The morning air was very cool.
In this rainy season, the morning air really brings about lazy days.
But that was not the case with Thian Xi village. The village was already bustling that morning. On the streets, there were already many merchants, selling their goods, which were mostly vegetables and fruits. Or farm animals.
The village was small, but it was often visited by migrants and merchants.
Because Thian Xi village was blessed with abundant crops. So most of the merchants from other villages, bought from this village and sold it again in the big cities. Or perhaps, they come just to enjoy the village's specialty, Grilled Duck in Sour Sauce.
In Thian Xi village, there is a large building with red paint. It is the residence of the Li Family. A friendly and kind merchant. Mr. Li or Li Huang zhu, is a descendant of the great warrior Li Guan. A great warrior who once took the martial world by storm with his "Sky Destroyer Divine Art" which was said to be unrivaled under the heavens.
Li Guan's name came to the fore after defeating the number one warrior at the time. Hong Li the Red Demon King, who was said to be the most powerful man of all time.
However, rumor has it that Mr. Li is completely unfamiliar with martial arts. As a child, he was only interested in literature and music. Another rumor has it that the Heaven Breakers martial arts book was not passed down to Li Guan's descendants.
However, there was a rumor circulating among the warriors. That the knowledge was actually passed down from generation to generation. But Mr. Li didn't want to learn it...
That afternoon, in the garden of Mr. Li's residence, stood a five to six year old child. His face was cute and adorable. His eyes were shining brightly, indicating a passionate spirit. His nose was slightly pointed and his eyebrows were thick. This child must have a beautiful mother or a handsome father. The child stood alone and was looking up at the sky.
"Young Master, hurry up and come in! It looks like it's going to rain soon, what are you looking at up in the sky anyway?" Said a young man who seemed to be a trusted servant in the house .
The boy laughed. "Uncle Chen, take it easy. I'll be right in. I'm watching a group of birds flying southward." The boy replied.
"Heh, what's so interesting about watching the birds? Don't they usually fly in that direction every day?" The servant seemed a little confused by his young master's attitude.
The boy called Young Master laughed again. "Uncle Chen, you are wrong. According to one of the books I read. Because it is now entering the rainy season which will be followed by winter. The birds are preparing themselves. They are migrating to a warmer place, the south," He replied.
"Oh, that's so. But young master, please hurry up and come in. I'll get scolded by the Great Master if he comes back," exclaimed the young servant, whose name was Chen.
That's right. The sky was darkening, a sign that it was going to rain. Finally, the young master complied and entered the house.
It didn't take long for the rain to fall. Chen again said, "That's right! What I said. It's raining hard. It's a good thing the young master went inside the house."
"Uncle Chen, are you some kind of shaman or weatherman?" The young master said so, to tease his servant. The young servant only laughed at his young master's question.
At noon in the dining room, the young master was sitting at the dining table. On the dining table, various delicacies had been served. But he looked rather glum and lacked the appetite to eat the food. Because that afternoon, he ate alone. His father and mother had gone out of town to trade.
The young master glanced left and right languidly. Then he saw the young servant standing outside the room. Chen was waiting for the master to finish eating.
The young master smiled mischievously, then said, "Oh yes! Uncle, are you hungry?" Young Master Li asked the servant.
"Eh! No, young master, please eat in peace. Later I can eat in the kitchen with the chef.
"Don't be like that uncle. If you're hungry, just say you're hungry," Young Master Li said with a laugh. "How about you come inside and eat with me?"
"No, young master. I dare not eat at the same table as you, young master," Chen said clumsily.
Because it was normal for him to be a servant. Waiting for his master to finish eating. After that, he would call the cleaner aunt to clean the table. Then he could dine in the kitchen.
But so far, he had never been told to eat with his employer. Especially at the same table. So he was surprised and a little scared.
"Hmm... if you dare not eat at the same table with me. How about, you take another table and accompany me to eat here," said the young master. He pointed to an empty part of the room.
The servant still looked doubtful. Finally, Young Master Li said, "You choose the dishes you like. After all, I won't be able to eat it all."
