《Ultimate Village Doctor》


 Chapter 1: 1 On the Public Bus

    Chapter One


    In the sweltering noon of July, cicadas droned listlessly from the ne trees lining the roadside, during the hottest days of the year.


    Niu Y County Southern Bus Station.


    A dpidated minibus bound for Lotus Township in Niu Y County was about to depart. The stuffy cabin was packed with people. Niu Y County was one of the poorest in West Chuan, and Lotus Township was the poorest among its towns. There was only this one bus a day, and moreover, it was an outmoded relic discarded by other towns. The cabincked air conditioning, making it as suffocating as a steamer, fogging up sses at a moment''s notice.


    Despite the unbearable heat, the minibus still hadn''t started. The driver, who also served as the conductor, yelled at the door, "Lotus Township, anyone else heading to Lotus Township?"


    "It''s scorching to death, why haven''t we left yet!"


    "My kid''s about to get heatstroke, let''s get moving."


    "It''s fully seated already, why are we still here, you''ve got eyes only for money."


    A cacophony erupted inside the cabin.


    Seeing that no one else was boarding, the driver muttered a few words of dismay before walking towards the bus, shouting impatiently, "Alright then, we''re leaving, what''s all that shouting about."


    Just as the driver started the bus, a refined voice rang out, "Wait, driver, I''m going to Lotus Township."


    "Okay!" The driver immediately opened the door and soon, he was left with his mouth hanging open, slightly dazed as he watched a svelte figure climb aboard.


    She was a woman at least 1.7 meters tall, with delicate eyebrows and gold-rimmed sses. Beneath the sses were profound, captivating eyes, her jetck hair simply coiled at the back of her head. Her skin was smooth and refined, and the white silk blouse stretched tight across her chest, exuding a blend of elegance and chilliness, sensuality tinged with a hint of sternness, awakening in any normal man a desire to conquer her.


    This woman entering the rickety cabin was like a swan falling into a chicken coop, utterly out of ce.


    Which made all the more pairs of eyes inside the bus stare at her, and the previously noisy cabin fell silent for a few seconds.


    Shen Yuerong slightly furrowed her brow.


    In truth, she had some regret the moment she boarded. She had not expected the bus to Lotus Township to be so decrepit, and the cabin was not only stiflingly hot but also crammed with a mnge of odors from chickens, ducks, foot odor, and sweat.


    However, Shen Yuerong quickly dismissed the thought of disembarking. Ever since she decided to break away from her family''s arrangements and start from the grassroots in this remote and impoverished area, she was determined to forget she was a woman, unafraid to endure hardship. This was also why she didn''t take official protection to Lotus Township, instead opting to sneak there on her own.


    Shen Yuerong made her way towards the back of the cabin, with a journey of several dozen kilometers to Lotus Township ahead, and she heard that the roads weren''t fully repaired yet; she certainly didn''t want to stand the whole way.


    Soon, she realized that the seats were already fully taken.


    If one were to say there was a squeezed spot avable, it was thest row where three people sat on a single long bench. A skinny, bald young man sat by the window, dressed in cheap T-shirt and shorts, his scalp shone with a blue sheen, and a scar across his face lent a ruthless streak to otherwise somewhat handsome features.


    The bald youth held a book and seemed to sense Shen Yuerong''s gaze. He looked up slightly, his eyes conveying a flicker of astonishment, which he quickly controlled as he turned to look at the crowded cabin. He smiled faintly at Shen Yuerong and scooted over, making room by the window.


    If possible, Shen Yuerong would prefer not to sit next to this bald youth.


    As someone seasoned in the world of politics, her keen gaze told her that this bald young man must have just been released from prison, exhibiting many traits of someone freshly out of incarceration.


    Moreover, even though the bald youth had made room, the space was still quite cramped.


    As Shen Yuerong hesitated, the bus began to move, causing her to stagger; not a single handrail was to be found in the cabin. She had no choice but to move to thest row, thanking the bald young man before squeezing past him and sitting down.


    Although Shen Yuerong was careful, the limited space inevitably created some physical contact with the bald young man.


    The bus started moving.


    With the swaying of the car, Shen Yuerong''s body brushed against the bald young man''s thigh from time to time.


    It filled Shen Yuerong with an indescribable sense of shame.


    As a woman of the Shen Family, she had never sat so close to a man before.


    The only constion was that she had worn long pants today; otherwise, she really wouldn''t know how to endure this long journey.


    To her slight surprise, the bald young man, who obviously had just been released from prison, didn''t take advantage of the situation and kept his thighs as close together as possible while picking up a book to read.


    Initially, she had thought that if the young man dared make any inappropriate moves, she would stand up, scold him fiercely, and then have him thrown off the bus.


    The carriage was unbearably hot.


    Soon, a fineyer of sweat broke out on Shen Yuerong''s forehead, and her body felt sticky all over; she took out a pack of tissues to wipe the sweat off her face from time to time.


    However, a cool sensation from her thigh brought her a bit of relief in this extreme heat.


    Looking down, she realized the coolness was emanating from the bald young man''s thigh. In such oppressive heat, his face was astonishingly free of sweat, and there was even a chilling from his body.


    Shen Yuerong was amazed inside, thinking it was impossible. In such hot weather, not sweating could only mean one was extremely weak or sick, yet this young man looked very robust, with bright eyes.


    Her curiosity piqued, she took a closer look at the bald young man and soon discovered something even more astonishing. The book he was holding was a book written entirely in English.


    If she wasn''t mistaken, it was Adam Smith''s "The Wealth of Nations."


    A man whose clothes added up to no more than fifty yuan, and who had just been released from prison, was now reading an English edition of "The Wealth of Nations." If her eyes weren''t deceiving her, the young man was definitely putting on airs.


    Shen Yuerong shook her head inwardly, thinking young people these days are not steady. Rather than holding "The Wealth of Nations," you might as well read an English novel to make it more believable. Besides, on this bus, aside from her, it was unlikely anyone else could recognize "The Wealth of Nations."


    Just as Shen Yuerong was silently sneering at the young man.


    A piercing cry interrupted her thoughts.


    The woman sitting on the other side of the bald young man was a young mother holding an infant.


    The cry came from the baby, and after the mother cooed a few words, the crying only grew louder. Muttering under her breath, the mother unbuttoned her cheap synthetic blouse and started to breastfeed the infant.


    Shen Yuerong''s cheeks burned upon witnessing this.


    How could these rural women not be ashamed, breastfeeding their children in front of everyone like this?


    Her gaze shifted, showing a look of disdain.


    The bald young man sitting beside her had, at some point, put down "The Wealth of Nations" and was staring intently at the young mother''s chest.


    What a shameless wretch!


    Shen Yuerong felt utterly contemptuous. This bald young man was indeed no good, feigning intellectuality with "The Wealth of Nations" just a moment ago, and now revealing his true colors.


    He even had the audacity to steal nces at someone breastfeeding, truly faceless to the extreme.


    With force, she pped the bald young man''s shoulder and red at him fiercely.


    Coming from a noble background and ustomed to the official circles, her re was full of momentum; most people would cower under her gaze, but the young man looked back at her questioningly. Seeing that Shen Yuerong remained silent, he turned his head and continued to stare at the young mother.

 Chapter 2: 2: 9-inch Golden Needle

    ```


    Shen Yuerong was almost furious. How could there be such a shameless person, not just shameless, but also with skin so thick it was extreme. Even though she red at him, he still continued to peep as if nothing had happened.


    She had initially intended to give the bald young man some face and not scold him in public.


    But seeing hisck of shame, she couldn''t be med for what woulde next.


    Shen Yuerong''s face turned cold, and she was about to stand up and rebuke the young man. However, at that moment, the baby in the young woman''s arms cried even more fiercely, shaking its head continually and spitting out mouthfuls of milk.


    Shen Yuerong noticed the situation and, although she was not a doctor, sensed something was off and quickly asked, "Big sister, is your child sick?"


    Seeing the baby''splexion turning purple, the young woman''s face also filled with panic as she cried out, "Little one, little one, what''s wrong with you?"


    At this time, the bald young man said, "Big sister, your child has heatstroke, and it''s possible he ate something bad, some sort of food poisoning. Did you feed him anything else at noon?"


    "I didn''t feed him anything, just a plum," the young woman said anxiously.


    "Then it must be the plum. It''s possible there were some pesticide residues on it. Although adults can eat it without issues, a child''s body is fragile, their digestive system is not yet fully developed, and they can easily suffer from food poisoning."


    "Are you sure?" Shen Yuerong looked at the bald young man with some skepticism.


    The bald young man nodded: "There''s an eighty percent chance."


    "Whether it is or not, we should rush to the hospital," Shen Yuerong stood up and called out, "Driver, turn around, to the county hospital, there''s a sick child here."


    The driver said, "I''ve already left the city, it''s a scorching day to go back now, and the passengers wouldn''t agree either. Just go to the township health center and get an IV, that should be fine."


    A wave of dissatisfaction erupted in the bus.


    If it weren''t for Shen Yuerong''s beautiful and noble appearance, someone might have already started cursing.


    Shen Yuerong was somewhat annoyed and said, "This is a matter of life and death. What if the child bes seriously ill?"


    "What seriously ill, I see it''s just indigestion. Us country folks aren''t so precious; just twisting it a bit should cure it. It''s such a hot day, why bother with all this? Running to the hospital will just cost more money. Let me do it." A woman in her fifties or sixties rolled up her sleeves, spat on her hands, and came forward to help.


    Shen Yuerong knew that "twisting it" was a traditional remedy for heatstroke, but even adults can hardly bear the pain of this treatment, let alone a baby that''s still nursing.


    Furthermore, the child''s illness might not even be due to heatstroke.


    She became somewhat angry. These rural people did not take a child''s life seriously at all.


    Just as she was about to reveal her identity,


    The bald young man beside her stopped the old woman who was about to twist the baby by stretching out his hand and said, "Auntie, I''m a doctor, let me do this."


    "You''re a doctor?" The old woman withdrew her hand somewhat disappointedly, looking skeptically at the bald young man, as if she regretted not having had the chance to perform her remedy.


    "Show me your medical license."


    Shen Yuerong too looked at the bald young man with doubt, thinking to herself that if he was a doctor, it must be a prison doctor.


    The bald young man smiled slightly, revealing eight shining white teeth, and said, "No license, I''m from the vige, a Barefoot Doctor."


    Although Shen Yuerong was very skeptical about the capabilities of this barefoot doctor, the young woman, grasping at straws, hurriedly handed her child over to the bald young man.


    ```


    The bald young man undid the child''s clothes and swiftly pressed a few points on the child''s chest and abdomen before massaging the area.


    A momentter, he looked at the child''s face and asked those nearby, "Who has a stic bag?"


    "I have one." Shen Yuerong just happened to carry a few fruits in a stic bag, she hastily took out the fruits and handed the bag to the bald young man.


    Without appearing to exert much force, the child was suddenly turned over andid on his knees, and the bald young man quickly positioned the stic bag under the child''s mouth.


    The baby vomited a mouthful of foul-smelling substance, containing remnants of plums.


    After the baby finished vomiting, the bald young man turned the child over again, lightly twisted on his middle finger, and pulled out a slender Gold Needle.


    Shen Yuerong did not clearly see how the bald young man removed the Gold Needle.


    Seeing the bald young man about to perform needling, she hurriedly said, "Are you really capable of doing this?"


    The bald young man did not respond but quickly inserted the Gold Needle into an acupuncture point on the infant''s chest, moving it in and out at an extremely fine and rapid frequency. As he did this, the infant''s originally purple-swollen face rapidly returned to normal, the expression of pain disappeared, and after a while, the baby even closed its eyes and fell into a deep sleep.


    The bald young man removed the Gold Needle and handed the child back to the young mother, saying, "All done, I''ve cleared the toxins and dispelled the internal heat. Try to avoid giving him cold food in the future, to prevent poisoning."


    "Big brother, I really can''t thank you enough," the young mother said with tears of gratitude.


    The bald young man waved his hand dismissively and sat down casually, then took the nine-inch-long Gold Needle and wound it around his middle finger, quickly fashioning it into the shape of a ring with a tiny Skeleton head at the tail.


    Shen Yuerong watched curiously as the bald young man wound the needle. She had seen Gold Needles in Chinese medicine before, but she had never seen one so long, nor had she seen anyone fashion a Gold Needle into the shape of a ring.


    She couldn''t help but ask curiously, "What kind of needle is that, and your medical skills are quite good, are you really a doctor?"


    "Remember, never say a man can''t do it," the bald young man said slowly, not directly answering her question.


    Shen Yuerong was initially startled by the bald young man''s words before she burst intoughter, realizing that he was still dwelling on her earlier doubt about his abilities, how petty.


    Shen Yuerong gave him a white look, but inside, she really became curious about this bald young man, who looked like abor reform prisoner just released from jail, yet he was reading a copy of "The Wealth of Nations" in English on a broken-down minibus, and had surprisingly skilled medical expertise.


    Seeing the bald young man leisurely picking up the thick volume of "The Wealth of Nations" again.


    Shen Yuerong couldn''t help but wonder if she had lost her charm. A woman''s psychology is so subtle; during her many years in Yanjing, she couldn''t remember how many men had coveted her beauty and family background. It was because she''d seen too much disgusting stuff in those circles, and a single failed romance led her to suspect she might have developed an aversion to men. Yet, curiously enough, the first time she initiated a conversation with a man who didn''t respond enthusiastically, she felt an unexinable sense of frustration and defiance in her heart.


    Of course, that didn''t mean she had taken a liking to the bald young man or had be infatuated.


    Soon, Shen Yuerong, who had been navigating bureaucratic circles for years, discarded that inappropriate emotion, gave a self-deprecating smile, and thought that she stillcked experience. She unexpectedly had such feelings for a stranger.


    She was going to be the head of Lotus Township, and this young man was likely a resident of Lotus Township. If he really had potential, perhaps she could explore that further.


    Regaining herposure, she extended her hand and introduced herself, "Hello, my name is Shen Yuerong. May I ask your name?"


    The bald young man looked up at Shen Yuerong, somewhat surprised. He found it odd that she would take the initiative to get to know him. He wasn''t deliberately acting aloof earlier, nor was he indifferent to Shen Yuerong, who was both noble and stunningly beautiful. He certainly wasn''t a eunuch.


    It was just that years of prison life and life experiences had taught him what reality was like.


    Therefore, he didn''t want to make an unwee nuisance of himself. Meeting by chance, why lower oneself unnecessarily and seek disdain?


    Little did he know that this stunningly beautiful woman from a different world had a whimsical moment and actually took the initiative to ask for his name.


    Looking into Shen Yuerong''s deep and beautiful eyes, reminiscent of ck jade, and after briefly losing himself, the bald young man also extended his hand, grasping her soft, delicate hand in his own, and said, "My name is Long Xiaoshan. It''s a pleasure to meet you."

 Chapter 3: 3 Getting on the Bus as a Gangster

    Chapter Three


    "Longyang Vige?" Hearing Long Xiaoshan say his home was in Longyang Vige, a strange look shed across Shen Yuerong''s face.


    "You know about Longyang Vige, are you also from Lotus Township? Which vige?" Long Xiaoshan asked.


    "Oh, I''m just from the township..." Shen Yuerong replied vaguely.


    She knew about Longyang Vige because, before taking up her post in the township, she had done a lot of homework, and Longyang Vige was quite famous in Lotus Township. Despite its masculine-sounding name, it was known as Widow Vige for miles around.


    Because there were few men in Longyang Vige and idents weremon, causing an imbnce of Yin and Yang, there weren''t many men, and the vige had grown even poorer, bing the poorest vige in Lotus Township.


    Niu Y County was a poor county, and Lotus Township was one of the lowest-ranked townships in Niu Y County. Longyang Vige was the poorest in Lotus Township, which showed just how impoverished the vige was. It was said that the vige didn''t even have aplete electricity supply.


    The poverty alleviation work in Longyang Vige was also one of the key projects that she had identified this time.


    So, upon hearing that Long Xiaoshan was from Longyang Vige, Shen Yuerong nned to ask more about the situation.


    However, when Shen Yuerong asked about the recent situation in Longyang Vige.


    A trace of difort appeared on Long Xiaoshan''s face as he said, "I''ve just been released from prison, I''m not clear about the vige''s situation."


    Shen Yuerong inwardly cursed herself for being so insensitive. She had already noticed that Long Xiaoshan was likely an ex-convict, yet she had still asked the question, making the atmosphere turn awkward immediately.


    However, she hadn''t expected Long Xiaoshan to be so "honest." Couldn''t he have simply told a little lie?


    Just as Shen Yuerong was about to say something to alleviate the awkwardness.


    Screech!


    The minibus came to a sudden halt.


    The door opened, and three young men, covered in messy tattoos, wearing shy shirts and flip-flops, walked on, cursing loudly.


    As soon as the three of them boarded, the inside of the bus quieted down immediately.


    These three youths, hands in their pockets, cigarettes dangling from their lips, lounged about as they pped the driver on the head a few times, clearly thugs. This caused everyone on the bus to lower their heads, not daring to look at them.


    "Fuck, what a crap bus, stinks like hell! Brother Qiang, let''s get off," a youth with dyed red hairined, covering his nose.


    The hulking man walking in front, with a face full of flesh and weighing at least 180 pounds, grunted, "Get off your mom, there''s nowhere to go around here. If it weren''t for your damn car breaking down, I wouldn''t be caught dead on this bus."


    Brother Qiang was sweating profusely, his temper ring.


    Another youth, with shifty mouse-like eyes, scouted the bus and suddenly his eyes lit up, fixing on a spot at the back on the right by the window.


    "Brother Qiang, Brother Qiang, look at that chick, hot, isn''t she?" Mouse Eye eximed excitedly, patting Brother Qiang''s shoulder.


    Following Mouse Eye''s gesture, Brother Qiang saw Shen Yuerong sitting in the back row and immediately swallowed hard, thinking to himself, my oh my.


    Such a gorgeous woman on this broken down minibus.


    Even ck Lily, the number one beauty of the county town, was probably no better than her.


    A lewd smile spread across Brother Qiang''s face as he led his two underlings hurriedly towards the back of the bus.


    Seeing the three hoodlums approaching her with that lecherous glint in their eyes, Shen Yuerong furrowed her brow, but as someone who had been around, she didn''t panic.


    When the three men reached thest row, Brother Qiang gave a signal, and the two underlings red at the people sitting in the double seats in front of Shen Yuerong, bellowing, "You two, scram!"


    The two men, simple farmers, had already been terrified by the thuggish trio and quickly got to their feet, heads down, vacating the seats.


    upying the seats, the two henchmen leaned back in their chairs, making lewd faces as they ogled Shen Yuerong''s chest.


    Being unabashedly stared at by a few punks, Shen Yuerong also felt a surge of shame and anger. She bent her arms, hugging her chest, and said coldly, "What are you looking at?"


    "Oh, a fiery one, eh? My eyes are on my face, where else am I supposed to look?"


    The two punks, upon hearing Shen Yuerong''s scolding, not only did not show a trace of shame but instead burst into sneeringughter, their gazes bing even more brazen.


    Brother Qiang then shifted his gaze to the seat beside Shen Yuerong, where Long Xiaoshan was sitting. He let out a small sound of surprise. He was standing right in front of Long Xiaoshan, yet Long Xiaoshan sat there without even lifting his head.


    However, Brother Qiang had also been around the block, and seeing Long Xiaoshan''s buzz-cut and the scar on his face, he immediately knew that this guy had also done time.


    Normally, Brother Qiang would have no reason to sh with a "fellow traveler" who had been through the system.


    But today, he was utterly captivated by Shen Yuerong.


    Such a top-grade beauty was not someone you''de across every day, and even if you did, it wasn''t someone he was in a position to mess with. Since this beauty was sitting in such a broken down vehicle, she clearly didn''t have any backing. How could he let her slip away?


    "Buddy, scoot over and give me your seat," Brother Qiang said, eyeing Long Xiaoshan.


    Long Xiaoshan slowly closed the book in his hands, looked up at Brother Qiang, and the other two menacing punks, and said, "There are no seats left here. Find somewhere else to sit."


    Shen Yuerong looked at Long Xiaoshan with a mix of surprise and gratitude.


    She did not expect Long Xiaoshan to be so gant.


    The three punks were clearly up to no good, and although Long Xiaoshan had only met her by chance, while anyone else would have ducked out of sight already, Long Xiaoshan had actually dared to talk back.


    "Fuck off, be smart and scram. Don''t fucking think that just because you shaved your head, you can act tough. Do you know who our Brother Qiang is?" Red Hair and Mouse Eye, pointing at Long Xiaoshan, shouted aggressively.


    "Hey!" Brother Qiang waved his hand, silencing his minions, and said indifferently, "Buddy, you just got out, right? Do Brother Qiang a favor, and if you need anything in Niu Y County in the future, you cane to Brother Qiang."


    Long Xiaoshan cocked his head and then slowly stood up.


    Seeing Long Xiaoshan get up, Shen Yuerong inevitably felt a twinge of scorn and disappointment. She thought he had given in, and although it was amon human reaction, Long Xiaoshan''s image in her mind plummeted.


    Long Xiaoshan appeared lean, but standing up, he was about the same height as Brother Qiang, both around 1.8 meters tall. Brother Qiang smirked internally upon seeing Long Xiaoshan stand; Fu Qiang might not be a big shot in Niu Y County, but he had a bit of a reputation on the streets, and when he dropped his name, who wouldn''t give him face?


    "Scram!"


    A voice, neither light nor heavy, hit Brother Qiang''s ears.


    After a moment, Brother Qiang, seeing the disdain in Long Xiaoshan''s eyes, finally realized his ears were not deceiving him. Long Xiaoshan had not stood up to give up his seat, but to tell him to scram.


    Brother Qiang''s face instantly turned dark, his eyes shing with a savage glint.


    Without any warning, he bent his knee and aimed for Long Xiaoshan''s lower body.


    The knee strike was quick and vicious; he almost saw the image of Long Xiaoshan flying back and wailing on the ground, and a twisted excitement passed through his heart.


    However, before his knee could touch Long Xiaoshan, a colossal force struck his abdomen, sending Brother Qiang, with his weight of over 180 pounds, flying from the rear of the vehicle to the front, crashing against the enginepartment.


    Red Hair and Mouse Eye were dumbfounded.


    With their boss''s size, to be kicked from the rear to the front of the vehicle with a single blow, was that even human strength?


    As they saw Long Xiaoshan looking in their direction, both shuddered.


    But Long Xiaoshan quickly reached out, grabbed them by the necks, and lifted them from their seats. With one kick each, he kicked them to the front as well, and snorted coldly, "Get off."


    Shen Yuerong watched Long Xiaoshan''s tall figure, a sh of admiration in her eyes.


    Although she was not afraid of a few punks and didn''t like men who were aggressive and quarrelsome, when someone threatened and invaded her, having a stranger willing to stand up and protect her stirred a touch of emotion in her heart.


    Moreover, Shen Yuerong also felt a bit guilty. This was the second time she had misunderstood Long Xiaoshan. At first, she mistook Long Xiaoshan for a voyeuristic pervert, and now she had thought he was a weakling.

 Chapter 4: 4: The Extraordinary Little Farmer

    Chapter Four


    "Fuck your mother, I''ll kill you!"


    Cries of rm rose from within the carriage.


    Brother Qiang, who had been kicked to the front of the vehicle, stood up with a swollen face, pulled out a shimmering dagger, and charged at Long Xiaoshan.


    Shen Yuerong stood up anxiously and shouted, "What are you doing? Stop it, I am the mayor of Lotus Township. Put the knife down now, or you''ll be waiting to go to jail."


    Nobody expected a simple altercation to quickly escte into a bloody incident.


    Shen Yuerong could no longer conceal her identity. Although Long Xiaoshan seemed capable of fighting, skill was no match for a knife. A mere country peasant, with perhaps nothing more than significant strength and a talent for brawling, was no match for a de!


    Upon hearing "mayor," Brother Qiang''s footsteps hesitated for a moment.


    After all, the mayor in a county is a person of stature, and those in the underworld feared most to offend such officials.


    However, he quickly sneered, "You stinking bitch, even if you want to scare me, at least find a better identity. If you''re the mayor, then I''m the county chief. Gao Fugui is the mayor of Lotus Township, do you think I don''t know that?"


    Fu Qiang was originally from Lotus Township, so he naturally knew who the mayor was.


    Moreover, even if he didn''t recognize the mayor, he would never believe that a young woman like Shen Yuerong could be the mayor. She looked to be at most in her mid-twenties; in the world of officialdom, how could a woman ascend so rapidly? Not even on a rocket could you achieve such speed.


    "Kid, you''re dead today. Kneel down! Crawl past me, and maybe I''ll leave you with your dog''s life!" Brother Qiang lifted his foot onto a nearby chair and pointed under his crotch as he roared.


    "If I were you, I would put the knife down and get off the bus right now," Long Xiaoshan faced Fu Qiang''s dagger unperturbed, but his eyes narrowed slightly, shing with a hint of cold light.


    It was over!


    Shen Yuerong hadn''t expected Long Xiaoshan to be so stubborn. This was a knife, for heaven''s sake. Couldn''t you soften your tone first, stabilize him, and then talk?


    She quickly said, "Gao Fugui has been transferred. I''m here to rece him."


    But by then, Fu Qiang had beenpletely enraged and wasn''t listening to Shen Yuerong''s words at all. With a loud yell, he stabbed the dagger towards Long Xiaoshan.


    All the people in the carriage cried out and closed their eyes, as if they couldn''t bear to see the bloody scene unfold.


    Shen Yuerong''s heart also felt a strong sense of regret. Such a man, with a sense of justice and skilled in medicine, although he might have made mistakes and been imprisoned before, shouldn''t have to die here.


    Long Xiaoshan, seeing the knife stabbing toward his chest, quickly sidestepped, dodging the tip of the de, and with an open palm, rapidly seized Fu Qiang''s wrist, pulling forcefully in the opposite direction. Snap¡ªFu Qiang''s arm went limp.


    Fu Qiang howled as the knife in his hand dropped to the floor.


    Long Xiaoshan dragged Fu Qiang, who had a dislocated arm, towards the front door of the carriage.


    Due to the intense pain from the dislocation and being dragged by Long Xiaoshan, Fu Qiang nearly passed out with pain and screamed continuously as he was pulled to the front door of the carriage.


    Long Xiaoshan said to the driver, "Open the door."


    The driver, somewhat flustered, pressed a button and the door opened.


    Long Xiaoshan kicked Fu Qiang, sending him tumbling out of the bus. Red Hair and Mouse Eye, without waiting for Long Xiaoshan to act, scrambled down from the bus. Brother Qiang had pulled a knife and still wasn''t a match for this young man; they knew all too well that they had just encountered a tough opponent.


    The two helped Fu Qiang up and hurried off into the distance, but not before sending a hateful nce back at Long Xiaoshan.


    Having dispatched the three thugs, Long Xiaoshan turned back and said to the driver, "Drive."


    The driver nodded repeatedly, not daring to nce at Long Xiaoshan again, seeing him not as some good citizen but akin to those thugs.


    Long Xiaoshan returned to thest row of seats.


    He had just sat down when he heard Shen Yuerong''s gentle voice next to him, "Thank you for what you did just now."


    Long Xiaoshan gave a faint smile and said, "No problem."


    After saying that, he lifted the thick English book and started reading again. Shen Yuerong saw that every time she tried to talk to Long Xiaoshan, he was neither cold nor warm, and she felt waves of dissatisfaction surge up inside her for no reason.


    Could she really be that unappealing? She had taken the initiative to talk to him twice, and even an ordinary woman would be given some respect, right? Could this guy be GAY? She had heard that prisons were full of men, and it was easy to change after being without women for years...


    Shen Yuerong shuddered, feeling a wave of chill, and quickly dismissed the thought.


    She had met GAY men before; none had the masculine presence of Long Xiaoshan. Convinced that if she didn''t initiate conversation, Long Xiaoshan would continue reading his book until they reached Lotus Township, Shen Yuerong reluctantly gave up her feminine pride. She wasn''t infatuated; as someone who had just taken the position of township head, she was in desperate need of talent. Long Xiaoshan, with his medical skills, physical prowess, and his heroic character, struck her as an extraordinary find.


    Moreover, since he had just saved her, Shen Yuerong also wanted to give this newly released young man an opportunity out of gratitude.


    Shen Yuerong took out a Red Fuji apple she had brought along and peeled it with a small knife she carried. She handed it to Long Xiaoshan and said, "Thank you for saving me. Please have an apple."


    Long Xiaoshan looked slightly surprised as he turned his head to gaze at Shen Yuerong.


    "What''s wrong, afraid I poisoned it?" Shen Yuerong said irritably.


    "No, it''s just rare to see a beauty like you who is so approachable," Long Xiaoshan took the apple and bit into it eagerly. It was really sweet and even carried a hint of a woman''s unique fragrance.


    Shen Yuerong rolled her eyes, thinking to herself that if the social circles in Yanjing heard her being called approachable, they wouldugh their heads off.


    "You''re reading ''The Wealth of Nations''?" Shen Yuerong steered the conversation towards the book.


    "Yeah, you know about it too?" Long Xiaoshan was equally surprised, given that not many had read such a dense economic text in its original form.


    "Of course." Pride shone in Shen Yuerong''s eyes. "I majored in economics in college. My mentor was the trantor of the Chinese version of this economic holy bible. Do you think I''ve read it or not? Since you''ve read it too, let''s have a discussion."


    Shen Yuerong looked straight into Long Xiaoshan''s eyes with a hint of challenge in hers but didn''t see the evasion and difort she was expecting. Long Xiaoshan''s eyes were clear and calm.


    He curled his lips into a slight smile, showing a bit of interest, "Alright."


    The two of them quickly engaged in a discussion.


    To her astonishment, Shen Yuerong discovered that Long Xiaoshan truly understood "The Wealth of Nations." His points were clear and powerful, and he could readily cite specific chapters and passages, making her suspect he had memorized the entire book.


    Shen Yuerong''spetitive spirit was ignited. She couldn''t believe someone who looked younger than her, who had just been released from reformatory, could have more extensive knowledge than she did. She gradually deepened their conversation, even citing various sources and positions her mentor had once shared. But Long Xiaoshan responded with substance, showing no signs of weakness. Sometimes, his views were fresher and more solid, enlightening her.


    Gradually, Shen Yuerong forgot she was on a rickety minibus having an exchange with a reformed criminal. It felt as if she was back in a university lecture hall, discussing with the elite schrs of economics, and their topics were no longer limited to The Wealth of Nations.


    "We''ve arrived at Lotus Township! Time to get off!" The driver''s shout woke Shen Yuerong from their engrossing discussion.


    Shen Yuerong reluctantly stood up and said, "We''re here already."


    She had lost track of time. Only after looking out at the dpidated bus stop of Lotus Township did she realize an hour had passed.


    After getting off the bus with Long Xiaoshan, Shen Yuerong realized she had stumbled upon a gem. Long Xiaoshan was definitely gifted, and she had to keep him. "Xiaoshan, you saved me on the bus earlier, and I haven''t properly thanked you. Let me take you out for a mealter," she invited.


    "No thanks, Sister Shen. I haven''t been home for several years and can''t wait to return. There are no buses to Longyang Vige, and I still need to walk over ten miles of mountain roads," Long Xiaoshan declined. Although the prospect of dining with a stunning beauty like Shen Yuerong was tempting, and he admired her knowledge, he was truly homesick. He had been incarcerated for many years and was anxious to know how his parents and younger sister were doing. He was eager to get home.


    Shen Yuerong, a person with high emotional intelligence, immediately understood that it was Long Xiaoshan''s first day home after release, and it would be inappropriate to keep him any longer. Although she felt a bit of regret, now that she knew Long Xiaoshan was from Longyang Vige, he couldn''t escape her reach.


    Shen Yuerong smiled serenely and said, "Then, Xiaoshan, take care on your way. Who knows, perhaps Sister Shen will go to Longyang Vige one day. Don''t pretend you don''t know me then."


    "How could I? A stunning beauty like Sister Shen is unforgettable once seen!"


    "Smooth talker, you better hurry home," Shen Yuerong chided yfully.


    "Goodbye, Sister Shen!"


    Long Xiaoshan shouldered his simple backpack, waved, and strode away, quickly disappearing into the crowd.

 Chapter 5: 5: Return to the Village

    Chapter Five


    Longyang Vige was the poorest among all the viges in Lotus Township. In an era when rural roads were being built everywhere, Longyang Vige still had nothing but a yellow dirt mountain path, without even a single car having ess to it, a clear indicator of its poverty.


    "I''m finally home!"


    After cresting over a hill, a young man with a shaved head and a scar on his face, wearing an old T-shirt, stood at the entrance to the vige. His eyes shimmered with excitement as he looked down at the small vige nestled at the foot of the hills.


    He was Long Xiaoshan, who had just made the journey from Lotus Township Bus Station, crossing mountains and ridges to get back home.


    Inside the vige, nothing much has changed in Longyang Vige since three years ago. The narrow mud paths remained and there were hardly any houses built with bricks and tiles.


    "Aunt Guimei!"


    Xiaoshan noticed a middle-aged woman with dark skin approaching and promptly greeted her.


    "Isn''t this Xiaoshan? You''re back, ah, it''s good¡­ good that you''re back..." The middle-aged woman nced at Xiaoshan, a flicker of panic in her eyes as she hurriedly walked away.


    Xiaoshan continued on his way home.


    Longyang Vige still suffered from an imbnce between the spirits of yin and yang; the men were even fewer than before. It was said that the vige had problems with feng shui, an exhaustion of yang energy. Not only were there significantly fewer boys born than girls, but the male residents also seemed prone to misfortune. As a result, any man with a bit of capability who left the vige had no desire to return, leaving behind many women to fend for themselves.


    Women made up eighty percent of the vige''s poption.


    That''s why it was mockingly referred to by neighboring viges as Widow Vige.


    In actuality, there weren''t that many real widows.


    The young maidens and married women Xiaoshan encountered along the way all looked at him with wary and frightened eyes before turning their heads and walking away without even a greeting.


    Xiaoshan let out a bitterugh.


    Compared to the warm farewell he received from everyone in the vige when he left three years ago, today''s aloofness added an extra sting to his heartache.


    Three years ago, he was the first university student to emerge from Longyang Vige, admitted to the nationally renowned Shuimu University. Known as the Wenqu Star, he carried the hopes and expectations of his family and fellow vigers. Now, however, he was simply a freshly released prisoner, and to make matters worse, he was convicted of rape.


    He didn''t me the vigers for their chilly attitude toward him.


    In a small vige like Longyang, with its simple customs, it was normal for the vigers to be wary and scared of someone who had been in prison.


    Xiaoshan''s family lived at the western edge of the vige, at the foot of Back Mountain. Two mud houses were enclosed by a broken fence. As Xiaoshan approached the gate, he saw a brand-new red Honda motorcycle parked at the door. Although motorcycles were hardly a rarity, with almost every middle-ss family in the city owning a car, in a remote mountain vige like Longyang, a motorcycle was still a luxury item.


    Xiaoshan wondered, when could we have afforded a motorcycle? Maybe the family had be wealthy while I was in prison?


    He pushed open the gate and walked in.


    The door of the central room was open, and Xiaoshan could overhear a woman''s voice chattering away inside.


    "Uncle Dashan, I''m not trying to criticize you, but you know your family''s situation as well as I do. The whole vige pitched in for Xiaoshan''s university fees, and after he got into trouble, you''ve spent a good deal trying to sort things out. With your health as it is, when are you ever going to be able to repay that money? If you marry little Ling off, you''ll get a dowry of fifty thousand yuan right away. You wouldn''t have to worry about debts anymore."


    "But little Ling is only sixteen years old, and she has been admitted to the county''s best high school this year." An old and frail voice came from inside.


    "What''s the use in a girl getting so much education? In the end, isn''t she just going to get married and have children? Look, old brother Dashan, I heard your son is about to be released from prison. With a record as a reformed criminal, what can he possibly do? Let me tell you, one of my rtives has a factory here in the township. Once our families are rted through marriage, I guarantee I can get your son a job in my nephew''s factory." Another male voice followed, sounding arrogant.


    Long Xiaoshan was infuriated upon hearing this.


    His sister, Long Xiaoling, should only be sixteen years old this year, an age considered still like a budding flower in the city, a time to be pampered and cherished, and yet someone had the audacity toe asking for her hand in marriage, even using him in their argument. How could he tolerate this?


    With a thunderous stride, he burst into the house. Several people were sitting in the main hall; the one sitting at the head of the table with a deeply wrinkled face was his father, Long Dashan.


    There were two others seated; one was a middle-aged woman in a red silk dress, her face marked by a mole, with a flower tucked into her hair, still retaining a hint of charm. The other was a lean man in his fifties wearing a brand-new Zhongshan suit, squinting his eyes while smoking a cigarette, engulfed in his own cloud of smoke.


    Long Xiaoshan recognized the middle-aged woman, known as Long Shuixian, who made a living by ying matchmaker in and around Lotus Township.


    As for the man, he looked somewhat unfamiliar and was likely not from their own vige.


    "Xiaoshan, is that you?" Long Dashan, who was sitting there, suddenly saw his son appear and rubbed his eyes, scarcely believing what he saw.


    "Dad, it''s me." Long Xiaoshan hurriedly walked over and supported him.


    "You''re out, why didn''t you say anything earlier? I would''ve gone to pick you up." Long Dashan''s eyes shimmered with excited tears.


    "Dad, it''s alright, you traveling all that way would''ve been inconvenient. By the way, where are mom and little Ling?" Long Xiaoshan looked around.


    Long Dashan''s expression changed slightly as he stammered, "Your mom''s in the back, with your little sister keeping herpany."


    "Okay, I''ll go see them right away." Lost in his emotional turmoil, Long Xiaoshan didn''t notice the odd look on Long Dashan''s face as he stepped toward the back courtyard.


    After taking a few steps, Long Xiaoshan remembered something, turned around with a cold expression, and, staring at Long Shuixian and the unfamiliar man, said, "What are you still doing here? Get out!"


    "Xiaoshan, how can you talk like that? Come, let me introduce you. This is He Yingshui, Uncle He from Qinghe Vige next door. Get to know him; who knows, he might be your future father-inw." Long Shuixian spoke.


    "Get lost!"


    Long Xiaoshan suddenly burst into a rage.


    There was a sh of red in Long Xiaoshan''s eyes, and the temperature in the air seemed to drop several degrees.


    Long Shuixian and He Yingshui were startled; in that moment, they felt as if they had be the prey of a wolf from the Back Mountain, their bodies turning cold.


    The words they intended to say were stuck in their throats.


    Long Dashan stepped forward, took hold of Long Xiaoshan, and said, "Xiaoshan, why are you so angry? Speak nicely to Aunt Shuixian."


    "Yeah, I meant well. Why are you blowing up at me?" Long Shuixian, unable to maintain face after being scolded by a younger person, began to feel aggrieved.


    "Dad, there''s nothing to talk about with them!" Long Xiaoshan moved towards the two, "Are you leaving or not? If not, I''ll throw you out!"


    As Long Xiaoshan approached step by step.


    Long Shuixian and He Yingshui hastily retreated. Long Shuixian couldn''t understand; Long Xiaoshan used to be as meek as a bookworm, never raising his voice in the vige. Now after spending years in prison, he seemed like apletely different person, his gaze cold as a knife, it sent shivers down their spines.


    Disheveled, Long Shuixian and He Yingshui fled Long Xiaoshan''s house.


    Once outside Long Xiaoshan''s door, Long Shuixian felt her face had been discredited. Never before had she, a matchmaker reputed in the regions around, encountered such humiliation. She turned back, seething with anger, and said, "Being so full of yourself! Do you think you''re the Wenqu Stare down to earth? A rapist like you, I''d like to see what future you have, what decent family''s girl would dare to step through your door, ptooey!"

 Chapter 6: 6: Prison Turmoil

    Chapter Six


    Long Dashan frowned upon hearing Long Shuixian''s scolding and sighed, "Xiaoshan, what are you doing? Don''t you know that your Aunt Shuixian can talk the dead back to life? By offending her like this, if she starts spreading bad rumors about you, it''ll be hard for you to find a wife in the future."


    "Dad, why talk about this? It''s too early for me to think about marriage," Long Xiaoshan said, unconcerned.


    Long Dashan''s lips twitched slightly.


    If it were before when Long Xiaoshan was still a top student at Shuimu University, it would indeed be early for a twenty-one-year-old, but now that he had be a reformed criminal, at his age in the vige, it was high time to start thinking about marriage.


    But considering the current situation at home, Long Dashan sighed, his stooped figure seeming to bend even further...


    "Brother!" A timid voice rose.


    Long Xiaoshan quickly turned his head and saw a young girl in a white-washed blue dress standing at the door, her ck and thick hair simply tied into a ponytail, her young face pure and beautiful like a lotus flower emerging from water.


    "Little sister!" Long Xiaoshan eximed happily, spreading his arms.


    Looking at her brother, who was lean and tall, standing there with the familiar warm smile.


    Long Xiaoling felt the strangeness from not seeing her brother for so many years vanish in an instant as she threw herself into Long Xiaoshan''s embrace like a swallow returning to the forest, her big eyes instantly brimming with tears, her small red lips quivering as if they held countless grievances she wanted to tell her brother, but ultimately she didn''t say a word.


    Long Xiaoshan''s heart ached; going from a proud Shuimu University student to a convict, he knew his family must have endured immense pressure from gossips and whispers.


    And with today''s visit from Long Shuixian and others for a marriage proposal, how could Long Xiaoling not know about it?


    "Don''t worry, now that your brother is back, no one will dare to bully our little Ling," Long Xiaoshanforted her, wrapping his arms around Long Xiaoling and patting her thin back while a cold light shed in his eyes.


    "Brother..." Long Xiaoling lifted her face, her eyes bright with tears of joy.


    "By the way, where''s mom?" Long Xiaoshan asked, surprised. Since his little sister hade out, why hadn''t his mother appeared yet?


    He suddenly saw a look of sadness sh across Long Xiaoling''s face and felt a sinking feeling; he hurriedly asked, "What happened to mom? Did something happen?"


    "Brother, mom, she..."


    "Xiaoshan, your mom went to the mountain to pick wild tea a few days ago, but she identally fell down the hill and broke her leg. It''s all my fault, my body is failing..." Long Dashan, knowing he could not hide the truth any longer, simply spoke up.


    Long Xiaoshan quickly walked to the back room.


    As he entered and saw He Xiangyue lying on the bed, Long Xiaoshan''s eyes welled up with emotion as he knelt by the bed and called out, "Mom."


    He Xiangyue, worn out and haggard, her hair half-white at just over forty years old, struggled to sit up upon seeing Long Xiaoshan, a look of immense joy in her eyes as she said, "Xiaoshan, have youe home?"


    "Yes, mom, I''m back, please don''t move," Long Xiaoshan urged He Xiangyue back down onto the bed. He examined her foot, which was merely splinted with wooden boards and not even cast in ster.


    He worriedly asked, "Mom, why didn''t you go to the hospital with a leg like that?"


    "What''s the big deal with this injury? Lying down will heal it. Why waste unnecessary money at the hospital?" He Xiangyue said indifferently.


    Long Xiaoshan felt a profound sadness; he was no fool.


    If it wasn''t for extreme difficulties at home, they certainly wouldn''t have neglected hospital treatment even for a broken leg.


    "I''ve let my family down so much these past three years, I must make it up to them," Long Xiaoshan vowed silently to himself.


    Pulling out the Nine-inch Gold Needle from his finger, he said, "Mom, I learned a bit of traditional medicine from an old doctor in jail, let me treat you first."


    Long Xiaoling stood by, surprised, "Brother, you know medical techniques?"


    Long Dashan, however, was concerned and remarked, "Xiaoshan, being a doctor isn''t easy; don''t mess around and make your mom''s leg worse."


    "Stop your nonsense, old man; when has my son ever been untrustworthy," He Xiangyue scolded Long Dashan before turning to Long Xiaoshan, "It''s fine, Xiaoshan, go ahead and treat me, don''t worry about me."


    Long Xiaoshan''s heart ached even more, for only He Xiangyue would trust him so unconditionally.


    Without saying much, Long Xiaoshan inserted the gold needles into He Xiangyue''s legs. After a while, she started feeling warmth and tingling in her legs, and the difort was greatly reduced. She eximed with surprise, "Xiaoshan, it doesn''t hurt anymore."


    After applying needles continuously for over ten minutes and breaking into a sweat, Long Xiaoshan finally stopped and said, "Mom, I''ve cleared the clots for you, and I''ve also repaired the veins. However, the bone hasn''t joined back yet. I''ll go up the mountain tomorrow to gather some herbs to apply to it. In a few days, you should be all right."


    He Xiangyue nodded repeatedly, while Long Dashan and Long Xiaoling both smiled happily.


    "Brother, you''re amazing," Long Xiaoling said, hopping and hugging Long Xiaoshan''s arm with great affection.


    After speaking with his family for a while,


    Long Dashan began to make arrangements for Long Xiaoshan to walk over a brazier and take a bath.


    Having just been released from prison symbolized a new beginning; these rituals were meant to ward off bad luck and were customary.


    After Long Xiaoshan finished bathing in the courtyard,


    he returned to the room wearing shorts, and Long Xiaoling knocked on the door, saying, "Brother, dad asked me to bring you some clothes. He bought themst year, and they''ve never been worn."


    "Yeah,e in... wait a minute," Long Xiaoshan subconsciously responded, and then quickly thought of something, hurrying to call out.


    But Long Xiaoling had moved swiftly and had already walked in.


    "Brother, you!"


    Long Xiaoling''splexion changed. She nearly shouted out loud when she saw Long Xiaoshan''s bare upper body covered with crisscrossing scars that were a ghastly sight.


    Long Xiaoshan quickly went up to cover Long Xiaoling''s mouth, whispering, "Keep it down, don''t let mom and dad hear."


    Long Xiaoling nodded several times, and only then did Long Xiaoshan release her. Long Xiaoling''s tears came down instantly as she ced her hand on Long Xiaoshan''s chest, touching one monstrous knife scar that was a mere centimeter from the heart, and said with heartache, "Brother, what happened?"


    "It''s nothing, just got into some fights in prison," Long Xiaoshan said with a light tone.


    Long Xiaoling, however, could not speak for a long while.


    She clearly knew that her brother used to be a bookworm. Before going to the city to attend university, he had never even had a red-faced argument with anyone, let alone a fight. How had her brother survived the past three years in prison?


    Long Xiaoshan quickly grabbed the T-shirt in Long Xiaoling''s hand, put it on, and covered those scars. He smiled casually and said, "Little sis, let''s go outside, and also, don''t talk too much to mom and dad."


    At dinner, the family sat under the dim light, in a harmonious atmosphere.


    Even though there were only a few vegetables, and the only meat dish was a lone coop egg, Long Xiaoshan ate heartily.


    The family talkedte into the night, discussing so much.


    They talked about Long Xiaoshan''s years in prison and Long Xiaoling''s studies, hearing that Long Xiaoling got into the county''s top middle school. Long Xiaoling said she didn''t want to study anymore and wanted to work instead. Long Xiaoshan red at her, almost making Long Xiaoling cry, and told her to obediently study and aim for university; he would figure out the money issue.


    The night grew deep.


    Long Xiaoshan returned to his room but felt no sleepiness; his eyes were wide open and bright.


    Right now, the main issue at home was poverty.


    As long as they had money, many problems could be solved; therefore, he had to get money. Only right now, he waspletely clueless about how to go about it. Should he call Xu Feng and the others?


    This thought crossed Long Xiaoshan''s mind.


    Remembering his life in Lingxi Prison, no one knew how he had endured those three years, especially the first year he was thrown into jail.


    Long Xiaoshan''s days were like hell, constantly targeted and tormented by others.


    Back then, Long Xiaoshan was just a college student from a farming background, simple and honest. Being imprisoned had already felt like the end of the world, and it only got worse. Each day brought inventive tortures and beatings. Any resistance would lead to even fiercer beatings, leaving him on the brink of death, breathing only by a thin thread.


    Under inhumane torment, Long Xiaoshan often thought of ending his life, but a stubbornness innate in him pulled him back from the brink of death again and again. He didn''t want to die; he was framed, and dying there would only please the person who had framed him.


    Until he met Elder Chang.


    Elder Chang was a gloomy old man in the prison, rumored to have been locked up in Lingxi Prison for decades, with no visitors and no one daring to provoke him, shrouded in mystery.


    Once, as Elder Chang squatted in front of Long Xiaoshan, who had been beaten until he couldn''t move, he imed he could teach him a skill, "The Art of Immortality". Whether or not he could master it depended on his fate.


    It was said to be a skill, but it was actually just making him sit and practice breathing during specific times of the day, at the Midnight Hour and midday.


    There weren''t any impressive techniques.


    Long Xiaoshan practiced for a long time without developing the legendary Inner Strength. The only benefit was that he became slightly quicker in reaction time, his eyes grew brighter than the average person''s, his mind sharp and his memory improving.


    Eventually, he managed to cultivate a warm energy inside his body, and Master Chang began to teach him medical skills.


    Long Xiaoshan still took beatings, but whereas a beating once meant lying down for ten days or half a month, after practicing "The Art of Immortality" and improving his medical skills, the time he spent down diminished, from ten days to a week, to three days...


    Long Xiaoshan became more resilient to beatings, and his fights grew fiercer. Once, he even gouged out the eye of a bully who used to torment him the most...


    Another year passed, and Long Xiaoshan transformed from a little fellow who got beaten every day into one of Lingxi Prison''s most fearsome bullies.


    Nobody dared provoke him anymore, and under his wing, he gathered a group of people who had often been bullied in prison.


    The Xu Feng Long Xiaoshan had considered earlier was one such person, once a big boss from the city. He nearly died when he came to prison, saved by Long Xiaoshan, and he had followed him ever since. Xu Feng was released early and had told Long Xiaoshan to look for him when he got out.


    There were many others like Xu Feng.


    But when Long Xiaoshan was released from prison, he hadn''t sought anyone out.


    The thought passed, and Long Xiaoshan dismissed it¡ªhe wanted to rely on himself. If push came to shove, he would go to the county talent market to find a job. He refused to believe that, as an adult man, he couldn''t ovee the obstacle of money.


    Unbeknownst to him, the time reached midnight.


    As the moonlight poured in like mercury from outside the window, Long Xiaoshan sat cross-legged on the bed, beginning his daily practice, a routine that hadn''t changed for years. Although the warm energy he gained from "The Art of Immortality" hadn''t grown much in two years, he was ustomed to it. He hardly slept and got by on his practice overnight, feeling as energetic as a dragon the next day.

 Chapter 7: 7 Chun Tao

    Chapter Seven


    The next day, Long Xiaoshan woke early in the morning, and Long Dashan had already gone to work at the sawmill a few miles away.


    Long Xiaoshan ate a few corn cobs and chatted with He Xiangyue at home for a while.


    He took out a basket and a bucket from behind the door, ready to leave.


    "Brother, where are you going?" Long Xiaoling asked as she saw Long Xiaoshan carrying a basket.


    "I''m heading to the mountain streams to catch some shrimp to bring back. Mom''s leg is broken; it must be due to a calcium deficiency. Shrimp can provide calcium, and I''ll also see if I can dig up some herbal medicine," Long Xiaoshan said.


    "Brother, I want to go too."


    "You stay here and take care of Mom."


    "Alright."


    Long Xiaoshan, carrying the basket and bucket, quickly made his way to the Back Mountain. Elder Chang had given him a thick medical book when he had taught him medicine.


    It contained many prescriptions.


    Elder Chang had told him to read this book more often and never to let anyone else see it.


    Long Xiaoshan was a studious person, and there wasn''t much else to do in prison, especially after he became the boss there, with other inmates eager to do things for him.


    So he would often flip through the medical book when he had nothing to do.


    Over time, he memorized everything in it, but naturally, there were no herbs avable to experiment with in prison.


    He remembered there was a prescription called Bone-Regeneration Powder that was said to have miraculous effects on healing bone injuries, and he wanted to try making it.


    On the way to Back Mountain, he had to pass through arge field of corn cobs.


    Walking along the narrow path between the ridges for over ten minutes, when he got close to Back Mountain, Long Xiaoshan stopped. He heard some rustling soundsing from the cornfield.


    Could it be wild boars from the mountainsing down to gnaw on the corn?


    Although the cornfield wasn''t his, it still belonged to fellow vigers, and Long Xiaoshan didn''t want to see the corn ruined by wild boars, so he hurriedly took a few steps in the direction of the noises.


    Having practiced "The Art of Immortality," Long Xiaoshan''s hearing was much keener than that of an average person, allowing him to faintly distinguish two voicesing from the cornfield.


    "Uncle Fakui, let me go."


    "Chun Tao, just give in to me, and I won''t wrong you. Look, this is a gold bracelet I just bought for you in the county."


    "I don''t want it, Uncle Fakui... stop... if you keep this up, I''ll scream for help!"


    "Go ahead and scream. If otherse, I''ll say you seduced me, you little temptress. Let''s see how you''ll face the vigers after this!"


    A sound of fabric being torn echoed from the cornfield.


    Long Xiaoshan deliberately coughed loudly.


    The noises from the cornfield abruptly stopped.


    After a while, a man''s pained voice was heard, and a woman, with her clothes in disarray, dashed out of the cornfield in panic and inadvertently ran into Long Xiaoshan, who steadied her with a hand.


    This was a woman in her early twenties, her skin tanned but not enough to hide her naturally exquisite beauty. She covered herself with her hands where her top had been torn, revealing the delicate and fair skin below her neck. The glimpses of her flesh made a surge of heat rush through Long Xiaoshan''s body.


    "Chun Tao!"


    Long Xiaoshan quickly recognized the woman. She was a young widow from his vige. He remembers clearly the stir she caused when she first came to the vige at seventeen; though Longyang Vige was famed for its beautiful women, someone as beautiful as Chun Tao was rare. Perhaps it was a twist of fate or the curse of Widow Vige, but her husband died suddenly from a stroke on their wedding night.


    Long Xiaoshan had been in prison for three years and thought that Chun Tao, being such a beautiful woman, must have remarried by now, but to his surprise, she was still in the vige, causing his mind to reel as if many lost memories were surging back.


    Chun Tao looked up and saw a lean, tall young man standing in front of her, his features sharp and well-defined, with a knife scar adding a menacing air to his appearance.


    Feeling more panicked by the support of a stranger, Chun Tao heard footsteps chasing after her, which threw her into such disarray that she quickly hid behind this unknown man.


    Another man, middle-aged and about forty or fifty, emerged from the cornfield, wearing a shirt with a gold chain, his face dark and gaunt, one hand clutching his groin in difort.


    Seeing Chun Tao hiding behind a stranger, and realizing it was this man''s cough that had led to her kicking him in the groin, he was irritated and demanded, "Where did youe from?"


    "Uncle Fakui," Long Xiaoshan said calmly.


    In Longyang Vige, the Long family was prominent and rted by blood or marriage. This middle-aged man, known as Long Fakui, was a notable figure who had gone to the county to be a hoodlum. Later, it was said he started a business and even bought property in the county, returning only during festivals and holidays.


    After a careful look, Long Fakui recognized Long Xiaoshan and said, "It''s you, little Xiaoshan, you''vee back from prison!"


    Long Xiaoshan was also a notable figure in Longyang Vige, a very talented student and the first from the vige to go to college. People said he was like Wenqu Star descending to earth, previously considered a bit dull and only focused on studying. But now, he seemed different.


    However, Long Fakui didn''t think much of it, annoyed at being interrupted and asked, "What are you doing here in the cornfield?"


    Long Xiaoshan answered, "I heard some noises and thought it was a wild boar digging through the corn; I came to check it out."


    "Well, now you''ve seen there''s no wild boar, so beat it," Long Fakui said impatiently, waving his hand.


    Long Xiaoshan turned to Chun Tao, who was hiding behind him, and said, "Chun Tao, your clothes are torn,e with me."


    Upon hearing this, Long Fakui became displeased and spoke in a dark tone, "Little Xiaoshan, you go back on your own. I will take Chun Tao home."


    Long Xiaoshan smiled without responding and looked at Chun Tao, "Chun Tao, will youe with me?"


    Chun Tao was scared, but the smile on Long Xiaoshan''s face gave her a bit of courage, and she replied, "Yes."


    "Uncle Fakui, I will take Chun Tao home first," said Long Xiaoshan, and with that, he tugged on Chun Tao''s sleeve and headed out of the cornfield.


    Seeing Long Xiaoshan actually taking Chun Tao away, a fierce light shed in Long Fakui''s eyes. He was the tyrant of Longyang Vige; nobody dared to cross him.


    As they reached the entrance to the vige, Chun Tao whispered in a voice as soft as a mosquito''s, "Little Xiaoshan, thank you. You can go about your business; there''s no need to escort me further."


    After saying that, she ran off quickly without looking back.


    Watching Chun Tao hurry away like a startled rabbit, Long Xiaoshan shook his head. He guessed he wasn''t much different from Long Fakui in her eyes. The idea that he was a rapist must have spread throughout the vige.


    Approaching noon, Long Xiaoshan came down from the mountain stream with his bucket half full of shrimp. Seeing that it was still early, he ate two pieces of corn and began searching for herbs in the Back Mountain. After all, his knowledge from prison was only theoretical, and he had yet to put it into practice.


    Suddenly, his eyes lit up: "Stone-root Grass."


    He ran over to a rock, dug out a nt with grey leaves and lots of veins, and after carefully examining it, he confirmed it was one of the herbs needed to make Bone-Regeneration Powder.


    Luck was on his side, and he didn''t expect to find a medicinal herb so easily.


    Stirred by excitement, Long Xiaoshan continued his search and soon found another medicinal herb, ckwood Vine. Although it was not used in Bone-Regeneration Powder, it was a key ingredient in another valuable remedy.


    Zixiang Fruit.


    Swiftme Grass.


    As Long Xiaoshan discovered more and more herbs, he wondered why the Back Mountain seemed to be covered with them. Was there really no one else collecting them?


    Or was he the only one who recognized these herbs?


    Caught up in enthusiasm, Long Xiaoshan ventured deeper into the mountain. Unbeknownst to him, therge basket he had brought for collecting pig grass was now filled with medicinal herbs.

 Chapter 8: 8 In the Cave

    Chapter Eight


    While gathering herbs, Long Xiaoshan heard a sound and, after circling past a clump of bushes, saw a petite figure squatting on the ground chopping wood, her ck braid held in her mouth.


    He let out an "Eh" and said, "Chun Tao, what a coincidence."


    He had just sent Chun Tao back to the vige that morning, and he didn''t expect to run into her again in the afternoon.


    Chun Tao was startled and quickly turned around. Seeing Long Xiaoshan, her face, covered with a fine sweat, flushed red, and she said somewhat flustered, "Little Xiaoshan, what are you doing here too?"


    She had deliberately waited until after noon to go up the mountain, not expecting Long Xiaoshan to still be there.


    Thinking of those rumors, Chun Tao''s heart pounded uncontrobly.


    This guy couldn''t possibly have been following her all the time, could he? That would mean she had just escaped from the tiger''s mouth only to fall into the wolf''s jaws.


    Long Xiaoshan said, "Chun Tao, let me help you chop the wood."


    He saw Chun Tao, a rather delicate woman, doing such heavy work as chopping wood, which must be tough, and reached out to take the wood-chopping knife from her hand.


    "No, no need," Chun Tao jumped back two steps, hastily saying, "I''ve chopped enough, I was just about to go down the mountain."


    Chun Tao picked up the scattered firewood on the ground and tried to leave in a fluster.


    Long Xiaoshan realized that Chun Tao was afraid of him.


    He felt disgruntled but couldn''t exin himself.


    Just as he was about to turn around and continue gathering herbs, suddenly a loud crack of thunder sounded, followed by a dark cloud drifting over from the horizon, and a heavy rain poured down.


    The weather in July can change in an instant, and the rain was fierce. Chun Tao, running down the mountain, could not withstand the weight of the firewood on her back, stepped into a void, cried out, and fell to the ground, scattering the wood all over the ce.


    Long Xiaoshan quickly ran over and saw Chun Tao covered in mud and water, holding her foot, unable to stand up after several tries, her eyes reddened and her face either wet from rain or tears. She sat there, looking dumbfounded, her gaze wrenching one''s heart.


    "Chun Tao, you''ve hurt your foot," Long Xiaoshan observed that Chun Tao''s foot had swelled up like a bun, obviously twisted just now.


    He reached out to pick up Chun Tao.


    "Don''t touch me!" Chun Tao forcefully pushed Long Xiaoshan.


    "Don''t just sit there, it''s pouring," Long Xiaoshan reached out again to embrace her.


    "I told you not to touch me, none of you are good people," Chun Tao yelled, pushing and hitting Long Xiaoshan.


    "Enough!" Long Xiaoshan''s anger rose, he roared, startling Chun Tao into stillness. He then scooped her up and looked around quickly, rushing toward a certain direction.


    He remembered there was an abandoned Guanyin Cave on the Back Mountain.


    It was said to have existed before the Liberation. Later, during the campaign against the Four Olds, the Guanyin Statue was smashed, and the incense offerings ceased.


    After running for a while, he indeed saw a cave entrance, which had been obstructed by vines and brambles. Long Xiaoshan, holding the knife, hacked open the vines and carried Chun Tao into the cave. The cave was dry, yet it was full of cobwebs due to the long absence of people.


    Long Xiaoshan found a t spot and gentlyid Chun Tao down.


    "Chun Tao, let me take a look at your foot," said Long Xiaoshan as he grabbed the injured foot.


    Seemingly frightened by Long Xiaoshan''s recent shout, Chun Tao struggled a bit with her foot, unable to free it, and fearfully watched Long Xiaoshan touch the swollen area, then produced a long golden needle and aimed it at her ankle.


    "Little Xiaoshan, what are you doing?" Chun Tao grabbed Long Xiaoshan''s arm, terrified of the nine-inch long golden needle.


    "Don''t be scared, your injury is quite serious. If we don''t remove the blood stasis promptly, you might be unable to walk for a month once you get home," Long Xiaoshan said.


    "But¡­"


    "Trust me, it won''t hurt much, I have experience."


    "Well¡­ okay, little Xiaoshan, be gentle¡­" Chun Tao, hearing that she might be unable to walk for a month, no longer dared to stop Long Xiaoshan.


    "Are you ready? I''m going to start now!" Long Xiaoshan said again in a soft voice.


    "Mhm!" Chun Tao clenched her eyes shut, turned her head aside, her little face pale.


    Long Xiaoshan saw how nervous Chun Tao was, smiled a little, and slowly began pushing the golden needle down¡­


    "Ah!" Chun Tao cried out, clenching one hand into a fist, while the other gripped Long Xiaoshan''s arm tightly, almost pinching off a chunk of flesh.


    Long Xiaoshan grimaced and said speechlessly, "Chun Tao, I haven''t even pricked you yet! Your¡­ your hand, don''t grip so tight¡­"


    "Sorry!" Chun Tao murmured an apology, her cheeks flushed, and slowly retracted her hand from Long Xiaoshan''s arm.


    "Your muscles are too tense; I can''t insert the needle! Rx, try to rx a bit!" Long Xiaoshan frowned.


    Chun Tao bit her lip and hesitantly said, "Then¡­ let''s try again¡­ I''ll try to rx."


    "Okay, rx a bit, I''ll try to be as gentle as possible..."


    "Does it feel a bit better now?"


    "Mhm! It just feels... tingling and numb..."


    "That''s good, I''m activating the cirction and dispersing the blood clots now."


    "How is it?!" Long Xiaoshan noticed that Chun Tao was trembling violently.


    "It''s sour and swollen, unbearably ufortable..." Chun Tao''s tightly closed eyes crinkled at the brows, looking as if she might cry any moment.


    "Just hold on a little longer, it will be fine once the clot is removed," Long Xiaoshan soothed Chun Tao.


    Chun Tao made a soft hum from her nose and slowly nodded.


    After about ten minutes or so,


    Chun Tao felt a slight numbness in her foot and heard Long Xiaoshan''s somewhat exhausted voice, "It''s done, Chun Tao."


    Chun Tao quickly opened her eyes and saw that her originally swollen ankle had returned to its slender shape. She tried moving her ankle, and the sharp pain was gone.


    Chun Tao was somewhat incredulous, how could little Xiaoshan be so skilled?


    It takes a hundred days for a muscle or bone injury to heal, and given the severity of her sprain, it would have taken at least a month to recover.


    "I''ll help you up, try walking a few steps," said Long Xiaoshan as he extended his hand and pulled Chun Tao off the ground.


    Chun Tao tried walking a few steps and couldn''t help but be overjoyed. She eximed, "Little Xiaoshan, I''m really all better. You''re amazing."


    She grabbed Long Xiaoshan''s arm, her ck eyes blinking rapidly. Soon she noticed that Long Xiaoshan''s gaze was a bit unusual, for he had been busy administering the acupuncture to Chun Tao, and the cave was somewhat dark, so he hadn''t looked carefully.

 Chapter 9: 9 Not So Bad

    Chapter Nine


    Long Xiaoshan felt rather awkward, but it was pouring rain outside and he had no way of avoiding it.


    Just then, a gust of mountain wind swept in, carrying the heavy rain into the cave. Chun Tao sneezed several times in session, her nose running uncontrobly, and she hung her head in embarrassed silence.


    Even though it was July, the wind in the deep mountains was still very cold.


    Moreover, Chun Tao was soaked through.


    Long Xiaoshan felt his own clothes, which he had dried using the heat from his practice of the Longevity Art while needling earlier. Deciding to take action, he took off his T-shirt and handed it to Chun Tao, saying, "You should wear my clothes first. Take off yours and let them dry, otherwise, you''ll catch a cold."


    "No, no need," Chun Tao quickly waved her hands and refused.


    "Quickly change into it!" Long Xiaoshan said sternly, stuffing the T-shirt into Chun Tao''s arms, then he walked out of the cave entrance.


    "Little Xiaoshan!" Chun Tao saw Long Xiaoshan run out into the rain, and when she chased him to the entrance, he had already disappeared without a trace. She stood there, not knowing what to do with the T-shirt Long Xiaoshan had left with her.


    After calling out for a long time with no reply from Long Xiaoshan, ayer of mist formed in Chun Tao''s eyes.


    She took off her wet clothes and put on Long Xiaoshan''s T-shirt, then hurried to the cave''s mouth and shouted, "Little Xiaoshan,e back in! I''ve changed."


    After a while, Long Xiaoshan emerged from some corner outside, arge green leaf atop his head.


    Despite the leaf, the pouring rain outside still left Long Xiaoshan drenched like a drowned rat. When he entered the cave, the water streamed off him, quickly forming arge puddle.


    Seeing Long Xiaoshan soaked like that, Chun Tao''s heart felt as though it had been stuffed with an unripe green plum, souring with each pulse.


    She thought to herself that if little Xiaoshan were really such a bad person, he wouldn''t have left the cave just now.


    He wouldn''t have stayed outside getting drenched withouting in.


    She had thought too badly of little Xiaoshan.


    After all, he had already saved her twice.


    Long Xiaoshan circted his energy to dry off a bit of the water on his body and noticing Chun Tao staring at him, he smiled and said, "Chun Tao, what has captivated your attention so deeply?"


    Chun Tao blushed and asked, "Little Xiaoshan, what''s with your body?"


    Long Xiaoshan knew Chun Tao was asking about the scars on his body. He shook his head and said, "It''s nothing. Sit here for a moment. I don''t think this rain will stop anytime soon. I''ll go further inside the cave to see if I can find something to start a fire with."


    The abandoned Guanyin Cave extended more than ten meters inward.


    But it was pitch dark.


    "Little Xiaoshan, maybe you shouldn''t go. It''s all dark in there; what if there''s a snake?" Chun Tao said worriedly.


    "It''s okay, I can see," he reassured her.


    Long Xiaoshan''s vision was far above that of an average person, allowing him to see quite clearly even in the dark. For precaution, however, he picked up a stone to hold in his hand.


    Soon, he ventured inside the Guanyin Cave, only to discover, surprisingly, that it was very clean; there was no sign of snakes, not even insects or ants.


    Inside, the original stone-carved Guanyin Statue had been destroyed, leaving only half of its figure intact, with bits of broken wood scattered on the ground, presumably remnants of what used to be the offering table.


    Long Xiaoshan sped his hands in prayer and bowed in respect to the remaining Guanyin Statue.


    After paying his respects, he gathered a pile of broken wood, intending to take it outside and start a fire.


    After a few steps,


    suddenly Long Xiaoshan stumbled, falling forward, and the pieces of wood in his hands scattered all over the ce.


    "Little Xiaoshan, what happened?" Hearing themotion inside, Chun Tao''s anxious voice came from outside.


    "No, no issue, just tripped by ident." Long Xiaoshan grimaced, clutching his foot, sucking in the cold air. He didn''t know what he had kicked just now; it was exceptionally hard, causing his toe to bleed, even flipping half of his toenail.


    After a while, Long Xiaoshan caught his breath and limped towards where he had tripped.


    He searched the ground bitterly and finally found the culprit.


    It was a bottle, half-buried in the ground, with a long neck covered in quite a bit of dust. At the mouth of the bottle, there were some bloodstains¡ªblood from Long Xiaoshan''s foot from earlier.


    Long Xiaoshan didn''t expect that a small bottle had caused his injury.


    Annoyed, he grabbed the neck of the bottle and pulled hard, but it wouldn''t budge. Long Xiaoshan was disbelieving; as someone who had practiced martial arts, his strength was much greater than the average person''s, so how could he not pull out such a tiny bottle?


    He tried several more times, only to confirm that he couldn''t remove it.


    Stubbornness surged in Long Xiaoshan. He took a piece of wood with a pointed end and dug the soil around the small bottle. Atst, the full extent of the bottle was revealed¡ªit was a delicate-looking double-eared small bottle, slightly longer than a palm, glowing a greenish hue, incredibly beautiful.


    "It would be nice to take it back for little Ling to use for her flowers," Long Xiaoshan reached out to grab the small bottle and upon doing so, realized unexpectedly how heavy it was.


    No wonder he couldn''t pull it out earlier.


    The bottle must weigh a good few dozen pounds.


    How could a bottle be this heavy¡ª it shouldn''t be so, even if it were a metal bottle. Long Xiaoshan tapped the body of the bottle lightly, confirming it sounded like porcin.


    He grasped the bottle firmly and tilted it, emptying it, but there was nothing inside, merely hollow.


    This was bizarre.


    Long Xiaoshan felt the bottle was defying thews of physics.


    Moreover, the bottle even felt warm to the touch. Just as Long Xiaoshan was baffled by the bottle''s strangeness, footsteps approached, and Chun Tao''s anxious voice could be heard: "little Xiaoshan, little Xiaoshan, are you there?"


    Long Xiaoshan realized he had been studying the bottle for such a long time that Chun Tao must be getting worried.


    He quickly said, "Chun Tao, I''m here, don''te in, it''s dark. I''ming out now."


    Long Xiaoshan firmly picked up the bottle, then picked up the broken wood, and limped outside.


    Seeing Long Xiaoshan emerge, Chun Tao breathed a sigh of relief, but when she saw him limping, she hurriedly asked, "Xiaoshan, what happened to your foot?"


    "It''s nothing, I just kicked a... stone earlier." Long Xiaoshan felt silly saying he kicked a small bottle, so he changed his story.


    "I told you not to go in there. Come on, let me bandage it." Upon seeing that Long Xiaoshan''s big toe''s nail had been flipped over and was swollen like a radish, Chun Tao quickly had Long Xiaoshan sit down.


    Long Xiaoshan casually took a medicinal herb from the basket and said, "I can do it, this is for stopping the bleeding."


    "You''re hurt, let me do it."


    Chun Tao snatched the medicinal herb from Long Xiaoshan''s hand, chewed it up in her mouth, pressed it into a small cake, and applied it to Long Xiaoshan''s toe. Then she tore a strip of cloth and carefully wrapped it up.


    Watching her skilled movements, Long Xiaoshan smiled, "Chun Tao, you''re quite good at bandaging."


    "My mother-inw''s eyes aren''t good, and she likes to walk around, often getting injured. I''ve learned how to do it myself over time," Chun Tao said, somewhat shyly.


    Long Xiaoshan found her blushing at every turn quite amusing.


    "I''ll start a fire," Long Xiaoshan stood up, picked up a piece of wood, sharpened it with a knife into some fine shavings and a long stick. He took another piece of wood and hollowed out a small hole, cing the fine wood dust inside. Long Xiaoshan inserted one end of the stick into the hole, his palms mped around it, and rapidly started twisting.


    Before long, white smoke began to rise from the pit.


    Long Xiaoshan carefully poured out the glowing wood dust onto the shavings and blew gently. The fire quickly took hold.


    "little Xiaoshan, you''re amazing," Chun Tao pped her hands, her big eyes sparkling with admiration as she watched Long Xiaoshan.

 Chapter 10: 10: Strange Dreams

    Chapter Ten


    After starting the fire, the cave finally warmed up.


    Chun Tao was drying her clothes by the fire, while Long Xiaoshan took out the small bottle to inspect it.


    This peculiar little bottle had already piqued his curiosity, but no sooner had he looked at it than he uttered a surprised sound. He clearly remembered his blood sticking to the rim, yet now it seemed to have disappeared.


    Could he have seen it wrong?


    That wasn''t likely; Long Xiaoshan was confident in his vision. Although the cave was dark, it wasn''t to the extent that he couldn''t see clearly.


    "Little Xiaoshan, what are you looking at? Where did that pretty vasee from?" Chun Tao asked, seeing Long Xiaoshan staring at the bottle incessantly, somewhat curious.


    "Oh, I found it here in the cave," Long Xiaoshan replied.


    "There''s such a beautiful vase in this cave?" Chun Tao looked somewhat incredulous.


    "Do you like it? I could give it to you," Long Xiaoshan offered, picking up the vase.


    "No, no, I don''t want it." Chun Tao waved her hands repeatedly, then said cautiously after a while, "My grandfather used to say that you shouldn''t just pick up jars and bottles in the mountains."


    "Why?" Long Xiaoshan asked.


    "Grandpa said they might be left by mountain demons or spirits, or they could be burial objects with heavy yin energy," Chun Tao exined with a hint of fear.


    Long Xiaoshan burst intoughter.


    "What are youughing at?" Chun Tao bit her lip.


    "Ghosts, mountain demons? I''m not afraid of them," Long Xiaoshan said disdainfully. Having spent time in Lingxi Prison, he knew the most terrifying things in the world were not ghosts, but people.


    Seeing Long Xiaoshan''s indifference, Chun Tao wanted to say something but refrained, not wanting to beughed at, and fell silent.


    Long Xiaoshan continued to study the small bottle.


    For some reason, he felt groggy, his eyelids heavy and fighting to stay open.


    Suddenly, he felt the light outside brighten dramatically and rushed to the entrance of the cave. He was somewhat shocked as he watched the horizon, where a giant silhouette, shrouded in light, stood tall. Its features were indiscernible, but to Long Xiaoshan''s surprise, the silhouette seemed to be holding a bottle, simr to the one he had found in the cave, only muchrger. The figure was so immense it appeared to hold up the sky and, by proportion, the bottle seemedrger than a mountain.


    Long Xiaoshan felt the massive silhouette nce down at him briefly, as if piercing through him.


    Then, the figure vanished.


    The bottle alone remained in the sky, turning into a green beam of light that fell from the heavens, heading straight towards Long Xiaoshan.


    Long Xiaoshan was taken aback and hurried to run.


    But the bottle was moving too fast.


    In the blink of an eye, itnded on him...


    "Little Xiaoshan! Little Xiaoshan!" Chun Tao''s voice, frantic, echoed in Long Xiaoshan''s ears.


    Long Xiaoshan abruptly sat up.


    Drenched in cold sweat, he realized he had just been dreaming.


    "Little Xiaoshan, what happened? I couldn''t wake you up just now," Chun Tao asked anxiously.


    "It''s nothing, just a dream," Long Xiaoshan shook his head, trying to clear it, his mind puzzled. Since practicing the Longevity Art, his energy had always been abundant, and it was rare for him to fall asleep unconsciously like this.


    He nced outside the cave. The sky was overcast, and the rain had stopped. He hurriedly asked, "Chun Tao, how long have I been asleep?"


    "I''m not sure either, it''s been two or three hours." Chun Tao said, "I couldn''t wake you up, and I didn''t dare to leave."


    "I''m really sorry, then let''s hurry down the mountain." Long Xiaoshan found his clothes covering him, Chun Tao must have swapped their clothes back while he was asleep.


    He hurriedly put on his T-shirt and stood up.


    Chun Tao also quickly got to her feet, noticing that it was already getting dark. They needed to descend the mountain, which would take some time, and it would only get darker if they didn''t leave soon.


    Long Xiaoshan picked up his basket and grabbed the bucket.


    He suddenly paused, set the bucket down, and began patting down his body, his eyes scanning the area.


    "Little Xiaoshan, did you lose something?" Chun Tao asked.


    "Strange, where''s that bottle? Chun Tao, have you seen the bottle I found?" Long Xiaoshan asked.


    "No, I haven''t touched it, wasn''t it on you all the time..." Chun Tao''s pretty face suddenly turned pale, fear appearing in her eyes as she said, "Little Xiaoshan, I told you not to pick up random things in the mountains, but you didn''t believe me. Let''s leave quickly."


    Chun Tao dragged Long Xiaoshan and ran off.


    Long Xiaoshan quickly grabbed the bucket, being pulled along by Chun Tao. In truth, he still wanted to find the bottle, but seeing Chun Tao''s panic and considering how he''d fallen asleep inexplicably and the bottle had mysteriously disappeared, he felt a chill down his spine and didn''t insist on looking for it.


    The two of them ran quickly to the base of the mountain. Chun Tao didn''t even bother about the firewood she had gathered, continuously running down until they finally caught their breath, her heaving chest casting quite an enticing image.


    "Little Xiaoshan, listen to me, don''t just pick up things in the mountains anymore." Chun Tao admonished.


    Long Xiaoshan smiled inwardly, but he knew Chun Tao cared about him, so he didn''t say anything else and nodded, "Alright, I got it."


    Seeing that Long Xiaoshan took her words to heart, Chun Tao also felt pleased.


    The two of them walked back to the vige together.


    By the time they reached the entrance of the vige, it was quite dark, even the stars hade out.


    Chun Tao stopped and said hesitantly, "Little Xiaoshan, you go back first, I''ll walkter."


    "Why?" Long Xiaoshan stopped, his expression turning somewhat ugly as he quickly grasped the implication of Chun Tao''s words. A surge of anger rose in him, and he said coldly, "Do you feel embarrassed to be seen walking with me?"


    "It''s not that, it''s not like that, Little Xiaoshan." Chun Tao replied anxiously, her eyes reddening again.


    Long Xiaoshan sighed inwardly; it was just an instinctive reaction. After calming down, he understood that for a widow like Chun Tao to return to the vige with a convicted rapist like himself as darkness fell, it could indeed look bad.


    He spoke softly, "I''m fine, I was wrong to me you just now, I''ll go ahead."


    Long Xiaoshan, carrying his basket, walked quickly towards the vige.


    Chun Tao stood at the entrance of the vige, watching Long Xiaoshan''s lonely figure. She felt a pang of sorrow and wanted to rush to him, but Long Xiaoshan moved quickly and soon disappeared from sight.


    Chun Tao sadly walked home alone.


    Just after she left, a figure in green clothes emerged from an alley, spitting after watching Chun Tao''s back, "Tch, she hooked up with the little widow so fast. He''s no good for sure."


    Long Xiaoshan returned home with his basket on his back.


    There was candlelight inside the house. Long Xiaoshan walked in, somewhat puzzled, to find Long Dashan and Long Xiaoling in the main room. When Long Xiaoling saw Long Xiaoshan, she quickly ran out to greet her brother.


    "Brother, why have youe back sote?"


    "Oh, I got caught in heavy rain while in the mountains and took shelter, which dyed me till now. Little Ling, what''s going on? Why is there a power outage in the house?" Long Xiaoshan asked.


    "It''s not just the house, the whole vige has cut off our electricity." Long Xiaoling said with an uneasy expression.

 Chapter 11: 11 Virtuous Jade Spiritual Purification Bottle

    ```


    Chapter Eleven


    "What''s going on, Dad?" Long Xiaoshan walked into the main hall, set down the bucket and basket, and saw Long Dashan sitting there, smoking a hand-rolled cigarette, his brow furrowed with a face full of distress.


    "It''s none other than that damn vige chief," Long Xiaoling said indignantly.


    "Xiaoling, keep your voice down," Long Dashan scolded.


    "Dad, what exactly happened? Who is the vige chief now?" Long Xiaoshan had juste back and hadn''t asked about these things; he didn''t even know who the vige chief was.


    "Your Uncle Fakui," Long Dashan said gloomily.


    "Long Fakui?" Long Xiaoshan had a sinking feeling in his heart and said, "How did hee back to be the vige chief? Wasn''t he always in the county?"


    "A couple of years ago, he came back and opened a sawmill at Shilong Slope outside the vige. Then he ran for vige chief. You know how it is now; the election favors the wealthy. He''s the richest in our vige, and he''s hired quite a few vigers at his sawmill. After Laotie retired, he got elected," exined Long Dashan.


    "Dad, you said this morning that you were going to work at the sawmill; don''t tell me it''s his," Long Xiaoshan asked.


    "It is his, but today he fired our dad and even had the vigemittee cut our electricity off. Isn''t that bullying?"ined Long Xiaoling.


    Long Xiaoshan pondered briefly, then understood.


    It must have been rted to the incident this morning in the cornfield where he thwarted Long Fakui.


    This was clearly retaliation.


    Long Xiaoshan''s eyes hardened as he said, "Getting our dad fired is one thing; that''s his mill. But what''s this about cutting our electricity? Can the vigemittee just do that at will?"


    Long Dashan sighed and said, "Xiaoshan, after your incident, we racked up quite a debt. I''ve been working at the sawmill and putting my entire sry towards paying it off. We were already behind on the electric bill. Today, after he sent me home, many people came to our door to collect debts. Ergouzi, who was collecting the electricity fees, also showed up. I couldn''t pay on the spot, so he cut off our power."


    A surge of anger rose within Long Xiaoshan.


    This Long Fakui was a despicable man.


    He was mixing personal grudges with official business!


    Long Xiaoshan wanted to confront the old scoundrel right away, but thinking it over, he calmed down.


    Long Fakui was being underhanded¡ªif he reacted with violence, he''d be ying into his hands. Plus, he had just gotten out of prison and wasn''t keen on resorting to violence so readily.


    The main issue was still the poverty at home; they couldn''t even pay the electricity bill on time, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation.


    "Dad, how much do we still owe? Tell me about it," Long Xiaoshan asked.


    "This..." Long Dashan hesitated before replying, "It''s a bit over thirty thousand."


    Over thirty thousand was already a considerable sum in the vige. No wonder Long Dashan was so worried. Long Xiaoshan reassured him, "Don''t worry, Dad, I''ll think of a way to get the money. Tomorrow, I''ll go to the county job market to see if I can find work."


    "I''m going too," Long Xiaoling said.


    "What for?" Long Xiaoshan frowned.


    "Brother, I still have two months before school starts. I can work a summer job," Long Xiaoling replied, "Fang Fang from the next vige is working in the county. She even asked me to join herst time. Brother, I''m grown now, I can''t keep spending the family''s money."


    Seeing Long Xiaoling''s determination, Long Xiaoshan said nothing more. As someone who had been to the big city, he knew there were many students who got summer jobs to gain social experience.


    "I''ll go get the medicine ready for Mom. Xiaoling, fry up a bowl of baby shrimps."


    Long Xiaoshan poured out half of the bucket of baby shrimps and transferred the rest into a water tank.


    He took the basket of herbs to the backyard and began picking out the ones needed for the Bone-Regeneration Powder. This powder required four different types of herbs, each part of the nt had to be specific; some needed roots, others leaves or stems. The selection was meticulous, for instance, a few inches below the root, and even if someone had the form, they wouldn''t be able to replicate it without this detailed knowledge.


    ```


    Long Xiaoshan took an iron pot, boiled the herbs, and pounded them into ck paste-like medicine cakes.


    He walked into the inner room.


    "Little Xiaoshan," He Xiangyue called out from the bed.


    "Mom, I''ve prepared the medicine. I''m going to apply it now," Long Xiaoshan said, holding the medicine cakes and gauze bandages in his hand.


    "Good, good, little Xiaoshan, you''ve worked hard," He Xiangyue said, looking at her son with great tenderness.


    Long Xiaoshan smiled, undid the wooden board on He Xiangyue''s leg, examined the injured leg, applied the medicine cake, and then wrapped it with a gauze bandage.


    "Mom, do you feel anything?" Long Xiaoshan asked.


    "Itchy, so itchy, it feels like a lot of ants are crawling on it," He Xiangyue said, restless.


    "Itchiness means the medicine is working. The bones inside must be growing. Mom, you have to bear with it and mustn''t move around now," Long Xiaoshan exined.


    "Okay," He Xiangyue nodded firmly.


    Long Xiaoshan stayed in the room for a while, then went out to eat something and returned to his room. There wasn''t much entertainment in the countryside, they didn''t even have a TV at home, and there was also a power outage. Long Xiaoshan went inside to meditate.


    While meditating, he suddenly felt a sense of dizziness.


    Long Xiaoshan found himself standing in a void, a bottle floating before his eyes.


    "Isn''t this the bottle I found? How did it appear here, and where is this ce?" Even though Long Xiaoshan didn''t believe in ghosts and spirits, he couldn''t help breaking out in a cold sweat.


    However, he was a brave man.


    He didn''t panic, but rather approached the bottle. He noticed that it looked somewhat different from when he had picked it up. It emitted a faint halo, and the bottle seemed to contain many mountains, rivers, nts, and fishes that flowed continuously. There were also five tadpole-shaped characters shining in golden light on the surface of the bottle.


    This type of writing was extremely ancient and full of spiritual nature.


    Long Xiaoshan had never seen such characters, but he somehow recognized their meaning, Virtuous Jade Spiritual Purification Bottle.


    Virtuous Jade Spiritual Purification Bottle, what does that mean?


    This bottle was found in Guanyin Cave¡ªcould it be a treasure of Goddess Guanyin?


    The thought crossed Long Xiaoshan''s mind, but he found it amusing. Are celestials really real? However, the artifact was definitely not ordinary; otherwise, it wouldn''t have disappeared suddenly and reappeared here.


    Long Xiaoshan reached out and grasped the Virtuous Jade Spiritual Purification Bottle.


    All of a sudden, a chill surged through his body, making his Divine Soul sofortable that he groaned out loud. Long Xiaoshan quickly came to his senses, finding himself still sitting on the bed. Yet, he felt as if his senses were sharper than before.


    Beyond the wall, he could distinctly "see" his father sitting in the main room drawing on a sullen cigarette, and his little sister mending clothes in the room.


    This visual expansion went even further out.


    He "saw" into his fifth aunt''s house next door. She was chattering away with the third uncle''s wife next door, gossiping about family matters. She just happened to mention that Long Dashan still owed her family two thousand yuan, and now that little Xiaoshan had returned from prison, it was uncertain when this money could be repaid.


    Long Xiaoshan quickly shifted his "gaze" to look further afield.


    Passing through a wall, he saw a wooden bed creaking violently, with two people engaged in adult activities.


    A flush of heat rose in Long Xiaoshan''s heart; wasn''t this the home of the Zhang Widow, the vige belle?


    Hadn''t her husband died many years ago?


    Long Xiaoshan was not the peeping type, and the Zhang Widow''s affair was none of his business. After all, it was normal for her to fulfill her physical needs after her husband''s death for so many years. He was about to look away when he suddenly stopped, staring intently at the person on the bed. Wasn''t that Long Fakui, the vige head, on top of the Zhang Widow?

 Chapter 12: 12 Village Tyrant

    "Don''t get me started. It''s all because of that runt, Long Xiaoshan." Long Fakui, with a dark expression, still felt upset thinking about the morning''s events.


    "What about little Xiaoshan? What did he do to you?" asked the curious Zhang Widow.


    Long Fakui then recounted the morning''s incident.


    Zhang Widow covered her mouth, giggling incessantly.


    "Fuck you, what''s so funny?" Long Fakui pped Zhang Widow across the face.


    Zhang Widow was taken aback, then fiercely wed at Long Fakui''s face, while screaming, "You hit me, you hit me! You, surnamed Long, have caused trouble with so many girls and widows back in the vige, and when someone catches you red-handed, you still hit me. You think you''re something special just because you have some stinking money?"


    Zhang Widow''s nails were long and sharp, quickly leaving several bloody scratches on Long Fakui''s face.


    In pain, Long Fakui grabbed Zhang Widow''s hair, threw her onto the bed, and choked her as he said, "What are you screaming for? Keep it up and you''ll get fired from the factory tomorrow. Then I''d like to see how you''ll pay Dongzi''s school fees."


    Zhang Widow was originally struggling desperately, but after hearing Long Fakui''s words, she shuddered and slowly stopped moving.


    Long Fakui snorted, released Zhang Widow''s neck, kicked her in the belly sending her curling up, and after she crawled off the bed and got dressed, he spat out viciously, "Be smart from now on. If there''s a next time, don''t say I didn''t warn you."


    Long Fakui swaggered out of Zhang Widow''s house.


    After Long Fakui left, Zhang Widow slowly got up from the bed, her eyes red and swollen, ring hatefully at Long Fakui''s departing figure, and hissed through clenched teeth, "You, surnamed Long, will not die a good death."


    Long Xiaoshan, seeing Zhang Widow sitting there naked, felt embarrassed to look any longer and quickly averted his gaze.


    But now, he hadpletely seen through Long Fakui''s true colors.


    This old bastard hade back to the vige with no good intentions, setting up a factory to control the economic lifeline of the entire vige. Longyang Vige was mostly popted by women, who were also too poor to scrape together a living, leaving them at the mercy of this old bastard''s power.


    It seemed that this old bastard had already harmed quite a few decent families.


    Long Xiaoshan''s "vision" had initially continued to follow Long Fakui, looking to see what other bad things he might do, but as he extended his sight further, he felt a wave of dizziness and the view became extremely blurry. Long Xiaoshan hurriedly pulled back his "vision."


    It seemed that this ability to see through space wasn''t unlimited. Long Xiaoshan estimated that about forty to fifty meters was the limit.


    Even so, Long Xiaoshan was exhrated.


    This was a superpower.


    He had actually acquired a superpower.


    He had only touched that bottle, and now he was even more certain that the bottle was no ordinary object.


    Right, that bottle. Long Xiaoshan subconsciously used this new superpower on himself and the view flickered before him, revealing an image of his skeleton and the flow of his blood vessels, with his internal organs appearing exceptionally clear.


    Finally, Long Xiaoshan saw the bottle.


    It was floating at the position of his forehead.


    So, this superpower didn''t only allow him to see through space, but also to have irvoyance.


    Long Xiaoshan was incredibly excited. He was well aware of how potent this ability could be if used properly.


    After taking a few deep breaths, Long Xiaoshan calmed down a bit. Having endured three years of prison, his mindset was far more stable than the average young person''s, and he wasn''t about to get carried away with arrogance.


    The next day.


    Long Xiaoshan crawled out of bed, the sun was already shining on his buttocks, and he didn''t know if it was because he had used his superpowers too much the night before, but he had somehow fallen into a deep sleep and slept so long.


    Ever since he got this bottle, he had been sleeping much more than before.


    Long Xiaoshan remembered that he was going to the county''s job market today to look for work and hurriedly got dressed and went out.


    "Brother, you''re finally up," Long Xiaoling had been up early, watering the vegetables outside the door.


    "Little Ling, we will set off in a bit, I''m going to see Mom first," Long Xiaoshan ran into the inner room, where He Xiangyue was sitting on the bed, moving her left foot continuously. Seeing Long Xiaoshaning in, she said in surprise, "Little Xiaoshan, look, Mom''s leg can move."


    "Mom, don''t be in a rush, let me check it first."


    Long Xiaoshan quickly but gently restrained He Xiangyue; this was the first time he had prepared Bone-Regeneration Powder, and he didn''t know how effective it would be, but judging by He Xiangyue''splexion, it should be quite positive.


    He unwrapped the bandages on He Xiangyue''s left leg and carefully observed it, and felt around a bit. It seemed much better, but after all, the broken bones were inside, and only an X-ray could reveal the true condition.


    Suddenly, a light bulb went off in Long Xiaoshan''s mind; hadn''t he just acquired irvoyance the night before?


    He wondered if it would work now.


    Thinking of this, Long Xiaoshan concentrated his mind and looked towards He Xiangyue''s injured leg.


    Nobody noticed that Long Xiaoshan''s eyes emitted a faint silver light, and soon the meridians and bones of He Xiangyue''s injured leg appeared before Long Xiaoshan''s eyes; it worked!


    Long Xiaoshan was stunned and felt his vision blur as the image became fuzzy. He quickly focused his mind and carefully observed the situation.


    To his amazement, upon examining her, he found that all of He Xiangyue''s bones had grown back.


    It had only been one night, after all, and the growth of broken bones is quite slow¡ªnormally taking several months to fully heal.


    He had not expected the Bone-Regeneration Powder to be so incredibly potent.


    What on earth was the medical book that Elder Chang had given him?


    One could only imagine the sensation the Bone-Regeneration Powder would cause if it were taken out to the public¡ªit would be nothing short of Divine Medicine for treating bones.


    After observing carefully, Long Xiaoshan withdrew his irvoyance power. Seeing Long Xiaoshan look up, He Xiangyue promptly asked, "Little Xiaoshan, how is Mom''s leg?"


    "Mom, your leg is healing very well. If you apply another dose of the medicine, I think you should be able to walk in two or three days." To be on the safe side, even though He Xiangyue''s recovery was impressive, Long Xiaoshan had decided to use one more dose of the medicine, she was, after all, his mother.


    Moved by excitement, He Xiangyue said, "That fast, I''ll be able to walk in a couple of days?"


    "Yes," Long Xiaoshan nodded affirmatively.


    He Xiangyue excitedly hugged her son, "Still, our little Xiaoshan is the best, whatever you do, you outshine the others. That Wang the Cripple from the vige even said I would have toy in bed for half a year, and that I would limp even after healing. That damn cripple, he just can''t stand to see others doing well now that he''s crippled himself."


    Long Xiaoshan knew Wang the Cripple was a lousy Barefoot Doctor who had even killed someone with his treatments before, but unfortunately, the vige was poor, and when someone got sick, they had no choice but to go to him.


    After talking with He Xiangyue for a while, Long Xiaoshan came out of the house. Long Xiaoling was pouting, her slender toes twiddling in the ground outside, where she had been anxiously waiting.


    Long Xiaoshan knew that little Ling had longed to go to the county and y; after all, she was a young girl, and being cooped up in this little mountain vige was truly a waste of her youth.


    "Let''s go, little Ling, let''s go into the city!"

 Chapter 13: 13 Hitting a Wall

    Chapter Thirteen


    After leaving the southern bus station of Niu Y County, Long Xiaoshan took his sister Long Xiaoling for a stroll around the streets.


    Niu Y County was actually quite ordinary; the tallest building in town was just over a dozen stories high, and the cars that drove on the streets were all cheap ones worth just tens of thousands of yuan. It couldn''tpare to Yanjing, where Xiaoshan had gone for his university studies, let alone to the average city.


    However, Long Xiaoling was very happy, her ck eyes looking around curiously, finding everything new and interesting.


    Long Xiaoshan saw this and felt a pang of heartache for her.


    His sister had lived a life too hard, unaware of so much, and he determined that he must ensure a better life for her in the future. It was often said that girls should be raised in wealth, otherwise, without any exposure to the world, they could easily be duped when they ventured outside.


    Since they started outte in the morning, it soon became noon as they wandered.


    Xiaoshan had wanted to treat his sister to some nice food, but being penniless after just getting out of prison, he could only share some corn cakes that they had brought from home with little Ling.


    Long Xiaoshan decided to head to the job market.


    Long Xiaoling said, "Brother, you go to the job market. I''ll call Sister Fangfang and go see her."


    Xiaoshan thought about it; Xiaoling was underage and wouldn''t find any summer jobs at the job market. He had met Fangfang before¡ªshe hade to y at their house. She was Xiaoling''s elementary school ssmate who had dropped out of school, a year older than Xiaoling, and a blonde-haired girl.


    "Okay, go ahead and call," Xiaoshan found a public phone for her.


    Clutching a piece of paper, Xiaoling dialed a number, spoke a few words, and hurriedly hung up the phone, worried about the cost. "Brother, Sister Fangfang said she''s not far away and will be here soon."


    "Mhm," Xiaoshan replied but didn''t rush to leave.


    Waiting with Xiaoling by the side of the road, about twenty minutester, a fashionably dressed girl rode up on a small moped and called out, "little Ling."


    Xiaoling looked at the girl a few times before hesitantly calling out, "Sister Fangfang?"


    "It''s me, how could you not recognize me?" Fangfang got off her bike, enthusiastically taking Xiaoling''s hand.


    "Sister Fangfang, I couldn''t even recognize you," said Xiaoling, somewhat shyly.


    A strong scent of perfume wafted over.


    Xiaoshan slightly furrowed his brow, looking at the girl. He remembered Fangfang as a simple countryss, but now she had dyed red hair, ck nail polish, thick makeup, and wore a low-cut tank top that revealed a bit of cleavage.


    However, he also knew that the way women dressed up in the city was definitely different from the countryside.


    Even more revealing attire existed in the big cities.


    So, he didn''t think much of it.


    "Sister Fangfang, this is my brother," Xiaoling quickly introduced Xiaoshan.


    "Your brother, wasn''t he in prison?" Fangfang blurted out with a bigugh, looking at Xiaoshan, who had a shaved head, and then joked, "Yo, it really is Brother Xiaoshan, you''ve changed so much, I couldn''t even recognize you."


    Xiaoshan asked, "Fangfang, where do you work?"


    "Oh, I work at the Grand Tycoon Hotel, I''m a supervisor there," Fangfang said with a bit of pride while looking at Xiaoshan.


    Back when Xiaoshan was known far and wide as Wenqu Star, Fangfang had quite admired him. But since Xiaoshan went to prison and she had broadened her horizons in the county, she knew that being a college graduate wasn''t all that, and no amount of education couldpare to money, let alone for a convict on reform throughbor.


    Seeing Xiaoshan''s clothes, Fangfang pointed to the huge letters CK on her tank top and said, "little Ling, look at this T-shirt of mine, I bought it at the best mall in the county, spent more than six hundred on it."


    "So expensive." Long Xiaoling eximed in shock, "More than six hundred for just this vest, that''s enough to buy a piglet."


    "Haha," Fang Fang seemed to find Long Xiaoling''s analogy amusing andughed out loud, "Wait until Sister Fangfang takes you to work at the hotel, you''ll be able to afford it in two months."


    "I don''t need clothes, I need to earn tuition," Long Xiaoling was incredibly moved.


    "Either way,e on, follow me."


    Fang Fang took Long Xiaoling by the hand and hopped onto her little scooter.


    "Little Ling, I''lle find youter," Long Xiaoshan said as he saw Long Xiaoling already seated on Fang Fang''s scooter. He felt Fang Fang was a bit ostentatious, but it wasn''t right to say anything in front of her, so he just cautioned her.


    "Okay, brother, then you go to the talent market quickly," Long Xiaoling waved her hand.


    Long Xiaoshan nodded and watched as Fang Fang rode off with Long Xiaoling into the stream of traffic.


    He also hurriedly asked for directions to the talent market from passersby and quickly headed in that direction. Long Xiaoshan only brought his high school diploma this time, since after being imprisoned, naturally he couldn''t attend university. However, Long Xiaoshan didn''t fall behind on his knowledge in prison.


    He was naturally smart and studious, and after practicing the Longevity Art, his brain became even sharper, with a very strong memory. While in prison, after he became the boss, he managed to get books and self-study many university courses. He was adept in English, German, and Japanese. When it came to academic level, he was confident he wasn''t any worse than graduates from prestigious universities; otherwise, he wouldn''t have been able to discuss "The Wealth of Nations" with Shen Yuerong.


    He arrived at the Niu Y County talent market.


    Although it was just a small town''s talent market, it was bustling, especially since it was Saturday. There was a job fair happening, so it was noisy and boisterous. Outside, there were manyrge posters, which were job advertisements and promotions from variouspanies and enterprises.


    Long Xiaoshan squeezed into the market with difficulty. Inside, the market was divided into blocks, and at each block, there were tables set up by various enterprises andpanies. The HR recruiters sat behind the tables, scrutinizing the job applicants and conducting simple interviews.


    This was Long Xiaoshan''s first job-seeking experience, and he felt inexplicably nervous.


    But after making a few rounds, he was somewhat dumbfounded. Since it was his first time, he didn''t know to prepare and noticed other job-seekers all had thick resumes, while all he brought was his high school diploma.


    Seeing those job-seekers with their resumes, finding the relevantpanies, handing out a copy of their resumes, and then passionately selling themselves, Long Xiaoshan decided he should also try to market himself; otherwise, he had no idea how long he would have to wait.


    Seeing a foreign tradepany looking for someone good with English, Long Xiaoshan seized the opportunity and pushed through to the table, saying, "Miss, hello, I would like to apply."


    A girl with freckles doing the recruitment asked, "Where''s your resume? Let''s have a look at that first."


    "Uhh... I didn''t bring a resume," Long Xiaoshan hesitated to say.


    "No resume!" The girl was surprised as she looked at Long Xiaoshan and said, "Well, you brought your diploma at least, right? Which school did you graduate from?"


    Long Xiaoshan handed over his high school diploma somewhat helplessly. The girl took it, looked at it, and her expression darkened as she said, "Are you here to mess around? What are you doing with a high school diploma?"


    "It''s like this, beauty, actually my English self-study is quite good. Don''t just look at the fact that I didn''t graduate from university, but I am definitely capable of doing some foreign trade work, and I also know German and Japanese..."


    "Stop, stop!"


    Before Long Xiaoshan could finish speaking, the girl with freckles interrupted him, looking at him mockingly, "Sorry, our smallpany really can''t afford such a high-ss talent like you. Why don''t you go over there and take a look? That area over there is more suitable for talents like you."


    Following the direction the girl pointed, Long Xiaoshan looked over with an ugly expression; that area was for hiringborers, security guards, and gatekeepers.


    Long Xiaoshan wasn''t looking down on these jobs, but he indeed needed to find a better job to quickly help his family pay off their debts.


    "Go on, next,"


    The freckled girl dismissed him. Long Xiaoshan wanted to say more, but he was already squeezed out by other job-seekers.

 Chapter 14: 14 Get Out

    Chapter Fourteen


    Long Xiaoshan could only helplessly walk out and try his luck with anotherpany, introducing himself once again.


    "I''m sorry, ourpany doesn''t hire high school graduates."


    "You are not suitable for ourpany."


    "Sir, I think you''re at the wrong ce, we don''t hire farm workers here."


    "Heh."


    ...


    Despite Long Xiaoshan''s eloquent speech and dry mouth from introducing himself, after running around to dozens ofpanies in two hours and lowering his expectations to the point of considering tiny firms with just a few employees, the responses he received were still negative.


    Often, merely presenting his high school diploma was enough to have him ushered out.


    He never had the chance to demonstrate his abilities.


    This went on for over two hours.


    It was already past three in the afternoon, and the job fair was nearly at its end.


    Standing amidst the crowd, Long Xiaoshan felt a sense of loss. He was a stubborn man who never gave up, having even survived the terrible environment of prison.


    But at this moment, his heart was filled with disappointment.


    Sometimes, entrenched prejudices are difficult to break, and this invisible barrier was even more disheartening. No wonder Lao Xu had said something to him before his release, "Brother Long, in prison you''re the boss, tough enough to handle anything, but it''s different on the outside. Being tough isn''t enough; when you''re out,e find me in the provincial city."


    Back then, Long Xiaoshan hadn''t thought much of it, but now, reflecting carefully, he realized that Lao Xu''s words had been meaningful.


    Lao Xu and the others were all sessful people on the outside, and much older than he was.


    They had more societal experience than he did and probably anticipated the challenges Long Xiaoshan would face upon getting out of jail.


    Clenching his fingers, Long Xiaoshan let out a silent sigh. He was a proud man, and no matter how well Lao Xu and the others were doing, he wouldn''t ask for their help unless he was at his wit''s end.


    Besides, he had now acquired a rare treasure and possessed a special ability; surely, he, Long Xiaoshan, could manage to earn a living.


    Just as he was about to leave the job fair, a charming voice called out from behind, "Excuse me, sir, please wait a moment."


    Long Xiaoshan turned around and saw a beautiful woman in herte twenties, d in a snug-fitting skirt, with dewy, peach blossom eyes that were alluring and inviting daydreams.


    "Are you talking to me?" Long Xiaoshan looked around, seeing no one else nearby, and the woman''s gaze was indeed fixed on him.


    This beautiful woman, noticing that Long Xiaoshan had merely nced over her body before quickly looking away, felt a hint of admiration. She knew very well how tempting her body was. As the HR Manager of Lily Hotel, she had seen too many longing gazes from men, both tant and discreet.


    Rare were those with a gaze as clear as Long Xiaoshan''s.


    "Yes, I was over there just now and saw you visiting manypanies, and it seems you were turned away just because you didn''t attend university. Actually, our hotel doesn''t focus much on educational background; perhaps you might like to try out for a position with us."


    The seductive woman smiled sweetly, her eyes captivating, making even a man of Long Xiaoshan''s resolve feel his heart skip a beat.


    However, the reason this seductive woman had stopped Long Xiaoshan wasn''t really because the hotel''s recruitment didn''t focus on educational background. Lily Hotel was one of the biggest hotels in the county, and of course their recruitment required qualifications. In fact, their educational standards were clearly higher than those of otherpanies.


    It was just that she had noticed Long Xiaoshan''s presence there for several hours, continuously being rejected by manypanies yet still relentlessly pursuing his job search, and she had been moved by the tenacity that radiated from him.


    Long Xiaoshan had been running around here all afternoon, and the frequency with which he applied for jobs had almost be a joke.


    The beautiful young woman also heard those HR personnel from surroundingpanies ridiculing Long Xiaoshan for overestimating himself, a high school graduate daring to apply for a job.


    She felt somewhat indignant, for she too was once a high school dropout and had worked hard to be the manager of a hotel.


    The way Long Xiaoshan was dressed and his persistent job-seeking reminded her of her past self.


    So she decided to give Long Xiaoshan a chance.


    "You want to hire me?" Long Xiaoshan was extremely surprised. He had been running around all afternoon, actively seeking employment, but no one wanted him. Now, someone was actually offering to hire him.


    "Yes, but we need to conduct a formal interview. By the way, my name is Su Wan, I''m the HR manager of Lily Hotel. What''s your name?" the beautiful young woman said with a flirtatious nce.


    "Hello, Manager Su, my name is Long Xiaoshan." Long Xiaoshan was a bit excited. He had also seen the Lily Hotel earlier; it was a big enterprise with high requirements, and they were hiring only women at the time, so he hadn''t joined the crowd.


    Long Xiaoshan followed Su Wan to the front of the Lily Hotel recruitment booth.


    Nervously, Long Xiaoshan introduced himself, "Manager, although I only have a high school diploma, I have self-studied university courses and basically understand a bit of everything. I can adapt to any kind of work."


    Su Wan couldn''t help butugh at Long Xiaoshan''s words. This Long Xiaoshan really knew how to talk big.


    A high school student daring to say he knew everything.


    Although she felt Long Xiaoshan was a bit impetuous, since he hade, she did not want to say anything that would hurt his self-esteem and said, "It''s good that you can self-study. As it happens, our hotel is still short of a few security guards. I think you''re quite suitable for the role. Don''t look down on the position of a security guard; its functions are very important."


    Upon hearing that he was only being hired as a security guard, Long Xiaoshan''s face showed disappointment.


    That hint of disappointment caught Su Wan''s eye.


    Her impression of Long Xiaoshan instantly deteriorated, as she had initially thought Long Xiaoshan was simple and tenacious. It turned out it wasn''t an issue with his qualifications, but that the young man had lofty aspirations but little talent. No wonder so manypanies hadn''t been willing to hire him just now.


    Was a security job at Lily Hotel even considered inferior? If it were up to another high school graduate, they would be fighting tooth and nail to get in.


    The thought of helping Long Xiaoshan quickly faded away.


    Su Wan said, "What, you think a security job is beneath you?"


    "It''s not that, Manager. I''m short on money right now. Do you have any positions with higher pay?" Long Xiaoshan said helplessly, knowing that saying this would certainly worsen his image in the eyes of the beautiful manager.


    But he had seen the sry for the security position in the hotel''s recruitment pamphlet¡ªit was 1500. If he had to work and live in the county, this amount of money wouldn''t cover the more than thirty thousand debt his family owed, even if he were extremely frugal. It would take several years.


    "No, there aren''t any," Su Wan''s voice turned cold: "Apart from the security department and the newly established emergency department, all other departments are fully staffed."


    "Actually, I can do emergency services too, my medical skills are pretty good," Long Xiaoshan hurried to say.


    Su Wan almost burst outughing. Although their hotel''s emergency department was an ad-hoc division, they hired only professional doctors, and the sry offered was quite high, at least five thousand and above. Was Long Xiaoshan dazzled by money?


    For him to casually im he was up for a position as significant as a doctor¡ªshould anything happen to a guest, if he messed up the treatment, it would cause big trouble.


    Her impression of Long Xiaoshan had continued to plummet from mediocre to terrible.


    This person wasn''t just overestimating himself; he showed a greed for money and even a disregard for human life.


    Seeing Su Wan with a stern face, not saying a word, Long Xiaoshan looked closely at her expression. A sh of silver glinted in his eyes as he said, "Manager Su, actually, there''s already something wrong with your body. You don''t feel it now, but as it progresses, you are going to go blind."


    Su Wan mmed the desk with force, stood up and said, "Get out!"

 Chapter 15: 15 Anxiety

    Chapter Fifteen


    "Manager Su, actually I..."


    Long Xiaoshan wanted to continue exining, but Su Wan angrily said, "Are you going to leave or not? If not, I''m calling for help."


    "Manager Su, what''s the matter?"


    "Hey, kid, are you harassing Manager Su?"


    "Daring to be disrespectful to Manager Su in front of me, Chen Gang, do you have a death wish?"


    With Su Wan''s beauty, there was nock of suitors. Su Wan hadn''t even called for help yet, and a swarm of ''flies'' had already gathered around Long Xiaoshan on their own, eyeing him maliciously as if they were on steroids.


    Seeing this crowd surrounding him, Long Xiaoshan was not afraid, but he knew it was no longer appropriate to stay.


    Moreover, by the looks of it, Su Wan was even less likely to hire him now.


    Long Xiaoshan shook his head and said to Su Wan, "I really am not lying to you. Take some time to go to the hospital for a brain CT scan..."


    "You''re saying Manager Su has a problem with her brain?"


    A burly figure, at least one meter eighty-five tall, pped at Long Xiaoshan. It was Chen Gang, who had been shouting the loudest earlier. He was also the head of security at Lily Hotel and was incredibly muscr from regrly working out at the gym.


    "Chen Gang, don''t get violent," said Su Wan.


    A cry of pain was heard.


    Su Wan was a little anxious. Although she didn''t like Long Xiaoshan, she did not want a minor issue to result in someone getting hurt. With Chen Gang''s strength, one p could seriously injure someone.


    But soon, she realized that the one who cried out in pain was actually Chen Gang.


    Chen Gang was grimacing while holding his own hand.


    And Long Xiaoshan had already slipped through the crowd and vanished in no time.


    Long Xiaoshan ran out of the job market.


    He felt somewhat dejected, having been busy all day and still ending up without a job.


    Looking at therge clock on a distant shopping mall, it was nearly four o''clock. If he was anyter, he wouldn''t make it back. Long Xiaoshan thought of his sister, Long Xiaoling, who was still with Fang Fang, and he hurried to find her.


    All he knew was that Fang Fang worked at the Grand Tycoon Hotel, but as for the location of the Grand Tycoon Hotel, he was not sure.


    Long Xiaoshan asked a few people on the road and walked for another twenty to thirty minutes before he finally found the somewhat secluded Grand Tycoon Hotel.


    As Long Xiaoshan entered the Grand Tycoon Hotel, something felt off to him. The hotel seemed too remote, and he was stopped before even entering the ce. Two security guards, wielding batons and looking impatient, told Long Xiaoshan to leave.


    From the tattoos peeking out of these men''s sleeves, and their attitude, Long Xiaoshan found it strange. A hotel that''s open for business, why would they hire these types of people for security?


    Even though he was dressed shabbily, there was a limit to looking down on people.


    Long Xiaoshan, with patience, said, "I''m looking for Fang Fang. She works here as a supervisor. Could you please inform her? Just say Long Xiaoshan is here to pick up my sister."


    "Fang Fang." The two security guards looked at each other.


    "You wait here, I''ll go check."


    One of the security guards went inside.


    Long Xiaoshan had excellent eyesight. Although the entrance was far from the lobby, his gaze followed the security guard. He saw the guard walk into the lobby, and after a while, a familiar figure swaggered at the lobby entrance¡ªit was Fang Fang.


    But Fang Fang merely nced towards the entrance then went back inside, while the guard turned back and roared at Long Xiaoshan, "We don''t have anyone named Fang Fang here, get lost."


    Long Xiaoshan''s heart suddenly sank.


    He had clearly seen Fang Fang at the entrance of the lobby just now, yet this security guard was tantly lying to his face.


    Moreover, Fang Fang knew he hade, so why didn''t shee out? Instead, she let the security guard im she didn''t exist.


    Long Xiaoshan already felt that something was amiss.


    He didn''t waste any more words and immediately headed inside.


    No matter the situation, he had to find Fang Fang and get a clear exnation.


    When the guards saw Long Xiaoshan actually attempting to barge in, a vicious look appeared on their faces. One of them, wielding a baton, charged at Long Xiaoshan, cursing, "You damn bumpkin, are you deaf? I told you there''s no one named Fang Fang here, and you still dare to go inside?"


    The security guard swung his arm, and the rubber baton whistled through the air, aiming for Long Xiaoshan''s head.


    The baton was specially made of rubber, guaranteed to knock someone unconscious if it struck the back of their head. Moreover, this guy was obviously experienced, striking with ease.


    Long Xiaoshan sidestepped swiftly, dodging the baton, and chopped the guard''s neck with his hand. The guard''s eyes rolled back as he fainted to the ground.


    "Elder Ya." The other security guard was startled to see his colleague taken down even with a sneak attack from behind. He realized that this country-dressed fellow was actually tough and quickly tried to call for help.


    But Long Xiaoshan had already crouched and darted forward rapidly.


    He was used to fighting in Lingxi Prison and knew that one couldn''t hesitate at all; the opponent had to be knocked down as fast as possible, especially since this was enemy territory.


    "He..." The guard barely got a syble out before his vision went dark, and he dropped to the floor.


    Long Xiaoshan took down both guards, grabbed their feet, and threw them into the nearby flowerbed, then hurried inside.


    There were two hostesses at the entrance of the lobby. Long Xiaoshan kept his head down and walked in.


    "Sir, are you a guest here?" Since the lobby was some distance from the main door, the hostesses had not seen Long Xiaoshan knock down the guards. Judging by his clothing, they were skeptical; Grand Tycoon Hotel was akin to a private club for the rich and noble, and Long Xiaoshan looked like a poor man at first nce.


    "Where is Fang Fang?" Long Xiaoshan demanded sharply.


    At that moment, a fierce aura and imposing manner burst from him.


    Long Xiaoshan was once the top dog in Lingxi Prison. Under his wing, there were not only big businessmen like Lao Xu but also ruthless and delusional individuals who were willing to cluster around him and call him Brother Long, and it wasn''t just because Long Xiaoshan was strong.


    The two hostesses trembled. Under Long Xiaoshan''s icy re, they said fearfully, "Fang Fang seems to be inside."


    Pointing in a direction, Long Xiaoshan immediately ran that way.


    He was in luck, for he had just turned the corridor when he saw Fang Fang lingering nearby, her face seemingly wrought with worry.


    "Fang Fang." Long Xiaoshan called out.


    Hearing the voice, Fang Fang turned around, and upon seeing Long Xiaoshan, herplexion drastically changed, and she ran deeper inside. Long Xiaoshan immediately dashed after her, in a few steps catching up to her from behind. He grabbed her, demanding coldly, "Why are you running?"


    "Brother Xiaoshan, how... how did you get in?" Fang Fang asked frightfully, hanging her head low, afraid to meet Long Xiaoshan''s eyes.


    "Never mind how I got in. I''m asking you now, where is my sister?" Long Xiaoshan pressed.

 Chapter 16: 16: The Ruthless Person

    Chapter Sixteen


    "Brother Xiaoshan, don''t be angry, I''ll take you to little Ling right now, just let go of me first," Fang Fang said.


    "Fine, take me to her now," Long Xiaoshan spoke, yet his grip on Fang Fang''s wrist didn''t loosen entirely, it just wasn''t as tight as before.


    "Little Ling is inside,e with me," Fang Fang led Long Xiaoshan toward the inside of the corridor.


    They had only walked a few steps when a man wearing a hotel uniform approached from the opposite direction.


    Upon seeing him, Fang Fang suddenly strained to break free from Long Xiaoshan''s arm and ran towards the man, shouting, "Brother Da Wei, save me!"


    However, Long Xiaoshan reacted quickly. Before Fang Fang had made it two steps, he grabbed her neck from behind and yanked her back.


    "What do you think you''re doing?"


    The uniformed man named Da Wei charged at Long Xiaoshan, who kicked him squarely in the chest, sending him crashing into the wall. Then he rushed forward, mmed his head against the wall with a thud, and Da Wei slowly copsed onto the ground, leaving a trail of blood on the wall.


    "You killed him," Fang Fang''s legs almost gave out from fear.


    She hadn''t expected the country boy to be this vicious.


    Long Xiaoshan had indeed been very angry just now, and his attack had been fierce, but he still knew restraint; that one hit wouldn''t kill the man, at most it would cause a concussion.


    He didn''t bother to argue with Fang Fang because he was certain there was a problem with his sister.


    He grabbed Fang Fang by the neck and hoisted her up, saying, "If you don''t tell me where my sister is right now, you''ll keep this manpany."


    "Don''t, don''t kill me, I''ll talk, I''ll talk."


    Fang Fang pleaded in utter terror, thinking Long Xiaoshan had killed Da Wei and her joining Da Wei meant he would kill her as well.


    Fearing someone mighte down the corridor, Long Xiaoshan dragged Da Wei and Fang Fang under the staircase, throwing Da Wei into the stairwell. Under the cold gaze of Long Xiaoshan, Fang Fang did not dare to y any more tricks and began to spill everything, "Brother Xiaoshan, please don''t me me, I really wanted to help little Ling find a job. A client saw little Ling, liked her a lot, and I told him little Ling had just arrived and she doesn''t go with customers. However, the client said it''s fine if she doesn''t go with someone, and he offered little Ling thirty thousand to apany him for drinks. She seemed tempted, and little Ling had told me before that her family owed a lot of money, so I let her go with him."


    "Bastard!" Long Xiaoshan pped Fang Fang across the face.


    He never hit women, but today he really couldn''t hold back and shouted fiercely, "Take me to little Ling right now. If I can''t find her, I''ll kill you."


    "Brother Xiaoshan, I¡ªI''ll take you there," Fang Fang said in fear, feeling that Long Xiaoshan really would do it.


    Guided by Fang Fang, they arrived at a building behind. As they walked in, Long Xiaoshan sensed something was wrong; it was very dim, the hallway lights were pink, and from several tightly shut rooms emanated vague, suggestive sounds.


    "I only know they brought little Ling here, but I''m not sure which room exactly," Fang Fang said with a shiver.


    From her expression, he guessed she wouldn''t dare to lie to him, but the building was quiterge; searching room by room would take forever.


    Suddenly, Long Xiaoshan remembered he had the special ability of irvoyance.


    He focused, holding his breath, and expanded his invisible vision outward. Indeed, he was able to see through each room, and after peering into several, anger appeared on his face. All the rooms contained men and women engaged in promiscuous acts; it was clear this was a brothel.


    His anxiety grew, and he forced his sight even further outwards.


    Finally, he saw a scene that drastically changed his expression. Without another word, he dashed upstairs.


    Within just a few seconds, he had reached the third floor and charged towards the innermost room.


    "Bang!" Long Xiaoshan kicked the door open.


    Inside stood two men, shirtless, one holding a syringe filled with some red liquid. Tied to a chair was Long Xiaoling, stripped down to only her bra and shorts, her face flushed with the obvious signs of heavy drinking.


    As Long Xiaoshan kicked open the door, the man with the syringe was just about to inject it into Long Xiaoling''s slender arm.


    "Who are you?" the two men shouted upon seeing Long Xiaoshan burst in.


    "Fuck your mother!" Long Xiaoshanpletely lost his temper.


    Rushing forward, he began to beat and kick the two men mercilessly. Amid their agonized screams, they were quickly knocked to the ground by Long Xiaoshan.


    "Do you know who I am? How dare you hit me!"


    A long-haired youth yelled out.


    "All I know is that you''re a fucking beast!" Long Xiaoshan stepped on his face, breaking off half of his teeth.


    Soon, the two men were reduced to begging for mercy, and within moments, they could barely scream. Long Xiaoshan still had some sense left and didn''t kill them. He picked up the syringe from the ground and said, "You like to y, huh? Let''s see how you like this."


    He injected half of the liquid from the syringe into each man.


    Then, he hurried to Long Xiaoling''s side, took out his Golden Needle, and applied it to her, causing her to throw up arge amount of alcohol. Once she''d thrown up, she came to her senses a lot more. Seeing Long Xiaoshan, she immediately burst into tears, "Brother."


    "Silly girl, why were you so foolish?" Long Xiaoshan took off his own clothes and draped them over Long Xiaoling, preparing to carry her out.


    A group of about ten tattooed young men barged in through the door, wearing tank tops and armed with weapons, their arms covered in a mishmash of tattoos.


    Long Xiaoshan knew that the people here were now aware of him.


    A gaunt, ash-faced man walked in, clearly someone who rarely saw sunlight. Noticing the two young men now holding each other and biting in pain on the floor, his expression changed as he yelled, "Young Master Hao! Young Master Ma!"


    He hurried over and shouted to his underlings, "Take down this guy. I''ll take the me."


    The tattooed men, holding knives, charged at Long Xiaoshan with a murderous glint in their eyes, their des glinting coldly.


    "Brother, be careful!" Long Xiaoling screamed in fright.


    Long Xiaoshan furiously grabbed a chair from the ground and smashed it towards one of the tattooed men. Bang! The chair shattered, and the man was knocked down. Long Xiaoshan picked up a broken knife de and charged into the fray, hacking away at his assants.


    Screams of pain soon filled the air.


    Amidst the shing of knives, chaos reigned.


    It didn''tst long, though, before the chopping sounds ceased.


    The gaunt man turned around and his face contorted with fear. At the doorway, there stood only one person. All his men were either holding their hands or their feet, lying on the ground moaning. Long Xiaoshan had several wounds rolling on his body, but his expression remained unchanged, as if the shes didn''t affect him at all.


    Seeing this scene, the gaunt man realized that he had hit a snag.


    Anyone capable of taking down more than a dozen men in such a confined space had to be formidable, especially someone who didn''t even flinch at a knife wound, certainly a tough character.

 Chapter 17: 17 Violent Female Cop

    Chapter Seventeen


    "Who exactly are you?" The scrawny man pulled out a butterfly knife and cautiously eyed Long Xiaoshan.


    Long Xiaoshan didn''t speak, instead charging toward the scrawny man, who waved his butterfly knife, stabbing out dozens of times with movements swift and sharp as a venomous snake.


    If it had been the Long Xiaoshan of the past, although unafraid, he would have inevitably suffered some cuts.


    But he found that after discovering his irvoyance ability, his senses had greatly sharpened, and he could clearly see the dozens of strikes that would normally have been a blur.


    After swiftly blocking those strikes with his knife, Long Xiaoshannded a blow on his opponent''s wrist, causing the scrawny man to let out a muffled groan as the knife fell to the ground.


    The man hurriedly rushed outside, trying to escape.


    Long Xiaoshan''s reaction was faster, kicking him in the lower back. With a crack, it was clear that the man''s spine had broken, and he copsed to the ground.


    "You definitely can''t escape," the scrawny man managed to utter a threat despite suffering such a severe injury.


    Long Xiaoshan kicked him in the head, knocking him out cold.


    "Little Ling, let''s go," Long Xiaoshan walked over to Long Xiaoling.


    "Brother, your injuries," Long Xiaoling noticed some knife wounds on Long Xiaoshan, her voice filled with concern.


    "It''s nothing, just superficial wounds."


    Long Xiaoshan took a tank top from one of the tattooed men on the ground, putting it on to cover his wounds, and helped Long Xiaoling head out. They had just reached the upstairs when the sound of police sirens echoed from outside.


    Long Xiaoshan''s eyes showed surprise. How could police have arrived so quickly¡ªhad they been alerted to his intrusion?


    Yet that seemed unlikely. This ce was a den of sin, dealing in flesh trades, even preying on underage girls. Those tattooed men were obviously not the type to call the police.


    In the corridors and stairwells, the sound of fast-approaching footsteps and doors being kicked in soon followed.


    "Police raid! Everyone put your hands up and kneel on the ground!"


    Hearing those words, Long Xiaoshan felt a sense of relief. It was a bust for illegal activities; he had feared that the police were in cahoots with the people here.


    As he descended with Long Xiaoling, a group of police rushed up and upon seeing Long Xiaoshan and Long Xiaoling, they pounced, shouting, "Get down! It''s a police raid! How dare you solicit a minor."


    Long Xiaoling was frail-looking and appeared even younger than the average sixteen-year-old girl, clearly underage.


    "Officer, I''m not one of them, I''m her brother," Long Xiaoshan quickly exined.


    "Still trying to lie? Why don''t you say I''m your brother? Kid, you don''t look anything like a good person. Shave your head, kneel down, now!" a young police officer rushed forward, attempting to push Long Xiaoshan down.


    Long Xiaoshan sidestepped urgently, "I''m really not a client here."


    Long Xiaoling also said anxiously, "Uncle Police Officer, he really is my brother."


    "Youngdy, although you''re young, covering for a criminal is still an offense, and in serious cases, you might be sent to juvenile detention," one police officer pointed at Long Xiaoling and threatened, "You also, get down quickly. You''re so young and you''re already doing things like this. Aren''t you ashamed of yourself?"


    Long Xiaoling''s face turned ashen and her eyes filled with tears at the scolding.


    Long Xiaoshan couldn''t stand to see his sister insulted. He red at the officer, "Say that again. My sister was deceived intoing here. If you don''t know the facts, keep your mouth shut."


    Several police officers saw Long Xiaoshan, a supposed client, acting so brazenly and they grew angry.


    They rushed up, grabbed Long Xiaoshan''s arms, and pressed down forcefully.


    Long Xiaoshan, burning with anger, shook them off forcefully and the police officers were flung aside.


    Suddenly, a cold and fierce leg wind swept over from behind. Long Xiaoshan hastily ducked his head and quickly turned around, only to find that another female police officer had appeared on the staircase at some point, and she had a fiery temper, attacking him directly.


    Seeing that Long Xiaoshan dodged, the female officer pushed off the ground with the tip of her foot, her long, strong legs springing like a loaded spring into the air, where she unleashed several kicks at Long Xiaoshan in rapid session, which he deflected with his hands a few times.


    However, this female officer was incredibly strong, and Long Xiaoshan felt his arms going numb from the kicks.


    Long Xiaoshan raised his hand and said, "Stop hitting me."


    It wasn''t that he was really afraid he couldn''t beat the female officer; firstly, he didn''t want to fight a woman, and secondly, all these people were police officers. Initially, he had lost his temper, but after cooling down, if he truly resisted, it would be assaulting an officer. Having just been released from prison, he knew he had to restrain himself no matter what.


    But just as he raised his hand, the female officer kicked him straight in the chest.


    Long Xiaoshan''s face turned white, and he stumbled backward several steps.


    At the same time, a sh of anger crossed his eyes. He had already raised his hands in surrender, yet the female officer still struck him so harshly. He was trained in martial arts; had it been an ordinary person, their ribs might have been broken.


    "Cuff him!" the female officer said coldly, staring at Long Xiaoshan with eyes void of any warmth.


    "Yes, Captain," two policemen quickly responded, taking out handcuffs and approaching Long Xiaoshan.


    Long Xiaoshan was somewhat shocked to realize that this frosty female officer was actually a captain.


    Moreover, for a police officer, she was exceptionally beautiful. He had thought Su Wan was very pretty, but this female officer seemed even more gorgeous than Su Wan, with eyebrows like fine brushwork and a very cold gaze.


    Long Xiaoshan could tell that this woman must be in her breastfeeding period.


    It was indeed strange.


    Typically, women would be gentler after giving birth.


    This police station chief was aplete violence fanatic, with eyescking any trace of maternal warmth, her pretty face icy cold, like a frigid iceberg.


    "Captain, I''m really not a client," Long Xiaoshan said, regardless of what the officer thought.


    "Whether you''re a client or not isn''t for you to decide. Take him away," the female officer said sternly.


    Long Xiaoshan and Long Xiaoling were taken down to the courtyard below, where arge group of men and women already huddled, all disheveled, holding the backs of their heads. Long Xiaoshan knew that nothing he said now would make a difference, so he gave Little Ling a signal with his eyes and squatted down beside her.


    Not long after, amotion came from upstairs.


    Then, the beautiful station chief also came down. Her eyes swept around andnded on Long Xiaoshan.


    She walked briskly toward him and stood before him, staring at Long Xiaoshan. "Are you the one who injured those people upstairs?" she asked.


    Long Xiaoshan knew he couldn''t hide it and replied, "Yes, they tricked my sister in there, trying to take advantage of her. I came to rescue her. Her name is Long Xiaoling, and I''m Long Xiaoshan. We are people from Lotus Township Longyang Vige. You should be able to verify this."


    Qin You frowned in silence. With her intuition, Long Xiaoshan didn''t seem to be lying, as such a lie would be easily exposed.


    If what Long Xiaoshan said was true, then he definitely couldn''t be a client, as no one would bring their own sister to such a ce.


    "Stand up. You wille with us to the station to make a statementter. If it''s true, I will protect you, but you did go too hard on them," Qin You said coldly.


    Long Xiaoshan touched his chest and thought to himself that she hadn''t been gentle either.


    However, his impression of the female officer improved greatly. Though violent, she was straightforward. After all, he had injured many people, some with quite substantial backgrounds, and yet this officer dared to promise his protection outright.


    "Thank you," Long Xiaoshan sincerely said.


    Suddenly, out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of someone on the ground, who suddenly lunged at the female officer from behind, a gleam of cold light shining from their hand.

 Chapter 19: 19: Disappointed with Someones Lack of Progress

    Chapter Neen


    "Little Ling, wake up," Long Xiaoshan called to awaken Long Xiaoling.


    "Brother, what happened?" Long Xiaoling asked.


    "A friend over there has run into some trouble, I''m going to check it out. You wait for me under that streetlight," said Long Xiaoshan before he dashed toward the alley.


    Although Su Wan had misunderstood him that afternoon, he could tell that she was a nice person, or she wouldn''t have offered him the job as a security guard at the hotel.


    Besides, even if it had not been someone he knew, Long Xiaoshan would not stand idly by in such a situation.


    Despite having faced many injustices, Long Xiaoshan still possessed a sincere heart.


    In the alley, the pitch-dark passage was lit only by the moonlight above.


    Several thugs dragged Su Wan in and pinned her to the ground.


    Suddenly, a cold gust of wind struck from behind.


    Bang!


    The young man with a nose ring was sent flying and crashed to the ground, his face violently scraping against the pavement. He was in so much pain he almost cried, his entire face going numb.


    "Brother Dafei."


    The other three thugs were taken aback by the sudden change and quickly called out.


    They then saw a tall, skinny, bald youngster standing before them, whose scarred visage under the moonlight seemed quite ferocious.


    "Who the fuck are you?" one thug shouted, standing up and swinging a punch at Long Xiaoshan.


    Long Xiaoshan kicked him in the belly, sending him flying five to six meters away.


    The remaining two thugs'' eyes widened in shock. It wasn''t something just anyone could do, to send a person flying with a single kick.


    The two instantly stood up and pulled out a folding knife, pointing at Long Xiaoshan and said, "Who are you? Do you know we''re Brother Qiang''s men? You''re looking for death if you mess with us."


    "Scram!" Long Xiaoshan, facing the two folding knives, did not change his expression and walked toward the men.


    These thugs were far inferior to the ones he had encountered at the Grand Tycoon Hotel in the afternoon. Long Xiaoshan had stood his ground against a dozen chopping knives, let alone two small ones. As the thugs saw Long Xiaoshan not only not retreating, but actually walking towards them, they felt decidedly uneasy.


    Just as the knives were about to touch Long Xiaoshan, under the overwhelming pressure, the thugs yelled out and lunged at Long Xiaoshan with their knives.


    "Be careful!" Su Wan had managed to get up and shouted in rm upon seeing the scene unfold.


    Crack, crack!


    The sound of bones snapping echoed as Long Xiaoshan grabbed the arms of the two thugs, twisted hard, and with a scream of pain from them, their arms bent awkwardly, and the knives ttered to the ground.


    "Run!" The thugs finally realized they had met their match and, helping each other out, they fled in a miserable state.


    After driving away the thugs, Long Xiaoshan finally turned to look at Su Wan, his heart skipping a beat. Su Wan''s goose-yellow dress had been torn, and the lower half of her skirt was ripped up to the root of her legs, revealing her fair and lovely legs, an extremely enticing sight.


    "Manager Su, are you alright?" Long Xiaoshan quickly averted his gaze and asked.


    "You know me... eh, it''s you." In the dim light just prior, Su Wan hadn''t made out who her rescuer was. After she walked a few steps closer, she recognized that it was Long Xiaoshan, who she had sent away that afternoon at the job fair.


    "It''s me. Are you hurt anywhere, do you need to go to the hospital?" Long Xiaoshan asked.


    "No, I''m fine." Su Wan felt somewhat embarrassed. She had driven Long Xiaoshan away in the afternoon, yet he had saved her that evening.


    "If you''re okay, then let''s get out of here," Long Xiaoshan said as he walked out.


    Su Wan also hurriedly held onto her skirt and followed Long Xiaoshan out of the alley.


    "Brother!" Just as Long Xiaoshan stepped out, Long Xiaoling ran over. Seeing Su Wan behind Long Xiaoshan with her tattered clothes, she asked, "Brother, what happened?"


    "It''s nothing, don''t ask too much. Manager Su, you better take a taxi home. It''s safer," Long Xiaoshan said to Su Wan, then pulled Long Xiaoling, preparing to leave.


    "Long Xiaoshan, wait a minute," Su Wan quickly called out to the siblings.


    Initially, she had been somewhat scared, as Long Xiaoshan sported a buzz cut and seemed pretty fierce when fighting. She was afraid that Long Xiaoshan might also have ill intentions towards her. However, seeing Long Xiaoling, her fears werepletely ayed; no brother who was up to no good would bring his sister along.


    "Manager Su, is there something else?" Long Xiaoshan asked.


    "You saved me, and I haven''t thanked you yet. I''d like to take you out to dinner," said Su Wan.


    "That''s not necessary," Long Xiaoshan said, gesturing towards Su Wan''s skirt.


    Su Wan''s face flushed. She knew she looked a mess with her skirt torn, but thankfully it waste at night. She quickly said, "It''s okay, my home is just 200 meters ahead in the Happiness Community. I can change my clothes in a bit."


    Long Xiaoshan had intended to refuse, but neither he nor Long Xiaoling had eaten dinner. Though he was not particrly affected, his sister must have been very hungry. After hesitating for a moment, Long Xiaoshan said, "Then, thank you for the trouble."


    "It''s no trouble at all," Su Wan said with a slight smile.


    The three walked forward another 200 meters and indeed there was amunity. Su Wan entered one of the buildings, while Long Xiaoshan and Long Xiaoling waited below. After more than ten minutes, Su Wan came back down, having changed into casual wear, removed her makeup, and tied her ck hair into a ponytail, which added a touch of purity to her appearance. Standing with Long Xiaoling, they could easily have been mistaken as sisters.


    Su Wan didn''t go far but found a restaurant nearby that servedte-night snacks. She ordered a variety of barbecue items and duck heads.


    Regaining herposure and sitting in the restaurant, Su Wan reverted to the capable persona of a white-cor beauty. Observing Long Xiaoling focused on tackling a duck head, one could tell from the siblings'' attire that their family must be struggling financially.


    Su Wan asked, "Xiaoshan, why are you and your sister out sote at night? Where is your home?"


    "Our home is in a vige near Lotus Township."


    "Lotus Township, that''s quite far. Where will you stay tonight?" Su Wan asked.


    A look of guilt crossed Long Xiaoshan''s face, and after a moment of silence, he said, "We missed the bus, nning to make do in the park for the night."


    "What?" Su Wan was taken aback. She pointed at Long Xiaoling and said, "You''re going to make your sister sleep in the park?"


    The cost of living in Niuyi County wasn''t high. Even the cheapest lodges charging twenty or thirty yuan could be found, and even though the conditions were poor, it was still better than sleeping in the park. Could it be Long Xiaoshan couldn''t even afford twenty or thirty yuan?


    While Su Wan didn''t feel it was her ce to meddle in others'' family affairs, she couldn''t help but say, "Xiaoshan, I don''t mean to criticize, but despite your situation, why didn''t you want to take the job as a security guard at Lily Hotel I offered you this afternoon?"


    Long Xiaoshan kept his head down and didn''t make a sound.


    "Don''t think being a security guard is beneath you. With your abilities, as long as you work diligently, in two or three years, you could definitely be a deputy team leader or team leader. By then, your sry could be three thousand yuan, plus performance bonuses and all that. Isn''t that good, not even worse than a university graduate," Su Wan argued passionately and pleadingly.


    Seeing that she had talked quite a bit without any response from Long Xiaoshan, she became a bit exasperated and said, "Long Xiaoshan, how can you be so unrealistic?"


    If it wasn''t for the fact that Long Xiaoshan had saved her, and seeing how pitiable Long Xiaoling was, she wouldn''t have said so much.


    "Sister Su, don''t say that about my brother. My brother is the best. He even got into Shuimu University," Long Xiaoling protested, defending Long Xiaoshan as soon as she heard Su Wan rebuking her brother.


    "Little Ling," Long Xiaoshan interrupted Long Xiaoling.


    "Shuimu!" Su Wan was somewhat shocked but also skeptical. Shuimu was the top university in Huaxia; how could a simple farm boy gain admission to Shuimu? And how could a Shuimu University student be unable to find a job to the point of having to sleep in the park?


    Yet, Long Xiaoling didn''t seem like the type to lie. Su Wan asked with a glimmer of hope, "Xiaoshan, did you really get into Shuimu?"


    Long Xiaoshan shook his head and said indifferently, "Don''t listen to Little Ling''s nonsense."


    "I thought so... Little Ling, I really didn''t mean anything by it, and I''m certainly not looking down on your brother. I also came from a rural area. Because my family couldn''t afford it, I dropped out of high school," said Su Wan, relieved. She felt that this sounded more reasonable, maybe Long Xiaoling was just too protective of her brother and lied so others wouldn''t look down on him.


    Looking slightly aggrieved and wanting to speak, Long Xiaoling was red at by Long Xiaoshan and had to close her mouth.

 Chapter 20: 20 Overnight Stay

    Chapter Twenty


    After finishing thete-night snack, Su Wan said, "Xiaoshan, little Ling, you can sleep at my ce."


    "This, wouldn''t that be too much trouble?" Long Xiaoshan said hesitantly.


    "What''s the trouble? Do you really expect little Ling to sleep in the park? Stop dithering, my home still has a guest room for you to sleep in, and little Ling can sleep with me in my room," Su Wan said.


    "Then thank you," Long Xiaoshan replied.


    Su Wan was right, he didn''t mind sleeping in the park himself, but there was no need for little Ling to endure the same for the sake of his so-called pride.


    Seeing Long Xiaoshan agree, Su Wan smiled slightly and said, "Let''s go."


    The three of them returned to Happiness Community.


    Su Wan''s home was on the fifth floor of Building #7, a two-bedroom suite. As soon as they walked in, a faint fragrance filled the air. The decoration of the room was simple and elegant, mostly in white, but many details revealed the ingenuity of thedy of the house.


    Long Xiaoshan nced around, there were no traces of a man, it seemed that Su Wan lived here alone.


    Logically, given her age, beauty, and career sess, it was impossible for Su Wan not to have a boyfriend.


    Su Wan went into the master bedroom and rummaged for a bit, bringing out a quilt, and then handed an unopened ck POLO shirt and a new towel and toothbrush to Long Xiaoshan: "Xiaoshan, you go wash up. I see you haven''t brought any clothes, this was bought for my dad, you can make do with it for now."


