Azure Heaven Saber

(1)

"So, this is all we have. Really…"

The two brothers, Xu the Third and Xu the Fourth, turned out everything they had, managing to scrape together 250 silver pieces.

Their purses were as clean as could be, truly not even a single coin left.

And thus, one consequence of their total destitution was that the brothers ended up sharing a bed in the sick ward, freeloading on hospital food, with no intention of leaving.

As the saying goes: Conscience disappears in hardship, without money, one hardly moves.

Without inns to stay or food to eat, were it not for their thick skins bunking at the clinic, these destitute brothers, left to their own devices, could do nothing but steal or starve to death.

"We'll get better…as soon as we see any improvement, we'll leave, accept missions and make money…"

"We can still work…"

"We can do anything…"

"We're penniless now, charming Dr.Feng Yin with your kind heart, you won't let us die here, will you? "

So spoke Xu the Third, his face twisted in a semblance of remorse.

Xu the Fourth, on the other hand, was blushing with embarrassment.

It was all very well for his brother to say all that, he was genuinely ill, after all.

But in contrast, he was perfectly healthy, how could he pretend to be a corpse?

After several fruitless attempts he only managed to add: "I… I'll take care of my brother…"

Pausing briefly he added: "During the day I'll go out and try to earn some money, accept some missions and such... If I manage to complete one or two tasks and sell the medicinal pills earned, we'll have money again soon."

"What the hell? Sell the medicinal pills you've earned?!"

Feng Yin, who was originally planning to mock the brothers, was taken aback, his gaze filled with incredulity.

What kind of madness is this? Selling such useful things?

I would have consumed them!

"While you are experienced in healing patients, when it comes to the mercenary life, mission rewards, we brothers have more authority. The rewards given by Heavenly Judge, those medicinal pills, are recognized as premium wares all across the continent. Even the most common elemental pills are considered hard currency," boasted Xu the Fourth, his chest puffed out in pride.

"I am an Iron Rank assassin of the Heavenly Judge! The Iron Badge, very high rank!"

"Huh... indeed impressive, not even 500 silver pieces to your name... truly impressive... just a measly Iron Rank, truly, truly impressive!"

Feng Yin clicked his tongue and walked out of the room shaking his head, his back to them.

He exuded an air of detached ease, utterly self-satisfied.

So, now you know an Iron Rank assassin is impressive?

You two newbies, the great expert is right in front of you!

What a pity that you two cannot recognize Mount Tai in front of you!

…

A drizzling rain went on for three days. Although it wasn't heavy, the incessant pit-patting never ceased.

This unfortunately led to the brothers, Xu the Third and Xu the Fourth, being overtaken by misery, their faces etched with sorrow.

In the Heavenly Judgment, tasks were constantly updated.

Iron and Wooden Badge missions were countless and unstoppable, so unending that they left you weak just from accepting them all, this was no joke.

But most of the simpler, easier, and nearer ones were completed by other people by the time Xu the Fourth got to them…

This vividly encapsulated the old saying: if you're not fast, even eating shit won't be warm anymore!

The busy mercenary life in Heavenly Judge and competition is fierce...would be an understatement.

Several times, he even had to turn halfway because the tasks had already been completed.

And that Iron Badge individual named Gentle did those…

Xu the Fourth ran himself ragged and he still didn't manage to grab a single task.

He cursed Gentle to an afterlife of torment in his heart.

This damned Gentle, is he my born adversary or what!

Wherever I go, you follow.

Have you got no shame?

...

Meanwhile, after these three days, Feng Yin found himself running at a loss. He had provided the brothers free food and accommodation for three days and even treated their injuries at his own expense, yet got nothing in return, he was understandably irritated.

Although I took your business... but... you guys are staying at my place, you have to pay, right?

Looking at the two freeloading at his clinic getting more and more at ease, acting as if they lived there, how could he bear it?

Dr. Feng's face, predictably, became visibly unhappy.

However, the brothers turned out to be quite tenacious. Other than cooking, washing dishes, and cleaning thoroughly, they were obedient and quiet, not fighting or arguing...

As for the face turned black... what's that?

Is it more important than hunger, cold, and having no place to sleep?

With these two tough nuts, it was simply impossible for Dr. Feng to use regular methods to kick them out.

Once, Dr. Feng made up his mind, grabbed Xu the Third and threw him out the door. But when it was time to cook, Xu the Fourth sneaked back in to make food, reminding Dr. Feng: "Sir, dinner is ready. You can eat, don't mind us. Going without a meal or two won't kill us."

Then, he brought the tableware, stood by the dining table, watched Dr. Feng eat, and drooled.

On the other hand, Xu the Third was half-lying at the door, craning his neck to watch Dr. Feng eat and also drooling...

This... this...

How does one eat like this?

How does one swallow anything like this?

Feng Yin's face turned as black as coal as he took out a piece of paper and a pen.

"Using your heart's oath, linking it with the Celestial Path, including the law of cause and effect, write down an I.O.U and imprint your palm on it. You owe 250 silver pieces for medical expenses, plus accommodation and food costs until recovery, about 450 silver pieces. Let's round it up to 500 silver pieces. I am giving you brothers three months to return the debt, principal and interest amounting to 1200 silver pieces. Sign it or leave, it's your choice!"