MARD Chapter 11 Arrival at the Village
As the group approached the village, the change in atmosphere was immediate. Unlike the quiet isolation of the forest, the village was filled with life. Farmers worked diligently in the sun-soaked fields, the rhythmic clink of tools against soil carrying through the air. Merchants called out their wares at wooden stalls, their voices merging into a low hum, while children dashed through the dirt roads, their laughter ringing like wind chimes.
But the moment the villagers noticed them, the liveliness dulled. Conversations hushed, and heads turned. It wasn't Issei who drew attention—it was the Wu sisters and the Silver Wolf beside them.
Wu Ying, Wu Lan, and Wu Xiao, even in their travel-worn outfits, radiated an elegance that felt foreign in the rustic village. Their distinct green hair, varying in length and style, and striking blue eyes made them impossible to overlook. Combined with their flawless skin, delicate features, and the natural grace in their steps, they looked almost otherworldly. The midday sun glinted off their hair, amplifying their ethereal appearance. Their beauty, enhanced by the strength gained through cultivation, left the locals awestruck.
"Them girls look like fairies…" an old man muttered.
"They cultivators?" someone else whispered.
"Wait—is that a Low-Ranked Beast?!"
The Silver Wolf's presence sent ripples of unease through the crowd. Its sharp, glistening fangs and fluid movements radiated both power and control. A few villagers instinctively backed away, whispering among themselves. A tamed beast wasn't an everyday sight, especially one as intimidating as this.
Before things could escalate, a voice cut through the murmurs.
"Halt!"
A guard stepped forward, his armor worn but well-kept, glinting dully under the sun. He was a tall man, broad-shouldered, with the presence of someone used to dealing with trouble. His sharp eyes scanned the group before settling on the Silver Wolf, his grip tightening on the spear he held.
"What business do you have here?" the guard asked, his voice steady, though a slight edge of caution laced it. His stance wasn't hostile, but it was clear he was prepared for any trouble.
Issei, sensing the tension, stepped forward with an easygoing smile. "We're just travelers looking for a place to rest and resupply. We mean no harm."
The guard's gaze flickered toward the Wu sisters again, his brow furrowing as if assessing whether they were a threat. Mostly the Silver Wolf that was being ridden.
"You don't look like ordinary travelers," he said. "And that's no ordinary pet."
Wu Xiao pouted. "She's not a pet—she's family!"
The wolf gave a low, unimpressed grunt but didn't move, its silver fur shimmering under the sunlight.
The guard exhaled, clearly debating whether to press further, but seeing the lack of aggression from the beast, he ultimately relaxed his stance. "As long as you don't cause trouble, you're free to enter. But if that wolf harms anyone, we'll have a problem."
Wu Ying scoffed. "She's better behaved than most people."
The guard gave her a look but didn't argue. He stepped aside, allowing them to pass.
As they walked through the village, the curious stares continued. Some villagers whispered excitedly, others simply gawked, but no one dared to approach. The Wu sisters, unfazed by the attention, continued walking, their steps fluid and confident, while Issei casually stretched his arms behind his head, pretending not to notice.
Wu Xiao, however, was eating up the admiration. "Big Sis, they think we're famous!"
Wu Lan sighed. "No, they think we're strange."
Issei chuckled. "Either way, let's focus on getting supplies."
The scent of fresh bread, dried meats, and roasted spices filled the air as they reached the bustling marketplace. Stalls lined the streets, their vibrant canopies fluttering in the breeze, selling everything from fabrics to weapons. The rhythmic clang of a nearby blacksmith's hammer echoed in the distance.
Issei spotted a merchant handling dried herbs and meats. "Alright, let's sell the extra parts first."
Wu Ying frowned. "And then?"
"We use the money to buy what we need."
Wu Lan tilted her head. "Money?"
Issei paused, suddenly realizing something. "Wait… don't tell me you guys don't know how money works? Did your dad not teach you about it?"
The sisters exchanged glances.
"I guess he must have skipped this lesson. In the village there was no need for it. If we needed something we mostly traded it for something the other person wanted," Wu Lan recalled, her voice laced with nostalgia.
Wu Xiao grinned. "People usually just give us things."
Wu Ying shrugged. "Or we take them."
