Chapter 6

At noon, the aroma of the meat being cooked in the old man's courtyard grew even more intense, wafting away with the wind, no one knew how far it had traveled.

The squint-eyed youth standing at the door, cursing, was so tempted by the fragrance that he kept swallowing his saliva.

"Damn, it's so fragrant!" Tie Yong, standing beside the squint-eyed youth, couldn't resist the temptation and kicked the door open with one foot. "Why shout outside, let's go in!"

Tie Yong was tall and muscular, with his arms, exposed from his leather vest, showing prominent dark muscles. There were three long scars on the left side of his face, giving him a naturally fierce and brutal aura.

He was the youngest son of Iron Blood Army's battalion commander Tie Feng. At the age of ten, he had already gone out to hunt. Last year, he could kill a blue wolf alone.

With such bravery and his father's support, Tie Yong had always acted arrogantly.

The old man was just a butcher, and Tie Yong didn't take him seriously at all.

Led by Tie Yong, more than ten youths rushed into the old man's backyard.

"It's him," the squint-eyed youth pointed at Gao Zhengyang, his face full of hatred. "Boss, you have to help me get even."

Tie Yong glanced at Gao Zhengyang, but his eyes quickly shifted to the saber in Gao Zhengyang's hand.

The saber with its black wooden scabbard was slender and elegant, and just its appearance was extraordinary.

Tie Yong's family was well-off, but they couldn't afford such a good saber. The thought of it being his made Tie Yong immediately excited.

Compared to the fragrant pork, the saber was more important.

Tie Yong took a few steps forward, looking down at Gao Zhengyang with a fierce light in his triangular eyes. "Give me the saber, and I won't beat you to death."

Gao Zhengyang glanced at Tie Yong and then turned away. Staring each other down to see who had the fiercer gaze was something only children did.

He was considering how to solve the problem. If Lin Ye and the others were biting dogs, then Tie Yong was a wolf that ate people.

The ferocity in Tie Yong's eyes wasn't just for show. Only someone who had killed and seen blood could have such a cold, indifferent look.

Gao Zhengyang was a bit troubled. His current problem was that his strength was too low. Winning wasn't hard, but making the other side admit defeat was difficult.

Moreover, this person's character was fierce and brave; he would never admit defeat.

Even in the advanced world of Gao Zhengyang's previous life, a fool with good things would still attract all kinds of people's covetous eyes.

Tie Yong was only fifteen and not yet an adult, so he could shamelessly snatch things directly.

To solve the problem once and for all, the best way would be to kill him with one strike.

Gao Zhengyang wasn't afraid of killing, but taking things was one thing, killing was another. Especially since the other party had a good father.

Besides, killing over such a small matter seemed a bit exaggerated.

However, Tie Yong stood there confidently, his feet steady and stiff. One slash of the saber would definitely cut open his belly.

It was like a girl spreading her legs, and not taking advantage of such a position would be a waste.

Gao Zhengyang lowered his eyes and said, "You're just trying to steal my saber, right?"

In Tie Yong's view, Gao Zhengyang avoided his gaze out of fear.

He was even more disdainful of such a coward. Just as he was about to speak, the squint-eyed youth suddenly interrupted, "We're not stealing, we're just borrowing it to play with..."

Tie Yong gave Tie Jun a sideways glance. This guy not only had squinted eyes but also a twisted mind.

Gao Zhengyang was just a coward, so there was no need to play any mind games.

Tie Yong was a bit displeased with Tie Jun's self-importance but didn't say much.

Having an excuse was better, as it gave a reason to dodge questions from others.

"No."

A clear and cold voice came from behind, directly refusing Tie Yong.

Tie Yong was furious, turned around, and was about to vent his anger when he saw Yue Qingsnow.

She stood there quietly, her face pale and expressionless.

Tie Yong's anger immediately froze. After a moment, he forced a smile and said, "High Priestess Yue, why are you here?"

Yue Qingsnow, though young, was already a formal priestess in the sacrificial hall and held a very high status in the Tie Lin tribe.

No matter how arrogant Tie Yong was, he didn't dare to be rude to Yue Qingsnow.

Yue Qingsnow's deep blue, cold eyes looked at Tie Yong without saying a word.

Tie Yong felt very awkward and quickly turned away, dryly explaining, "I just wanted to borrow the saber to play with, nothing else."

The other youths didn't dare to speak, all hanging their heads and not daring to look at Yue Qingsnow.

Even the most talkative Tie Jun was obedient, looking like a good child.

Yue Qingsnow waved her hand, signaling that Tie Yong and the others could leave.

The other youths all looked relieved, quickly leaving with their heads down.

"They're all useless," Tie Yong cursed inwardly. Being dismissed like this made him very unhappy, but he didn't dare to show it.

On the surface, Tie Yong still nodded politely to Yue Qingsnow before leaving.

As he was about to leave, Tie Yong turned and looked at Gao Zhengyang with an extremely fierce gaze.

"Wait."

Gao Zhengyang didn't want to cause trouble, but seeing Tie Yong's attitude, he knew this wasn't over. To avoid further issues, he said to Tie Yong, "If you want this saber, it's easy. Just beat me."

Tie Yong had already put one foot out the door and quickly pulled it back. Turning around, he said to Yue Qingsnow with a smug look, "High Priestess Yue, he challenged me, so it's not my fault."

In Tie Yong's eyes, there was no trace of Gao Zhengyang. He only cared about Yue Qingsnow's reaction.

