C11 Little Thief

"Ah, you're so thin, one bowl just won't cut it!"

"Hey, chubster, serve up some rice."

"Ah, this is all there is. One bowl has to do."

Damn, I bring home fifty catties of rice and end up with just one bowl? "Come on, Fanh Yichen, you're being way too cheap."

Before Ning Xiaofan could finish his complaint, Fanh Yichen polished off his second bowl and dumped the veggies in, chomping away heartily.

"Hey, you're not leaving any veggies for me?"

Ning Xiaofan didn't get to finish his sentence before Fanh Yichen scooped up his bowl and said, "Xiaofan, next time make extra so there's no need to fight over it."

"Man, I'm still hungry."

Once Ning Xiaofan and Fanh Yichen had finished their meal, they both started their cultivation practice.

They each popped two Energy Refining Pills into their mouths, letting the medicinal power seep in as they continued their cultivation.

"Ding! Congratulations, Master, your cultivation value has increased. Your cultivation base is on the rise..."

As prescribed by the Energy Refining Divine Technique, a complete energy cycle passed without notice, and the crescent moon crept high into the sky.

Huh! Was that a noise? In the dead of night, even the faintest sound travels far.

Ning Xiaofan sensed some activity in the backyard. That can't be right! The Illusion Array was still up; no one had broken through. How could someone have gotten into the backyard?

He shifted and peered out the window, spotting a dark figure. A thief?

Who would target a Worker Disciple? He had let his guard down, drawing unwanted attention. Now he regretted not altering his appearance sooner.

But it was too late for regrets; he had to deal with this intruder now!

Ning Xiaofan opened the front and stealthily made his way to the rear of the house, where he saw someone uprooting herbs in the medicinal field.

Was the Illusion Array a sham?

It seemed to have no effect on the intruder!

Ning Xiaofan, with his Heart-Seeking Needle at the ready, aimed a swift stab at the person's back.

Clang! The Heart-Seeking Needle struck a shield, which glowed dimly as it deflected the attack.

"Who's there? Who dares to sneak attack me!"

"Calling yourself 'me' while stealing?"

"This your field of herbs?" The figure seemed to recognize Ning Xiaofan.

"Do you know who I am?"

"Nope."

"And you're stealing from me without knowing me?"

"I stole, so what?"

Ning Xiaofan lunged again, his sword striking with a clang, only to be thwarted by the small shield once more.

"Ha! You're not as strong as I am. You can't even scratch me. But I won't take your stuff for nothing. One Spirit Herb, one Spirit Stone, we're even."

Ning Xiaofan disregarded the Spirit Stone flung at him. This guy was just trying to bribe his way out.

"That's not enough!"

"How much do you want, then?"

"A hundred Spirit Stones per herb, or you're not going anywhere."

"Ha! Think you can keep me here?"

The man in black's hand shimmered with a dark glow, forming a black fist.

Ning Xiaofan positioned his sword defensively, but the impact sent a numbing sensation up his arm, forcing him back several paces, his hands tingling.

Is this guy as strong as a bull?

If the fight dragged on, he'd only get hurt. He couldn't let this thief go.

Wait, didn't he still have a Herculean Pill? Let's see if this guy's strength or the pill's power comes out on top.

With a resounding clang, they both staggered back. Ning Xiaofan only retreated a couple of steps, but the black-clad man stumbled several paces before plopping down on the ground.

"Wow, you're pretty good!"

The voice sounded somewhat goofy—was this guy for real?

"Hey, what's your name?"

"I'm Lin Bo. Don't tell me you've never heard of me?"

Seriously? This isn't just a thief; this is a full-blown bandit! And he's brazen enough to give his name? This guy's got nerve!

"Kid, I'm going to beat you so bad, no one will recognize you."

The man in black charged once more, his small shield the only thing guarding his head.

Punch after punch, they clashed like blacksmiths at an anvil, clang after clang, until Lin Bo was left sitting on the ground, unable to rise.

"Do you want to keep fighting?"

"No more, I've lost. Do with me as you please."

"Ding! Congratulations, Master, on defeating your opponent. Your Charisma has increased by 5 points."

Another 5-point boost to Charisma. Nice.

