27 Martial Artists
In light of this, Fang Zhixing had actually devised a plan quite some time ago. He replied, "First, we must gather information. Our understanding of this world is really too limited."
"Right, plan thoroughly before taking action."
Xigou clearly shared the same thought.
In his heart, he hoped that this world would be one of Immortal Cultivation.
If that were the case, perhaps one day in the future he would have the opportunity to transform into a human and become that man again!
"Transformation…"
Xigou couldn't help but get lost in his thoughts, even a dog has dreams.
After eating breakfast, the man and dog left the inn and strolled along the main street.
Before long, they saw a few food stalls at the corner, selling breakfast items such as steamed buns, stuffed buns, soy milk, and porridge, but there were no fried dough sticks or tofu pudding.
Fang Zhixing approached and overheard the conversations of the diners.
"Alas, it used to be three steamed buns for one Big Coin, but now it's three Big Coins for one steamed bun."
"Food is getting more and more expensive. My family's supply is almost gone, we can't afford it!"
"I've warned you before to stock up on food and medicine as soon as possible. Right now, these things are hard currency."
…
While listening, a sudden scream came from afar.
Everyone turned their heads to look.
They saw on the main street that five or six people were beating a beggar-looking refugee with punches and kicks.
"Please, big brother, spare my life. I'm just too hungry, I didn't steal anything, that half a steamed bun fell on the ground, I just picked it up…"
The refugee collapsed on the ground, clutching half a steamed bun in his hand, wailing for mercy.
But to no avail.
In no time at all, the refugee was beaten beyond recognition and died on the spot, his body carried off to be thrown into the river to feed the fish.
"Sigh, another thief, deserved to be beaten to death!"
One of the diners, accustomed to such sights, showed no sympathy and even took delight in the refugee's misfortune.
"Damn refugees are all running our way."
Another diner, full of resentment, said, "These refugees run here asking for food everywhere, defecating and urinating all over the streets, it's disgusting!"
"Hmph, they should all be killed!" someone chimed in.
An elderly man stroked his beard, speaking seriously, "We must consult the 'Lizheng', and drive these refugees away as soon as possible."
Lizheng is an official title, similar to a town mayor or village head.
The Lizheng of Xiaoclear River Market Town would be the biggest local official here.
As Fang Zhixing listened, his heart was filled with mixed feelings.
Xigou said telepathically, "Listen, no one sympathizes with the refugees."
Fang Zhixing snorted coldly, "You've studied history, haven't you? Wasn't ancient society like this? Don't use the modern 'three views' to observe and understand this world; most people are actually ignorant."
Xigou couldn't deny this.
Even in times of peace and prosperity, there were still thieves and prostitutes, let alone during a famine?
At this moment, he noticed a person, a very muscular middle-aged man with a bald head and Big Beard, who was taller than 1.85 meters with well-developed muscles, and a face resembling Lu Zhishen.
The few who had just participated in the beating, after discarding the corpse, gathered around the bald man, bowing and nodding like underlings meeting a mob boss.
Xigou immediately sent a telepathic message, "That guy, he should be a local bully."
Fang Zhixing also noticed the bald man.
Without needing to ask, people nearby whispered and began to discuss.
"Be careful, that's Family Head Chen of Chen Family!"
"The Chen Family is the wealthiest family in Xiaoclear River Market Town with immense fortunes. The family head, Elder Chen, is shrewd in business and finance, and his son, Young Master Chen, is highly skilled in martial arts, I heard he is a formal disciple of the Black Tiger Sect."
"Exactly, Young Master Chen took the Sect Leader of Black Tiger Sect as his teacher, and he's been practicing martial arts for years. He's incredibly strong; I've seen him uproot willow trees and kill a cow with one punch."
…
"Martial arts!"
Fang Zhixing and Xigou exchanged glances.
Xigou felt a bit nervous, his eyes widening as he said, "It can't be, is this a world where martial arts thrive?"
Fang Zhixing was silent for a moment before turning to approach a middle-aged uncle sitting on the steps smoking a dry pipe, smiling and saying, "Uncle, may I inquire about something?"
After puffing out a cloud of smoke, the middle-aged uncle looked Fang Zhixing over, noting his shabby clothes, tousled hair, and the coarse aura of a rustic villager, his face immediately showed undisguised disgust and disdain.
He continued to smoke as if he hadn't heard Fang Zhixing's words, deeming him unworthy of a response.
Seeing this, Fang Zhixing was irritated but kept his smile, taking out a Big Coin from his pocket and handing it over.
"Uncle, I just have a question, it won't take long," said Fang Zhixing sincerely.
The middle-aged uncle grabbed the coin as soon as he saw it, tucked it in his pocket, and responded coldly, "Ask away."
Fang Zhixing immediately asked, "Have you heard of Immortals?"
"What person?"
The middle-aged uncle appeared completely bewildered, "Fresh person? Are you talking about 'Xian people' from the north?"
Seeing this, Fang Zhixing quickly tried another question, "Who are the strongest people you know of?"
The middle-aged uncle replied, "Certainly the 'Heavenly People'. They reign high above all, omnipotent."
"Heavenly People?!"
Fang Zhixing and Xigou were taken aback, sensing that these so-called Heavenly People might just be another name for Immortals.
He continued, "Are Heavenly People reached through a high level of Realm attained by cultivation?"
"What are you on about?"
The middle-aged uncle was growing more impatient, "Heavenly People are born nobles, none of that cultivation stuff."
After saying this, he stood up, no longer paying any attention to Fang Zhixing, and walked away on his own.