    "No worries, I''ll just scrub the clothes I''m wearing and that will be fine," Long Xiaoshan quickly refused.


    "Just take it when I give it to you, it''s not like it''s something valuable." Su Wan stuffed the clothes into Long Xiaoshan''s arms, holding the quilt as she went to the guest room, "You hurry to wash up, I will help you make the bed in the meantime."


    Scratching his head, Long Xiaoshan took the clothes and entered the bathroom next to the living room.


    Long Xiaoshan turned on the cold water for a shower and checked his wounds. He had three knife wounds, all incurred at the Grand Tycoon Hotel. They were quickly bandaged at the police station and had already scabbed over. He was quite satisfied with his body''s recovery power.


    If it weren''t for the abnormal recovery power he gained after practicing "The Art of Immortality," he would have been beaten to death in prison a long time ago.


    After the shower, Long Xiaoshan hesitated before finally changing into the POLO shirt Su Wan had given him. The shirt was a bit short, but fortunately, Long Xiaoshan was rather slim, so he could just about fit into it.


    When Long Xiaoshan came out of the bathroom, Su Wan took little Ling to take her shower.


    Long Xiaoshan entered the guest room where the bed had been made. The night had grownte, and sitting on this unfamiliar yet clean bed, Long Xiaoshan felt no sleepiness. He closed the door and pulled out the Jade Purifying Bottle to examine it further.


    Earlier, when he had driven away those thugs and saved Su Wan, some silver specks had appeared once more, simr to those he witnessed at the Grand Tycoon Hotel. This time, however, there were far fewer specks, and they vanished quickly.


    This led him to suspect what those specks might be.


    He shook the bottle. Indeed, there seemed to be some liquid moving inside, and it was clearer than before.


    After thinking for a moment, he took a cup from the table and inverted the Jade Purifying Bottle, aligning its mouth with the cup. After a good while, under Long Xiaoshan''s expectant gaze,


    a silver droplet emerged from the mouth of the bottle and, ''plop,'' it dropped into the cup, rolling around nimbly, just like a bead of water on a lotus leaf, exhibiting a peculiar agility.


    He was certain that when he first had picked up the bottle, there had been absolutely nothing inside.


    So where did this silver droplete from? Could it be rted to those silver specks that had appeared?


    Long Xiaoshan stared at the cup for a long time but couldn''t unravel any mysteries. He simply felt that this liquid was no ordinary substance. He boldly fetched a ss of water from the living room and poured it into the cup with the silver liquid. Soon the silver liquid blended into the water, causing the ordinary ss of water to emit a faint silver glow. It wasn''t noticeable under the light, but the water clearly glowed when he turned off the light.


    Long Xiaoshan held the ss of water, hesitant for a long time, not daring to taste it easily. Who knew what strangeness this water contained? The bottle itself was odd enough, and if something went wrong, the risk wouldn''t be worth it.


    Suddenly, there was the sound of a door opening from the entrance.


    Hearing someone unlock the door, Long Xiaoshan quickly, with bright eyes and swift hands, poured the glowing water into a pot of orchids on the windowsill.


    Little Ling came in and remarked with the lights turned off, "Brother, you''re asleep?"


    "Ah, pretty much. It''ste, little Ling, you should rest too," Long Xiaoshan said.


    "Alright, brother, then you sleep too, goodnight," little Ling said as she walked out.


    Long Xiaoshan got up and studied the pot of orchids he had watered for over ten minutes, but there was no sign of anything happening. He felt a bit discouraged, was this water really of no use?


    So much had happened that day.


    Long Xiaoshan also felt quite worn out. After meditating briefly, hey down on the bed and fell into a deep sleep.


    The next day, in a groggy state, Long Xiaoshan thought he smelled a fragrance, then heard little Ling''s crisp voice outside the door.


    "Brother, wake up, the sun is already shining on your butt!"


    He shook his head, sat up from the bed, and called out, "Alright, I''m up."


    Little Ling opened the door and entered. First, she sniffed and asked, "Brother, why does your room smell so nice?"


    Suddenly, little Ling''s eyes widened, and she pointed at the windowsill, eximing, "Wow, what beautiful orchids!"


    Long Xiaoshan quickly turned his gaze to the windowsill as well, and his breath caught sharply. There, bathed in the morning light, a pot of orchids was in dazzling bloom, its leaves vibrant green as luscious jade, and the golden blossoms trembled on their stems like butterflies, stunningly enchanting.

 Chapter 21: 21 Scandal

    Chapter Twenty-One


    The orchid had actually bloomed!


    Long Xiaoshan could affirm that the orchid he wateredst night was in a state of partial wilting; not to mention blooming, even the branches and leaves had turned somewhat yellow.


    But now, this orchid was blooming so stunningly, captivatingly beautiful.


    Su Wan, who was in the living room, heard Little Ling''s exmation and ran to the room, where she immediately froze, looking at the orchid on the windowsill and incredulously eximed, "How did the Shorthairy Antenoron bloom?"


    She hurried to the windowsill, examining the orchid from all angles.


    No one could be more shocked than her.


    This Shorthairy Antenoron was very precious, a type of orchid extremely difficult to grow. It was said that this one was worth tens of thousands, which she could not afford to maintain. She had taken it from the chairman because the orchid was close to dying and the chairman was going to throw it away, and she felt it would be a pity to discard it, so she took it home instead.


    Unexpectedly, it hade back to life.


    She was too astonished, clearly remembering when she watered the orchid yesterday, it was nearly dead.


    Without having done much, how did this precious, nearly dead Antenorone back to life?


    And to bloom so enchantingly.


    "It''s really strange, even if it dide back to life, now isn''t the flowering season for orchids, is it?" Su Wan was both surprised and baffled, turning to ask Xiaoshan, "Xiaoshan, did you see it bloomingst night?"


    Of course, Long Xiaoshan wouldn''t say that he had poured water into it; he shook his head and replied, "I don''t know, I only saw it this morning."


    Su Wan couldn''t figure it out and could only take it as a miracle.


    After admiring the orchid for a while, Su Wan took many photos with her phone; even to theyperson''s eye, the orchid looked too seductively beautiful.


    Moreover, this was a very valuable orchid worth tens of thousands.


    "Manager Su, Little Ling and I will head home first. Thanks forst night," Long Xiaoshan said, seeing that Su Wan kept on looking at it.


    "Hey, wait a moment, I have to go to work too," Su Wan said ncing at her watch, and quickly added, "By the way, Xiaoshan, can you hold this orchid for me?"


    "You''re taking the flower with you?" Su Wan asked.


    "Yes, this flower belongs to a friend of mine who really likes flowers. But since this orchid was nearly dead, I just took it to try and revive it as ast resort, and it actually did! I''m going to take it back and give her a surprise," Su Wan exined.


    Long Xiaoshan didn''t ask any further and picked up the orchid pot.


    As the three of them descended the stairs, Su Wan said, "Xiaoshan,st night Little Ling told me about your situation. Are you really not considering working as a security guard at our hotel? If you decide to ept now, I can still make arrangements for you."


    "I''m not going to do it," Long Xiaoshan stated.


    He had never intended to be a security guard, and if he truly wanted to be one, he would much rather call Old Xu and his contacts. Moreover, the blooming of that orchid had just sparked a new idea in him, further dissuading him from taking up the job.


    Su Wan shook her head with a hint of disappointment. Why was Long Xiaoshan so stubborn?


    His personality wasn''t the best, but as acquaintances, it wasn''t her ce toment deeply.


    She sighed, "Well, let me offer you this: Little Ling mentioned she''s looking for summer work. Although Lily Hotel doesn''t usually hire temporary workers, I can make an exception. We can consider it an internship for Little Ling. Rest assured, Lily Hotel ispletely reputable."


    Long Xiaoshan wasn''t too keen on having Little Ling work any more.


    About to decline, Long Xiaoling interjected, "Brother, I''d like to go with Sister Su and take a look."


    "You still want to work?" Long Xiaoshan''s tone was slightly displeased.


    "Brother, I trust Sister Su is a good person," Little Ling insisted.


    "Alright then, I''ll apany you to take a look," Long Xiaoshan conceded.


    Su Wan drove a yellow Volkswagen Polo out of the garage. It seemed that the treatment at Lily Hotel was pretty good; in Niu Y County, being able to afford a car worth around a hundred thousand yuan was quite an achievement.


    After cing the orchid in the trunk.


    Su Wan took the sibling duo and drove to the city center to a ten-story building with an all-ss fa?ade that was very eye-catching.


    At the entrance of the building was the sign for Lily Hotel.


    Even in the center of the city, this building stood out sharply, with only two or three others of the same height.


    Inside, Su Wan led Long Xiaoshan and his sister through the building, which was indeed decorated very formally. The first two floors were restaurants, and the rooms upstairs were hotel rooms. There were no misceneous facilities like KTV or entertainment rooms.


    "Our Lily Hotel is a three-star hotel and can be ranked in the top three in terms of hotel strength in the city," Su Wan introduced with a hint of pride.


    Long Xiaoshan found that it indeed appeared much more formal than Grand Tycoon Hotel. It was a real hotel. And after a day''s contact, he found Su Wan to be quite trustworthy. It shouldn''t be a problem to leave little Ling in her care.


    "How about it, not bad, right? Little Ling can do her summer internship here, and she can sleep at my ce at night. If there are any problems, you can contact me directly," Su Wan said.


    "Alright then, Sister Su, I''ll leave little Ling in your hands," Long Xiaoshan was someone who made decisions quickly.


    After getting Su Wan''s business card, Long Xiaoshan bid his farewell.


    Before leaving, Long Xiaoshan hesitated a moment but then reminded her, "Sister Su, when you have time, you should still go to the hospital for a CT scan."


    Seeing Long Xiaoshan bringing up the past, Su Wan frowned and seemed a bit irritated.


    Long Xiaoshan sighed inwardly, realizing that Su Wan still did not believe him.


    But it was understandable. He was just a farmer and had no connections with doctors. It would be strange if she did believe him. The fact that she hadn''t thrown a fit on the spot already showed great restraint.


    Without saying anything more, Long Xiaoshan left. He arrived at the bus station, bought a ticket, boarded the same bus he had encountered Shen Yuerong onst time, but this time there was no incident, and he made it back to Lotus Township without any trouble.


    He didn''t stop there but walked more than ten miles on mountain roads to get back to his vige.


    Upon entering the vige, Long Xiaoshan noticed many vigers pointing at him. His ears were sharp, and he vaguely heard gossip about him seducing a widow as soon as he got back.


    With furrowed brows, he continued toward his home.


    He spotted a familiar figure and called out, "Chun Tao."


    Chun Tao turned around, saw him, quickly covered one side of her face, and rushed back inside. Though it was just a glimpse, Long Xiaoshan still saw the swelling on Chun Tao''s face, as if she had been hit.


    What happened?


    Long Xiaoshan walked up to the house. The door was already closed, and he could hear a scolding from an olddy inside: "You still have the face toe back here, you shameless hussy, seducing anyone you can. Of all people, you seduce thebor reform returnee just released."


    There was also the vague sound of Chun Tao''s crying.


    Long Xiaoshan knew this was Chun Tao''s husband''s home. The voice he heard must have been Vige Auntie Wu, Chun Tao''s mother-inw.


    His brow furrowed deeper.


    They were talking about him, weren''t they?


    How could it be that in just one day, all these rumors had spread? There was no one else on the mountain that day he and Chun Tao were there, and he returned to the vige first. Yet, somehow, rumors had been started about them.


    He raised his hand to knock on the door.


    But then he lowered it without knocking. A widow''s door attracts much gossip, and the vige gossips loved nothing more than such scious news. If he were to knock and enter, a situation that was nothing could turn into something. And Auntie Wu''s fierceness was well-known throughout the vige.


    He silently cursed those who spread the rumors.


    He could only pretend he hadn''t heard and headed back to his own house.

 Chapter 22: 22: Vegetable Plot Experiment

    Chapter Twenty-Two


    Upon entering the home, Long Xiaoshan greeted Long Dashan.


    Long Dashan said, "Xiaoshan, why have youe back alone? Where did you gost night? You didn''te home, and your mother couldn''t sleep all night."


    Long Xiaoshan mentioned that he had left Long Xiaoling to work at a grand hotel in the county town, but he didn''t mention what had happened at the Grand Tycoon Hotel; saying it would only cause Long Dashan and the others worry.


    Hearing that Long Xiaoshan hadn''t found a job, Long Dashan sighed but didn''t say anything. When he saw Xiaoshan about to go into the house, Long Dashan called out to him again.


    "Dad, is there something else?"


    Long Dashan seemed about to say something but then hesitated and waved his hand, "No, it''s nothing. Go and eat first."


    "I''ll go check on Mom first." Long Xiaoshan hurried into the room.


    He Xiangyue was sitting on the bed. When she saw Long Xiaoshane in, she quickly said, "little Xiaoshan,e and check for me, I feel like I can walk now."


    Long Xiaoshan replied, "Mom, what''s the hurry? Just rest up a bit more."


    "little Xiaoshan, your mom has been lying down for several weeks, my bones are nearly rusting," He Xiangyue said.


    "Then let me check for you." Understanding He Xiangyue''s feelings, Long Xiaoshan walked to the bedside, observed He Xiangyue''s legs, and with his irvoyance, saw that indeed her legs had healed; the effects of the Bone-Regeneration Powder were truly astonishing.


    Long Xiaoshan then said, "Mom, I''ll help you down to give it a try."


    "Good! Good!" He Xiangyue eagerly said, leaning on Long Xiaoshan''s arm, she slowly ced her feet on the ground, and with Long Xiaoshan''s support, she stood up and took a few slow steps on the floor.


    "Xiaoshan, I feel fine, let me try walking on my own."


    "Then I''m really going to let go now."


    "Okay."


    Long Xiaoshan released his hand but still paid close attention. He Xiangyue took a deep breath, slowly took a step forward, her body wobbled, Long Xiaoshan quickly reached out, and He Xiangyue hastily gestured, "I''m fine, I can do this."


    He Xiangyue steadied herself and took another two steps, then joyfully eximed, "little Xiaoshan, look, your mom can walk."


    Long Xiaoshan was also delighted. However, amidst his joy, a strange glint flickered in his eyes, as he saw silvery light spots dancing in the air once He Xiangyue was on her feet¡ªthe third time he had witnessed such a phenomenon in two days.


    The first time was at the Grand Tycoon Hotel, saving little Ling.


    The second was in the back alleyte at night, helping Su Wan chase off the thugs.


    The third was now, with He Xiangyue being able to walk around.


    Initially, he thought these light spots appeared because he had been involved in fights¡ªafter all, the first two times he had injured people. But the third time, it had nothing to do with causing harm. Nevertheless, Long Xiaoshan realized there must be amonality between the three urrences.


    Themon point seemed to be his acts of saving others.


    Whether it was saving little Ling, helping Su Wan, or curing his mother''s leg, all were acts of helping others.


    Every time he helped someone, light spots would appear and be absorbed by the Virtuous Jade Spiritual Purification Bottle. Yes!


    The Virtuous Jade Spiritual Purification Bottle... Could it be that the key lies in the first two characters, ''virtue''? Whether saving or healing, both are virtuous acts; those light spots could indeed be virtue itself. Whenever there is virtue, the Jade Purifying Bottle would absorb it and produce that Mysterious Liquid.


    A shock went through Long Xiaoshan''s heart, and he finally understood.


    It must be so.


    He hadn''t expected to pick up an artifact like something from the celestials, capable of absorbing such ethereal virtue. Could there actually be celestials in this world?


    Long Xiaoshan was skeptical, and even his atheism began to waver.


    Perhaps, many things aren''t as ordinary people imagine them to be.


    "Old man, old man." He Xiangyue walked to the doorway and called for Long Dashan toe in. Long Dashan was naturally very happy to see He Xiangyue able to walk; with Long Xiaoshan''s return and He Xiangyue''s recovery, it seemed like vitality had been brought back to the family.


    The three of them sat down together for lunch, and hearing that Long Xiaoling was working at a grand hotel in the county, He Xiangyue was also reassured.


    After lunch, Long Dashan and He Xiangyue whispered to each other for a while. As Long Xiaoshan stood in the yard, pondering over experimenting again with the mysterious liquid from the Jade Purifying Bottle, He Xiangyue called him into the inner room.


    "Mom, what''s up?"


    He Xiangyue took Long Xiaoshan''s hand and said, "Little Xiaoshan, Mom knows you''re of age now. In our vige, folks your age are already married. Don''t you worry, even if I have to sell everything, I''ll make sure you get a wife."


    "Mom, why bring this up all of a sudden?" Long Xiaoshan said helplessly. "I''m only twenty-one; there''s no rush for marriage."


    "Little Xiaoshan, you don''t have to be shy in front of Mom. It''s normal for a young man your age to have those needs, but we''ve got to do it properly and get you a real wife. You cannot do things stealthily and have the vigers talk behind your back," He Xiangyue advised.


    "What did I do, Mom?" Long Xiaoshan asked, pinching the bridge of his nose.


    "Why don''t you listen? What''s going on between you and Chun Tao from the fifth aunt''s house?" He Xiangyue''s expression grew serious.


    Upon hearing this, Long Xiaoshan knew it was about that issue again. He was already frustrated when he entered the vige and said grimly, "Mom, don''t listen to the vigers'' nonsense. There''s nothing between me and Chun Tao. It just so happened that I bumped into her in the mountain that day, and these rumors started. I don''t know who''s been spreading them."


    Seeing her own son getting angry, He Xiangyue didn''t want to say too much. She earnestly advised, "Little Xiaoshan, it''s not that I don''t believe you, but our vige has always been weird, and Chun Tao is said to have a White Tiger destiny that overturns her husband''s fortune. Mom is just worried about your youthful vigor, that''s all."


    Long Xiaoshan nodded his head despondently and said, "Okay, I got it."


    When He Xiangyue saw Long Xiaoshan go out, she sighed. It wasn''t that she didn''t trust her son, but since Long Xiaoshan had gone to jail over a woman before, and now these rumors had surfaced, she couldn''t help but be suspicious. Besides, Chun Tao was indeed beautiful, one of the most attractive girls in Longyang Vige. There were quite a few young men, like puppy dogs, trailing after her. It would be normal for Xiaoshan, at his age, to not be able to resist temptation.


    Long Xiaoshan walked out to the courtyard.


    Taking a few breaths of the fresh mountain air and putting his worries aside, he saw his parents were inside the house. He took out the Jade Purifying Bottle and shook it; after using a dropst night, it seemed as if some had replenished itself.


    Long Xiaoshan considered finding more test subjects to experiment with.


    Hadn''t he made a pot of precious orchids bloom just yesterday?


    However, he wasn''t sure if it was a coincidence or not, so he needed to test it several more times to be certain. Long Xiaoshan looked for the watering can in the courtyard, added a drop of the silver liquid to it, mixed it with water, and after consideration, poured it onto the Gui Vegetable Plot in the yard, where he had just sown vegetable seeds, and none had sprouted yet.


    After watering, Long Xiaoshan looked at the nearby water jar and had an idea. There were still many shrimps he had scooped from a mountain stream the day before yesterday. He wondered if the Mysterious Liquid would affect living creatures, so he simply dropped another one into the water jar.


    After finishing, Long Xiaoshan observed for a while but didn''t notice anything special.


    He then went inside to prepare his medicine.


    The herbs he had picked the day before yesterday weren''t only for making Bone-Regeneration Powder; there were other prescriptions as well. Seeing the remarkable effect of the Bone-Regeneration Powder, he nned to prepare several doses and possibly sell them in the town or the county next time¡ªhe might stumble upon a way to wealth.


    By the time he was done, evening had arrived.


    Long Xiaoshan remembered the vegetable seeds and shrimps in the backyard he had treated with the Mysterious Liquid and went to check on them.

 Chapter 23: 23: Against the Heavenly Treasure

    Chapter Twenty-Three


    When Long Xiaoshan ran to the vegetable plot in the backyard, he saw a lush green expanse where the vegetable seeds he had just sown had grown to the height of a palm, and only a few hours had passed.


    He approached the edge of the vegetable plot and touched the leaves, which were emerald green and tender. Not a single insect could be found on them, and they were growing exceptionally well.


    That silver Mysterious Liquid indeed had the effect of elerating nt growth.


    A wave of excitement surged through Long Xiaoshan.


    After circling the vegetable plot twice, another thought urred to him¡ªhadn''t he also poured a drop of the silver liquid into the water tank?


    He wondered how the shrimp in the water tank were doing now.


    Long Xiaoshan hurried over to the tank and peered inside. His heart skipped a beat as he saw shrimp as thick as thumbs swimming about, with long whiskers and imposing appearances.


    The tiny shrimp, originally only slightlyrger than grains of rice, had grown so much.


    Long Xiaoshan was itching tough triumphantly.


    Fortune had turned his way. Who would have thought that the Jade Purifying Bottle could be so heaven-defying, not only elerating the growth of nts but of animals as well? With such a treasure, why would he even need to look for a job? Long Xiaoshan was a talented graduate from Shuimu University, quick-witted, and he instantly realized the vast business potential. Of course, he still needed to observe and experiment further to determine the full extent of the liquid''s effects.


    That night, Long Xiaoshan didn''t sleep but snuck into the backyard.


    In the darkness, if one looked at the vegetable plot sprinkled with the Mysterious Liquid with Divine Sense, it was covered in a faint glow, and a slight luminescence could be seen on the vegetables themselves.


    The rest of the Gui Vegetable Plot wasn''t quite the same.


    The water tank also emitted a simr faint glow.


    Long Xiaoshan sat cross-legged in the vegetable plot all night.


    The next day, when he opened his eyes, the vegetables in the Gui Vegetable Plot had grown to half a meter tall. Their rate of growth was simply mad. Normally, vegetables of this size would have be old and their leaves turned dark green, but these vegetables remained vivid, glossy green, and when pinched, water could be squeezed out of them.


    Long Xiaoshan hadn''t even approached the water tank when he heard some rustling sounds.


    He leaned in closer for a look and drew in a sharp breath. The entire tank was crawling with palm-sized shrimp, their bodies ck with hints of red as if they wore ayer of armor. Their whiskers were especiallyrge, making them resemble lobsters. These were supposed to be ordinary river shrimp, yet they''d grown almost to the size of lobsters.


    Long Xiaoshan lifted one of therge shrimp and weighed it in his hand.


    So heavy!


    One shrimp must weigh almost half a pound.


    This tankful ofrge shrimp, if weighed, would amount to a hundred pounds or so.


    "Little Xiaoshan, what are you doing in the backyard so early in the morning?" He Xiangyue walked out from the back gate, and seeing the vibrant green of the Gui Vegetable Plot, she widened her eyes, "How did our vegetables grow so big?"


    He Xiangyue walked to the edge of the plot, looking at the verdant greens in disbelief, "Our backyard soil isn''t even that fertile, yet we managed to grow suchrge vegetables. Old man,e take a look."


    At He Xiangyue''s call, Long Dashan came out to the backyard.


    He, too, was stunned.


    Long Xiaoshan was hesitating, unsure how to exin, when He Xiangyue heard noises from the water tank. She walked over and looked inside. Oh my goodness, He Xiangyue screamed, startled, and sat down on the ground with a thump.


    Long Xiaoshan hurried to help her up and asked, "Mom, what happened to you?"


    "This... this, this must be haunted!" He Xiangyue''s face turned deathly pale, as she shakily pointed at the tub full of prawns, packed and wriggling, brandishing their ws¡ªa sight that was indeed spine-chilling at first nce.


    Long Dashan looked into the tub and also became somewhat panicked, "Shall we ask the witch from the next vige to take a look?"


    Rural folks tend to be quite superstitious.


    Faced with such sudden and inexplicable phenomena, they are extremely frightened, quick to think that it''s the work of ghosts.


    "Dad, Mom, don''t let your imaginations run wild, what ghost is there?" Long Xiaoshan said with a mix ofughter and helplessness.


    "Then what''s going on here?" He Xiangyue asked in disbelief.


    Long Xiaoshan figured that he couldn''t keep the secrets of the Mysterious Liquid from his family forever, especially since he nned to make money from it in the future. He had to convince them he possessed extraordinary abilities. He put on a mysterious air, looked around, and spoke in a hushed tone, "Dad, Mom, I''m going to tell you a secret. I met a master in jail. Mom, do you think any doctor could make you stand up in a single day? With a broken bone like yours, even a hospital stay would require several months. All of this was taught to me by that master, including how to make these vegetables and prawns grow so fast. You mustn''t tell anyone."


    Long Dashan and He Xiangyue were visibly shocked upon hearing this.


    Ordinary people would scoff at Long Xiaoshan''s words.


    But being rural farmers from the isted Longyang Vige, Long Dashan and He Xiangyue were more inclined to believe in these spiritual and ghostly matters.


    "Could our little Xiaoshan have really encountered an immortal?" He Xiangyue wondered aloud.


    "I think it''s very likely," Long Dashan replied in a lowered voice. "It seems that little Xiaoshan has gotten lucky, but we mustn''t speak carelessly of such things. It''s a blessing that an immortal passed knowledge to little Xiaoshan. If word got out and angered the immortal, they might take back all of Xiaoshan''s abilities."


    "You don''t need to remind me, old man," He Xiangyue huffed.


    Long Xiaoshan hadn''t expected it to be so simple to fool them.


    However, this suited him just fine.


    Now he had a pretext; whatever extraordinary things he did in the future could be attributed to his Immortal Master.


    At noon, Long Xiaoshan harvested a handful of greens from the Gui Vegetable Plot and caught threerge prawns to steam, tackling the cooking himself. The household rarely had any meat dishes, and on the odd asion they craved something meaty, they had to rely on luck hunting game in the mountains.


    Given Long Dashan''s perpetual poor health, he was hardly capable of hunting any game.


    So this was the first time in a long while that the Long family was enjoying such a sumptuous meal with meat.


    The greens were fresh, tender, andpletely different from ordinary vegetables¡ªexceptionally crunchy, without a hint of bitterness¡ªleaving a sweet aftertaste in the mouth.


    The taste of the prawns was even more exquisite, their flesh translucent as jade, firm in texture, with heads full of rich roe. After eating a prawn that weighed half a pound, one didn''t even feel the need for rice¡ªthe body seemed to fill with energy.


    Especially so for Long Xiaoshan who noticed that the warmth within his body seemed to have increased a bit.


    After practicing Longevity Art, the warmth reached a certain level and then stopped increasing. Unexpectedly, eating the vegetables and prawns grown with the Mysterious Liquid allowed for a slight growth in that warmth.


    Could it be that these vegetables and prawns have magical effects on cultivation?


    "Xiaoshan, I have to say, whatever the immortal has made is really different. I feel my waist and legs don''t hurt as much anymore, and I also feel more energized," Long Dashan said.


    "Haha, Dad, eat more in the future and try to improve your health. I''ll prepare a few doses of medicine for you to get rid of some chronic problems," Long Xiaoshan said.


    "Oh, Uncle Dashan, what are you eating, it smells so good!"


    A somewhat slick voice carried over, as a youth walked in sporting a green shirt, suit pants, and a pair of sports shoes, with neatly parted hair and shifty triangr eyes.

 Chapter 24: 24: Such as This Tree

    As the youth with the parted hair walked in, he immediately noticed therge shrimp shells on the table and couldn''t help but swallow, eximing, "Wow, Uncle Dashan, you owe so much money to the people in the vige, and yet you still have money to eat big shrimp. I think you''re deliberately hiding money and refusing to pay up."


    Long Dashan quickly stood up and said, "Ergouzi, what are you talking about? Xiaoshan caught these shrimp from the river; we don''t have money to buy them."


    "Haha," the youth with the parted hairughed like a duck, walked up to the table, pping it forcefully, and scoffed, "Long Dashan, I call you uncle as a courtesy, but don''t take kindness for weakness. Caught from the river, you say? Why don''t you also say that our vige''s little river can bring up turtle spirits? I, Ergouzi, have dined at the county''s biggest restaurant with the vige chief. These are lobsters, do you think I''m an idiot?"


    Ergouzi''s mouth watered at the thought; he had tasted big lobster only once before, and it was incredibly delicious. He never imagined that Long Xiaoshan''s family would sneakily enjoy lobsters at home.


    "Ergouzi, how dare you talk to your uncle like that? He''s your uncle," He Xiangyue rebuked angrily.


    In Longyang Vige, there were many rtives and ties among families, and, strictly speaking, Ergouzi indeed had to call Long Dashan "uncle" as they were rted.


    "Auntie, you look good. Is your leg better?"


    Ergouzi snickered coldly, "What about him being my uncle? Does that mean he doesn''t have to pay back money? Having the money to eat lobsters but none to repay debts? Today we''re settling ounts at the vigemittee. Your family still owes three thousand yuan from thest time you contracted wastnd from the vige. I''m here on behalf of the vigemittee to collect money."


    "Ergou, that three thousand yuan was forgiven, wasn''t it? My family is among the five guaranteed households in the vige, supported by government policies. When Laotie was the vige chief, he forgave the debt," Long Dashan exined.


    "Eating lobsters and still iming to be a guaranteed household? The vige chief has already removed your family from the list," Ergouzi shouted, "Are you not going to pay up? Hand over the money quickly!"


    "Ergouzi, don''t go too far. This debt has already been forgiven, why are you still asking me to pay? I don''t have the money," Long Dashan was also starting to get angry.


    "Damn it, being a deadbeat, I see," Ergouzi said to the two youths behind him, "Search them! If they can afford lobsters, I''m sure they''ve hidden quite a bit of money in the house."


    Long Dashan sprang up, hurrying to stop them, but Ergouzi grabbed Long Dashan''s cor, ready to shove him to the ground.


    Suddenly, his hand was gripped tightly by a powerful force.


    "Ow, it hurts, it hurts!"


    Ergouzi yelped in pain and turned his head, only to see that Long Xiaoshan had stood up and was the one grasping his hand.


    "Fuck your mother, let go of me!" Ergouzi grimaced in pain.


    "Say that again!"


    Long Xiaoshan pped Ergouzi''s face, causing a dull smack. Ergouzi''s cheek swelled up immediately.


    "Fuck..."


    Smack!


    Another p from Long Xiaoshan made Ergouzi''s other cheek swell as well.


    Seeing things go south, the two youths apanying Ergouzi lunged at Long Xiaoshan, throwing punches. Long Xiaoshan, quick and agile, grabbed Ergouzi and threw him towards the two, making all three tumble into a heap.


    Long Xiaoshanunched into a flurry of kicks and punches.


    The three vige youths couldn''t withstand Long Xiaoshan''s heavy blows.


    Crying for their fathers and screaming for their mothers.


    "Little Xiaoshan, stop it, you''ll kill someone," He Xiangyue cried out as she saw Long Xiaoshan beating the others so mercilessly, rushing over to intervene.


    Long Xiaoshan finally stopped his assault, and Ergouzi and the others scrambled out, their faces filled with terror.


    As they reached the outside, Ergouzi howled, "Long Xiaoshan, you just wait."


    A fierce look shed in Long Xiaoshan''s eyes. He Xiangyue grabbed him tightly and said, "Enough, little Xiaoshan, you''ve just gotten out; don''t get into trouble and go back in."


    "Mom, don''t worry. I know what I''m doing. If you don''t teach them a lesson, they''ll never fear or respect you," Long Xiaoshan, having spent years in prison, had his own philosophy of life.


    Violence is by no means omnipotent, but sometimes it can have peculiar effectiveness.


    Especially in these backward viges, violence and money are almost omnipotent.


    In the afternoon, Long Xiaoshan was mulling over how to maximize the use of the Mysterious Liquid to improve his family''s conditions. Growing vegetables and fruits was not bad, but it certainly wasn''t as fast as breeding livestock. Currently, he didn''t have much Mysterious Spiritual Liquid at hand.


    Aside from applying it on the Knife, he also had to figure out how to obtain more Spiritual Liquid.


    To get more Spiritual Liquid, he needed to perform good deeds for others, but heroic rescues¡ªlike saving a beauty in distress¡ªwere not always avable. Right, treating diseases was a good method; he had decent medical skills and many miraculous prescriptions at hand.


    Healing and saving people would not only earn him money but also merit.


    It was an absolute win-win situation, killing two birds with one stone.


    No sooner said than done, Long Xiaoshan took a hoe and measured out an area in the backyard, preparing to dig a big pond with an area of five square meters to raise some shrimps. Long Dashan was also helping Long Xiaoshan in the backyard.


    While they were working intensely, Long Xiaoshan heard what seemed like a quarrel in the front yard.


    Long Xiaoshan wiped off his sweat with a towel, put down his hoe, and quickly walked to the front where about twenty or thirty people had filled the courtyard.


    Among these people, a woman dressed in red clothes had the loudest voice, "I''m telling you, He Xiangyue sister, it''s not that I, Long Shuixian, am pressuring you to repay the debt. Ergouzi told me that your family can even afford to eat lobsters now! Look at this big lobster shell; I''ve never seen such in my life. Ergouzi said this goes for hundreds in the county. Now that you''re so rich and yet stalling on the debt, we still don''t know where to find the school fees for little Lian."


    "Exactly, Brother Dashan, just hurry up and return the three thousand yuan you owe me!"


    "Uncle Dashan, please be so kind, it''s not easy for us to save money either."


    "If you don''t repay the money, I won''t leave today."


    Seeing the vigers''ments, Long Xiaoshan realized they were here to collect debts.


    Ergou must have bbered about it outside.


    Normally the vige folks, who knew the difficulties of the Long Family, even if feeling resentment, would note to collect debts all at once. But when word spread that the Long Family could afford to eatrge lobsters, the vigers were stirred up and all showed up at his door.


    He Xiangyue and Long Dashan had their eyes rimmed red with urgency.


    They kept exining, but more and more people gathered, their emotions escting to the point where it seemed they might resort to violence. However, these were not people like Ergouzi; many were elders, and Long Xiaoshan couldn''t just hit them, moreover, his family was at fault for the debt.


    Long Xiaoshan raised his voice, "All uncles and aunties, please listen to me, will you!"


    His voice was loud and thunderous, quieting down the courtyard for a moment. As everyone looked at him, Long Xiaoshan said, "I understand everyone''s difficulties. While I was in jail, my family relied on the care from all the uncles and aunties here. I, Long Xiaoshan am not an ungrateful person. I want to thank you all right here!"


    Long Xiaoshan bowed deeply at a 90-degree angle, then lifted his head and said, "Here I promise all uncles and aunties, give me three days, within three days, I, Long Xiaoshan, will repay every cent I owe you. Please rest assured."


    Long Xiaoshan''s words were powerful and resonant, diminishing much of the vigers'' anger who hade to demand debts. Some were already considering leaving.


    A somewhat piercing voice rang out, "Long Xiaoshan, you talk a good game, but why should we believe you? A convict, and since you''vee back, you''ve been fooling around with a young widow. Can your words be trusted?"


    Long Xiaoshan''s expression turned cold as he saw that it was Long Shuixian speaking.


    Long Shuixian had previouslye to propose a match for Long Xiaoling and was driven away by him, certainly holding a grudge. Long Xiaoshan suspected that it was this woman who had gossiped about him and Chun Tao. Long Shuixian''s mouth was notoriously persuasive and glib.


    Stirred up by Long Shuixian''s provocation, the vigers who were about to leave showed signs of restlessness again.


    Long Xiaoshan said sternly, "Aunt Shuixian, you say I''ve been fooling around with a young widow, do you have any evidence? One must not be too malicious. I, Long Xiaoshan, have been through reformationbor, but that was due to false usations. Whether you believe it or not, I, Long Xiaoshan, am upright and just. If I don''t repay the money within three days, I''ll be like this wood."


    Long Xiaoshan walked to the corner, picked up a thick piece of wood as thick as the mouth of a bowl resting there. He channeled a bit of energy and fiercely punched it.


    Crack!


    The thick piece of wood broke into two halves!

 Chapter 25: 25 Black Lily

    Chapter Twenty-Five


    Seeing Long Xiaoshan break such a thick piece of wood with a single punch,


    the vigers were all startled, and Long Shuixian''s face turned somewhat pale. If such a thick log could be broken with a single punch, it could kill a person if it really hit them.


    "Fine, I''ll just see how you''re going to repay the money in three days!"


    Long Shuixian left these harsh words behind and walked away somewhat flustered.


    After Long Shuixian left, the other vigers quickly dispersed as well.


    With the courtyard emptied, He Xiangyue came over to Long Xiaoshan and chided him, "Little Xiaoshan, how could you make such a im? Three days to repay the debt, and we owe over thirty thousand. Where are we supposed to find that much money?"


    Long Dashan, smoking a rolled cigarette, didn''t say anything, but he seemed dissatisfied with Long Xiaoshan''s deration.


    They were honest and upright people, not skilled in lying.


    If they couldn''t repay the money in three days, how would they be able to hold their heads up in the vige after that?


    Long Xiaoshan smiled and said, "Dad, Mom, have you forgotten the abilities the Celestials passed onto me? Ergouzi was right about one thing; our shrimps shouldn''t be inferior to the Spirit Shrimps. Those big shrimps could normally sell for over a hundred each in the county. How much do you think the shrimps in the tank are worth?"


    "What, over a hundred each?"


    He Xiangyue was startled; to her, a hundred yuan was already a lot of money, enough for half a month of toiling in the fields. She couldn''t believe that a single shrimp could sell for over a hundred.


    "Xiaoshan, you''re not talking nonsense, are you?" Long Dashan also added, "Then we''ve eaten half a piglet for lunch?"


    Long Xiaoshan gave a slight smile.


    He knew that his parents had been cooped up in Xiaoshan vige all their lives and had little exposure; the thought of shrimps costing a hundred yuan seemed sky-high to them. They had no idea that in the big cities, top-quality abalone and king crabs could sell for thousands or even tens of thousands.


    He had tasted the shrimps grown with Spiritual Liquid at noon.


    Although he had never eaten top-quality Spirit Shrimps, he was certain that even those couldn''tpare to his shrimps. Could the top-quality Spirit Shrimps make his strength improve slightly just by eating them?


    Could they make his body brim with energy?


    These were by no means ordinary shrimps.


    How could something raised by Immortal Treasures be ordinary? In his eyes, these were Spirit Shrimps!


    He said they were worth a hundred each, but that was a conservative estimate; he feared they wouldn''t believe him if he quoted a higher price.


    But he felt that the Spirit Shrimps were definitely worth more than a hundred each. As for how much they could sell for, he was not sure at the moment because only those who had tasted the Spirit Shrimps understood their benefits.


    The current problem was that he needed to find a way to market and sell the Spirit Shrimps he had on hand.


    To sell such shrimps, it wasn''t something that ordinary small diners or restaurants could afford; they also wouldn''t recognize the value. Although Long Xiaoshan didn''t have any experience in business, he had read many books, including various marketing ssics. He knew he needed to find a strong and discerning buyer to sell his goods to.


    Where could one find such a person?


    He had juste back from prison and had no connections whatsoever.


    A spark of inspiration shed in Long Xiaoshan''s mind.


    Su Wan!


    The Lily Hotel where she worked, wasn''t it thergest hotel in the county?


    He had been there once; the two lower floors housed arge restaurant that hosted various banquets. It looked rather upscale. With the hotel''s strength and ss, it would be a suitable buyer. Moreover, he knew Su Wan and couldmunicate with her.


    Long Xiaoshan took out a business card, which belonged to Su Wan, with her phone number on it. Since Long Xiaoling worked at the Lily Hotel, Su Wan had given him the card.


    Without a phone at home, Long Xiaoshan went to the vige''s general store, where there was a public telephone.


    He dialed Su Wan''s number directly.


    In Niu Y County, the top floor of the Lily Hotel was typically where the presidential suite or the best rooms in a hotel would be found. But at the top of the Lily Hotel, there was a Sky Garden, extremely private, essible only via a dedicated elevator within the hotel. It was rumored that the top floor of the Lily Hotel was the boudoir of the county''s most beautiful and mysterious woman, ck Lily.


    Everyone was curious to glimpse the mystery of the top floor, but it was never open to the public. It was said that a big shot from the city had once boasted about spending a night on the top floor of the Lily Hotel. However, not only did the big shot fail to achieve his goal, but he also died suddenly and unexpectedly.


    This added a cruel shade to the mystery and beauty of ck Lily.


    At this moment, inside the rooftop Sky Garden, amidst a sea of colorful blooms and lush trees, an exceptional, stunning woman in a ck bikini loungezily in a rattan rocking chair. She was looking with great interest at an orchid on a small wooden table beside her. The orchid was growing quite luxuriously; its golden petals quivering on the stem like butterflies, bewitchingly beautiful.


    "Little Wan, that''s quite impressive. You''ve actually managed to keep the Shorthairy Antenoron alive, and it''s even a nine-petal variety, the most top-grade in appearance. Selling it at the Orchid Trade Fair wouldn''t be a problem for a million." The beautiful woman raised her eyebrows, stared at Su Wan standing nearby, and said with a smile, "I didn''t expect you to know how to cultivate orchids. Little Wan, you''ve given me quite a surprise."


    "Chairman, I don''t understand anything about orchids. I have no idea what happened. I just ced it on the windowsill and watered it every morning. Yesterday, I thought the orchid was going to die, but this morning, it blossomed so beautifully," Su Wan hurriedly exined.


    "Little Wan, lying in front of me isn''t good. Shorthairy Antenoron is one of the most difficult orchids to care for; very delicate. Ordinary people can''t keep it alive. I know you wanted to surprise me. Don''t worry, I won''t ask you too much about it," the beautiful woman said as she stretched her arms,zily arching her back.


    Like a water snake, she stretched out a beautiful and infinitely charming curve.


    In the sunlight, her translucent skin was dazzling, every part of her body seeming finely sculpted like a jade artifact, making even the bewitching Shorthairy Antenoron beside her seem dim inparison.


    Even Su Wan, a woman herself, couldn''t help but feel her face flush and her heart race, daring not to look any longer.


    The woman stood up, extended her slender, shallot-like fingers, and lifted Su Wan''s chin, cooingly said, "Little Wan, you''ve given me such a big surprise. How should I reward you?"


    "Chairman, no, I don''t need any reward..." Su Wan stuttered, her body stiffening.


    "I told you, when we''re alone, don''t call me Chairman. You can call me Lily or Shangguan," the beautiful woman''s red lips were beside Su Wan''s ear, her voicezy, as her onion-like fingers slid down her throat.


    Su Wan was on the verge of tears.


    Suddenly, a cellphone ringtone rang out.


    As if granted a reprieve, Su Wan hastily jumped back two steps, fumbling to pull out her cellphone from her jacket pocket and said, "Chairman, I need to take this call first."

 Chapter 26: 26: Selling Shrimp

    ```


    Chapter Twenty-Six


    Su Wan didn''t expect the call to be from Long Xiaoshan.


    After listening to Long Xiaoshan, Su Wan frowned slightly and said, "Xiaoshan, I''m sorry, but this is a bit difficult. Our food supplies are from designated providers with whom we have long-standing coboration, and besides, I''m not from the purchasing department; you asking me won''t help.


    "Sister Su, I''m not asking you to buy them right now, but I assure you this batch of shrimp is extraordinary. I will bring some over for you to try for free. If they''re not good, I will absolutely not insist," Long Xiaoshan said withplete confidence in his shrimp.


    Su Wan hesitated and then said with some reluctance, "Well, alright then, Xiaoshan." She was quite soft-hearted, especially knowing that Long Xiaoshan''s family had financial difficulties. She figured she''dter buy the shrimp herself as a way to thank him for saving her life the previous night.


    After hanging up, Shangguan Baihe spoke in an indifferent tone, "What''s going on, little Wan?"


    With a wry smile, Su Wan said, "It''s the brother of Long Xiaoling, whom I brought with me today. He lives in the countryside and insists on selling me his shrimp. Don''t worry, Chairman, I will not show favoritism. The hotel has suppliers, and I know what I need to do."


    "Long Xiaoling''s brother? Didn''t you say you just met that girl yesterday? Howe you''re already familiar with her brother?" Shangguan Baihe asked as she pulled out a slim More cigarette, lit it, and looked at Su Wan with an amused smile.


    "Yes, it''s like this..." Su Wan, fearing that Shangguan Baihe might misunderstand, briefly exined what had happened the previous night.


    "So you were bulliedst night?" Shangguan Baihe''s brow furrowed, a chill shing in her eyes: "At the Bar Street, isn''t that Scar-bearded''s turf? He''s quite bold to mess with one of my people."


    "Chairman, I''m fine. Xiaoshan arrived in timest night, so I wasn''t taken advantage of," Su Wan said, fully aware that her chairman was no ordinary person; otherwise, how could a woman hold the reins of one of thergest hotels in the county? She had also heard some rumors.


    "Giggle, so it was a case of a hero saving a damsel in distress, how romantic," Shangguan Baiheughed, her bosom heaving with the effort. Any man present would probably have a nosebleed.


    "Chairman, it''s not what you think," Su Wan hastily said.


    "What I think? It must be you, youngdy, who''s overthinking," Shangguan Baihe teased.


    Su Wan fell silent, knowing she could never out-talk Shangguan Baihe.


    After the call, Long Xiaoshan arranged to go to the county the next day; there were no cars avable that day, so he stayed home and worked until midnight, digging out therge pond, exhausting even his sturdy body.


    The next morning, Long Xiaoshan carried a bucket of shrimp to the county early.


    To prevent any issues with the shrimp, he used some of the Spiritual Water from his water tank. Overnight, the shrimp grewrger, the size of one and a half palms, but it seemed they had reached their growth limit.


    Long Xiaoshan guessed that the effects of the Spiritual Liquid had its limits, and since he only used a drop, it wasn''t feasible for the shrimp to grow indefinitely.


    Besides, their current size was already terrifying. Any bigger and they would be monsters.


    Long Xiaoshan had agreed to meet Su Wan outside the Lily Hotel.


    When he arrived in the county after nine, Long Xiaoshan came to the outside of the Lily Hotel and called Su Wan from a public phone. Shortly after, a stunning officedy walked out from the hotel.


    Dressed in a blue hotel uniform dress with long legs and a full chest, her light makeup and hair exuded elegance and allure. It was unmistakably Su Wan.


    "Going out, Manager Su?" the security captain Chen Gang came over.


    He had been envious of this beautiful hotel manager for a long time and always looked for opportunities to show his kindness. Unfortunately, Su Wan had been indifferent to him, maintaining a distance as colleagues.


    "Yes," Su Wan nodded and proceeded to walk out without stopping.


    Chen Gang watched Su Wan''s enticing figure walk away, crossing over to the other side of the street, wishing he could immediately pin her down and strip away her dignified appearance. Fantasizing in his head, he then noticed a young man carrying a bucket approaching Su Wan. They exchanged a few words and entered a coffee shop across the street together.


    Chen Gang felt a surge of jealousy. Even though the young man apanying Su Wan looked poor, he seemed familiar to Chen Gang, and they had entered a coffee shop together.


    Inside the coffee shop.


    "Xiaoshan, have you eaten? They serve noodles here too; you can order some," Su Wan offered.


    ```


    "No need, Sister Su, I''ve brought the stuff, take a look." Long Xiaoshan hurriedly carried the bucket over to remove the lid.


    "Xiaoshan, there''s no need to rush," Su Wan said, not really caring in her heart. She had already taken out ten thousand yuan that morning, thinking that no matter what Xiaoshan brought, she would give him the money as a way of thanking him.


    At that moment, Long Xiaoshan pulled a dark greenrge prawn from the bucket, thrashing its ws wildly.


    Ah!


    A girl carrying coffee over was so frightened that she spilled it all.


    She hurriedly apologized.


    Su Wan also stood up in surprise.


    She thought Xiaoshan would bring the kind of small river prawns that could be caught from the local rivers, maybe an inch long at most. She never imagined that they would be suchrge prawns.


    "Xiaoshan, where did you get such big prawns?" Su Wan asked.


    "Sister Su, I told you I raised them. Look," Long Xiaoshan said, passing the bucket over. Su Wan looked inside and saw it was full ofrge prawns, at least twenty or thirty of them. If these were truly prawns, Xiaoshan could not possibly afford them.


    Su Wan remembered that the cheapest prawns in the hotel cost 388 yuan each, and they didn''t look as big as the ones Xiaoshan held.


    "You raised them, how is that possible? Aren''t those prawns?" Su Wan asked.


    "They aren''t prawns; they''re a type of river shrimp I''ve bred using a new technology," Long Xiaoshan imed.


    "How can they be river shrimp?"


    "Young man, you must be joking."


    "I often go prawn fishing in the reservoir, and I''ve never caught river prawns half this size in my life."


    "No, there''s a difference between these shrimp and prawns. I''ve eaten prawns before, and they aren''t like this. Prawns have a much thicker shell; this looks more like a green shrimp."


    In the coffee shop, many people also came over to see what was going on, discussing the matter. After all, seeing prawns as big as Long Xiaoshan''s in such a small ind city was rare. Many had never even tastedrge sea prawns.


    Long Xiaoshan said, "Sister Su, it doesn''t matter what kind of shrimp they are. The important thing is that my shrimp have an absolutely top-notch vor. Not only that, but after eating them, they strengthen the body and have health benefits. I guarantee even the best prawns can''tpare. If you don''t believe me, you can have someone cook and taste them right now. If they aren''t delicious, I''ll throw all these prawns away on the spot."


    "Young man, don''t boast too much. My shop has a kitchen. If these really are river shrimp, they must be drug-boosted gically modified products, right? Who would dare to eat suchrge river shrimp?" said a beautiful young woman in a long skirt, challenging him.


    "Thedy boss hase out to watch the fun too."


    "Yin Yin, you''re here as well." The coffee shop was right opposite the Lily Hotel, and Su Wan often visited, so she knew the shop''sdy boss.


    After hearing the young woman''s words, she also became somewhat skeptical. Xiaoshan''s shrimp were sorge they bordered on the ridiculous. She had heard that many farmed products nowadays were drug-induced, and many others were gic products. Not too long ago, there had been a significant societal debate over whether gically modified crops should be used.


    Long Xiaoshan smiled faintly and said, "I assure you, they''re not gically modified products, nor have they been drug-enhanced. You''ll know whether they are or not after you''ve tasted them. Since you have a kitchen here, why not let me use it? They don''t need much cooking, just steam them inly. This will bring out the true taste of the shrimp. Here''s an idea: why not steam a few more, so everyone can have a taste?"


    Long Xiaoshan generously grabbed three or fourrge prawns from the bucket.


    He knew that no matter what he said, it would not be as effective as letting everyone taste for themselves, and he hadplete confidence in his Spirit Shrimp.


    "Since you''ve said so, I really must try them," said the woman called Yin Yin, giving Long Xiaoshan a nce and a flirtatious smile. She instructed the chef from her coffee shop to take Xiaoshan''srge prawns for preparation.


    About twenty minutester, the chef emerged, carrying several tes of bright red, steamedrge prawns.


    A sweet fragrance filled the air, carrying the essence of the fish and shrimp, yet without a hint of fishiness.


    "It smells so good."


    The crowd watching in the coffee shop grewrger, and many who had finished their coffee and were nning to leave decided to stay instead.

 Chapter 27: 27 Definitely Possible

    Chapter Twenty-Seven


    The steamedrge shrimp were served, yet although everyone smelled the inviting aroma, not a single person dared to take the first bite.


    After all, the enormous river shrimp made everyone nervous, fearing they might be gically mutated specimens.


    Long Xiaoshan took out a pair of chopsticks, pried off a piece of the shrimp shell, revealing the tender, translucent flesh which waspletely free of impurities. He directly picked up a piece of the shrimp meat and put it into his mouth, revealing an expression of enjoyment as he said, "I told you my shrimp is absolutely not a gically modified product. You all can rest assured. Sister Su, try it."


    Long Xiaoshan directly picked a piece of shrimp meat and ced it in the bowl in front of Su Wan.


    Though Su Wan still held a sliver of doubt in her heart, the sweet aroma of the shrimp meat tempted her to use her chopsticks to lift the piece into her mouth. Immediately, a rich, savory taste filled her mouth, and the firm, sweet flesh of the shrimp made her cover her mouth and exim, "It''s so delicious."


    Without needing Long Xiaoshan to urge her, Su Wan herself took another piece of shrimp meat and put it into her mouth.


    Seeing Su Wan, a great beauty, frequently digging in andvishing praise, the others couldn''t resist the temptation anymore¡ªthe vor of the shrimp was just too irresistible.


    Moreover, many recognized Su Wan as the manager of Lily Hotel.


    With her status, she couldn''t possibly be shilling for them.


    Someone grabbed the chopsticks and started picking at the shrimp to taste it.


    Upon taking a bite, their expressions were even more dramatic than Su Wan''s, one after another they eximed, "So delicious!"


    Even Zhang Yin, the coffee shop owner who had been skeptical at the start, couldn''t help but pick up a piece of shrimp meat. Once she put it in her mouth, her eyes widened.


    The exquisite taste of Spirit Shrimp was beyond what any ordinary river shrimp couldpare to.


    Even wild shrimp couldn''t match the savory taste of Spirit Shrimp.


    A chorus of praise filled the coffee shop.


    "Such delicious shrimp."


    "My God, I feel like all the shrimp I ate in the first half of my life were wasted."


    "This can''t possibly be farm-raised shrimp; farm-raised shrimp meat is mushy and has some fishy smell, not this fresh and sweet. I feel it''s even tastier than lobster."


    The people who had been hesitant just moments ago.


    After starting to eat, devoured the four tes ofrge shrimp like a whirlwind, still looking unsatisfied, and some even directly sucked on the shrimp shells.


    Momentster, someone called out, "I''m feeling a warmth in my body now, and I''m full of energy."


    "Right, I pulled an all-nighterst night, only slept for two or three hours, and waspletely exhausted before. Even two cups of coffee didn''t do the trick, but now I don''t feel tired at all." An IT guy with dark circles under his eyes also remarked.


    "I feel like my cold is getting better, my nose isn''t stuffed anymore."


    The patrons of the coffee shop were abuzz with discussion.


    Long Xiaoshan said, "Everyone, don''t be surprised. As I said earlier, my bred shrimp are not only delicious but also have medicinal and health-nourishing value. It''s normal what you''re feeling. After eating my shrimp, you''ll feel more energetic, and eating them regrly can strengthen and benefit your body. There''s no need for me to boast, you can feel the effects for yourselves."


    "You didn''t put any stimnts in there, did you?" the coffee shop owner Zhang Yin asked.


    "Sister Zhang Yin, I''m starting to realize that you really like to argue with me," Long Xiaoshan said with a slight smile, observing Zhang Yin''s reaction. "To tell you the truth, I am a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine, and the shrimp I cultivate inherently have medicinal value. If you don''t believe me, I can diagnose right now that you have a serious problem with migraines, and you haven''t had your period for three months."


    Zhang Yin''s face turned red with a rush of embarrassment. Having such a private matter called out by Long Xiaoshan in public made her feel shy and anxious, but what surprised her the most was that he was correct. She said, "How did you know that, are you a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine? You didn''t even take my pulse."


    "Traditional Chinese medicine consists of observing, listening, inquiring, and palpating; taking one''s pulse is only one method among them. If you trust me, I can give you an acupuncture treatment right now that will relieve your headache immediately," Long Xiaoshan replied.


    Zhang Yin, known for her fiery personality, was now provoked by Long Xiaoshan. She said, "Fine, if you really cure my headache, everything you eat in my shop from now on is on the house."


    The people around them started to cheer.


    Su Wan looked at Long Xiaoshan with some concern and said, "Xiaoshan, you can''t be careless with treating illnesses."


    "Sister Su, I know what I''m doing," Long Xiaoshan reassured her, pulled out a nine-inch-long Golden Needle from his ring finger, and said, "Sister Zhang Yin, please turn around, I''m going to insert the needle into the Fengchi acupoint at the back of your neck."


    Zhang Yin looked at the long golden needle in Long Xiaoshan''s hand and felt a tinge of fear as she asked, "Can you do it?"


    "You''ll find out soon enough," Long Xiaoshan replied.


    Some men around them teased, "Boss Lady, this young fe looks so robust, he''s definitely capable."


    "Tch! Who''s talking about that?" Zhang Yin stamped her foot, unable to hide her embarrassment, while a strange, moist feeling welled up inside her.


    Though Long Xiaoshan''s clothes were rather rustic, to Zhang Yin, who was used to seeing men in the city put on a polished front yet indulge in sordid deeds behind the scenes, his ruggedness and rural vigor presented an entirely different appeal.


    At that moment, Long Xiaoshan quickly inserted the needle into the Fengchi acupoint at the back of Zhang Yin''s neck and began to rapidly twist it. Zhang Yin started frowning, but after a while, her eyes revealed a touch of amazement, and her brows gradually rxed.


    Long Xiaoshan was quick with his acupuncture, and in less than a minute, he had already withdrawn the needle.


    Zhang Yin eximed in amazement, "It really doesn''t hurt anymore!"


    Long Xiaoshan said, "Migraines are mainly due to blocked meridians. I''ve now cleared your meridians for you. Just take a few more doses of the medicine to consolidate the treatment, and you''ll be fine."


    By this point, Zhang Yin waspletely convinced. Her migraines were a chronic problem for over a decade; she had consulted various doctors, both traditional Chinese and Western, to no avail. She never expected Long Xiaoshan''s treatment to be effective with just one needle. She took Long Xiaoshan''s hand, smiled coquettishly, and said, "Little brother, I apologize to you. I shouldn''t have doubted you earlier."


    Zhang Yin, though not as beautiful as Su Wan, was still a very sexy woman. Dressed in a ck dress that hugged her curves seductively, she revealed a deeply plunging neckline and a tantalizing cleavage. Holding Long Xiaoshan''s warm and soft hand, he was faced with a sight of creamy white that made him quite uneasy. He said, "It''s okay, Sister Yin, we didn''t know each other, and suspicion is only natural."


    He attempted to withdraw his hand, but Zhang Yin held on tightly and gave his palm a subtle scratch, saying, "Stop calling me Boss Lady. Just call me Sister Yin Yin instead. By the way, little brother, I still don''t know your name."


    "Long, Long Xiaoshan," he replied, clearly overwhelmed. As a fiery young man, he was not ustomed to such fervent flirtation from a married woman.


    In his haste, he yanked his hand back with force.


    Seeing Long Xiaoshan''s embarrassed and shy demeanor, Zhang Yin chuckled, "Then, Little Brother Xiaoshan, remember, from now on when youe to Sister Yin Yin''s ce, your bill is on me."


    "Okay, okay, thank you." Long Xiaoshan was truly inexperienced with matters of men and women.


    Although he had encountered all sorts of people in prison, women were not among them. He could fight or even kill without fear, but he waspletely green when it came to romance.


    Su Wan watched from the sidelines as Zhang Yin flirted with Long Xiaoshan, and she felt an inexplicable twinge of difort.


    She couldn''t pinpoint the feeling; it definitely wasn''t that she liked Long Xiaoshan, but rather it seemed like Long Xiaoshan hade for her, and yet ended up getting along warmly with another woman, leaving her feeling like an outsider.


    She stood up and said, "Xiaoshan, your shrimp are indeed excellent, not only delicious but also of medicinal value. I''ll take you to the hotel now, and we can discuss this more carefully."


    Originally, Su Wan had indeed nned to send Long Xiaoshan away with ten thousand yuan.


    But after tasting the delectable Spirit Shrimp and experiencing its medicinal effects, Su Wan deeply felt that it was a great opportunity for the Lily Hotel. If these medicinal shrimps were developed well, they could potentially be the Lily Hotel''s signature dish.


    Although she was the HR manager and not in charge of procurement, she was determined to rmend this fantastic product to the CEO.


    "Okay, Sister Su," Long Xiaoshan eagerly agreed.


    "Hey, don''t go, young man, are you selling these shrimp? I want to buy some."


    "Yeah, young man, you must sell me some."


    "I''ll pay three hundred each, young man."


    "Three hundred¡ªis that enough? I''ll pay five hundred."


    "I''ll pay eight hundred."


    The people who could afford to rx in a cafe at this time of day were not just ordinary office workers; many had some financial means. After sampling the exquisite taste of Long Xiaoshan''s Spirit Shrimp and feeling the surge of energy that followed, they grew deeply enamored.


    Thus, they blocked Long Xiaoshan''s path, preventing him from leaving.


    Hearing someone shout out a high price of eight hundred, even Long Xiaoshan felt tempted. If he sold at that price, the shrimp he brought could him more than ten thousand yuan.


    "Sorry, Xiaoshan is here to discuss a cooperation with our hotel, and we had no ns to sell shrimp. Our Lily Hotel has already acquired the distribution rights for these medicinal shrimp," Su Wan suddenly interjected.


    "If you wish to taste the shrimp, you are wee to visit our Lily Hotel."

 Chapter 28: 28: The Queens Aura

    Chapter Twenty-Eight


    Upon stepping out of the coffee shop, Su Wan saw that Long Xiaoshan was silent.


    "What''s the matter, Xiaoshan?"


    "Sister Su, although I came to you for help, I haven''t nned on offering the exclusive agency rights yet," Long Xiaoshan stated frankly.


    He was not an ordinary farmer.


    Having been admitted to Shuimu, and having self-studied many things, Long Xiaoshan was not a man without ambition or insight. He was well aware of the value of his Spirit Shrimp. Seeking help from Su Wan was merely out of a currentck of connections, but business was business. He wouldn''t just carelessly sell the agency rights for the Spirit Shrimp just because he knew Su Wan.


    "Ah, this..."


    Su Wan appeared somewhat embarrassed; she had thought that being able to offer Long Xiaoshan an exclusive agency through Lily Hotel''s reputation was already showing him considerable respect. She didn''t expect that Long Xiaoshan seemed to be unappreciative.


    She felt that Long Xiaoshan was once again exhibiting his character of aiming too high.


    Lily Hotel was a three-star establishment, one of the best in the county. Long Xiaoshan, a mere farmer, should be satisfied to sell his shrimp there, shouldn''t he?


    Feeling a bit irritated, she said, "Fine then, I''ll introduce your shrimp to the chairmanter. If she''s satisfied, she can negotiate with you."


    Long Xiaoshan could hear that Su Wan was getting a bit angry. He rubbed his head, unsure how to exin himself.


    After a while, they walked back to the entrance of the hotel.


    Standing at the entrance, Chen Gang noticed that Su Wan and the young man carrying a wooden bucket were returning together. As they approached, he finally recognized that the youth was the bald-headed one who had hurt his hand at the job fair two days ago.


    He immediately lunged forward, pointing at Long Xiaoshan and eximed, "Well, well, you damn kid dared to show up in front of me again; I''ll make sure you don''t get out of this in one piece."


    The two security guards following Chen Gang asked, "Brother Gang, what''s wrong? Did this kid offend you?"


    "This kid has quite the nerve. He hurt my hand that day, and it still hurts today," Chen Gang said as he pulled out a rubber baton from his waist, "little Tie, little Fang, follow me, we''re going to teach him a lesson he won''t forget."


    Su Wan was rmed and stepped forward, saying, "What are you doing, Chen Gang? Are you the head of security or a thug? Starting fights right outside the hotel."


    As the hotel''s HR manager, Su Wan held a position of authority and was deeply trusted by the chairman. Her intervention caused Chen Gang and the two guards to hesitate.


    Chen Gang said, "Manager Su, why are you defending him? That day at the job market, this kid harassed you; I''m merely trying to avenge you."


    "Avenge what," Su Wan retorted, annoyed: "It was all a misunderstanding that day, and even if it wasn''t, you should just do your job. The hotel hired you, not for revenge but for security; now, get out of here."


    Angered by Su Wan, the two security guards immediately backed off.


    Su Wan was their direct superior, with control over personnel, and she could dismiss them at any time.


    Even Chen Gang didn''t dare to confront her; while he had some connections in the hotel, crossing Su Wan would be troublesome, so he could only watch helplessly as Su Wan led Long Xiaoshan inside, feeling frustrated without an outlet for his anger.


    Su Wan called someone from the hotel kitchen and asked Long Xiaoshan to hand over a shrimp for him to prepare.


    After the shrimp was steamed, Su Wan had Long Xiaoshan wait in an office on the second floor. Then, after making a phone call, she personally carried the shrimp up using the hotel''s exclusive elevator.


    The hotel''s top-floor Sky Garden.


    Shangguan Baihe, now wearing a Chanel ck suit, was looking at a document. Hearing the knock on the door, herzy voice, with a hint of a maic tone, rang out, "Come in."


    The door opened, and Su Wan walked in, carrying a te of something.


    Shangguan Baihe took a slight sniff and said, "It smells wonderful."


    "Chairwoman, this is the shrimp I mentioned. I also felt great after eating it, so I thought of letting the chairwoman have a taste," Su Wan ced the te ofrge shrimp in front of Shangguan Baihe.


    Shangguan Baihe looked at the te ofrge shrimp and eximed in surprise, "Is this really a river shrimp?"


    Even with Shangguan Baihe''s vast experience, she had never seen suchrge river shrimp.


    "He said it is. At first, I also thought it might be a gic mutation or was artificially ripened, but after eating it, it didn''t seem like it. The shrimp is too delicious, and I felt energetic afterward, it has the effect of nourishing health," Su Wan exined.


    Shangguan Baihe teased, "You''re praising it as if there''s nothing like it under heaven. Little Wan, are you sure this guy isn''t a little boyfriend you''ve been seeing secretly?"


    "Chairwoman, it''s not, really not. I just had some, and I did not exaggerate. You''ll know once you try it," Su Wan''s face turned red as she hurriedly exined.


    "I''m just teasing you. Look how flustered you''ve be."


    Shangguan Baihe had tried everything, and even though theserge shrimp did smell exceptionally good, she wasn''t particrly interested, but out of consideration for Su Wan, she picked up a piece of shrimp with her chopsticks and ced it in her mouth.


    However, a momentter, Shangguan Baihe''s expression became quite animated.


    She quickly picked up another piece of shrimp and savored it in her mouth. Seeing Shangguan Baihe repeatedly reaching for more without speaking, Su Wan breathed a sigh of relief, feeling that her rmendation was right on the mark. It was the first time she saw the chairwoman eat something without stopping.


    In the past, no matter how delicious something was, the chairwoman would only casually taste a bite or two.


    About five minutester, more than half of therge shrimp had been devoured by Shangguan Baihe.


    Shangguan Baihe exhaled and put down her chopsticks with a look of satisfaction; it wasn''t that she didn''t want to eat anymore, but her stomach simply couldn''t fit any more. This shrimp weighed at least a pound, which for her, having eaten more than half was already unbelievable.


    After eating, Shangguan Baihe felt a warm radiance throughout her body, spreading from her stomach to her limbs and throughout her body, as if she was filled with energy.


    "Incredible," Shangguan Baihe stood up, her eyes shone brightly.


    Shangguan Baihe didn''t need to mention her business acumen, having opened thergest hotel in the county as a woman, she instantly smelled a tremendous business opportunity and said hurriedly, "Little Wan, where is Long Xiaoshan right now? I must see him immediately."


    "He''s waiting in my office right now," Su Wan said.


    "Good, you''ve done a great job this time and made a significant contribution. I will definitely reward youter. Now, take me down to see him immediately," Shangguan Baihe said with a hint of eagerness in her eyes.


    Su Wan saw Shangguan Baihe this rushed for the first time; even during major business discussions, Shangguan Baihe always appeared calm andposed.


    They went down in the private elevator.


    As they approached Su Wan''s office, Shangguan Baihe had lost that previous urgency and had reverted to azy, indifferent demeanor.


    Su Wan opened the door and invited Shangguan Baihe to enter first.


    Long Xiaoshan had been sitting inside, drinking tea. Hearing the door open, he looked up, and his breath caught. A tall woman with a well-fitted zer, purple long hair, and a stunning face stepped in on slender high heels, walking gracefully. There seemed to be anguor in her gaze, but her demeanor was proudly aloof. Her graceful entry was like a queen surveying her realm.


    Su Wan was considered beautiful and captivating, shining like a bright pearl in a crowd, never to be overshadowed.


    But as she followed this woman in,


    Even Long Xiaoshan felt Su Wan suddenly lose her luster.


    If this woman were a queen, then beautiful Su Wan seemed like nothing more than a maid at the queen''s side.


    It wasn''t about the difference in looks, but the aura. This woman was the most charismatic Long Xiaoshan had ever seen. After much thought, except for Shen Yuerong, Long Xiaoshan couldn''t find another woman to match her powerful presence.

 Chapter 29: 29 The Stubborn Little Farmer

    Chapter Twenty-Nine


    "You are Long Xiaoshan?" When Shangguan Baihe saw Long Xiaoshan, she was also somewhat surprised. Long Xiaoshan looked too young, unlike someone who could cultivate such premium prawns. In her impression, Long Xiaoshan should be at least around thirty years old.


    "I am, and you are?" Long Xiaoshan stood up.


    "She is our chairman, Miss Shangguan Baihe." Su Wan, who followed behind, quickly introduced her to Long Xiaoshan.


    "Chairman?"


    Long Xiaoshan was also very surprised; he thought that a chairman capable of managing such arge hotel would at least be in their forties or fifties, or even a man in his sixties. He had not expected the person before him to be this woman who looked about the same age as Su Wan, and even more beautiful, leaving Long Xiaoshan somewhat stunned.


    "What chairman, you can just call me Shangguan," said Shangguan Baihe, extending her right hand.


    "Oh, Miss Shangguan, I didn''t expect you to be so young and already running such a big hotel," said Long Xiaoshan, quickly reaching out to shake Shangguan Baihe''s delicate and fair hand. Feeling the softness of her palm, he grew a little nervous and quickly let go after a brief handshake.


    Shangguan Baihe smiled faintly, "It''s not such an impressive property, just a small hotel. Mr. Long, I''ve already tasted your prawns. I''ve never seen river prawns thisrge before. I''ve also visited some agricultural colleges for exchanges and even in those experimental research institutions, I haven''t seen prawns thisrge that also have such excellent vor. May I ask presumptuously, how did you cultivate them?"


    Shangguan Baihe sat down on a sofa to one side, crossing her slender legs, her gaze fixed on Long Xiaoshan.


    Long Xiaoshan had anticipated that Shangguan Baihe would ask this question; after all, his Spirit Shrimp were indeed unusuallyrge. In Shangguan Baihe''s bright and slender phoenix eyes, there seemed to be an invisible pressure, but Long Xiaoshan, who had emerged from Lingxi Prison, was not unsettled by Shangguan Baihe''s strong aura. He pondered for a few seconds before saying, "Regarding how they are cultivated, Miss Shangguan, I cannot reveal that. After all, this is the fruit of mybor. However, I can assure you that I have not used any hormones or gic mutation techniques. Moreover, my shrimp are medicinally cultivated, using many rare medicinal herbs. I believe with your status and financial resources, you should be able to find some scientific units to help you analyze them. I can leave the shrimp I brought here; you can take them to a scientific unit for aposition analysis. If there are any problems, I will take responsibility."


    "Oh!" Shangguan Baihe''s slender fingers gently tapped the coffee table, then pulled out a More cigarette and lit it.


    Long Xiaoshan wasn''t very fond of women smoking.


    But he had to admit that Shangguan Baihe was the most graceful smoker he had ever seen, exuding a hazy sensuality.


    Within the light smoke of the More cigarette, Shangguan Baihe was also observing Long Xiaoshan.


    Long Xiaoshan was actually so confident.


    It should be noted that nowadays, no supplier in the food supply market dared to im that their products could undergo scrutiny by scientific units without any issues. Scientific units aren''t ordinary; their equipment can detect very fineponents, and even a trace of pesticide residue or elements from the food''s growth process, feed, environment, and water quality, could leave undesirable substances within the food.


    Some issues are beyond the control of the suppliers themselves, yet Long Xiaoshan dared to guarantee with certainty.


    Shangguan Baihe had personally tasted the medicinally cultivated shrimp; that feeling of vitality after eating them was undeniable. The shrimp were not only delicious but also had health benefits - it was incredible. In fact, the taste of the shrimp was secondary; wealthy people nowadays are all terrified of death.


    They desperately spend hefty sums on various health products, thousand-dor ginseng, cordyceps, priced by the gram without a blink of an eye.


    If the medicinally cultivated shrimp truly had such miraculous effects andbined with their perfect taste, it could indeed open a new market for Lily Hotel. Since its opening, Lily Hotel had hit a bottleneck. Niu Y County''s level of consumption could only support a three-star rating, but eating is a different matter; food is of utmost importance to people. Lily Hotel''s food business had been very ordinary, cing it at a disadvantagepared to other major hotels.


    Once a breakthrough in food sales was achieved, Lily could reach new heights and even expand into the city.


    In an instant, Shangguan Baihe had thought through a lot.


    "Good, I''ve decided to coborate with you," proimed Shangguan Baihe decisively. "But let''s get the unpleasant talk out of the way first; if there''s any problem with the medicinally cultivated shrimp, you willpensate me."


    "No problem," affirmed Long Xiaoshan, not believing that there could be any issues with the shrimp. After all, they were cultivated by Immortal Treasures.


    Being a person of decisive action, once Shangguan Baihe made a decision, she immediately wanted to sign a contract with Long Xiaoshan.


    "I''ve heard from little Wan about the coffee shop earlier. What do you think of a purchase price of 500 per catty?" Shangguan Baihe inquired.


    Long Xiaoshan was delighted inside.


    Shangguan Baihe''s offer of 500 per catty was already sky-high. Although someone in the coffee shop had offered up to 800 for one, that was an exception, and a single shrimp might weigh more than a catty. It would be more convenient and efficient for Long Xiaoshan to sell directly to Lily Hotel rather than to sell them individually; he had thought that getting 300 per catty was already very good.


    "I agree with the price," Long Xiaoshan said.


    Shangguan Baihe immediately called a hotelwyer to draft the contract.


    About half an hourter, the contract was ready.


    However, after reviewing the contract, Long Xiaoshan frowned. Shangguan Baihe''s contract explicitly stated an exclusive supply, meaning Long Xiaoshan''s shrimp were to be monopolized by Shangguan Baihe.


    Shangguan Baihe really was very assertive.


    To think that she would have him sign such overbearing terms without any rification if amon farmer were confused by the high price of 500 per half kilogram, they would surely have signed.


    Seeing Long Xiaoshan holding the contract without speaking, Shangguan Baihe said, "Mr. Long, could it be that you have some concerns?"


    "Miss Shangguan, while my supply of medicinal shrimp is notrge for now, I am nning on cultivating them on arger scale in the future. You want me to supply exclusively to you in this contract, wouldn''t that cut off my future financial prospects?" Long Xiaoshan pointed out the "loophole" in the contract directly.


    A hint of surprise shed in Shangguan Baihe''s eyes.


    She had underestimated this small-time farmer. On seeing Long Xiaoshan''s slight nervousness when he met her, as well as understanding Long Xiaoshan''s attire and family situation from Su Wan, she thought that under her formidable presence and the high price of 500 per half kilogram, the farmer would surely be dazzled.


    Unexpectedly, Long Xiaoshan was very clear-headed.


    This seemingly ordinary farmer not only understood the contract but also pinpointed the problem with it.


    After being challenged by Long Xiaoshan, Shangguan Baihe was not the least bit flustered. She smiled indifferently and said, "You''ve seen my hotel. Even if you expand your scale, are you worried that my hotel won''t be able to consume all your shrimp? Moreover, if your shrimp business really takes off, I would expand the sales channels. It wouldn''t be limited to the county alone; I might even promote it to the city. Don''t worry about it."


    Long Xiaoshan shook his head, "I''m sorry, Miss Shangguan, but I don''t n on fixing my supply rights."


    Shangguan Baihe''s eyebrows twitched almost imperceptibly. She hadn''t expected this farmer to be so stubborn. She extinguished her cigarette, sat upright, and looked down at Long Xiaoshan with a chill in her voice, "Without the exclusive supply rights, your medicinal shrimp, no matter how good, wouldn''t be worth 500 per half kilogram. After all, I still have to promote them, and that involves a lot of costs. Even if I sell them for double the price, I won''t earn much. If there''s no exclusive supply right, I can offer at most 300 per half kilogram."


    After she finished speaking, Shangguan Baihe stared at Long Xiaoshan aggressively.


    The price had dropped by 200 all at once; anyone would feel the pain. Withrge production amounts, it would be astronomical, and Shangguan Baihe didn''t believe Long Xiaoshan wouldn''t yield.


    Yet after pondering with his head down for a while, Long Xiaoshan looked up and said, "Then let''s do 300 per half kilogram."


    "What." Su Wan, who stood behind Shangguan Baihe, eximed. If it weren''t for the presence of the chairman, she would have almost cursed Long Xiaoshan for being insane.


    To go from 500 to 300 just to keep some lousy supply rights, forfeiting almost half the money, wasn''t that madness?


    With the scale and financial power of the Lily Hotel, even if you really had a shrimp farm, they could consume it all. What''s the difference between having and not having those supply rights?


    Conversely, a glint of realization flickered in Shangguan Baihe''s eyes as she reassessed Long Xiaoshan.


    "Mr. Long, have you really decided to sell at 300 per half kilogram just to retain your freedom to supply?" Shangguan Baihe said.


    "Yes, remove that use, and I''ll supply to you at 300 per half kilogram," Long Xiaoshan said calmly.


    Shangguan Baihe stared at Long Xiaoshan''s face for a long time, let out a breath, and the aggressive demeanor on her face suddenly dissolved, revealing a slight smile. For a moment, it was as if a hundred flowers blossomed, even causing Long Xiaoshan to be momentarily dazzled.


    This woman was definitely a Demon Fairy!


    "I really can''t persist over you, Mr. Long. Alright, I am still willing to purchase your shrimp at 500 per half kilogram. I won''t ask for exclusive supply rights anymore. What I want is just the right of first refusal. As long as I can handle it, you''ll supply your shrimp to me first. That''s not too much to ask, right?" Shangguan Baihe smiled charmingly.


    Long Xiaoshan scratched his head and said, "That''s possible!"

 Chapter 30: 30 Not Simple

    Chapter Thirty


    "Chairman, why did you raise the price? Wasn''t 300 per jin perfectly fine? To ask for an additional 200 per jin just for priority supply is too expensive." After seeing Long Xiaoshan off, Su Wan was puzzled. As she had a good rtionship with Shangguan Baihe, she asked her directly.


    Instead of directly answering, Shangguan Baihe said, "Little Wan, what do you think of Long Xiaoshan as a person?"


    "He seems like a decent person, fairly just and quite honest, but it feels like he''s aiming too high." Su Wan recalled her few encounters with Long Xiaoshan and said.


    "No," Shangguan Baihe shook her head. "He is a very ambitious man, and also a very capable one. You have misunderstood him."


    "What?" Su Wan didn''t understand why Shangguan Baihe would give such a high appraisal.


    "Him, ambition? Capability? I feel like he''s just a farmer. Of course, he must be more capable than an average farmer to be able to raise such big shrimp."


    Shangguan Baihe smiled faintly, a gleam shing through her eyes as she said, "Let''s wait and see."


    After bidding farewell to Shangguan Baihe, Long Xiaoshan went to see his sister. Long Xiaoling was now interning in the hotel''s office. Su Wan had given her a thousand yuan as an internship sry. Although it wasn''t high, it was already quite good for an intern, especially since Long Xiaoling was only sixteen years old and couldn''t really do much.


    Long Xiaoshan left five hundred yuan for Long Xiaoling.


    This time, he left behind all the shrimp he brought, each shrimp averaging one jin and two liang, which meant they could sell for around 600 yuan each. Just the shrimp Long Xiaoshan brought this time were worth more than ten thousand yuan. Shangguan Baihe generously gave twenty thousand yuan as a deposit and arranged for someone toe to Longyang Vige the next day to pick up the rest of the big shrimp.


    After checking on Long Xiaoling, Long Xiaoshan first went to the mobilepany and bought a domestic phone that cost several hundred yuan¡ªone couldn''t do business without a phone.


    Then he rushed to the town to buy some cement and waterproofing materials, and also purchased a pack of cigarettes, hiring a three-wheeler to transport everything back to the vige.


    The vehicle arrived at his home.


    Long Xiaoshan began unloading the goods while Couple Long Dashan, seeing this, came out to help carry the cement down.


    After setting the cement down and paying the vehicle fare, he walked back home.


    Long Xiaoshan took out a pack of cigarettes from the bag and ced them on the table, saying, "Dad, I bought these for you."


    Long Dashan was a heavy smoker. Seeing the cigarettes Long Xiaoshan had brought back, his eyes lit up, "Double Happiness, this is a good brand of cigarettes, only avable at banquets."


    "Xiaoshan, are you burning money now, spending it like this?" He Xiangyue chided aloud.


    Long Dashan also suddenly thought about it and felt concerned, "That must be seventy or eighty yuan a pack, right? Why waste the money? Little Xiaoshan, you take it back and return it."


    Long Xiaoshan smiled and said, "Dad, don''t smoke those poor-quality, self-rolled cigarettes anymore. They''re bad for your health, and I have money."


    Long Xiaoshan pulled out two thick stacks of red banknotes from his bag.


    Seeing this, Couple Long Dashan''s eyes bulged, and He Xiangyue, nervously said, "Little Xiaoshan, where did you get so much money? You didn''t do anything bad, did you?"


    Ever since Long Xiaoshan had been jailed, He Xiangyue had been afraid he might end up inside again.


    "Mom, what are you thinking about? This is the money I made from selling shrimp today. I''ve already made a deal. This is twenty thousand yuan as a deposit. I''ve spent a bit, so it should be around eighteen thousand left," said Long Xiaoshan.


    "What? You haven''t even sold them all yet, and they gave you twenty thousand yuan as a deposit?" Though Couple Long Dashan had never seen so much money all at once, despite owing over thirty thousand yuan in debt, it was something they had borrowed over many instances.


    "Why would I lie to you? Don''t worry, they wille to get the shrimp tomorrow, and by then, there will be even more money," Long Xiaoshan said.


    Couple Long Dashan finally believed him, and He Xiangyue carefully put away the money, saying, "We can''t spend recklessly just because we have money¡ªour debts haven''t been paid off yet."


    Long Xiaoshan chuckled. He didn''t tell them how much the shrimp would sell for, fearing it might frighten his parents.


    Seeing the money,


    Couple Long Dashan became very energized.


    That very day, the family of three was busy until midnight, cementing the dug-out, five-meter square pool and waterproofing it.


    The next day, before dawn had broken, Long Xiaoshan, full of energy after eating a Spirit Shrimp and a te of Spirit Vegetables, went to the mountain stream to catch shrimp fry.


    The mountain stream had thergest number of shrimp fry.


    Long Xiaoshan quicklyted a full bucket, containing thousands of shrimp fry and over a hundred small fish.


    It was already past nine when he got home.


    Long Xiaoshan ced the shrimp fry into the newly built pond. Since the pond was muchrger than the tanks, he poured three drops of Spiritual Liquid from the Jade Purifying Bottle into it, emptying the bottle instantly.


    Once that was settled, Long Xiaoshan''s phone rang.


    On the other end was the Lily Hotel''s delivery truck driver, calling to coordinate the pickup of the shrimp.


    "Right, the mountain roads are tricky, drive slowly, I''ll meet you at the vige entrance," he said.


    Long Xiaoshan stood waiting at the vige entrance and, after about half an hour, a pickup truck rattling its way forward finally arrived, recognizable by the Lily Hotel logo. He waved his hand to g it down.


    A middle-aged driver poked his head out of the truck and asked, "Are you Long Xiaoshan?"


    "Yes, that''s me," Long Xiaoshan replied.


    The middle-aged driverined, "Damn, these roads are just too tough. My truck''s got high clearance, but it bottomed out several times, and I almost rolled down the hillside."


    "I''m really sorry, master, have a cigarette to rx," Long Xiaoshan apologized, offering the driver a smoke, well aware that Longyang Vigecked proper roads, with only rugged mountain paths making it a difficult drive.


    "Alright, let''s get moving with the cargo. You''re quite something,d, managing to do business with our grand hotel all the way out here in this backwater," said the driver afterining a bit, striking up a conversation with Long Xiaoshan as he epted the cigarette.


    "It''s just a small business," Long Xiaoshan replied as he opened the passenger door, climbed in, and directed the driver back to his house.


    Just as they entered the vige, a Mitsubishi SUV came driving toward them head-on.


    Because the road was so narrow, both vehicles nearly scraped against each other.


    "Hey, not bad for your vige. This SUV must be worth 300,000 if it''s a penny," remarked Elder He, the talkative truck driver, with a smile.


    Long Xiaoshan saw that Long Fakui, the vige head, was in the SUV, with Ergouzi seated beside him.


    Long Fakui was quite surprised to see Long Xiaoshan in the pickup. As their vehicles nearly brushed past each other, Long Fakui''s eyes narrowed upon glimpsing the white painted letters on the side of the pickup.


    Long Xiaoshan, already on bad terms with Long Fakui, couldn''t be bothered with him, and the two vehicles passed by each other.


    Ergouzi spat out contemptuously, "What''s so special about him having a ride? It''s just a rickety old pickup. Look at this, vige chief, your car is worth at least three of those clunkers. This real leather feels sofy." Ergouzi was indulgingly stroking the seat back, as if it was a woman''s back.


    Long Fakui, on the other hand, muttered to himself, "Lily Hotel."


    Those six letters were inscribed on the pickup¡ªit belonged to the Lily Hotel, thergest one in the county. Although Long Fakui had some money, it was nothingpared to the Lily Hotel. How did Long Xiaoshan end up riding in a Lily Hotel vehicle? Had he found a job there?


    Hmph!


    "The kid has some luck. A formerbor camp prisoner, and he''s found a job at a major county hotel so quickly," Long Fakui thought, irritated.


    If Long Xiaoshan was really working in the county, it would be hard for him to mess with the kid any longer.


    The pickup truck quickly arrived back at Long Xiaoshan''s house, drawing the attention of many neighbors. In the vige, apart from the vige chief''s car, having a motorcycle meant wealth. Though the pickup wasn''t a luxury car, it still caught attention.


    Couple Long Dashan hurried to wee Elder He, the driver, while Long Xiaoshan ran to the backyard, picked up therge tank, and carried it out to the front.


    Elder He, sipping tea, nearly spit it out.


    Long Xiaoshan had actually lifted the tank by himself.


    Setting down his cup, Elder He went over to the tank and recoiled in shock. It was full ofrge shrimp, water and all¡ªperhaps over two hundred pounds worth.


    Looking at the lean Long Xiaoshan, Elder He felt a shiver down his spine. He had been a soldier and knew even in the military, people with such strength were rare. This young man was not to be underestimated.

 Chapter 31: 31: The First Bucket of Gold

    ```


    Chapter Thirty-One


    Fearing that the shrimp would die on the way, Long Xiaoshan lifted the water tank onto the truck, and the pickup truck shakily drove out of Longyang Vige.


    When the car returned to Lily Hotel, Shangguan Baihe was not present, and it was Su Wan who came to take over. This time, Long Xiaoshan brought over one hundred and seventy-eight shrimp, amounting to more than two hundred pounds.


    At the market price of five hundred per pound, the total was one hundred and sixteen thousand. With so much money, Long Xiaoshan found it inconvenient to carry around. Fortunately, there was a bank next to the hotel. He opened a card, and the hotel transferred the money into it.


    Pocketing the card, Long Xiaoshan was quite excited.


    This was the first time he had made so much money.


    Although one hundred and sixteen thousand may not be much for many people in big cities, for Long Xiaoshan, who came from a small farmer''s background, it was his first pot of gold. Moreover, with the Jade Purifying Bottle in hand, which was a treasure basin, this one hundred and sixteen thousand was just the beginning.


    A me burned in his heart, he was determined to earn a lot of money and create a vast empire belonging to Long Xiaoshan.


    One day, he would return to Yanjing. The person who falsely used him and got him imprisoned used to be out of his reach, an heir to a major family in Yanjing. He went from a promising Shuimu University student to a reformedborer. Had it not been for a fortunate turn of events, he would have been killed in Lingxi Prison. Perhaps that person had long forgotten about him, a mere ant, but he would not forget. One day, he would go to Yanjing to return what had been done to him over the years and show him that even a small farmer shouldn''t be trampled upon and humiliated.


    "Xiaoshan, it''s almost noon, let''s have lunch together, call little Ling too." After the transaction, Su Wan called out to Long Xiaoshan.


    "Sure, Sister Su, I was actually thinking of inviting you to lunch. You''ve been a great help to me." Long Xiaoshan quickly said, grateful to Su Wan. Without her connections, he wouldn''t have been able to open up sales channels so quickly or sign a contract with Lily Hotel.


    "Oh, you just made a tidy sum, so I won''t be shy about it. What kind of grand meal are you nning to treat me to?" Su Wan smiled.


    "Let''s go to the cafe opposite, I think they have Western food there," Long Xiaoshan suggested.


    Su Wan frowned slightly, "Why eat there? You''re not really trying to save a little money, are you? The owner saidst time that your meal would be on the house."


    Long Xiaoshan scratched his head, "No, I was nning to go there anyway. I promised to get medicine for Yin Yinst time, so I thought we might as well eat there."


    "''Sister Yin'', you''re quite affectionate with the way you address her." Su Wan''s tone contained a hint of jealousy.


    "No, it''s not like that, we can eat somewhere else." Hearing Su Wan''s displeasure, Long Xiaoshan changed his suggestion.


    "Forget it, the steak there is decent too. Let''s just go there. I''ll go call little Ling," Su Wan said, cking away in her high heels.


    After a while, Su Wan came down with Long Xiaoling.


    "Brother!" Long Xiaoling flung herself at him, rushing into Long Xiaoshan''s arms.


    Dressed in the hotel uniform, Long Xiaoling looked pure and lovely. Long Xiaoshan chided, scratching her nose, "You''re quite grown up now, don''t make peopleugh."


    Long Xiaoling stuck out her tongue, momentarily forgetting that Su Wan was still present.


    Su Wan said with augh, "I''m envious, I wish I had a brother to protect me. But I''m the eldest at home, I always have to be the one to take charge."


    "Sister Wan could get a boyfriend," Long Xiaoling giggled.


    "What do I need a boyfriend for when I can livefortably on my own?" Su Wan retorted, but a trace of sadness flickered in her eyes.


    The three of them walked out.


    ```


    Chen Gang, who was on patrol, saw Su Wan walking with that rural man again, his annoyance ring. Long Xiaoshan, this rural man, showed up at the Lily Hotel every day, as if there was something fishy going on, and he was determined to get to the bottom of it.


    He crossed the street to the Yinmeng Cafe.


    "Oh, my dear Xiaoshan, you''ve finally arrived." Zhang Yin, dressed in a blue dress, was sexy and enchanting, always wearing her neckline very low, which made Long Xiaoshan somewhat dizzy.


    "Manager Su, having dinner with Xiaoshan again? Could it be that you two..."


    Zhang Yin said with a meaningful expression.


    "No, that''s not it, Sister Yin Yin, Xiaoshan is an important client for our hotel," Su Wan refuted.


    "That''s impressive," surprise shed in Zhang Yin''s eyes as she said, "Brother Xiaoshan is truly aplished at such a young age, to actually do business with the Lily Hotel."


    "An important client? Manager Su is just being kind, I just deliver some homegrown vegetables to the hotel," Long Xiaoshan changed the subject and said, "Sister Yin Yin, I''ve brought some medicine this time."


    Long Xiaoshan took out two packets of herbs from his bag: "One of these is Qianjin Powder, for regting your menstrual cycle, and the other is Tongluo Pills, for your headaches. How to take them is all written inside, just follow the instructions and I guarantee they will work after you finish them."


    Zhang Yin had experienced Long Xiaoshan''s medical skills firsthand, afterst time''s acupuncture, her headaches never recurred. Taking the medicine, she said, "Brother Xiaoshan, you''ve cured my chronic condition, I don''t even know how to thank you. How much for these medicines?"


    "No need for money, I picked these herbs myself from the mountains, they''re not worth much. Just, if you have any friends who are ill, you could introduce them to me, I also practice traditional Chinese medicine on the side. But let me be clear, I don''t have any medical license, it''s all ancestral knowledge, I''m just a barefoot doctor," Long Xiaoshan exined.


    Making money from treating people was secondary to him, what he really wanted was to umte merit. Zhang Yin ran a coffee shop and obviously had a knack for socializing; therefore, Long Xiaoshan focused his attention on her. After all, it''s difficult to establish a reputation in healing without a license or word of mouth, especially when he looked so young.


    Zhang Yin was an excellent breakthrough.


    "No problem, Brother Xiaoshan, your medical skills are much better than those licensed doctors. Don''t worry, I''ll definitely refer people to you," Zhang Yin pinched his chest, the firm touch causing her heart to flutter once again.


    "I''ll go sort something out for you. I''ve recently invited some ssmates from RB and had some Kobe beef air-shipped over. It was hard to get, and I''m so reluctant to sell it. I only served it to the Director of the Bureau of Industry and Commerce when he came over. I''ll get you a few portions."


    Zhang Yin went to arrange things.


    "To think there''s Kobe beef, we are in for a treat," Su Wan''s eyes lit up as she spoke.


    "Sister little Wan, what''s Kobe beef, is it famous?" Little Ling asked.


    "Kobe beefes from the ck Tajima cattle breed in ShenH County, RB. It was once rated by America as one of the ''world''s nine most premium foods.'' Only around 4,000 kilograms of this quality beef are produced a year. I only got to try it once when I was vacationing in RB with the chairman. This beef costs at least three or four hundred RMB per half kilo, and the expensive pieces can be thousands of RMB per half kilo. I didn''t expect Sister Yin Yin to get such high-end ingredients," Su Wan exined.


    While they were talking,


    three fragrant pieces of grilled beef were served.


    Having just heard Su Wan''s introduction, Long Xiaoshan was also very curious and cut a piece to put in his mouth. The tender, resilient texture and the rich aroma instantly filled his mouth.


    "This beef is so delicious," Little Ling had never even eaten ordinary beef before, so tasting such high-end beef almost made her bite her tongue in delight.


    After trying a piece herself, Su Wan said, "It is indeed good, but this must be just regr Kobe beef. The A5-grade Kobe beef I hadst time was much more delicious than this. However, a single steak of that kind costs three thousand RMB."


    Long Xiaoshan was taken aback.


    A steak that costs three thousand, that was even more expensive than his Spirit Shrimp.


    He wondered if raising cattle with Spiritual Liquid would rival Kobe beef as he mused inwardly.

 Chapter 32: 32 Long Fakuis Trickery

    Chapter Thirty-Two


    After dining with Su Wan, Long Xiaoshan went home. With Long Xiaoling taken care of by Su Wan at the Lily Hotel, he had nothing to worry about.


    He withdrew twenty thousand yuan from the bank in town and pocketed the money.


    Back in the vige, he called Couple Long Dashan into the house and took out the twenty thousand yuan.


    The eyes of Couple Long Dashan bulged.


    "Xiaoshan, did you really sell them?"


    "Yes, I still have almost ny thousand in my ount that I haven''t withdrawn," said Long Xiaoshan as he also took out his bank card.


    Couple Long Dashan were speechless for a long while.


    He Xiangyue eximed in shock, "How could you sell them for so much? How much is that per pound for thoserge shrimp?"


    "Mom, you don''t need to worry about how much per pound. I sold the shrimp to a big hotel in the county. They paid me in real cash, so stop fretting over it," Long Xiaoshan said.


    "With this twenty thousand and the eighteen thousand from yesterday, that should be enough to repay the debts, right?"


    "Enough, enough, old man, we can really pay off those debts," He Xiangyue said, her eyes welling up with tears of excitement.


    "Yeah, yeah, it''s all thanks to Xiaoshan''s capabilities," replied Long Dashan, equally excited.


    Those debts loomed over them like boulders pressing down on their hearts.


    Now that they could pay off the debts, it lifted their greatest burden.


    "With the extra money, let''s buy some good liquor, dishes, cigarettes, and such to give away. After all, they''re our fellow vigers. Some of these debts have been owed for so many years; they would have rued interest if left in the bank. If it''s not enough, I''ll just withdraw more," Long Xiaoshan said.


    "You don''t have to tell us that," they said.


    He Xiangyue and Long Dashan hurriedly fetched the ount book from their room, checked off each debt, and then headed out the door with the money.


    They were busy until darkness fell before Couple Long Dashan returned, carrying many items in their hands.


    Both of their faces were glowing with a healthy flush, as if the wrinkles had lessened and they had rejuvenated by several years.


    "Mom and Dad, have all the debts been repaid?" Long Xiaoshan asked.


    "Paid off, paid off," Couple Long Dashan answered, cing the various-sized packages on the table. "We''ve repaid the debts and brought some tobo and liquor. They gave us lots of things in return."


    Long Xiaoshan saw that the packages were all local produce.


    He thought to himself that, after all, his fellow vigers were honest and simple. They had been incited toe collect the debts previously, but now that the debts were settled, they even gave gifts in return without fussing over interest. In the city, it would be unheard of to lend money without interest for several years.


    Thinking of how impoverished Longyang Vige was, with even pickup trucks scraping bottom on the mountain roads.


    "To get rich, build the roads first."


    The poverty of Longyang Vige wasn''t without reason.


    In the future, if he really wanted to start an industry, it would be better to do it in the vige. Building a road, cultivating and breeding in the vige would be more convenient. Moreover, it could help the vigers prosper. Long Fakui used to bully the vigers and exploit the women in the vige with his little wealth, and Long Xiaoshan would certainly not stand for that.


    If everyone in the vige had money, who among them, like Zhang Widow, would sell themselves to Long Fakui for a few bucks?


    Moreover, this would be a good deed too.


    It wasn''t only through healing the sick and saving lives that one could umte merit.


    Long Xiaoshan had a blueprint in his heart, and the urge to get started was stronger than ever.


    The next day, Long Xiaoshan ran to the vigemittee. Electricity had not yet been installed in his home, so he went to themittee. Ergouzi and a few idle young men from the vige were squatting outside, smoking and ying cards.


    Seeing Long Xiaoshan approaching, Ergouzi and the young men quickly stood up.


    The tone fierce but the heart timid, shouted, "Long Xiaoshan, what do you want to do?"


    Last time at Long Xiaoshan''s house, he got beaten up by Long Xiaoshan, and Ergouzi had developed a shadow in his heart. Seeing Long Xiaoshan walking towards him, he thought Long Xiaoshan was going to hit him. Although there were two or three people nearby,st time it was also three people, and they still got beaten up by Long Xiaoshan.


    Long Xiaoshan said, "I''m not going to do anything, you pulled my electricity, now pull it back for me."


    As soon as Ergouzi heard Long Xiaoshan was here to get the electricity reconnected, he puffed up and snorted, "Wishful thinking. Your house still owes the vige for water and electricity bills and hasn''t paid yet. It''s a rule, thew, for the vige to limit your electricity. What, are you nning to break thew?"


    Long Xiaoshanughed, "You''re lecturing me on thew now, forget it, I won''t argue with you. I have brought the money; I''ll pay whatever I owe."


    Long Xiaoshan took out a stack of money, indeed a wad of red Chairman Maos.


    It made Ergouzi''s eyes stick out, a glint of greed appearing in them.


    "Long Xiaoshan, just paying the overdue water and electricity bill is not enough. Your family also owes the vige three thousand yuan for the contract fee. Have you forgotten?" Ergouzi chuckled.


    Long Xiaoshan''s face turned cold; he was well aware of the contract fee. After he was imprisoned, his family really had no money. Just then, Uncle Laotie was the vige chief and took care of his family by giving them a quota for a five-guarantee household to contract a wastnd for free. But Long Dashan had bad luck; that year, he contracted the wastnd to nt fruit, and a drought happened, causing him to lose money on the seedlings as well.


    The so-called contract fee had already been waived.


    Long Xiaoshan was not a man of good temperament. He took two steps forward and stared at Ergouzi, "Ergouzi, are you trying to extort me?"


    Being stared at by Long Xiaoshan, Ergouzi felt a chill on his back, and a shiver shot up his spine. He then remembered that Long Xiaoshan was no longer the bookish guy he used to be; the guy had changedpletely aftering back from prison.


    Ergouzi took a few steps back, got tripped up by the threshold of the vigemittee door and stumbled into the doorway.


    Before he got up from the ground, he yelled, "Help, Long Xiaoshan is hitting people, help, he''s going to kill someone!"


    A few people ran out of the vigemittee.


    Vige chief Long Fakui was among them and he bellowed, "What''s going on?"


    Not to mention, Long Fakui had mixed it up in the county before, and now not only was his business doing well, but he had also be the vige chief. His roar was quite imposing.


    Long Xiaoshan walked into the vigemittee door and said, "I don''t even know what''s wrong with Ergouzi. I haven''t touched him and he''s yelling about being hit and being killed."


    Ergouzi''s face reddened, but now that the vige chief had appeared, he felt like he had backing. He got up, ran to Long Fakui, and pointed at Long Xiaoshan, "Long Xiaoshan, don''t be arrogant, you''ll have a tough time ahead."


    Long Xiaoshan ignored Ergouzi and said, "Vige chief, I''m here to get the electricity reconnected. I''ve paid my water and electricity bills, no problem, right?"


    Long Fakui said, "There is no problem with you getting electricity, but your family''s five-guarantee household is not following the rules. The vigemittee has already decided, and that time contracting the wastnd was also a vition of the rules. You must pay the contract fee."


    Long Xiaoshan frowned and said, "That was waived by Uncle Laotie when he was here, and it''s been two years since. Why the need to pay now?"


    Long Fakuiughed coldly and turned to a woman beside him, "Jin Lian, you''re the vige ountant, tell him."


    This woman was indeed Long Fakui''s wife, named Jin Lian, who was as beautiful as Pan Jinlian from the Water Margin, extremely attractive, and only in her thirties. They say when Long Fakui married her, she was not even eighteen, so she''s not that old even now. It''s a mystery how Long Fakui, who resembled a ck monkey, managed to marry such a beautiful wife.


    Jin Lian didn''t look rustic; on the contrary, she had a bit of a city dweller''s air about her.


    But Long Xiaoshan remembered Jin Lian had always been in the vige. Long Fakui had bought a house in the county a long time ago, and he had never seen him take his wife out.


    When Long Fakui called her, Jin Lian nced at Long Xiaoshan and said with a hint of pity, "Xiaoshan, your family''s five-guarantee household status was in vition of the rules. A five-guarantee household is only for houses with only elderly, disabled, or minors, which yours isn''t. Since it was a vition, it must be canceled, and those contract fees must be paid."


    "Auntie Jin Lian, you know the situation of my family. At that time, I was in prison and my family was indeed in a difficult situation. I don''t mind the cancetion of the five-guarantee household, but it''s not fair to ask me to make up those fees, surely the vigemittee cleared these old ounts long ago, what''s the meaning of bringing them up now?" Long Xiaoshan said, dissatisfied.


    Jin Lian looked at Long Fakui and kept silent.


    Long Fakui snorted, "The wastnd belongs to the vige, it''s a collective interest. If you don''t pay, you''re harming the collective interest, you''re breaking thew. As long as I, Long Fakui, am the vige chief, I absolutely will put a stop to such corrupt practices. No one should think of shearing the vige''s wool."


    Long Xiaoshan, upon hearing Long Fakui''s hypocritical words, really wanted to p him across the face.


    However, with Long Fakui harping on this loophole, knowing full well that Long Fakui was making a mountain out of a molehill, he found it hard to rebut. Could he really beat up Long Fakui? That would be useless; this wasn''t jail, and fists alone wouldn''t solve the problem.


    Long Xiaoshan silently shifted his thoughts, then said, "Fine, since you put it that way, vige chief, I, Long Xiaoshan, am not unreasonable. I can make up the contract fee, but I want to renew the lease on those mountains. I have the right of first refusal."

 Chapter 33: 33 Contracting Wasteland

    ```


    Chapter Thirty-Three


    Long Fakui was quite surprised upon hearing that Long Xiaoshan wanted to continue the lease on the barren hills.


    He was aware of Long Xiaoshan''s family situation¡ªthey were dirt poor, which was the reason they couldn''t even afford their water and electricity bills. Now, Long Xiaoshan was not only willing to make up for the lease but also wanted to continue with it. Where would he get the money?


    Moreover, this guy rode in the pickup truck of the Lily Hotel that day. Could it be that he didn''t go to work at the Lily Hotel?


    Otherwise, why would he still want to lease the barren hills?


    Long Fakui''s mind was spinning as he hummed, "You still want to lease the barren hills, do you have the money?"


    "Don''t worry about the money, I will borrow it if I have to," Long Xiaoshan said.


    Narrowing his eyes, Long Fakui knew malebor was scarce in Longyang Vige. Many of the barren hills were left unattended, and the fields of Longyang Vige weren''t fertile. It would be good if someone were to lease them, but he felt uneasy when Long Xiaoshan wanted to do so.


    He sneered, "You want to lease them? That''s fine, but the leasing fee can''t be calcted as before; that was a preferential price. It''s definitely different now; the price has to go up. Jin Lian, go get the vige''snd nning map."


    Jin Lian responded and went into an office of the vigemittee.


    After a while, she brought out a roll of blueprints.


    Long Fakui unrolled the blueprint and, pointing to a mountain to the west of the vige, said, "Your family originally leased this area, right? ording to the vige regtions, the vige''s leasing blocks have been redrawn. The area of Xishan that you previously leased will now include Shieyan Rock as well."


    Long Fakui drew arge circle around the side of Xishan, which included a vast piece ofnd near the foot of the mountain.


    The expression on Long Xiaoshan''s face turned cold as he said, "The area around Shieyan Rock is mostly rocky beach, which is basically infertile. Why would I lease that part?"


    "This is the vige n. If you can''t use it for farming, you can develop something else," Long Fakui said with a sneer that didn''t reach his eyes. "Aren''t you the talented graduate from Shuimu University? You''re very smart; surely you can think of other uses. Anyway, this is the vige''s n. If you want to lease, lease it. Besides, the rules have changed now¡ªit''s fifty yuan per mu, with a minimum lease of ten years."


    "Long Fakui, don''t go too far."


    Long Xiaoshan said angrily.


    "Long Xiaoshan, what kind of way is that to talk? ording to seniority, I''m still your uncle. Do we no longer respect our elders? The vige has its ns. If you don''t want to lease, get lost," Long Fakui said ring.


    "Did I say I wouldn''t lease?"


    Long Xiaoshan stared grimly at the barren hills and stated, "I''ll lease it, and for thirty years at that."


    Long Fakui was stunned. Had Long Xiaoshan lost his mind?


    Leasing for thirty years, for those few shabby pieces of mountainside and a section of stone beach that couldn''t be cultivated¡ªhe wanted to lease for thirty years?


    But soon, from Long Xiaoshan''s tone, Long Fakui thought that Long Xiaoshan was acting out of spite, and he chuckled to himself.


    Long Xiaoshan felt someone kick him lightly.


    Looking down, he saw that Aunt Jin Lian had stealthily kicked him, and when he nced her way, she was giving him meaningful looks.


    Long Xiaoshan understood what Aunt Jin Lian was trying to convey¡ªshe was definitely reminding him not to be impulsive.


    He was somewhat thankful that Aunt Jin Lian would remind him, and he nodded at her.


    "What are you doing? Get back inside," Long Fakui noticed Jin Lian''s gesture, shoved her roughly, and ordered with a cold face.


    Jin Lian nearly tumbled to the ground from the push.


    Long Xiaoshan''s expression tightened, but since Jin Lian was Long Fakui''s wife, it wasn''t his ce to say anything. Vige people were particrly sensitive about these things, so he said, "Chief, are you going to let me lease or not? If not, I''ll be on my way."


    "Hey, don''t go," Long Fakui said hastily: "Why wouldn''t I let you lease?"


    He was afraid that Long Xiaoshan would change his mind.


    ```


    Signing a 30-year lease, Long Xiaoshan sure dares to speak his mind.


    Heughed and said, "Xiaoshan, you''ve got guts, truly a university student. Your perspective is indeed different. I have faith in you. Ergouzi, go get the calctor."


    Ergouzi quickly ran into the office and brought out a calctor. Long Fakui started calcting against the blueprint, "The Xishan area adds up to 300 mu of mountainnd, and there''s over 300 mu near Shieyan Rock below. Uncle is not an unreasonable person, so let''s just count it as 300 mu for you, making it a total of 600 mu. The lease fee per year is 3,000, so for 30 years it''s 90,000 yuan."


    Don''t think that 90,000 yuan is a small sum.


    In such a remote vige, 90,000 yuan is an astronomical figure, enough to build arge house.


    Moreover, half of thend leased was unused mountainousnd, and half of it was simply wastnd.


    Long Xiaoshan had just about 90,000 yuan left in his ount, which was just enough when calcted.


    Long Xiaoshan said expressionlessly, "Let''s draft the contract, but it must state clearly that I can develop the rocky beach at Shieyan Rock as I wish."


    Long Fakui, fearing Long Xiaoshan would have second thoughts, said, "No problem, but once the contract is signed, if you don''t pay up, there will be a penalty for breach of contract."


    Long Xiaoshan remained silent but nodded his head.


    After half an hour, the lease contract was finally ready.


    Long Xiaoshan left a message, "I''lle to pay tomorrow."


    He had no desire to greet Long Fakui, so he quickly left.


    Stepping out of the vigemittee building, Long Xiaoshan''s earlier chill dissipated, and a hint of a rxed smile yed on his lips. Nobody could tell that he had just been schemed against by Long Fakui.


    To others, leasing that piece of mountain and rocky beach that couldn''t be farmed was a big loss.


    But to him, 90,000 yuan for 30 years was incredibly cheap. The value ofnd only bes more expensive over time. In the big cities,nd prices have already skyrocketed. Only in such remote viges do they still not take thend''s worth seriously.


    Thirty years, it was almost like picking up arge piece ofnd for free.


    As for him, it didn''t matter whether the soil was fertile or not.


    He had the Jade Purifying Bottle, which could produce Spirit Fruit and Spirit Vegetable even on the most barrennd.


    As for the stony beach, it was also great. The scenery around Shieyan Rock was beautiful. Initially, a few fish ponds could be excavated, and in thete stage, other developments could be fully carried out.


    Having returned home,


    Long Xiaoshan went to the big pond in the backyard. He saw that the shrimps in the pond had grown to the size of a finger. Last time he had used three drops of Spiritual Liquid, but the pond was muchrger than the jar and there were also many more shrimps, so they did not grow as fast as the ones in the jar did earlier.


    But Long Xiaoshan was very satisfied with this pace.


    In a week at most, these shrimps should grow to the size of a pound each.


    After checking on the shrimps, he went over to the vegetable ridge.


    The green vegetables fromst time had already been pulled out, and now, tomatoes had been nted. He saw little green tomatoes growing.


    Long Xiaoshan squatted down, picked up a handful of soil, looked at it, and showed surprise.


    The color of the soil had be darker.


    Tomatoes, which were ntedter, were growing much faster than ordinary vegetables. Although not as fast as the first time, this still proved that the soil quality had improved.


    It seems that the effects of the Spiritual Liquid aren''t just one-time; this is what''s most impressive.


    Long Xiaoshan, while tending to the vegetables, heard a shout from outside, "It''s bad, Chun Tao hasmitted suicide."

 Chapter 34: 34: Seeing the Soul

    Chapter Thirty-Four


    What?


    Chun Taomitted suicide?


    Upon hearing this, Long Xiaoshan hurriedly ran outside.


    Once outside, he saw vigers rushing toward Chun Tao''s house. The vige was so small that any little incident made waves, let alone someonemitting suicide.


    Long Xiaoshan also quickly ran in that direction.


    When he reached Chun Tao''s doorstep, arge crowd had already gathered, noisily specting about what had happened.


    "Why would Chun Taomit suicide?"


    "It must be rted to the incident with Long Dashan''s son a few days ago."


    "You know, for a young widow, it''s pretty sad. She can''t be entirely med for the affair; it''s hard for a woman her age to be without a man in the house."


    "That''s true. Aunt Wu was really harsh, beating and scolding her every day. I thought Chun Tao was quite good. She didn''t remarry all these years since her son died, and has been taking care of Aunt Wu''s household all by herself. Without Chun Tao, how can that olddy, half blind in one eye, fend for herself?"


    "Make way, make way!"


    Long Xiaoshan pushed through the crowd.


    Seeing Long Xiaoshan make his way in, the vigers cast strange nces towards him.


    Someone familiar whispered, "little Xiaoshan, why are you here? You should leave quickly."


    "If Aunt Wu sees you, you''ll be in trouble again. Go away, fast."


    The vigers, familiar with the rumors, changed their attitude towards Long Xiaoshan after the Long Dashan Family had repaid their debts. Seeing him, they advised him to leave, given that Chun Tao''s suicide was directly linked to him.


    "I''m fine, let me go in and take a look."


    Long Xiaoshan forcefully squeezed through the crowd. His face looked terrible; he hadn''t expected that simply encountering Chun Tao on the mountain and taking shelter from the rain, without doing anything, could end up like this.


    He felt both anxious and angry inside.


    If Chun Tao were truly dead, he would feel guilty for the rest of his life.


    Long Xiaoshan quickly pushed through the crowd and stepped into Aunt Wu''s house.


    He saw Aunt Wu sitting on the ground, wailing loudly.


    On the ground in front of hery a mat, upon which a person was lying motionless, the pale-faced Chun Tao with a red mark around her neck.


    A bald man in his fifties was squatting there, checking Chun Tao''s nose and feeling her neck, before shaking his head and saying, "Aunt Wu, she''s not breathing anymore, get ready for the funeral."


    This old man was a vige barefoot doctor, known as Wang the Cripple because of his limp.


    Upon hearing Wang the Cripple''s words, Aunt Wu wailed even louder, "My dear Tao, why did you have to die?"


    "You left me behind, you old soul. How could you be so heartless?"


    Long Xiaoshan''s face turned ashen. Was Chun Tao really dead?


    He hurried over, squatted down, and grabbed Chun Tao''s wrist. Indeed, there was no pulse.


    Unwilling to give up, Long Xiaoshan pinched Chun Tao''s mouth, performed mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, and at the same time, kept pressing down on her chest.


    Seeing Long Xiaoshan''s actions, many vigers started whispering among themselves.


    "Long Xiaoshan, what are you doing?"


    Although Aunt Wu was nearly blind, she could still vaguely see Long Xiaoshan performing mouth-to-mouth on Chun Tao, plus she heard thements of those next to her. She lunged at Long Xiaoshan, "What are you doing? You little beast, how dare youe here?"


    "I''ll kill you, you little beast. Chun Tao died because of you, and now you dare to touch her?"


    Aunt Wu flung herself onto Long Xiaoshan, scratching and wing.


    Long Xiaoshan''s face was scratched and bleeding, and he got angry. He shoved Aunt Wu away, saying, "Get off me!"


    Aunt Wu fell to the ground, rolling and thrashing about, crying out, "Ah! The little beast wants to kill someone! Just kill me then. Oh, husband, Aming, you heartless people, you all left, and now this old woman is being bullied..."


    Some vigers stepped forward to scold him, "Long Xiaoshan, what are you doing? Chun Tao''s already dead, and you''re still disturbing her."


    "It''s no use, she''spletely dead," Wang the Cripple said.


    Long Xiaoshan paid him no mind.


    His entire focus was on resuscitating Chun Tao.


    Chun Tao''s body was still warm, maybe she could still be saved. His eyes emitted a faint silver light, and through her chest, he saw that Chun Tao''s heart had stopped. He continued topress her heart vigorously, but couldn''t get it to beat again.


    Suddenly, Long Xiaoshan saw a faint white shadow emerging from the top of Chun Tao''s head.


    The shadow''s features looked very much like Chun Tao.


    Long Xiaoshan was startled.


    What was this?


    Could it be her soul?


    He looked around, the vigers who were watching seemed the same as before and didn''t notice anything, but he saw the shadow clearly, as if it was about to leave Chun Tao''s body.


    The expression on "Chun Tao" seemed full of panic and confusion.


    It was really the soul!


    Long Xiaoshan couldn''t believe he could actually see souls. Could it be because of that ability his eyes had to prate, not just prating physical objects but even the boundary between yin and yang?


    So much so that he could see souls!


    But right now, he was in no mood to feel happy about discovering a new ability. Instead, he was anxious because Chun Tao''s soul clearly intended to leave her body. If the soul was gone, the person would be truly dead.


    What should he do?


    Long Xiaoshan thought urgently for a solution.


    With the soul leaving the body, this was no longer a matter that mere medical skills could resolve. A thought shed through Long Xiaoshan''s mind¡ªsoul summoning.


    Country folks often held superstitious beliefs, and Long Xiaoshan had read some superstitious books before, including many methods of summoning souls. The simplest one was to shout the soul back.


    It''s said that after the soul leaves the body, it would lose direction, not knowing where its physical body is.


    Some people, shocked by an ident, might lose some of their Three Souls and Seven Spirits, bing stupefied. Then a soul summoning was needed.


    Long Xiaoshan was at his wit''s end, not knowing whether Chun Tao''s soul could see him, he could only concentrate and shout Chun Tao''s name loudly.


    Who knows if it was because Long Xiaoshan really got it right, but Chun Tao''s originally confused eyes seemed to fluctuate, and then she turned back.


    "Chun Tao,e back!"


    "You can''t die,e back!"


    Chun Tao''s soul seemed to be drawn by Long Xiaoshan''s voice, slowly falling back down.


    Long Xiaoshan quickly pulled out the Golden Needle and thrust it into the center of Chun Tao''s brow.


    Among the three souls, Heaven Soul and Earth Soul are often outside, only the Life Soul resides in the body, and the center of the brow is where the Life Soul resides. This needle from Long Xiaoshan is known as the Soul Calming Needle. Elder Chang''s medical teaching included many unique needling techniques, and the Soul Calming Needle could be used on people with mental disturbances.


    Once the needle was administered, even a madman would be calm.


    Long Xiaoshan intuitively felt this needle technique would be effective, so he used it.


    As the Soul Calming Needle pierced Chun Tao''s brow, Long Xiaoshan observed that the soul returned to Chun Tao''s flesh. Gasping, Chun Tao took a cold breath and her eyes snapped open, her chest heaving violently like a person who had just been pulled from drowning.


    "Chun Tao!"


    Long Xiaoshan called out her name joyfully.


    Chun Tao''s eyes gradually focused, and seeing Long Xiaoshan, she said with confusion, "Little Xiaoshan, didn''t I die?"


    "You didn''t die, you are still alive. You are so silly, how could youmit suicide?" Long Xiaoshan reproached her.


    The vigers who were watching were all stirred up.


    Chun Tao had been brought back from dead!


    Just now, everyone thought that Chun Tao waspletely dead. Even Wang the Cripple, the Barefoot Doctor, had said so. Yet, Long Xiaoshan had somehow revived the deceased Chun Tao!


    It was nothing short of a miracle!

 Chapter 35: 35 Sold Out

    Chapter Thirty-Five


    "Chairman, the fax of the shrimp inspection report we sent to the provincial agricultural research institute hase through," Su Wan rushed into Shangguan Baihe''s office.


    "Oh, let me see it quickly," Shangguan Baihe said.


    Su Wan promptly handed the report she was holding to Shangguan Baihe, her expression seeming somewhat excited.


    Shangguan Baihe opened the report and quickly skimmed through it, her face showing a shocked expression. The report stated that therge shrimp had no mutantponents and that their nutritional value far exceeded that of ordinary shrimp, containing rich minerals, amino acids, vitamins, and surpassed even lobster in nutritional value. With long-term consumption, not only could they prolong life and strengthen the body, but they could even nourish the skin, beautify theplexion, and resist cellr aging.


    "No wonder I''ve been feeling not only full of energy these past few days but even my skin has be smoother."


    "Is this still shrimp? It canpletely be sold as a health supplement."


    Shangguan Baihe''s expression was very excited; therge shrimp Long Xiaoshan sent her far exceeded her expectations.


    Even the provincial agricultural research institute had given such a high evaluation.


    It was clear that the value of these shrimp was far beyond her imagination.


    With the report in hand, Shangguan Baihe sensed that an opportunity for her Lily Hotel to soar once again wasing. She instructed Su Wan, "Little Wan, help me contact the TV station immediately, as well as the advertising department of the city and county newspapers. I want tounch aprehensive advertising campaign. Also, contact the elite from all walks of life in the county, and tell them that I, Shangguan Baihe, am hosting amercial banquet tomorrow and inviting them to attend."


    "Yes, Chairman!" Su Wan quickly agreed and was ready to get busy.


    "Wait a moment," Shangguan Baihe called to her.


    "Chairman, do you have any other instructions?" Su Wan asked.


    "Since these shrimp are so miraculous, they must be separated from ordinary shrimp. Let''s simply refer to them as ''Spirit Shrimp.'' You should contact Xiaoshan again to register the trademark." Shangguan Baihe, being a business elite, naturally knew the value of branding.


    "Yes, I will contact him," Su Wan nodded in agreement.


    With Shangguan Baihe''s influence and significant financial investment, that evening, the county TV stations and newspapers all ran adverts for Lily Hotel''s Spirit Shrimp.


    Even the light box advertisements on the streets, buses, and building exteriors were stered with ads for Spirit Shrimp.


    The effort was truly unprecedented.


    Such a massive amount of advertising made Spirit Shrimp a household name in Niu Y County overnight, and the next day, inside the Lily Hotel, amercial banquet was being held. As one of the leading hotels in Niu Y County, Shangguan Baihe was also known as the county''s foremost beauty.


    Themercial banquet she hosted, except for her directpetitors, was an event almost no one would refuse to attend out of respect for her.


    Within the Lily Hotel''s Lily Hall, the elite gathered; those invited here were at least well-known business personalities in the city and county or elites from various fields, with assets starting in the millions.


    Among all attendees, Shangguan Baihe in her ck evening gown became the dazzling center of attention.


    Despite the many rumors about her, including that a city official had died suddenly from humiliating her, her mystery and beauty were like a poppy flower, attracting countless men to madness.


    "I invited the elite from all fields today for two reasons: first, to exchange ideas and promote the economic development of our county, and second, our Lily Hotel has developed a new product, which I would like the esteemed guests and industry leaders to try," she said with anguid and maic voice. Her every move was filled with endless charm, causing many men''s blood to surge with excitement.


    "Whatever new product Miss Shangguan has, I, Li San, will definitely support it, haha." A middle-aged man wearing a thick gold chain, looking somewhat fierce,ughed loudly, his eyes greedily lingering on Shangguan Baihe''s shapely figure.


    "Thank you, Boss Li," Shangguan Baihe said with a light smile.


    She pped her hands, and a group of waiters from the Lily Hotel filed in, each carrying a tray with a silver bowl overturned on top.


    At each banquet table, a te was served, and when the silver bowls were lifted, a delicious fragrance quickly filled the room.


    In these tes, there were tworge shrimp each, one steamed and one braised in brown sauce.


    "Miss Shangguan, is this possibly the magical shrimp that your hotel is currently promoting?" a local real estate businessman said.


    The advertisement for Lily Hotel had been aggressive, so most people there had heard of it. Shangguan Baihe smiled and said, "Yes, Boss Pang, these magical shrimp of mine are not ordinary shrimp. They have been certified by the provincial agricultural research institute as premium medicinal shrimp. They not only taste far better than lobster, but they also benefit beauty and skincare, resist aging, and strengthen the body... All right, if I say too much, you might think I''m boasting. Why don''t you try them yourselves? If they are not good, I''ll shut down Lily Hotel."


    Shangguan Baihe''s words piqued everyone''s interest.


    Daring to wager her hotel, it was clear that Shangguan Baihe had great confidence in her shrimp. However, the many effects she had described sounded just like the exaggerated ims of health product advertisements, capable of deceiving ordinary people. Yet, those present were all business elites and celebrities, who would hardly believe such talk.


    Skeptical though they were, since the shrimp had been served, and out of respect for Shangguan Baihe, everyone picked up their chopsticks for a taste.


    After one bite, everyone was astounded by the deliciousness of the shrimp.


    At least in terms of taste, Shangguan Baihe hadn''t bragged; the deliciousness of therge shrimp surpassed the premium Australian lobster they had eaten before.


    Everyone kept going for more.


    Although there were over two pounds of lobster, they quickly disappeared under the collective feasting of those at the table.


    The other dishes on the table were merely touched symbolically, but the tworge shrimp served at each table were allpletely devoured.


    After eating, the effects of the Spirit Shrimp kicked in.


    Everyone felt their whole body warming up, and their energy levels surged.


    "Comfortable, eating this shrimp feels like having taken a powerful tonic pill."


    "Not bad, I feel much more spirited."


    These big bosses were all very busy and involved in socializing, so their health was definitely not the best, with some rarely getting a few hours of sleep. But after eating the Spirit Shrimp, their energy levels rose.


    Shangguan Baihe then presented the inspection reports from the provincial research institute,pletely dispelling their suspicions of the shrimp being medicated.


    "Miss Shangguan, do you have more of these magical shrimp? Sell me ten first."


    "I want some too, Miss Shangguan."


    "Give me twenty."


    For the rich, money was no longer the most important thing; it was their health. The wealthier they were, the more they understood the importance of health. If one''s health was poor, no amount of money could be enjoyed. It''s like a beautiful woman, enticing and vibrant, standing naked before you, but you are unable to be aroused. That kind of embarrassment.


    The effect of the Spirit Shrimp thrilled them beyond measure.


    Shangguan Baihe had anticipated that these shrimp would not be hard to sell, as she ate them herself every day and could genuinely feel the changes in her body.


    Seeing the atmosphere heat up,


    Shangguan Baihe apologetically said, "I''m sorry, but our supply of magical shrimp is still limited at the moment, and we''re currently in the promotional stage. We''re only supplying ten per day on a limited basis. Those who want to make a reservation will have to wait until the supply increases. I promise to give priority to all of you when the timees."


    ...


    Long Xiaoshan received a call from Su Wan, who asked, "Sister Wan, is something the matter?"


    "Xiaoshan, hurry, do you have any more shrimp?" Su Wan sounded very excited and anxious.


    "What happened?" Long Xiaoshan said.


    "They''ve sold out, your shrimp are selling like crazy. Our chairman is in a panic, and many of them are VIP customers of Lily Hotel, including some local leaders... Never mind, do you have any more shrimp? If you do, our hotel will take them all," Su Wan said urgently.


    "I do, I''ve just raised another batch," Long Xiaoshan said as he looked at therge shrimp in the backyard pond that had all grown to the size of three fingers in just a week.

 Chapter 36: 36: Sizes

    Chapter Thirty-Six


    Over two hours after the call ended, a car from the Lily Hotel arrived at Longyang Vige.


    This time, not only did the driver fromst time, Master He,e, but Su Wan also arrived.


    "Sister Su, why did youe here?" Long Xiaoshan didn''t expect Su Wan toe over.


    "I made the trip over."


    After Su Wan got out of the car, she looked at Long Xiaoshan''s house and couldn''t help but sigh that Long Xiaoshan''s family was really poor, with yellow mud walls, thatched roofs, and no ss in the windows. She came from a rural background too, but her family''s home was still a little better than Long Xiaoshan''s.


    Couple Long Dashan became very nervous upon seeing such a beautiful city woman like Su Wan and hearing that she was also a hotel manager.


    "Uncle, Auntie, I''m Xiaoshan''s friend," Su Wan greeted them warmly.


    Being in human resources and highly sociable, she was able to make Couple Long Dashan feel less nervous within just a few sentences, and they thought that city folks really were different, beautiful and pleasant to listen to.


    Su Wan sat for a while, then quickly asked Long Xiaoshan where the shrimp were.


    Seeing Su Wan''s urgency, as she wouldn''t havee in person otherwise, Long Xiaoshan took her to the backyard. Upon seeing arge pond full ofrge shrimp, Su Wan breathed a sigh of relief and said at the same time, "Xiaoshan, you''re raising the shrimp here? I thought you had a shrimp pond. This isn''t enough; you have no idea how well your shrimp are selling."


    Normally one would definitely use arge pond to raise shrimp, but Long Xiaoshan''s pond was just five meters square and not very big.


    "Definitely need a pond, still getting that ready," Long Xiaoshan said.


    "You''ll have to hurry up then. Your shrimp''s selling route is very good. Our hotel sells them for 1888 each, limited to ten a day, and we''re already booked up for months," Su Wan said, then suddenly felt it was not right to say so much and quickly added, "Xiaoshan, the hotel sells them for so much but there are also costs involved, so don''t overthink it."


    "Haha, Sister Su, no need to exin to me. How much your hotel sells them for is your business, and I won''t be jealous,"ughed Long Xiaoshan.


    Su Wan, upon hearing Long Xiaoshan''s words, showed a smile on her beautiful face and said, "I was worried you might be jealous and want to raise the price on the hotel."


    "Don''t worry about it, in consideration of Sister Su, even if it sells for ten thousand each, I won''t raise the price on your hotel," Long Xiaoshan said casually.


    But inside, Su Wan''s heart pounded violently.


    What did Long Xiaoshan''s words mean?


    She wanted to ask, but Long Xiaoshan had already turned to discuss with driver Elder He how to get the shrimp onto the truck.


    They had prepared quite a few shrimp crates for the trip. Long Xiaoshan was responsible for scooping the shrimp out of the pond and into the crates, and after nearly an hour, thousands ofrge shrimp had been fished out.


    Su Wan saw that there were several dozenrge fish in the pond, seemingly weighing at least over ten pounds each.


    "Xiaoshan, you raised fish too?"


    "Yes, Sister Su, I''ll give you one." Long Xiaoshan caught a fish and put it in a crate as well.


    Since there were not many fish, Long Xiaoshan had not nned on selling them, deciding to eat them at home. He nned to start fish farming on arger scaleter, and then he would raise other species as well.


    Su Wan didn''t fuss with Long Xiaoshan; once the shrimp were loaded, the pickup truck was ready to head back to the city.


    Since they had to settle the financial matters, Long Xiaoshan also got into the truck.


    As the pickup truck drove away, Couple Long Dashan watched, and He Xiangyue said, "Manager Su is truly beautiful, just like a fairy, and seems so different from us rural folks. Imagine if little Xiaoshan could marry a woman like Manager Su."


    "Don''t get carried away, city people wouldn''t take a second look at us country folk."


    "Where am I getting wild ideas? Isn''t Xiaoshan great? If it weren''t for that incident, we might already be Yanjing people by now," He Xiangyue said.


    Long Dashan, smoking, said, "Let''s not talk about that anymore. Hasn''t Xiaoshan made something of himself now? In just a few days, he has earned so much money..."


    The pickup truck returned to the county.


    Long Xiaoshan and Su Wan walked into the hotel, Su Wan made a phone call, hummed a few times, then hung up the phone and said, "Xiaoshan,e with me, the chairman wants to see you."


    Taking the private elevator up, Long Xiaoshan stepped out on the top floor of the hotel and was greeted by a lush green garden and various flowers. He was surprised; he had never expected the top of Lily Hotel to be so beautiful.


    "Our chairman lives here. Normally, the chairman meets clients downstairs. You are the first one she has invited up here," Su Wan said.


    Long Xiaoshan followed Su Wan along the pebble path into the garden, which was at least eight hundred square meters in size, veryrge indeed. After walking a bit, he saw a green arch formed by the shade, and heard some sound of water.


    Walking through, he found an antique-style swimming pool with a beautiful mermaid in a ck bikini swimming inside.


    Long Xiaoshan felt awkward, not knowing where to rest his eyes.


    "Chairman!" Su Wan called out.


    The figure in the pool, Shangguan Baihe, swam over to the edge, walked up the handrail, revealing a tall figure, slender waist, and long legs. She emerged from the water glistening in the sunlight, her body covered in sparkling droplets, stunningly beautiful.


    Seeing Long Xiaoshan at her side, Shangguan Baihe wasn''t shy at all, and very casually took the towel given by Su Wan to wipe her hair and body.


    For those like her who often vacationed abroad, bikinis were the norm on the beaches, not to mention nudist beaches.


    Although Shangguan Baihe had never tried thetter, she was quite ustomed to wearing bikinis.


    Yet, seeing Long Xiaoshan unsure where to look, Shangguan Baihe couldn''t help but giggle. This little farmer had performed very wellst time, not intimidated by her aura at all, and had been meticulous with the contract. However, he was, after all, a little farmer, and in many respects, it was clear he was shy and not worldly.


    However, even little farmers can possess great wisdom.


    Thinking of how this young little farmer managed to cultivate shrimp that made all the businessmen and leaders in the county go crazy, one truly shouldn''t judge a book by its cover.


    "Come, have a seat," Shangguan Baihe said.


    Despite being young and quite embarrassed, Long Xiaoshan was overwhelmed with excitement; an absolutely gorgeous woman, and a hotel chairman at that, was in front of him in just a bikini. He dared not look directly, but he kept stealing nces from the corner of his eye.


    Long Xiaoshan suddenly remembered finding a PRADA item in Su Wan''s bathroom.


    He had a clear memory of it, it wasn''t Su Wan''s, since it was obviously much smaller, but it seemed to fit Shangguan Baihe perfectly. He didn''t know why this thought popped up, but ever since he had been transformed by the Jade Purifying Bottle, his vision felt different from before, being able to discern even the size.


    Shangguan Baihe put on a bathrobe, covering her beautiful figure, and finally allowing Long Xiaoshan to breathe a sigh of relief.


    "Xiaoshan, I''ll call you that too," Shangguan Baihe said in a friendlier tone thanst time. "I''ve asked you here this time to discuss our partnership further. I think we can strengthen our coboration even more," she said.


    Shangguan Baihe had sensed the potential of the Spirit Shrimp.


    And these days'' sess made her realize that Long Xiaoshan was a gold mine.


    Otherwise, she wouldn''t have invited Long Xiaoshan to the Sky Garden.


    This ce was her private domain, and that was a signal in itself.

 Chapter 37: 37 Farm Cooperation

    Chapter Thirty-Seven


    "You want to acquire my breeding technology for fifty million, then hire me as the technical director, and also give me five percent of the shares in Lily Hotel."


    Upon hearing the conditions offered by Shangguan Baihe, Long Xiaoshan was stunned.


    Fifty million!


    That was a lot of money!


    With that money, Long Xiaoshan would leap from a penniless farmer to a multimillionaire overnight. It was likely that there were few people in Niu Y County with assets worth fifty million, not to mention the five percent shares in the hotel that Shangguan Baihe was offering¡ªanother significant deal.


    Xiaoshan had enough insight to recognize that, with the assets of Lily Hotel, one hundred million was definitely within reach, not to mention the potential for the shares to appreciate in value. The better the hotel did, the more his shares would be worth.


    Such an offer demonstrated Shangguan Baihe''s determination.


    Even Su Wan, who was listening on the side, was shocked by it.


    The chairman held Long Xiaoshan''s breeding technology in such high regard.


    For Shangguan Baihe toe up with fifty million at once was impossible. She would definitely have to take out loans or something.


    To say that Long Xiaoshan was not tempted would be a lie.


    Although he had encountered all kinds of people in prison, including many wealthy ones, he was, after all, from a peasant background. Bing a multimillionaire so suddenly was bound to excite him, but what breeding technology did he have? The spirit shrimp he could breed were all thanks to the Jade Purifying Bottle.


    This Jade Purifying Bottle was his biggest secret, something he definitely couldn''t expose.


    Besides, with the Jade Purifying Bottle in hand,


    could he not make fifty million, or even five hundred million, five billion?


    It must be said, the ambition of a small farmer is also quite big.


    Long Xiaoshan apologetically said, "Chairwoman, I''m sorry, but I can''t sell my technology. It''s not just my own; it was passed down to me, and I cannot simply spread it around."


    Shangguan Baihe''s brows furrowed upon being unexpectedly turned down by Long Xiaoshan.


    The price she had offered was definitely enough to shock a small farmer.


    Truly beyond her expectations.


    "You really won''t consider it? Fifty million plus five percent of the shares. If things go well, you could be a billionaire in a year or two," Shangguan Baihe tempted.


    Long Xiaoshan shook his head and said, "I really can''t sell it. Moreover, I have contracted several hundred acres ofnd in the vige with ns to run a breeding farm. In the future, I n to raise not only shrimp but also various livestock, aquatic products, and cultivate melons, vegetables, and fruits."


    "What?" Shangguan Baihe said, somewhat surprised, "You''re breeding so many things, you understand them all?"


    "I guess so," Long Xiaoshan said, not fullymitting. But what did he need to understand when he had the Jade Purifying Bottle in hand? As long as he had merit, he could continuously produce spiritual beings.


    Shangguan Baihe observed the peasant before her closely. His skin was a bronze color, his eyes were very bright, and he had a lean, energetic appearance with an exceptional vibe. And honestly, he was quite handsome¡ªsomewhat resembling that Hong Kong star Guzai¡ªjust hidden under rustic-looking clothes.


    Shangguan Baihe knew that despite the small farmer''sck of worldliness, he was quite stubborn.


    His refusal to sell the exclusive distribution rights thest time was an example.


    Now, with Long Xiaoshan saying this, it was certain to be the same asst time¡ªshe wouldn''t be able to purchase the technology.


    Inside, she felt it was a pity. Only Shangguan Baihe knew the value of those spirit shrimp, worth far more than 1888. Anyone who tried them once would be a repeat customer, and, most importantly, the health benefits of the spirit shrimp were incredible. She had heard from feedback that using the spirit shrimp not only had beauty and health benefits, but even offered significant assistance for men, potentially enhancing virility.


    This treasure is priceless.


    Now those leaders in the county have all inquired about it.


    Making money isn''t the key issue anymore, using Spirit Shrimp as leverage to establish rtionships, it''s way better than just money.


    Who doesn''t want to be healthy and strong in that aspect? Those high-ranking leaders have to entertain every day and manage countless affairs; they generally suffer a lot in that regard.


    However, when Su Wan heard that this small farmer was nning to raise even more things and run aprehensive farm,


    Shangguan Baihe''s eyes lit up again, she smiled and said, "Xiaoshan, those melons, vegetables, fruits, and the livestock and poultry you grow, are they all like the Spirit Shrimp? Do they contain medicinal properties?"


    Long Xiaoshan replied, "Some of them do, but it''s impossible for each one to have effects as powerful as the Spirit Shrimp. However, their taste will definitely be much better than the ordinary and they will be free from any pesticides or hormones."


    Long Xiaoshan understood that if everything matured in a matter of days like the Spirit Shrimp, he wouldn''t be able to keep up. He didn''t have enough Merit Spirit Liquid to use, but the Spiritual Liquid could improve soil and water quality. Diluted and used in fields and ponds, the growth cycle wouldn''t be as quick, but it would still be faster than conventional farming, and the vegetables and fruits would be much better too.


    Shangguan Baihe was tempted.


    If Long Xiaoshan''s farm was established, even if the effects weren''t as strong as those of the Spirit Shrimp, there was nothing like this on the market. Others didn''t know about the source of the goods yet. If she could purchase them in advance, she would not have to worry about sales.


    And it''srge-scale farming that really makes the money.


    It''s like selling cars. Even if Ferraris are expensive, they don''t sell as much or make as much money as Volkswagen''s that sell for ten thousand a unit.


    Thinking this, Shangguan Baihe gave a charming smile and said, "Xiaoshan, are you still short of funds for the farm?"


    Long Xiaoshan calcted in his mind. He had brought over two thousand shrimps this time, which earned him over a million. If he used that to develop a few hundred acres of mountainnd, it might be just enough. Butpared to his overall n, a million-plus was obviously not much.


    Especially since Longyang Vige was so remote. If he wanted to develop it, he would definitely have to build roads. Just constructing the most basic cement road would cost millions.


    "Chairperson, are you nning to sponsor me?" Long Xiaoshan asked with a smile, as he was no fool and could understand Shangguan Baihe''s implication.


    "You''re correct. I am very optimistic about your farm, and I also want to strengthen our cooperation. I am willing to invest ten million in your farm. Additionally, I have connections in the county which could be of assistance to you," Shangguan Baihe said, her slender fingers sping together as she looked at Long Xiaoshan.


    Once business was the subject, Shangguan Baihe''s queenly aura surfed.


    Long Xiaoshan''s head did not spin with the figures; having offered fifty million earlier, ten million now did not seem shocking. Who would know that just a few days ago, he was just the small farmer who couldn''t afford a twenty yuan room?


    Long Xiaoshan felt he could amass money quickly, but he understood that Shangguan Baihe''swork was something he couldn''t acquire even with money.


    "Chairperson, you surely aren''t investing out of charity, what return do you want?" Long Xiaoshan asked directly.


    "You are right. I want a twenty percent stake in your farm, what do you think?" Shangguan Baihe proposed.


    "That won''t do, twenty percent is too much," Long Xiaoshan hurriedly shook his head, "If the farm gets developed, conservatively estimated, just the annual shrimp yield could increase to hundreds of thousands, worth hundreds of millions, not to mention other livestock products. Twenty percent is too much. At most ten percent."


    "Alright, ten percent it is,"


    Shangguan Baihe quickly agreed with a smile on her face.


    It made Long Xiaoshan suspect that her initial offer of twenty percent was deliberately high.


    The next step was to discuss the details between the two parties.


