Wei Long froze, startled by the man’s words. He turned around, feeling his heart thump in his chest. The shadowy figure stalked up to him, blocking the very alley he just left. He wanted to feel, but his legs trembled, betraying his urge to survive.
The came into view, but his face was still enshrouded in darkness, despite the light. The man wore a dark blue hanfu that seemed to absorb the remaining sunlight. Its white and gold lining of his hanfu gleamed, outlining his height perfectly.
A held a sword in his left hand, the polished hilt reflecting the sun’s rays. He took a step forward and Wei Long finally saw his face.
The man had a diamond shaped face, with a strong jawline that made him more handsome than Wei Long wanted to admit. His eyes were brown, but warm, despite the scowl that was painted on his face. His hair was held in a tight bun, giving him an regal aur about him, which made Wei Long feel unkempt and dirty.
Despite his cold aura, Wei Long found something the swordsman to be approachable. There was a gentleness to him, that made him even more scared. “You have something that doesn’t belong to you, little thief,” The man said, his voice as smooth as silk.
Wei Long shifted his hand unconsciously to the stolen pouch, but caught himself, placing his right hand to his side. “You have the wrong person Sir, I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Wei Long muttered, though his fingers curled protectively around the purse hidden in his ragged clothes.
His words felt hollow, even he could hear the fear in his voice. The stranger’s lips curved into a slight smile. “Little Thief, just give me the pouch and I will let you go.”
“Sir,” Wei Long said stepping back, showing his ignorance regarding the pouch. “I don’t know what you—“
“Lad, if you deny the pouch’s existence one more time. You leave me no choice.” The man said, shaking his sword in its sheath.
“You’ve mistaken m—“
The man stepped forward, ignoring Wei Long’s pleas. He darted toward him, left before spinning right, aiming to slip past the swordsman.
A whisper of movement whisked to Wei Long’s left. A gentle tug at his clothes, emptiness blossomed within his hidden pocket within his rags. Wei Long skidded to a stop, patting his garments in disbelief.
He turned around, but the swordsman was still standing in the same spot, but now he was tossing the stolen pouch in the air, taunting him.
WHAT?! Wei Long gasped in disbelief. He’d survived the streets of South Sichuan by seizing opportunities. He wasn’t about to let this swordsman stop home having a steam bun! Damn it, I have to get the pouch back! He grumbled, feeling as thought he was outsmarted.
“You were saying?” The man said coldly.
The taels jingled like a soft bell, smacking down into his palm, churning Wei Long’s stomach. It unnerved him how he spoke to him. He was no city guard, he was someone much more. What have I gotten myself into!?
But he wasn’t one to give up.
Wei Long charged forward, using his speed to the fullest. He felt the fire-sensation he usually did when he put his all into it, the swordsman eyes gapped in surprised as Wei Long appeared in front him.
As confidence filled Wei Long, his eyes shifted to the pouch. It was falling into the swordsman right hand. He reached out his hand, ready to snatch it again. Mine.
“An admirable attempt,” The swordsman said calmly, his voice carrying a gentle tone. “But I’m afraid your day of playing the benevolent thief has come to an end.”
The swordsman disappeared from in front of Wei Long, then grabbed his hand, he twisted slightly, forcing Wei Long to the ground, the knocked his sheath with nudge at a particular angle, stopping Wei Long from moving. “You have a lot of spirit lad, I’ll say that.”
Wei Long crashed into the ground, face first, he tried to push himself up, but something at an obtuse angle kept him from having the strength to break free. What. Is. Happening!
“Now then,” The swordsman said, maintaining his hold but adjusting his stance to look down at Wei Long. “Lets get this over with. I’d prefer not to drag you through the streets…so get up.”
Wei Long spat out a mouthful of dirt, his pride stinging more than his body. “Make me!”
A loud slap echoed through the alley, then a jolt of pain throbbed at the back of Wei Long’s head. He shrieked from the slap and turned back, eyeing the swordsman, dead in the eye. “Show some respect to your elders’ boy.”
Defiance rose within Wei Long, he tried to pry himself free, but that was to no avail. The swordsman grip, was like that of a chain, unmoving and unrelenting.
It took Wei Long four minutes before he finally relented in his struggle. Once the swordsman was satisfied, he loosened his grip slightly then hauled Wei Long up to his feet.
He releasing his hold entirely and stepped back. Wei Long scrambled to his feet, instantly dropping into a crouch, ready to run. But the swordsman made no move to grab him again.
Wei Long made one step and flopped to the ground, A loud growl followed and shame washed over him as his knees buckled from weakness. Wei Long’s stomach chose that moment to betray him with a loud growl.
He didn’t move, but felt the silence as of his shame. After a few seconds he rolled over, trying to feel the sun on his face, only for the swordsman hovering.
The way the light from the sun outlined his body, made him seem as some deity, but Wei Long knew better, that was hunger.
“When did you last eat?” The swordsman asked.
“An hour ago,” He lied.
The swordsman chuckled, shaking his head. “What’s your name little thief?”
“Don’t have one.”
