Mecha Era, Punch the Stars

Some people left the battlefield, while others felt they had lost face and wanted to join it.

The one-eyed man reached out and stopped several burly men around him who were about to teach Ah Niu a lesson, and laughed:
"Young man, your skin is as tough as an ox, and your strength is astonishing. Who taught you your martial arts?"

Upon hearing this, the others surrounding Ah Niu stepped back and made way for him.

This is a signal that the one-eyed man might be recruiting Ah Niu.

So these people all wisely withdrew.

Ah Niu, holding a cleaver, drawled out his words, speaking fiercely:

"Third Master is my master! If you want to kill him, you'll have to ask my knife for permission first!"

"Hey kid, you're not that old, but you've got quite the nerve."

A bald man standing next to the one-eyed man spoke up in mockery.

The one-eyed man smiled slightly:
"Your martial arts skills are not bad, but you're still a bit lacking when it comes to dealing with us. I won't say it twice, but if you're willing to join my Zhang Haosheng's sect from today onwards and become a disciple, we'll let your Third Master go. How about it?"

Katori teaches?
The moment those three words were uttered, everyone around was shocked and scrambled to their feet.

Everyone's face was filled with fear and bewilderment.

In the blink of an eye, only Zhang Haosheng and his group, along with Third Master A Niu, remained in the vicinity.

Even Zhou Pingyi hid behind the winery, peeking out half of his body to keep an eye on what was happening there.

The Xiangqu Sect is a notorious rebel sect.

People would never willingly join such a sect unless they were pushed to their limits.

Those who could afford to watch the spectacle from the sidelines were, of course, people who were doing alright. As for the refugees from the surrounding towns, they might be interested in joining the Xiangqu Cult upon hearing its name. Unfortunately, refugees had nothing but their bodies and no property. Even a rebellious cult like the Xiangqu Cult wouldn't suddenly impose such a burden on them.

They only recruit a large number of people when they need cannon fodder.

"Since you are a rebel cult, how dare you recruit me in public?"

Ah Niu asked slowly.

"It's very simple. We'll be requisitioning your entire town soon. If you're the first to surrender, you can even get an official position. Wouldn't that be wonderful? What's the fun in following your Third Master to slaughter cattle and sheep?"

"I can't believe it," said Zhang Haosheng, the one-eyed man.

Third Master, having caught his breath, spat at Zhang Haosheng:
"Get the hell out of here! A bunch of useless martial arts practitioners, you only bully us because of your numbers. When the imperial army arrives, what chance do you have? You're nothing but grasshoppers in autumn, you won't last long. My Ah Niu has amazing martial arts skills and extraordinary talent, why would he board your sinking ship?"

"Hehe, the imperial court imposes heavy taxes and powerful clans seize land. Third Master, you have such martial arts skills and have trained such disciples. Instead of fighting back, you let them exploit you. Isn't that too servile?"

The one-eyed man, Zhang Haosheng, did not get angry. Instead, he chuckled and retorted.

"Dynastic affairs are nothing but a beautiful dream. Which emperor doesn't exploit us? You Xiangqu people are no different from each other. Even if a rabble gains the world, it will still be a rabble."

Although Third Master was a butcher, he spoke with considerable insight.

Ah Niu listened and thought it made sense.

After thinking for a while, he said:
"In the end, it all comes down to how much skill you have, Zhang Haosheng. If you're really capable, then beat me first. If you can't, then you're nothing special, and I'll put an end to your rebellious dreams."

(End of this chapter)