    As the business queen of Niu Y County, Shangguan Baihe may have faced someone many considered well-read like Long Xiaoshan ¨C but knowledge gained from books is theoretical. After exchanging ideas with Shangguan Baihe, he benefited a lot. Many details of running a farm and product development were not asprehensive and far-reaching as Shangguan Baihe had considered.


    After the discussion, Shangguan Baihe said to Su Wan, "little Wan, you don''t need to handle the hotel''s HR for now. You''re familiar with Xiaoshan, help him get the farm started. If there are any issues, contact me."


    "Got it, Chairperson," Su Wan responded.

 Chapter 38: 38: Ten Pounds with One Needle

    ```


    Chapter Thirty-Eight


    Descending from the Sky Garden via elevator, Su Wan led Long Xiaoshan to the finance department to settle the payment for the batch of Spirit Shrimps.


    Over two thousand shrimps, amounting to a total of 1.34 million.


    All of it was transferred to Long Xiaoshan''s card.


    Long Xiaoshan had never imagined that he would be a millionaire so suddenly, considering that just a few days ago he was sleeping in the park.


    In a poor ind county like Niu Y County, millionaires were a rarity; a million could buy four or five houses in the county. If a person werezy, they could just purchase several properties, be andlord orndy, and idle away their days.


    Su Wan said cheerfully, "Now you''re my big boss, I''ll have to look to you for a meal in the future."


    Since Su Wan was responsible for setting up the farm.


    And since Long Xiaoshan was the major shareholder of the farm, owning ny percent, it wasn''t too far off for Su Wan to make such ament.


    "Hardly," said Long Xiaoshan hastily. "The farm hasn''t even started yet, and besides, I''m not the one paying your sry."


    "That might change, you know. If your farm does really well, maybe I''ll switch over to working for you," Su Wan said half seriously, half jokingly.


    Long Xiaoshan scratched his head, "The farm is out in the countryside. Are you sure you''d befortable living there?"


    "I''ve told you before, I''m from the countryside too. I''m from neighboring Kangshui County, so there''s nothing I wouldn''t be used to."


    The two of them chatted andughed as they walked to the hotel entrance, where Long Xiaoshan and Su Wan said goodbye. He then dashed to the opposite Yinmeng Cafe. Since curing the owner''s, Zhang Yin, illnessst time, she had indeed found him several patients.


    They were her close friends. Nowadays, people who enjoy the nightlife often experience sub-health conditions.


    Even if they weren''t serious illnesses, physical diforts were quitemon.


    Zhang Yin had praised Long Xiaoshan to the skies.


    As a result, her circle of friends had agreed to let Long Xiaoshan take a look at them.


    When Long Xiaoshan arrived, Zhang Yin immediately called her friends, and after a while, several fashionably dressed women arrived, all in their thirties and under forty years of age.


    Women of simr family circumstances often be best friends or sisters, so Zhang Yin''s friends were roughly the same age and fromfortable financial backgrounds, with some having husbands who owned businesses or being business owners themselves.


    Seeing Long Xiaoshan, who was dressed inly but looked strong, even handsome,


    The women teased Zhang Yin, "Did you take in a toy boy and then make up ridiculous stories about him being a great practitioner of traditional medicine? Stop talking nonsense."


    Long Xiaoshan was so young and looked like a little farmer; who would believe he was a Divine Doctor? They thought Zhang Yin was just trying to make herself look good by exaggerating.


    "You''re the ones talking nonsense," Zhang Yin defended. "Xiaoshan is truly amazing. He cured all of my stubborn ailments. I asked him toe here to see you. Don''t be ungrateful."


    Long Xiaoshan had nothing to be angry about. He had been through tougher times in prison, and these women were clearly close with Zhang Yin and were just joking around.


    Without further ado, he pointed at one woman with a slightly sallowplexion and fuller figure, "Sister, you definitely suffer from insomnia and frequent dreams, and you have sweating due to a weak constitution."


    "And sister, did you recently undergo surgery for uterine fibroids?"


    Long Xiaoshan pointed to each of the women in turn, making his observations.


    The women had started out joking, but gradually fell silent because Long Xiaoshan had hit the nail on the head with each one.


    Zhang Yin watched them speechless, grinning, "Did I say anything wrong? Now you believe me, right? I told you Xiaoshan is remarkable."


    "Is this for real? Zhang Yin, did you tell him about us?" the full-figured woman asked.


    "Do you think I''m that bored? Li Meifang, if you don''t want a consultation, you can leave. I''d rather not bother Xiaoshan to check on you," Zhang Yin said, annoyed.


    "Sister Zhang, it''s okay. I''ll give the sister a needle treatment. She''ll know whether it''s effective or not," Long Xiaoshan said as he took out a Golden Needle.


    ```


    ```


    Thedy named Li Meifang felt a warm current surge through her body as soon as Golden Needle inserted the needle; then she became hot all over, and sweat poured out like fountains.


    "Hot, hot!" Li Meifang shouted.


    Golden Needle withdrew the needle and asked, "Big sister, how do you feel now?"


    "Comfortable, I feel as if I''ve lost several pounds," responded Li Meifang.


    "Li Meifang, you should go up and take a shower, you''re all sweaty," Zhang Yin hastily urged thedy, who was now shining from the treatment, to go upstairs for a bath. Since Zhang Yin sometimes spent the night at the cafe, her office was equipped with a bathroom.


    A few minutester, a showered Li Meifang came downstairs in Zhang Yin''s strappy nightgown, looking less yellow in the face, noticeably slimmer, and even a bit rosy. As she reached the bottom of the stairs, she hugged Golden Needle and pecked him on the cheek, eximing, "Handsome boy, you are really amazing; I haven''t felt thisfortable in a long time. I feel so light now. I just weighed myself on the scale in Zhang Yin''s office and I''ve lost ten pounds."


    Li Meifang had always been trying to lose weight, to no avail despite eating many different diet pills, which only ended up harming her body. But now, with just one needle from Su Ze, she not only lost weight but also felt more energetic.


    Zhang Yin quickly pulled Li Meifang away, admonishing her, "Don''t be taking advantage of my little brother."


    Seeing the miraculous effect on Li Meifang,


    One needle, ten pounds!


    The otherdies became envious.


    Golden Needle then treated each of them with a needle, followed by a prescription for them to take back home.


    Over an hourter, Golden Needle finally managed to escape from Yinmeng Cafe.


    His clothes were wrinkled, bearing traces of perfume and lipstick.


    No wonder they say women in their thirties are like wolves and in their forties like tigers. Thesedies were so flirtatious that Golden Needle, a young man of only twenty, waspletely overwhelmed; treating their ailments had nearly cost him dearly, and he decided he should do it less in the future.


    However, upon leaving Yinmeng Cafe, his wallet was two thousand yuan heavier.


    That was the fee for the treatments.


    Furthermore, his merit had increased.


    After saving Chun Tao''s lifest time, his Merit Spirit Liquid had significantly increased, with several drops of Silver Spiritual Liquid and even a drop of golden Spiritual Liquid forming, the cause of which was a mystery to him.


    Could it be that curing illnesses also varied in merit?


    Golden Needle hurried back to the vige; by now, he had leased thend and had over a million yuan in funds, plus the gradual investment of ten million from Shangguan Baihe. It was time to make big moves.


    He took out thend lease contract to discuss it with his parents first.


    Upon learning that Golden Needle had spent ny thousand yuan leasingnd on Xishan and the bed of Shieyan Rock to start a farm,


    Long Dashan anxiously eximed, "Xiaoshan, why didn''t you ask us first? Thend on Xishan won''t work; your mom and I nted fruit therest time and it was a loss. The soil is too poor, and the bed is even worse. It''s all rocks¡ªhow can we farm there? Why are you being so rash? This is just wasting money!"


    He Xiangyue was also very anxious; Golden Needle had only recently started to make some money, but now he had spent it all on leasing arge tract of wastnd.


    "Dad, Mom, don''t worry so much," said Golden Needle as he took out several bundles of cash and a bank card from his bag and continued, "Here is a hundred thousand that I just withdrew. The card still has over a million on it."


    Seeing the bundles of renminbi and hearing Golden Needle''s words, the couple, Long Dashan, were stunned.


    "This, this much money?" He Xiangyue stammered.


    "Mom, as I said, those shrimps are very valuable. Remember the vegetables I grew in the backyard? Even if the mountains are barren, I have ways to enrich them. I n to dig ponds on the stony beach for fish and shrimp cultivation, and even set up a breeding farm for various livestock. Not only will our family get wealthy, but we''ll also bring prosperity to the entire vige," Golden Needle exined ambitiously.


    "Well, if my son says so, then let''s do our best," stated He Xiangyue, who didn''t understand all the reasoning but knew to support her son.


    Taking a strong drag of his cigarette, Long Dashan threw the butt to the ground and stomped on it before saying, "I might not understand much else, but I can still help you with the farming."


    ```

 Chapter 39: 39 Recruitment

    Chapter Thirty-Nine


    The next morning, Long Xiaoshan ran to the Xishan area to check it out.


    Xishan was arge mountain; over the other side was Qingshui Vige, and on the slope facing Longyang Vige was a vast expanse of mountainnd, about three hundred acres. However, due to years of neglect with no cultivation, it was covered in wild grass and overrun with weeds.


    Below Xishan was Shieyan Rock. The scenery around Shieyan Rock was very beautiful, with a babbling stream flowing through, arge swath of rocky beaches, and bamboo forests lining the edges known for a huge rock resembling a stone goose.


    In his childhood, Long Xiaoshan often came here to bathe and swim, climbing onto the stone goose''s head to dive into the water. The vigers alsomonly washed here.


    Long Xiaoshan looked around, holding a 2B pencil and a piece of paper, sketching on it.


    Although he wasn''t a professional designer,


    he had read books on the subject and, being clever, roughly nning things out was not a problem for him.


    He was very satisfied.


    As for the mountain wastnd, there was no need to say much; it just needed to be opened up for cultivation. The beach area below Shieyan Rock was also a great development area. First, they would dig a fewrge fish ponds, andter, they could start a breeding farm¡ªafter all, the water was readily avable from the little stream.


    Lily Hotel was even more enthusiastic about this.


    Shen Waan first went to the provincial capital to register the trademark and other items.


    Then she regrouped with Long Xiaoshan.


    Initially, Shen Waan had hired a professional engineering team, but Long Xiaoshan said it wasn''t necessary. The farm was in its early stages, and they didn''t need that level of professionalism, plus he wanted the vigers to benefit as well.


    For the initial work, there was absolutely no need to hire outsidebor.


    Thus, on this day, two vehicles drove into the vige, both from Lily Hotel. One pickup truck equipped with a loudspeaker, was looping announcements throughout the vige.


    The vige had its loudspeakers, but Long Xiaoshan and the vige head, Long Fakui, didn''t get along. Borrowing the vige''s loudspeaker would mean having to deal with him, so it was easier just to use their own. It wasn''t like the vige was too big.


    The pickup truck circled the vige, the loudspeaker continuously calling out.


    It was said they were hiringbor.


    All the vigers who were at home ran out, attracted by the novelty.


    When had there ever been such an event in the vige?


    To think that a pickup truck with loudspeakers was recruiting workers! Whether they believed it or not, they all ran out to see what themotion was about, following the sound of the truck to the rocky beach at the foot of Shieyan Rock in the west end of the vige.


    Longyang Vige didn''t have many able-bodied men; most of the young and strong had gone out to work elsewhere.


    On the rocky beach, those who arrived were either men around Long Dashan''s age, some women, unmarried girls, or a few teenagers.


    Suddenly, more than a hundred people gathered.


    They saw a ck Mercedes-Benz off-road vehicle parked beside Shieyan Rock, Long Xiaoshan and a very pretty woman who looked like a city dweller, with fair skin, standing by the car. Couple Long Dashan stood nearby as well.


    "Hey, little Xiaoshan, what''s this about? Where''s the hiring taking ce?"


    The vigers were very curious.


    Seeing Long Xiaoshan and the pretty woman standing together, they didn''t dare to approach the woman, so they asked Long Xiaoshan.


    After noticing that most people had arrived,


    Long Xiaoshan cleared his throat and said, "Fellow uncles, aunts, and everyone, you''vee. Let me tell you, this area of mountainnd and the beach below have been contracted out by me. Here''s the contract, it''s for thirty years."


    Long Xiaoshan took out the contract that had been stamped and signed a few days earlier, waved it around, and said, "I''m going to start a farm here, and right now we need people to clear the mountainnd and dig ponds on the rocky beach. We are recruiting workers. If you''re avable,e work for us. We''ll pay daily wages, guaranteeing no less than fifty yuan per day."


    The crowd below stirred withmotion.


    She was stunned by the wages Long Xiaoshan had offered.


    Standing beside her, Long Dashan''s eyelids twitched, and he almost went up to cover his son''s mouth.


    The wages were to be settled daily, and no less than fifty yuan at that.


    If one worked the whole month, wouldn''t that be one thousand five hundred yuan?


    In H County, that was pretty much the going rate for wages.


    Not to mention the vige, working at Long Fakui''s sawmill meant ving away for a whole month for just eight hundred yuan, and on top of that, wages were often dyed. A month''s pay might not be handed out until three monthster.


    This kind of daily wage, you get money every day.


    "Really? Is that true?" a woman from the vige called out.


    "Such high wages, little Xiaoshan, where are you getting the money from?" Some vigers were skeptical.


    The average ie in the vige was still less than two thousand yuan; if the wages were that high, working for a month would exceed the previous year''s earnings.


    "How is this high sry? If my ce gets up and running and we start hiring official staff, the wages will be even higher. Right now, it''s just temporary work, so it''s paid daily," Long Xiaoshan said with a smile, "If you don''t believe me, you can ask Manager Su beside me. This farm isn''t just mine; it''s invested by the Lily Hotel from the county. Manager Su is the manager of the Lily Hotel. If you don''t believe me, then hear what she has to say."


    Long Xiaoshan pointed at Su Wan beside him.


    Su Wan gave him a look. This guy held ny percent of the farm, with Lily owning just ten percent. He spoke as if the farm was a part of the Lily Hotel, really pulling the tiger''s skin for a banner.


    However, the Lily Hotel in Niu Y County really was well-known.


    Even the people in the small vige had heard of it.


    "I went to my son-inw''s ce in the county for New Year''s, and that hotel, it''s ten stories high, the best in the county. I heard it costs several hundred for a night''s stay," said an uncle from the vige whose circumstances were rather good, and whose daughter was married into the town.


    "Look at that car, I saw it in the newspaper, it''s called a Mercedes; it goes for over a million."


    Su Wan smiled lightly and said, "On behalf of Lily Hotel, I want to assure all the vigers of Longyang Vige that what Xiaoshan has said is all true. You don''t have to worry about the money. With daily settlements, you will definitely not be shortchanged."


    The vigers weren''t foolish.


    Hearing Su Wan''s words, they believed that was right¡ªthese were daily wages, at worst they''d only lose out on one day''s work.


    That was nothing like working in other ces where the wages were always dyed, and sometimes a whole year''sbor was for nothing.


    Everyone''s eyes suddenly lit up with eagerness.


    Where else could you find such high wages? Even if you went to the county, for a migrant worker to find a job paying one thousand five hundred per month was tough; you had to pay for food and lodging, and saving half of it by the end of the month was doing well. Yet working at home had virtually no costs.


    "Little Xiaoshan, do you think I can do it?"


    "Xiaoshan, I may be older, but I''m surely capable of a bit of digging."


    The vigers were both excited and worried.


    They feared such a good job might have very high requirements.


    After all, mostly the old, infirm, and women were left in the vige, with very few able-bodied men.


    "Xiaoshan, can I, can I work here? I might not be very strong, but taking half the sry is fine with me," said a somewhat timid voice.


    Long Xiaoshan looked over to see Chun Tao. Since he had saved herst time, Long Xiaoshan had been checking in on her often. He had heard that Aunt Wu wasn''t beating and scolding her like before. Chun Tao''s attempt at suicide must have frightened her; if Chun Tao were to die, the blind old woman would have no one to care for her. It wouldn''t be easy for her either.


    "There''s no distinction here; everyone is treated the same. Of course, you cane work, and the sry will be the same, not a penny less," Long Xiaoshan said.


    Chun Tao''s eyes sparkled for a moment, and she gratefully said, "Thank you, Xiaoshan."

 Chapter 40: 40: Generous Long Xiaoshan

    Chapter Forty


    "Vige Chief, something''s wrong," Long Fakui received a call from Ergou.


    He was rolling in the sheets with his mistress in the county when he heard Ergou''s words and immediately got up from the bed.


    "You''re saying, that kid is recruitingborers in the vige, and he wants to set up a farm? Everyone''s gone to work on thend he contracted?" Long Fakui said.


    "Yes, the kid offers fifty yuan a day. I heard the Lily Hotel from the county is investing in him," Ergou replied.


    "Damn it."


    Long Fakui cursed, "This reformed criminal has hit the jackpot, why would the Lily Hotel invest in him, are they blind?"


    This was the most infuriating. Originally, he thought the kid was just a destitute peasant who would be at his beck and call in the vige; Long Fakui was the local tyrant of Longyang Vige. But now, this little peasant had spoiled his ns and even connected with the big hotel in the county. This was like rebellion.


    If he had known that the mountainnd he contracted was to be invested in by the county''s big hotel, he would never have leased it for just ny thousand yuan.


    He would have definitely extorted a hefty sum from him, but the contract was already signed,


    He didn''t dare to just tear up the contract.


    After all, the kid had the Lily Hotel backing him.


    Moreover, with this kid hiring people in the vige and offering high wages, if the vigers had money, how could they still be at hismand?


    He had his way with the vige''s youngdies and married women because he held the purse strings.


    Long Fakui was very gloomy, but for now, he genuinely had no way to deal with Long Xiaoshan; he could only wait for an opportunity.


    Over there,


    Long Xiaoshan didn''t care about the fifty yuan a day, he hired everyone who signed up in the vige. Some were elderly, in their sixties or seventies, and it didn''t make sense to hire them from a business standpoint, as they were old and not good for physicalbor.


    But Long Xiaoshan''s primary goal was to benefit the vigers while umting merit, not minding these small expenses.


    He assigned the elderly to lighter tasks.


    So he hadn''t cared about whether or not it was a loss; he hired them all first and would deal with the restter.


    Still, he was not entirely charitable. He made it clear in advance that anyone who waszy would have to leave, no excuses allowed.


    No one opposed this condition.


    The vigers were rtively simple folks. With such high wages, if someone still cked off, the entire vige would despise them.


    In the vige, over a hundred people were busily working on Xishan.


    At noon,


    Severalrge tents were set up on the beach, and the Lily Hotel''s pickup truck delivered thousands of pounds of flour, rice, Golden Dragon brand oil, fresh pork, cabbage, and green onions. Long Xiaoshan had some of the older women bake pancakes and cook porridge right there in the tents.


    Golden pancakes stuffed with generous cabbage and pork filling, each half the size of a wash basin, were enough for each person to get one at midday. There was also arge pot of porridge that everyone could serve themselves and eat their fill.


    The vigers who worked for Long Xiaoshan were astonished; they couldn''t believe they were getting such good meals. The vige was poor; getting a couple of pounds of pork per month was difficult, and suchrge meat-filled pancakes were usually only avable during festivals.


    Some vigers felt awkward, insisting on going home to eat.


    Long Xiaoshan called them back and told them it was free.


    The delicious aroma was too tempting to resist.


    Half-heartedly, those intending to leave stayed and, wrapping up a fragrant pancake, slurped down bowls of warm porridge. They ate contentedly.


    Laughter abounded on the beach, nearly as festive as during the New Year celebrations.


    They were already happy with the day''s pay, but to get such a good lunch for free made everyone even more joyful, and they all praised Long Xiaoshan.


    Long Xiaoshan himself held a pancake and a bowl of porridge, eating while patrolling the beach. This was his own farm, the foundation of his start, so he definitely had to care for it attentively. Along the way, the vige''s young women and wives, who had shunned him like a snake or scorpion when he first returned, no longer looked at him that way.


    It wasn''t just enthusiasm that was radiating from them, there was even a hint of something else.


    Such is the power of money.


    Long Xiaoshan saw a delicate figure sitting under a tree carefully wrapping up a pancake in a cloth. He walked over and said, "Chun Tao, why aren''t you eating anymore? Is it not tasty?"


    Chun Tao looked up and hurriedly stood up, saying, "No, no, that''s not it. I''ve already eaten. I''m saving the rest to take back for Granny."


    "You''ve hardly eaten anything," Long Xiaoshan noticed that she had only taken a few bites, three-quarters of the pancake was still left.


    "You''re doing manualbor, eating so little won''t give you energy. You should eat it yourself, and I''ll ask the kitchen to set aside another one for you to take backter."


    "No need, no need, I''ve had porridge, it''s enough," Chun Tao quickly shook her head.


    "No, you must eat. If you don''t eat, I won''t let you work," Long Xiaoshan said, ring.


    "Little Xiaoshan, please no," Chun Tao''s eyes clouded with a mist as she took the pancake wrapped in cloth back out and took a bite, "I''ll eat, I''ll eat."


    "Now that''s more like it," Long Xiaoshan squatted down under the tree as well, eating his pancake and drinking his porridge.


    With Long Xiaoshan sitting beside her, Chun Tao didn''t dare to not eat, and she ate the pancake bite by bite until it was all gone.


    Long Xiaoshan smiled, patted his butt, stood up, and said, "Chun Tao, I''ll have my mother send some pancakes and porridge over to fifth auntter, don''t worry about it."


    "Little Xiaoshan, thank you," Chun Tao''s voice was soft, like the meow of a cat.


    As Long Xiaoshan walked away, he paused, turned back, and whispered, "Next time, don''t wear such light-colored clothes to work in, they''re see-through."


    After he quickly moved on, Chun Tao looked down at her attire and her face turned a fiery red. Hurrying to squat down, she reminded herself that it was July; working on the mountain meant breaking into a sweat, and once light-colored clothes were wet, they clung to the body revealing everything beneath.


    No wonder the working men in the vige kept ncing her way.


    Having had a full meal, the vigers worked with even more vigor in the afternoon.


    In one day''s time, Xishan had changedpletely; all the weeds and such were cleared away.


    Long Xiaoshan was quite generous. He let them off work at four o''clock in the afternoon, telling them that working eight hours a day was consistent with nationalbor standards.


    At Shieyan Beach,


    a table was set up with thick stacks of money on it. Long Xiaoshan personally handed out the money. The off-duty farmers each gathered around the table, eyes burning with desire for the money in Long Xiaoshan''s hands.


    "Uncles, aunts, line up one by one, no pushing, no chaos, you won''t miss out," Long Xiaoshan called out.


    He had his parents maintain order, and every person who had worked received a crisp fifty yuan note.


    Looking at Long Xiaoshan, they were filled with gratitude.


    After everyone was paid, a total of more than six thousand yuan was distributed.


    Once the vigers had dispersed, happy and content,


    He Xiangyue said with concern, "Little Xiaoshan, spending money like this, no matter how much you have, it won''tst. The day''s wages alone are so much, not to mention all the flour and pork."


    "Yeah, Xiaoshan, this day alone must have cost nearly ten thousand yuan," Long Dashan said, drawing in a breath.


    Havinge from a farmer''s background and fearful of poverty, seeing Long Xiaoshan spend money like pouring water made them very anxious.


    "Mom, don''t worry about it too much, it''s not that expensive. Besides, the rice and flour were sponsored by the Lily Hotel. It''s all hardbor; only when they''re well-fed will they have the strength to work hard and not ck off. Ultimately, it benefits me," Long Xiaoshan said with a smile.


    "Oh, I was just saying. You''ve been educated, I don''t know about these things," He Xiangyue said.


    Long Xiaoshan chuckled.


    He wasn''t afraid to spend money.


    Though he might spend close to ten thousand yuan a day, the Lily Hotel had ten million yuaning in, so money was not a concern for the moment.


    Moreover, umting merit was the most important thing. He hadn''t been wrong: today, indeed, some silver lights of merit had been absorbed. It seemed that not only treating the sick and saving lives could earn merit; helping vigers escape poverty and be prosperous was also a meritorious deed. Although it was very little now, just flecks here and there, time would umte them into a significant amount.

 Chapter 41: 41 Planting

    ```


    Chapter Forty-One


    Over a hundred people working.


    In three days'' time, the soil on Xishan had been turned over, nowpletely leveled.


    Next, it was time to dig ponds.


    The stony beach below had three hundred mu, and Long Xiaoshan nned to dig two first, fifty mu each. Due to the mountain road issue, it was difficult for digging machines to get in, so they could only rely on manualbor.


    Luckily, with many hands, the progress wasn''t too slow.


    Long Xiaoshan ran to the county to discuss purchasing saplings and vegetable seeds with Su Wan, and they went to the agricultural market.


    During these days, the fame of the miraculous shrimp had already spread far and wide.


    Not only was it iparably delicious, surpassing lobsters, but it also had the effect of strengthening the body, and even tonifying the kidney and bolstering virility.


    Especially thattter feature.


    Many who had eaten it whispered secretly, iming their nighttimebat strength had multiplied several times over.


    It boasted an effectparable to Viagra.


    And without any side effects at that, it was for nourishment, unlike Viagra, which came with side effects.


    Thanks to the miraculous shrimp, Lily Hotel also reaped considerable benefits, such as the fact that many influential people sought these miraculous shrimp at Shangguan Baihe''s establishment, which was a favor in itself.


    Shangguan Baihe knew that these favors represented tremendous value.


    However, the shrimp were limited for purchase daily, and at 1888 per piece, ordinary people couldn''t afford them.


    Therefore, it didn''t contribute much to the hotel''s performance.


    Since it was a business, it wasn''t possible to sell only high-end products, there also had to be mid-range and mass-market products.


    Shangguan Baihe invested ten million into the farm, not for charity, but because she believed in Long Xiaoshan''s words. He not only could raise shrimp but also had a variety of agricultural products, melons, vegetables, fruits, all of which could be sold to ordinary people.


    Even if it was a bit expensive, it wouldn''t be outrageously so, and ordinary people could still afford it.


    Thus, Long Xiaoshan and Su Wan arrived at the agricultural product market and bought many vegetable seeds, including cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, greens, water spinach, cabbages, eggnts... dozens of varieties, purchasing some of each.


    Su Wan looked at Long Xiaoshan and said, "Some are not in season, can you grow them? The mountain terrain isn''t suitable for greenhouses, right?"


    "Let''s just buy them and give it a try, the seeds aren''t expensive anyway," Long Xiaoshan replied.


    "..." Su Wan.


    After purchasing the vegetable seeds, they went to buy fruit saplings.


    Long Xiaoshan went on another spree ofvish purchases, buying apples, peaches, pears, watermelons, grapes, regardless of whether they were in season or not, he bought some of every fruit sapling avable in the market.


    Su Wan felt Long Xiaoshan was being reckless.


    Even though she didn''t know much about agriculture, she knew that each fruit and vegetable had different characteristics. Generally, farms would do well to grow just a few kinds; nobody was as greedy as Long Xiaoshan, trying dozens of vegetables and over a dozen kinds of fruits.


    Just the different cultivation methods for various fruits and vegetables would be quite a hassle.


    But since Long Xiaoshan insisted on buying, she had no choice.


    Long Xiaoshan purchased so many fruits and vegetables for experimentation.


    It was his first time farming, and although he was very confident in the Merit Spirit Liquid, he was still somewhat uncertain, so he decided to nt first and see whether they would survive.


    The vegetable seeds were brought back that day, and the next day, people from the agricultural market brought in the saplings.


    The mountainous terrain on the Xishan slope had been developed.


    However, the soil quality was obviously poor, all loess with many stones,cking in nutrients.


    Seeing Long Xiaoshan bring back so many vegetable seeds and saplings,


    Some of the uncles in the vige, who had received favors from Long Xiaoshan, advised him because they could tell just by looking at the soil that it wouldn''t work. They had been farming all their lives, had plenty of experience, and urged Long Xiaoshan not to waste money.


    ```


    However, Long Xiaoshan did not listen, insisting they help with the nting. Seeing that Long Xiaoshan would not take advice, these uncles went to find Long Dashan, hoping to persuade him.


    "When a son grows up, he won''t follow his father''s lead. You might as well listen to him, I won''t interfere," said Long Dashan, puffing on a Double Happiness cigarette,ughing.


    He knew his son had skills taught by celestials, but of course, this secret must be kept. Honest people can also be very astute.


    After hearing Long Dashan''s words, those uncles were at a loss for words.


    They could only follow Long Xiaoshan''s instructions and start nting the vegetables and fruit saplings.


    After all, Long Xiaoshan was the boss who hired them; they could only listen to whatever he decided.


    The seeds were sown, and the fruit saplings were nted.


    Long Xiaoshan watched from the bottom of the mountain, the bustling scene making him dream of andscape full of melons, vegetables, and fruit orchards. If everything grew, it would be a beautiful sight¡ªturning a barren hill into farnd. It was a feeling that excited him, not just for the possibility of making money.


    "Xiaoshan, you''re doing a great job, starting to nt fruits now,"


    a somewhat unpleasant voice said.


    Long Xiaoshan turned around and saw the vige chief, Long Fakui, approaching with Ergou and a few other people.


    He gave a faint smile. He had almost fallen out with the vige chief and certainly would not regard him as a n uncle anymore. There was no need to put on a pleasant expression. He was not so hypocritical, simply responding indifferently, "It''s okay, I guess."


    Long Fakui''s heart was filled with darkness.


    Long Xiaoshan had created such high wages with this development project.


    Many vigers had already quit working at his sawmill.


    The wages there were low, and payments were often dyed, while here, wages were settled daily, with moneying into ounts every day. Only a fool would not make the switch.


    If it were not for the fear that Long Xiaoshan''s project might notst long, he would worry that he wouldpletely lose his workforce.


    "Fine, nt them well, waiting for you to get rich!"


    Long Fakui said with a smirk that did not reach his eyes, thinking to himself that it would be a miracle if you managed to grow anything at all. He hade today precisely to see that Long Xiaoshan had actually nted dozens of varieties of melons, vegetables, and fruits, and he could not help butugh inwardly.


    He knew some people in ntation, and they all said it was impossible to keep these nts alive.


    It seemed that Lily Hotel had really blundered, being fooled by an idiot like Long Xiaoshan.


    But this was good, for the investment from Lily Hotel wasn''t so easy to obtain. Thedy boss of Lily Hotel, known as the most beautiful woman ck Lily in the county, was a lily with thorns.


    Once Long Xiaoshan''s ntation failed and he lost everything,


    he wondered how Long Xiaoshan would wrap things up.


    Probably there would be no need for him to deal with Long Xiaoshan; by then, ck Lily would take care of him.


    "Let him enjoy his moments of pride for now," Long Fakui thought to himself.


    Long Xiaoshan, however, did not care about what Long Fakui thought.


    Once all the melons, vegetables, and fruit saplings were nted, he thought about how to sprinkle the Spiritual Liquid. He bought a water pump from the county. To save costs for now, he couldn''t afford an automatic irrigation system, so it had to be done manually.


    He arranged for tenrge water tanks and pumped water from the little Xi into the tanks. Long Xiaoshan had previously poured some Spiritual Liquid diluted ten-fold into the tanks, simply referring to it externally as Nutrient Solution¡ªwhich was rathermon¡ªso even if the vigers saw it, they wouldn''t question it.


    Then, the vigers carried water from the tanks in buckets up the mountain to water the vegetable plots and fruit saplings.


    As the Spiritual Liquid wasn''t abundant and the mountainnd covered several hundred acres, it was significantly diluted.


    It was certainly not as concentrated as it was during the shrimp farming.


    Long Xiaoshan was not entirely confident. That night, when everyone had left, he did not return home but stayed in a shed on the stony beach. Deep in the night, he looked towards the mountainnd, seeing faint glimmers of light emerging from the barren soil.


    That must be the effect of the Spiritual Liquid.


    But now he knew that only his Spirit Eye could see it; ordinary people could not.


    Otherwise, if the vegetable patch and pond in the backyard of his home were glowing, his parents would have noticed long ago.

 Chapter 42: 42 Su Wans Illness

    Chapter Forty-Two


    Early the next morning, Long Xiaoshan rose and went up to the mountain to check on things.


    He discovered that some very tiny seedlings had actually sprouted on the mountainousnd, and the leaves of those fruit trees seemed to have increased in number as well.


    It really was effective.


    Although the growth rate couldn''tpare with the initial experiment in the backyard, this rate had already surpassed that of normal growth. It should be noted that this was barren mountainnd, not the fertile ck soil.


    But now, this rate rivaled that of the fertilends.


    Moreover, he checked and found that every kind of melon, vegetable, and fruit was alive.


    These dozens of varieties, requiring different conditions, might not even survive under an experienced farmer''s care.


    But now they were all alive and growing.


    Long Xiaoshan was very excited.


    He didn''t need them to grow as quickly as in the backyard; such speed would be too conspicuous.


    Maturing in a single day¡ªin the rural vige, wouldn''t that turn into a tale of hauntings spreading far and wide? After all, it was because his parents had seen the backyard vegetable garden and Spirit Shrimp grow that they thought it was haunted.


    So, for him now, he wanted the melons and vegetables to mature but not be too eye-catching.


    The current speed was good, somewhat fast, but still understandable since it hadn''t exceeded everyone''s customary way of thinking.


    Yet even so,


    when the vigers came to work on the farm, they were stunned too.


    Looking at the fine sprouts emerging from the ground, they were incredibly surprised, even the few old farmers who were the best at farming in the vige found it unbelievable.


    They had thought Long Xiaoshan was messing around, but everything had actually started to grow.


    "Incredible, incredible, truly a Wenqu Star descended to earth¡ªwhen ites to nting melons, vegetables, and fruits, he outdoes us all," those old farmers, recalling Long Xiaoshan''s past, began to praise him one after another.


    One couldn''t deny that Long Xiaoshan''s past was legendary.


    From childhood to adulthood, he had always excelled at studying, easily ranking first whether in the vige or the county. In the end, he even got into Shuimu University, a feat that someone from Niu Y County could only dream of achieving every few years. Even the county head had received him and presented him with a red flower.


    Thanks to these legendary tales,


    the simple farmers all found it quite normal.


    After all, being a Wenqu Star descended to earth, it was expected for him to be extraordinary, thus sparing Long Xiaoshan much need for exnation.


    The pond was now gradually being excavated.


    Long Xiaoshan knew that the melons, vegetables, and fruit trees should naturally continue to grow slowly; the melons and vegetables should yield a harvest in half a month, while the fruit trees would definitely take longer.


    However, what Long Xiaoshan was worried about now was the consumption of the Merit Spirit Liquid, which was rather quick.


    All the umted Merit Spirit Liquid, except for that one drop of golden liquid, had been used up for the three hundred acres of mountainnd and was now depleted.


    He definitely didn''t want to run out of resources.


    Just then, a phone call came in.


    It was said that Su Wan had suddenly fainted.


    She had been taken to Niu Y County People''s Hospital and had already been admitted to the intensive care unit.


    Long Xiaoshan hastily spoke to his parents and rushed to Niu Y County People''s Hospital. Outside the intensive care unit, he saw Shangguan Baihe, whoseplexion didn''t look good as she spoke with a doctor.


    The doctor said, "Miss Shangguan, I think it''s best to arrange a transfer to a hospital in the province as soon as possible. Our technical capabilities here are probably not sufficient for this kind of surgery."


    Long Xiaoshan quickly approached and asked, "What surgery?"


    Shangguan Baihe, seeing Long Xiaoshan approaching, whispered, "The situation isn''t good, They''ve found a brain tumor. Although we don''t know yet if it''s malignant or benign, it''s alreadypressing the optic nerve. Even if it''s benign, craniotomy will be necessary, and there''s a high possibility that the optic nerve will be damaged..."


    Shangguan Baihe stopped speaking.


    She didn''t need to say it explicitly; the implication was clear¡ªif the optic nerve was damaged, blindness was certain.


    Long Xiaoshan was filled with regret.


    Initially, he had indeed noticed something wrong with Su Wan, but he hadn''t insisted that she visit the hospital. Recently, he had been preupied with the farm and hadpletely forgotten about it.


    "I''ll go in and take a look first," said Long Xiaoshan as he hurriedly pushed the door to the intensive care unit.


    "Wait, you can''t go in," the doctor who had been speaking with Shangguan Baihe quickly intervened.


    "What do you mean I can''t go in? I can cure this disease!" Long Xiaoshan pushed the door open and entered.


    "What are you doing? Are you out of your mind?" The doctorughed in anger after hearing Long Xiaoshan''s im.


    Long Xiaoshan had already hurried in; Su Wan was lying on the hospital bed, herplexion pale, and she had lost a good deal of weight. Her skin had darkened, too. These days, as they prepared the farm, it was Su Wan who had been running around handling external affairs, while all Long Xiaoshan needed to do was stay in the vige to supervise.


    In reality, he had been an absentee manager. Thinking of this, he felt even more sorry for Su Wan.


    "Who is it?" Su Wan''s vision was very blurry now; she could only sense someone approaching her bed.


    "Sister Su, it''s me. I''vee to see you," Long Xiaoshan said quickly.


    "Xiaoshan," Su Wan''s face squeezed out a faint smile, "Why are you here? The farm is so busy."


    "I''m sorry. I should have had you checked out sooner," Long Xiaoshan admitted.


    Remembering how Long Xiaoshan had told her she was ill the first time they met, Su Wan, who had always felt fine, now realized he had been right. She said bitterly, "It''s my own fault, too, for not listening to you. It''s just my fate, and you''re not to me."


    "Don''t worry, Sister Su, I will definitely cure you," Long Xiaoshan dered as he activated his Spirit Eye to observe Su Wan''s brain.


    A tumor the size of an egg was pressing right against the optic nerve.


    It was somewhat tricky, but Long Xiaoshan had a n in mind. A tumor needs the body''s nutrients to grow; if he could cut off the tumor''s nutrient supply, it would naturally shrink and die.


    "Xiaoshan, can you really cure me? You''re not lying to me," Su Wan grasped at this lifeline, for she had indeed witnessed Long Xiaoshan''s medical skills when he cured Zhang Yin. However, she was still very anxious because her tumor was in her brain, which is the most difficult to treat.


    "Yes, I can treat it. I can start right now," Long Xiaoshan said as he pulled out the Golden Needle.


    Shangguan Baihe and the treating physician had alsoe in, and upon seeing Long Xiaoshan move to use the needle, the doctor yelled, "What are you doing? Do you realize that messing around could kill the patient?"


    Shangguan Baihe was angry, too, and said in a stern voice, "Long Xiaoshan, what are you doing?"


    "I can cure Sister Su''s illness, Chairman. I understand medical techniques and would never joke with Sister Su''s life," Long Xiaoshan said earnestly.


    "Chairman, let Xiaoshan treat me," Su Wan also spoke up.


    For some reason, she was willing to trust Long Xiaoshan, perhaps knowing that this young farmer wouldn''t harm her and was willing to entrust her life to him.


    "Little Wan, are you sure you want to do this?" Shangguan Baihe asked, her brows knit in concern.


    "Yes, I''m willing. If it doesn''t work, then it''s my destiny, and Xiaoshan shouldn''t be med," Su Wan replied.


    Shangguan Baihe pondered for a moment, her gaze shifting from Long Xiaoshan to Su Wan, and slowly said, "Alright, since you''ve agreed to it, I don''t have the right to stop you. But Long Xiaoshan, if anything goes wrong, I won''t be so easy to negotiate with."


    An Aura of Killing seemed to emanate from her eyes.


    Long Xiaoshan didn''t speak, he just took out the Golden Needle and inserted it into Su Wan''s head.


    "You¡ªall of you¡ªif there''s a medical ident, I won''t take responsibility," the principal physician said. If it wasn''t for Shangguan Baihe''s status, he would have already called staff to throw Long Xiaoshan out.


    All he could do now was to hurry out and call the Dean.


    He couldn''t bear the responsibility for what was happening now.

 Chapter 43: 43: Starving the Tumor

    Chapter Forty-Three


    Before he had the Spirit Eye, Long Xiaoshan was also uncertain about performing acupuncture in the brain, after all, the brain is such a delicate organ, and any issues could lead to serious consequences.


    However, now he could use irvoyance to see, as if his eyes were a CT scan.


    Even more powerful than a scan, he could see deep inside.


    So he was much more confident when inserting the needles.


    He carefully severed the blood supply to the tumor, bit by bit.


    Because the blood vessels were fine and numerous, he was very cautious.


    Shangguan Baihe watched Long Xiaoshan insert needle after needle, his movements extremely skilled, recognizing that Long Xiaoshan indeed possessed medical skills. Unexpectedly, this little farmer could raise the finest medicinal shrimp and also have medical knowledge. Of course, she was not yet at ease.


    After all, it was a tumor, and she had never heard of one being cured simply with acupuncture.


    After a while, several more people entered the intensive care unit, including an elderly man in his fifties or sixties, whom everyone was calling ''Dean''.


    Seeing that the dean of the People''s Hospital had arrived, Shangguan Baihe stepped forward to exin.


    She assured the Dean that if anything went wrong, the hospital would not be held responsible.


    The Dean nodded along with Shangguan Baihe. Now that the procedure had started, it was certainly not possible to stop it, so he too watched from the sidelines. To his surprise, he found Long Xiaoshan''s technique to be very impressive; he himself had a background in traditional Chinese medicine before also studying Western medicine.


    The young man was only so many years old, yet his acupuncture skills were already remarkable.


    However, no matter how skilled the acupuncture, it probably wouldn''t be effective in treating a tumor, he thought.


    As the dean of the People''s Hospital, he was not optimistic about Long Xiaoshan''s treatment.


    Long Xiaoshan spent a full half hour before finally removing the needles from Su Wan''s brain. By then, Su Wan had fallen asleep, and he, drenched in sweat, dered, "It''s done, I need to rest."


    This session of acupuncture was extremely draining, as he cut off every blood vessel leading to the tumor.


    It exhausted him immensely.


    "It''s cured just like that?" The attending doctor sneered, "If the tumor is gone just like this, I might as well quit my job as a doctor."


    Long Xiaoshan said, "Wait until Sister Su wakes up, then we can do an examination to see."


    He was too tired to speak much, and he sat down on a chair to the side.


    Shangguan Baihe, of course, hoped that Su Wan would recover, but she found it hard to believe, and could only wait. Half an hourter, Su Wan woke up, eximing, "I can see with my eyes!"


    Her vision had been blurry due to the pressure on her optic nerve, but now she could clearly see everything around her.


    "I can really see!"


    Shangguan Baihe hurriedly arranged for a head CT scan.


    When the exam report came out, everyone was shocked.


    The tumor in Su Wan''s brain had originally been the size of an egg but had now shrunk by half. Although it was too early to dere aplete recovery, it was clear to any observer that the tumor had not shrunk by half on its own; it had to be the result of Long Xiaoshan''s acupuncture.


    Seeing her own exam report, Su Wan was also overwhelmed with emotion. She grabbed Long Xiaoshan''s hand, saying, "Xiaoshan, thank you. Without you, I really, really wouldn''t know what to do?"


    Tears streamed down Su Wan''s face.


    Her previous optimism had been forced; who wouldn''t be scared facing a brain tumor and the risk of blindness?


    Su Wan was no different. At only twenty-something years old and responsible for her family''s livelihood, the threat of the tumor to her life, let alone blindness, would have ruined her entire life.


    So now, discovering that she might recover, her inner worries and fears exploded, turning into tears of joy and excitement.


    "Sister Su, there''s no need for formalities with me, and I''m also at fault. If I had treated you earlier, there wouldn''t have been so much trouble," said Long Xiaoshan.


    "It''s my fault for not believing in you, it''s my own mistake," said Su Wan.


    "Oh, you two, stop passing the me back and forth," Shangguan Baiheughed. "I can''t stand watching this. But Xiaoshan, there shouldn''t be any problems now, right? Half of the tumor is still there."


    "No problem. ording to the situation, it should shrink away within three days," Long Xiaoshan said. "I''ll keep an eye on it."


    "That''s good, who would have thought, you, a little farmer, really have some skills."


    Shangguan Baihe praised.


    As they were talking, the door to the intensive care unit opened and the Dean, apanied by several doctors, walked in.


    Seeing Long Xiaoshan, the eyes of the Dean of the People''s Hospital lit up. He hurried over and took Long Xiaoshan''s hand, saying, "Little Genius Doctor, you''ve created a miracle!"


    No wonder his eyes were shining. To those in the medical field, the difficulty of this is more apparent. A brain tumor that requires craniotomy was actually cured with just a needle without surgery¡ªit''s truly a miracle for medicine.


    Shangguan Baihe pointed at one of the doctors and said mockingly, "Didn''t you say that if he could cure it, you would no longer be a doctor?"


    That doctor was the attending physician from before, who was very rude to Long Xiaoshan.


    Shangguan Baihe''s mockery made his face turn shades of red and white. He walked up to Long Xiaoshan and gave a deep bow, saying, "I''m sorry, Divine Doctor, I was wrong before."


    "It''s okay, you were being responsible, there was nothing wrong," Long Xiaoshan said nonchntly.


    He wasn''t like Shangguan Baihe who liked to be confrontational.


    After all, he was a little farmer at heart, still simple and unpretentious, willing to forgive when he could. But, of course, that was a different story when it came to matters of principle.


    "Divine Doctor, can you exin how you treated it? This is a miracle in medicine; it could benefit humanity," the Dean said somewhat excitedly.


    "I used a needle to cut off the tumor''s nutrient supply, preventing it from absorbing nutrients from the body, causing the tumor to starve to death," Long Xiaoshan exined.


    The Dean was left dumbfounded after hearing this.


    He certainly understood the principle. Tumors rely on human nutrition to grow, but cutting off the tumor''s nutrient supply was no simple matter. Even surgery couldn''t achieve that; only removal could.


    "You, how did you do it? The tumor is connected to so many blood vessels in the body, how could you possibly cut off its supply?" asked the Dean, in disbelief.


    Long Xiaoshan just smiled and didn''t say anything.


    Shangguan Baihe snorted coldly, "Dean, aren''t you asking too many questions?"


    She didn''t care about the other party''s status and spoke her mind, leaving the Dean looking awkward. He then said, "I know it''s rather presumptuous to ask, but this could be a major breakthrough in the history of medicine."


    Long Xiaoshan wasn''t sure if the Dean had an ulterior motive, but even if this Dean had no personal agenda, he couldn''t disclose the secrets. It was a technique taught by Master Chang who had instructed him not to share it.


    "I''m sorry, my acupuncture is proprietary," Long Xiaoshan stated.


    The Dean nodded with regret, understanding that such an incredible medical technique would naturally be kept confidential.


    "The lessons are not lightly passed on, I understand, truly," he said.


    "However, little Genius Doctor, we have other tumor patients in our hospital. Can you treat them?" the Dean asked.


    "That''s a bit difficult, I don''t have a medical practice license," Long Xiaoshan replied.


    "Some of them are terminal cases; we can''t be too picky in such circumstances. I''m just asking. If you can treat them, saving a life is more meritorious than building a Seven-tiered Pagoda. I''ll just be making the connection," the Dean exined.


    After hearing the Dean''s words, Long Xiaoshan felt moved.


    He was currently in need of merit. Last time, when he asked Zhang Yin for introductions, she brought a group of wealthy women who almost overwhelmed him. Moreover, thosedies had minor issues, and curing them didn''t earn much merit. But it was different with the hospital, especially since the Dean would introduce him to tumor patients.


    These were terminal illnesses; curing them would definitely bring great merit.


    He felt tempted and said, "I can try, but I can''t guarantee a cure, and such acupuncture drains a lot of physical strength. I can only treat one or two patients a week."

 Chapter 44: 44 Out of Stock Vegetables and Melons

    Chapter Forty-Four


    After discussing with the Dean of the People''s Hospital, Long Xiaoshan agreed to make a trip to the county every three days.


    Shangguan Baihe said, "Xiaoshan, can you drive? If you can, the hotel will provide you with a car, which would be more convenient for you, running back and forth otherwise you''ll need to take a bus."


    "I don''t have one," Long Xiaoshan said.


    "In that case," Shangguan Baihe said, "let''s have Elder He be your personal chauffeur for a few days. You can learn from him, and then I''ll arrange for you to take a driving test at the traffic police department."


    It was easy for Shangguan Baihe to arrange such a small matter with her connections.


    "Thank you, Chairman," Long Xiaoshan said.


    "Stop calling me Chairman, I''m only a few years older than you, just call me sister," Shangguan Baihe said.


    Although she had previously cooperated with Long Xiaoshan, it was just business, without any further rtionship with him.


    But after witnessing Long Xiaoshan''s medical skills, Shangguan Baihe was amazed and became more enthusiastic toward this small farmer.


    An extraordinary doctor is someone everyone wants to befriend. Even if you''re the president, you still get sick. A great doctor sometimes means an extra life.


    It''s not that Shangguan Baihe was pragmatic, but rather when you have capabilities, others naturallye to appreciate you.


    If you are ipetent and mediocre, why should others bother to appreciate or befriend you?


    Not to mention someone with Shangguan Baihe''s status.


    "Then, Shangguan... Sister, I should get going now. The farm is very busy. I''lle to see Sister Su again tomorrow," Long Xiaoshan said.


    "Alright, you go ahead. I''ll arrange for someone to take care of little Wan here," Shangguan Baihe waved goodbye.


    At Shangguan Baihe''s request, Elder He drove Long Xiaoshan back to the vige in the pickup.


    Elder He and Long Xiaoshan were already familiar with each other, as he hade for several deliveries.


    When they reached a remote road, Elder He and Long Xiaoshan switched seats, and Long Xiaoshan took the wheel, because the chairman had asked him to teach Long Xiaoshan to drive. Long Xiaoshan was very brave and had an extraordinaryprehension ability. Under Elder He''s guidance, he actually started driving straight away.


    The manual transmission pickup didn''t even stall.


    Elder He eximed in amazement, "Young brother Xiaoshan, it''s my first time seeing someone learn to drive this quickly. I came from an army motorized infantry background. Impressive. With your talent, I think joining the army and driving tanks wouldn''t be a problem."


    "Brother He, that''s an exaggeration," Long Xiaoshanughed.


    However, he was satisfied with his own talent andprehension. In the past, he was good at studying, but his manual skills were quite average.


    But ever since he practiced the Tai Xuan Heart Scripture, his hand and foot reaction speed had improved a lot.


    Now, it seemed even more impressive. He felt it was thanks to the Jade Purifying Bottle, which made grasping things seem very easy.


    With that, he drove straight back.


    Even the mountain roads were driven by Long Xiaoshan himself. The rugged and steep mountain paths were so narrow that only one car could pass at ces, and there was a sheer cliff slope below. Rolling down meant certain death, which would make even experienced drivers nervous, but Long Xiaoshan was not afraid.


    Moreover, he was quite interested. After all, men are generally very interested in cars, those big toys.


    Although the pickup wasn''t any fancy car, Long Xiaoshan seldom even rode in a car before, let alone drive one.


    It was Master He, the old driver sitting beside him, who got out of the car sweating profusely.


    Long Xiaoshan returned to the vige, and the next few days passed smoothly. The fruits and vegetable seedlings in the mountains grew day by day. During these days, as the Spiritual Liquid was produced, Long Xiaoshan diluted it and poured it into the mountainnd.


    A lush greenery appeared in the fields, very fresh and tender.


    In a few days, Su Wan''s illness hadpletely healed.


    Another brain CT showed that the tumor hadpletely disappeared, her vision had returned to normal, and she became lively and cheerful again.


    Although Su Wan didn''t say anything, her gaze towards the small farmer began to change.


    However, Long Xiaoshan was clumsy in this regard and did not notice these changes.


    Now, Xiaoshan''s mind was entirely focused on the farm, because the first batch of fruits and vegetables was nearly ripe. In just half a month, the hillsides had turned a vibrant green. The tender green cucumbers, each about half a meter long and as thick as an arm, with at least a dozenrge cucumbers on each nt.


    The tomatoes were thoroughly red,rger than an adult''s fist, looking like heavy rubies hanging there.


    Eggnts, cabbages, curly cabbages, yams, bean pods¡­ Dozens of fruits and vegetables had surprisingly all yielded a bountiful harvest.


    And upon inspection, they were all exceptionally perfect.


    This was incredible in the vige.


    Everyone was saying that Long Xiaoshan was like a celestial descending to earth, possessing such remarkable skill.


    Long Xiaoshan picked a cucumber and bit into it with a crunch. The taste was incredibly crisp and juicy, with a unique sweet vor. Eating one cucumber made him feel cool and refreshed throughout his body, as if he had drunk a bowl of herbal tea on a hot summer day, to the point where he didn''t sweat at all.


    His eyes lit up.


    Although the fruit and vegetables grown from the diluted Spiritual Liquid didn''t possess as much medicinal value as the Spirit Shrimp, the vor alone was unbeatably delicious.


    Moreover, they were cooling and could reduce internal heat. After eating these cucumbers, issues like constipation and e would vanish.


    Long Xiaoshan tasted dozens of vegetables.


    Each one was delicious.


    And he discovered different medicinal values in each.


    Long Xiaoshan recorded the findings and even picked some fruits and vegetables to personally deliver to Lily Hotel.


    Upon tasting them, Shangguan Baihe showed an indescribable expression.


    She immediately wanted to buy all the fruit and vegetables from Long Xiaoshan''s farm.


    The prices were set differently for each type of produce, but even the cheapest greens were offered at ten yuan per half kilogram.


    After returning, Long Xiaoshan organized the vigers to harvest the first batch of bountiful crops. Over a hundred acres of fruits and vegetables, weighing more than a hundred thousand kilograms in total, were all transported to the Lily Hotel by truck.


    Because of the high average price hemanded for his produce, these hundred thousand kilograms of fruits and vegetables brought in more than two million yuan in revenue.


    Shangguan Baihe was clearly not one to make a loss in her business.


    She immediatelyunched a promotional campaign.


    Thanks to the previously sensational Spirit Shrimp, the hotel already had a good reputation, and this time it hardly needed any promotion. The news spread like wildfire throughout the county, bringing many visitors to the hotel to try the new dishes. While the new batch of fruits and vegetables wasn''t priced as high as the Spirit Shrimp, it was still quite expensivepared to ordinary hotel dishes, with a te of greens priced at forty-eight and a dish of cucumbers at sixty-eight yuan. Just ordering a dozen or so vegetarian dishes would cost seven or eight hundred yuan, almost a thousand.


    Yet, these pricey dishes were selling out.


    The hotel was bustling with diners, like a crowded cafeteria.


    Outside, there was even a long line forming.


    Many couldn''t afford the Spirit Shrimp at 1888 yuan each, but the fruits and vegetables, albeit pricey at several tens of yuan per dish, were still affordable for ordinary folks who were willing to spend two to three hundred yuan for a few tes.


    Those who had tasted them


    simply couldn''t stop and kept calling out to the waiters for another te, and then another.


    Everyone who tried these dishes wanted more.


    Because the fruits and vegetables were too delicious, and each menu item listed their medicinal properties.


    Some small ailments showed signs of relief after eating them.


    Those with a sore throat felt relief after eating, the constipated could immediately head to the restroom to relieve themselves, and even those suffering from gout felt less pain.


    For a few tens of yuan, minor health issues could disappear.


    It was an incredible deal.


    Even visiting a hospital wouldn''t be this cheap, not to mention, eating these fruits and vegetables was a pleasure, with their unbeatable taste. Even the meat-lovers, who usually couldn''t enjoy a meal without meat, found themselves able to devour several bowls of rice just with these fresh and delicious vegetables.

 Chapter 45: 45: Grand Plans

    Chapter Forty-Five


    Long Xiaoshan''s melons and vegetables were a huge sess, earning him two million yuan, and Lily Hotel injected another three million yuan as an advance investment.


    This gave him over five million yuan in working capital.


    Long Xiaoshan was now halfway to being a millionaire.


    In Xiaoshan Vige, that was quite an aplishment; with over five million yuan, there was so much he could do.


    He decisively hired another construction team from the town.


    They sped up the excavation of the fishponds and built several temporary houses on the side of the farm that served as a mess hall and provided living quarters for the night watchmen on the farm, since it was unreasonable for them to live permanently in wooden sheds.


    With the addition of the construction team,


    the excavation proceeded even faster.


    The fishponds were quicklypleted.


    Long Xiaoshan reached out to Su Wan to buy fry and shrimp seedlings in the city. Although they could catch small shrimp in the mountain streams, it was not enough forrge-scale farming, and the purchased shrimp seedlings came in more varieties and were more expensive.


    It was the same with the fry; he bought carp from the Yellow River and bass from the Songjiang River.


    These were among Huaxia''s four famous freshwater fish. If the Yangtze River''s reeves shad and Tai Lake''s silver fish fry were avable in the market, Long Xiaoshan would have bought them all.


    With the Spiritual Liquid, he was not afraid they wouldn''t survive.


    Now, the most pressing issue was the insufficient Spiritual Liquid. The county hospital had referred patients to him, and Long Xiaoshan visited every few days to perform acupuncture on a tumor patient. Thanks to the Dean''s endorsement and the patient''s desperation, they hadn''t expected much, yet the results were astonishingly good¡ªthe tumor had actually shrunk.


    It was important to note that this was not just any tumor, but cancer.


    And it was in thete stage.


    Long Xiaoshan had managed to control evente-stage cancer and reduce the tumor size, leaving the Dean amazed to the point of deeming him a Heavenly Being, and the patient was so grateful that they paid a hundred thousand yuan for the treatment, and that was just for one session.


    Long Xiaoshan unceremoniously epted the hundred thousand yuan.


    After all, he was saving someone''s life.


    Ten thousand yuan for a life was definitely not too much.


    Of course, his main focus was not on making money. After all, not every cancer patient was wealthy. He had discussed with the Dean and decided on a fee of ten thousand yuan per acupuncture session.


    This was a price that ordinary people could afford.


    If it were too high, fewer people would seek him out, and he would collect merit too slowly.


    If it were too low, it wouldn''t work either. There''s a saying: "The Dao should not be conveyed lightly, and medicine should not be provided without assessment." If the price was too low, it would seem cheap and he wouldn''t be able to manage therge numbers of patients.


    The farm under Long Xiaoshan''s care was flourishing.


    More and more vigers came to help. Some able-bodied workers even returned from the county. One day Long Xiaoshan was by the fishpond, watching the fry, which weren''t growing very fast due to the small amount of Spiritual Liquid in the pond, only about the length of a small finger.


    These were carp from the Yellow River and bass from the Songjiang River, very delicate fish. It was quite an achievement just to keep them alive.


    "Brother Xiaoshan," someone called out.


    Long Xiaoshan turned around. It was a dark-skinned boy about ten years old with a woman standing beside him, looking quite ravishing.


    "Dongzi, and Sister Zhang," Long Xiaoshan stood up and said with a smile.


    Looking at the woman, Long Xiaoshan felt his face heat up. This woman was the Zhang Widow from the vige, known as a beauty in Longyang Vige. Although she was a bit older, in her thirties, and not as young and stunning as Chun Tao, she was not far behind Chun Tao in her younger days.


    That time he tested the Spirit Eye, he happened to peep at her having an affair with the vige chief. This memory made Long Xiaoshan feel a bit odd whenever he recalled that day.


    "Little Xiaoshan," Zhang Widow said with a smile, a touch of ingratiating in her tone, crow''s feet at the corners of her eyes. Life as a lonely widow in the vige was definitely tough; she had crow''s feet in her thirties.


    "Sister Zhang, what''s up?" Long Xiaoshan asked.


    "I was wondering if you still need people here; Sister Zhang wants to work for you," Zhang Widow said.


    "Sister Zhang, aren''t you at the vige chief''s factory?" Long Xiaoshan inquired.


    A sh of resentment crossed Zhang Widow''s eyes, but she quickly concealed it and said, "Well, that factory is no fun, and the pay is low, just eight hundred yuan. You know Dongzi is about to start junior high, and there are more expenses. Your ce pays well; I just don''t know if the job here is stable."


    Zhang Widow didn''t mention that the food here was also good.


    These days, as it was vacation time, many vige children ran to the farm to help out, including Dongzi. Although they were just kids, the children in the vige matured early and could do some farm work. Long Xiaoshan also gave them ten to twenty yuan a day, and they stayed for lunch. The vige kids were very happy to earn ten to twenty yuan, and the food was good. Dongzi was sensible and even brought half of it home to Zhang Widow. Eating the tasty food and hearing about the farm from Dongzi stirred her.


    Zhang Widow was tempted¡ªif she could really earn a sry of over a thousand yuan a month, including meals, she had long wanted to break free from that beast Long Fakui.


    Long Xiaoshan''s heart moved. He had witnessed the affair, so he understood why Zhang Widow wanted to work, and it wasn''t just because the sry was good. He was already at odds with Long Fakui and didn''t mind butting heads with him again.


    He said, "Sister Zhang, of course, I''d wee you to work here. Don''t worry; this farm is going to see huge development. I''ve leased it for thirty years. As for whether the work is stable, if you believe in me, stay. No one can make you leave."


    Long Xiaoshan''s words had an implied meaning.


    Zhang Widow eagerly said, "Little Xiaoshan, thank you. I''ll change my clothes ande to work."


    "Alright. Later on, just go to that room to register, and you can start," Long Xiaoshan said.


    Zhang Widow left with profuse thanks.


    A month had passed, and the farm already looked impressive.


    The barren hills of Xishan were now a lush green expanse, brimming with fruits and vegetables, and the fruit trees had grown over a person''s height, their emerald green leaves now blooming with flowers.


    There were threerge fish ponds.


    One was stocked with green shrimp and prawns, another with Yellow River carps, and another with bass.


    By the fish ponds near the foot of the mountain, a breeding facility was under construction, intended for livestock and poultry.


    Arge sign stood at the edge of the farm, with ambitious ns that ignited people''s passions.


    Where some rejoice, others turn green with envy.


    Long Fakui was furious.


    Long Xiaoshan, that brat, had actually managed to cultivate fruits and vegetables on such barrennd.


    It was utterly againstmon sense.


    Furthermore, Long Xiaoshan''s farm provided not just daily wages, but also avish lunch¡ªa meat and cabbage-filled pancake, chive dumplings, pickled cabbage and pork buns, varying every week, always hearty and filling.


    Simply for that meal every day, the farmworkers felt like they were celebrating a holiday.


    Many people said they would work at the farm just for that meal, even without pay.


    Moreover, many vigers had quit Long Fakui''s sawmill to work at Long Xiaoshan''s farm.


    Although some were forced, having been told they would forfeit their back wages if they left, the sign of change was already evident.


    The women in the vige no longer let themselves be manipted as before. Just the other day, when he had gone to Zhang Widow looking to relieve some stress, he was met with a shut door. And ever since Zhang Widow quit her job to go to the farm, even his threats were useless.


    Long Fakui directed all his resentment at Long Xiaoshan.


    If things continued like this, that darned kid would be climbing over his head. He had to think of a way to sabotage the farm.

 Chapter 46: 46 Night

    ```


    Chapter Forty-Six


    "You all need toe up with a n, we can''t let Long Xiaoshan stir up trouble anymore." Inside a room in a three-story building at the entrance of the vige.


    Long Fakui and his cronies, including Ergouzi and a few others, were standing there, conspiring.


    Because they felt threatened.


    "Vige Chief, just tell us what to do, I, Ergouzi will go through fire and water for you, I''ll follow yourmands to the letter," Ergouzi pledged his loyalty.


    Long Fakui, with a grim face and taking a puff of smoke, said, "The only reason that kid can be so arrogant is because of the investment from the Lily Hotel. We just need to make him lose money. Once he''s at a loss, the Lily Hotel will definitely stop investing in him, and he''ll be nothing."


    "But how can we make him lose money, Uncle?" a young man asked.


    Long Fakui, stubbing out his cigarette with force, said, "Put something in his pond."


    Ergouzi and the others jumped, saying, "Vige Chief, are you talking about poisoning, killing all his fish and shrimp?"


    A sound of a basin hitting the ground came from outside.


    "Who?" Long Fakui immediately stood up and asked.


    Ergouzi and the others quickly opened the door to see Jin Lian picking up a basin in a fluster.


    Long Fakui walked over, looked outside, then yanked Jin Lian into the room, barking, "What are you doing?"


    "Nothing, I just went to get some water to wash little Yu''s face," Jin Lian said hastily.


    "Humph, did you hear anything just now?" Long Fakui was staring at Jin Lian, who was trying to avoid eye contact, and he shouted, "Speak!"


    Jin Lian said worriedly, "Fakui, we are all fellow vigers, Xiaoshan hasn''t really done anything to you. If you poison his fish, you''ll reap what you sow..."


    p!


    Long Fakui pped Jin Lian to the ground.


    "You useless thing, you don''t know shit."


    Long Fakui kicked her a few times more, then from the doorway, a crying sound came. A sixteen- or seventeen-year-old girl stood at the door, crying bitterly. Long Fakui yelled, "What are you crying for?"


    Ergouzi and the others knew that Long Fakui had only one daughter, little Yu, who was simple-minded.


    In the vige, she was secretly called the simple girl.


    After that, there were no more children, and Long Fakui moved to the county, where it was said he kept a second wife and had sons.


    "Get out, if I hear any words leak out, I''ll kill you," Long Fakui roared at Jin Lian fiercely.


    Jin Lian, without a word, got up, covered her face, and walked to the door, pulling her daughter out with her.


    Long Fakui shut the door and looked at Ergouzi and the others, saying, "Who will go? Do it well, and I''ll give you ten thousand yuan."


    Hearing there was ten thousand yuan to be made, Ergouzi and the others'' eyes lit up...


    Long Xiaoshan was sleeping on the farm at night; after all, the farm was vast, growing so many fruits and vegetables, and raising fish, it needed someone to watch over it. The countryside may be simple, but there was always a temptation to take small advantages; and Long Xiaoshan was still not entirely at ease.


    Underneath Shieyan Rock, which resembled arge goose, there was a newly built makeshift house that could amodate people. Long Xiaoshan hadid out a room inside,plete with bedding on the floor.


    After work, having eaten something, Long Xiaoshan took a long walk around the farm, returned to the makeshift house, and began to practice. In recent days, eating the fruits and vegetables cultivated with Spiritual Liquid, as well as therge shrimp, he felt an increasingly robust heat within him.


    Originally, in prison, the food was poor, and after years of cultivation, the heat had stagnated and couldn''t be improved upon.


    Now, eating every day, he felt that the flow of energy during practice was bing thicker and more obvious, and his abdomen was more and more distended, as if stuffed with iron blocks. During practice, those streams of energy would continuously surge, making his abdomen swell like a ball.


    Long Xiaoshan thought he might have something growing in his stomach, but when he used his Spirit Eye to look inside, his abdomen was clearly empty; there was nothing.


    It was only by using the heat from cultivation to continuously strike inside that he felt some relief.


    So today, after checking the farm and feeling very ufortable in his stomach, Long Xiaoshan immediately went back to practice, circting the flow of energy around and around in his body ording to the cultivation technique of Longevity Art.


    Striking at the blocked and ufortable ces in his abdomen.


    He didn''t know how much time had passed.


    ```


    Suddenly, there was a loud boom.


    A surge of warmth finally broke through the obstruction in his abdomen, and when the blockage was cleared, a feeling of extreme pleasure immediately filled his entire body. Then, Long Xiaoshan distinctly felt something greasy oozing out of him.


    When he touched it with his hand, he found that it was ck and quite foul-smelling.


    He was startled.


    Could it be that he was undergoing the Sinew-Transforming Marrow-Washing? In the past, in prison, he had heard Elder Chang say that if your body excretes such ck and foul substances, it indicates a breakthrough, and a transformation of the body.


    As the greasy ck substances gushed out inrge amounts, Long Xiaoshan felt as if he was connected to the outside world more distinctly, as if strands of Spiritual Energy were streaming in from the void, entering his body.


    Then, they followed the warm flow within his body, entering his lower abdomen.


    Long Xiaoshan examined himself with his Spirit Eye.


    He noticed that there was a space the size of a fist in his lower abdomen that hadn''t been there before. The Spiritual Energy that was rushing in was being stored in this fist-sized space.


    Was this Inner Strength from martial arts?


    Long Xiaoshan was quite astonished as he watched the rotating flow of energy within his Dantian.


    Little did he know, this was not ordinary Inner Strength, but True Qi, which only Cultivators and Innate Martial Artists possessed¡ªfar more formidable than Inner Strength.


    He had always thought that Elder Chang was teaching him martial arts.


    About a minuteter, the ck oily substance finished flowing out of his body. Long Xiaoshan smelled a stench and quickly jumped out of bed because the smell was unbearable. ncing outside, he saw that it was pitch ck, with crickets chirping. He hurriedly stripped off his clothes and dashed out.


    By Shieyan Rock, there was a clear little stream.


    As he began to run, the flow of energy in his Dantian spontaneously surged outwards, flowing towards his feet, whoosh! It was almost as if he could fly.


    His body felt several times lighter.


    As he ran, he became a blurred shadow in the darkness.


    He nearly shouted out.


    Because he was moving too fast.


    He felt almost out of control, and in just a few breaths, he covered the several dozen meters to the riverbank.


    He leaped into the river.


    A wave of coldness washed over him, extremelyfortable. In July or August, soaking in the river was invigorating. This small stream was a popr spot for the vigers to bathe, as the vige was too poor for proper bathing facilities. However, now it was night.


    It was at least eight o''clock, and there was no one in the river.


    He strippedpletely.


    With a dive, he plunged into the river and swam forward.


    When the air in his lungs was depleted, the energy in his abdomen surged forth, and Long Xiaoshan unexpectedly felt no need to hold his breath. He was as free as he was onnd. His eyes lit up with realization that this "Inner Strength" even allowed him to breathe underwater.


    He swam freely in the water, and being young, the childlike joy in him surged. He swam around nonstop, like a fish, for over ten minutes, until he felt that the breath he had been holding was almost used up.


    As he was about to swim back to the surface, he suddenly heard the voices of two people talking.


    In the stillness of the night, his ears were sensitive, and he heard them clearly.


    "Tao, what''s going on between you and little Xiaoshan? Tell sis." The voice was none other than Zhang Widow.


    "What do you mean what''s going on? There''s nothing between little Xiaoshan and me," Chun Tao replied.


    "Still iming there''s nothing? You''ve caused quite a scene. Are you daft? Was it worth trying to hang yourself? Even if you ended up with little Xiaoshan, so what? Xiaoshan is capable and good-looking. I''m even envious of you. That''s far better than giving yourself away cheaply to that old bastard Long Fakui," Zhang Widow chided.


    "Sis, what are you saying? I really didn''t do anything with Xiaoshan. Plus, I''m a woman of ill omen; I can''t bring misfortune on Xiaoshan," Chun Tao said in a disheartened tone.


    "What ill omen? The feng shui of this vige is just bad, taking the lives of men, it has nothing to do with you. By that logic, since my man died early too, I must also bring bad luck to my husband," Zhang Widow scoffed with a coldugh.

 Chapter 47: 47 Nights Turmoil

    Chapter Forty-Seven


    Gulp, gulp, after swallowing a few mouthfuls of water, Long Xiaoshan choked and felt ufortable, he quickly surfaced.


    The water made a sudden noise.


    Zhang Widow and Chun Tao were startled, hastily calling out, "Who''s there?"


    Only then did Long Xiaoshan realize that he had been swimming underwater for too long and had inadvertently reached the back of Shieyan Rock, where a stone blocked the view, and it was a popr spot for many women to wash. However, it was also a ce where the young men from the vige liked to sneak peeks.


    Therefore, Zhang Widow and Chun Tao thought that someone from the vige hade to spy on them.


    They quickly shouted loudly.


    Fearing they would call others, and that he would be utterly embarrassed, Long Xiaoshan hurriedly said, "It''s me, don''t shout, Sister Zhang, Chun Tao, I didn''t know you were here."


    "Is that little Xiaoshan?"


    Recognizing Long Xiaoshan''s voice, Zhang Widow and Chun Tao''s cries subsided.


    "It''s me," Long Xiaoshan said quietly.


    "Little Xiaoshan, what are you hiding in the water for?" Zhang Widow asked cheerfully, without a hint of shyness after hearing it was Long Xiaoshan.


    As for Chun Tao, she was very shy and ducked under the water, not daring to say anything.


    "I was bathing, I identally swam here, I thought no one would be here sote," Long Xiaoshan exined.


    Zhang Widow giggled, covering her mouth with her hand.


    This spot was somewhat concealed, behind a stone, and given that they were talking, anyone approaching would surely hear. Toe out stealthily from under the water and im it was an ident, Zhang Widow did not believe it for a second.


    However, she didn''t mind, knowing that Long Xiaoshan was at an age where his blood ran hot, and it was quite normal for him to sneak a peek at the bathers.


    In the vige, what young man hasn''t done such a thing?


    "Sister, I''m going to leave now, I''m off," Long Xiaoshan said, feeling extremely embarrassed.


    Rushing out, Long Xiaoshan breathed heavily,


    intending to head straight back home.


    Suddenly, he heard a faint sound. Although the footsteps were light and the voices deliberately lowered, his Spiritual Perception had be exceptionally sharp after breaking through ayer of the Longevity Art.


    Who else could being at thiste hour?


    Was someone elseing to bathe, or had they heard Chun Tao''s earlier shouts?


    Long Xiaoshan quickly crouched behind a haystack, looking in the direction of the sounds.


    Using his Spirit Eye, Long Xiaoshan saw two people, sneaking around by the fishpond, seemingly pouring something into it.


    "Ergouzi?"


    Long Xiaoshan narrowed his eyes; one was Ergouzi, and the other was a young man from the vige called little Tie. These two usually hung around Long Fakui, mooching off others. What were they doing at the farm at this hour, and even pouring something into the fishpond?


    Long Xiaoshan sniffed and thought he detected the stench of pesticides wafting over with the night breeze.


    "Damn it,"


    Long Xiaoshan immediately realized what was going on. These bastards dared to sneak into his farm and poison it in the middle of the night. This scent of pesticides did not belong to his farm, as he grew pure, organic fruits and vegetables naturally, without the use of such chemicals.


    Clearly, the smell came from whatever Ergouzi and hispanion had brought.


    Thinking of this, fury shot to the crown of Long Xiaoshan''s head, for this was an outrageous act. To poison someone else''s cultivation pond, the hatred behind such an act was beyond ordinary.


    No longer caring about hisck of clothing, Long Xiaoshan dashed out from behind the haystack.


    He quickly reached Ergouzi and the other, smelling the intense pesticide odor they were dumping into the pond.


    Long Xiaoshan grabbed Ergouzi and punched him hard in the face.


    Fueled by rage, the punch split Ergouzi''s face open,pletely shattering his nose, causing him to scream in agony.


    Long Xiaoshan then grabbed the other young man and struck him down with a fierce punch as well.


    Afterward, he kicked them violently.


    Ovee with anger, such incidents had never happened in the vige before. Long Xiaoshan''s eyes reddened as he kicked forcefully. The two young men from the vige could not withstand his strength.


    They were kicked until they were covered in blood and couldn''t even scream.


    "Little Xiaoshan, what''s happening? What''s all this? Stop it now!"


    "Don''t hit them anymore, someone''s going to die."


    Two women ran over in a panic, trying to stop Long Xiaoshan.


    Zhang Widow and Chun Tao had heard the dreadful screams from the farm and thought something terrible had happened, so they rushed over.


    They arrived to see Long Xiaoshan beating the two men.


    The bloodied scene made them anxious, fearing Long Xiaoshan would beat them to death, which could be a matter of life and death.


    So they quickly pulled Long Xiaoshan away.


    Pulled back by the two women, Long Xiaoshan calmed down a bit and finally stopped kicking, but the two men were already immobile.


    "Little Xiaoshan, what are you doing? These are our fellow vigers. If you beat someone to death, you''ll have to pay with your life," Zhang Widow scolded anxiously.


    Chun Tao was also very worried, looking at Long Xiaoshan, whose face was still furious, not knowing what to say.


    "Look at them, carrying pesticides and pouring them into my fishpond. Tell me, shouldn''t I beat them?" Long Xiaoshan pointed angrily at the metal bucket on the ground, with his anger still not subsided.


    Zhang Widow approached the bucket and quickly covered her nose, "Dichlorvos."


    She cursed, "These two damn wretches dare to do such a thing, aren''t they afraid of bringing cmity upon their descendants?"


    Seeing the pesticide, Zhang Widow understood why Long Xiaoshan was so furious.


    Robbing someone of their livelihood was like killing their parents.


    To sabotage someone''s painstakingly cultivated fishpond with pesticides, in a vige, where disputes over even small matters could lead to fatalities, this sort of behavior was all too egregious.

 Chapter 48: 48: Caught and Incarcerated

    Chapter Forty-Eight


    Soon, many people rushed to the vige.


    Such an incident at the farm caused a great stir in the small vige.


    Ergouzi and little Tie''s family members watched them barely clinging to life, covered in blood, crying and screaming as they threw themselves onto them.


    However, the iron-d evidence was right there.


    The two had actually been trying to put pesticide in the pond, and the vigers didn''t have much sympathy for them. Besides, Long Xiaoshan''s farm had benefited many, and life in the vige had improved significantly. Even the rtives of Ergouzi and little Tie worked on the farm and were paid wages.


    Therefore, most stood on Long Xiaoshan''s side, condemning the two men.


    Long Fakui hurried over.


    Seeing the state of Ergouzi and little Tie, he first expressed shock, then joy, and pretended to be very angry as he shouted, "Lawless, simplywless! This is murder. Call the police immediately."


    He then picked up the phone and dialed the emergency number.


    Zhang Widow shouted, "Long Fakui, what are you doing? Didn''t you see that they put pesticide in the pond first? And now you''re calling the police? We''re all from the same vige; don''t go too far."


    The other vigers joined in support of her sentiment.


    Long Xiaoshan''s parents hurriedly pleaded with Long Fakui, asking him not to call the police.


    "Ignorant, taking thew as a joke! Just because they used pesticide means they can be killed?" Long Fakui shoved Long Xiaoshan''s parents away and dialed out.


    "Mom and Dad, don''t beg him," Long Xiaoshan said as he stopped his parents, watching Long Fakui coldly.


    He didn''t believe Ergouzi and the others would be so bold. Although he had fought them before, to actually do something like this was extraordinary, and he suspected someone was behind it. In the vige, only one person couldmand those two.


    But with no evidence at hand, he couldn''t target Long Fakui yet.


    An hourter, a police car from the township station arrived.


    Long Xiaoshan didn''t resist, knowing that he had indeed hurt people. He took out his cell phone, handed it to Long Dashan, and whispered something to him.


    Then he was handcuffed and taken to the car.


    Long Fakui, with a sinister look, came close to the car window and whispered, "little Xiaoshan, reflect well in jail. I''ll take good care of Chun Tao for you."


    His face was smug, making Long Xiaoshan want to smash it to pieces.


    He replied coldly, "Uncle Fakui, man does the deeds, heaven watches the results."


    Long Fakui said with disdain, "In Longyang Vige, I am heaven. You''re too green to fight me."


    With that, the police car started up and drove away.


    Meanwhile,


    After watching Long Xiaoshan being arrested,


    Long Dashan hurriedly followed Long Xiaoshan''s instructions and used the cell phone to call Su Wan.


    Su Wan, upon hearing that Long Xiaoshan had been arrested for assault after someone poisoned the fish pond, immediately contacted Shangguan Baihe.


    This matter could be big or small; hearing that the beatings were severe, there was nothing she could do but contact the chairman.


    Shangguan Baihe was furious when she heard about the incident, as the farm also belonged to her, and Long Xiaoshan was her cash cow. The fruits and vegetables that Long Xiaoshan had deliveredst time, although purchased at prices far above market value, costing her over two million, had generated several times more profit when she flipped them.


    Beyond that, her hotel''s reputation had soared, and now even people from the city were flocking to dine on her hotel''s vegetables and fruits.


    The hotel''s upancy was frequently full, with revenues climbing steadily.


    The farm had been poisoned, and Long Xiaoshan arrested at such a critical time, turning this mysterious ck Lily cold. However, she must now prioritize getting Long Xiaoshan out.


    Shangguan Baihe took out a pink and very delicate Apple phone and dialed a number.


    Upon answering, a cold yet beautiful voice said, "Shangguan Sister, calling me thiste, huh?"


    "My dear Captain Qin, I''m afraid I have to bother you with a matter. A little brother of mine has been taken by your lot, and I can only turn to your assistance now," giggled Shangguan Baihe.


    "Don''t tease me. I might not be captain for much longer," replied the voice with a hint of weariness.


    "What''s wrong? Haven''t gotten over that tycoon''s affair yet?" inquired Shangguan Baihe.


    "It''s nothing. Let''s not talk about that. Tell me what''s going on, who has been taken away?"


    "It''s like this..." Shangguan Baihe briefly recounted the situation, naturally leaning the story in Long Xiaoshan''s favor.


    "Okay, I''ll find out more about the situation first. If it''s true, then of course there''s no problem; he will be released," said the other voice.


    "My dear, I''ll be troubling you then," Shangguan Baihe hung up the call.


    She knew her friend was cool on the outside but warm on the inside. Since she had said so, she would definitely help.


    (The earlier parts were slightly altered, and the name of the cultivation technique has been changed to "The Art of Immortality" to better suit the context, without affecting the plot).

 Chapter 49: 49 I Can Cure It

    Chapter Forty-Nine


    When the next day arrived, there had been no call back from Qin You. Shangguan Baihe tried calling again.


    "Shangguan sister, the situation doesn''t look easy to handle,"


    As soon as the call connected, that was Qin You''s response.


    "What situation? Why is it hard to handle?" Shangguan Baihe asked with a furrowed brow.


    "I sent someone to investigate yesterday, and it seems the situation is indeed as reported. However, there''s a problem. Those two are lying in the hospital with multiple broken bones all over, they''ve been severely beaten. Even if they survive, they are likely to be disabled. Also, you might not know, but when your friend was at the Grand Tycoon Hotel thest time, I encountered him. He injured someone and also offended two rich heirs from the county, Ma Liu and Hao Yunpeng. Just when Long Xiaoshan was being taken back to the county station, he happened to be seen by Ma Liu, andter, Zhao Bao came to ask about it," Qin You exined.


    "What, there''s such a matter? What exactly happened?" Shangguan Baihe asked urgently.


    Both Ma Liu and Hao Yunpeng were wealthy scions from the county, and they had significant influence in Niu Y County. Shangguan Baihe wondered how Long Xiaoshan had offended them.


    Qin You then recounted the incident of Long Xiaoshan fighting and injuring people while rescuing a girl at the Grand Tycoon Hotel.


    "Shangguan sister, now that others are intervening, there''s nothing I can do. Even if there is the reason of pesticide poisoning, Long Xiaoshan''s act of leaving people crippled is indefensible. He''s definitely facing a sentence," Qin You said helplessly.


    "Zhao Bao, that man, is no clean figure either,"


    Shangguan Baihe said with a cold snort.


    Having many connections in the business and political circles of Niu Y County, she was fully aware of Qin You''s previous raid on the Grand Tycoon and the many people she had offended in sealing off the Grand Tycoon Hotel.


    She had thought it was a minor incident, amon brawl in the countryside that could be easily handled with a police captain''s intervention, but now it turned to be troublesome.


    If the victims were truly disabled, the sentences could be severe, possibly five to ten years or more.


    Shangguan Baihe felt a tinge of anxiety.


    Long Xiaoshan was her cash cow, and the future development of the Lily Hotel relied entirely on the products from the farm. If Long Xiaoshan were sentenced, her entire n would fall apart, resulting in huge losses.


    Therefore, it was imperative that Long Xiaoshan stay out of trouble.


    Shangguan Baihe quickly said, "I''lle over right now!"


    Saying this, she left the house and drove to find Qin You.


    The stunningly beautiful police captain looked pale, with dark circles under her eyes, appearing very exhausted.


    "Qin You, you look really awful. Come byter and get some prawns from my ce to recover," said Shangguan Baihe.


    Qin You managed a wry smile, "How could I afford the prawns from your hotel? I heard that those sold from your ce are bought at three thousand yuan right away."


    "Once you''ve tried them, you''ll know that three thousand isn''t too much," said Shangguan Baihe. "Let''s not talk about that. Where''s Xiaoshan?"


    "He''s still being detained downstairs. But what''s your rtionship with him? You seem very concerned," Qin You expressed with curiosity. The owner of the Lily Hotel, a billionaire, strikingly beautiful¡ªwhy would she be connected to Long Xiaoshan, a mere farmer and a former reformed-throughbor convict?


    It wouldn''t make sense for her to look for a lover among the peasantry.


    "Him? He''s a very important person to me. Let''s not delve into details for now. All in all, I can''t let him go to jail," Shangguan Baihe stated firmly.


    Qin You had some idea of Shangguan Baihe''s influence.


    However, to overturn this case was no easy task, for one should not contend with officials in business matters.


    "First, let me see Xiaoshan," Shangguan Baihe said without further ado, as the situation was still unclear.


    "Alright, follow me," Qin You replied.


    Even with someone interfering, Qin You was still the captain, so it was no problem for her to visit a prisoner.


    Moreover, Shangguan Baihe was no ordinary person.


    Thus, she met the imprisoned Long Xiaoshan in a small room.


    As soon as Shangguan Baihe appeared,


    Long Xiaoshan stood up and said, "Shangguan Sister, why have youe?"


    "Of course I had toe. If I hadn''t, who knows how much trouble you would have gotten yourself into," Shangguan Baihe said angrily.


    "Shangguan Sister, I was just outraged. They actually poisoned the fish pond," Long Xiaoshan said.


    "I know, but you were too rough. Even if it was for revenge, there was no need to be so direct. Now that the injuries have been assessed as disabling, it will be hard for you to escape punishment," Shangguan Baihe said.


    "Long Xiaoshan, you indeed don''t know your own strength. The same happenedst time at the Grand Tycoon Hotel. I let you go then, and it seems you haven''t learned your lesson," Qin You said.


    Long Xiaoshan frowned.


    He understood thew and knew that causing disability carried a severe sentence.


    Seeing Long Xiaoshan silent, Shangguan Baihe sighed and said, "Don''t be anxious yet. I will think of a way for you. Even if you do get sentenced, I will do my best to negotiate on your behalf. At most, you could be out in one or two years."


    After hearing this, Long Xiaoshan showed a look of urgency. He had just been released from prison and now, so soon, he was facing a return, something he was very reluctant to do.


    "Shangguan Sister, you said it''s a disability, but what if the person isn''t disabled?" Long Xiaoshan said.


    Qin You said, "The hospital''s injury assessment is out, and the X-rays have been taken. Many bones are broken, and there areminuted fractures. Even being sent to the provincial hospital wouldn''t heal them; it''s a grade-one disability. Don''t get your hopes up."


    "Just because the hospital can''t cure it doesn''t mean I can''t," Long Xiaoshan said. "I can heal them."


    Last night, although he had been heavy-handed, Long Xiaoshan had still held back; otherwise, he would have killed someone long ago. With his current strength, he could even pull apart handcuffs. If he really wanted to kill someone, a punch to a vital spot would have sufficed.


    So he had a good grasp of the degree of injuries Ergouzi and the others had sustained.


    They could be healed.


    Qin You sneered, "Are you saying you''re better than the doctors at the provincial hospital?"


    Unexpectedly, Shangguan Baihe''s eyes lit up. She remembered how Long Xiaoshan had cured Su Wan''s brain tumor, and even the Dean of Niu Y County People''s Hospital had held him in high esteem, a testament to his exceptional medical skills. She quickly asked, "Are you really confident?"


    "No problem," Long Xiaoshan asserted.


    Qin You frowned and said, "Shangguan Sister, how can you believe such nonsense from this kid?"


    Shangguan Baihe said, "Qin You, you don''t understand. This kid really knows medicine, and he''s quite impressive."


    Qin You simply didn''t believe it. How could Long Xiaoshan, who was so young, have medical skills surpassing professional doctors?


    She tactfully said, "Even if he knows medicine, it''s impossible to let him treat them at the hospital. Both of the injured are seriously hurt, and he''s the one who hurt them. How could they possibly allow him to make contact?"


    "He doesn''t need to go personally. Shangguan Sister, go to my house and get a few prescriptions of the medicine. Find a way to apply it to the two people. It will take effect within a day," Long Xiaoshan said.


    The Bone-Regeneration Powder that he had preparedst time for his mother was still at home, tailored specifically for bone injuries.


    "Alright, I''ll go get it right now," Shangguan Baihe got up.


    Qin You watched the two of them, thinking that either they had lost their minds, or she had.

 Chapter 50: 50 Abscess

    ```


    Chapter Fifty


    With Shangguan Baihe''s means, naturally, she had the ability to see Ergouzi and the other person, and those medicines were also used on the two of them.


    The result was shocking.


    Just one day had passed, and the two people who had been deemed disabled by the hospital, destined to rely on wheelchairs for the rest of their lives, had incredibly risen from their beds and were able to walk. Upon further examination, most of their bones had healed, even the areas withminuted fractures had recovered.


    The news reached Qin You.


    Qin You couldn''t believe it either.


    She had seen the x-ray images and knew how serious the conditions of the two were.


    Such injuries had actually recovered within a single day.


    It was nothing short of miraculous.


    What followed was a tug-of-war between both parties because the two individuals who were originally disabled had recovered. Coupled with the fact that it was Ergouzi and his people who had poisoned first, the situation had turned around. Although there were influential young masters from the county wanting to make trouble for Long Xiaoshan,


    there was also Shangguan Baihe on this side.


    Shangguan Baihe''s influence in Niu Y County was not small, and moreover, the recent craze for miraculous shrimp had made it a sought-after item among many officials in the county.


    Through Shangguan Baihe''s efforts, Long Xiaoshan was only detained for a few days before being released.


    Qin You was the one who picked him up. Shangguan Baihe and Su Wan both came to receive Long Xiaoshan. Long Xiaoling, who worked at the hotel, also came and waited at the doorway. Seeing Long Xiaoshan, she happily approached.


    Shangguan Baihe said, "Xiaoshan, this time you need to thank Sister Qin, she helped a lot."


    Long Xiaoshan hurriedly said, "Thank you, Sister Qin."


    This beautiful chief, who had helped him twice, appeared cold and exquisite on the outside, but was actually very righteous, which Long Xiaoshan greatly appreciated.


    Qin You said, "Xiaoshan, you need to be more careful in the future; you can''t be so heavy-handed again."


    "Yes, I''ll remember that, and I don''t want to trouble Sister Qin anymore," Long Xiaoshan said.


    "You won''t have a next time," Qin You said with a stern look.


    While they were talking, Qin You suddenly grew quiet. Long Xiaoshan noticed Qin You''s face turn deathly pale; she clutched at her chest and her body trembled slightly, clearly in great pain.


    Shangguan Baihe also noticed the change in Qin You''splexion and asked, "Qin You, what''s wrong with you?"


    "It''s nothing, just an old problem. It''ll pass in a while," said Qin You, with some difficulty.


    "Sister Qin, let me have a look at you," Long Xiaoshan offered.


    Shangguan Baihe also said, "Qin You, let Xiaoshan have a look at you. You should be aware of his medical skills."


    After hesitating for a moment, Qin You replied, "Alright, then."


    If this had been before, it would have been unthinkable, but Long Xiaoshan''s simple medicinal application had gotten two people with first-level disabilities back on their feet, leaving Qin You astonished.


    The car drove back to the Lily Hotel. Shangguan Baihe had someone prepare a table of fruit and vegetables, along with seven or eightrge shrimp.


    All were products from Long Xiaoshan''s ce. Qin You had heard of them before but had never tasted them; after all, these fruits, vegetables, andrge shrimp were expensive, and with her sry of just three to four thousand yuan, she couldn''t afford them.


    Now, enjoying the meal, Qin You kept saying, "Delicious."


    ```


    She was always quite serious and didn''t talk much, but the freshness of these melons, vegetables, and prawns made her unable to help herself from praising them. Moreover, after eating them, Qin You felt the fatigue on her bodypletely vanish, giving her a feeling of vigorous energy. Even the pain in her chest lessened.


    "How is it? Feels good, doesn''t it?" Shangguan Baihe asked with a smile.


    "It really is good. No wonder it''s so highly spoken of in the county. I didn''t believe it before, but after eating your dishes, I think I''m going to have a hard time swallowing cafeteria food." Qin You remarked.


    "Sister Qin, if you like it, I will bring you some every week," Xiaoshan offered.


    Qin You looked at Xiaoshan, puzzled.


    "Haha," Shangguan Baiheughed, "don''t be so surprised. These melons, vegetables, and prawns are all bred on Xiaoshan''s farm."


    "You grew these?" Qin You hadn''t expected this little farmer to not only possess superb medical skills but also to be so talented in breeding.


    "They alle from my own fields, so it wouldn''t count as a bribe to Sister Qin, right?" Xiaoshan joked.


    Qin You''s heart stirred; although she was very incorruptible, the taste of Xiaoshan''s produce was unforgettable after just one meal. She feared that she''d find it hard to eat anything else in the future. It wasn''t possible to eat at Lily Hotel every day, and she couldn''t afford it. She said, "Then I''ll just take the melons and vegetables. Forget the prawns, I''ll pay you for them."


    Xiaoshan nodded and didn''t say much, extending a hand and saying, "I''ll take your pulse now."


    But Qin You''s face went slightly red with embarrassment, and she said, "Is there a quieter ce?"


    "Let''s go upstairs; it''s quiet there," suggested Shangguan Baihe.


    Xiaoshan had thought a brief check would suffice, but seeing the situation, he stood up. Su Wan and little Ling went to work first, while Shangguan Baihe led Qin You and Xiaoshan to the rooftop''s Sky Garden, which also had several rooms.


    Shangguan Baihe brought them to a guest room and said, "You two have a look."


    Qin You sat down on the bed, and Xiaoshan began to take her pulse. After a while, an unusual expression appeared on his face as he looked at Qin You''s chest, uncertain how to start.


    "Just tell me, don''t feel burdened," said Qin You, a criminal police officer with a keen ability to read people.


    "Sister Qin... Sister Qin, it seems to be a problem with your breast. Based on my diagnosis, it''s mastitis, and quite severe at that, with signs of disease progression," Xiaoshan said.


    Qin You showed a hint of surprise. She had indeed consulted a doctor and was aware of the condition of her breasts, but despite taking many medications, she had seen no improvement.


    Later, she had an examination in the city, and they said she needed surgery, but she had always been too busy to arrange it and was also reluctant to have an incision on her chest, so she kept putting it off.


    Xiaoshan''s immediate identification confirmed his exceptional medical expertise.


    "So what should I do now? Is there a way to cure it?" Qin You asked.


    "Yes, there is. There are two methods: a slow treatment and a fast one. For the slow treatment, I''ll prescribe you a medicine that will take a few months to recover. For the fast treatment, it''ll probably take about a week or two," Xiaoshan exined.


    "Then I definitely choose the fast treatment," said Qin You without hesitation.


    Xiaoshan felt somewhat awkward as he said, "Sister Qin, you might want to go with the slow treatment."


    "Why? Does the fast treatment have side effects?" Qin You really didn''t want to wait another few months; the issue had tormented her for too long, leaving her agitated and restless.


    "No, it''s not that," Xiaoshan said, gritting his teeth, "the fast treatment requires the use of acupressure, which is... a bit inconvenient."


    Xiaoshan didn''t know how to express himself, so he just opened his hand and made a gesture.


    Upon seeing Xiaoshan''s fingers slightly spread apart, Qin You immediately understood and her face reddened slightly. Although as a criminal police officer she wasn''t one for formalities, she was still a woman. But then she thought it over and reminded herself that she was a patient and Xiaoshan was a doctor.


    When treating an illness, such formalities shouldn''t matter.


    Besides, she wasn''t a little girl. The earlier she treated the illness, the better. She decisively said, "I''ll take the fast treatment."

 Chapter 51: 51: Returning to the Village

    Chapter Fifty-One


    "Do you really want it to be treated quickly?" Long Xiaoshan asked again.


    "Why are you fussing like an old woman?" Qin You scolded.


    Qin You was very decisive. Once she had made up her mind, she wouldn''t dy.


    Long Xiaoshan, scolded and feeling a bit ashamed, remembered something he had read in a medical text: a physician should see no young or old, beautiful or ugly; it was he who was overthinking. So he nodded and said, "All right then, Sister Qin, please take off your clothes."


    Qin You''s face turned red. Although she spoke casually, it was not so easy in practice to be so rxed; after all, she was about to undress in front of a young man.


    Noticing that Qin You''s hand hovered over the buttons of her blouse without moving while looking at him, Long Xiaoshan scratched his head and asked, "Sister, what''s wrong?"


    Qin You was so irritated she felt like kicking him and snapped, "Are you going to close the door or what?"


    Long Xiaoshan hurriedly walked over to the door, closed it, and even locked it.


    The room suddenly became quiet, and Long Xiaoshan didn''t dare to turn around. Instead, he faced the door and said, "Sister Qin, just call me when you''re ready."


    Seeing that Long Xiaoshan wasn''t looking back, Qin You''s heartbeat steadied a bit.


    ¡­


    After about ten minutes ofbing through.


    Long Xiaoshan grabbed a tissue and handed it to Qin You, "Sister Qin, wipe it off!"


    Qin You looked at Long Xiaoshan oddly. His tone had been so calm when speaking to her, as if she wasn''t a woman at all, which made her a bit angry. Did she have no charm at all? Even her husband had never touched her like this, yet he did it without changing his expression.


    She silently wiped her body, noticing that Long Xiaoshan''s hands were also quite dirty, so she helped wipe his hands as well. For some reason, she suddenly blurted out, "Do I look no different from a pig to you right now?"


    Long Xiaoshan was pressing down and when he heard her say that, he was startled, his hand shook, and he pressed the wrong ce, causing Qin You to cry out in pain.


    Long Xiaoshan quickly said, "Sister Qin, don''t talk like that. What pig?"


    Qin You immediately regretted what she said and thought to herself, "What''s gotten into me today?"


    Both of them felt awkward and stopped talking. Long Xiaoshan continued pressing until all the infected fluid was expelled.


    Then he breathed a sigh of relief and said, "We''re done."


    Watching Qin You pick up her ck underwear, preparing to go into the bathroom to change, he reminded her sharply, "Sister Qin, it''s better to wear less of this type of fixed underwear. It''s best to wear something loose and preferably not wear them at all at home, otherwise the pressure won''t be good for recovery."


    Qin You said annoyedly, "Why are you so naggy? My husband doesn''t even care about what I wear."


    Upon hearing this, Long Xiaoshan immediately shut his mouth. If her own husband didn''t care, it would be embarrassing for him to say any more.


    He hastily opened the door and stepped outside.


    Shangguan Baihe sat there, giggling and said, "You even locked the door, what were you up to?"


    Long Xiaoshan, not knowing how to exin that he had been treating Qin You''s chest just now, changed the topic and said, "Shangguan Sister, do you have paper here?"


    "Here you go, it''s on the table," Shangguan Baihe said, pursing her lips.


    Long Xiaoshan walked over to the table, wrote a prescription, handed it to Shangguan Baihe, and said, "Shangguan Sister, can you give this to Sister Qin for me? I should head back now. I haven''t been home in a few days, and I don''t know how the farm is doing."


    "So soon," Shangguan Baihe remarked.


    Seeing Long Xiaoshan nod, Shangguan Baihe said seriously, "That''s fine. Your farm needs you there. By the way, the whole incident was orchestrated by your vige chief."


    Long Xiaoshan was taken aback and said, "You know?"


    "Yes, I made those two guys from the hospital talk," Shangguan Baihe said. "I have a stake in that farm too. I''ll take care of the vige chief for you."


    Listening to Shangguan Baihe''s words, there was an undeniable hint of something dark.


    This woman was no simple person.


    Having spent three years in prison, Long Xiaoshan hade into contact with this kind of atmosphere. He quickly said, "No need, Shangguan Sister, please don''t get involved."


    Shangguan Baihe frowned and asked, "What, feelingpassionate?"


    "Not at all, Shangguan Sister," Long Xiaoshan said with a smile, and casually added, "This little matter doesn''t require Shangguan Sister''s efforts. I can handle it."


    "You sly kid. Fine then, I won''t interfere," Shangguan Baihe said with a slight twinkle in her eye.


    A short whileter, Qin You came out dressed.


    With Long Xiaoshan out of the room, she walked outside and, not finding him, asked, "Where is he?"


    "You mean Xiaoshan? He said something came up and he left. Oh, he did leave a prescription for you," Shangguan Baihe answered, passing over a piece of paper.


    Qin You took the paper, which had a prescription written on it.


    But in her heart, she thought bitterly, "Stingy man, he runs off after just a few words."


    Long Xiaoshan was already in Elder He''s car, driving home, his mind still on the vige affairs. Knowing that Long Fakui could do such a thing, he knew there were no pleasantries left to observe. He had wanted to maintain a sense ofmunity, even if it meant tearing off faces, he hadn''t wanted to go too far.


    But now, he definitely had to pull Long Fakui downpletely. With the capital he now possessed, he didn''t need to resort to dark means. He could simply and justly eliminate this vige tyrant.

 Chapter 52: 52: The Wonderful Uses of Golden Spirit Liquid

    ```


    Chapter Fifty-Two


    As the pickup truck returned to the vige, Long Xiaoshan got off, and the news spread throughout the little mountain vige in an instant.


    The current Long Xiaoshan was no ordinary person.


    He was running a farm in the vige, and many people depended on the farm for work and ie.


    Once Long Xiaoshan was arrested, the farm naturally had to stop operations.


    Many people instantly felt the drop; not only were they missing out on the fifty yuan daily wage, but they also lost ess to the plentiful food from the farm, having to eat dry, nd vegetables at home instead.


    That''s how people are, if they''ve never had something, it''s fine, but once they''ve had it and then lose it, it feels especially hard to bear.


    The vige chief had been spreading the word these days that Long Xiaoshan would definitely be sentenced.


    Just when everyone was sighing in despair, Long Xiaoshan unexpectedly returned unscathed.


    At that moment, arge number of people flocked to Long Xiaoshan''s house.


    Long Xiaoshan had just started chatting with his parents when people began arriving at the house, soon packing it so full that there was no room to move.


    "Little Xiaoshan, are you all right?"


    "I heard from the vige chief that you were to be sentenced."


    "What sentence, can''t you say something good about little Xiaoshan?"


    "Little Xiaoshan, are you still going to run the farm?"


    With numerous voices asking at once, everyone looked at him with anticipation.


    Long Xiaoshan knew that what the vigers were truly concerned about was the farm. He smiled and said, "My uncles, aunts, the farm will definitely continue operating, and it will be even better. Everyone cane back to work tomorrow, and starting from tomorrow, the farm will also provide dinner."


    The vigers cheered at his words.


    They looked at Long Xiaoshan with even more fervent admiration.


    Long Xiaoshan wanted exactly this effect. Providing an extra meal meant little to him but had a significant impact on the vigers.


    He believed that more and more people in the vige would begin to side with him.


    Finally, everyone scattered and went their own ways.


    He Xiangyue remarked, "You reckless spender."


    The daily wage of fifty yuan was already considerable, and now he was providing additional meals, effectively taking on the responsibility for feeding the entire vige. In the countryside, to save money, people usually eat just two meals a day; with the quality of meals they were getting, He Xiangyue found it difficult not to haveints.


    Long Xiaoshan smiled and said, "It''s not that much money, and now that our family has money, it''s good to make everyone happy."


    "I fear they might not be grateful. When you were taken away, there were hardly any who truly wished you well. They''re all eyeing the money; many of them went to work for Long Fakui the very next day," He Xiangyue said dissatisfied.


    "Mom, I understand," Long Xiaoshan replied with a smile; this situation wasn''t surprising to him.


    However, he didn''t need the vigers to be utterly loyal. That wasn''t realistic or possible. As long as he made sure everyone had a good life and could earn money, people would naturally side with him. There was no need to overthink the rest.


    "Mom, I''m going to check on the farm," Long Xiaoshan said.


    "Aren''t you going to eat?"


    "I ate in the county," said Long Xiaoshan as he walked out the door.


    Soon, he arrived at the Xishan farm. Looking at the greenery of the mountains and breathing in the air, Long Xiaoshan felt an especiallyforting sensation. He found this pastoral life much more pleasant than city life. Initially forced into the role of a little farmer, he had nowe to like it, even to the point of bing addicted.


    "It seems I was born to be a farmer," Long Xiaoshan said, smiling as he bent down.


    As he observed the vegetable plots and the fishpond, everything was pretty much the same, except when he got to the pond where the poison had been put in. Long Xiaoshan''s face darkened; the pond was emitting a dark aura.


    With his Spirit Eye, he could naturally see that where there was once Spiritual Energy in the pond, it had all vanished now.


    The fish in the pond were also barely hanging on to life.


    It was lucky that he had noticed the pesticide early that day; if it had all been poured in, the entire pond would have undoubtedly been poisoned to death. Nevertheless, there was still a problem now. The condition of this fishpond was clearly not good.


    This pond full of fish had cost him a lot of effort. If it were to be wasted just like that, he would suffer a significant loss.


    ```


    "I wonder if the Spiritual Liquid can bring it back to life?"


    Long Xiaoshan thought to himself as he looked around and saw that no one was near, he pulled out the Jade Purifying Bottle.


    However, when he poured it out, he discovered that all the silver Spiritual Liquid was gone, leaving only a single drop of Golden Spirit Liquid.


    This was the very drop that had been producedst time he had revived Chun Tao.


    Because the color was different, Long Xiaoshan hadn''t had the heart to use it.


    After hesitating for a moment, Long Xiaoshan poured the Golden Spirit Liquid into the pond. As soon as it touched the water, it immediately spread out, and through Long Xiaoshan''s Spirit Eye, he saw the dark energy dissipate at a rapid pace.


    The entire pond burst forth with vitality.


    The fish that had been at death''s door were suddenly full of life again, thrashing around energetically, and they seemed even stronger than before.


    He was utterly shocked¡ªcould the Golden Spirit Liquid resurrect the dead? It had even revived fish that were almost certainly dead. It was simply abnormal.


    Unfortunately, the Spiritual Liquid couldn''t be applied directly to humans; he had tried it before with no effect.


    It could only be used on animals and nts.


    Watching all the fish in the ponde back to life, Long Xiaoshan was overjoyed. He stayed for a bit, and as it was getting dark, he didn''t n to go back. He decided to cook something at the farm¡ªafter all, there was rice and flour stored here.


    He was just about to open the door to the simple kitchen.


    "Little Xiaoshan," a voice sounded.


    Long Xiaoshan looked up and saw a slender figure walking over the ridges.


    "Chun Tao, what brings you here?" Long Xiaoshan asked in surprise.


    "I heard you were out, so I came to see how you were," Chun Tao said softly.


    "Thank you,e in and take a seat," Long Xiaoshan quickly invited Chun Tao inside.


    When Chun Tao entered and saw the kitchen, she asked, "Haven''t you eaten yet?"


    "No, I was just about to start," Long Xiaoshan replied.


    "Let me do it for you," Chun Tao said as she rolled up her sleeves.


    Long Xiaoshan quickly said, "No need, I can do it myself."


    "Little Xiaoshan, don''t worry about it. What is a man doing at the stove? I''ll take care of it; it will be done quickly," Chun Tao urged, pushing Long Xiaoshan away.


    Seeing Chun Tao''s insistence, Long Xiaoshan had no choice but to sit aside as Chun Tao adeptly started the fire and began cooking. Watching her work so skilfully and dutifully, Long Xiaoshan felt a mix of admiration and pity. She truly was a remarkable woman. It was just unfortunate that her lot in life wasn''t good.


    Before long, two dishes, a soup, and a pot of earthen-stove rice were ready, all emitting a delightful fragrance.


    Chun Tao carried the dishes out and ced them on the table.


    "Little Xiaoshan, eat while it''s hot. If it''s not good, please don''t me me."


    "It''s even better than what my mom makes,"


    Long Xiaoshan praised after tasting a few bites.


    This wasn''t just ttery; Chun Tao''s cooking was indeed delicious.


    Chun Tao smiled shyly, sitting beside him and watching Long Xiaoshan devour the food with an expression of gentle tenderness on her face.


    "Chun Tao, you should eat some, too."


    "I''ve already eaten. You go ahead, you eat."


    Long Xiaoshan didn''t hold back, eventually cleaning out both the dishes, the soup, and the whole pot of rice.


    He patted his belly and said, "Really delicious. After having your cooking, it''s even better than what they serve in restaurants. Chun Tao, from now on, you should help me with cooking. I''ll give you an extra fifty yuan a day."


    "There''s no need for money. I''m d to cook for you as long as you like it," Chun Tao quickly shook her head.


    "That settles it," Long Xiaoshan waved his hand.


    Chun Tao''s eyes welled with a hint of moisture. Though a simple vige woman, she wasn''tpletely naive and understood that little Xiaoshan was trying to help her.

 Chapter 53: 53 Market

    ```


    Chapter Fifty-Three


    Early the next morning, the farm was abuzz with activity.


    Many people hurried to work; among them were quite a few who hadn''t worked at the farm before, all rushing over.


    "Xiaoshan, I called my son back from the county," said one.


    "Xiaoshan, I don''t want to work for the vige head anymore," said another.


    These people were all able-bodied adults who had either been working outside or had jobs in Long Fakui''s factory. But because Long Xiaoshan had stood up to Long Fakui without suffering a loss, beating Ergouzi and his gang so severely and only being detained for a few days before being released...


    Many in the vige said Long Xiaoshan now had solid connections in the county.


    Moreover, Long Xiaoshan provided extra meals for the workers on his farm, essentially offering free food, plus a fifty yuan wage per day.


    Wages like that were even better than what one could get as aborer in the county.


    Not to mention that the treatments at Long Fakui''s factory were less than half.


    Many had been hesitant to make a decision, fearing that Long Xiaoshan couldn''t stand up against Long Fakui.


    And they were reluctant to let go of the money Long Fakui had docked in the factory. But now, they were resolute, willing to forsake that money for a chance to work with Long Xiaoshan.


    "Fine, work hard and I won''t let you down," Long Xiaoshan said.


    Long Xiaoshan''s farm was a hive of activity.


    Meanwhile, at a factory located at the foot of a mountain several miles from the farm, Long Fakui was in a furious rage because the factory had hardly any workers that day, not even enough to operate the machines.


    "Where is everyone? Where have they all disappeared to?" Long Fakui bellowed at a rtive who usually helped him manage things.


    "Vige head, they''ve all run off to Long Xiaoshan''s, where it''s said they''re provided with two meals a day and can make one thousand five hundred a month. They don''t want toe to work anymore," the rtive said.


    In private, he thought that if he weren''t rted to Long Fakui, he would have considered going as well.


    "Long Xiaoshan! Him again!" Long Fakui angrily smashed a teacup.


    He had thought it was almost a sure thing that Long Xiaoshan would definitely be sentenced.


    He had already made his moves on the inside, made the calls to the local police station, and spent tens of thousands. Yet, Long Xiaoshan was released after just a few days, with no repercussions.


    When he called the police station, they only said that the person had been taken by the county, and nothing more could be found out.


    The money was spent, but the task wasn''t aplished.


    How could Long Fakui not be furious?


    Not to mention that now, almost all the workers in his factory had been poached by Long Xiaoshan.


    "Long Xiaoshan, I won''t rest until I''ve gotten rid of you! I swear it!" Long Fakui said venomously, his eyes shing with malice. He had made a name for himself in the county town and wasn''t just any ordinary farmer.


    After a busy morning on the farm, Long Dashan said, "Xiaoshan, I think we need to figure out a way to secure the farm better. We don''t want a repeat of that incident with Ergou. Plus, the crops you''re growing are valuable. We need to watch out for thieves as well."


    Listening to his father, Xiaoshan replied, "Dad, you''re right. We must be vignt. I''ll go to Lotus Townshipter and buy some dogs, and then spend money on installing surveince and rm systems around the farm."


    "Good, it''s great that you have a n. I don''t know much about these things," said Long Dashan.


    Xiaoshan quickly gobbled down a tbread, grabbed the car keys, and left. Although Elder He was supposed to monitor the pickup truck, Xiaoshan had learned to drive quickly, and even though he hadn''t received his driver''s license yet, his driving skills were no longer a problem, so he often drove it.


    He got to the farm''s edge, started the vehicle, and was about to drive away when he saw Chun Tao, covered in sweat, walking towards him. "Little Xiaoshan, I heard you were going to Lotus Township," she said.


    "Yeah, that''s right," he replied.


    ```


    "Could you give me a ride? I need to buy some things in the township," Chun Tao looked at Long Xiaoshan with a pitiful expression.


    "Of course, there''s nothing I can''t do. Get in," Long Xiaoshan opened the car door.


    Chun Tao sat next to Long Xiaoshan.


    "Fasten your seatbelt," Long Xiaoshan said as he saw Chun Taopletely unaware of how to, and helped her pull and secure the seatbelt.


    "Chun Tao, what are you going to buy in the township?" Long Xiaoshan asked.


    "Oh, I''m buying some eye drops for my mother-inw. Her eyes aren''t very good," Chun Tao said softly.


    "You''re really good to your mother-inw, considering how she treats you."


    Chun Tao''s face darkened as she said, "After all, I''m responsible for her son''s death."


    "Chun Tao!" Long Xiaoshan eximed loudly, "That''s all nonsense, you don''t owe anyone anything."


    "Little Xiaoshan," Chun Tao''s eyes suddenly reddened.


    "Let''s go, we should head off."


    As the two of them talked, they drove off.


    The journey was shaky; even the pickup was bumpy beyond measure. Long Xiaoshan thought the road really needed repairs, or development would always be hindered.


    Half an hourter.


    The pickup arrived in Lotus Township, and it just so happened to be market day, with the township bustling with activity.


    Long Xiaoshan first took Chun Tao to a pharmacy to get the medicine, then when they walked out to the lively market, Long Xiaoshan said, "Don''t you want to buy something else?"


    "I don''t need anything else. What about you?" Chun Tao was very frugal.


    She only wore very old clothes, and she didn''t even wear a bra.


    Long Xiaoshan shook his head, walked up to a stall that sold women''s clothes ¨C though it was just a street stall, the clothing was still better than what Chun Tao was wearing. Long Xiaoshan roughly guessed Chun Tao''s size.


    He picked out a few brightly colored outfits with a youthful vibe and two pairs of jeans, then asked, "How much for these pieces?"


    "Four tops and two pairs of jeans ¨C let me think, how about three hundred yuan?" The forty-something stall owner offered a price.


    "Okay, but you have to throw in two of these," Long Xiaoshan pointed at some bras nearby.


    Everything was for sale at these kinds of street stalls, including bras.


    The stall owner nced at Chun Tao who was standing behind Long Xiaoshan. She had a sharp eye and, taking note of Chun Tao''s chest,ughed and said, "Are they for your younger sister?"


    "Yes, let her try them on for size," he replied.


    "Okay, younger sister,e here. I''ll help you try them on," the stall owner hurriedly pulled Chun Tao''s hand.


    Chun Tao initially thought that Long Xiaoshan was buying for his family, but was surprised it was for her. And when she saw the stall owner pulling her to try on a bra, her face turned as red as fire, and she quickly waved her hands saying, "Little Xiaoshan, I don''t need it."


    "Younger sister, how can you not need this? You are young now and it seems you''ve not had children. Wait a few years and you''ll understand. If you don''t wear these, sagging will be severe; you''ll regret it toote," the stall owner unabashedly pulled Chun Tao inside.


    The stall was sheltered by a canopy, and there was also a curtain that enclosed a space that could serve as a makeshift changing room.


    Chun Tao was pulled inside by the stall owner.


    Long Xiaoshan waited outside.


    He was actually a bit embarrassed himself, but there was no alternative; he couldn''t let Chun Tao go around without a bra.

 Chapter 54: 54: Encounters with Ruffians in the Village

    Chapter Fifty-Three


    After a while, the store owner walked out with a slightly bashful Chun Tao.


    Long Xiaoshan took another look at Chun Tao and noticed that her figure had be even more sexy. The store owner said, "Big sister, don''t think that my stall is small, what I sell here is all genuine. This brand is Ting Mei, and it''s different when you wear it. I guarantee you won''t sag even when you reach my age."


    That''s the way to do business.


    After all, women love beauty, even the simple Chun Tao couldn''t erase her nature.


    Although she was extremely shy at the moment, she didn''t say she wanted to take it off anymore.


    Long Xiaoshan handed her a pair of jeans and a goose yellow T-shirt that he had chosen, saying, "Try on this set of clothes too."


    "Little Xiaoshan, I, I really can''t..."


    Before Chun Tao could finish, Long Xiaoshan pushed her in and said, "Hurry up, otherwise I''ll be unhappy."


    "Big sister, look at your husband, he really knows how to treat people well. I''m even envious," the store ownerughed.


    Chun Tao bit her lip and stole a nce at Long Xiaoshan, seeing that he showed not a trace of unhappiness, an inexplicable joy welled up in her heart.


    She took the clothes given by Long Xiaoshan and went behind the curtain.


    Since they were summer clothes, she quickly changed and came out.


    As the curtain lifted, Long Xiaoshan''s eyes lit up, and he couldn''t help saying, "You look beautiful."


    It was a heartfeltpliment. At this moment, Chun Tao, dressed in jeans and a tight T-shirt, perfectly outlined her figure. Having often worked in the fields, she was fit and athletic, and her legs were particrly long and straight. With her legs tightly together, there was not a gap to be seen. The goose yellow top made her look young and vibrant.


    If it weren''t for the simple and timid air of a vige woman on her face, she would look just like a young girl.


    After all, she was still quite young, only about twenty-three or twenty-four years old.


    "Wow, it''s like you''re apletely different person," the store owner alsovished praise.


    Long Xiaoshan said, "Just wear it like that, don''t take it off. Store owner, I''ll pay."


    Long Xiaoshan happily paid three hundred yuan.


    He walked out holding Chun Tao''s hand.


    It was Chun Tao''s first time wearing jeans and such a tight T-shirt.


    She walked ufortably, as it was obviously sexy, and there were a lot of people looking at her on the street. Many men kept staring at her top and bottom as if their eyeballs were about to fall into her clothing, making her feel very embarrassed.


    Long Xiaoshan then went to other stalls and bought some clothes, some for his parents, and some for himself. As for Long Xiaoling, he didn''t need to worry; Su Wan took good care of her.


    After finishing shopping, Long Xiaoshan went to look at dogs.


    In the countryside market, everything is for sale, including dogs, though mostly local breeds.


    Long Xiaoshan didn''t need any noble breeds, as local dogs were just as good and easier to raise. They were the best for guarding homes and courtyards in the countryside.


    Moreover, Long Xiaoshan was thinking of conducting an experiment to see if dogs fed with Spiritual Liquid would be any different.


    The ce where dogs were sold didn''t smell good.


    Long Xiaoshan asked Chun Tao to wait for him back at the pickup truck.


    He went to pick a dog himself.


    It took about ten minutes or so.


    Long Xiaoshan picked a litter of local dogs that looked better than the rest, twelve in total.


    After paying, he picked up the litter of puppies and headed straight for the pickup truck.


    Unexpectedly, surrounding the pickup truck were several people dressed in a shabby way, when originally Chun Tao was sitting inside the vehicle and now, she was dragged down, scuffling with these men under the car.


    Moreover, those men wereughing and joking, their hands unscrupulously roaming over her.


    Even though this was the countryside, it had its own share of chaos.


    Daring tomit such criminal acts right in the middle of the market.


    Long Xiaoshan was instantly enraged upon seeing this.


    He quickened his pace and shouted, "What are you doing, let go."


    "Who the hell are you, kid, to meddle in other people''s business?" one of the thugs asked Long Xiaoshan aggressively.


    Long Xiaoshan pushed through the men, pulling Chun Tao behind him. Her newly bought clothes were clearly torn, and there were dark handprints on her chest. Chun Tao looked terrified and, upon seeing Long Xiaoshan, threw herself into his arms with tears in her eyes, "little Xiaoshan."


    "Don''t be afraid," Long Xiaoshan said whileforting her, then roared angrily, "In broad daylight, you dare to molest women like this?"


    "So what if we''re molesting her, kid, if you don''t want to die, then get lost," the thugs threatened.


    If this had been in the past, Long Xiaoshan would have definitely fought back.


    However, because of the recent incident with Ergouzi, Long Xiaoshan now didn''t want to act impulsively and, even if he were to get into a fight, he couldn''t leave any evidence behind.


    He had learned his lesson; the outside world was different from prison, after all.


    Long Xiaoshan ced the puppy in the bed of the pickup truck, opened the door, and said, "Chun Tao, let''s go."


    Arguing with such thugs was pointless, as even if the police were called, they''d likely be detained for a couple of days and then released¡ªabsolute futility. Long Xiaoshan did not want to waste time.


    The thugs brightened up when they saw Long Xiaoshan driving a vehicle.


    Initially, they were just looking to have some "fun" with the attractive vige woman, and this wasn''t their first time engaging in such acts. They were fearless because a thug''s uncle held the position of deputy head of Lotus Township.


    If any issue arose, they believed it could easily be smoothed over.


    Little did they expect that this vige woman''s man was wealthy. In Lotus Township, anyone who could afford a pickup truck was considered wealthy.


    "Hold on, you think you can just leave?" one thug forcefully held the car door and said, "She just scratched my face;pensate me two thousand yuan first."


    Indeed, there was a red mark on the thug''s face, probably from Chun Tao''s struggle, but there wasn''t even any bleeding¡ªjust a slight redness.


    Long Xiaoshan scoffed angrily, "You try to assault a woman and now you''re attempting to extort twenty thousand yuan from me."


    "What, you injure me and think you won''t pay up? If you don''tpensate, we''ll just take this car, and I''ll take the woman as well. I even want to ''shake'' her up in the car," the thug said arrogantly.


    Long Xiaoshan had been holding back until now, but he couldn''t endure it any longer.


    For these scums who preyed on the vigers, there was no reasoning, no way to talk sense into them; only violence could resolve this.


    He clenched his fist, throwing a punch.


    But midway, he changed his mind and turned it into a poke with a finger, which he drove forcefully onto one of the thugs.


    The poke seemed light, but the thug suddenly started screaming about itching, and then tore his own clothes in his frenzy, rolling on the ground. When the other thugs were taken aback and about to strike at Long Xiaoshan, he poked out with a few more fingers.


    All the men toppled over, screaming like pigs being ughtered.


    Their shrieks could carry for miles.


    "It really works!"


    Seeing the thugs lying on the ground, wailing in agony¡ªpain that couldn''t be feigned¡ªLong Xiaoshan felt a surge of satisfaction. He had intended to avoid serious injury which would have been troublesome, so he used an attack on their pressure points from a medical book.


    The human body is full of such points¡ªsome induce sleep, some could kill if pressed. Long Xiaoshan targeted their tickling points.


    Adding True Qi to his touch, he made the thugs itch as if thousands of ants were crawling through their bones, an agony worse than if they had their limbs cut off.

 Chapter 55: 55: Ghost Hand

    Chapter Fifty-Four


    As those few men screamed in agony, a crowd quickly gathered in the marketce.


    Seeing the hoodlums covered in scratches oozing with blood, everyone was astonished. These ruffians had been bullying the people of Lotus Township without repercussions, stirring trouble wherever they went as the vigers seethed in silence. Now, someone had the guts to give them such a severe beating.


    One of the brawlers managed to pull out his phone and make an emergency call, crying out, "Uncle, I''m at the market,e save me, I''m about to be killed."


    Some vigers standing by, who had also been oppressed by the thugs, secretly relished the sight of seeing them getting theireuppance.


    Seeing the thug on the phone, they quickly whispered to Long Xiaoshan, "Young man, you better leave now. That guy''s uncle is the head of security for Zhang the Rich''s family. If they catch you, you''re in for a world of pain."


    Chun Tao, hearing the Deputy Director, was also very worried and scared.


    In the eyes of a vige woman like her, even a vige chief was an unchallengeable authority figure, let alone the head of regional security.


    She hurriedly grabbed Long Xiaoshan''s hand, "Little Xiaoshan, let''s get out of here."


    Long Xiaoshan nodded. He figured teaching these thugs a lesson was enough, and if things escted, he would have to trouble Shangguan Baihe again.


    He opened his car door, ready to leave first.


    But it was still a step toote.


    A middle-aged man with an oily hairstyle and a potbelly rushed over with several uniformed officers.


    Lotus Township wasn''trge; the township government was only a hundred meters away from here.


    They arrived in no time.


    The middle-aged man, seeing his nephew and the other thugs on the ground covered in blood, immediately bellowed, "What happened here?"


    "Uncle, it''s him. Catch him fast; I want him dead," the thug yelled.


    The middle-aged man hurriedly ordered the officers to block the pickup truck and shouted, "Get out! Assaulting someone in broad daylight and trying to flee the scene?"


    "What escape? Why don''t you talk about what these guys wanted to do? They were openly harassing my sister-inw and trying to ckmail me. Besides, you''re just security guards; what authority do you have to catch me?" Long Xiaoshan stepped out of his car, speaking righteously.


    "Who is this kid, preaching to me before his hair''s even fully grown? Take him away," the middle-aged man snorted coldly.


    The security officers who had apanied him moved to apprehend Long Xiaoshan.


    "How would I know why they''re lying on the ground? I didn''t do anything," Long Xiaoshan stated.


    "Oh really?" The middle-aged man initially wanted to hold back and see if the young man had any connections, but now, enraged by Long Xiaoshan''sck of deference, hemanded, "Cuff him and bring him in for questioning."


    Long Xiaoshan shoved aside the encroaching men.


    "Damn it, he dares to resist," the security guards, mindful of Long Xiaoshan''s strength, couldn''t help but draw their rubber batons.


    As the confrontation was about to turn physical, the surrounding crowd scattered.


    Long Xiaoshan''s eyes narrowed as well, and he was just about to make a call when a Santana car pulled up. Seeing the crowd, it stopped, and three people, both men and women, got out.


    Leading them was a beautiful woman wearing gold-rimmed sses, tall and curvaceous, who walked toward the crowd.


    Someone shouted, "The Director''s here!"


    "Which Director?"


    "Who''s the Director?"


    "Didn''t you see the one who''s tall and beautiful, even more gorgeous than a TV star? That''s our Director Shen!"


    The crowd parted, allowing the beautiful woman to step through.


    The beautiful female director approached and, seeing the police with guns drawn, asked sternly, "What''s going on here?"


    The stern-faced police officer, upon seeing the Director, quickly stored his weapon and said, "Director Shen, it''s this man. He''s injured the Deputy Director''s nephew, and we were about to take control of him."


    Shen Yuerong nced at the Deputy Director, then back at the young man who had caused the trouble, and found him familiar. Upon closer inspection, she eximed in surprise, "It''s you, Long Xiaoshan?"


    Long Xiaoshan also recognized Shen Yuerong at a nce.


    After all, such a beautiful and elegant woman was indeed a rare sight.


    But he hadn''t expected her to be the Director of Lotus Township.


    He remembered theirst encounter on the bus, also involving hooligans, when Shen Yuerong had yelled that she was the Director. At that time, Long Xiaoshan had thought she was bluffing to scare the hooligans off, but it turned out to be true.


    He called out, "Sister Shen!"


    "It really is you," Shen Yuerong observed that Long Xiaoshan no longer had a shaven head and had grown some hair, which gave him a more civilized look, far removed from the appearance of a convict. She looked at the few people writhing on the ground and asked, "What happened here?"


    Long Xiaoshan hurriedly recounted the indecent assault to Shen Yuerong and pointed to bystanders, saying, "They all saw it, and so did my friend."


    Long Xiaoshan pulled Chun Tao forward.


    Her clothes were wrinkled, and there were handprints on her chest, which spoke volumes.


    Shen Yuerong frowned, looking at Chun Tao, an honest-looking and pretty vige woman who was unlikely to seduce a few hoodlums. Shen Yuerong had no tolerance for such bullying of women and turned to another uniformed man behind her, saying, "Cao Suo, what do you have to say about this?"


    Cao Suo, realizing that Shen Yuerong knew the young man, immediately had a bad feeling.


    He hastily responded, "I wasn''t aware of this issue. I will definitely investigate thoroughly. Take them all in."


    "A mere admonishment is enough? They''vemitted a crime," Shen Yuerong rebuked without mercy.


    "Yes, indeed."


    "Why haven''t you taken them away yet?" Director Cao quickly called his subordinates and hauled the group of security officers away.


    Watching them leave, Shen Yuerong apologized, "I''m sorry for the chaos in our township; as the Director, I haven''t done a good job."


    Seeing the color of Shen Yuerong''s face, Long Xiaoshan frowned.


    Shen Yuerong looked particrly unwell, a stark contrast to when they had met on the bus. Back then, she had been radiant and lively, but now she appeared sallow and weary, with a noticeable pallor on her face.


    It hadn''t been that long; how could she look so different?


    Could she have contracted a serious illness?


    Long Xiaoshan instinctively used his Spirit Eye to have a closer look.


    But upon doing so, he noticed a pitch-ck handprint on Shen Yuerong''s neck.


    Such a conspicuous handprint should not have gone unnoticed.


    When he retracted his Spirit Eye, the handprint disappeared.


    A sudden realization hit Long Xiaoshan. This was no ordinary handprint; it was the mark of a ghostly hand.

 Chapter 56: 56 Impulse

    Chapter Fifty-Five


    Long Xiaoshan had not believed in ghosts and deities before.


    But ever since he acquired the Jade Purifying Bottle and saw Chun Tao''s soul during her treatment, he knew for certain that ghosts existed in this world.


    Afterward, he became very curious, deliberately looking for books and searching online.


    This search indeed yielded some results.


    He learned that many bizarre incidents were not unfounded rumors.


    Now, seeing the ck handprint on Shen Yuerong''s neck, he made some connections, as there were simr ounts in certain strange cases, akin to signs of being haunted by spirits.


    Of course, he could not be one hundred percent certain right now.


    After all, he had not witnessed it with his own eyes.


    However, although it was only their second meeting, he felt a sense of friendship with Shen Yuerong; the chat on the bus had been quite enjoyable. A haunting could either be a trifling matter, leading to a serious illness, or it could be fatal.


    He didn''t want anything to happen to Shen Yuerong.


    So he asked, "Sister Shen, have you been sleeping poorly recently, often having nightmares, and feeling quite unwell?"


    Shen Yuerong looked at Long Xiaoshan in surprise and asked, "How do you know?"


    "I am a barefoot doctor," Long Xiaoshan said without revealing the truth, because such matters were too metaphysical to discuss in front of many people, and she was also the vige head.


    Shen Yuerong knew Long Xiaoshan was skilled in medicine, as he had previously cured a baby suffering from food poisoning on the bus.


    Therefore, she said trustingly, "I haven''t been getting better even with medication. Do you have a way?"


    "It''s not convenient today. How about Ie over tomorrow?" Long Xiaoshan had not encountered a ghost before and wanted to make some preparations. Moreover, having Chun Tao by his side was not conducive to catching ghosts.


    "Sure,e to me tomorrow," Shen Yuerong replied, ncing at Chun Tao with a knowing smile.


    She thought to herself that this little farmer was quite the phnderer, bringing an attractive vige woman to the market not long after being released from prison.


    After bidding farewell to Shen Yuerong, Long Xiaoshan got in the car.


    With Chun Tao, he left the market.


    Driving on the mountain road to the vige, he saw Chun Tao sobbing in the passenger seat. Long Xiaoshan quickly stopped the car and asked, "Chun Tao, do you feel wronged?"


    Before responding, Chun Tao threw herself onto him, causing Long Xiaoshan to quickly embrace her.


    "Little Xiaoshan, I don''t deserve your efforts. If anything were to happen to you, how could I exin it to your family?" Chun Tao cried out of fear because she had seen the police draw their guns.


    "What do you mean deserve? You''re a woman, I''m a man, and it''s only natural for a man to protect a woman. It was my fault for letting you wait there alone," Long Xiaoshan said, patting her back gently with both hands, speaking tenderly: "Don''t worry, as long as I''m here, no one will harm you."


    Chun Tao''s body trembled slightly. Being held by Long Xiaoshan, she felt a masculinity and a sense of safety she had never experienced before, which triggered an impulse that made her lift her head and ask, "Little Xiaoshan, do you think I''m pretty?"


    Long Xiaoshan was momentarily stunned before saying, "Of course, you are pretty."


    Biting her lip, with a hint of shyness in her eyes, Chun Tao asked, "Then would you take me as yours?"


    He promptly started the pickup, driving back toward Longyang Vige. Arriving at the entrance of the vige, Chun Tao hastily said, "Little Xiaoshan, let me off here, I''ll go home first."


    Long Xiaoshan needed to return to the farm, and after such an encounter with Chun Tao, heading back together would have been rather awkward. So he said, "Alright then."


    Chun Tao got out of the car and, leaning on the window, said, "Little Xiaoshan, I''lle over tonight to cook for you."


    After she spoke, Chun Tao hurriedly ran into the vige.


    Watching her go in, Long Xiaoshan took several deep breaths before driving toward the farm.


    After arriving at the farm, Long Xiaoshan unloaded the purchases. Couple Long Dashan was thrilled to receive many new clothes and shoes, scolding him for spending recklessly while still showing satisfaction on their faces.


    Long Xiaoshan then took a litter of puppies down to a room.


    The puppies were recently born, and Long Xiaoshan brought a box of milk, opened it, poured it into bottles, and mixed in some Silver Spiritual Liquid from the Jade Purifying Bottle.


    He fed a bit to each puppy.


    After doing these things, Long Xiaoshan pondered how to help Shen Yuerong.


    While he was notpletely sure that she was haunted, there was a high probability. However, Long Xiaoshan had never banished a ghost and was not very knowledgeable about it, so he had to rely on the inte.


    He took out his phone, connected to the inte, and started searching online.


    With the inte being so advanced today, his search indeed turned up many methods.


    However, a lot of them were fabrications or invented in novels.


    After looking through them, although he did not understand talismans, there were some generally epted items said to expel ghosts, such as a Peach Wood Sword, ck Dog Blood, a live rooster, and Child''s Urine.


    These were not hard to find.


    After considering, he went to make preparations.


    The afternoon quickly passed, and with the farm workers gone home with their provisions, Couple Long Dashan also stayed for dinner. Finishing their meal, they said, "Xiaoshan, aren''t you going back to sleep today?"


    "Not going back, I''ll stay here and watch," Long Xiaoshan answered.


    "Indeed, you should watch. There are surely those envious," He Xiangyue spoke up, "Old man, you stay here with Xiaoshan and take turns."


    "Alright," Long Dashan agreed.


    "No need, no need," Long Xiaoshan thought of that beautiful silhouette and quickly said, "I''ll be fine alone. Dad is not well; he needs more time to recover."

 Chapter 57: Chapter 57

    Chapter Fifty-Seven


    After his parents had left, Long Xiaoshan ran to the doghouse to check on it and discovered that several of the puppies were already able to stand and walk.


    This made him realize that the Spiritual Liquid indeed had a catalytic effect, in just a few hours, the puppies, whose eyes hadn''t even fully opened yet, were able to get up and walk.


    He fed them some more milk.


    Long Xiaoshan walked out and sat on a stone at the doorstep to cultivate.


    The sky gradually darkened.


    Long Xiaoshan heard a noise and quickly stood up.


    After a while, he saw a figure approaching along the ridge of the field, walking cautiously while looking around.


    "Chun Tao!"


    Long Xiaoshan quietly walked up behind her and called out.


    The person was startled, patted their chest, and turned their head, saying, "You scared me to death."


    "Well, only if you act like a thief," Long Xiaoshan teased.


    "I''m not acting like any thief," Chun Tao pped Long Xiaoshan lightly, her cheeks flushing.


    "Why aren''t you wearing the clothes I bought for you?" Long Xiaoshan asked, noting that Chun Tao was dressed in some old clothes again.


    "They''re too shy, people in the vige will gossip about it."


    Long Xiaoshan said, "What of the gossip? Don''t care what others say, being happy yourself is what''s most important. Don''t wear these old clothes anymore."


    "Alright, alright, I''ll go cook for you," Chun Tao ran into the kitchen.


    Long Xiaoshan shook his head, knowing that changing a person''s mindset was not something that could happen in an instant.


    Long Xiaoshan hadn''t eaten much for dinner, waiting for Chun Tao toe cook specifically for him, with different ingredients too. What Long Xiaoshan ate were vegetables from the farm, provided for the whole vige, which surely weren''t these vegetables, as the cost was too high, being sourced from the vigers and purchased from outside.


    Before long, Chun Tao prepared a bowl of crucian carp soup and two bowls of vegetables.


    "Eat with me, try the fish I''ve raised," Long Xiaoshan pulled Chun Tao to sit down with him and served her a bowl of the fish soup.


    Encouraged by Long Xiaoshan, Chun Tao took a sip and an expression of enjoyment immediately appeared on her face.


    "It''s so delicious, I''ve never tasted anything so fresh."


    "If you like it, eat more. From now on, don''t eat themunal meals, cook dinner for me and we''ll eat together," he said.


    As the two of them chatted, they finished their meal. Chun Tao then washed the dishes and stepped outside, where the moon had risen, surrounded by a gentle mountain breeze, it was very quiet.


    The two who had just been talking, suddenly fell silent, their hearts beating so loudly they could be heard.


    ...


    Getting up, he saw Chun Tao out.


    "Chun Tao, don''t be scared, whoever dares to gossip, I''ll fire them from the farm," Long Xiaoshan reassured her.


    Chun Tao rolled her eyes at Long Xiaoshan, "As if you''re so tough, I''m not talking to you anymore."


    Chun Tao hurriedly walked towards the vige.


    Long Xiaoshan watched her enter the vige, but he wasn''t the least bit sleepy. He felt energetic and even his True Qi was exceptionally active, as if it had risen to a new level.


    He ran into the room.


    Even though it was July or August, the nights were still stifling hot.


    Unable to cultivate and with nothing else to do, Long Xiaoshan took out his phone and began to delve into the matter of exorcism.


    The night passed in the blink of an eye.


    The next morning, Couple Long Dashan came over with breakfast.


    Long Xiaoshan ate a little, and around seven or eight o''clock, the vigers began to trickle in.


    The farm gradually became lively.


    In fact, the farm had already started to get on track, thend had been cleared, and ponds had been dug. There really wasn''t a need for so many people, which Long Dashan had mentioned more than once.


    Nevertheless, Long Xiaoshan continued to hire them.


    One reason was as a good deed, to help the vigers.


    The second reason was, if he didn''t employ them, many would certainly go to work for Long Fakui, and right now he was determined topete with Long Fakui, so he would rather spend the money and suppress hispetition.


    After all, he had substantial funds and didn''t need to stoop to base means. A direct suppression would be enough to hinder the development of Long Fakui''s factory.


    The vige''s leadership elections were next month.


    Long Xiaoshan was clear in his mind that he had to thoroughly defeat Long Fakui and drive him out of the vige chief''s position.

 Chapter 58: 59: The Quirky Paperweight

    Chapter Fifty-Nine


    "Little Xiaoshan, what''s wrong?" Chun Tao saw that Long Xiaoshan hadn''t spoken for a long time and felt uneasy.


    "It''s nothing, pretty good actually." Long Xiaoshan thought that he should test it again next time, there should be no problem.


    If it really were an evil technique, it definitely wouldn''t enhance a woman''s body as well.


    "Oh, then, then I''ll go out to work." Chun Tao was afraid that if she stayed in the office too long, there would be more idle gossip.


    "Hold on, Taozi, did you go to school?"


    Chun Tao said, "I went up to junior high school, then I stopped."


    Long Xiaoshan nodded. That was normal. Generally, in the countryside, everyone studied up to junior high school because it was nine years ofpulsory education. After finishing junior high, most people either went out to work or engaged in farming.


    "How well did you learn? Are you good at math?" Long Xiaoshan asked again.


    Chun Tao said somewhat embarrassedly, "It was, it''s alright."


    "Be more specific, how much could you score?" Long Xiaoshan asked.


    "For the middle school exams, I think I got around eighty-something points in math. Why are you asking all this?" Chun Tao said.


    "Eighty-something points, that''s not bad," Long Xiaoshan smiled and said, "That''s a very good score. How about this,ter I''ll go to the bookstore and get you some books, you can review, and in the future, if the farm needs an ountant, someone to do the bookkeeping and calctions, I''m nning to have you do it."


    "Ah, I can''t do it. I''m not good at calcting." Chun Tao quickly waved her hands.


    "It''s very simple, the business on the farm isn''t thatplicated right now. I''ll teach you a bit every day. Start learning it, andter you won''t need to go up the mountain to work anymore." Long Xiaoshan said.


    Chun Tao was now his woman, he of course didn''t want her to be exposed to sun and rain anymore, doing those rough jobs.


    "Then, then I''ll try," Chun Tao understood Long Xiaoshan''s intentions and felt a sweet sensation in her heart.


    After chatting a bit more, Chun Tao quickly left first.


    Once Chun Tao left, Long Xiaoshan nned to go find Shen Yuerong in the township, but just as he was about to leave, He Xiangyue darted in, looking at Xiaoshan without speaking.