Issei groaned, rubbing his temples. "Of course you do…"
He quickly launched into an explanation of currency, trade, and bartering, though the Wu sisters looked increasingly bored. Wu Xiao even yawned halfway through.
"So, we kill things, sell the parts, and get money," Wu Ying summarized.
"Basically." Issei knew there was more to it than that, but he didn't want to go into a detailed explanation.
Wu Lan nodded. "That's simple enough."
Deciding not to question their past experiences, Issei led them to a stall where a merchant was handling freshly hunted game and wares. The man, a burly fellow with thick arms, raised an eyebrow as they approached.
"You buying?" Issei pulled out a wrapped bundle of meat, fangs, bones, and fur from the wolves and other animals they had hunted, along with parts from the Silver Wolf and Iron Snake. The merchant's eyes widened.
"These… these are some good materials." He rubbed the wolf pelt between his fingers. "Iron Snake fangs alone fetch a high price for weapon-making. And a Silver Wolf pelt? This could be made into a fine coat."
The Wu sisters perked up at that. But the moment Wu Ying heard the parts of the Ranked Beast could be made into weapons, she decided that they would not sell it.
"We'll only sell the normal animal parts and the meat.," Issei clarified.
The merchant grinned. "Done."
After a bit of negotiating, they walked away with a hefty pouch of silver and copper coins.
Wu Xiao peered inside, the coins glinting in the sunlight. "So this is money?"
"Yes," Issei said. "Try not to lose it."
But the moment they turned back toward the market stalls, Wu Lan's eyes landed on a display of fine robes.
"Alright, let's buy new clothes," she declared.
Issei blinked. "Sure."
The moment they stepped into the tailor's shop, Issei realized he had made a mistake.
The sisters were ruthless.
They examined every piece of fabric with sharp eyes, debated over colors, and tested textures against their skin. Wu Xiao had already picked out three different outfits, and Wu Ying had engaged in a full-on negotiation with the shopkeeper over an embroidered dress.
Wu Lan, meanwhile, simply ran her fingers over the silk, quietly appreciating the quality.
"Are we really spending this much on clothes?" Issei muttered.
Wu Ying shot him a look. "We need proper outfits if we're traveling. Or do you want us walking around in torn robes forever?"
Issei sighed. "Fine, fine."
By the time they left, the girls were dressed in fresh outfits—Wu Ying, with her short green hair in a dark blue robe with yellow accents; Wu Lan, with her flowing long hair, in a soft lavender dress; and Wu Xiao, with long twintails, in a light green outfit that matched her hair.
Issei glanced at their bags of money—considerably lighter.
He exhaled. "Let's just hope we don't need more supplies anytime soon."
As they stepped back into the marketplace, a disturbance caught their attention.
A group of young men in elaborate robes stood near the village square, their presence commanding attention. Their outfits bore insignias, marking them as disciples of a cultivation sect.
One of them, a tall man with sharp features, looked directly at them and smirked. "Well, what do we have here? A few lost girls… and their servant?"
Issei frowned.
Wu Ying crossed her arms. "You want something?"
The cultivator chuckled. "Not often we see outsiders like you. Which sect do you belong to?"
Wu Lan's expression remained neutral. "None."
That seemed to amuse them. "No sect? Then what exactly are you doing here?"
"Traveling," Issei said, bored. "Like normal people."
The cultivator's eyes flickered to the Silver Wolf. "That's quite the pet you have. How much do you want for it?"
Wu Xiao immediately stepped in front of the wolf. "She's not for sale."
The man's smirk widened. "Everything has a price."
Issei sighed, stepping forward. "We're not interested in trouble."
The cultivator's gaze darkened. "You think I'm trouble?"
Issei smiled, hands in his pockets. "I think you're wasting our time."
The village square grew heavier with tension as the cultivator's smug smirk deepened. The tall man stepped forward, the insignia on his robe glinting under the sunlight—a silver lotus, likely representing a low-tier cultivation sect.
"You talk big for someone hiding behind women," he sneered at Issei, his voice loud enough for the entire square to hear.
Issei didn't flinch. "Is that really your best insult?"
Gasps rippled through the crowd. A few villagers edged back, sensing the rising hostility.
The cultivator's fingers twitched, his qi flaring outward. Dust and loose debris swirled around his feet as the ground trembled slightly beneath the pressure. Villagers backed away quickly, giving the two space.
