Lu Bu didn't want to live like this for his whole life. Even if he could cultivate the land better, those mere two mu of barren land would always have limited yields. He wouldn't be much better off than his father in the future. 

This kind of life, where you could see the end at a glance, was not what Lu Bu desired. Even if he couldn't have the boundless glory of his previous life, Lu Bu still wanted to live his life.

But what else can he do? Besides farming, Lu Bu can only rely on hunting. He brings home the animals he hunted to supplement the family's meals, providing some much-needed meat every now and then. 

Occasionally, he would also have his father sell the furs at the market. By the time Lu Bu was twelve, his family's situation started to improve thanks to his relentless efforts. His mother, who used to have a pale and emaciated appearance throughout the year, now has a rosy complexion on her face. His sister no longer had the thin and skinny body she used to have.

At the age of twelve, Lu Bu, although not as tall, robust, and handsome as in his previous life, had a rugged appearance due to his years of hunting. Especially his pair of hawk-like eyes which instilled fear in others, making them look away. 

In the village, many families had come with marriage proposals, hoping to marry off their daughters. However, Lu Bu held no interest in these rural girls. Even though he was a rural villager in this life, he didn't want to remain one forever.

That day, when Lu Bu returned home, he was surprised to see Lu Hong sitting inside, with his father by his side. As Lu Bu entered, Lu Hong greeted him with a smiling face.

"Little Bu, from now on, the income from hunting will also be taxed."

"Hmm?" Lu Bu's expression turned cold as he heard the words. "On what basis?"

In his previous life, he was a domineering person. Although he came from a humble background in this life, the fierceness in his bones has not disappeared. However, over the past decade from his rebirth, Lu Bu had learned to restrain himself, hiding away that fierceness and pride deep within him. But that didn't mean he was willing to be oppressed.

Want to oppress him? It depends on whether you have the guts for it.

"What are you trying to do, kid? This is an imperial decree!" Lu Hong was somewhat frightened by the fierce light emanating from Lu Bu's eyes. He considered himself the most knowledgeable person in Lu Village, but the intensity in Lu Bu's eyes... Could this young man have taken lives before?

"I won't comply. So what if it's an imperial decree? Does the court want to deny people a living?" Lu Bu snorted, suspecting that Lu Hong might be feeling unhappy with their improved living conditions and had come up with this excuse to cause trouble.

"Do not be disrespectful!" Father Lu, seeing Lu Hong unable to retort against Lu Bu's words, quickly stood up and reprimanded him. Then, he looked at Lu Hong and said, "Lu Hong, I have failed to educate my son properly. Bu’er is young and doesn't understand many things. Please don't argue with him."

"Are you challenging me?" Lu Hong looked at Lu Bu and sneered, "Don't think that your archery skills make you invincible. Believe it or not, with just a word from me, I can make your family be unable to stay in Lu Village."

"Hmm?" Lu Bu reached for the hatchet at his waist, his eyes filled with hostility as he stared at Lu Hong. His family was his weak spot and also his bottom line. Although he had done well in his previous life, the absence of a family had always been a pain in Lu Bu's heart. Now, Lu Hong openly threatened him with his family, which Lu Bu could never accept, no matter what.

"What are you trying to do!?" Lu Hong was frightened by Lu Bu's gaze. Didn't this guy know what fear was? That look in his eyes, it seemed like he really intended to kill someone!

"Rebellious child, stop!" Father Lu quickly shouted, trying to intervene.

"I'll tell you this!" Lu Bu didn't actually draw out his hatchet, but he leaned closer to Lu Hong and whispered in his ear, "My family won't pay taxes anymore. It'll be your responsibility to make up for the missing portion. If my family can't stay here anymore, I'll slaughter your entire family before leaving. Don't believe me? Go ahead, give it a try!"

Although this incarnation of Lu Bu wasn't tall and mighty, being only six feet tall at the age of twelve, there was a fierce aura emanating from his entire being. Lu Hong was frightened by him, his face turning pale, and for a moment, he couldn't utter a word.

“Hmph!" Despite Lu Father's numerous apologies, Lu Hong stormed out of the house with a cold snort, not even looking back.

"You rebellious son, you have invited disaster to us!" Lu Father angrily scolded Lu Bu, pointing at him.

