章 6: He if Fang Yuan!
Lo Jik observes the obscenely muscular man. He's effortlessly thrice the size of the young Gu Master and has jagged, bearded features. The unknown man ferociously glares at Lo Jik, smirking maliciously. His presence drives other mortal clansmen away as he tries to grab Lo Jik's shoulder again, announcing, "You're in trouble! You dare beat our Young Master? Come! You will answer to Young Miss Mo Yan!"
Lo Jik steps back again, frowning. He observes the man again before revealing a look of hesitation. The man rejoices when he sees that look, understanding that the other party must be cowering due to Mo Family's name.
"You're Young Miss, Mo Yan?"
"From what angle do I look a woman to you?!" The man barks as veins bulge around his temples. "I'm Mo Family's humble servant, Gao Wan! You and Gu Yue Fang Yuan must answer for your crimes!"
Lo Jik's frown deepens. Gao Wan's loud voice and stature makes other fearful and unwilling to crowd around the duo and watch the drama since he uses the Mo Family's name. It must be known that aside from the Clan Leader's influence, the Mo and Chi Families are two of the most influential foundations within the Gu Yue Clan! How can others willingly stand around such a hot mess?
A few vendors discreetly stow their stalls into their cottages as the street starts thinning.
"Come with me! Don't blame me if you resist!" Gao Wan clenches his fist, making his knuckles pop. Yes, Lo Jik has no delusion that the hairy hunk ahead can knock the daylights off him in a moment. However, Lo Jik isn't afraid. Fear kills the thought of courageous ventures and risky endeavors that lead to profits!
Instead, Lo Jik points out. "You want me AND Fang Yuan, right?" He grins viciously. "Fine! Did you catch that Bastard, too? He owes me 10 primeval stones! If you want, I can lead you to him, too." He doesn't say how beneficial it would be for Gao Wan's status of servitude if he could bring Fang Yuan and Lo Jik together. Yet the implications aren't lost on Gao Wan as his beady little eyes shine.
"Hmph!" Gao Wan sneers. 'Gu Masters are weak in their initial stage. Their signature attack, the Moonlight Gu, barely works on human flesh and bone since they need training. The boy knew that and gave up. If I bring both offending parties to Young Miss, she will reward me more.'
It's not just Gao Wan searching for Lo Jik and Fang Yuan. Other servants under Mo Yan are searching for the duo, too. Flames of greed lick his heart as Gao Wan snickers, "Fine. You have a good head on your shoulders. When you meet Young Miss, kowtow several times. It will ease her anger, and she may lessen your punishment."
Lo Jik smiles and nods.
"Come. Fang Yuan is a despicable, lying piece of shit," Lo Jik informs as he steps forward, leading Gao Wan away. "Do you know he has a twin brother?"
"Everyone knows about the A-grade genius!" Gao Wan scoffs, relaxing and conversing with Lo Jik.
"But did you know Fang Yuan pretends to be Fang Zheng and scams the shopkeepers?" Lo Jik raises an eyebrow.
"What?" Gao Wan frowns, making Lo Jik scoff. "Why do you think I lent my precious savings to Fang Yuan? He lied to me and said he was Fang Zheng! The scoundrel scammed me! Even if I fight with Fang Zheng, he is an upright genius. Of course, I will lend him my savings! But Fang Yuan? Peh! He's my partner-in-crime, but I won't trust him with a bag of seeds."
Gao Wan grows alert in his heart. He and others did not know of such an event.
'This Fang Yuan is despicable. It's known there is no honor among the thieves. However, to scam one's partner? No wonder Lo Jik easily agreed to lead me there.'
The last bits of suspicion leave Gao Wan's burly body.
"Listen, Servant," Lo Jik continues, making Gao Wan growl under his breath.
"Keep your tongue in check, Gu Yue Lo Jik. I'm Mo Family's servant. Not yours! Talk to me that way again, and Missy won't have to punish you!"
Lo Jik snorts but doesn't argue. Instead, he begins, "Old Gao."
Gao Wan nods.
"That Fang Yuan is not only a thief but a clever fellow, too. I hate to admit it, but it's the truth. When you see him, don't give him any chance. I'm cooperative—he isn't. He will try to run into the Academy or say he's Fang Zheng. However, you cannot let him do that. Look at you."
Lo Jik stares at the man. "You can easily beat him, right?"
"Young Missy will punish him accordingly," Gao Wan snorts.
"Your Young Missy won't get a chance if he enters his dorm room," Lo Jik snorts. "You have to capture him."
Gao Wan stares at the boy, snorting in his heart. "You want me to beat him for you. Forget it, kid."
"I will pay half the sum he borrowed from me," Lo Jik gets anxious. "Think carefully. What will your Missy do if you let him get away when he is inches from you? However, beating him unconscious will keep him from running away, and I will pay you 5 stones, too."
Lo Jik's words move Gao Wan's heart as they slowly make their way into the heart of the village.
<<<>>>
The story about the Fang Twins is known to man—orphaned twins taken in by their uncle and aunt. One day, the Elder Twin recites a beautiful poem. He doesn't stop. The Elder Twin enamors the Gu Yue Clan with his literacy talents as he recites and writes poetry. It attracts the administrator's attention as everyone focuses on the boy. His uncle and aunt favor him and treat him kindly. The Twins grow in such praises.
However, the Elder Twin isn't the talented one. It's as if the Heavens wished to compensate the Elder that it gave the boy a knack for poetry. However, the 'grounded' Younger Twin displays his talent during the awakening ceremony!
The Elder Twin could not bear such shame. He fell into the vices of alcohol and moved out of his Uncle's residence, unable to endure shaming his caretakers anymore. His hatred and jealousy for his Younger Twin made the Elder Brother publicly slap his little brother! It wasn't enough.
The Elder Twin, Fang Yuan, is angry!
He lashes out. He hurts and defeats his classmates, extorting them to fuel his alcohol addiction! He sleeps in the classroom and drinks at night, unfit of the honor that is being a Gu Master!
That's all Mo Yan knows.
Not heartless enough, she can momentarily empathize with a false genius' anger. However, she isn't kind to strangers. After all, how dare a filthy C-grade loser hurt her brother?!
Mo Bei will lead the Mo Family. How can anyone touch him? How can a duck compare to an elegant swan?
However, entering the tavern brings her face-to-face with the man beside the window. One of her servants stands beside him, quickly bowing, "I found him, Young Miss!"
Mo Yan nods and narrows her eyes. There is no fear on the boy's face. Sneering, Mo Yan snarks, "Did you enjoy your food? You're lucky, Fang Yuan. I bring a special dessert!"
A woman she might be, but her body is more powerful than most. She clenches her fist, ready to drag the boy through the streets and beat him in her courtyard.
The boy looks at her. An unappreciated, amused smirk dances on his features as he replies, "Who said I'm Fang Yuan?"
<<<>>>
"Very good!"
A voice stops Fang Zheng from pounding his fists into the grass puppet as he stops, indifferent to sweat pouring down his body. He quickly turns around and bows, "Elder."
The Academy Elder nods, his gaze gleaming with happiness. "You're training so hard even after Academy hours, Fang Zheng. Good. Hard work polishes one's talents!"
"Yes!" Fang Zheng nods, feeling encouraged. He started to train again after Lo Jik's sneak attack to vent his anger. Now? He wants to practice to make his Elders proud.
The Academy Elder doesn't linger around more than necessary and offers a few words of caution before leaving. Fang Zheng continues to train for ten more minutes before feeling drained and quits for the day. Martial Arts aren't the only thing he must focus on. Fang Zheng is a Gu Master and must focus on nurturing his aperture walls to break into the middle stage of Rank 1! When he eventually becomes the quickest student to achieve this, he will become the Class President.
His eyes glint with something more than determination.
'Elder Brother, Gu Yue Lo Jik! You two will bow your heads when I become the President. I will return today's humiliations tenfold!'
He wipes his sweat and walks to the Academy's only entrance/exit.
"There!"
Fang Zheng hears a sharp yell the second he staggers a few steps away from the Academy.
"He is Fang Yuan!"
'Elder Brother is here?' Fang Zheng blinks in surprise, turning to face the man. It's coincidental. Usually, his Elder Brother would loiter in the village and only return to the dorm at night. Even when Fang Zheng trains until evening, he never runs into his Elder Brother.
However, a zooming fist as big as his skull greets Fang Zheng the second he turns around. His young body flies back through the impact alone as Fang Zheng's vision disorients and his entire face turns numb! His lips feel something warm flowing down, and his eyes instantly tear up.
"What—" He gasps, unable to dodge the subsequent punch as the fist knocks the breath out of his lungs, making him kneel over. His eyes bulge out as he coughs spit and blood!
"Don't go easy on him!"
Fang Zheng hears the familiar voice.
"He's a despicable actor and can take a good beating. If you let up, he will run into the academy!"
Gu Yue Lo Jik!
Fang Zheng barely identifies the voice before the assaulter grabs his head to pull him up before plunging a knee into his gut!
'Oof!'
Lo Jik cringes. He is intimately familiar with how a knee to a gut feels.
'Sorry, Fang Zheng. You'll have to take one for the team.'
Lo Jik will never snitch on the combat demon who could almost take him out even when he used tricks. It's not fear but opportunity. Lo Jik would very much like to continue extorting the classroom, and doing it alone is not as simple as doing it with a capable partner.
'Besides, I know men work twice as hard through hatred compared to men working for love. The funny thing is, men in love are already hard-working enough.'
"W-What is going on?"
One of the guards promptly arrives.
"Is that Fang Yuan?"
"Lo Jik is calling him Fang Yuan. Both those bastards are partners, so he must be right."
More students emerge from the dorm after hearing the commotion. Passersby crowd the street, too, watching a middle-aged heavyweight champion abuse a poor, 'talentless' boy.
"Hehe! Good! Beat that bastard!"
One of the indignant boys cheers. His actions have a domino effect as Gao Wan hears loud cheers from the crowd near the Academy Gate, chanting Fang Yuan's defeat. It emboldens Gao Wan as he beats Fang Yuan more ruthlessly!
Unlike Gu Masters, Gao Wan only has his body. He trained his mortal body to the peak and learned several martial arts. Even if Gao Wan beats Fang Yuan violently, the man remains cautious. He cannot deliver any permanent damage. Right now, all of Fang Yuan's wounds are surface-level.
"Gao Wan!" A loud shriek stops as he notices his Young Missy accompanying a remarkably similar boy. Gao Wan becomes sure when he sees the boy beside Mo Yan. That twin looks calm and collected, aloof enough to be a genius. Meanwhile, the boy he beat up looked skittish and upto no good!
"I found Fang Yuan, Young Miss," Gao Wan kneels on the spot. "Forgive me for using these means. However, this Fang Yuan is despicable and would have rushed inside the Academy."
Mo Yan grits her teeth as she glares at the crowd.
This was not the plan!
They did NOT need a crowd of witnesses!
Before Gao Wan can utter another word, a sharp Moonblade severs his head from his body.
"You insolent cur!" Thunders the Academy Elder as he shoves through the crowd with red, raging eyes! He points at Mo Yan, who shrinks, "Are you stunted in your head, woman?! How dare you order your man to attack Gu Yue Fang Zheng?! Do you believe yourself above the laws of the Clan?!"
Mo Yan pales as she suddenly looks at Fang Yuan.
The teen shrugs, quietly nodding at Lo Jik.
'Well, I should go—' Lo Jik tries sneaking away when the Academy Elder's baleful gaze pins him down.
'—or not.'
<<<>>>
The Clan Leader resides in the central pavilion housing the underground spirit spring, where they hold the annual Awakening Ceremony.
A heavy tension lingers in Gu Yue Bo's study as he quietly stares at the kneeling Mo Yan surrounded by Mo Chen, Academy Elder, Fang Yuan, and Lo Jik. His narrow eyes pin the offending woman as she doesn't raise her head, her expression aghast with shame. Mo Chen's expression doesn't look good either, while the Academy Elder continues to wear the mask of stern anger.
Gu Yue Bo notices all that, including Fang Yuan's cold and aloof expression alongside Lo Jik's curious but muted demeanor. The latter stares at Mo Yan before looking away.
In his middle ages, Gu Yue Bo proclaims long grey hair, drooping brows, and a similar greying mustache and beard. He speaks once he feels the tensions slightly settle.
"This is a grave matter, Elder Mo," he glances at Mo Chen. "Your family attacked the most talented seed of this year's batch!"
Mo Chen's head dips slightly.
"We shall discuss things after dealing with the ignorant juniors," Gu Yue Bo snorts and glances at the young trio. Even after knowing about the extortions, Gu Yue Bo acts as if he didn't hear the root cause of this mess and calls Lo Jik forward.
"Gu Yue Lo Jik."
"Here, Clan Leader," Lo Jik steps forward, cupping his fists and lowering his head.
"You will not receive any stipend for the next five weeks. Understandably, a disloyal servant from the Mo Family threatened you to give up Fang Yuan's location. However, actions have consequences. Gu Yue Clansmen are courageous and must do what's right. Reflect on these words."
"Yes, Clan Leader!" Lo Jik exclaims. "I'm deeply regretful for my actions! I vow to never commit something of this nature again."
Gu Yue Bo narrows his eyes before gesturing to Lo Jik to step back.
Meanwhile, Mo Chen's expression worsens as he realizes the 'truth.'
"Gu Yue Fang Yuan."
"Yes, Clan Leader," Fang Yuan steps forward, his tone calm and peaceful as he bows slightly and cups his fists.
"Proving your wits despite the threat and planning to take protection under the academy to calm the situation without any altercation, you will earn Gu Yue Lo Jik's share of the stipend for the next five weeks."
"As you command, Clan Leader," Fang Yuan softly states before he's excused.
Not bothered by the punishment, Lo Jik continues staring at Mo Yan. She isn't the most beautiful woman in the world, but her charms are undeniable. Her jet-black hair, fair skin, and slightly longer nose fail to move Lo Jik. However, she's a Rank 2 Gu Master and an Elder's Granddaughter with a prominent family backing her.
An idea, like getting Fang Zheng to take one for the team, blooms in his mind. Like everything in life, his opinion isn't without risks. However, if he IS to use his Trait, Lo Jik believes he must start with a solid foundation in this world. Getting frivolous will only get him killed here.
"Gu Yue Mo Yan," Gu Yue Bo begins by releasing a disappointed sigh. "Students must face their own battles. You also led a traitor to the clan to this batch's genius. What would have happened if that treacherous mortal servant killed Fang Zheng? How could your Mo Family ever repay?" Gu Yue Bo chooses his words carefully as Mo Chen's and Fang Yuan's gaze flickers. However, nervous and anxious, Mo Yan cannot utter a word.
"You disappoint the clan, Child," Gu Yue Bo sighs, adopting the look of a concerned parent. "I'm afraid your punishments must be—"
Seeing his chance, Lo Jik slowly steps out under the Elders' stunned stare. Keeping her head low the entire time, Mo Yan notices a pair of worn sandals. Her first thought is to deride and mock the poor youth. However, her breath catches in her throat when she glances up, finding a firm back protecting her from the Clan Leader's vision. Even if the youth's back is bent, it looks formidable and stable in Mo Yan's eyes since she doesn't even dare speak up.
"I would like to apologize for my sins, Clan Leader," Lo Jik begins with a deeply ashamed expression. "You graciously taught me to be courageous in Clan's beliefs. Yet, I looked almost looked away from another sin."
"Gu Yue Lo Jik! Get back this instant!" The Academy Elder hisses. Fear enters his gaze as the Clan Leader dismisses the man with a wave.
"Continue," Gu Yue Bo demands.
"Gu Yue Mo Yan loves her sibling. As an orphan, I never received such love and may not understand it. However, I envy it. I long for someone in my life who would stand up for me. Born in poverty, I have to turn to distasteful ways to use my talents and earn a night's meal. I have to repair my roof when it crashes down, I have to restore my sandals when it breaks apart, and a lot more. Still, not a day passes when I don't long for love. Love is fickle, Clan Leader. It's relentless, mischievous, and unreasonable."
Everyone's expression slightly shifts as if they can understand where Lo Jik is coming from. After all, everyone in this room is well-versed in the mythical tale that kicks ass!
"Even Ren Zu's children could only falter when confronted with Love. How can any of us claim ourselves above it? I envy Mo Bei for having such love, and I confess my sins for lashing out. However, knowing Senior Mo Yan's action stems from love for her brother, I cannot stand aside and stay silent. Even if it is useless, I beg you to be lenient on Senior Mo Yan. She did not seek I and Fang Yuan out of hate for us, but her deep love for her brother."
A grave look briefly flashes past Gu Yue Bo's face while Mo Chen stares at the boy deeply.
Lo Jik's speech is moving and reckless, showing his inexperience. Knowing that Mo Yan still cannot help but compare his thin back with someone else's. Her brother may not remember their father, but she does. Her nose pricks slightly, and she feels overwhelmed with emotions.
'However, the key thing is Lo Jik citing Tales of Ren Zu!' Fang Yuan narrows his eyes. 'Almost every senior instructs their juniors using Tales of Ren Zu since its nuances are universal. Children and elders alike can learn from it at any stage of their lives. It's as Lo Jik says. How can any of us claim to be above such notions? Is my ambition for Immortality not similar to a crazed love for it? It's a welcomed insight. By citing Tales of Ren Zu, Lo Jik pressed the Clan Leader to adopt softer punishments, too, since Gu Yue Bo cannot publicly spit at the lessons learned from Tales of Ren Zu. But why?'
Fang Yuan wonders.
'What does Lo Jik stand to gain?'
He blinks before sneering.
'Oh, is that it? The chances of my thoughts being correct are high. Maybe my return somehow changed his preferences instead? Not interested in the girls from his batch, Lo Jik trains and practices. However, the sight of someone interesting makes him fall for her. Sigh. He is a teenager. I was impressed with how he used the servant to traumatize my Little Brother, but I shouldn't increase my expectations. Things are not too different from last time.'
"Sigh," Gu Yue Bo exhales wearily. "You are a good child, Gu Yue Lo Jik. I understand your sentiments. Return to your position."
Mo Yan feels she's lost something as the youth steps aside. She stares at the Clan Leader in a daze, who flatly announces her verdict.
"You should be thankful to Gu Yue Lo Jik, Mo Yan. You will repent by leading your Mo Faction to complete 3 missions of the Clan's choosing without any remuneration."
***
Alternate Title: Lo Jik: So, We Commit a Prank; Youtube Pranks Be Like; Actor; Oscar Gu?; Lo Jik Manipulates; A Wisdom Path Seed; Killing Two Birds With One Gao Wan; Fang Yuan IS Despicable; Beat Fang Yuan!; Fang Zheng: Why Always Me?; Taking One For The Bros… But They Aren't Your Bros; Lo Jik Needs an Enemy; Hate Motivation; Gao Wan: Fight Back, Ni— *Gets Beheaded*; A Hidden Scheme; The Twin's Story; Lo Jik: Hmm. Smash; Lo Jik *In Whitebeard's Voice*: Daddy Issues Are Real! *Can We Get Much Higher~!*; Risks and Rewards; Lo Jik Lecturing Using Ren Zu; Ren Zu: Boy, Did You Make Me a Pick-Up Line?; The Rizz Path; Impressive Performance; Stifling Expectations; Love Is Unreasonable; Mo Bei—Gets Slapped and His Sister Rizzed on the Same Day; Punishment and Rewards
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