“Oh…you’re a liar as well. Humph…”
“I do—“
“Don’t be coy with me lad,” The swordsman said, cutting Wei Long off, “Your father or mother gave you a name, what is your name?”
“Why do you care?” Wei Long snarled, feeling the back of his stomach scream.
The swordsman sighed, shaking his head at the his stubbornness. It was as if, he wei long better than he knew himself, and Wei Long despised that. “I don’t lad, but if someone is hungry, shouldn’t they be fed, regardless?”
“Tell that to the stinking vendors! They do—“
A loud smack echoed again, the throbbing sensation Wei Long felt on his cheek felt as if it were on fire. He tried to rub away the pain, but it only grew as he stared at the cold, dead eyes of the swords. “Those vendors, worked for their goods, its up to them to give away for free or sell. That’s not your decision, do you understand me!?”
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Wei Long could feel his eyes glass, but he was never one to cry, even after his father whipped him. This man, this stranger, was just another person passing by. I won’t let you have them, Wei Long thought, you won’t have my tears!
“I will not repeat myself”
“Yes…I understand,” Wei Long said, realising the man wasn’t going to relent”
“Good…now come, there'’ a steam bun vendor around the corner. I’ll buy one for you, if you tell me your name.”
“I'm not hungry,” Wei Long lied, even as the thought of a hot steam bun made his mouth water. In truth, he hadn’t eaten since yesterday and that was why he made the move on the fat man.
The two of them stood in silence for a moment, each measuring the other. Finally, Hong Quan shrugged and started walking. “Well, I'm hungry. You can follow me or run. Though I think we both know how that would end.”
Reluctantly, Wei Long fell into step beside him, keeping a careful distance. They made their way back onto the crowded street and found the steam bun cart. The sweet aroma hit him like a physical force. His stomach growled again, louder this time.
Hong Quan stopped at the cart, ordering two buns, then looked down at Wei Long. “Last chance. Tell me your name for a meal.”
Wei Long’s resolve crumbled like the walls of his old home. He was stubborn and with good reason, since his father died, people treated him as if he were a bother.
Yes, he knew he was an orphan, but he wasn’t one by choice. He’s a person, hell, he’s Huaxian too, why couldn’t they see that he was suffering, just as anyone? No…I had way worst than anyone here!
The vendor placed the buns in the swordsman had, he took a bite and the spiced chicken that was inside the bun fluttered towards his nose like a butterfly. He could taste the flour and meat on the wind, and that, made his mouth water, for the tenth time, today. “My name is Wei Long,” he finally mumbled.
“Wei Long? Hong Quan repeated, handing him a steam bun. “A good name. Strong My name is Hong Quan,” he said, as if they were meeting at a tea house rather than in a grimy alley with one of them pinned to the ground.
They walked in silence for a while, Wei Long devouring the bun in three bites. Hong Quan didn’t press him with questions, which somehow made Wei Long even more uneasy. He knew where they were headed - the grand estates of East Sichuan, where the magistrates held court.
They passed through a crowded marketplace, Wei Long saw a boy about his age begging, sadly, he had one hand. I don’t want to lose my hand, He mused sourly, I DON’T WANT TO LOSE MY HAND!
The boy caught his eye, and there was something in his gaze that made Wei Long quickly look away, his half-digested steam bun sitting like a stone in his stomach.
“Where are you taking me?” Wei Long finally asked.
“To the residence of the man the owns that pouch you stole.”
“You’re not taking me to the magistrate office?”
“I see no reason to, but that depends on you lad, do you want to go to the magistrate’s office first?”
“No!”
“Good, follow me…”
As they approached the siheyuan, the guards straightened their postures. “Master Quan!” they called out in unison, bowing deeply. Wei Long noticed how theirs flickered between Hong Quan’s sword and his face, showing respect and wariness.
“Good afternoon,” Hong Quan replied smoothly. “I have business with your master. And this boy is with me.” He placed a gentle but firm hand on Wei Long’s shoulder.
The guards exchanged glances before one spoke up. “Of course, Master Quan. Please, follow me.”
One of the guards were led through courtyards, Wei Longs gapped seeing the trimmed gardens and artificial lakes which seemed to mock the drought-stricken city beyond the siheyuan walls.
Wei Long tried not to gawk at the scenery, but his eyes betrayed him, as they kept wandering to the jade statues and gold-leafed decorations that adorned every corner.
The guards led them to a waiting room where servants quickly brought tea and an array of delicacies. Hong Quan gestured to the food. “Eat,” he said simply. When Wei Long hesitated, he added, “You’ll need your strength.”
As Wei Long cautiously picked at the unfamiliar dishes, he couldn’t help but wonder about the man who owned this mansion. Whoever he was, he was clearly one of the richest men in Sichuan.
After finishing his third treat, servants burst through the door, picking up trays and cups, confusing Wei Long.
He turned to Hong Quan and the swordsman was standing. He gestured for Wei Long to stand and he did so without asking a question.