"Lin Bo, isn't it? You've stolen from me, so as punishment, you'll work for me for a month."

"Just tell me what to do. I can't beat you, so I'm at your mercy."

"Keep an eye on my house. Make sure no one else gets in."

"Got it, got it. Will you teach me how to get stronger?"

"Well, that depends on how you perform!"

"Fine, then. Where will I be staying?"

Ning Xiaofan couldn't shake the feeling that he was tricking a child.

"You'll stay in the firewood shed next door."

"Okay, off to bed then."

Ning Xiaofan couldn't help but notice how carefree this guy was, showing no remorse for his theft. Did he have some powerful backing?

The Illusion Array had no effect on him. The kid might not be all there mentally, but there was definitely something unique about his eyes.

Ning Xiaofan hadn't intended to punish him harshly. In fact, he'd prefer if the kid just left, so he didn't pay him much mind.

As a Worker Disciple, he couldn't always resort to killing. This kid seemed a bit simple-minded, possibly with some mental deficiencies.

Once he'd settled things with Lin Bo, Ning Xiaofan resumed his cultivation, continuing through several cycles until dawn.

"Xiaofan, let's check out the Worker House. Haven't we been out of the loop these past couple of days?"

Ning Xiaofan knew exactly what Fanh Yichen was referring to—their recent altercation that had left four people dead.

"Sure, let's head to the front yard. It's almost mealtime."

They made their way to the dining hall, a place they frequented.

Upon entering, they found only three people engaged in conversation, with the Worker Disciples and one from the Spirit Herb Garden leaning against the pillars, eavesdropping.

Others seldom dined here, mainly because the quality of the spirit rice was poor, not even qualifying as Spirit Rice. Only the Worker Disciples, out of sheer necessity, would frequent this place.

"Liu Feng, you've arrived."

"Hey, what took you two so long? Several people have already left."

"We've only just gotten up. Did you finish your task?"

"Yes, I've nearly completed this half-year's assignment."

"Oh, by the way, have you heard?"

Liu Feng leaned in with an air of secrecy.

"Heard what?"

"Yesterday, four Inner Sect disciples were ambushed and assassinated on their way to the market."

"Is that so? I haven't heard of any investigation into the incident." The five of them began discussing the matter.

"I've heard that the Inner Sect has launched a thorough investigation, and the Outer Sect is on it as well. Our cultivation as Worker Disciples is too weak; it seems they won't be involving us."

"No one has looked into yesterday's events yet."

"Hush, someone's coming."

Several more people entered the Servants' Room, not from the Spirit Herb Garden but appearing to be Outer Sect disciples.

"Senior Brothers, what brings you to our Spirit Herb Garden's kitchen?"

Deacon Lee from the Servants' Room emerged, his status on par with an Inner Sect disciple, prompting the Outer Sect disciples to bow in respect.

"Good morning, Deacon Lee. As you've heard, we'll be stationed here from now on, and you'll be in charge of our meals."

"No problem. But there hasn't been any official directive, has there?"

"Indeed, this is all being done covertly; we're keeping it under wraps."

Ning Xiaofan quickly realized that Sky Burning Valley was stepping up their vigilance after a spate of deaths, particularly among Inner Sect disciples.

"Big Brother, doesn't it strike you as odd? In recent days, around ten Inner Sect disciples and over a dozen Outer Sect disciples have died. Who could be behind it?"

A glint of insight flickered in Ning Xiaofan's eyes. He himself had eliminated six Inner Sect disciples, and with the Outer Sect disciples, the total was only nine. Where did the count of over twenty come from?

Could there really be someone else targeting Sky Burning Valley's disciples?

Ning Xiaofan was reluctant to kill, but failing to eliminate those individuals would have put him in even greater peril.

Who else was hunting the disciples of Sky Burning Valley? Could there be another power at play?

"Bring on the food, I'm starving!"

Ning Xiaofan's brow furrowed at the sound—it was none other than Lin Bo, the simpleton.

"Ah, Second Young Master, it's you!"

Deacon Lee's demeanor shifted to one of deference upon spotting Lin Bo. "What's the hold-up? Fetch some fine wine and meat. I've got to get back to work after eating."

Deacon Lee paused, puzzled. Work?

