{He is unarmed - swords are difficult to come by for a rubbish collector - but that doesn't stop him. The moment E-Ming is unsheathed, he is looking for...something. Anything. He grabs a wooden board - a remnant of the front of the tavern - and turns, gracefully, to oppose Hua Cheng.

To protect the man who had thrown him down.}

Listen to me, San Lang. Please. His death will only cause pain and fear. There is enough of both in the world, don't you think?

{He seeks out Hua Cheng's eye, pleading with him while the tavern owner turns the color of milk and tries to scramble away.}

Thank you for helping me. No one has dared for centuries. {His expression softens.} I didn't think I would see you here. I'm...a little embarrassed. I'm sorry.