Don't Poke The Tiger

I quickly dodge out of the way before looking up to him in surprise. He lifts his hand up to his face and covers his mouth/nose before turning around and disappearing. As soon as he's gone, I sputter and practically fall over in laughter. 

After laughing like a deranged person, I finally calm down and start on my way again. Now it was truly peaceful. After walking for hours, I decide to stop by a small food stall selling dumplings. The old man greets me with a kind smile as he leads me to a wooden table.

I order a bowl and quietly look around at the other travelers. I seem to be the only one dressed nicely... maybe I should change into something that would attract less attention. I decide to do that when I get done eating but when the old man comes over with the dumplings, all I can think about is the food. 

It smells so good... I blow on the hot dumplings before taking a small bite out of one. Oh, this is good. Really good! Mango's really missing out, I'll have to tell him all about it later. A large sword suddenly appears on the table with a loud clang. 

I grab my bowl of dumplings to keep them from spilling and look up to find a guy smiling down at me. With both cheeks full, I glare up at the guy. He goes to say something but when he sees my eyes, he pauses.

He leans in close, instantly causing me to pull back but I make sure to bring my bowl. I try to quickly chew my food so I can chew this guy out but he suddenly steps back with his smile back in place. He puffs his chest out and says "Young Miss, are you traveling alone?" 

I think about that for a moment before shaking my head 'No' I technically am not traveling alone. I swallow the dumplings and glare at the man as I ask "Can I help you?" The man doesn't lose his smile as he says "No, but I can help you. Beautiful young women like you traveling alone isn't safe." 

My frown deepens as I say "I told you already, I'm not alone." He pulls the little wooden stool out and sits down before ordering a bowl of dumplings for himself. I look to the other empty tables before looking back to him with an arched eyebrow.

He ignores the look and says "I've seen your type out here before. They all think that they're fine but as soon as you come across bandits, you realize just how powerless you are outside of your polished homes."

I slowly smirk at him and say "I highly doubt you've seen MY type out here." I go back to eating my dumplings as the old man sets a bowl down in front of the man. The man watches me closely before narrowing his eyes and saying "You can't even cultivate. You're no better than a child out on these roads. I'll give you a deal. If you pay me two silvers, I'll guard you until the next town."

I look up from my bowl and smirk as I ask "If I give you three, will you leave me alone?" He chokes on his dumpling and starts coughing before saying "I'm serious! They would kidnap you and try to sell you to a brothel!" 

I tilt my head to the side, thinking. Maybe he can tell me a little more about this world. He seems like the innocent but dense kind. I take another bite of my dumplings before saying "Okay" He grins at me and sits up straight before hitting his chest and saying "I will guard you with my life, you have my word!" 

I arch a brow and ask "And you are?" He smacks his forehead and says "Apologies! My name is Li Jun." I nod my head and go back to eating. Maybe having him around will be helpful. After eating, I pay for both of our bowls and give the little old man enough silver to survive for the next five years. 

The old man cries tears of joy as Li Jun watches on with wide eyes. After getting back on the road, Li Jun clears his throat and says "Do... do you have any concept of money? That was enough to live off of for years!" I ignore him as I keep walking and instead ask "What are cultivators?"

Li Jun nearly trips over his own feet before looking to me with a face full of shock. He studders before asking "You really don't know? How old are you?" I frown at him and say "A little over a hundred. Why does that matter?" 

He nearly trips again before looking around and asking "Where is your home? Do you have a caretaker or... a Doctor?" I slowly turn to look at him with raised eyebrows before slowly smiling. He thinks I'm crazy. I lightly chuckle and say "Just answer me. What is a cultivator?" 

Li Jun sighs and scratches the side of his head before saying "A cultivator is someone who can use their internal force. They can grow stronger and faster than most people. Those who are really strong can even live a very long time." 

I nod my head and look over to really check him out. He's not bad looking... His dark brown hair trails a little past his shoulders but he has a bulky frame. He's someone who works out and it shows. Even though he's built, he still seems on the young side.

He carries on and says "If you ever come across a cultivator, you need to be extremely respectful and polite. You really don't want to get on their bad side. In truth, they hold all the power in the world. The sky is the limit for cultivators."

We continue to walk as I take in what he says. It almost sounds like these cultivators are bullies. I step over a small hole and ask "So you aren't a cultivator?" He quickly shakes his head no and says "Not at all but I do have strength! I'm a great swordsman and very strong."

I give him a small nod and keep walking but when I feel hostility in the air, I glance to the trees off to the side. We seem to have company...