Rebirth as God

Chapter 4 Meeting Lei Hu Again

In front of a dilapidated hut stood a handsome young man. He was dressed in a blue long robe, his long hair flowing freely in the wind, and his eyes were fixed intently on the partially collapsed hut before him.This man was Xuan Xing. After leaving the mountain, the first place he returned to was this small village where he was born. Xuan Xing still had strong feelings for this place. After all, he had lived here for several years. If it weren't for the villagers' charity in giving him some food, he might have starved to death long ago.Seeing the dilapidated state of his former home, Xuan Xing felt a wave of emotion. It was in this shabby little hut that he had spent his childhood. More than ten years had passed, and this wooden hut was now beyond repair. Since he had no plans to stay here, his return was only to settle a matter of the heart.After wandering around the village, he found that everyone was still living their lives as usual, except that he didn't see Lei Hu, who used to bully him as a child. Xuan Xing didn't hold a grudge against him, but instead felt a bit grateful. If Lei Hu hadn't injured him back then, he might not have regained his memory now. Seeing that everyone was doing well, Xuan Xing decided not to linger.Qing'an City was a nearby town. At this moment, Xuan Xing was walking down its bustling streets, feeling a rare sense of peace as he listened to the hawkers' shouts from the roadside shops. It had been a long time since he had experienced such an atmosphere.As he walked, he suddenly heard an angry voice from a man ahead, "Manager Li, you have to give me my wages. I've worked for you for half a year; you should at least give me five taels of silver.""Lei Hu, don't forget you borrowed five taels of silver from me last year. Your wages can be considered as repayment. Still asking for wages, huh!" Manager Li retorted angrily."But I didn't say I wouldn't repay you. Others here earn two taels of silver a month. Over half a year, I should have earned more than ten taels. I'm only asking for five taels now. Is that unreasonable?""Hmph, did I invite you here in the first place? Did I ever say I would pay you every month?" When Xuan Xing heard the name Lei Hu, his eyes lit up. Could this be the same Lei Hu he knew? He quickly walked forward and carefully examined the man. Despite the significant changes in Lei Hu's appearance over the years, Xuan Xing recognized him.From their conversation, Xuan Xing understood the situation: Manager Li clearly had no intention of paying Lei Hu his wages. Lei Hu's face was red with anger, breathing heavily as he glared at Manager Li. Passersby looked at Lei Hu sympathetically but none stepped in to help.Unable to stand by any longer, Xuan Xing decided to intervene. After all, Lei Hu had indirectly helped him before. Cultivators generally do not owe favors, as it could hinder their future cultivation, so they always seek to repay their debts."Manager, that's not right. Why do others get paid but not him? Is it up to you to pay as you please?" Xuan Xing stepped in to defend Lei Hu.Lei Hu looked gratefully at Xuan Xing, although he did not recognize him. The fact that this stranger was helping him made him feel deeply thankful.Manager Li was taken aback by Xuan Xing's question. Admitting he didn't want to pay would dissuade others from working for him. "This is our business. You'd better stay out of it," he said angrily to Xuan Xing."Hehe, sorry, but this brother and I grew up together. Do you think I can just ignore this?" Xuan Xing said with a smile.Realizing that Xuan Xing knew Lei Hu, Manager Li saw trouble ahead. However, his inn employed several thugs, and few in Qing'an City dared to challenge him.Lei Hu, too, was surprised. Though Xuan Xing seemed familiar, he couldn't recall who he was."Oh? So you're determined to interfere? Then don't blame me for being impolite. Liu Quan, throw these two out," Manager Li ordered.At once, more than a dozen men, each holding a wooden stick, emerged from the inn. Seeing this, Xuan Xing frowned. Though he wasn't afraid, being a cultivator at the Jindan stage, what annoyed him was Manager Li's apparent wickedness, evident from both his actions and the villagers' reactions."Brother, they are many. Let's leave. I don't need the money," Lei Hu urged Xuan Xing, concerned.Xuan Xing was surprised by Lei Hu's change. Unlike in their childhood, Lei Hu now seemed considerate of others. "Lei Hu, let's talk later. I'll deal with these people first," Xuan Xing said, walking towards the thugs.The thugs didn't hesitate and swung their sticks at Xuan Xing. Swiftly moving among them, Xuan Xing struck with precision. Each of his blows sent a man to the ground. He used only his physical strength, not his true essence, or these men would be dead.In no time, the thugs were writhing in pain on the ground. Seeing this, Manager Li knew he had met his match. "This brother's skills are impressive. Can we talk inside?" Manager Li, realizing the need for a softer approach, invited them in.Though Xuan Xing initially didn't want to bother, seeing Lei Hu's need for money, he decided to extort some from Manager Li. After all, the man didn't seem to be a good person.Lei Hu was thrilled. The man helping him was skilled; he might finally get his wages.The three entered the inn, where Manager Li personally led them to a private room, warmly serving them tea and fruit. "I apologize for earlier. As for Lei Hu's wages, we can discuss that," Manager Li said with a forced smile."Manager Li, I don't want to waste time. How do you plan to handle this?" Xuan Xing asked bluntly."Hmm, I'll give Lei Hu his full wages, twelve taels, and forget the five-tael loan. How about that, Lei Hu?" Manager Li tried to please.Lei Hu's eyes lit up at the mention of twelve taels, momentarily forgetting the earlier conflict."Manager Li, isn't that a bit low? My brother has been through a lot. Without me today, he wouldn't have gotten a cent, right?" Xuan Xing's words sobered Lei Hu, who then glared at Manager Li.Seeing he couldn't win, Manager Li asked, "What do you suggest?""One thousand taels. Not a penny less," Xuan Xing replied lazily, sipping his tea.Manager Li was furious inside. His small inn made only five hundred taels a year, but Xuan Xing demanded a thousand!"Brother, can't we lower it a bit? My business isn't easy..." Manager Li pleaded."Give it or not, make it quick. I don't have time to waste," Xuan Xing interrupted, releasing some of his aura.Feeling overwhelmed, Manager Li realized he had no choice. "Alright, one thousand taels. I'll get the banknotes," he said, rushing off.Soon, he handed the banknotes to Xuan Xing, who then left the inn with Lei Hu."Lei Hu, don't you recognize me? I'm Little Xing," Xuan Xing revealed on the way."Little Xing? You're Little Xing!" Lei Hu exclaimed, remembering how he used to bully Little Xing. Now, Little Xing was helping him, and Lei Hu felt ashamed.Through their conversation, Xuan Xing learned that Lei Hu had moved to the city with his parents three years ago. Last year, his father fell ill, and without money, Lei Hu borrowed five taels from Manager Li for treatment. But his father's condition didn't improve, so Lei Hu worked at the inn, leading to the earlier confrontation."Use this money for your father's treatment and the rest to start a business. I have other matters to attend to," Xuan Xing said, handing the banknotes to Lei Hu."Little Xing, I can't accept this. It's too much," Lei Hu refused."Lei Hu, I don't need the money, but you do. Take it, or I'll be angry," Xuan Xing insisted.Knowing Xuan Xing's stubbornness, Lei Hu reluctantly accepted. "Little Xing, take this jade pendant as a keepsake," Lei Hu offered, handing over a purple-red jade pendant.Realizing Lei Hu's sincerity, Xuan Xing accepted it. Holding the pendant, he felt an indescribable sensation. Though it seemed ordinary, he decided not to dwell on it.