"Hey, little bro, you're here too. I'll head back after my meal. I promise to keep a close watch on the house for you."

Deacon Lee, taken aback, quickly glanced at Ning Xiaofan.

"Quickly, serve the Second Young Master his meal, and make sure there's plenty of meat."

"That's right, I do have a penchant for meat."

Deacon Lee sidled up to Ning Xiaofan and whispered, "Kid, how on earth did you end up bringing this gentleman into your yard?"

Ning Xiaofan was at a loss for words, regretting his loose tongue from the day before. This gentleman was clearly not one to be trifled with.

"He just showed up yesterday on his own. I didn't do anything."

"Serve him well and tread carefully; his father is the Second Elder of the Inner Sect."

"Thanks for the heads-up, Mr. Lee."

Ning Xiaofan looked up to see Lin Bo devouring meat with gusto, a bunch of medicinal herbs by his side. That was the Dragonbone Herb from the medicinal field, wasn't it?

Each herb was worth at least ten Spirit Stones, and selling it outside could fetch several times more. Yet, in just a couple of bites, a whole stalk was gone.

Had it not been for Deacon Lee's advice, Ning Xiaofan might have leapt up and given Lin Bo a piece of his mind.

Deacon Lee gave Ning Xiaofan's shoulder a reassuring pat, silently wishing him well.

It was a gesture as familiar as the wish itself.

Despite Ning Xiaofan's lack of popularity among the disciples, the elders and deacons looked out for him, honoring his foster father's reputation.

"Little brother, what should I call you?"

After a long meal, Lin Bo looked up at Ning Xiaofan.

"You can call me Mr. Ning."

"Alright, Mr. Ning. I've finished eating. I'll go and keep an eye on the house for you."

"Good, but stay out of the backyard."

"Yes, I'll follow your instructions, Mr. Ning."

Lin Fan hung his head dejectedly, like a rooster defeated in battle, his expression one of utter despondence.

The onlookers' eyes were wide as saucers, disbelief etched on their faces. What in the world was happening? How had Ning Xiaofan managed to subdue this notorious demon king? Even the Second Elder had failed to tame him. What was Xiaofan's secret?

"Ding! Congratulations to the owner, reputation points increased by 1."

"Ding! Congratulations to the owner, reputation points increased by 1."

"Ding..."

A sudden surge—reputation points jumped by 5. Five witnesses, five points. Impressive!

Reputation points? What was this about? Were reputation points just a measure of showing off? Was it that easy to earn them by impressing others?

"Ding! Congratulations, Master, on your first reputation points. You've been awarded the 'Seven Ferocious Fist Technique'."

"Ding! Congratulations, Master. You've gained 1 skill point. Would you like to upgrade your Seven Death Boxing?"

"Upgrade." The Seven Death Boxing sounded formidable; surely it was more effective than his basic punches and more practical than the 24 simplified Taiji Fists.

"Ding! Seven Death Boxing has been enhanced to Rank 1, consuming 10 skill points."

Skill points again, and now 10 Cultivation Points down. It seemed like Cultivation Points were perpetually in short supply.

He'd have to make time to gather more Cultivation Points.

As evening approached, Ning Xiaofan had a task in mind.

"Xiaofeng, off you go, fetch those storage spaces for me."

The little creature had a habit of tossing stones into the pond when idle, clearly in need of a diversion.

Xiaofeng wiggled and darted out the window, vanishing from sight in mere moments—his speed rivaled even that of the old ancestors.

Once Xiaofeng was gone, Ning Xiaofan popped two Energy Refining Pills into his mouth and commenced his cultivation practice.

"Ding! Congratulations, Master. Your cultivation points are increasing..."

"Ding! Congratulations, Master. Your cultivation points have doubled..."

The potency of the medicine pill was undeniable; one session of cultivation now equated to two. He could sense the bottleneck weakening, the breakthrough imminent, all thanks to his diligent practice and the robust Spiritual Root within him, which allowed for such rapid advancement in his cultivation.

With a sharp "chirp," was that Xiaofeng?

Clutching a storage space in its beak, Xiaofeng flew from a distance and landed on the table inside the room, promptly throwing a fit. One of its beautiful feathers appeared to have been snapped.