Chapter One: Perplexity

  Huang Yan immediately responded with a sound, letting people bring the mule cart over and hurry to the back yard. With a burst of bamboo flute sounds, more than 60 young men quickly rushed out of their respective houses and came to the martial arts arena in the backyard, lining up neatly.

  "Long time no see, Young Master!" Everyone echoed Zhou Jun's greeting to Gao Huaiyuan.

  "Begin!" Gao Huaiyuan ordered Huang Yan to light the lanterns and torches on the campus, illuminating the entire area. He then stepped forward to the front of the formation.

  The big car was also driven to the backyard, parked behind Gao Huaiyuan. Gao Huaiyuan looked at the young men in front of him with a serious expression. Although they had rushed to the school field in such a short time, each of them was neat and tidy, standing upright without any signs of sleepiness or sloppiness. They were all spirited and staring at him intently. The entire backyard was quiet except for the sound of the wind rustling through the leaves and the chirping of insects in the mountains, with no other sounds to be heard.

  "Everyone performed very well today, which made me very satisfied. I came back here late at night today because there is something to inform everyone about. Recently, a group of bandits has appeared in our Daye County, killing people and robbing them, doing all sorts of evil things. I suppose everyone already knows about it?" High Hua-yuan asked the crowd.

  "We know!" everyone replied in unison immediately.

  "Hmm! Now I'm telling you, this time I've been ordered by the county government to assist in capturing these bandits. I need some people to go with me, so I rushed over here in the middle of the night. I'd like to ask if any of you are willing to follow me? But first, let me warn you that this operation will be very dangerous. The thieves are extremely ferocious, and anyone who follows me may face life-threatening danger at any time. You should think carefully before answering. If you're willing, take a step forward!" Gao Huaiyuan shouted, staring into the eyes of the crowd.

  As soon as he finished speaking, more than sixty young people basically didn't hesitate and took a step forward. Although their pace wasn't very uniform, in the end everyone still took a step forward.

  Gao Huaiyuan immediately saw that most people acted consistently, only a small number of people hesitated for a moment, and some individuals may have taken this step only after others had moved forward, although the action was not very slow, Gao Huaiyuan still saw their thoughts from their facial expressions and actions, and silently remembered them in his heart.

  "Don't force yourselves, I know what some of you are thinking. This kind of thing wouldn't be done better by anyone else, and this time, I don't need all of you to follow me. I only need fifteen people to go with me, and they must be volunteers who won't back down at the last minute. Otherwise, it will put others in danger! It's not shameful to quit now, which means you're not deceiving me. What I least want is for some of you to go against your own hearts just to save face and deceive me! Think carefully, then make a decision! If you've thought it through, take another step forward!" Gao Hua Yuan's expression turned solemn.

  After hearing Gao Huaiyuan's words, the people who were hesitant earlier suddenly felt a wave of shame, while those who were determined to go with Gao Huaiyuan took another step forward without hesitation. This time, the hesitant ones did not move again, but stood still on the spot.

  Gao Huaiyuan took a look and saw that among the sixty or so people, only thirty or so had stepped forward this time. He nodded and said: "Very good, you are very honest this time! Don't feel ashamed just because you didn't take this step. People are different, everyone has their own strengths, it doesn't represent anything. Those who stepped forward shouldn't be complacent either, thinking they're stronger than others. Here, as long as you work hard and do what I say, there won't be any waste! Alright! Those who stepped forward stay behind, the rest of you go to one side and line up!"

  The remaining twenty or so people were immediately taken by Zhou Heng to line up on one side, standing at the edge of the school field to watch the remaining thirty or so people. Although Gao Huaiyuan had just said not to let them feel ashamed, these people still felt their faces burning with shame, feeling that they owed an apology to Young Master, who needed someone to take risks with him but instead hesitated and retreated. Each of them was biting their teeth in anger, wishing they could slap themselves a few times, this was really too humiliating.