"Maybe I should teach you some respect." The cultivator growled, the faint glow of his qi outlining his form.
Before Issei could respond, Wu Ying stepped forward, sliding between him and the cultivator. Her arms crossed, a bored look on her face.
"You're welcome to try." She said with a smirk. "But you'll regret it."
The cultivator's qi flared higher, the intensity forcing a gust of wind. His strength was evident—at least a Fourth-Stage Fighter—but Wu Ying stood her ground, the corners of her mouth lifting in amusement.
A crack echoed through the square as the village elder's staff struck the ground.
"Enough!"
The elder's voice, calm yet commanding, cut through the tension like a blade.
All eyes turned to the older man. His weathered face held a calm authority, but there was weight behind his presence as a faint aura surged outward—revealing himself as a Fourth-Stage Fighter. The pressure in the air shifted, forcing the cultivator's qi to falter.
"Don't start fights in my village," the elder warned, eyes narrowing at the arrogant disciple.
The cultivator scowled but took a step back. "Fine. But don't come crying when they get eaten by that beast."
The elder ignored the parting insult as the cultivators stalked away, their murmured curses fading into the crowd.
The elder turned to Issei's group, his sharp gaze lingering on the Wu sisters before settling on Issei.
"You handled that well," the elder said, voice lowered so only they could hear. "Most travelers would've backed down."
Issei grinned. "We're not most people."
The elder's lips twitched into a faint smile. "That much is obvious. Travelers with a tamed Silver Wolf, no sect, and enough guts to stand against other cultivators? You're either fools or much stronger than you let on."
Wu Ying chuckled. "We'll let you figure that out."
The elder studied them a moment longer before his expression grew serious. "A Ranked Beast has been stalking the fields. Livestock's gone missing, and hunters refuse to go near the northern ridge. If you're staying, watch yourselves."
Wu Xiao's eyes sparkled. "A big fight? We're in!"
Wu Lan, however, frowned. "Ranked Beasts aren't something to take lightly. How strong is it?"
"Rumors say it's Mid-Rank," the elder replied. "Strong enough to wipe out a group of cultivators. If I was younger, I'd hunt it myself. But these old bones can't keep up anymore."
"We'll talk about it amongst ourselves first," Issei said, throwing a glance at Wu Lan, who still looked skeptical.
Before they left, the elder gestured toward the fields. "If you're serious, speak with the farmers. They've seen tracks—claw marks the size of a man's head near the northern ridge. And…" He hesitated. "There's been howling at night. Loud enough to shake the windows."
Wu Ying raised an eyebrow. "Howling? So it's not alone?"
"Likely not. But its pack seems small. Maybe scattered."
As they moved toward the outskirts, passing cautious farmers, Issei noticed villagers whispering in hushed tones.
"More sheep went missing last night."
"Third time this week."
"Tracks near the river… something big prowling at night."
Wu Lan knelt beside a set of claw marks etched deep into the dirt. "This isn't fresh, but it's still close."
Torn branches and flattened grass hinted at the creature's size—far larger than any normal predator.
"Think it'll come out tonight?" Issei asked.
"Most likely," Wu Ying replied, glancing at the claw marks.
Wu Xiao grinned. "Then let's hunt it down before it gets away!"
"No, we won't," Wu Lan interjected firmly.
Wu Ying turned sharply toward Wu Lan. "Why not? You heard the elder—it's been causing problems."
Wu Lan stood, dusting off her hands. "Because it's dangerous. We don't need to get involved. We're travelers, not monster hunters."
"We need more money for supplies," Wu Ying argued. "And Mid-Ranked Beasts start to form cores. Those sell for a fortune."
Wu Xiao threw up her arms. "And it sounds fun!"
Wu Lan's eyes narrowed. "You're thinking with your fists again."
"Better than doing nothing."
Issei finally stepped between them reluctantly, raising his hands. "Alright, alright, calm down. Both of you make good points."
Wu Lan glared at him. "Really?"
"Yeah. But think about it—if we're going to continue our journey, we'll need better clothes, weapons, and supplies. We can't keep traveling with what we have. We can also use this to ask for directions to the capital, so Wu Ying can go into a good sect."
