“That. Runt? A swordsman?” Dai Song chuckled in disgust. “He’s nothing but a THIEF, claiming his hand as mine is all he needs.”

Wei Long felt a hammer hit his heart, making him hold his chest. Hong Quan is from the Heavy Sword Sect? He thought confused, as he turned to him.

He held a cup of tea in his hand, and stirred it as if he was goading Fat Gut Dai Song. “Magistrate Song…You see a thief,” Hong Quan said calmly. ”I see untapped potential, raw talent waiting to be moulded.”

“Potential?” Dai Song laughed, his booming across the room. “The only potential he has is to lose his hand!”

Wei Long’s eyes darted between the two men. His survival instincts screamed at him to run. “I must admit, Master Hong Quan, your interest in this street rat intrigues me.”

As Hong Quan’s words echoed within his mind. He couldn’t do much but to laugh. Him? the best swordsman the Heavy Sword Sect? A boy that picked pockets and sleeping in alleys…it didn’t make sense to him.

“The bounty,” Hong Quan said indifferently. “I don’t need it, just hand the boy over to me. And that’s that.”

“Oh?” Dai Song said, furrowing his brow. ‘Cold Steel’ Hong Quan, turning down payment? Now that’s…unexpected.” He leaned forward in his chair, his silk robes rustling. “What game are you playing at, swordsman?”

“No game,” Hong Quan replied, twirling another cup of tea in his hand. “Consider it a gesture of good faith. The money stays in your coffers, and the boy comes with me to the Heavy Sword Sect.”

“Master Hong Quan,” Wei Long whispered, surprising himself by speaking. “I’m…”

“Do you want to keep your hand or do you want to be a swordsman?”

It wasn’t even a question. Wei Long wanted to keep his hand…but being a swordsman? He could try his best, and at least he’d still have his hand.

Dai Song’s expression shifted from amusement to calculation. He drummed his fingers on his chair’s armrest, the sound echoing in the tense silence. “I see…I’m intrigued.”

“Do we have a deal?”

“No…he’s been stealing all over the Sichuan. The bounty is not enough.”

A wry smile flashed across Hong Quan face, that made Wei Long scared. He’s not scared of Fat Gut, He thought.

“I see, so its really about coins then.”

An uncomfortable twist in his chest made Wei Long wince. The fear he felt, warred within him…killing what burning hope he’d had the moment Hong Quan mentioned him joining the The Heavy Sword Sect.

“Coins?” Dai Song’s face reddened. “You dare suggest I’m being greedy?”

“Not at all,” Hong Quan said, placing his teacup down with deliberate slowness. “I’m merely stating that your justice seems to have a price.”

The room grew colder, as if winter had suddenly descended. Wei Long noticed the guards shifting uncomfortably, their hands tightening on their weapons.

“Watch yourself, 'Cold Steel',” Dai Song growled, slapping his hand against the table. “Your reputation may precede you, but this is my domain.”

Hong Quan's smile never wavered. “Indeed it is. And in your domain, you have a choice to make. You can take twenty silver taels and maim a child, adding another crippled beggar to your streets...” He paused, letting his words hang in the air. “Or you can be known as the magistrate who showed wisdom and mercy, who gave the Heavy Sword Sect its next great disciple.”

“Besides,” Hong Quan continued, “think of the prestige. When he becomes a master swordsman, people will speak of how Magistrate Dai Song’s judgment helped shape a street rat into a warrior. They might even forget about your... stricter decisions.”

Wei Long didn’t move, he watched ensuring not to move a muscle. He didn’t want the err of either of these men.

Hong Quan moved his hand away from his tea, letting it rest casually near his sword hilt. The gesture wasn't threatening, but it made everyone in the room acutely aware of who they were dealing with.

Dai Song narrowed his eyes, but Wei Long could see the calculations happening behind them. The magistrate's reputation for cruelty was well-known, and here was a chance to soften it. “You talk a pretty game, “Dai Song said calmly. “I’m a magistrate…you’re a sect member. The two don’t mix, unless they are bounties involve. The jianghu prefers it these ways…does it not?”

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

“It does, the relation has been this way ever since the First Emperor of our Great Huaxia.”

“Then don’t puff me up to some saviour of some runt. It means nothing to me!” He snapped.

“…but it will mean a lot to the Heavy Sword Sect.”

“…hmm, a favour from the Heavy Sword Sect…now that entices me.

“Then we’re in an agreement?” Hong Quan asked.

“We are.”

“Magistrate Dai Song, you honour us with your wisdom.”

Dai Song waved his hand dismissively. “You may take the runt and go, before I change my mind.”

“Thank you, Magistrate Dai Song,” Hong Quan said bowing slightly with his sword in hand.

“Wei Long, bow and thank the magistrate.”

“Thank you, magistrate Dai Song,” He said nervously.

As they both turned to leave, a loud clap echoed throughout the room. The guards covered the doors and Hong Quan turned around sword in hand. “Magistrate Song…”

“Cold Steel…do you plan on leaving with my coin?”