    "Mom, what''s wrong?" Long Xiaoshan asked.


    "Son, listen to your mom, don''t get involved with Chun Tao anymore."


    Long Xiaoshan''s brow furrowed and he said, "Mom, what do you mean by ''getting involved''?"


    Hearing Long Xiaoshan''s tone, He Xiangyue became agitated and raised her voice, "Little Xiaoshan, I know you''re young and strong, and Chun Tao is attractive, your fondness is normal, but Chun Tao is fated as a White Tiger, a husband-destroyer, you can''t mess with her. In a couple of days, mom will find you another girl, we have money now, I''ll find you someone even more attractive than Chun Tao."


    Hearing this, Long Xiaoshan understood that Chun Tao indeed hadn''t said anything wrong.


    He hadn''t even mentioned marrying Chun Tao, only got a bit closer to her, and He Xiangyue was already anxious.


    This wouldn''t do. Leaving aside the issue of marrying or not marrying, this attitude was affecting his rtionship with Chun Tao.


    A thought struck Long Xiaoshan, and he smiled, "Mom, do you think a woman can overshadow me?"


    "What do you mean?"


    Long Xiaoshan exined, "Mom, do you think I could make you walk without crutches in just one day, raise such big shrimp, and produce so many fruits and vegetables if I were an ordinary person? To tell you the truth, I met a master in prison, his skills are almost no different from a Celestial''s, and I became his disciple. Moreover, that master can foresee people''s fates. He said I am destined as an Azure Dragon, a fate of overshadowing the wife. Ordinary women can''t suppress my fate and will be harmed in return. There must be a White Tiger to counterbnce me to achieve equilibrium."


    "Really?" He Xiangyue was startled.


    She and Long Dashan had always believed that their son''s skills were imparted by a Celestial.


    Could the words of a Celestial be wrong?


    And the folk did indeed have the saying that the Azure Dragon overshadows the wife.


    "What do you think?" Long Xiaoshan looked at his mother.


    At this point, He Xiangyuepletely stopped worrying about Chun Tao and focused all her thoughts on her son. If her son truly had the fate of the Azure Dragon overshadowing the wife, it could affect the continuation of the family lineage.


    In the countryside, that was a matter of utmost importance.


    ```


    Getting out would be terrible.


    He Xiangyue''s face kept changing colors. After a while, she said, "If the White Tiger does bring bnce, will you then be free from trouble with other women?"


    "Should be," Long Xiaoshan said ambiguously.


    "Fine!" He Xiangyue didn''t know what she was thinking but looked at her son repeatedly and said, "Leave this matter to me; you don''t have to worry about it."


    "Mom, what are you going to do?" Long Xiaoshan asked, puzzled.


    "Don''t concern yourself with it, just go about your business," He Xiangyue said, then walked out.


    Long Xiaoshan shook his head; he should have managed to fool He Xiangyue.


    He was nning to visit Shen Yuerong that day, so he left the farm, got into his pickup, and drove toward the township.


    Half an hourter, the pickup rolled into the township,


    Lotus Township was notrge, and the town government was easy to find.


    Su Ze parked outside the town government office.


    He took out his phone to call Shen Yuerong.


    He had saved the number the day before.


    So, after a few rings, the call connected.


    "It''s Xiaoshan, right? Come on up, I''m in the farthest office on the third floor," the voice on the phone sounded lethargic.


    After hanging up, Long Xiaoshan hurriedly made his way inside.


    The town government building opened up to a courtyard. Lotus Township was a poor town, and the office building had seen better days. It was covered in ivy, with moss growing in the corners, and outside were tall ne and camphor trees, each several decades old. Though the heat was intense outside, inside it felt quite cool, even a bit chilly.


    He walked all the way in, and, perhaps because it was nap time, the ce was very quiet, with hardly anyone around.


    Long Xiaoshan made his way to the very back room on the third floor.


    The door was indeed marked with the sign for the Mayor''s Office.


    He knocked on the door, and Shen Yuerong''s voice came from inside: "Come in."


    So he pushed the door open and entered.


    Inside was a tidy-looking office. The cement floor was spotless, there were flowers in a vase on the desk, and the window by the door was covered with purple curtains, with a faint delicate fragrance wafting through the air.


    Shen Yuerong was sitting behind a big desk, seemingly perusing some documents.


    Seeing Long Xiaoshan, she pointed to the sofa across from her and said, "Take a seat for now. I just need to finish this document."


    "No worries, take your time."


    As Long Xiaoshan spoke, he had already activated his Spirit Eye.


    He observed the room because he had seen Chun Tao''s soulst time, proving that this Spirit Eye was extraordinary. He wanted to see if there really was a ghost hidden here but, after looking around, he found no signs of a spectral presence.


    However, he did notice that there was another ck handprint around Shen Yuerong''s neck.


    There were now two handprints on it, as if someone was strangling her.


    And Shen Yuerong''splexion appeared tinged with darkness, her eyes rimmed with ck circles.


    As he watched, he suddenly narrowed his eyes, focusing on something on the big desk. On the desk, therey a dark paperweight which, to the average person, was just a paperweight. However, Long Xiaoshan could sense a chilling aura emanating from it.


    This object was definitely odd.


    Long Xiaoshan walked up to the desk and picked up the paperweight.


    Shen Yuerong nced up but said nothing, probably thinking Long Xiaoshan was just curious, and went back to reading her documents.


    Holding the paperweight, Long Xiaoshan could see even more clearly; the outside was pitch ck, but through the Spirit Eye, he could see symbols inside that resembled nonsensical scribbles.


    ```

 Chapter 59: Chapter 60: Rooster Blood

    After a while, Shen Yuerong finished looking through the documents. She rubbed her head and said wearily to Long Xiaoshan, "I''ve kept you waiting for a long time."


    "It''s alright, Sister Shen. I didn''t expect you to still be the vige head, our very own parental official, busy with a myriad of chores every day," Long Xiaoshan replied.


    "What parental official," Shen Yuerongughed. "A mere vige head is nothing much. Actually, I wanted to find you for a job after we partedst time, but I''ve been so busytely and my memory has been quite poor; I don''t know how I just forgot about it."


    Long Xiaoshan said seriously, "Your condition is indeed not good."


    "What condition? Am I ill?" Shen Yuerong, seeing the expression on Long Xiaoshan''s face, also felt a jolt of concern.


    "Let me take your pulse first!" Long Xiaoshan said.


    Shen Yuerong quickly extended her hand.


    Long Xiaoshan held Shen Yuerong''s wrist, which was as smooth as mutton-fat jade and felt even finer than Chun Tao''s skin. Shen Yuerong was older than Chun Tao and it was evident that she took meticulous care of herself.


    As Long Xiaoshan felt her wrist and observed, Shen Yuerong''s heartbeat was rapid, irregr, and weak, and her pulse ice-cold, clearly indicating the signs of a yin spirit invasion.


    However, Long Xiaoshan also noticed that there seemed to be something inside Shen Yuerong''s chest resisting the yin spirit; otherwise, she would have already copsed.


    After releasing Shen Yuerong''s wrist, Long Xiaoshan did not speak.


    Seeing this, Shen Yuerong, with some bad premonition, said, "Xiaoshan, if you have something to say, just tell me straight. Don''t hide anything; I can take it."


    "Sister Shen, do you believe me?"


    "What kind of question is that? If I didn''t believe you, why would I ask for your help? Just tell me."


    "Alright then, I''ll be frank," Long Xiaoshan said, puffing up his chest and speaking earnestly, "I can treat the illness in your body, that''s not a big problem, but there is one issue, if the root cause isn''t removed, you will suffer from it again."


    "What''s the root cause?"


    "You''ve encountered a fierce ghost; it''s entwined with your spirit. Unless we drive the ghost away, your body will keep having problems."


    "What?"


    Shen Yuerong''splexion changed, but contrary to Long Xiaoshan''s expectations, she didn''t stand up and call him mad like most people would; instead, she forced a smile and asked, "Are you joking?"


    Seeing that Shen Yuerong didn''t send him away, Long Xiaoshan was already surprised and quickly said, "I''m not joking. Sister Shen, if you don''t believe me, I can prove it to you."


    By then, Shen Yuerong had also shown a hint of curiosity and asked, "How do you prove it?"


    "First, let me ask if you''re wearing any high-quality jade or something that has been consecrated," Long Xiaoshan said.


    Shen Yuerong touched her chest and said, "I do have a piece of jade. It was given to me by my mother, and she said it was blessed by a temple."


    "Take it out and have a look, your jade must have a problem now."


    Hearing Long Xiaoshan''s words, Shen Yuerong took out the jade piece. It was a Jade Buddha, very clear, of the pure ss type. Long Xiaoshan had once met a jade merchant in prison and learned a lot from him, immediately recognizing that the jade was extremely valuable. Could a vige head afford such a piece of jade?


    Looking closely, Shen Yuerong eximed in surprise, "Why is my Jade Buddha cracked?"


    Long Xiaoshan took it and saw that there were indeed some very fine cracks on the Jade Buddha.


    He felt a sudden thump in his heart, considering the Buddha''s high-quality material and the fact that it had been consecrated¡ªalready a minor magical tool by that ount¡ªording to online sayings, with such an item on one''s person, ordinary spirits shouldn''t be able to enter the body at all; could it be that the ghost entangling Shen Yuerong was exceptionally powerful?


    His heart thumped, for he had no experience in this area.


    But he couldn''t show weakness in front of Shen Yuerong and so said, "Sister Shen, do you believe me now?"


    Shen Yuerong shook her head, "This can''t just mean I''ve encountered a ghost; it could have been damaged identally."


    "Since Sister Shen doesn''t believe me, there''s another method, but I''m afraid you might not want to use it." Long Xiaoshan took out his backpack and pulled out a bottle of red substance from it.


    "What is this?"


    "This is cock''s blood. Sister Shen, you have two handprints on your neck right now left by ghosts. Cock''s blood suppresses these; just apply it, and there will be a reaction," Long Xiaoshan said.


    Shen Yuerong showed an expression of disgust. She liked cleanliness, and the sight of cock''s blood was nauseating, let alone the thought of applying it to her body.


    "Sister Shen, if you don''t believe me, then forget it. I''ll just prescribe some medicine to improve your health and leave," Long Xiaoshan said as he stood up.


    Shen Yuerong thought about her recent condition, which, if it continued, would make her unable to carry on as the vige leader; she would have to return to that family in Yanjing.


    Her aim ining out was to achieve something on her own, to prove she could seed without her family''s help. Now, going back in failure, what would that mean?


    Grinding her teeth, she said, "Xiaoshan, wait a moment, let''s give it a try."


    There was a mirror in the office.


    Shen Yuerong stood in front of the mirror, and Long Xiaoshan opened the bottle of cock''s blood, dipped his finger into it, and began to smear it on Shen Yuerong''s slender, fair neck.


    Shen Yuerong endured the stench of blood, holding her breath.


    Soon, Long Xiaoshan had smeared quite an amount of blood on Shen Yuerong''s neck, and looking at it, streaks of ck started to congeal on the blood, looking almost like two ck wed hands gripping her neck.


    Ah!


    Shen Yuerong let out a piercing scream and threw herself into Long Xiaoshan''s arms.


    Even with herposure and experience with various scenarios.


    Such horror was too much for a woman to bear.


    That Shen Yuerong didn''t faint on the spot meant she was quite brave.


    However, her face turned as pale as paper, her body trembling uncontrobly, clearly in extreme shock.


    "Sister Shen, don''t be afraid, don''t be afraid," Long Xiaoshan quickly supported her.


    She felt a chill all over her body, and thoughts of the nightmares she''d been having at night resurfaced. Could it be that the fierce ghost from her dreams was real? She became even more terrified, feeling safe only when close to Long Xiaoshan, whose masculine presence offered her somefort.


    "Xiaoshan, what should I do, what should I do, you have to save me."


    Shen Yuerong was trembling immensely, utterly helpless.


    For such a normally strong woman, who was even the vige leader, to disy such fear made Long Xiaoshan feel a strong urge to protect her. Although he had been somewhat uncertain himself, he now said resolutely, "Sister Shen, don''t worry, no matter what ghost it is, I won''t let it hurt you."


    Long Xiaoshan helped Shen Yuerong to a window where sunlight streamed in.


    He poured her a cup of hot water and brought her a warm towel to wipe the blood from her neck.


    Drinking the hot water brought some color back to her face.


    Shen Yuerong was, after all, no ordinary woman; she regained a lot of herposure, though her eyes still showed immense fear.


    She looked at Long Xiaoshan and asked, "Xiaoshan, what do we do now?"


    "Sister Shen, where do you stay at night?" Long Xiaoshan inquired.


    "I stay just behind here, in that building. The vige arranged it for me. I''m from out of town and didn''t look for another house," Shen Yuerong exined.


    "Alright, ghosts won''t appear during the broad daylight. I guess they wille out at night to find you. I wille over then, and if it shows up, I will help you eradicate it."

 Chapter 61: Chapter 62: A Battle of Magic

    "Do you have a grudge against Zhang Facai and Sister Su?" Long Xiaoshan asked.


    Shen Yuerong shook her head, hesitated for a moment, and said, "What grudge could there be? I didn''t know him before I came here. If there were any conflicts, it''s because his mine had several idents, and I sent people several times to demand rectification. Moreover, I named him in criticism during the meetings."


    Long Xiaoshan pped his thigh and said, "That''s exactly it; I thought it must be something like that!"


    He spoke to the Evil Ghost, "Was it Zhang Facai who locked you on the Soul-Nourishing Wood?"


    "No, it was a Taoist," said the Evil Ghost.


    Long Xiaoshan''s brow furrowed. A Taoist¡ª it seemed that Zhang Facai had an aplice.


    And naturally, a rural nouveau riche couldn''t have such great abilities to control ghosts.


    It appeared that without resolving the root of the problem, this matter wasn''t over. Besides, by disrupting the ghost''s spirit, he had undoubtedly offended that Taoist.


    Long Xiaoshan spoke gravely, "Where is that Taoist now?"


    "He is in the Lotus Temple in the vige," the Evil Ghost said.


    Shen Yuerong said, "I know of the Lotus Temple; it''s rumored to be efficacious. There''s an old Taoist there who usually appears kind and benevolent. I had no idea he would do such things. I''ll have the police arrest him right now."


    Shen Yuerong''s face darkened.


    Being harmed in secret, she too was filled with rage.


    "Sister Shen, do you think the police will be useful? You want to tell them that Zhang Facai instructed the old Taoist to drive out ghosts to harm you?"


    Shen Yuerong froze, indeed, this was too far-fetched. Using this reason to arrest someone, aside from whether the higher-ups would believe it or not, it would only harm her official career¡ªa township chief believing in such superstitious things like demons and gods.


    "Sister Shen, you wait here; I''ll go to find that Taoist," Long Xiaoshan said.


    "I''ll go too."


    "Sister Shen, don''t. The Taoist definitely has some tricks up his sleeve. Your going will be of no use; I''m enough," he said.


    Shen Yuerong sighed, acknowledging the truth in his words. Moreover, facing the ghost-controlling old Taoist, she felt rather uneasy, saying, "Xiaoshan, be careful. If it''s dangerous, leave right away."


    "Don''t worry," he assured her.


    Long Xiaoshan then said to the Evil Ghost, "Now, lead the way for me."


    The Evil Ghost quickly got up, barely holding its form together. However, it was obviously much weaker; it seemed Long Xiaoshan had dealt it a severe blow.


    With it leading the way, Long Xiaoshan wound through the vige and reached a small hilltop.


    On the hilltop there was a small Taoist Temple.


    "Immortal, that Taoist is in there," the Evil Ghost said tremblingly.


    Long Xiaoshan nodded. Now deep into the night, there was no one around. He approached the temple stealthily, using the Spirit Eye to peer inside.


    Indeed, in one of the rooms of the temple, there was a Taoist, around fifty or sixty years old, with three long beards, who really had the appearance of someone with Dao Bones.


    To his surprise, in the bed of the old Taoisty a woman.


    She seemed to still carry some charm; Long Xiaoshan spat in disgust.


    This old Taoist indeed was no good.


    Outwardly sanctimonious, but privately indulging in thievery and prostitution.


    He approached the wall, leaped up with force, braced himself on the top of the wall, and flipped over.


    Long Xiaoshan crept to the outside of the room. As it was summer, the windows were not tightly shut. He picked up a stone from the ground, pried the window open, and threw it at the bed.


    Crack!


    The stone struck the woman right where her sleep acupoint was located.


    "Who?" The old Taoist, very alert, heard the noise and sat up abruptly.


    Long Xiaoshan climbed through the window and stepped into the room.


    "Who are you?" the old Taoist, wearing only a pair of underwear, leaped from the bed and drew a magical sword from the head of the bed, ring at Long Xiaoshan as he shouted.


    Long Xiaoshan waved the paperweight in his hand and said, "Old Taoist, what do you say this is?"


    Seeing the paperweight, the old Taoist''s face instantly changed.


    It was his magic artifact for nourishing ghosts, and of course he recognized it. Now that someone had brought this thing to his doorstep, it was clear that a fellow practitioner had broken his methods.


    He hadn''t expected that in such a remote backwater, there would be such a skilled person, and moreover, such a youngd.


    To know that his magic artifact was no ordinary object, the ghost he nurtured had been fierce for some years, not easily suppressed bymon means.


    After several shifts in his expression, the old Taoist''s eyes twinkled and he said with a smile, "So, a fellow practitioner hase to visit, the old Taoist offers his respects."


    With that, the old Taoist sped his hands together and bent at the waist.


    As he bent over, a fierce light shed in the old Taoist''s eyes, and suddenly he lunged with the magical sword from below, his movement swift, bringing a faint whistling through the air.


    However, Long Xiaoshan had been very vignt, and after breaking through the first level of Qi cultivation, his body''s reflexes had be even quicker.


    He dodged in a sh.


    At the same time, Long Xiaoshan closed in and threw a punch.


    The old Taoist had some decent swordsmanship, exchanging several rounds with Long Xiaoshan.


    Obviously, Long Xiaoshan was young and strong, and with True Qi at his side, he struck the old Taoist''s hand and sent the sword flying.


    The old Taoist was shocked; he had trained in martial arts, able to withstand a few robust men with ease.


    He had not expected this young man not only to understand Daoist magic but also to be so formidable at hand-to-handbat.


    Seeing Long Xiaoshan pounce, the old Taoist quickly pinched a talisman and threw it out, shouting "Activate!"


    Pfft!


    The talisman transformed into a fireball and hurled towards him.


    Long Xiaoshan was startled, having never encountered such a situation; unable to dodge in time, he could only strike forcefully with the Peach Wood Sword. A sh of white light, and with a bang, the Peach Wood Sword exploded, sparks flying in all directions.


    The hand of Long Xiaoshan throbbed with pain.


    Seeing that his Fire Talisman had not killed the young man, the old Taoist''s face was filled with rm, and he scrambled toward the window, moving with agility that belied his age of fifty or sixty years.


    Long Xiaoshan grabbed a small stool beside his foot and hurled it at the old Taoist.


    The stool struck the old Taoist''s acupoint, trapping him in the window, unable to move.


    A ghostly shadow rushed in from outside the window, plunging into the body of the old Taoist instantly.


    The old Taoist began to scream.


    Normally, the old Taoist could have subdued the ghost, but now that Long Xiaoshan had immobilized his acupoints, he couldn''t move. His face turned pale with shock as he shouted and struggled. After a while, the old Taoist''s face turned cyanotic, his mouth agape, eyes bulging, dying there with a stiff and horrified expression on his face.


    A ghostly shadow rose from the old Taoist''s body and continuously bowed to Long Xiaoshan, saying, "Thank you, Immortal, for allowing me to take my revenge."


    "Forget it!"


    Long Xiaoshan hadn''t intended to kill the old Taoist, but he had died like this.


    And since this evil ghost had killed the old Taoist, it also indirectly cleared a potential threat for him. Otherwise, it would have been difficult to deal with the old Taoist, who couldn''t be apprehended byw, and letting him go would have meant worrying about him seeking revenge in secret, given his nature.


    He dragged the old Taoist''s body over to the bed.


    Long Xiaoshan''s Spirit Eye searched the room and discovered a hiddenpartment underground. He opened it and found some books, some on geomancy, some on crafting talismans, and others on Daoist magic.


    Seeing these, Long Xiaoshan''s eyes lit up.


    This old Taoist actually had some skill.


    Ever since he started catching ghosts, he had taken great interest in this area; these materials were much better than the half-baked stuff found on the inte.


    He quickly stuffed all the books into his jacket.


    Then, he found a notebook. Opening it, he saw it was a ledger that recorded the old Taoist''s financial dealings. Long Xiaoshan''s eyes fell upon Zhang Facai''s name; it mentioned the money Zhang Facai had given the old Taoist, totaling nearly a million.

 Chapter 63: Chapter 65 Agreement

    Long Xiaoshan drove back to the vige, arriving around noon.


    Back at the farm, everyone was eating lunch, and today''s meal consisted of chive dumplings.


    Long Xiaoshan scooped up several dozen, prepared a dish of soy sauce and vinegar, and started gobbling them down. Because he had been preupied with the matter of that old Daoist in the morning, he hadn''t eaten anything and was now famished.


    While he was eating, He Xiangyue came over, smiling, and said, "Son, I''ve arranged everything for you."


    "Arranged what?" Long Xiaoshan didn''t catch on immediately.


    "Still ying dumb,e inside."


    He Xiangyue poked Long Xiaoshan''s head with her finger and headed towards the office.


    Long Xiaoshan, somewhat baffled, followed her in.


    Upon entering, he saw Chun Tao also sitting there. Her face turned red and she lowered her head as she saw Long Xiaoshan walk in.


    He Xiangyue closed the office door.


    After looking over both of them, she smiled with satisfaction and said, "I must say, you two are quite a match."


    "Mom, what are you talking about?"


    "What am I talking about? You don''t understand? Yesterday, I agreed with Chun Tao that she would be your woman."


    "What." Long Xiaoshan almost fell to the ground.


    Just yesterday, there had been strong opposition, and now it was being spoken of so directly. He quickly looked at Chun Tao, whose face was entirely red, but her demeanor clearly implied consent.


    Long Xiaoshan suddenly didn''t know what to say and stood there, dazed.


    "Chun Tao, from now on you''ll be part of our Long Family. Whatever you eat, wear, or use will be provided by us. Even if you have sons or daughters in the future, they will belong to our Long Family, and you''ll be well taken care of. There''s just one thing, Xiaoshan can''t marry you. If he marries another woman in the future, you can''t interfere, you understand?" He Xiangyue said.


    "I understand, Auntie," Chun Tao nodded.


    A broader smile appeared on He Xiangyue''s face as she said, "Good girl."


    "Mom, what are you saying? If Chun Tao is my woman, why can''t I marry her?" Long Xiaoshan said urgently.


    "Xiaoshan, I''m doing this for your own good. Besides, Chun Tao has agreed to this arrangement. As for marrying or not, you''re notcking money now, so how could we possibly mistreat Chun Tao?" He Xiangyue said.


    "But..."


    "Little Xiaoshan, don''t bother arguing. I''m doing this willingly. Auntie is right. I can''t marry you," Chun Tao chimed in.


    "Why not?" Long Xiaoshan truly didn''t understand.


    "Xiaoshan, the thing is, your father and I didn''t have a marriage certificate either. I don''t care about that. As long as you have me in your heart, that''s all that matters. Besides, you''re meant for greater things; you won''t only have one woman in the future," Chun Tao exined.


    "What are you talking about..." Long Xiaoshan muttered with a bitter smile.


    He realized that Chun Tao and his mother had alreadye to an agreement.


    And he waspletely unable to persuade either of them.


    Situations like this indeed exist in rural areas.


    To people, having several women was something quite normal for a capable man; in fact, the more women a man had, the more remarkable his abilities seemed.


    "All right, I''ll leave you two to talk. I''m heading out. Also, Xiaoshan, from now on don''t have Chun Tao do farm work. Let her help you in the office. I heard that those city bosses have secretaries, so I think Chun Tao should be your secretary," He Xiangyue suggested with newly acquired knowledge.


    A secretary!


    Long Xiaoshan couldn''t help but recall a saying he had heard somewhere.


    The secretary works on the business!


    Or works on the secretary when there''s no business!


    He subconsciously nced at Chun Tao, imagining her in a secretary''s outfit, and a sly smile crept across his lips.


    Long Xiaoshan sat in the office, taking out the items he had gotten from the old Daoist, and began to examine them.


    He received three books from the old Daoist.


    One was on geomancy, another on talisman-making, and the third on Daoist magic.


    All the books seemed ancient, yet despite their yellowed pages, they were surprisingly sturdy, as if specially made.


    In the corner of the books, Long Xiaoshan noticed the name "ck Scale Gate" and a dark symbol.


    ck Scale Gate, what is that?


    Could it be a sect?


    Without giving it much thought, Long Xiaoshan started reading the geomancy book first. After practicing the Longevity Art, his memory had improved significantly, and now that he had made another breakthrough, his ability to remember seemed even more formidable.


    As he read on, he only needed a slight review tomit it to memory.


    His interest grew as he read. Turns out geomancy epassed so much moreplexity than the superficial knowledge avable online.


    It was the real deal in geomantic secret techniques.


    The old Daoist must have been genuinely gifted, as he was even able tomand ghosts.


    Before he knew it, Long Xiaoshan was engrossed in the material.


    The ring of a phone pulled him from his absorption. He saw it was a call from Shen Yuerong and quickly picked up.


    "What, you''re at the vige entrance? Okay, okay, I''lle to pick you up right away."


    Long Xiaoshan stood up hastily and headed outside.


    Seeing that Couple Long Dashan was standing not far away, overseeing the farm, he shouted, "Dad, Mom, get ready. The Mayor ising to inspect our farm."


    What!" The cigarette fell from Long Dashan''s mouth.


    "The Mayor ising and is already at the vige entrance. I''ll go to pick them up."


    "Ah, okay, okay," Long Dashan managed to reply, tongue-tied.


    For a simple and earnest farmer, the Mayor was like a high-ranking official, someone of great importance.


    Even among the farmborers, news that the Mayor wasing to inspect stirred everyone up.


    Longyang Vige was so poor that not even the Mayor hade down to visit before - at most, some minor vige officials would make an appearance.

 Chapter 64: Chapter 66 Cant Afford to Eat

    Chapter Sixty-Six


    When Long Xiaoshan arrived at the entrance to the vige, he saw a Santana parked there.


    The people from the Santana had already got out, apart from Shen Yuerong, there were three people, one woman and two men.


    The young woman was squatting there, her face pale, with a pile of vomit on the ground.


    Long Xiaoshan approached and asked, "What''s wrong?"


    "Xiaoshan, the road here is really tough." Shen Yuerong''splexion wasn''t looking very good either.


    "Car sickness, this road is difficult indeed."


    Long Xiaoshan looked around and went straight to the side of the field, he plucked a weed, crushed it, and a milky white substance oozed out of the stem like milk, held it to Shen Yuerong''s nose, "Smell this, you''ll feel better soon."


    Shen Yuerong leaned over and took a sniff, a wave of freshness rushed into her chest, and indeed, the ufortable feeling lessened.


    "Let little Song smell it too, little Song is a university graduate newly assigned from the county, she had a rough time."


    Long Xiaoshan hurried over, came to the young female graduate, and passed the medicinal herb to her.


    Little Song was dubious, Long Xiaoshan''s attire was that of a farmer, his shoes were covered in mud, he was obviously a country bumpkin.


    However, since the director spoke, it wasn''t good for her to refuse, she said, "I''ll do it myself then."


    She took the mashed wild grass, sniffed it half-heartedly, intending to discard it. But suddenly, the nausea in her chest lightened, she paused, took a few more sniffs, the difortpletely vanished, and she could even stand up.


    "It''s really effective, what kind of grass is this?" little Song asked in amazement.


    "It''s just a wild grass, it doesn''t have a famous name, called grandma grass, can stop vomiting," Long Xiaoshan said.


    Grandma grass.


    Song Xi''s face flushed with embarrassment, cursing in her mind.


    These vigers really are crude.


    "Xiaoshan is a little genius doctor, don''t underestimate him," Shen Yuerong praised.


    "What genius doctor, Director Shen, don''t tease me," Long Xiaoshan was a clever man, he didn''t act overly familiar with Shen Yuerong, "Let''s go, I''ll take you to see my farm."


    The group followed Long Xiaoshan''s lead and headed into the vige.


    The backwardness and dpidation of Longyang Vige greatly shocked Shen Yuerong.


    Lotus Township was already poor, but beforeing, she hadn''t imagined that Lotus Township could be so rundown; however,pared to Longyang Vige, Lotus Township seemed prosperous.


    Here, there were basically no brick houses, all of them were those mud houses from decades ago, many even topped with thatched roofs.


    The roads were alsopletely dirt.


    Little Song doubted, "Can this ce really attract tens of millions in investment?"


    Actually, this was a doubt shared by the others too.


    Just that out of courtesy, they didn''t ask outright. Little Song had just graduated and was still green in matters of socializing, unable to keep her words to herself.


    Long Xiaoshan responded, "The conditions are harsh now, but our vige has a good environment, and the soil is special. I''ve studied it and frankly, other ces don''tpare to here. Look, here''s the farm."


    They had nowe to the floodin at the foot of Xishan.


    Seeing the vibrant abundance of vegetables and fruits on the mountain brightened their eyes.


    Shen Yuerong nodded repeatedly; regardless of anything else, the scale of the farm was indeed not small. There were several hundred acres on the mountain, plus the ponds below, at a nce, it was quite spectacr.


    "Here theye."


    At that moment, arge group of vigers had gathered on the stone beach below.


    They were led by the couple Long Dashan.


    As Shen Yuerong and the others approached, the crowd stirred.


    "Prepare, go!" He Xiangyue shouted.


    "Wee, wee, a warm wee!"


    "Wee, wee, a warm wee!"


    The vigers were there, shouting and pping their hands.


    Shen Yuerong heard this and let out a snicker, "Long Xiaoshan, what are you making a fuss about?"


    Long Xiaoshan was also at a loss for words. He had asked his parents to prepare a bit, but he hadn''t expected them to go this far. He hurried over and shouted, "Folks, stop shouting, Director Shen is here."


    When Shen Yuerong walked over, it dazzled all the vigers on sight.


    Shen Yuerong was dressed quite formally that day, a ck blouse with gray suit pants and t shoes below, with not a hint of sexiness, yet even so, her beauty and temperament were something the country folks had never seen before.


    "My goodness, that''s our director. Why do I feel like she''s a big star?"


    "Hello, everyone," Shen Yuerong greeted warmly and walked over to shake hands with Couple Long Dashan first.


    "Di...Director!" Both were so nervous they didn''t know how to react. They vigorously wiped their hands on their clothing before daring to shake hands with Shen Yuerong.


    "Uncle, auntie, Xiaoshan is quite a talent. You''ve raised a good son," Shen Yuerongplimented.


    "Not at all, not at all," they said while their eyes were already smiling.


    It felt like an honor for the whole family.


    Shen Yuerong exchanged a few words and then shook hands with each of the vigers.


    Only then did she, led by Long Xiaoshan, walk into the farm.


    Long Xiaoshan was giving a tour, and he guided Shen Yuerong and her entourage all around the farm. They saw the exceptionally luscious vegetables, the big prawns in the ponds, and the Yellow River carps and Songjiang bass.


    Even someone who was not a farmer could see that the farm was impressive.


    Inside, there were dozens of vegetables, more than ten kinds of fruits, and not only that, there were Yellow River carps and Songjiang bass, which are considered prized freshwater fish. He imed they were thriving here too.


    Now, that''s no small feat.


    Descending from the mountain and approaching the kitchen, everyone smelled a rich aroma.


    It made one''s mouth water uncontrobly.


    "I''ve asked someone to prepare some refreshments, please have some," Long Xiaoshan said.


    Having walked around the farm and climbed up and down, indeed they were all tired.


    Without refusal, they sat down to a table full of dishes in a simple house ¨C seven or eight kinds of vegetables and a te of pickled fish, with Chun Tao bustling in the kitchen.


    "These are all produced by my own farm. Please, have a taste," Long Xiaoshan said.


    Everyone was already starving just from the smell and quickly started using their chopsticks.


    After just one bite, everyone paused, and then, without a word, they started eating vigorously.


    Even Shen Yuerong ate heartily, feeling that the dishes here were more delicious than those cooked by five-star chefs in the Capital City.


    Ah!


    Song Xi suddenly eximed.


    All eyes turned towards her.


    Song Xi said, embarrassed, "I feel like the vor here is so simr to the dishes at the Lily Hotel in H County; I''ve been there once."


    Long Xiaoshan smiled and said, "You really have a discerning pte. Indeed, the vegetables there are supplied by me."


    "Really?" Song Xi eximed, "The food there is so expensive. A te of green vegetables costs sixty-eight yuan!"


    What!


    The other two local officials who came along almost dropped their chopsticks in shock.


    They were locals and hadn''t dined at Lily Hotel. An older official said, "Sixty-eight yuan for a te of greens, that''s daylight robbery."


    His sry was just over a thousand per month; he couldn''t even afford greens.


    "Brother Li, don''t be so skeptical. The business there is too good. Last time I went with my parents, we had to wait for ages before we got a table, and greens are nothing. The priciest thing there is the big prawns ¨C 1,888 yuan each, and they are limited in supply. Even if you have the money you might not get to eat them. I heard only the wealthiest in the county can afford to buy them." Song Xi''s family was quite well-off, with her parents being county officials, so she was informed about these things.


    "A shrimp for 1,888 yuan, is it made of gold?"mented another official.


    While they were talking, Chun Tao brought over a steaming red te of huge prawns.

 Chapter 67: Chapter 69: Talismans

    Chapter Sixty-Nine


    The next day, Long Fakui was taken away.


    A notice dered he was detained for fifteen days for hooliganism.


    The whole vige was in an uproar.


    Seeing Long Fakui being taken away for detention, the vigers looked at Long Xiaoshan with a hint of awe.


    What a capable figure Long Fakui was.


    He could be called the vige bully, intimidating men and women alike, so much so that no one in the vige dared to resist.


    But when Long Xiaoshan came back, he not only set up a farm and put on a show against Long Fakui by inviting the town''s mayor for inspection but also managed to get Long Fakui locked up.


    Countryside folks, their thoughts are rather simple.


    They only look at the results;st time Long Xiaoshan was detained, he was released in just two days, and now it was Long Fakui''s turn to be detained for fifteen days.


    This clearly showed the disparity.


    That same night, Long Xiaoshan sat with his parents at home.


    Someone knocked on the door, and upon opening it, they found it was Ergouzi, little Tie, and their families.


    As soon as the two entered, they knelt on the ground thudding and said to Long Xiaoshan, "Brother Xiaoshan, we were wrong. We will never dare to oppose you again, please forgive us."


    Long Xiaoshan said, "What are you doing?"


    "Xiaoshan, please let Ergouzi off considering your aunt''s feelings."


    "Your uncle is kneeling for you, too. Little Tie hasn''t been learning well, it''s my fault I''ve let you down."


    The few elders that came were also about to kneel.


    Long Xiaoshan hurriedly helped them up saying, "Alright already, I haven''t said I''d do anything to them, let''s just forget the past."


    After receiving Long Xiaoshan''s assurance, these people finally left.


    He Xiangyue snorted, "Just a few days ago they were so defiant, treating me like I was beneath them. Now they''re not so tough."


    Long Xiaoshan smiled, "Mom, they''re from our vige after all, we see each other all the time."


    He understood in his heart.


    Ergouzi and little Tie''s families definitely harbored resentment; although they were healedter without any disability, they had been severely beaten and suffered a great deal.


    But they did not dare say anything out of fear for hisbat skills.


    However, with Long Fakui now under arrest, they could no longer sit still.


    Even Long Fakui couldn''t stand up to Long Xiaoshan, so where would they get the courage to be defiant? Being beaten up was one thing, but if they were also detained, that would be even harder to bear.


    After finishing his meal, he returned to the farm.


    Long Xiaoshan took out those books to continue reading; he felt they were really good, like opening a new door. He had read about Fengshui Technique in the past few days, and now he started reading about talismans.


    That day, Jia Laodao had thrown a talisman at him.


    The talisman could conjure a fireball, and its power was considerable; if not for his Peach Wood Sword blocking it, his hand might have been ruined.


    Long Xiaoshan read the book on talismans.


    It contained records of dozens of talismans.


    In addition to the Fireball Talisman that Jia Laodao cast, there were Vajra Talismans, Wind de Talismans, Condensing Water Talismans, Purification Talismans, and various others.


    The book contained some of Jia Laodao''s notes and insights.


    He discovered that these talismans were no ordinary matter; there were two methods for drawing them.


    One method involved various materials.


    For example, to draw a Fireball Talisman, one needed talisman paper, the blood of a rooster born at noon, top-grade white scales, a fluorescent stone, and over a dozen other materials blended into a special ink, then drawn onto the talisman paper with this ink.


    This was the mostmon and also the mostplicated method.


    The talismans Jia Laodao drew were of this kind, not onlyborious but also with a low sess rate.


    The other method, for those with the cultivation of Qi Induction into the body, was to directly use True Qi and mana to draw the talismans.


    This required far fewer items and the resulting talismans were more powerful than the ordinary ones.


    However, Jia Laodao had not yet achieved Qi Induction, so he could not draw these spirit talismans.


    Qi Induction.


    Long Xiaoshan''s mind stirred, recalling that the Longevity Art also mentioned this concept, and indeed, he could feel a stream of qi flowing within him, with a qi cyclone in his dantian. If this was Qi Induction, then drawing his talismans wouldn''t need to be soplicated.


    He took out the materials he had gathered from Jia Laodao.


    A talisman brush, a stack of talisman paper, and some bottles and jarsbeled with cinnabar and such.


    Holding the talisman brush, Long Xiaoshan channeled his True Qi into it, and with a stroke on the talisman paper, a faint white light appeared. Long Xiaoshan was delighted¡ªit was indeed effective.


    Following the content of the talisman book, he started to draw.


    At first, failure wasmon.


    Long Xiaoshan was not discouraged and kept drawing over and over again.


    After wasting more than a dozen sheets of talisman paper,


    finally, he sessfully drew a Fireball Talisman. Afterpletion, the white light gradually turned into red marks on the talisman paper, resembling a ball of fire.


    It looked very much like the ones in the book.


    After he finished drawing the talisman, Long Xiaoshan felt a sense of emptiness.


    To draw this talisman, he had used up all his True Qi.


    He took the Fireball Talisman outside, made sure no one was around, and threw it at a tree as thick as a bowl. He shouted, "Come forth!"


    Boom!


    A blinding sh of fire burst forth.


    A fireball roughly the size of a fist mmed into the tree, exploding on impact, snapping the thick trunk in two. The fire roared; before long, therge tree was reduced to char.


    Long Xiaoshan was stunned.


    The fireball was extremely fierce.


    Its power was tremendous.


    Several times stronger than the Spirit Talisman Jia Laodao had thrown at him that day.


    He realized with rm that this thing shouldn''t be used carelessly¡ªif it hit an ordinary person, they would certainly die.


    He returned to his room and rested for a while.


    He prepared to draw a Vajra Talisman.


    Unbeknownst to him, a night passed.


    Long Xiaoshan did not sleep for the entire night.


    Atst, he also managed to draw a Vajra Talisman. He didn''t test it this time, but with the Fireball Talisman as a precedent, he was confident that the effect of the Vajra Talisman wouldn''t be any less effective.


    For several days in a row, Long Xiaoshan immersed himself in the study of talismans and continuously drew them.


    At first, the sess rate was very low, but gradually it increased.


    After several days, the sess rate rose to over fifty percent.


    After a few days, Long Xiaoshan had used up all the talisman paper he obtained from Jia Laodao, and he had several dozen talismans in hand.


    With these talismans at his disposal, Long Xiaoshan felt much more secure.


    He went home and gave a Vajra Talisman to each member of the Couple Long Dashan, saying, "Dad, Mom, I''m going to Xinyuan County for a few days to take care of some business. These are the talismans I''ve drawn for your safety. Keep them safe."


    "Talismans?" The Couple Long Dashan examined the talismans, turning them over in their hands.


    "Xiaoshan, you can draw talismans?"


    Long Xiaoshan whispered, "The Celestial taught me as well. Keep them carefully and don''t lose them."


    Hearing that it was a teaching from a Celestial, the Couple Long Dashan quickly nodded and carefully tucked the talismans close to their bodies.


    Long Xiaoshan then found Chun Tao and gave her a Vajra Talisman as well.


    After that, he started up the pickup truck and left the vige.


    Once out of the vige, he took out the Soul-Calming Wooden Talisman and connected with it, summoning the ghost of "Wang Feng."


    "Wang Feng, I''m now taking you back to Xinyuan County. Where is your home in Xinyuan County?"


    Wang Feng hurriedly replied with gratitude, "Thank you, Immortal. My home is at XX Road, XX number, Chengguan Town, Xinyuan County."


    "I''ve got it." Long Xiaoshan noted the address, nodded, and drove the car towards Xinyuan County.

 Chapter 68: Chapter 70: Wang Yan

    Chapter Seventy


    After the car had left the mountains, it headed for the provincial highway.


    Xinyuan County was located next to Niu Y County, not very far away¡ªjust tens of kilometers. It took about half an hour on the provincial highway to enter the territory of Xinyuan County.


    Although they were adjacent,


    Xinyuan County was much wealthier than Niu Y County.


    Within Hechuan City''s seven counties and districts, Niu Y County ranked near the bottom, whereas Xinyuan County ranked at the top, second only to Hechuan City proper.


    Its poption also far exceeded that of Niu Y County, which had only three hundred thousand residents,pared to nearly one million in Xinyuan County.


    Despite the proximity, Long Xiaoshan had never visited Xinyuan County before and relied solely on his phone''s navigation to reach Chengguan Town, the county seat of Xinyuan County. As he entered, a bustling county town unfolded before Long Xiaoshan''s eyes.


    The width of the streets and the variety of buildings were a notch higher than those in Niu Y County.


    There were also significantly more cars on the road.


    Many of them were luxury vehicles.


    With Wang Feng''s address etched in his memory, Long Xiaoshan followed the navigation to his destination.


    Upon reaching that street, he found it to be the center of the urban area, but with tall French ne trees lining the road, and European-style vis on both sides, it was clearly an affluent area. Long Xiaoshan found the address.


    A vi with notably expansive grounds stood there.


    With his Spirit Eye, Long Xiaoshan could see inside and even spotted a swimming pool.


    He parked under a ne tree opposite the vi, took out a Magic Artifact, and summoned Wang Feng, asking, "Is this your home?"


    Wang Feng, clearly excited at the sight of the building, replied, "Yes, Immortal Master."


    "Your family seems quite wealthy," remarked Long Xiaoshan.


    Owning a vi with a swimming pool in the center of the county town was notmon.


    Wang Feng said, "Thepany I used to run had decent profits. If the Immortal Master can help me, I am willing to offer ten million as a reward."


    Long Xiaoshan just smiled and said nothing.


    He got out of the car and said, "Don''te out. I''ll go ask."


    Wang Feng, being able to manifest during the daytime, was already extraordinary, but even as a fierce ghost, he could not take form in daylight; the sun would still cause him to turn to ash and smoke.


    Long Xiaoshan exited the car and approached the vi''s gate, pressing the doorbell.


    After a while, a young man in a suit opened the door. Eyeing Long Xiaoshan''s rural garb, he demanded in a sharp tone, "Who are you?"


    Long Xiaoshan, taking note that the young man was inked with tattoos and clearly one of those enforcer types, inquired, "Is Liu Yufeng at home?"


    Liu Yufeng was Wang Feng''s wife, as Long Xiaoshan stated.


    "Get lost, get lost. Where did this bumpkine from? There''s no Liu Yufeng here," the young man said forcefully as he mmed the door shut.


    This response quite annoyed Long Xiaoshan.


    Still, he maintained hisposure, refraining from immediate action and instead used his Spirit Eye to observe the vi. He saw several men and a few young women inside.


    But he did not see anyone resembling a mother and daughter as Wang Feng had described.


    Since Wang Feng''s wife was also in herte thirties, it was clear that the women here were at most in their twenties.


    He returned to the car and reported, "Wang Feng, your wife and child aren''t inside."


    "How can that be?" Wang Feng said urgently.


    "You said you''ve been dead for three years. In three years, anything could happen. Moving away wouldn''t be impossible." Long Xiaoshan reasoned.


    Wang Feng evidently became anxious, looking as though he wanted to rush out.


    Seeing his state, Long Xiaoshan said, "Going out now would be akin to seeking death. Don''t be hasty. Since I''vee, I intend to see this through and will help you look."


    Wang Feng calmed down and pleaded, "Immortal Master, if you can find my wife and daughter, I''ll make sure they thank you. I still have money, not much, but tens of millions at least."


    "Let''s not talk about that for now. You first tell me the name of yourpany. You seem like someone who could be traced," Long Xiaoshan suggested.


    Wang Feng answered, "Mypany is called Beacon Biotech Co. Ltd., and we make health products. It''s located in the economic development zone."


    "All right, I''ll go take a look."


    Long Xiaoshan heard Wang Feng say this and then drove towards the direction of the development zone.


    Arriving at the development zone, Long Xiaoshan quickly found Beacon Biotech Co. Ltd., which epassed several hundred acres of factory space¡ªWang Feng''s business was indeed substantial.


    At this moment, Wang Feng couldn''t help but poke his head out.


    Fortunately, no sunlight could prate into the car, so he could still reveal a bit of himself.


    Long Xiaoshan was just parking the car at the entrance, ready to go in and inquire about the situation.


    Suddenly, Wang Feng eximed, "Immortal Master, Immortal Master, wait, that, that looks like my daughter, Wang Yan."


    Long Xiaoshan looked over.


    A girl in a skirt was entangled with a tall young man at the entrance.


    The girl was about one meter seventy, with a fine figure, long slender legs, big eyes, and fair skin, clearly having led a life offort from a young age.


    "Are you sure?"


    "Let me take another look, it really is her, she has a beauty mark on the corner of her mouth, it can''t be wrong, little Yan, you''ve grown up so much," Wang Feng became emotionally agitated and shouted, "Little Yan."


    "Dad?"


    The girl seemed to hear something and turned her head around.


    Long Xiaoshan said, "Why are you shouting? She can''t see you, let me go talk to her."


    Long Xiaoshan got out of the car.


    Wang Yan thought she had heard her father''s voice, but when she turned around, all she saw was a young man dressed in an unfashionable manner getting out of a pickup truck.


    She turned her head back in disappointment; her father had already been missing for three years, if he could havee back, he would have done so long ago.


    "Wang Yan, I''ll give you one more chance, be my girlfriend," the tall young man said.


    Wang Yan forcefully pulled away from the young man who was grabbing her arm, "Feng Boo, let me go, I won''t agree to be your girlfriend. Your Feng family has taken over my family''spany, and now you want me to be your girlfriend. Dream on."


    "Wang Yan, you said it yourself. I''ve given you face, but if this is how it''s going to be, you''reing with me to a hotel today; otherwise, forget about the rest of your shares. Without the money, I''d like to see how you''re going to pay for your mom''s treatment," the young man''s face turned fierce.


    "You!" Wang Yan was filled with anger.


    "Wang Yan?" a voice interjected.


    Wang Yan saw the young man who had alighted from the pickup truck approaching, and asked with confusion, "Do you know me?"


    "I don''t know you, but I know your father. Isn''t your father named Wang Feng?"


    Wang Yan''s heart trembled. Wang Feng had been missing for three years, and while he was once a well-known figure in Xinyuan County, he had been forgotten now, and she hadn''t heard someone mention him in a long time, she asked, "You know my father, who are you?"


    "My name is Long Xiaoshan, from Niu Y County. I''m here because your father entrusted me to find you," Long Xiaoshan said.


    "What?" Wang Yan turned pale and said, "My father sent you? Where is my father then, where is he?"


    "It''s not convenient to talk here, get in the car and we''ll talk," Long Xiaoshan opened the car door.


    Wang Yan immediately wrinkled her brows, cautious.


    Seeing her like this, Long Xiaoshan thought to himself that this girl still had some smarts, not losing herposure at the news of her father.


    "Who are you, can''t you see I''m talking to Wang Yan?" the young man beside her said with a frown and a fierce tone.


    "Didn''t I say? I''m Wang Feng''s friend," Long Xiaoshan said.


    "Bullshit, Wang Feng has been dead a long time ago," Feng Boo said.


    "Feng Boo, don''t you dare speak of my dad like that, my dad is only missing, not dead!" Wang Yan said angrily.


    Feng Boo gave a coldugh.


    Long Xiaoshan''s eyes shifted as he said, "How can you be so sure Wang Feng is dead? Is Wang Feng''s disappearance rted to you?"


    Feng Boo''s face changed as he said, "Don''t nder me."


    "Wang Yan, I have news about your dad. If you trust me, get on the car, but if you don''t, I''ll leave right now," Long Xiaoshan looked at Wang Yan.


    "Fine, I''ll get in the car," Wang Yan bit her lip and climbed into the pickup truck.

 Chapter 71: Chapter 73: Snake Venom

    ```


    Chapter Seventy-Three


    "Big Brother Long, you''re really amazing," Wang Yan said with an admiring look in her eyes as she gazed at Long Xiaoshan.


    After finishing her sentence, she walked up beside Long Xiaoshan, stood on her tiptoes, and kissed him on the cheek.


    Long Xiaoshan was startled and eximed, "You really kissed me."


    "Of course, I did. I keep my word," Wang Yan said, her face also flushing red. It was bold of her, but after all, it was her first time taking such initiative.


    Long Xiaoshan had nothing to say in response and bent down to continue searching for herbs.


    Wang Yan followed him.


    However, the herbs for the Nerve Repair Fluid were not easy to find. After searching for a long time, Long Xiaoshan had only found one of the ingredients, the Wuzi Fruit, and was still missing three others.


    At this point, the path ahead hade to an end.


    To find the herbs, the two of them had ventured quite deep. This ce was already seldom visited, and further into the mountains, there were no trails at all.


    Seeing that there was no longer a path ahead, Long Xiaoshan said, "Wang Yan, there''s no way through here. You go down the mountain and wait for me, I''ll go in further to look."


    "I don''t want to. I''ll go with you," said Wang Yan.


    "But there''s no path ahead. It''s going to be difficult to walk, and there might even be insects and snakes."


    "It''s fine. An extra person means an extra pair of eyes, and I''m not afraid."


    "All right then. I''ll lead the way, and you follow me," Long Xiaoshan thought to himself that the girls nowadays really do have independent minds; it''s impossible to send them away.


    He broke off a long stick from the side to clear the way, pushing aside the knee-high wild grass and vines, and continued deeper into the mountains.


    Since there was no path, their pace slowed down.


    And as they climbed higher, the terrain became increasingly rugged, with shrubs and wild grass reaching up to their waists.


    Many times, Long Xiaoshan had to stop and help Wang Yan through.


    Luckily she was wearing jeans. If it had been a skirt, she wouldn''t have been able to walk at all.


    But in such deep forests, there were indeed many medicinal herbs, and Long Xiaoshan''s sack gradually filled up.


    "Shifeng Flower." Long Xiaoshan spotted a grey small flower growing in a crevice and joy appeared on his face. He walked over, picked the small flower, and said, "We''ve found another one. Now we''re just missing two more."


    "Big Brother Long, can you really cure my mother?"


    "There shouldn''t be a problem."


    "That''s great! Let''s hurry up and look."


    Wang Yan''s face also lit up with a smile. Her body was dirtied with patches of ck and white, and her exposed arms bore several red scratches. Walking in the deep mountains was not easy, but the thought of being able to cure her mother gave her renewed excitement.


    The two of them continued their search in the mountains.


    Hard work pays off.


    The two finally found the remaining two herbs they were looking for.


    However, by this time, it was already past four in the afternoon, and Long Xiaoshan said, "Wang Yan, we need to hurry down the mountain now, or it will be dark soon."


    The sun sets quickly in the mountains, and the two had wandered so deep that there was no trail at all.


    "Yes," Wang Yan agreed, clearly anxious as well.


    The two made their way down the mountain, but after a few steps, Wang Yan''s face turned red with strain, and she stopped walking, squeezing her legs together.


    "Wang Yan, what''s wrong?" Long Xiaoshan turned and asked.


    "I, I need to pee," Wang Yan said with embarrassment. She hadn''t noticed it while focused on finding herbs in the mountains, but now that they had found them, the urgency came rushing up, and she couldn''t hold it.


    Long Xiaoshan looked around and said, "Then you go take care of it. I''ll wait for you here."


    ```


    Wang Yan hastily nodded her head, and with the surroundings being all forest, she went behind arge tree. Long Xiaoshan turned his head away, and after a while, he heard the sound of water flowing.


    It seemed that Wang Yan hadn''t gone far. Long Xiaoshan felt somewhat embarrassed and could only pretend nothing was wrong and took a few more steps away.


    Suddenly, he heard a scream, "A snake."


    This was followed by Wang Yan''s painful cries.


    "Where''s the snake?" Long Xiaoshan hurriedly ran towards that direction, circled around arge tree, and saw Wang Yan sitting on the ground in pain, with her trousers not even pulled up.


    Long Xiaoshan, quick to react, stepped on a green snake that was trying to escape and twisted forcefully, crushing the snake''s head under his foot.


    "Stejneger''s Pit Viper."


    Long Xiaoshan lifted his foot, recognized the snake as the highly venomous Stejneger''s Pit Viper, and his face changed color.


    Looking at Wang Yan again, her face was turning green as she eximed, "I feel terrible."


    Once the snake venom entered the body, it would destroy coagtion functions, so he hurried over and asked, "Wang Yan, where did the snake bite you?"


    "It seems to be on my buttocks." Wang Yan was scared and couldn''t care less about her exposed state.


    "Let me take a look." Long Xiaoshan quickly helped Wang Yan up, turned her over, and indeed found a swollen wound. Long Xiaoshan urgently took out the Golden Needle from his finger and pricked several times around her wound to seal the meridian points and prevent the poison from spreading.


    "Big Brother Long, am I going to die?" Wang Yan asked in terror.


    "Don''t be afraid, I will cure you, but now I need to suck out the poisoned blood to stop the spread," said Long Xiaoshan.


    Even though Wang Yan was terrified inside, she couldn''t help but blush, never imagining that the kind of scene often seen on TV, where someone sucks out poisoned blood, would happen to her, and in such an awkward ce.


    In fact, Long Xiaoshan felt pretty embarrassed, but considering the urgency, he saw that Wang Yan didn''t say anything and did not hesitate to lean in and suck out the snake venom.


    Wang Yan felt something strange, and her entire face blushed red with blood.


    No matter how bold she was, after all, she was still a high school student with no such experience, and she felt weak all over.


    Meanwhile, Long Xiaoshan didn''t think too much about it, and sucked out the poisoned blood with force, spitting it onto the ground.


    After he was done, he said, "Wang Yan, endure a little longer, I''ll look around to see if there is any herb that can cure snake venom."


    Medical books say that where snakes dwell, there must be antidotes nearby, so Long Xiaoshan activated his Spirit Eye and searched around. Quickly, he found a snake den, and near it, he saw several nts with small white flowers.


    "This is it." Long Xiaoshan''s eyes lit up as he picked several of the herbs.


    He returned to Wang Yan''s side, chewed the herbs in his mouth, spat them out after mashing them up, and pressed them into the shape of a medicinal cake, sticking it onto Wang Yan''s buttocks.


    "Wang Yan, how do you feel now?"


    "Much better, I don''t feel dizzy anymore." Wang Yan also had the feeling of having escaped death.


    "Good, then you should pull up your trousers," he said.


    Long Xiaoshan turned his head away; he hadn''t thought much about it in the rush before, but now that she was treated, seeing a sh of white right in front of his eyes, it was inevitably embarrassing.


    After a while, there came Wang Yan''s somewhat soft and trembling voice, "Big Brother Long, I don''t have the strength."


    Long Xiaoshan, feeling helpless, turned around and helped Wang Yan pull up her trousers.


    After he finished, Long Xiaoshan said, "You definitely don''t have the strength to walk down the mountain now, so I will carry you."


    Wang Yan also understood her current situation,id on Long Xiaoshan''s back, and said, "I''m sorry, Big Brother Long, I shouldn''t have gone up the mountain."


    "What''s the point of saying that now?" he responded.


    Carrying Wang Yan on his back, Long Xiaoshan made his way down the mountain.


    He was very physically strong and possessed the Longevity Art True Qi, so even with Wang Yan on his back, he moved swiftly along the mountain paths, faster than if the two of them were walking separately.


    Before the sky turnedpletely dark, the two finally reached the foot of the mountain.

 Chapter 72: Chapter 74 Treatment

    Descending from the mountain, Long Xiaoshan was also drenched in sweat.


    "Big Brother Long, you must be exhausted," Wang Yan said as she handed a paper towel to Long Xiaoshan to wipe his sweat.


    "It''s nothing, are you feeling better now?"


    Blushing, Wang Yan replied, "All better, all better."


    In truth, she felt recovered halfway down the mountain, but because she was lyingfortably on Long Xiaoshan''s back, she didn''t say she wanted to get down.


    "Then let''s head back."


    After tossing the bag of herbs into the back of the truck, Long Xiaoshan got into the vehicle, and Wang Yan also climbed in. The car started and they headed towards the city.


    Back home.


    Wang Feng soon appeared and said, "You''re finally back, it took so long."


    Long Xiaoshan replied, "The herbs are quite rare, but luckily, I found them all."


    Wang Feng''s mood became excited as he said, "Immortal, when will you cure Yufeng?"


    "I''ll start right now, let me prepare the herbs."


    "Big Brother Long, won''t you rest for a bit?" Wang Yan asked.


    "I''m fine, not tired at all," Long Xiaoshan said as he brought the herbs into the kitchen, ready to start mixing the Bone-Regeneration Powder and the Nerve Recovery Liquid.


    He had made Bone-Regeneration Powder before and was quite familiar with the process. It didn''t take long for him to brew a pot of it in the kitchen. Next came the moreplex task of preparing the Nerve Repair Fluid.


    Long Xiaoshan took out portions of the Wuzi Fruit, Shifeng Flower, and other herbs, then started to simmer them in the pot.


    Due to not controlling the heat properly, the first attempt ended up burnt.


    Long Xiaoshan started the second attempt at refining, realizing that using his Spirit Eye to observe the liquid allowed for better control of the heat. He was able to directly see the reactions of the liquid, and step by step, hours passed without him noticing.


    The pot finally yielded some milky white liquid.


    These liquids emitted a fragrant aroma, exactly as described in the ck Medical Book.


    "It smells so good," said Wang Yan as she walked in after smelling the fragrance.


    She had taken a shower; her long ck hair was draped down, and she was wearing arge HelloKitty T-shirt, looking as fresh as a daisy.


    Long Xiaoshan couldn''t help but sneak a few more nces.


    Wang Yan seemed to notice Long Xiaoshan''s gaze and puffed her chest out, asking, "Big Brother Long, do I look pretty?"


    Long Xiaoshan didn''t know what to say.


    Wang Yan giggled, "Big Brother Long, you''re much more honest than those stinky boys in our ss, so cute."


    Cute?


    Long Xiaoshan was speechless, feelingpletely unable to keep up with Wang Yan''s train of thought.


    Not knowing what to say, he quickly replied, "I''m going to treat your mom."


    Upon hearing this, Wang Yan also stopped teasing Long Xiaoshan and helped him carry the medicine out.


    In the bedroom.


    It was already deep into the night.


    Long Xiaoshan entered and said to Liu Yufeng, who was lying on the bed, "Auntie, I''m going to start treating you now."


    Liu Yufeng said, "Grandmaster, you''ve worked hard all day for my sake."


    "Don''t call me Grandmaster, just call me Xiaoshan, I''m just a farmer," he replied.


    Liu Yufeng smiled and said, "Okay, Xiaoshan, I''ll leave it to you."


    Long Xiaoshan nodded, then he and Wang Yan lifted the covers and turned Liu Yufeng''s body over.


    Long Xiaoshan applied the Bone-Regeneration Powder, which quickly began to take effect.


    The broken bones inside Liu Yufeng''s body started to regrow, as if countless ants were crawling within her, making her groan involuntarily.


    "Auntie, is it very itchy?"


    "Yes."


    "That''s because the bones inside your body are growing. You need to hold on. I''ll give you a couple of acupuncture needles to relieve some of it," said Long Xiaoshan as he extracted Golden Needle and pierced her back in several ces.


    Suddenly, the unbearable itchiness Liu Yufeng felt was significantly lessened.


    She could bear it now.


    "Based on the medicinal effect, the bones should regrow by tomorrow. Wang Feng, you should stay here and watch over her. If anything happens, call me. I''ll carry out the second step of the treatment tomorrow," Long Xiaoshan said.


    "Thank you, Immortal," Wang Feng said with gratitude, yet he felt puzzled. Such aminuted fracture would require over half a year to heal in even the best hospitals. Could it simply regrow overnight?


    After finishing, Long Xiaoshan went outside, leaving Wang Feng and his daughter in the bedroom while he sat in meditation in the living room.


    Unnoticed, the night passed.


    The next day, upon entering the room, Wang Yan was already asleep beside the bed. As a spirit who didn''t need to sleep, Wang Feng was alert and quickly asked Long Xiaoshan when he entered, "Immortal, how is the situation now?"


    "Let me check."


    Long Xiaoshan stood by the bed and through his Spirit Eye, he saw that Liu Yufeng''s bones had healed.


    Actually, after many treatments, Liu Yufeng''s bones had almost fully recovered; it was primarily the nerve damage that prevented her from standing.


    He said, "We can proceed with the second step of the treatment. I''ll go get ready. This step involves soaking in a medicinal bath for recovery."


    In the bathroom, Long Xiaoshan filled the tub with hot water and added the Nerve Repair Fluid he had prepared the day before, along with other herbs for strengthening the foundation and vitality.


    After about ten minutes of preparation, the water in the tub turned to a milky color.


    At that moment, Wang Yan awakened and stood by.


    Once Long Xiaoshan finished preparing the medicinal bath, he came out and said, "Auntie, it''s time for the second step of the treatment. You need to soak in the medicinal water, and I''ll also need to give you acupuncture needlester."

 Chapter 75: Chapter 77 Ingratitude

    Chapter Seventy-Seven


    Feng Hailong thrashed incessantly in bed.


    His eyes were tightly shut. Tossing and turning, he screamed in terror on the bed, yet no sound emerged.


    Xiaoshan knew that his spirit was entangled by a ghost.


    After a bout of struggle, Feng Hailong''s breath weakened, his face turned ashen, and only then did Wang Feng drift out of his body.


    Xiaoshan asked, "What''s going on?"


    "It was him," Wang Feng said angrily. "He confessed everything in his sleep. I said it was him who took the urgent order from the provincial city back then, all to lure me out of the city."


    "Enough, I understand," Xiaoshan nodded indifferently.


    He patted Feng Hailong''s body.


    Feng Hailong immediately opened his eyes, but it seemed he had awakened from a nightmare¡ªhis entire body was drenched with cold sweat.


    Upon awakening and seeing the room, he breathed a sigh of relief and eximed, "It was just a dream."


    However, his eyes soon narrowed because there was a person standing at the head of the bed.


    He abruptly sat up and demanded, "Who are you?"


    Xiaoshan gave a slight smile and said, "Feng Hailong, is it not?"


    Feng Hailong''s eyes narrowed, and he suddenly rolled towards the edge of the bed, and shouted, "Come..."


    He had barely uttered a syble when Xiaoshan pointed at his throat, silencing the rest of the sound. Feng Hailong opened and closed his mouth in terror, but no sound came from his throat.


    Xiaoshan smiled and said, "Feng Hailong, I''m not the one looking for you."


    After speaking, he took out a bottle of liquid and wiped it over Feng Hailong''s eyes. Feng Hailong instinctively shut his eyes from the irritation, but when he opened them again, his face was stricken with terror.


    Because in front of him, the ghost of Wang Feng was looking at him with a fierce and menacing face.


    He hadn''t expected everything from the dream to be reality.


    Wang Feng had trulye for him.


    "Feng Hailong, how have I ever wronged you? Back then, when you were down and out, burdened with high-interest debt, you ran to Xinyuan County to seek refuge with me. I took you in, gave you shares in thepany¡ªhaven''t I treated you well enough? You still sought to ruin my family and me," Wang Feng screamed shrilly, reaching out to choke Feng Hailong''s neck.


    Feng Hailong''s breathing grewbored, his eyes rolling back, his tongue sticking out.


    "Alright, Wang Feng, don''t kill him," Xiaoshan said.


    Upon Xiaoshan''s intervention, Wang Feng then retracted his hand.


    Feng Hailong, having escaped death, gasped for air. At that moment, Xiaoshan pointed at him, restoring his ability to speak.


    Feng Hailong, now terrified out of his wits and seeing the sinister and terrorizing apparition of Wang Feng, started to kowtow repeatedly, pleading, "Brother Feng, Brother Feng, please spare me. I was forced into this. It was Zhao Jun who approached me, wanting to wrest control of yourpany from you. I had no choice. If I''d refused, they would have killed my entire family."


    "Zhao Jun?" The ghostly face of Wang Feng contorted unpleasantly.


    "Who is Zhao Jun?" Xiaoshan inquired.


    "Zhao Jun, also known as ck Wolf, is a wealthy businessman in Xinyuan County with extensive dealings. He once sought to buy shares of ourpany as well, but I didn''t agree. At the time, ourpany''s new product was a hot seller, earning millions in profit each year. I couldn''t bear to part with the shares," Wang Feng exined.


    "Yes, yes, Brother Feng, Zhao Jun is ruthless and merciless. Brother Feng, I too want to live; I have a son," Feng Hailong said.


    Wang Feng, seeing Feng Hailong plead like this, fell silent.


    The two were old ssmates after all, and their rtionship had been very solid back in the day.


    Xiaoshan noticed that Feng Hailong''s eyes flickered and his heartbeat was erratic as he spoke and he sneered, "So it was really Zhao Jun who forced you, and not you who actively contacted Zhao Jun?"


    "Xiaoshan, what do you mean?" Wang Feng urgently asked.


    "His pupils dted and his heartbeat quickened as he spoke; these are clear signs of lying," Xiaoshan exined.


    Enraged, Wang Feng eximed, "Fine, Feng Hailong, you dare to lie to me to this moment! I''m going to kill your son right now."


    A chill swept through the room as Wang Feng, with blood-red eyes, was about to rush out.


    "No, no, please, Feng, I was wrong, I was wrong," Feng Hailong cried out in terror: "I admit it was greed for thepany''s profits that got to me. I''ve been with thepany for over ten years, yet I only own ten percent of the shares, while you all have eighty percent. I was green with envy. I promised Zhao Jun I''d give him half of thepany''s shares if he helped me, and I would help him manage thepany."


    "Ten percent, and you still find that too little? Thepany was founded by me; all the investment was mine. I gave you ten percent and even that''s not enough for you? You could make over a million in dividends a year. Feng Hailong, without me, you would have been chopped up by loan sharks a long time ago," Wang Feng said, so angry he nearly vomited blood, wishing he could tear Feng Hailong to pieces.


    Feng Hailong cried, "I was blinded by greed and money, Feng, please spare my family."


    "Let me handle this, Wang Feng," Xiaoshan, fearing that Wang Feng wouldn''t be able to control himself and would kill Feng Hailong, interjected.


    "Feng Hailong, you can still save your life, but tell me how much of thepany you now own," Xiaoshan demanded.


    "ck Wolf holds a fifty percent stake, with Sister-inw Yufeng owning twenty percent that''s left, and I have thirty percent," Feng Hailong said.


    "Alright, draft a share transfer agreement right now and transfer all the shares you hold back to Liu Yufeng," Xiaoshan instructed.


    Feng Hailong hesitated for a moment.


    Xiaoshan sneered, "If you don''t want to transfer the shares, that''s fine, too. Then I''ll just leave you to Wang Feng."


    Fear finally triumphed and Feng Hailong anxiously replied, "Alright, alright, I''ll draft the documents immediately."


    Feng Hailong had a study next to his bedroom, which was fully equipped.


    Soon, he printed a document on theputer and signed his name on it.


    Xiaoshan then picked up his phone, turned on the recording function and said, "Now, repeat in detail how you harmed Wang Feng''s family."


    Feng Hailong was thoroughly frightened, especially with the ghost of Wang Feng lurking nearby, watching him.


    He had no choice but to repeat everything about how he had harmed Wang Feng''s family.


    "Very well, if you behave yourself, you can still live. Otherwise, I can''t guarantee that Wang Feng won''te after your whole family again," Xiaoshan said as he pocketed his phone.


    Feng Hailong shivered, and Xiaoshan gave a few more instructions.


    After that, he and Wang Feng left.


    After leaving the vi, Wang Feng said resentfully, "to just let him off like that after he destroyed my family, settling for some shares, it just doesn''t satisfy me."


    "Of course, it''s not over," Xiaoshan said indifferently, "Nevertheless, he still has his uses right now. Although Feng Hailong was the mastermind, it was Zhao Jun who actually took action, not to mention he still holds half the shares. Don''t you want to take them back?"


    "I certainly do, but Zhao Jun is not a simple man. He''s deeply entrenched in our Xinyuan County, with influence on both fronts. Moving against them won''t be that easy," Wang Feng remarked.


    "It''s not about whether or not we can move against them. Do you think that after taking back the shares from Feng Hailong, he will just let things be? He will definitely warn Zhao Jun," Xiaoshan stated.


    "Then why didn''t you let me kill him just now? If I killed him, even the police wouldn''t be able to trace it back to me," Wang Feng argued.


    "I deliberately left him alive," Xiaoshan responded, stopping under a big tree by the roadside and staring at the vi opposite, "This is what I call luring the snake out of its hole."

 Chapter 76: Chapter 78 Im Already Here

    Chapter Seventy-Eight


    "I intentionally left him be," Long Xiaoshan stopped under arge tree by the roadside, his gaze flickering as he stared at the vi opposite and said, "This is what I call luring the snake out of its hole."


    When Long Xiaoshan spoke like that, even Wang Feng standing by his side felt a chill run down his spine.


    It was as if the person standing before him was no longer the simple farmer-like Long Xiaoshan of before.


    Moreover, the way Long Xiaoshan handled Feng Hailong was orderly andposed, entirely in control of the situation.


    Such a person, is he really just a farmer?


    Wang Feng didn''t know how Long Xiaoshan had managed to assert his dominance in Lingxi Prison, the most notorious prison, able to subdue many fierce and powerful characters. Clearly, Long Xiaoshan was no ordinary man.


    Since his release, he had been very restrained most of the time.


    Not wanting to reveal that unknown side of himself.


    "He''sing out!"


    After waiting for a short while, Long Xiaoshan saw a ck car drive out of the vi and speed off in a certain direction.


    "Let''s go."


    Long Xiaoshan began to run in the darkness of the night.


    However, the speed of a person could naturally notpare with that of a car. Even though he followed the direction of the car, he quickly lost distance.


    Wang Feng said, "How can we follow? It''s too fast."


    Long Xiaoshan calmly replied, "It''s fine, I''ve already applied a tracking substance on Feng Hailong. I can sense it."


    Long Xiaoshan ran along the road, zipping through streets and alleys from time to time.


    Eventually, he stopped in front of a ce called Imperial KTV nightclub.


    It waste at night, but the KTV nightclub was still brilliantly lit, with howls and music asionally emanating from it.


    "He''se here, let''s go in."


    As Long Xiaoshan approached the entrance, he was stopped by the attendants because his attire looked too rustic to belong in such an establishment. However, after Long Xiaoshan threw some hundred-yuan bills their way, the attendants'' demeanors instantly changed, bing ingratiating.


    Declining their offer to show the way, Long Xiaoshan went up the grand spiral staircase of the hall. ording to the trail left by the tracking solution, Feng Hailong should be on the sixth floor of Imperial KTV, which was also the top floor.


    But Long Xiaoshan was stopped when he reached the fifth floor.


    This time, it wasn''t attendants who blocked his way, but two threatening-looking bouncers with tattoos all over their bodies.


    "Stop there, the upper floor is off-limits."


    "Sorry, I took the wrong way."


    Long Xiaoshan apologized and headed down the stairs, turning a corner. Then he took out a talisman and pped it onto himself, his body gradually bing invisible.


    Long Xiaoshan turned back and headed upwards again.


    The two men were still standing there; Long Xiaoshan swiftly passed by them.


    The two seemed to sense something and looked around.


    "Lao Fang, did someone just go past?"


    "This... there shouldn''t have been, right? The two of us have been standing here, even if a fly passed by, we would have noticed."


    "Damn, maybe I exerted myself too muchst night, my eyes are ying tricks."


    "Haha."


    At that moment, Long Xiaoshan had already reached the sixth floor, which was markedly different. It wasn''t open to the public and wasn''t noisy like the floors below, yet its decor was even more sumptuous.


    And with his Spirit Eye irvoyance, he could see that there were at least twenty to thirty fierce bouncers on that sixth floor.


    He came to a door of a room.


    Long Xiaoshan stopped in his tracks.


    Inside the room, two men were sitting. One was Feng Hailong; the other was a man in his thirties, with a rough-looking face and chewing on arge cigar. Sitting beside him, clinging to him was a young girl in a school uniform, very beautiful. While the man listened to Feng Hailong''s words, his hand was still kneading the girl.


    At that time, Feng Hailong''s face was still pale, and his eyes filled with fear as he said, "Brother Jun, everything I''m telling you is true. Wang Feng''s resentful spirit really came back and almost killed me. There is also a kid following Wang Feng, and now I''ve been threatened into transferring my shares away."


    "Haha, a ghost!" Zhao Jun burst intoughter.


    "Feng Hailong, have you gone mad, thinking that a ghost is after you? I''ve been dominating Xinyuan for more than a decade, and many have died at my hands. You''re telling me about resentful spirits seeking revenge, so why am I still alive and well?"


    Hearing Zhao Jun''s words, fear appeared on the face of the school-uniform-d girl by his side.


    "Brother Jun, you''re the God of ughter, even ghosts are afraid of you. How could resentful spirits dare to seek revenge against you?" Feng Hailong said.


    "I like the way you put it," Zhao Jun blew a smoke ring, a vicious gleam in his eyes as he said, "What resentful spirits? Even if there were ghosts, I could send them straight to The Eighteenth Layer of Hell."


    "Brother Jun is mighty. But my shares have truly been taken away, transferred back to that woman Liu Yufeng. If you can help me regain my shares, Brother Jun, I''d ask for nothing more than twenty percent... no, ten percent is enough," Feng Hailong said.


    He was at the end of his rope. Although he feared Wang Feng''s ghost, he had lost everything, and the evidence of his plot against Wang Feng was also recorded by Long Xiaoshan. Not to mention Wang Fenging after him, if Long Xiaoshan simply made the evidence public, he would be ruined.


    "Oh?" Greed shed in Zhao Jun''s eyes.


    Beacon Fire Company was arge firm, its health products sold very well, making tens of millions in profit a year. Although he held fifty percent of the shares, the rest was still very tempting to him.


    But thepany still needed Feng Hailong to operate, and acting too greedily might deter others from working with him in the future.


    So while he coveted the shares, he wasn''t in a rush to act.


    But now, Feng Hailong was offering them on a silver tter.


    "Elder Feng, what''s our rtionship? Just say the word. Someone actually dares to target you; they''re asking for trouble. Liu Yufeng was Wang Feng''s wife, right? Didn''t she get finished off? He had a daughter too, didn''t he? Wait for it. I''ll send people to grab that mother and daughter right now. I want to see who the hell is so impatient that they''re looking to fight for them," Zhao Jun asserted boastfully.


    "There''s no need for such trouble; I''m already here."


    The door was pushed open, and Long Xiaoshan walked in with an indifferent expression on his face.

 Chapter 79: Chapter 81: Heart Corroding Bone Eroding Pill

    Chapter Eighty-One: Heart Corroding Bone Eroding Pill


    "Killing you would be such a waste. You''ve had a lot of properties under yourmand over the years in Xinyuan County, right? Well, tomorrow, you will donate all of your properties to build a hundred Hope Primary Schools," Long Xiaoshan said with a smile.


    Zhao Jun was stunned.


    Donate all his properties.


    Build a hundred Hope Primary Schools.


    What kind of international joke is this?!


    "Do you know how much money I have? Asking me to donate to build Hope Primary Schools? Are you crazy?" Zhao Jun sneered repeatedly, his eyes full of ridicule.


    Having operated in Xinyuan County for so many years, his fortune had long since surpassed a hundred million.


    Those KTVs, nightclubs, underground casinos, and shares in various industries, known and unknown throughout Xinyuan County, made him the true wealthiest man in Xinyuan, though he kept a low profile.


    So much money, and this guy is insane, not wanting a single cent and even asking him to donate it.


    "You can choose not to donate, but I will kill you right now."


    Long Xiaoshan spoke indifferently.


    Zhao Jun felt a chill in his heart.


    He had seen many ruthless people who wore their ferocity on their sleeves, but Long Xiaoshan wasn''t like that. Since entering, his expression and tone had been very calm.


    But that calmness was like a lurking vortex under the calm sea, capable of erupting into a tsunami.


    It gave off a frightening, abyss-like aura.


    He didn''t know why this young man who looked to be only about twenty years old radiated such an aura, but what he did not doubt was that Long Xiaoshan would indeed dare to kill him.


    It was intuition.


    Cold sweat flowed down his forehead.


    Time seemed to stop for a moment.


    "Fine, I''ll donate!" ck Wolf squeezed out the words through gritted teeth.


    "That''s more like it," Long Xiaoshan replied with a smile as he put away the gun and suddenly grasped ck Wolf''s chin, tossing a pill into his mouth as quick as lightning.


    The pill melted as soon as it entered his mouth, a faint stench of decay wafting through the air.


    Zhao Jun''s face drastically changed as he asked, "What did you give me?"


    "Nothing much, just a Heart Corroding Bone Eroding Pill," Long Xiaoshan said with a light smile. "You didn''t really think I was so foolish as to let you go without doing anything, did you?"


    "You¡­" The very name of the pill made Zhao Jun feel that something was terribly wrong.


    "Don''t worry, it won''t kill you. I know you must be resentful and might gather a bunch of people to kill me as soon as I turn my back. I''m a reasonable person; I try not to kill if possible. Trust me, after tonight, you''ll be kneeling and begging me to donate all your assets."


    Long Xiaoshan''s gaze suddenly turned icy cold, prating as if it could see through a person''s soul, making Zhao Jun involuntarily shiver.


    "Let''s go, Wang Feng."


    After saying that, Long Xiaoshan ignored Zhao Jun and called Wang Feng.


    They left the room.


    Wang Feng looked resentfully at the people lying all over the room. Driven by his rage, he wished he could have killed everyone on the spot.


    But since Long Xiaoshan had already left.


    He had no choice but to follow.


    After leaving Imperial KTV, Wang Feng roared unwillingly, "Why didn''t you let me kill them all? I want them dead."


    Wang Feng was filled with simmering rage, dark energy swirling around.


    Snap, snap!


    A few streetlights nearby burst.


    "Wang Feng, not to mention the upheaval killing so many people would cause, it''s probable that even ghosts couldn''t conceal it. I believe the country has its experts in such matters," Long Xiaoshan said. "Take Zhao Jun for example; he''s been running his operations here for years, formingplicated connections. If you kill his men and take back the shares, Zhao Jun''s people aren''t fools. They would surely seek revenge on your wife and daughter, and I can''t protect them at all times."


    Wang Feng froze.


    In his previous life as a sessful businessman, he could understand these things.


    It was just because he was blinded by hatred.


    He hadn''t considered the consequences very much.


    Now that Long Xiaoshan had pointed it out, he realized he had been too naive.


    Many things couldn''t be resolved by killing alone.


    Take today, for example, without Long Xiaoshan, he wouldn''t even have been able to handle Zhao Jun.


    He was already dead, and the dead can''t be brought back to life; he shouldn''t trouble the living anymore.


    "Xiaoshan, I understand," Wang Feng sighed, the murderous aura on his body gradually subsiding.


    "You don''t need to be so frustrated, the main culprit is still Feng Hailong, and he won''t be able to escape," Long Xiaoshan said indifferently.


    Imperial KTV, sixth floor.


    Zhao Jun stood up with a livid face, made a phone call, and soon, many more people arrived to carry away his subordinates with broken hands and feet for treatment.


    "Brother Jun, I''m going to leave now."


    Feng Hailong said tremblingly.


    He was terrified. He had witnessed the recent bloody fight; both ck Wolf and Long Xiaoshan were forces he couldn''t afford to provoke.


    All he wanted now was to leave this ce of trouble as quickly as possible and take his wife and son as far away as he could.


    "Stop right there!" Zhao Jun''s eyes shed fiercely.


    Feng Hailong, startled by Zhao Jun''s gaze, quickly rushed towards the door.


    Zhao Jun kicked Feng Hailong to the ground and stomped on him fiercely, eliciting continuous screams from Feng Hailong.


    "Fuck your mother, you caused all this mess for me, and now you fucking think you can leave," after venting his anger, Zhao Jun ordered one of his men, "Liuzi, break his legs, and send someone to his house to grab his wife and son for me."


    "Brother Jun, please spare my life, spare my life... ah!"


    Feng Hailong wailed as he was dragged away.


    Zhao Jun stood still, his gaze flickering uncertainly.


    To be honest, he was not afraid of how well Long Xiaoshan could fight; with one phone call, he could summon over a hundred people.


    But what Long Xiaoshan fed him, those Heart Corroding Bone Eroding Pills, along with his parting words, made him somewhat wary.


    So, he suppressed the immediate desire to retaliate against Long Xiaoshan.


    It was just a poison pill; he couldn''t believe that with today''s advanced medical technology, they wouldn''t be able to find a cure for a single poison.


    He would wait until the poison was cured before seeking revenge.


    "Xiaoshan, if we just leave like this, that Zhao Jun is definitely a ruthless character. Can your poison pill really subdue him? If he cures the poison andes after us with a group..." Wang Feng said worriedly.


    What he worried about the most were Liu Yufeng and Wang Yan.


    In case they were caught to threaten him.


    "Don''t be fooled by how fierce and fearless Zhao Jun seems; that''s all an act. People of his status don''t wish for death. If he really were that impulsive, he wouldn''t have survived until now. Rest assured, he won''t make a move before he''s certain he can cure the poison," Long Xiaoshan said.


    "And this poison, no one but me can cure it."


    Long Xiaoshan smiled confidently.


    The Heart Corroding Bone Eroding Pill also came from that medical book.


    After consecutively creating Bone-Regeneration Powder and Nerve Repair Fluid,


    Long Xiaoshan had no doubt about the power of that medical book.


    Neither Bone-Regeneration Powder nor Nerve Repair Fluid could be matched by current medical technology.


    And the Heart Corroding Bone Eroding Pill was even more advanced than those two.


    He didn''t believe this poison could be cured.


    Wang Feng, thinking of Long Xiaoshan''s miraculous medical skills, felt slightly reassured.


    Long Xiaoshan nced at him and said, "But you''re right, we should also be cautious. Let''s hurry back now, and don''t worry, with me here, no one can hurt Aunt Liu and Wang Yan."

 Chapter 80: Chapter 82 Begging You

    Long Xiaoshan and Wang Feng rushed back home, and it was already past one in the morning.


    Liu Yufeng and Wang Yan, concerned for the two of them, had not slept until the early hours.


    Upon their return, both of them heaved a sigh of relief.


    Liu Yufeng quickly asked, "How did it go?"


    "Aunt Liu, don''t worry, thepany will be back in your hands tomorrow," Long Xiaoshan said with a slight smile.


    After speaking, he took out a stock transfer agreement.


    When Liu Yufeng saw it was Feng Hailong''s signature, she eximed in surprise, "Feng Hailong is willing to transfer his shares? What did you do to him?"


    "Nothing much, we just forced him to hand over the shares. The rest of the shares will be delivered by someone tomorrow," Long Xiaoshan said.


    "This..." Liu Yufeng looked at Wang Feng somewhat at a loss.


    "Let me exin," said Wang Feng.


    Wang Feng briefly recounted the events of the evening.


    Liu Yufeng was, of course, well aware of Zhao Jun.


    His power was immense, far greater than that of a smallpany like Beacon Fire Company.


    Hearing that such a person was subdued by Long Xiaoshan and willing to hand over his shares...


    Liu Yufeng couldn''t help but be both shocked and worried.


    Clearly, she and Wang Feng shared the same opinion that Zhao Jun would not give up so easily.


    Seeing Liu Yufeng''s concerned expression, Long Xiaoshan assured her, "It''s alright, Aunt Liu, it''ste, you both should get some sleep. There''s a lot to do tomorrow when thepany is transferred back to you."


    With that, Long Xiaoshan stood up and walked into the guest room.


    "Wife, don''t think too much about it. Xiaoshan is no ordinary person. If he''s confident, then there shouldn''t be any problem," Wang Fengforted.


    Liu Yufeng forced a smile and nodded her head.


    What''s done is done, indeed, worrying further was pointless.


    "If it reallyes to it, we can leave Xinyuan County. Even if we lose thepany, it doesn''t matter. My health has recovered, so I''m not afraid of not being able to earn money," Liu Yufeng said.


    "That''s the best way to think about it. Let''s all sleep. Little Yan, you go to bed too, I''ll keep watch," Wang Feng said.


    The night passed without incident.


    Before they knew it, morning arrived.


    Liu Yufeng had hardly sleptst night, tossing and turning.


    However, contrary to her worries, there was no retaliation from ck Wolf''s people, and the night was peaceful.


    Long Xiaoshan got up early too.


    In fact, he hadn''t sleptst night, sitting in meditation and keeping watch over his surroundings.


    Although he was confident in the Heart Corroding Bone Eroding Pill, he was still wary in case Zhao Jun acted desperately, so he remained vignt. But after waiting all night without any retaliation from Zhao Jun, he felt reassured.


    Since Zhao Jun had not sent anyone,


    It proved that he was indeed as cautious as Long Xiaoshan had expected.


    And the effects of the Heart Corroding Bone Eroding Pill should have taken cest night.


    He stepped outside and greeted the Wang couple.


    Discover hidden tales at m,v l''e-NovelBin


    Liu Yufeng asked, "Xiaoshan, what do we do now?"


    "We wait, Aunt Liu. I believe it won''t be long before Zhao Jun gives you a call," he said.


    "Calls me?"


    "Yes, he will be begging you to transfer the shares back to you," Long Xiaoshan said calmly.


    "Is that... possible?"


    Thinking about someone like Zhao Jun, Liu Yufeng''s heart was in turmoil. Would Zhao Jun really beg to give back the shares?


    "Just wait and see," Long Xiaoshan replied.


    Long Xiaoshan smiled slightly and said no more.


    Seeing that he was unwilling to speak, Liu Yufeng did not push further and went to the kitchen to prepare breakfast.


    "Aunt Liu, are you feeling better? Let me do it." Long Xiaoshan said, watching Liu Yufeng busy herself.


    "I feel very good, it''s been a long time since I''ve been active, let me do it. You just sit down, and you can also taste Aunt Liu''s cooking skills," Liu Yufeng insisted, preventing Long Xiaoshan from helping.


    After a while, Wang Yan also got up, d in cartoon pajamas, and cheerfully said, "Big Brother Long."


    "Morning, Wang Yan," greeted Long Xiaoshan as well.


    "It smells so good." Wang Yan ran to the kitchen and saw that Liu Yufeng had prepared pan-fried dumplings, sunny-side-up eggs, soy milk, and other foods.


    "Little Yan, hurry and take it out, eat with Xiaoshan."


    "Mm." Wang Yan quickly brought all the food to the dining table.


    While eating the delicious breakfast, Wang Yan suddenly burst into tears.


    "Wang Yan, what''s wrong?" asked Long Xiaoshan.


    "Big Brother Long, thank you. It''s been years since I''ve had a breakfast made by mom," Wang Yan said as she flung herself into Long Xiaoshan''s arms, crying like a rain-soaked pear blossom.


    "Little Yan." Liu Yufeng came out, saw this scene, and also began to wipe away tears as she spoke.


    "It''s all in the past, life will get better and better from now on," Long Xiaoshan said with a heavy feeling in his heart,forting her by patting her back.


    "Mm." Wang Yan lifted her head, wiped away her tears, and said, "Can I call you Brother Xiaoshan from now on?"


    "Of course, that''s no problem."


    "Yes!" Wang Yan suddenly became high-spirited, hugged Long Xiaoshan''s arm, and gave him a kiss on the cheek, saying, "I have a brother now, too."


    The girl who was crying like a rain-soaked pear blossom suddenly became vibrant again.


    "You''re not even embarrassed." Liu Yufeng also sat down with a smile.


    "Hmph!" Wang Yan cocked her little head.


    Although Wang Feng couldn''t eat, he sat at the dining table, looking at the harmonious family of three, and felt a sense of awe. He thought back on many things, and the resentment in his heart gradually faded.


    They were right in the middle of breakfast.


    The ringtone of Liu Yufeng''s mobile phone rang, she picked it up, and saw an unfamiliar number on the screen.


    Having been paralyzed, her phone hadn''t had iing calls for a long time. Seeing the unfamiliar number, she instinctively thought of what Long Xiaoshan had said and looked towards him.


    "Aunt Liu, please answer it. It should be Zhao Jun calling," Long Xiaoshan guessed without needing to look.


    He hadn''t left his phone numberst night.


    Zhao Jun would have no way to contact him otherwise.


    It would definitely have gone to Liu Yufeng.


    Liu Yufeng took a breath and pressed the answer button, "Hello, who is this?"


    "Is this Miss Liu? I''m Zhao Jun," a somewhat weak voice came from the other end of the phone.


    "Zhao Jun." Liu Yufeng suddenly awoke


    It was indeed a call from her, and the tone was very polite.


    "Mr. Zhao," Liu Yufeng, who had seen her fair share of situations, was shocked and uneasy, but still steadied her heart and said, "What can I do for you?"


    "Miss Liu, is Brother Long next to you?"


    "Which Brother Long? I don''t know him," Liu Yufeng said indifferently, following Long Xiaoshan''s cue to shake her head.


    "Miss Liu, I know I did wrong by you. I was deceived by Feng Hailong and took away 50% of Beacon Fire Company''s shares. I am here to apologize. I will transfer those shares back to you right away, and I have also captured Feng Hailong and his family. Whether to kill or punish, just give the word, and I will make sure it is done properly," Zhao Jun said urgently.


    Liu Yufeng''s eyes widened in disbelief as she looked at Long Xiaoshan.


    Zhao Jun was really returning the shares.


    And his tone even carried a hint of pleading.


    What on earth had Long Xiaoshan done?


    To make such an imposing figure sound so humble and low.


    "Miss Liu, Miss Liu," Zhao Jun said from the other end, hearing no response from Liu Yufeng, his voice grew weaker, "If you have any other demands, I can agree to them. Can you let Brother Long take the phone?"

 Chapter 83: Chapter 85: Magical Beautifying Water

    ```


    Chapter Eighty-Five


    Director Li''s eyes narrowed, but immediately he sneered, "There''s poison in every kind of medicine, there''s no such thing as a drug that is 100 percent free of side effects in this world. My oral liquid has passed authoritative testing and meets national standards, and that''s also marked on the box."


    Long Xiaoshan smiled and said, "I see there are also medicinal materials in theboratory, so let''s do this, I''ll now concoct a simr oral liquid, and you all can feel it for yourselves."


    "You''re spouting nonsense."


    Director Li scoffed, as a professional with a doctorate, and after many years of improvement, he had produced such a Beauty Oral Liquid.


    This ignorant youngster actually thought he could concoct a new one on the spot.


    It seemed he even nned to surpass the existing Beauty Oral Liquid.


    Wang Yan, dissatisfied, said, "Hey, what''s with that attitude, Brother Xiaoshan hasn''t even started concocting and how do you know he''s talking nonsense? Brother Xiaoshan is amazing, he casually used some wild herbs to make my e vanish, and he even cured my mom''s paralysis."


    Wang Yan was full of admiration and gratitude for Long Xiaoshan and wouldn''t allow others to look down upon him.


    Director Li surprisingly nced at Long Xiaoshan; of course, he knew about Liu Yufeng''s paralysis, but he hadn''t expected this young man to be the one who cured her.


    This was indeed unexpected.


    But he was still stubborn and said, "Even if his medical skills are good, that doesn''t mean he can concoct oral liquid, there are specializations in every profession."


    Liu Yufeng said, "Alright, let''s not talk for now, let Xiaoshan concoct the medicine first."


    Liu Yufeng was somewhat skeptical in her heart, but Long Xiaoshan gave her the impression of being mysterious and powerful, an extraordinary person.


    Theboratory had an ample supply of medicinal materials.


    Long Xiaoshan went to get the necessary medicinal materials.


    The herbs were more or less the same as those in the original Beauty Oral Liquid, but he removed a few and reced two others, using fewer materials than the original form.


    Long Xiaoshan didn''t use any of theb''splicated and sophisticated equipment.


    He didn''t know how to use them.


    He relied entirely on feeling, taking certain parts from these herbs and mixing them together.


    Then he boiled them over a fire.


    Seeing Long Xiaoshan''s crude methods, Director Li was even more disdainful.


    Long Xiaoshan''s methods werepletely like those of a peasant.


    To realize that current formtions were precise to the milligram, made with the most professional equipment, meticulously measured¡ªsuch professional high achievers couldn''t respect these crude methods, believing traditional Chinese medicine was like superstition.


    When Long Xiaoshan was decocting, he also infused it with Longevity Art True Qi.


    Because the prescription was designed to be enhanced with True Qi.


    About half an hourter.


    Long Xiaoshan finally concocted a pot of light yellow medicinal liquid that emitted a faint fragrance.


    Long Xiaoshan filled a ss bottle and said, "It''s done, I''ve finished it."


    "This is your concocted oral liquid, can you prove it''s better than Beacon Oral Liquid?" Director Li disdainfully said.


    Long Xiaoshan did not respond to him and looked around, his gaze settling on Liu Yufeng''s face, saying, "Aunt Liu, can you drink it?"


    "Me?" Liu Yufeng hesitated before saying, "Okay."


    "Chairwoman, how can you casually drink something of unknown origin, that hasn''t been tested? Aren''t you afraid of poisoning?" Director Li, seeing how readily Liu Yufeng agreed, quickly said.


    Liu Yufeng shook her head, took the medicinal liquid from Long Xiaoshan''s hand, and drank it in one gulp.


    Setting aside everything else, Long Xiaoshan had given her family a second chance at life.


    Even if it were poison, she wouldn''t hesitate.


    ```


    Moreover, she didn''t believe that Long Xiaoshan''s medical skills would produce anything poisonous.


    After drinking it, Liu Yufeng savored the medicinal liquid and said, "It tastes pretty good; this could sell as a beverage and make money, much better than any c."


    "This can indeed be consumed as regr water; it has no side effects and even possesses some health-promoting effects," Long Xiaoshan said.


    "Don''t make such absolute statements," Director Li really couldn''t listen any longer.


    This youngster seemed like a chatan, yet the chairman trusted him unconditionally.


    "Aunt Liu, wait an hour, then take a look at the spots on your face," Long Xiaoshan said.


    Liu Yufeng was an expert in health care herself.


    She took good care of herself.


    However, with age definitelying into y¡ªalmost forty¡ªthest two years had not been kind, and some msma appeared on her face. She had been drinking the Beauty Oral Liquid as well, and while there was some effect,pletely eradicating the blemishes was impossible.


    An hour can pass quickly.


    As they waited, they chatted idly, and before they knew it, time was up.


    Wang Yan said, "Mom, why has your face turned dark?"


    Liu Yufeng quickly grabbed a mirror to see that her face had indeed turned dark.


    "I told you, you shouldn''t just take any medicine," Director Li came over from theboratory and, seeing this, urgently eximed, "Chairman, we need to go to the hospital right away, she might be poisoned."


    With her face turning ck so inexplicably, Liu Yufeng was somewhat shaken.


    Long Xiaoshan smiled and said, "What hospital? Just wash your face, Wang Yan, go fetch some water for your mother."


    When Liu Yufeng wiped her face, her hand came away with ayer of ck oily residue.


    Wang Yan quickly fetched the water.


    After a while, the water arrived, and Liu Yufeng washed her face with it.


    When she finished washing and lifted her head, Wang Yan screamed in astonishment, "Mom, your spots are gone, and your skin, it''s so smooth!"


    Now, as Liu Yufeng looked in the mirror, she too was stunned.


    All those fine spots on her face were gone; her freshly washed face looked rosy, fair, and seemingly ten years younger.


    Director Li was also dumbfounded, and somewhat unprofessionally leaned in close to inspect.


    When he noticed that the spots had disappeared, he muttered in disbelief, "How is this possible, how is this possible."


    As a professional, he was even more shocked than the average person because he knew how nearly impossible it is to eradicate these stubborn spots¡ªat best, they could only be lightened. The Beauty Oral Liquid theirb had developed over many years was already among the market leaders, which was why it became thepany''s gship product, earning tens of millions in profits each year.


    But what Long Xiaoshan had done was nothing short of a miracle.


    He had made those spots disappear within an hour.


    He had personally watched Long Xiaoshan mix the medicine.


    He couldn''t discern anything particrly clever about it.


    Yet, somehow he had managed it.


    Itpletely overturned his way of thinking, making him feel like all the years of study he had spent had been for nothing.


    At this moment, Liu Yufeng was even more excited, not just because of her youthful transformation, but also because she keenly sensed a huge business opportunity. Long Xiaoshan''s elixir was revolutionary, and once on the market, it was likely to cause an explosive reaction.


    "Xiaoshan, can this medicinal liquid be mass-produced? Is it easy to produce?" Liu Yufeng was the first to ask.


    "The liquid can be mass-produced. Of course, if it''s not personally made by me, the effect won''t be as pronounced, and the potency will decrease," Long Xiaoshan had added his own Longevity Art True Qi to catalyze the medicine, enhancing its effectiveness; this effect couldn''t be replicated on a mass scale.


    "Decreased potency is fine, in fact, I was worried that the effects might be too strong," Liu Yufeng was not disappointed, but on the contrary, even more delighted.


    If the product entering the market could remove blemishes in one hour, that would be outrageous. How would they even price it adequately, and if everything was resolved in one use, where would repeat salese from?


    Of course, the best scenario was to weaken the potency and create a continuous demand from consumers.

 Chapter 84: Chapter 86 The Birth of Longling Pharmaceuticals

    ```


    Chapter Eighty-Six


    After leaving theboratory, he returned to the meeting room.


    Liu Yufeng said, "Xiaoshan, the form for your Beauty Water is too precious. If we are going to produce it for ourpany, then we have to adjust the shares again. Half of the shares were originally a gift to you, but now, if we get this form, it seems like we are the ones benefiting."


    As a woman,


    Liu Yufeng was acutely aware of the form''s value.


    The Beauty Water formted by Long Xiaoshan not only had far superior effectspared to the current Fenghuo Beauty Liquid but also had no side effects.


    Such a product, once introduced to the market, would definitely cause a sensation.


    Nowadays, people''s living standards have improved.


    They care more and more about appearances.


    Especially women.


    The market for beauty is huge.


    Liu Yufeng was very clear that with this Beauty Water, the Beacon Fire Company would enter a phase of explosive growth.


    In the future, the scale would not be in tens of millions, but rather in hundreds of millions.


    Long Xiaoshan said, "Aunt Liu, money can''t be earned indefinitely, and besides, I don''t have that much time to focus on this. You will be handling this area. Half of the shares are fine by me."


    To Long Xiaoshan,


    this form wasn''t anything significant.


    It was just a very basic form.


    Far inferior to the Bone-Regeneration Powder, Nerve Repair Fluid.


    Of course, products like Bone-Regeneration Powder and Nerve Repair Fluid were too much, and even Long Xiaoshan understood that it wasn''t feasible to release such things into the market.


    The country would probablye knocking at his door.


    So he dared not bring them out.


    At least not for now.


    Liu Yufeng shook her head, "No, I already owe you a great favor, and I can''t owe you more. If you really don''t want to take more shares, then register anotherpany and let Beacon Fire Company invest. You can use the Beauty Water to take shares, with Beacon Fire Company holding a 20% stake and you holding 80%."


    "Isn''t that too much trouble? And the shares are too few. How about I hold 60%, and you hold 40%?" Long Xiaoshan said.


    "That''s not eptable."


    In the end, both sides made concessions.


    Liu Yufeng finally agreed that the Beacon Fire Company would hold 30% of the newpany, and Long Xiaoshan would hold 70%.


    But Long Xiaoshan still owned 50% of the Beacon Fire Company''s shares.


    So, with cross-shareholding, Long Xiaoshan actually held 85% of the newpany''s shares.


    "Xiaoshan, don''t think I''m at a disadvantage. You don''t know how big the market for this Beauty Water is. I''ll go with you in the next few days to register thepany," Liu Yufeng said with a smile.


    "Alright," Long Xiaoshan was still quite embarrassed.


    In the following days, Long Xiaoshan and Liu Yufeng were busy with the governmental departments in the county.


    With Liu Yufeng there, it was familiar ground.


    In just a few days, a newpany was born.


    Long Xiaoshan named the newpany "Dragon Spirit" Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.


    He used a character from his and his sister''s names.


    After the establishment of Dragon Spirit Pharmaceutical Company,


    it waspletely devoid of factories and a base, essentially an empty shellpany.


    Building a pharmaceutical nt from scratch was also troublesome, so Liu Yufeng suggested that they might as well use the production workshops of Beacon Fire Company for contract manufacturing and borrow everything else from Beacon Fire Company as well.


    Liu Yufeng acted decisively, cutting out most of Beacon Fire Company''s unprofitable projects, only keeping the production line for Fenghuo Beauty Oral Liquid.


    Long Xiaoshan was in theboratory of Beacon Fire Company.


    Working specifically on improving the form.


    After all, the original form required manual operation, and he needed to modify it so that machines could take over the process.


    Long Xiaoshan was a quick learner.


    He got the hang of operating those machines very quickly.


    After a week of experimentation.


    The new Beauty Oral Liquid was finally sessfully trial-produced on the production line.


    ```


    After the oral trial, the effect reached one-tenth of those personally made by Long Xiaoshan. Usually, after one treatment course, which is three boxes, it couldpletely eradicate msma. If taken long-term, not only would the msma not recur, but there would also be beautifying and health-preserving effects.


    Liu Yufeng was extremely satisfied.


    This new oral liquid had much stronger effects than the previously produced Beacon Oral Liquid.


    However, she had no intention of discontinuing the existing Beacon Oral Liquid.


    Because with the new oral liquid, she nned to target the high-end market.


    Such strong effects


    must be matched by an equivalent price; many times, products do not necessarily sell better because they are cheaper.


    Currently, domestic beauty products and international top-tier brands differ greatly in price, but the difference in effects is nowhere near asrge as the price gap.


    It''s just like the same handbag.


    If you put a domestic brand on it


    versus a Herm¨¨s logo, the price could differ by ten to a hundred times.


    She also nned to make an opening in the high-end beauty market.


    She wanted Longling Beauty Oral Liquid to not only break into the domestic market but also to prate the international market.


    Liu Yufeng was indeed a very ambitious businesswoman.


    Besides Longling Beauty Oral Liquid,


    Long Xiaoshan had developed a pimple-removal facial mask.


    Since thest time wild herbs were used to treat Wang Yan''s pimples and Liu Yufeng found out, she realized that Dragon Spirit Beauty Oral Liquid was suitable for slightly older women for removing spots and nourishing beauty, while the pimple-removal mask was suitable for younger girls and young women.


    They targeted different markets.


    The market for facial masks was also huge.


    Unknowingly,


    Long Xiaoshan had already spent over half a month in Xinyuan County.


    In this half month, a sensational piece of news that shook the whole province urred in Xinyuan County.


    Xinyuan County''s tycoon, Zhao Jun, was preparing to donate funds to build one hundred Hope Primary Schools within the province.


    One hundred Hope Primary Schools, even if one school received an investment of one or two million yuan, would require more than a hundred million yuan in total.


    This charitable act even attracted reporters from Huaxia Television for interviews.


    The people of Xinyuan County were dumbfounded.


    Zhao Jun had a public image as a tycoon, but who among the local people of Xinyuan didn''t know that Zhao Jun was a ruthless and formidable figure?


    Such a top dog iming to want to donate one hundred Hope Primary Schools,


    made people wonder if he had water in his brain.


    Or perhaps he hadid down his butcher''s knife and turned to Buddha on the spot.


    The big shots in Hechuan City were beating around the bush, trying to figure out what scheme Zhao Jun was cooking up, but Zhao Jun kept his mouth shut. Even a bigger boss in the city who was said to be older and who had been a guide for Zhao Jun in the past could not pry anything out of him.


    Moreover, Zhao Jun had also given up on many of his industries involved in illegal activities, seeming genuinely like he wanted to cleanse himself and be a good person.


    No matter how much of a stir this caused in the county, the city, and even the province,


    Long Xiaoshan at this moment


    was watching a great deal of merit converge from all directions.


    As Zhao Jun invested in building one hundred Hope Primary Schools,


    a vast amount of merit surged in,


    suddenly enriching the previously depleted Jade Purifying Bottle with much Spiritual Liquid.


    The affairs of Longling Pharmaceutical Company were on track, managed by Liu Yufeng, and Zhao Jun had been suppressed.


    Long Xiaoshan, concerned about home, decided to go back.


    He couldn''t neglect the farm either, after all, Longyang Vige was his base.


    However, before returning, there was one more thing to deal with.


    That was Wang Feng''s Resentful Spirit.


    People cannot be brought back to life, and he didn''t want this family to be separated, but ghosts such as these should not remain in the world for long, as it would do no good for Wang Feng either.


    Continue your saga on m|v-l''e -NovelBin


    What was inevitable would alwayse.


    Long Xiaoshan located Wang Feng.

 Chapter 87: Chapter 89: Discussing Road Construction

    Chapter Eighty-Nine


    Long Xiaoshan hurriedly sat back down.


    "Brother Xiaoshan, what''s wrong with you?" Wang Yan asked, sensing Long Xiaoshan''s excitement.


    "Nothing, nothing at all," Long Xiaoshan hastily suppressed his excitement with True Qi.


    After a while, he stood up and said,


    "Immeasurable Life Buddha, my goodness, to think I would be moved by a little girl."


    Seeing that Wang Yan didn''t suspect anything, Long Xiaoshan secretly breathed a sigh of relief, for it would have been embarrassing if she had found out.


    "If you''re not feeling well, you don''t need to go," said Wang Yan.


    "I''m fine, I''ll go too."


    Seeing that the sky had already darkened, Long Xiaoshan feared that something might happen to Wang Yan in the water, so he followed her out.


    Right beside the farm was a small river, which was the most beautiful ce in the vige withrge stretches of rocky beach and Shieyan Rock, and beyond it, a bamboo forest.


    Wang Yan ran across the stone beach and jumped into the water with a jubnt ssh.


    Watching her swim in the water like a spirited fish, darting back and forth quickly, asionally surfacing, then diving, Long Xiaoshan realized his concerns were somewhat superfluous, as Wang Yan''s swimming ability was nearly professional.


    "Brother Xiaoshan,e down and swim too."


    When Wang Yan saw Long Xiaoshan standing still on the shore, she yfully sshed water on him.


    Sshed several times by Wang Yan, Long Xiaoshan, despite initially not wanting to enter the water, ended up getting wet.


    Provoked by Wang Yan, the pride of a young man surged within him, and he pulled off his T-shirt, jumped into the water, and started a water fight with her.


    He didn''t exert himself deliberately, just yed casually, and the two of them frolicked for quite a while.


    Wang Yan was exhausted and was panting as they climbed out of the water. It was then that the twoy down on the back of Shieyan Rock, enjoying the night breeze, feeling there couldn''t be anything morefortable than this.


    "Brother Xiaoshan, thank you," Wang Yan said.


    "Thank me for what?"


    "Thank you for ying with me, for making me happy," Wang Yan said with sincere emotion in her voice.


    Long Xiaoshan just smiled and patted Wang Yan''s head.


    Wang Yan leaned against Long Xiaoshan, resting her head on his chest. She hadn''t noticed it while ying in the water, as it was dark at night, but now close by, with the moonlight shining, Wang Yan realized just how strong Long Xiaoshan was, with a fragrance emanating from his body that was as fresh as a newborn baby.


    The body of a cultivator, because of increased practice, expels more impurities from the body, gradually approaching the innate state.


    "Brother, you''ve got a really nice build. If Yunyun and the others saw you, they would definitely be all over you," Wang Yan boldlymented, reaching out to pinch Long Xiaoshan''s well-defined abs, a hint of redness appearing on her cheeks.


    "Yikes!"


    Long Xiaoshan nearly rolled off the stone as he said, "Can you not startle me like that?"


    "Hehe," Wang Yan giggled, "Brother, you''re so old-fashioned, and so cute."


    Long Xiaoshan was indeed helpless. How many times had Wang Yan called him cute now?


    Where was he cute at all?


    Long Xiaoshan hurriedly grabbed his T-shirt to put it on when suddenly Wang Yan grabbed his hand, her expression changing as she said, "Brother, why do you have so many scars on your body?"


    "What about them? They''re just scars," Long Xiaoshan replied.


    "They must have hurt a lot," Wang Yan said as she looked at those crisscrossed scars, her eyes betraying intense concern.


    Long Xiaoshan just smiled and slipped his T-shirt back on, saying, "All right, it''s gettingte, time to rest."


    Long Xiaoshan jumped off the giant Shieyan Rock.


    Biting her lip, Wang Yan watched Long Xiaoshan for a while before climbing down too. She had always thought of Long Xiaoshan as being like a celestial, bringing her father''s soul back, helping her mother to walk again and even taming ck Wolf, the formidable character from Xinyuan County.


    It felt as if he was capable of anything.


    But now, she realized that even the formidable Brother Xiaoshan could get hurt.


    So many injuries, just thinking about it probably hurt a lot.


    But Xiaoshan said nothing about it.


    Unlike herself, who harbored resentment towards Xiaoshan in her heart because her father had left.


    Compared to Xiaoshan, she was really too childish.


    She hugged Long Xiaoshan''s arm tightly, resting her head on his shoulder, as the moonlight stretched their shadows longer and longer...


    The next day, early in the morning, Long Xiaoshan was up.


    He ran to the doghouse, and as soon as he opened the door, a ck shadow pounced on him so fast he couldn''t react. A pair of ck pawsnded on Long Xiaoshan''s shoulders.


    A long tongue licked over.


    Long Xiaoshan was startled, "What a big dog."


    A ck wolf, a meter and a half long, was there licking him, and yes, it was indeed a wolf.


    Looking at the calf-sized ck wolf, Long Xiaoshan was at a loss for words.


    This Spiritual Liquid was too abnormal; it had turned a normal dog into a wolf.


    And the speed with which the wolf had pounced just now was too fast, even he hadn''t blocked it.


    "Alright, alright," Long Xiaoshan patted the ck wolf''s head, urging it to get down, looking it over with satisfaction, "You run so fast, from now on your name is ck Whirlwind."


    ck Whirlwind howled softly, its eyes full of spiritual nature, nodding at Long Xiaoshan.


    Long Xiaoshan''s eyes brightened.


    The other dogs were smart as well, but none had the spiritual nature of ck Whirlwind; it was almost as if it possessed a certain wisdom.


    "ck Whirlwind, you help me watch over the farm, understand?" Long Xiaoshan said.


    ck Whirlwind nodded again.


    Long Xiaoshan pped his hands, feeling great. He patted ck Whirlwind''s head and took out another drop of Spiritual Liquid. Seeing the immense longing in ck Whirlwind''s eyes, Long Xiaoshan said, "Good job, I''ll reward you. Remember, don''t let anyone steal things from the farm."


    ck Whirlwind nodded vigorously.


    Long Xiaoshan let all the dogs out, and it was clear that ck Whirlwind was now the leader; the other dogs followed itsmand.


    After a while, Long Xiaoshan''s parents also came over, bringing breakfast.


    They were shocked at the sight of the calf-sized ck wolf, but after Long Xiaoshan exined and personally directed ck Whirlwind to perform a variety of incredible actions, they were reassured.


    Seeing that Wang Yan was still in bed,


    Long Xiaoshan said goodbye to his parents and drove the pickup to the township.


    Yesterday, he had talked to Shen Yuerong on the phone and found out that she was making a lot of effort to help fix up the vige road, which was exactly what Long Xiaoshan wanted.


    So he rushed over immediately.


    Upon arriving at the township government, Long Xiaoshan made straight for the mayor''s office.


    After knocking on the door and hearing a voice from inside, Long Xiaoshan pushed the door open.


    He saw Shen Yuerong seated behind arge desk, wearing a silk blouse, looking elegant and beautiful as she read through documents.


    "Sister Shen."


    "Xiaoshan, you''re here, please have a seat," Shen Yuerong quickly stood up and said.


    Since there was no one else around, Long Xiaoshan didn''t stand on ceremony with Shen Yuerong. He walked over and, looking at herplexion, said, "Sister Shen, you look well."


    Shen Yuerong, now, had fair and rosy skin,pletely different from when she was gued by spirits.


    "I have to thank you for those fruits and vegetables you brought; I eat them every day and feel even better than before," Shen Yuerong said.


    Her eyes shining, she said, "Xiaoshan, your farm is very promising. Such fruits and vegetables, not just in this county but even in the Capital City, would have a market. My grandfather... well, an elder of mine also had nothing but praise after trying them."

 Chapter 88: Chapter 90: Meeting an Old Classmate

    Chapter Ny


    In the twenty-first century, what''s most important? Health!


    Especially for the wealthier people, health surpasses everything else.


    Even if you are the president or the wealthiest person, without health, it''s all in vain.


    Shen Yuerong, born into nobility, understood this better.


    Because she had seen many distinguished individuals spend a fortune for their health, ready to abandon their wealth just to cling to life.


    Having tasted Long Xiaoshan''s fruits and vegetables, she found that vor was secondary, and their health-promoting effects were the most potent.


    She specifically sent some back to Yanjing for the old master to eat.


    It won high praise from the old master.


    He requested that Shen Yuerong send some every week.


    It was for this reason that Shen Yuerong saw a great future for Long Xiaoshan''s farm, which could transcend just one county''s boundaries. If developed well, the benefits it could generate were astonishing.


    But the location of the farm was too poor.


    Tucked away in a destitute ravine, its innate conditions restricted development.


    "Xiaoshan, let me ask you, can this farm be relocated? The township can grant you special approval fornd," Shen Yuerong said.


    Long Xiaoshan pondered for a moment before saying, "No, I''ve tried, but only thend in our vige is truly unique. The feng shui is good and can produce such high-quality fruits and vegetables."


    "Really?" Shen Yuerong was somewhat skeptical.


    Having visited Longyang Vige twice, she saw that only Long Xiaoshan''s farm could cultivate the health-promoting fruits and vegetables¡ªthe others farmed by vigers were just average.


    "Really, why would I lie to you? Actually, nting also pays attention to feng shui; it''s not done haphazardly."


    Long Xiaoshan said this half-jokingly, understanding what Shen Yuerong meant.


    However, his goal in running the farm was not only to make money but also to develop the vige and help the vigers of Longyang Vige be wealthy.


    If he moved the farm out, even though the geographical conditions would be better and making money might be more convenient, the vigers would still remain poor, and the vige itself would not develop.


    Therefore, he would rather stay in the ravine for development.


    "Well then, if that''s the case, we must hurry and build a road. That mountain path is too rugged;rger vehicles can''t even get through. It will be very difficult for you to expand," Shen Yuerong said.


    To get rich, build roads first. Simple, yet a profound truth.


    Shen Yuerong, a brilliant economics student, knew this.


    Long Xiaoshan knew it as well.


    He nodded and said, "That''s what I think as well, which is why I came to discuss with Sister Shen."


    "For your location, going up the mountain and digging tunnels is impractical; the only option is to build a winding mountain road. I''ve had people look at it, and constructing a four-meter-wide cement vige road would require at least three million in investment even with various preferential treatments from the township."


    "Just four meters, isn''t that a bit narrow?" Long Xiaoshan said.


    "It is narrow, but the township is impoverished. Even if we were to appeal to the county, it''s unlikely we''d secure such funding," Shen Yuerong said, feeling helpless.


    It''s hard to cook a meal without rice.


    She was ambitious!


    And saw the potential in the farm''s development.


    But without money, there was nothing she could do.


    "If we''re going to build it, we need to build it well to prevent repeated work in the future. How much would a third-ss highway cost?" Long Xiaoshan asked.


    "A third-ss highway is usually a main road in county areas, with a minimum roadbed width of 9.5 meters. That''s hardly realistic without tunneling, which would be a huge investment," Shen Yuerong said.


    "Just give me an estimate first, I will figure out the money," Long Xiaoshan said.


    "It won''t be less than ten million," Shen Yuerong said.


    "Ten million, huh," Long Xiaoshan murmured to himself.


    That was no small amount.


    Don''t think that Shangguan Baihe casually invested ten million in the farm; actually, how could Shangguan Baihe engage in a losing business? She earned more than Long Xiaoshan by reselling those fruits and vegetables.


    Plus, that ten million investment has not even been fully put in ce yet.


    Even if it was, Shangguan Baihe''s investment would be to the farm, not for road construction.


    But he wasn''tpletely out of options.


    Right now, he still had several million in funds at his disposal.


    He thought that raising ten million wouldn''t be too much of an issue.


    In Xinyuan County over there, either Beacon Fire Company or Zhao Jun should be able to lend it.


    "Sister Shen, just go by the standards for a third-ss highway. See how much the county can support; I''ll cover the rest," Long Xiaoshan said boldly.


    "What, you''ll cover it? Xiaoshan, this money is just thrown away," Shen Yuerong said.


    "It''s not exactly thrown away. Fixing the road will be a great help to the development of my farm, and it will make it more convenient for the vigers toe and go, right?" Long Xiaoshan said.


    Shen Yuerong gave Long Xiaoshan a deep look, then said with determination, "If we really want to build a third-ss road to your vige from the township, such a big investment is not a trivial matter. It would be a significant achievement even at the county level, and it must be supported. I''ll write a report right now and do my best to fight for it, the more support, the better."


    "Thank you for the trouble, Sister Shen," Long Xiaoshan said with a smile.


    "To be honest, if it really happens, it will be a great achievement for me too. You don''t think I''m helping you for nothing," Shen Yuerongughed.


    The two of them chatted for a while.


    Long Xiaoshan needed to hurry to the county, so he took his leave.


    After arriving at the county,


    Long Xiaoshan first called Long Xiaoling. For ease of contact, he had bought her a mobile phonest time.


    "Brother," Long Xiaoling said happily upon receiving Long Xiaoshan''s call.


    "Where are you?"


    "At work, of course."


    "Then I''ming over."


    "Bro, you''re in Xinyuan County?"


    "Yeah, I''ll talk to you about itter."


    Long Xiaoshan hung up the phone and drove to the hotel. Upon arriving, he saw that the Lily Hotel''s entrance was filled with cars, including many with out-of-town license tes.


    Walking inside, Long Xiaoshan noticed the restaurant had a long queue.


    "So lively."


    Long Xiaoshan was surprised to see the bustling restaurant; the business was much better than thest time he was here.


    He walked further inside, familiar with the ce as it wasn''t his first visit.


    As he was walking, suddenly a voice called out, "Long Xiaoshan?"


    Turning around, Long Xiaoshan saw a young couple sitting at a dining table. The man was somewhat short and chubby, dressed in a suit, with shiny pomaded hair, a golden, glittering watch peeking from his cuff, giving off a somewhat nouveau riche air.


    The woman was made-up and pretty, dressed in branded clothes throughout.


    "Li Zhijun, Liu Qing," Long Xiaoshan recognized them.


    They were old ssmates from Number One Middle School.


    "It really is you," Li Zhijun said with a smile, standing up.


    He assessed Long Xiaoshan''s clothes and, upon seeing his unsophisticated T-shirt and shorts, a hint of disdain shed in his eyes as he stood up, looping his arm around the woman beside him, "Qingqing, why don''t you say hello to an old ssmate."


    "Long Xiaoshan, long time no see," Liu Qing said, her expression a bit stiff.


    That''s because back then,


    Long Xiaoshan was the studymittee member, and she was the ss president.


    As Long Xiaoshan excelled in academics, she admired him and even held some romantic feelings for him, often being teased by the ss as a couple.


    Although nothing really happened between them, Liu Qing still felt somewhat awkward, especially now that she was with Li Zhijun, who was the worst student in their ss.

 Chapter 91: Chapter 93: Try Pointing at Me Again

    ```


    Chapter Ny-Three


    Upon examination, the injury indeed appeared to be the result of a fall.


    It was quite severe.


    The extent was even worse than that of Liu Yufeng, whom Long Xiaoshan had treated a few days earlier.


    After all, Liu Yufeng had already received many treatments, even being sent abroad, so the bone injury had mostly healed; it was just the nerve damage that was the issue.


    Teacher Xu Manqing.


    The injury hadn''t been long ago, and the county hospital had treated it quite crudely.


    Many fragments of bone were left inside the body,pletely unhealed.


    Fortunately, it hadn''t reached the vital areas¡ª he still had Bone-Regeneration Powder and Nerve Repair Fluid on hand, which should be able to save her.


    But now, he still had doubts.


    How had Teacher Xu Manqing gotten injured?


    So he asked.


    When Xu Manqing heard Long Xiaoshan''s question, a sh of fear and shame passed through her eyes, but she hid it, and forced a smile: "I was careless, fell down from upstairs."


    "Really?" Long Xiaoshan caught Teacher Xu''s sh of shame and fear.


    He felt that there was more to it than that.


    But now was not the time to question further.


    Since Teacher Xu was unwilling to speak, there must be a reason; with so many people around, he did not press on.


    Instead, he said, "Teacher Xu, don''t worry, I can treat your injury."


    Xu Manqing looked up at Long Xiaoshan with doubt, and said with a bitter smile, "Xiaoshan, you don''t know my condition, thank you for your goodwill."


    "No, Teacher Xu, I really can treat it," Long Xiaoshan said with some urgency, seeing Xu Manqing''s disbelief.


    "Long Xiaoshan, when did you be a doctor? Weren''t you just farming at home?" Li Zhijun said.


    "Exactly, Long Xiaoshan, what nonsense are you spouting? Teacher Xu is miserable enough; don''t make jokes about her condition."


    For a moment.


    The ssmates who hade started to me Long Xiaoshan.


    Even Hong Xiaofei couldn''t help back him up this time, because he too thought this was not reliable.


    Long Xiaoshan had been in prison.


    How could he possibly treat illnesses?


    Even if he hadn''t been in prison, but had been studying medicine all this time, he wouldn''t dare to make such a im before even examining Teacher Xu''s condition; after all, her injury was clearly the sort that resulted in paralysis.


    Long Xiaoshan ignored them.


    He looked into Teacher Xu Manqing''s eyes and said, "Teacher Xu, I remember all the kindness you showed me back then. Do you think I would joke about your illness? Believe in me, at least let me try."


    Xu Manqing looked into Long Xiaoshan''s sincere eyes.


    She recalled the times when Long Xiaoshan was her eager student.


    Teacher Xu had always had a special affection for her favorite student, treating him like a younger brother.


    Seeing him so eager to help, despite still not believing, she didn''t have the heart to let Long Xiaoshan down and said, "Alright, then let me let you try."


    "Teacher, how can you just let anyone treat you?"


    "Yes, Teacher, you''re being too indulgent with Long Xiaoshan''s recklessness."


    A few students protested.


    Long Xiaoshan understood that Teacher Xu surely still didn''t believe in him.


    Her willingness to let him try was solely due to her kind nature.


    ```


    ```


    Thinking of Teacher Xu, who was so kind and approachable, yet suffering such torment, Long Xiaoshan swore he would cure her and restore her to a healthy and happy person.


    "Teacher Xu, I don''t have any medicine on hand right now, so let me give you a few needles first to ease your pain."


    Long Xiaoshan pulled out the Skeleton Golden Needle from his middle finger.


    Elder Chang had given him this needle, which had a name, the Life-and-Death Needle, because it was nine inches long, and each inch added an inch of danger. Such a needle could not be used without superb acupuncture skills. Life and death hinge upon a thought, and precisely because this needle was more dangerous than ordinary needles, once one could manipte it freely, it would possess a far superior powerpared to the average Golden Needle.


    One needle down, life and death at mymand!


    Long Xiaoshan lifted the nket.


    He rolled up the leg of Teacher Xu Manqing''s trousers a bit, revealing her leg, which still had many bruises and swelling, looking somewhat horrifying and allowing one to feel the pain Xu Manqing was enduring.


    She didn''t show it.


    But in reality, her body ached unbearably everywhere.


    Long Xiaoshan stuck a needle in.


    Channeling his True Qi, he began the treatment.


    Suddenly, a stern shout came, "Hold on, what are you doing?"


    A doctor wearing sses entered through the door and hurriedly tried to stop what he saw.


    Long Xiaoshan nced at his badge and said, "Doctor Hu, I want to give my teacher an acupuncture treatment."


    "Ridiculous," the doctor said sternly as he walked over, staring at Long Xiaoshan, "Who are you to be giving the patient acupuncture at will? Do you even know her condition?"


    "I know."


    "You know, yet you still act recklessly. Xu Manqing, your injury is extremely severe; you are paralyzed and ssified as quadriplegic. What you need now is rest, not treatment."


    "Doctor Hu, since I''m already in this state, let my student give it a try."


    "If you want to try, do it at home. Who will be responsible if something goes wrong here? It''s because of people like you that don''t listen to the doctors and cause troubles, then me us when things go wrong. If you don''t listen, then why bothering to the hospital and needing a doctor?" Doctor Hu said forcefully.


    Xu Manqing''s face turned a bit pale and said, "I''m sorry, Doctor Hu."


    "Why are you yelling at my teacher? If something goes wrong, I''ll be responsible," Long Xiaoshan grew angry.


    What kind of doctor was this, speaking to a paralyzed patient with such a tone?


    "You!" Doctor Hu pointed at Long Xiaoshan.


    "What ''you''? Point at me again and try," Long Xiaoshan''s eyes emitted a cold gleam.


    Doctor Hu was scared by that cold gleam.


    When Long Xiaoshan became fierce, he wasn''t someone ordinary people could withstand. Even ck Wolf, the boss of the underworld, broke out in a cold sweat, let alone a doctor.


    "Fine, fine, I can''t argue with you, but don''te looking for me if something goes wrong."


    Doctor Hu said with a facade of bravery but inner feebleness, and walked out.


    "Long Xiaoshan, why did you have to argue with the doctor?"


    "That was so irrational. The doctor was going to treat Teacher Xu, and now look what you''ve done, you drove him away. You can just walk away, but what about Teacher Xu?"


    "Yeah, with what happened, Teacher Xu might even get retaliated against by the doctor now, getting treated poorly on purpose."


    Several ssmates used him with variousints.


    "Let it be, you all stop scolding Xiaoshan. I understand my own situation, and I never intended to continue treatment. I was nning to be discharged in a couple of days anyway," Xu Manqing defended.


    Long Xiaoshan ignored those ssmates and continued to treat Xu Manqing''s leg with the needle.


    At that moment, waves of warmth rose from her leg.


    Her whole leg felt as if it were soaking in a hot spring, with the pain greatly diminishing.


    Xu Manqing watched Long Xiaoshan in amazement.


    Long Xiaoshan''s needle technique was ethereal, constantly poking at the acupoints on Xu Manqing''s leg. Hong Xiaofei called out, "Look, the bruises on the teacher''s leg seem to be fading."


    The few who had been criticizing now looked over.


    And they saw the swelling on Xu Manqing''s leg shrinking at a visible rate.


    ```

 Chapter 92: Chapter 94 Dragon Divine Doctor

    Chapter Ny-Four


    "How could this be?"


    Li Zhijun and the others were all stunned.


    Although they didn''t understand medicine,


    the reduction of the swelling was definitely effective.


    And the way Long Xiaoshan administered acupuncture seemed to be a technique that couldn''t just be performed by anyone.


    "Teacher Xu, how do you feel?"


    "It''s not that painful anymore, thank you, Xiaoshan. I didn''t expect you to know acupuncture," Xu Manqing said, looking at her proud student, somewhat puzzled.


    Again, the door was pushed open.


    Doctor Hu, who had left earlier, had turned back and opened the door. Seeing Long Xiaoshan still inserting needles, he shouted, "Dean, you have to see this. Look at this kid, not listening to me, insisting on giving the patient acupuncture. You say, if there''s a problem, I won''t take responsibility."


    Following Doctor Hu, a few more people entered.


    They were the hospital leaders.


    They were making their rounds.


    Thus, Doctor Hu thought of that detestable kid and immediately led the Dean and the others over.


    With the Dean''s arrival, he found his confidence.


    He could directly order someone to throw Long Xiaoshan out and also wouldn''t have to take responsibility if there were medical problems.


    Seeing a crowd surge into the ward,


    Xu Manqing grew anxious and said, "Xiaoshan, you should stop first."


    "Teacher Xu, please don''t talk right now," Long Xiaoshan said, continuing the treatment without stopping.


    Doctor Hu, seeing Long Xiaoshan ignoring him, became even more furious, and approached to pull Long Xiaoshan away.


    "Stop!"


    A loud shout came from a man in his fifties or sixties at the door.


    Doctor Hu, pointing at Long Xiaoshan, said, "Stop, did you hear that? Didn''t you see our Dean hase?"


    Li Zhijun and the others showed a schadenfreude expression.


    The Dean of the People''s Hospital held significant status in the county.


    Not just any ordinary person.


    The man in his fifties or sixties rushed over, shoving Doctor Hu aside and said, "I was telling you to stop!"


    Following this, the Dean moved beside Long Xiaoshan and respectfully said, "Dragon Divine Doctor, you are here. Why didn''t you notify me?"


    "Dean?" Doctor Hu was dumbfounded.


    Li Zhijun and the others were dumbfounded as well.


    What was this situation?


    Long Xiaoshan nced at the Dean and said without stopping his hands, "We''ll talkter."


    "Of course, of course," the Dean repeated several times, pulling Doctor Hu back a bit, and said to those who followed, "Nobody speak, let Dragon Divine Doctor treat the patient."


    The Dean stood by, watching Long Xiaoshan''s acupuncture intently.


    His reverent attitude was like that of a student.


    The room fell suddenly silent, shocking everyone there.


    This was the Dean of the People''s Hospital after all. ced in the county, he could sit on par with the head of the health bureau, and his status was even more esteemed as he was an old professor, an expert level doctor.


    And yet he was showing such an expression to a simple farmer,


    even calling him Divine Doctor.


    Long Xiaoshan''s focus waspletely on the treatment; he did not notice the sudden quietness in the ward. After half an hour of treatment, he finally healed all of Teacher Xu Manqing''s external injuries. The bruising and blood stasis were all cleared with his acupuncture technique.


    "It''s done, Teacher," Long Xiaoshan said, wiping the sweat from his forehead. "The remaining bone injuries and nerve damage must be treated with medicine. I''ll bring them to youter."


    "Xiaoshan, you''ve worked hard,"


    Xu Manqing felt her body relieved from the intense pain she had suffered over the previous days and couldn''t help but see Long Xiaoshan in a new light.


    "Dragon Divine Doctor." The Dean of the People''s Hospital hurried over to greet him at this moment.


    "Director Qiu, you''re too polite, just call me by my name," Long Xiaoshan said.


    "How could I, Divine Doctor, you haven''te for a while, and we couldn''t get in touch with you," Director Qiu replied.


    After Long Xiaoshan had treated Su Wan''s tumorst time.


    Long Xiaoshan had originally agreed with Director Qiu toe back every week to treat tumor patients, but after reconsidering, he felt it was too much tomit to. Treating tumors, especially cancer, could be very troublesome once word got out.


    He anticipated that patients would flock to him.


    So, after healing two patients and bing busier with his own matters, Long Xiaoshan had not returned to the hospital.


    "Oh, I''ve been quite busytely, Director, let''s leave the treatment to fate," Long Xiaoshan said.


    Director Qiu showed a look of regret upon hearing this.


    However, he was a cunning old fox; someone extraordinary like Long Xiaoshan couldn''t possibly be pinned down to a schedule, just like the divine doctors of ancient times, whom you couldn''t hope to appeal to without the utmost sincerity,parable to Liu Bei''s three visits to the thatched cottage.


    "Director Qiu, I must prepare a prescription for my teacher now, so I''ll take my leave," Long Xiaoshan said.


    "She is your teacher?" Director Qiu looked at Xu Manqing.


    "Yes, she is my teacher."


    "I''m aware of her injuries. Pelvic and spinal fractures, severe internal bleeding, a first-degree paralysis. Dragon Divine Doctor, could you possibly treat such injuries?" Director Qiu was astonished.


    Cancer can be treated, and some might say there are secretive remedies.


    But Xu Manqing''s injuries are an entirely different matter than cancer.


    This was a surgical case.


    "It should be possible, Director Qiu, I really must go now."


    "Wait a moment, Old Liao, arrange for Teacher Xu to be moved to the special care ward immediately," Director Qiumanded.


    "Ah, but, Director Qiu, the special care ward is already full."


    "Isn''t there one VIP room reserved?"


    "Director Qiu, that, that''s saved for leaders, in case of an emergency," Deputy Director Liao whispered.


    "Use that one, Old Liao, hurry and arrange it."


    "Alright, Director Qiu."


    In no time, many of the hospital''s nurses and doctors started moving, transferring Xu Manqing to a different ward.


    Li Zhijun and the others were stunned. Long Xiaoshan had not yet spoken a word, but Director Qiu was already offering the VIP room reserved for leaders for Teacher Xu to stay in. It was evident that Long Xiaoshan''s status in Director Qiu''s mind even exceeded that of the county''s leaders.


    Xu Manqing also felt embarrassed and said, "Xiaoshan, let it be. I''m quite alright staying here, it''s a private room as well."


    Long Xiaoshan nced at the private room and indeed it wasn''t anything special; it was small and didn''t even have a private bathroom.


    Besides, there was the matter of ongoing treatment.


    He said, "Thank you, Director Qiu. Teacher Xu, since it''s the director''s arrangement, please rest assured and stay."


    In his eyes, Teacher Xu was far more important than any so-called leader. What was one VIP room, after all?


    Long Xiaoshan was busy helping on the side.


    And he helped transfer Xu Manqing to the special care ward.


    The VIP ward was located at the top floor of the hospital''s inpatient department. Very quiet, with an enormous space of over a hundred square meters, it not only had the ward but also a living room, guest room for apanying sleepers, private bathroom and shower, with fully-equipped facilities. There were famous paintings on the walls and green nts on the window sill; it hardly looked like a hospital room at all. Staying here felt like living in a star-rated hotel.


    Not to mention, there were two nurses providing 24-hour dedicated care.


    This left Li Zhijun and the others once again astounded.


    Li Zhijun was someone who had a bit of money.


    But when had he ever stayed in such a hospital room?


    "My goodness, no wonder everyone wants to be a leader," Hong Xiaofei stuck out his tongue.


    Ordinary peoplee for treatment inmon wards and often can''t even secure a bed, pleading with anyone who''d listen to arrange even a spot in the hallway for them.


    Feeling uneasy about staying in such opulence, Xu Manqing said to Long Xiaoshan, "Xiaoshan, perhaps I shouldn''t stay here."


    "Teacher, just rest and recuperate peacefully, I''ve got everything under control," Long Xiaoshan reassured her as he took her hand, then turned to Li Zhijun and the others, "You guys stay here with the teacher for now, I''m going to fetch the medicine."


    "Xiaoshan, go ahead, we''ll take good care of the teacher, don''t worry," Li Xiaohong hurriedly said.


    Her attitude hadpletely changed, by one hundred and eighty degrees.

 Chapter 95: Chapter 97 Pursuit

    Two people came out of the Lan Hong Architectural Design Company.


    Because of the events that had just transpired,


    Hong Xiaofei''s gaze toward Long Xiaoshan was now somewhat reverent.


    Just a moment ago, Long Xiaoshan had effortlessly scaled a wall over three meters tall, not to mention the way he crafted Talismans¡ªit was all shrouded in mystery.


    Hong Xiaofei was no fool.


    He certainly knew that Long Xiaoshan must have secrets, but he didn''t ask.


    "Xiaoshan, I really can''t thank you enough," said Hong Xiaofei.


    "What are you talking about, we''re brothers."


    "Right, brothers," said Hong Xiaofei, nodding vigorously.


    "Alright, you go home. You''ll see the results tomorrow. If there''s any problem, give me a call," said Long Xiaoshan.


    "Alright!" Hong Xiaofei responded.


    After sending off Hong Xiaofei, Long Xiaoshan also decided not to go home. It had gotten dark, and since he needed to treat Teacher Xu tomorrow, going back and forth would be troublesome, so he called home and nned to find a random hotel to stay in for the night.


    Driving his pickup truck, Long Xiaoshan cruised the streets, looking for a hotel.


    In truth, he could now afford to stay in any fancy hotel, perhaps even at the Lily Hotel for free, but having been poor before, he had grown ustomed to finding a cheap hotel to make do for the night. Experience tales at m v|l e''-NovelBin


    "Help... save me..."


    A van sped past Long Xiaoshan''s pickup truck.


    Long Xiaoshan had sharp hearing.


    The average person wouldn''t have been able to hear it.


    Instinctively, he used Spirit Eye to nce inside the van, his eyes narrowing.


    Several men inside the van, who clearly looked like thugs, were holding a hooded person; that person was struggling, and the cry for help hade from him.


    Seeing this scene, Long Xiaoshan furrowed his brow.


    His good mood was ruined as he thought, "Is Niu Y County this chaotic?"


    It used to seem quite peaceful when he was studying in the county town.


    How could a kidnapping be happening in broad daylight?


    After hesitating for a moment, Long Xiaoshan pressed the gas pedal forcefully and followed the van. Since he hade across the situation, it wasn''t right to ignore it, and saving someone could also bring merit.


    The van continued towards the outskirts of the city with Long Xiaoshan''s truck trailing behind.


    After a while, it seemed that the van realized it was being followed and began to speed up. The van looked worn on the outside, but it had been modified; once it elerated, its engine roared, sounding just like a sports car.


    The speed also increased tremendously.


    "Damn it!"


    Long Xiaoshan cursed silently as he watched the van speed up, then he fiercely shifted gears and floored the elerator. His pickup truck bolted like a runaway stallion.


    On the streets of Niu Y County,


    a van and a pickup truck were racing past car after car in a frenzied chase.


    A young man driving a BMW Z4 sports car was taking a beauty to a nightclub when whoosh! A cloud of dust surged past, and his sports car was overtaken by an old van. Enraged, he was about to step on the gas when whoosh!


    A pickup truck sped past him.


    "What the heck! Even the pickup''s being so arrogant." The sports car driver yelled as he mmed his foot on the elerator, chasing after them.


    The vehicles zigzagged on the road.


    After a few streets,


    the sports car driver stopped his car at the roadside, feeling frustrated.


    "Handsome, why aren''t you chasing anymore?" The excited beauty sitting next to him asked.


    "Chase my ass; they''re out of sight," he grumbled.


    The sports car young man was incredibly frustrated.


    Driving a sports car, yet getting outrun by a van and a pickup truck, losing sight of them¡ªwere he to tell his friends, he''d probably be the butt of their jokes.


    The van quickly rushed out of the city limits.


    The pickup truck closely followed behind.


    The driver of the van was somewhat shocked; he was an experienced driver, and after extensive modifications, the van''s eleration could rival that of a normal sports car. But what was the deal with that pickup truck? It astonishingly kept up.


    Gradually, the surroundings became deste.


    Niu Y County was already a poor county, and once they reached the outskirts, there weren''t even any street lights.


    Suddenly, the van pulled over on the roadside.


    Long Xiaoshan saw the van stop, hurried over as well, and the pickup he was driving began to emit smoke from the hood. Fortunately, his coordination was more than adequate, so even driving the dpidated pickup, he didn''t lose the chase.


    At this moment, five people descended from the van.


    These five men held machetes in their hands, coldly staring at the pickup truck.


    Apparently, they had intentionally stopped to wait for the pickup truck.


    Long Xiaoshan also opened the door and got out.


    When they saw that only one person came out of the pickup and looked obviously like an ordinary person.


    One of the leaders among those five was startled for a moment. They had thought a police officer or a bodyguard might be involved, considering the person they''d kidnapped was no ordinary individual. But what was the deal with this young man who looked like a farmer?


    "Stop right there, what are you following us for?" the leader of the pack demanded coldly.


    Long Xiaoshan nced at the van and saw the kidnapped person with a hood over their head still inside. He felt relieved and ran towards the five men.


    Seeing that Long Xiaoshan was indifferent to hismand and even dared to run towards them, the lead guy became furious, "Take him down."


    The five men, brandishing their machetes, charged forward.


    Their movements were fierce, and they seemed well-coordinated.


    Their knives almostpletely cut off Long Xiaoshan''s paths of retreat.