  However, Gao Huaiyuan did not pay attention to them at this moment, but instead swept his gaze over the remaining thirty or so young men, nodded and said: "Great! Thanks for being willing to follow me on an adventure, but I can only take some of you with me this time, it's impossible to bring everyone together. Next, I'll call out the names of those who will go, Huang Yan, Zhou Hao, Zhou Jun, Fei Wenlong, Jiang Qiuyuan, Liu Desheng, Zhou Mantun, Li Erdou, Xing Fang, Fang Lai...

  Gao Huaiyuan named sixteen people in one breath, and the people who were called out immediately took another step forward, walked out, and lined up under Zhou Jun's leadership, standing upright with a joyful expression.

  The rest of the people who were left out showed disappointed expressions, with some feeling downhearted.

  "Don't be discouraged if you weren't chosen, there's always going to be someone left out. This time the danger is relatively high, so I chose those of you who are physically the strongest and have the best skills. There will be more opportunities like this in the future, as long as you work hard to train yourselves, you'll have a chance to go on adventures with me!" Gao Hua Yuan saw the disappointment in the eyes of the young men and spoke out to comfort them.

  After the eliminated ones were taken away, Gao Huaiyuan asked Huang Yan to unload those weapons from the carriage and pile them up in front of these fifteen people. He said to them: "Now Zhou Huan, Zhou Jun, Fei Wenlong, you three each choose four people to form three groups. Each person will take a knife for himself. The single hook gun is yours, Huang Yan. Each member of the Fei Wenlong group will be equipped with a wooden gun, each member of the Zhou Huan group will be equipped with a shield, and each member of the Zhou Jun group will be equipped with a black lacquer bow and two quivers of arrows!

  Sixteen people immediately took action, following Gao Huaiyuan's instructions, and first divided into groups according to their strengths. Then they immediately picked up their knives, guns and other equipment from the ground and put them on themselves. One by one, they were excitedly bustling about, and with this, they became the first batch of people equipped with weapons. They were considered the most prestigious among these young men!

  Looking at the majestic appearance of these sixteen people, everyone else was almost blinded with envy. Those who didn't make the cut hated themselves for being cowardly, while those who did make it hated themselves for not having enough skills. Anyway, at this moment, those who hadn't received their weapons yet all felt like they were dying from jealousy.

  "Alright! Huang Yan selects five more people from the others to take charge of guarding the old mansion during this period. Zhou Huan and fifteen others will follow me on this trip. While we're away, Liu Er will be in charge here, and everyone else must listen to her and Zhou Yi's arrangements, no mistakes allowed! Jia Qi is also coming with me this time! Everyone go back and rest now, we'll set off immediately after dawn!" Gao Huaiyuan ordered.

  Huang Yan was taken aback, after messing around for half a day, he didn't follow Gao Huaiyuan out, but was arranged to guard the old mansion. He immediately called out: "Boss! I have something to say!"

  Gao Huaiyuan had long known that this kid was bound to look for trouble, so he put on a stern face and asked him, "What do you want to say?"

  "Why didn't you let me go with you this time? I'm not as good as them, am I?" Huang Yan said in a wronged tone, speaking bluntly to Gao Huaiyuan.

  "How dare you! Have you forgotten the rules of our Sleeping Tiger Manor? Here, my words are law and you must listen. I have arranged for you to guard the old mansion, naturally there is a reason for it. If everyone wants to follow me out, then who will be left to take care of the house? You, as the team leader, have forgotten this and yet dare to question me, your crime is even greater! Come, take him away and give him ten lashes according to the rules, to serve as a warning!" Gao Huaiyuan glared at Huang Yan, scolding him severely.

  Huang Yan was suddenly stunned, opened his mouth, but didn't make a sound, and immediately like a deflated balloon, hung his head down, waiting for punishment. But doing this kind of thing, others can't do it, after all Huang Yan is the nominal second-in-command here, except for Gao Huaiyuan who can handle him, others really don't dare to do anything to him!

