Chapter 6: The Wolf
"Village head, I've hunted some wild rabbits. I can't finish them all. Please take one."
Lin Fan lifted his hand and showed the wild rabbits he had hunted.
The village head took a puff off his pipe and smiled.
Ho Fu had felt apologetic towards Lin Fan.
Even though he was friends with Lin Fan's father, Lin Ye, he couldn't help much.
The only help he could render was to report Lin Fan's household as one head; if he were a corrupt village head, he could have reported it as two, counting Lin Fan's dead father in.
All his fortunes had been spent on buying pills and elixirs for Ho Ming.
If Ho Ming can successfully become a martial art fighter, the Ho family can be lifted to the next level.
"Did I hear rabbit? Haven't had meat for such a long time." Ho Ming chimed in when he heard Lin Fan.
"Yes, I can't finish all of them, better to share them with friends."
Lin Fan handed one of the wild rabbits over to Ho Ming.
"Yeah, we are definitely good friends.
"Next time if anyone bullies you, let me know, I will take care of them for you.
"I will be invincible after I get into the Qing Feng sect." Ho Ming patted Lin Fan on his back and took the wild rabbit.
"Qing Feng sect? How do I get in?" Lin Fan asked, not wanting to waste the opportunity.
"Get in? Simple, pay up one tael of silver and pass through the qualification tests."
"Qualification tests? What do they entail?" Lin Fan asked.
Ho Ming flexed his biceps and said, "They test for your innate talent and abilities. I've prepared and taken so many pills and elixirs to prepare for it."
Lin Fan nodded and thought about this qualification test.
He is making some money now, but it might not be enough to get the pills and elixirs.
One possible way is to bet on it; maybe the ability of his system could help him get in.
"When will you be going to join Qing Feng sect? I want to go too." Lin Fan made his decision and asked.
"Next spring. Are you sure you want to go?"
Ho Ming looked up and down at Lin Fan with an unconvinced look.
Even though Lin Fan is the same age as him, Lin Fan's build certainly doesn't look to be very tough.
Whatever.
Will have to try and help him when the time comes, Ho Ming thought silently to himself.
"By the way, I saw some beasts venturing to the borders of the woods. On my way back, there were groups of people wandering, most likely running away from the autumn harvest tax."
Lin Fan turned to the village head and reported what he had seen earlier.
Ho Fu frowned and took a big puff off his pipe when he heard Lin Fan.
This winter is going to be a tough one.
"Thanks for the information.
"I will go to Feng Shou town to ask for help in clearing the beasts.
"As for the wanderers and vagrants, I will organize the villagers to set up a defense force."
With that Lin Fan bid farewell and went back home.
At home, Lin Fan took out all the copper coins and silver bits he had 'recycled' from the thugs.
He counted and he had enough to pay for the autumn harvest tax.
At least that's one burden off his chest.
Now he just needs to work hard and earn enough for the entrance fee to Qing Feng sect.
...
Next day.
"Lin Fan, you look better now."
"Going hunting again? Be careful of the wanderers and vagrants outside the village."
Villagers commented on Lin Fan looking healthier when they met him.
The few days of rabbit meat had replenished much-needed nourishment to his growing body.
"Yes. You folks be careful out on the rice fields too."
Lin Fan smiled and greeted them back.
Being a successful businessman from his past life, all these formalities are very much a skill of his.
When he got to the open field, he sensed something different.
After waiting for over an hour, no wild rabbits were in sight.
It's like they disappeared overnight or decided to stay inside their burrow for the day.
Then the familiar sound rang in his mind.
[Ding!]
[Detected 1 soul with malevolent intent incoming!]
[Terminate Wolf with malevolent intent for 50 vengeance points.]
Wait, a wolf for 50 vengeance points?
Looks like the stronger the enemy, more points would be rewarded.
Lin Fan armed his bow with an arrow then activated his Rabbit's Hearing ability.
Rustle.
Sounds of grass rustling came from Lin Fan's left side.
"There!"
He turned and shot the arrow at the location.
A shimmer of grey flashed to the right.
Lin Fan missed.
"Grrr..."
The wolf showed itself, baring its teeth and growled at Lin Fan.
Lin Fan noticed something peculiar at its forehead, a small protrusion coming out.
This wolf is on the verge of turning into a demonic beast!
Lin Fan took out his axe and gripped it hard, waiting for the wolf to make the next move.
Whoosh!
The wolf leapt at Lin Fan, aiming for Lin Fan's throat.
Lin Fan sidestepped with his ability, slashed at the wolf with his axe.
The axe went into the wolf's back.
"Grr..."
The wolf ignored the pain, turned and snapped at Lin Fan's waist.
Lin Fan had to let go of his axe and gave the wolf a punch at its throat.
The punch made the wolf miss but it came at Lin Fan again.
He thought for a split second and decided to go with the wolf's force and fall back.
The wolf on top of Lin Fan took a bite at his throat again.
"Damn you!"
Lin Fan activated his Magnificent Leap ability and kicked at the wolf's abdomen.
The force of his kick erupted the wolf's abdomen, and its intestines spilled out.
It cried out in a whimper and tried to get away from Lin Fan.
Lin Fan wouldn't let it; he kept at it until he exhausted all his energy.
[Ding!]