    Compared to these men, the ck Wolf Gang seemed like a ragtag bunch.


    Long Xiaoshan pushed off forcefully.


    As the five machetes approached, he soared into the air.


    He jumped over the heads of the five men.


    The five of them probably hadn''t anticipated Long Xiaoshan''s jumping power to be so astonishing and lost track of him for a moment.


    Long Xiaoshan kicked out in midair.


    Thump! Thump!


    Two of the men were kicked away, tumbling into unconsciousness.


    Long Xiaoshan''s kicks were potent, directly striking their dizzying pressure points.


    Afternding, he aimed his kicks at the remaining three men. Seeing two of theirpanions quickly knocked over by the kicks, they too were shocked; their coordination broke down, and Long Xiaoshan continued to release a series of kicks.


    The three of them were also knocked down.


    After all, no matter how well they coordinated, the difference in strength was just too vast.


    Long Xiaoshan, after his breakthrough, had strength and speed that surpassed ordinary people.


    Long Xiaoshan, having kicked down the five men, showed no sign of pride and didn''t rush to rescue the person. Instead, he called out to the van, "Come out."


    "p p!"


    Two pping sounds echoed, and a person from the van disembarked.


    This person was wearing a coat resembling a mandarin jacket, quite stout altogether, but with fierce and sharp eyes that seemed to glow in the darkness, staring at Long Xiaoshan.


    "I didn''t expect to encounter such talent in this little county. I knew that little Superman''s famous name would notck apetent bodyguard."


    "I don''t know what you''re talking about," Long Xiaoshan replied, "Who are you guys, to kidnap people in broad daylight? Hand over the person immediately."


    "Hmph!" said the man in the mandarin jacket coldly, "Kid, you think you''ve got me cornered. Since you''vee to Hechuan City, whether you''re a dragon or a tiger, you''d still have to coil or crouch for me."

 Chapter 96: Chapter 98 Gu Jingheng

    Chapter Ny-Eight


    "Hmph!" the man in the mandarin jacket said coldly, "Kid, you think you''ve got me all figured out. Since you''vee to Hechuan City, even dragons have to coil for me, and tigers have to curl up."


    "I don''t even know what you''re talking about."


    Long Xiaoshan actually knew the man in the mandarin jacket might have mistaken him for some kind of bodyguard.


    But he couldn''t be bothered to exin. He lunged forward, throwing a punch at the man.


    He was here to rescue someone.


    Since he had to take action, he wouldn''t hesitate.


    "You''re looking for death!"


    The man in the mandarin jacket saw Long Xiaoshan take the initiative to attack, his feet grazing the ground as if wading through mud, moving towards him. He too threw a punch, *ck!*


    Their fists collided.


    Hands trembling, both men retracted their hands and stepped back simultaneously.


    The man in the mandarin jacket was taken aback for a moment. As an external martial arts expert with immense strength capable of breaking stones, he was confident he could break his opponent''s bones with that strike. Unexpectedly, he was countered by a powerful force.


    Long Xiaoshan was equally surprised.


    That man in the mandarin jacket was quite formidable.


    After his cultivation technique broke through, he could even pull apart steel handcuffs, so his strength was undeniably immense.


    He had yet to encounter someone who could match his forceful blows.


    Now, atst, he met someone whose strength did not yield to his own.


    The man in the mandarin jacket''s expression turned cold. He began to exhibit his hand techniques, using both fists and palms to fiercely attack Long Xiaoshan. He was a true martial arts practitioner, whereas although Long Xiaoshan was formidable in a fight and had powerful techniques, he was unorthodox.


    He had never studied any martial arts formally.


    After several exchanges, the man in the mandarin jacket seized an opportunity and struck Long Xiaoshan squarely in the chest.


    *Crack!*


    Long Xiaoshan was sent flying, tumbling on the ground.


    Feeling numbness spreading across his chest and pain in his internal organs, the Longevity Art True Qi automatically surged forth, circting around his chest, immediately alleviating the numbness. Long Xiaoshan performed a swift kip-up, standing back on his feet.


    The man in the mandarin jacket''s eyes narrowed sharply. His palm strike could have shattered a rock, yet this kid seemed unharmed.


    Grinding his teeth and his face turning red, he roared and spun his body like a top, flinging his fist with great force.


    That was the man in the mandarin jacket''s killing move.


    A strong sense of danger washed over Long Xiaoshan.


    In that moment, Long Xiaoshan hurriedly unleashed his True Qi to its fullest. Enjoy new stories from m-v l''e|-NovelBin


    Until then, he hadn''t used his True Qi.


    The surface of his fist seemed to glow with ayer of white light, and as their fists collided once more, there was a muffled *thump!*


    The man in the mandarin jacket spat out a mouthful of blood, his arm went limp, dangling at his side.


    "Inner Strength, you are a Huang Level Martial Artist!" the man in the mandarin jacket eximed.


    The Ancient Martial World is divided into four levels: Heaven, Earth, Mysterious, Huang.


    Only those who have cultivated Inner Strength are regarded as Huang Level Martial Artists.


    Although the man in the mandarin jacket was powerful, he was so only rtive to ordinary people, and he hadn''t truly be an Inner Strength Martial Artist.


    He hadn''t expected to encounter an Inner Strength master.


    An Inner Strength master always carries an air of arrogance.


    He wondered how much it had cost that little Superman to hire an Inner Strength Martial Artist as a bodyguard.


    On thinking about the might of an Inner Strength master,


    The man in the mandarin jacket couldn''t stand firm anymore,pletely losing his will to fight, he hastily ran outside.


    "Where do you think you''re going!" Long Xiaoshan quickly pursued him.


    Boosted by True Qi at his feet, he sprinted so fast that his figure blurred, catching up with the man in the mandarin jacket and kicking out at him.


    The middle-aged man in the mandarin jacket didn''t know if he was frightened by the ancient martial artist, but when he was kicked over, he fell to the ground. Long Xiaoshan had True Qi and aimed at the acupoints; the middle-aged man didn''t even grunt¡ªjust fainted away.


    After bringing down six people, Long Xiaoshan dusted off his hands and walked over to the van. He removed the hood from the person''s head, revealing the face of a middle-aged man, about forty years old, with a pair of mustache whiskers, who had been knocked out by the kidnappers.


    This was not a problem, Long Xiaoshan simply touched the middle-aged man.


    The middle-aged man slowly came to and, upon seeing Long Xiaoshan, his first words were, "Who on earth are you, and how much money do you want? Just name your price."


    Long Xiaoshan smiled, tore off the ropes from the middle-aged man''s body, and said, "I''m not a kidnapper."


    He got out of the van and started making a phone call.


    His call was to Qin You.


    This was a kidnapping case, and he definitely needed to call the police.


    Among the police officers, Qin You was the one he trusted the most.


    Sure enough, after Qin You picked up the call and heard that Long Xiaoshan had caught a group of kidnappers, she urgently told him not to act rashly and said she woulde over as fast as possible.


    Long Xiaoshan hung up and turned around.


    The middle-aged man who had been kidnapped by the kidnappers was already out, looking at the kidnappers sprawled on the ground, he surveyed Long Xiaoshan in amazement, "Young man, it was really you who saved me?"


    "Of course, it was me. Who else could it be?" Long Xiaoshan said with a shrug.


    The middle-aged man''s eyes brightened.


    The people who kidnapped him were no simple matter; even his high-priced hired special forces bodyguards were taken down.


    He had thought for sure he''d be taken away this time.


    He hadn''t expected such a turnaround.


    "Amazing, I don''t know the honorable name of the young man who saved me. I, Gu Jingheng, am grateful for your lifesaving grace and will definitely repay you generously," Gu Jingheng said with a salute.


    "My name is Long Xiaoshan, and there''s no need for a generous reward," Long Xiaoshan waved his hand dismissively.


    Seeing that Long Xiaoshan had no reaction upon hearing his name, Gu Jingheng thought he might just be a passerby who couldn''t stand injustice.


    Gu Jingheng kept up the conversation incessantly.


    When he heard that Long Xiaoshan was a local farmer, he became even more suspicious.


    A farmer capable of taking down a group of kidnappers who could overpower his special forces bodyguards.


    Wuu waa wuu waa~~~


    More than ten minutester, three police cars raced to the scene.


    The cars stopped abruptly, the doors opened, and Qin You led five or six officers out.


    "Long Xiaoshan!" Qin You shouted when she saw Long Xiaoshan.


    "Sister Qin," Long Xiaoshan hurried over.


    Pointing to the ground, he said, "They are the kidnappers, and there''s the person they kidnapped."


    Seeing the six kidnappers motionless on the ground, Qin You quickly asked, "You haven''t done anything to them, have you?"


    She was honestly afraid of Long Xiaoshan¡ªthis guy was known for being terribly fierce.


    "Sister Qin, not this time. I was quite gentle when I acted," Long Xiaoshan said with a smile.


    Qin You gave Long Xiaoshan a stern look.


    Not wanting to engage with his teasing demeanor, she hurried over to Gu Jingheng. She needed to understand the situation clearly; kidnapping was no minor case, and when she saw Gu Jingheng, he seemed somewhat familiar.


    Gu Jingheng''s attire was clearly out of the ordinary, exuding a low-key luxury.


    Qin You approached and said, "Hello, sir. I am Captain Qin You from the Niu Y County police. May I ask what your name is and how you encountered the kidnappers?"


    "Hello, Captain Qin, my name is Gu Jingheng," Gu Jingheng responded with a gentleman''s etiquette, also surprised that the captain of the small county''s police was such a beauty. However, he felt somewhat relieved on the inside.


    Seeing that Long Xiaoshan had called the police and also knew the chief gave him assurance that this was not a trap.


    Just a moment ago, he was genuinely worried that Long Xiaoshan might have approached him deliberately.


    "Gu Jingheng¡­" Qin You repeated, then suddenly a sh of recognition crossed her mind. Thinking about the newspaper she had seen that morning, her expression changed as she said, "You, you''re that little Superman from Hong Kong Ind¡­"


    Gu Jingheng quickly interjected, "Captain Qin."


    He gave her a meaningful look.


    Qin You understood that Gu Jingheng probably did not want to expose his identity. For a tycoon like him, every action could attract a lot of attention.


    She quickly stopped speaking.

 Chapter 99: Chapter 101 Shameless Villain

    ```


    Chapter One Hundred and One


    Xiaoshan Long sped off from the neighborhood, running wildly on the road for several miles before stopping.


    After stopping,


    he held back for a while, but then he couldn''t help but burst intoughter,ughing so hard he doubled over, nearly crying. If Qin You knew how happy he wasughing, she might have shot him with a gun.


    Seeing that there was still time, Long Xiaoshan decided to head to the Lily Hotel first.


    He had originallye to pick up Long Xiaoling yesterday. But after what had happened, he still hadn''t seen little Ling.


    When he arrived, he waited a little while, and Su Wan came to work with Long Xiaoling in tow.


    "Bro!" Upon seeing Long Xiaoshan, Long Xiaoling quickly ran over and flung herself into his arms.


    "Little Ling," Long Xiaoshan said with a smile as he patted her head.


    He also greeted Su Wan, "Sister Su."


    Today Su Wan was wearing a tight ck dress that showed off her devilish figure, especially those headlights, which always made Xiaoshan unable to help but take a few nces. The image of Qin You unexpectedly popped into his mind, and he couldn''t help butpare the two.


    He found it really hard to say which was better.


    "What are you looking at?" said Su Wan, noticing the somewhat lecherous look in Long Xiaoshan''s eyes, her voice tinged with feigned annoyance.


    Long Xiaoshan chuckled awkwardly and quickly averted his gaze.


    "Have you eaten yet?" asked Su Wan.


    "Not yet."


    "Then let''s eat something at the hotel restaurant," she suggested, leading Long Xiaoshan and his sister into the restaurant where they grabbed some breakfast and chatted while they ate.


    Long Xiaoshan talked about having Long Xiaoling end her internship here and return to the vige with him.


    "Okay, bro," Long Xiaoling agreed readily.


    She had known for some time that Xiaoshan was running a farm back home and wanted to go back to help. After all, she had been working for more than a month, and school would be starting in a few days.


    She wanted to go home and reunite with her family for a few days.


    Besides, Xiaoshan now had plenty of money and didn''t need her to work to earn it.


    Long Xiaoshan further discussed the farm''s nning with Su Wan and mentioned that he was already preparing to raise funds to build roads.


    When Su Wan heard that Long Xiaoshan wanted to build roads, she said, "I support you building roads, because the roads in Longyang Vige are really bad, but where will you get such arge amount of money?"


    "Oh, I''ll figure something out," Xiaoshan didn''t mention that he had created Dragon Spirit Pharmaceuticals, nning to sell masks and Beauty Liquid.


    After all, those products hadn''t hit the market yet, and it was too early to talk about it.


    "How about this, I''ll talk to the chairmanter. The farm has our shares, and almost all vegetables, fruits, fish, and shrimp from your farm supply our hotel. We should contribute anyway," Su Wan proposed.


    "Thanks a lot," Long Xiaoshan replied without ceremony.


    Stay connected with m-v l|e''-NovelBin


    The three of them ate for a while, and business was booming at the hotel that morning.


    Long Xiaoshan stayed until after nine o''clock, telling Long Xiaoling he would pick her up in the afternoon, then went to the hospital to visit Teacher Xu, who should be much better after a night''s rest.


    He drove to the hospital.


    Upon arriving at the inpatient department and making his way to the special ward at the top floor, he was about to enter when he suddenly heard voices inside, along with the faint sound of Teacher Xu Manqing crying.


    Xiaoshan stopped in his tracks.


    With his keen hearing, he could hear the voices inside even through the door.


    "Zhou Mu, you have the nerve to see me? I must have been blind to fall for someone like you. How could you deceive your own fianc¨¦e into going to a hotel and offer her to other men? Now youe here asking me not to call the police or speak out. Get out, I never want to see you again," she eximed.


    "Manqing, I''ve wronged you, but I had no choice. I owed them a huge sum of money. If I didn''t do as they said, they would mutte me. I really had no other way," he pleaded.


    "So, you thought it was okay to send off your own fianc¨¦e to others? Zhou Mu, I never imagined you were this kind of person. If you hadn''t gambled, would you have owed so much money?" she used.


    ```


    "It''s not, Manqing, I was really set up. They trapped me. I couldn''t possibly have lost otherwise."


    "Get lost!"


    "Manqing, I beg you, I''m kneeling down for you. You mustn''t call the police. Those guys are the big shots from the county, with powerful and influential families. We can''t fight them. Even if you report it, they won''t get caught. Instead, it will bring retaliation to your family. Do you want to implicate your parents?"


    Xu Manqing lost her voice, and after a while, she started to cry bitterly.


    "Manqing..."


    "Don''t touch me¡­ Ah!"


    A scream of pain came from Xu Manqing.


    Bang!


    Long Xiaoshan''s face was overcast as he kicked open the door and walked in.


    "Who?" A handsome-looking young man standing in front of the hospital bed turned his head in panic.


    Without a word, Long Xiaoshan walked over and pped the young man across the face.


    Zhou Mu screamed miserably as Long Xiaoshan''s p knocked him to the ground, spitting out several teeth, with half of his face swelling up immediately.


    "You¡­ why are you hitting people?"


    Zhou Mu cried out.


    Long Xiaoshan grabbed his neck and fiercely pped his face.


    "I''m hitting a beast like you, you good-for-nothing."


    p p p p!


    After more than a dozen ps, Zhou Mu''s face was as swollen as a balloon, and his eyes were no longer visible, turning him into a genuine pig head.


    His cries turned into grunts.


    "Xiaoshan, stop, don''t hit him anymore." Xu Manqing tried to get up from the hospital bed, but her body had not recovered, and the movement pulled at her wounds, causing her to scream in pain and fall back down.


    Hearing Xu Manqing''s cry of pain.


    Long Xiaoshan hurriedly threw Zhou Mu to the ground and rushed to the bedside, saying, "Teacher, what''s wrong with you?"


    "Xiaoshan, let him go. Don''t hit him anymore," Xu Manqing said.


    "Teacher, you still feel sorry for this beast?" Long Xiaoshan said angrily.


    "No... If the beating gets too severe and attracts the police, it''s not worth it. Plus, after all, he was my once fianc¨¦," Xu Manqing exined.


    "It''s precisely because he was your damned fianc¨¦ that I beat him. I''ve never seen someone so shameless and pathetic, actually using his own fianc¨¦e as a bargaining chip." Long Xiaoshan''s anger was hard to suppress, remembering the earlier conversation.


    "Alright, Xiaoshan, let him go. Consider it a request from your teacher," Xu Manqing said as tears welled up.


    "Teacher, don''t cry. I''ll listen to you, to you," Long Xiaoshan hurriedly said.


    He turned around and walked over to Zhou Mu, who couldn''t get up, and pped him hard on the body, saying, "Scram."


    Zhou Mu felt like his heart had been heavily struck by an awl. He groaned in pain, but after that hit, he felt a surge of strength, got up, and ran out of the hospital room in a panic.


    At the door of the hospital room, he pointed at Long Xiaoshan and yelled, "You wait; this isn''t over!"


    Long Xiaoshan sneered, giving Zhou Mu a look as if he were looking at a dead person, and didn''t pay any attention to him.


    Zhou Mu ran away with his face covered.


    At this time, some doctors and nurses came over, looking at the door that had been kicked in by Long Xiaoshan, and quickly asked what had happened.


    Long Xiaoshan said it was nothing and asked them to leave.


    These doctors all knew Long Xiaoshan as the Divine Doctor who was exceptionally revered by the Dean, so they didn''t say anything and all dispersed.

 Chapter 100: Chapter 102 Identification

    Chapter One Hundred and Two


    "Teacher." Long Xiaoshan closed the door and walked to the hospital bed.


    "Xiaoshan, you''ve seen a joke." Xu Manqing said with reddened eyes.


    Long Xiaoshan replied, "Why didn''t you tell me about these things earlier?"


    Xu Manqing shook her head with a look of bleak misery, "What''s the use of telling you? The people Zhou Mu deceived me into meeting at the hotel are influential figures in the county. Although Zhou Mu is scum, he was right about one thing: even if I reported it to the police, it would be useless and would only bring trouble to my parents."


    A glint of cold light shed in Long Xiaoshan''s eyes.


    Seeing Teacher Xu Manqing, who was like a sister and mentor to him, driven to jump from a building by a few scoundrels was unbearable.


    It almost left her disabled for life.


    If he didn''t seek justice for Teacher Xu Manqing, he would be failing as a human being.


    Long Xiaoshan said calmly, "Teacher, don''t worry, I won''t let those scoundrels get away with this."


    "Xiaoshan, what are you going to do? Please, don''t do anything rash." Xu Manqing felt that her once proud student had changed a lot since high school.


    The beating Long Xiaoshan had just given Zhou Mu.


    The honest and simple country boy of the past could never have done such a thing.


    "Teacher, of course I won''t be rash. Let''s put that aside for now; I''ll take a look at your injuries."


    Long Xiaoshan began to examine Teacher Xu Manqing''s body.


    Through the Spirit Eye, he noticed that her bones had recovered a lot under the effect of the Bone-Regeneration Powder, but Xu Manqing''s injuries were very severe, so one application of the medicine was not enough for a full recovery.


    "Teacher, I need to change your dressing again."


    "Okay."


    Xu Manqing''splexion looked much healthier than yesterday.


    The first time is the hardest, the second gets easier.


    Having already changed the dressing once the day before, it was less awkward this time.


    Long Xiaoshan undid Teacher Xu''s clothes and changed her dressing again.


    After finishing, Long Xiaoshan said, "Teacher, your bones are healing well. We should change the dressing one more time tomorrow and that should be nearly enough. Then we can start treating the nerve damage."


    Xu Manqing''s face turned slightly red and she said, "Xiaoshan, thank you."


    "Teacher Xu, you don''t have to be polite with me. If it weren''t for you, I never would have been able to get into Shuimu."


    Long Xiaoshan chatted with Xu Manqing for a while.


    Then, he stood up, thought for a moment, and took out his cell phone to call Qin You.


    The phone rang several times before Qin You picked up on the other end with a voice that was clearly unnatural, "Hello?"


    "Sister Qin, it''s Xiaoshan."


    "I know, what is it? If it''s nothing, I''m hanging up, I have a meeting to attend." Now, thinking of what Long Xiaoshan had consumed in the morning, Qin You felt extremely ufortable and really didn''t want to take his call.


    "It''s important; here''s the thing..." Long Xiaoshan briefly described Xu Manqing''s ordeal.


    "Such a thing happened?"


    Qin You''s tone grew noticeably angry.


    Being a woman, she naturally felt a deep sense of shared enmity towards such an incident.


    Qin You said, "Okay, wait for me. I''ming over right now."


    After speaking, Qin You hung up the phone.


    Long Xiaoshan put away his phone and walked back to the hospital bed to continue chatting with Xu Manqing.


    The phone rang again.


    Long Xiaoshan picked it up, and an excited voice from Hong Xiaofei came through, "Xiaoshan, it''s amazing, truly amazing, that talisman you gave me has worked."


    "What happened, take it easy and tell me."


    "Okay, okay," Hong Xiaofei took a breath and calmed himself before saying, "This morning, when I returned to thepany, guess what, all those women came up to talk to me. I don''t know why, but suddenly I''ve be so popr. What''s more amazing is, probably seeing how popr I am now, my girlfriend seems jealous and hase back to me. She''s been ignoring me for days, not even responding when I talk to her. And today, she suddenly started the conversation and wants to get back together with me.


    Then, that kid Lan Tao, the one who''s the boss''s nephew I told you about, saw that my girlfriend and I were reconciling and probably got jealous. He tried to get close to my girlfriend, and she ended up scolding him fiercely. She also revealed all the bad things he had said about me behind my back. Now the wholepany knows how hypocritical he is, all friendly with me on the surface, but secretly trying to steal my girl, hahaha."


    Hong Xiaofeiughed with a sense of vindication.


    Long Xiaoshan said, "That''s good, but you need to be careful as well. This guy likes to backstab people, plus he''s the boss''s nephew. I bet he won''t let it go."


    "I''m not afraid of him at all," said Hong Xiaofei. "Besides, I''ve got you, the Grandmaster, right?"


    "You," Long Xiaoshanughed, "Alright, I won''t talk to you now. I''m at the hospital with Teacher Xu. Call me if there''s any problem."


    "Got it, got it," Hong Xiaofei hurriedly replied. "Then you go ahead and keep Teacher Xupany. I can''t thank you enough, I''ll treat you to a mealter."


    "Mm."


    Long Xiaoshan hung up the phone.


    After about ten more minutes,


    there came a knock at the door.


    Long Xiaoshan opened it, and there stood Qin You, imposing and impressive at the doorway.


    "Sister Qin, you''re here," Long Xiaoshan hurried to wee Qin You inside.


    Qin You nodded expressionlessly, but a hint of panic and shyness flickered in her eyes when she saw Long Xiaoshan.


    She walked into the hospital room with her face straight.


    Upon seeing a strikingly fierce yet breathtakingly beautiful female officer enter, Xu Manqing''s face slightly changed.


    "Teacher," Long Xiaoshan introduced, "this is Captain Qin You, in charge of criminal investigation."


    Xu Manqing realized that it must have been Long Xiaoshan who called Qin You over.


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    She grew anxious.


    Because she did not want to report to the police.


    It wasn''t that shecked courage, but that she feared her family might be implicated.


    Perhaps sensing the panic within Xu Manqing,


    Qin You stepped forward, gave a salute, and bent forward saying, "Hello, Teacher Xu, Xiaoshan is my friend. He''s already briefed me on the situation over the phone. I understand your concerns, but rest assured, now that I am in this position, I ammitted to protecting the safety of the people''s lives and property. I will not let a single viin go, no matter who they are. To me, everybody is the same¡ªa criminal is a criminal, and I will make sure they are brought to justice."


    Long Xiaoshan also stepped forward and said, "Teacher, you can trust Captain Qin, and as for your family, I, Long Xiaoshan, swear to protect them."


    Xu Manqing looked at Qin You, then at Long Xiaoshan.


    Maybe it was Qin You''s authority that gave her some courage.


    After all, Qin You was not an ordinary cop.


    Or maybe it was the determination in Long Xiaoshan''s eyes.


    That made her brave.


    After a moment of silence, Xu Manqing said, "Alright, I am willing to identify them."


    A trace of a smile appeared in Qin You''s eyes, she nodded, sat down on a stool, and began to inquire, "Could you please recount the incident, including the identity of those involved?"


    Fear surfaced in Xu Manqing''s eyes, but her hand felt warm, as Long Xiaoshan had taken hold of it.


    As if grasping a lifeline, Xu Manqing held tightly onto Long Xiaoshan''s hand and began to speak.

 Chapter 102: Chapter 104 Elder Yes Illness

    Inside the room, an old man was already seated.


    With graying hair and a sturdy frame, he dressed quite inly, but Xiaoshan could sense a sharp aura emanating from him.


    Gu Jingheng walked in.


    The old man looked up and said, "Little Gu has returned."


    "Gu Jingheng, pulling Xiaoshan along, said, "Come, let me introduce my lifesaver, Brother Long Xiaoshan. If not for him, I would have been kidnappedst night."


    "Oh, the little guy has done a great deed," remarked the elder sitting there. He then scrutinized Xiaoshan, looking him up and down before suddenly waving his hand.


    Whoosh!


    A gust of wind attacked from behind.


    Xiaoshan''s eyes sharply narrowed as his body quickly twisted, and at the same time, he swept his elbow backward.


    Bang!


    The two forces collided.


    The one attacking from behind was the stern young man who had just been standing at the doorway.


    He shook his hand; the force of Xiaoshan''s elbow was so great that it numbed his hand, but as a military strongman, he was extremely tough and immediately charged again,unching a fierce attack on Xiaoshan.


    Xiaoshan was also enraged.


    With someone suddenly assaulting him, he didn''t care about the other''s background and immediately fought back with full force.


    For a moment, the room was filled with the sounds of punchesnding on flesh.


    "Elder Ye!" Gu Jingheng was shocked and hastily tried to intervene.


    Xiaoshan was his lifesaver; how could they be fighting?


    The elder Ye waved his hand and watched intently.


    Huang Hu and Xiaoshan''s movements were both swift, and within the blink of an eye, they had exchanged more than a dozen blows.


    Huang Hunded a punch on Xiaoshan''s chest, causing a stifled feeling in his chest. Xiaoshan became infuriated and channeled his True Qi, striking Huang Hu and sending him flying into the wall.


    This surprised everyone.


    Even Elder Ye stood up.


    He was well aware of Huang Hu''s strength, which was on the level of a King of Soldiers.


    And yet, he was sent flying.


    Huang Hu struggled on the ground for a moment before getting up, staring intensely at Xiaoshan, and said, "You are a Huang Level Martial Artist."


    This was the second time Xiaoshan had heard the term "Huang Level Martial Artist."


    The first time was that night when he encountered the kidnapper, Gu Jingheng, the middle-aged man in a mandarin jacket; the second was this Huang Hu.


    Huang Hu shouted and was about to make a move again.


    "Stop!" Elder Ye interceded at that moment.


    With some reluctance, Huang Hu nced at Xiaoshan and returned to the doorway.


    "Brother Gu, I''m leaving," Xiaoshan said. Although he hadn''t suffered any loss, he felt unhappy and wanted to leave right then.


    "Brother Long, don''t go," Gu Jingheng also felt uneasy and quickly followed, stopping Xiaoshan.


    "I did not expect the young hero to be a descendant of ancient martial arts, my disrespect," Elder Ye hurriedly said, "It was my fault just now. I will punish myself with three drinks as an apology to the young hero."


    As he spoke, Ye Zhentian filled a cup with Moutai and downed it in one go.


    Then he poured himself a second cup.


    "Elder Ye... your health," Gu Jingheng quickly intervened upon seeing Ye Zhentian down a cup in one gulp.


    Ye Zhentian waved his hand and said, "It has been a long time since I''ve met such a young hero. I must drink to do justice to myself."


    With that, he took another cup and drank it down.


    Seeing that Ye Zhentian was sincere in his apology, it seemed to be in his nature.


    Xiaoshan couldn''t very well refuse, so he nodded and said, "Elder Ye, you are too courteous."


    Seeing that Xiaoshan was no longer about to leave, Gu Jingheng quickly urged him to sit down, saying, "Brother Long, sit down, let''s drink, let''s drink."


    "Haha, I never expected to find not only tasty food in this small county town but also to meet a heroic figure like the young brother. Allow me to drink a toast to you," Ye Zhentian said as he snatched the wine bottle from the bitter-smiling Ye Feng and filled his cup again.


    Xiaoshan watched Ye Zhentian, suspecting that he might be using the apology as an excuse to drink.


    Xiaoshan raised his hand to stop Ye Zhentian, who was about to drink a third cup, and said, "Elder Ye, with a serious illness like yours, you shouldn''t drink anymore."


    Upon hearing Xiaoshan''s words, Ye Zhentian was stunned.


    His illness was the Ye Family''s biggest secret, known only to a few core figures, even Gu Jingheng was unaware.


    How could Xiaoshan, meeting them for the first time, possibly know about his grave illness?


    "How do you know?" Ye Zhentian asked, looking at Xiaoshan with surprise and suspicion.


    "Of course I can tell. Elder Ye''s illness is very severe. If you continue drinking, even I will not be able to cure it," Xiaoshan said calmly.


    "You can cure my illness?" Ye Zhentian''s eyebrows furrowed deeply.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 103: Chapter 105: Marvelously Skilled

    Chapter One Hundred and Five


    Ye Zhentian was aware of his own illness.


    But he didn''t believe Long Xiaoshan could actually cure him.


    What he had was a terminal illness.


    However, Long Xiaoshan''s defiant attitude impressed Ye Zhentian, not to mention that Long Xiaoshan was an Ancient Martial Arts Descendant; considering he had at most a few months to live,


    Making acquaintance with an Ancient Martial Arts Descendant could greatly benefit the Ye Family''s future.


    An Ancient Martial Arts Descendant was not amon cabbage.


    Not something one could stumble upon at any time.


    With this in mind, heughed heartily and said, "Young brother, do you know what illness I have?"


    Long Xiaoshan spoke indifferently, "If I''m not mistaken, Elder Ye, you have hepatocellr carcinoma, and it has reached thete stages of metastasis; if you''re to be treated by conventional methods, it''s impossible for you to live beyond three months."


    Ye Zhentian''s mind was jolted.


    Long Xiaoshan''s diagnosis was incredibly urate.


    Even down to how long he could live, which was the same as what a famous doctor in Capital City had told him.


    And this was just from Long Xiaoshan taking a nce without even taking his pulse.


    Since Long Xiaoshan could pinpoint the illness so precisely, he evidently had the skills, and knowing this illness so well yet iming he could treat it gave Ye Zhentian a sliver of hope; even if the illness wasn''t cured, extending his life for a bit longer would still be beneficial for the Ye Family.


    Long Xiaoshan then said, "There''s no time to lose, Elder Ye, let''s begin now."


    "Good!" Ye Zhentian agreed readily.


    Huang Hu, standing at the doorway, twitched his lips as if he wanted to say something,


    But was directly silenced by Ye Zhentian''s gaze.


    "Younger brother, how will you treat it?"


    "Elder Ye, just take off your shirt."


    Ye Zhentian nodded, promptly took off his clothes, revealing his upper body scarred with numerous marks and traces of several bullet wounds.


    Long Xiaoshan squinted, touched the area around Ye Zhentian''s lumbar spine, and said, "Elder Ye, you have a bullet lodged inside here, don''t you?"


    "Correct, it was left inside by the Japanese during the war," Elder Ye revealed.


    "Your liver cancer is rted to this bullet; because it was left inside and not removed, the toxins from inside it have been eroding the area for years, which led to the cancer."


    "Younger brother, you have great eyesight indeed; the doctors said the same thing, but this bullet is stuck in a critical spot no one dares to remove. The difficulty is too great, once removed, it could damage my nerves and leave me immediately paralyzed."


    "Others may not be able to remove it, but I can," Long Xiaoshan said with a confident tone.


    Elder Ye''s eyes narrowed.


    Frankly, he was hesitant.


    If it wasn''t removed, he still had a few months to live.


    If it was removed, he could potentially be paralyzed on the spot.


    However, upon seeing Long Xiaoshan''s calm and proud gaze, Ye Zhentian clenched his fist tightly and said, "Alright, do you need an operating room? I''ll arrange it."


    Long Xiaoshan shook his head and picked up a dinner Knife from the table, "We can do it right now."


    "What are you doing, put down the knife," Huang Hu stood up nervously.


    "Huang Hu, stand down," Ye Zhentian stood up and said, "Brother Long, I entrust my life to you."


    Ye Zhentian had made up his mind.


    He only had a few months left to live, anyway.


    It was worth taking the risk, as one doesn''t encounter a true master every day.


    "Elder Ye," Huang Hu yelled, "This is too frivolous."


    "Enough, you stand back. I''ve been through a hail of bullets before; I''m not afraid of this little Knife," Ye Zhentian dered with domineering confidence.


    "Alright!"


    Admiration flickered in Long Xiaoshan''s eyes, "Just for Elder Ye''s words, I guarantee you can live another twenty years."


    "I''ll take your auspicious words,"


    Ye Zhentianughed heartily.


    Long Xiaoshan returned to Ye Zhentian''s side and had Ye Zhentian lie down on a chair. He took out the Life-and-Death Needle from his middle finger, plunged it into the spot near Ye Zhentian''s spine, then grabbed the dinner Knife, sterilized it with True Qi, and without hesitation, made an incision.


    Blood gushed out instantly.


    Huang Hu''s face turned white with nervousness, wishing he could rush forward, but he feared that interrupting now would only interfere with Long Xiaoshan''s work.


    Of course, Long Xiaoshan wasn''t concerned with what Huang Hu was thinking.


    After making an incision in Ye Zhentian''s skin, he pressed his hand near the cut, with True Qi flowing to protect those delicate nerves and blood vessels, and then used True Qi to painstakingly peel off the nerves adhered to the bullet.


    A few minutester, the bullet was detached.


    Long Xiaoshan exhaled a breath of True Qi.


    Puff!


    A bloody bullet flew out from Ye Zhentian''s body.


    With his left hand, Long Xiaoshan caught the bullet and nonchntly tossed it onto a te. Continue your adventure with m|v-l''e -NovelBin


    Immediately after, his hands fluttered like butterflies, and under the effect of the Golden Needle, the bleeding stopped quickly.


    With continuous catalysis by the True Qi, the wound also began to heal rapidly.


    Gu Jingheng and the others watched as if witnessing a miracle.


    About ten minutester, the wound had closed up.


    Long Xiaoshan said, "Elder Ye, you can get up now."


    Ye Zhentian sat up, somewhat dazed, "Is it already healed?"


    He had not even felt any pain just now.


    Long Xiaoshan picked up the te with the bullet on it and said, "Elder Ye, take a look for yourself."


    Looking at the bullet, Ye Zhentian''s face revealed a trace of astonishment.


    This young man was incredibly skilled.


    This bullet, which famed doctors dared not touch and had remained in his body for decades, was removed by Long Xiaoshan with a simple dinner Knife within minutes.


    "Elder Ye, I''m about to start treating your cancer. Please sit properly," Long Xiaoshan said.


    "Alright, alright," Ye Zhentian promptly sat up straight.


    Long Xiaoshan twisted the Life-and-Death Needle, a sh of silver light in his eyes, and pierced it into Ye Zhentian''s nk.

 Chapter 104: Chapter 106: Cant Help It

    Chapter One Hundred and Six


    Treating cancer was not Long Xiaoshan''s first time.


    For cancer cells, as long as their nutrient supply is cut off, they can be starved to death.


    Of course, while it sounds simple, there are likely only a handful of people in the world who could achieve this.


    That was precisely what Long Xiaoshan had done for Ye Zhentian.


    However, Ye Zhentian''s cancer was the most severe he had encountered, having already spread.


    There was no way he could cure it in one go.


    After severing the most cancerous core area from the other parts, Long Xiaoshan''s True Qi was exhausted.


    Wiping the sweat from his forehead, he said, "Elder Ye, the first step of the treatment isplete. Several more treatments will be needed."


    "Little brother, you''re a miracle worker."


    Ye Zhentian eximed in amazement.


    There was no need for him to check.


    He could feel that the pain in the lower abdomen had disappeared; instead, there seemed to be a warm current swirling, making him feel very energized.


    "Elder Ye, how are you feeling?" Huang Hu hurriedly stepped forward to ask.


    "Good, very good, exceptionally good, better than it''s ever been," dered Ye Zhentian with augh.


    Taking Long Xiaoshan''s hand, he said, "Little brother, please sit down; you''ve worked hard."


    Ye Zhentian could tell that treating his illness had taken a lot out of Long Xiaoshan.


    Otherwise, he wouldn''t be sweating profusely.


    Without any pretense, Long Xiaoshan sat down and began to eat heartily from the dishes on the table.


    The food, all products of his farm, was particrly beneficial for restoring energy.


    Seeing Long Xiaoshan eat so well, Ye Zhentian also felt an intense hunger. Previously, due to the torment of illness, he couldn''t enjoy even the finest dishes.


    He grabbed a big shrimp and started to nibble on it.


    After just one bite, his eyes lit up.


    "Delicious, delicious."


    "I never expected such food in this little ce." Your next read awaits at m v|l-e''-NovelBin


    Ye Zhentian and Long Xiaoshan ate voraciously, heads down.


    Gu Jingheng, seeing the unfettered, robust eating manners of the old and young man, couldn''t help but exchange a wry smile with the others.


    But now he certainly wouldn''t underestimate Long Xiaoshan.


    The fact that Long Xiaoshan could treat cancer was even more astonishing than his physical prowess. Indeed, he was an extraordinary person.


    Extraordinary individuals should act without constraints. Otherwise, how could they be called extraordinary?


    After gobbling down for a while, Long Xiaoshan and Ye Zhentian demolished more than half of the dishes on the table before finally looking up.


    Only then did Gu Jingheng find an opportunity to join the conversation.


    He was a man adept at socializing, intermittently speaking and toasting Long Xiaoshan, and before long, the atmosphere warmed up.


    Gu Jingheng had initially thought Long Xiaoshan was a reclusive oddball from the countryside, aloof and indifferent to worldly affairs.


    But as the conversation deepened,


    He discovered that Long Xiaoshan was well-versed in culture and arts, as well as history, military, economics, and antiques, and not just superficially¡ªin many areas, his expertise was profound.


    Moreover, Long Xiaoshan was fluent in severalnguages.


    He could effortlessly converse in English about original texts with her, a high-profiledy from Hong Kong Ind.


    It was nothing short of breathtaking.


    As for the field of medicine, none of the others even dared to disy their ignorance.


    "A true talent!"


    Gu Jingheng, too, marveled, no wonder they say the maind hides dragons and crouching tigers, with masters living incognito among the people.


    In the blink of an eye, they had been eating for two hours.


    Thest bottle of wine on the table had been finished off.


    Long Xiaoshan stood up and said, "Elder Ye, Brother Gu, that''s it for today. I still need to visit my teacher in the hospital."


    Ye Zhentian was now very grateful to Long Xiaoshan and stood up, "Young brother, just call me ''Big Bro'' from now on; anything else just feels too formal."


    Gu Jingheng gave a wry smile.


    Just like that, he had been demoted a generation by a youngster in his twenties.


    But thinking about the youngster''s profound knowledge, being an Ancient Martial Arts Descendant, and a medical expert,


    made him feel a little better.


    Before Long Xiaoshan left, Gu Jingheng enthusiastically exchanged phone numbers with him.


    Gu Jingheng was amazed; anyone else would act like a servile lobster upon meeting him and Elder Ye, but Long Xiaoshan just ate his fill, dusted off his pants, and left, preferring to apany his teacher.


    And now he''s even brothers with Elder Ye.


    Gu Jingheng personally saw Long Xiaoshan out. After the two said their goodbyes, Long Xiaoshan drove to the hospital.


    Today''s events were just a side story.


    He didn''t take them to heart.


    Nor did he think he had secured a powerful leg totch onto.


    He hurried back to the hospital.


    He nned to stay in the hospital for the next few days.


    First, to treat Teacher Xu Manqing, and, second, to ensure her safety.


    Qin You said she would take action against those rich young masters.


    As the witness and victim, Teacher Xu Manqing would definitely be in danger, so Long Xiaoshan needed to stay close to protect her.


    By the time he got back to the hospital, it was already dark.


    In the special ward, Xu Manqing had already fallen asleep.


    Long Xiaoshan took a look and told the duty nurse to leave, saying he was enough for the night. Aware of Long Xiaoshan''s status as a Divine Doctor, sheplied without hesitation, confident in leaving him in charge.


    After a quick wash-up, Long Xiaoshan sat down in the room and began to cultivate "The Art of Immortality". Treating Ye Zhentian''s illness earlier had been taxing, and he needed to recover.


    While meditating, time passed without notice.


    When Long Xiaoshan opened his eyes, it was to the sound of Teacher Xu calling for a nurse from the bed.


    Long Xiaoshan quickly got up and approached the bed, asking, "Teacher, what''s wrong?"


    "Xiaoshan, why are you here?" Xu Manqing asked.


    "Oh, I''ll be here for the next few days," Long Xiaoshan exined, then asked, "Teacher, why are you calling for a nurse? Just order me, no need to be polite."


    Xu Manqing''s face showed a hint of red as she hesitantly said, "You might as well go and call the nurse after all."


    Long Xiaoshan scratched his head and went out, only to find no sight of the nurse.


    It seemed they really did leave after his instructions.


    He had no choice but to return to the bedside and say, "Teacher, all the nurses are gone. Just tell me what you need; there''s no need to be polite with me."


    Xu Manqing thought to herself, ''Why would I be polite with you,'' but the feeling was getting stronger and stronger.


    With a somewhat tearful voice, she said, "I need to use the toilet."


    Long Xiaoshan froze in embarrassment; no wonder the Teacher was reluctant to say it earlier.


    He chuckled awkwardly, nced at the bedside, and said, "Teacher, there are catheters..."


    Xu Manqing''s face turned even redder and said, "It''s number two."


    Long Xiaoshan nearly stumbled, stuttering, "I''ll go find a nurse for you, Teacher¡ªjust hold on."


    Long Xiaoshan hurried to the door, made a round, but there was not a single nurse in the nurse station of this floor with only one special ward.


    "Xiaoshan, Xiaoshan," Xu Manqing called out.


    "Teacher, what''s wrong? I''m going downstairs to call now."


    "No, don''t go, I can''t hold it anymore." Xu Manqing started to cry, "Hurry up and help me."

 Chapter 105: Chapter 107: Undercurrents

    ```


    After finishing, he also breathed a sigh of relief and quickly carried Teacher Xu back to the bed.


    "Teacher, you rest well, don''t worry, in two more days, I will have you standing up," Long Xiaoshan soothed.


    "Mm."


    Xu Manqing lowered her head, responding softly like a mosquito''s buzz.


    Long Xiaoshan knew Xu Manqing must be feeling embarrassed now.


    So, he didn''t say anything else and went over to the side to continue meditating.


    The next day, Long Xiaoshan checked Xu Manqing''s body and found that her bones had almost healed under the powerful effect of the Bone-Regeneration Powder.


    He smiled at Xu Manqing and said, "Teacher, your bones have recovered very well. You can start the next step of treatment today. I think in a maximum of three days, you will be able to stand."


    "Really, Xiaoshan?" Xu Manqing became excited.


    "Mm."


    "Then get on with the next step of treatment for me," Xu Manqing said impatiently.


    "Okay, just wait a moment, I will prepare the medicine first."


    This special ward is great, it even has a bathtub.


    Long Xiaoshan was experienced with preparing the Nerve Repair Fluid, so he quickly readied a tub of medicinal bath liquid.


    He came out and exined this step of the healing method to Xu Manqing.


    Xu Manqing''s face turned slightly red, but she quickly recovered herposure.


    Thinking about how she had allowed Long Xiaoshan to take care of even that kind of matterst night, she now had no other thoughts. As long as she could recover, she didn''t care what Long Xiaoshan did.


    Long Xiaoshan carried Xu Manqing to the bathroom.


    He stripped her and put her in the tub of medicinal bath, soaking her, then took out the Golden Needle and began to administer acupuncture.


    Compared with the wounds that covered her body a few days ago.


    Under Long Xiaoshan''s treatment.


    The scars on Xu Manqing''s body had now disappeared, returning to her original fair and smoothplexion.


    Her figure was truly excellent.


    Although Long Xiaoshan had great respect for Xu Manqing in his heart, seeing such a body still made his face flush and heart race.


    Especially feeling that his Cultivation Technique, after breaking through, made his desires in that aspect particrly strong.


    He secretly crushed a Purification Talisman.


    Only then did he continue with the acupuncture treatment.


    After a while, he had Xu Manqing continue to lie in the bathtub and soak, allowing the medicine to take effect.


    In the afternoon.


    Long Xiaoshan apanied Xu Manqing watching TV.


    The special ward had everything.


    Suddenly, the phone rang.


    Long Xiaoshan picked it up and heard Qin You''s voice, "Xiaoshan, today I''ve already started making arrests. Ma Liu, Cao Dong, and Zheng Xiaohao have all beented."


    "Good, Sister Qin, that''s great, wait a moment," Long Xiaoshan replied.


    Long Xiaoshan turned the speakerphone on the phone and said to Qin You, "Sister Qin, repeat that to Teacher Xu."


    "Okay, Teacher Xu, this is Qin You speaking. Today I initiated arrests and have captured Ma Liu, Cao Dong, and Zheng Xiaohao, all of whom injured you," Qin You dered.


    Hearing Qin You''s voice on the phone, Xu Manqing was deeply shaken, tears streaming down her face.


    After a long while, she said, "Thank you, thank you, Captain Qin."


    "It''s my duty to do so. Also, there is another piece of news, I''m not sure if I should tell you."


    "Please say, Captain Qin."


    "Because your fianc¨¦, Zhou Mu, was also involved in the case, we initiated his arrest too, but we found him dead at home. ording to the coroner''s evaluation, it seems he died of a heart attack," Qin You continued.


    Xu Manqing was stunned for a moment, her face showing aplex expression, unsure if it was sorrow or regret.


    After a lengthy pause, she said lightly, "I understand, Captain Qin."


    "Mm, Xiaoshan, I have something else to say."


    Hearing Qin You''s words, Long Xiaoshan knew the following words were meant for him alone, so he picked up the phone and turned off the speakerphone.


    "Xiaoshan, be careful these next few days. Although I''ve caught three people, this is only the beginning. Both Ma Liu and Cao Dong''s families are influential in Niu Y County, and as for Zheng Xiaohao, his father Zheng Chao is a ruthless character. It''s possible he will target the only witness now, Teacher Xu. I really don''t have enough manpower to protect you, and I''m quite restricted in the office too, under a lot of pressure," Qin You said.


    "I understand, leave it to me, don''t worry," Long Xiaoshan could hear the weariness in Qin You''s voice, presumably she was under great pressure.


    "Sister Qin, you also need to take extra care," Long Xiaoshan added.


    "Mm, I know," Qin You responded before hanging up the phone.


    Her eyes showed a hint of determination.


    On her desk was a photo of a man, to which she silently vowed, "Whether you are that kind of person or not, I will investigate thoroughly."


    In a private club in Niu Y County.


    A few people were sitting there, the one in the principal seat was a man with a triangr head, his eyes cold.


    He was none other than the big boss Zheng Chao.


    He said coldly, "This Qin You hasn''t finished yet, now she even dares to arrest my son."


    "Boss, let''s kill that woman. I''ve been annoyed by her for a long time. Ever since she got promoted, she''s made our lives hell. We haven''t even settled the score with her for that affair with the big boss. Does she really think we''re pushovers?" a man with a fierceplexion spat out.


    "Take her out, abduct her first, go around with her, then record it and post it online. Let this bitch taste the vor of being notorious nationwide," another skinny and tall person spoke.


    "Shut up!"


    Zheng Chao snapped, "To mess with a police captain, do you want us to be wiped out by the special police the next day?"


    "Go find out what handle Xiaohao dropped into that woman''s hands this time, then figure out a way to erase all the evidence, and let''s get the boy out first," hemanded.

 Chapter 106: Chapter 108: Qin You Kidnapped

    Xiaoshan soaked Xu Manqing once a day.


    By the next day, Xu Manqing was already able to sit up.


    Seeing her injuries recover so quickly, Xu Manqing felt very happy.


    She even had Xiaoshan push her in a wheelchair around the hospital for the day.


    In the evening, after feeding Xu Manqing, she went to bed early and fell asleep.


    Xiaoshan, however, was still meditating.


    Even though his cultivation was slow, it was like building a tower by umting grains of sand.


    And by continuously consuming those Spirit Vegetables and Spirit Shrimp, his cultivation was steadily growing.


    Late at night.


    The crescent moon in the sky gradually hid itself behind thick clouds.


    Suddenly, Xiaoshan opened his eyes, his mouth curving into a cold arc.


    They still came after all!


    Having waited for two days, those people finally took action.


    Without making a sound, he moved to the door, waited for a moment, then abruptly pulled it open.


    The three men standing at the doorway clearly hadn''t anticipated that the door would be yanked open suddenly. One of them was holding a piece of wire, evidently in the act of attempting to pick the lock.


    For a moment, the three men and Xiaoshan faced each other.


    These three were the most formidable men under Zheng Chao''smand.


    They all reacted swiftly.


    The one in the front immediately bent his knee to charge at Xiaoshan.


    However, Xiaoshan''s speed was much faster than theirs.


    As the knee was just raised, the man''s stomach received a fierce blow, causing him to curl up, vomiting everything he had eaten.


    Xiaoshan stepped forward and stomped down, knocking the man out.


    At the same time, he swung his other foot, sending another man flying.


    Thest man, seeing how quickly Xiaoshan had taken down his twopanions, was startled, and after rolling backward, he drew a gun from his waist and aimed it at Xiaoshan.


    Pop!


    The gun, obviously equipped with a silencer, was not loud as it fired.


    Just as he thought he would surely take Xiaoshan down,


    Xiaoshan had disappeared.


    Then, the man''s vision went dark, and he knew no more.


    All this happened very quickly.


    Your next read awaits at m v|l-e''-NovelBin


    From the moment Xiaoshan opened the door to when the third man fell, only ten seconds had passed.


    After scanning the surroundings with his Spirit Eye to make sure there was no fourth person, Xiaoshan exhaled.


    He touched each of the three men, then dragged them to another room to begin an interrogation using his methods.


    Even the toughest bones are no match for Xiaoshan''s techniques.


    In the end, none of these three could withstand it and confessed the truth.


    As expected, it was Zheng Chao who had sent them to kill Xu Manqing.


    Xiaoshan''s eyes were icy. Although he wanted to finish off these three men, he didn''t act on it because he had promised Sister Qin not to kill people at will.


    So he recorded the confessions of the three men.


    The next day he called Qin You, asking her to send people to the hospital to take these three away.


    When Qin You saw these three men, she was startled.


    These were three of Zheng Chao''s top lieutenants.


    They were well-known in Niu Y County.


    Each one strong enough to single-handedly take on a group.


    She hadn''t expected them to be captured by Xiaoshan, and what''s more, these fierce generals were looking at Xiaoshan with eyes full of fear, as if they couldn''t wait for Qin You to take them away. Qin You gave Xiaoshan curious nces.


    "Xiaoshan, what did you do to them?"


    "Nothing much, Sister Qin. Here is the recording of their confessions fromst night. It should be useful, right?"


    Xiaoshan turned on the recording on his phone.


    Three recordings were yed.


    After listening to the recordings, Qin You''s face lit up with surprise, and she almost felt like kissing Long Xiaoshan.


    She had not expected Long Xiaoshan to even obtain such detailed testimonies.


    These three were Zheng Chao''s confidants, and many of the misdeeds at the Grand Tycoon Hotel weremitted by them; their testimonies were extremely important.


    With these testimonies, it was entirely possible to pry loose this illegal syndicate.


    To bring down this behemoth deeply entrenched and intricately connected in Niu Y County.


    Otherwise, with only Xu Manqing''s testimony, at most it could cause trouble for Zheng Xiaohao alone.


    Taking these three people and the testimonies with her, Qin You hurried back to the police station...


    Long Xiaoshan watched Qin You leave.


    He frowned.


    He always felt that things wouldn''t be so simple.


    Another day passed.


    Long Xiaoshan finally heard the news about the Grand Tycoon Hotel being sealed and investigated.


    He was overjoyed and immediately called Qin You.


    "Sister Qin, congrattions."


    "Congrattions for what," Qin You''s tone was weary and angry.


    "What happened? Sister Qin, weren''t Zheng Chao and his men arrested?" Long Xiaoshan asked upon sensing something amiss.


    "Zheng Chao escaped, along with the core members of his gang."


    "What?"


    "Yesterday, after I brought back the evidence, I immediately applied to seal off the Grand Tycoon Hotel, but we only caught a bunch of small fries; the main culprits all ran away."


    "Xiaoshan, I''m sorry, I''ve let you down," said Qin You, sounding disheartened.


    "Sister Qin, you don''t need to apologize to me, it''s not your fault, but someone must correct this mistake, and from now on, leave it to me,"


    Long Xiaoshan said coldly.


    He had no intention of letting Zheng Chao go.


    Long Xiaoshan wasn''t afraid of Zheng Chao fleeing.


    Even if they ran to the ends of the earth, he had ways to find them.


    But for now, he couldn''t act.


    Since Xu Manqing''s injuries hadn''t fully recovered, to be on the safe side, he nned to wait for herplete recovery before looking for Zheng Chao.


    After Qin You''s call was hung up by Long Xiaoshan.


    She felt uneasy.


    She knew Long Xiaoshan well; this simple farmer had an unknown side. With Long Xiaoshan speaking like this, he was likely going to personally look for Zheng Chao.


    Qin You started to worry and quickly went downstairs to head to the hospital.


    Just as Qin You stepped out of the residential area.


    She heard a rustle of wind and, being alert, managed to dodge, but her arm still felt like it had been bitten by a mosquito.


    She looked down and saw it was a tranquillizer dart, immediately realizing something was wrong.


    Wanting to retreat back to the residential area, she had barely taken a few steps before a severe dizziness overwhelmed her, and Qin You copsed to the ground...


    ...


    "Teacher Xu, your injuries have healed, you can try standing up now."


    In the hospital, after finishing thest medicinal bath treatment for Xu Manqing, Long Xiaoshan checked her condition and confirmed her recovery.


    "Really?"


    "Really, Teacher, let me help you up to try."


    With Long Xiaoshan''s support, Xu Manqing slowly ced her feet on the ground and then propped up her body.


    A momentter, Xu Manqing stood up.


    "We did it!" Long Xiaoshan eximed with a smile.


    "I''m standing up, thank you, Xiaoshan," Xu Manqing cried out emotionally, reaching out to hug Long Xiaoshan.


    Long Xiaoshan smiled gently, patting Xu Manqing''s back.


    Just as he was about to say a few words, suddenly his phone rang.

 Chapter 107: Chapter 109 Scared to Pee

    Long Xiaoshan picked up the phone, which disyed Qin You''s number.


    He answered, "Sister Qin..."


    Before he could finish, a cold voice from the other end interrupted him, "Kid, Qin You is with us now. You have two hours to get to the warehouse at the Hongyang Paper Mill on the outskirts of Niu Y County. Remember,e alone. Of course, you can choose to call the police, but as for the consequences, well, heh heh..."


    A coldugh was left behind as the call was abruptly ended.


    "Hello?"


    Long Xiaoshan''s eyes narrowed.


    "What''s wrong, Xiaoshan?" Xu Manqing could feel Long Xiaoshan''s entire body tense up, and an air of chill emanating from him.


    "It''s nothing, Teacher Xu, you rest here, I have to step out for a bit."


    Long Xiaoshan settled Xu Manqing onto the bed and after a moment of thought, he took out several talismans and said, "Teacher, keep these talismans on you, and this kind. If someone breaks in and means you harm, throw one of these at them and shout ''Ling''."


    "Xiaoshan, this..." Xu Manqing held the talisman, somewhat confused.


    "Listen to me, remember that."


    "Okay, okay," Xu Manqing nodded.


    Long Xiaoshan was just being cautious.


    But since they had captured Qin You, the likelihood they woulde after Xu Manqing was slim.


    He dashed downstairs and drove his pickup truck towards the county suburbs.


    In less than half an hour, Long Xiaoshan arrived at a deste spot on the outskirts, where the Hongyang Paper Mill had long been abandoned, leaving only some decrepit buildings.


    Long Xiaoshan got out of the car and looked around before he walked inside.


    When he reached the warehouse door,


    two men popped out of a corner, brandishing guns at Long Xiaoshan andmanded, "Stop right there."


    Long Xiaoshan raised his hands, his face calm as he said, "Don''t panic, I''vee."


    "Search him."


    A tattooed man approached, pressing a gun against the back of Long Xiaoshan''s head.


    Patting down Long Xiaoshan''s body.


    Other than car keys, Long Xiaoshan didn''t have any weapons on him.


    Nodding, the tattooed man forcefully pushed Long Xiaoshan and said, "Go on in, kid."


    Long Xiaoshan walked into the dpidated warehouse.


    Upon entering, there were already over a dozen people standing there, with a man sporting a crew cut sitting on a sofa, his eyes cold as a viper''s, staring at Long Xiaoshan and said, "Long Xiaoshan?"


    "That''s me. Where is Qin You? Hand her over to me," Long Xiaoshan replied indifferently.


    "Heh heh."


    Zheng Chao squinted and replied, "Don''t be in such a hurry, Long Xiaoshan. A little over a month ago, you injured over a dozen of my men at the Grand Fortune Club and even broke Elder Hei''s waist. Two days ago, at the hospital, you also beat up three of my men and then handed them over to Qin You, didn''t you?"


    "That''s right, it was me."


    "Very good, I, Zheng Chao never thought that one day I''d be bested by some country bumpkin," Zheng Chaoughed out loud, but theughter was cold, "You don''t seem to be afraid at all. I know you can fight well, but no matter how adept you are, can you outfight a gun?"


    Zheng Chao gestured toward his subordinates around him.


    With more than a dozen people here, there were at least five guns.


    "Why should I be afraid," Long Xiaoshan said tly, "I think it''s you who should be afraid because you''ve made me very angry."


    Zheng Chao was taken aback.


    As Long Xiaoshan spoke, he felt a chill at the bottom of his heart.


    Shaking his head, he cast aside these unrealistic thoughts. He had over a dozen of his elite men with him, along with five guns. It didn''t matter if it was one Long Xiaoshan or five or ten; they would all die here today.


    "You''re quite arrogant, kid."


    "Brother Snake, let me kill him."


    "Don''t rush." Zheng Chao stood up, his lips parting into a cold smirk, "First, bring Qin You here."


    "Yes, Brother Snake."


    Several underlings immediately walked to the back and dragged out a woman from a small room, bound and gagged with a cloth.


    This woman was indeed Qin You, but at that moment Qin You''s hair was disheveled, her face pale, and her clothes disordered.


    When Qin You saw Long Xiaoshan, her eyes contracted, and she urgently shook her head, making muffled noises from her mouth.


    "Let her go," Long Xiaoshan bellowed fiercely.


    "Haha, Long Xiaoshan, you''re so naive," Zheng Chao walked over to Qin You and pulled the cloth from her mouth.


    "Xiaoshan, why are you here," Qin You cried out anxiously, "You need to run now!"


    "Run? Can he even escape?" Zheng Chao sneered, "Watch him, the moment he moves, shoot him dead."


    Qin You''s face turned deathly pale as she saw the guns surrounding them.


    "Captain Qin, originally, I didn''t want toy a hand on you. It would be so much better if we could all live in peace, but why won''t you heed advice? I''ve told you, if you push me too far, it wouldn''t be good for you," Zheng Chao said as he gently patted Qin You''s face, then his hand suddenly grasped her cor and ripped it fiercely.


    Rip!


    "You''re courting death!"


    Seeing this, Long Xiaoshan''s eyes filled with an intensified aura of killing.


    He stomped his foot and charged at Zheng Chao, moving so fast his body blurred into a shadowy figure.


    Pop, pop, crack, crack!


    The cacophony of gunfire erupted within the warehouse.


    As soon as Long Xiaoshan made his move, members of the ck Snake Gang began shooting at him.


    "Xiaoshan!" Qin You eximed in terror.


    Whoosh!


    A shadowy figure rushed forward at a lightning speed.


    Zheng Chao turned around in astonishment, not expecting Long Xiaoshan to dare make a move with so many guns pointed at him.


    But he wasn''t panicked, how could anyone be faster than a bullet?


    He watched as five guns sprayed bullets towards that shadow.


    A cold smirk formed on Zheng Chao''s lips.


    However, his smile quickly froze.


    Streaks of yellow light emerged from the figure''s body, bullets hitting the aura and being deflected away.


    At the same time, numerous rays of light shot from the shadow.


    Amidst the blue light, fiery orbs also hurled forward.


    Boom! Boom!


    Thud! Thud!


    The fiery orbs struck human bodies, instantly igniting into mes that soared into the air, incinerating the bodies to ash in moments.


    The blue light shed through the air.


    Heads and bodies were cut in half. Explore more at m,v l''e-NovelBin


    The scene was utterly hellish.


    In the blink of an eye, Long Xiaoshan had charged through.


    Just as Zheng Chao tried to react, his neck suddenly tightened, and he was hoisted up, suspended in mid-air.


    Long Xiaoshan had seized Zheng Chao by the neck.


    The immense strength made Zheng Chao sense the breath of death.


    Long Xiaoshan''s eyes held a murderous gaze.


    And at that moment inside the warehouse,


    there wasn''t a single person left standing.


    Except for those who had been cleaved by the blue light, their limbs severed.


    Or those who had been scorched by the fire orbs,


    who had turnedpletely into piles of ash, not even their skeletons remaining.


    Seeing such horror and feeling Long Xiaoshan''s aura of killing,


    Zheng Chao began to tremble all over.


    A foul stench arose.


    This big shot from Niu Y County,


    had utterly pissed himself in terror.

 Chapter 108: Chapter 111 Harmonious Fun

    While Ye Feng was dealing with the police,


    Long Xiaoshan took Qin You and left the factory directly.


    At this ce, having the people from the municipal bureau was enough. Long Xiaoshan had already exined the situation. He had also left Zheng Chao behind, and he believed, with Elder Ye''s methods, they would definitely be able to unearth a group of people.


    Seeing Qin You''splexion still not looking good, Long Xiaoshan said, "Sister Qin, I''ll take you home first."


    Qin You, with her clothes torn, nodded and said, "Hmm."


    Then the two got into the pickup truck, with Long Xiaoshan driving towards the county city.


    In the car.


    Qin You looked at Long Xiaoshan.


    Her mind was churning.


    This time, if it weren''t for Long Xiaoshan, things would have definitely not turned out like this.


    Who could have thought that this little farmer


    Not only had a powerful special ability,


    But even such a strongwork of connections.


    It was unbelievable.


    Who knows how many more mysteriesy hidden within this little farmer.


    But then, she also thought about what Zheng Chao had said.


    Her heart sank very low again.


    She didn''t want to believe it.


    But as the investigation progressed, she had already discovered a lot of clues.


    Now, from Zheng Chao''s mouth, it just made her even more certain of this fact.


    This made Qin You, who had always been determined from a young age and detested evil, find it hard to ept that even the closest people to her could have such a side to them, and the person she had known for so long, even sharing the same bed, she had actually never noticed before.


    Long Xiaoshan took Qin You home.


    "Sister Qin, take a bath first, get some good rest, don''t think too much about other things, everything is on me," he said.


    "Hmm."


    The current Qin You looked especially frail.


    Not at all like her usual toughness.


    "In that case, I''m going to the hospital to check on Teacher Xu. Call me if there''s anything. Keep these few talismans for yourself. This is a Vajra Talisman for defense, and this is a Fireball Talisman. If anyone tries to harm you, just throw one and shout ''lin'' to use it," he said.


    Long Xiaoshan took out the few remaining talismans he had.


    Just now, in the warehouse, he had gotten a little hot-headed and used up most of them, only a few were left.


    Qin You took them. Looking at the thin yellow papers, she showed some curiosity and asked, "Were these the papers you used to deal with Zheng Chao and his men in the warehouse just now?"


    "Yes," he replied.


    "Who exactly are you?" she asked.


    "I''m nobody, just a little farmer," he said.


    "Forget it, I shouldn''t have asked," Qin You said, her toneced with a hint of disappointment, thinking that Long Xiaoshan didn''t want to tell.


    Long Xiaoshan scratched his head.


    Seeing that Qin You didn''t believe him, he was helpless.


    After saying goodbye to Qin You, he went downstairs, drove to the hospital, and upon arriving, he was startled not to see Xu Manqing. Just as he was about to go look for her, Xu Manqing entered, apanied by Dean and others.


    "Teacher Xu, where did you go?" he asked.


    "Dean heard that I had recovered and took me for an examination. They said my recovery was very good," Xu Manqing said with joy on her face.


    Then, Dean Qiu saw Long Xiaoshan and, his eyes lighting up, said, "Dragon Divine Doctor, it''s unbelievable. Teacher Xu had such severe injuries, and you''ve made her fully recover."


    Dean Qiu now looked at Long Xiaoshan


    Curing cancer!


    Making someone withpletely shattered bones and total paralysis recoverpletely.


    It was nothing short of miraculous.


    "Dean, that''s an overstatement, I just happened to have the right medicine for this," Long Xiaoshan said.


    After speaking with Dean Qiu for a few moments,


    Long Xiaoshan saw that Xu Manqing could walk on her own and said,


    "Teacher, the issue has been resolved, let''s be discharged from the hospital today. I''ll take you to my home first; your parents are also there."


    "Great," Xu Manqing said happily.


    "Dean Qiu, I''ll take care of the teacher''s discharge procedures."


    "Sure, I''ll have someone take care of it for you," Dean Qiu said enthusiastically.


    Soon, the discharge procedures were all set.


    Long Xiaoshan took Xu Manqing and left the hospital, driving back to Longyang Vige.


    More than an hourter, they arrived in the vige. Breathing in the fresh air of the vige and surrounded by the greenery of the mountains, Long Xiaoshan felt an unprecedented sense of ease.


    "The countryside really suits me better,"


    Long Xiaoshan sincerelymented as he drove back to the farm.


    This was Xu Manqing''s first visit to Longyang Vige, and the bumpy ride made her realize the remoteness and poverty of this vige.


    However, as soon as they reached the farm, the sight of the mountains filled with vegetables and fruits brightened her eyes.


    "Xiaoshan, is this your farm? It''s so big!"


    "Yes, Teacher, let''s get out of the car."


    Long Xiaoshan helped Xu Manqing out of the car.


    Seeing Long Xiaoshan return, Couple Long Dashan, Chun Tao, Long Xiaoling, and Wang Yan all ran out.


    "Little Xiaoshan!"


    "Brother Xiaoshan!"


    "Brother!"


    Everyone called out, gathering around Long Xiaoshan.


    "Dad, Mom, little Ling, little Yan and Chun Tao, are you all doing well?"


    Long Xiaoshan could feel the warm emotions, his mood was more rxed than ever; this truly felt like home.


    "Manqing,"


    At that time, another elderly couple approached, calling out.


    "Dad, Mom," Xu Manqing saw them and quickly rushed over.


    "Manqing, how is your health?" the elderly couple held Xu Manqing''s hands, constantly examining her.


    "It''s good, it''s good, Dad, Mom, I owe it to Xiaoshan that I can stand up,"


    Xu Manqing said tearily.


    "Manqing, you''ve suffered."


    The three of them hugged each other and wept for a while.


    The elderly couple came up to Long Xiaoshan and bowed in gratitude, "Xiaoshan, we really have no way to repay your great kindness."


    "Ah," Long Xiaoshan hurriedly supported the two elders and said, "Uncle, Auntie, please don''t do this, you''re overwhelming me. Teacher Xu is my mentor; she helped me a lot in school. No matter how I repay her, it''s only right." Explore more stories with m,v l''e-NovelBin


    "That''s right, Teacher Xu, Auntie, please don''t be so formal. Today is a day of great joy, let''s not cry anymore and be happy," He Xiangyue added cheerfully.


    "Yes, yes, let''s be happy."


    "Come on,e on, today we are going to have a good meal to wee Teacher Xu and to ward off any bad luck."


    Arge group of people joyfully headed towards the simple house on the farm.


    Long Xiaoshan decided to let the vigers off work early.


    The family busied themselves preparing the feast, using ingredients readily avable on the farm, and Long Xiaoshan had checked earlier that even the fruits were ripe.


    So they gathered lots ofrge shrimp, various fish and crabs, and picked many fruits and vegetables.


    Everyone pitched in happily, and they put together arge table

 Chapter 109: Chapter 112 Bamboo Forest

    After the family finished their meal with joy andughter,


    Chun Tao was helping her parents tidy up the bowls and chopsticks.


    Long Xiaoshan took Xu Manqing, Wang Yan, and Long Xiaoling to y on the farm.


    Severalrge dogs followed them around.


    Especially ck Whirlwind, which was so vigorous it looked like a little calf, almost half a person tall, its fur sleek and glossy, and its eyes sharp. Xu Manqing had been startled at first, mistaking it for a wolf, but after Long Xiaoshan exined and she saw how obedient ck Whirlwind was, she rxed.


    "Little Yan, what are you doing?"


    Long Xiaoshan saw Wang Yan fiddling with her phone nonstop, asionally directing ck Whirlwind to do many actions.


    Long Xiaoling also crowded next to Wang Yan.


    The two girls chatted and giggled, excitedly speaking into the phone from time to time.


    "Bro,e look, isn''t this a live stream?" Long Xiaoling called out waving her hand.


    "What live stream?" Long Xiaoshan walked over.


    He saw on Wang Yan''s phone, ck Whirlwind was running around,


    and many words were continuously popping up on the screen.


    "Wow, what a big Doggo."


    "That''s a wolf, right? My god, goddess Wang Yuyan, you''re so awesome to have raised a wolf."


    "Stop talking nonsense, that''s not a wolf. I think it''s a dyed-ck Husky. This young master has been raising dogs for decades, no dog can escape my titanium alloy dog eyes."


    "Celestial sister, what breed of Doggo is this?"


    ...


    The barrage ofments was popping up one after another.


    asionally there were gifts popping up like XXX has given you 5 sets of fish balls, XXX has given you 10 shark fins.


    "What is this? What are these words?" Long Xiaoshan asked curiously.


    "Brother Xiaoshan, you''re so out of touch, you don''t even know about live streaming?" Wang Yan teased.


    "Uh!"


    "This is the chat, and this is the live stream. You can just use the phone to record stuff and let them watch it in real time. Look at the number of viewers I''ve got here, 26,788, meaning there are more than twenty thousand people watching my live stream right now," Wang Yan said.


    "So many people?" Long Xiaoshan eximed in shock.


    "What''s so surprising about that? Some big live streamers get watched by millions of people."


    "What''s the point of doing this?"


    "You can make money from it. Look at the shark fins and fish balls they sent me; they can be exchanged for money... Wow, someone just sent me a sports car."


    Just then, an image of a sports car appeared in the barrage, fireworks exploded, and a message also popped up: Longyang Arrogant Young Master has given Wang Yuyan a sports car.


    Wang Yan said excitedly.


    "What''s a sports car?"


    "A sports car is money. It takes a thousand bucks to send one, but I don''t get that much in my hands, only a few hundred. Wow, someone else sent one, it seems ckie is really popr!"


    "Bro, sister Yan said she can make tens of thousands in a month. I want to try it too," Long Xiaoling, being of a simr age to Wang Yan, had quickly be very familiar and turned into best friends.


    "That much?" Xu Manqing was also shocked.


    Her monthly sry was only two thousand, and hearing that Wang Yan, a high school student, could make tens of thousands a month was quite astonishing.


    Long Xiaoshan was also somewhat surprised.


    "Hehe, this is nothing. I just y with it during summer vacation; I won''t have time when I have to study. There are amazing live streamers who earn tens of millions a year," Wang Yan giggled.


    Hearing how profitable live streaming could be, Long Xiaoshan had an idea.


    Although he was making good money now, there were also many expenses, and the road had not yet been built. Longyang Vige was still very poor, and the houses were rundown. He was not satisfied; he wanted to think big.


    The more money, the better.


    Moreover, he felt that since so many people were watching the live stream,


    it was a great opportunity for publicity.


    If Longyang Vige was to develop in the future, it would definitely need publicity.


    This thing works.


    It''s practically free advertising.


    But he didn''t know how to live stream either, so he said, "Little Ling, you go ahead and y with it first."


    "Mm."


    Long Xiaoling and Wang Yan continued to fiddle with it.


    Long Xiaoshan took Xu Manqing for a walk around the area and came to the orchard, staring at the treesden with fruit, all of which were quiterge.


    Long Xiaoshan picked a peach, wiped it, and handed it to Xu Manqing.


    Xu Manqing took a bite, and her eyes lit up. The fruit''s sweetness made her feel as if she had fallen into a romance.


    "Xiaoshan, this is so delicious."


    Long Xiaoshan also took one and tasted it.


    The vor of the fruit satisfied him.


    He was certain that once these fruits hit the market, they would cause a sensation.


    Moreover, the fruits didn''t need to be supplied to the Lily Hotel, so these hundred-plus acres of fruit could be sold directly. It seemed he needed to speed up the road construction work.


    Xu Manqing''s body had just recovered, and her strength wasn''t great.


    It wasn''t long before the two of them came down.


    At this moment, Chun Tao also came out and called, "Little Xiaoshan, I''m going back first."


    "Wait, Chun Tao, I have something for you."


    Long Xiaoshan ran into the room and soon came out with a box, which he handed to Chun Tao.


    "What''s this?"


    "This is a smartphone, I bought it for you."


    "Ah, this, this is too expensive." Chun Tao had heard of smartphones but never used one. There were very few people in the vige who had one, so she quickly shook her head.


    "What are you talking about? You are my secretary. It''s convenient for me to contact you, so just take it," Long Xiaoshan said, as he took out the phone.


    Inside was a pink Apple smartphone.


    Long Xiaoshan taught Chun Tao for a while and said,"The manual is here; have a look at itter and practice on your own."


    While speaking, Long Xiaoshan winked a few times.


    Chun Tao seemed to understand what Long Xiaoshan meant. Her cheeks flushed, she lowered her head and gave a hum, and then she hurriedly left.


    Xu Manqing cast a skeptical look at Chun Tao, and after watching her leave, she smiled and asked, "Little Xiaoshan, what''s your rtionship with Chun Tao?"


    "There''s no rtionship at all."


    "No rtionship, and you give her such an expensive phone?" Xu Manqing said, not believing him.


    "Must there be some rtionship to give a gift? Then, as a teacher, I should also give one to you."


    "Tch." Xu Manqing''s face turned red as she retorted, "What are you talking about? You dare to spout nonsense to a teacher?"


    "What did I say?" Long Xiaoshan said with a genuinely puzzled look.


    "You..."


    Xu Manqing stamped her foot, feeling that this kid was no longer na?ve at all but rather a cunning little rascal.


    The vige didn''t yet have television, let aloneputers.


    There were no entertainment activities, so everyone went to bed quite early.


    By eight o''clock, it was silent everywhere.


    Only the croaking of frogs and the chirping of cicadas.


    Could be heard intermittently.


    In the farm area, there was only a simple house. Long Xiaoshan asked Xu Manqing''s family and his parents to go back to sleep. Here, Long Xiaoling and Wang Yan went to bed.


    Long Xiaoshan sat in his room for a while, hearing even breathing from the next room.


    He climbed out of bed and stealthily slipped out the door.


    He sneaked over to the small bamboo grove near the farm, and Long Xiaoshan took out his phone to start typing.


    After typing, he sat there, squinting his eyes and waiting.


    About ten minutester, Long Xiaoshan opened his eyes and a mischievous smile appeared on the corner of his mouth. He saw a figure cautiously walking into the bamboo grove; he circled behind her and suddenly embraced her.

 Chapter 110: Chapter 113 Interrupted Again

    "Ah!"


    Chun Tao let out a scream as she was embraced by Long Xiaoshan, but soon her mouth was covered by him.


    Long Xiaoshan had been holding back for many days.


    Ever since thest time, he craved another experience, but time after time, he was interrupted by idents.


    ...


    "Brother Wukong, Brother Wukong, the master has been captured by the Demon Fairy of Pansi Cave..."


    The shrill ringtone of the cellphone pierced the darkness of the night.


    "Damn it!"


    Long Xiaoshan nearly lost it.


    "Is this never going to end, how many times now?"


    Long Xiaoshan grabbed his phone, intending to throw it into the river.


    However, before tossing it, he saw Qin You''s call on the disy and his heart skipped a beat; since Qin You was recently kidnapped, he feared another ident could happen, so he hurriedly answered the call.


    "Xiaoshan..." Qin You''s voice, tinged with a hint of drunkenness, came over the phone, along with the loud, thumping music.


    "Sister Qin, what''s wrong?"


    "Xiaoshan,e drink with me."


    "Uh!"


    "Hurry up... glug, glug!" The sound of drinking came from the other end.


    "Sister Qin, stop drinking, you seem pretty drunk."


    "Mind your own business. Are youing or not? If not, I''m hanging up."


    "Alright, alright, I''ming. Just don''t drink anymore. Where are you?"


    "I''m at Ye Lai Xiang."


    "Then wait for me, don''t drink anymore."


    Long Xiaoshan hung up the phone, feeling that Qin You was drowning her sorrows in alcohol. Even though Zheng Chao and the others were caught, it didn''t guarantee there were no stragglers, so he feared something might happen to her.


    "Chun Tao." Long Xiaoshan looked at Chun Tao with pitiful eyes.


    Chun Tao''s face was filled with resentment.


    Nevertheless, she was considerate and gentle, and without making a fuss, she helped Xiaoshan straighten his clothes and said, "You go."


    Seeing her like that, Long Xiaoshan''s heart softened.


    Long Xiaoshan chuckled twice, escorted Chun Tao out of the bamboo forest, and immediately headed back to the farm. He drove the pickup truck at full speed towards the county town.


    Driving on mountain roadste at night was very dangerous.


    But Long Xiaoshan had good eyesight and drove quickly even on the mountain roads. Continue your saga on m|v-l''e -NovelBin


    Worried about Qin You''s safety, he sped along.


    In less than an hour, he reached inside the county town.


    Ye Lai Xiang Bar.


    Seeing it, Long Xiaoshan parked his car and walked in.


    As he entered, a wave of heat hit him, along with the throbbing music. People in the countryside would already be asleep at this time, but the nightlife in the bar was in full swing; with the dim lighting, neon lights shing incessantly, the dance floor was filled with scantily d men and women, in a demonic dance.


    Long Xiaoshan shook his head.


    Although a young man, he didn''t really like this atmosphere.


    However, he was there to find Qin You, so he continued walking inside.


    There were many people inside.


    Long Xiaoshan took out his phone to call, but Qin You didn''t answer for a long while.


    His heart tightened, and he quickly used his Spirit Eye to search the area.


    In a corner of the bar.


    A woman in a ck strapless dressy on the table, surrounded by empty bottles, with even a few on the ground.


    Despite the woman lying there, with her dark hair cascading down and covering half her face,


    the sight of the other half of her face, slightly visible and drunken, was enough to intoxicate.


    This sultry figure, ying as if dead," attracted many greedy gazes even in the corner of the bar.


    A middle-aged man had been eyeing this voluptuous woman for a long time.


    He had tried to approach and strike up a conversation earlier.


    But she coldly red at him and spat out a "scram," causing him to retreat in embarrassment.


    Because the woman''s presence was genuinely intimidating.


    It made this so-called elite, white-cor worker feel almost unable to look her straight in the eyes.


    Yet, she was too seductive, and even after being scolded away, he couldn''t bear to leave, as his bar prowling experience told him that she was drinking her sorrows away today and didn''t have a man apanying her.


    So he didn''t leave, just lurking nearby, slowly waiting.


    Throughout the wait.


    Several groups of men approached her, but without exception, they were all cursed away.


    He was patient.


    After nearly an hour,


    the woman, who had been continuously drinking, finally copsed onto the table.


    The middle-aged man''s eyes lit up, and he immediately stood up.


    He knew his opportunity had finally arrived.


    At Ye Lai Xiang, he had picked up many "corpses," but without a doubt, this one was premium quality.


    Fearing other men might get to her first, he hurried over to her side and nudged her, saying, "Miss, wake up, wake up."


    The woman mumbled something, rolled over slightly, and continued toy there.


    Excited, he quickly reached out to support her waist, intending to help her out.


    Suddenly, a p sound rang out, and he was pushed aside.


    He turned around angrily, his own bravado faltering.


    Because he saw two young men with dyed hair and tattoos, looking just like hoodlums, standing there, salivating over the woman lying down.

 Chapter 111: Chapter 114

    "What are you doing? She''s my girlfriend," the middle-aged man shouted in feigned anger.


    "Scram!"


    A blonde-haired man with a nose ring kicked the middle-aged man out, sneering: "I''ve been watching for a long time, and you''re the jerk I''ve settled on."


    The middle-aged man felt so frustrated that he wanted to vomit blood.


    He had waited an hour.


    But it turned out to be a case of the mantis stalking the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind. Read new chapters at mvl


    This woman had already been targeted.


    Seeing the arrogant demeanor of the two thugs, the middle-aged man could only step aside helplessly.


    Other men who had also wanted to approach backed off after seeing this scene.


    Seeing that no one else came forward,


    The two thugs smirked triumphantly, their gazes returning to the enchanting beauty lying there.


    "She''s hot, too hot," the blonde thug swallowed his saliva.


    "You dumb brute, even spouting poetry. Don''t just stand there, get moving," the other thug with red hair mocked, kicking the blonde, then reached out eagerly to grab the woman.


    Just as his hand was about to touch the woman, another hand reached over and grabbed his wrist.


    The redhead struggled fiercely, his wrist pinched tightly.


    He quickly turned his head and saw a inly-dressed young man looking at him with a seemingly amused smile, immediately his face turned vicious as he cursed:


    "Dammit, let me go!"


    Xiaoshan didn''t say a word, just applied a bit more pressure.


    "Ah, it hurts, it hurts!" The redhead felt as though his arm was about to break and screamed in agony.


    "Brother Jimmy."


    Another blonde charged at Long Xiaoshan, only to be kicked back several meters by Xiaoshan.


    There was nothing to discuss with these petty thugs, so Xiaoshan kicked the red-haired young man out too, and the two of them tumbled together.


    Now the two understood that the young man who looked like a simple farmer was not someone they could afford to provoke, and they turned and ran away.


    Xiaoshan didn''t bother pursuing them.


    Walking up to the woman who was still lying there, he patted her shoulder and said, "Sister Qin, Sister Qin."


    Qin You showed no sign of waking up, mumbling a few incoherent words.


    Xiaoshan smiled helplessly, not expecting Qin You to be so drunk. If he had arrived anyter, she might have been in trouble.


    He picked her up.


    Xiaoshan, of course, could use True Qi to help her sober up,


    But considering Qin You''s mood,


    He guessed she hade to drown her sorrows in alcohol, believing that a single drunk could dispel a thousand worries.


    In that case, he thought it best to let her thoroughly enjoy her drunkenness.


    Carrying her, he walked outside.


    When he reached the door, a group of people surged in from outside.


    "Zhang Tie, it was him, this guy, he was the one who attacked us." The red-haired thug Xiaoshan had kicked out eximed excitedly.


    A man dressed in ck, with a cold face, stepped forward. When he saw the woman in Xiaoshan''s arms, his eyes also showed a hint of lust; even though he couldn''t see her face, her figure alone was irresistible.


    "Kid, daring to cause trouble on our turf, you''ve got guts," the man in ck said with a sneer and hands behind his back.


    "Oh, what trouble did I cause?" Xiaoshan asked curiously.


    "Still trying to act innocent in front of me? Be smart and put the woman down, then crawl out on your own. I might let this slide," the man in ck said indifferently.


    "I think, before you ask me to leave her behind, you better figure out who she is," Xiaoshan said with a smile, gesturing toward the woman lying there.


    "Hahaha," the man in ckughed wildly, "In Niu Y County, is there any woman I, Zhang Tie, can''t im?"


    Zhang Tie wouldn''t have dared say such a thing before today,


    But now he had received certain news.


    Zheng Chao had been arrested by the police, and the Grand Tycoon Hotel had been uprooted. Without Zheng Chao, Zhang Tie feared no one anymore.


    "You want to detain me," a woman''s voice faintly rose from Xiaoshan''s embrace.


    Xiaoshan smiled and set Qin You down.


    Having been blocked by those people just now, he had already used True Qi to temporarily seal off the alcohol in Qin You''s system.


    So Qin You had alreadye to.


    When she heard Zhang Tie''s words, naturally, she spoke up.


    "Keep me? How... Captain Qin!" Zhang Tie''s voice suddenly choked as though his throat was seized, his expressionically torn between wanting to cry andugh.


    After Qin You stood up, she swept back her hair, staring icily at Zhang Tie.


    Zhang Tie, of course, recognized Qin You.


    If before, he merely viewed Qin You with caution, not genuinely fearful,


    Now, they were truly terrified of this woman,


    Because even the normally arrogant and unruly Zheng Chao had been brought down by her.


    Zhang Tie''s body trembled.


    "Well, why don''t you continue?" Qin You said softly, her gaze sharp like a sword, advancing step by step toward Zhang Tie.


    "Captain Qin, it was a... a misunderstanding... all a misunderstanding,"


    Zhang Tie was almost in tears, watching as Qin You got closer.


    "Dammit, aren''t you going to kneel and apologize to Director Qin? So blind you can''t even recognize Director Qin," Zhang Tieshed out, punching the redhead in the face and pping the blonde a few times, knocking them both to the ground.


    He was furious, wishing he could kill these two fools. If it weren''t for them, how would they have brought down this female scourge upon themselves?


    Numerous small-time thugs knelt down at once.


    Qin You looked at the group of kneeling thugs.


    She was stunned for a moment.


    When had she be so fearsome?


    But seeing these thugs kowtowing and begging for mercy,


    She suddenly felt it was all so tedious.


    Pointing at Zhang Tie, she said, "If I catch you causing more trouble, be prepared to go to jail. Get out."


    "Yes, yes, Captain Qin," Zhang Tie never thought this female scourge would actually let them off. He hurriedly said, "We won''t dare to mess around, we promise."


    Without a word, Qin You waved at Xiaoshan and walked straight out of the bar.

 Chapter 112: Chapter 115: Too Proactive

    ```


    Chapter One Hundred and Fifteen


    Stepping out of the bar, the night wind blew and Qin You staggered, falling toward the ground.


    "Be careful."


    Long Xiaoshan quickly caught her by the waist.


    Qin You didn''t know if it was because of the wind after drinking or because Long Xiaoshan''s hand was pressed against her abdomen.


    With a retch,


    she threw up arge amount of alcohol.


    Soaking Long Xiaoshan''s clothes as well as her own.


    Smelling the pungent alcohol all over him, Long Xiaoshan let out a wry smile. That''s it, he just used his True Qi to temporarily suppress her drunkenness a moment ago, notpletely drive it out. Now she hadpletely copsed inebriated again.


    Long Xiaoshan quickly picked up Qin You.


    He arrived at the pickup truck, opened the door, and ced her inside.


    Then he drove her home.


    Before long, they arrived at Qin You''s home. Long Xiaoshan carried Qin You upstairs, only to realize he didn''t have the keys to her house.


    He used his True Qi to directly shake open the lock.


    Hurriedly, he pushed the door and entered.


    Heid Qin You on the bed and quickly went to the bathroom to wash himself.


    His clothes werepletely drenched in the alcohol Qin You vomited, too overpowering.


    He took off his clothes, scrubbed them briefly, and hung them on the balcony. The clothes dried quickly in the summer.


    Just as he was about to turn and leave, he heard Qin You sneeze.


    This won''t do.


    Lying wet like this all night, she would definitely get sick.


    Long Xiaoshan fetched a basin and hot water from the bathroom and returned to her bedside.


    Suddenly, he sensed a chill.


    Looking up, he saw Qin You was somehow awake, staring at him motionless.


    And Long Xiaoshan''s hand, which was holding a towel, was still on Qin You.


    "Sister Qin," Long Xiaoshan suddenly felt awkward and hurriedly said, "I... I was afraid you would catch a cold, helping you to wipe... "


    As he spoke, even Long Xiaoshan felt guilty.


    Seeing Qin You just staring at him, her gaze deep and silent, Long Xiaoshan was incredibly embarrassed. He got up and said, "Sister Qin, you rest first."


    As Long Xiaoshan was about to withdraw his hand, it was grabbed.


    Qin You didn''t speak but pulled Long Xiaoshan down hard, and he felt himself falling onto a pile of cotton...


    The next day, the warm sunlight shone on his body.


    He pressed his head, and gradually he recalled the chaotic night of yesterday.


    Recalling the scenes fromst night, although Long Xiaoshan didn''t drink at all, he still felt an unreal sensation. However, at this moment, he sensed the eleration of Qin You''s heartbeat in his arms and the tremble of her eyshes.


    With Long Xiaoshan''s keen abilities, he immediately understood that Qin You was pretending to be asleep.


    Qin You had woken up earlier.


    Even before Long Xiaoshan.


    But after waking up, finding herself in Long Xiaoshan''s arms, she waspletely bewildered.


    She had no idea what to do.


    To be honest, although she was a married woman,


    she never felt the same way about her former husband Li Qiang as she did about love.


    It was merely because she was of age, and Li Qiang had always been her senior and superior, showing great care for her, so they naturally ended up together.


    She was also a strong woman.


    And with an icy demeanor, she did not crave that aspect of a rtionship.


    Moreover, Li Qiang''s back had been injured, rendering him impotent. Thus, their child was conceived through in-vitro fertilization.


    She felt that affairs between men and women were nothing special. Continue your journey on mvl


    After sensing Long Xiaoshan waking up, she dared not open her eyes even more.


    Long Xiaoshan looked at the pretending-to-be-asleep Qin You.


    He too was feeling uneasy inside.


    About what happenedst night, as a man, of course, he had nothing to regret, and there was even an indescribable sense of smugness,


    Now he was just thinking about how to face the future. Since it happened, it had to be confronted.


    ```

 Chapter 113: Chapter 116: Long Xiaoshans Past

    Chapter One Hundred and Sixteen


    What should I do?


    Should I sneak away quietly?


    Act as if nothing had happened?


    Or should I wake Qin You directly?


    Open the skylight to speak frankly?


    Long Xiaoshan hesitated.


    Sneaking away quietly was just too unmanly. After something like this had happened, to pretend it had not¡ªto him, that didn''t reflect the responsibility a man should bear.


    Long Xiaoshan immediately dismissed the idea.


    So, the choice was to wake Qin You.


    But just as he was about to do so, Long Xiaoshan hesitated again.


    Sister Qin was clearly awake but had been feigning sleep all this time.


    This incident must have had a huge impact on her, but on the other hand, she obviously did not have strong resistance to it; otherwise, she would have taken charge and held him ountable by now.


    She was in a state of contradiction.


    If he were to wake her up directly, given Sister Qin''s character, she might just out of embarrassment oppose him, and Long Xiaoshan didn''t want to destroy the rtionship they had finally managed to build.


    It was then that Long Xiaoshan realized that his time reading extensively in prison had been of great benefit.


    He knew a little about everything.


    In terms of psychology, too, he had an understanding beyond that of the average person.


    This matter couldn''t be approached so directly.


    It needed a roundabout strategy.


    Long Xiaoshan thought about it and, looking at Qin You lying in his arms, suddenly had an idea that seemed a bit risky and quite shameless.


    Yet, if he seeded, the matter would be resolved perfectly.


    After taking a breath, Long Xiaoshan slowly ced his hand on Qin You''s waist.


    ...


    The two of themy together for a while.


    Long Xiaoshan heard a grumbling sounding from Qin You''s stomach.


    Looking at the time, it was already past ten o''clock.


    He hurriedly got up, put on his shorts, and said, "Sister Qin, I''ll make you something to eat."


    Qin You had intended to get up herself butpletelycked the strength, so she could only lie there and continue to rest.


    Long Xiaoshan ran into the kitchen and saw that there weren''t many ingredients left, and there was only a bit of noodles left in the fridge, so he cooked a bowl of noodles and brought it to the room.


    Qin You sat up, covered her chest with the nket, and took the bowl of noodles from him.


    She was really hungry.


    Last night, she hadn''t eaten anything and had just drunk a lot of alcohol.


    After struggling until now.


    Her stomach was empty, and she began to eat the noodles.


    After eating half of it, she saw Long Xiaoshan sitting on the side not eating and asked, "Why aren''t you eating?"


    Long Xiaoshan replied, "I''m not hungry."


    "What have you eaten?"


    Long Xiaoshan didn''t speak, a meaningful smile at the corner of his mouth.


    Qin You realized the implication and almost smashed the bowl on Long Xiaoshan''s head.


    How had she never realized before that this guy could be so bad?


    After finishing the noodles with Spirit Vegetable, Qin You finally regained her strength.


    She got dressed.


    Seeing Long Xiaoshan collecting the clothes hanging on the balcony and getting dressed, the scars visible under the sunlight, her expression slightly changed, "Xiaoshan, why do you have so many scars on your body?"


    "It''s nothing, just from fights in prison," Long Xiaoshan replied nonchntly.


    Qin You walked over, touching a scar on Long Xiaoshan''s chest that almost pierced his heart.


    She trembled lightly and said, "It must hurt a lot."


    "It''s okay. The buggers who hit me have all been taken care of," replied Long Xiaoshan, his tone casual but carrying an air of formidable strength.


    Before, Long Xiaoshan would not talk much about such things, but now, Qin You had be his woman in his heart, so he shared a bit more.


    Qin You looked at Long Xiaoshan''s chiseled side profile.


    This man was actually just twenty-one years old.


    Yet he possessed a maturity and strength unbing of his age.


    Seeing these scars... Qin You understood that such maturity and strength weren''t innate.


    No one knew how this young man had grown up.


    "Xiaoshan, tell sister how you ended up in prison. You were a brilliant student from Shuimu University. I can''t figure out why you would do something like that," Qin You, not knowing why, really wanted to understand this young man''s past.


    Long Xiaoshan fell silent.


    He really hadn''t talked about this with anyone else.


    Seeing him not responding, Qin You let out a sigh, "Never mind, it''s okay if you don''t want to talk about it."


    "It''s alright, sister. I''ll tell you," Long Xiaoshan took Qin You''s hand, sat down, and said, "Actually, it''s not as if there''s anything I can''t talk about. When I went to Yanjing for my studies, I got to know a girl at school a bit too well, but I didn''t expect that the girl had a powerful background and even a fianc¨¦ she had been betrothed to since childhood, which ismon in those types of families. That fianc¨¦, who was also a student at our university, probably noticed the girl getting close to me. With his status, killing me would have been easy, given the power of his family. However, he didn''t do that. Instead, he set up a scheme where a girl acquainted with me approached me and then asked me out to dinner. She drugged my drink, and when I woke up, I was in bed with that girl, and the police burst in and arrested me. With direct evidence and the girl using me of rape, I was quickly convicted. As I was being taken away to prison, that man came to visit me, presumably wanting to see my despair. He told me everything, including how he had set up the entire plot..."

 Chapter 114: Chapter 117 The Mistaken Long Fakui

    Chapter One Hundred Seven


    "Xiaoshan."


    Qin You grasped Long Xiaoshan''s hand, feeling a deep sense of heartache.


    At the same time, there was deep anger.


    Just because of a bit of jealousy, they resorted to such despicable means of framing, which was a method even more malicious than killing the other party.


    Because it led to hisplete ruin.


    It utterly destroyed the future of a promising young man.


    Most people would have been utterly crushed by this.


    Even worse, they might have died in prison.


    Long Xiaoshan felt Qin You''s anger and felt warmed by it. He smiled and said, "Sister Qin, it''s okay. I''m not without options. Sooner orter, I''m going to let that person know that having power doesn''t allow him to do whatever he wants."


    "Xiaoshan, you need to be careful. If it''s really one of the capital city''s families, it won''t be easy to deal with," Qin You said worriedly.


    "Sister Qin, do you think I''m just an ordinary person?" Long Xiaoshan''s tone was filled with strong self-confidence.


    Qin You was taken aback.


    She thought of the way Long Xiaoshan had dealt with Zheng Chao and his gang in the warehouse of the Hongyang Paper Mill.


    That was not something an ordinary person could do.


    She felt somewhat reassured but still reminded him, "Xiaoshan, although I don''t understand the techniques you use, if you can wield them, others might as well. Those big families have stayed powerful for so long; they''re definitely not simple."


    "Sister Qin, I understand. I will certainly not act rashly," Long Xiaoshan reassured her.


    "Hmm, that''s good." Qin You felt reassured, sensing that Long Xiaoshan was someone with mature thoughts and wasn''t the impulsive type.


    So she let her worries go.


    The two of them chatted for a while longer.


    Long Xiaoshan first dropped off Qin You at work and then drove back to the vige.


    On this journey, he felt remarkably clear-headed and vibrant, and his True Qi was lively, clearly a sign of growth.


    "Doing that surely benefits the cultivation of Longevity Art," Long Xiaoshan was now certain.


    Moreover, it seemed that this Cultivation Technique specifically required that particr act. In the previous days, the technique had stalled. When he pondered the mantra of the technique, one sentence mentioned "yin and yangbining," further proving the requirement of cultivation.


    This was really great; thinking about the pleasure of that act and that it could also aid in cultivation, Long Xiaoshan truly felt almost addicted.


    The car returned to the vige.


    When Long Xiaoshan arrived back at the farm, he saw his parents talking to a man.


    Seeing this man, Long Xiaoshan''s eyes darkened for a moment.


    The man also saw Long Xiaoshan.


    However, he quickly revealed a smile and greeted him proactively, "Little Xiaoshan."


    "Vige Chief, ah," Long Xiaoshan stopped the car and said indifferently, "you''ve returned?"


    "I have, I have," Long Fakui replied smilingly. "Xiaoshan, your farm is really thriving. It must be making millions a year, right?"


    Long Xiaoshan just smiled and didn''t respond.


    Long Fakui continued, "Xiaoshan, I was wrong before. I''vee to apologize to you. We''re all from the same vige. I was petty before and I admit my mistake. From now on, let''s all work together for the development of Longyang Vige."


    Hearing Long Fakui''s words, Long Xiaoshan was somewhat surprised.


    He had not expected Long Fakui toe with an apology.


    Looking at Long Fakui''s smiling face, Long Xiaoshan did not quite believe him.


    "Xiaoshan, we''re all fellow vigers. If there''s anything, just speak openly about it," Long Dashan said frankly.


    "Right, right, Big Brother Dashan is correct. Xiaoshan, the election is in a couple of days. I''m not running for vige chief this time. I''m fully supporting you for vige chief, to lead our fellow vigers to prosperity," Long Fakui said, very emotionally.

 Chapter 115: Chapter 118 Drinking Alcohol

    Chapter One Hundred and Eighteen


    Upon hearing Long Fakui''s words.


    A hint of suspicion appeared in Long Xiaoshan''s eyes as he said, "Really? You don''t want to be the vige chief anymore?"


    "Really, truly, truer than even Chairman Mao. Little Xiaoshan, I know I was wrong. If you still don''t trust your uncle, I''ll have no choice but to kneel before you," Long Fakui said, earnestly while making a gesture as if he was about to kneel.


    "No!"


    Long Xiaoshan quickly grabbed him.


    Speaking the truth, he didn''t have a favorable opinion of Long Fakui.


    But Long Xiaoshan was a person who cherished old ties; after all, Long Fakui was from the same vige and was a blood-rted elder, which was why Long Xiaoshan hadn''t used any harsh means against him.


    Otherwise, with his methods, even taking Long Fakui''s life without anyone being the wiser wouldn''t have been an issue.


    Now that Long Fakui was speaking like this.


    He mused, "Uncle Fakui, if you don''t engage in those schemes and we all contribute to the development of Longyang Vige together, of course I have no problem with that."


    "Little Xiaoshan, you''re really broad-minded; let''s have dinner at my ce tonight, and I can discuss the vige affairs with you. Although I haven''t made much contribution as the vige chief, I still know quite a bit about the situation in the vige," Long Fakui said sincerely.


    Long Xiaoshan thought for a moment and replied, "Okay."


    "Then it''s settled. Xiaoshan, you go ahead with your work. Big Mountain Brother, Sister-inw, I''ll be leaving now," Long Fakui said and left the farm.


    Watching Long Fakui''s retreating back, Long Xiaoshan narrowed his eyes slightly.


    He hadn''t expected Long Fakui to concede so quickly.


    And he wasn''t entirely convinced in his heart.


    But he was a cultivator.


    A mere Long Fakui.


    He didn''t take him too seriously, hoping the man was truly sincere.


    If there were still any conspiracies and tricks, he wouldn''t hold back anymore.


    Long Xiaoshan turned around, informed his parents, and then went to check on the farm''s situation.


    Xu Manqing, Wang Yan, and the others were ying by the river bank. Long Xiaoshan walked over; there were still many fun ces in the countryside. He spent the time catching fish and shrimps in the river, picking fruits on the mountain with them, and the time flew by swiftly.


    In a blink, the afternoon had passed.


    Long Fakui''s phone call came through.


    Long Xiaoshan agreed without saying much.


    He picked out a bag of fruits from what they''d gathered, carried it, informed his parents, and began walking toward the vige.


    Long Fakui''s house was right at the entrance to the vige, the most conspicuous one around, arge blue-tiled house covering several hundred square meters, backed by mountains, with a river in front, and no other houses within dozens of meters. It was quite the unique feature in Longyang Vige.


    Long Xiaoshan arrived at Long Fakui''s house and knocked on the door.


    A tender voice called out from inside, "Coming."


    After a while, the door opened.


    A woman wearing a peach-red T-shirt opened the door; she was very attractive and wore light makeup. However, at first nce, anyone would notice the huge waves on her chest first.


    As Long Xiaoshan stood on the step below, his head was level with those waves.


    This caused Long Xiaoshan to instinctively step back, saying somewhat awkwardly, "Aunt Jin Lian."


    "Xiaoshan." Aplex look shed in Jin Lian''s eyes, she hesitated, then from inside, Long Fakui''s voice asked, "Jin Lian, who''s there?"


    "It''s Xiaoshan. Xiaoshan,e on in," Jin Lian called out.


    Long Xiaoshan nodded and entered; he stepped into a courtyard and then the main hall, which was nicely decorated in Long Fakui''s house.


    The floors were tiled and the hall housed a t-screen TV.


    When Long Fakui saw Long Xiaoshane in, he quickly stood up and said, "Xiaoshan''s here, please sit, please sit."


    Long Xiaoshan smiled and ced the bag of fruits on the coffee table.


    "You didn''t have to bring anything."


    "It''s all from our own farm."


    Long Xiaoshan spoke, then sat down. Long Fakui took out some cigarettes and offered one to Long Xiaoshan.


    Long Xiaoshan waved his hand, indicating he did not smoke.


    "I want fruit, I want fruit." A girl, seventeen or eighteen years old, ran down the stairs. She was quite pretty, but in every aspect of her speech and behavior, she seemed just like a child who had never grown up.


    She grabbed the fruit Long Xiaoshan had brought and started nibbling away at it.


    Long Xiaoshan saw this girl.


    He had long known about Long Fakui''s mentally challenged daughter, named Long Shiyu, who acted abnormally ever since she was young and had low intelligence. The vigers would privately call her the "foolish girl."


    She was rarely seen in the vige, supposedly always kept at home.


    It appeared that she was the girl before him.


    However, upon closer inspection, Long Xiaoshan furrowed his brows slightly and squinted his eyes. A fine silver light flickered in his pupils as he watched the girl chewing on the fruit.


    "What are you doing, don''t you know the rules?" Long Fakui smacked the table and stood up, scolding the girl.


    Long Shiyu started crying loudly after being scolded by Long Fakui.


    Jin Lian quickly went over to her, pulled Long Shiyu, and said, "Little Yu, not here, go upstairs quickly."


    "I want a peach, I want a peach," Long Shiyu cried out loud.


    "Hurry and take her upstairs, it''s embarrassing," Long Fakui ordered.


    "Uncle Fakui, let her eat it if she likes it," Long Xiaoshan said as he took out a peach from his bag, walked over, and handed it to Long Shiyu.


    Long Shiyuughed foolishly for a moment, grabbed the peach, and started to gnaw on it, with the juice dripping all over her chest.


    Jin Lian quickly pulled Long Shiyu upstairs.


    "Xiaoshan, I''m sorry you had to see that," Long Fakui said.


    "It''s nothing, Uncle Fakui. Why haven''t you taken Little Yu to see a doctor?"


    "See what? She''s just like this now, as long as she doesn''t starve, it''s fine," Long Fakui said indifferently.


    Out here in the countryside, there''s a strong preference for boys over girls.


    Long Fakui obviously had little affection for his simple-minded daughter and quickly steered the conversation away, talking to Long Xiaoshan about the vige affairs.


    It seemed that Long Fakui really had reformed.


    He waspletely forthright, sharing with Long Xiaoshan the situation in the vige.


    The two of them talked for a while.


    Delicious aromas wafted out from the kitchen.


    Long Fakui stood up and said, "Come on, Xiaoshan, let''s go have a drink with your uncle."


    Long Xiaoshan had no objections, stood up, and the two went to the dining table, which was alreadyid with many dishes. Long Fakui said, "Xiaoshan, your Aunt Jin Lian''s cooking is really good, give it a try."


    "Sure, I''ll give it a try," Long Xiaoshan sat down.


    Long Fakui opened a bottle of alcohol and said, "Come on, join your uncle for a drink."


    Long Xiaoshan had also drunk alcohol in jail, so he didn''t say much.


    Long Fakui poured Long Xiaoshan a drink.


    The two of them ate and drank, with Long Fakui frequently offering more drinks. Long Xiaoshan epted them all without refusal. Soon, a bottle was finished, and seeing that Long Xiaoshan wasn''t red-faced or out of breath, Fakui was somewhat taken aback and said, "Little Xiaoshan, you have quite the capacity for alcohol."


    "It''s alright," Long Xiaoshan said casually.


    Being a cultivator with True Qi, one bottle was nothing to him. If he used his True Qi, he could drink any amount without getting drunk, able to dispel the alcoholpletely.


    "Jin Lian,e here," Long Fakui called.


    Jin Lian came over, and Long Fakui said, "You toast a ss to Brother Xiaoshan."


    Jin Lian hesitated, and Long Fakui said, "Hurry up."


    Jin Lian bit her lip, stood up, and said, "I''ll go get another bottle."


    She went over to the cab, took out a bottle of red wine, and said, "Brother Xiaoshan, I don''t know how to drink white alcohol, I can only drink this."


    "No worries, Auntie, do as you please," Long Xiaoshan replied.


    Jin Lian poured two sses of red wine, one for Long Xiaoshan.


    Long Xiaoshan, not minding, clinked sses with Jin Lian, then drained his in one swig.

 Chapter 116: Chapter 119 Counter Calculation

    Chapter One Hundred Neen


    Long Xiaoshan gulped down the red wine, and hisplexion changed slightly.


    He was a Divine Doctor.


    He was particrly sensitive to medicines.


    With one gulp, he knew that the red wine had been tampered with.


    A sh of anger crossed his eyes. Alright, Long Fakui indeed hadn''t given up. He wanted to expose them immediately, but he restrained himself, wanting instead to see what these two were up to.


    Long Xiaoshan finished the drink without changing his expression.


    Then he looked at Jin Lian again.


    Being watched by Long Xiaoshan made Jin Lian feel somewhat guilty, and she lowered her head.


    Next, they continued to eat and drink, with Long Fakui urging frequently, but he himself did not drink anymore. He just had Jin Lian keep Long Xiaoshanpany with drinking, all the while squinting and monitoring Long Xiaoshan''s reactions.


    Find exclusive stories on mvl


    As Long Xiaoshan drank, he felt a burning heat rising within him.


    He knew this was a reaction from the tampered drink.


    Not only did the wine contain an aphrodisiac, there was also something to induce dizziness.


    Long Xiaoshan quickly forced those substances out with his True Qi.


    Then he pretended to be somewhat dizzy as if he were about to pass out.


    "Xiaoshan, Xiaoshan, what''s wrong?" Long Fakui asked with feigned concern.


    "I''m feeling a bit dizzy."


    "Dizzy? You must have drunk too much," Long Fakui said, a trace of delight appearing on his face. It seemed the medicine was taking effect.


    Long Xiaoshan shook his head and slumped hazily over the table.


    "How could you drink too much? Come, go rest a bit." Long Fakui signalled to Jin Lian with his eyes.


    Jin Lian sat immobile, prompting Long Fakui to re at her fiercely.


    Out of necessity, Jin Lian stood up and, together with Long Fakui, helped Long Xiaoshan to a room andid him on a bed.


    Once Long Fakui left,


    Long Xiaoshan suddenly opened his eyes, staring coldly at her. Jin Lian, seeing Long Xiaoshan suddenly open his eyes with that icy gaze, was so startled she almost screamed.


    But Long Xiaoshan was quick to react, covering her mouth and pressing her down on the bed.


    Long Xiaoshan''s Spirit Eye swept out, seeing that Long Fakui had gone out into the courtyard.


    He said coldly, "What are you trying to do?"


    Jin Lian never expected that Long Xiaoshan wasn''t actually drugged, and panic shed in her eyes.


    Long Xiaoshan, keeping his hand over Jin Lian''s mouth, didn''t let her speak.


    He said coldly, "You lured me here, drugged my wine to set a trap, didn''t you? I pass out, you sleep with me, leaving evidence, then Long Fakui gets you to use me."


    Jin Lian panicked.


    Long Xiaoshan hadpletely spelled out their n.


    Seeing Jin Lian''s panicked state,


    Long Xiaoshan grew even angrier.


    Those memories hidden deep within resurfaced.


    Inside your heart, it was as if something dark had erupted.


    He whispered in Jin Lian''s ear, "Do as I say, or I''ll strangle you!"


    In the courtyard, Long Fakui''s expression twisted.


    Impatience could spoil a great n; evidence had to be left in Jin Lian''s body to forge solid proof¡ªa decisive strike to bring down Long Xiaoshan. This was hisst chance. Repeated failures had taught him that he was no longer a match for Long Xiaoshan.


    Money, Long Xiaoshan had more.


    Influence, Long Xiaoshan had the support of the White Lily faction, which he couldn''tpete with.


    He had lost thoroughly.


    But he couldn''t reconcile himself to that, his resentment towards Long Xiaoshan growing. If it weren''t for him, he would still be the tyrant of Longyang Vige.


    Ever since Long Xiaoshan returned, everything had changed.


    Not only could the factory not continue operating,


    But he had even been detained.


    He was filled with hatred.


    That''s why he concocted this conspiracy: first, to show submission, and then, topletely disgrace Long Xiaoshan.


    This n was foolproof. Although it meant sacrificing his woman, he had many others. He had kept mistresses in the county and fathered sons. As for Jin Lian, who couldn''t bear him a son, he had long given up on her.


    Long Fakui heard Jin Lian calling from the room, "Fakui, it''s done,e in."


    Knowing that the deed had been done, he hurried inside,


    Feeling a strong wave of excitement. Long Xiaoshan was finished. He pushed open the door forcefully, saw Jin Lian standing there, fully clothed, and was momentarily stunned, then suddenly felt a heavy blow to his head.


    Without a sound, Long Fakui copsed to the ground.


    Long Xiaoshan threw Long Fakui into the room.


    "You killed him," Jin Lian said in a panic.


    Long Xiaoshan said coldly, "What do you think?"


    "You conspired against me, and you expect me to be civil towards you?"


    Thinking about how she had been forced by Long Fakui to do such a shameless act, and now exposed and coldly regarded by Long Xiaoshan, Jin Lian couldn''t hold back her grief and suddenly took a pair of scissors from the bedside table and stabbed them towards herself.

 Chapter 117: Chapter 120 Sanctions

    Chapter One Hundred Twenty


    Seeing Jin Lian actually holding scissors tomit self-harm,


    Long Xiaoshan was also shocked for a moment.


    He hurried over, snatched the scissors away, and eximed, "What are you doing?"


    "Just let me die, why is my life so miserable," Jin Lian tried several times to snatch the scissors back, but without sess, and she began to sob heavily, copsing onto the quilt.


    Long Xiaoshan was naturally simple-hearted.


    Seeing Jin Lian like this, he couldn''t muster a cold expression.


    And in the vige, he had never heard any bad reputation about Jin Lian.


    When he was young, and his family was poor, Jin Lian was good to him, often sneaking him some candy.


    Thinking of this, his expression softened, and he couldn''t help but pat Jin Lian''s shoulder, asking, "Auntie, tell me what''s actually going on?"


    "I had no choice, it was him who forced me to do this. If I didn''t, he would''ve taken little Yu away from me. Little Yu can''t be without me," Jin Lian said through tears, "Xiaoshan, I''m sorry for letting you down, but I had no choice."


    Long Xiaoshan hadn''t expected there to be such inner turmoil.


    He felt even more hatred towards Long Fakui.


    The man was truly despicable to the extreme.


    To use his own daughter, his woman, for his own ends.


    Seeing Jin Lian crying like that, he felt even more ufortable and guilty, "Auntie, sorry, I didn''t know it was like this. I was too harsh on you just now. Why didn''t you tell me?"


    Jin Lian said, "Little Xiaoshan, you''re not to me, I brought this upon myself."


    Regarding Long Fakui, she felt no sense of betrayal in her heart at all, only hatred, and that''s why she cooperated with Long Xiaoshan in ying out this drama.


    This guy waspletely an animal.


    "Xiaoshan, did you really kill him?" Jin Lian, pointing at Long Fakui, asked.


    "No, I just knocked him out."


    "Oh, that''s good," Jin Lian sighed with relief, "then you better get going, this time it''s my fault."


    "But what will you do when he wakes up? Knowing that you''ve tricked him, do you think he would let you off?" Long Xiaoshan said.


    "I''ve made up my mind. I''m taking little Yu and leaving, the further, the better. He won''t find me, I can''t stay in this house any longer," Jin Lian seemed resolute.


    Long Xiaoshan shook his head, "Auntie Golden Needle, do you still have feelings for him?"


    "Feelings?" Jin Lianughed coldly, full of sorrow, "He bought me from human traffickers when I was only sixteen. He beat and scolded me. Aftering to the vige with him and giving birth to little Yu, he hurt me so badly I couldn''t have more children. Then he went off to the county, found another woman, had a son, and left us mother and daughter here. Now that he''s got money, he''se back to the vige to show off, never caring for us. What feelings could I possibly have for him?"


    Long Xiaoshan was stunned by Jin Lian''s past.


    He hadn''t realized Auntie Golden Needle''s past was so pitiful.


    Her suffering was even greater than his. Continue your journey on mvl


    Although he had spent three years in prison, he had gained tremendous benefits and embarked on a different path.


    Auntie Golden Needle''s life, however, waspletely devoid of light.


    Starting from the age of sixteen, such a youthful age, up until now, nearly twenty years.


    Thinking of this, he felt a strong sense ofpassion and pity for the woman.


    He said, "Auntie, you go upstairs first. Leave this to me. I assure you that you''ll never see this guy again."


    Jin Lian was taken aback for a moment and urged anxiously, "Little Xiaoshan, don''t do anything foolish. Don''t get yourself in trouble for such a person. Murder carries a death sentence."


    "Auntie, where did your mind go? Leave it to me. Don''t worry, I won''t kill him," Long Xiaoshan said.


    "Well, okay then."


    Jin Lian didn''t know what to do now; she could only choose to trust Long Xiaoshan.


    She picked up her clothes. A rural woman does not have many scruples, and Jin Lian didn''t ask Long Xiaoshan to turn his head, instead, she started to dress right there.


    It made Long Xiaoshan''s face heat up, and he turned his head away awkwardly.


    After Jin Lian got dressed and stood up, she saw Long Xiaoshan blushing, a hint of a smile appeared at the corner of her mouth.


    Thinking to herself, this brat is still shy, he was so ferocious just now, almost like a man-eater.


    She walked out the door, and once again, she admonished, "Little Xiaoshan, you mustn''t kill him."


    "Auntie, don''t worry," Long Xiaoshan assured.


    Long Xiaoshan saw Jin Lian out, watching her go upstairs, "You and little Yu stay upstairs. Don''te down until I tell you."


    After saying that, he turned on the TV and set the volume to the maximum, then walked back to the room he hade from.


    After closing the door, he looked at Long Fakui lying on the floor, and a cold smile appeared on the corner of Long Xiaoshan''s mouth. He crouched down and gave him a p.


    Long Fakui groaned a couple of times, then opened his eyes.


    When he saw Long Xiaoshan smiling at him, he was startled, quickly sat up, looked around, and realized Jin Lian wasn''t there. He asked hastily, "What are you doing?"


    "Long Fakui, that should be my question to you," Long Xiaoshan replied. "You''ve been pulling dirty tricks on me over and over, but I never went too far in return. But look at you, you''ve gone even further. To drug wine and have Auntie Golden Needle seduce me, you really are capable, Long Fakui."


    "I don''t know what you''re talking about. Jin Lian, Jin Lian, where are you?" Long Fakui tried to stand up while shouting.


    Long Xiaoshan pressed down on Long Fakui''s shoulders fiercely, sitting him back down.


    Then, he pulled out a Golden Needle.


    Long Fakui struggled to stand up, but it was as if a thousand-pound boulder was pressing down on him, immobilizing him.


    "What, what are you going to do? Long Xiaoshan, I''m warning you, don''t mess around," Long Fakui began to feel a bit of fear.


    "Of course, I''m not going to mess around," Long Xiaoshan said coldly, inserting the Golden Needle into Long Fakui''s body.


    A momentter,


    An intense pain erupted from within Long Fakui, as if thousands of knives were slicing through his bones, and his internal organs felt as if they were burning intensely. Long Fakui let out a piercing scream.


    But his screams werepletely drowned out by the sound of the television.


    In less than five minutes, Long Fakui was drenched in sweat, as if he''d been fished out of water.


    He struggled constantly, wanting to beg for mercy, but he couldn''t even let out a plea.


    Because it was too agonizing,


    Words of begging turned into screams as they reached his lips.

 Chapter 118: Chapter 121: Anomaly

    Chapter One Hundred and Twenty-One


    About ten minutes had passed when Long Xiaoshan withdrew the Golden Needle.


    After the needle was removed, the pain gradually disappeared.


    However, Long Fakui could hardly get up anymore.


    His body still seemed caught in the painful aftereffects, twitching continuously.


    "How do you feel?"


    Long Xiaoshan''s voice was remarkably calm.


    "Devil, you devil," Long Fakui looked at Long Xiaoshan, his eyes now filled with fear.


    To tell the truth, Long Fakui had also been involved in some shady dealings before.


    Ordinary pain didn''t bother him.


    But such agony was a thousand times more excruciating than death.


    "Do you want to experience it again?" Long Xiaoshan held the needle, making a gesture as if to pierce Long Fakui once more.


    "No, please no, don''t do it," pleaded Long Fakui, shrinking back as if frantic, the man in his fortiespletely breaking down and screaming, "Spare me, please spare me, I won''t dare to do it again."


    Long Xiaoshan responded indifferently, "I might spare you, Long Fakui, I know you must havemitted many crimes. Now, I want you to confess them one by one, until I am satisfied."


    While speaking, Long Xiaoshan took out his cellphone and activated the recording function.


    Seeing Long Xiaoshan turning on the recorder, Long Fakui obviously hesitated, knowing well the wrongdoings he had done. If he truly confessed them all, he could face many years in prison.


    Long Xiaoshan snorted coldly and thought that it seemed Fakui hadn''t suffered enough.


    Before Long Fakui could even cry out, Long Xiaoshan injected another needle.


    Long Fakui began to thrash about on the ground once again.


    After Long Xiaoshan pulled out the needle,


    without needing any further prompting, Long Fakui, tears and snot running down his face, confessed all his misdeeds, spilling them out as easily as pouring beans from a bamboo tube.


    Without the confession, Xiaoshan wouldn''t have known.


    But once he spoke, Long Xiaoshan grew even angrier¡ª it turned out that the old man had done so many terrible things, even stooping to human trafficking in the past to umte his first pot of gold when he was mingling in the county.


    Long Xiaoshan really wanted to beat him to death.


    Such a person was a waste of food just by living.


    But he held back nheless.


    After recording all the admissions of guilt, Long Xiaoshan picked up the phone and called Qin You.


    Soon the police arrived and took Long Fakui away.


    Long Xiaoshan knew that with that evidence,


    it was questionable whether Long Fakui would ever be able to leave prison in this lifetime.


    He returned to Long Fakui''s home, turned off the television, went upstairs to a room, and knocked on the door, saying, "Auntie, open the door."


    Jin Lian opened the door.


    Seeing only Long Xiaoshan, she asked, "Where''s Long Fakui?"


    Long Xiaoshan briefly exined what had happened, and then said, "Auntie, don''t worry, he''ll most likely spend the rest of his life in jail. You can live in peace from now on; he won''t being back."


    Upon hearing this, Jin Lian stood frozen for a good while before she began to cry.


    "Auntie, what''s wrong?" Long Xiaoshan quickly asked.


    Jin Lian threw herself into Long Xiaoshan''s arms, sobbing, "Little Xiaoshan, thank you. I''m finally free."


    Since the age of sixteen, all the days she had lived were like being in constant darkness.


    Now, hearing that Long Fakui had been arrested, she felt as if she had emerged into sunshine, as if she had gained freedom herself.


    Long Xiaoshan could understand Jin Lian''s state of mind and couldn''t help but pat her to offerfort.


    After a while, Jin Lian finally caught her breath.


    Realizing she was in Long Xiaoshan''s arms, and that her tears had wetted his clothes in tworge spots, her face turned red and she quickly said, "I''m sorry, little Xiaoshan, I got too emotional."


    "It''s fine, no problem,"


    Long Xiaoshan let go, and his gaze fell upon Long Shiyu in the room, a faint silver glint in his eye. Long Shiyu was at the window, mindlessly ying with a wind chime and giggling happily.


    Half to himself, he asked, "Auntie, has little Yu always been like this?"


    When Long Xiaoshan asked about her daughter,


    A sh of sadness crossed Jin Lian''s eyes as she replied, "Not really. Little Yu was so clever when she was born. It was only after she went to the mountains when she was six, and after returning with a high fever, that she became like this."


    Long Xiaoshan pondered for a moment.


    Suddenly he said, "Auntie, if you trust me, let me take a look at her. You should know I have some medical skills, right?"


    Indeed, the word of Long Xiaoshan''s medical abilities had spread in the vige.


    Chun Tao had tried tomit suicide before, and it was Long Xiaoshan who had saved her.


    Jin Lian had also heard about it. Discover hidden tales at mvl


    Although she had given up hope for Long Shiyu after the change, since Long Xiaoshan offered, and his intentions were good, she said, "Then I''ll have to trouble you, Xiaoshan."


    Long Xiaoshan nodded, entered the room and approached Long Shiyu.


    When Long Xiaoshan came closer, Long Shiyu seemed to sense it and turned her head to look at him. The vacantly smiling girl suddenly moved backward as if afraid of Long Xiaoshan.


    Long Xiaoshan''s hand moved swiftly to grasp Long Shiyu''s wrist.


    Narrowing his eyes, he felt for Long Shiyu''s condition.


    Long Shiyu started to scream loudly.


    She struggled fiercely, so much so that even Long Xiaoshan had to exert significant effort to hold her.


    Jin Lian, seeing Long Shiyu''s violent struggling and terrified screams,


    felt a stab of pain in her heart and stepped forward, saying, "Xiaoshan, maybe let''s stop. Let Shiyu go for now."

 Chapter 119: Chapter 122 Mountain Demon

    Chapter One Hundred and Twenty-Two: Mountain Demon


    Long Xiaoshan did not make a sound and kept grasping Long Shiyu''s arm tightly.


    Furthermore, the True Qi within his body surged forth even more violently.


    Long Shiyu struggled more and more frantically.


    Her originally delicate face suddenly revealed a horrifyingly fierce expression, her eyes gleaming green like ghostly mes, as she fiercely lunged at Long Xiaoshan with the intent to bite.


    This scene frightened Jin Lian, who stood aside, so much that she nearly copsed to the ground.


    "Evil spirit, dare to harm others!"


    Long Xiaoshan bellowed, like thunder shaking the windows till they trembled.


    At the same time, he took out a Talisman and pped it onto Long Shiyu''s body.


    Bang!


    The Talisman turned into a sh of blue light.


    Screech¡ª


    A shrill and gloomy scream emerged from within Long Shiyu, and at the same time, a ghastly face resembling both a monkey and an infant appeared on her face, with two particrlyrge, green eyes that upied a third of the face.


    Jin Lian saw her daughter transform into this.


    With a scream, she faintedpletely.


    "Evil spirit, get out of here!"


    Long Xiaoshan kept pressing points on Long Shiyu''s body while inserting a needle into Long Shiyu''s forehead and swiftly pping several more Talismans onto her.


    Under Long Xiaoshan''s relentless attack,


    a creature resembling an infant, but with only one foot, leaped out from Long Shiyu''s body.


    It screeched, extending its sharp ws towards Long Xiaoshan.


    Long Xiaoshan remained unperturbed.


    Despite the creature''s repulsive appearance and dreadful presence, he was not afraid. Full of courage, he kept on shouting and released a Fireball Talisman, Boom!


    The fire exploded!


    The creature screamed.


    It fled out the window, engulfed in ck smoke.


    Long Xiaoshan wanted to chase after it, but seeing Long Shiyu fall straight down, her breath faint and her face as pale as paper, he realized something was wrong and had to stop the pursuit.


    The creature had been hit by his Fireball Talisman.


    It must have been severely injured and fled. For the time being, there was no need to worry about it returning to harm others.


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    First, he went over to Jin Lian and injected a stream of True Qi to wake her up.


    Then he picked up Long Shiyu andid her on the bed.


    Once Jin Lian woke up, she was still frightened and seeing Long Shiyu lying motionless on the bed, her breath weak, she asked anxiously, "Little Xiaoshan, what exactly happened just now?"


    As Long Xiaoshan inserted needles into Long Shiyu, he exined, "Auntie, don''t panic. That thing just now is called a Mountain Demon, a type of mountain ghost. The reason little Yu became mentally impaired after turning six wasn''t due to a high fever but because she was possessed by this Mountain Demon. I checked just now, and little Yu has a Pure Yin constitution, which is the type most coveted by these ghosts. The Mountain Demon possessed her to absorb the Pure Yin energy from her body for its cultivation."


    Ah~~


    Jin Lian appeared shocked and terrified.


    Vigers are generally superstitious.


    Having just seen the Mountain Demon''s face with her own eyes reinforced this belief.


    Therefore, Jin Lianpletely believed what Long Xiaoshan had said.


    "What should we do now? Is little Yu alright?" asked Jin Lian fearfully.


    "Auntie, don''t worry, I''ve driven away the Mountain Demon, and it won''t be causing trouble for a while. Little Yu''s current condition is due to the severe depletion of Pure Yin energy absorbed by the Mountain Demon. Rest assured, I can help her recover,"


    "That''s wonderful," Jin Lian said as she wiped away her tears. "Little Xiaoshan, you must save Little Yu; she has been unfortunate since she was a child."


    "Auntie, certainly, don''t worry."


    Long Xiaoshan continuously inserted needles into Long Shiyu and utilized his True Qi to strengthen and nourish her foundation.


    Finally, he stabilized Long Shiyu''s condition.


    He said, "Auntie, I need to go and prepare some medicine now, please look after Little Yu here."


    "Ah, Xiaoshan, what if the Mountain Demones back?" Jin Lian said worriedly.


    "It''s been badly injured and shouldn''t be able to return, but it''s still good to be cautious." Long Xiaoshan took out several talismans, cing one on Long Shiyu, and handed the rest to Jin Lian, saying, "This one is a Vajra Talisman, and the others are Fireball Talismans. If that creature dares toe back, just throw a Fireball Talisman at it and shout themand ''Lin''. It''s very simple."


    Jin Lian understood vaguely, but holding the talismans, she felt somewhat relieved.


    In her heart, she thought that if the Mountain Demon dared to return, she would fight to the death to protect her daughter.


    Long Xiaoshan quickly left the house.


    Even though it was already pitch dark outside.


    However, Long Shiyu''s condition was not good; without the replenishment of an item of Pure Yin, she would continue to weaken and die. Fortunately, he knew of a prescription that could replenish Yin energy but still required Pure Yin Herbs as the key ingredient.


    Long Xiaoshan hurried to the Back Mountain.


    On hisst visit, he had collected many herbs, noting that this area was abundant with them. Moreover, Back Mountain connected to manyrge mountains and dense jungles. Deep in the mountains, there were many terrifying legends and few human traces.


    Long Xiaoshan was incredibly bold.


    He was not afraid of those so-called ghost stories.


    To find Pure Yin Herbs, naturally, one would have to look in ces with fewer people, where Yin energy was stronger.


    He searched the mountain, going deeper in.


    He found many useful herbs and gathered them. Soon, he reached the depths of Back Mountain at Guanyin Cave, the very ce where he once found the Jade Purifying Bottle. This spot was said to be the boundary in local folklore.


    The vigers all said


    that one should only go as far as Guanyin Cave on Back Mountain, and going further meant you wouldn''t be able to return.


    Moreover, there were indeed such cases where people from the vige went missing inside.


    However, as Long Xiaoshan arrived at this point, he had found plenty of other herbs, except for Pure Yin Herbs. With his Spirit Eye, no herb could escape his sight, so he was certain there were no Pure Yin Herbs outside.


    That left him with only one option: to go deeper inside.


    Long Xiaoshan hesitated for a moment; the taboo legends still had an impact on him.


    But he quicklyughed it off; he was no ordinary man. With his many skills and techniques at his disposal, was he truly to be deterred by some old tales, to be timid and hesitant? That would beughable.


    He was not one to shy away from things, and furthermore, he had a strong curiosity to test and see if those legends were true.


    This might just be a man''s adventurous spirit.


    Making up his mind, Long Xiaoshan began to step through Guanyin Cave, heading deeper in.


    Just a short distance past Guanyin Cave, standing on a mound, his gaze narrowed and he paused, looking around, his face gradually showing a hint of shock.


    He had studied the secret techniques of feng shui from the ck Scale Gate and understood feng shui well, immediately noticing that the deep parts of Back Mountain had a powerful feng shui formation, one that waspletely beyond hisprehension.


    It had exceeded the feng shui formations described in the ck Scale Gate''s book.


    Even the leaked energy was enough to rm Long Xiaoshan.


    Moreover, it was evident from the formation that it affected Longyang Vige.


    Long Xiaoshan suddenly realized


    why Longyang Vige had weak male energy and why the men often encountered misfortunes. The influence of such a feng shui formation surely prevented the men''s vigor from thriving, as their Yang energy was constantly being siphoned.


    Long Xiaoshan looked back at Guanyin Cave.


    His face was marked with deep contemtion.

 Chapter 120: Chapter 123 Alchemy

    Chapter One Hundred and Twenty-Three


    ording to the elders in the vige,


    decades ago, Longyang Vige was a prosperousrge vige with a poption of over a thousand people.


    It was the most powerful vige within a ten-mile radius.


    It also produced many powerful figures.


    But then, decades ago, it suddenly declined.


    One after another, the men of the vige met with misfortunes.


    This led to the current withering of Longyang Vige.


    There were rumors that it was because Guanyin Cave was destroyed after the liberation.


    In the past, Long Xiaoshan only regarded this as a rumor.


    Now, havinge into contact with Feng Shui and having made progress in his cultivation, as he looked at the Feng Shui formations, he felt the rumors were not without foundation.


    This enormous Feng Shui formation had been disrupted right at Guanyin Cave.


    He felt that this formation wasn''t simply a natural urrence here; otherwise, why would there be a Guanyin Cave in such a remote part of the Back Mountain? It would make little sense to make a cave for worship and incense in such a secluded ce.


    Perhaps it was deliberately constructed by the ancestors.


    Because Guanyin Cave was destroyed, the Yang energy of Longyang Vige was drained, leading to the decline of its male poption.


    The more Long Xiaoshan looked, the more he believed it was so.


    Impressive indeed.


    If someone had indeed created this enormous Feng Shui formation, they were far more powerful than him; that would be a truly mighty figure.


    It seems that Longyang Vige might not have been such a simple ce in the past.


    Seeing such a formation,


    Long Xiaoshan hesitated.


    This wasn''t a ce one could just barge into with mere courage.


    To be timid and hesitant wasn''t right,


    but to blindly rush into a ce far beyond one''s abilities was to be a foolhardy and foolish man.


    There''s a fundamental difference between the two.


    After a moment of hesitation, Long Xiaoshan decided against delving deeper. With stronger abilities, he might returnter, but for now, it was better to give up.


    Pure Yin Herbs could be found elsewhere, not just inside.


    There was always a way to obtain them.


    There was no need to take such a huge risk. He retraced his steps, re-entering Guanyin Cave to look for any secrets but found nothing obviously special¡ªperhaps due to his limited ability.


    Strength, ah.


    At this moment, Long Xiaoshan felt that although he was far beyond any ordinary person,


    there were still many powerful ces in this world.


    He hadn''t yet reached the level where he could look down upon the world.


    He took another look around outside and, confirming there were no Pure Yin Herbs, he could only helplessly decide to return for the time being. Fortunately, even though he didn''t find any Pure Yin Herbs, he had still gathered many herbs, some with Yin properties, which could serve as a temporary supplement, buying some time for Long Shiyu.


    Not muchter,


    he returned to the vige.


    Back at Jin Lian''s house,


    as soon as he stepped upstairs, he sensed something was amiss¡ªsigns of a fight and a burnt stench lingering in the air.


    Upon entering, he saw Jin Lian sitting on the ground with a panicked look, herplexion pale.


    On the floory something pitch-ck.


    There were many scorched marks around the room.


    He quickly went in and asked, "Auntie, what happened? What''s the situation?"


    Seeing Long Xiaoshane in, Jin Lian''s panicked expression eased a bit as she said, "Xiaoshan, it came back again. I didn''t know what to do, so I just threw the Talismans you gave me at it."


    Long Xiaoshan walked over and looked at the charred ck thing on the ground.


    It was indeed a Mountain Demon.


    This creature dared toe back.


    He had underestimated the intelligence of ghosts and monsters.


    It must have hidden in the shadows, saw me leave, and then came in.


    If it weren''t for leaving the Talisman with Jin Lian, I would have fallen for the Mountain Demon''s scheme.


    Lucky.


    The Mountain Demon was directly smashed to death by the Fireball Talisman.


    Long Xiaoshan walked over to Jin Lian, saw herplexion was turning green, and quickly said, "You''re poisoned."


    The Vajra Talisman could block physical attacks.


    However, the Mountain Demon was a ghostly creature, and since it fed on yin energy, Jin Lian was also poisoned with a Yin Sha toxin.


    He hurriedly took out the Golden Needle to draw out the poison from Jin Lian.


    Fortunately, Jin Lian''s poisoning wasn''t deep. After a while, herplexion eased, and a touch of rosiness returned, Golden Needle helped Jin Lian to a chair and sat her down beside him.


    Jin Lian was not concerned about her own poisoning, and asked anxiously, "Xiaoshan, how is little Yu''s illness? Did you find the medicine?"


    Such concern gave Long Xiaoshan a new appreciation for Aunt Jin Lian.


    Your adventure continues at mvl


    Motherly love is truly great.


    This is a kind woman.


    Originally, he nned to say he hadn''t found the herbs, but an idea suddenly struck him, and he walked over to the Mountain Demon''s body, picked it up and saw that although it looked small, it was extremely heavy, no less than a hundred pounds.


    Its charred bodyposition was unknown, cold to the touch, and filled with a chilling Yin Sha that seeped through to the core.


    Even in death, such a creature could poison ordinary people upon contact.


    But he had a wealth of knowledge.


    The Mountain Demon was a creature of Yin ghosts, born from yin energy, and its body was coalesced with plenty of Yin Sha, without any yang essence within it.


    Although he hadn''t found any Pure Yin Herbs.


    The Mountain Demon could be used for Alchemy, as long as the Yin Sha within was extracted and the Sha energy removed, leaving only Pure Yin energy.


    It couldpletely be used for that purpose.


    "Auntie, I have a way now, rest assured, I''m going to get ready to start Alchemy," Long Xiaoshan said. "Do you have things like a big pot here?"


    "Yes, yes," Jin Lian replied in haste: "I''ll take you there."


    Long Xiaoshan followed Jin Lian down. In the kitchen, after some searching, they produced arge pot with a diameter of more than one meter, used for boiling pig heads during the New Year, as well as gathered many pieces of firewood and brought them out to the yard.


    He asked Jin Lian to watch Long Shiyu.


    Long Xiaoshan busied himself in the yard.


    The yard was quiterge, allowing him to get fully to work.


    Among the medical skills passed down by Elder Chang, there were also pill forms.


    The one he was going to refine now was the Yin Yuan Pill, but Elixir Pills are even more difficult to create than things like Bone-Regeneration Powder, with much higher demands, involving the use of True Qi.


    Before his breakthrough, Long Xiaoshan was unable to refine pills.


    Because the temperature required for Alchemy was very high.


    Not something that could be achieved with ordinary firewood.


    But Long Xiaoshan hade up with a method, that is, using the power of Talismans.


    Since the Fireball Talisman generated such high heat, it could be perfectly utilized in Alchemy.


    If a traditional Alchemist were here, they would certainly scold Long Xiaoshan for his recklessness.


    But precisely because Long Xiaoshan was not of traditional lineage.


    He was not restricted to rigid rules, free as a Celestial Horse, able to think of any approach.


    He began carving the Talisman patterns on the firewood when he experimented, he found the burning temperature to be indeed very high; even if it was not as effective as the Talisman Paper, it was still much higher than an ordinary me.


    No time like the present.


    Once everything was ready.


    Long Xiaoshan lit the fire, set up the pot, and started the Alchemy process.


    The Mountain Demon''s body gradually melted in the high heat.


    Long Xiaoshan added the herbs, constantly refining the Sha energy within, the billowing Sha energy dissipated into the air, and once all the Sha energy was refined away, leaving the true Pure Yin energy, he immediately added various herbs needed for the Yin Yuan Pill.


    He employed the Alchemy techniques.


    Alchemy was extremely exhausting for both True Qi and concentration.


    After several Chinese hours, Long Xiaoshan finallypleted the process.


    Now, there were a few ck Elixir Pills in the pot, emanating a cool aura.

 Chapter 121: Chapter 124 Daddy

    ```


    Chapter One Hundred and Twenty-Four


    Long Xiaoshan picked up the three elixir pills; it was his first time practicing alchemy.


    The results seemed pretty good.


    He had managed to produce three.


    Holding the elixir pills in his hand, he felt they were distinctly different from ordinary pills, ice-cold to the bone and even carrying a hint of spiritual nature''s fluctuations.


    "Looks like it''s a sess,"


    said Long Xiaoshan, satisfied, though he appeared very exhausted. Alchemy was indeed hard work.


    He walked back upstairs.


    It was already two or three in the morning, and Jin Lian hadn''t fallen asleep. Seeing Long Xiaoshane in, she immediately stood up from where she sat by the bed and called out,


    "Auntie," responded Long Xiaoshan, walking over to the bed, "The elixir pills are ready."


    A hint of joy appeared on Jin Lian''s face.


    Long Xiaoshan took out a Yin Yuan Pill and ced it in Long Shiyu''s mouth, then used thest of his True Qi to help Long Shiyu dissolve the pill. He watched as the medicine spread throughout her body, turning into pure Yin medicinal power, merging with her internal system.


    "Auntie, you should go get some sleep. You''ve also been up all night. I''ll watch over here," Long Xiaoshan said.


    "It''s okay, I''m not sleepy," replied Jin Lian.


    Long Xiaoshan, however, was beginning to feel the strain.


    Fighting, gathering herbs, and then alchemy - even the greatest strength would not endure it all.


    He had nned to keep watch.


    Unconsciously, he fell asleep.


    The next day, Long Xiaoshan was woken up by a weight on him, and also felt ticklish at his nose; he sneezed and opened his eyes to find a young girl lying on top of him, poking his nose with a de of grass.


    "Shiyu," Long Xiaoshan saw that the girl was indeed Long Shiyu, who had awoken.


    She was lying on top of him and, seeing that she had caused Long Xiaoshan to sneeze, she giggled happily.


    Looking at herplexion, it was clear that she had recovered.


    Long Xiaoshan reached out to push her off.


    But Long Shiyu hugged his neck, swaying back and forth, and even began to whine, "Daddy, daddy."


    Daddy!


    Long Xiaoshan waspletely dumbfounded!


    Long Shiyu was actually calling him daddy.


    Was he really that old?


    But then he quickly realized that Long Shiyu had been possessed by a Mountain Demon when she was six years old.


    So now, even though her intelligence had returned, her memory was still stuck around the age of six.


