Just as Zhang Zhiwei was about to unleash a powerful lightning technique—his entire body brimming with crackling electricity—Hikaru suddenly raised a hand and spoke:
"That's enough."
The interruption caught Zhang Zhiwei completely off guard.
His built-up momentum was cut off mid-flow, leaving him stiff and awkward, unsure of what to do with all the energy surging in his body.
Still, the awe he felt toward Hikaru's strength ultimately forced him to obey.
He understood now: the gap between them was immense. Any further display would be meaningless—just an invitation for humiliation.
Even so… he couldn't help feeling slightly disgruntled.
"Senior, isn't this a little unfair? You asked me to attack—and now you're the one calling it off?"
Hikaru chuckled, waving his hand.
"'Senior'? Do I really look that old? You and I are about the same age. Just call me brother."
Zhang Zhiwei froze.
He gave Hikaru another good look.
Truthfully, he did look young. But with the strength he'd just witnessed, Zhang Zhiwei couldn't bring himself to believe they were peers.
Is he joking? he wondered. But Hikaru's expression was calm—sincere, even.
Zhang Zhiwei couldn't make sense of it.
Trying to steer the conversation away, he laughed and asked,
"So… may I take the children with me? I promised someone I'd make sure they returned safely."
Hikaru nodded without hesitation.
"Sure. Go ahead."
Truth be told, the reason Hikaru had called out Zhang Zhiwei earlier was to verify his identity—just in case he was connected to the traffickers.
But now that he'd seen Zhang Zhiwei wield the Golden Light Curse and lightning techniques far beyond anything that gang leader had shown, he was satisfied.
Besides, taking care of children had never been Hikaru's strength.
So if someone like Zhang Zhiwei was willing to take over… all the better.
He had more urgent things to do.
Zhang Zhiwei had originally assumed Hikaru would be difficult to deal with—especially considering how their first exchange had gone.
But Hikaru's easy agreement and his willingness to let someone else take the credit for saving the children left Zhang Zhiwei both surprised and confused.
Still, there wasn't time to dwell on it.
The priority now was getting these children to safety—and back to their families.
He walked over and prepared to rouse them.
But what he saw next left him stunned.
The injuries… were gone.
Every wound, every disability—healed.
Even the children who'd been near death from mutilation were now healthy and full of life.
Zhang Zhiwei turned around to look for Hikaru—
But he and his companions had already vanished without a trace.
"A true hero…" Zhang Zhiwei murmured.
"No fame. No reward. He acts only for justice."
Compared to that… he still had a long way to go.
Of course, if Hikaru had heard that, he probably would've laughed out loud.
Because Hikaru had never thought of himself as a hero—let alone noble.
He simply did what he felt was right. That was all.
After collecting himself, Zhang Zhiwei got to work.
He gently woke the children and prepared to lead them away from the nightmare they'd just survived.
But the moment they woke up…
They wailed.
Some cried quietly. Others sobbed loudly. But all were overwhelmed with grief and fear at the bloody scene around them.
Zhang Zhiwei immediately felt a headache coming on.
He hadn't prepared for this at all.
He'd thought rescuing them would be the end of it—but this… was just the beginning.
It took quite a bit of effort to calm them all down. Then, one by one, he began asking for names, addresses—any clues to help return them to their families.
After much running around, most of the children did find their way home.
But seven or eight of them… had nowhere to go.
No family. No home.
Zhang Zhiwei stared at these poor kids and couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh.
So that's why he left so quickly…
Hikaru had clearly foreseen this outcome—and left him with the mess.
After all, sending these children to the authorities would be no better than throwing them into a wolf's den.
The government in this era? Say no more.
But now it was too late for regrets.
With no other option, Zhang Zhiwei returned to his inn and pushed open the door to his master's room.
"Master! Your disciple humbly requests your divine help on a tiny matter~"
Zhang Jingqing sat cross-legged on the bed, eyes still shut, and scoffed,
"Whenever you need something, I can already smell trouble. And I'll tell you right now—if it costs money, forget it."
Zhang Zhiwei wasn't discouraged.
He scurried forward and began massaging his master's shoulders.
"Master, you've misunderstood! This time it's not about money at all."
Zhang Jingqing slapped his hands away.
"Oh, that's even worse! If it's not money, then I know I'll be the one cleaning up your mess. What did you do this time?"
Now it was Zhang Zhiwei's turn to go stiff, unable to answer.
After a moment, Zhang Jingqing sighed.
"Zhiwei… I'll take in the kids this once. But you'd better learn to weigh your limits."
Truthfully, Zhang Jingqing had already sensed everything his student had done.
He had a good heart himself—and knew full well that these children had nowhere else to go.
But still… they weren't running a charity. Dragon Tiger Mountain had limits, too.
That's why he'd staged this little act—to give his disciple a well-needed lesson.
Zhang Zhiwei beamed.
"Thank you, Master! Thank you, thank you!"
Zhang Jingqing waved him off, then added seriously:
"You're not a child anymore. It's time you learned to take responsibility.
These kids will be under your care for now.
When the time comes, we'll take them to Master Lu's estate and find them proper homes."
Zhang Zhiwei straightened up.
"Yes, Master. I understand."
"Good. Then go get things ready. Feed them. Clothe them. Find them a place to sleep."