Chapter 57: Shadows, Ambush on the Road

“I wonder, Young Master Lu, what kind of battle saber are you looking for?”

Lu Qing thought for a moment and asked, “Master Ma, I was wondering how much a battle saber would cost?”

“That is hard to say,” Ma Gu replied with some difficulty.

“An ordinary battle saber might cost a few taels of silver. A better one, a Hundred-Refined battle saber, would likely start at ten or twenty taels.”

“As for if you have other requirements, such as special sabers infused with unique metals, those would likely cost upwards of a hundred taels.”

“And for those who prefer luxury, with precious gems and jade inlaid on the hilt and scabbard, the price is even harder to estimate. There are even sabers that cost thousands or even tens of thousands of taels.”

Upon hearing this, Lu Qing immediately said, “I don't need any luxurious decorations. Please, Master Ma, just help me buy a Hundred-Refined battle saber. Keep the style simple and unadorned; as long as it is tough and sharp, I have no further requirements.”

“As for the price, as long as it is within fifty taels, I can accept it.”

Having said that, Lu Qing took a silver ingot from his bosom. “Here is ten taels of silver. Consider it a down payment.”

Looking at the snow-white silver ingot, Master Ma thought to himself that the old physician truly doted on Lu Qing, giving him such a large sum of money so casually.

Even in his own youth, when his food and clothing were all provided by his clan, it was difficult for him to have ten taels of silver on his person.

However, on second thought, he felt it was only natural.

Given the martial talent Lu Qing had displayed, he would certainly be cultivated with full effort in any great clan.

For such an outstanding disciple, it would be abnormal if that old physician didn't care for him.

“Fifty taels is enough to buy a very good Hundred-Refined battle saber. Don't worry, I will select one carefully for you. Just come to my place to collect it during the next grand market day.”

Ma Gu did not decline, taking the silver and speaking.

“Then I thank you, Master Ma,” Lu Qing said solemnly.

Although he knew that Ma Gu's assistance came with ulterior motives, was he not also utilizing the man?

In this day and age, who among strangers would help another for no reason at all?

On the contrary, a person of great kindness like his master was a true rarity, seldom seen.

“Young Master Lu, since you have made the trip to the grand market, why not come to my place for a small gathering? It would allow me to fulfill my duties as a host.”

After accepting the silver and seeing that the two were conversing harmoniously, Ma Gu took the opportunity to invite him.

“This...” Lu Qing hesitated. “I would very much like to curry favor with Master Ma, but shouldn't you be attending to that noble young master from earlier? He seemed to be of very high status.”

Damn it!

Prompted by Lu Qing's reminder, Ma Gu finally remembered that he had a little ancestor waiting in his residence.

Moreover, he had been out for so long and didn't know what that person's requirements might be.

If the young master threw a tantrum because he couldn't be found immediately, it would be troublesome.

Thinking of this, Ma Gu could no longer bother to invite Lu Qing.

He could only say, “Then let it be next time. When you come to collect the saber, you must have a few drinks with me.”

“As long as Master Ma does not mind, I shall obey your command.”

“Then it is settled!”

Seeing that Lu Qing agreed, Ma Gu felt joyful. He immediately called an underling, gave a few instructions, and hurried back toward his residence.

Seeing Ma Gu, a powerful expert of the Bone-Tempering Realm, being so fearful of a youth in fine clothing, Lu Qing could not help but shake his head.

It seemed the status and background of the nobles in this city were truly staggering.

With Ma Gu gone and the matter of the battle saber settled, Lu Qing's mood was quite pleasant, and he continued to wander through the grand market.

Before long, he had finished buying everything he needed.

Not only was the bamboo basket on his back filled to the brim, but he was also carrying many items in both hands.

After finishing his shopping, Lu Qing did not intend to linger. He prepared to leave the market with his belongings.

However, before leaving, he saw several of Master Ma's men ordering villagers who were selling chickens, ducks, and pork to pack up their things.

Recalling the behavior of the youth in fine clothing earlier, it was clear that Ma Gu was also afraid these villagers might provoke the noble young master's displeasure again.

Shaking his head and once again realizing the class divide between the city nobles and the rural villagers, Lu Qing slowly walked away.

Just after Lu Qing left, two men suddenly emerged from the crowd in the market.

They looked in the direction Lu Qing had gone, their eyes filled with doubt.

“Old Seven, does that kid just now look somewhat familiar to you?” asked one of the men, whose features were grim.

“I think so too. I feel like I've seen him somewhere before.”

The other man, who had a large black mole on his face, also found it strange.

“Look at him—doesn't he look a bit like Lu Ming's son?” the grim-faced man prompted.

“Lu Ming?” The man with the black mole was stunned at first, then reacted suddenly. “He does! He looks exactly like him. Except, wasn't that little brat quite thin before? He seems to have become a bit sturdier now.”

“It must be because he's eating and drinking well,” the grim-faced man sneered. “Those old fogies in Jiuli Village even claimed that the Lu family's fields had all been sold and they had no more money to compensate us. Now it seems we were deceived.”

“Those old men must have intercepted a lot of the money and intentionally refused to pay off Lu Ming's debt.”

“Fifth Brother, are you saying those villagers in Jiuli Village cheated us?” The man with the black mole's eyes widened.

“Of course. Otherwise, where do you think that little brat got the money to buy so many things at this market?”

“Have those old fogies in Jiuli Village grown tired of living? They even dare to cheat us?” The man with the black mole felt a surge of anger. “I'll go grab that brat right now!”

With that, he prepared to head in the direction Lu Qing had gone.

“Don't be hasty,” the grim-faced man stopped him. “What's the use of just grabbing the kid? If we're going to do this, let's make it a big deal. Otherwise, people will think they can deceive us without paying a price. How would we survive in this area then?”

“Fifth Brother, what do you mean?” The man with the black mole's eyes lit up.

“Let's go. Let's head back first. There are too many ears and eyes here, and this is Ma Gu's territory. It's not a place for much talk.”

The two glanced at the market, a hint of wariness flashing in their eyes.

Ma Gu of this market was no ordinary figure. Even their boss had said that if it could be avoided, they should try not to provoke him.

Otherwise, if he truly became enraged, even their boss might not be able to stop him.

One must remember that their boss was a high-and-mighty martial artist.

If even he was so wary, then Ma Gu was certainly not someone they could afford to offend.

The two hurriedly left the market.

On the other side, Lu Qing had no idea he was being watched in secret.

At this moment, he was being blocked by another group of people.

“You just said... you want to rob me?”