  Zhou Hao immediately stepped forward, pushed Huang Yan with a smile on his face and said: "Let's go! Do I need to push you to the detention room?"

  Huang Yan gritted his teeth and strode towards the whipping house at the edge of the school grounds, with Zhou Hao following closely behind. Before long, the sound of whips cracking and Huang Yan's pained cries echoed out from within. The people on the school grounds all broke out in a cold sweat. During their time with Gao Huaiyuan, although he had been strict with them, actual instances of corporal punishment had been few and far between. But what was going on today? Huang Yan was his trusted aide, yet because of just one sentence, he had become enraged and was being dragged away to be whipped. It seemed that when Gao Huaiyuan lost his temper, he truly didn't recognize anyone! From now on, everyone would have to be more careful!

  "Everyone has seen that today is a very critical moment, just like before going to war. Once the commander's decision is made, no one can oppose it. Soldiers must know that obeying orders is their duty, and anyone who disobeys will be punished. Any disobedient behavior will make the commander's orders meaningless. Everyone, remember this! Whether you are following me or staying behind, you all need to do your job well, without any complaints or negligence! Do you all understand?" Gaohaiyuan stood with his hands behind his back in front of the team, loudly lecturing these young people.

  "Understood!" The young men immediately responded in unison. How could they not understand? If they didn't, they would have to go to the penal room to receive lashes themselves!

  Before long, Huang Yan limped out of the prison cell with a painful expression, followed by Zhou Huan. He came to Gao Huaiyuan and bowed his head, clasping his fists: "Young Master! I know my mistake! I promise not to do it again!"

  Gao Huaiyuan snorted coldly and said to him, "Get your people ready, each of them will be equipped with a dagger and five bows. Tomorrow morning, follow me back to the old mansion!"

  Huang Yan immediately replied: "Yes sir!" Then he turned around and selected five people from the previously eliminated group, equipped them with weapons, and stood at the back of the team.

  "Dismissed, return to rest immediately!" Gao Huaiyuan ordered everyone at once.

  After hearing a unanimous "Yes!" from the courtyard, whoosh, the people on the campus ran away in an instant.

  Gao Huaiyuan sat in his own house in the front yard, tossing a piece of beef into Huang Yan's hands as he smiled slyly. He laughed and said: "You little scamp, you performed well today! You really do have a talent for acting, this is truly your strong suit!"

  "Haha! Of course, my old man used to beat me up a lot when I was younger! I'm quite experienced in this aspect! But this time, I really lost face. Big brother, if you encounter something like this again next time, don't leave me at home to guard the door again! Haha!" Huang Yan tore off a piece of beef with a smile on his face and stuffed it into his mouth, mumbling indistinctly as he chewed.

  Zhou Huan snatched a piece of beef from Huang Yan's hand, tore it open, kept half for himself and threw the other half back to Huang Yan, who strongly protested: "You little scoundrel, you're getting more and more presumptuous! This is a reward given to me by the boss, you just grab it!"

  Zhou Huan rolled his eyes and said, "What's with the 'haven't hit haven't small' nonsense? My eldest brother is Gao Da Ge, you're two months younger than me! Besides, you just shouted a few times, but I'm the one who wielded the whip, that's hard work! This beef should be half mine!"

  It turns out that the two of them were performing a double reed for these young guys! This idea was still thought up by Huang Yan, this bad boy. He said that since they want to set out to practice their troops, they must first intimidate these young guys, so that they won't make trouble when they are not around. He also said that he wants these people to follow Gao Huaiyuan and listen to him, but also let them know that the rules of the Gao family are not in vain.

  As a result, Gao Huaiyuan was finished with just one sentence, and this little guy became the scapegoat. Others were killing chickens to scare monkeys, but today it was the other way around, killing monkeys to warn chickens, and Huang Yan served as the cannon fodder.

