Brian Thompson not only possesses extraordinary talent, but he has also put in ten times more sweat and effort than most people. A sharp sword is forged through grinding; it is precisely his diligence that has enabled him to master his martial skills today.

　　“Brother Sanlang, are you ready?”

　　In the distance, Sarah’s clear voice interrupted his thoughts, and he once again focused all his attention on the longbow in his hands.

　　“Sarah, there should be one last one left!”

　　Brian Thompson shouted, turned his horse, switched the bow to his right hand, drew the last arrow with his left, nocked it, and waited for the final black rat to appear.

　　Just then, the sound of urgent hoofbeats came from afar. Everyone turned to look and saw more than a dozen young riders charging swiftly into the training ground.

　　Each of the dozen or so youths was dressed in fine clothes, riding spirited horses, with ornate swords at their waists and gilded bows in their quivers. They were all sons of wealthy families in Dunhuang, well-off enough to afford horses and practice mounted archery. Among them, two young men stood out even more.

　　These two young men were about seventeen or eighteen years old, dressed in moon-white silk robes, with plain jade belts at their waists, black boots on their feet, and lacquered gauze hats on their heads. Each wore a top-quality sword inlaid with gold and jade.

　　“It’s the Suo brothers!”

　　Someone whispered, and Brian Thompson also recognized the two young men. They were cousins: the elder was called William Sullivan, the younger Helen Sullivan, both from the prestigious Suo family of Shazhou.

　　No one in Dunhuang City didn’t know these two brothers. Their martial skills were quite impressive, and they fancied themselves as knights-errant, leading a group of rich youths to act recklessly throughout Dunhuang.

　　Perhaps because they were still young, their actions hadn’t yet crossed into true wickedness, but they were still troublemakers, much disliked. Behind their backs, the people of Dunhuang called them the “Mosquito and Fly Duo.”

　　The group of wealthy youths galloped into the training ground, circling around at speed. They drew their swords and slashed the straw archery targets the boys were practicing on, hacking them to pieces. One of them shouted, “We’re going to practice mounted archery here! Everyone else, get out!”

　　Seeing their arrogance and rudeness, everyone was furious, but out of fear of the Suo family’s power, they dared not speak up.

　　Helen Sullivan recognized Brian Thompson and said to his elder brother William Sullivan with a laugh, “Brother, look, that guy is here too.”

　　William Sullivan had already seen Brian Thompson. He shouted, “Stop!”

　　All the riders reined in their horses. William Sullivan spurred his horse forward, forced a laugh, and said, “So it’s Young Master Thompson. Are you here practicing archery too?”

　　“Brother, you must be mistaken!”

　　Behind him, Helen Sullivan rode up, pointed at Sarah in the distance, and laughed mockingly, “Look at them—does that look like archery practice? Clearly, they’re out here on a romantic outing. What a perfect couple—talented man and beautiful woman, a great match!”

　　Dunhuang was a mix of Han and Hu people, with Han generally holding higher status. The Hu mainly engaged in business, and young Hu women often entertained with their looks and talents in taverns and brothels, or married into wealthy families as concubines. Helen Sullivan’s comment that Brian Thompson and Sarah made a good match was clearly meant as mockery.

　　The wealthy youths all burst out laughing, but Brian Thompson was not angered. He simply said coldly, “There’s a proper order to things. If you want to practice archery, you should wait your turn or discuss it politely. Causing such a commotion and destroying others’ targets—is this the Suo family’s way?”

　　Helen Sullivan was furious, pointing his riding whip at Brian Thompson and shouting, “You scoundrel, how dare you insult my family!”

　　William Sullivan waved his hand to stop his brother’s outburst, then smiled arrogantly at Brian Thompson and said, “The Suo family does not bully others by force, but we believe in the rule of the strong. If you have the ability, drive us out. If you don’t, then please leave yourselves. It’s that simple!”

　　William Sullivan turned to the other wealthy youths and said with a laugh, “Am I right?”

　　The rich youths laughed, “Young Master William is absolutely right, that’s how it is!”

　　Brian Thompson sneered and called out loudly, “Sarah, release the last one.”

　　He spurred his fine horse, galloping to the edge of the training ground, one hundred and fifty paces from the red willow. At this moment, the iron cage still held the last squeaking rat king—its black fur shiny, body fat and huge, restlessly clawing and biting at the cage, making a piercing shriek.

　　Sarah suppressed her fear, carefully opened the small door of the cage, and the black rat darted out, running into the depths of the grass.

　　“Brother Sanlang, it’s out!”

　　“Everyone, watch closely!”

　　Brian Thompson shouted. While galloping at full speed, he drew his bow like a full moon. From one hundred and fifty paces away, he loosed an arrow. The arrow flashed through the air with great force, striking the black rat in the head and pinning it dead in the grass.

　　The training ground fell silent. Everyone stared in astonishment. Brian Thompson rode back and said to William Sullivan and the other wealthy youths, “Since the strong rule, then please, show me your archery! I’ll be watching.”

　　William Sullivan’s face flushed red and then white, burning with shame and anger, but there was nothing he could do. His archery was far inferior; to try would only be embarrassing. He could only wave his hand and say, “Let’s go to the east training ground!”

　　The rich youths, now bored, had no choice but to turn their horses to leave. At this moment, William Sullivan could not bear the loss of face and added, “Last time I lost in swordplay, it was because I was careless. Do you dare to compete with me again?”

　　Brian Thompson replied calmly, “If Young Master William is interested, I’m always ready to oblige.”

　　“Then it’s settled. I’ll send you a challenge!”