Chapter 016 - Picking a Side
In the eyes of the villagers Li Yuan’s sudden transformation was startling, like a timid rabbit turning into a hulking human bear overnight.
In reality, he had only displayed a power level of roughly 3~4, on par with Bear. But in this village, 3~4 was already more than enough to hold onto his own catch and protect his right to enjoy his spoils.
Still, just having meat wasn’t enough. Li Yuan also wanted to make money by selling meat and pelts. The problem was, if he sold them to shady traders, who knew how much he’d be cheated out of.
That was why, earlier, he had asked that young hooligan Xiao Hu about the black market. Unfortunately, Xiao Hu wasn’t much help in that department. Even so, Li Yuan ended up learning two important things.
One was that the black market was made up of stalls, and each stall was its own little territory. The second was that registered—or rather ranked—martial artists were allowed to set up shop in the black market.
Li Yuan had dealt out punishment, then handed Xiao Hu a kilo and a half of venison—a carrot after the stick—making quite an impression. Now, Xiao Hu might keep him updated on any black market news he picked up.
Just as Li Yuan was turning these thoughts over in his mind, Yan Yu came hurtling toward him, brandishing a laundry paddle like a lone warrior rushing in to rescue a condemned man.
She grew visibly calmer when she saw her husband was safe and sound. “Li Yuan, if we lost the meat, it’s fine. At least you’re okay.”
“Losing the meat wouldn’t be fine,” Li Yuan said, voice low.
Yan Yu couldn’t help but roll her eyes. “You want to run back there and fight for it? I heard you got cornered... I'm glad you're safe this time, but sometimes there’s just nothing you can do. Let’s go home first, okay?”
“Sure, let’s head home.” Li Yuan exhaled slowly and then, with a small grin, added, “Not even an ounce of meat went missing. Once we’re home, I’ll make sure you get your fill.”
He gave the bulging sack a little shake. “Look at this bag. Does it look like anything’s missing?”