    "Cough cough, Shiyu, I''m not your daddy," said Long Xiaoshan awkwardly.


    Long Shiyu pouted andined, "Daddy, you, you don''t want me anymore."


    After saying that, she actually started crying.


    Long Xiaoshan was so embarrassed, he quickly tried tofort her.


    At the same time, his body felt even more awkward. Long Shiyu was wearing very little, and probably because her intellect had ceased advancing, her face looked younger than her actual age, but her figure was fully inherited from Aunt Jin Lian''s impressive physique.


    To push her away or not,


    was equally problematic.


    The crying Long Shiyu attracted Jin Lian, who was cooking downstairs.


    She came up and saw Long Shiyu making a fuss in Long Xiaoshan''s arms, even shouting that daddy didn''t want her anymore, and she too was stunned.


    ```


    "What, what''s going on here, has little Yu not recovered yet?" Jin Lian asked anxiously, pointing to her own head.


    Long Xiaoshan said, "It''s not that, Shiyu has already recovered, but she was once possessed by a Mountain Demon, and her memory stopped at the age of six. Although her intelligence has recovered, she doesn''t have the experiences of growing up. So for now, she''ll still be like a child, and only through slow learning can she graduallye back to the speaking level of her current age."


    "Oh, I see," Jin Lian breathed a sigh of relief, looking at Long Shiyu, who was still crying non-stop, and stepped forward to persuade her, "little Yu, little Yu, I''m your mother, this isn''t your dad, this is Brother Xiaoshan."


    "Liar, liar, he is my dad," Long Shiyu said, even as Jin Lian tried to pull her away, refusing to let go of Long Xiaoshan.


    Seeing that feeling of helplessness.


    As a doctor, Long Xiaoshan stopped Jin Lian''s forceful behavior.


    He said, "Right now she''s like a six-year-old child, don''t use forceful methods, you need to guide her, otherwise it will cause psychological harm."


    "Then, what should we do?" Jin Lian, a woman, didn''t know what to do.


    "Let''s leave it like this for now. Since she believes that, let''s just coax her for the time being, and I''ll guide her slowly."


    Now, Long Xiaoshan looked at the situation with a doctor''s perspective, which somewhat lessened the awkward emotions.


    He soothed Long Shiyu, "Be good, Shiyu, daddy''s here..." Enjoy more content from §Þ??


    Under Long Xiaoshan''s cajoling, Long Shiyu ceased her wailing.


    Jin Lian, hearing what Long Xiaoshan said, blushed with embarrassment, thinking to herself, if you''re Shiyu''s dad, then what am I?


    She hurriedly pulled Long Shiyu, "Alright, little Yu, let''s go down for breakfast, let Xiaoshan... daddy get up."


    She lifted Long Shiyu up.


    Upon turning around, she noticed something off about Long Xiaoshan, almost going weak at the knees.


    Long Xiaoshan quickly tucked in his legs with an embarrassed look.


    Seeing the embarrassed look on Long Xiaoshan''s face, Jin Lian grew bolder and gave him a look, saying, "Why aren''t you acting tough with your aunty now?"


    "Uh!"


    Long Xiaoshan didn''t know what to say.


    "Alright, get up quickly and eat. I''ve made breakfast."


    Downstairs, Jin Lian had prepared rice porridge, several side dishes, and steamed buns.


    Long Xiaoshan was also hungry, and sat down without ceremony, wolfing down the food.


    After eating, knowing he hadn''t been home all night and worrying his family, he hurried back to the farm. Long Shiyu saw Long Xiaoshan leaving and started to cry and make a fuss again.


    Clearly, the girl had a severe dependency issue.


    It may have been rted to theck of fatherly affection since she was young.


    Unable to refuse, Long Xiaoshan said, "Aunty, let Shiyue with me to y. It''s not good for her to stay at home all the time. She must be exposed to the outside world more to recover to a normal level quickly."


    "Then I''ll trouble you," Jin Lian said eagerly.


    "It''s no trouble at all."


    Long Xiaoshan patted Long Shiyu''s head and said, "Let''s go, little Yu."


    Long Shiyu''s tears turned to smiles, and she jumped up, hugging Long Xiaoshan''s arm, "Daddy, let''s go, let''s go, little Yu wants to y."


    Long Xiaoshan took Long Shiyu back to the farm.


    Seeing Long Xiaoshan bringing Long Shiyu back, everyone was somewhat surprised, as all knew that Long Shiyu was the vige''s simple girl.


    And when they heard Long Shiyu calling Long Xiaoshan "daddy," everyone was even more dumbfounded.


    However, after Long Xiaoshan exined the situation, and the current condition of Long Shiyu, everyone started to sympathize with her.


    "The child is indeed pitiable," He Xiangyue said, wiping away tears.


    "Xiaoshan, let''s all work together to help Shiyu quickly return to a normal life," Xu Manqing said, with red-rimmed eyes as well.


    Wang Yan and Long Xiaoling took Shiyu by the hands, started talking with her, and yed with her.

 Chapter 122: Chapter 125

    Chapter One Hundred and Twenty-Five


    Afternoon.


    Xiaoshany on the big stone of Shieyan Rock, his hands pillowing his head, a straw hat covering his face.


    The sunlight bathed him.


    He held a de of wild grass in his mouth, enjoyed the winding from the mountains, crossed his legs, and squinted his eyes infort.


    Life really should be spent like this to savor its full vor.


    Carefree and without the cunning and intrigue of the city.


    Suddenly, someone lifted the straw hat off.


    "Brother!"


    A childlike face leaned in close.


    "Shiyu, huh."


    Xiaoshan smiled warmly.


    Long Shiyu, wearing a one-piece floral swimsuit, pulled on Xiaoshan, pouting, "Brother, y with little Yu, please."


    Xiaoshan got pulled up.


    After several days of gentle guidance, Long Shiyu recovered quickly, her intelligence having returned to normal. And being of a pure Yin constitution, she was naturally very clever, quickly realizing that Xiaoshan, given his age, couldn''t possibly be her father.


    Once this idea took hold,


    she stopped calling Xiaoshan daddy.


    However, she was still very clingy towards Xiaoshan,


    turning into his shadow, following him around all day.


    Xiaoshan was roped into getting up and saw several women ying in the river.


    Wang Yan, Long Xiaoling, and Xu Manqing were all frolicking in the water.


    There were clear differences here; Wang Yan wore a bikini, Xu Manqing donned a one-piece ck swimsuit, and Long Xiaoling was in a swimsuit too, but with a skirt attached.


    Xiaoshan, holding Long Shiyu, jumped down from the goose rock.


    They made a big ssh.


    Seeing Xiaoshan jumping in, Wang Yan and the others swam over, sshing water at him.


    Xiaoshan alone battled against them all.


    A group of them yed around until the women, drained of strength, climbed back onto the shore to lie on the pebble beach.


    Seeing Long Shiyu still clinging to Xiaoshan''s arm,


    Wang Yan enviously said, "Shiyu, you''re so big already, why are you still clinging to your brother like that?"


    "I''m not big," Long Shiyu said in a girlish voice.


    "Not big? You''re much bigger than me," Wang Yan eximed as she walked over to Long Shiyu''s side, her eyes wide in amazement as she looked at her front.


    Wang Yan''s eyes were filled with sheer envy.


    To be honest, she wasn''t exactly small among her peers.


    Butpared to Long Shiyu, she fell way behind.


    Even Xu Manqing and the others had a faint trace of envy in their eyes.


    "Uh, little Yan, watch your words; don''t lead Shiyu astray," Xiaoshan said.


    "Psh, so old-fashioned," Wang Yan made a face. "What age are we living in? Oh, right, brother, aren''t you really good at mixing medicines? Do you have something for breast enhancement?"


    "What are you thinking about," Xiaoshan said embarrassedly.


    "So, do you have it or not?"


    Xiaoshan thought for a moment and realized he actually did, but he felt awkward saying, "Yours aren''t small at all, why bother with that stuff?"


    Wang Yan''s eyes lit up at his response, "Brother, you can really make it?"


    "I can make it."


    "Good brother, please make it for me, quickly," Wang Yan pleaded, pulling on Xiaoshan''s hand.


    "Alright, alright, I''ll make it for you," Xiaoshan relented.


    "Xiaoshan... when you''ve made it, could you... give me a little," a somewhat timid voice spoke up.


    Long Xiaoshan turned his head and said with his mouth agape, "Teacher, you want some too?"


    Xu Manqing''s face instantly turned red, thinking how embarrassing it was for a teacher to ask a student for that kind of medicine.


    But, looking at Shiyu''s figure, she really couldn''t help but feel envious. Experience tales at §Þ??


    What woman is not concerned about her figure?


    Long Xiaoshan waspletely baffled.


    Looking at the teacher''s chest, those didn''t look small at all, so why would she not find them cumbersome?


    Forget it.


    He didn''t understand and didn''t want to think about it any longer; after all, since the teacher had spoken, he had no choice but to prepare the medicine. He said, "Then I''ll go gather the herbs, you all have fun."


    With that, Long Xiaoshan went off alone into the mountain to gather herbs.


    The breast enhancement medicine required ingredients such as Digen Fruit, Caishi Flower, Long Pattern Grass, and papaya seeds; none of which were particrly hard to find. After spending an afternoon, Long Xiaoshan gathered everything and returned to the farm.


    He went straight to the kitchen, lit the stove, added water to the pot, and waited for the fire to boil the water.


    Long Xiaoshan took the stem of the Digen Fruit, the buds of the Caishi Flower, the tendrils of the Long Pattern Grass, and the papaya seeds, adding them one by one into the pot to simmer. Controlling the heat carefully, the water in the pot gradually turned into a pale yellow, slightly translucent paste.


    A pleasant aroma began to waft through the air.


    Smelling that scent, Long Xiaoshan knew the concoction was a sess.


    After turning off the heat, he poured the breast enhancement paste into bottles.


    He then stepped outside.


    Since the women knew Long Xiaoshan was preparing the breast enhancement paste, they were all waiting.


    Seeing Long Xiaoshaning out, Wang Yan was the first to run over. Long Xiaoshan handed her a bottle and said, "Take it. Apply it evenly to your chest, once in the morning and once at night."


    "Thank you, brother," Wang Yan said, holding the bottle as if it were a precious treasure and hurriedly running back to her room to try the medicine.


    Xu Manqing sat there somewhat awkwardly.


    Long Xiaoshan handed another bottle to Xu Manqing and said, "Teacher, this bottle is for you. Apply it to your chest, once in the morning and once at night."


    "Okay, okay," Xu Manqing replied, her face blushing as she took the bottle and also hurried off.


    As for the remaining bottles, Long Xiaoshan stored them away.


    "Brother, what about me?" Long Xiaoling spoke up, her face flushing, fingers nervously twisting the hem of her skirt.


    "You want it too?"


    "Mhm."


    "You, learning bad habits from Wang Yan," Long Xiaoshan said helplessly, shaking his head. Thinking that the paste didn''t have side effects, he handed thest bottle to Long Xiaoling.


    Long Xiaoling stuck out her tongue at Long Xiaoshan, grabbed the bottle, and hopped away cheerfully.


    Long Shiyu, seeing that everyone else had received some but not her, started crying out, "Brother, I want some too."


    Long Xiaoshan broke into a sweat, thinking that Shiyu was already well-developed, and it would be improper for her to use it.


    Moreover, she was still at a growing age, nowhere near the end of her growth spurt.


    He quickly tried to appease her.


    It wasn''t easy, but he finally managed to calm Long Shiyu down.


    Just as he was talking, a phone call came in.


    Long Xiaoshan saw it was Shen Yuerong calling and hurriedly asked, "Sister Shen, what''s up?"


    "Xiaoshan, about the road we talked aboutst time, the approval hase down from above, and what''s more, it was specially approved by the city with a direct infusion of ten million yuan," Shen Yuerong said with a tone filled with surprise and excitement.


    She had approached the matter with a try-and-see attitude, not expecting that not only would a third-grade highway be approved for such a remote mountain area, but the city would also specially allocate ten million yuan. It was simply unbelievable.


    Why would the city allocate ten million yuan to build a road in such a poor mountain area?


    Hechuan City wasn''t wealthy, with plenty of other ces to spend money.


    It was an utterly abnormal move.


    Long Xiaoshan realized instantly that this must be a quid pro quo from the Ye Family.


    Following thatst visit, he had made time to give Elder Ye acupuncture treatment twice more,pletely resolving the elder''s tumor without epting any money from the Ye Family.


    It was probably the Ye Family''s way of repaying him.


    As for why they knew Long Xiaoshan wanted to build a road, for the Ye Family, that was a simple matter. To them, they probably had Long Xiaoshan''s lineage traced back three generations for treating Elder Ye.

 Chapter 123: Chapter 126: One Billion Investment

    Chapter One Hundred Twenty-Six


    After chatting with Shen Yuerong, Long Xiaoshan hung up and then called Ye Feng.


    Ye Feng answered, "Mr. Long, I was just thinking about calling you. I didn''t expect you to call first."


    "Oh, Secretary Ye, is there something you need?"


    "You go first, Mr. Long."


    "I''m calling to express my gratitude. That road in our vige¡ªit was specially approved by you, right?" Long Xiaoshan said.


    "So that''s what this is about. Mr. Long, you''re being too polite. It''s just a road, and it''s nothingpared to a man''s life," Ye Feng replied continuously.


    "Although it''s just a road, for the vigers, it''s a path to wealth," Long Xiaoshan said with a sigh.


    "The development of the rural economy is our current priority."


    Ye Feng continued, "Mr. Long, the health food ingredients used at Lily Hotele from you, right?"


    "Yes," Long Xiaoshan admitted without denial.


    This wasn''t any secret.


    Ye Feng said, "Your products really have great benefits. My father can''t stop praising them. The prospects are limitless. Brother Guu has been looking for projects, and after searching, he took a liking to yours. He came to me asking who supplied those fruits and vegetables. Since this is your doing, I haven''t told him yet."


    "Gu Jingheng?" Long Xiaoshan asked.


    "Yes, him. These past few days have been quite bothersome. If you don''t mind, shall I tell him?"


    "Well, I have his number, I''ll talk to him directly."


    "That''s great, you two get in touch. Brother Guu has money to spare, so don''t be shy with him," Ye Feng said,ughing.


    After hanging up, Long Xiaoshan called Gu Jingheng.


    "Brother Xiaoshan," Gu Jingheng''s voice came through from the other end of the phone.


    "Brother Guu, are you looking for the source of Lily Hotel''s ingredients?"


    "How did you know?"


    "Secretary Ye told me. You can stop searching; those ingredients are provided by me."


    "What?" Gu Jingheng''s tone became excited, "You''re the one providing those ingredients?"


    "It''s me."


    "That''s great, Xiaoshan, where do you grow those products?"


    "I''m in Longyang Vige."


    "Alright, I''ll be there right away."


    After hanging up the phone.


    Gu Jingheng wasted no time in having someone drive him to Longyang Vige at the fastest speed.


    After getting out of the car, his face was pale.


    He hadn''t expected Longyang Vige to be such a ce; the road had nearly jostled his insides out.


    Stay connected with §Þ??


    "Brother Guu," Long Xiaoshan greeted him at the entrance of the vige.


    Gu Jingheng gave a wry smile, "Xiaoshan, it''s quite hard to find your ce."


    "Haha," Long Xiaoshan patted Gu Jingheng, and a surge of power alleviated that nauseating, dizzy feeling.


    "Come on, let me show you around."


    Long Xiaoshan said to Gu Jingheng.


    "Xiaoshan, why is it so run-down here?" Gu Jingheng asked, looking around the vige skeptically. He believed that with Long Xiaoshan''s abilities, he shouldn''t be staying in such a ce.


    "We''re still developing. It will get better gradually," Long Xiaoshan said with a smile.


    He then took Gu Jingheng to the farm.


    Looking at the farm, Gu Jingheng''s eyes shone as he said, "Are these the ingredients you supply to Lily Hotel?"


    "Yes!"


    Without minding his suit and leather shoes, Gu Jingheng went up the mountain and upon seeing those vigorously growing vegetables and fruits, and the big fish and prawns in the ponds, he showed a satisfied smile.


    He came down and said, "Xiaoshan, I''ve eaten at Lily Hotel for several days now, and your vegetables, as well as the farmed fish and shrimp are fantastic, especially their health-preserving qualities¡ªit''s incredible. To be honest, selling such things in a small county town is a sheer waste. The prices are way too low. Xiaoshan, I hope you can let me handle these agricultural products. I can guarantee that I''ll sell your products to Hong Kong Ind and various big cities, and even overseas."


    The Guu Family is among the top three families on Hong Kong Ind.


    And Gu Jingheng is known as a managerial genius among the second generation of the Guu Family, earning him the nickname "little Superman."


    Therefore, his channels are much stronger than those of Lily Hotel.


    And so is his vision.


    Because he had experienced the power of these vegetables firsthand, he understood their value. To say the least, this was a huge gold mine.


    There was another reason.


    Old Master Guu of the Guu Family was already very old and in poor health, at an age for retirement.


    But Old Master Guu was a man of charisma and had four mistresses when he was young.


    And they bore him a bunch of children.


    For powerful families, outsiders only see the glitz, but they themselves know the bitterness within.


    Although Gu Jingheng was a business prodigy, he was the youngest, and the influence of his mother''s wing was the weakest. Now, to fight for the position of the next Family Head of the Guu Family, all the descendants were showing off their "Divine Skills." Old Master Guu was watching from above, and whoever stood out could very likely take over the family.


    That''s why Gu Jingheng hade to the maind to search for opportunities.


    Currently, he had the least capital at hand. To make achievements that would overshadow the other wings of the family, he had to find that kind of project that would cause a sensation.


    He had searched high and low and hadn''t expected to find it in this small county town.


    With his exceptional insight, he was certain this was the project he was looking for, one that would definitely help him win the family strife within the Guu Family.


    "Brother Guu, it''s not that I don''t want to help you, but all these vegetables and fish and shrimp are already supplied to the Lily Hotel. When they first came in, they invested ten million and took a ten percent stake in the farm, and they also have a priority supply right."


    "What, just ten million for ten percent of the shares?"


    Gu Jingheng''s eyes widened.


    The products of this farm were truly unique.


    Take the prawns sold at Lily Hotel, for example, 1888 for one. Once he gets them out to some of therger cities, those circles of rich folks, he was sure the price could be increased tenfold or even a hundredfold and there would still be buyers.


    Money is nothing; those things that could rejuvenate a man''s vigor and also beautify the skin without any side effects could definitely fetch a sky-high price.


    "Xiaoshan, oh Xiaoshan, I don''t know what to say to you," Gu Jingheng said with a pained expression, "Forget ten million, even one billion would be too cheap for those shares."


    Long Xiaoshan smiled and said, "Brother Guu, it''s not like that either. They were the first toe in, and without them, the farm couldn''t have developed."


    Long Xiaoshan didn''t really care.


    To him, there were plenty of other ways to make money if he really wanted to.


    For example, Dragon Spirit Pharmaceuticals'' Beautifying Water and facial masks.


    The farm''s main purpose was to help the vigers of Longyang Vige.


    "Xiaoshan, is there really no way?"


    "The current produce has all been taken up by them, but the farm is still going to expand. There''s still a lot ofnd in the vige that could be consolidated," Xiaoshan replied.


    Gu Jingheng looked toward Longyang Vige and asked, "How muchnd does your vige have?"


    "There should be a total of ten thousand mu."


    Gu Jingheng''s eyes lit up, "Then you could grow the same produce on all thatnd?"


    After calcting for a moment, Long Xiaoshan replied, "Pretty much."


    Gu Jingheng''s gaze became more intense as he said, "Xiaoshan, if I were to invest ten billion to help you expand, could you give me ten percent of the shares?"

 Chapter 124: Chapter 127 Planning Expansion

    "A billion?"


    Long Xiaoshan''s tone was somewhat shocked, but he quickly regained hisposure.


    Seeing Long Xiaoshan initially surprised by the mention of a billion but then quickly returning to his usual demeanor, Gu Jingheng felt even more that there was something extraordinary about him. He was definitely not an ordinary farmer.


    Powerful martial arts skills!


    Incredible medical knowledge!


    And this ability to cultivate!


    Gu Jingheng had encountered many people, including those powerful individuals with special abilities.


    But Long Xiaoshan was the most mysterious he had felt.


    This only strengthened his resolve to cooperate.


    "Brother Xiaoshan, a billion is what I can offer right now. If things take off, I can invest more," Gu Jingheng said. This billion was his personal savings; although his family had a lot of money, it wasn''t for him to use casually.


    Long Xiaoshan thought for a moment.


    With a billion, he could do a lot of things.


    And Gu Jingheng seemed like a decent person.


    He had the skill to judge people''s characteristics and said, "Alright, I can ept your investment. However, Lily Hotel also has shares in the farm, and this matter needs to be discussed with her."


    "Right, I also need to talk about cooperation with her. Xiaoshan, could you arrange a meeting with her?" Gu Jingheng obviously needed to negotiate since the farm''s products were currently monopolized by Lily Hotel.


    This was not ideal.


    It was clear that Gu Jingheng was in a hurry and took the matter of the farm to heart.


    Long Xiaoshan apanied him to the county town.


    At the Lily Hotel, Shangguan Baihe was taken aback when she heard that Gu Jingheng wanted to talk about cooperation.


    Gu Jingheng, the notorious little Superman.


    The Guu Family, with hundreds of billions in assets, ranked among the top three on Hong Kong Ind.


    Inparison to the Guu Family, Lily Hotel''s enterprises were like ants to an elephant.


    In a conference room at the Lily Hotel, Shangguan Baihe met Gu Jingheng. Although Gu Jingheng had dined at Lily Hotel for several days, he was in disguise, and Shangguan Baihe was unaware.


    After some verbal fencing.


    The tri-party cooperation was finally established.


    Gu Jingheng invested a billion, holding a ten percent stake.


    Shangguan Baihe added two hundred million, keeping her shares unchanged at ten percent.


    The farm''s products would be represented by apany founded by both parties, with each holding a fifty percent stake.


    After the cooperation agreement was reached, the news reached the higher-ups.


    It immediately caused a shock in Niu Y County and even the entire city, with the province also taking notice.


    An investment of over a billion and the big name of Gu Jingheng.


    Not to mention Niu Y County had never seen such a massive investment, even the city rarely had.


    As soon as the news broke out, it caused a sensation.


    Long Xiaoshan hurried back to the vige.


    The situation had be quite big now. Even Ye Feng had called, saying he woulde to inspect in person. When Long Xiaoshan returned to the vige, he immediately discussed the matter with his family.


    "What, over a billion?"


    Learning that the farm would receive an investment of over a billion, Couple Long Dashan nearly fainted.


    Explore stories on §Þ??


    Before, they thought a few million was an inexhaustible amount of money.


    Now, it was over a billion.


    "Xiaoshan, with so much money, could something go wrong?" He Xiangyue was terrified.


    Vigers, truly haven''t seen so much money before, their first reaction isn''t joy, but fear and trepidation.


    Long Dashan also fiercely smoked his cigarette and said, "Xiaoshan, we''re living a good life now, and we already have more money than we can spend, so let''s not go in for something this big. Having too much money is not a good thing; it makes people jealous."


    Hearing his father''s words, Long Xiaoshan couldn''t help but see him in a new light.


    Although his father was just an honest farmer, his words really made sense.


    To tell the truth.


    If he didn''t have his own formidable abilities, without the legacy of his training,


    bringing in such a huge investment would indeed be ying with fire.


    However, now he had no doubts about his own abilities and said, "Dad, Mom, don''t worry, I have it under control, don''t forget where my special abilityes from, I can handle it."


    Seeing Long Xiaoshan speaking like this, Couple Long Dashan felt somewhat relieved.


    After all, their son had been taught by Celestials.


    "Next, I have another idea which is to integrate the whole vige. With so much capital, it''s enough to develop all the vigend. Dad, go tell the vigers; I want to share my thoughts with them."


    In the vige, most people are now working on Long Xiaoshan''s farm.


    So there wasn''t much trouble in notifying them.


    Gathering almost everyone from the farm was enough.


    On the stony beach of the farm, there were nearly two hundred people, closely packed together.


    Men, women, the elderly, and children of Longyang Vige were all there.


    After Long Fakui was overthrown, Long Xiaoshan was now the de facto leader of Longyang Vige. Although the election hadn''t happened yet, it was clear to everyone that if Long Xiaoshan ran for vige chief, he would definitely be elected.


    Looking down at the crowd of people below him.


    Long Xiaoshan gestured with his hands to quiet them and said, "Fellow vigers, I''ve called everyone here today to discuss a very important matter, one that concerns the livelihood of the entire vige."


    Hearing Long Xiaoshan speak so earnestly, over a hundred pairs of eyes below were intently focused on him.


    "Everyone has seen how well my farm is doing, the produce is selling very well. So now, investors want to put money into the farm, with the investment amounting to several billion."


    Upon hearing this number.


    The crowd below exploded.


    "Several billion?"


    "How much is that?"


    "Several billion is an uncountable amount of money; Uncle Tie, with several billion, every person in the vige could get ten million each."


    "What, that much money!"


    Many of the elderly had no concept of what a billion meant.


    Some of the younger ones were exining to them.


    Seeing themotion below, Long Xiaoshan gestured with his hand to calm them down and said, "I, Long Xiaoshan, was born and raised in Longyang Vige. I have a deep affection for Longyang. It''s not real wealth if I''m the only one rich; it''s only when the entiremunity prospers. So here''s what I''m thinking, doesn''t every household in Longyang have their ownnd? With this investment, the farm is bound to expand. Here, I propose two options: one is that everyone leases theirnd to me¡ªI can offer a high rent of ten thousand per mu; the second option is for everyone to join my farm as shareholders with theirnd, then receive dividends ording to their shares every year, and still be able to work and earn sries. What do you all think?"


    The crowd below heard the mention of a rent of ten thousand per mu.


    And they all got excited.


    Who didn''t have a few mu ofnd in their family? Just thisnd alone would mean tens of thousands of yuan each year for doing nothing.


    But upon hearing the second proposal, some of the savvy ones immediately thought it over.


    "Xiaoshan, I''m willing to join the farm with mynd," shouted a woman.


    Long Xiaoshan saw Jin Lian and gave a slight smile.


    Previously, Long Fakui had been the vige chief, and his family had the mostnd, easily over a hundred mu. Now with Long Fakui arrested, all thisnd belonged to Jin Lian.


    "Thank you for your support, Aunt Jin Lian. To be honest, if you choose the first option, I''d benefit. But I still hope you choose the second one because once the farm develops, the annual dividends will definitely be more than tens or hundreds of thousands; even a million is possible. The question is whether you trust me or not!"

 Chapter 125: Chapter 128 Medicinal Meal

    The vigers of Longyang Vige looked at each other, puzzled.


    Some of the elders were still reluctant to give up the stable rental ie of tens of thousands of yuan a year.


    However, the younger ones felt differently, thinking about the investment of over a billion yuan, and that Xiaoshan had never failed in anything since his return.


    "Xiaoshan, I''m willing to follow you and do this."


    "Me too, I may not understand much, but if those big bosses believe in Xiaoshan and are not afraid to invest over a billion yuan, then what do I have to be afraid of?"


    In a moment, many responded.


    Xiaoshan said decisively, "Alright, if that''s the case, those who are willing to contribute theirnd as shares,e here to sign up, and those who wish to rent theirnd to me, sign up over there. Later on, we''ll make a formal agreement."


    As soon as he finished speaking, everyone sprang into action.


    They split into two groups to sign up.


    Watching from above, Xiaoshan noticed that more than half were willing to invest as shareholders.


    There was also over a third who were not willing to be shareholders and only wanted to rent out theirnd.


    These were the older folks who only sought stability.


    Although Xiaoshan hoped that everyone would be shareholders, because he was confident that he could develop it to the point where every person in Longyang Vige could be a millionaire or even a multimillionaire,


    he knew such matters could not be forced.


    Moreover, even without bing shareholders, these individuals would still receive annual rent of tens or even hundreds of thousands of yuan, living a ratherfortable life.


    What followed was a busy period.


    Professional surveyors were hired to measure thend.


    Then they calcted the value of thend and the shares.


    Once all the preparatory work was ready,


    they chose an auspicious day to establish the official grouppany.


    On the day thepany was officially founded,


    a fleet of ck cars entered Longyang Vige.


    With the influx of arge number of cars,


    Longyang Vige became livelier than it had ever been.


    Gu Jingheng, Shangguan Baihe, and others had already been waiting here.


    Today was the day the Longyang Group was established.


    The foundation of thisrgepany, with an investment of over a billion yuan, attracted countless gazes.


    Xiaoshan, the small farmer, who had always been unnoticed,


    was now in the spotlight for the first time.


    People were made aware that the renowned magical shrimp and health-preserving vegetables all came from this remote and impoverished vige.


    But now, no one dared to overlook this small vige.


    This was a vige that had attracted an investment of over a billion yuan.


    To put it in perspective, the GDP of Niu Y County for the entire previous year was only about a billion yuan.


    This vige was equivalent to an entire county.


    And this was just the beginning.


    With a financial deity like Gu Jingheng around, who knew what the future would hold.


    The vigers of Longyang Vige were widening their horizons.


    In the past, even the visit of a township head was considered a big deal.


    Now, major leaders from the county and city wereing.


    Longyang Vige had not seen such an asion in many years.


    Some of the older vigers were tearfully praying in the Long Family Ancestral Hall,memorating their ancestors.


    The Long Family had produced a True Dragon.


    The "True Dragon" they spoke of was undoubtedly Xiaoshan.


    Without Xiaoshan, Longyang Vige would never have undergone such a revolutionary change.


    After the dignitaries had inspected the entire vige, they gathered at Xiaoshan''s farm. Xiaoshan looked at everyone with a smile, noting how they were unustomed to luxury; especially given Longyang Vige''s terrain, walking around had left them all with sweat on their brows.


    "Honored guests, it''s been tough for you all to make the trip to my humble ce. So, I''ll prepare a few medicinal meals for everyone to try, using ingredients from my own farm."


    Although Xiaoshan was internally proud, he was not unaware.


    Especially with his experience in prison,


    he understood that to survive and thrive in this society, one must have connections and rtionships.


    The connections provided by Elder Ye were useful, but using favors too often could sour them, and even the most significant favors could be expended.


    Rtionships needed to be cultivated.


    So, he nned to show off his skills.


    At that moment, a womanughed and said, "President Long, you can make medicinal meals too? That''s quite rare. It''s not often you find sessful men like President Long willing to cook. Unlike my husband, who might not have many skills but does have plenty of problems."


    Women possess a natural advantage.


    With so many important figures present, no one dared to speak freely.


    However, when a woman made a joke, it elicitedughter from the group.


    Xiaoshan smiled and said, "Today I''ll be showing off a little."


    Then his gaze swept over the crowd.


    Everyone felt as though Xiaoshan could see right through them.


    This feeling was fleeting, leaving them puzzled, thinking it was just an illusion.


    After scanning the crowd,


    Xiaoshan turned and went to the kitchen to get busy.


    The kitchen was stocked with plenty of ingredients that day, along with herbs Xiaoshan had foraged from the mountains.


    Xiaoshan fired up the burners and got to work.


    Each y pot was lit and simmering.


    Xiaoshan added a variety of vegetables and herbs to each one.


    Each pot was unique.


    About half an hourter,


    a fragrant aroma wafted from the kitchen, making the saliva of the waiting guests churn.


    But the smell alone was not enough to quell their watering mouths.


    Soon, Xiaoshan began bringing out the y pots one by one.


    Quickly, each guest noticed that their pot was different from the others.


    "President Long, why are they all different? Is there some special treatment?" asked a director of the Water Resources Bureau with augh.


    Xiaoshan replied, "Yes, they are indeed different. As for why, you''ll find out soon enough. But I must remind everyone not to mix them. The medicinal properties might conflict and cause problems if consumed together."


    Hearing Xiaoshan''s words, those who were thinking of swapping their dishes for something else stopped immediately.


    Everyone was hungry after the wait and enticed by the unique fragrance, so they all started eating without dy.

 Chapter 126: Chapter 129: Everyones Amazement

    Chapter One Hundred and Twenty-Nine


    With just one bite, expressions of surprise appeared on everyone''s faces.


    Truth be told.


    The Lily Hotel had such a big reputation, any official who could dine there had savored their dishes and knew how delicious they were.


    But the y pot meal Long Xiaoshan had prepared for them


    actually surpassed the vor of the Lily Hotel''s offerings.


    Upon eating it, they felt a sense of rity throughout their bodies, as if energy was diffusing within them.


    Immediately, everyone began eating voraciously, heads bowed.


    Long Xiaoshan returned to the kitchen and busied himself for a while, sweating profusely beforeing out again with a bowl of y pot meal and heading towards the farm, where Qin You stood,manding her subordinates. Today, many important figures hade, and as the captain, she was responsible for overseeing security.


    "Captain Qin, you''ve worked hard. Have some, I made it myself," Long Xiaoshan said with a smile.


    "Mm, thank you, President Long," Qin You replied with a serious demeanor, epting the y pot from Long Xiaoshan with an indifferent expression, disying an air of unfamiliarity.


    Suddenly, her face flushed red, for she felt Long Xiaoshan''s hand brush quickly over hers as he handed her the pot.


    She red slightly.


    With a trace of a subtle smile on his lips, Long Xiaoshan said, "Take your time, Captain."


    After speaking, he turned and left.


    The bastard.


    His boldness was growing.


    Watching Long Xiaoshan''s retreating figure, Qin You stomped her foot lightly, frustrated that he dared to flirt with her covertly, even with many of her subordinates nearby.


    By the time Long Xiaoshan returned,


    some guests had already finished their meal.


    Those who had finished felt enveloped by a strong warmth throughout their bodies.


    Slowly, that warmth began to prate the ufortable areas of their physiques.


    These esteemed guests,


    who daily indulged in banquets and drink and were no longer young,


    had more or less some ailments.


    But now, many could clearly feel their conditions improving.


    This was a profound experience.


    Usually, even with medication, recovery would take time.


    But at that moment, they genuinely felt parts of their bodies healing.


    "Hey, why do I feel that my back pain is gone? I suffer from lumbar disc herniation."


    "My leg feels sofortable too. I have gout, which makes bending my leg agonizing, but now I don''t feel it at all."


    "I have an old heart problem; my heartbeat was unstable after walking too much just now, but now I also feel veryfortable."


    ¡­


    One after another,


    they eximed in disbelief.


    "Why is there dirt on my body? What is this ck stuff!" A female tycoon cried out in panic.


    Long Xiaoshan stepped forward and said, "Don''t panic, big sister. This is the toxins being expelled from your body after consuming the medicinal meal. Look, our farm has a bathhouse; you can go wash up there."


    The female tycoon walked into the bathroom, half-convinced.


    About ten minutester, cries of astonishment came from the bathhouse.


    Everyone stood up, anxious.


    Thinking something had happened inside, some police officers even wanted to rush in.


    Long Xiaoshan held everyone back.


    After a while, the female tycoon came out, her face beaming with joy, and said gratefully to Long Xiaoshan, "President Long, I can''t thank you enough. Your medicinal meal is miraculous."


    "Sister Zhang, your skin, how did it be so good?"


    A familiar woman called out.


    "Yeah," Zhang Li said, beaming with joy, "I never imagined that all the wrinkles on my body would disappear, even the stretch marks are gone."


    Everyone saw it.


    Zhang Li''s face was radiant, and she seemed to have be ten years younger.


    All the women who came started to feel envious.


    "Oh no, I''ve got some darkening on my body too."


    "Me too."


    Suddenly, all the women rushed towards the bathroom.


    "President Long, what''s going on?"


    Many people started to ask.


    Long Xiaoshan smiled and said, "My esteemed guests, what I prepared for you just now was a medicinal meal tailored to your physical conditions, targeted at the ailments within your bodies. After eating my medicinal meal, I can''t guarantee that all your ailments will disappear, but your bodies will definitely be stronger."


    Everyone found it hard to believe.


    Could a casual meal in a casserole cure diseases?


    A middle-aged man asked, "President Long, you didn''t even take our pulses or examine us, how do you know our ailments? Don''t tell me you are bluffing us."


    "Traditional Chinese Medicine has methods like observation, smelling, questioning, and pulse-taking. I don''t need to take your pulse. Just by looking at yourplexion, I can tell what''s wrong with you."


    "You have a heart problem."


    "Your legs are not in good shape."


    "You have Hepatitis B with severe positive markers."


    ...


    Long Xiaoshan pointed them out one by one.


    Each person he pointed to was shocked to their core.


    Because he waspletely urate.


    If previously they had only seen Long Xiaoshan as a polite, somewhat wealthy peasant, now all the distinguished guests felt a powerful sensation in their hearts.


    Even a feeling of awe started to arise.


    This was no longer ordinary¡ªit was extraordinary.


    Just by ncing, not only could he diagnose everyone''s illnesses urately, but he also remembered each one precisely and resolved them with a bowl of medicinal meal.


    How formidable that was.


    "Truly worthy of being called a Divine Doctor. No wonder you could develop such miraculous ingredients. If this isn''t the work of a Divine Doctor, then what is?"


    Instantly, the ttery was sky-high.


    Several women burst out of the bathroom, their faces full of tion.


    They felt as if they really had be more than ten years younger.


    For women, there was simply no better gift.


    Looking at Long Xiaoshan, their eyes were shining, and they were nearly ready to give him flirtatious looks.


    Just then, a figure dashed into the bathroom like a flying silhouette.


    Everyone saw the face that waspletely ckened.


    "Is that... Captain Qin?"


    "It does look like Xiaoshan."


    "Why is her face so ck?"


    Unlike the other women who had entered before and were slightly ckened but still recognizable, if Qin You weren''t wearing a police uniform and didn''t have her dynamite figure, she would be unrecognizable to others.


    Qin You rushed into the bathroom, quickly stripped off her clothes, and began washing with water.


    She cursed inwardly, "Long Xiaoshan, this isn''t over between us."


    In front of so many people, to be so filthy, she really lost facepletely.


    As the washing continued, Qin You''s cursing grew fainter, and she looked at her body with disbelief.


    There was a mirror in the bathroom.


    She stood in front of the mirror and couldn''t recognize herself at all.


    Although she had always been beautiful, her skin had not been wless due to her strenuous job, and she had also been pregnant before. But now, her skin waspletely tender, as if she had returned to being eighteen years old.

 Chapter 127: Chapter 130 Longyang Group

    Chapter One Hundred and Thirty


    After talking for a while, the medicinal effects fully prated their bodies.


    They felt even better, brimming with vigor.


    They had never felt so powerful before.


    "President Long, if you open a Medicinal Cuisine Pavilion, I reckon all the medicinal cuisine shops in the whole world will go out of business," an official said.


    The speaker had no particr intention, but the listener took the words to heart.


    Long Xiaoshan indeed had the idea of developing a Medicinal Cuisine Pavilion.


    But this matter couldn''t be rushed.


    He had plenty of recipes for the pavilion, yet it had to be run by truly loyal followers, as he himself didn''t have the time to prepare the medicinal cuisine.


    Next, they held the foundationying ceremony for the road in Longyang Vige.


    With the push from various parties,


    the tertiary road connecting Longyang Vige to the main thoroughfare of Niu Y County started construction at the fastest pace.


    After an introduction to the project, speeches by the leaders, and the ceremonial earth-tamping to the sound of music, the road construction in Longyang Vige officially began.


    One after another, massive steel machines began to operate.


    Following the road foundation ceremony,


    was the establishment meeting of Longyang Group Company.


    All the vigers of Longyang Vige gathered on the stony beach, sitting upright with their stools, filled with expectation as they looked at the festively decorated, balloonden farm.


    After Ye Feng, the city''s number onemittee member, delivered his speech,


    Long Xiaoshan walked onto the stage.


    For this asion, he had unusually dressed himself in a sharp suit, his tall and upright figure fitting perfectly.


    As he stepped onto the stage,


    the eyes of the young girls and married women below were riveted on him.


    Even sophisticated women like Shangguan Baihe and Shen Yuerong felt their breath quicken.


    His chiseled, resolute visage, bronzed skin, and perfect physique radiated a powerful masculine aura.


    Long Xiaoshan was naturally handsome.


    But usually, he didn''t take great care in dressing up, often looking like a typical farmer.


    A pearl covered in dust.


    Now, all dressed up, he was like Cindere in her ball gown, stunning and stirring the hearts of many.


    "Little Xiaoshan." Chun Tao bit her lips, her eyes filled with adoration and dependence as she looked at the man she loved.


    "You little rascal." Qin''s gaze became somewhat hazy as she watched the man on stage, whose every move exuded power, feeling her heartbeat inexplicably quicken.


    "That darn kid." Jin Lian, sitting among the crowd below, restlessly twisted her waist.


    ...


    Long Xiaoshan, tall and graceful, stood at the center of the makeshift presidential tform.


    His keen eyes swept over those below.


    The pairs of expectant eyes gave him a profound feeling because now, the vige folks had invested all theirnd into the Longyang Group.


    Therefore, he must do well.


    He must live up to the vigers'' expectations.


    "Elders and fellow vigers of Longyang Vige, good day," Long Xiaoshan''s voice was firm and strong as it rose. "Our Longyang Vige was once the poorest mountain vige in the entire Niu Y County. So many children could not afford schooling and couldn''t evenpletepulsory education. Many young and strong workers left their homes only to meet with idents, leaving behind orphans and widows. When our vige was mentioned within ten miles and eight viges, it was with a disdainful attitude¡ªbecause we were considered poor and weak, to the extent that our vige was even called Widow Vige. But from today onward, all that will change.


    Today, our Longyang Group Company will officially be established.


    What products are we talking about? They are the agricultural products that we farmers are most familiar with¡ªvarious types of vegetables, fruits, aquatic products, and livestock. As long as it can be bred, Longyang Group will be involved in it. Since all of you vigers have invested with yournd, everyone present is a shareholder of Longyang Group."


    The farmers below, upon hearing the term "shareholder," felt both novel and excited.


    They couldn''t stop whispering excitedly to each other.


    "Don''t underestimate these products. With my cultivation, you all can see, these products are far superior to themon agricultural products on the market, and they are of great value."


    "As long as everyone works together with one heart and does their best, in no more than a year, I promise everyone here that each household in Longyang Vige will be able to live in a vi, every family will have their own car, and elementary and secondary schools will be built in the vige. We will hire the best teachers. In the future, not only will the children of Longyang Vige have ess to education, but so will kids from ten miles and eight viges. They will rush here to study, and everyone who mentions Longyang Vige will give us a thumbs up, envious of our sess."

 Chapter 128: Chapter 131: Black-robed Taoist Priest

    ```


    Chapter One Hundred and Thirty-One


    After listening to Long Xiaoshan''s impassioned speech, the vigers below began pping frantically.


    "Xiaoshan, we will definitely work hard."


    "Right, from now on, Xiaoshan is our leader."


    "Anyone who disrespects Xiaoshan will have to answer to me, Gangdan."


    The vigers shouted one after another.


    Their fighting spirits were thoroughly aroused.


    Long Xiaoshan smiled and said, "Good, next I''ll discuss thepany''s share structure and appointments."


    "The first shareholder is me, with a 50% stake. The second is the vigemittee, with all householdsbined holding 30%. Following that, Mr. Gu Jingheng and Miss Shangguan Baihe each hold 10%."


    "Thepany will initially establish a board of directors, consisting of myself, Mr. Gu, Miss Shangguan, my father Long Dashan, and Uncle Laotie."


    Standing at the side of the stage, Long Dashan, dressed in a brand-new Zhongshan suit and drawing on his pipe, smacked his lips and said to He Xiangyue beside him, "Old woman, to think a farmer like me has now be a director of a bigpany, this is really..."


    With that, Long Dashan began tough first.


    "Look at you, so unimpressive. If not for our son, you wouldn''t have this day," He Xiangyue replied irritably.


    "That''s true, that''s true," Long Dashan chuckled heartily.


    "I will currently serve as thepany president, and the assistant to the president is Xu Chuntao."


    Chun Tao''s full name is Xu Chuntao, but everyone was used to calling her by her first name; very few knew her surname.


    Chun Tao''s face turned red as she stepped out and gave a slight bow.


    The people below pped enthusiastically.


    To them, this was not a surprise; the vige had long regarded Chun Tao as Long Xiaoshan''s woman. If it had been before, there would have been gossip, but now that Long Xiaoshan had be sessful, it becamepletely normal, and even the widows in the vige were filled with envy.


    They regretted that they could not offer themselves to Long Xiaoshan.


    "The head of the finance department will be Jin Lian, who has been the vige ountant. This is her forte."


    Jin Lian had already learned from Long Xiaoshan that she would be taking this position, and stood up calmly, saying generously, "Please support me, I will do my best in the financial management."


    Jin Lian hadpletely changed since Long Fakui had been arrested and imprisoned.


    She fully disyed her confident and charming side, and even Long Xiaoshan viewed her with new eyes.


    It didn''t seem like she had the bearing of amon country person.


    It was unclear what her background was before she had been trafficked.


    When asked, she couldn''t provide a clear answer, as if her past memories had been somehow lost.


    Following that, a series of appointments were made.


    After the announcements, the ribbon-cutting ceremony began.


    It marked the official establishment of Longyang Group.


    ...


    The event finishedte, and since the mountain roads were difficult to traverse, a group of distinguished guests stayed overnight in Longyang Vige.


    Of course, there was another reason.


    Everyone had be addicted to Long Xiaoshan''s medicinal cuisine and wanted to stay for another meal.


    Where else could such miraculous food be found?


    Long Xiaoshan was not shy about it; casual medicinal cuisine was something he could easily prepare. It was not like the special dishes he made for Qin You, which involved his True Qi and alchemy skills.


    The difference was immense.


    The esteemed guests made merry on the farmstead, drinking the medicinal wine prepared by Long Xiaoshan.


    Eventually, most of them became so excited that they drunkenly passed out.


    Fortunately, the vige had made preparations early on, constructing arge number of simple houses where the leaders could sleep.


    After making arrangements for everyone,


    Long Xiaoshan returned to his own quarters.


    Having taken a bath, Long Xiaoshan sat by the window. He had consumed quite a bit of alcohol.


    Even though he could easily sober up using his True Qi,


    there was no need to; the medicinal wine he brewed himself was beneficial for the body, and besides, today was the grand celebration of thepany''s founding. Riding on the wave of alcohol, he felt an inexplicable excitement within him.


    ...


    Lotus Township, Lotus Temple.


    Deep into the night.


    A shadowy figure flitted through the darkness, almost ghost-like, and descended into Lotus Temple.


    Uponnding, the figure revealed himself to be a middle-aged man dressed in a ck Daoist robe.


    He had the air of a Daoist immortal and carried a Seven-Star Sword on his back.


    He was also holding someone in his hand.


    That person was none other than Zhang Facai, who had been on the wanted list.


    Zhang Facai, who had been hiding in the mountains due to the matter of Daoist Jia''s ledger, now appeared here.


    "Daoist Ma, it was here that Daoist Jia was killed by the ''sudden wind.'' It''s absolutely true," Zhang Facai said with an awe-filled face.


    "Sudden wind?" The ck-robed Taoist let out a cold smirk.


    ```

 Chapter 129: Chapter 132 High-profile Listing

    Chapter One Hundred Thirty-two


    "A sudden gust of wind?" The ck-robed Taoist revealed a trace of a cold sneer.


    Although his junior fellow disciple was inept and had not yet entered the path to be a true Spirit Practitioner,


    he still had undergone cultivation. His physical foundation was much stronger than that of an ordinary person. How could he have possibly died from a sudden gust of wind?


    His gaze turned cold as he looked around the Taoist temple.


    Narrowing his eyes, he stopped at one spot.


    "These are traces of a Fireball Talisman. My junior fellow disciple fought someone with Daoist magic."


    Ordinary police officers could not discern such traces.


    But to them, the signs of a talisman were too obvious, and even if they were erased on the surface, one could still sense them.


    Now he was even more certain that his junior fellow disciple had not died from a ''sudden gust of wind.''


    "To harm someone from ck Scale Gate is to seek death," the ck-robed Taoist revealed a hint of ferocity, and his demeanor of a refined Taoist priest immediately crumbled.


    ...


    The next day.


    Ye Feng and a group of officials left Longyang Vige.


    After seeing them off and with only two days left before school started, Wang Yan had to return to Xinyuan County for school and could only say her reluctant farewells to the people at the farm.


    Especially Long Xiaoling, who was particrly attached, her eyes reddened.


    The two of them had be the best of friends due to their simr ages.


    Long Xiaoshan drove Wang Yan back.


    In addition, Liu Yufeng had called to say that Dragon Spirit Beautifying Water and the e-Removing Facial Mask were about to hit the market and wanted Long Xiaoshan toe over


    Xinyuan County, the Wang Family vi.


    Long Xiaoshan and Wang Yan got out of the car and rang the doorbell.


    After a while, a housekeeper came to open the door.


    Long Xiaoshan and Wang Yan walked in, and from inside the vi stepped a beautiful woman who, seeing Long Xiaoshan and Wang Yan, eximed with surprise, "Yan''er, Xiaoshan."


    This beautiful woman was Liu Yufeng.


    Compared to when she wasst seen, Liu Yufeng had be even more beautiful, with her skin rosy and tender. If one didn''t look closely, one might think she was Wang Yan''s older sister.


    "Aunt Liu, you''ve be more beautiful," Long Xiaoshan said with a smile, giving apliment.


    "Xiaoshan, you have such a sweet mouth, but this is also thanks to you. I''ve been using the Dragon Spirit Beautifying Water," Liu Yufeng said.


    The Dragon Spirit Beautifying Water had been sessfully trial-produced but had not yet gone to market.


    However, Liu Yufeng could, of course, obtain and use it herself.


    After trying it for a period.


    Liu Yufeng became more and more confident in the product. She was certain that it would create a sensation uponunch, and might even cause an upheaval in the beauty industry. With preparations made over these past days, the Beautifying Water and e-Removing Facial Mask were ready to go on sale.


    "Mom," Wang Yan stepped forward, affectionately holding Liu Yufeng''s hand.


    Liu Yufeng felt Wang Yan''s return to her usual lively and cheerful self, seemingly over the impact of Wang Feng''s departure, and couldn''t help but be even more thankful towards Long Xiaoshan.


    Without Long Xiaoshan, who knew what state the Wang Family would be in now.


    "Come,e, have a seat," Liu Yufeng invited Long Xiaoshan inside.


    Seeing Long Xiaoshan carrying big and small bags, she yfully chided, "You''re still so formal with Aunt Liu on a visit? Just treat this ce like your own home."


    "It''s just some things grown at home; I thought you might like to try them," Long Xiaoshan said with a smile. He had brought over fruits and vegetables, as well as fish and shrimp, grown at his farm.


    "Mom, the things from Brother Xiaoshan''s farm are not simple at all. Haven''t you heard about the miraculous shrimp and health-preserving vegetables from Niu Y County? They''re all Brother Xiaoshan''s handiwork," Wang Yan said proudly.


    Liu Yufeng''s eyes lit up as she said, "Really? I''ve long heard of its great reputation. I heard it''s incredibly popr, making many wealthy people from Xinyuan County go all the way to Niu Y County just to eat there. I didn''t expect it was you, Xiaoshan, who made it. Now I really must try it for myself."


    Long Xiaoshan helped Liu Yufeng carry things to the kitchen.


    Liu Yufeng didn''t ask the maid to lift a finger, instead, she personally took the fruits, vegetables, fish, and shrimp that Long Xiaoshan brought and started cooking.


    After a while, the fragrance of the dishes wafted through the air.


    Liu Yufeng moved the dishes to the table, calling Long Xiaoshan and Wang Yan to sit down, and she also picked up her chopsticks to taste the food.


    Throughout the meal, Liu Yufeng kept eximing how delightful it was.


    Normally, she would only eat a small bowl of rice, but this time she solidly downed tworge bowls, in addition to consuming a lot of the dishes.


    After eating, her stomach was absolutely bulging.


    What was amazing was that, after eating, she felt a surge of vitality, and the exhaustion from staying upte for theunch of the beautifying products had vanished.


    "Xiaoshan, the produce you grow is fantastic, truly delicious. No wonder those people all flock to Niu Y County to eat," Liu Yufeng praised.


    "If Aunt Liu likes it, I can have someone send some over every week."


    "That''s wonderful, thank you in advance. After eating your vegetables, I feel like I can''t eat any others," said Liu Yufeng unabashedly, because the produce had left such a good impression on her.


    She thought to herself that this young man really knew how to do everything.


    He knew Daoist magic, he could heal, he could make pharmaceuticals, and he could even farm and raise fish. The key was that what he produced was extraordinary. She couldn''t help but wonder what he couldn''t do, and she couldn''t understand how someone just a few years older than her daughter could achieve all this.


    Despite her age, she couldn''t help feeling a sense of admiration welling up inside her.


    After they finished eating, Liu Yufeng took Long Xiaoshan to the study to discuss theunch n of the Dragon Spirit Beautifying products.


    Although she already had several ns in hand, she was still hesitating about which one was better.


    She originally didn''t think that Long Xiaoshan had better business sense than her, but now she found herself involuntarily wanting to hear Long Xiaoshan''s opinion.


    They discussed in the study for an entire afternoon.


    Finally, theunch n was settled.


    On August 28th, Hechuan City and its surrounding counties and cities were stered with overwhelming advertising for the high-profileunch of a new skincare brand under Longling Pharmaceuticals.


    Huge street advertisements, light boxes, bus stops, televisionmercials, newspaper articles, and online presence¡ªnearly every channel was covered with advertisements for Dragon Spirit Beautifying Water and Dragon Scale e-removing Facial Mask.


    These advertisements boasted the miraculous effects of the Dragon Spirit Beautifying Water and Dragon Scale e-removing Facial Mask.


    Results in one day, remove spots within a month.


    One course of treatment, ten facial masks could eliminate any e and past e scars.


    These were the effects proimed in the advertisements.


    Initially, everyone scoffed at them.


    Because this was exactly the kind of exaggerated marketing rhetoric used to deceive uninformed women, the hyperbolic ims in the advertising were obvious.


    However, Longling Pharmaceuticals actually offered a tenfold refund guarantee for any ineffective products.


    At the same time, the well-known in the beauty industry, the chairman of Beacon Fire Company, Liu Yufeng, also stepped up to vouch for the efficacy of Longling Pharmaceuticals, guaranteeing its effectiveness.


    Given that it''s an era of inte connectivity, the high-profile and bold advertising of Longling Pharmaceuticals, along with such assurances, caused a huge sensation in Hechuan City, with many in the beauty industry criticizing it, saying it was impossible for such a product to exist.


    Many in the businessmunity thought Liu Yufeng had gone mad; exaggeration in advertising is one thing, but to stretch it this far and even offer a tenfold refund guarantee, if found to be deceiving consumers, not only would Longling Pharmaceuticals be finished, but Beacon Fire Company would be doomed as well.


    Although no one had a positive outlook for the products of Longling Pharmaceuticals,


    Dragon Spirit Beautifying Water and Dragon Scale e-removing Facial Mask were released on schedule.


    The pricing was astounding too.


    Dragon Spirit Beautifying Water at three thousand a box, with a full course requiring ten boxes.


    Dragon Scale e-removing Facial Mask at one thousand one per piece.


    With such pricing, it could be said to be unprecedented in the beauty industry, another bombshell dropped!

 Chapter 130: Chapter 133 Sensational Bestseller

    Chapter One Hundred and Thirty-Three


    Such a price, ording to Longling Company''s statement,


    was still just a promotional half-price for a newlyunched product.


    After three days, it would return to the original price.


    Wouldn''t that mean the original price of Beautifying Water would be six thousand per bottle, and two thousand for a facial mask?


    It''s unlikely that even the most famous beauty brands in the world would dare to set such prices, let alone Huaxia brands.


    For a while, critics were everywhere.


    However, it must be said that the sensational effect was absolutely achieved; although it was infamy, Dragon Spirit Beautifying Water and the e-removal facial mask suddenly became well-known to everyone in Hechuan City.


    Many journalists even took the initiative to travel to Beacon Fire Company to interview Liu Yufeng


    because Longling Pharmaceuticals was now fully contracting for Beacon Fire Company, and Liu Yufeng was also the president of Longling Pharmaceuticals.


    No matter what others thought.


    On the first day the product hit the market, all major Longling Pharmaceuticals'' direct sales outlets were swamped with people.


    Longling Pharmaceuticals had not adopted the strategy of wide distribution but instead established factory direct sales stores everywhere.


    Although this would increase costs, from the beginning, Liu Yufeng did not intend to make the two products mass-market products; she was aiming for a high-end positioning, which was evident from the price.


    Thus, the direct sales store format could elevate the product''s exclusivity and ss.


    On the first day, although there were many people,


    most were there to watch themotion.


    Very few actually made purchases.


    Moreover, most of them weren''t genuinely buying the product to remove blemishes, but rather they were there with other intentions, aiming for the "ten-fold refund for ineffectiveness" use.


    By the end of the day, sales of Dragon Spirit Beautifying Water and the e-removal facial mask had reached over a million.


    Although this seemed like a decent figure,


    even Liu Yufeng couldn''t help but worry¡ªover a million might seem like a lot, but given the high price of Dragon Spirit Beautifying Water and the facial masks, in reality, not many products were sold.


    And this was still during the half-price promotion period.


    The first day could be considered aplete failure.


    Yet, thisunch n was devised by Xiaoshan Long, who originally favored distributing free samples first, but Xiaoshan Long had vetoed this idea.


    On the second day, the major sales outlets were deserted, and sales were even lower than on the first day.


    Already, numerous media outlets were adding insult to injury.


    Online, the naysaying was incessant.


    This made Liu Yufeng even more nervous¡ªcould there be a problem with Dragon Spirit Beautifying Water?


    However, the one piece of good news was that no customers hade back to request a refund.


    Just when Liu Yufeng was feeling on edge, to her surprise, sales skyrocketed on the third day. Inventory at all major sales outlets sold out, and the customers making purchases were some of those who had bought the product in the previous two days.


    These people were buying several courses of treatment at a time.


    It must be noted that Dragon Spirit Beautifying Water and the e removal facial masks were expensive, and a single course of treatment cost several tens of thousands.


    The fervor started in the morning.


    By the afternoon, under the circumstances of stockouts at all major sales outlets,


    the situation grew more intense.


    The number of customersing to purchase was almost enough to break down the door.


    Seeing the dwindling inventory,


    Liu Yufeng had no choice but to urgently impose a limit on purchases, with a maximum of one course of treatment per person.


    This level of sales continued until the evening.


    Even the factory''s inventory had run out.


    Because of the direct sales model, performance feedback from all major sales outlets was quickly tallied, reaching an astonishing thirty million plus.


    ```


    This was still because the stock was only so much; otherwise, even more could have been sold.


    It left Liu Yufeng both shocked and delighted.


    Dragon Spirit beauty products'' third-day "sell-out" quickly spread, and given the astonishingly high price of the Dragon Spirit beauty products and the exaggerated promotions, many people suspected that this was a scam orchestrated by the Dragon Spirit Company itself.


    Many journalists also rushed out to investigate upon hearing the news.


    However, the feedback they received shocked everyone.


    The purchasers interviewed by these journalists, young and old, from wherever, all unanimously praised the Dragon Spirit beauty products.


    One person, two people saying this might still be dismissed as the Dragon Spirit Company having bought off the media and consumers.


    But when everyone interviewed spoke with one voice, that was no small matter.


    Although there were some with ulterior motives trying to cause trouble and deliberately create news stories,


    on the inte,


    many users of the products posted their own before-and-afterparison photos and videos of using the product,


    forming a powerful force of voluntary supporters.


    This powerful force quickly overwhelmed some voices with hidden agendas.


    Because the beauty products from Dragon Spirit were indeed good, so good that their advertising effects were even underyed rather than exaggerated. Many people had used it only twice, and the spots had receded to the point of being barely visible, with the skin on their faces visibly bing more delicate.


    Such a strong effect


    was what caused the subsequent buying frenzy.


    Because the third day was thest day of the promotion, after which the price would double.


    Although for those who could afford it, even a doubling of the price was affordable, who wouldn''t take advantage of a good deal?


    That is consumer psychology.


    Liu Yufeng was thrilled.


    She was not surprised by the potency of the Dragon Spirit products; anyone who bought them would definitely find them worthwhile.


    But the speed of the sales increase had even taken her by surprise.


    Now she understood Long Xiaoshan''s initial intentions and why he kept provoking the media and the public, letting the Dragon Spirit products first gain a "bad reputation," then redeeming themselves with the strength of the product quality and exploding in sales volume.


    This marketing strategy of initial suppression followed by promotion was simply a stroke of genius.


    The hot sales of Longling Pharmaceuticals now also affected her Beacon Oral Liquid; even the sales of Beacon Oral Liquid had doubled.


    After all, the Dragon Spirit products were overly expensive.


    They targeted the high-end market.


    And they were already sold out.


    Beacon Oral Liquid was aimed at the mass market.


    That evening, at thergest hotel in Xinyuan County, Longling Pharmaceuticals held a celebration banquet. Long Xiaoshan did not show up in person but remained behind the scenes, letting Liu Yufeng take center stage.


    In the face of the now popr Dragon Spirit products,


    naturally, many were rmed.


    Many who smelled a business opportunity came knocking on the door seeking partnerships, but they were all rejected by Liu Yufeng.


    After all, with production at these levels and a reputation already established, she had no worries about sales, nor did she need any partners. Liu Yufeng had great ambition to build this brand into a top-tier global name, and of course, she would not casually coborate with the not-so-influential forces in these counties and cities; she would seek partnerships with top-tier majorpanies only.


    The major powers that were rejected did not give up and eyed Liu Yufeng covetously.


    Because the profits from Dragon Spirit beauty products were too lucrative.


    For Liu Yufeng, a widow,


    with limited power and influence, many forces decided to resort to underhanded methods to force Liu Yufeng to submit.


    But soon, these forces received warnings and even threats.


    They came from ck Wolf Zhao Jun of Xinyuan County.


    Only then did many realize that ck Wolf Zhao Jun had already taken the lead with Dragon Spirit products. With Zhao Jun''s influence in Xinyuan County, truly no one could touch Dragon Spirit Company.


    Nobody knew that Zhao Jun from Niu Y County, who swaggered arrogantly, was standing in front of an ordinary-looking young man, nodding and bowing.


    ```

 Chapter 131: Chapter 134 Spirit Practitioner Appears

    Chapter One Hundred and Thirty-Four


    "Zhao Jun, you''ve done well," Long Xiaoshan said as he removed the Golden Needle from Zhao Jun''s body, "I am not an unreasonable person. I''ve now helped you remove part of the toxin, ensuring you won''t suffer from it for the next three months. If you can reform yourself and cease your wicked ways in the future, I could rid you of the poisonpletely."


    "Thank you, Brother Long. I will definitely turn over a new leaf. Constructing the Hope Primary School these past months has deeply moved me, and I''ve decided to donate and build even more Hope Primary Schools," Zhao Jun hurriedly said.


    This wasn''t just to please Long Xiaoshan.


    It was because Zhao Jun, a major viin, upon seeing the smiles of the children and feeling the satisfaction from the process of donation, surprisingly found it to be more exhrating than earning money through killing.


    Unconsciously, his mentality had started to change.


    Long Xiaoshan observed Zhao Jun''s face and indeed noticed a change.


    The maliciousness on his face had been reduced.


    Hemented, "Not bad. Originally, you were on a path to a violent death. ording to your facial features, you wouldn''t have lived past forty. Now that your features have improved, stick to your new path, and you''ll meet a good end."


    Zhao Jun was startled.


    He knew Long Xiaoshan was no ordinary man, capable of exorcising ghosts, even immune to bullets.


    For such an extraordinary person to read faces was not surprising.


    Hearing now that he wouldn''t have lived past forty, he broke out in cold sweat, especially since he was already thirty-nine, which meant that if Long Xiaoshan hadn''t mentioned it, and he continued living his former lifestyle, he might only have one more year to live.


    Realizing this, Zhao Jun immediately fell to his knees, "Thank you for your guidance, Master Long."


    His address changed from Brother Long to Master Long, indicating respect.


    "I''m no grandmaster; I am a farmer," Long Xiaoshan stood up and handed over a talisman, "Keep this Talisman. It can save your life in a critical moment, even blocking bullets for you. Consider it your reward for looking after Longling Pharmaceutical Company in Xinyuan County for me."


    Long Xiaoshan knew about the immense benefits of Dragon Spirit Beautifying Water and facial masks.


    It would certainly attract covetous nces.


    He couldn''t be in Xinyuan County all the time to watch over things.


    Thus, he entrusted the task to Zhao Jun, to make good use of his abilities.


    "Yes, Grandmaster Long, I guarantee no harm wille to Longling Pharmaceuticals," Zhao Jun quickly took the Talisman Paper, overjoyed.


    He had no doubt that a single piece of talisman paper could block bullets.


    Having seen with his own eyes his gunshot having no effect on Long Xiaoshan, for someone involved in the shady underworld like him, this was like having an extra life.


    Just then, Long Xiaoshan''s phone suddenly rang.


    He picked up the phone and saw it was Shen Yuerong''s number.


    Answering the call, he said, "Sister Shen, do you need something?"


    "Kid, Daoist Jia of Lotus Temple, you killed him, didn''t you?" A sinister voice came from the other end.


    Long Xiaoshan''s expression changed, and he said in a grave voice, "Who are you?"


    "You will soon know who I am. But first, listen to this," a moan of pain suddenly came through the phone.


    Upon hearing the voice, Long Xiaoshan''s expression turned grim; it was unmistakably Shen Yuerong''s voice.


    It seemed Shen Yuerong had fallen into the hands of this person.


    Since this person had captured Shen Yuerong, they were undoubtedly rted to Daoist Jia, seeking vengeance against him.


    With this thought, a touch of murderous intent appeared on Long Xiaoshan''s face as he said, "I don''t care who you are, if you have an issue,e at me. What skill is there in capturing a woman?"


    "Good. Tonight at eight o''clock, meet me at Nine Peaks Mountain. And remember,e alone." The caller hung up directly.


    Long Xiaoshan''s expression was cold.


    Murderous intent filled the air, causing Zhao Jun, who was standing nearby, to feel his heart constrict.


    "Grandmaster Long, is there anything you need help with?" Zhao Jun asked carefully.


    "Where is Nine Peaks Mountain?"


    "Nine Peaks Mountain? It''s at the border between our Xinyuan and Niu Y County. But that mountain is very tall, rarely visited by people, and there are fierce beasts roaming around. Ordinary people dare not enter," Zhao Jun exined.


    Long Xiaoshan nodded and said, "You may leave now."


    Watching Zhao Jun depart.


    Long Xiaoshan immediately set out, driving towards Nine Peaks Mountain.


    Before reaching Jiufeng Mountain, the road had alreadye to an end.


    Following the mountain forest, Long Xiaoshan saw a very tall mountain with nine peaks on it.


    Long Xiaoshan didn''t do as the Taoist priest had said.


    It wasn''t even night yet, but he had already arrived.


    Jiufeng Mountain was very tall, rarely visited by humans, and had no paths. He climbed all the way to the top, using the Spirit Eye ability. Jiufeng Mountain was infested with insects and snakes; Long Xiaoshan encountered several attacks from poisonous snakes on his way up.


    Awoo!


    A yellow leopard sprang out from the woods.


    Long Xiaoshan summoned his strength and threw a punch.


    Bang!


    The leopard was sent flying and let out a pained cry.


    This mountain forest was indeed perilously dangerous; if Long Xiaoshan weren''t a cultivator, he would not have been able to climb up the mountain at all.


    Gradually, he made it to the top of the mountain.


    Long Xiaoshan searched around the mountaintop.


    He kept searching until the sky was about to darken.


    Suddenly, he narrowed his eyes; he had finally found some traces. Long Xiaoshan quickly pped an Invisibility Talisman on himself, and in the dimming light, he spotted a cave entrance concealed by vines.


    If it were not for the Spirit Eye, he would not have found this ce.


    Long Xiaoshan quietly snuck in.


    The cave was very dark inside, but with the Spirit Eye, he could see clearly. After walking a short distance, he found Shen Yuerong tied up in a corner of the cave, with a ck-robed Taoist priest sitting cross-legged there.


    Seeing that Shen Yuerong was unharmed,


    Long Xiaoshan breathed a sigh of relief.


    Then he observed the ck-robed Taoist priest with the Seven-Star Sword on his back and three long beards, looking every bit the aplished ascetic.


    Of course, Long Xiaoshan was not deceived by his appearance.


    Daoist Jia was a Taoist priest.


    This ck-robed Taoist priest was also a Taoist priest.


    It seemed that the two were in cahoots; this ck-robed Taoist priest must havee to avenge Daoist Jia.


    Since the other party had ill intentions, Long Xiaoshan was naturally not going to be polite.


    He sneakily moved closer, nning to catch him by surprise.


    Long Xiaoshan didn''t have such scruples; back when he was fighting in prison, sneak attacks and foul y were amon urrence.


    Long Xiaoshan was very skilled at this.


    He held his breath and concentrated, moving along the ground like a gecko, making use of the invisibility to circle behind the ck-robed Taoist priest, and was just about to make his move.


    The ck-robed Taoist priest suddenly opened his eyes and turned around, "Since you''vee, why sneak around?"


    "As you wish."


    Long Xiaoshan hadn''t expected to be discovered.


    After his failed surprise attack, he simply revealed himself.


    He was also secretly astonished that this old Taoist priest could detect him even while he was invisible; clearly, this Taoist priest was no ordinary individual.


    "Trivial tricks, mere illusions, you dare to unt them before Taoist Priest," scoffed the ck-robed Taoist priest, who was actually quite shocked internally.


    He had thought that even if Long Xiaoshan made it to Jiufeng Mountain, he wouldn''t be able to find him so quickly in the vast mountains.


    He had even nned to set up some lethal traps.


    But he hadn''t expected Long Xiaoshan to arrive so swiftly and find his hiding ce.


    "Xiaoshan, get out of here! This is no ordinary person; he''s a Spirit Practitioner." Upon seeing Long Xiaoshan suddenly appear, Shen Yuerong, startled at first, urgently shouted out.

 Chapter 132: Chapter 135: Fight the Black Robe

    Spirit Practitioner?


    Long Xiaoshan, after hearing Shen Yuerong''s shout, felt a stir in his heart; he did not know what a Spirit Practitioner was.


    Even though the ck-robed Taoist gave him a much stronger impression than Daoist Jia had.


    However, Long Xiaoshan was no ordinary person. He turned to Shen Yuerong and said, "Sister Shen, I will take you out of here."


    "Boy, you''re quite arrogant, to dare speak such words in front of the Taoist Priest. Having killed our ck Scale Gate''s people, there''s only one ce you can go, and that is to Yama''s Underworld," the ck-robed Taoist said with a sinister coldugh.


    ck Scale Gate?


    Long Xiaoshan thought of the secret tome he had obtained from Jia Laodao.


    There was indeed the symbol of the ck Scale Gate within it.


    It turns out that the ck Scale Gate was indeed a sect.


    And this ck-robed Taoist was also from the ck Scale Gate.


    After a quick mental shift, Long Xiaoshan coldly said, "Do you Cultivators also not distinguish right from wrong? Jia Laodao caused harm to people by exorcising ghosts in the secr world, and in the end, he died at the hands of an Evil Ghost. It was a fate he brought upon himself. Instead of introspecting, you me me; is this how all of you Cultivators act?"


    "Immense Heavenly Venerable, it''s not your ce to criticize how the Taoist Priest conducts his affairs. ept your death obediently and let the Taoist Priest take your life," the ck-robed Taoist said, filled with killing intent, as he drew out the Seven-Star Sword on his back, stepped on the form of the Dragon and Serpent and thrust at Long Xiaoshan.


    "What a Taoist Priest you are; I see that you and Jia Laodao are cut from the same cloth. Since that''s the case, I will send both of you to meet the Heavenly Venerable," Long Xiaoshan responded, his killing intent rising as well.


    These people from beyond the secr world were not like themon folk.


    They werepletely unrestrained by secr rules, their hands readily stained with blood.


    He also let go of his inhibitions and roared, striking a palm towards the Seven-Star Precious Sword.


    A pale white light emerged from his palm, colliding with the Seven-Star Precious Sword.


    Bang!


    A burst of light exploded.


    The two separated immediately upon contact.


    The ck-robed Taoist''s expression tightened as he said, "You''re also a Spirit Practitioner."


    Just now, the light emitted from Long Xiaoshan''s hand and the surging of True Qi were all signs of a Cultivator Initiate.


    Don''t be deceived by the ck-robed Taoist''s appearance of being in his forties, which made him seem younger than Jia Laodao; in reality, he had been cultivating for six decades. He had entered the Path at the age of sixty, which had somewhat rejuvenated his looks. Now he was nearing seventy.


    While Long Xiaoshan was only in his twenties.


    To have entered the Path at such an age was simply inconceivable. If known to the cultivation world, he would surely be considered top-tier.


    "What is a Spirit Practitioner?" Long Xiaoshan asked.


    "You don''t even know what a Spirit Practitioner is?"


    The ck-robed Taoist, taken aback, then grew overjoyed.


    It seemed that Long Xiaoshan was a Loose Cultivator who had stumbled upon an incredible legacy that enabled him to break through to a Spirit Practitioner at the age of twenty.


    The thought made the ck-robed Taoist''s heart burn with desire.


    As long as he killed Long Xiaoshan.


    That legacy would be his.


    The ck-robed Taoist shouted sharply, "Big Dipper Sword Technique."


    Sword light flickered, and in the air, seven shimmering points of sword light appeared, enveloping Long Xiaoshan like The Big Dipper.


    This is bad!


    Long Xiaoshan had never faced such formidable swordsmanship before.


    Enveloped by the Seven Stars, he felt that there was nowhere to escape.


    A sense of impending death loomed over him.


    After all, Long Xiaoshan had never had formal training; his fighting relied on instinct, how could he stand against authentic Taoist School swordsmanship?


    In his great rm,


    a surge of warmth rushed to his forehead, and a pain so intense it felt as if a knife was slicing through his brow forced Long Xiaoshan to let out a pained grunt.


    Suddenly,


    it was as if an eye had opened at Long Xiaoshan''s brow.


    This eye seemed ethereal.


    But under its gaze, the sword lights from the ck-robed Taoist revealed a clear trajectory, no longer elusive.


    Within this matrix of sword lights, a distinct vulnerability emerged.


    Long Xiaoshan instinctively swung his fist, True Qi bursting forth,


    aiming for that point of weakness.


    Bang!


    The Seven-Star Sword Light scattered.


    Some stray Sword Qi stabbed into Long Xiaoshan, and bursts of yellow light erupted from his body.


    Thud!


    Long Xiaoshan staggered back several steps.


    His clothes were torn, and several bloodstains appeared on his body.


    This was because he had the Vajra Talisman.


    Otherwise, he would have been pierced by the ck-robed Taoist just now.


    A look of surprise and suspicion appeared on the face of the ck-robed Taoist.


    This kid must be a blind cat running into a dead mouse.


    He had just managed to hit a weak spot in his Big Dipper Sword Technique, preventing him from unleashing its full power.


    "Vajra Talisman," the ck-robed Taoist sneered coldly, "let''s see how many Vajra Talismans you have to block."


    He lunged forward, wielding his sword to attack again.


    Seeing his fierce sword technique, Long Xiaoshan grabbed a bunch of Talismans and hurled them over, boom, boom!


    The entire cave was instantly filled with the light of fire and blue glows.


    The rushing ck-robed Taoist was drowned in it.


    Long Xiaoshan had thrown at least a dozen Talismans just now.


    After a series of roaring explosions.


    A shadowy figure emerged in disarray, his Taoist robe torn, hair disheveled, and face pitch-ck, revealing the ck-robed Taoist himself.


    The ck-robed Taoist did not expect Long Xiaoshan to have so many Talismans.


    Moreover, these Talismans were extremely powerful, much stronger than ordinary ones; had he not had a few Talismans on himself, he would have been blown to death just now.


    Seeing that the ck-robed Taoist was not dead,


    Long Xiaoshan reached out and grasped another handful of Talismans.


    Since he hadn''t learned any powerful Spells, martial arts, or swordsmanship,


    he could only rely on Talismans to kill his enemies, fortunately, he had been drawing a bunch every day and had a pile on him.


    Seeing Long Xiaoshan grabbing another bunch of Talismans,


    the ck-robed Taoist was startled.


    Where did this guy get so many Talismans from?


    He hastily pulled out a small ck g from his bag, waved it into the air, and shouted, "Hundred Ghosts Descend."


    Whoosh!


    A st of cold wind howled, the cave, already dark, became even more engulfed in an ink-like darkness. Amidst the darkness, the piercing screams of countless ghostly spirits resounded, sending shivers down the spine.


    Long Xiaoshan had the Spirit Eye.


    He saw arge number of Resentful Spirits and Evil Ghosts floating out from the ck g.


    No less than a hundred.


    Each of these Evil Ghosts had a terrifying aura of Ghost Qi and an overwhelming sense of resentment, on par with Wang Feng from before.


    Long Xiaoshan was filled with righteous fury.


    The ck-robed Taoist was unbearably malicious; Daoist Jia had previously confined an Evil Ghost for evildoing.


    And yet, the ck-robed Taoist had actually confined so many Evil Ghosts.


    These Evil Ghosts were tortured and used by him, unable to find peace, their resentment reaching the heavens.


    Such a malicious Taoist deserved to die.


    Long Xiaoshan waved his hand, and a multitude of Talismans shot out, the fire light exploded, turning the entire cave red hot, as numerous Evil Ghosts were blown apart by the Fireball Talismans.


    Ghosts fear the fire the most.


    So with the Fireball Talismans leading the way, Long Xiaoshan charged towards the ck-robed Taoist.


    Seeing Long Xiaoshan rushing towards him,


    the ck-robed Taoist was calm, about to unleash his swordsmanship.


    Long Xiaoshan waved his hand, and a colorless, odorless powder sprinkled from his hands.


    He was a sessor of the Xuan Gate Medical Arts, excelling in the use of medicine.


    Apart from saving people, he naturally could also use it for killing!


    One of them was the Bone Rot Heart Corroding Pill he had previously refined.


    He generally disliked using poison, but the ck-robed Taoist''s viciousness spurred Long Xiaoshan''s determination to kill. The powder dispersed into the air.


    Once the ck-robed Taoist got smeared with it, he immediately felt something was wrong.


    His body weakened, and even the cirction of his True Qi became sluggish.

 Chapter 133: Chapter 136 Ghost General

    Chapter One Hundred and Thirty-Six


    "Damn it, the kid actually used poison!"


    The ck-robed Taoist felt his body weaken and hurriedly used his True Qi to force out the poison.


    But the poison was so strong that the ck-robed Taoist actually struggled to expel it.


    Moreover, at this time, Long Xiaoshan had already pounced over, channeling his True Qi and throwing a punch with a booming sound that demonstrated its power.


    The sound of tearing through the air showed the strength of this punch.


    The ck-robed Taoist quickly raised his sword to stab, the sword light flickering, and at that moment, Long Xiaoshan clearly felt the sword''s weakness.


    He threw a punch.


    Thud!


    The ck-robed Taoist spat out a mouthful of blood.


    Weakened by the poison, the ck-robed Taoist''s strength was insufficient; Long Xiaoshan broke through his swordsmanship with a punch, hitting him in the chest and causing a heavy injury.


    Long Xiaoshan didn''t let up when he had the advantage.


    Charging again, he threw another punch. Chapter Read:


    The poisoned and injured ck-robed Taoist had his sword knocked away by Long Xiaoshan''s second strike.


    He staggered backward, nearly falling to the ground.


    Seeing Long Xiaoshan continue to advance.


    The ck-robed Taoist quickly said, "Kid, stop, I admit defeat this time, take the person and go."


    "Are you stupid? You want to kill me just like that, and when you can''t beat me, you say stop? Dream on," Long Xiaoshan scoffed and threw a punch.


    "Don''t push me!"


    The ck-robed Taoist spat out a mouthful of essence blood onto the ck g, his face twisted as he muttered a few phrases, and suddenly the ck g expanded considerably, followed by a puff of ck fog flying out. This ck fog twisted and gradually formed an Evil Ghost wielding a knife.


    This Evil Ghost was different from the ones that had appeared before.


    The previous Evil Ghosts were clearly disoriented and had an air of ferocity.


    But this Evil Ghost, dressed in the uniform of a Qing Dynasty general and, though grim-faced, did not seem confused, with green eyes that appeared to possess a Spiritual Nature.


    At the same time, it also emitted a strong aura.


    Long Xiaoshan felt very endangered.


    He stopped his attack and stared at the Ghost General.


    "Kill him," the ck-robed Taoist shouted at the Ghost General.


    Unexpectedly, the Ghost General didn''t move, just standing there with an indifferent gaze.


    "Damn it."


    The ck-robed Taoist knew that the stronger the Ghost General got, the less he was under his control.


    It was aplete ident that he had captured it into the Hundred Ghosts Banner.


    Otherwise, such a hundred-year-old ghost was not something his insignificant Mana could manipte.


    At this moment, the ck-robed Taoist grimaced with pain as he pulled something out from his chest and said, "If you kill him, this Yin Crystal Stone is yours."


    He held a ck crystal stone in his hand, which was emitting Ghostly Yin Energy.


    Gazing at that crystal stone, the Ghost General''s eye me finally stirred, showing interest. He turned his head, staring at Long Xiaoshan, and suddenly stepped forward, shing down at Long Xiaoshan.


    Ghost Qi howled, and the knife energy surged.


    A sh from the Ghost General.


    Even more terrifying than the ck-robed Taoist''s Big Dipper Sword Technique.


    Long Xiaoshan''s face turned to shock, and he hurriedly threw out thest few of his Fireball Talismans.


    Boom boom!


    The ghost knife shed onto the fireballs but actually cut through them.


    Whoosh!


    Another knife sh came.


    Long Xiaoshan quickly rolled away, dodging to the side.


    Instantly, a cut several meters long appeared on the ground.


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Continual shing from the Ghost Knife!


    With nowhere to evade, Long Xiaoshan was cut on his body; several Vajra Talismans on him exploded at the same time, and he spat out blood before crashing heavily into the rock wall.


    The ck-robed Taoist''s face contorted, and heughed loudly, "Kill, kill him."


    Just when the Ghost General''s knife was about to chop down on Long Xiaoshan''s head.


    That knife suddenly paused in mid-air.


    The ck-robed Taoist urged frantically, "Kill, why aren''t you killing him? Hurry up and kill him."


    The Ghost General''s eyes zed with green fire.


    At this moment, Long Xiaoshan was holding up a ck Dan Pellet in his hand.


    Inside, it emitted strong pulses of Ghost Qi, far surpassing the Yin Crystal Stone that the ck-robed Taoist had in his possession.


    "Elixir Pills," the Ghost General uttered two obscure words.


    "Yes, this is the Yin Yuan Pill, which contains powerful pure Yin energy. I can give it to you," Long Xiaoshan said, while behind him, cold sweat broke out and his heart pounded furiously.


    Now, he waspletely taking a risk.


    He had seen the ck-robed Taoist produce a crystal stone, which had stirred the Ghost General into action.


    It made him realize that the Ghost General was not something the ck-robed Taoist couldmand at will.


    Moreover, he had seen


    that the Ghost General''s power was considerably stronger than that of the ck-robed Taoist.


    The Yin Crystal Stone the ck-robed Taoist had taken out contained powerful Ghost Qi,


    which must be helpful for the cultivation of ghost creatures.


    That''s what caused the Ghost General to make a move.


    In a moment of desperation, he thought of the three Yin Yuan Pills he had madest time. He had given one to Long Shiyu to consume and had two left; those were made from the body of a Mountain Demon and contained pure Yin energy, which was a true Elixir Pill, much purer and more powerful than the Ghost Qi contained in the Yin Crystal Stone.


    So he took a gamble.


    He brought out the Yin Yuan Pill.


    He bet that the allure of the Yin Yuan Pill to the Ghost General would be greater than that of the Yin Crystal Stone.


    Time seemed to freeze.


    "Conditions?" After a long pause, the Ghost General spoke again.


    Long Xiaoshan was overjoyed inside.


    His bet had paid off.


    Indeed, his Yin Yuan Pill had tempted the Ghost General.


    And when the ck-robed Taoist saw this scene, his face changed drastically, and he yelled, "Yue Ling, what are you trying to do?"


    The Ghost General ignored him as if he hadn''t heard anything.


    "Ah, damn it!" The ck-robed Taoist picked up the Hundred Ghosts Banner and poured his blood into it fervently, while continuously chanting spells.


    Pain appeared on the Ghost General''s face.


    His body also showed signs of disintegration.


    Naturally, Long Xiaoshan could tell that the Hundred Ghosts Banner was a Magic Artifact, capable of restraining the Ghost General.


    However, the Ghost General was powerful; even as the ck-robed Taoist''s face turned pale from expelling his lifeblood, the Ghost General still persisted without moving.


    Moved by a thought, Long Xiaoshan threw the Yin Yuan Pill to the Ghost General, saying, "Take it."


    The Ghost General caught the Yin Yuan Pill in one hand and immediately swallowed it.


    Boom!


    As the potent pure Yin energy surged into the Ghost General''s body, his form suddenly burst open, with a great mass of ck fog billowing out. Long Xiaoshan was startled¡ªperhaps the Ghost General hadn''t survived.


    Just as he was thinking,


    The ck fog churned, then began to condense again.


    This time, the reconstructed Ghost General had a somewhat less eerie and more human-like appearance. This time, the Ghost General looked at Long Xiaoshan with a hint of gratitude in his eyes and said, "Thank you."


    His words were clearer than before, not as obscure as before.


    After speaking, he moved toward the ck-robed Taoist, raising his broad knife over his head.


    "Yue Ling, you, you, stop right there,"


    cried the ck-robed Taoist in panic, wildly waving the Hundred Ghosts Banner, in a vain attempt to control the Ghost General.


    However, the Ghost General, having broken through, was no longer bound by the Hundred Ghosts Banner.


    He stepped forward swiftly and swung his knife.


    ck light from the de shed like an illusion.


    Puff!


    The ck-robed Taoist''s head flew off.


    After ying the ck-robed Taoist,


    the Ghost General nted his broad knife in the ground, majestic and imposing as if a fierce ancient general had been reborn.


    The scattered Evil Ghosts from inside the Hundred Ghosts Banner all panicked and prostrated themselves on the ground, as if worshipping the Ghost General.


    Long Xiaoshan was awed by the sight.


    This Ghost General was no ordinary being.


    The Longevity True Qi surged within him, healing the injuries he had sustained. He quickly got up and ran to Shen Yuerong, who was bound at the edge of the cave. Shen Yuerong''s face was deathly pale, her eyes tightly closed, and she was clearly wounded by the Ghostly Yin Energy.

 Chapter 134: Chapter 137 Predestined

    Chapter One Hundred and Thirty-Seven


    Longevity True Qi surged within him, healing many of the injuries he suffered just moments ago. He quickly got up and ran to Shen Yuerong, who was bound at the entrance of the cave. Shen Yuerong''splexion was deathly pale, her eyes tightly shut, obviously hurt by the Ghostly Yin Energy.


    Long Xiaoshan hurriedly broke the ropes binding Shen Yuerong, lifting her while pressing his hand on her body, infusing strands of Longevity True Qi into her.


    Expelling the Yin Energy that had invaded Shen Yuerong''s body.


    Momentster.


    Shen Yuerong slowly opened her eyes.


    "Sister Shen!"


    "Xiaoshan!"


    Upon seeing Long Xiaoshan, Shen Yuerong hastily asked, "What about that old Taoist?"


    "He''s dead!"


    "Dead?" Shen Yuerong was shocked and asked, "You killed him?"


    "No, it was him." Long Xiaoshan raised his hand and pointed.


    Shen Yuerong saw the Ghost General and, with a cry of rm, a flicker of fear crossed her face.


    "Don''t be afraid, Sister Shen, it won''t hurt us," Long Xiaoshan said.


    Being held by Long Xiaoshan, Shen Yuerong felt a sense of safety. With his support, she slowly stood up. Inside the cave, a horde of ghostsy prostrate. Shen Yuerong''s voice trembled as she said, "Xiaoshan, what do we do now?"


    "Sister Shen, I''ll help you get out first," Long Xiaoshan supported Shen Yuerong to the entrance of the cave and said, "Wait here, I''ll handle this."


    "Wait, Xiaoshan."


    "What else is there?"


    "Be careful," Shen Yuerong''s eyes conveyed an indescribable sentiment.


    Long Xiaoshan nodded with a smile, "Hmm."


    He stepped back into the cave. The Ghost General still stood there, giving a slight nod when Long Xiaoshan entered.


    Long Xiaoshan nodded back at the Ghost General, then looked at the Evil Ghosts sprawling on the ground.


    He asked, "What about these ghost spirits?"


    The Ghost General nced at them and said indifferently, "They''re yours to deal with."


    Long Xiaoshan picked up the Hundred Ghosts Banner from the headless corpse of the ck-robed Taoist, along with some other items, including the incantations necessary for using the banner. He took it and activated it.


    All the Evil Ghosts were sucked back into the Hundred Ghosts Banner.


    However, the Ghost General remainedpletely unmoved.


    Clearly, after breaking through, the Hundred Ghosts Banner was useless against him.


    Long Xiaoshan picked up the Seven-Star Sword and looked at the Ghost General. The strength of the Ghost General was tempting, but he knew his own spiritual cultivation was not enough tomand this Ghost General. He asked, "Where do you n to go?"


    The mes in the Ghost General''s eyes flickered for a moment.


    After a while, he looked at Long Xiaoshan and asked, "Was that Elixir Pill you refined earlier?"


    Long Xiaoshan nodded, "It was me."


    The ghostly fire in the eyes of the Ghost General red up even more intensely. He asked, "Can I follow you?"


    Long Xiaoshan was overjoyed and replied, "Of course, you can."


    After the Ghost General spoke, he acted decisively, transforming into a stream of ck mist and returning to the Hundred Ghosts Banner first.


    Long Xiaoshan felt exhrated, never expecting to so easily subdue a powerful Ghost General whom he thought would surely dismiss him.


    ```


    Long Xiaoshan had clearly underestimated the effect of the elixir pills.


    Even in the era of the Ghost General, elixir pills were rare, and those capable of alchemy even rarer, powerful alchemistsmonly had some strong followers.


    Because Long Xiaoshan did not understand,


    he thought he had found a bargain.


    After dealing with the matter, Long Xiaoshan tossed a talisman and burned the corpse of the ck-robed Taoist before going out to see Shen Yuerong anxiously looking around. He hurriedly called out, "Sister Shen."


    "Xiaoshan," Shen Yuerong hurried over and clung to Long Xiaoshan''s arm.


    The way she acted was full of the dependency of a little woman.


    Chapter Your:


    It made Long Xiaoshan''s heart flutter.


    A beautiful and noble woman like Shen Yuerong would be fatally attractive to any man, Long Xiaoshan was no exception.


    "Sister Shen, everything is taken care of, let''s go down the mountain. I''ll take you home," said Long Xiaoshan.


    "Mm," Shen Yuerong was still clinging tightly to Long Xiaoshan''s arm.


    In the middle of the night in these deep mountains, having gone through what had just happened, only by holding on to Long Xiaoshan''s arm could she feel safe.


    The mountain road was indeed too difficult to traverse.


    Jiufeng Mountain was steep and rugged, with dense forests and no human habitation, naturally with no paths.


    Shen Yuerong walked unsteadily and slowly; continuing like this, they would not know when they would get down the mountain. Long Xiaoshan said, "Sister Shen, let me carry you."


    Shen Yuerong hesitated for several seconds before agreeing.


    She also realized that going down the mountain in this way was too slow. Lying on Long Xiaoshan''s sturdy back, Shen Yuerong''s cheeks flushed. It was just the beginning of September; it was still very hot during the day. She wore only a short-sleeved blouse, and Long Xiaoshan a thin T-shirt. As soon as shey on his back, through those thin clothes, a strong wave of a man''s body heat surged over.


    As a princess of the Yanjing Shen Family, she was born noble and had always maintained her purity, never having had such close contact with a man before.


    But she couldn''t deliberately arch her body.


    That would make it harder for Long Xiaoshan to carry her.


    There was still such a long way down the mountain, and it was already hard enough for Long Xiaoshan to carry her, how could she make it any harder for him.


    Thinking of Long Xiaoshan risking his life and death toe save her in this deste wilderness,


    Shen Yuerong silently wrapped her arms around Long Xiaoshan''s neck.


    Long Xiaoshan groaned softly to himself.


    Shen Yuerong''s body was soft and boneless, her figure full but not fat, and a faint fragrance that was not like perfume but rather a scent unique to a woman drifted over.


    Having tasted the vor of a woman, he naturally knew how intoxicating that soul-stirring essence was.


    He quickly spoke to divert those intense emotions.


    "Sister Shen, how were you captured by him?"


    Shen Yuerong''s heart was already feeling shy. Seeing Long Xiaoshan ask, she hurriedly said, "When I got home from work yesterday, I opened the door to find the Taoist priest. I was about to shout when he waved at me, and I fainted. When I woke up, I was in a cave on Jiufeng Mountain. He was demanding to know the cause of Daoist Jia''s death, and I kept refusing to tell him. At first he wanted to hit me, even insult me, but after I said I was from the Yanjing Shen Family, he seemed wary and didn''t continue. However, he used a talisman on me, and I was in a daze, I felt I was giving you away, but I couldn''t control myself, Xiaoshan, I''m sorry, I almost harmed you."


    "Sister Shen, what are you saying, it''s all the old Taoist''s fault," Long Xiaoshan suddenly changed his expression, his voice taking on a somewhat somber tone, "You''re from the Yanjing Shen Family?"


    "Yes." Shen Yuerong didn''t notice the change in Long Xiaoshan''s tone because she now knew that Long Xiaoshan was not an ordinary person but a powerful Spirit Practitioner, so she admitted it without hiding.


    A coldness flitted through Long Xiaoshan''s eyes, his heart even more tumultuous.


    For it was a scion of the Shen Family who had caused him to fall from grace and go from being a highly promising student of Shuimu to a prisoner, and he still remembered that person was called Shen Tianhao.


    This twist of fate was too coincidental.


    To think he had encountered another woman from the Shen family here.


    For a moment, darkness surged in Long Xiaoshan''s heart.


    ```

 Chapter 135: Chapter 138 Heart Door

    Chapter One Hundred Thirty-Eight


    At that moment, a sense of darkness surged from the bottom of Long Xiaoshan''s heart.


    Shen Tianhao had caused him to be a prisoner kneeling at another''s feet.


    In Lingxi Prison, he had suffered immensely, and many times he had nearly been killed by others.


    All of this had been brought upon him by Shen Tianhao.


    Shen Family!


    A glint of cold light shed in Long Xiaoshan''s eyes. He was not one to forget a grudge, and sooner orter, he would settle this score with Shen Tianhao.


    He also felt a full measure of loathing for the Shen Family.


    Without the Shen Family''s protection and indulgence, could Shen Tianhao have acted so recklessly?


    The men of the Shen Family harmed me.


    I shall use a woman of the Shen Family to repay the debt.


    A thought of revenge emerged in Long Xiaoshan''s mind. True Qi surged in his hand, as he nned to execute a technique.


    With his ability, he could certainly make Shen Yuerong fall into a trap without anyone noticing.


    He couldpletely subjugate this woman beneath him and even train her to be a servant-like existence to him.


    "Do you know why I came here?" Shen Yuerong''s tone sounded somewhat mncholic.


    "Ah, is... how did youe to this ce?" Long Xiaoshan instinctively asked.


    It was indeed strange.


    With the Shen Family''s vast connections, Shen Yuerong had ended up in this deste ce to be the vige chief.


    With her status, she could have gone to much better ces.


    "My family was forcing me into an arranged marriage, which I was unwilling to ept. Because of my strong opposition, I nearly threatened with death before my family finally agreed to a bet with me. As long as I can prove myself within two years without relying on my family''s influence, they would let me be free. But I never expected that, while outwardly appearing fair, they would set me up in such a remote and impoverished area, obviously wanting me to fail the bet and conform to the family''s arrangements..." Shen Yuerong said with a tone of heartache.


    Suddenly, a drop of coldness fell on Long Xiaoshan''s neck.


    Long Xiaoshan''s heart tightened.


    It turned out that Sister Shen, who always seemed so proud and strong, had such a fragile side in her heart.


    The True Qi he had originally wanted to release paused.


    He suddenly felt that he was not being a man.


    What did this have to do with Sister Shen?


    He had been harmed by the men of the Shen Family, yet he sought revenge on a woman of the Shen Family.


    It was simply despicable.


    Long Xiaoshan truly wanted to p himself twice, realizing that he had not yet escaped the influence of the prison.


    It waspletely like developing a demon in his heart.


    This would not do.


    Long Xiaoshan took a deep breath, feeling Shen Yuerong''s sense of helplessness and sorrow. He suddenly felt a great deal of pity for her. Sister Shen might appear noble and envied by outsiders, but she also had her own difficulties.


    He said resolutely, "Sister Shen, I will help you. You need political achievements, right? I will help you, so you can be free from your family''s control."


    Shen Yuerong''s heart trembled.


    She was alone and unsupported in the outside world.


    Because of the Shen Family''s warnings, even the so-called friends she had in the Capital City had distanced themselves from her; no one dared to risk offending the Shen Family by helping her.


    To think that, in this rural ce,


    There was a small farmer who was willing to say so resolutely, "I will help you."


    He must understand, if he helped Shen Yuerong, it would mean opposing the Shen Family.


    "Xiaoshan, are you not afraid of offending the Shen Family?" Shen Yuerong asked softly.


    Long Xiaoshan smiled indifferently and said, "I only know that Sister Shen, you are my friend. For a friend, what is it to be an enemy of the whole world?"


    Shen Yuerong felt a jolt in her heart.


    The ice within her cracked apart like it had been struck by a hammer.


    "Xiaoshan!"


    She murmured softly, her arm tightening around Long Xiaoshan''s neck.


    "Sister Shen, what were you saying about Spirit Practitioners in the cave just now? Why did you call that old Taoist a Spirit Practitioner?" Long Xiaoshan asked curiously.


    "Actually, I''m not very clear on it myself. Before I left Yanjing, my mom got something for me from a Master Liaokong at Jueyun Temple in the Capital City. My mom mentioned that Master Liaokong is a Spirit Practitioner who can create Magic Artifacts and cast spells to heal illnesses. Master Liaokong is quite famous. He is a guest in many major families in the Capital City. Even my grandfather holds him in high respect," Shen Yuerong exined.


    "Oh, he can create Magic Artifacts and cast spells to cure illnesses; that means he''s a cultivator."


    Long Xiaoshan now understood that the "The Art of Immortality" Elder Chang gave him was extraordinary.


    And that Taoist from ck Scale Gate also called him a Spirit Practitioner.


    Could Elder Chang be a Spirit Practitioner too?


    What''s the difference between Spirit Practitioners and Martial Artists?


    Last time he saved Gu Jingheng, a man in a mandarin jacket also called him a Huang Level Martial Artist.


    It''s so confusing.


    Forget it, I''ll ask the Ghost General next time; he should know a lot more.


    Long Xiaoshan was not slow, but in these deep mountains and forests, carrying a person on his back and constantly on the lookout for snakes and beasts, even he became increasingly exhausted from the journey, despite having True Qi.


    Sweat was pouring out from his body.


    Perhaps it was from the fear and anxiety over the past two days, but Shen Yuerong, lying on Long Xiaoshan''s back, actually fell asleep, feeling secure.


    Around one o''clock in the morning, Long Xiaoshan finally carried Shen Yuerong out of Nine Peaks Mountain.


    "Sister Shen?"


    Long Xiaoshan arrived by the car and woke her up.


    Shen Yuerong came to, saw the car, and rubbed her eyes, saying, "We''re down the mountain."


    "Mm."


    Long Xiaoshan put Shen Yuerong down.


    He felt ufortable with wet clothes sticking to his body.


    Shen Yuerong''s face flushed with heat.


    It was embarrassingly wet.


    How could her clothes be this wet?


    Wait.


    Suddenly, she thought of something.


    She smelled the strong scent of a man''s sweat on her clothes.


    Looking at Long Xiaoshan wringing out his clothes as if he had just washed them, a twist would seerge amounts of water gush out.


    She looked at her watch and it was already one in the morning.


    She remembered it was just past eight when they left the cave.


    In other words, Long Xiaoshan had carried her in the mountains for five hours. Although she wasn''t very heavy, she weighed over a hundred pounds. To carry a person on t ground for five hours was exhausting enough, let alone through such rugged and steep terrain.


    She must have been crazy to have fallen asleep.


    Originally, she had intended to walk by herself as soon as they reached a tter part of the mid-mountain slope.


    But why didn''t Long Xiaoshan say anything about it?


    This fool.


    Shen Yuerong''s eyes blurred.


    After Long Xiaoshan finished wringing his clothes and dried them with his True Qi, he turned back and handed the clothes to Shen Yuerong, saying, "Sister Shen, you should use my clothes to cover..."


    Seeing the tears in Shen Yuerong''s eyes as she stared nkly at him, Long Xiaoshan quickly asked, "Sister Shen, what''s wrong?"


    Suddenly, Shen Yuerong threw herself into Long Xiaoshan''s arms.

 Chapter 136: Chapter 141: In Full Swing

    Chapter One Hundred and Forty-One


    Long Xiaoshan didn''t know whether to consider himself a beast or worse than a beast.


    Because.


    When he woke up the next morning.


    The "38th Parallel" was nowhere to be found.


    With unwavering willpower, he mustered True Qi to climb out of bed.


    Before he had confirmed that his inner demon was solved,


    he decided to remain a beast, for the time being.


    ncing at Shen Yuerong, who was still sweetly asleep, Long Xiaoshan covered her with the nket, left a note, and quietly left the room.


    He drove back to the vige.


    Upon his return to Longyang Vige, Long Xiaoshan discovered that in the few days he had been away,


    the farm had undergone a drastic transformation.


    At the foot of Xishan, several budding structures stood tall, withrge cranes dominating the skyline, and the construction site was buzzing with activity.


    Being the city''s most important project, even official number one had visited for an inspection.


    Coupled with the county''s resources beingrgely funneled their way, everything was being taken care of in all aspects.


    The farm was changing almost daily.


    As for the vigers, having turned over the farnd, all the fields in the vige now belonged to Longyang Group. Long Xiaoshan wasn''t in a rush to transform all those fields with Spiritual Liquid.


    Although he had already umted a decent amount of Spiritual Liquid,


    such a thing could never be too abundant.


    After inspecting the construction on the farm, Long Xiaoshan went back to the office.


    School had already started.


    Xu Manqing had taken Long Xiaoling to school. Since Long Xiaoshan had been busy in Xinyuan County with theunch of Dragon Spirit Pharmaceuticals'' products, he hadn''t personally taken Long Xiaoling to Xinyuan No. 1 Middle School. However, Xu Manqing was a teacher at the same school, and Long Xiaoshan had already made arrangements for Long Xiaoling to be in Xu Manqing''s ss, so there was no need to worry.


    Xu Manqing, Long Xiaoling, and Wang Yan having left,


    the house was no longer as lively as before.


    Long Xiaoshan entered the office and first stepped into the ounting room on the first floor, where he saw Jin Lian sitting inside, reading from a book to Long Shiyu beside her.


    "Auntie Jin Lian, Shiyu," Long Xiaoshan called out.


    "Brother," Long Shiyu, upon seeing Long Xiaoshan, ran over swiftly and hugged him affectionately.


    "President Long, you''re back," Jin Lian smiled and stood up.


    She was dressed in a fitted ck pencil skirt, looking every bit the part of a corporate woman. A few days apart, and Jin Lian no longer had the air of a simple country woman.


    "Auntie Jin Lian, just call me Xiaoshan, no need for ''President Long'' or anything," Long Xiaoshan said.


    "That won''t do, we must observe proper formality. Now that we''re officially apany, you shouldn''t call me auntie here either," Jin Lian insisted earnestly.


    "Alright then," Long Xiaoshan said helplessly.


    "I''m working on thepany''s financial reports, do you want to take a look, President Long?"


    "Yeah, let me see."


    Long Xiaoshan walked over to the desk, and Jin Lian promptly vacated the seat. Long Xiaoshan sat down and began to review the financial reports while Jin Lian leaned over, pointing out the figures to him.


    Long Xiaoshan nodded repeatedly as he listened.


    Jin Lian truly was talented.


    The reports were clear and free of errors.


    No wonder she had been the vige ountant for so many years.


    But soon, he felt a weighty presence on his shoulder, warming his face slightly.


    Long Xiaoshan didn''t know whether Jin Lian did it intentionally or not.


    It must have been unintentional, he thought.


    It felt awkward to mention it directly.


    And the sensation was rather indescribable.


    On his left arm, Long Shiyu was clinging to him.


    Assailed by these two sensations, it was a joyful kind of torment.


    Finally, having reviewed the report,


    Long Xiaoshan felt as if he had been through a long battle, sweat breaking out on his back, and he quickly stood up saying, "Jin Lian, you''ve done very well."


    "Thank you, President Long," Jin Lian''s face also showed a happy smile.


    Long Xiaoshan noticed some primary school textbooks on the desk,


    with some shaky handwriting on them, and said, "Are these books for Shiyu to read?"


    Jin Lian answered, "Yes, Shiyu has never attended school. Now that she''s recovered, I want to give her some tutoring. After all, she''s quite old, and it wouldn''t be appropriate for her to join the local primary school."


    As she spoke, worry was evident in her eyes.


    Being sixteen andpletely uneducated, what would Shiyu do?


    Long Xiaoshan also considered this issue and said, "Jin Lian, don''t worry. I''m nning to build a primary school in the vige. When it''s ready, Shiyu can study there. The vige school won''t be so strict."


    "Really?" Jin Lian''s face lit up with joy.


    "Brother, can I really go to school?" Long Shiyu also called out excitedly.


    She had been envious seeing Wang Yan and Long Xiaoling go off to school.


    "Of course," Long Xiaoshan said affectionately, patting Long Shiyu on the head.


    He thought to himself that, since Zhao Jun was nning to donate Hope Primary Schools, he could start with one for Longyang Vige. This had to be done¡ªcultivation of culture and education was essential.


    After chatting some more with Jin Lian and Long Shiyu,


    Long Xiaoshan headed to the president''s office on the second floor.


    Upon entering, he saw Chun Tao in a gray pencil skirt, sitting in the outer section of the president''s assistant area, looking at some papers.


    Long Xiaoshan knocked gently on the door.


    "Hello..." Chun Tao began to speak while looking up.


    Her face immediately showed a surprised and delighted expression as she stood up and said, "Little Xiaoshan."


    She took a few steps forward and seemed to remember something, then slowed down and stuttered, "Pr-President Long."


    Long Xiaoshan entered and closed the door behind him, embracing Chun Tao and chiding, "President what? You''re not allowed to call me that when we''re alone."


    Chun Tao blushed and nodded, "Little Xiaoshan."


    Seeing her shy, newlywed-like demeanor, Long Xiaoshan felt a strong urge to tease her and embraced her tightly.

 Chapter 137: Chapter 142 Hundred-Year-Old Medicine

    Chapter One Hundred and Forty-Two


    Two hourster.


    Long Xiaoshan finally released her.


    Feeling the lively cirction of True Qi within his body, as if reaching a new level, Long Xiaoshan feltpletely satisfied.


    After having lunch with his parents at noon.


    Long Xiaoshan sat in his office, holding a ck token that he had obtained from the robed Elder Chang and examined it with a slight frown on his brow.


    This ck token''s material was unknown; it seemed neither gold nor wood.


    But that wasn''t what he focused on.


    What he was concerned about was that on one side of the ck token, the ancient characters for "Steward" were inscribed.


    On the back were the three characters "Ma Yunlong."


    This robed elder''s name must be Ma Yunlong.


    And his identity, a Steward of the ck Scale Gate.


    Thinking of ck Scale Gate''s modus operandi, clouds of unease gathered in Long Xiaoshan''s mind. Although he had destroyed all traces of the corpse, who knew what means the people from ck Scale Gate might have to locate him.


    After Elder Jia Laodao diedst time, didn''t Ma Yunlong find him?


    So he absolutely couldn''t pin his hopes on ck Scale Gate not knowing that he killed Ma Yunlong.


    Since this elder was a Steward of the ck Scale Gate.


    ck Scale Gate would definitely not allow his death to be unounted for.


    If they found out Old Taoist Ma died by his hands, not only would he be in danger, but his family would be endangered as well.


    From the actions of several Elders, he could tell that these cultivatorspletely disregarded thew.


    Otherwise, they wouldn''t even dare to kidnap and kill a vige chief.


    In the eyes of ordinary people, Long Xiaoshan was a superhuman existence, but the battle with Old Taoist Ma made him realize that his strength was not impressive in the eyes of a true cultivator.


    If it hadn''t been for the Yin Yuan Pill, he would have died this time.


    However, it was reassuring that he now had the substantial support of the Ghost General.


    So he didn''t need to fear ck Scale Gate so much.


    Nevertheless, enhancing his own strength was imperative.


    Relying only on normal cultivation, his progress was far too slow; at this moment, Long Xiaoshan thought of elixir pills.


    In the Longevity Medical Canon left to him by Elder Chang, there indeed was a pill form thatplemented the cultivation of Longevity Art, called the Qi Nurturing Pill, which was divided into the Lesser Qi Nurturing Pill and the Greater Qi Nurturing Pill.


    ording to the medical canon, the Qi Nurturing Pill is a powerful elixir thatplements cultivation.


    Even the Lesser Qi Nurturing Pill could easily enhance any level below the Third Layer of Qi-Refining of the Longevity Art.


    The effects were astonishing.


    Long Xiaoshan had cultivated in prison for two years and then for several more months aftering out, only to have just recently sessfully drawn Qi into his body, which was considered the Qi-Refining First Layer.


    And a Lesser Qi Nurturing Pill could allow him to advance to the next level.


    If this wasn''t a Divine Pill, what was?


    But why did Long Xiaoshan only think of crafting Qi Nurturing Pills now?


    It was not that he didn''t want to craft them, nor was he content with his strength.


    But to craft them, let alone the Greater Qi Nurturing Pill, even for the Lesser Qi Nurturing Pill, one needed pure Hundred-Year-Old Medicine.


    Hundred-Year-Old Medicine.


    This was no longer rare.


    It was almost impossible to buy on the market.


    With such advanced technology now, anyone could ess deep forests and old woods; Hundred-Year-Old Medicine had been excavated for many years, so where could it still be found? Unless it was some forbiddennd, it was almost impossible to find.


    Moreover, even if Hundred-Year-Old Medicine really existed.


    It would have been monopolized by powerful forces, or only appear at auctions.


    Such medicinal materials, costing tens of millions at least, who among themon people could afford them?


    Long Xiaoshan had indeed thought about crafting it.


    He had even inquired with Shangguan Baihe about it.


    But once he heard the price, he gave it up.


    That price, not to mention whether he could afford it, even if he could, he was not about to spend tens of millions to purchase medicine now.


    If cultivation was slow, then let it be slow; with his strength, there weren''t many who could threaten him in the secr world. Besides, he was staying in Xiaoshan Vige, not provoking or offending anyone.


    But with the emergence of ck Scale Gate.


    A sense of crisis surged in his heart.


    Sometimes, even sitting at home was not safe.


    Cmity coulde out of the blue, so he had to be vignt.


    He had to expedite his progress in bing stronger.


    In prison, Long Xiaoshan had learned one principle: all power is illusory, only his own strength is real. No matter how many schemes and calctions others had, with one stroke of his sword, he could cut through them all.


    "I can''t afford Hundred-Year-Old Medicine for now,"


    "but that doesn''t mean there''s nothing I can do."


    "I have the Jade Purifying Bottle, and if it can stimte the growth of vegetables, fish, and shrimp, can it not do the same for medicinal herbs?"


    "Aren''t medicinal herbs nts too?"


    Long Xiaoshan''s eyes lit up at the thought of his greatest reliance, the mysterious Jade Purifying Bottle. Without hesitation, he immediately picked up the phone and called Shangguan Baihe.


    "Oh, my President Long, you are truly a rare sight, actually taking the initiative to call me," Shangguan Baihe giggled on the other end.


    Even though it was just a phone call, Long Xiaoshan could imagine the other party''s enchanting and flirtatious demeanor.


    This Demon Fairy.


    Long Xiaoshan inwardly cursed, and said with a chuckle, "Sister Shangguan, I need your help with something."


    "I knew it, you don''t make a move without a purpose, you would not think of Sister Shangguan for no reason," Shangguan Baihe spoke in a grumbling tone typical of an aggrieved woman.


    "Ahem..."


    Long Xiaoshan gave a cough, not wishing to engage in flirtatious banter with Shangguan Baihe. He acted like an experienced driver in front of Chun Tao, but that depended on the type of vehicle. If Chun Tao was a toy car, then Shangguan Baihe was like a train.


    He did not wish to y with fire.


    "Sister Shangguan, I''d like to buy some medicinal materials; do you have any connections?" Long Xiaoshan cut straight to the chase.


    "Buy medicinal materials?" Shangguan Baihe said, "Of course, thergest medicinal materials business in the city is Bai Family, and I just happen to be very familiar with the chairman of Bai''s Medicinal Materials."

 Chapter 138: Chapter 143: Seal of Divinity, Heavens Eye Divine Power

    Chapter One Hundred and Forty-Three


    Xiaoshan had agreed to go with Shangguan Baihe to the city tomorrow to look at medicinal herbs.


    Long Xiaoshan hung up the phone.


    He continued to examine the items he had taken from Old Taoist Ma.


    Before he knew it, it was deep into the night.


    Long Xiaoshan quietly left the farm and headed to a remote and rarely visited mountain.


    His purpose for being there was nothing other than to conduct a Salvation Rite for the lost souls.


    Within the Hundred Ghosts Banner were over a hundred souls, and although these spirits could be used to kill enemies, Long Xiaoshan did not wish to manipte these souls like the ck Scale Gate did. These souls had been human, bound within the Hundred Ghosts Banner, unable to transcend, which was a torment for them.


    Moreover, conducting a Salvation Rite for lost souls was a deed of great merit.


    Long Xiaoshan had experience fromst time when he performed a Salvation Rite for Wang Feng.


    This time, he arranged the altar for the rite as usual.


    However, the scale was muchrger than before.


    Once everything was set up, and as midnight approached¡ªwhen the yin energy was at its peak¡ªhe took out the Hundred Ghosts Banner and began to release the lost souls. Hundreds of souls surged out, filling the surroundings with an eerily cold ghostly aura, apanied by the wails of ghosts and howls of wolves. Suddenly, an even more terrifying ghost qi burst forth, bringing all the other spirits into submission, and the Ghost General stepped out from the Hundred Ghosts Banner.


    Long Xiaoshan could release the hundred ghosts but could not control the Ghost General.


    The Ghost General was merely taking shelter within the Hundred Ghosts Banner.


    Thus, his stepping out was of his own volition. Seeing the altar Long Xiaoshan had set up, the Ghost General said, "Are you going to help them transcend?"


    "Yes, they are pitiful souls, bound here. By helping them transcend, I can enable them to reenter the cycle of reincarnation," Long Xiaoshan replied.


    A hint of admiration appeared in the Ghost General''s eyes.


    A thought struck Long Xiaoshan, and he said, "Would you like to enter the cycle of reincarnation?"


    The Ghost General''s gaze became intense, as if pondering the offer, but he shook his head after a moment, "My ghost body has solidified, and my cultivation has borne fruit. In the future, I may not be unable to follow the Path of Longevity. If I were to enter the cycle of reincarnation, all memories of my past life would disperse like smoke, and I would still be struggling within the cycle. I do not wish that."


    "That is your choice," Long Xiaoshan said with a smile at the corner of his mouth.


    Honestly, he did not wish for the Ghost General to enter the cycle of reincarnation either.


    The Ghost General''s strength was much greater than his own.


    With him around, he himself would be much safer.


    "Alright, I''m going to begin the ritual," Long Xiaoshan said, checking the time, holding the Seven-Star Sword in his hand, and silently reciting the Salvation Rite mantra. He began to perform the ritual by circumambting the altar.


    As the ritual proceeded,


    winds arose from nowhere,


    and a violent gale ensued.


    The moon in the sky gradually became obscured by dense clouds, and the surroundings became pitch-ck, as if filled with malevolent spirits.


    Above the altar, a huge pathway for reincarnation slowly took shape.


    At this moment, the spirits within the Hundred Ghosts Banner, drawn by the pathway for reincarnation, began to drift up, showing expressions of relief on their faces.


    Before the souls were drawn into the pathway for reincarnation,


    they knelt toward Long Xiaoshan, continuously kowtowing in gratitude for his salvation.


    At this time, Long Xiaoshan''s expression was solemn, exuding the air of a virtuous and respected Taoist.


    As the souls entered the pathway for reincarnation one by one,


    Long Xiaoshan felt a massive amount of merit points converging from all directions. The number of these merit points exceeded even his expectations.


    Salvaging a hundred people was an act of great virtue.


    With the influx of a vast number of merit points into the Virtuous Jade Spiritual Purification Bottle, it suddenly radiated a dazzling divine light in Long Xiaoshan''s Divine Sea.


    Behind Long Xiaoshan, a Divine Wheel Halo materialized.


    This greatly astonished the Ghost General.


    The ghost body trembled uncontrobly, and he couldn''t help but prostrate himself.


    At this moment, he felt as if he were in the presence of a deity spirit.


    Immediately after, a golden Talisman emerged from the Jade Purifying Bottle and integrated into Long Xiaoshan''s soul.


    Boom!


    Long Xiaoshan felt a surge of information flood into his Sea of Souls.


    His forehead felt scorching once again, and was immediately followed by the intense pain of something tearing open. Clenching his teeth and letting out a low growl, a third eye split open on Xiaoshan''s forehead.


    If the eye that emerged in his battle with Old Taoist Ma was an illusory Spirit Eye,


    then now, on Xiaoshan''s forehead, a real third eye truly opened.


    This eye, with its golden vertical pupil, was ancient and profound, vast and immeasurable, as if with the indifference of a deity overlooking the ever-changing vicissitudes of the world.


    Divine Skills¡ªHeavenly Eye!


    When the Heavenly Eye opened,


    Xiaoshan was ecstatic within.


    From the wealth of information that had flowed into his soul from the Jade Purifying Bottle, he understood that each time virtue umted to a certain stage, the bottle would bestow upon its master a divine ability; this divine ability was the evolved version of his former Spirit Eye.


    When Xiaoshan acquired the Virtuous Jade Spiritual Purification Bottle, he already had the ability of the Spirit Eye.


    But it was a very basic ability, although already very powerful for ordinary people.


    Yet, it could not be mentioned in the same breath as a true divine ability.


    And now, after the Salvation Rite of a hundred people,


    his umted virtue had finally reached the level of a minor deity.


    He had gained a true divine ability, the Heavenly Eye.


    At the same time, the previous envelopment of divine light allowed Xiaoshan''s soul to possess a minor Divine Body.


    At this moment, his spiritual body flowed with a faint golden light, the sign of a nascent Divine Body taking form, ready to leave the physical body and roam the void at a mere thought.


    Defying the heavens!


    This is too heaven-defying.


    Xiaoshan couldn''t help but rejoice.


    He had not expected the Virtuous Jade Spiritual Purification Bottle to be something simple like condensing Spiritual Liquid and catalyzing everything.


    Furthermore, it was an artifact that could confer divinity.


    Which is to say, if Xiaoshan were now in the Heavenly Court, he would already be regarded as the most basic level of deity.


    Obtaining this treasure was truly a heaven-defying opportunity.


    After suppressing the excitement in his heart, Xiaoshan saw the Ghost General prostrate on the ground and asked with curiosity, "What''s wrong with you?"


    The Ghost General looked up in fear and said with a trembling voice, "Supreme God, spare my life."


    If the Ghost General had followed Xiaoshan before only out of greed for the Elixir Pills that Xiaoshan concocted, without truly revering him, then now he was truly terrified and in awe.


    Because deities naturally have an innate suppression over ghostly beings.


    This wasn''t about the gap in strength.


    It was thews of Heaven and Earth coalescing, the assembly of the Laws.


    At that moment, in the eyes of the Ghost General, Xiaoshan was not a mere mortal but a figure bathed in immeasurable divine light, majestic and tall, as if a Heavenly Deity had descended from the higher realms, too dazzling for mortal eyes.


    After a moment''s thought, Xiaoshan understood.


    The information given to him by the Jade Purifying Bottle was sufficient for him to understand divine abilities and deities.


    He willed his mind, withdrawing the Heavenly Eye, restoring his forehead back to its smooth appearance.


    Then he used Divine Arts to conceal his deity aura.


    At this point, in the eyes of the Ghost General, the blinding golden light on Xiaoshan dissipated, and the intense pressure he emitted lessened.


    Despite this, facing Xiaoshan, the Ghost General still felt an inherent fear.


    Xiaoshan destroyed the altar.


    He said to the Ghost General, "We have yet to properly get to know each other. Tell me your name and your history when you were alive."


    "Supreme God, my humble name is Yue Ling. I was a militarymander at the end of the Qing dynasty. I died from random gunfire in battle against the Eight-Nation Alliance, and my ancestors were from Tangyin in Xiangzhou," exined the Ghost General Yue Ling.


    "Xiangzhou Tangyin..." Xiaoshan''s eyes lit up slightly as he said, "Yue Wumu, what rtion is he to you?"


    "Great General Wumu is my ancestor," Yue Ling replied.


    Xiaoshan apuded and saluted with cupped fists saying, "So you are a descendant of a hero. Brother Yue Ling, I offer you my respects."


    Xiaoshan was naturally familiar with Yue Fei and held him in great esteem. He never expected the Ghost General to be a descendant of Yue Wumu, which exined why Yue Ling''s demeanor was so extraordinary and umon when they vanquished Old Taoist Ma.

 Chapter 139: Chapter 144 Teaching Martial Arts

    Chapter One Hundred and Forty-Four


    "Supreme God, I dare not," Yue Ling hurriedly stated. In his eyes, Long Xiaoshan was undoubtedly a deity descended to earth, and a mere ghost cultivator wouldn''t dare to address a deity as a brother.


    "Ah, Brother Yue, what Supreme God? I''m just a simple farmer," Long Xiaoshan emphasized once again, "Brother Yue is a descendant of the loyal and righteous, and he sacrificed himself fighting against foreign aggression. I can only admire him."


    Hearing Long Xiaoshan''s sincere tone, Yue Ling felt somewhat ashamed: "Unfortunately, Lingcks the ability to drive out the foreign aggression, and my country fell. I have failed my ancestors."


    "That was due to the corruption of the Qing Dynasty and the umted national mdies at the time, not solely Brother Yue''s fault. Besides, those events are a century past. Nowadays, our Huaxia''s military might is in its prime, and our nation is thriving, one of the top five countries in the world. Why should Brother Yue dwell on the past?" Long Xiaoshan said.


    "That''s true," Yue Ling let out a sigh and no longer dwelt on it.


    Long Xiaoshan still had many questions he wanted to ask.


    Yue Ling had existed for over a century and had an extraordinary background; he must have seen a great deal.


    After some thought, he asked, "Brother Yue, do you know what a Spirit Practitioner is, or a Huang Level Martial Artist?"


    Yue Ling asked in confusion, "You don''t know?"


    In his view, Long Xiaoshan was already a Spirit Practitioner.


    "I really don''t. I''ve been cultivating on my own and am not aware of these terms," Long Xiaoshan said helplessly.


    Yue Ling exined, "Let me start with Martial Artists, as I''m more familiar with that subject. The Ancient Martial World passes down through generations, divided into the four levels of Heaven, Earth, Profound, Yellow. As soon as one cultivates Inner Strength, they are considered to have entered the Huang Level of Martial Artists. Above that are the Heaven, Earth, and Profound Levels, each with its Initial Phase, Middle Stage, and Late Stage. I was an Earth Grade Initial Phase Grandmaster in my lifetime."


    "An Earth-Ranked Grandmaster? That must be very powerful, right?" Long Xiaoshan remembered the middle-aged man in the mandarin jacket being shocked when he called himself a Huang Level Martial Artist.


    Just a Huang Level Martial Artist possessed such a deterrent power.


    How powerful then must an Earth-Ranked Grandmaster be.


    Pride appeared on Yue Ling''s face as he said, "A Grandmaster''s body is like quicksilver, able to tear steel apart with bare hands and possessing the strength of tens of thousands of pounds. Had it not been for being ambushed, poisoned with a deadly toxin, and surrounded and shot by over a hundred muskets, I would not have died."


    Long Xiaoshan looked shocked.


    Over a hundred muskets firing at once.


    Although he could block bullets,


    it was due to the power of the Talisman.


    Without Talismans, his flesh could not withstand bullets.


    And Yue Ling had been poisoned and shot by hundreds of muskets before he met an unfortunate death.


    The gap between them was immeasurable.


    "Brother Yue, you truly are a heroic figure of your time," Long Xiaoshan eximed with admiration.


    "It''s a pity..." Yue Ling''s face showed a trace of bitterness: "Since the emergence of guns and cannons, the Martial Dao declined. Although I turned into a ghost body after death, I have also heard about the rapid development of modern weaponry, including the terrifying nuclear weapons that can obliterate cities and ughter nations. Even Heaven Level strong individuals are far inferior to them."


    Long Xiaoshan shook his head and said, "Brother Yue, you are mistaken. The strength of ancient martial arts lies within oneself, and guns and cannons are ultimately external forces. Besides, if an Ancient Martial Artist could equip themselves with modern technology, they could very well be a humanoid, self-operating tank with an abnormal lethality. Brother Yue, you shouldn''t belittle yourself unnecessarily."


    Long Xiaoshan''s words enlightened Yue Ling instantly.


    Yue Ling sighed, "It is you, Xiaoshan, who sees clearly. I was undervaluing myself. But now I am a ghost body, without a fleshly form. Ancient martial arts are of no use to me, and even if I was a Heaven Level strong individual, what would it matter? After death, we are all just a handful of yellow soil."


    This was also the reason why Yue Ling was unwilling to go through reincarnation again.


    He understood that cultivating martial arts could not grant immortality. Although bing a ghost cultivator was difficult, there might still be a glimmer of hope for achieving immortality.


    The speaker was unintentional, but the listener took it to heart.


    Long Xiaoshan''s eyes lit up.


    After several bouts ofbat, he understood his own shorings.


    It was all based on rough fighting skills honed through brawling.


    That might be enough against ordinary people.


    But as soon as he faced a true expert, his weakness was immediately exposed.


    Here was an Earth-Ranked Great Grandmaster before him, and it would be a grave waste not to seize this opportunity.


    "Brother Yue, can you teach me Ancient Martial Arts?" Long Xiaoshan asked.


    Yue Ling was slightly startled and said, "Aren''t you a Spirit Practitioner?"


    Long Xiaoshan said, "Actually, I''m not very clear about what a Spirit Practitioner is, please enlighten me, Brother Yue."


    Yue Ling replied, "Spirit Practitioners, in fact, are cultivators. I don''t know much about Spirit Practitioners either, but after being imprisoned in the Hundred Ghosts Banner by the Elder of the ck Scale Sect, I''vee to understand a bit. ''Entering the Path'' means that cultivators have cultivated mana and can control Magic Artifacts and cast spells, which make them Spirit Practitioners. It''s said that Spirit Practitioners are divided into nine stages, above which are True Persons. True Persons have the power to call forth winds and summon rain and control thunder. However, True Persons are as rare as Heaven-Ranked experts in the Ancient Martial World, or even rarer because cultivators are following The Path of Longevity. Each advancement in stage could increase their lifespan. It is said that upon bing a True Person, one has a lifespan of two hundred years, which is why cultivators have always looked down on us from the Ancient Martial World, and there''s little interaction between the two."


    "So are you saying that Spirit Practitioners are more powerful than Ancient Martial Artists?"


    "Not exactly, Spirit Practitioners do have a variety of means; talismans, magic artifacts, and formations. If they maintain a distance, many Ancient Martial Artists are not opponents for a Spirit Practitioner. However, once the distance is closed, no matter how advanced a Spirit Practitioner is, the might of a Grandmaster can control life and death within ten meters. Back then, I also killed a Seventh-Stage Evil Cultivation Spiritual Practitioner who did evil using infants, with a single spear blow," Yue Ling said indifferently, his tone carrying the imposing air of a powerful Grandmaster.


    After listening to Yue Ling,


    Long Xiaoshan had a clear concept in his mind.


    It seemed that "The Art of Immortality" must be a scripture for cultivation.


    The True Qi cultivated would be the Spirit Practitioner''s mana.


    That''s what Long Xiaoshan believed.


    "Brother Yue, I''ve only cultivated the mana, without the techniques to wield it. That''s why I want to learn Ancient Martial Arts to strengthen myself. I''ve killed two from the ck Scale Gate. They''re bound toe after me again," Long Xiaoshan said.


    After a moment''s hesitation, Yue Ling then said, "Alright, our ancestor left a teaching that the Yue Family Martial Arts should only be passed on to those who are loyal and righteous. Xiaoshan, your body emits a pure light and your face is veiled in a purple aura, blessed with virtue. You are definitely not one of those whomit vile acts. Passing on the Yue Family Martial Arts to you does not disgrace our ancestral teachings."


    "Thank you, Brother Yue," said Long Xiaoshan joyfully.


    Yue Ling, a straightforward man, then said, "I have trouble appearing during the day, so now I''ll first teach you the basic Yue Family Boxing Technique and the skills of issuing force."


    Long Xiaoshan nodded eagerly.


    Yue Ling began to impart his knowledge.


    Though he had a Ghost Body, Long Xiaoshan was only interested in the martial arts skills, and as for the cultivation technique, having "The Art of Immortality," he had no need to switch to learning the Yue Family''s Ancient Martial Arts heart method.


    Therefore, Yue Ling first demonstrated the techniques for Long Xiaoshan, then let him learn and pointed out the inadequacies in his movements.


    Long Xiaoshan kept imitating and learning.


    Soon, the "whoosh whoosh" of punches slicing through the air resounded through the forest.


    The Yue Family Martial Skills, originating from the military, were very fierce and devoid of any superfluous movements, focusing on the skills of killing.


    Long Xiaoshan found the learning process very gratifying and well-suited to his personality.


    Because in prison, the fighting skills he honed were all about knocking down an opponent as quickly as possible.


    From the initial calm, astonishment gradually emerged on Yue Ling''s face.


    The speed at which Long Xiaoshan was learning was just too fast!

 Chapter 140: Chapter 145 The Unyielding Shangguan Baihe

    Chapter One Hundred Forty-Five


    After practicing "The Art of Immortality," Long Xiaoshan''s memory, spiritual wisdom, and physical fitness improved in all aspects.


    In terms of spiritual wisdom, Long Xiaoshan was already extraordinary.


    Otherwise, he wouldn''t have been admitted to Shuimu University as a peasant''s son.


    Now he had just achieved a Divine Body and obtained Divine Skills.


    Once Yue Ling''s boxing techniques were performed, they would form a deep impression in his mind.


    Coupled with his superhuman physical fitness,


    practicing became as easy as turning one''s hand over.


    In the blink of an eye, a night had passed.


    In the deep mountains,


    a heavy shout could be heard.


    Long Xiaoshan dashed towards arge tree like lightning and punched its trunk.


    His wild True Qi erupted in a unique way.


    The trunk exploded, and the tree, as thick as a bowl, split into two parts and copsed with a thunderous crash.


    Long Xiaoshan retracted his fist and stood, slowly settling his boiling True Qi back into his Dantian.


    "Good!"


    Yue Ling''s eyes shone with excitement.


    Just one night, and Long Xiaoshan''s boxing had be so powerful.


    With Yue Ling''s keen eyes, how could he fail to see that Long Xiaoshan''s boxing had already reached a profound understanding and mastery?


    "Impressive, when I first learned boxing, it took me three months to achieve a little sess, I wouldn''t have imagined that Xiaoshan, you would achieve it in one night, truly a Heavenly Being indeed," eximed Yue Ling with admiration.


    "It''s all thanks to Brother Yue''s great teaching," Long Xiaoshan said modestly, scratching his head.


    Yue Ling shook his head: "No, your talent is too strong. I taught you just the same, nothing special. I don''t have much more to teach you about boxing. From now on, it''s up to you to refine and improve yourself. It''s almost dawn now, tomorrow I''ll teach you palm techniques and leg techniques."


    Long Xiaoshan nodded: "Okay, thank you, Brother Yue. Oh, and Brother Yue, I still have a Yin Yuan Pill here, I''ll give it to you as well."


    Long Xiaoshan took out thest Yin Yuan Pill.


    Yue Ling''s eyes lit up as he quickly epted the Yin Yuan Pill, saying, "This Elixir Pill will be greatly beneficial to me, I won''t stand on ceremony."


    "It''s nothing, it''s just that Pure Yin Herbs are hard to find, otherwise I could make more for Brother Yue," Long Xiaoshan said.


    "There will be a chance."


    Yue Ling''s heart was racing with excitement; indeed, following an Alchemist had its benefits, one Elixir Pill being worth a year of hard cultivation.


    After Yue Ling returned to the Hundred Ghosts Banner to cultivate,


    Long Xiaoshan kept practicing his boxing techniques in the mountains as dawn was still a ways off.


    It wasn''t until daylight broke that he went back to the vige.


    He had breakfast with his parents on the farm.


    Then he took out some Talismans and distributed them to his parents, Chun Tao, and others, with Jin Lian and Long Shiyu also receiving a share.


    It definitely wasn''t enough to deal with the ck Scale Gate,


    but now that the farm was growing, there could be envious people watching.


    So, it was necessary to provide them with Talismans for self-defense.


    Afterward, he drove to the county.


    Upon reaching the Lily Hotel,


    he made a phone call, and soon after, Shangguan Baihe came down. She was dressed in a purple body-hugging mini skirt, beige stockings below, a ckce top above, vaguely revealing the cleavage in front, walking over with a seductive charm.


    Every time Long Xiaoshan saw her, he felt a bit nervous.


    It wasn''t a physiological nervousness but rather a mental one.


    Shangguan Baihe felt like a poppy or a beautiful venomous snake to him, gorgeous yet with a hint of poison.


    That was also the reason why he rarely took the initiative to see Shangguan Baihe.


    Compared to her, he''d rather seek out Su Wan.


    However, in Niu Y County, Shangguan Baihe had connections in both the underworld and legitimate business, and herwork was extensive. The medicinal herbs he needed were not ordinary, and indeed, he could only turn to Shangguan Baihe for them.


    "President Long," Shangguan Baihe greeted him with a beaming smile.


    "Sister Shangguan, just call me by my name. None of that ''President Long'' stuff," Long Xiaoshan said helplessly.


    "Hehe."


    Shangguan Baihe hooked her arm in Long Xiaoshan''s and said, "Now that I have invested most of my fortune in you, how dare I let you act like my younger brother?"


    This was no lie.


    Although Shangguan Baihe was a wealthy person in Niu Y County,


    she couldn''tpare to the Guu Family.


    Justst time, when Gu Jingheng invested one billion into the farm, she had to take out two hundred million just to maintain her shares.


    For her, that two hundred million was indeed most of her fortune.


    Fortunately, Long Xiaoshan didn''t need her to invest all at once, otherwise, she really couldn''t havee up with two hundred million in cash.


    Seeing the chairwoman of Lily Hotel, Shangguan Baihe, taking the initiative totch onto the arm of a young man, all the onlookers in the hotel werepletely stunned, specting who this young man in cheap clothing might be.


    As they walked outside, Shangguan Baihe saw Long Xiaoshan heading towards that shabby pickup truck and chided, "Drive my car!"


    Long Xiaoshan was taken aback, realizing that driving his pickup to apany a beautiful chairwoman like Shangguan Baihe really wasn''t fitting and he awkwardly smiled, taking the car keys she handed to him.


    It was a yellow Porsche sports car.


    Sitting inside, Long Xiaoshan felt the difference; it was very luxurious.


    When he drove it, the sensation of speed was something a pickup truck couldn''t match.


    He couldn''t help but admire, "Nice car."


    "You like it? Sister will give it to you," Shangguan Baihe said.


    "Uh, give it to me?"


    "What''s the matter, don''t dare to take it?"


    "It''s not that, you know the roads where I live, even if you give it to me, I won''t be able to drive it there."


    "Aren''t they fixing the roads? When it''s done, you''ll be able to drive there."


    "We''ll talk about it when they''re fixed."


    "Long Xiaoshan!" Shangguan Baihe suddenly said in a heavier tone.


    "What''s up?"


    "Are you deliberately keeping your distance from me? Am I that frightening?"


    Long Xiaoshan awkwardly said, "How could that be?"


    Shangguan Baihe coldly huffed, "Don''t think I can''t see it. You dare to get involved with Qin You, but when ites to me, howe you turn into a coward?"


    Screech!


    The racing car came to a sudden stop at the side of the road. Long Xiaoshan looked at Shangguan Baihe, somewhat shaken. Apart from telling Shen Yuerong, he hadn''t spoken of his affair with Qin You to anyone else; how did Shangguan Baihe know about it?


    Shangguan Baihe smiled, looking at Long Xiaoshan''s expression and said, "Just as I thought, you and Qin You are having an affair."


    Long Xiaoshan then realized he had been tricked by Shangguan Baihe.


    He angrily retorted, "What do you mean ''affair''? Don''t make it sound so ugly."


    "What else do you call it? A team leader sleeping with someone seven or eight years their junior¡ªwhat would people say if word got out?" Shangguan Baihe''s lips curved into a mocking, cold smile.


    Long Xiaoshan''s expression darkened. He could disregard his own reputation, but he couldn''t afford to neglect Qin You''s.


    "Are you threatening me?" Long Xiaoshan asked coldly.


    A chilling presence gradually filled the car.


    The smile froze on Shangguan Baihe''s lips; not everyone could bear the murderous aura that emanated from Long Xiaoshan.


    But Shangguan Baihe was not your average woman.


    His indifference sparked her fierce rebelliousness, and she defiantly stared into Long Xiaoshan''s eyes, "I am threatening you. What can you do about it, Long Xiaoshan? Kill me to keep me quiet?"


    Long Xiaoshan''s eyes narrowed as he suddenly stretched out a hand and grasped Shangguan Baihe''s slender neck.


    That immense power pulsed at his fingertips.


    With just a slight effort, he could snap the neck as delicate as a swan''s.

 Chapter 141: 146

    Chapter One Hundred and Forty-Six


    Feeling the immense power around her neck, Shangguan Baihe''s face turned red, but she wasn''t afraid, and she continued to provoke Long Xiaoshan, "If you have the guts, then strangle me to death."


    "You¡ª" Long Xiaoshan was truly angered.


    His fingers tightened slightly.


    Immediately, Shangguan Baihe''s face turned purple, and she began to have difficulty breathing.


    Even so, Shangguan Baihe still stared into Long Xiaoshan''s eyes, without an ounce of retreat.


    Long Xiaoshan even saw a hint of excitement in her eyes.


    How could this be.


    Had he seen it wrong?


    Long Xiaoshan''s brow furrowed slightly.


    He gradually let go of his grip.


    Seeing that Long Xiaoshan wasn''t going to kill her, Shangguan Baihe sneered, "You''re just a coward. If you dare, kill me, Long Xiaoshan. I look down on you. If you don''t kill me, I will spread the news about you and Qin You throughout the county by tomorrow."


    The more Long Xiaoshan heard, the angrier he became.


    Especially after thest sentence, he truly had the urge to kill.


    "Since you''re courting death, I''ll oblige," Long Xiaoshan roared lowly, and his grip tightened once again.


    This time, Long Xiaoshan exerted ten percent of his strength, and even that was too much for an ordinary person to withstand. Shangguan Baihe quickly felt herself unable to breathe, her face turning a horrifying shade of purple, and due to asphyxiation, her eyes began to roll back.


    But just then.


    ...


    What the hell!


    Long Xiaoshan quickly released his hand.


    He looked at Shangguan Baihe with a strange expression in his eyes.


    Shangguan Baihe coughed violently a few times, gasping for air.


    Gradually, she caught her breath, her starry eyes hazy, and her seductive red lips curved into a reckless and willful smile as she looked at the stupefied Long Xiaoshan,


    It must be said, Long Xiaoshan had never encountered a woman like Shangguan Baihe before.


    Flirting with this kind of woman


    Was like walking a tightrope on a cliff.


    It was unique, thrilling, tempting Long Xiaoshan. If Chun Tao was a sweet ss of fruit wine, then this woman was a fiery bottle of whiskey.


    But still.


    He didn''t like being controlled by a woman he couldn''t see through; he always felt there was something crazy about her.


    With a push, he shoved Shangguan Baihe away.


    "Let''s go, to Hechuan!"


    Long Xiaoshan threw out a sentence coldly, engaged the gear, and mmed down the elerator. The Porsche shot off like an arrow from a bow.