  Three people are still not too old, under the great enthusiasm of Gao Huaiyuan, they agreed to this matter, pretending to make a big deal out of it, and the effect was quite good. Listening to Huang Yan and Zhou Hua arguing like children over who gets the beef, Gao Huaiyuan really felt defeated by them.

  Considering the old mansion's large target and its tendency to attract trouble, High Huar was worried that something might happen to it while he was away. So, he left Liu'er at Wohu Villa instead. There were more people staying here, and it was relatively safer and more secluded. Although Liu'er was a bit worried about High Huar's safety after learning about this arrangement, she didn't stop him. In her opinion, High Huar was now an adult and should be in charge of his own affairs. So, she quietly agreed to the plan.

  When Gao Huaiyuan returned to the old mansion of the Gao family, Xing Boutu was in a hurry. As soon as he heard that Gao Huaiyuan had returned, he immediately ran out and was somewhat disappointed on the spot. He originally thought that Gao Huaiyuan would bring a group of strong men with tiger backs and bear waists, but after taking a closer look, he found that Gao Huaiyuan had brought a group of young boys.

  "These... these are the guardians that Master Gao spoke of?" Xing Bu Tou couldn't quite believe his eyes, and so he pointed at the group of young men and asked Gao Huai Yuan.

  "Not bad! These are the people who will accompany me to help Big Brother Xing with his business, what's wrong?" Gao Hua Yuan knew what Captain Xing was thinking and pretended to be foolish, asking him back.

  Xing caught Hua's arm and pulled him into the house, slamming the door shut. With a sorrowful face, he said: "I'm telling you, Young Master Gao, what kind of joke is this? We're in a precarious situation here, and if things go wrong, we'll have to fight for our lives! You bring a bunch of inexperienced kids along, what help can they possibly be? What if we get into a scuffle with the bandits? Who's going to look out for these young whippersnappers?! You've never joked around like this before, but now that things are serious, how can you still be so flippant?"

  Gao Huaiyuan looked at Xing Bubai, who was out of breath, and smiled: "I understand Brother Xing's feelings, but Brother Xing can't underestimate these young men. They are the guardians I've specially trained with high-level personnel. One on one, they might not be a match for your brothers, but what's important is that they know how to work together. Once they're in action, they might just be a match for the bandits! Brother Xing can rest assured, these young men won't bring you any trouble and don't need your brothers' protection. Moreover, they're young and can help Brother Xing gather information without arousing the bandits' attention! If Brother Xing is still not at ease, why not have two of your men go test their skills?"

  Xing Captor looked at Gao Huaiyuan's serious expression and said hesitantly: "Are you telling the truth?"

  "Absolutely true! Absolutely true!" Gao Huaiyuan nodded repeatedly.

  "Alright! I'll find two people to test their skills, don't hurt them, or they cry, I won't care!" Xing Captor still didn't feel at ease, gritted his teeth and decided to test their skills first.

  "Alright, Brother Xing, just remind your younger brother to be more careful. They're young but they have a lot of strength! Just don't get taken advantage of, haha!" Gao Hua Yuan replied confidently.

  Xing caught the head, looking at Gao Huaiyuan's expression, was a bit stunned by him. However, this matter is not to be trifled with, he dare not be careless, and ultimately decided to let his own men go and try out these young people's abilities first. If it's really as Gao Huaiyuan said, then that would be good news. Generally, thieves wouldn't pay attention to these young people, letting them do some reconnaissance work might have a better effect than having his own people show up.

  Then, Xing Boutu turned around and went out to find a few of his subordinates he had brought with him. He picked two people from among them, both of whom were relatively skilled in martial arts. They were used to test the young guards protecting Gao Huaiyuan's mansion. It seemed they could handle it, at least there was no need to worry that these two would lose face for themselves.

  Immediately, the group arrived at a small garden in the backyard of the old mansion that had been leveled into a martial arts arena. They stood in two rows, and it was only then that Xing Dui Tou noticed that these young men seemed to be somewhat different from ordinary young men...