"Because I'm a citizen of Ning, of course. Isn't that enough?"

"Good, very good! I'll have someone follow you around for a period of time, and you'll be safe with him. Furthermore, the day your dojo opens, I'll prepare a small gift for you," Su Feng said, smiling. 

Neither of them spoke about their agreement outright, but each understood what it entailed. 

Su Feng glanced toward Zhang Lie appreciatively. It wasn't easy for a hunter without any background to make a place in this world. Without any courage or intellect, he would hardly have been able to get the chance to meet Su Feng.

Su Feng knew that his reaction and subsequent offer of protection had been planned by Zhang Lie all along, and while he would normally abhor such behavior, he even seemed to be glad that Zhang Lie had chosen to divulge the information to him.

When he looked toward Zhang Lie once more, he seemed to see a rising star that would bring glory and fame to Ning.

"Thank you for your goodwill, Commander." Zhang Lie turned to leave.

From now on, the troops and military of Ning would be Zhang Lie's backer, a relationship far closer and more secure than what he had wrought with the Chu and Ning cla...