"Even a dragon will die if its throat is clawed out." Dai Xin replied, though Liu's comment was apt. As the conversation went on the group explored the two possibilities more, fleshing out the dangers inherent to each. Kyang seemed oddly enthusiastic about putting herself and Torako in danger, from Dai Xin's perspective. Still, he could not deny that it was a sound plan. Liu advocated them to choose wisely, as either method they used had a chance of coming back to bite them. Dai Xin put a finger to his chin and was silent for a few moments as the others went back and forth. When he finally spoke again, he looked at the three companions in turn. 

"I mean no insult, Miss Kyang, but if we were to use either of you two ladies as our bait--which I'm loathe to do, I must admit--I feel Miss Torako might be the better choice." He looked between the smart, sharp-eyed woman carrying the glaive, and the bubbly, flowery dressed woman whose sword didn't match her actions or personality at all. "As for the sword, she could possibly place it in a satchel or wear it on the back of her hips instead--the position of a sword that is being carried, respectfully, as a squire to a master. The way she wears it now is obviously that of someone who intends to use such a blade, but otherwise the bandits might think she was delivering it to someone else's hands." He nodded at the scabbard of the blade and its exquisite craftsmanship. "Her clothes would mark her as a foreigner as well, someone unfamiliar with this land, and too brightly colored to be entirely practical--the markings of wealth. A much more tempting target."

After this he again inclined his head to Liu.

"However, personally, I am more comfortable seeking information. You said that you could not intimidate powerful or influential people. It is wise that you do not kick the nests of hornets. However, if I were to assist, I believe I would have much better luck. My reputation often precedes me, and I find that the stories grow more embellished with every tale."

A memory occurred to him, and that might have been a smile that quirked at the corner of his stern face for about half a second.

"For example, the story of my conquest of the Mantis Blade Fist school claims that I kicked a hole in their wall with such force that the rocks flew from it and caved in some of the enemies' chests. That is ridiculous. I simply have a habit of kicking my opponents in the center of the body, and most of my kicks happened to collapse the sternums and chest cavities against the Mantis Blade Fist warriors. The only reason I kicked a hole in the wall is because whenever I went to the front door, they would hide like cowards and shoot arrows at me."

He let out something that might have been a cough, or a short lived laugh.