C12 Unreasonable Request

Seeing no dissent among the crowd, the middle-aged man leading the Kong family finally spoke.

"The corpse of the blood-furred wolf must be handed over to the Kong family, but we won't take it without offering something in return."

"The Kong family will provide a hundred gold coins as a reward for finding the blood-furred wolf's corpse. Does anyone object to this?"

Upon hearing the offer from the Kong family's representative, the villagers of Hillfar were astounded.

They never imagined the Kong family would offer such a generous sum. The entire annual income of Hillfar Village was a mere ten gold coins.

Yet here was an offer of a hundred gold coins as a finder's fee, equal to ten years' worth of Hillfar's income.

Amidst the murmurs of the crowd, Grandma Zhao stepped forward with a respectful bow.

"Gentlemen, Hillfar Village does not require a hundred gold coins as compensation. I have a modest request."

The villagers paused, taken aback by her words, and even the seasoned members of the Kong family raised their eyebrows in curiosity.

"Madam, please speak freely about your request."

Grandma Zhao led Zhang Hao to the Kong family men.

"Gentlemen, Hao is ten years old, the perfect age to begin his training."

"My humble request is for you to take Hao under your wing at the Kong family, to nurture his potential."

"If you honor this request, I will gladly present the blood-furred wolf's corpse to you."

The Kong family men had braced for a more complex demand and were surprised by the simplicity of her plea.

As Grandma Zhao's words hung in the air, some villagers struggled to contain their dismay.

"Grandma Zhao, how can you be so hasty? This decision is too impulsive."

"We should take the hundred gold coins. It could significantly improve our village's condition."

"Even if Zhang Hao is taken in by the Kong family, there's no guarantee of his success. It would be wiser to trade the wolf's corpse for the gold."

Greed was stirring in the hearts of many villagers, a common human trait that often lay dormant until the lure of substantial wealth brought it to the surface.

Zhang Hao watched, somewhat taken aback, as the debate grew heated. He hadn't anticipated such a fervent reaction from his fellow villagers.

The Kong family's experts, standing at the forefront, couldn't help but smile at the sight of the villagers' reactions. Their leader, the most formidable among them, gazed at Grandma Zhao with a smirk, his tone nonchalant as he spoke.

"My dear lady, I see there's some disagreement among you. We're in no rush. Take your time to come to a consensus."

Grandma Zhao, witnessing the villagers' agitation, firmly planted her walking stick on the ground with a resounding thud and declared sternly,

"Enough of this commotion! For Hao, this is an opportunity to venture beyond Hillfar Village!"

"Hao has no one; doesn't he deserve this chance?"

Despite Grandma Zhao's plea, the villagers continued to argue.

"Grandma Zhao, with a hundred gold coins, Hao could lead a prosperous life right here in the village."

"A hundred gold coins could significantly improve Hillfar's current situation."

As greed painted the villagers' faces, Zhang Hao grasped Grandma Zhao's hand, about to interject, when she spoke up with unwavering conviction.

"The blood-furred wolf's carcass was found by Hao, and it was he who dragged it back here!"

"Shouldn't Hao be entitled to this opportunity?"

Her words left the villagers speechless, uncertain of what to say next.

"Grandma Zhao, I wish to stay in Hillfar Village. This is my home," Zhang Hao declared, his voice brimming with determination.

Hearing Zhang Hao's heartfelt words, the villagers felt a pang of guilt.

Though not a Zhao by name, young Zhang Hao understood gratitude and loyalty—an admirable trait in such a young child, one that surely merited a chance.

"Grandma Zhao, we entrust this decision to you. Whatever you decide, we will support without question."

"You are our village chief, Grandma Zhao. We stand by your leadership."

The Kong family's experts, observing the exchange, smiled at the villagers' deference.

At that moment, the Kong family's leader approached Grandma Zhao.

"Esteemed elder, the boy is welcome to train with the Kong family. We are in need of young cultivators."

Two decades ago, the Kong family would have dismissed Grandma Zhao's request outright.

But times had changed, and the once-mighty Kong family now found themselves in decline, their strength and influence a shadow of their former glory.

The younger members of the Kong family had yet to produce any remarkable talents, signaling a troubling decline.

In Conriston, the Kong family struggled to attract young disciples, finding few willing to join their ranks.

Given that children from the small village rarely possessed spiritual roots, the faltering Kong family was left with little choice.

Upon hearing Grandma Zhao's request, the Kong family eagerly agreed to take in Zhang Hao, hoping to cultivate a new generation of strength within their lineage.

Grandma Zhao was taken aback by how readily the Kong family's elite accepted her plea, and she promptly offered a respectful bow.

"My deepest thanks to you all for heeding the request of an old woman. Hillfar Village will forever hold your generosity in high regard."

"Hao, don't delay—bow to these gentlemen and express your gratitude to the Kong family for this opportunity to rise above your station."

Zhang Hao had initially intended to decline, but the urgency in Grandma Zhao's demeanor compelled him to perform the traditional kowtow to the Kong family's middle-aged men.

The patriarch of the Kong family produced a pouch of gold coins and handed it to Grandma Zhao, leaving her momentarily dumbfounded.

"Please, elder, accept these hundred gold coins. The blood-furred wolf's carcass is worth considerably more," he insisted.

Zhang Hao was taken aback by the Kong family leader's magnanimity, not expecting such open-handedness.

As Grandma Zhao hesitated to accept, the family's leader firmly placed the gold coins before her.

He then directed the other middle-aged men to transport the blood-furred wolf's remains before turning to Zhang Hao with instructions.

"Zhang Hao, gather your belongings quickly. You are to prepare for your journey with us to the Kong family residence."