A wry smile appeared on Hong Quan’s face, he shook his head. “Of course not.”

He reached into his sleeve, then pulled the coin pouch free. He nodded to Wei Long and the boy ran towards him taking the pouch from him.

He ran towards Fat Gut, scared as ever. If there was one time to be brave. It was now, he needed to be brave because his life was about to change…hopefully for the better.

He bowed before the magistrate, holding the pouch out and one of the guards took it from him, and handed it to the magistrate.

The magistrate tossed the pouch in the air a few times, then satisfaction resonated on his face. “All seems to be here,” He noted, “you may take your leave.”

“Thank you, Magistrate Song,” Hong Quan said.

“Thank you, magistrate.” Wei Long repeated.

They walked through the magistrate’s courtyard in silence. The guards at the gate straightened as they passed, their eyes following Hong Quan's sword rather than his face.

Once they were several streets away from the estate, the busy streets of Sichuan surrounded them now. A wave of relief washed over Wei Long as he released the heavy sigh. “Master Hong Quan,” He started, but hesitated.

A thousand questions aroused his mind, but fear kept him from asking further questions. He knew what the sword master had said, but he just didn’t have the confidence to speak.

“Wei Long, speak freely," Hong Quan said, not breaking his stride.

“Why do you want me to join your sect? I’m just a-“

Hong Quan didn’t answer immediately. He let the question settle as they maneuvered through the crowds. A knowing smile painted itself across his lips and he turned to face the young boy. “I believe you have the potential. However, you are what you choose to be, Wei Long. Nothing more, nothing less.”

Wei Long mulled over these words in silence, trying his best to understand what Hong Quan was saying. He understood potential…but you choosing who he could be, that was something only nobles could do.

They had all the opportunity in the world.

Wei Long, was just a snot nose kid, running through the streets of Sichuan, trying to survive…day by day. Choosing who he’d be, was never on the table for him, not since his father died.

Hong Quan harrumphed, then turned to him “…speaking of choices…hand it over.”

“What? Wei Long asked, confused.

“The silver coin you stole from the magistrate’s pouch. Did you think I wouldn't notice?”

Wei Long froze mid-step, his heart skipping a beat. He looked up at Hong Quan confused, but most speechless, till he finally spoke. “I…how did you...”

“The same way I found you in that alley-- I observe.” Hong Quan stopped walking and turned to face him. “The coin, Wei Long.”

Shame burned through Wei Long's chest as he reached into his pocket. He pulled out the silver coin, its surface catching the sunlight. He'd moved so quickly, been so careful. Yet Hong Quan had seen everything.

“I'm sorry,” Wei Long whispered, expecting fury or disappointment. Instead, Hong Quan’s expression remained neutral as he took the coin.

“Tell me,” Hong Quan said, holding up the coin, “What would this buy you?”

“Food for a week. Maybe two if I bargained well.”

“…and now it could cost you both hands.” Hong Quan’s words weren’t harsh, but Wei Long could feel the weight of them. “The path of a swordsman requires more than just skill, Wei Long. It demands honour. Integrity. Discipline. You lack it…but that’s understandable. You want to survive in a world like this and the strength to resist old habits, no matter how deeply ingrained they may be is a daily challenge.”

Wei Long hung his head down, expecting to be dragged back to the magistrate’s estate. Instead, Hong Quan placed a hand on his shoulder.

“Listen carefully," Hong Quan said in a low but serious voice. “This is your final warning. If you steal again - anything, from anyone - I will personally return you to Magistrate Dai Song. Your fate will be his to decide, and I will not intervene. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Master Hong Quan.” Wei Long said, voice quivering under the threat. ”I promise. No more stealing.”

“Good.” Hong Quan tucked the coin away. “Now, you have a choice to make.”

“I thought I already made my choice?” Wei Long asked, looking up at Hong Quan confused.

“You chose to avoid losing your hand,” Hong Quan corrected. “Now, you must choose to become a swordsman. They are not the same thing.” He gestured to the busy street around them. “These streets are your domain. You know every alley, every escape route. You could run right now, disappear into the crowd. I wouldn’t stop you.”

As Wei Long scanned the busy streets, a sense of familiarity struck him. He looked at the crooked buildings, the vendors’ stalls and the endless flow of people. This was his world. He knew how to survive here. The Heavy Sword Sect was unknown to him.

“If you run, you choose to remain what you are. If you follow me, you choose to become something more.” Hong Quan said calmly, turning.

He began walking in the opposing direction and despite the distance between Wei Long and him. Wei Long could hear his words clear as day. ”The choice is yours, Wei Long. Make it now.”

Wei Long stood there, feet rooted to the ground, watching as Hong Quan’s back began to disappear in the streets.

For the first time in his life, he felt something. He felt like…he didn’t have to follow his father’s footsteps…he didn’t have to steal to make ends meet.

His feet began to move forward, he didn’t realise it, but before he knew it. He was close to Hong Quan. The master swordsman looked down at him and smiled gently. He offered the silver coin to Hong Quan and the master swordsman took it.

As if Wei Long had a choice in the matter.