"If it weren't for Father always being so weak and allowing that Lu Hong to take advantage of us, would he dare to bully our family like this?" Lu Bu also refused to back down and retorted. 

He knew that Father Lu's habit of always being submissive, even if it was to keep the peace, would only encourage others to push further and take advantage of him.

 

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"Throughout history, common people have not fought against officials. Acting like this will only invite trouble to our family!" Lu's father sighed. He was accustomed to being weak, and even when facing his own son, he would instinctively choose to yield whenever Lu Bu became determined. "What is a mere village chief?" Lu Bu disdainfully remarked. Although the villagers regarded the village chief as the highest authority they would ever encounter, it was not comparable to the county officials governed by the imperial court. The position of village chief was often assumed by influential local families, who held control over the majority of the village's land. The villagers themselves were mere tenants under the village chief's rule. While the village chief wielded considerable power, it was confined to that small territory. From Lu Bu's perspective, eliminating the village chief wouldn't pose much of a challenge. Lu Bu's father, feeling the weight of Lu Bu's words, sighed and said, "Fine, we can't stay here any longer. Let us pack our belongings and prepare to leave this place, seeking another way of life." Lu Bu couldn't understand why he should fear a mere village chief. However, that night, tragedy struck his family. Their house caught fire, and his mother and sister were burned to death in the blaze. Lu Bu managed to help his father escape, but their home was completely destroyed. He didn't know who was responsible for the fire, and at that moment, he didn't even feel the need to find out. Some people hurriedly ran back in retreat in the darkness. Lu Bu swiftly grabbed his bow and arrows and shot at them one after another. His veins pulsed with strong hatred and fury. With his hatchet hanging from his waist, he slowly pursued the arsonists, his rage guiding his steps. Those individuals clearly didn't expect Lu Bu to be so resolute. They had just caused a disaster, and now Lu Bu was already seeking revenge by taking their lives. As the villagers fell one by one under Lu Bu's arrows, there was no trace of mercy in their assailant’s eyes. These villagers were often arrogant and domineering, but their behavior was limited to taking advantage of village folk. They never expected their actions would result in a deadly arson. However, what surprised them even more was the ruthlessness with which Lu Bu killed. He didn't resemble a twelve-year-old child at all. "Bu’er, I'm sorry, please don't kill me! It was the village chief who told me to set your house on fire! I don't know anything else. Spare me, please!" A villager fell to his knees in front of Lu Bu, and being fellow villagers, Lu Bu naturally recognized him. However, at this moment, Lu Bu had no intention of sparing anyone. He swiftly drew his hatchet and slit the man's throat, staining Lu Bu's tear-streaked face with fresh blood. It had been a long time since he last shed tears. After killing the last person, Lu Bu didn't go back. Instead, he found two quivers of arrows and then picked up a torch, setting fire to different parts of the village. He believed that everyone was an accomplice, and he was determined to destroy everything. Finding a vantage point, Lu Bu blocked the entrance of Lu Hong's house, shooting down anyone who came out. The surroundings were engulfed in flames, leaving only the main entrance open for them to escape, but Lu Bu stood guard. Lu Hong never imagined that this young man would be so ruthless, directly setting the entire estate on fire. As the flames grew more intense, feelings of regret welled up within him. He desperately rushed to the front gate, wanting to say something, but a piercing arrow flew through the air and pierced his thigh. Overwhelmed by pain, Lu Hong fell to his knees, and as he looked up, he saw Lu Bu's wolf-like eyes, filled with a gaze that seemed to devour him. The fire grew stronger as Lu Hong listened to the desperate cries of his kinsmen. He frantically kowtowed to Lu Bu, pleading, "Bu’er, it's my fault. I'm willing to pay with my life. I beg you, please spare my family, especially the elderly and the young. Your aunt once held you in her arms, have you forgotten?" Lu Bu remained cold and indifferent, observing everything. Amidst the cries, curses could be heard, and despite Lu Hong's desperate pleas, they did not elicit the slightest hint of mercy from Lu Bu. What filled his heart was only intense disgust and hatred. It was only after all the voices disappeared and Lu Hong was engulfed by the flames that Lu Bu finally lowered his bow. However, the overwhelming hatred in his chest did not dissipate with this...

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