"Thank you very much Young Master. But... But," Chen still looked hesitant.
"Well, uncle there is no but-but. Hurry up uncle! While mom and dad are not home," said young master Li. "Take Uncle Lei in the kitchen and Aunt Nam too to make it lively."
Finally, Chen gave in and followed his young master's wishes. he set the table next to his master and invited the people who worked in the house to eat together.
The atmosphere in the dining room became lively. Because everyone was happy, eating food together. From the gardener, chef, servants and nanny of young Master Li.
Not long after.
A horse-drawn carriage stopped right in front of the Li family home. The carriage didn't look very luxurious. But it looked clean and comfortable. The size of the carriage was also slightly different. It was bigger than a typical horse-drawn carriage.
A man was seen getting off the carriage. The man was tall and wore good clothes. His face was quite handsome. Although he didn't look young anymore. But the remnants of his good looks were still there.
A few moments later. A very beautiful woman also came down. She was also wearing nice clothes.
After seeing her get off the horse-drawn carriage. The well-dressed man said, "After a long journey, we have finally arrived home. You must be tired, my wife. Once inside, you should rest. I'm sure A chu must have missed us a lot."
That person was Mr. Li and his wife. They had just returned from a long trip to trade outside the city.
Mr. Li told his servant who was the charioteer. To bring the carriage to his shop in the center of town. After that, the coachman could ask the shopkeeper for money and go home to rest.
After the horse-drawn carriage left. Mr. Li and his wife entered the house. Suddenly, Mr. Li felt strange. Because there was no welcome at all from the people of the house. Not even a single person was seen in the front yard. They looked at each other then continued walking inside in surprise.
Moments later, they heard the sound of people coming from the dining room. Mr. Li then said to his wife, "It looks like A chu is having a party inside and invited the whole house." Mr. Li laughed happily. "They forgot we came."
"We're lucky to have such a kind son," Mrs. Li said happily. "It seems everyone in the house loves A chu too."
Arriving at the dining room. Mr. Li just smiled at the crowd. The bustling atmosphere had stopped as soon as everyone saw the host's arrival. Suddenly things became quiet.
The silence was then broken by servant Chen's voice, "Please forgive me, sir. All of this is my fault for being too reckless. So..so.."
Chen's words, however, were cut off by Mr. Li's laughter. "What are you talking about Chen? Let's just continue this meal. Let my wife and I join in the festivities. Think of it as a welcome back party for me and my wife," said Mr. Li.
A chu, who saw that his father and mother had returned, immediately got off the dining table and ran to his father and mother.
"Father, mother, when are you coming back? Thank God for your safety," exclaimed A chu, who ran to hug her mother and father.
"We just arrived earlier, but there was no greeting at all. Hmm," replied Mr. Li with a serious face. "No one even opened the door for us."
Instantly, the atmosphere in the room became dark. The servants had already started to break out in cold sweat. Mr. Li seemed to notice the look on everyone's faces.
"Ha ha ha ha!"
Finally, Mr. Li's laughter broke out. Holding his stomach he said, "I was just joking. Come on, let's eat soon, because I'm hungry too."
Then Mr. Li turned to his wife. "Oh yes, my wife. Please pass me my favorite wine. A happy mood like this should be accompanied by good wine." Mr. Li exclaimed to his wife excitedly.
Finally, the atmosphere in the room was lively again. This time with the presence of Mr. Li and his wife.
Happiness comes and goes unpredictably. But usually happiness that leaves. Always followed by the arrival of disaster and death.
That afternoon, no one would have thought. that soon, a terrible disaster. Will come to hit the Li family.
*****
Meanwhile, above the gate of the Li family residence. Stood a few people dressed in black. They were watching all the events unfolding in the Li family's dining room.
"Eldest brother, are you sure this is the place?" one of them asked.
The person called eldest brother replied. "There's no mistaking it. According to all the information I've gotten. I'm sure it must be in this house."
Suddenly, the man grinned coldly as he glanced at the dining room.
"Enjoy all the happiness you can have right now. Because it will all be gone soon."
"Ha ha ha ha"
*****