Chapter 9: Turning the Tide, A Bloody Battle Against the Village Tyrant

As Liu Dan and Li Chao conversed, an abrupt and shrill knocking resounded from outside the door, accompanied by Li Mazi’s distinctively rough voice.

“Why’s the door locked in broad daylight? Afraid I’ll see something I shouldn’t?” Li Mazi’s words dripped with sarcasm, as if he was deliberately provoking them.

Liu Dan’s heart gave a violent jolt, as though tightly gripped by an invisible hand. She hurriedly straightened her clothes, trying to conceal her inner panic. Rushing to the door, she took a deep breath and pulled it open with force.

A few figures stood at the threshold, led by Li Mazi himself. His face still bore the bruises from yesterday’s beating by Li Chao, and his venomous gaze fixed on Liu Dan, intent on seeing through her entirely.

“What’s this? Hiding at home with a man during the day?” Li Mazi’s lips curled into a sinister smile, his eyes full of mockery. He leaned his head into the little shop, eager to uncover the truth. When he caught sight of Li Chao’s familiar face, he was instantly stunned.

“Damn it! What the hell are you doing here?” Li Mazi’s voice was rife with surprise and anger. He had only come to buy a pack of cigarettes, never expecting to run into Li Chao again. The cripple who had once made his life miserable was now here with Liu Dan, and the sight filled him with deep resentment.

Li Mazi’s gaze darted between the two, his fury mounting. He could hardly believe that the woman he coveted was beyond his reach, while Li Chao, the cripple, lived so comfortably. It was a profound humiliation and mockery for him.

“What? You want another round?” Li Chao’s tone was calm and cold, but the threat was unmistakable. His eyes shone with intensity, piercing straight through Li Mazi.

Under Li Chao’s stare, Li Mazi felt a chill creep into his heart and involuntarily stepped back. Then, recalling the brothers he’d brought with him, he straightened up, glaring at Li Chao with murderous intent.

“Don’t get ahead of yourself. This woman is mine!” Li Mazi spat, his words full of challenge and menace, as if intent on tearing the shop apart.

Li Chao merely smiled faintly, paying no heed to the threat. He turned to Liu Dan, his gaze gentle and concerned. “Are you alright?”

Liu Dan shook her head, gratitude and resolve flickering in her eyes. “I’m fine. With you here, I’m afraid of nothing.”

The silent understanding and trust between them only fueled Li Mazi’s rage.

He shot them a vicious glare and stormed out of the shop with his cronies, knowing that the enmity between him and Li Chao had deepened.

Under the shroud of night, the peaceful village was shattered by an unexpected confrontation.

Li Mazi, known for his ferocity, now fixed a sharp gaze on Li Chao, his eyes cold as moonlight, radiating a chilling hostility.

“Last night, drunk as I was, you took advantage of me!” Li Mazi’s voice was low and powerful, like thunder rolling across empty fields, instilling fear. His words were laden with dissatisfaction and provocation, heralding a storm about to sweep the village.

“Today, you think I’ll let you off easily?” His threat was clear, words sharp as arrows aimed at Li Chao’s heart. He stared at Li Chao, determined to block every escape.

The villagers whispered anxiously, their faces marked by surprise and concern. They knew Li Mazi was a dangerous figure, and that Li Chao had unwittingly invited trouble.

“Li Chao’s in real trouble this time,” one muttered.

“Yeah, offending Black Dog—life won’t be easy for him now,” another agreed.

As tension mounted, Liu Dan bravely stepped forward. Looking at Li Mazi, her voice trembled but was unwavering. “Brother Ma, we’re all neighbors—why fuss over such a small matter?”

Li Mazi sneered, curling his lip in mockery. “For Liu Dan’s sake, I’ll give you a chance.” He paused, then continued, “But you must kneel, kowtow to me three times, and crawl under my leg before I’ll consider letting you off.”

With that, he arrogantly raised a leg, confident in Li Chao’s submission.

Li Chao, however, clenched his teeth, his eyes steely with determination. He balled his fists, waiting for the right moment.

The village fell into a dead silence, with only the standoff between Li Mazi and Li Chao persisting. The villagers held their breath, uncertain how this storm would end.

Yesterday’s defeat seemed to Li Mazi only a fleeting lapse induced by drink. He was certain that, with his “capable” brothers today, Li Chao would be easily crushed beneath his feet.

Yet events unfolded far from his expectations.

Liu Dan, usually gentle and reserved, now stood firm for Li Chao’s dignity. Her face pale and voice trembling, she spoke to Li Mazi with resolve:

“Brother Dog, if you do this, how can Xiaoshan hold his head up in the village?”

Though her words were soft, they struck Li Mazi like a hammer.

Li Mazi scoffed at her concern, even mocking it. He spat, eyes full of contempt, openly ogling Liu Dan’s chest with a playful grin. “What’s wrong? Feeling sorry now? Always pretending to be proper, but you’re just a brazen thing!”

The villagers’ raucous laughter left Liu Dan mortified.

At that moment, Li Chao stepped forward. His eyes blazed with resolve and defiance as he addressed Li Mazi, one word at a time: “Apologize.”

The words were not loud, but thundered in everyone’s ears.

Li Mazi and his gang were stunned, then burst out laughing, convinced Li Chao was making a futile stand.

But before their laughter died out, Li Chao lunged at Li Mazi, seized his hair, and smashed his head against the doorframe.

Bang!

A dull thud, and Li Mazi’s head split open, blood pouring out, shocking all who witnessed it.

It happened so swiftly that no one could react.

Clutching his bleeding head, Li Mazi bellowed, “Brothers, get him!”

Li Chao’s retaliation did not stop. He raised a leg and kicked Li Mazi, sending him sprawling five steps away.

Li Mazi’s cronies charged at Li Chao, fists flying.

Li Chao, fearless, eyes resolute and movements agile, engaged them in fierce combat.

In that moment, Li Chao was transformed—no longer the man bullied by others, but a warrior unafraid to resist and fight.

Every move radiated strength and determination, astounding all present.

With sheer force, Li Chao knocked Li Mazi and his gang to the ground. Standing tall, his gaze burning, he looked at the fallen men and declared,

“I, Li Chao, will not be bullied by anyone!”

In that instant, Li Chao became the village’s focus. His courage and resilience earned everyone’s admiration and respect.

Li Mazi and his cronies, thoroughly defeated, would no longer dare to cause trouble in the village.