Chapter 4 This Is Certainly Not the Last Person You Will Kill

Four men, each armed with blades that glinted coldly under the moon, crept stealthily toward the kiln’s entrance—clearly targeting him.

Li Yi glanced toward the inner room, not daring to wake Yun Niang. He snatched up his spear and short javelin, hiding quietly behind the door.

He stared at the door, muscles taut, gripping the spear tightly, suppressing the excitement and brutality surging within him. Though he had lived two lifetimes, this was the first time he faced a true fight.

Not only was he unafraid, but the warrior's blood in him stirred, instincts for battle awakening. He calculated calmly, eyes fierce and wild.

The wooden wedge was gently pried open with a blade tip, the door creaked, and a man wearing a felt cap poked his head in, about to survey the room.

Li Yi lashed out with a sudden kick, striking the man’s head hard.

The cap-wearing thief’s head twisted unnaturally, his body crashed through the door like a sack, slamming against the wall with a heavy thud.

The thief behind him saw his companion sprawled on the floor, blood streaming from nose and mouth like a dead dog, and recoiled in terror.

Li Yi didn’t hesitate. He twisted his body, spear darting out like a dragon, piercing the thief’s shoulder.

The man screamed in agony, clutching his shoulder as blood spurted.

The two thieves watching from the rear were startled and retreated quickly, bewildered.

“Since you’ve come, you won’t leave,” Li Yi said coldly, hurling his short javelin.

Unexpectedly, the wounded thief proved fierce—enduring pain, he seized Li Yi’s arm with his left hand, grappling close, and drew a dagger from his chest, stabbing toward Li Yi’s heart.

The interference sent the javelin grazing another thief’s neck before vanishing into the darkness.

Li Yi had no time to spare—a shake of his spear deflected the dagger, his left hand seized the wounded man’s collar, his body lowered, arm suddenly raised.

The thief tried to stab again, but a surge of force lifted him off his feet, as if soaring through clouds, and slammed him to the ground.

The wounded thief’s spine snapped, organs ruptured, blood gushed from his mouth and nose, and he lay limp, unable to even lift a hand.

Such savage brutality made the two thieves in the yard shudder and tremble in fear.

Fortunately, they were hardened veterans, one barking, “It’s just a brat, what’s to fear? Go together!”

He rolled on the ground, swiftly closing in on Li Yi, his broadsword slashing viciously at Li Yi’s calf.

“Courting death,” Li Yi growled, flicking the spear butt upward, striking the blade.

The thief’s arm went numb, he staggered back, nearly losing his weapon.

The other thief yelled, swinging his blade, but Li Yi swept aside his attack with the spear tip, spun on his heel, and thrust forward.

The broadsword swept across, but a flash of cold light ended the fight—the spear pierced directly through the man’s throat.

With a wet gurgle, the thief’s eyes widened in astonishment as blood sprayed. He clutched his neck helplessly, collapsed, and twitched weakly.

The last thief was stunned. Before he could react, Li Yi pressed the spear tip to his chest. The man threw away his blade instantly, not daring to move.

The clash of weapons and shouts were loud; Yun Niang had been awakened and hurried out.

“Yi, what’s happening?” Yun Niang glanced at the thief by the door, his head drooping lifelessly—Li Yi had killed him with one kick.

Death was common in these times; Yun Niang wasn’t frightened, only worried for Li Yi.

Li Zijing’s house had a lamp lit, the door rattled—they’d obviously heard the commotion and came to check.

Li Yi pressed the spear tip forward, warning the thief not to move, then smiled gently.

“Just a few petty thieves. I’m unhurt. Go wait in the inner room; my brother will come to help.”

True enough, before he finished speaking, Li Zijing arrived in a rush with Li Guo, startled at the sight of thieves sprawled on the ground, one moaning and clutching his shoulder.

---

Li Guo, forgetting his earlier anger, rushed up. “Master, are you alright?”

“I’m fine. Go fetch some rope and tie him up.”

Li Guo brought a rope. As he entered, he exclaimed, “Liu Scarface! Isn’t he one of Ai Wanhua’s attendants?”

Li Yi narrowed his eyes. “Are you certain?”

Li Guo nodded, inspecting the other thieves. “They’re all Ai Wanhua’s men. They’re the ones who injured you before.”

Liu Scarface, realizing he’d been recognized, grinned at Li Yi. “You’re lucky, kid. We meant to kill you last time.”

“Damned scum! I’ll slaughter you!” Li Guo picked up the broadsword, pressing it to Liu Scarface’s chest, eyes blazing with fury.

But Liu Scarface was unfazed, smirking, “Careful, lad. My sheepskin coat’s worth a fortune.”

Li Guo’s breath came heavy, face flushed, arm trembling, legs weak.

Liu Scarface laughed, “Still just a kid—shaking after killing someone in times like these.”

Li Yi patted Li Guo’s shoulder and took the broadsword.

Liu Scarface’s amusement faded, his gaze wary, head shrinking—he dared not boast.

All four had served in frontier armies, their hands stained with blood.

Yet after a night raid, two were dead, one wounded, and he himself captured alive.

When had the Li family’s useless son become so ruthless?

He eyed Li Yi warily, uneasy. “Listen, Li kid, it’s not us who have a grudge against you. Young Master Ai forced us to come and kidnap your woman. We had no choice.”

Li Yi smiled coldly, tapping Liu Scarface’s face with the hilt. “Just kidnapping? You broke in armed in the middle of the night—think I’m blind?”