Wu Ying's eyes gleamed with interest. "So the beast hunt funds our journey?"
"Exactly," Issei said. "We kill the Ranked Beast, sell the core and materials, then buy proper gear. Simple."
Wu Lan hesitated, then sighed. "Fine. But are you sure this is a good idea? We barely defeated the bigger Silver Wolf. Not to mention we're antagonizing those cultivators."
"We're much stronger now than back then," Wu Ying said confidently. Almost like she could confidently defeat the Silver Wolf now. "And those cultivators were a joke. About the same strength as the boss bandit that attacked our home. Which was defeated by us."
"But it was Big Bro who defeated him," Wu Xiao pointed out, earning an annoyed glance from Wu Ying.
"Yes, I know. But I helped, and if it wasn't for me, he would have lost."
Issei scratched his head, not wanting to say anything to make Wu Ying angry.
"Plus, Issei still has that sword. This should be easy."
Wu Lan simply sighs. But even she was much stronger thanks to cultivating with Issei. She also has an idea of how to help out during a fight. "Fine."
Wu Xiao cheered. "Let's gooo!"
"We should probably go to a blacksmith and buy some good weapons with the rest of the money we have left."
"Right if what the merchant says is true we can turn the ranked beast parts into good weapons." Wu Ying says excitedly as she remembers how hard the fur of the Silver wolf was. Now she wanted to hunt the Mid-Ranked Beast faster at the thought of what more weapons she could have.
They soon found a blacksmith, the rhythmic clang of metal against metal echoing as smoke billowed from the forge. Luckily, they had enough money, and they promised the blacksmith could keep the extra parts.
They made leather armor out of the skin of the Iron Snake. It was big enough to make four sets of chest, leg, and arm protectors, along with shoes and gloves, all hidden neatly under their clothes.
The two fangs of the snake were forged into small curved swords for Wu Ying and Wu Xiao. The fangs of the Silver Wolf were used to improve Wu Ying's crude daggers. At Wu Lan's request, the blacksmith crafted a bow and arrows from the Silver Wolf's bones. The silvery fur became two coats, given to Issei and Wu Ying.
"Are you sure I should have this?" Issei asked, admiring the fine Ying was walking in front looking quite smug at how shiny her new coat was.
"Of course. You and Wu Ying are usually at the front. You two need extra protection," Wu Lan replied.
"Plus, I already have Luna," Wu Xiao added, hugging the Silver Wolf, whose tail wagged contentedly.
"Now, we just have to wait for nightfall," Wu Ying said eagerly.
"Now we do need to hunt it down. We're out of money," Issei noted, flipping the empty coin purse upside down.
"Let's see what the town has to offer while we wait," Wu Lan suggested, smiling at Issei.
Issei sees this and also smiles back.
"Yeah!" Wu Xiao shouts reminding them that they were not alone.
—
Night had fallen over the village, a deep, velvety darkness broken only by the soft glow of lanterns and the shimmering light of countless stars overhead. The fields stretched out in silence, their tall grasses swaying gently under the cool night breeze. Issei and the Wu sisters sat around a small campfire just beyond the village's edge, their newly forged weapons laid out neatly beside them.
The fire crackled, casting dancing shadows across their faces. Wu Xiao poked the fire with a stick, her silver wolf, Luna, curled up at her side, tail twitching lazily.
"So, Big Bro" Wu Xiao chirped, "What's your home like?"
"Ohh. We never really asked about it other than it being called Kouh." Wu Lan says disappointed about never asking him.
Issei blinked, leaning back on his hands. "Huh. I guess I haven't ever talked about it, huh?" He smiled faintly, the firelight reflecting in his eyes. "It's… different from here. I come from a place where there aren't cultivators or beasts like this. People use machines, think of them as objects made of metal to get things done. Cities are massive, made of metal and glass, and people rush around all day like they're late for something. Everyday I woke up in the morning to go to School."
Wu Ying raised an eyebrow. "No cultivation? How do people fight?"
"We don't, well there's some that do that as a sport. Most people live normal lives. The biggest threat was maybe… bills." He chuckled, but there was a trace of longing in his voice.
Wu Lan tilted her head. "That sounds… peaceful."
"Boring," Wu Ying muttered.
