you've certainly taken advantage of us. Shouldn't you at least show some gesture of goodwill and provide some compensation?"
Xia Xiayin immediately couldn't help but become angry, but Xia Ci held her back. Xia Ci asked with a smile, "How much does Hall Master Zhang want?"
Zhang Xiong said, "Not much. I have a total of thirteen injured brothers. Each needs twenty taels for medicine and care, a total of two hundred and sixty taels."
Xia Ci smiled slightly and said, "Hall Master Zhang, Zhou Tong's head was only worth three hundred taels in total."
"I know," Zhang Xiong said sinisterly. "Zhou Tong's head originally belonged to our Great Saber Gang. You siblings picked up a bargain. Forty taels of silver is not a small amount. Mr. Xia, people should learn to be content. Being too greedy can easily lead to disaster!"
Xia Ci nodded slightly and said, "Hall Master Zhang is right. An innocent man may be brought to disaster by the treasure he holds." As he spoke, he extended his hand to Xia Xiayin and said softly, "Give me the bank notes."
Xia Xiayin was reluctant, but she also saw that Zhang Xiong had come with ill intentions and wouldn't leave without getting the money. She was worried that a conflict would arise and harm Xia Ci.
So, she obediently handed the bank notes to Xia Ci.
Upon seeing this, Zhang Xiong revealed a satisfied smile.
Xia Ci held the bank notes and said, "The money is right here. Hall Master Zhang can come and take it. But I must also remind Hall Master Zhang, do you have the qualifications to take this money?"
"Refuse a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit!"
Zhang Xiong's face turned ugly, feeling as if he had been played. He roared, "Blind man, you're seeking death! Get him!"
Xia Xiayin had thought Xia Ci was going to give in, but to her surprise, Xia Ci was provoking Zhang Xiong. Seeing Zhang Xiong's anger, she hurriedly stepped in front of Xia Ci, drawing her sword to prepare for battle.
However, just as she drew her sword, Xia Ci suddenly pressed his hand on Xia Xiayin's, saying softly, "Little sister, step back. Watch carefully and learn!"