Before 'Mr. Professional' could answer the woman, a group of people scurried out from Shami's Stop. They were armed with weapons and lanterns. The people leading the charge were no doubt warriors of some kind, confidently brandishing polearms and swords. The ones in the back were more likely vendors and average citizens that joined the mob with broomsticks and chairs. One man even had a vase raised over his head, but Old Man Shami grabbed him by the collar and snatched the item from his grasp and slapped him on the back of the head for good measure. 

"What is going on out here?" Old Man Shami barked, setting the vase down before stomping forward. The sea of patrons parted to reveal a tiny man with a long white beard. Even though he was the eldest out of everyone there, there was no hunch in his back, or crook in his step. 

Yuo walked forward then bowed. He took pride in the fact that he did not stumble over doing so. "Forgive us, kind Shami. We meant no disrespect to your establishment. These men lying on the ground tried to rob me. If it weren't for the kindness of these good Samaritans, I would've been in a much more graver state than I am now." 

"Young Zhang?" Old Man Shami squinted, trying to identify Yuo's face past the blood and soot. "By the river of stars, you're a mess." The tension in the air softened. Some of the people from the mob chuckled and gossiped at the sight of the muddied black sheep of the Zhang family. The patrons would be hard pressed to forget Yuo's outlandish storytelling that lit up the tavern hours ago.

"Not by design. Partly." His white smile was like the crescent moon reflecting off of a dirtied pond. "You will find no fabrication in my story."

"Lies!" The thief in the blonde woman's hold cried out in a panic. "They attacked us! This she devil killed my friend, and the masked one slayed the other!" 

"Just look at their clothes." Yuo said. "I'm sure Shopkeeper Ikam can recognize them." 

A tall, lanky middle-aged merchant sprung at the sound of his name. With a lantern in hand, he surveyed the men's garments with eyes wide and mouth agape. "My Sky Tunics! These thieves ruined them!" Shopkeeper Ikam began kicking the dead body of the thief until he was restrained. After a moment of silence, Old Man Shami made an executive decision. 

"I concur that Young Zhang is telling the truth." Shami said. "These men had violated market law. Take the two who are still breathing into the basement chambers." The mob motioned over to retrieve the man in the blonde woman's clutch, and dragged the other who was still knocked unconscious. "Round up the dead and make them presentable for the authorities." 

Yuo bowed in thanks, but Old Man Shami did not return the gesture. "Your family name can only save you for so long, young Zhang. Do take care of yourself." The old man's squinting eyes gazed upon the rest of the group, showing much concern. "The night is cold. I will not have any more freezing bodies awaiting the authorities. Stay inside and please respect my establishment. That is my only warning." Shami stared long and hard at the masked figure before walking away. 

"Well, quite the exciting night." Yuo turned to everyone and bowed. He felt much more sober now. Something had to be done about that. "Thank you all for coming to my aid. As you might've heard... I am Yuo Zhang." He awaited everyone's introduction before continuing, motioning everyone towards the entrance way of Shami's Stop. "Any of you here to meet a military officer named Peng Do?"