Liu Scarface’s face darkened, his tone threatening. “We lost tonight. But don’t get cocky. Ai’s family has plenty of tricks. Escape today—can you escape tomorrow?”

“If you ask me, why oppose Ai’s family for a woman? Hand over the girl to Young Master Ai, beg him to take you as a servant, and you’ll have food, drink, and land. Wouldn’t that be nice? The world’s chaotic. Only by joining Ai’s family will you survive.”

Li Yi sneered, “You live without shame?”

“Heh, what’s wrong with letting Ai play with a woman? If he fancied my mother, I’d dig her up for him.”

Liu Scarface shrugged, unconcerned. “She’s not even formally married—let Ai have his fun, find another later. When he’s tired of her, maybe he’ll reward you with her. Wouldn’t everyone be happy?”

“So, I should thank Ai Wanhua?” Li Yi’s eyes gleamed fiercely.

Liu Scarface spat thickly, “We’re nothing but bugs to Ai’s family. They can squash us anytime.”

“To hell with them! We’re sworn enemies. Master, stop wasting words—send them to the authorities!” Li Guo shouted.

“Send us to the authorities? Hahaha…” Liu Scarface barked with laughter. “The magistrate, Yan Zibin, is Ai’s guest of honor. The county office is full of Ai’s people. Even I hold a constable’s post. You’re going to report us? Report to whom?”

Li Guo froze.

Li Yi sneered, “Indeed, ‘Who dares accuse the magistrate himself?’”

“Yi, they came for you. What now?” Li Zijing looked at Li Yi.

Li Yi said nothing, glanced at his thin linen clothes, and walked over, cutting Liu Scarface’s ropes.

Liu Scarface rubbed his wrists, grinning, “You see things clearly, Li brother. Once we join Ai’s family, we’ll be brothers. I’ll look after you.”

Li Guo stared in disbelief. “Master, are you really joining Ai’s family?”

Li Yi ignored him, looking at Liu Scarface. “Take off your sheepskin coat.”

“What?” Liu Scarface was momentarily stunned.

---

Li Yi spoke impatiently, “I said, take off your sheepskin coat.”

Liu Scarface’s face, rough and fleshy, showed reluctance, but under Li Yi’s calm gaze, he muttered and obeyed.

“Go ask Young Master Ai for another coat. This one’s yours, consider it a gesture of goodwill.”

Li Guo clenched his fists, glaring between Liu Scarface and Li Yi, eyes nearly aflame.

Liu Scarface patted Li Guo’s shoulder, grinning, “Money and power rule the world, kid. Sometimes you have to lose your pride.”

Li Guo shook off Liu Scarface’s hand in disgust.

Liu Scarface chuckled, unconcerned, then clasped his hands to Li Yi. “Brother, I’ll report back now.”

Li Yi smiled, “Let me see you off.”

“Haha, you’re very polite.”

“No need. Farewell.”

A flash of murderous intent crossed Li Yi’s eyes. He flipped the blade and, swift as slicing a melon, severed Liu Scarface’s head.

Even in death, the face wore a mocking smile.

“If you’re so eager to be Ai’s servant, wait below. Sooner or later, I’ll send Ai Wanhua after you—so you can be Ai’s lackey forever.”

Li Yi’s expression was icy. Had he not feared staining the coat, he’d have killed the wretch sooner.

Of all choices, he chose servitude—and tried to drag others down. Just to survive, he abandoned all dignity.

Blood splattered, the stench of gore filling the air, leaving Li Zijing and Li Guo staring in shock.

Li Yi kicked the headless corpse aside, handed the nicked broadsword to Li Guo, and nodded toward the wounded thief.

“One left. Finish him. We’ll bury them somewhere.”

Li Guo took the sword blankly. Seeing Li Yi’s casual smile, he steeled himself and approached the thief.

The wounded man clutched his shoulder, retreating in terror. “I don’t want to die! Spare me, sir, please! My old mother depends on me, and I have a three-year-old child who’ll starve if I die. Please, spare my worthless life…”

Li Guo hesitated at his words, and Li Yi did not rush him, gazing at the dark night sky.

After a long pause, Li Guo glanced at Li Yi, then shut his eyes, drew a deep breath, and plunged the blade into the thief’s throat.

When the thief stopped moving, Li Guo staggered aside and vomited violently.

His face reddened, body trembling, eyes filled with complex emotion as he stared at the corpse, feeling as if his soul had left him—weak and drained.

Li Yi looked at his hollow expression, scoffing, “You shouted for revenge all day—now you wilt after killing one?”

Li Guo glared at Li Yi in anger, lips pressed tight.

Li Yi sighed softly, leaning forward, and pronounced each word, “Remember, the world is already in chaos. We may not wish to harm others, but those who want to harm us must pay a price. Human life is worthless now. This is the first person you’ve killed, but it won’t be the last.”

Li Guo hadn’t expected such words from Li Yi. Was this ruthless man still the kind, timid Li Yi?

He stared in a daze. Li Yi paid him no heed, tossing the sheepskin coat to Yun Niang.

“Take it apart for bedding. This damned weather could freeze a person overnight.”

Then he kicked Li Guo’s backside, saying bluntly, “It’s just a thief—don’t dwell on it. Get to work.”

Li Guo, unwilling to be looked down upon, forced himself to stand.

“While it’s still dark, fetch the cart from next door. We’ll pile the bodies and bury them.”

Li Guo obeyed and went for the cart.

Li Yi stepped to the doorway, stripped the sheepskin coat from the thief he’d kicked to death, put it on without hesitation.

As for the inner garments, Li Yi left them—granting the dead a final shred of dignity.