"Since High Priestess Yue is here, she can witness the duel," Tie Yong laughed loudly.

Yue Qingsnow glanced at Gao Zhengyang coldly but didn't say anything. She didn't agree with Gao Zhengyang, but she wouldn't interfere with his decision, even if it seemed foolish.

The Tie Lin tribe valued warriors and revered the strong.

A fair duel witnessed by a priestess meant that neither party would be held responsible for any injuries or deaths.

Yue Qingsnow's silence made Tie Yong very happy. He waved at Gao Zhengyang and sneered, "I kind of like you. Come on, I'll be careful not to kill you."

Gao Zhengyang waved his hand and said, "Don't rush, not today."

Tie Yong's smile froze, and he said sternly, "Are you playing with me?"

"I'll find you in seven days for a fair duel. If I lose, I'll give you the saber," Gao Zhengyang said calmly.

Tie Yong's face showed hesitation. Seven days was too long. He wanted the saber now.

But with Yue Qingsnow there, he couldn't force it. After a moment, he reluctantly said, "Fine, in seven days at the entrance of the sacrificial hall. If you dare to trick me, I'll tear you apart and feed you to the wolves."

Tie Yong was about to leave when Gao Zhengyang said, "Wait."

"What do you want now?" Tie Yong turned around, his eyes red, his anger almost uncontrollable.

"What if you lose?"

Gao Zhengyang seemed not to see Tie Yong's twisted, fierce face and asked seriously.

"How could I lose!" Tie Yong was even angrier. If Yue Qingsnow weren't there, he would have smashed Gao Zhengyang's annoying face.

"Are you afraid to lose?" Gao Zhengyang mocked.

"Fine, if I lose, you can have anything you want," Tie Yong said through gritted teeth.

"Just two fat pigs if you lose. Can you offer anything else?"

Gao Zhengyang waved his hand dismissively, "That's enough, you can go now."

Tie Yong wanted to say more but was interrupted by Gao Zhengyang. He wasn't good with words, and in his anger, he couldn't speak.

"Bang..." Tie Yong, almost suffocating with anger, punched the broken wooden door, creating a large hole.

Tie Yong, clenching his bloody fist, left without looking back.

"This little brat, taking out his anger on my door..."

After Tie Yong left, the old man appeared, cursing and looking very annoyed.

Gao Zhengyang and Yue Qingsnow ignored him. When Tie Yong burst in, he didn't dare to make a sound. Now that Tie Yong was gone, he had the nerve to complain.

The old man, feeling uninteresting, went to fiddle with the braised meat.

Yue Qingsnow said to Gao Zhengyang, "Tie Yong is naturally strong, though he hasn't opened his spirit points yet, his strength is already comparable to a first-stage warrior."

Her voice was as cold as ever, her deep blue eyes clear and calm, showing no worry or blame for Gao Zhengyang's decision.

It seemed she was simply stating a fact, with no other intention.

Gao Zhengyang nodded and said, "I'm not afraid of him."

Yue Qingsnow looked deeply at Gao Zhengyang, as if trying to see through his thoughts.

Gao Zhengyang smiled, his dim eyes shining, looking unusually confident and calm. This made Yue Qingsnow feel a bit unfamiliar.

She lowered her eyes and said, "I'm going back."

"Thanks for your help today," Gao Zhengyang said sincerely.

Gao Zhengyang could handle Tie Yong, but Yue Qingsnow's words saved him a lot of trouble and bought him valuable time.

Especially in this treacherous environment, Yue Qingsnow's help was invaluable.

Gao Zhengyang was truly grateful for Yue Qingsnow's help.

"By the way, since you're here, try the braised meat. The old man's skills are pretty good."

Gao Zhengyang invited her warmly.

The old man also hurried over, smiling and saying, "Yes, yes, High Priestess Yue, please try it..."

Yue Qingsnow shook her head slightly and walked away.

Gao Zhengyang waved his hand, watching her leave.

The old man followed Yue Qingsnow, bowing and scraping as he escorted her far away.

Gao Zhengyang ignored him and found a coarse earthenware bowl, scooping out two large pieces of meat from the pot.

The pork, cooked in the old broth, had a slightly red skin, with distinct layers of fat and lean meat, emitting a rich aroma.

Just looking at such a piece of meat made one's appetite increase.

For a young body that was often hungry, this was the best delicacy in the world.

Gao Zhengyang took a bite, and the hot, fragrant juice filled his mouth. The texture of the pork and the rich fat completely satisfied his taste buds.

Without much chewing, the meat fell into his stomach.

In just a few bites, the two large pieces of meat, weighing over a pound each, were gone.

"Wow..."

Gao Zhengyang sighed contentedly. These two pieces of fatty meat made him feel happy and content.

If it were in his previous life, Gao Zhengyang wouldn't even look at such fatty meat. But here, it was undoubtedly the highest enjoyment.

With something in his stomach, Gao Zhengyang began to chew and swallow slowly.

Eating too quickly was bad for the body.

"How is it? My skills are top-notch, right!"

The old man boasted proudly.

Gao Zhengyang slightly pursed his lips, "It's barely passable." He wasn't deliberately belittling; this level of cooking wasn't special.

In his previous life, such rough braised meat wouldn't even catch his eye.

The old man was a bit dissatisfied and rolled his eyes, "The door was broken because of you, you have to pay for it."

"None of my business," Gao Zhengyang dismissed the old man's demand.

"The door was broken because of you, who else should I ask?"

The old man walked up to Gao Zhengyang with a sullen face, shouting at him angrily.