    Shangguan Baihe leanedzily against the chair back, gazing at Long Xiaoshan''s chiseled and icy profile. She extended her petite and tender tongue, licking the corner of her mouth, a hint of triumph twinkling in her starry eyes.


    The Porsche soon entered Hechuan City.


    Shangguan Baihe picked up her phone and made a call.


    After hanging up, she put down her phone helplessly, "Xiaoshan, President Bai is in the province today and won''t be back until tomorrow."


    "Really?" Long Xiaoshan watched Shangguan Baihe with a somewhat skeptical gaze.


    "If you don''t believe me, then call yourself," Shangguan Baihe said irritably, handing over the phone to him.


    "Forget it, I believe you," Long Xiaoshan was also helpless.


    What a coincidence.


    "So what do we do now, should we head back to the county first?" Long Xiaoshan suggested.


    "No way, we''vee all this way already, keep mepany and take a look around," Shangguan Baihe pulled on Long Xiaoshan''s arm.


    Long Xiaoshan didn''t want to go shopping.


    But by now, he was somewhat rmed by Shangguan Baihe''s arbitrary nature, fearing that she might really spill the beans about him and Qin You.


    He couldn''t really kill her, after all.


    "Fine," he parked the car in the centralmercial district''s parking lot of Hechuan City.


    Long Xiaoshan and Shangguan Baihe got out of the car and entered the shopping mall.


    As soon as Shangguan Baihe entered the mall, she dragged Long Xiaoshan straight to a lingerie store. Faced with the dazzling array and wide variety of lingerie, and being the only man in the entire store, Long Xiaoshan felt embarrassed.


    He grumbled in a low voice, "If you want to shop then shop, why drag me here? You can buy lingerie anytime."


    "Why do you think, if not for your doing?" Shangguan Baihe gave Long Xiaoshan a disdainful look.


    After leaving the lingerie store, the two of them bought quite a few clothes in the mall¡ªof course, it was all Shangguan Baihe making the purchases, Long Xiaoshan didn''t buy anything.


    Even though he wasn''t short of money now, having been ustomed to being a farmer, he still wasn''t used to spendingvishly.


    Coming out of the mall, they had just settled into the car


    When Shangguan Baihe''s phone suddenly rang.


    Shangguan Baihe grabbed her phone vigorously. When she saw the number on the screen, her face suddenly changed drastically, and then she pushed the door and stepped out.


    Long Xiaoshan watched her get out to take the call.


    Obviously, she didn''t want him to overhear.


    He wasn''t that bored. Since the other party didn''t want him to hear, he wouldn''t eavesdrop. Otherwise, even if Shangguan Baihe were outside the car, he would still be able to hear.


    About five minutester.


    Shangguan Baihe returned to the car.


    Her face looked terrible, "Xiaoshan, I''m sorry, I have something urgent to attend to and have to leave first. Here is President Bai''s phone number and the hotel room card. I have a hotel room in the city that I rent year-round. You can contact her yourself tomorrow."


    She handed over a business card and the room card.


    "Shangguan, what''s wrong?" Long Xiaoshan asked, taking the business card.


    Shangguan Baihe shook her head, but a ze of anger and sorrow flickered deep in her eyes.


    Seeing this, Long Xiaoshan didn''t say anything.


    Although his rtionship with Shangguan Baihe was only a partnership and not particrly close,


    He definitely would have asked if it were Qin You.


    After getting out of the car, he watched Shangguan Baihe drive away.


    Left with no choice, Long Xiaoshan, holding the room card, took a cab.


    The room was not far from the city center, in the only five-star hotel in the city. Shangguan Baihe had rented a deluxe room


    After entering, Long Xiaoshan first put his things down.

 Chapter 142: Chapter 147: Snow Trace

    Long Xiaoshan looked around his room for a while, appreciating the luxury of the five-star hotel. It was his first time staying in one, and Shangguan Baihe had booked him a room second only to the presidential suite.


    It even came with amenities like a massage bathtub.


    After setting down his things, bored Long Xiaoshan headed to the hotel gym to practice his boxing.


    He had just learned the Yue Family Fist Technique from Yue Ling the previous night.


    Though he had already achieved some proficiency, there was no end to martial arts.


    Long Xiaoshan was also zealous when it came to training.


    The gym wasn''t crowded during the day. Long Xiaoshan looked around and found an empty room resembling a training venue,plete with punching bags. He entered and began to train diligently.


    Long Xiaoshan practiced his boxing with single-minded focus, immersing himself in the experience.


    After a while, he sensed five or six people entering the room.


    But he didn''t mind them and continued his training, being careful to control his strength and refraining from using True Qi, which would have been too showy.


    The neers were dressed in white training suits.


    They seemed surprised to see someone practicing boxing inside the venue.


    Among them, a burly man with many e scars on his face approached and said brusquely, "Hey, this is the Weifeng Martial Arts School''s training area. Make some room."


    Long Xiaoshan stopped his boxing and stood up.


    Looking over, he frowned and replied, "Isn''t this a hotel venue? Since when did it be a martial arts school?"


    "The Martial Arts School is under renovation, so we''ve rented this ce. Now move along," the man with e scars said.


    Long Xiaoshan felt displeased. If the man had asked politely, he would have given way, but seeing the man''s aggressive tone, he replied calmly, "That has nothing to do with me. I''m a guest of this hotel, and I have the right to use its facilities. You should call the hotel manager to talk to me."


    "You¡ª" The man with e scars was furious.


    "Older brother, let it go. We don''t have many people, and there''s enough space. We''re all martial artists here, just let him practice on the side," said a girl with a ponytail, speaking softly. Her demeanor was traditional,posed, and even-tempered. Dressed in a white training outfit, cinched at the waist, she entuated the fullness of her chest and the slimness of her waist.


    Long Xiaoshan took another look at her, not expecting to see such a beauty.


    "Fine, kid, consider yourself lucky," the man with e scars said, seeming to care a lot about the ponytailed girl''s opinion, and red at Long Xiaoshan.


    Without even ncing at him, Long Xiaoshan cheerfully thanked the girl, "Thanks, beauty."


    The girl just smiled faintly and replied, "No problem."


    After the brief interlude.


    The six members of the Weifeng Martial Arts School did some warm-up exercises before starting their practice.


    It seemed the man with e scars was also a coach.


    He directed the five others, asionally stepping in to correct their movements.


    Afterpleting two rounds of practice, Long Xiaoshan took a break.


    Curious, he observed the Martial Arts School disciples training. As a novice in ancient martial arts who had only started formal training yesterday, he was eager to see what modern Martial Arts Schools were like and wondered if he might pick up a few moves.


    After watching for a while, he couldn''t help feeling profoundly disappointed.


    This was the level of Martial Arts Schools?


    Even though he had only learned ancient martial artsst night from Yue Ling, he could tell that the practice of these people wasn''t even worthy of being called fancy boxing or showy legwork. Not to mention his current skills, but even when he had juste out of prison, he could have taken down these few people.


    The only one with some ability seemed to be that e-scarred man.


    His footwork was stable, and he had some technique in applying force; it was obvious that he had genuinely trained in martial arts.


    Currently, the man with e scars was sparring under the guise of practicing with the traditional-looking girl.


    Long Xiaoshan watched with a frown.


    The e-scarred man was clearly stronger than the traditional-looking girl.


    One could tell at a nce that the girl was an amateur.


    In the sparring session, the man with e scars waspletely indulging in a grappling state.


    It looked intense, but it was clear that he was taking advantage of the ssical girl, his hands constantly grazing her waist and buttocks, and asionally the two would fall to the ground together, their limbs entwined, with the pockmarked man pressing his entire body on top of her.


    The ssical girl''s face was flushed red.


    Although she also felt his hands were inappropriate.


    Yet since it was martial arts practice, physical contact was inevitable.


    So she endured it, thinking it was an idental touch.


    "Scum," Long Xiaoshan spat out two words.


    Although he didn''t say it loudly, everyone in the venue could hear him.


    The pockmarked man immediately got up from the ground and shouted at Long Xiaoshan with a stern voice, "What did you say?"


    "I said scum, are you admitting to it?" Long Xiaoshan spread his hands.


    "Kid, are you looking for death?"


    The pockmarked man rushed in front of Long Xiaoshan, his finger almost poking Long Xiaoshan''s face, spittle flying.


    If it weren''t for the guests of the five-star hotel staying here, he would have started a fight already.


    "Whether I''m seeking death or not, what''s it to you? Get your hand off me."


    Long Xiaoshan pped away the pockmarked man''s hand.


    "Go to hell!"


    The pockmarked man waspletely enraged, being a Martial Arts School Disciple, he was naturally aggressive and ferocious, and his status was no simple matter. With a twist of his footwork, he aimed a kick at Long Xiaoshan''s abdomen.


    The kick was fast.


    And it was very decisive, ruthless. If an ordinary person were hit by this kick, they would definitely be crippled.


    Long Xiaoshan''s eyes narrowed, the smile on his face growing thicker.


    But those who knew him were aware.


    This meant Long Xiaoshan was very angry.


    p!


    Crack!


    The pockmarked man cried out in pain, falling to the ground.


    His other leg was twisted at a strange angle, it wasn''t clear if it was broken or dislocated.


    "Brother!"


    The other Martial Arts School Disciples rushed over, helping the pockmarked man up.


    The pockmarked man was in so much pain that his face twisted, and with a ferocious look, he said to Long Xiaoshan, "You dare break my leg, do you know who I am?"


    "If you keep spouting nonsense, I''ll break the other two of your legs," Long Xiaoshan said with a smile, showing eight big white teeth.


    A hint of fear shed across the pockmarked man''s face.


    Although he wished he could kill Long Xiaoshan right now, he was aware that he was no match for him. He hadn''t seen the kicking, and if he kept being stubborn, he would only be hurting himself.


    A wise man does not fight when the odds are against him. As long as this kid remains in Hechuan City, I''ll be able to avenge this broken leg sooner orter.


    "Take me to the hospital," the pockmarked man gritted his teeth and said to the Martial Arts School Disciples.


    The Martial Arts School Disciples hurriedly carried him towards the exit.


    Several people walked out.


    But the ssical girl hesitated for a few steps. Watching the pockmarked man being carried away, she said to Long Xiaoshan, "You''ve caused a big problem; he''s the son of Weifeng Martial Arts School''s Master. If you''ve broken his leg, the Master will definitelye looking for you."


    "Beautifuldy, you seem quite concerned about me," Long Xiaoshan said with a smile.


    "I just don''t want to see you die," Bai Xuehen said with annoyance.


    "Don''t worry, I won''t die. As for you, don''t continue practicing with them, you won''t learn much."


    "I know."


    "You know?" Long Xiaoshan said in surprise, "Then why do you still learn from him?"


    Bai Xuehen''s eyes clouded with a touch of sorrow, and shaking her head, she walked out of the venue.

 Chapter 143: Chapter 148 Gentle Su Su

    Chapter One Hundred Forty-Eight


    Seeing Bai Xuehen leave, Long Xiaoshan shook his head, although he sensed that the other might have some unspeakable difficulties.


    But having met by chance, it wasn''t possible for him to inquire further.


    He continued to practice in the gym for the rest of the afternoon and only returned upstairs afterward, took a bath, and then went straight to bed.


    Soon, a night passed.


    After eating breakfast at the hotel, Long Xiaoshan took out his phone and dialed the number from the business card.


    "Hello, how are you?" A woman''s voice came through the phone, soft and gentle with the Wu dialect.


    "Hello, is this Director Bai?" Long Xiaoshan looked at the name on the business card, Bai Susu.


    "It''s me, who is this?"


    "It''s like this, has Chairman Shangguan from Niu Y County gotten in touch with you? She rmended me to buy medicinal materials from you," Long Xiaoshan said.


    Surprise colored Bai Susu''s voice: "Oh, it''s you, are you President Long?"


    "Well, you could say that. Are you free right now, Director Bai?" Long Xiaoshan said.


    "Mmm, I just got back from the provincial city, why don''t youe to mypany now? Mypany is right next to the medicinal materials market..." Bai Susu gave an address.


    "Okay, I''ll be right there."


    Long Xiaoshan hung up the phone and hailed a taxi straight to the medicinal materials market.


    Soon, he arrived near the medicinal materials market and saw a building with ancient charm, marked with a sign for Bai''s Medicinal Materials.


    "This is the ce." Long Xiaoshan showed a trace of a smile.


    Walking in, he found that the interior was styled like ancient times, with carved beams and painted rafters, the sound of the guzhenging from the corner, and the air filled with a faint scent of sandalwood. Even the receptionist was wearing a qipao with blue and white porcin patterns, exuding a unique charm.


    "This ce is quite nice."


    Long Xiaoshan thought to himself and approached the reception.


    "Hello, how can I help you?" the receptionist, a beauty in a qipao, asked with a slight bow.


    "Uh, I''m here to see Director Bai."


    "To see Director Bai," she looked at Long Xiaoshan''s farmer-like attire but did not show any contempt, only smiling as she said, "Seeing Director Bai requires an appointment."


    "I''ve made an appointment, could you ask for me? My name is Long Xiaoshan."


    The receptionist nodded, picked up the phone and began to dial. After a while, she looked up with a trace of astonishment on her face and said, "Hello, Director Bai has asked you to go up to her office on the fifth floor."


    Long Xiaoshan nodded, took the elevator to the fifth floor, and found the Chairman''s office.


    He knocked on the door.


    A gentle voice came from inside, "Come in."


    Long Xiaoshan pushed the door open and saw a woman, around thirty to forty years old, sitting behind the desk, looking up and saying, "Are you President Long?"


    "That''s me, Director Bai. You can just call me Xiaoshan," Long Xiaoshan hurriedly walked over, extending his hand.


    The woman stood up; she wore a ssical hair bun, her demeanor was serene, and although fine lines had started to appear at the corners of her eyes, they did not detract from her beauty and grace.


    The woman''s figure was rather voluptuous. A white qipao dressed her ample form to perfection, reminiscent of a nobledy from Jiangnan stepping out from an ink painting.


    Long Xiaoshan had seen a ssical beauty just yesterday.


    He hadn''t expected to see another, a more mature beauty, today.


    And Bai Susu''s warm and ssical temperament was even more remarkable than the other''s.


    The two shook hands.


    Long Xiaoshan felt that the item in hand was as warm and smooth as jade, soft and veryfortable.


    At this time, Bai Susu was also sizing up Long Xiaoshan. She was quite surprised at heart, as Long Xiaoshan''s attire and image werepletely different from what she had envisioned.


    Yesterday, Shangguan Baihe had called her, seriously introducing someone named President Long.


    She had thought Long Xiaoshan was a middle-aged man in his forties or fifties, dressed in a suit and leather shoes, the epitome of a sessful person.


    She hadn''t expected Long Xiaoshan to be so young, appearing to be about the same age as her own daughter.


    And his attire was a cheap T-shirt and jeans, exactly the kind of basic outfit one would expect from the lower sses in society.


    However, upon closer inspection, Bai Susu''s prating eyes, which seemed to see through the mundane world, noticed something unique about Long Xiaoshan. His eyes were very bright and clear, as if they could see right through one''s heart, and there was an elusive aura about him that ordinary people couldn''t detect.


    Such a refined aura made her feel quite favorable towards him.


    Even evoking a sense of closeness, although, of course, it wasn''t the evil kind of closeness.


    "President Long is really young and promising, starting apany at such a young age," Bai Susu said with a slight smile, pointing to a sofa nearby, "Please take a seat, President Long."


    "It''s just a mess," Long Xiaoshan replied politely.


    "That''s not what Miss Shangguan says when she talks about you," Bai Susu said as she took out the tea set and began to brew tea for Long Xiaoshan, making pleasant conversation.


    Bai Susu''s tone was gentle, calm, and unwavering, her voiceforting to the listener.


    Her tea-making movements were even more elegant, watching her perform the task was a pure enjoyment.


    After drinking tea for an hour, Long Xiaoshan finally remembered to bring up the actual business, although he enjoyed the exchange with Bai Susu, he was there to buy herbs, saying, "Director Bai, do you have the medicinal materials I need here?"


    "I heard from Miss Shangguan that you''re looking for live medicinal materials?"


    "Yes, I want them live, and wild," he said.


    "May I ask why you need live herbs? You know, almost all herbs are dead when harvested, especially the older, wild ones," Bai Susu said.


    "Well, this... I''m nning to grow them myself," Long Xiaoshan replied.


    "You''re nning to cultivate herbs?" Bai Susu said in surprise: "Cultivating medicinal herbs is not simple, especially in our province where the climate isn''t very favorable for the growth of these herbs."


    "I''ll give it a try," he said.


    Bai Susu inwardly didn''t think highly of Long Xiaoshan''s chances, as she was an expert in this field and had been in the business of medicinal materials for over a decade.


    However, since it was her first meeting with Long Xiaoshan, she couldn''t say outright that she didn''t think he would seed.


    Moreover, there was something special about Long Xiaoshan''s presence, perhaps he really did have some incredible skills.


    "If President Long really manages to grow medicinal herbs, you must look out for Bai''s Medicinal Materials," Bai Susu said with a smile.


    "Of course."


    "Alright, then let''s go look at the herbs."


    Suddenly, the telephone on the table rang. Bai Susu gave Long Xiaoshan an apologetic smile, walked over to the table, picked up the receiver, and as she listened to the voice on the other end, her smile froze. After a moment, she said indifferently, "Let theme up."


    After putting down the phone, Bai Susu tried to muster a somewhat forced smile and said, "President Long, you''ll have to wait a little longer, I have another matter to discuss."


    "No problem, I''ll wait here," Long Xiaoshan said nonchntly.


    A momentter.


    The door was pushed open directly from the outside, and several people walked in.


    The leader was a bald man with a face full of meaty ferocity and beady eyes. Following him were two men who looked like bodyguards.


    He swaggered in, first ncing at Long Xiaoshan sitting nearby.


    Seeing his rustic attire, he showed a face full of contempt, then quickly looked away; his greedy gaze lingered over Bai Susu''s attractive figure, and he said, "Miss Bai, how about the condition I proposed?"

 Chapter 144: Chapter 149 This is Fake Medicine

    Chapter One Hundred Forty-Nine


    Bai Susu''s face looked slightly distressed as she remained silent, deep in thought.


    The bald man spoke again, "Miss Bai, time waits for no one. You should know that Hundred-Year-Old Medicine isn''t something you can find just anywhere."


    Upon hearing the words "Hundred-Year-Old Medicine".


    A glint of sharp light shed in Long Xiaoshan''s eyes¡ªhe too was thinking about acquiring Hundred-Year-Old Medicine, wasn''t he?


    When Bai Susu thought about her fruitless trip to the provincial city.


    As a medicinal herb merchant, she, of course, knew how rare Hundred-Year-Old Medicine was.


    Even though reaching a cooperation with Wang Sihai would mean Bai''s Medicinal Materials would lose a significant portion of its profits and she might even have to hand over control of thepany, she had apelling reason to proceed.


    After taking a deep breath, she said, "Alright, I can agree to your terms, but you have to show me the medicine first."


    Hearing Bai Susu agree,


    Excitement gleamed in Wang Sihai''s mung bean eyes as heughed heartily, "Of course, why would I, Wang Sihai, deceive Miss Bai?"


    He waved at his two subordinates.


    The one on the left immediately took out a huanghuali wood box from his bag and ced it on the table.


    Wang Sihai said, "Miss Bai, please take a look."


    Bai Susu, somewhat anxious, walked over and opened the huanghuali wood box, from which a unique fragrance wafted out. Inside the boxy a Ginseng as thick as a baby''s arm, and the medicinal aroma was indeed emanating from it.


    Bai Susu''s eyes lit up as she carefully examined the Ginseng with a magnifying ss.


    Wang Sihai proudly dered, "Authentic Hundred-Year Wild Ginseng, transported from Changbai Mountain, valued at no less than thirty million."


    Bai Susu was an experienced medicinal herb merchant and an expert on Ginseng.


    After examining the Ginseng, she was about eighty percent sure that it was indeed Hundred-Year-Old Ginseng, but due to the importance of the matter and the fact that she was staking almost the entirety of Bai''s Medicinal Materials, she said, "I''d like to take a little sample to have it tested."


    A look of hesitation crossed Wang Sihai''s face as he said, "Miss Bai, you know the value of this Ginseng. Don''t make it difficult for others."


    Bai Susu showed a hint of apology as she said, "I''m sorry. This concerns my father''s life, so I hope Director Wang will forgive me."


    "Fine then, I, Wang Sihai, am also a reasonable man. It''s only because it''s for Miss Bai''s sake that I''ll agree. But you can take at most one rootlet," Wang Sihai feigned hesitation for a long time, speaking with an expression as if he were in pain.


    "Thank you," Bai Susu hurriedly took a little Knife and carefully removed a single rootlet.


    Bai''s Medicinal Materials had testing equipment in-house.


    Bai Susu had the sample taken for analysis.


    Soon enough, the test results came out.


    It was indeed the rootlet of a Hundred-Year Wild Ginseng, rich in medicinal properties, and it had been harvested no more than a month ago.


    Bai Susu became excited.


    With this piece of Wild Ginseng, her father''s life could be saved.


    "How about it? Miss Bai, I didn''t deceive you, did I?" Wang Sihai said.


    Bai Susu nodded with a smile.


    "Haha, with that settled, we shouldn''t dy further. Miss Bai, let''s sign the contract now. Once it''s signed, the Hundred-Year-Old Ginseng belongs to you," Wang Sihai took out a contract and offered it to Bai Susu with a beaming smile.


    Bai Susu''s expression changed slightly.


    "Director Wang, can''t you make an exception? I can offer fifty million to buy this Ginseng," she said.


    The smile on Wang Sihai''s face gradually cooled as he said, "Miss Bai, I''ve already made myself clear. I don''t think I need to repeat myself. What I want is a share of Bai''s Medicinal Materials."


    Bai Susu felt helpless and angry.


    Bai''s Medicinal Materials was the work of several decades for the Bai Family, yet now they had to hand it over to someone else.


    But what could be done?


    Hundred-Year-Old Medicine was extremely rare, even she, as a medicinal materials merchant, couldn''t obtain it.


    Her father had at most half a month to live.


    Her gentle face revealed a resolute expression as she picked up a pen from the table, took the contract, and prepared to sign.


    However, at this moment, a faint voice rang out, "Director Bai, wait a moment, this Wild Ginseng is fake."


    Hearing this voice, everyone present was startled.


    Wang Sihai''s face, which was full of smugness, instantly tightened, and he fiercely turned his head to look at the person who spoke¡ª the very country bumpkin he had just ignored. His eyes gleamed with a terrifying brilliance as he said harshly, "Kid, who do you think you are to talk here?"


    "I''m nobody special; I''m just a small farmer, but at least I''m much better than someone like you, who is blinded by greed and deceives people with fake medicine," replied Long Xiaoshan, standing up calmly.


    "Go to hell, do you even know who you''re talking to?" Wang Sihai erupted with rage, for he was a prominent figure in Hechuan City, and had never been insulted to his face before.


    An ordinary farmer dared to insult him.


    It was as if this farmer didn''t want to live.


    "President Long, Xiaoshan, stop talking, you can''t afford to provoke him."


    Seeing this, Bai Susu was anxious and hurried to intercept Long Xiaoshan, speaking in a low voice.


    She didn''t know what kind of background Long Xiaoshan had that made Shangguan Baihe hold him in high regard, but no matter what, it might work in Niu Y County, but this was Hechuan City.


    And in Hechuan City, Wang Sihai had a great deal of influence, with connections in both the underworld and legitimate business; such a man, even Bai''s Medicinal Materials wouldn''t dare to provoke.


    Let alone an outsider.


    Even if Wang Sihai had someone kill Long Xiaoshan, it would not be traced back to him; at most, it would cost some money to settle the matter.


    Long Xiaoshan shook his head, "Director Bai, it''s not a matter of whether I can provoke him or not. If the medicine is fake, I must speak out, no matter who is standing here."


    Bai Susu saw that Long Xiaoshan repeatedly said the ginseng was fake.


    She started to have some doubts too.


    She had tested the ginseng just now and the machines confirmed it was genuine. Why was Long Xiaoshan so adamant that it was fake?


    When it involved her father''s life,


    Bai Susu did not dare to take any chances and asked, "How do you know it''s fake?"


    Long Xiaoshan pointed to his own eyes, "I saw it."


    "Hahaha," Wang Sihai burst outughing, "Kid, you saw it? Who do you think you are? You can tell my ginseng is fake from so far away? Tell me, who sent you to cause trouble here?"


    Long Xiaoshan replied leisurely, "Not only can I tell that the medicine is fake, but I can also see that the dark circles under your eyes indicate you''re pale-lipped, with unsteady steps¡ªa ssic case of excessive indulgence leading to kidney deficiency and impotence, relying only on medication to barely manage intimate affairs."


    Wang Sihai''s face instantly darkened, his eyes revealing an unmistakable mix of shame, anger, and shock.


    "What nonsense are you spouting?"


    Wang Sihai yelled, his gaze filled with embarrassed fury, as being told one is impotent is a great disgrace for any man.


    Especially when there was a beautiful woman he had long coveted present.


    "Whether it''s nonsense or not, you know very well," Long Xiaoshan said calmly. "How about we make a bet? Find a woman, and if you can perform without drugs, you can do whatever you want with me. How about that?"


    Long Xiaoshan''s eyes were full of mockery.


    Upon hearing this, Wang Sihai''splexion changed drastically.


    How could he dare to bet with Long Xiaoshan? Long Xiaoshan''s words pierced to the heart, revealing the truth¡ªhe indeed could only just perform with the aid of medication.

 Chapter 145: 150 chapters Leave it to me (four more votes)

    Chapter One Hundred Fifty


    Although Bai Susu felt that Long Xiaoshan''s words were very rude, she, having been in business for many years, had long trained her eyes to be discerning of the world.


    Seeing the changing expressions on Wang Sihai''s face, she was almost certain that Long Xiaoshan had hit a sore spot.


    Could it be that this guy really has impotence?


    "Kid, you''re courting death!"


    Wang Sihai was nowpletely enraged and pointing at Long Xiaoshan he said, "If you don''t die today, I''ll take yourst name."


    With that, he gave a look to his two subordinates.


    The two subordinates immediately tried to pounce on Long Xiaoshan.


    Bai Susu hastily shouted, "Stop! Director Wang, Xiaoshan is my guest. Give me some face, don''t touch him."


    Wang Sihai sneered, "Miss Bai, it''s not that I don''t give you face, but he has stepped on my head and shat on it. Do you think I can let him go?"


    Bai Susu quickly pulled on Long Xiaoshan and desperately signaled to him, "Xiaoshan, apologize to Director Wang."


    "Apologize, to this kind of scum? Sorry, I can''t do that." Long Xiaoshan smiled and patted Bai Susu''s hand, "Director Bai, don''t worry, this scum can''t do anything to me."


    Bai Susu was really dizzy.


    There was no one so ignorant of the ways of the world.


    She couldn''t understand why Shangguan Baihe admired him; hepletelycked the ability to read the room, aplete blockhead.


    But since he was introduced by Shangguan Baihe, she couldn''t just watch as he got into trouble.


    Bai Susu still stood in front of Long Xiaoshan and said, "Director Wang, let''s just call it even. I''ll sign the contract right away, and give you the shares, let''s not turn to violence anymore."


    "Toote," Wang Sihai said with ascivious gleam in his eye, eyeing Bai Susu''s graceful body, "President Bai, the contract is for the money to buy Ginseng, it can''t buy this kid''s life. If you want his life spared, you''ll have to satisfy one condition of mine."


    Bai Susu turned pale and angerily said, "What more do you want? Most of the shares have already been given to you. Do you still want all of it?"


    "No, no, no, I, Wang Sihai, am a reasonable person. How could I be so absolute? It''s very simple, President Bai. Just spend the night with me, and I''ll let this kid go," Wang Sihai said with a smiling face, casually.


    "You, shameless!" Bai Susu didn''t expect Wang Sihai woulde up with such a condition, and her face turned angry.


    "Shameless?" Wang Sihaiughed loudly and said, "Bai Susu, why the act of a virgin, you''re not inexperienced with men, what''s wrong with spending a night? To trade a night for a life, isn''t that a good deal?"


    Bai Susu''s face turned deathly white.


    Being humiliated by Wang Sihai in such a manner made her, usually gentle as water, unable to bear, as she stumbled back several steps, her body shaking, dizzy with rage.


    Just when she couldn''t hold on.


    A warm,rge hand reached out, encircled her waist, and lifted her up, cing her on a chair to the side.


    "Director Bai, don''t you understand this kind of scum? Even if you agreed to him, this scum would go back on his word, secretly move against me. Leave it to me, I''ll take care of him," Long Xiaoshan''s voice was very gentle, calm, and his deep eyes were like the ocean, capable of enveloping Bai Susu''s humiliated heart at that moment.


    She looked up.


    Just in time to see Long Xiaoshan turn around, his tall, mountain-like back, and his handsome, indifferent profile.


    It caused ripples to form in Bai Susu''s always calm heart, ripples that have been absent for a long time.


    "He''s like Brother Xiao when he was young."


    Bai Susu muttered to herself, staring nkly at Long Xiaoshan.


    "Get him now, kill him for me!"


    Seeing Long Xiaoshan still daring to be arrogant at this time, Wang Sihai could no longer hold back.


    His two subordinates immediately charged at Long Xiaoshan, and at the same time, they swung their fists smashing towards Long Xiaoshan.


    Both were not ordinary people.


    Their fists brought a whistling wind.


    The strike aimed at Long Xiaoshan''s temple was not only resolute but extremely vicious, showing no fear of killing him.


    When Long Xiaoshan saw they were actually targeting his temple, his expression instantly turned ice-cold, as if he had be another person. In prison, where life-and-death struggles weremon, he would transformpletely whenever his life was threatened.


    His cruel side was fully revealed.


    Now, Long Xiaoshan was in such a state, his gaze incredibly cold.


    He reached out and grabbed both men''s fists, twisting them rapidly several times.


    Crack, crack.


    A cringe-worthy sound of bones bursting followed.


    Wang Sihai''s two henchmen let out earth-shattering screams.


    Their arms were twisted into twisted shapes, the ghastly white of splintered bones and burst blood vessels horrifying to see.


    Writhing in agony, the two men howled on the ground, clutching their arms.


    Though they were both ruthless, now they faced the even more savage Long Xiaoshan.


    They could only be tormented.


    It seemed that their screams were piercing to the ear.


    Long Xiaoshan delivered two swift kicks, and the two men passed outpletely.


    Wang Sihai''s eyes widened as he watched his two top fighters, covered in blood with exploded bones, lying there. To tell the truth, the sight of the twisted arms of his bodyguards made even him wince.


    "What, what kind of background does this kid have?"


    Wang Sihai had wed his way up from being a mere hooligan, and with his years of experience, he could tell that this young man dressed like a country bumpkin was no ordinary person, but a true hard case.


    His unflinching gaze as he twisted the arms of the two men was evidence of this.


    Wang Sihai was least willing to provoke this kind of hard case.


    Such people clearly had nothing to lose, while he had a family and a worth of millions. There was no need to risk his life against someone like that.


    So, seeing Long Xiaoshan approach with an indifferent look in his eye,


    Wang Sihai quickly waved his hand, saying, "Friend, let''s talk this out, let''s talk this out. We can be reasonable, right?"


    Long Xiaoshan replied indifferently, "Now you want to talk reason. When Director Bai tried to reason with you, how did you force her? Now, I''ll send those two words back to you, ''Toote!''"


    Wang Sihai''s face turned an ashen mix of pale and green, and a surge of furious anger welled up at the same time.


    "Kid, you really want to make an enemy of me!"


    "Do you think you still have a face to save?"


    Long Xiaoshan sneered disdainfully.


    Wang Sihai suddenly pulled a gun from his waist and aimed it at Long Xiaoshan.


    He didn''t want to kill someone with his own hands if it could be avoided.


    But today, Long Xiaoshan had pushed him to the brink.


    With the gun pointing at Long Xiaoshan''s forehead, Wang Sihai growled, "Kid, do you really think being a good fighter makes you invincible? You''re too proud for your own good. Keep being arrogant!"


    Bai Susu screamed in rm.


    "Wang Sihai, what do you think you''re doing? Put the gun down right now."


    At this moment, Wang Sihai harbored murderous intentions not only towards Long Xiaoshan but also towards Bai Susu.


    Tomit murder, one must not leave behind any witnesses.


    Facing the barrel of Wang Sihai''s gun, Long Xiaoshan said calmly, "You''ve finally drawn it. I thought you wouldn''t dare."


    "What do you mean?" Wang Sihai was taken aback. He had pointed a gun at others before but had never encountered someone so calm in the face of it.

 Chapter 146: Chapter 151 Deity Spirit

    "What do you mean?" Wang Sihai was taken aback. It wasn''t his first time pointing a gun at someone, but it was the first time he''d encountered someone so calm in the face of a gun.


    "I mean, shoot!" Long Xiaoshan''s dark eyes stared down Wang Sihai. He slowly brought his head up to the muzzle, almost touching it, his eyes filled with mockery, "Come on, shoot!"


    In the face of this situation.


    Even Wang Sihai was dumbfounded.


    He''d seen many arrogant and fierce people.


    But he had never seen anyone as audacious as Long Xiaoshan.


    This was no longer audacity.


    It was madness!


    This was definitely madness!


    For some reason, although he knew that firing the gun could take Long Xiaoshan''s life, Wang Sihai''s forehead began to sweat, and his hand couldn''t help trembling slightly.


    "Shoot!" Suddenly, Long Xiaoshan roared, causing Wang Sihai to shudder.


    "Ah, die!"


    Wang Sihai, too, became crazed and repeatedly pulled the trigger.


    Bang Bang Bang!


    The sound of gunshots rang out incessantly.


    "Xiaoshan!"


    Bai Susu, frightened, turned pale and closed her eyes in agony, "It''s over, Xiaoshan is dead!"


    Long Xiaoshan, why are you so foolish.


    At that moment, Bai Susu''s heart was filled with loss. Her heart felt as if it had been torn apart, much like when she''d learned of Brother Yun''s death¡ªall too simr.


    Hot-blooded, impulsive, domineering, yet reckless.


    However, once the gunfire stopped, Bai Susu heard a familiar voice, "Done shooting?"


    That voice belonged to Long Xiaoshan.


    Bai Susu hurriedly opened her eyes.


    She witnessed an unbelievable scene. Long Xiaoshan was still standing there, his gaze deep, while, on the contrary, Wang Sihai''s face was filled with horror. His face turned ashen, fearfully looking at the Long Xiaoshan before him.


    He had emptied an entire clip of bullets.


    And this man had not been touched, not even a single hair had fallen from his head.


    Is he human or a ghost!


    Long Xiaoshan raised his hand and grabbed the barrel of the gun, exerting force with a twist, and with a crunchy sound, the barrel bent.


    Wang Sihai''s body shuddered, and he quickly let go of the handgun that had been crumpled into scrap metal.


    Long Xiaoshan casually threw the gun to the ground.


    He stepped forward, reached out and grabbed Wang Sihai by the neck, lifting him into the air. Wang Sihai, weighing over two hundred pounds, struggled frantically in the air, looking utterly ridiculous.


    Long Xiaoshan''s arm was as strong as steel, almost digging into his flesh.


    Wang Sihai began to suffocate quickly.


    Painful noises came from his nostrils, his eyes filled with fear, seemingly begging for mercy.


    Just when Wang Sihai thought his soul was about to leave his body.


    Long Xiaoshan tossed him heavily onto the sofa, stepping on his chest. He looked down into Wang Sihai''s eyes. At this moment, two mes of golden fire emerged from his pupils, and a crack opened up in the middle of his forehead.


    A beam of golden light surged into Wang Sihai''s soul.


    Wang Sihai''s face turned the color of earth, and his body shook uncontrobly like chaff.


    "Wang Sihai, today I smashed your business and ruined your day--are you convinced?"


    "Convinced, I am convinced, totally convinced!" Wang Sihai said tremblingly.


    "Wang Sihai, today I defeated two of your subordinates and publicly humiliated you; do you ept this?"


    "I ept, I ept, I fully ept!" Wang Sihai nodded frantically, like pounding garlic.


    "Wang Sihai, you are blind to provoke those you should not, now I shall destroy one of your eyes; do you ept this?"


    "I..."


    Wang Sihai hesitated for a moment, and suddenly, golden mes filled Long Xiaoshan''s eyes as if they were going to incinerate his soul to ashes.


    "I ept, I ept, Supreme God, please spare me! Sihai wholeheartedly epts!" Wang Sihai cried out in agony, like a cuckoo weeping blood.


    "Good! Since you ept with all your heart, I will spare you for now!"


    Long Xiaoshan reached out and swiped, and everything turned dark before Wang Sihai''s eyes, as he lost the light in one of them.


    Long Xiaoshan withdrew his foot and stood proudly, hands behind his back, looking down at Wang Sihai with the golden mes flickering in his eyes as if he were looking at an ant.


    "Wang Sihai, take your people and get out of here. From now on, if I ever learn that you''ve bothered Director Bai again, no matter where you hide, I will find you and annihte your Divine Soul!"


    "Yes, yes, yes!"


    Wang Sihai got up like a beaten dog, dragging his two subordinates away in a panic.


    Long Xiaoshan watched indifferently as the three fled.


    He turned around slowly.


    As he did, the golden mes in his eyes were extinguished, and the crack on his forehead closed up, as smooth as before.


    Looking at Bai Susu, who was gazing at him nkly.


    A warm smile appeared on Long Xiaoshan''s face, aplete transformation from his previous ruthless demeanor, as he calmly walked up to Bai Susu.


    "Director Bai, are you alright?"


    Bai Susu shook her head, her eyes somewhat infatuated as she looked at Long Xiaoshan at that moment.


    After a moment, as Bai Susu gazed at Long Xiaoshan''s seemingly smiling face, she seemed toe to her senses, her face flushed with an indescribable charm.


    Immediately after, she expressed her concern, "Xiaoshan, you should leave quickly. I am well aware of Wang Sihai''s character; he definitely won''t let you go."


    In the face of Bai Susu''s concern.


    Long Xiaoshan smiled faintly, "Don''t worry, Director Bai, I''ve frightened him to the core!"


    "From now on, he''ll respect me as one would a deity!"


    His casual words carried a powerful confidence, as if looking down upon all beings.


    Bai Susu''s heart trembled, feeling even more intensely that Long Xiaoshan at that moment was like a majestic deity high above.


    "Xiaoshan, you said this Ginseng is fake, but I''ve had it tested; how could it be fake?"


    Wang Sihai fled and did not take the Hundred-Year Wild Ginseng with him.


    Bai Susu, concerned about her father''s health, quickly went to the Ginseng to examine it.


    No matter how she looked, with her expertise, she could not tell that this Ginseng was a fake.


    Long Xiaoshan walked over to her side, took the Ginseng, and said lightly, "The Ginseng isn''t fake; it indeed is Hundred-Year Wild Ginseng, but its medicinal strength has already been depleted. Otherwise, why would he only agree to let you test the fibrous roots?"


    With that, Long Xiaoshan gently broke it in half.


    The Hundred-Year-Old Ginseng instantly split into two pieces.


    Long Xiaoshan showed the cross-section to Bai Susu; she took a closer look and her expression changed dramatically. The ginseng, yellow on the outside, had turned ashen white like a radish on the inside, obviously devoid of any medicinal strength.


    "How could this be?" Bai Susu''s face was incredibly troubled.


    It wasn''t that she hated being deceived.


    Rather, she was worried that she''d never find another Hundred-Year-Old Medicine to prolong her father''s life.


    ording to the doctors, without the Hundred-Year-Old Medicine, her father had at most half a month to live.


    With this thought, Bai Susu let out a wry smile.


    She had done everything within her power, even willing to give up most of Bai''s Medicinal Materials'' shares. If it was fate, she couldn''t force it.


    Being a gentle and graceful person, she set aside those worries for the moment and turned to Long Xiaoshan with gratitude, "Xiaoshan, thank you. I didn''t expect you to have such discerning eyes. If it weren''t for you, I would have been deceived by Wang Sihai today, and Bai''s Medicinal Materials would have fallen into someone else''s hands."

 Chapter 147: Chapter 152: Almost an Entire Generation Gap

    Chapter One Hundred and Fifty-Two


    Long Xiaoshan cracked a faint smile. "Director Bai is too polite. Any man would stand up in the face of such injustice."


    Is that so?


    Seeing how lightly Long Xiaoshan spoke, Bai Susu considered his words. They sounded simple, but when faced with a man like Wang Sihai who had connections in both the underworld and legitimate society in Hechuan City, how many would dare to take a stand, let alone do so for her, Bai Susu?


    Bai Susu bit her lip gently and said softly, "Xiaoshan, there''s no need to call me Director Bai. I''m only a few years older than you. If you don''t mind, just call me Sister Su."


    "How could I possibly mind? It''s my honor, Sister Su," Long Xiaoshan called out.


    Bai Susu''s face blossomed into a smile, beautiful and breathtaking to the point that even Long Xiaoshan was stunned.


    Seeing Long Xiaoshan staring straight at her, Bai Susu''s cheeks flushed red.


    She quickly said, "Xiaoshan, didn''t you want to see the medicinal materials? I''ll take you to see them now."


    "Hmm," Long Xiaoshan nodded hastily.


    The two went downstairs.


    The living medicinal materials were not kept at thepany. Bai''s Medicinal Materials had its own botanical garden, not veryrge, since cultivating medicinal materials is quite difficult. It was used for experiments and temporary cultivation.


    Bai Susu drove Long Xiaoshan to the garden.


    In the garden that spanned several acres, with steel frames set up, a variety of medicinal materials were cultivated: ginseng, notoginseng, fleece-flower root, dendrobium...


    Each type of medicinal material was neatly categorized, with different soils, climates, and water qualities...


    Bai Susu strolled with Long Xiaoshan through the garden.


    "Xiaoshan, the living medicinal materials you want are all here. Pick whatever you like," Bai Susu now understood.


    Long Xiaoshan was definitely not an ordinary person.


    A man who could make Wang Sihai flee in panic, begging like a pathetic dog, how could he be simple?


    So she didn''t talk about how difficult some medicinal materials were to grow.


    Long Xiaoshan bent down, faint golden light flowing in his eyes. The entire garden''s medicinal materials could not escape his gaze. His Spirit Eye had evolved into the Divine Heaven Eye, which could cover a radius of hundreds of meters. He could easily discern which herbs were full of spiritual energy and which onescked medicinal properties.


    After a short while, he selected a few medicinal materials.


    Ginseng, notoginseng, fleece-flower root...


    Bai Susu watched as Long Xiaoshan chose the materials and couldn''t help but nod in approval.


    Being a merchant of medicinal materials, she could tell that the ones Long Xiaoshan chose were of extremely good quality and were all older than ten years.


    Long Xiaoshan didn''t pick many.


    He only took seven pieces and then stopped.


    "Xiaoshan, is this little selection of medicinal materials enough?" asked Bai Susu.


    "It''s almost enough. I want to run some tests first."


    Long Xiaoshan intended to cultivate Hundred-Year-Old Medicine, valuing quality over quantity. Besides, even if he wanted more, he didn''t have enough Spiritual Liquid to cultivate them.


    "Alright then," Bai Susu said with a gentle smile.


    "Sister Su, how much do I owe? Please tally it up for me," he said.


    Bai Susu shook her head. "No need to pay. Take these medicinal materials with you."


    "That''s not eptable."


    Bai Susu said, "You''ve helped me out so much today, saved Bai''s Medicinal Materials, a few herbs are nothing. If you refuse again, Sister Su will get angry."


    Although Bai Susu pretended to get angry, her temperament was too gentle and soft, unable to appear truly upset.


    "Alright then, thank you, Sister Su." Long Xiaoshan was not one to dilly-dally.


    Seeing Long Xiaoshan agree, Bai Susu''s face revealed a satisfied smile.


    Having obtained the medicinal materials, Long Xiaoshan left the botanical garden and bid farewell to Bai Susu.


    Bai Susu said, "Xiaoshan, it''s almost noon, and today I''m ying host, you must stay and have a meal."


    "This... Alright, thank you, Sister Su." Long Xiaoshan hesitated for a moment, but seeing the expectant look in Bai Susu''s eyes, he nodded in agreement.


    A hint of a little girl''s joy danced in Bai Susu''s eyes.


    Driving Long Xiaoshan, they arrived at a viplex.


    "This is..."


    "This is my home." Bai Susu stopped in front of a vi.


    Long Xiaoshan hadn''t expected that Bai Susu''s invitation for lunch was at her home, but since he was there, he took it in stride. Ever since gaining the Deity Spirit body, Long Xiaoshan found his mindset bing ever more detached.


    The vi was European-style, with a courtyard in front of it that had a small fountain, and even a Cupid sculpture¡ªlittle Ding peeing into the pond, quite amusing.


    Bai Susu opened the door.


    Long Xiaoshan followed inside.


    Bai Susu said, "It''s just my daughter and me at home, we didn''t prepare men''s slippers, sorry about that."


    "I can go barefoot." Long Xiaoshan was rather unustomed to it; in the countryside, who needs slippers, so he simply took off his shoes and walked barefoot on the floor.


    "Xuehen, Xuehen!" Bai Susu called upstairs.


    After a while, a voice responded.


    "We have a visitor at home,e entertain them for a bit, I''ll go cook," Bai Susu shouted.


    "A visitor?" The girl on the second floor seemed puzzled. Her mother always liked quietness. Only rtives might visit during holidays, but she never brought outsiders home, not even important clients. The holidays were still far away; where did this visitore from?


    Amid her confusion, she got up and left her room, looking downstairs from the second floor.


    At the same time, Long Xiaoshan also looked up.


    He saw a girl in a white home dress with a ssic elegance.


    Both were stunned at the same time.


    In unison, they said, "It''s you!"


    Bai Susu appeared perplexed, looking at them and saying, "You know each other?"


    Long Xiaoshan said, "It''s really a coincidence, yesterday I was at Tulip Grand Hotel..."


    Bai Xuehen quickly ran downstairs, interrupting Long Xiaoshan, "Mom, he''s my friend."


    Long Xiaoshan''s words were cut off as he looked at Bai Xuehen.


    Bai Xuehen gave Long Xiaoshan a look.


    He realized that Bai Xuehen didn''t want him to mention yesterday''s events.


    Though he was a bit puzzled, since Bai Xuehen didn''t want to talk about it, of course he wouldn''t pry, so he just smiled and said, "Sister Su, Xuehen and I do indeed know each other."


    "Sister Su? What do you call my mom?" Bai Xuehen said with a displeased expression.


    "Uh!"


    Long Xiaoshan was slightly embarrassed; he realized that Bai Xuehen was about the same age as him. If he called Bai Susu "Sister," he would be inadvertently making Bai Xuehen a generation older.


    Moreover, he really hadn''t noticed at first that Bai Susu could already have a daughter this old; she looked to be only around thirty.


    "This... I didn''t know, Auntie looks too young," Long Xiaoshan said helplessly.


    "Xuehen, it was me who asked Xiaoshan to call me Sister," Bai Susu intervened, her cheeks turning a shade of red.


    After all, wasn''t it obvious to her that Long Xiaoshan couldn''t guess her age?


    But at that moment, she couldn''t figure out why, perhaps because Long Xiaoshan''s demeanor reminded her too much of Yang Xiao when he was young, and on a whim, she didn''t want Long Xiaoshan to call her Auntie.


    Bai Xuehen looked at Bai Susu with puzzlement; with her keen mind, she knew her mother was acting out of the ordinary today, but she didn''t dwell on it much and instead cooed, "Mom, if he does that, he''ll be older than me by a generation. No, I won''t allow him to call you that."


    "I''ll call you Auntie Su then," Long Xiaoshan quickly said.

 Chapter 148: Chapter 153 Wei Zhentian

    ```


    Chapter One Hundred and Fifty-three


    Bai Susu went to the kitchen to prepare the meal.


    Long Xiaoshan and Bai Xuehen sat in the living room, with Bai Xuehen curiously inquiring how Long Xiaoshan had been invited by Bai Susu for dinner.


    Long Xiaoshan said he had asked Bai Susu to buy medicinal materials.


    "Just for buying medicinal materials, Mom invited you to our home for dinner?" Bai Xuehen, wearing a look of disbelief, said.


    Regarding the matter with Wang Sihai, of course Long Xiaoshan wouldn''t borate.


    Long Xiaoshan said with a smile, "What else do you think there could be? Maybe I just have a likable appearance."


    Bai Xuehen made a "vomiting" gesture and said, "You''re really shameless."


    "Hahaha." Long Xiaoshanughed heartily.


    The two were of simr age, and with Long Xiaoshan being knowledgeable and able to chat about anything, it didn''t take long for the two young people to get acquainted, with bursts of lightughtering from the living room from time to time.


    Half an hourter, Bai Susu finally finished cooking.


    Coming out, she looked at her daughter with slight surprise, "What are you talking about that''s making you so happy?"


    She knew her daughter''s personality well, which was somewhat subdued like hers; usually, her daughter didn''t have many friends her age and spent most of her time being a homebody ¡ª reading and ying the piano. It was rare to see herughing so joyfully.


    "Mom, it''s all because of him, always telling some¡­ jokes."


    "What jokes? Tell one to Mom."


    "No, no, Mom, have you finished cooking? I''m hungry."


    Bai Xuehen''s face turned red; what Long Xiaoshan had told were hardly just jokes, but mostly risqu¨¦ stories.


    She dared not tell Bai Susu.


    In prison, amidst all sorts, how could Long Xiaoshan tell decent jokes? Naturally, he was best at telling racy jokes, almost effortlessly, a veteran in the field.


    Seeing a ssical beauty like Bai Xuehen, he couldn''t resist teasing her.


    Seeing her blushing to the tips of her ears, he secretly felt pleased with himself.


    "The meal is ready, you cane eat now," Bai Susu said, her curiosity piqued. Then she asked Long Xiaoshan, "Xiaoshan, what joke? Tell one to Auntie Su."


    "Ahem, Auntie Su, do you really want to hear it?" Long Xiaoshan asked earnestly.


    "Long Xiaoshan." Bai Xuehen red at Long Xiaoshan.


    "It''s Auntie Su who wants to hear it," Long Xiaoshan said, spreading his hands innocently.


    "Come on, tell it. Let me have augh too," Bai Susu said.


    "Then I''ll tell it," Long Xiaoshan cleared his throat and began, "A beauty realized her lipstick was too thick, so she wiped it with a wet tissue and threw it onto the street. An old man picked it up, examined it for a while, and then, having an epiphany, caught up with her and said, ''Miss, these ultra-thins really do fall off easily!''"


    "What ultra-thins?" Bai Susu didn''t catch on.


    "Mom, don''t listen to this scoundrel spouting nonsense," Bai Xuehen quickly pulled Bai Susu towards the dining room.


    A momentter, Bai Susu finally caught on and her face turned as red as fire.


    Watching Long Xiaoshan walking over to eat as if nothing had happened, she secretly scolded him in her mind, ''This little rascal, he even dares to tease me.''


    After the three of them sat down to eat,


    Bai Susu''s cooking was truly exceptional.


    The taste was very good.


    However, Long Xiaoshan realized that even the vegetables at Bai Susu''s home were the health-oriented fruits and veggies from his own farm.


    But thinking about Bai Susu knowing Shangguan Baihe, this wasn''t surprising.


    ¡­


    While Long Xiaoshan was eating with Bai Susu and her daughter,


    ```


    Hechuan City, Weifeng Group.


    The Weifeng Group was very famous in Hechuan City, not only because of its significant business scope but more so because its chairman, Wei Zhentian, was the number one martial artist in Hechuan''s martial artsmunity, and rumors even had it that he was a descendant of the Ancient Martial World.


    Beyond the business of Weifeng Group, Wei Zhentian was also the Master of the Weifeng Martial Arts School.


    Although Wei Zhentian was not a man of the underworld,


    hardly anyone in Hechuan City dared to provoke Wei Zhentian.


    It was said that when Wei Zhentian first entered Hechuan City and opened his Martial Arts School, he became an enemy of a local big shot,


    who dered that he would shut down the Weifeng Martial Arts School, only to be beaten by Wei Zhentian until his limbs were shattered, leaving him paralyzed in bed.


    The forces under that big shot wereter uprootedpletely.


    Ever since then, Wei Zhentian''s reputation in Hechuan City flourished, and after running his enterprise for over a decade, he became an untouchable presence.


    Both the underworld and thew-abiding citizens had to give him some respect.


    Yet, in the Weifeng Group''s office today, Wei Zhentian''s face looked very dark.


    Yesterday, his only son''s legs were broken.


    In Hechuan City, even Wang Sihai and Zhou Yushan, these household names amongst the top dogs, would not dare to harm his son casually, let alone break his legs.


    Although his son''s legs had already been reconnected,


    he could not swallow this insult.


    People of the Martial Dao World always abided by the principle of an eye for an eye, never settling for turning weapons of war into gifts of jade and silk.


    He had originally nned to find the culprit yesterday and break both his legs, leaving him permanently crippled.


    But there was important business to attend to that morning, so he had to bide his time.


    Once that matter was settled, it wouldn''t be toote to ruin that person.


    But what he didn''t expect was,


    that the deal, which was almost a sure bet today, was also ruined.


    He looked at the bald, obese man sitting across from him and frowned, "Director Wang, what exactly happened? What''s the matter with your eye, and you said someone tampered with the business, who was it? Is there anyone in Hechuan City who dares not to show you, Director Wang, some respect?"


    Sitting opposite him was none other than Wang Sihai, who had been terrified by Long Xiaoshan''s Divine Thought Power at Bai''s Medicinal Materials.


    Wang Sihai, at this moment, had a pale grey eye, his body fat trembling, sweating profusely, looking as if he had lost two of his three souls. Only under Wei Zhentian''s pressing did he stammer out, "Master Wei, I want no part in this, and I advise you to stay away as well. That person is not as you imagine; even guns can''t kill him."


    "Even guns can''t kill him!"


    Wei Zhentian''s eyes narrowed slightly, but there was not much fear on his face.


    For he knew that at a certain level of martial arts cultivation, it was very easy to dodge bullets,


    What seemed miraculous to ordinary people was actually rathermon for Ancient Martial Artists.


    Because of his preconceptions, he thought when Wang Sihai said that even guns couldn''t kill the man, it was because the person was dodging bullets with superior moves, not tanking the bullets.


    He said coolly, "Director Wang, just one man has scared you to this extent, to the point where you don''t even dare to seek revenge¡ªthis isn''t really in Director Wang Yama''s style."


    Wang Sihai, known as Wang Yanwang due to his fierce reputation in Hechuan City,


    Hearing the irony in Wei Zhentian''s tone, Wang Sihai suddenly raised his head and, somewhat out of control, shouted, "You have no idea, you don''t understand. He''s not human, he''s a god, he is a god."


    "Shut up!" Wei Zhentian roared sharply,


    carrying a vibrational force that left Wang Sihai dizzy and standing still.


    "Useless!"


    Wei Zhentian rose to his full height, his eyes brimming with sharp light. He raised his hand, which suddenly turned bright red, and gently pressed it down on the desk. The huanghuali wooden desk emitted smoke, and before long, there was a palm print about an inch deep.


    "If he is a god, what am I?" Wei Zhentian said proudly. He had already cultivated Inner Strength a year ago and stepped into the ranks of Huang Level Martial Artists.


    In the eyes of the Ancient Martial powerhouse, mortals were as insignificant as ants.

 Chapter 149: Chapter 154: The Strong Ones Come Knocking

    Chapter One Hundred and Fifty-Four


    "What is this...?" Wang Sihai stared at the clear palm imprint on the table, his eyes widening in shock.


    Wei Zhentian said indifferently, "This is Inner Strength. If I were to press this palm print on you, how do you think you''d feel?"


    Wang Sihai''s bby body quivered. Such a hard pear wood would be indented inches deep with just a light press. If it were pressed on him, wouldn''t it create a hole?


    "Inner Strength, I didn''t expect such a thing to exist in the world. I thought it only existed in television and novels," Wang Sihai said with a trembling voice.


    Wei Zhentian''s face showed disdain as he spoke, "There are many things in this world you don''t know about. You''re holed up in little Hechuan City; how much of the sky can you see? Just a frog at the bottom of the well. A person barely exhibits abilities beyond ordinary people and it scares you out of your wits. Now, tell me where that person is, so I can meet him."


    Although Wang Sihai wanted to say that the man was not so simple,


    certainly not just an ordinary person exceeding themon.


    Those omnipresent golden mes, that fear piercing right into the soul, werepletely like that of a Deity Spirit.


    But facing the arrogant Wei Zhentian at this moment, and the palm imprint on the pear wood,


    Wang Sihai couldn''t help but harbor a sliver of hope.


    Perhaps he really was just a frog in the well,


    thus he exaggerated Long Xiaoshan''s abilities too much.


    Perhaps in front of a master like Wei Zhentian, who possesses the legendary Inner Strength, that man is nothing special.


    Thinking of his own eye ruined by Long Xiaoshan,


    no matter how afraid, it was impossible for Wang Sihai not to have any thoughts of revenge.


    Even if it were just a tiny spark of hope.


    In front of Wei Zhentian''s powerful and arrogant strength, there was a sign of revival from the ashes.


    "I don''t know where that person is. But when I left, he was at Bai''s Medicinal Materials..." said Wang Sihai.


    "Search, search now for this person''s whereabouts. He crippled one of your ''moves''? I''ll cripple both of his ''moves''."


    Wei Zhentian said harshly.


    He thought to himself that from today on, he need not hide his strength. He would use this person to establish his power, reveal his real might, and let the big shots of Hechuan City see his dominance, crush them, and unify Hechuan City in one fell swoop.


    After all, he had wanted to do this for a long time.


    As a Huang Level Martial Artist, controlling a mere ind Earth Level city was well within his capabilities.


    "Alright, I''ll start searching right now!"


    Wang Sihai''s face went through several changes before he finally made a decision through gritted teeth.


    The grudge of a ruined eye had to be avenged.


    Wang Sihai mobilized his forces in Hechuan City and began the investigation.


    In Hechuan City, Wang Sihai, though not as dominating as Zhao Jun in Xinyuan, was also a big shot ranked in the top five, even the top three. With his power, once he really started to move, finding a person could be faster than the police.


    Furthermore, Long Xiaoshan wasn''t hiding his whereabouts at all.


    Half an hourter,


    Long Xiaoshan''s whereabouts wereid out before Wei Zhentian.


    Long Xiaoshan was at Bai Susu''s house in the Oufeng Vi Area.


    What Wei Zhentian did not expect was,


    as Long Xiaoshan''s origins and tracks were uncovered,


    he turned out to be the same person who broke his son''s leg at the Tulip Grand Hotel yesterday.


    Thinking of this, Wei Zhentian was furious.


    Not only did the person break his son''s leg, but he also ruined his chance to take over Bai''s Medicinal Materials.


    He could not suppress his anger.


    He immediately gathered people from the Martial Arts School and headed for the Oufeng Vi Area.


    ...


    At Bai Susu''s house, after lunch, Long Xiaoshan was drinking tea and chatting with the Bai family''s mother and daughter.


    The mother and daughter of the Bai family were both of that ssical beauty type, skilled in the four arts - guzheng, chess, calligraphy, and painting - as well as being fond of the tea ceremony, floral arranging, and embroidery, as if they were not from modern times.


    However, Long Xiaoshan actually quite enjoyed it.


    Observing the two ssical beauties.


    While chatting, Bai Susu was performing a tea ceremony for Long Xiaoshan.


    Bai Xuehen was ying the guzheng beside them.


    He felt an inexplicably calm and serene.


    He was enjoying it immensely on a spiritual level.


    He even had an evil thought lurking in his mind - if he were like the romantic schrs of ancient times, to share such a harmonious and fragrantpanionship with two ssical beauties, what a pleasure that would be.


    Just the thought of it seemed utterly wonderful.


    "Xuehen, why do you y such sorrowful music? y something more cheerful," Long Xiaoshan said.


    Bai Xuehen gave Long Xiaoshan a nce and her fingers began to move rapidly over the guzheng, producing a series of intense notes. It was the ancient tune "Ambush from Ten Sides."


    The melody of the guzheng became increasingly intense.


    It was as if horsemen and iron cavalry were charging from all directions.


    Long Xiaoshan was leaning back on the couch, listening intently, when amidst the climax of the music, a loud voice came from outside, "Weifeng Martial Arts School, Wei Zhentian, is here for a visit."


    The voice thundered.


    It made the windows rattle loudly.


    Bai Xuehen''s fingers faltered slightly.


    With a twang, a string on the guzheng snapped.


    She looked up somewhat nervously.


    Bai Susu also put down the teapot with a slight frown, saying, "Weifeng Martial Arts School, Wei Zhentian, what''s he doing here?"


    Wei Zhentian was well-known in Hechuan City.


    Martial arts schools often needed medicinal materials, but Weifeng Martial Arts School had their own supply channels and did not coborate with Bai''s Medicinal Materials.


    So she couldn''t understand why Wei Zhentian would visit.


    Bai Xuehen''s hands twisted together, blue veins popping out of her fair, slender palms with worry as she looked up at Long Xiaoshan, fully aware that he had broken Wei Loong''s leg the day before in a fight for justice.


    Long Xiaoshan gave Bai Xuehen a reassuring look.


    He stood up tall and said softly to Bai Susu, "Auntie Su, it''s alright, he''s here for me."


    Bai Susu asked in confusion, "You know Wei Zhentian?"


    Long Xiaoshan smiled slightly, said nothing, and headed towards the door.


    The mother and daughter of the Bai family hurriedly followed him.


    Although Bai Susu did not understand why Wei Zhentian was looking for Long Xiaoshan, she was astute and perspicacious. The tone in which Wei Zhentian had called out from outside was filled with an aura of killing, not the tone of an ordinary visit. Clearly, the visitor bore ill intentions.


    Long Xiaoshan opened the door.


    Outside the Bai family''s vi, five ck cars were parked.


    Arge group of people got out of the cars at that moment.


    All of them were dressed in training clothes with the word "Weifeng" embroidered over their chests.


    In the forefront of these people stood a middle-aged man, about forty years old, of medium build, dressed in a ck mandarin jacket, with piercing eyes and prominent temporal muscles. He stood firm and stable as if he were an iron cauldron.


    As Long Xiaoshan opened the door, his gaze shot straight over with the intensity of zing torches.


    Long Xiaoshan''s eyes were calm as he looked back.


    Their gazes intersected in the air. Wei Zhentian narrowed his eyes - this young man was dressed like a farmer, and his temples showed no bulging muscles, he didn''t look like a martial artist at all.


    But his eyes seemed as deep as an abyss.


    Wei Zhentian''s sharp gaze couldn''t stir a ripple in them.


    "Dad! That''s the guy who broke my leg yesterday. You must avenge me! Break his limbs and cripple him," a young man leaning on crutches stepped forward from behind Wei Zhentian and shouted loudly.

 Chapter 150: Chapter 155: Defeating Wei Zhentian

    Chapter One Hundred and Fifty-Five


    Long Xiaoshan looked over, and the one making a fuss was indeed the pock-marked man he had taught a lesson yesterday.


    So the saying goes, beat the child, and the elderes knocking.


    Thinking of this, he smiled faintly and said, "Master Wei, have youe because of your son?"


    Wei Zhentian replied indifferently, "Correct, was it you who broke my son''s leg?"


    Of course, he wouldn''t admit that his n to seize Bai''s Medicinal Materials had also been foiled by Long Xiaoshan; after all, that wasn''t something to be proud of.


    Long Xiaoshan said, "It was me, but your son instigated the fight, intending to cripple me, so naturally, I had to strike back."


    "Even if my son started it, it''s not your ce, an outsider, to teach him a lesson. You must give me, Wei someone, an exnation," Wei Zhentian said coolly.


    "How overbearing."


    Long Xiaoshan sneered as well, "What kind of exnation do you want?"


    "Cripple your own legs and kneel to kowtow three times to my son. Let''s consider the matter settled then."


    "Hahaha!"


    Hearing Wei Zhentian''s words, Long Xiaoshan burst outughing, "What an impressive Weifeng Martial Arts School, truly majestic and domineering. Fine, since that''s the case, there''s nothing more to say. Let''s see what you, Wei Zhentian, are capable of, to break my legs."


    Standing behind him, Bai Xuehen grabbed Long Xiaoshan and stepped forward, urgently saying, "Master Wei, Big Brother Wei, this is a misunderstanding; I think we should let it go."


    Wei Loong red at Bai Xuehen with malice, "Xuehen, I haven''t asked you yet, how did this kid end up in your home."


    Wei Loong was very displeased; the woman he desired was apparently with the man who had broken his leg.


    Bai Susu frowned even more, "Xuehen, why are you calling that man ''Big Brother''? When did you start practicing martial arts?"


    "Mom, it''s a long story, I''ll exinter," said Bai Xuehen, feeling helpless.


    She had her reasons for joining the Martial Arts School, but now facing the imminent fight between Long Xiaoshan and Wei Zhentian, she could no longer keep it hidden.


    She had joined the school for a month now and had once seen Wei Zhentian training at the Martial Arts School, bursting a sandbag with a punch. That kind of power frightened her; she feared Long Xiaoshan might be beaten to death if he went up.


    Bai Susu nodded slightly, aware that the most important thing right now was to prevent the fight between Long Xiaoshan and Wei Zhentian.


    She spoke softly, "Master Wei, Xiaoshan is my guest. I beg you to be lenient and not quarrel with a junior. As for thepensation for your son''s injuries, I can handle it all..."


    Before she could finish, Long Xiaoshan cut her off.


    "Auntie Su, this has nothing to do with you. I''ve disciplined this scum, and now it seems the lesson wasn''t enough. Since this shameless elder wants to make a scene, I might as well break one of his legs too," he said.


    The indifferent and arrogant words of Long Xiaoshan caused all the disciples of the Martial Arts School to boil with rage.


    "Kid, you''re courting death!"


    "How dare you be so boastful. Who do you think you are?"


    "Master, you don''t need to deal with this. Let me educate this brash youngster for his parents," said a tall, lean, and stern-looking young man as he stepped forward, positioning himself in a stance ready forbat in front of Wei Zhentian.


    Wei Zhentian gave a slight nod.


    This was his eldest disciple, Cao Song, who had been training in martial arts with him since childhood. He was his prized disciple, even more talented and stronger than his son, Wei Loong. He intended to have Cao Song manage the Martial Arts School in the future.


    Seeing Cao Song ready for battle,


    Wei Zhentian said indifferently, "Good, try him out, but be careful."


    Even though he couldn''t see anything special about Long Xiaoshan''s strength, Wang Sihai imed Long Xiaoshan could dodge bullets, which suggested that Long Xiaoshan''s agility should be formidable.


    "Don''t worry, Master. For a mere country bumpkin who came from the sticks, I''ll make him understand the way of the world," Cao Song dered.


    Then, Cao Song propelled himself forward like a powerful arrow aimed at Long Xiaoshan.


    Long Xiaoshan moved as well, leaping down from the steps.


    Bang!


    In an instant, the two collided, a muffled sound followed, and a figure was sent flying back at an even faster speed.


    "Xiaosong!"


    Wei Zhentian''s expression changed dramatically, and he hurriedly stepped forward to catch Cao Song as he flew back.


    At this moment, Cao Song''s chest was torn open with his clothes shattered, a depressed fist mark sunk an inch into his flesh. His face was as pale as gold paper, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. With difficulty, he called out "Master," before fainting away.


    Wei Zhentian felt a chill in his heart, his expression turning grave.


    He slowly stood and said, "Kid, you''ve got a really vicious strike."


    "Cut the crap. If you''re going to make a move, just do it. Why all this pointless talk?" Long Xiaoshan''s fighting spirit was surging within him.


    He had cultivated the Yue Family Fist Technique and made some achievements.


    He hadn''t anticipated it when he instinctively used it against Cao Song just now, nor the magnitude of its power.


    Indeed, it was a legacy from the Martial Emperor.


    The punch just now was just an appetizer; he hadn''t even used his True Qi. He also wanted to test to what extent his fist technique could reach.


    "Arrogant! A junior, learning a little bit of skill, and you dare to be so disrespectful!" Wei Zhentian was truly enraged at this moment.


    "What junior, what senior? Stop ying the age card here. There''s no need to be polite to an old guy like you who can''t tell right from wrong," Long Xiaoshan said with disdain.


    "You little beast! Since you''re courting death, I''ll grant it to you!"


    Wei Zhentian was so angry that the Three Corpse Spirits raged fiercely inside him.


    Boom!


    As his Inner Strength erupted, every hair on Wei Zhentian''s head and beard stood on end, and his palms struck out with a thunderous fury toward Long Xiaoshan.


    Without dodging, Long Xiaoshan punched out.


    Bang!


    A wave of Inner Strength shuddered into Long Xiaoshan''s body, forcing him to stagger back over ten steps, his face turning pale for a moment.


    Seeing Wei Zhentian''s palm drive Long Xiaoshan back,


    the Martial Arts School Disciples all shouted with excitement.


    Wei Zhentian''s face showed pride as he looked down upon Long Xiaoshan, "I''ll disable you within three palms!"


    "So this is Inner Strength; it''s somewhat simr to True Qi, but it''s not as pure." Long Xiaoshan felt the force that had surged into his body, and the Longevity Art True Qi flowed from within him, easily dissolving the iing Inner Strength.


    Hearing Wei Zhentian''s words, Long Xiaoshan smiled, "Did you think you were the only one with Inner Strength?"


    Long Xiaoshan charged swiftly, True Qi billowing and pouring into his fist as he hurled a punch toward Wei Zhentian.


    When their fist and palm collided, Wei Zhentian''s face showed shock, "Inner Strength? You''re also a Huang Level Martial Artist?"


    Long Xiaoshan was only so young, and yet he had already cultivated Inner Strength.


    No wonder Wei Zhentian was so astonishingly shocked.


    What terrified Wei Zhentian even more was the purity of that Inner Strength, which seemed to surpass even his own.


    Long Xiaoshan didn''t bother with idle talk. This was his first encounter with an Ancient Martial Artist who had cultivated Inner Strength, and his fighting will was overwhelming. He threw his fists out like iron piles, thundering forth. Witnessing the terrifying strength of the punches,


    Wei Zhentian''splexion dramatically changed, and he burst forth with all his power, desperately resisting.


    Bang bang bang bang!


    Their fists and feet collided countless times in an instant, and the onlookers could only see two dark shadows shing into one, each punch and kick raising fierce winds that shattered the surrounding grass, trees, and even rockeries.


    Witnessing such a disy,


    the onlookers from the Martial Arts School recoiled in horror.


    Bai Susu and Bai Xuehen were so tense that they stopped breathing.


    Bang!


    Suddenly, a figure staggered back seven or eight steps as if drunk, then fell to the ground with a thud.


    Wei Zhentian had a fist mark on his chest and abdomen, one of his arms dangling weakly, bones jutting out, his face deathly white as he spat out blood continuously.


    In the distance, Wang Sihai, who was hiding in a house and observing the battle through a telescope, was so scared that he dropped the telescope to the ground.

 Chapter 151: Chapter 156: Ruthless

    All the disciples of the Martial Arts School fell silent in that instant, bing mute.


    Staring nkly at everything before them.


    Without a doubt, Wei Loong was the one who had been the most vocal just a moment ago; he had been eager to see Long Xiaoshan''s limbs broken by his own father, rendering him disabled.


    He had been convinced that this would certainly be Long Xiaoshan''s fate.


    Because in his eyes, Wei Zhentian was invincible.


    He was well aware of how powerful his father was, especially after learning that his father had cultivated Inner Strength and be a Huang Level Martial Artist.


    He had thought, in this insignificant Hechuan City,


    with his father around, he could do whatever he pleased.


    Long Xiaoshan had broken his leg.


    He would break his limbs, no, all five of them!


    When the time came, he would stand on Long Xiaoshan''s head, spit in his face, and endlessly humiliate him, making him understand the consequences of offending Wei Loong.


    However, the oue waspletely opposite to what he had imagined.


    The one who was beaten to the point of relentless bleeding, unable to get up from the ground, was his father.


    Like a duck grasped by the throat, he stared at the fallen Wei Zhentian and the calm-faced Long Xiaoshan standing there, making gurgling noises in his throat, unable to speak a word.


    At this time, all the disciples of the Martial Arts School rushed forward to help Wei Zhentian, who was unable to get up.


    Wei Zhentian was hit by three of Long Xiaoshan''s punches; one shattered his shoulder, another broke four or five ribs in his chest, and one punch directly caused severe damage to his Dantian¡ªthe most lethal punch, such that without a Spirit Pill or miraculous medicine, the Inner Strength he had painstakingly cultivated could possibly be wasted.


    So, at this moment, Wei Zhentian, ring at Long Xiaoshan with a face full of resentment, said, "You are ruthless!"


    "Ruthless?"


    Long Xiaoshan sneered, "Wei Zhentian, you were relentlessly trying to kill me just now, sparing your life already shows my mercy. As a Martial Artist, don''t you even have this degree of self-awareness?"


    Wei Zhentian''s face changed several times, and his full hatred ultimately turned into helplessness.


    He was no match in skills.


    What could he do? He could not reim his dignity today, staying would only bring him more humiliation.


    Grinding his teeth, he said, "Let''s go."


    "Wait!" Long Xiaoshan spoke indifferently.


    Wei Zhentian''s face changed, "What else do you want?"


    "I have settled your debt, but his, I have not," Long Xiaoshan said, moving in a sh to appear by Wei Loong''s side.


    Wei Loong, his face full of terror, asked, "What are you going to do?"


    He kept retreating.


    Even his father had been taken down by Long Xiaoshan, how could he dare to be arrogant in front of Long Xiaoshan now?


    "Want to leave!" A kick from Long Xiaoshannded on Wei Loong''s injured leg. With a scream of pain, the leg that had just been set broke again, and in agony, he rolled on the ground.


    "Didn''t you just say you wanted to break all my limbs?" Long Xiaoshan said with an indifferent face, "Well then, I will break your four limbs, to teach you a lesson."


    "Don''t, please, Big Brother."


    Wei Loong hurriedly crawled up from the ground, clung to Long Xiaoshan''s legs, weeping, "Big Brother, please don''t break my arms and legs, I was wrong, spare me, spare me, I won''t dare anymore, I won''t dare anymore."


    Those who were arrogant and domineering relying on their elders.


    ```


    Once they lose their support, they often be even less capable than ordinary people.


    Wei Loong was such a case.


    He was but a greenhouse flower. Once faced with a storm, he immediately showed his true colors.


    Seeing the way Wei Loong groveled for mercy,


    Wei Zhentian felt he had lost all face and wished he could kill Wei Loong with a single p.


    But even though he was worthless, a good-for-nothing, this was, after all, his only son.


    Seeing Long Xiaoshan about to strike hard, Wei Zhentian hurriedly said, "Stop, let''s talk this over, I canpensate on behalf of my son''s offense, whatever conditions you have, you can propose them."


    "Oh," Long Xiaoshan stopped his actions, and said with great interest, "Any conditions can be proposed?"


    Wei Zhentian hesitated for a moment and then said, "As long as it is within my ability to afford."


    Long Xiaoshan stood with his hands behind his back, eyes slightly downcast, pondering.


    Wei Loong was such a waste that it made no difference to break his limbs or not, he posed no threat whatsoever.


    It would be better to get some tangible benefits. Since Wei Zhentian was a martial arts expert and had considerable power in Hechuan City, he certainly had something valuable, or at the very least, could cough up arge sum of money.


    While Long Xiaoshan was considering what conditions to propose, Bai Xuehen quietly came to his side and whispered something in his ear.


    After speaking, Bai Xuehen looked at Long Xiaoshan with a pleading look and said, "Big Brother Xiaoshan, please, only Hundred-Year-Old Medicine can cure my grandfather''s illness. If you can obtain it for me... I... I will agree to anything."


    Seeing the pleading look on Bai Xuehen''s face, which was like that of an abandoned puppy,


    Long Xiaoshan''s heart softened.


    Moreover, having a beautiful young woman with a graceful and poetic presence whisper such willingness to agree to anything stirred the wildness within Long Xiaoshan, making him want to howl at the moon.


    He chuckled softly and asked, "Xuehen, are you really willing to agree to anything I ask?"


    Seeing the intense, fiery look in Long Xiaoshan''s eyes, Bai Xuehen fully grasped the implication behind his words. She couldn''t help blushing deeply like rouge spreading across her cheeks. Her tender body trembled slightly, yet thinking of her grandfather''s condition and how her mother was willing to give away Bai''s Medicinal Materials for a chance at the Hundred-Year-Old Medicine, Bai Xuehen closed her eyes, as if resigned, and gently nodded her head, uttering a soft agreement through her nose.


    "Xuehen, remember you owe me a favor," Long Xiaoshan said with augh, then he turned his head to look at Wei Zhentian and said, "Your martial arts school has a Hundred-Year-Old Medicine, don''t you? Give that medicine to me, and I will spare your son."


    Wei Zhentian was taken aback, and thenughed bitterly, "Please propose another condition, that medicine has already been used by me. It was with that I managed to break through to the Huang Level."


    "Used!" Long Xiaoshan was startled.


    Bai Xuehen quickly said, "How can that be? Wei Loong, you once told me your family still has a Hundred-Year-Old Ginseng."


    Wei Loong''s gaze flickered, he faltered.


    "Speak, what''s going on?" Long Xiaoshan demanded.


    Frightened into trembling, Wei Loong did not dare to hide the truth under Long Xiaoshan''s cold gaze. He quickly said, "Xuehen, I lied to you. You have always refused to be my girlfriend, so I had no choice but to resort to this scheme."


    Bai Xuehen''splexion turned pale, and tears welled up in her eyes.


    She had joined the Weifeng Martial Arts School and endured Wei Loong''s advances during practice sessions because she had heard of the Hundred-Year-Old Medicine.


    She had been unaware that she had fallen into a trap.


    If not for Long Xiaoshan''s appearance and his unmasking of Wei Loong, she might have even been deceived out of her own body.


    "Damn it!"


    Long Xiaoshan pped Wei Loong to the ground, struck three lightning-fast kicks, breaking all Wei Loong''s limbs, then kicked Wei Loong towards Wei Zhentian, "Get lost. I won''t kill you today, but if I encounter you again, I will take your dog life."


    "My son."


    Wei Zhentian caught Wei Loong, his eyes showing a murderous fury. Seeing his son''s limbspletely shattered, it was questionable whether he would ever be able to stand up again.


    ```

 Chapter 152: Chapter 157 Heavenly Being

    ```


    Chapter One Hundred Fifty-Seven


    Weifeng Martial Arts School''s Wei Zhentian ultimately didn''t say anything but quickly left with Wei Loong and the Martial Arts School disciples.


    Because he knew that the struggles in the cultivation world were just that cruel.


    If your fists are not as strong as the other person''s, nothing you say matters.


    But the resentment in his eyes before he left,


    indicated that this matter would certainly not end here.


    Long Xiaoshan stood with his hands sped behind his back, his gaze indifferently following the departing members of the Weifeng Martial Arts School.


    If it were based on the temperament he honed in prison, eradicating the roots would naturally be the best method, but now he was after all in front of the Bai family''s doorstep, in broad daylight, in front of the Bai family mother and daughter, he couldn''t possibly kill someone for real.


    Moreover, killing just Wei Zhentian would be useless since those who cultivate ancient martial arts should all have their own legacies.


    When soldierse, block them; when wateres, cover it with earth.


    "Brother Xiaoshan, why did you break all of Wei Loong''s limbs? What if they call the police, you could go to prison," said Bai Xuehen worriedly.


    "He deceived you, breaking his limbs is getting off lightly. Don''t worry, they won''t call the police," Xiaoshan replied confidently.


    Long Xiaoshan had this intuition, Wei Zhentian certainly would not call the police.


    Of course, even if he did, it wouldn''t faze him.


    He also knew Hechuan City''s number one.


    "Xuehen, you and Auntie Su wait here for a moment, I still have something to take care of," said Long Xiaoshan, looking towards the direction of a vi, the corner of his mouth curling into a cold smile.


    His figure elerated, swiftly moving towards the vi a hundred meters away.


    In less than ten seconds, he had entered the vi.


    He blocked the way of a fleeing, corpulent, bald figure.


    "Wang Sihai, what did I tell you earlier?" Long Xiaoshan said indifferently.


    Wang Sihai never imagined that despite hiding in a vi a hundred meters away, he would be discovered by Long Xiaoshan.


    The two bodyguards who followed Wang Sihai immediately raised their handguns aiming at Long Xiaoshan.


    "Put them down, put them down!"


    Seeing the chill in Long Xiaoshan''s eyes, Wang Sihai, like a cat that had stepped on its tail, leapt up and knocked the guns out of his bodyguards'' hands.


    Others might not know, but how could he not know?


    Long Xiaoshan didn''t fear bullets at all.


    He was not a mere person.


    He was a Heavenly Being.


    Those eyes that burned with golden mes, the fire that seemed to burn his soul to ashes.


    Now surged forth.


    He thought of Wei Zhentian''s arrival earlier, full of bluster and arrogance.


    And now, he had been pped in the face by a Heavenly Being, not only was he brought down, but even his son was crippled by the Heavenly Being.


    Even though Wang Sihai had been a dominant figure in Hechuan for over a decade, under Long Xiaoshan''s indifferent gaze, as if from a Heavenly Deity, his hair stood on end, his spine chilled, trembling uncontrobly. He quickly prostrated himself on the ground, pleading, "Heavenly Being, spare me, spare my life."


    "It wasn''t me who wanted toe here; it was Wei Zhentian who forced me," he said.


    "The fake ginseng from Bai''s Medicinal Materials was also given to me by him. He wanted to plot against the Bai family''s fortune."


    "Because the Heavenly Being ruined his n, he forced me to disclose your whereabouts ande to cause trouble for the Heavenly Being," Wang Sihai blurted out everything like bamboo tubes pouring out beans.


    And he pinned it all on Wei Zhentian.


    Long Xiaoshan remained silent.


    ```


    The silence only increased Wang Sihai''s fear. He knew that in the face of such immense power, no matter how wealthy you are or how vast your authority is, it amounts to nothing. His life was now in the hands of Long Xiaoshan.


    In the end, Wang Sihai was a formidable figure.


    Although panicked, he remained lucid, understanding that he had to sway Long Xiaoshan if he wanted to have a chance at survival.


    "Heavenly Being, Sihai still wields some influence in Hechuan. I am at your beck and call. With just a word from you, Sihai will bravely face de and fire, not shying away from a thousand deaths. Under mymand, there are various industries. Should you have any needs, feel free to take them. Isn''t Bai Susu searching for Hundred-Year-Old Medicine? I will put forth all my efforts to ensure that she finds one," Wang Sihai promised over and over again.


    Now he was truly afraid.


    One can contend with another person.


    But can one really contend with a deity?


    In his heart,


    Long Xiaoshan was a deity!


    A sh of gold crossed Long Xiaoshan''s eyes. He knew Wang Sihai was thoroughly intimidated.


    From now on, if he told him to go east, he wouldn''t dare to go west.


    Such a powerful figure in Hechuan City was better spared than killed.


    He said indifferently, "Given your sincere repentance, I will spare your life for now, but while I can forgive the capital crime, I cannot absolve you of punishment."


    Long Xiaoshan flicked his finger, and a pill shot into Wang Sihai''s mouth, dissolving quickly with a foul smell wafting through the air.


    Wang Sihai''s face changed dramatically: "Heavenly Being!"


    "This is a Heart Corroding Bone Eroding Pill. You will know its effects soon enough. If you harbour even the slightest other thought..." Long Xiaoshan smiled without finishing his sentence.


    Though his tone was exceedingly mild, Wang Sihai could hear the terrifying implication and nodded repeatedly: "I wouldn''t dare."


    "Alright, you can go."


    Long Xiaoshan waved his hand.


    As if granted amnesty, Wang Sihai, with his two bodyguards, fled at the fastest speed.


    After dealing with Wang Sihai,


    Long Xiaoshan returned to the Bai Family''s vi.


    The Bai Family mother and daughter were still standing at the door, eagerly waiting. Seeing Long Xiaoshan return, they both heaved a sigh of relief, as if a heavy stone had been lifted from their hearts.


    As for what Long Xiaoshan had just done, neither of them asked.


    They were both astute.


    Ever since Long Xiaoshan defeated Wei Zhentian, it was clear he was no ordinary man.


    Despite their curiosity, they both wisely chose not to inquire.


    "Auntie Su, I''m sorry for destroying your house. I''ll have someoneeter to fix it," Long Xiaoshan said with a bitter smile, looking at the ruined grounds. His battle with Wei Zhentian had nearly destroyed the Bai''s courtyard. Greenery shattered, the rockery smashed, like the aftermath of a typhoon.


    Bai Susu said softly with concern, "These are trivial matters. I can have the property management take care of it. Xiaoshan, but what about you? Were you hurt during the fight?"


    Long Xiaoshan felt a warm feeling as he looked at Bai Susu''s concerned eyes.


    Domineering over Wei Zhentian, brutally breaking Wei Loong''s limbs, and then, like a god descending from the heavens, intimidating Wang Sihai, the ruthless youth seemed to vanish. Long Xiaoshan''s face again wore a sunny smile as he said, "Auntie Su, I''m fine. Someone like Wei Zhentian couldn''t hurt me."


    "Show off," Bai Xuehen muttered, rolling her eyes.


    She didn''t like seeing Long Xiaoshan act so smug in front of her mother.


    "Xuehen," Long Xiaoshan said with a hint of a roguish smile, "What did you promise me just now?"


    Bai Xuehen''s face turned red.


    She recalled how she had agreed to such an embarrassing condition in her desperation to have Long Xiaoshan demand the Hundred-Year-Old Medicine from Weifeng Martial Arts School.


    But she quickly retorted, "You didn''t get the Hundred-Year-Old Medicine, so the condition doesn''t count."


    "Is that so? I''ve heard you want the Hundred-Year-Old Medicine only to treat your grandfather''s illness. What if I could cure your grandfather''s disease?" Though Long Xiaoshan didn''t know exactly what ailed Bai Xuehen''s grandfather, he was confident in his medical skills, which were profound enough to cure even cancer or leukemia.

 Chapter 153: Chapter 158 Exhaustion

    Chapter One Hundred and Fifty-Eight


    "You can heal?" Bai Xuehen didn''t believe it and was annoyed, "Do you even know what illness my grandfather has? How can you say you can cure it without having seen him?"


    Although Long Xiaoshan was very formidable in a fight.


    Even Wei Zhentian couldn''t defeat him.


    But being good at fighting was one thing, and medical skills were another.


    Long Xiaoshan''s nonchnt tone made Bai Xuehen angry.


    After all, her grandfather was a very important person to her, and her mother was even willing to give up Bai''s Medicinal Materials for the sake of her grandfather''s health.


    So, she was unhappy about Long Xiaoshan "joking" about her grandfather''s illness.


    Bai Susu also frowned slightly and felt displeased.


    Seeing the expressions of the mother and daughter,


    Long Xiaoshan knew they definitely didn''t believe him and thought he was joking.


    Long Xiaoshan nced at Bai Xuehen and suddenly grabbed her hand.


    Bai Xuehen''s hand was caught in Long Xiaoshan''s grasp, immediately turning a bit red with embarrassment and anger. She tried to pull away, but Long Xiaoshan held on tightly, and she could not break free, "What are you doing?"


    "You''re injured!"


    Long Xiaoshan lifted Bai Xuehen''s hand.


    There was a cut on her middle finger, bleeding outward¡ªit was made when the guzheng string broke earlier.


    "It''s nothing, I''ll just put a band-aid on itter," Bai Xuehen said nonchntly.


    "No need, I can heal it right now."


    Long Xiaoshan extended a finger, touching Bai Xuehen''s injured finger, and a surge of Longevity True Qi flowed out.


    After Long Xiaoshan had mastered Longevity Art True Qi,


    he found that its healing power was incredibly strong.


    For minor injuries, there was no need for the Golden Needle, as he could heal them easily.


    However, usually to avoid attracting attention, he would still use the Golden Needle.


    Now, to make Bai Xuehen and the others believe, Long Xiaoshan didn''t hold back anymore; he let the Longevity Art True Qi flow out, and a faint spiritual light enveloped the junction of their fingers.


    Under the nourishment of True Qi, the blood from the small wound stopped immediately, and the wound healed at a speed visible to the naked eye. About a minuteter, Long Xiaoshan wiped the fresh blood stuck to his finger away.


    Bai Xuehen looked at her finger, as smooth as a green onion, and blinked hard.


    She said incredulously, "Where did the wound go?"


    Bai Susu had been watching the whole time and now, seeing not even a trace of the wound on Bai Xuehen''s finger, she too showed a shocked expression.


    "I told you I could heal. Do you believe me now?" Long Xiaoshan said.


    "This... This..."


    Bai Xuehen was at a loss for words.


    But Bai Susu looked deeply at Long Xiaoshan, as if trying to see through this young man.


    Yet even with her nearly twenty years of insight into worldly affairs, she felt like there was a mist around Long Xiaoshan, seemingly real and illusory, impossible to discern.


    The more she interacted with him, the more she recognized his extraordinariness.


    Suppressing Wang Sihai, defeating Wei Zhentian, and now revealing the ability to heal wounds with a mere touch;


    Even though it was just a small cut, it was telling.


    Perhaps, he really could cure her father''s disease.


    A glimmer of hope arose in Bai Susu''s heart.


    Thinking this, she said, "Xiaoshan, Auntie Su needs to trouble you. If you really can cure my father''s illness, no matter what conditions, Auntie Su will agree."


    Long Xiaoshan''s heart stirred slightly, and a hint of a smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.


    Indeed, like mother, like daughter.


    Why are the conditions always the same?


    However, facing Bai Susu, he certainly didn''t dare to flirt with her as he would with Bai Xuehen, after all, she was an elder.


    Bai Xuehen, with a nce at Long Xiaoshan''s smirk that wasn''t quite a smile, seemed to sense his sleazy thoughts and gave him a light re.


    Long Xiaoshan quickly restrained his smile and said, "Auntie Su, forget about conditions. I will do my best to treat Elder Bai."


    Bai Susu showed a hint of gratitude and said, "Thank you."


    "Auntie Su, why don''t I go and see the old master right now?" Long Xiaoshan checked the time; it was already two in the afternoon.


    "Won''t you rest for a while?"


    "No, I''m not tired."


    "Then all right, let''s go now."


    Bai Susu made a phone call to the property management to have them tidy up the courtyard, then drove out with Long Xiaoshan and Bai Xuehen.


    Hechuan City Furen Hospital is thergest private hospital in Hechuan City, said to be funded by overseas Chinese. It has stronger medical resources than the city''s public hospital, and its VIP wards are popted by the rich and the influential.


    Patriarch Bai, Bai Tian Sheng, was residing in one of Furen Hospital''s VIP wards.


    However, Elder Bai had now fallen into a deepa, relying only on machines to maintain his vital signs.


    Bai Susu brought Long Xiaoshan and the others to the ward at Furen Hospital.


    Upon entering, they saw a middle-aged couple in their forties.


    The slightly portly middle-aged man bore some resemnce to Bai Susu; if he were twenty years younger, he might be considered handsome.


    Seeing the couple, Bai Susu hesitated before saying, "Elder brother, sister-inw, what are you doing here?"


    The middle-aged woman with thin lips and dyed red hair said, "Oh, Su Su, the way you talk, it''s as if our Heming isn''t the old master''s own son."


    "Sister-inw, that''s not what I meant," Bai Susu quickly exined.


    "Enough, Xiaohong, don''t say too much," Bai Heming''s expression darkened as he spoke to Bai Susu, "Little sister, the Drug Administration has been busytely, so I haven''t had time to visit Dad."


    "Elder brother, it''s okay, I will take good care of Dad," Bai Susu replied.


    Bai Xuehen, seeing the two, stepped forward and called out, "Uncle, Aunt."


    Bai Heming nodded slightly while the middle-aged woman did not even lift her head.


    Long Xiaoshan thought to himself that rtions between these two families didn''t seem very good.


    However, he was here to treat a patient, so naturally, he wouldn''t get involved in family affairs.


    As for Bai Heming and his wife, he couldn''t care less. He said, "Auntie Su, let me first take a look at Elder Bai''s condition."


    "Sure, thank you for the trouble," Bai Susu replied.


    Long Xiaoshan stepped forward and took hold of the hand of the elderly man lying in the hospital bed.


    "Hey hey hey, what are you doing?" Ma Xiaohong quickly eximed.


    Bai Heming frowned and said, "Little sister, who is this?"


    "Elder brother, Xiaoshan is a doctor. I''ve asked him toe and treat Dad," she exined.


    "To treat him? Bai Susu, what are you doing, thinking this little brat can treat Dad? I think you''re deliberately trying to kill him," Ma Xiaohong eximed disdainfully upon seeing Long Xiaoshan''s clothes.


    "Ridiculous!" Bai Heming also showed a look of dissatisfaction and couldn''t help but rebuke.


    Long Xiaoshan looked to be just over twenty.


    Could such a person be capable of treating patients?


    And it wasn''t just any illness; the old master''s condition was nearly hopeless.


    However, Long Xiaoshan remained silent, examining Elder Bai''s body and slowly frowning, realizing that it wasn''t as simple as he thought. It wasn''t an ordinary illness that Elder Bai had; it was aging, which meant his life span was reaching its end, causing multiple organ failures.


    This wasn''t something that medical skills could reverse.


    No wonder they mentioned Hundred-Year-Old Medicine.


    Only such spiritual medicine could extend his life a little longer.

 Chapter 154: Chapter 159 The Shrew

    Chapter One Hundred and Fifty-Nine


    "Brother, Sister-inw, Xiaoshan''s medical skills are good. What''s more, having him take a look won''t hurt," Bai Susu spoke softly yet firmly, which she couldn''t have done without being in charge of apany for many years.


    "What if he finds some problem? Will you take responsibility? I think you just want Grandpa to pass away sooner so you can monopolize the family inheritance," Ma Xiaohong said.


    Bai Susu''s face changed color as she responded, "Sister-inw, how can you say such things about me?"


    Bai Xuehen, who was standing by, couldn''t hold back either, and said, "Auntie, you''re going too far. My mother almost sold Bai''s Medicinal Materials to save Grandpa, and what you''re saying isplete nder."


    "Kids who don''t understand shouldn''t talk," Ma Xiaohong said harshly. "Back then, Grandpa left the entire Bai''s Pharmacy to Bai Susu. Without the pharmacy, would there be the current Bai''s Medicinal Materials Company? The pharmacy should have included a share for Heming."


    "You!"


    Bai Susu flushed with anger, her chest heaving tumultuously.


    Over the years, she developed the small pharmacy her father left her into Hechuan City''srgest medicinal materialspany. Although her father had left the pharmacy to her, she had never treated her older brother''s family unfairly; she provided for their house and car.


    She had also spent a lot of effort for her brother''s career,


    helping him reach the position of Director at the drug regtory bureau.


    However, now, everything she had done seemed to be taken for granted in Ma Xiaohong''s eyes. Far from being grateful, Ma Xiaohong used her of monopolizing Bai''s Medicinal Materials Company.


    She was a gentle and quiet person,


    not wishing to argue with Ma Xiaohong.


    Seeing Bai Heming remain silent,


    she said somewhat disheartenedly, "Big brother, do you think the same way?"


    Bai Heming replied indifferently, "Little sister, your sister-inw has a sharp tongue, don''t take it to heart. But with Dad''s illness being what it is, for you to bring this kind of questionable person to treat him..."


    Bai Heming just shook his head.


    At this moment, Long Xiaoshan released the elder''s hand and walked over, his eyes sweeping over Bai Heming and his wife with a cold glint. Although he hadn''t spoken earlier, he had heard their entire conversation.


    If it weren''t for Ma Xiaohong being Auntie Su''s sister-inw, he would have pped her long ago.


    Long Xiaoshan said to Bai Susu, "Auntie Su, I''ve taken a look. The old man''s condition is indeed very bad. His internal organs are failing due to senility; his life is nearing its end. It''s true that only the Hundred-Year-Old Medicine can prolong his life for a few more years."


    Bai Susu''s face turned pale.


    She had not expected that the Hundred-Year-Old Medicine would still be needed.


    Yet, where could she find such a medicine? Despite spending a great deal of effort and nearly being conned out of herpany, she still couldn''t find it.


    Long Xiaoshan continued, "Auntie Su, don''t worry. I can use the Life-Extending Acupuncture to sustain the old man''s life and guarantee his well-being for a month. Within this month, I will get a Hundred-Year-Old Medicine for Auntie Su."


    "Hahaha," Ma Xiaohongughed sarcastically. "That''s hrious. Just you, getting a Hundred-Year-Old Medicine within a month? Kid, do you know how much that''s worth? At least tens of millions, and it''s priceless; you can''t buy it even if you want to. You don''t even have a hundred bucks on you, yet you have the audacity to boast about getting a Hundred-Year-Old Medicine."


    "Shrew, shut your mouth!" Long Xiaoshan''s temper red up as he red coldly at Ma Xiaohong,


    which caused herplexion to nch.


    His icy gaze, as cold as a frigid cave, sent shivers down her spine, making her involuntarily shudder.


    Yet, nearly immediately, she became even more furiously embarrassed; she was, after all, a deputy department-level official in the city, and she had let a young kid intimidate her.


    And on top of that, he had called her a shrew!


    She pointed a finger at Long Xiaoshan and yelled, "You little brat, what did you call me? I think you''re nothing but a swindler who popped out of nowhere, trying to scam the Bai family''s money. Let me tell you, you brat, do you know with just one phone call I could have you thrown in jail?"


    Long Xiaoshan''s eyes shed with a chilly light, and he stepped forward, cing a finger on Ma Xiaohong''s throat.


    Ma Xiaohong''s voice cut off abruptly as she opened and closed her mouth in terror, no matter how hard she tried, she was unable to utter a sound.


    It was as if she had suddenly be a mute.


    Besides, she couldn''t move her body either; the only thing she could move were her hands, which she waved continuously.


    Bai Heming noticed the strangeness in his wife.


    He promptly yelled at Long Xiaoshan, "What did you do? What''s wrong with Xiaohong?"


    "I merely made her shut up," Long Xiaoshan said coldly.


    "You!" It was now that Bai Heming realized this young man was not as simple as he thought, and he swallowed his anger, "Quickly let her return to normal."


    Long Xiaoshan shook his head, "Let here to her senses first, and I advise you not to threaten me, or else I might make it so she cannot speak for the rest of her life."


    A chill ran through Bai Heming''s heart.


    He certainly had intended to threaten the young man with his status.


    However, Long Xiaoshan blocked him with a single statement, and with his experience, Bai Heming could tell that Long Xiaoshan wasn''t merely bluffing.


    Though his heart was filled with anger, he couldn''t risk his wife''s well-being.


    He could only look to Bai Susu with pleading eyes.


    Being kindhearted, Bai Susu spoke in a beseeching tone, "Xiaoshan, please release my sister-inw."


    Long Xiaoshan sighed; Auntie Su was just too kind, not realizing that such kindness could lead others to take advantage of her.


    He walked up to Ma Xiaohong and said with an indifferent look, "I''ll spare you this once, but going forward, you better not say anything that displeases me, or else you understand the consequences."


    After he spoke, he touched a spot on Ma Xiaohong''s neck.


    Immediately, Ma Xiaohong could breathe deeply again; anger mixed with fear in her eyes.


    After all, being unable to move or speak was a feeling that, even after a few minutes, she knew she would never forget for the rest of her life.


    So, although she wanted to curse him out, upon seeing those utterly indifferent eyes, a sense of tightness gripped her heart. Her lips moved, yet in the end, she could only give Long Xiaoshan a hateful re and said nothing.


    Long Xiaoshan returned to the sickbed, took out Golden Needle, and lifted the nket to start the acupuncture.


    "Su Su, you''re really going to let him do as he pleases?" Bai Heming was anxious at heart, but after the recent turn of events, he realized he couldn''t stop Long Xiaoshan.


    Bai Susu said calmly, "I trust him."


    She was deeply disappointed and saddened by her own brother.


    At this moment, she felt a closer affinity to Long Xiaoshan.


    Ma Xiaohong watched Long Xiaoshan''s retreating back and thought viciously, "If this goes well, good; if it doesn''t and he dies, I''ll have this little brat locked up and thrown into jail."


    Long Xiaoshan''s Golden Needle moved in and out of the old man''s body continuously.


    He used True Qi to stimte the major acupoints of the elder, awakening the life force within him and gathering the dissipated life force back together.


    Life-Extending Acupuncture could hang onto even a single breath of life.


    It was one of the most powerful techniques from Elder Chang''s Life-and-Death Needle inheritance.


    It was also among the most difficult techniques.


    If not for Long Xiaoshan having already cultivated True Qi, he would have struggled to use this needle technique.


    As Long Xiaoshan continued, the lingering vital energy within the elder''s body began to converge...

 Chapter 155: Chapter 160 Doctor Gaos Shock

    Chapter One Hundred Sixty


    As Xiaoshan performed his technique, the remnants of vital energy within the old man''s body began to gather...


    Xiaoshan concentrated those gathered vital energy at the old man''s heart.


    Beep beep beep~~


    The monitoring equipment ced beside fluctuated, signaling an increase in heart rate strength, its amplitude growingrger, and the numbers were continuously jumping upwards.


    The Bai Family dealt in medicinal herbs and had some understanding of medical techniques.


    Seeing the monitor''s fluctuations grow,


    they too were startled.


    Bai Heming and Bai Susu both crowded in front of the apparatus.


    Bai Heming asked, "What''s going on here?"


    "It looks like the heartbeat is getting stronger," said Bai Susu.


    The two of them hurriedly looked at Xiaoshan and were shocked to see the fine Golden Needle in his hand, piercing the heart area of their father and being manipted there.


    "This..." Bai Heming was also panicked, "This is too reckless."


    He tried to pull Xiaoshan away.


    "Brother, don''t mess around, in case something goes wrong," Bai Susu, although also nervous, had more confidence in Xiaoshan than Bai Heming did.


    Ma Xiaohong watched coldly from the side, her heart filled with sneers.


    At that moment, the door to the ward was pushed open.


    A few doctors and nurses in white coats walked in.


    Furen Hospital charged exorbitant fees, and each VIP ward had its dedicated doctor, with the ward''s equipment linked to the doctor''s office.


    Once there was any fluctuation in a patient''s condition,


    The doctors would receive an alert.


    Therefore, the sudden eleration and quickening fluctuation of Patriarch Bai''s heartbeat alerted the attending doctors, who hurriedly came over to see what was happening.


    "What''s happening here?" As the doctor entered, he saw someone performing acupuncture on the patient by the bed, and his expression turned grave, saying, "Who allowed you to touch the patient?"


    Ma Xiaohong pointedly jeered at Bai Susu, "Doctor Gao, she''s the one who invited him, iming he''s a ''Divine Doctor''."


    Doctor Gao, of course, recognized Bai Susu, the stunning beauty with plenty of charm.


    After all, Elder Bai had been hospitalized for quite a while,


    and Bai Susu visited the hospital often.


    Hearing that it was Bai Susu who had invited him, Doctor Gao found it difficult to sternly reprimand the beautiful woman.


    Suppressing his irritation, he warned her, "Miss Bai, this is reckless. Patriarch Bai''s condition is very critical, how could you let someone perform acupuncture on him? Tell him to stop immediately."


    "Doctor Gao," Bai Susu hesitated before saying, "It''s already been done, why don''t we let Xiaoshan try a little longer?"


    She didn''t know why, but she felt an inexplicable trust in Xiaoshan.


    Perhaps because Xiaoshan always reminded her of Brother Yun from years ago.


    "This is absurd," Doctor Gao, assessing Xiaoshan''s youth, was even less convinced of the young man''s ability, saying, "Miss Bai, if something happens in the hospital, as the attending physician I''ll be partly responsible. Tell him to stop right now."


    Thinking of the hospital''s rules, Doctor Gao became anxious and raised his voice.


    "Su Su, are you not going to listen to Doctor Gao?" Bai Heming reprimanded.


    "This..." Bai Susu found herself in a dilemma.


    "Forget it, Doctor Gao, call security, this kid is a bit dangerous," Bai Heming told Doctor Gao.


    "No need for that."


    Just then, Long Xiaoshan''s voice came through.


    He had withdrawn the Golden Needle, hisplexion slightly worn and his forehead somewhat sweaty, but his eyes were still bright. He nced at Doctor Gao and said, "I''m finished with the treatment. Since you are the attending physician, you can examine the patient now. Whether or not I''ve acted recklessly, you''ll know after your inspection."


    Doctor Gao looked into Long Xiaoshan''s calm and indifferent eyes.


    He hesitated for a moment. If this were amon quack just trying to make money, he should be panicked and afraid when facing a professional doctor like him.


    But he saw not a trace of panic in Long Xiaoshan''s eyes.


    There was only calmness and depth.


    Only those who are truly powerful and confident would have such a gaze.


    Doctor Gao nced at the monitor beside him, his eyes narrowing. As a professional doctor, he could tell at a nce that the electrocardiogram now disyed showed enormous improvementpared to before, almost akin to that of a healthy person.


    However, if it was just the heartbeat returning to normal suddenly, it could be exined as a fleeting rally, or forcibly stimting potential.


    Doctor Gao quickly directed the nurses and began to personally examine Old Master Bai''s body.


    All sorts of physical states were checked.


    Heartbeat, body temperature, blood...


    As data continued to be collected,


    Doctor Gao''s expression grew more and more astonished.


    The massive amount of data showed that the patient''s body had returned to a normal state, except for still being in aa; other signs were not much different from those of a normal person.


    How is this possible.


    Old Master Bai had been lying in the hospital for half a year.


    His physical condition was deteriorating with each passing day, and recently, he was solely reliant on IV drips to cling to life, with severe organ failure.


    Because he was a professional, Doctor Gao found it all the more incredible.


    This was simply impossible.


    Watching Doctor Gao''s face change continuously, now agitated, now thoughtful,


    Bai Heming asked urgently, "Doctor Gao, is my dad not doing well?"


    Ma Xiaohong, who had held herself back until now, finally couldn''t resist jumping out to ridicule, "I told you, letting this kid treat, he''d cause problems! Bai Susu, if anything happens to the Old Master, it''s your responsibility."


    Bai Susu waspletely flustered, with her heart in turmoil.


    "What are you talking about! The patient is currently very stable, it''s unbelievable, his body has almost recovered, this is a medical miracle, truly unbelievable," Doctor Gao blurted out in excitement, his overseas education causing him to slip into English.


    "What?"


    Everyone was stunned.


    The Bai siblings and Ma Xiaohong all knew the extent of Old Master Bai''s poor health, and hearing Doctor Gao suddenly say he had recovered,


    their first reaction was disbelief.


    "Impossible," Ma Xiaohong was the first to rebut, "Doctor Gao, could you have made a mistake? How could you say the Old Master has recovered?"


    "Yes," Bai Heming also expressed his disbelief, "Doctor Gao, could there be an error in the examination results?"


    Doctor Gao''s face darkened as he said, "Are you doubting my professionalpetence? The examination reports are all here. It''s possible for one result to be wrong, but could all the data be incorrect?"


    "Well..." Bai Heming was left speechless.


    Ma Xiaohong, still unwilling to give up, said, "Since you say he has recovered, why hasn''t the Old Master woken up yet?"


    "It is I who have kept him from waking," a faint voice interjected. Long Xiaoshan spoke, "I used the Golden Needle to gather the vital energy of life within Old Master Bai''s body. He is not truly recovered. Although I could wake him up immediately, every action the patient takes upon waking would consume vital energy. Right now, the Old Master''s vital energy is too scarce. If he remains in aatose state, he couldst at least two more months."


    "Talking all mysteriously, what even is this vital energy," Ma Xiaohong scoffed disdainfully.


    But Doctor Gao''s eyes suddenly lit up.

 Chapter 156: Chapter 161

    Chapter One Hundred and Sixty-One


    Doctor Gao''s eyes suddenly lit up as he rushed to Long Xiaoshan, grabbed his shoulders, and asked, "How, how did you do it?"


    Long Xiaoshan moved his arm and shook off Doctor Gao''s hands.


    "Didn''t you see?" he said. "Acupuncture!"


    "It''s too powerful," Doctor Gao said incredulously. "I know a bit about Chinese medicine as well, but the vital energy inside the human body is elusive, invisible. How could you possibly gather the scattered vital energy?"


    Long Xiaoshan smiled and said nothing.


    Doctor Gao immediately understood that this must be someone''s unique technique. How could he possibly divulge it?


    What he didn''t know was that even if Long Xiaoshan did speak, others couldn''t replicate it.


    Such a technique for gathering vital energy, without the cooperation of Longevity Art True Qi, is impossible.


    So he simply chose not to speak of it.


    Doctor Gao''s gaze toward Long Xiaoshan changed, and he was very aware that this technique was truly miraculous.


    Old Master Bai had been lying here, and it wasn''t that they hadn''t sought out Chinese medicine doctors.


    They had tried both Chinese and Western medicine.


    Yet none had any solutions. This was natural bodily decay. Attempting to prolong life was against nature.


    Who could possibly do it?


    Long Xiaoshan managed to gather the dissipated life vital energy. To call him a Divine Doctor wasn''t an overstatement.


    "Doctor Gao, is my father really better now?" Bai Susu immediately asked.


    "Indeed, Old Master Bai''s condition is quite good," Doctor Gao answered, "I didn''t expect that Miss Bai could seek out such a Divine Doctor. I was shortsighted just now."


    Bai Susu was extremely pleased to hear this.


    She took Long Xiaoshan''s hand and expressed her gratitude, "Xiaoshan, thank you so much."


    "Auntie Su, don''t be so formal with me," said Long Xiaoshan, his mind swayed by Bai Susu''s soft hand, as he replied with a smile.


    At this moment, the one with the ugliest expression was Ma Xiaohong.


    She hadn''t expected this young man to actually seed.


    She pouted and said, "Even if he can live for another two months, what''s the difference? Lying there half alive, isn''t that the same as being dead? Do you seriously think you can get your hands on Hundred-Year-Old Medicine?"


    She absolutely didn''t believe it.


    Hundred-Year-Old Medicine was too precious. If Long Xiaoshan really had the means to get Hundred-Year-Old Medicine, he wouldn''t be dressed in street stall clothes; he would already be a wealthy man.


    Long Xiaoshan didn''t care to pay her any attention.


    He now had the medicinal seedlings and could go back to experiment with cultivating them using Spiritual Liquid. If he was sessful, what would one Hundred-Year-Old Medicine herb matter?


    Even if that failed, he could get Wang Sihai to search for it.


    Wang Sihai had promised to find a Hundred-Year-Old Medicine within a month. Having been frightened by him and fed the Heart Corroding Bone Eroding Pill, Wang Sihai would hardly dare to speak empty words.


    With dual approaches in y,


    he did not believe he couldn''t obtain a Hundred-Year-Old Medicine.


    Bai Susu asserted firmly, "Sister-inw, even if I have to pawn everything I own, I will make sure to get the Hundred-Year-Old Medicine and restore father to health."


    Ma Xiaohong snorted but said nothing.


    Next, Doctor Gao continued to observe Old Master Bai''s body for a whole hour, finding it very stable, with bodily functions in a bnced state.


    Finally, he confirmed, "There''s no problem. With this condition, the old master can hold on for two months without issue. If we really can find Hundred-Year-Old Medicine within two months and supplement it with its potent medicinal strength, there is indeed a chance ofplete recovery."


    With the exception of Ma Xiaohong, who remained expressionless, everyone else looked joyous.


    Bai Susu and her daughter looked at Long Xiaoshan with even more immense gratitude in their eyes.


    PS: Continue seeking votes,!!

 Chapter 157: 175

    Chapter One Hundred and Seventy-Five


    ...


    Bai Susu drove back to Oufeng Vi Area.


    The entrance of the vi had already been cleaned up by the property management, no longer looking messy as it originally did.


    Long Xiaoshan noticed that it had grown dark, and he excused himself, "Auntie Su, Xuehen, I''m heading back to the hotel now."


    Bai Susu said softly, "Xiaoshan, it''s alreadyte. Don''t bother going back to the hotel. I have plenty of spare rooms here, you can just stay the night."


    "This... it''s not really convenient, hehe," Long Xiaoshan chuckled twice.


    His eyes roamed, taking in both Bai Susu and Bai Xuehen.


    The hotel might be five-star, but it was lonely being there by himself.


    Whereas staying here, he would beforted by the presence of two eye-pleasing beauties, small and tall.


    However, precisely because there were no men in the Bai family, it really wasn''t too convenient for Long Xiaoshan, a man, to stay over.


    Bai Xuehen''s cheeks heated up under Long Xiaoshan''s scrutinizing gaze, and she scolded, "What are you looking at? We will stay upstairs, and you can stay downstairs. What''s inconvenient about that?"


    "In that case, I''ll stay then," Long Xiaoshan said as if he was doing them a favor.


    This made Bai Xuehen itch to kick him.


    Bai Susu, on the other hand, simply smiled graciously.


    She opened the vi door, walked in, and while sitting in the living room, saw Long Xiaoshan''s somewhat tattered clothes and said, "Xiaoshan, you must be exhausted. Why don''t you take a bath first? I''ll go make you something to eat."


    Long Xiaoshan had indeed expended a lot of energy that day, and he had only eaten half a meal at Jingheng Hotel, so he took up the offer without hesitation, "Then I''ll trouble you, Auntie."


    Bai Xuehen led Long Xiaoshan to the bathroom on the first floor, and then she went upstairs to take a shower herself.


    Long Xiaoshan fussed around in the bathroom for a while.


    When he realized there was no watering out, he stepped out and called, "Auntie Su, is there no water here?"


    Hearing him, Bai Susu came in and fiddled with the shower for a moment. She frowned and said, "It might be broken. We haven''t used this bathroom for a while, so we didn''t know it was out of order. I''ll get someone to fix it tomorrow."


    "Then I guess I''ll just skip the bath," Long Xiaoshan said nonchntly.


    As someone who grew up in the countryside, he wasn''t so particr about bathing, and since he had developed his cultivation, the sweat he produced was as clean as water. Even if he didn''t bathe, his body wouldn''t smell.


    "That won''t do, you''ve been tired all day; a bath will make you feel better," Bai Susu said after a moment''s thought. "Go take a shower in my bedroom on the second floor. I have a bathtub there; you can enjoy a soak."


    Long Xiaoshan scratched his head and agreed, "Alright then."


    As he left, he heard the sound of water boiling in the kitchen, and Bai Susu quickly shouted, "Just go upstairs by yourself, the one on the left is mine."


    With that, she hurried into the kitchen.


    Long Xiaoshan went up the stairs to the second floor.


    Hearing the sound of water from the room on the right and his sensitive ears picking out Bai Xuehen''s singing among it, melodious and delightfully pleasant.


    His heart stirred, a sh of longing in his eyes.


    A particrly sleazy thought crossed his mind. He had Heavenly Eye, which could see right through walls to the scene inside.


    He licked his lips.


    An internal struggle raged within him!


    Long Xiaoshan pinched himself hard, feeling shameless and despicable for even considering using his Divine Skills as a tool for voyeurism, as if he were asking to be struck by lightning from the heavens. And to think he possessed a Divine Body.


    He quickly regathered hisposure and hurried into the bedroom on the left.


    The bedroom was connected to a bathroom, half of which was partitioned off into a bathing area.


    As Long Xiaoshan turned on the water and waited for the bathtub to fill, he surveyed the bathroom and noticed a few pieces of unwashed lingerie hanging in a corner.


    His eyes moved, and Long Xiaoshan uttered a curious sound; it seemed he had spotted something very odd.

 Chapter 158: Chapter 176

    Chapter One Hundred and Seventy-Six


    Long Xiaoshan took a bath, feelingpletely rxed.


    He didn''t have any clothes to change into, and since the Bai Family was all women, naturally there were no men''s clothes avable.


    Long Xiaoshan simply put on a pair of shorts and didn''t bother wearing a shirt as he walked downstairs.


    As he had been practicing, the scars on his body weren''t so horrible anymore.


    And since country folks aren''t particr, often walking around shirtless in the summer, Long Xiaoshan didn''t think a man going shirtless was inappropriate and strutted down from upstairs.


    Bai Xuehen, having finished her bath with her hair hanging loose, sat on the sofa in a white, loose sleeping robe.


    Seeing Long Xiaoshan walking down shirtless, she blushed and said, "Big Brother Xiaoshan, why aren''t you wearing a shirt?"


    "Oh, my shirt got dirty, so I just didn''t put it on. It saves me the trouble of taking it off when I go to sleepter," Long Xiaoshan casually said.


    "Uhh!" Bai Xuehen felt unable to refute.


    Thankfully, the awkwardness didn''tst long.


    From the kitchen, Bai Susu called out, "I''ve finished cooking, Xuehen,e help me bring it out."


    "Okay, Mom," Bai Xuehen replied, somewhat flustered, and walked toward the kitchen.


    "I''ll help too," Long Xiaoshan stood up and headed for the kitchen.


    Reaching the kitchen door,


    Bai Susu wasing out with a te of food as Long Xiaoshan was going in. They passed by each other at the kitchen doorway, with Bai Susu lifting the dish over her head to avoid bumping into him, and they shuffled past face to face.


    However, the kitchen door was a little narrow.


    As they both sidestepped, they almost brushed past each other''s bodies.


    Bai Susu''s hand softened, and realizing that Long Xiaoshan had discovered her secret earlier, she became even more flustered.


    Soup sshed onto her fingers from the dish, and she yelped, the te in her hands falling down.


    It looked like the scalding dish from the te was about to hit her face.


    If this just-cooked dish burned her face, it could have scarred her, and Bai Susu was in a panic.


    Suddenly, a strong force wrapped around her waist and pulled her to the side, while another hand caught the tumbling dish, not even a drop of soup spilling.


    Long Xiaoshan, holding Bai Susu by the waist, asked with concern, "Auntie Su, are you okay?"


    "I''m fine, I''m fine, Xiaoshan, thank you," she said, her face flushing slightly.


    "As long as you''re okay."


    Long Xiaoshan let go of Bai Susu''s waist and ced the dish on the dining table.


    At that moment, Bai Xuehen also came out with dishes.


    Soon, several dishes were arranged on the table, and Bai Susu came over, herplexion back to normal, but a faint blush still lingering on her neck.


    "Xiaoshan, there''s not much food, just help yourself," she said.


    "It''s plenty, thanks," he replied.


    Without any hesitation, Long Xiaoshan grabbed a bowl and began to eat noisily.


    His manners were far from refined.


    Not only did he eat ravenously but also with considerable noise.


    However, Bai Susu didn''t seem to mind at all, her eyes soft and doting, asionally putting some food into Long Xiaoshan''s bowl for him.


    "Auntie Su, you should eat, don''t bother with me," Long Xiaoshan said, slightly embarrassed.


    "It''s okay, I''m not hungry," she said softly.


    "Mom, he''s not a kid anymore," Bai Xuehenined jealously.


    "You, child," Bai Susu said as she also put a piece of meat into Bai Xuehen''s bowl.


    Noticing Long Xiaoshan''s bare upper body, she carefully stood up and said, "Xuehen, you stay here and keep Xiaoshanpany while I eat. I''m going to go buy him some clothes."


    "Auntie Su, you don''t have to go through the trouble," Long Xiaoshan hastily said.


    "It''s no trouble, there''s a mall right at the entrance to themunity," Bai Susu said as she took her keys and left.


    With a pout, Bai Xuehen said jealously, "Big Brother Xiaoshan, my mom has never treated me half as well as she treats you."


    Long Xiaoshan chuckled awkwardly, "I''m a guest, she''s just being polite to me."


    "She''s not polite like that to anyone else," Bai Xuehen huffed softly.


    "Let''s eat, let''s eat," Long Xiaoshan said, bowing his head and continuing to wolf down his food.

 Chapter 159: Chapter 177: Sentencing Evil

    Not long after finishing their meal, Bai Susu returned, bringing with her several sets of clothing.


    These were no longer street stall goods.


    The clothes that Bai Susu bought were all brand names.


    Once Long Xiaoshan put them on, his perfect figure was disyed for all to see.


    With a physique that looked muscr when shirtless and slender in clothes, hepletely resembled a model when he dressed, and due to the effects of the Longevity Art, he carried an ethereal aura.


    "So handsome."


    Bai Susu and her daughter had not anticipated that Long Xiaoshan could transform so thoroughly just by changing his clothing.


    "If you were to get a new hairstyle or something, you wouldn''t be any less appealing than those celebrities," Bai Susu admiringly said.


    "Handsome, am I?"


    Long Xiaoshan himself didn''t think so, but he did feel that good clothes were morefortable to wear.


    It was just a pity that no matter how good the clothing was, it wouldn''tst long in the vige.


    With Long Xiaoshan''s strength, no clothes could withstand his wear and tear, so he was never particr about his attire.


    "Definitely handsome. If you went to our school, for sure a bunch of younger female students would be mesmerized by you," Bai Xuehen said with a slight sparkle in her eyes, feeling thatpared to those pale-faced Korean oppas, he was a true man.


    "You''re still in school?"


    "Yeah, I''m a sophomore at Xichuan Music Academy. I took a leave of absence because of my grandfather''s illness," Bai Xuehen said, her expression turning somber as she thought of her grandfather''s condition.


    Although Long Xiaoshan had temporarily stabilized his illness, Hundred-Year-Old Medicine was still too rare.


    Long Xiaoshan reassured, "Don''t worry, you can go back to school. I guarantee I will get the Hundred-Year-Old Medicine for you."


    "Xiaoshan, do you really have a way?" Bai Susu asked.


    She hadn''t been very convinced before, but everything that had happened at Jingheng Hotel had made her see Long Xiaoshan in a new light. A man who treated people like Elder Ye and Gu Jingheng as his equals might indeed be able to acquire the Hundred-Year-Old Medicine.


    "Don''t worry, Auntie Su, I assure you," Long Xiaoshan said confidently.


    "Xiaoshan, if you can really get the medicine, I don''t know how to thank you," Bai Susu said.


    "It''s no trouble, Auntie Su. Besides, if my cultivation of medicinal herbs is sessful, I might need your help," Long Xiaoshan replied.


    "Alright, just let me know whatever you need."


    With Long Xiaoshan''s assurance, the worry on the faces of Bai Susu and her daughter vanished, and they felt incredibly relieved. They chatted with Long Xiaoshan in the living room until ten o''clock before each went back to their rooms to rest.


    Once he returned to his room, Long Xiaoshan did not rest.


    His need for sleep had diminished greatly and could bepletely reced by cultivation.


    Sitting cross-legged on the bed, Long Xiaoshan closed his eyes, and suddenly, the dark room glowed with golden light as a golden figure stepped out from his body.


    The figure had the same face as Long Xiaoshan, but with indifferent and cold eyes, and a third eye on his forehead. The figure radiated golden light all over, standing tall like a golden Deity Spirit against the void.


    "This is the Divine Body!"


    "Long Xiaoshan" raised his hand, looking at his golden palm.


    After being enshrined by the Virtuous Jade Spiritual Purification Bottle, his soul was no longer that of an ordinary person but had evolved into a primary Deity Spirit.


    Moreover, from the messages he automatically received during the enshrinement,


    Long Xiaoshan knew that the Divine Body could leave the physical flesh and wander the void.


    Just now, he had been testing this ability.


    Opening the Heavenly Eye on his forehead, a hum resonated, and an invisible wave spread out like ripples in water. Within a hundred-meter radius, everything was visible to him¡ªhe could clearly see Bai Susu and Bai Xuehen lying in their beds upstairs, as well as the insects beneath the ground.


    Whoosh!


    His form moved, and the Divine Body passed through the vi, ascending into the high sky.


    The sensation of freely traversing gave Long Xiaoshan an exhrating feeling.


    Long Xiaoshan roamed in the void, quickly leaving the residential area.


    Like spirits and ghosts, ordinary people couldn''t see Deity Spirits, so even though Long Xiaoshan glowed golden, he didn''t attract anyone''s attention while walking through the night sky.


    He shuttled through the air.


    As a "Deity Spirit," he gazed down upon the myriad states of life. Within the range of his Heavenly Eye, no person or event could escape his sight.


    Under the night sky, the city shone with dazzling brilliance, showing off a stunningly radiant aspect.


    However, in the city''s dark corners, countless sins were being born.


    "Help, help~"


    Faint cries for help echoed from a corner of the park, where a woman out for a night run was dragged into the bushes by two men who were attempting to have their way with her.


    Long Xiaoshan made his rounds.


    His eyes grew cold as he immediately projected his spirit there, shouting, "Stop!"


    The two men who were tearing at the woman''s clothes were jolted and quickly stood up, looking around.


    "Gouzi, did you hear anything?"


    "Seems like someone yelled stop."


    The two looked around nervously for a moment, but aside from the sound of the wind and the woman''s struggling, there was no one else around.


    "Damn, must have been an illusion."


    Seeing no one, the two men once again pounced on the woman, resuming their assault.


    "Stop right there!" Long Xiaoshan rushed forward, throwing a punch.


    However, his fist passed right through one of the men.


    "Useless?" Long Xiaoshan paused, realizing his divine state prevented him from attacking physical bodies.


    As the woman''s clothes werepletely torn open, the man called Gouzi had already taken off his pants, ready tomit rape.


    Long Xiaoshan was furious.


    The third eye on his forehead suddenly lit up.


    Light of Divine Punishment!


    Boom!


    A golden beam shot out from the third eye, directly into Gouzi''s mind. Gouzi screamed and fell to the ground, his face deathly pale,pletely silent.


    "Gouzi! Gouzi!" The other man saw Gouzi copse and bellowed, "Who''s there? Show yourself!"


    He pulled out a dagger and waved it around crazily.


    Long Xiaoshan''s gaze was indifferent.


    At that moment, he was gathering the energy for a second Light of Divine Punishment.


    This was a Divine Skill that came with the Heavenly Eye,


    targeting directly the Divine Soul of a person.


    After waving the dagger for a while, the woman on the ground seized the opportunity to get up and run away, screaming for help as she went.


    "I''ll kill you, you whore! You dare to harm my brother!" The man caught up to her, grabbed her, and stabbed at her with the dagger.


    "No!" The woman screamed.


    Just as the dagger was about to pierce her body, it seemed like a sh of golden light streaked across the sky.


    The man screamed and fell onto the woman, equally lifeless.


    The woman screamed as she pushed the man off of her.


    Seeing that she was so frightened that her mind was somewhat scrambled, only knowing to scream, Long Xiaoshan yelled sternly, "The assant has been punished. Now leave this ce immediately!"


    A voice imbued with Divine Power resonated in the woman''s mind.


    The woman''s body shuddered as if awakening from a trance, looking around she said, "Who''s there? Who saved me?"


    But by then, all was silent around; Long Xiaoshan had already left.


    After a while, the woman muttered, "It must have been a deity who protected me, thanks to the deity''s blessing."


    She felt that the voice echoing in her mind was grand and righteous, vast and majestic, along with the voice involuntarily a towering figure enveloped in golden light appeared in her mind, certainly not some lower-ss spirit.


    She knelt and kowtowed several times on the ground, then quickly picked up her tattered clothes and ran out of the park.


    At this moment, Long Xiaoshan felt a surge of meriting his way.


    Beyond merit,


    there were streams of power flowing into him, nourishing the Divine Body¡ªording to the Deity Spirit''s legacy, this should be the power of belief, the source of a deity''s power.


    "Haha, this is really great!"


    Long Xiaoshan discovered a good method of collecting merit.


    Intervene as a Divine Body, not only is it quick, but no one can identify his true self.


    Even killing someone wouldn''t matter.


    No one could trace it back to him.


    It was as if a deity were patrolling the human world, judging evil; utterly thrilling.


    Thinking this, Long Xiaoshan became excited and immediately began searching for the next target of evil.

 Chapter 160: Chapter 178: Planting Medicine

    Chapter One Hundred Seventy-Eight


    In a hotel room, four kidnappers plotting the abduction of a wealthy individual suddenly copsed to the ground, unconscious.


    In a residential building, prepared tomit theft, a thief''s eyes suddenly turned white as if struck by lightning.


    In a nightclub, a gang leader in the midst of his fervent attempt to take advantage of a drugged female student abruptly began to convulse as if afflicted by a severe spasm, foaming at the mouth and copsing onto the bed.


    Inside a notorious haunted house, a fierce ghost lurking within, intent on harming others, was struck by a golden light and disintegrated into ash and smoke.


    ...


    In the cover of night.


    Long Xiaoshan roamed the void, his expression indifferent, meting out punishment for sins.


    In just two hours, he had put an end to no fewer than ten evil deeds. Those who hadmitted these evils ranged from those whose divine souls were severely damaged, needing several years to recover upon regaining consciousness, to those he obliterated with the Light of Divine Punishment.


    "My divine power is almost depleted."


    Long Xiaoshan felt that his divine power was not infinite, for he was merely a low-level deity spirit, and within the Heavenly Court, he was merely among the lowest rank of the Heavenly Soldiers.


    At this moment, vanquishing sin had taken a toll.


    However, just as he was about to return, Long Xiaoshan''s expression shifted slightly as he looked towards a raised peak in the distance.


    The mountain was not tall, and at its summit, shrouded in a faint azure glow, was a temple.


    That was... the City God Temple!


    Long Xiaoshan recognized the temple.


    The City God is the protector of a city, a local official in the Immortal Netherworld, equivalent to the head of a county or city in the Yang Realm.


    Long Xiaoshan used to not believe in spirits or deities.


    But, having be an owner of the Jade Purifying Bottle and being enshrined as a deity himself, he believed the existence of deity spirits was not without foundation. Now, looking at that temple, something stirred within him, and he wished to find out if there truly were deity spirits in this world.


    No sooner had the thought arisen than Long Xiaoshan floated toward the City God Temple.


    Grand and majestic was the temple of the City God. Inside the temple, incense and candles burned. Upon Long Xiaoshan''s arrival, he was immediately enveloped by the dense aroma and the power of faith.


    The main hall worshiped the City God and the Civil and Military Judges, with other great deities seated beneath them.


    Long Xiaoshan entered their midst.


    He scrutinized those deity sculptures, unable to sense any divine power emanating from them, nor did he see any presence of the deities.


    Had there been deity spirits there, with his current state, he would have surely noticed them.


    "Strange, there''s no City God, and none of the other great deities."


    Long Xiaoshan thought to himself.


    He had presumed deity spirits existed in this world, but it appeared not to be the case. Whether they were never present or had disappeared was unclear.


    There seemed to be no deities in this world.


    Yet, how had he be a deity?


    Long Xiaoshan was perplexed.


    He drifted out from the City God Temple and returned to Bai Susu''s home, his spirit reuniting with his flesh.


    He summoned Yue Ling from the Hundred Ghosts Banner and shared with her his findings.


    Yue Ling pondered and said, "Indeed, in the hundred years since I turned into a fierce ghost, I have also not encountered any deity spirits, and I know not where they have gone."


    It seemed that the disappearance of deity spirits was not a recent event.


    Could it be that he, this deity spirit, was thest deity on earth?


    Unable to find an exnation, Long Xiaoshan decided not to dwell on it any longer.


    Long Xiaoshan didn''t care whether the Deity Spirits had all disappeared, it had no effect on him, and perhaps it was even beneficial. After all, his current identity was that of an unaffiliated god, with no divine duties. If he were to encounter a true god, what should he say? Moreover, he still possessed treasures like the Virtuous Jade Spiritual Purification Bottle.


    Following that, he cultivated throughout the night until dawn.


    Long Xiaoshan got up, full of energy.


    Bai Susu and her daughter also got up.


    After breakfast, Long Xiaoshan bid them farewell as he was eager to go back and experiment with cultivating medicinal nts.


    Bai Susu and her daughter knew that Long Xiaoshan had important things to do and did not hold him back.


    Before leaving, Long Xiaoshan gave Bai Susu and her daughter a Vajra Talisman each.


    After leaving the Bai Family, Long Xiaoshan went to the hotel to retrieve his belongings. As soon as he entered the hotel, he received a call from Wang Sihai. Wang Sihai was extremely panicked on the phone, and Long Xiaoshan knew it must be the Heart Corroding Bone Eroding Pill acting up.


    He told Wang Sihai toe to the hotel over the phone.


    About ten minutester, there was a knock on the hotel room door.


    Long Xiaoshan opened the door and saw Wang Sihai standing at the threshold, hunched over and looking as though he had lost dozens of pounds overnight. His skin was covered with rotting ck spots. Upon seeing Long Xiaoshan, he dropped to his knees with a thud and cried out, "Heavenly Being, spare me, Sihai will not dare anymore."


    The heart-piercing, bone-eroding pain from the previous night hadpletely broken Wang Sihai.


    Moreover, he went to the hospital, and no instrument could detect what poison he had, let alone cure it.


    Long Xiaoshan said indifferently, "First, stand up, youe in alone."


    Wang Sihai quickly scrambled to his feet, had his bodyguards wait outside, closed the door, and cautiously approached Long Xiaoshan.


    Long Xiaoshan took out a white elixir and said, "Eat this first."


    Wang Sihai grabbed the elixir, hesitated for a moment, wanting to ask something, but when he looked up and saw Long Xiaoshan''s indifferent eyes, he immediately shuddered and swallowed the pill.


    A burning heat spread like fire, making Wang Sihai groan in pain.


    Minutester, the pain disappeared.


    Wang Sihai found that the rotting ck spots on his body were gone.


    With a look of both shock and joy, he quickly bent over and said, "Thank you, Heavenly Being, for sparing my life."


    Long Xiaoshan said indifferently, "Don''t thank me too soon, the toxins are only temporarily suppressed. Within a month, I need you to find a Hundred-Year-Old Medicine, otherwise the toxins will re up again."


    Wang Sihai trembled, fear in his eyes.


    But, after all, he was a big shot who had dominated Hechuan City for many years and understood he had no room to bargain. He gritted his teeth and said, "Rest assured, Heavenly Being, Sihai will definitely obtain a Hundred-Year-Old Medicine for you."


    Long Xiaoshan nodded indifferently, "There''s one more thing, if anything happens to Bai Susu and her daughter in Hechuan City, you''ll be held responsible."


    "Yes, yes, Sihai will definitely protect thempletely," Wang Sihai hastily agreed.


    Long Xiaoshan waved his hand, "Alright, you may leave now."


    Wang Sihai retreated with sincere trepidation.


    Once Wang Sihai had left, Long Xiaoshan also started his journey back to Niu Y County. After arriving in Niu Y County, he first visited his sister at her school, had a meal with Teacher Xu Manqing, then drove his pickup truck back to Longyang Vige.


    In the vige, road construction andnd remation were in full swing; nearly every day brought change.


    After checking on his parents and Chun Tao, Long Xiaoshan brought out some jars, filled them with soil, and nted the seven types of medicinal nts he had brought back from Hechuan City into the jars.


    The medicinal nts required different types of soil, moisture, and temperature.


    But Long Xiaoshan didn''t think about that much, nting them all in the same types of jars and using the same soil.


    After doing all this, Long Xiaoshan took out the Jade Purifying Bottle and dripped a drop of the Spiritual Liquid onto each of the nts.


    He then carefully ced them in the backyard.


    The next day, early in the morning, Long Xiaoshan went to check on those medicinal nts in the backyard...

 Chapter 161: Chapter 179 Temptation

    Chapter One Hundred Seventy-Nine


    As soon as Long Xiaoshan walked into the backyard, he smelled the scent of medicinal herbs that refreshed both mind and spirit.


    He fixed his gaze and looked closer.


    His eyes suddenly brightened, and he hurried over to the side of several medicinal pots.


    He saw that every herb in the pots had grownrger, its branches and leaves lush and dripping with vitality, emitting a strong medicinal fragrance, a world of difference from the herbs that had just been put in for cultivation.


    Long Xiaoshan checked the growth of the medicinal herbs.


    The age of medicinal herbs could be told in many ways.


    With Long Xiaoshan''s knowledge of medicines,


    a momentter,


    his eyes showed a look of surprise; the ginseng that originally had only ten years'' worth had, with the catalysis of Spiritual Liquid, actually reached thirty years'' worth, that is, a single drop of Spiritual Liquid had made it grow an additional twenty years.


    Ten-year-old ginseng could be bought in the market for a few thousand yuan, but thirty-year-old ginseng could not be thought of without several hundred thousand yuan.


    That was the difference.


    Long Xiaoshan then checked other herbs like notoginseng, polygonum multiflorum, and Dragon Bone Grass.


    Each type of medicinal herb had indeed grown by twenty or thirty years.


    Long Xiaoshan rubbed his hands with glowing eyes, impressed. As a Pill Master, he certainly understood that the rarity of elixir pillsy not just in the alchemy recipes, but in the medicinal herbs.


    Even the Lesser Qi Nurturing Pill, the most basic among the elixir pills, still required Hundred-Year-Old Medicine.


    Even the most basic elixir required Hundred-Year-Old Medicine; no wonder the elixir pills in the world were so rare.


    It was difficult to find medicinal herbs, especially those of a certain age ¨C they were even rarer, and yet, he could use the Jade Purifying Bottle in his hand to promote the growth of medicinal herbs. Were this to leak out, countless people would be envious.


    Thinking of this,


    Long Xiaoshan''s expression became stern; an innocent man incurs me by possessing a jade.


    Having something like an estate producing health-preserving farm products was alright.


    Although it would also attract many people''s jealousy and covetousness, with his current strength, he would still be able to keep it under control.


    But the ability to promote the growth of medicinal herbs must be kept as his greatest secret.


    He couldn''t even tell his parents.


    This wasn''t because he didn''t trust his parents,


    but such a matter, if identally leaked, could bring tremendous trouble.


    After all, this was something that could make true cultivators incredibly envious.


    Long Xiaoshan moved these medicinal herbs inside the house; to grow them he only needed Spiritual Liquid, no need for sunlight or rainwater, so it was fine to grow them inside a room.


    He continued to drip Spiritual Liquid on each herb, then locked the room door securely.


    Long Xiaoshan went outside and called for ck Whirlwind. Now, ck Whirlwind was a mighty Wolf King, its height reaching a man''s chest, eyes emitting a cold, fierce light, its fur glossy and intimidating.


    Most terrifying was its spiritual wisdom, which far surpassed that of an ordinary dog; besides not being able to speak, it was nearly on the level of a human.


    Ever since he had ck Whirlwind, and a pack of big dogs cultivated with Spiritual Liquid patrolling, no thefts urred on the entire farm.


    Long Xiaoshan gave a drop of Spiritual Liquid to ck Whirlwind, pointed towards the door where the herbs were grown, and said, "Guard this ce. Don''t let anyone in."


    ck Whirlwind howled in response, nodding its head at Long Xiaoshan with remarkable Spiritual Nature.


    Long Xiaoshan left with peace of mind.


    With ck Whirlwind there, he was not afraid that anyone would discover his medicinal herbs.


    Moreover, he wanted to use the Spiritual Liquid to continue nurturing ck Whirlwind, curious to see to what extent it could evolve.


    Leaving the house, Long Xiaoshan strolled around the farm before heading towards the office building. The farm was on the right track now, with an investment of over a billion in funds. Shareholders Shangguan Baihe and Gu Jingheng had dispatched several professionals to manage the farm.


    The professionalism made a difference.


    Every aspect of the farm became well-organized.


    Long Xiaoshan was not someone who clung to power. Longyang Group was originally established to benefit the vigers. If he really wanted to make money, he had much quicker ways than running a farm.


    Besides Long Xiaoshan as the president, several department managers had been appointed.


    Long Xiaoshan was often away from the farm.


    Therefore, he had essentially handed over the managing rights of the farm to those department managers.


    Although he initially wanted to leave it to Chun Tao and his family.


    However, the reality was their capabilities were far from sufficient. His family were uneducated farmers; they were suitable for farming but managing a corporation with over a billion in funds was beyond their abilities.


    Besides, Long Xiaoshan was a man of insight and knew that manyrge corporations hired professional managers to handle their business, so it was quite normal for him to entrust Longyang Group to more professional hands.


    Long Xiaoshan, hands behind his back, walked into the courtyard of the office building.


    There were quite a few people in the office building.


    Long Xiaoshan had only met them once or twice; they were all hired from outside.


    The president''s office was on the second floor. As Long Xiaoshan approached the staircase, his ears twitched, and he retreated, heading instead to the door of the ounting office.


    The door of the ounting office was closed.


    But to Long Xiaoshan, whether it was closed or not made no difference.


    He looked through the door panel into the ounting office, where, apart from Jin Lian sitting there, there was also a man in a suit and leather shoes, bending over next to Jin Lian and pointing something out. Intentionally or unintentionally, half of his body was leaning against Jin Lian.


    "Not bad, not bad, Jin Lian, you''re learning fast. I can hardly believe you''ve only been studyingputers for a month, and you''ve already mastered the financial software," the man in the suit said with a smile.


    "It''s all thanks to Manager Zhou''s good teaching," Jin Lian subtly shifted to the side as she spoke.