(Hah! That's what you thought before I woke up.) Ddraig's voice rumbled in Issei's mind, the familiar weight of the dragon's presence filling his thoughts. (Our world isn't as simple as he's telling. There's a hidden side—fallen angels, devils, dragons, all lurking beneath the surface. You just didn't notice it until I told you.)
Issei's smile faltered slightly, but he recovered quickly. "Well, I guess… there was more to it than I realized."
Wu Xiao giggled. "I wanna see it someday!"
"Do you want to go back?" Wu Lan asks as she notices his mood.
Issei's smile softened before it dimmed. "I do want to go back… My mom and dad are still at home. I miss them and they must be pretty worried."
The sisters exchanged glances, a moment of unexpected sympathy passing between them and in the heart of Wu Ying and Wu Lan a seed of worry sprouts at the hint that one day their adventures with Issei will end.
A comfortable silence settled between them, broken only by the soft crackling of the fire and the distant chirping of insects. Then Wu Lan spoke, her voice quieter. "Then why not go back now?"
Issei hesitated, then a voice of conviction was heard. "One day I'll find out why or who brought me to this world and I will go back. "
The moment stretched out, calm and grounding before the coming hunt.
But peace was short-lived.
A faint sound reached their ears—boots on dirt, several pairs. Issei's eyes sharpened, and he quickly stood, the girls following suit. Emerging from the shadows was the arrogant cultivator from earlier, flanked by several of his followers. His silver lotus insignia gleamed under the moonlight.
"Well, well," the cultivator drawled, "looks like I found myself a free meal ticket. Planning to take down the Ranked Beast, are you?"
Wu Ying stepped forward, annoyance clear on her face. "You again? Didn't you get embarrassed enough earlier?"
He sneered. "I'm not here to chat. That Beast is worth a fortune. And I'm not letting some randos have it. So here's the deal: give me whatever treasure you have and the silver wolf. Or I'll kill you." The cultivator says looking at Issei not even acknowledging the sisters.
"Got a name, or are you just 'that guy' forever?" Issei asked, tensing his body for action.
"Di Ren" He replied, his smirk widening. "Remember it when you're crawling away in defeat."
Issei sighed as he summoned the Boosted Gear. "We're not here for a fight, but if you want one, I'm not backing down."
Di Ren's qi flared in response as the moment his eyes spotted the red gauntlet his desires and greed grow, his lackeys spreading out, forming a loose circle around Issei's group.
Wu Xiao clapped her hands excitedly. "Ooooh, another fight!"
Wu Lan, however, gripped her bow tightly, a flicker of hesitation in her eyes. Her fingers trembled over the string as she aimed at one of the lackeys but didn't release. The thought of hurting someone—of escalating the fight—made her falter.
Di Ren sneered, then snapped his fingers. "Then hand over the gauntlet, and we'll let you go."
Wu Ying scoffed. "As if."
"Didn't think so," He muttered with a grin before lunging forward.
The clearing erupted into chaos. Wu Ying met Di Ren head-on, blades flashing in the moonlight. Her qi surged as she revealed her true strength—a Third-Stage Fighter. Her aura exploded outward, a shimmering wave of energy that cracked the ground beneath her feet.
Di Ren didn't flinch. His own qi flared stronger, pushing back against hers with crushing force. "Third-Stage? Cute. But you're still not strong enough."
Their blades clashed violently, the shockwaves knocking back dirt and leaves. Wu Ying gritted her teeth, her strikes fast but unable to fully push him back.
Meanwhile, Wu Xiao, noticing Wu Lan's hesitation, hopped onto Luna's back. "Let's go, girl!"
With a growl, Luna charged forward, Wu Xiao perched confidently on her back, guiding the Silver Wolf into the fray. Luna leapt through the crowd, slashing at enemies with powerful swipes keeping most of the opponents occupied while Wu Xiao, giggling wildly, directed her from above.
BOOST!
Issei stayed at the center, his Boosted Gear activating with a glow, the first Boost echoing like thunder.
"Ten seconds?" he muttered, focusing on defense blocking most sword swung at him while the timer ticked down.
Wu Lan forced herself to steady her breathing, finally letting an arrow fly—but it grazed the enemy's shoulder rather than landing a clean hit. Frustrated but determined, she reset her stance.
