Chapter 14: Instant Karma
As Taf arrived at the restaurant, the night had fallen, casting a warm glow from the restaurant's lights. The last of the diners had departed, leaving Taf to prepare for his shift. In the back of the restaurant, he spotted Mr. Ming, diligently reviewing the day's sales as he typically did during the late hours.
"Hey kiddo, how did the sales go? Did you get anything you wanted?" he asked with a smile.
With a smirk on his face, Taf replied, "It was indeed a good day, old man Ming. I acquired a journal that is said to contain the life story of a mortal who served a cultivator before his passing.
I can't wait to read it after I finish my work tonight," Taf said eagerly. "Unfortunately, the Bing Gang was in an accident today, and I have to admit, I was the one responsible," he said smugly.
" Really, what did you do this time?
Didn't I beg you to keep yourself out of trouble for once?" Mr Ming had a stern look on his face as he questioned.
"To be honest, they forced my hand to be as vicious as I was this time, so they got what they had coming to them."
Taf laughed while reliving his ordeal to the old man,
"I got to say it was a real bashing, though. One that will be remembered through the ages."
"Is that so? Tell me all about it while you wash up the pots and plates." Mr Ming looked curious as he heard what Taf said.
"How could little you give a big bashing to those twice your age? Give me all the details."
Taf then stated all the happenings with his run-in with the gangs and how he had used a borrowed knife to get the job done. He spoke of the never-ending pelting bestowed on the Gang members as they pleaded for mercy.
Mr Ming was shocked at the details and patted him on the shoulder.
"Although I don't always support your actions, you did it right this time. Why get your hands dirty when you can borrow?"
Evidently proud of the kid's accomplishment, he went further into detail,
" Also, you have been listening to my advice by always keeping calm in sticky situations and thinking about your options.
Whenever you are given three, there is always a fourth or fifth that was not easily seen."
The old man, Ming, winked at him and continued with his reassuring pat on the shoulder.
"Moments like this make me proud.
Haha!
You remind me of my time as a youth and getting into trouble.
Sigh!
Those were some fun times." He said while thinking of his youth,
" Then there comes a time when you must grow up and walk away from the mischief and troubles.
Be more responsible in your own decision-making. That's the way forward to becoming a man."
He spoke, but Taf felt that Mr Ming was referring to not just himself but his past self when he offered those words of wisdom.
"Old senior Ming, did you know any martial arts you could teach me?
It's getting to the point that I should learn to defend myself instead of depending on running and trickery."
With evident longing, Taf anxiously questioned. Who could he find to teach him? This was on his mind the whole journey back.
" I know you are a fighter from back in the old days, as you tell me stories of your past glorious times every night as I clean up," Tafari further the conversation as he washed a pot in his hand,
" Though I think there was some embellishment because who are we kidding, old man Ming? You fought eight single-handedly and came out unscathed," Taf stated sarcastically.
PLOP!
Tafari rubbed his head as pain ran through his scalp.
" This old man was the grandest of fighters back in the day. I stated eighty, but my shifting in and out as heads and limbs were smashed could have been fifty or a hundred; who knows?" Mr Ming confessed with a heroic tone,
" I have knowledge of many hidden techniques that I can teach you and legendary techniques that have been forbidden."
He continued, and a smug look of a master appeared on his face.
Tafari became excited at the mere mention of " hidden," " legendary," and " forbidden" techniques.
However, Taf quickly returned to reality when he remembered who he was conversing with.
How many have this old man con with his flowery and sweet words?
He knew Mr Ming as a professional when selling an idea. This man could sell you sand in the middle of the desert and seawater while floating on the ocean.
After seeing Taf's look of non-belief, Mr Ming shrugged, " You will see when the lessons begin."
As they spoke, four unwelcome figures started laughing as they entered.
" You know I love karma; it has its way of evening things out. You brought wrath upon my members, and I bring unmitigated vengeance upon you in return.
I like it, so I think we should call it instant karma."
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Lord_of_sleep
Lord_of_sleep Wasn't actually planning on writing another chapter today but was in the mood. Chapter 14 huh and 10k word count didn't even think I would reach 100 words. I wonder how long before the 20k mark?
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone