d said, “I apologize for the damage. This pill can alleviate your pain. Count the damages, and I will compensate you.”

The shopkeeper, still frightened, refused the offer. He dared not accept compensation from someone so powerful.

“No need, sir. These are all trivial items.”

Long Ba, internally feeling guilty as he had always been an impartial but stern enforcer of justice, insisted. Outwardly fierce, he was gentle at heart. He handed another valuable martial bead to the shopkeeper.

“It’s hard for a person to cultivate martial arts. Take this; it may prevent future hardships.”

The shopkeeper’s eyes sparkled but hesitated to accept the precious item intended to enhance strength and potentially assist breakthroughs. Nonetheless, the temptation was strong. Long Ba, sensing the shopkeeper’s internal struggle, firmly placed the bead in his hand.

“Is this enough?”

“Yes, it’s more than enough! This is worth all my possessions!”

The shopkeeper, overwhelmed, finally accepted. Items like martial beads, orbs that could enhance a martial artist’s strength, were indeed precious.

Long Ba reassured the shopkeeper, “May I stay here for half an hour?”

“Of course! Of course!”

Meanwhile, the burly man arrived at the Falling Leaves Sect’s entrance. The disciples, seeing his condition, rushed to his aid.

“Brother Zhao, what happened? How did you get hurt so badly?”

Zhao urgently replied, “Take me to the sect leader immediately.”

His voice echoed, heard throughout the sect, confusing the gatekeepers until, moments later, thirty-six figures flew out from the main hall. At the lead was seven notable figures, including the sect leader, Ye Tianxiang.

On the left were Ye Tiansha, the enforcer of family rules; Ye Wencai, the treasurer; and Ye Xingtian, in charge of various divisions’ order. On the right were prominent figures from the Falling Leaves Sect's various branches.

To be continued...


Chapter 3: Stepping into Martial Cultivation (Part 2)

“Who dares make such a ruckus?”

A guard quickly replied, “Sect Master, it’s Brother Zhao Zhi. He has been beaten.”

“What? Who dares bully members of the Falling Leaves Sect?” Ye Tianxiang exclaimed, addressing Zhao Zhi.

Zhao Zhi crawled and spat blood dramatically, making it obvious he sought sympathy. He said to the sect master, “Sect Master, you must avenge me!”

“Tell me who did this.”

“When I went to the armory to select a weapon today, there was an old man and his grandson. They wanted my weapon and when I refused, they attacked me,” Zhao Zhi said, adding insult to injury, "They said even if you came, you would be like an ant under their feet."

Ye Tianxiang looked at his followers and asked, “What do you make of this?”

The head of family rules administration stepped forward, respectfully raising his right h

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