A hush fell over the waiting room as footsteps thudded from the outside. The doors swung open, and a man entered, startling Wei Long. He’d never seen a person of that side, move with such speed and grace that commanded such attention.
The silk robes he wore, were blue and not black as he first expected. A subtle swish flowed through the room as his robes rustled behind him. The man took a seat at the end of the room, and the attendants rested treats and tea in front of him the moment he sat.
“Master Hong Quan,” the man said, his voice surprisingly melodious for his size. “What brings you to my abode?”
Hong Quan bowed slightly and smiled, “Magistrate Dai Song. Thank you for seeing us on such short notice.”
Magistrate Dai Song? Wei Long asked, his blood turning to ice. He knew that name. No. Everyone in South Sichuan knew that name. Magistrate Dai Song, but the streets graced him with a different name, Fat Gut.
Magistrate Dai Song…Fat Gut, his cruelty is known throughout Sichuan! He’s all thieves to be maimed, adult or child even if its a loaf of bread. Wei Long didn’t know, he had stolen from him.
The Magistrate’s eyes flickered briefly to Wei Long before dismissing him entirely, focusing instead on Hong Quan. “What brings you here?”
Hong Quan tucked his hand into his inner sleeve pocket and revealed the pouch Wei Long had stolen. “I believe this belongs to you, Magistrate.”
Dai Song’s eyebrows rose slightly. “Humph…I just had one of my servants whipped for stealing from me. I guess my anger was displaced.”
Silenced echoed through the room, as he turned to Wei Long, he instantly felt small, as if he was looking up at a mountain, as he tried to hide his fear. “I assume, this welp is the thief?”
“You assume correctly”
Dai Song kept his eyes assigned to Wei Long, his gaze not revealing his thought, but his avarice. The way his eyes pulsed at Wei Long, he could feel his right hand being removed. “Is this child the famed Lighthand?” His tone carried equal parts amusement and disdain.
Lighthand? Wei Long asked himself, confused.
“It is,”
What? What is going on!? Wei Long asked again, confusion riddling through his body. Wei Long sat there stupefied, but only for a second. He let his curiosity overcame his fear. “What is Lighthand?”
Hong Quan's lips curved into a knowing smile. “You.”
“What?…no I am no Lighthand!” Wei Long protested, his voice rising with indignation.
“You are,” Hong Quan said softly, his tone leaving no room for argument. “Three days ago, you relieved a silk merchant of his coin purse while he was berating his workers for dropping a bolt of fabric. Two days ago, it was a wine vendor who had been watering down his product and overcharging the poor. Yesterday, it was the owner of the Golden Lotus restaurant who kicks street children away from his door.”
“You've been watching me?” Wei Long asked, feeling blood drain from his face.
“Indeed. I’ve watched you case your targets, seen how you choose them. Always the wealthy who abuse their position, never the honest merchants or kind-hearted vendors. You've built quite a reputation, though you didn't know it. The common folk speak of Lighthand as a spirit of justice, a ghost who punishes the cruel and greedy.”
“But I’m just...” Wei Long's voice trailed off as the implications sank in.
“…a little thief, I know lad.”
Wei Long thought back to all his carefully planned thefts, the hours he spent watching potential targets, learning their habits and their true natures. He had thought himself clever and unseen, yet all along, this master swordsman had been observing his every move.
“The merchants call you Lighthand because they never feel the theft, never notice until it's too late.” Hong Quan said firmly.
Wei Long remained silent, he wanted to run, to hide, to wake up from this nightmare. But his legs wouldn't move. Something invisible smothered him, stopped him from moving. It didn’t come from Fat Gut, but Hong Quan, an invisible, dark aura that filled him with fear.
“Your silence speaks volumes,” Hong Quan said.
“It does,” Dai Song said calmly, turning to his attendants. “Fetch twenty silver taels for Master Hong Quan. The bounty for capturing Lighthand, as promised.” His lips curved in a smile that didn't reach his eyes. “Although I must admit, I expected someone... more impressive.”
“The boy has talent, Hong Quan said calmly. "But not in thievery.”
“He won’t have a hand when I’m through with him.” Dai Song said scornfully, his tone dismissive.
“Once payment is made, what becomes of the thief is no longer my affair.”
“Please... I didn't know it was your purse, Magistrate. I'll never steal again, I swear it!” Wei Long begged.
Dai Song’s expression hardened, but before he could speak, Hong Quan stepped forward, his hand coming to rest casually on his sword hilt. “If I may, Magistrate, I have a proposition.”
The room grew very still. Everyone present was acutely aware of Hong Quan's reputation with a blade.
“Oh…and what might that be? Hmm?”
“Let me take the boy. His debt to you will be paid in full, and you’ll have one less street rat to worry about.”
Dai Song sat back in his chair, grabbing the arms and studied Hong Quan for a long moment.. “Why are you so invested in this... worm?” he asked curiously.
Hong Quan turned to the magistrate, his eyes as cold as steel. Then, a gentle smile flashed across his face, transforming his entire demeanour. “I plan to make him the best swordsman the Heavy Sword Sect has ever seen.”