As Mr Ming spoke Taf was in deep contemplation as scenes from the previous encounter played over and over in his mind. Yes, I was indeed careless in my actions and putting the only people I care about in harm's way.

PLOP!!!!

His knees hit the floor as his eyes became misty. "I....i am sorry old man Ming I did indeed put you and your family in harm's way. I don't know how I could've lived with the consequences of my actions if things had went South."

Tears continued to stream down his cheeks as he Continuously berated himself for his seeming incompetence.

" Now now, don't be so Hard on yourself, lessons are meant to be learnt and it can be said that you have. It is a part of growing up as no one is born an adult right? " Mr Ming consoled the tearful youth then patted him on the shoulder before helping him up.

" Haha, this old man was here to take care of that small matter so it is but water under the bridge. I after all finally got to stretch these old legs of mine".

"Now let's clean up this mess before someone comes and see this. Especially Mrs Ming, could you imagine the freight she would experience?" He hurriedly continued.

" After we are finished, this old man will tell you tales of his splendid past. How glorious was I back in the day. I bet you won't roll those eyes at my tales now huh?" He laughed as shamelessly boasted.

Tafari could only dry his teary eyes as he saw the old con man he knew back to his regular shameless self.

The place was a mess so it took some time to get it back to its previous state. Mr Ming had someone he knew come to help out with the bodies.

When asked who that was by Taf, he was told that it was an old friend and nothing more. He didn't continue with the questioning after getting the response and put it all down to a need to know basis.

After everything was taken care of they sat at a table with some tea to have a little chat. " I'm guessing you are shocked huh? got a lot of questions do you?" Old Man Ming broke out in conversation as he sipped on his tea.

" Yes, I Actually do " Taf responded excitedly. " Ahhh Are you some retired master or a hidden cultivator that lives among us mortals?"

" Haha, no I wouldn't call myself a master and I definitely am no cultivator. Although I am no master, I have been taught certain skill sets from my previous occupation before I retired" Chuckles filled the room as Old man Ming listen to the little ones questioning.

" I see you're going to be all secretive about it huh, oh well guess I won't say anything about it then" A disappointed Taf stated after countless insinuations were rejected.

" Ok..ok, don't get all sad on me once more.I was once apart of an organisation that filled certain requests from special top ranked clients."

"To complete my given tasks I was trained relentlessly in the arts of fighting, poisoning, guerilla warfare, camouflage and others." Old man Ming had a smug look while he responded to the curious youth's question.

An even more curious look was shown on Taf's face as he heard Old man Ming's words. " So you were once an assassin?" He hurriedly asked.

" Yes of sorts I was, but that's all you will get from me " He had a teasing look as he spoke. " The most important thing now is to give you some well-deserved training right? or do you still want to be bullied by all?.

Taf couldn't hide the excitement that was plastered all over his face. " How awesome will I be if I was like old man Ming. When they dare to mention the mouse after they might just need to put a 'Mr' in front of it " A smug look started to show on his face as his imagination went wild.

" Ok calm down" Mr Ming interjected as he noticed him drifting away. Starting tomorrow we will start your lessons. I will begin teaching you all the tools I think you need to learn to defend that little life of yours.