Di Ren's strikes hammered Wu Ying backward, her blades sparking as she parried. "You're tough," she admitted, panting slightly.
"And you're out of your depth." He shot back, swinging with brutal force.
BOOST!
Issei, now with his second boost, which roughly placed him as strong as a Third-Ranked Fighter lunged forward. Quickly defeated his opponents in several punches. Issei then ran to help Wu Ying.
His strike slammed into Di Ren's side, staggering him for a moment—but Ren Dao twisted, absorbing most of the blow.
"Not bad," Ren Dao growled, blood trickling from his lip. "But not enough. Whirling Slash"
He retaliated with a wave of qi from his sword that was sent to Issei and Wu Ying. Luckily Issei blocked the slash with the Boosted Gear stopping it from cutting them in two but the force sent them flying backwards.
"Damn it," Issei muttered, pushing himself up. "He's stronger than I thought."
Wu Ying wiped blood from her mouth, grinning despite the pain. "But we got him riled up."
The fight dragged on around them, the clearing filled with the sounds of clashing steel, the snarling Silver Wolf, and bursts of qi. Wu Xiao and Luna carved paths through the lesser cultivators, while Wu Lan gradually regained her confidence, her arrows becoming sharper, more precise.
"Hmp, that treasure is wasted in the likes of you." Di Ren sneers at Issei. As he saw how the gauntlet blocked his slash. "Don't think that with just two Third-Ranked fights, that it will be enough to defeat me."
"Wanna bet." Issei says as the blade was brought out from the gauntlet.
"Whirling Slash." With a shout of his Martial Skill. Di Ren swung his sword toward Issei.
Issei responded with a normal swing of his sword. To make a duo clash of swords. And just like all other times the sword, Issei got from the old man turned out to be sharper as it cut through Di Ren's sword and the cultivator's chest.
"Arrghh!" Di Ren screamed holding his bleeding wound.
Honestly Issei could have cut through Di Ren but the moment he saw his blade cut the other completely, Issei started to back off. Leaving only a slashed cut on his chest that refused to stop bleeding. He was still too kind and has yet to take a life.
"You'll pay for this. Next time we won't let you off." Di Ren angrily spoke as pure hatred could be seen from his eyes. As he and the others who were still on their feet left . Abandoning the members that were injured and struggling on the floor.
Seeing their enemy retreat, Issei released the tension of his body anddusted off his coat. "At least they're gone now."
Wu Ying flicked her blades clean. "Next time, he's mine."
Wu Xiao slid off Luna's back, her grin wide. "That was awesome! She's the best ride ever!"
Wu Lan, still shaken, lowered her bow. "I need to work on my aim."
Issei offered her a reassuring smile. "You did fine. We all have moments like that."
"So what do we do with these idiots?" Wu Xiao asked, still full of energy.
Wu Lan sighed as she heard groaning around them. "I dont know."
Wi Ying merely snorted. "Of course we leave them. They attacked us. We have no obligation to treat them." Soon an awful idea came and with a devious smirk came. "But first we'll take everything they have." She soon started looking through their bleeding clothes.
"That doesn't seem right, Wu Ying." Issei says having a moral and ethical point of view that it was wrong to steal.
"Hey this guy has some weird pills." Which were ignored as Wu Xiao also started searching for free stuff.
"There, there." Wu Lan comforted him not joining her younger sister as they scavenged the people groaning in pain.
When they were done, Issei, who hadn't released the Boosted Gear, didn't even bother looking through the items, weapons,and money they collected. He simply chucked it all to be sorted out later in the World Marble.
"All done if that Ranked-Beast is a no show, at least we have some funds for the road." Wu Ying says with a satisfied smile cleaning her hands as if she was just done with her shift at work.
Just before they could move out, a blood-curdling scream echoed through the night—from the direction Di Ren had fled.
The group froze.
"Was that…?" Issei began, but Wu Ying was already on her feet.
"Di Ren's group," she confirmed. "And something's tearing them apart."
More screams followed, loud and panicked, before a monstrous roar drowned them out—a deep, guttural sound that made the ground tremble.
"It must be the Ranked Beast!" Wu Ying soon ran, not wanting to lose her chance at hunting it.
"Luna, let's go!" Wu Xiao cheered, leaping onto the wolf's back as the rest followed, racing toward the chaos.
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