The lively atmosphere in the restaurant suddenly quieted down as if it had become a secluded forest. The scholars, whose skills extended only to wagging their tongues, flared up, preparing to glare at the ruffians who dared interrupt the wise words of the sages. But, alas, they froze in shock.

The people standing there looked every bit the ruffians they were assumed to be.

Their disheveled hair stuck out in every direction, and their dark, unkempt skin marked them as uncouth barbarians. And not just any barbarians—ferocious ones at that.

Of course, the scholars knew well from the teachings of …