The surrounding soldiers continued to jeer, with one even drawing a circle on the ground and mockingly shouting,"Hey, kid! Come here! I'll stand right here without moving—if you can push me out of the circle, I lose!"
Littel Hong clenched his teeth, anger surging within him. He knew these men were doing this on purpose, trying to discourage him. But the more they mocked him, the more determined he became.
At that moment, Kael Meng stepped forward from the crowd, his eyes sweeping over the noisy soldiers with a faint sneer. Clapping his hands to draw their attention, he raised his voice."Since everyone here seems to enjoy a good show, how about making it real? Whoever challenges Littel Hong in a match, if they lose, they clean the latrines for a month. What do you say?"
The soldiers immediately quieted, exchanging glances until the one who had mocked Littel Hong earlier stepped forward with a disdainful expression."Hah, what's there to be afraid of? This kid can't even stand straight. Anyone here could knock him over! But what if I win?"
Kael Meng smirked, casting a glance at Littel Hong, his gaze carrying a hint of encouragement as if to say, This is your chance. Seize it. But out loud, he said,"If he loses, then he'll clean the latrines for a month. Fair enough?"
Littel Hong straightened his back and nodded resolutely, his fiery gaze meeting the mocking and scornful eyes around him. This wasn't just about pride—it was about his dignity. He silently vowed to wipe the smirks off their faces.
Amid the raucous laughter, Littel Hong gripped the wooden sword tightly, standing before the tall soldier. His heart pounded like a drum, his hands trembling slightly, but his eyes shone with unyielding resolve. Though untrained and inexperienced, he wouldn't back down. Even as an ordinary villager, he would fight for his honor.
The tall soldier sneered, twirling his wooden sword with exaggerated flourishes before beckoning Littel Hong with a dismissive wave, like calling a puppy. Littel Hong charged clumsily, swinging the wooden sword with all his strength."Bang!" The blow was easily deflected mid-swing, sending his weapon askew and nearly causing him to stumble forward onto his knees, a dull pain spreading through his chest.
"Hahaha! Down on your knees already?" The tall soldier struck a mocking stance, his feet wide apart like an elder waiting for juniors to bow. The surrounding soldiers burst into laughter, shaking their heads as if watching a comedy.
Littel Hong gritted his teeth, ignoring the pain as he steadied himself. He knew he couldn't face his opponent head-on. Circling cautiously, he sought an opening, but the tall soldier merely smirked. Suddenly, the soldier feinted, then lashed out with a kick to Littel Hong's chest.
Caught off guard, Littel Hong was sent flying, landing heavily on the ground. Gasping for air, his chest burning with pain, he said nothing, dragging himself up to retrieve his wooden sword and resuming his stance.
The soldiers laughed even louder, their taunts growing crueler."Why don't you just stay down, kid? Save yourself a broken bone!"
"Yeah, you can't even take one hit. Go home and train for a few years first!"
Littel Hong's face burned with humiliation, but his determination remained unshaken. Fixing his gaze on his opponent, he analyzed their brief exchange. The soldier was far stronger, but his movements were sluggish—perhaps Littel Hong could exploit that.
The tall soldier, annoyed by Littel Hong's persistence, snorted,"Kid, you're only hurting yourself by continuing!"
Before the words were out, Littel Hong lunged forward again. The tall soldier decided to end it, swinging his sword viciously at Littel Hong's head.
His strength and technique were leagues ahead, and any attempt to block would likely leave Littel Hong's hands bleeding.
But Littel Hong didn't retreat. Instead, he surged forward, closing the distance. Caught off guard, the tall soldier's swing missed its mark as Littel Hong slipped inside his guard, wrapped his arms around the soldier's waist, and hooked his foot behind the soldier's knee. With a twist, he sent the taller man sprawling to the ground.
Littel Hong, panting heavily, pressed the wooden sword to the soldier's neck. His gaze burned with fierce determination.
The crowd erupted into laughter, this time directed at the tall soldier's misfortune.
Face flushing with anger, the soldier snatched the wooden sword from Littel Hong and kicked him down. Enraged, he struck Littel Hong repeatedly, driving him to the ground as the soldiers laughed even harder.
"Hey, kid, are you fighting or learning how to swim on the floor?" one soldier chortled, clutching his sides.
Kael Meng stepped in, separating them with a cold expression.
"You lost," Littel Hong declared, struggling to stand.
"You cheated!"
"If this were real blades, you'd already be dead!" Littel Hong shot back.
"Pah! I took your sword like it was nothing," the soldier sneered.
"You still lost!" Littel Hong's face flushed red with indignation.
"Fine, let's go again!" The soldier raised his wooden sword, ready to teach Littel Hong another lesson.
Kael Meng intervened, kicking the soldier to the ground."Get lost! Stop embarrassing yourself. You call yourself a veteran? Letting a villager get in close and hold a sword to your throat? If you're not ashamed, I am!"
The tall soldier muttered curses but didn't dare argue, spitting on the ground before slinking away with his comrades.
Littel Hong stood unsteadily, bruised and battered, but a triumphant smile crossed his swollen face. It wasn't just the smile of a victor—it was the smile of someone who had reclaimed his dignity.
"Are you okay?" Kael Meng asked, his tone softening. But Littel Hong, stubborn as ever, said nothing, wobbling away on shaky legs.
His face was bruised, but that smile was his badge of honor. He knew that from now on, the men who had mocked him would think twice before looking down on him.
Kael Meng watched Littel Hong's retreating figure, stroking his chin with a look of newfound interest.