    "Haha, what''s this, really? I graduated from Columbia University, USA. Such software is a small case for me. I used to work at Goldman Sachs," the man in the suit boasted with a Hong Kong ent, exuding a sense of arrogance.


    Jin Lian didn''t understand what Goldman Sachs was, but she knew about America and couldn''t help but show a hint of admiration. "Manager Zhou, you studied abroad in America? That''s amazing."


    "Hehe," the man in the suit smiled lightly, a look of contempt and smugness darting across his eyes.


    He believed this vige woman had been impressed by him.


    Initially unhappy about being reassigned by Gu Jingheng, he had been unsatisfied with leaving the morous metropolis of Hong Kong Ind for such a poor rural area. If not for the irresistible offer extended by Gu Jingheng, he would never havee.


    However, he hadn''t expected to find so many exceptional women in this impoverished ravine.


    Xu Chuntao, the assistant in the president''s office, was said to be the president''s woman and was therefore untouchable for now.


    But Jin Lian was no less attractive than Chuntao, especially her mature figure, which was breathtaking and left him itching for more.


    He had already set his sights on her.


    The man in the suit ced his hand on Jin Lian''s shoulder and caressed it, saying, "Jin Lian, I have high hopes for you. Follow my lead, and I won''t be here long. When I go back to Hong Kong Ind, I''ll take you with me. From then on, you''ll be a Hong Kong Inder."


    Being from Hong Kong Ind carried prestige in many ind cities.


    A vige woman, upon hearing she could be a Hong Kong Inder, would likely melt at the prospect.


    "Manager Zhou, what are you doing?"


    Jin Lian suddenly swatted away the hand Manager Zhou had ced on her shoulder, speaking with a hint of anger.


    Manager Zhou''s face immediately darkened.

 Chapter 162 180

    Chapter One Hundred and Eighty


    The man in the suit''s face darkened instantly.


    He hadn''t expected that despite such tempting conditions he had offered, this vige woman had actually resisted.


    Manager Zhou''s face became quite ugly as he said, "What do you mean? I didn''t do anything."


    Jin Lian spoke with indignation, "You say you did nothing, but your hand just touched something."


    His hand had indeed moved to the side of her chest.


    Manager Zhou''s face reddened; seeing Jin Lian making a fuss over such a trivial matter infuriated him. A mere vige woman dared to resist him like this.


    A sense of his authority being vited arose.


    He pointed at Jin Lian and spoke sternly, "You can eat recklessly, but you can''t speak recklessly. Everything requires evidence. You dare to nder your superior, do you believe I can fire you?''


    Jin Lian was momentarily stunned.


    Herplexion kept changing.


    She knew Manager Zhou was the department manager in charge.


    With significant power.


    Thepany was now reliant on these outsiders'' talents; she could very well be fired.


    Thinking this, Jin Lian''s momentum weakened, and she fell silent.


    Manager Zhou saw Jin Lian softening and sneered twice. A vige woman is just a vige woman; as soon as he got tough, he could suppress her immediately. He saw Jin Lian with her head lowered, not daring to say anything.


    A malicious fire surged inside Manager Zhou.


    If soft tactics failed, then he''d resort to hard ones.


    He sneered, "Jin Lian, you''ve seen it yourself, it''s very easy for me to fire you. You have a daughter, right? Here you can earn a sry of five thousand a month. You still want this job, don''t you? If you want it, you have toply with me. Otherwise, I''ll have you kicked out."


    With that, Manager Zhou revealed a ferocious demeanor.


    After showing his true face, he felt a perverse thrill ofpulsion.


    After all, she was just a vige woman.


    She couldn''t overrule him.


    He was an important department manager of Longyang Group.


    He wasn''t afraid of not being able to suppress a vige woman.


    "You!" Jin Lian hadn''t expected Manager Zhou, who had always seemed polite and well-mannered, to show such a face.


    The stark contrast shocked her.


    Seeing the fear on Jin Lian''s face,


    Manager Zhou couldn''t help but reach out and grab Jin Lian.


    "Stop it," Jin Lian struggled in panic, not thinking that Manager Zhou would dare toy a hand on her.


    "Don''t shout," Manager Zhou, disying ascivious stare at Jin Lian''s chest, reached out to pull on her clothes, "Don''t think calling for help will do you any good. Even if you call out, who would believe you? If you shout, you''re done for. I''ll definitely fire you. Then what will you use to support your family?"


    Bang!


    The door was forcefully pushed open.


    Manager Zhou was startled and quickly let go of Jin Lian, turning towards the door. Because of the backlighting, he couldn''t make out Long Xiaoshan''s face clearly but knew a man hade in.


    He yelled, "Who let you in here? Get out."


    Here, he was the key managementyer just next to Long Xiaoshan''s level.


    So, he indeed wasn''t afraid of many people.


    "Xiaoshan," Jin Lian recognized Long Xiaoshan faster, cried out, and quickly ran towards him.


    Long Xiaoshan saw Jin Lian''s disheveled clothes, anger rising within him. He walked up to Manager Zhou and said coldly, "Is this how you do things? Harassing a subordinate, even trying to rape."


    "Long¡­ President Long."


    Manager Zhou, seeing Long Xiaoshan step forward, changed color as he finally recognized Long Xiaoshan.


    Despite Long Xiaoshan''s infrequent presence here, the president would certainly recognize him.


    "President Long, I was just kidding, just having augh, messing around, that''s all," Manager Zhou''s face flickered with panic but quickly calmed down as he spoke.


    After all, Long Xiaoshan rarely came here.


    He was almost invisible.


    Moreover, he was sent by Gu Jingheng; his capabilities were strong, and he believed Long Xiaoshan would make the right choice. To him, a Columbia University graduate financial elite weighed far more than a vige woman, it went without saying.


    "Are you kidding around?"


    Suddenly, Long Xiaoshan pped Manager Zhou''s face, swelling up one side.


    Manager Zhou was staggered by the p, and after a long while, he pointed at Long Xiaoshan and angrily said, "What are you doing? What right do you have to hit people?"


    As an elitist from Hong Kong Ind, he was extremely proud, and therefore, even as a subordinate facing the president, he didn''t have much fear. Besides, in his eyes, Long Xiaoshan was just a rich country bumpkin; he didn''t respect him at all.


    Long Xiaoshan said, "Am I ying around with you?"


    With that, Long Xiaoshan delivered another p, swelling the other side of Manager Zhou''s face as well.


    Manager Zhou howled, "You dare to hit me, do you know who I am? I''m going to sue you into bankruptcy."


    "You like to y around, huh?" Long Xiaoshan said as he pped him again.


    "I, I''ll kill you!"


    Smack!


    "Long Xiaoshan, I won''t let you get away with this!"


    Smack!


    ...


    "Stop hitting me!"


    Smack!


    Manager Zhou was pped by Long Xiaoshan more than a dozen times, all the way from the office to the outside.


    Manager Zhou''s screams caught the attention of the entire office building. Many people rushed out and were stunned by the scene.


    "It''s Manager Zhou."


    "Who''s hitting him?"


    "Who else? That''s President Long, don''t you recognize him?" Find more chapters on empire


    The onlookers were all shocked and began to discuss.


    "Why is President Long hitting Manager Zhou?"


    "Are there no human rights anymore? How can you just hit someone like that?"


    "This is barbaric, won''t someone stop it?"


    Among thepany''s staff who followed Manager Zhou, there were quite a few sent by Gu Jingheng. In their eyes, President Long was just a figurehead, with no real presence, whereas Manager Zhou was their former colleague and supervisor.


    They immediately felt aggrieved on behalf of Manager Zhou.


    "Do you still want to y around?" Long Xiaoshan pped him again.


    Finally, Manager Zhou couldn''t take it anymore. He cried miserably, "I was wrong, I won''t dare again, I won''t dare!"


    Long Xiaoshan stopped.


    He nced around at the indignant crowd, pulled Manager Zhou up from the ground, and, clutching his neck, brought him in front of Jin Lian, "Apologize to her yourself, and make it sincere, quick!"


    Under Long Xiaoshan''s intimidation, Manager Zhou cried out, "Jin Lian, I shouldn''t have harassed you, I apologize, I''m sorry."


    At this moment, everyone realized that Manager Zhou was being beaten by Long Xiaoshan because he had harassed Jin Lian.


    The gazes of all present becameplicated.


    Still, someone stood up with righteous indignation and said, "President Long, even if Manager Zhou is in the wrong, you can''t take thew into your own hands. That''s illegal."


    Long Xiaoshan said, "Then sue me!"


    That person was instantly left red-faced and speechless.


    Long Xiaoshan spoke indifferently, "Now, I announce that Zhou Dahong is officially dismissed. From this moment on, you are no longer a part of Longyang Company."


    A wave of astonishment spread around.


    It was unexpected that not only did Long Xiaoshan beat someone, but he also decided to fire Manager Zhou outright. Didn''t he realize how important Manager Zhou''s position was? Firing a high-level executive on a whim, wasn''t he afraid it would disrupt thepany''s operations?

 Chapter 163 Chapter 181 All Dismissed

    ```


    Zhou Dahong red as he said, "You''re firing me? I was sent by President Guu, and I''m in charge of thepany finances. Aren''t you afraid that firing me will cause chaos in thepany?"


    Long Xiaoshan nced at Zhou Dahong with disdain and remained silent, hands sped behind his back.


    Zhou Dahong trembled with rage.


    He shouted, "Everyone can see, thispany is aplete mess, where people can be beaten and fired at will. Zhou An, Li Tao¡­ do you still n to stay?"


    Zhou Dahong called out to some people who followed him.


    These were all his subordinates and colleagues from before.


    They were elites from Hong Kong Ind.


    Once Zhou Dahong called out, these people looked at each other and stood out one after another, supporting Zhou Dahong.


    "Right, we quit too."


    "Where has apany ever operated like this, firing people on a whim? Is there no sense of contract spirit anymore? In such apany, no one should continue working."


    The people who stood out were all stirring up the crowd.


    They hade to thepany, and due to Long Xiaoshan''s delegation of authority, theypletely seized thepany''s power.


    The Longyang Company was essentially propped up by them.


    So, they were not afraid at all. Seeing Long Xiaoshan firing people, there was a sense of them banding together to stage a coup. As more and more people stood out, more joined in.


    They held a psychological advantage.


    With so many people united, do you dare to fire them?


    If you do, thepany will copse immediately, evencking people for basic operations.


    Zhou Dahong, with a face swollen like a pig''s head, looked at Long Xiaoshan with a mix of resentment and smugness.


    You country bumpkin, only knowing how to use brute force, is this how you run apany?


    Dare to hit me.


    Now let''s see what you do.


    Jin Lian was also panicking; she regretted that due to her own little problem, most of thepany''s employees had stood up to confront Long Xiaoshan, even affecting thepany''s operations.


    Thispany was the hope of Longyang Vige for wealth.


    Your journey continues at empire


    It bore the hopes of all the vigers in the vige.


    If she were to ruin it, it would be utterly unforgivable.


    If only she had known, she would have just endured it.


    Jin Lian was very upset in her heart. Standing next to Long Xiaoshan, with her eyes turning red, she said, "President Long, it''s all my fault. I''ll go and apologize to Manager Zhou. I won''t work at thepany anymore. You can fire me, and then Manager Zhou won''t be angry."


    With that, Jin Lian walked towards Manager Zhou.


    She was going to plead with Manager Zhou.


    Long Xiaoshan grabbed her, frowning, "What are you doing? Who told you to admit your wrongdoing?"


    "Xiaoshan, let me go. Thepany can''t do without Manager Zhou and the others right now. Thepany is everyone''s hope. If it''s ruined, I can''t bear that responsibility," Jin Lian said with tears running down her face.


    "Who told you to take responsibility? I won''t let you suffer this indignity as a woman. I''d rather not have thispany," Long Xiaoshan said dominantly.


    "Little Xiaoshan." Jin Lian looked at Long Xiaoshan nkly; no one had ever treated her like this before.


    This was apany worth over ten billion.


    "Alright, just stand here. These people, to really think that I can''t do without them," Long Xiaoshan said coldly.


    At that moment, he looked at the people in thepany.


    In the office building, there were about forty people.


    Now, half of them had stood out, over twenty people, including three managers.


    All these people looked at Long Xiaoshan with a tough and arrogant attitude, believing that anypany would be unable to withstand half of its workforce leaving and would definitely have to bow down.


    Long Xiaoshan looked at these people and said indifferently, "Have you all decided to quit?"


    "Yes, we quit."


    "We quit. Continuing in apany without a system has no future."


    ```


    ...


    A group of people shouted back and forth at each other.


    Long Xiaoshan nodded and said, "Alright, go settle your ounts with finance, leave all of thepany''s property behind, and leave thepany immediately."


    "What?"


    Everyone was shocked at Long Xiaoshan''s words.


    They all froze.


    Disbelieving their own ears.


    Long Xiaoshan didn''t try to retain them, instead, he was letting them all go.


    Not only were those who had just shouted about leaving incredulous, but those who remained also thought Long Xiaoshan was being rash. How could thepany operate if half of the people left?


    "President Long... are you sure you want to fire us?" one person asked, their voice still forceful but obviously faltering now.


    Although Longyang Company was in the remote Longyang Vige, they had been brought in by Gu Jingheng. To ensure they would work contentedly in the countryside, they had been given very generous sries, triple what they''d get on Hong Kong Ind, and Gu Jingheng had even stated that if they did their jobs well and thepany thrived, they would not be mistreated. After two years, they could return to work at the Gu Corporation and would be promoted three levels. A promise from the eldest son of the Guu Family was worth more than its weight in gold.


    Now, if they were fired, not only would that promise be void, but they would also have to exin themselves to Gu Jingheng.


    "Yes, you''ve been fired. I, as the Chairman of Longyang Company, formally make this decision," Long Xiaoshan said indifferently and resolutely.


    That tone.


    Made it clear to these people that Long Xiaoshan wasn''t joking or bluffing, he truly intended to fire them.


    Now, they were panicking.


    They thought that by banding together, they could make Long Xiaoshan bow down.


    But the situation had developed into this.


    "President Long, do you realize thepany can''t operate without us?"


    "What you''re doing is self-destructive."


    "We were brought in by President Guu, even if you want to fire us, you need the board''s consent, and President Guu''s approval."


    "That''s right, thepany isn''t just yours, President Guu has shares too."


    Seeing that things were not going their way, they started to panic.


    Many of them began invoking the mighty name of Gu Jingheng.


    "I almost forgot about that, let me give Gu Jingheng a call right now," Long Xiaoshan said as he pulled out his phone, dialed Gu Jingheng''s number, and turned on the speakerphone.


    "Hello, Brother Xiaoshan, this is rare, you actually called me," Gu Jingheng''s voice was warm over the phone.


    Long Xiaoshan spoke inly, "Brother Guu, I''m going to fire your people at mypany."


    "Oh, okay... WHAT!" Gu Jingheng responded reflexively with ''okay'', then realized what was said and shouted in surprise, "You''re firing people, who are you firing? Who offended you?"


    "Not just one person, there''s Zhou Dahong, Huang Zhiyao, Li Jiancheng¡­" Long Xiaoshan had a good memory; he had only met these people once when they initially joined thepany, yet he listed all of their names in one breath.


    As Gu Jingheng listened, he grew more rmed. Nearly everyone he had ced in Longyang Company was being mentioned. He was now bewildered, wondering if he had upset Long Xiaoshan at the Jingheng Hotel that day, which led to the decision to let go of all his people.


    This made him very anxious.


    He had invested almost all his money in the wellness hotel, and the business was thriving. It was his hope in the struggle for power within the Guu Family and against other branches.


    If Long Xiaoshan terminated their coboration, his ns would be ruined.


    He hurriedly said, "Xiaoshan, if there was anything I did wrong, please tell me. Brother Guu will apologize to you. No, I am on my way now, please wait for me."


    Since the speakerphone was on, Zhou Dahong and the others could hear everything Gu Jingheng was saying.


    They were stunned.


    What was going on?


    When the young master of the Guu Family heard that Long Xiaoshan was letting go of all his people, not only did he notin, but he was also quick to apologize without inquiring further, and he was even rushing over immediately.


    Now, they were beginning to realize.


    The situation waspletely different from what they had expected. They thought Long Xiaoshan was just a figurehead president, a simple farmer focused only on growing wellness produce.


    In their hearts, these Western-educated elites didn''t take Long Xiaoshan seriously at all.


    But now, they realized that it was not the case at all.

 Chapter 164 Chapter 182 Causing Trouble

    Chapter One Hundred and Eighty-Two


    Gu Jingheng wasing over, and Long Xiaoshan couldn''t stop him.


    After hanging up the phone, he looked coldly at those who wanted to leave and said, "Go handle your paperwork; President Guu will be here shortly. If you have any grievances, you can tell him. I certainly won''t need you here anymore."


    Then, he turned to the remaining people and said, "You didn''t say you wanted to leave just now, so that means you''re willing to stay. Since you''re staying, I''ll say this once while I''m here. In thispany, everyone is equal. I don''t care about your background or who you know; there are no special privileges here. If anyone doesn''t want to work, you may leave now; I won''t keep you!"


    Having said that, he took Jin Lian upstairs to the president''s office.


    Those left behind looked at each other.


    Everyone was stunned by Long Xiaoshan.


    Dominant CEO, indeed!


    In the past, these elite outsiders all regarded Long Xiaoshan as a country bumpkin.


    They had a strong sense of superiority.


    They thought thepany couldn''t function without them.


    And there was no respect or awe for Long Xiaoshan as the CEO.


    But now, regardless of whether they thought Long Xiaoshan was right or wrong, they couldn''t help but feel respect and be awed by the CEO''s impressive tactics.


    He was nothing like the inexperienced, timid small-time farmer they had imagined.


    When they reached the door of the president''s office on the second floor, Chun Tao was standing there. She had watched Long Xiaoshan assert his authority from the second floor and did note down. Now, seeing Long Xiaoshaning up, she quickly said, "President Long, Aunt Jin Lian."


    Long Xiaoshan nodded and entered the president''s office, closing the door behind him.


    Chun Tao said, "President Long, is everything okay? Won''t there be any problems?"


    "Didn''t I say, don''t call me President Long when it''s just us?" Long Xiaoshan said, discontented.


    Chun Tao sneaked a nce at Jin Lian.


    Jin Lian, with a smile, said, "Chun Tao, I''m not an outsider."


    Chun Tao''s face turned red; in the vige, her following Xiaoshan was an open secret. But now nobody would gossip, as everyone was dependent on Long Xiaoshan to make money; who would dare to say anything?


    In the vige, it was normal for a capable man to have several women.


    It was considered strange if he had none.


    "Auntie, you haven''t been taken advantage of, have you? Manager Zhou''s gaze always seemed strange, as if he was trying to see right into people''s souls," Chun Tao said, shyly changing the topic.


    Long Xiaoshan''s brows furrowed, and he said in a cold voice, "He hasn''t taken advantage of you, has he?"


    "No, no," Chun Tao quickly replied.


    Long Xiaoshan said, "That''s good. If he dared toy a finger on you, I wouldn''t let him off."


    "Xiaoshan." His firm words made Chun Tao''s heart flutter, as if it was going to melt.


    An unusual look shed in Jin Lian''s eyes as she said sourly, "Taozi, Xiaoshan is really good to you. Having such a man who cherishes you, it''s worth dying for."


    Chun Tao felt both bashful and content.


    She replied, "Auntie, what are you talking about? Didn''t Xiaoshan just stand up for you too? Isn''t he good to you?"


    Jin Lian cast a resentful nce at Long Xiaoshan and sighed lightly, "He is good, but it can''t bepared to how he is with you."


    That look made Long Xiaoshan''s heart skip a beat, always feeling that Jin Lian''s words had an underlying meaning.


    He hurriedly said, "Aunt Jin Lian, Manager Zhou Dahong will definitely be dismissed. I want you to take over as the finance manager."


    Jin Lian was surprised and asked, "Am I capable of that? Thepany''s assets are so significant."


    "What''s the issue? You might think thepany''s assets arerge now, but our business is straightforward and we don''t have anyplex financial structures. I''ve seen the reports you''ve prepared; they''re very good. You''ll definitely be able to handle it. Besides, it won''t just be you. When these people leave, I''ll definitely recruit more staff. I''ll give you a deputy to help you with finances. I need someone I can trust to handle this, Aunt, so you''ll have to put in extra effort," Long Xiaoshan said.


    Jin Lian was initially very nervous, as it was apany worth over a billion.


    But hearing that Long Xiaoshan wanted someone he could trust, she felt a warmth in her heart, and biting her lip, she said, "Xiaoshan, rest assured, I will definitely manage it well for you."


    Long Xiaoshan smiled and nodded, "Since you''re taking over as the finance manager, from now on, yourpensation will be the same as Zhou Dahong''s current sry."


    "What?" Jin Lian was startled, knowing that Manager Zhou once boasted to her about an annual sry of five hundred thousand.


    She remembered it clearly because such a sry was unheard of to her before.


    "Xiaoshan, that, that''s too much. Just pay me as before; I don''t want that much," Jin Lian said, waving her hands.


    "It''s not too much. As a finance manager and a manager-level position, an annual sry in the hundreds of thousands is very reasonable. In the future, as things progress, even an annual sry in the millions would be normal," Long Xiaoshan said.


    "Still, it''s too much. I''m just starting, and taking so much will make people talk," she said, fearful of epting.


    In the end, with no other option, theypromised on an annual sry of two hundred thousand for now, with the possibility of an increase in the future.


    But this also left Jin Lian dizzy, who would have thought she could make two hundred thousand a year? So much money, even if she had scoured the earth her whole life, she wouldn''t have earned it.


    Gu Jingheng arrived quickly.


    A little over an hourter, he hurried over from the city.


    Right now, Zhou Dahong and others still hadn''t left, waiting eagerly for Gu Jingheng.


    As soon as Gu Jingheng arrived.


    Long Xiaoshan came down and greeted him.


    "Xiaoshan, what''s going on? Tell Brother Guu," Gu Jingheng arrived in a hurry, sweating profusely.


    "Brother Guu, since you''re here, let me fill you in on the situation."


    Long Xiaoshan pointed to Jin Lian and recounted how Zhou Dahong harassed her and coerced her, then he talked about the others joining Zhou Dahong in a forced showdown.


    After finishing, Long Xiaoshan spoke harshly, "Brother Guu, that''s the situation. I definitely don''t want those people; can''t afford to keep them, so don''t bother saying anything else."


    Long Xiaoshan''s attitude was very firm, and he had effectively blocked Gu Jingheng''s responses, showing he was determined to fire those people.


    "President Guu, even if Manager Zhou did something wrong, we can''t just hit people and fire them as we please."


    "Yeah, this isn''t apany, it''s a dictatorship."


    The fired employees began to protest.


    Gu Jingheng looked at Zhou Dahong''s battered face, then at the attractive Jin Lian, and after careful thought, cold sweat formed on his forehead.


    Zhou Dahong was stirring up trouble.


    He had seen this beautiful vige woman once before and she left a deep impression on him.


    This Jin Lian being ced here, was most likely Long Xiaoshan''s woman.


    Gu Jingheng was furious.


    You, Zhou Dahong, harassed a woman and it had to be Long Xiaoshan''s woman; isn''t that like lighting amp in atrine, seeking death?


    And luckily he hadn''t seeded, otherwise given Long Xiaoshan''s temperament, Gu Jingheng would have been implicated as well.


    With this in mind, Gu Jingheng heard the rabble still causing an uproar.


    He roared, "Shut up!"


    Gu Jingheng, like a p of thunder, pointed at Zhou Dahong and dered, "Zhou Dahong, you''ve got some nerve. I now formally announce your dismissal from Gu Corporation; the Gu Family will not employ you ever again."


    Zhou Dahong turned pale as a ghost, not anticipating that not only would Gu Jingheng fail to back him up, but he would also take drastic action, casting him out from Gu Corporation.


    With the influence Gu Corporation had on Hong Kong Ind, his reputation in the industry would certainly be ruined.


    "President Guu, please hear me out, it was just a little joke between Miss Jin Lian and me..."


    "No need to exin, Zhou Dahong. Your actions have severely damaged Gu Corporation''s image; I will pursue your legal responsibility," said Gu Jingheng, expressionless.


    Zhou Dahong copsedpletely.


    The others were so scared they all fell silent.


    "And the rest of you, daring to conspire together for a coup, all of you process your paperwork immediately and leave Longyang Company. Your ratings in thepany will all be re-evaluated," Gu Jingheng said coldly.


    All of them inwardly cursed their fate.


    They knew that this was a misstep that would cause them lifelong regret.


    Within Gu Corporation, employees are rated from one to nine, ascending from the lowest to the highest, and each level enjoys different benefits. Now, for offending Long Xiaoshan, this mere farmer, they would all be downgraded.


    After the matter was settled.


    Gu Jingheng then approached Long Xiaoshan and asked, "Xiaoshan, do you ept the way I handled this?"


    "Brother Guu," Long Xiaoshan said, "they''re your employees, whatever you decide is fine."


    "Xiaoshan, here''s what we''ll do; I''ll send another batch of people over. I will conduct strict evaluations to ensure this kind of problem doesn''t happen again," Gu Jingheng offered.


    Long Xiaoshan pondered; the best idea, of course, was to recruit and train his own staff.


    But hispany had had a major startup, billions invested.


    Now the business was simplistic, and it was manageable.


    As the business develops in the future, not just anyone from themon job market could be hired; it had to be top-notch talent with strong, extensive experience.


    So, he still needed Gu Jingheng''s connections.


    "Okay, but let''s not set a precedent for this kind of incident."


    "Done, leave it to Brother Guu," Gu Jingheng said as he thumped his chest in assurance, having already thought of a solution.

 Chapter 165 Chapter 183 Marrow Cleansing

    ```


    The number of people had halved.


    Before Gu Jingheng could transfer new people over, all the tasks fell onto the remaining staff.


    Especially since people had just left, the mess they left behind wasn''t easy to clean up.


    Even Long Xiaoshan had to stay at thepany to work, trying to get everything back in order.


    As the president, it was the first time he was seriously working in thepany, handling one matter after another. It had to be said, the cultivated Long Xiaoshan possessed a powerful ability to react.


    With an ample reserve of knowledge, he quickly got the hang of handling affairs.


    He dealt with them one by one until the sky turned pitch-ck.


    He was full of energy and not afraid of staying upte. He sent Chun Tao to rest and continued working on his own.


    The night grew deep.


    It was the small hours of the morning.


    Finally, Long Xiaoshan had finished all his work. As he descended from the second floor, he saw that lights were still on in the finance room on the first floor. He hurried in and was surprised, "Jin Lian, why are you still here?"


    Jin Lian sat in front of theputer, typing away.


    Seeing Long Xiaoshane down, she immediately stood up and said, "President Long."


    "We''re off work now, just call me by my name." Long Xiaoshan walked over and saw many documents on the desk.


    "Xiaoshan, I want to reorganize everything Manager Zhou left behind. I found some discrepancies," said Jin Lian.


    "Really?" Long Xiaoshan leaned over to look.


    Jin Lian pointed at some figures on theputer, exining the situation.


    After Jin Lian''s exnation, Long Xiaoshan indeed noticed some slight differences in the data.


    These discrepancies weren''t big, only a few tens or hundreds of yuan per item, but due to the wide variety, even a little skimming each day added up to a significant amount.


    A rough estimate revealed a discrepancy amounting to several hundred thousand yuan.


    "That guy, actually pocketing the money. I should have caught him and sent him to prison today," Long Xiaoshan snorted coldly.


    "You did well, finding these out from so much data," Long Xiaoshan praised.


    Jin Lian''s face turned red, "It''s nothing, I just used a simple method, calcted them one by one."


    "Tomorrow, organize these pieces of evidence. I''ll hand them over to Gu Jingheng. Let this guy do a decade or so in prison," Long Xiaoshan said.


    "Alright, then I''ll calcte them again."


    "Stop calcting, it''s toote. Look at yourplexion, it''s not good; go back and rest," Long Xiaoshan said.


    "It''s fine, I''ll just calcte a bit more; it''s almost done," she replied.


    "No, go home. This can wait, yourplexion really isn''t good," Long Xiaoshan said, his voice growing stern as he observed the paleness of Jin Lian''s lips.


    "Okay then," Jin Lianplied somewhat submissively. She quite liked it when Long Xiaoshan cared for her with such a domineering tone.


    She stood up.


    Suddenly, a wave of dizziness struck, and she stumbled, falling toward the ground.


    Long Xiaoshan quickly caught her, "What''s wrong with you?"


    "Nothing, nothing, just a bit of hypoglycemia. I''ll be fine after eating something. I have some cookies in my bag; Xiaoshan, could you get them for me?" Jin Lian spoke weakly.


    Long Xiaoshan didn''t reply. Instead, he helped Jin Lian sit in a chair and took her hand to check her pulse. After a while, he frowned and said, "It''s not just hypoglycemia. You''ve got quite a few internal injuries, from being beaten in the past, haven''t you?"


    A pitiable sorrow flowed through Jin Lian''s expression.


    "It was Long Fakui''s doing, wasn''t it?" Long Xiaoshan said.


    Jin Lian gave a low hum in affirmation.


    "That bastard, sending him to prison is letting him off too easy," Long Xiaoshan said indignantly.


    "Xiaoshan, let''s not talk about him. I''ll be fine after I rest, really," Jin Lian said.


    "I''ll carry you back first, then I''ll treat you. Your injuries might not be visible now, but they be very dangerous once they worsen," Long Xiaoshan said as he crouched down, his back toward Jin Lian.


    "This... I can walk on my own. It''s not good to be seen by others," Jin Lian said softly.


    "Get on now," Long Xiaoshanmanded.


    Jin Lian bit her lip andy on Long Xiaoshan''s shoulder.


    The road in the vige was uneven.


    A few minutester, Long Xiaoshan carried Jin Lian back to her house.


    As it was the middle of the night, Long Shiyu had already fallen asleep.


    "I''ll treat you now," Long Xiaoshan said.


    "How will you treat me?" Jin Lian asked.


    Long Xiaoshan took out an acupuncture needle and said, "I need to give you an acupuncture treatment to heal the internal injuries in your body."


    "Where do you need to stick them?"


    "On your body. You''ll need to take off your outer clothing," said Long Xiaoshan.


    Jin Lian''s face turned slightly red, but being a woman who had been through much, she did not have any inhibitions around Long Xiaoshan. Without any hesitation, she took off her outer clothes and trousers.


    "Do I need to take off what''s underneath as well?" Jin Lian said, reaching to unhook her bra.


    "No, no," Long Xiaoshan quickly stopped her.


    He chuckled bitterly to himself. Jin Lian really had no reservations around him.


    "Lie down on the couch, and I''ll begin," said Long Xiaoshan.


    ```


    Jin Lian made a sound of acknowledgment andy t on the sofa.


    Long Xiaoshan dared not look more and kept inserting the Golden Needle into Jin Lian''s acupoints, beginning to clear the bruises within her body. The Longevity Art True Qi was overwhelmingly powerful, and under Long Xiaoshan''s treatment, those bruises were continuously dissolving.


    About a few minutester, the injuries werepletely resolved.


    However, Long Xiaoshan did not stop.


    He continued to exert True Qi, starting the marrow-washing process for Jin Lian. He found that Jin Lian''s body was in poor condition, and using True Qi to cleanse the marrow could solidify her physique and also purge the impurities within her body, akin to the Sinew-Transforming Marrow-Washing in the Martial Dao.


    But such external marrow-washing required very high standards.


    It was only because Long Xiaoshan practiced Longevity Art True Qi, which was different from ordinary Inner Strength.


    Only then could he achieve it.


    Nevertheless, even so, vast amounts of True Qi were surging out, all turning into the supreme medicine for repairing Jin Lian''s body. The treatment took only a few minutes, but the marrow-washing took Long Xiaoshan an hour.


    Jin Lian felt her body warm and toasty as if she were soaking in a hot spring,pletely losing track of time.


    As arge amount of True Qi was expended, Long Xiaoshan''s body was covered in sweat, even drenching the edge of the sofa.


    Jin Lian''s body, too, was undergoing earth-shattering changes.


    Arge amount of impurities and residual bruising were forced out of her body by the Golden Needle.


    Her body''s meridians were also repaired, improved, and fortified by the True Qi.


    Jin Lian waspletely groggy.


    Under the effect of the Golden Needle, she was in a state of semi-sleep.


    An hourter, Long Xiaoshan pulled out the Golden Needle, his body feeling weak. His cultivation at the Qi-Refining First Layer was still too low and performing the marrow-washing was somewhat forced.


    However, he was very satisfied with the effects of the marrow-washing.


    He nudged Jin Lian and said, "Wake up."


    Jin Lian opened her eyes groggily as if she had enjoyed afortable sleep, feeling an indescribable lightness throughout her body.


    She opened her eyes and asked, "Xiaoshan, is it done?"


    "It''s done, you should go wash up now."


    "Wash what..."


    Jin Lian looked at herself instinctively and suddenly let out a startled cry. She was covered in ayer of ck and red greasiness and there was also a very strong weird smell.


    Jin Lian quickly jumped up from the sofa and ran into the upstairs bathroom.


    Long Xiaoshan sat to one side, regting his breathing.


    A few minutester, Long Xiaoshan heard a suppressed exmationing from the bathroom. He didn''t move but merely smiled slightly, knowing that Jin Lian must be in shock from the drastic changes her body had undergone after the marrow-washing.


    Another ten minutes passed.


    Footsteps came from upstairs.


    Long Xiaoshan turned his head and saw a beautiful woman wearing a white nightgown, with long hair fluttering, walking down the stairs.


    He was momentarily stunned.


    After a moment, not until the beautiful woman approached him, did he speak in surprise, "Jin Lian?"


    "Little Xiaoshan!" The beautiful woman parted her red lips and spoke.


    "Is it really you..." Long Xiaoshan was also stunned. He knew that the marrow-washing would have a great effect, but he hadn''t expected it to be so enormous.


    It was as if Jin Lian had be another person.


    Or rather, as if she had be twenty years younger.


    If someone said she was Long Shiyu''s sister now, no one would doubt it.


    "Manager Jin, you''ve changed so much..." Long Xiaoshan didn''t know what else to say.


    "Xiaoshan, I should be asking you. What kind of needles did you use? Is there something wrong with my body?" Jin Lian was both joyful and frantic.


    "There shouldn''t be a problem, but let me take your pulse again," Long Xiaoshan said.


    Because it was his first time performing marrow-washing, he was also unclear.


    Could the transformation from marrow-washing be so impressive?


    "Mmh, okay!"


    Jin Lian agreed and sat beside Long Xiaoshan, leaning forward and extending her hand toward him.


    "Oh!"


    Long Xiaoshan''s expression betrayed surprise.


    Upon checking, he indeed discovered some special characteristics.


    "What''s the matter?" Jin Lian, seeing Long Xiaoshan''s frown, asked with a hint of panic, "Is there something wrong with my body?"


    "No," Long Xiaoshan shook his head, "Your physique is like little Yu''s, a Pure Yin Body, but it was hidden. It might have been revealed after the marrow-washing. I suppose the changes in your body have something to do with the Pure Yin Body. But your body is in great shape now, don''t worry."


    "That''s good then."


    Jin Lian spoke softly.


    Following that, there was a silence.


    In thete-night living room, it was very quiet as long as they weren''t speaking.


    The faint scenting from beside him made it increasingly difficult for Long Xiaoshan to stay seated. He let go of her hand and said, "Then I... I should head back now."


    At that moment, however, Jin Lian abruptly grasped his hand.

 Chapter 185 Feed You

    Chapter One Hundred Eighty-Five


    Waking up the next day, Long Xiaoshan heard some movement from the floor above.


    With one nce of his Heavenly Eye,


    he discovered that Long Shiyu had risen.


    He hurriedly got up and woke Jin Lian, who was still deep in sleep.


    "Xiaoshan." Jin Lian struggled to open her eyes.


    "Sister Jinlian, Shiyu is up," said Long Xiaoshan. "I have to leave quickly."


    When Jin Lian heard this, she quickly tried to get up, but after moving a bit, she couldn''t, and she said anxiously, "I''m so sore, I can''t get up."


    Looking over at her, Long Xiaoshan realized that Jin Lian had spent the night sitting against him and must have gotten numb.


    But then he heard footstepsing down.


    He didn''t have time to administer acupuncture to Jin Lian again.


    He quickly said, "Just pretend to be sick; don''te to work today. Take a rest, and I''lle over tonight."


    "That''s the only way," said Jin Lian, lying back down reluctantly.


    Watching Long Xiaoshan sneak out like a thief, she felt touched and also amused.


    Last night, she didn''t know what had gotten into her to insist on keeping him there, but Long Xiaoshan''s refusal touched her even more. She believed that any man in that situation would probably act like a wild animal in heat, yet Long Xiaoshan rejected her. He didn''t want to hurt her feelings, so he sat with her on the couch all night, talking to her about his deepest thoughts until she drifted off...


    Jin Lian had never felt that kind of concern from someone before, and although nothing truly happened between her and Long Xiaoshan, thefort in that closeness and sharing was so warm.


    Long Xiaoshan avoided the vigers who were up early and quickly took a detour back to the farm.


    He first checked on the medicinal herbs.


    After another drop of Spiritual Liquid had catalyzed them, Long Xiaoshan found that the herbs had generally grown to appear four or five decades old.


    That is, over the course of one night, the age of the medicinal herbs had increased significantly again.


    However, Long Xiaoshan also noticed that this time the advancement was somewhat less than the first, not because the efficacy had weakened, but because older herbs are more difficult to grow. Long Xiaoshan was not disappointed.


    This was already defying the heavens.


    Now it was easier for him to obtain merit than before.


    As long as he had enough Spiritual Liquid to cultivate these herbs.


    Long Xiaoshan continued to drip the Spiritual Liquid on them.


    After he was done,


    Long Xiaoshan left the herb room and let ck Whirlwind continue to guard it.


    He made some medicinal meals at the farm and ate with his parents.


    Then he packed a portion and carried it toward the office building.


    With a shortage of manpower, he as the President couldn''t just sit back and avoid work, so he too had to check in every day.


    As he walked into the office building courtyard, the employees from yesterday gradually arrived. Upon seeing Long Xiaoshan, they all stood up straight with tense expressions, respectfully greeting, "President Long."


    Their awe was deeply evident in their eyes.


    On Long Xiaoshan''s return yesterday, he had pped Manager Zhou and faced down more than twenty employees staging a coup, sacking them on the spot. His domineering decisiveness was intimidating.


    If that had been all, it might have been one thing.


    People might have thought of him as just a reckless brute,


    someone unable to judge the situation.


    But then, Gu Jingheng appeared. His attitude towards Long Xiaoshan made everyone understand that their President was no ordinary man.


    Someone who could make a scion like Gu Jingheng from Hong Kong Ind apologize was not a simple figure.


    Now, they no longer dared to treat Long Xiaoshan as a country bumpkin, but as a tough and respected President.


    Long Xiaoshan gave a faint smile and nodded to those who greeted him, "Good morning to you all, have you eaten?"


    "Yes, we have eaten," they replied.


    "Good. I''ll need you all to work harder these days. Until the new employees arrive, your wages for these days will be tripled," said Long Xiaoshan.


    Wow!


    The employees'' eyes all lit up, one by one.


    Being assigned to work in the vige, their sries were already doubled.


    Long Xiaoshan giving them triple their sry was a very high reward.


    All of them excitedly shouted, "Thank you, President Long."


    Long Xiaoshan smiled and nodded, making his way upstairs to the President''s office.


    The employees in the courtyard started talking to one another in low, excited voices.


    "President Long isn''t bad, you know. I originally thought he was a strict person¡ªyesterday he was hitting and firing people left and right, and I thought we were in for a rough time. But he turned out to be so generous."


    "Yeah, triple the sry, it feels great."


    "Haha, now I sort of hope the new employees don''te. Even though there are fewer people and more work, working one day is worth three days."


    "President Long is actually pretty good, we misjudged him."


    ...


    As Long Xiaoshan ascended the stairs, his ears naturally picked up the low murmurs of discussion, and the corners of his mouth curled into an arc listening to them.


    The effect was good.


    Yesteryear''s disy of thunderous methods was to awe, and today he had bestowed favors; these were the tactics of imperial technique.


    Read new chapters at empire


    The so-called thunder and dew are both the grace of a sovereign.


    Though he wasn''t a monarch.


    Managing apany was simr.


    To dispense both kindness and authority was the true way to lead.


    Returning to the President''s office, he saw Chun Tao wearing a professional body-hugging dress, typing earnestly at her desk. Long Xiaoshan walked over with a smile, hugged her from behind, and ced the medicinal meal on the desk, saying, "You haven''t had breakfast, have you?"


    Chun Tao jumped when someone hugged her, looked up, and quickly said, "Long... little Xiaoshan, you''re here."


    As Long Xiaoshan''s eyes narrowed slightly, Chun Tao quickly corrected herself.


    With a little effort, Long Xiaoshan lifted her onto hisp.


    "Little Xiaoshan," Chun Tao said nervously, looking toward the door.


    Long Xiaoshan chuckled softly, flicked his finger, and a gust of wind closed the door.


    He opened the lid of the thermos cup, and a faint scent of the medicinal concoction spread as he said, "Eat it while it''s hot, I''ve prepared it for you; have a taste."


    Chun Tao looked at Long Xiaoshan with a mixture of shyness and delight, nodded her head lightly, and reached for the spoon to start.


    Long Xiaoshan, struck by a sudden impulse, said, "Let me feed you."


    "Ah?" Chun Tao was bewildered.


    Long Xiaoshan took the spoon, scooped up a mouthful of the medicinal porridge, blew on it gently, and brought it to Chun Tao''s lips.


    Feeling embarrassed, Chun Tao said, "Little Xiaoshan, that''s alright, I can eat by myself."


    "No, today I want to feed my sweet wife," Long Xiaoshan stated softly yet authoritatively.


    Chun Tao was shaken.


    Mist instantly filled her eyes.


    This was the first time she heard Long Xiaoshan call her his wife.


    Although she had told He Xiangyue she didn''t need the status and wouldn''t marry Long Xiaoshan, what woman wouldn''t care or wish to be married to the man she loved?


    At Long Xiaoshan''s term of endearment, she felt her life was already worthwhile.


    She opened her mouth slightly and swallowed the spoonful of porridge Long Xiaoshan had offered her.


    "Does it taste good?" Long Xiaoshan asked.


    Chun Tao nodded vigorously; she didn''t dare speak for fear of bursting into tears.


    "If it''s good, eat more," Long Xiaoshan fed her spoonful by spoonful until Chun Tao finished the medicinal meal.


    With the powerful effect of the medicine, Chun Tao felt warm andfortable, her cheeks flushed with color, and her whole body exuded vitality.


    Such bewitching charm would even make a Heavenly Being''s heart flutter.


    But at that moment, Long Xiaoshan wasn''t ovee with desire; he simply held Chun Tao, enjoying the sweetness shared between lovers.

 Chapter 186 Becoming the Village Chief

    ```


    Chapter One Hundred and Eighty-Six


    He shared a tender moment with Chun Tao in the office.


    Chun Tao nestled in Long Xiaoshan''s arms, hugging his neck, and said, "Little Xiaoshan, I have an idea, but I''m not sure if it''s a good one?"


    "What''s the idea?"


    "I want to go to a school in the county to further my education. Right now, I feel like I''m not much help, I don''t understand much of thepany''s business, and I want to learn more so I can help you," Chun Tao said.


    "You want to go for further studies?" Long Xiaoshan hesitated.


    He felt somewhat reluctant about the idea of Chun Tao leaving to further her studies.


    But then he thought that only through this could she grow. Currently, Chun Tao was stillcking in many areas, and sooner orter, he nned to focus more on cultivation, so thepany''s affairs would eventually have to be handed over to someone he could trust.


    In every aspect, Chun Tao was the most suitable candidate.


    Young, smart, and his own woman.


    "That''s probably for the best, but Niu Y County doesn''t really have any good schools; they''re all vocational schools. I''ll contact a university for you in the city, and you can transfer there." Long Xiaoshan''s influence extended mostly to the city, and if it were a school in the province, he wouldn''t be able to make arrangements.


    Hechuan City did have a few universities, although they weren''t key universities.


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    "I can go to a university?" Chun Tao said in shock, also feeling a strange excitement.


    For someone from a remote mountain vige like hers, a university was unquestionably a sacred ce, seemingly unattainable.


    The idea of studying there was utterly incredible.


    "What''s so surprising about that? Leave it to me to arrange it."


    Long Xiaoshan held her as he took out his phone and dialed Wang Sihai''s number.


    It rang only a couple of times before it was picked up, and Wang Sihai''s respectful voice came through: "Brother Long."


    "Director Wang."


    "No, no, just call me little Hai," Wang Sihai said in a very panicked tone. He had really been frightened by Long Xiaoshan, and his life was still in Long Xiaoshan''s hands.


    Long Xiaoshan chuckled and said, "Alright, Director Wang, I''m calling you because there''s something I need you to do."


    "What is it? Just tell me." Wang Sihai inwardly groaned; he hadn''t found the Hundred-Year-Old Medicine yet, and now there was another task for him to do, but he dared not show any dissatisfaction.


    "It''s like this. I have a friend who wants to enter a university in the city for further studies. Do you have any connections to help me arrange this?" Long Xiaoshan said.


    Wang Sihai let out a sigh of relief.


    It turned out to be such a minor issue.


    He had thought it would be another difficult task like finding the Hundred-Year-Old Medicine.


    He said quickly, "Brother Long, no problem, I''ve got this covered. But I need to know which school you want. Any of the several in the city would work."


    "For business studies, which school do you think is stronger in that area?"


    "The best for business studies would be Hechuan City Business College. President Long, what do you think of the Business College?"


    Long Xiaoshan searched with hisputer, looked up the school, and although it wasn''t a key university, it was still an undergraduate institution.


    He nodded, "Okay, help me arrange that one then. I''ll send you my friend''s informationter."


    "Yes, yes," Wang Sihai hurriedly agreed, "Brother Long, is there anything else?"


    "That''s it," Long Xiaoshan replied, and hung up the phone.


    Then he looked at Chun Tao and said, "It''s arranged for you. You''ll go to Hechuan City Business College for further studies."


    Surprise and joy showed in Chun Tao''s eyes. She hadn''t expected Long Xiaoshan to get her into a university with just a few words. A university, after all, had been her childhood dream.


    As a child, her family had been poor, and she had dropped out of school just after finishing junior high.


    At that time, her grades would have been enough for her to attend a high school in the county.


    She never expected to fulfill her dream now.


    Chun Tao was emotionally stirred, kissed Long Xiaoshan firmly, and said, "Thank you, Little Xiaoshan."


    "Is that all the thanks I get?" Long Xiaoshan said, feigning dissatisfaction.


    "Then, how do you want me to thank you?"


    "What do you think?"


    Long Xiaoshan smiled wickedly. Under his insinuating gaze, Chun Tao shyly lowered her head; although it wasn''t the first time they were together, she still felt very bashful.


    Watching her shyly lower her head, Long Xiaoshan felt a strong urge to tease her.


    He was about to continue when a thought struck him.


    Long Xiaoshan suddenly chuckled bitterly, "My dad has arrived, I''ll find you tonight."


    He reluctantly let Chun Tao go, opened the door, and walked out.


    Outside, he saw Long Dashan and several other vige uncles walking toward him.


    "Dad, Elder Uncle, Third Uncle... what brings you here?" Long Xiaoshan called out.


    These were some of the highest-ranking members of the vige. Before liberation, they would have been considered as patriarchs or simr figures in a n. Although such formalities are no longer observed, in these backward viges, some sense of n still prevailed.


    During festivals and ancestor worship, these uncles would preside over the ceremonies.


    "Xiaoshan," the octogenarian Elder Uncle said kindly.


    Since Long Xiaoshan had returned, everyone had seen the changes in the vige.


    People were saying that a True Dragon had arisen from the Long family.


    "Elder Uncle, is there something the matter?"


    "It''s like this. Now that Long Fakui has been arrested, the position of vige head is vacant. Everyone unanimously agrees that we should elect a new one. The elders have decided that you should be the candidate, to go through the proper procedure," the Elder Uncle exined.


    "Me, as the vige head? Would it be appropriate?"


    "Why wouldn''t it be? Now everyone in the vige respects you, and life is getting better and better. If not you, then who else should be the vige head?" Third Uncle said.


    Long Xiaoshan still hesitated a bit.


    He wasn''t particrly concerned about being the vige head.


    Originally, he had taken action just to prevent Long Fakui from exploiting the vigers any further.


    But then he saw the excitement on his father''s face and the constant nodding.


    It was simr to when he had gotten into Shuimu.


    It seemed his father really cared about him bing the vige head. Although it was a minor role and didn''t even count as an official position, as there was no formal appointment, in the vige, being the head was the greatest honor.


    Thinking this, Long Xiaoshan nodded: "Alright then, let the elders handle the arrangements."


    "Good, Xiaoshan. With you leading Longyang Vige, the elders can rest easy," the Elder Uncle and the others left, satisfied.


    In the afternoon, Long Xiaoshan went out to the fields.


    The entire vige''s fields were leased by Longyang Company, which had been cultivating them.


    But so far, these fields had not been irrigated with the Spiritual Liquid, so nting hadn''t begun yet.


    Long Xiaoshan had already had therge vige cisterns collected.


    Filled with water, he mixed in the produced Spiritual Liquid.


    To the vigers, he imed it was a scientifically researched Nutrient Solution.


    He instructed them to sprinkle it evenly across the fields.


    After a busy afternoon, Long Xiaoshan created another five hundred acres of Spiritual Field.


    ```

 Chapter 187 A Busy Night

    Chapter One Hundred and Eighty-Seven


    After preparing the Spiritual Field, Long Xiaoshan organized the vigers to nt vegetables and fruits.


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    He was busy until evening.


    Only then did Long Xiaoshan return to the farm and ate the dinner Chun Tao had prepared.


    Now, the whole family dined at the farm.


    After dinner, Long Dashan wanted to talk to Long Xiaoshan about the election of the vigers, but He Xiangyue pulled him away forcefully.


    "What''s the matter, olddy? I''ve still got things to do."


    "All your little matters, what''s so special about them? Isn''t it just a vige chief? Our Xiaoshan doesn''t care for that now."


    He Xiangyue winked at Long Xiaoshan and dragged Long Dashan away.


    Leaving Chun Tao to clean up. Now He Xiangyue treated Chun Tao entirely as her own daughter-inw, knowing that her son was young and vigorous and needed her the most, so she created alone time for the two of them.


    Seeing the look He Xiangyue gave him before leaving, Long Xiaoshan chuckled to himself, indeed a loving mother.


    He sat there, quietly watching Chun Tao, wearing an apron, washing dishes with her back to him.


    Admiring her gentle and virtuous demeanor.


    The feelings inside Long Xiaoshan grew stronger, and he walked over, hugged Chun Tao from behind, and rested his head on her shoulder.


    As the rain stopped and clouds dispersed.


    The two huddled together, talking until after eight o''clock.


    Only then did Chun Tao leave the farm.


    Although everyone in the vige knew she was Long Xiaoshan''s woman, Chun Tao was rather shy and usually did not stay at the farm overnight.


    Long Xiaoshan took some herbs from his room and went to the kitchen to start decocting them.


    After more than an hour, he produced some green medicinal pills and ced them in a bottle.


    Looking at the sky outside.


    Long Xiaoshan got up and left the farm.


    Soon, he arrived at Jin Lian''s house at the entrance to the vige. Using Heavenly Eye, he saw that Jin Lian was sitting in her room reading a book.


    Long Shiyu had already gone to bed.


    Long Xiaoshan didn''t knock on the door but climbed in from outside.


    Upon reaching the second floor, he entered the room and called out, "Sister Jinlian."


    Jin Lian quickly turned her head and, seeing Long Xiaoshan, patted her chest and said, "You scared me! I thought a thief hade in. Why are youing over sote?"


    "I saw the light on over here, came to check on you. Your health is alright now?"


    "Yeah, I can go back to work tomorrow."


    Jin Lian had stayed home one day and felt more energetic than ever before. She wondered what acupuncture Long Xiaoshan had performed on her yesterday to create such a big change in her body.


    "I''ve boiled some medicine for you, to help you recuperate," Long Xiaoshan said as he took out the bottle of medicine.


    Jin Lian took it, poured out a pill to look and smell. With a smile, she said, "Little Xiaoshan, you''re so thoughtful."


    Long Xiaoshan, slightly embarrassed, scratched his head, "I should."


    "Well, if there''s nothing else, I''ll be going," Long Xiaoshan said, standing up to leave.


    "Wait, why the hurry? Are you afraid I''ll cling to you? I didn''t expect you to be that kind of person," Jin Lianmented.


    "No, no, Sister Jinlian, you''ve got it all wrong," Long Xiaoshan hastily replied.


    Jin Lian chuckled, "I''m just teasing you, go on."


    After she said this, Long Xiaoshan felt even more embarrassed to leave.


    He asked, "What book are you reading?"


    "Just some finance stuff," Jin Lian picked up the book she was holding and flipped it over. It was titled "Advanced Financial Management" and was a Peking University Press textbook.


    "Sister Jinlian, you''re really hardworking."


    "I have no choice, my previous foundation was too weak, so I have to work even harder," Jin Lian replied with a frown. "Actually, I don''t really understand it. No one is here to teach me; I can only figure it out by myself."


    "Let me have a look," Long Xiaoshan said, taking the book to examine it.


    He had studied business management in college, which included financial and ounting courses.


    Flipping through the pages, many memories came back to him. His memory had be photographic since practicing the Longevity Art, and hisprehension had improved a lot.


    This subject wasn''t difficult for him. He offered, "If there''s anything you don''t understand, I can help you with it."


    "You know how... wait, you are our vige''s descended Wenqu Star, I forgot that," Jin Lian eximed happily. "Come up here, teach me."


    As she spoke, she shifted further into the bed.


    Long Xiaoshan hesitated for a moment, concerned Jin Lian might misunderstand, so he sat on the edge of the bed.


    Jin Lian pointed to some areas in the book she didn''t understand and asked questions. Long Xiaoshan recalled and interpreted the content, giving her guidance.


    Unknowingly, as the two of them conversed back and forth, time passed.


    And the night grew deeper...

 Chapter 188 The New Officer Takes Charge

    Chapter One Hundred and Eighty-Eight


    Morning.


    The ancestral hall of Longyang Vige was crowded with people.


    Yesterday, the elders of the family, such as the great-uncle, met with Long Xiaoshan, and quickly organized themselves.


    Today, the entire poption of Longyang Vige had been gathered for the election of the vige chief.


    It was called an election, but it was entirely a formality.


    Long Xiaoshan stood as a candidate on the stage, with the vigers of Longyang Vige below him.


    With the development of Longyang Group, the vigers'' ie was steadily increasing. The vigers who used to work outside had all returned, and the vige was more bustling than ever before.


    Everyone was standing below with smiles on their faces.


    Now, within an eight to ten-mile radius, Longyang Vige was the richest. Hence, various peddlers came to Longyang Vige to do business: those blowing cotton candy, slicing sugar cakes, selling candied haws, and baking sesame seed cakes, had set up in a row at the entrance of the ancestral hall, hawking their wares.


    The children were the most excited, running back and forth in front of these stalls.


    Clenching the five or ten yuan given by their parents, they bought this and that.


    They frolicked, and sounds of joy could be heard.


    The children of Longyang Vige never had spare money to buy these things before.


    But now it was different. Even if the vigers didn''t work for the group, theirnd would bring in tens of thousands of yuan in rent each year.


    Not to mention the vige, it was considered a high ie even in the county.


    Many vigers from the neighboring viges often came to Longyang Vige to inquire about recruitment.


    The vigers of Longyang had an air of pride when they went out and were no longer looked down upon as they were before.


    Long Xiaoshan watched all of this with a satisfied smile.


    This lively scene had not been seen in Longyang Vige for so many years. It used to be called Widow Vige, with few men, and the vige itself was deste. But his efforts over the past few months had changed the face of the vige.


    It filled him with a sense of achievement and contentment.


    Seeing that everyone had arrived,


    The great-uncle took to the stage.


    As the oldest and longest-lived elder in the vige, the vige assembly had always been presided over by him.


    Standing on the stage, the great-uncle began to speak.


    As he started, the crowd below became much quieter.


    The great-uncle said, "Fellow vigers of Longyang, today we have convened this assembly to elect our new vige chief of Longyang. The changes in our vige over the past few months are clear to all, there is no need for me to borate. What it was like before, what it is like now, I just want to ask you all one question, who brought about all these changes?"


    "Xiaoshan!" A chorus of shouts came from below.


    Everyone was chanting.


    The great-uncle nodded, "It seems everyone is clear on this. No need for more words. You all have received your ballots. Write down the name and start voting."


    There were two other candidates in the vige, as the rules required at least three.


    But this was all prearranged.


    The other two were merely going through the motions, like attendants to the Crown Prince.


    As ballot after ballot was brought up, next to them were the people counting the votes.


    Continuously calling out "Long Xiaoshan, one vote!"


    As the vote counting progressed, all votes were cast for Long Xiaoshan.


    Half an hourter, the dust had settled.


    The elder once again stood up and said, "I now announce that Long Xiaoshan has been elected the head of Longyang Vige with one hundred and fifty-three votes, unanimously. Let''s give him a round of apuse!"


    Whir!


    The apuse from below was like thunder.


    The faces of Couple Long Dashan, standing in the front row below, were blooming with smiles.


    He Xiangyue, although she imed she didn''t care about Xiaoshan bing the vige head, felt a tremendous sense of pride deep down. After all, her son was now capable. Half a year ago, her family was nothing in the vige, looked down upon by everyone.


    Her son had be a reform-throughbor prisoner.


    Look at the family now, not only had her son started a bigpany, but he had also be the vige head.


    The elder said, "Now, please wee our vige head to speak."


    Long Xiaoshan nodded to the elder, walked up to the podium, scanned the crowd below, raised his hand to signal, and the apuse stopped.


    Long Xiaoshan said, "Fellow vigers, I am humbled by your trust in electing me, Long Xiaoshan, as the head of Longyang Vige. I grew up in Longyang Vige, this ce is my root, my home. Now that I have be the vige head, I will surely lead everyone to build our homnd even better. Upon taking office, I will first develop two projects in the vige. One is a school; the vige primary school has been abandoned for many years, and children wanting an education have to travel to other viges or towns, which is very inconvenient. Therefore, building a school is our top priority. Mr. Zhao Jun from Xinyuan County has agreed to invest ten million to build a primary and secondary school in Longyang Vige. Longyang Group will spend a considerable amount to hire excellent teaching staff, with the aim of making the school bigger and better, and to cultivate even more outstanding talent.


    Another project is vige renovation. Nowadays, most of the houses in the vige are dpidated and in disrepair, many of which are dangerous. The Group will restrategize the nning within the vige, constructing vi areas, vige squares, cinemas, gyms, basketball courts, and other facilities to enrich the spiritual lives of the vigers... All these projects will bepleted within a year."


    The people below were all boiling with excitement.


    A new official brings a new approach.


    But these new approaches burned with great fervor.


    Schools, vis, cinemas...


    These were things once beyond the dreams of Longyang Vige''s inhabitants.


    Now, from the mouth of Long Xiaoshan, they were about to be realized one by one.


    And construction was tomence immediately, withpletion within a year.


    The elder stepped forward, cleared his throat, and said, "Xiaoshan has finished speaking, and I have a few words to say. Everyone''s livingfortably now, with hope for the future, but have you ever thought about whether Xiaoshan could have made his farm sessful or made any money without us."


    "The answer is obvious; without us, Xiaoshan could still be wealthy. Let''s not even mention our contribution of thend and shares, but think about it, without Xiaoshan, how much would thatnd be worth? The vigemittee now holds 30% of the shares, and to be honest, we''ve gained an excessivelyrge advantage. Boss Guu from Hong Kong Ind invested a billion and only got 10% of the shares. If we calcte it, how much would the vigemittee''s shares be worth? I heard that the township originally nned to allocatend to Xiaoshan for his farm. It would be more convenient there with better transportation. But Xiaoshan didn''t go. He still wanted to consider everyone, to get rich together."


    "Tell me, where can you find such a vige head? Shouldn''t we support him and be grateful?"


    "We should!"


    "Vige head, we all follow your lead!"


    "Xiaoshan, you are now our leader."


    "If anyone dares to say otherwise about Xiaoshan, I will beat them to death!"


    The vigers below shouted loudly, one after another.


    In the crowd, Chun Tao and her daughter Jin Lian stood together.


    Gazing admiringly at the man on the stage...


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    At this moment, a hundred li away in the Weifeng Martial Arts School of Hechuan City, arge crowd of people stood. Wei Zhentian was at the front of the crowd, craning his neck in anticipation. His hair had turned half white, his figure somewhat stooped, supported by two disciples as if he had aged twenty years overnight.


    He was a far cry from the imposing martial arts master of just half a month ago.


    Suddenly.


    A ck Mercedes-Benz S600 turned the corner, and Wei Zhentian''s eyes lit up slightly. He abruptly shook off the disciples supporting him and staggered forward a few steps, saying, "They''re here!"

 Chapter 189 Formidable Enemy

    Chapter One Hundred and Eighty-Nine


    The Mercedes car pulled up in front of the Weifeng Martial Arts School.


    The car door opened, and a middle-aged man, about forty years old, stepped out.


    This person''s upper body was extremely robust, especially his two arms, which almost made the clothes on his body burst open.


    "Senior Brother Yu." Wei Zhentian saw the man and quickly took a few steps forward, his face showing an excited expression.


    He hadn''t expected that the sect would send Senior Brother Yu.


    Senior Brother Yu was a master of the Inner Sect.


    Having received the true teachings of the sect, his statuspared to an Outer Sect Disciple like him, responsible for external affairs, was like the difference between a firefly and the bright moon.


    The middle-aged man''s gaze was like a sharp de.


    Seeing Wei Zhentian''s condition, his eyebrows furrowed as he said, "What happened to you?"


    After speaking, he moved with a whoosh.


    There was a distance of nearly ten meters between the two men.


    In one step, the middle-aged man reached Wei Zhentian, grabbed his wrist, and checked it, his eyes revealing a terrifying divine light, "You''ve been crippled? Who did this?"


    "It''s a long story." Wei Zhentian''s face showed a hint of destion and venomous resentment. As a martial artist who had cultivated inner strength and been crippled, naturally, no words could describe his feeling, which was even worse than being killed.


    "Senior Brother Yu, let''s go inside and talk."


    The middle-aged man nodded slowly and stepped into the Weifeng Martial Arts School, where he settled into a reception room.


    Yu Cheng said indifferently, "Tell me, who was it that harmed you so grievously? No matter who it is, they must pay a price for touching a member of our Iron Palm Gang."


    "It''s a twenty-year-old youth named Long Xiaoshan," Wei Zhentian said with hatred in his voice.


    "Twenty years old!"


    Yu Cheng''s face changed, and he spoke with a gravity, "I remember that you had cultivated inner strength a year ago, stepping into the ranks of Huang Level Martial Artists. A twenty-year-old youth, unless from the true disciples of the major sects, could possibly.. Could it be that the one who hurt you is a true disciple of those major sects?"


    "That is not the case,"


    Wei Zhentian said, "I''ve already investigated. This person, named Long Xiaoshan, is a son of a farmer from Niu Y County, and he just returned from prison not long ago. He is definitely not a true disciple of any major sect."


    "Impossible!" Yu Cheng dered emphatically, "Are you sure you''re not mistaken? How could a mere farmer''s son have crippled your martial arts?"


    Huang Level Martial Artists, although at the bottom rung of the Ancient Martial World,


    are something to note given the high threshold of the ancient martial arts.


    The martial artists who have cultivated inner strength are one in ten thousand; a Huang Level Martial Artist is adequate to suppress and sweep through an entire Earth Level city. Even if amon person pointed a gun at them, they could not kill a Huang Level Martial Artist.


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    Were it not for a hundred-year-old medicine, Wei Zhentian himself would not have been able to step into the ranks of Huang Level Martial Artists.


    So Yu Cheng''s first reaction was disbelief.


    "Senior Brother Yu, how dare I speak without evidence? My son, Wei Loong, was crippled by this person, left disabled for life. My Dantian was also shattered by him. I wish to eat his flesh and drink his blood. I''ve been investigating these past days and there''s absolutely no mistake. I suspect this person must have gained some formidable legacy or consumed some heavenly treasures to have such strength," Wei Zhentian said through gritted teeth.


    Yu Cheng''s eyes flickered.


    Given this, Wei Zhentian certainly wouldn''t dare deceive him.


    Then everything he said must be true.


    A mere farmer''s son, only twenty years old, having cultivated the inner strength that all martial practitioners dream of, and able to defeat Wei Zhentian.


    ```


    Reached the level of true disciples of those great sects.


    It was clear he must have obtained an immensely powerful opportunity.


    To know that those great sect true disciples were cultivated from childhood, received guidance from experts, and took various top-level herbs from a young age, only then could they cultivate inner strength and step into the ranks of Huang Level Martial Artists before the age of twenty.


    If I could gain this person''s inheritance opportunity, perhaps I could leap into the Profound Level in one fell swoop.


    He had cultivated for many years and was stuck at the peak of Huang Level without being able to break through. If he could step into the Profound Level, his status would immediately soar. A Mysterious Rank Warrior held a weighty position in the entire Cultivation World and could immediately be promoted to Elder within his sect.


    Thinking of this, Yu Cheng''s heart heated up.


    "Where is this person now?" he asked indifferently.


    Wei Zhentian felt a surge of joy in his heart; he knew Yu Cheng had been swayed by his words and harbored a killing intent towards Long Xiaoshan. Senior Brother Yu was a true disciple of the sect, and his cultivation had reached the peak of Huang Level, just one step away from the Mysterious Level.


    With his intervention, Long Xiaoshan was bound to die without a doubt.


    "He should be in Longyang Vige, Niu Y County. Senior brother, shall we set out now?" Wei Zhentian said.


    "No rush." Yu Cheng did not get up, still sitting there like a majestic general, picked up his tea and took a sip, and said indifferently, "This man cannot escape the palm of my hand. Actually, my visit this time has another important matter."


    "What important matter?" Wei Zhentian asked cautiously.


    "I havee to integrate the entire businessmunity of Hechuan City, toy the groundwork for the Iron Palm Gang''s entrance into Xichuan Province."


    Wei Zhentian''s body shook violently, "Iron Palm Gang is moving into Xichuan?"


    "Correct," Yu Cheng''s eyes flickered, as if a sharp light had shed through them: "Back then, Xichuan was Iron Palm Gang''s territory, but only due to the rise of the Tang Family in Tianfu, and the emergence of an Earth-Ranked Grandmaster, did we have to avoid their edge and withdraw from Xichuan. However, the Iron Palm Gang recently received reliable information that the Tang Family Grandmaster, Tang Tian''ao, is over eighty years old, afflicted with witch poison, and won''t be in this world for much longer. Moreover, our Gang Leader is ambitious and talented, only fifty years old, and is half a step into the Grandmaster Realm. It''s a foregone conclusion that he will enter the Grandmaster Realm in the future. Why should we fear an old Grandmaster clinging to life?"


    Wei Zhentian was overjoyed upon hearing this.


    His identity as a disciple of the Iron Palm Gang had always been a secret.


    He was assigned by the sect to go undercover in Hechuan City.


    With the strength of a Huang Level Martial Artist, if he were to really make a move, he could have easily suppressed a city like Hechuan and unified the various forces.


    It was only because of the fear of the Tang Family''s power that he had to act low-key and use the Martial Arts School as a cover.


    Now that Senior Brother Yu has arrived,


    and personally confirmed the Iron Palm Gang''s return to Xichuan, even though his powers were now ruined, with Senior Brother Yu''s peak Huang Level strength, uniting the forces of Hechuan City would be like using a butcher''s knife to kill a chicken.


    Senior Brother Yu is an Inner Sect Disciple.


    Enthralled by the Martial Dao.


    Surely, such worldly matters will eventually be left to his control.


    By then, utilizing the power in his hands, he could gather heaven and earth treasures; it''s not impossible that there might be hope to restore his Dantian.


    Even if it can''t be restored,


    to control the business world of a city and live a life of wealth and honor is not a life lived in vain.


    As for the youngster Long Xiaoshan, once Senior Brother Yu controls Hechuan, his death will naturally follow.


    "Senior brother, since that is the case, I have a suggestion. The tycoons of Hechuan City enjoy organizing underground fights to resolve disputes and divide interests. I have even fought on behalf of a tycoon of Hechuan, Wang Sihai. If I host an underground fight, and senior brother sweeps the arena, then the whole Hechuan City will naturally fall into senior brother''s hands."


    After all, Wei Zhentian hasid his roots in Hechuan for over a decade and is a shrewd and calcting local snake. Heid out the n smoothly.


    Yu Cheng''s eyes moved slightly, flicking his fingernail, eliciting a sound like that of striking metal.


    ```

 Chapter 171 190

    ```


    Chapter One Hundred Ny


    After being elected as the vige chief, Long Xiaoshan became even more devoted to development.


    Apart from reserving the necessary Spiritual Liquid for cultivating medicinal herbs, he used the rest to transform the newly reimednd into Spiritual Fields.


    If the vige''snd, including the mountainous areas, were counted together, there were tens of thousands of acres.


    Although a considerable amount of Spiritual Liquid had umted over the days, such consumption was enormous. Long Xiaoshan did not transform all of it into Spiritual Fields, but about three thousand acres were transformed, and all were nted with vegetables and fruits.


    In addition to transforming Spiritual Fields, he also nned a livestock farm.


    He intended to raise chickens, ducks, cattle, and sheep.


    Busy during the day and cultivating at night.


    Time flew by.


    A weekter, the Spiritual Medicine had fully grown.


    Long Xiaoshan stood in the medicine room. In the room''s seven pots grew seven medicinal nts, each older than a hundred years, lush with branches and leaves, and in extremely perfect condition.


    The entire room was filled with a strong medicinal fragrance. Standing inside and taking a deep breath felt like all illnesses would vanish.


    Long Xiaoshan looked at the seven nts of Hundred-Year-Old Medicine.


    His face was filled with excitement.


    They say Hundred-Year-Old Medicine is rare; Bai Susu expended all her efforts, nearly selling off all of Bai''s Medicinal Materials without being able to obtain one nt of Hundred-Year-Old Medicine.


    Such medicinal materials were of unimaginable value.


    Yet, he had cultivated seven in just a week.


    If word got out, it was unknown what kind of storm it would cause.


    The preciousness of the Jade Purifying Bottle was unimaginable.


    Moreover, the Hundred-Year-Old Medicine was not the limit. If he continued to cultivate with Spiritual Liquid, their age could increase, perhaps even cultivating the legendary Thousand-Year Spiritual Medicine.


    However, cultivating Thousand-Year Spiritual Medicines would definitely take a long time, and consume a vast amount of Spiritual Liquid.


    With his current level of cultivation, Long Xiaoshan didn''t need such high-grade medicinal materials.


    Therefore, he decided to first refine a batch of Lesser Qi Nurturing Pills using Hundred-Year-Old Medicine.


    After some thought, he plucked the Polygonum multiflorum nt.


    Ginseng had the best medicinal properties.


    However, since he had promised to help Bai Susu find Hundred-Year-Old Medicine to prolong her father''s life, and he had said he would save the ginseng with the best medicinal properties, moreover, Polygonum multiflorum was sufficient. He felt that the Hundred-Year-Old Medicines he cultivated with Spiritual Liquid


    Had much more abundant medicinal properties than ordinary Hundred-Year-Old Medicines.


    Having taken the Hundred-Year Polygonum multiflorum.


    Long Xiaoshan began preparing to refine the Lesser Qi Nurturing Pills.


    He had already prepared the other ingredients, but he stillcked a Pill Furnace. Previously, he used arge pot as a substitute to prepare pills, but this time, since he was refining Lesser Qi Nurturing Pills, which were Spirit Pills, he felt it would be better to use a real Pill Furnace.


    The only issue was that he had no idea where to obtain such a thing now.


    As he pondered this,


    His phone suddenly rang.


    Long Xiaoshan picked it up.


    When he saw it was Wang Sihai''s number, he answered.


    "Brother Long," Wang Sihai immediately called out upon the call connecting.


    "Wang Sihai, what is it?" Long Xiaoshan asked.


    "Oh, it''s about Miss Xu''s advanced studies," Wang Sihai said, "Brother Long, it''s all arranged. I''ve secured a ce for Miss Xu to pursue further studies at Hechuan Business College, and she can register at any time."


    ```


    Long Xiaoshan nodded and said, "You''ve done well."


    "It''s only right, only right," Wang Sihai said. "So, Brother Long, when will Miss Xue over? I''ll arrange for someone to take her."


    "No rush."


    Long Xiaoshan thought of a question and asked, "Do you know where I can find a Pill Furnace?"


    "Pill Furnace?" Wang Sihai was puzzled. "What''s that?"


    "It''s for alchemy, like something a Taoist would use in ancient times."


    "That... They aren''t produced anymore, right? Maybe there are some in the antique market. I''ll have someone look into it for you," Wang Sihai said.


    Antique market?


    Long Xiaoshan silently nodded and said, "Alright then, I''ll take Chun Tao to register at the college tomorrow, and then you can have someone take me to the antique market to have a look."


    "Sure thing, Brother Long," Wang Sihai readily agreed.


    "Okay, I''m hanging up now."


    "Wait, Brother Long. I... I still have something to report to you," Wang Sihai hurriedly said.


    "Oh, what is it?" Long Xiaoshan asked slowly.


    "It''s like this, a master hase to the Weifeng Martial Arts School, seems to be invited by Wei Zhentian. You had a conflict with Wei Zhentianst time, didn''t you? I thought I should tell you about this."


    "A master invited by Wei Zhentian?"


    Long Xiaoshan frowned slightly and said indifferently, "Alright, I got it." Stay connected through empire


    After speaking, he hung up the call.


    Minghao Clubhouse.


    "Hello? Brother Long."


    Wang Sihai, hearing the busy tone on the phone, reluctantly put it down.


    A trace of worry showed on his face. At that moment, in the room, four people sat while more than ten others stood. Each of these people carried an extraordinary aura; at a nce, it was evident they were ustomed to high positions.


    Together, these men could turn Hechuan City upside down.


    But now, the faces of these tycoons, who dominated the city, were heavy with concern as they puffed on cigarettes, the floor littered with cigarette butts.


    Hearing Wang Sihai put down the phone, a middle-aged man resembling a schoolteacher with sses said, "Brother Wang, what did he say?"


    Wang Sihai forced a smile and said, "Elder Brother Zhou, he hung up before I could finish."


    "Hmph, Wang Sihai, how capable can a twenty-year-old youth be?" A lean and dark middle-aged man sitting on the other side scoffed. "I''ve already contacted Wang Chao, the King of Underground Fist from Zhonghai. He can be here tonight. Once he arrives, we can kill Yu Cheng in one fell swoop."


    "Not bad. I''ve also contacted Master Zhong of Mangdu''s Ghost Gate, it cost me fifty million, but he has agreed to take action. We''ve agreed in advance that if Master Zhong can kill Yu Cheng, both Bei Sheng and Nanwan regions will belong to me," a man with a cigar and long hair said slowly.


    "You don''t understand. The power of Brother Long is beyond your imagination. He is divine. If he takes action, what is Yu Cheng?" Wang Sihai rebutted.


    "Even the divine hase into y. Tell me, Old Wang, since when have you, Wang Yanwang, be so cowardly?"


    "Enough, stop arguing."


    The schoolteacher-like Zhou Yushan spoke up. In Hechuan City, Zhou Yushanmanded the greatest power, with numerous industries under his belt and assets worth billions, making him the wealthiest man in Hechuan City.


    As he spoke, everyone else quieted down and looked at him. Zhou Yushan said gravely, "This time Yu Chenges with ill intent, having already swept through all our underground boxing champions. I fear his goal is not simply to win the bet but to swallow the entire business world of Hechuan City. Now, with Guo Long, Wei Xu, and others switching allegiance to the Weifeng Group, whoever can stand against Yu Cheng for us will gain supreme respect in the business circles of Hechuan City afterward."


    The crowd listened.


    Their eyes all lit up.


    While Yu Cheng was powerful, having swept through their underground boxing champions,


    if someone could secure the position of the Dragon Head of Hechuan City Chamber of Commerce, any price paid would be worth it.


    In this world, there''s hardly anything money can''t do. With enough money spent, there will always be masters to be found.

 Chapter 191 My Girlfriend Hasnt Finished Eating Yet

    Chapter One Hundred and Ny-One


    Chun Tao, upon hearing that she could go to school in Hechuan City, was quite excited. She arrived at the farm early the next morning to meet up with Long Xiaoshan.


    "What''s the rush? Are you so eager to leave me for school?" Long Xiaoshan feigned a look of heartbreak.


    Upon hearing this, Chun Tao anxiously shook her head, "Little Xiaoshan, that''s not it. Well, then, I won''t go."


    "Haha, just teasing you,"ughed Long Xiaoshan. "I''ve arranged everything. We''ll head out shortly."


    After breakfast,


    Long Xiaoshan took Chun Tao in his pickup truck and set out from Longyang Vige towards Hechuan City.


    Upon entering the urban area of Hechuan City, Long Xiaoshan drove to themercial center''s pedestrian street.


    "Xiaoshan, what are we doing here?" Chun Tao asked as they got out of the car, seeing no sign of the school around.


    "You''re going to be living at school, so I''m going to buy you some clothes that are suitable for everyday wear at school," he exined.


    Other than the clothes she bought in the vige, Chun Tao only owned some professional white-cor skirt suits.


    The clothes she was wearing now were bought at the vige market and were given to her by Long Xiaoshanst summer. They were already a bit worn, and the style was somewhat dated.


    "I''ve brought some clothes to change into," said Chun Tao, holding up a simple tote bag.


    "Those clothes are no good anymore. We''ll throw them awayter,"


    Long Xiaoshan took a look and immediately said.


    Even though he himself wasn''t particr about his appearance, it wasn''t because he was stingy or frugal. It was because he often had to work on the farm, and his strength from cultivation was so great that a little carelessness could tear his clothes.


    Experience more on empire


    So Long Xiaoshan no longer cared much about clothes.


    It didn''t make sense to him to spend thousands or even tens of thousands on clothes that would tear after a few days. Even though he wasn''t short on money now, he didn''t want to waste it like that.


    But Chun Tao was different.


    Chun Tao was his woman. Even if Long Xiaoshan were poorer, he wouldn''t be stingy with his own woman¡ªespecially since he wasn''t exactly short on money now.


    Aside from the farm''s ie, he also had Dragon Spirit Pharmaceuticals. Just the Hundred-Year-Old Medicine he currently had on hand could be sold for a few billion.


    And he could cultivate these old medicines continuously.


    It was faster than a money-printing machine.


    "I think they''re quite good. I can still wear them," Chun Tao said.


    "You," Long Xiaoshan shook his head, tossed the bag into the truck, and took Chun Tao''s hand as they walked into the pedestrian street.


    This was Chun Tao''s first visit to the city.


    The surrounding bustle constantly amazed her, giving her the feeling of Granny Liu entering Grand View Gardens.


    "Little Xiaoshan, look how tall that building is! I counted, and it has thirty floors," she said.


    "Xiaoshan, is that a TV? Why is it so big?"


    "What kind of car is this? Why does it have two levels?"


    Chun Tao looked around curiously, asking questions non-stop.


    Long Xiaoshan patiently answered her "hundreds of thousands of whys," feeling a surge of tenderness in his heart.


    Although she had been married in the vige for many years and he should have called her ''sister-inw,'' she was only three years older than Long Xiaoshan, being just twenty-three years old that year.


    At that age, in the city, she would be no different from a girl who had just graduated from college. She could weave countless brilliant dreams and squander her youth.


    But instead, she was trapped in a little mountain vige.


    If he had note along, her whole life would have been spent looking after a blind mother-inw or being a ything for a vige tyrant like Long Fakui.


    How could he not cherish such a woman and let her enjoy a beautiful life?


    "Little Xiaoshan, what is that? There are so many people," Chun Tao said, pointing to a red storefront bustling with peopleing and going.


    "Oh, that''s KFC," Long Xiaoshan replied.


    "So that''s KFC," Chun Tao said with surprise. "I heard Sister Hong from the vige talk about it. She said KFC is an import from abroad. She had it when she was working in the city and said it''s really delicious, and also very expensive."


    As she spoke, her eyes revealed a hint of envy.


    "Sigh," Long Xiaoshan shook his head. He originally wanted to say that it was just junk food.


    However, he remembered how he too was excited the first time he had KFC after leaving the vige.


    He smiled and said, "Do you want to eat it?"


    "No, no," Chun Tao quickly shook her head, but a glimmer of longing in her eyes betrayed her.


    "Come on, no need to be so polite with me," Long Xiaoshan didn''t know what else to say.


    Chun Tao was just too shy.


    He took Chun Tao into the KFC, asked her to wait on the side, and went to order a family bucket meal.


    A little whileter, after making the purchase, Long Xiaoshan came over with the family bucket and handed it to Chun Tao, saying, "Here, you eat."


    Chun Tao picked up a piece of fried chicken, bit into it carefully and expectantly, but her face didn''t show any delight. Instead, she slightly furrowed her brow.


    Long Xiaoshan smiled and asked, "What''s the matter? Doesn''t it taste as good as you imagined?"


    Chun Tao smiled shyly, looking down.


    "Actually, it''s nothing special. Abroad, it''s just fast food, much inferior to what we raise on the farms. If it doesn''t taste good, just throw it away," Long Xiaoshan said.


    "Oh, that wouldn''t do. What a waste," Chun Tao said. "I''ll eat a little more, and we can take the rest with us."


    Long Xiaoshan knew Chun Tao''s character and didn''t insist, saying, "Then you eat here for a while. I''m going to use the restroom and make a phone call to have someonee over and take us to the school."


    After saying this, Long Xiaoshan went to the restroom. Once done, he stood by the restroom door and made a phone call.


    "Hello, Brother Long."


    "Wang Sihai, I''m in Hechuan City," Long Xiaoshan said.


    "Brother Long, how did you get here so quickly? Why didn''t you tell me so I coulde and pick you up?"


    "It''s fine. I''m currently near the walking street. Later on, I''m going to Jinxiu Mall to buy some things. Just have the person you''re sending to wait for me at the mall entrance," he replied.


    "Alright, I''ll be right there," Sihai responded.


    Long Xiaoshan hung up the phone.


    As he walked back, approaching the booth where Chun Tao was sitting, Long Xiaoshan squinted his eyes and asked, "Chun Tao, what happened?"


    The window seats where Chun Tao was seated before had been taken over by two girls.


    Both girls were dressed fashionably, one in a chiffon dress withrge, cartoonish eyes, and the other in a ck long dress, carrying a Coach bag, her demeanor cool and detached. They were both young, not even twenty, wearing light makeup, their delicate features indicative of city-bred delicate young women.


    Chun Tao stood there, holding the paper bucket from the family bucket, looking somewhat at a loss.


    Seeing Long Xiaoshaning, she quickly said, "Xiaoshan!"


    "Weren''t you sitting here? Why did you get up?" Long Xiaoshan spoke while ncing at the two girls.


    Looking up, the two girls surveyed Long Xiaoshan, a hint of disdain in their eyes before turning back to chat and y with their phones as if they hadn''t heard him.


    "They said they wanted this seat¡­" Chun Tao murmured softly.


    "They said they wanted it, and you just gave it to them?" Long Xiaoshan frowned and said, thinking to himself that Chun Tao''s gentle nature wouldn''t serve her well in the city, where she could easily be bullied for her weakness.


    Long Xiaoshan turned around, tapped twice on the table of the booth with his finger, and said indifferently, "You two, get up. My girlfriend hasn''t finished eating yet."

 Chapter 192 The Problem with Reasoning

    Chapter One Hundred Ny-Two


    Long Xiaoshan turned his head and tapped his finger on the booth table twice, saying indifferently, "You two get up, my girlfriend hasn''t finished eating yet."


    The two young girls raised their heads, nced at Long Xiaoshan, then looked at each other and burst intoughter, turning their heads away and ignoring Long Xiaoshanpletely.


    Chun Tao tugged at Long Xiaoshan''s sleeve and said, "Little Xiaoshan, let''s just go, I don''t feel like eating anyway."


    Long Xiaoshan''s brows furrowed.


    He didn''t care about a seat, and it was fine to give it up for others.


    But to have it rudely usurped was uneptable.


    Moreover, he had to make Chun Tao understand a principle: one must hold onto the rights that are due, or else the weak get bullied.


    Later, when she was studying in the city by herself, if she wasn''t assertive, she would suffer losses.


    Long Xiaoshan lowered his head and stared at the two young girls, "You didn''t hear me. Stand up!"


    This time his tone was no longer polite, containing a faint pressure.


    The two young girls were startled, looked up at Long Xiaoshan''s indifferent gaze, and felt a sense of rm.


    Then, humiliation surged within them.


    Because of their good looks and decent family backgrounds.


    Both were treated like little princesses at school and at home, being ttered by everyone.


    And now they were being driven away by someone who seemed like a mere peasant.


    The feeling of being humiliated and affronted grew even stronger.


    Ouyang Fei, the girl in the chiffon dress, pointed at Long Xiaoshan and scolded aggressively, "Who are you anyway? This seat isn''t yours, what gives you the right to tell us to get up, country bumpkin?"


    Instantly, many nces swept over from around them.


    The chiffon-dressed girl stood up, triumphantly, having seen many countryside people who were inexperienced, timid, and honest to a fault. As long as she acted imposingly, they would back down in submission.


    But soon, her gaze hardened.


    In the midst of everyone''s attention, Long Xiaoshan was calm andposed; his face was devoid of any panic as he said softly,


    "My name isn''t ''country bumpkin.'' Didn''t your parents teach you how to respect others? This seat isn''t mine, but we arrived here first. Don''t you understand the principle of ''firste, first served''?"


    His pace was neither hurried nor slow,pletely different from the overbearing attitude of the chiffon-dressed girl.


    To the onlookers, it presented a contrast between someone full of upbringing and another who was willful and capricious.


    It made the spectators lean towards Long Xiaoshan.


    They began to whisper among themselves.


    Ouyang Fei''splexion changed, not expecting this country bumpkin to be so articte and not at all afraid of confrontation.


    "Feifei! What''s going on?"


    At that moment, a tall and handsome guy came over, holding two KFC meal trays in his hands.


    The guy was quite towering, standing at one meter ny, and his impressive stature made him stand out from the crowd like a crane amongst chickens.


    "Husband," Ouyang Fei said with a joyous expression as she saw Yang Jun approaching. Yang Jun was her boyfriend and a member of the school''s basketball team. He wasn''t just good at sports, but he also came from an outstanding family that owned apany worth millions in assets.


    Because Yang Jun was there, she was never bullied at school. Thest time she had a conflict with a girl from her dorm, the girl''s boyfriend came to demand an exnation with aggression. With just one phone call from her, Yang Jun arrived with the basketball team and beat the guy into a concussion,nding him in the hospital. After some dealing at home, in the end, the school did not discipline him.


    "Honey, he bullied me," Ouyang Fei clung to Yang Jun, holding his arm tightly and pointing at Long Xiaoshan as she cried out herint.


    Yang Jun''s eyes widened fiercely, as his temper was always explosive.


    Being tall and from a good family background, he had always been a little tyrant.


    Now, seeing Long Xiaoshan, a country bumpkin, daring to bully his girlfriend, his anger immediately red up.


    mming two tes down on the table, he pointed at Long Xiaoshan and bellowed, "Kid, what did you do to my girlfriend?"


    Standing at almost one meter ny, his roar was intimidating. Even the people around started to scatter.


    Chun Tao became anxious too.


    This was her first time venturing out of her small vige, and she felt an innate reverence for city folk, always feeling they were superior and not to be offended.


    So she desperately tugged at Long Xiaoshan''s arm and said, "Little Xiaoshan, let''s go, I, I won''t eat anymore." Discover more content at empire


    "It''s not about whether or not we eat."


    Long Xiaoshan patted Chun Tao''s hand, gave her a reassuring look, and turning back, he frowned at Yang Jun''s finger pointing in his face, saying indifferently, "Take your hand away. Your girlfriend took our seats, and I just told her to move."


    The onlookers were surprised to see Long Xiaoshan, facing the taller Yang Jun, showing no sign of backing down.


    They thought this young peasant was really stubborn.


    A wise man does not fight when the odds are against him; why contest a seat with such a brute. Moreover, Yang Jun, d in designerbels, clearly came from a wealthy family. How could a peasant stand against a rich second generation like him without looking for trouble?


    "Young man, I''ve finished eating, you cane sit here. Let''s all take a step back," an old man tried to mediate.


    "Grandpa, thank you, but it''s not about the seat; it''s about the principle. So whether he likes it or not, he will have to give it up today," Long Xiaoshan said to the old man with a smile.


    "Damn, I''m really seeing something new today," Yang Jun said as he pulled Ouyang Fei to a booth, mocking Long Xiaoshan, "I''m sitting right here, and I want to see how you''re going to make me move."


    Long Xiaoshan didn''t get angry, just smiled faintly and asked, "You really won''t move?"


    "Dumbass, can''t you understand human speech? I''ll tell you again, if you want me to move, there''s no way..."


    Before he could finish saying "way", suddenly a hand reached out, fiercely grabbed Yang Jun by the throat, yanked him from his seat, and a chorus of screams erupted from around, while Ouyang Fei jumped up from her seat in fright.


    Long Xiaoshan was dragging him by throat towards the exit.


    Yang Jun, being a big guy, kept struggling.


    But Long Xiaoshan''s arm was like iron tongs, turning his eyes white and his face and ears red, unable to break free no matter how hard he tried, until Long Xiaoshan dragged him to the door, pushed it open, and threw him out.


    After he threw Yang Jun out, Long Xiaoshan dusted off his hands, walked back, and ignored Ouyang Fei and Qu Yanling who had run out of their seats.


    Taking the still somewhat shocked and frightened Chun Tao, they sat down at the booth they had before.


    "Little Xiaoshan, we, we should hurry up and leave," Chun Tao said worriedly.


    Long Xiaoshan shook his head and looked into Chun Tao''s eyes, saying seriously, "Taozi, you have to remember, you''re not less than anyone else, so don''t let yourself be humbled in front of anyone. We don''t bully others, but we won''t let others bully us either, got it?"


    Chun Tao nodded, half understanding.


    At that moment, the door to the KFC was forcefully pushed open.


    Yang Jun, with eyes bloodshot, charged towards Long Xiaoshan like an enraged bull.

 Chapter 193 The Terror of Death

    Chapter One Hundred and Ny-Three


    Yang Jun''s eyes were bloodshot, charging at Long Xiaoshan like an enraged bull.


    In his hands was a piece of brick he''d picked up from who knows where.


    "Kid, I''m going to kill you!"


    Yang Jun acted out of heated rage.


    At his age, impulsiveness was at its peak.


    Moreover, Yang Jun had always been the one to pick on others, never the one to be humiliated. To be dragged out by the neck in front of a crowd and thrown onto the street¡ªit was a disgrace he had never endured.


    This humiliation made him nearly insane.


    He had grabbed a brick at the entrance and charged in.


    He rushed at Long Xiaoshan and, lifting the brick high, aimed for Long Xiaoshan''s head.


    Sharp screams erupted all around.


    This was a brick, after all. The way Yang Jun swung it, if it hit someone''s head, it could spill their brains out.


    A cold glint sparked in Long Xiaoshan''s eyes.


    As the brick came crashing down, Long Xiaoshan grabbed Yang Jun''s hand, twisted it forcefully, and with a snap, Yang Jun screamed in agony, kneel down in pain, the brick falling from his grasp and dropping to the floor.


    "Let go, damn it, let go!" Yang Jun yelled.


    Long Xiaoshan coldly asked, "You were trying to kill me just now?"


    Under Long Xiaoshan''s gaze, Yang Jun felt a chill down his spine, but at his defiant age¡ªand with his girlfriend by his side¡ªhe roared back, "So what if I did, you motherfucker? If you''ve got the guts, kill me! If you don''t kill me, I won''t let you walk out of Hechuan City alive."


    Long Xiaoshanughed.


    He picked up the dropped brick from the ground and calmly said to Yang Jun, "Want to die? That''s easy."


    After speaking, he lifted the brick and mmed it down hard toward Yang Jun''s head.


    The brick whistled through the air.


    Much stronger than the blow Yang Jun had aimed at Long Xiaoshan, the force was more than tenfold.


    Especially for Yang Jun, facing the brick, it didn''t feel like a mere piece of y but rather a hundred-pound iron block.


    The terrible sound of it slicing through the air,


    made him truly realize how close death was.


    His mouth was tough, his attitude arrogant,


    because he had never truly encountered the terror of death.


    Schoolyard scuffles, street fights,


    were all just minor tussles.


    He had only ever faced troublemaking students or rowdy thugs,


    never a real hardcore viin.


    But now, he truly felt he was about to die, and death was so terrifying.


    No, I don''t want to die, I don''t want to die!


    He was only in his twenties with a wealthy family, and life''s pleasures were just beginning. Now, in a moment of impulsiveness, all wealth, all the women may soon slip away from him.


    Fear erupted like a volcanic st, causing him to scream in terror.


    Thwack!


    The brick mmed against his face, and Yang Jun''s voice stopped abruptly¡­


    "Yang Jun, Yang Jun!" Ouyang Fei shook Yang Jun vigorously.


    Gradually regaining his senses, Yang Jun muttered, "I''m not dead."


    Of course, Long Xiaoshan didn''t kill him. To kill would be impossible in broad daylight. As the brick was mere millimeters from Yang Jun''s face, Long Xiaoshan stopped, but the strong gust of wind still caused half of Yang Jun''s face to swell, now numb.


    For Yang Jun, it was like having taken a walk at Purgatory Gate.


    He felt like he had cheated death, and, with Ouyang Fei''s help, he stood up.


    Laughter erupted all around.


    As it turned out, Yang Jun''s pants were soaked and there was a foul, stinking odor.


    Just now, a brick from Long Xiaoshan had scared the pee out of him.


    Yang Jun''s face turned beet red with embarrassment and rage, but the fear he had just experienced kept him from messing with Long Xiaoshan again, and he quickly fled KFC.


    With Yang Jun gone,


    Long Xiaoshan turned to Chun Tao and asked, "Still want to eat?"


    "No, let''s not eat anymore," Chun Tao quickly shook her head.


    She couldn''t possibly eat now. Long Xiaoshan smiled and said, "Then let''s go buy some clothes."


    For him, reiming this spot wasn''t the main goal; it was to teach Chun Tao the lesson that one shouldn''t let themselves be bullied. The two of them walked out hand in hand and turned into the nearby Jinxiu Mall...


    Yang Jun, with a face pale as iron, walked briskly down the street.


    The pointing and whispering all around made him burn with shame. He was wearing light-colored pants today, making the big wet spot especially visible.


    Even Ouyang Fei deliberately kept her distance from him.


    It was clear she felt too embarrassed to walk with him.


    "Bastard, bastard, I''ll definitely kill you."


    Although the fear of death moments before still caused Yang Jun''s heart to thump wildly, the humiliation had him seething for revenge once he came to his senses.


    Suddenly, he spotted several people standing in front of a gaming arcade and his eyes lit up.


    He quickly walked over and called out, "Brother Xin."


    A young guy in a gaudy shirt turned around and frowned at Yang Jun. "Who are you?" he asked.


    "I''m Yang Jun, my dad is Yang Dafu," Yang Jun said.


    "Yang Dafu, you''re Young Master Yang''s son." Brother Xin nodded and a sly smile spread across his face.


    Yang Dafu owned a car salespany in Bei Sheng District with assets worth tens of millions. Not a small yer, Brother Xin, who was part of the Sihai Group in Bei Sheng, had dealt with Yang Dafu a few times and epted quite a few favors from him.


    "What''s up, Young Master Jun, looking like this?"


    Seeing that half of Yang Jun''s face was swollen and his pants were still wet, Brother Xin asked with a smirk.


    "Brother Xin, I was beaten up," Yang Jun said pitifully.


    Brother Xin knew that when Yang Jun mentioned this, he was obviously asking for help.


    Even though he looked down on him a bit,


    given that Yang Dafu had given him a Mercedes SUV half-gifted, half-sold, earning him a few hundred thousand, he couldn''tpletely snub him and said, "Who hit you? Tell Brother Xin."


    "Just some bumpkin."


    Yang Jun recounted his encounter with Long Xiaoshan at KFC.


    After hearing this, Brother Xin feigned anger and said, "Oh really, a mere bumpkin dares to hit Young Master Jun? Don''t worry, Brother Xin will definitely get your turf back. We''ll have that kid kneel in front of you, and you can smack him however you like."


    "Thanks, Brother Xin," Yang Jun eximed joyfully.


    He had toasted Brother Xin at a dinner with his father and had heard from his father that Brother Xin managed several entertainment venues across a few streets in Bei Sheng District. He was a real tough character, nothing like the petty schoolyard bullies Yang Jun dealt with at school.


    He had approached Brother Xin with just a hopeful guess, not really expecting help.


    But to his surprise, Brother Xin was indeed willing to lend a hand.


    Little did he know that Brother Xin was willing to help because Yang Jun had called Long Xiaoshan a bumpkin.


    Otherwise, Brother Xin really couldn''t be bothered to care whether Yang Jun was dead or alive.


    "Come on, take me there," Brother Xin gestured, and several of his underlings at the arcade entrance followed suit.


    Yang Jun''s heart swelled with joy, and he led Brother Xin and his fierce-looking crew back to KFC.


    But when they arrived inside KFC, they discovered Long Xiaoshan had already left.


    Yang Jun thought Long Xiaoshan had fled in fear of his revenge, and cursed silently at how quickly he had run away.


    Long Xiaoshan, having taken Chun Tao around Jinxiu Mall, had bought quite a few pieces of clothing. To suit Chun Tao''s student status, they didn''t go for anything too expensive, sticking to brands like ZARA, Nike, and Adidas.


    After finishing their shopping spree, Long Xiaoshan and Chun Tao walked out of the mall carrying bags bothrge and small.

 Chapter 194 Brother Long

    Chapter One Hundred and Ny-Four


    Standing at the entrance of Jinxiu Mall.


    Long Xiaoshan said to Chun Tao, "Let''s wait here, someone wille to take us to school soon."


    "Mm." Chun Tao nodded obediently.


    On the other hand.


    Yang Jun, along with Brother Xin and others, couldn''t find Long Xiaoshan at KFC and came out somewhat annoyed.


    They searched around the pedestrian street again but still couldn''t find Long Xiaoshan.


    Brother Xin was getting impatient. He was helping Yang Jun out of convenience, just to return a small favor; it wasn''t like Yang Jun had that much clout. Even Yang Jun''s father, Yang Dafu, would have to call him Brother Xin here.


    So he quickly lost his patience and said indifferently, "Young Master Jun, since the guy has run off, let''s forget about it. I have other matters to attend to."


    Yang Jun felt irritated.


    It was not easy to get someone as formidable as Brother Xin to help.


    And yet Long Xiaoshan had escaped.


    With Long Xiaoshan gone, seeking revenge became more difficult, and Yang Jun felt extremely frustrated for not being able to vent his anger.


    Just then, one of Brother Xin''s men''s eyes lit up and he called out, "Brother Xin, look at that country girl; she''s quite pretty."


    Brother Xinughed and scolded, "Is your head filled with lust? All day long you think about women, you''re even into country girls now."


    "She''s really nice, Brother Xin, take a look," the subordinate insisted.


    Brother Xin nced over and saw a woman with a ck braid standing in front of the mall entrance. In today''s society, apart from those in poor, remote areas, who else would wear braids? Moreover, the woman''s clothing looked in and outdated, so she was indeed a country girl.


    But that face, that figure.


    Brother Xin couldn''t help but be dazzled.


    ustomed to the heavily made-up and garishly dressed women of the city.


    Seeing such a pure woman, Brother Xin also felt a surge of heat within him; he had never yed with a woman like this before and wondered what it would be like.


    It was at this moment that Yang Jun, standing beside him, suddenly shouted excitedly, "Brother Xin, it''s him, it''s him!"


    "What do you mean it''s him?" Brother Xin frowned.


    "That kid, the one who hit me," Yang Jun pointed to Long Xiaoshan standing at the mall entrance, his excitement palpable.


    He hadn''t expected Long Xiaoshan to have not left; it was as if he had found him without even needing to search.


    "Oh, it''s him." Brother Xin also saw the pure-looking country girl standing next to the bronze-skinned youth who was also dressed inly.


    Brother Xin showed a faint smile at the corner of his mouth. He was just thinking about how to get his hands on the pure young woman, and now things coincidentally came together. He nodded and said, "Let''s go over."


    Saying this, Brother Xin led a group of men and charged towards the entrance of Jinxiu Mall.


    "Little Xiaoshan." Chun Tao spotted Brother Xin''s group, as well as Yang Jun nearby, and her face turned pale as she nervously grabbed Long Xiaoshan''s arm.


    Long Xiaoshan naturally noticed Yang Jun as well.


    His expression darkened.


    He thought he had taught that kid a lesson, but he didn''t expect the kid would dare toe over with people.


    Brother Xin''s gang looked fierce and menacing, clearly not good people.


    They quickly approached Long Xiaoshan and Chun Tao, surrounding them.


    The tourists around sensed something was wrong and immediately moved away, forming arger circle further back to watch themotion. Some people recognized Brother Xin and eximed, "Isn''t that Boss Xin? Who is that kid, daring to provoke Boss Xin?"


    Brother Xin was the go-to man for several streets nearby, with shares in almost all the entertainment venues.


    Many who frequented the nightlife knew of Brother Xin''s prowess.


    Many couldn''t help but pity Long Xiaoshan, having crossed Brother Xin, this kid was doomed.


    "Yang Jun, you dare toe back," Long Xiaoshan, surrounded by Brother Xin''s group, remainedposed and spoke coldly.


    "Damn it, you still dare to act tough with Brother Xin here," Yang Jun, greatly annoyed by Long Xiaoshan''s pretentious act, pointed at him and said, "If you know what''s good for you, kneel down and beg for mercy. I''ll let you off the hook."


    Long Xiaoshan sneered disdainfully and looked towards Brother Xin.


    "You''re going to stand up for him?"


    Brother Xin was surprised and let out a ''huh'', not expecting this country bumpkin to actually have some guts, being surrounded by his five or six men and not showing the slightest fear.


    Didn''t know where this greenhorn came from.


    Brother Xin chuckled: "Little fe, Junior Yang is my friend, hitting him is like hitting me, what do you say?"


    Long Xiaoshan sneered, "So you say, what should we do about it?"


    "Very simple," Brother Xin pointed at Chun Tao and said, "Apologize to Junior Yang by kowtowing, and then let this chick have a drink with me."


    Chun Tao''s face turned pale instantly, and she shrank back behind Long Xiaoshan, somewhat frightfully.


    A murderous aura shed in Long Xiaoshan''s eyes.


    This man actually had designs on his woman, he deserved to die!


    A chill went through Brother Xin as he looked into Long Xiaoshan''s eyes, and a shiver of terror surprisingly rose within him, how could that be possible.


    At this moment, Yang Jun jumped out again and said, "Brother Xin told you to kneel, are you deaf?"


    "Scram!"


    Long Xiaoshan pped him, sending Yang Jun spinning through the air. When hended, he had lost half of his teeth.


    Totally stunned.


    Brother Xin was furious.


    Although this kid was a bit odd, daring to hit Yang Jun in front of him was like pping his face in public. He said coldly, "Take action."


    Just then.


    Suddenly, the sound of a car horn, a Bentley broke through the crowd and pulled up at the entrance of Jinxiu Mall.


    To know that this ce was a pedestrian street, vehicles were forbidden to enter.


    However, this car drove straight in.


    But seeing the luxury car, and a string of 8''s on the license te, everyone knew there had to be a VIP in that Bentley, so no one dared toin, just grudgingly made way.


    When Brother Xin saw the Bentley pulling up, his expression changed, and he quickly stopped his men who were about to move.


    By this time the Bentley had already stopped, the rear door opened, and a portly middle-aged man with sunsses and amanding presence stepped out.


    Seeing the portly middle-aged, Brother Xin eximed, "Director Wang!"


    He knew this Bentley belonged to Wang Sihai; he just hadn''t expected Wang Sihai to be actually inside. Wang Sihai wasn''t his boss, but his boss''s boss, the chairman of the Sihai Group, the real big shot in Hechuan City.


    In front of Wang Sihai, he was at most errand boy.


    With Director Wang here, how could Brother Xin still care about teaching Long Xiaoshan a lesson?


    He hurriedly jogged over to the portly middle-aged man, bowing and scraping, "Director Wang."


    Wang Sihai nced at Brother Xin, vaguely remembering he had such a subordinate, nodded slightly and then his gaze quickly shifted, looking towards the entrance of Jinxiu, his eyes brightening, he hurried over to Long Xiaoshan who was standing in front of the mall, bowed and said, "Brother Long, I''ve kept you waiting."

 Chapter 195 Self-harm to Apologize

    Chapter One Hundred Ny-Five


    Following Wang Sihai''s gaze, Brother Xin''s eyes nearly popped out of their sockets at that moment.


    He witnessed a scene in his life that he found inconceivable.


    It was also a scene he least wanted to have seen.


    The boss of his own boss, the chairman of the Sihai Group that reigned over Hechuan City, known in Hechuan as Wang Yanwang, was standing in front of the young man who had just been ordered by him to kneel and bow his head.


    His waist almost bent to the ground.


    Respectful to the extreme.


    As if he was a dog facing its master!


    Calling him Brother Long!


    Even to a blind man, it was clear that Wang Sihai held this young man in awe.


    But.


    Who else in Hechuan City couldmand such reverence from Wang Sihai?


    Even if it were Hechuan City''s richest man, Zhou Yushan.


    In their presence, Wang Sihai would at most show a modicum of respect.


    But never such abject subservience, as if a believer had seen a deity.


    At this moment, Brother Xin wished he were blind, even harboring a sliver of hope that this was all an illusion, that Wang Sihai had taken the wrong medicine, called out to the wrong person.


    However, his hopes were quickly dashed.


    For after Wang Sihai had bowed deeply for over ten seconds, Long Xiaoshan finally spoke indifferently, "You''re here."


    Those ten seconds, Wang Sihai did not even dare to lift his head.


    He kept his head down, his waist bent.


    Seeing this scene made Brother Xin''s legs tremble, and a strong urge to urinate lingered.


    "Yes, yes, Brother Long, have you been waiting long?" Wang Sihai''s fear of Long Xiaoshan ran deep in his bones; he thought Long Xiaoshan was angry because he had taken too long to arrive, so he did not dare to move.


    Even now, he would often wake from nightmares.


    Every time, he dreamt the same dream, where Long Xiaoshan sat high above the ninth heaven, his eyes spewing golden mes.


    And he would wail and struggle amidst the sky full of golden mes, his body and soul incinerated to ashes.


    Such agony, even in sleep, was vivid and terrifying.


    This was the Spiritual Force that came with Long Xiaoshan''s divine skills; it was not something a mere mortal could withstand, already branded deep into Wang Sihai''s soul, never to be erased in this lifetime.


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    "I haven''t waited long," Long Xiaoshan said with a cold sneer on his face as he nced indifferently at Brother Xin.


    Thud!


    Brother Xin fell to his knees, pleading, "Brother Long, there''s been a misunderstanding, I really didn''t know that you, you were... it was all Yang Jun''s fault, all him!"


    Wang Sihai''s face changed.


    Who was he? From Long Xiaoshan''s cold sneer and Brother Xin''s reaction, he immediately thought of an ominous possibility¡ªhad his subordinate just offended Long Xiaoshan?


    Otherwise, why else would Long Xiaoshan have made him bow for over ten seconds before speaking?


    The thought alone made Wang Sihai panic-stricken, as he rushed over, grabbed Brother Xin by the cor, and dragged him in front of Long Xiaoshan.


    He growled, "Speak, what did you do?"


    Despite Wang Sihai''s groveling before Long Xiaoshan like an obedient dog,


    He was, in reality, a powerful boss who had reigned over Hechuan for more than a decade.


    With assets worth billions.


    When he exploded in anger, his fearsome might was such that it terrified minor leaders like Brother Xin into pale submission, trembling as they recounted the entire matter from start to finish.


    He didn''t dare to conceal the slightest detail.


    Hearing that Brother Xin actually dared to covet the woman by Long Xiaoshan''s side.


    Wang Sihai''s face turned green.


    The aura of killing in his eyes was unveiled, causing Brother Xin''s heart to shatter. As a member of the Sihai Group, he was clearly aware of Wang Sihai''s terror and knew that his life was hanging by a thread, and that it was very likely that another body would be added to the bottom of the Xichuan River tonight.


    He hurriedly knelt before Long Xiaoshan, constantly kowtowing and pleading, "Brother Long, please spare my life, spare my life. Great men don''t dwell on the past, I was truly deceived by thatd Yang Jun."


    Bang, bang, bang, after a few knocks, blood was visible on his forehead.


    Long Xiaoshan''s expression was indifferent.


    He had learned to be hard-hearted in prison, and for those who dared to provoke him, he always used thunderous means, never showing mercy.


    Otherwise, he wouldn''t have been able to intimidate those vicious inmates in Lingxi Prison at such a young age.


    Chun Tao, however, felt some pity.


    She tugged at Xiaoshan''s arm and whispered, "Little Xiaoshan, let it be, we haven''t suffered any loss."


    Liu Xin, who had made a name for himself in the underworld, was also a perceptive man.


    Upon hearing Chun Tao speak up.


    He immediately knew that his hope for survivaly entirely upon this woman.


    He immediately crawled over to Chun Tao, kowtowing endlessly, "Sister-inw, I was blind and offended you, I apologize to you."


    Having said that, he clenched his own arm and forcefully snapped it: crack.


    Liu Xin broke his own arm with brute force, sweating profusely from the pain, but bit his teeth and didn''t make a sound.


    Chun Tao screamed in fright.


    Long Xiaoshan''s eyes narrowed.


    This guy was indeed ruthless, breaking his own arm for the sake of survival.


    Seeing Long Xiaoshan''s indifferent silence, Liu Xin gave a bitter smile and said, "Brother Long, Sister-inw, if this isn''t enough, I''ll offer my other arm to Brother Long as well."


    After saying that, he moved to smash his other hand against the sharp edge of the steps.


    Long Xiaoshan kicked him over and said coldly, "Haven''t you had enough? Didn''t you see you''ve frightened my girlfriend?"


    Liu Xin quickly said, "I deserve to die."


    Wang Sihai came over and carefully said, "Brother Long, just say the word and I''ll take care of him for you."


    Long Xiaoshan nced at Wang Sihai; he could tell that Wang Sihai still protected Liu Xin somewhat. After all, someone like Liu Xin, who could be so ruthless to himself, was definitely valuable, and if Wang Sihai truly wanted Liu Xin dead, he wouldn''t have asked, instead disposing of him silently without a word.


    He stood silently with hands behind his back, while Liu Xin knelt on the ground, feeling each second stretch out like an eternity, until he finally heard Long Xiaoshan say indifferently, "Since he''s one of your men, I''ll give you face this time, but let there be no next time."


    Wang Sihai secretly breathed a sigh of relief and fiercely kicked Liu Xin, "Aren''t you going to thank Brother Long?"


    "Thank you, Brother Long, thank you, Sister-inw," Liu Xin said, as if he had been granted an amnesty, and fervently kowtowed three times.


    Soaked through with sweat, he truly felt as if he had been brought back from the dead.


    After finishing his kowtows, he cautiously raised his head and asked, "Brother Long, what about Yang Jun?"


    As he spoke, a hint of killing intent emerged in Liu Xin''s eyes.


    If it weren''t for Yang Jun today, he wouldn''t have had a brush with death at Ghost Gate, to say nothing of breaking an arm.


    Long Xiaoshan didn''t respond but said to Wang Sihai, "Let''s go and register my girlfriend."


    Wang Sihai immediately nodded, "Yes, Brother Long, right this way."


    Under Wang Sihai''s guidance, Long Xiaoshan approached the Bentley. Wang Sihai personally opened the door and invited Long Xiaoshan and Chun Tao to sit in the back seat before scurrying to the passenger side to open the door and get in.


    Watching the Bentley drive away.


    It was only then that Liu Xin climbed up from the ground. He saw Yang Jun covering his face, trying to shrink back into the crowd, and with terrifying brilliance in his eyes, he barked, "Catch him for me!"

 Chapter 196 Chun Taos Worries

    ```


    Chapter One Hundred and Ny-Six


    Watching Yang Jun constantly beg for mercy as he was dragged away by Brother Xin''s subordinates, Ouyang Fei and Qu Yanling didn''t dare to let out a breath, hiding in the crowd, their faces pale.


    Not to mention trying to stop them.


    Fortunately, Brother Xin didn''t make things difficult for the two girls.


    He just gave them a warning nce, then left with an aura of killing on his face.


    "Feifei, who exactly is that guy? And that Brother Xin, wasn''t he bragging about being so awesome just now? iming to be the boss around these few streets, yet just now he was kneeling down, breaking his own arm." Qu Yanling was filled with fear, and also an indescribable emotion.


    "I, I don''t know either." Ouyang Fei''s pretty face was deathly white.


    Although she was usually arrogant and haughty, she had never been in such a situation. The scene where Brother Xin broke his own arm almost scared her to pee, and now she felt a bit wet at the root of her thigh.


    A passerby in the crowd heard their conversation and interjected, "No matter how tough Boss Xin is, he can''t be tougher than Wang Yanwang."


    "Who is Wang Yanwang?" asked Qu Yanling.


    "Youngdy, you don''t even know who Wang Yanwang is? Wang Yanwang is the chairman of Sihai Group, Wang Sihai, the bald man just now," the passerby said quietly, with a hint of pride in his tone, as if recognizing Wang Sihai was something to be proud of.


    Ouyang Fei and Qu Yanling trembled.


    Their already pale faces turned even more bloodless.


    They hadn''t realized that the bald, fat man was Wang Sihai.


    Although they didn''t know about Wang Sihai''s brutality.


    Just the four words of Sihai Group were enough to terrify them.


    After all, it was a big corporation with assets exceeding one billion.


    Ouyang Fei''s and Qu Yanling''s families, albeit also not bad, with her father running apany with more than ten million in assets.


    Qu Yanling''s family was even a notch above Ouyang Fei''s, otherwise, they wouldn''t have be best friends.


    But in Hechuan City, their background could at best be considered third or fourth tier.


    Compared to a major corporation like Sihai Group, which epasses real estate, entertainment, and mining, they were nothing but shrimps, even if their fathers were here, facing Wang Sihai, they would probably be trembling with fear, walking on thin ice, let alone them.


    And Wang Sihai, a tycoon with a fortune exceeding one billion.


    In the face of Long Xiaoshan, he still had to bow and scrape, like a loyal dog.


    What a gap it was!


    They couldn''t have imagined.


    That by simply hogging a seat at KFC, they had encroached on someone so terrifying.


    Isn''t this just toying with them?


    It''s like a robber who specifically picks a beggar to rob, only to find out that the beggar is the Emperor in disguise.


    How could you, such an impressive character, dress like a farmer, and even your girlfriend is a vige girl with braids, how could you be so bullying?


    Ouyang Fei felt utterly helpless, on the verge of tears, and said, "Lingjie, what do we do now? Yang Jun has been taken by them, could he be killed?" Read exclusive chapters at empire


    She was truly frightened.


    Qu Yanling was slightly calmer than her, given that she hadn''t directly conflicted with Long Xiaoshan just now.


    Qu Yanling said, "This is not something we can intervene in; you better hurry and call Yang Jun''s family. Isn''t his father quite powerful in Bei Sheng District?"


    "Mm-hmm."


    Ouyang Fei came back to her senses and quickly took out her cell phone.


    However, Qu Yanling watched the Bentley drive away, a mysterious glint in her eyes.


    The peers she usually encountered in her circle.


    Even those from the most prominent families only had assets just over a billion.


    ```


    In front of the awe-inspiring presence of Long Xiaoshan, whichpelled a powerful figure like Wang Sihai to submit, it was as if a glowworm was up against the broad moon.


    Although this authority was chilling and terrifying,


    at the same time, it was also incredibly alluring and captivating...


    ...


    The Bentley car, like a silent sea fish, glided out of the pedestrian street.


    Sitting in the car,


    its perfect sound instion made the inside as quiet as another world.


    Wrapped in top-quality full-aniline leather, the interior was so soft and delicate that any touch resembled the skin of a young girl. It was equipped with various meticulous functions that took care of passengers with afort levelparable to a first-ss seat on an airne.


    However, the morefortable it was, the more unsettled Chun Tao felt inside, filled with doubts and unease.


    The man sitting in front of her, Wang Sihai, was clearly no ordinary person. With a shiny bald head, fierce eyes, a thick gold chain, and an imposing aura, he showed a ttering demeanor to her. But Chun Tao could see the man''s formidability. Long Fakui from her vige had a simr air, yetpared to Wang Sihai, it was likeparing a house cat to a tiger.


    The fact that his subordinate could break his own arm without hesitation was proof of that.


    Yet such a ferocious individual


    had just called Long Xiaoshan "Brother Long."


    And the respect in his bones, it was like a mouse in the presence of a cat.


    How did little Xiaoshane to know such people in the city?


    And why was this man so afraid of little Xiaoshan?


    Long Xiaoshan, observing Chun Tao''s restlessness, patted her hand and gave her a reassuring smile.


    He knew what Chun Tao was worried about and said, "Taozi, don''t think too much. Director Wang is just being polite to me because he''s still sick and needs my treatment. I also asked for his help with your study arrangements. If you don''t believe me, ask Director Wang."


    Wang Sihai''s cheeks twitched, and turning his head, he gave Chun Tao a ttering smile and said, "Sister-inw, Brother Long is right. My life is in Brother Long''s hands. Without him, I couldn''t survive."


    Wasn''t that the case?


    Having been fed the terrifying Heart Corroding Bone Eroding Pill,


    his life was indeed in Long Xiaoshan''s hands, waiting for his treatment.


    But Chun Tao mistook Wang Sihai''s words, thinking he was referring to a severe illness that needed Long Xiaoshan''s treatment.


    She let out a sigh of relief.


    So Director Wang was seeking little Xiaoshan for treatment.


    No wonder this fierce-looking Director Wang was so polite.


    Feeling embarrassed, she said, "Director Wang, you''re too polite. I, I''m not any sister-inw. Just call me Xu Chuntao. Thank you for your help in allowing me to attend university."


    She always found the title of sister-inw to be awkward. Wang Sihai looked to be at least in his forties, while she was just in her twenties.


    "No, no, Brother Long is my big brother, and we mustn''t mess up the seniority," Wang Sihai hastily replied.


    Long Xiaoshan waved a hand, "Wang Sihai, are you nning to drive us to the academy in this car?"


    "Brother Long, do you find this car unsuitable? My friend has a brand-new Rolls-Royce Phantom that I can have someone bring over right now," Wang Sihai said.


    Long Xiaoshan red at Wang Sihai and said, "What I meant was that this car is too conspicuous. Switch to something more ordinary for the school."


    In an ind Earth Level city like this, a Bentley car was extremely rare, and Wang Sihai''s car te with a string of eights was just too ostentatious.


    Long Xiaoshan didn''t want to attract attention.


    "Uh, Brother Long, what kind of car would you like?"


    "Any car below three hundred thousand will do. Then head to the hair salon first and get Chun Tao''s hair done."


    Long Xiaoshan actually didn''t mind therge braid; he particrly liked the shy look on Chun Tao''s face when she bit her braid while trying to suppress her emotions. However, having such a hairstyle was too out of ce at the university, and he nned to help Chun Tao blend into city life.


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    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 197 Enrollment at School

    Chapter One Hundred and Ny-Seven


    "All done, beauty," said a hairstylist, effeminate in dress and mannerism, holding up an orchid finger.


    Chun Tao stood up, astonished as she looked at her reflection in the mirror.


    It was an image she had never seen before.


    Her ck hair, soft and smooth, fell over her shoulders, her starry eyes sparkled, and her fair nose and teethplemented her perfectly. She wore a beige knit dress that entuated her curvaceous figure. White stockings and a pair of ck leather mid-heels on her feet made her look youthful yet vivacious, the spitting image of a beautiful university student.


    Long Xiaoshan watched with satisfaction.


    Now, it was nearly impossible to tell that she was a country girl from a poor mountain vige.


    Even Wang Sihai, standing by, had his eyes slightly brighten.


    He had thought that Brother Long, celestial as he was,cked discernment in women, having chosen a vige girl to be his girlfriend.


    But now, after a makeover,


    he couldn''t help but admire.


    A Heavenly Being indeed was a Heavenly Being.


    Even if he had chosen a vige girl, she was a gem covered in dust. With just a little polishing, she radiated an astonishing brilliance. He had been with countless campus beauties, yet Chun Tao was second to none, exuding an innocence that those campus beauties could never possess, that bashful demeanor, which easily stirred the primal instincts of men.


    However, in Long Xiaoshan''s presence, his fleeting lust was immediately and forcibly suppressed.


    He fawned over her, saying, "Sister-inw, once you arrive at the Business College, there will be a change of reign for the campus belle."


    Chun Tao replied with a shy shake of her head.


    Long Xiaoshan took Chun Tao''s hand and said, "Let''s go, we''re off to the school now."


    They left the salon.


    A Passat was already parked outside.


    Just as they were about to get into the car, Wang Sihai received another call. His expression turned ugly as he said, "I understand, I have things to deal with at the moment, we''ll talk tonight."


    Long Xiaoshan noticed that within a short span, Wang Sihai had taken four or five calls. He frowned and said, "Sihai, if you have things to do, go ahead. I''ll take Chun Tao to register."


    "Brother Long, how can that be okay? I definitely should escort you personally," protested Wang Sihai.


    "Enough, it''s just a registration. Go ahead, I didn''t want to make a big fuss about it anyway," Long Xiaoshan said with a wave of his hand, conclusively.


    Wang Sihai could tell that Long Xiaoshan indeed didn''t want him to follow.


    Otherwise, he wouldn''t have asked to change cars earlier.


    "Brother Long, alright then, I''ll have Ashui take you," Wang Sihai told his trusted bodyguard and driver, "Ashui, apany Brother Long for the registration. His orders are my orders. If anything goes even slightly wrong, you''ll answer to me."


    "Boss, rest assured, the task will bepleted to the letter," Ashui, a burly young man, promptly responded.


    "Brother Long, do you have time tonight? I''ve prepared a banquet at Jingheng Hotel and would like to invite you to grace the event," Wang Sihai inquired tentatively.


    "Give me a call then," replied Long Xiaoshan with a slight nod.


    Seeing Long Xiaoshan''s amodating disposition, despite Wang Sihai''s runabout attitude, he wasn''t one to be unapproachable. Besides, he could tell Wang Sihai seemed to have something he wanted to discuss.


    Upon seeing Long Xiaoshan''s nod, Wang Sihai was overjoyed.


    They parted ways.


    Long Xiaoshan and Chun Tao climbed into the Passat, with bodyguard Ashui at the wheel, heading for Hechuan City Business College.


    Hechuan City Business College, located in the suburban area of the academic city district.


    Nearby were Hechuan City''s middle and higher education institutions, forming an academicmunity.


    Hechuan City was an ind Earth Level city with agging economy,cking any key universities.


    It only had three bachelor''s degree granting universities; the rest were vocational colleges.


    The Business College was one of the private bachelor''s institutions, officially named Xichuan University Hechuan Business College.


    Xichuan University was the top key university in Xichuan Province, ranking among the 985-tier institutions. Even though Hechuan Business College was part of Xichuan University, it seemed impressive, but in reality, it was quite the opposite. Hechuan Business College was a private institution that merely paid to be affiliated with Xichuan University. It charged exorbitant fees, making it a gold-ting institution for the wealthy, with tuition alone cost no less than fifty thousand a year, not to mention sponsorship and various other misceneous fees.


    At this school, a year''s expenses started at a baseline of one hundred thousand.


    However, because it was well-funded, the school''s faculty was considered one of the best in Hechuan City.


    When the Passat drove into Hechuan City Business College.


    Inside, Mercedes-Benzes and BMWs zipped by like shuttles.


    There were also students who drove sports cars ostentatiously through the premises.


    Although most of these were BMW Z4s or Audi TTs in the 500,000 to 600,000 yuan range, the family backgrounds of the students in this school were unmistakably wealthy or noble.


    In this school, the Passat truly couldn''t be any more modest.


    As it passed, no one gave it a second nce.


    Ashui respectfully told Long Xiaoshan from the driver''s seat, "Mr. Long, I''ll first take you to meet the dean, and then we can proceed with the registration."


    Long Xiaoshan nodded with a faint smile, "Okay."


    The three of them got out of the car.


    Entering the office building, Ashui made a phone call and then led the two to the dean''s office on the fifth floor.


    In the office, they met the dean of the Business College, a man around sixty years old with sharp eyes, who seemed more like a businessman than a university chancellor. He stood up enthusiastically to shake hands with the three.


    He assessed Long Xiaoshan and hispanions'' attire through his sses.


    The dean asked with a smiling face, "Director Wang didn''te?"


    "Dean Guu, Director Wang didn''t have time," Ashui said.


    Although Dean Guu maintained a friendly smile on his face, it was apparent that his enthusiasm had cooled significantly since their arrival.


    The very reason he had stayed on campus was to receive Wang Sihai himself, but now, not seeing Wang Sihai and judging by Long Xiaoshan and Chun Tao''s attire, he quickly surmised that their rtionship with Wang Sihai must be average at best.


    Otherwise, with Wang Sihai''s wealth, if they were really close, they certainly wouldn''t just wear suchmon clothes and be apanied only by a bodyguard.


    He smiled and said, "Oh, I have a meeting now, so I''ll have Teacher Qiaoe and take you to register. Teacher Qiao is Xiaoxue''s homeroom teacher and one of our school''s star teachers¡ªa Ph.D. graduate from Yale University, not easy toe by."


    Seeing that Dean Guu was not personally handling their registration, but instead arranging a teacher, Ashui''s expression soured slightly.


    Brother Long was a person even Director Wang had to treat with due respect.


    He was about to speak up.


    Long Xiaoshan patted his shoulder and said, "Thank you, Dean Guu, for the trouble."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Ashui, seeing Long Xiaoshan already speak this way, had no choice but to keep his mouth shut.


    After all, he was a servant, responsible only for carrying out tasks.


    Dean Guu made a phone call and stayed another two minutes before excusing himself for the meeting and leaving the office.


    Leaving the three waiting.


    What followed was a long wait.


    A full twenty minutes passed.


    No one had yete.


    There wasn''t even a ss of water in the office.


    Ashui''s forehead was covered with cold sweat; he hadn''t expected that handling matters for Director Wang would turn out like this, making someone of Mr. Long''s status wait so long. He wasn''t a fool and could clearly see Dean Guu''s neglect. He stood up angrily and dered, "I''m going to find this Dean Guu right now, damn it."


    Watching his enraged demeanor,


    Long Xiaoshan grabbed him and asked, "What are you doing?"


    "Mr. Long, I''m sorry, this Dean Guu is unscrupulous, making you wait so long. I must give him a piece of my mind," Ashui was a tough character who was used to the rough and tumble underworld, impulsive and quick to anger.


    Long Xiaoshan said sternly, "Stand right here and don''t make a scene. I brought my girlfriend here to study, it''s not appropriate to start a fight with the dean on the first day, is it?"


    "But, Mr. Long."


    "There are no ''buts.'' If you don''t want to wait, you can go back to Wang Sihai now," Long Xiaoshan said.


    Ashui dared not speak any further.


    Another five minutes or so went by.


    Click-ck click-ck.


    The sound of high heels echoed through the hallway.

 Chapter 198 Roommate

    Chapter One Hundred and Ny-Eight


    m!


    The dean''s office door was pushed open, and a woman dressed in a ck suit dress with a stern face, a curvaceous figure, and a pair of ck-framed sses walked in.


    After entering, she gave the three people in the office a cold nce and settled her gaze on Chun Tao, scrutinizing her as she said, "You''re the new student, Xu Chuntao?"


    "Yes," Chun Tao stood up nervously.


    "I''m Qiao Ruoli, the deputy head of the Management Department and the homeroom teacher of the Business Management ss of ''92. You''ve been assigned to our ss," Qiao Ruoli said expressionlessly.


    "Teacher Qiao," Chun Tao quickly bowed as she greeted.


    "Come with me," Qiao Ruoli said with a poor tone.


    She was a top graduate from an Ivy League university in America and couldn''t stand some domestic practices.


    Especially those students who got in through backdoor connections.


    When the dean mentioned that a student was to be inserted into the ss, and it was arranged by some big shot, she was very displeased, but as it was the dean''s decision, there was nothing she, a mere teacher, could do to change it.


    Qiao Ruoli walked ahead.


    Long Xiaoshan and the other two followed behind.


    Ashui was very displeased and uneasy; having been slighted by Dean Guu earlier, and now being faced with a female teacher whose expression was as icy as a perennial poker face, as if someone owed her a great deal of money.


    The handling of today''s matters was extremely unsatisfactory.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    However, under Long Xiaoshan''s warning gaze,


    Ashui dared not make a scene.


    If it were in the past, he would have started a fight long ago.


    Fortunately, although Qiao Ruoli''s attitude was not pleasant, she was still very serious and efficient in handling matters; it didn''t take long for her toplete Chun Tao''s procedures, while Long Xiaoshan followed quietly, seldom speaking.


    With his gentle manner, he resembled a countryd.


    Seeing both Long Xiaoshan and Chun Tao looking meek, honest, and polite, not at all like many of the nobility''s children who unted their wealth to gain admission to the school, Qiao Ruoli''s tense face rxed a bit.


    She thought not everything about them was without merit.


    After the grouppleted the procedures, they went to collect school uniforms, bedding, water bottles, and other such items.


    Long Xiaoshan was holding bags both big and small.


    He slowly walked behind with Ashui.


    Meanwhile, Qiao Ruoli and Chun Tao walked in front.


    They had to pass through the teaching area to get to the dormitory.


    It was now naptime.


    As Qiao Ruoli and Chun Tao slowly made their way through the teaching area, they immediately drew many gazes.


    Because not only was Qiao Ruoli a Ph.D. graduate from an Ivy League university, but her figure and appearance were also top-notch, making her a star teacher at Hechuan Business College and the center of attention.


    Chun Tao, once dressed up, was equally attractive, like a fresh and delicate orchid in an empty valley.


    Wang Sihai had said that once Chun Tao joined the Business College, the title of the college beauty would change hands.


    Although his words had a ttering taste,


    they were sufficient to demonstrate Chun Tao''s exceptional beauty.


    The two women with different auras walking together created an effect far beyond simple addition; many male students turned their heads to look back as they passed by.


    If not for Qiao Ruoli''s cold face andpelling presence being enough to deter most of the male students,


    by now, quite a few would have alreadye up to strike up a conversation.


    In no time, they arrived at the dormitory, where Qiao Ruoli greeted the dorm supervisor and led Long Xiaoshan and Chun Tao upstairs. As for Ashui, with his fierce, hooligan-like appearance, he was expressly forbidden by Qiao Ruoli to go up, which nearly sent Ashui into a rage.


    The dormitories at Hechuan Business College are all luxurious four-person apartments,plete with all the essential facilities, including air conditioning and water heaters.


    Qiao Ruoli brought Chun Tao to room 306 on the third floor.


    Pushing the door open, she said, "From now on, this will be your room."


    The three girls in the dorm stood up.


    Seeing Qiao Ruoli, they called out, "Teacher Qiao."


    Qiao Ruoli said, "Su Mei, Yuan Xiaoli, Li Mengjie, this is the new transfer student, Xu Chuntao. She''ll be living in the same room as you from now on."


    "Xu Chuntao? Pfft¡ª"


    Two of the girls couldn''t help butugh out loud.


    In this day and age, there are still girls with such rural-sounding names; it''s quite peculiar.


    However, when they saw Chun Tao, who was following Qiao Ruoli into the room,


    all the girls in the dormitory blinked, stunned by Chun Tao''s beauty.


    "Hello," Chun Tao greeted gently and softly.


    "Hello," the three girls responded in kind.


    After the greetings, Long Xiaoshan helped Chun Tao move all her bedding and kettle into the dormitory, and after lingering for two minutes, Qiao Ruoli left.


    It didn''t take long for Long Xiaoshan and Chun Tao to get everything like bedding sorted out.


    Once they were done, they took some time to get to know each other.


    Hechuan Business College was truly a nobility school; Chun Tao''s three roommates clearly all came from well-off families and were above average in looks. They wore fine makeup and dressed stylishly, and even by society''s standards, they could hold their own against white-cor beauties.


    Yuan Xiaoli was the slightly plump girl; despite being less striking than the other two, her curvy figure was quite explosive, and she wore a low-cut outfit that showed off a swath of snowy white.


    Li Mengjie was tall and slender, reportedly trained in ballet, exuding a very elegant demeanor. At the same time, her personality seemed rather aloof and proud; other than the initial greeting with Chun Tao, she was engrossed in her phone the entire time.


    Su Mei was the famed belle of the management department, outstanding in looks, and known for her ability to navigate social situations. She upied important positions in the student union and was a prominent figure at the school.


    "Chun Tao, is this gentleman a rtive of yours?" Yuan Xiaoli asked, gesturing towards Long Xiaoshan.


    "No, he''s my boyfriend," Chun Tao said, her voice tinged with shyness.


    "Boyfriend!"


    Yuan Xiaoli and Su Mei showed surprise, and even Li Mengjie, who had been glued to her phone, lifted her head to take an unexpected second nce at Long Xiaoshan.


    Long Xiaoshan was dressed in simple market stall clothes, his skin dark. Although he was good-looking, he was clearly from a rural background.


    Chun Tao, pure and beautiful, with looks that even surpassed Su Mei, the belle of the department, and a figure no less spectacr than Li Mengjie''s, was wearing branded clothes, albeit not from any famous luxury designers.


    No matter how you looked at it, she was more than qualified to vie for the title of the most beautiful girl at Hechuan Business College.


    Such a top-tier university beauty could easily find a boyfriend with exceptional looks and background, couldn''t she? Perhaps Long Xiaoshan really was a ''True Person without revealing his true self.''


    After all, society didn''tck ''phoenix men''. Poor family background didn''t matter if one had exceptional intelligence and qualifications, there would still be great potential for the future.


    Su Mei''s eyes flickered with thought as she asked, "Big Brother Long, you''re still studying, aren''t you? At which school?"


    "Oh, I''ve stopped studying," Long Xiaoshan said.


    "Working now? Where have you found a position?"


    "I just stay at home, farming thend, I haven''t gone out to work," answered Long Xiaoshan with an honest look on his face.


    "..."


    He really was a farmer!


    Su Mei and the others shook their heads in private.


    Apart from silently mocking Chun Tao for being a ''beautiful flower stuck in cow dung,'' their interest in Long Xiaoshan dissipatedpletely.


    All their families were quite wealthy; even Yuan Xiaoli''s family had assets worth two to three million. Growing up in such environments, they naturally understood the significance of social circles far better than the average university student.


    They knew that someone like Long Xiaoshan could never intersect with their world throughout his life.

 Chapter 199 Theory of Circles (Please Subscribe)

    Chapter One Hundred Ny-Nine


    Several girls were actually more interested in Chun Tao.


    After all, men and women are different. Men need family background, money, and talent as their capital to enter certain circles, whereas for women, even without an extraordinary family background, exceptional beauty can also be a significant asset.


    With Chun Tao''s stunning beauty,


    even if her origins were somewhat humble, she had every right to enter their circle.


    Long Xiaoshan had sat in the dormitory for a while before he got up and said, "Taozi, you stay here and get used to school life first, I''m going to leave now. I will be in the city these next few days, call me if you need anything."


    "Little Xiaoshan, are you leaving?" Chun Tao looked reluctant, as if she had been abandoned.


    "Yes, study hard," Long Xiaoshan patted her head and instructed.


    "Yes, I will."


    Chun Tao apanied Long Xiaoshan all the way downstairs before reluctantly returning to the dormitory.


    Yuan Xiaoli watched Chun Tao walk back and shook her head, "Chun Tao, I''m not trying to criticize you, but men should not be indulged. The more you cling to them, the less they care about you. To deal with men, you should give them a mix of stick and carrot. The less they can have you, the more they want you. It''s not good to stick around like you do. With your looks, what kind of boyfriend can''t you find? If you want, I can introduce you to someone."


    Chun Tao shook her head hurriedly, frightened, "No, no need, little Xiaoshan is very good."


    Su Mei red at Yuan Xiaoli, "That''s pure self-interest talking."


    "I''m just being direct. Big Sister Su, do you really think Chun Tao and that Long Xiaoshan are suitable? Chun Tao will be a part of our 306 soon. You already have Chairman Wei of the student union courting you; he''s the son of District Chief Wei. As for Mengjie, needless to say, there are no less than ten guys chasing her in our school alone; those whose families have assets less than thirty million barely have the nerve to make a move. I can''tpare with you two beauties, but I definitely wouldn''t agree to be someone''s girlfriend if his family doesn''t have a real official post or at least ten million in assets," Yuan Xiaoli said, "Tell me, if we have a gathering or liaison, would it be appropriate for Chun Tao to bring her farmer boyfriend? Mengjie, what do you think?"


    Mengjieughed coldly, her eyes showing a hint of disdain.


    Su Mei didn''t say anything else; everyone came from nonordinary families and naturally understood the importance of social circles.


    Chun Tao wanted to join their circle.


    So, her boyfriend definitely couldn''t be a farmer.


    Moreover, with Chun Tao''s beauty, Long Xiaoshan was definitely not her match. After all, in a world where power and wealth are supreme, without enough influence, having a girlfriend of devastating beauty is but a beautiful dream, an illusion in a mirror and water, a fleeting shadow in a dream.


    Little did Long Xiaoshan know that Yuan Xiaoli and others had alreadypletely written off the future for him and Chun Tao.


    At that moment, he was sitting in a Passat, calling Bai Susu.


    This time, bringing Chun Tao out, he also conveniently brought the hundred-year-old ginseng with him.


    Having previously promised to extend Patriarch Bai''s life, he certainly wouldn''t break his word.


    The call was quickly connected.


    A tender voice from Bai Susu came through, "Little Xiaoshan, is that you?"


    "It''s me, Auntie Su."


    "What''s up? Why are you free to call me? Is there something you need?"


    "Auntie Su, I''ve found the Hundred-Year-Old Medicine; it''s a hundred-year-old ginseng."


    "What!" A shocked exmation came from the other end of the phone; Bai Susu hadn''t expected that Long Xiaoshan would have found the hundred-year-old medicine just over a week after his departure.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Overwhelmed with excitement, it took her a while to recover. Still incredulous, Bai Susu asked, "Really? Little Xiaoshan, did you really find the Hundred-Year-Old Medicine?"


    "Of course, it''s true, Auntie Su. I''m already in Hechuan City. Where are you? I''lle to you," Long Xiaoshan replied.


    "I''m at thepany right now."


    "Okay, I got it. I''ll be there soon."


    Long Xiaoshan hung up the phone and directed Ashui to go to Bai''s Medicinal Materials Company.


    Twenty minutes or soter, the Passat arrived at Bai''s Medicinal Materials. The moment he got out of the car, Long Xiaoshan heard a voice, "little Xiaoshan."


    Long Xiaoshan saw Bai Susu already standing at the entrance of thepany.


    Hurrying towards him.


    Long Xiaoshan said to Ashui, "Okay, Ashui, you can go back now, no need for you to drive anymore."


    Ashui nodded and said, "Yes, Brother Long."


    He drove the Passat away.


    At this time, Bai Susu had walked up to Long Xiaoshan. She was still dressed in a in cheongsam, her ck hair coiled up behind her head, reminiscent of a distinguished youngdy from the Republic era, ineffably graceful and poised, full of allure because of her anxiety, she immediately grabbed Long Xiaoshan''s hand upon approaching and asked, "little Xiaoshan, did you bring the medicine?"


    "Auntie Su, don''t worry." Long Xiaoshan said with a slight smile, "Let''s go inside and talk."


    Bai Susu realized she had been too impulsive.


    A hundred-Year-Old Medicine, invaluable in worth, even if Bai''s Medicinal Materials exhausted all resources, they couldn''t obtain a single nt.


    Such a treasure must not be revealed in public.


    She took a deep breath and pulled Long Xiaoshan into thepany building.


    The employees of Bai''s Medicinal Materials watched in amazement as theirpany''s elegant and unparalleled chairman pulled a man''s hand and hurried by. Stay updated via empire


    In the many years since thepany''s establishment, countless men have sought Bai Susu''s affection, yet she had never been seen close to any man, let alone holding hands.


    The chairman''s office.


    After Bai Susu pulled Long Xiaoshan in, she closed the door.


    Looking at him with anticipation.


    Long Xiaoshan understood her feelings and didn''t make her wait. He took off his backpack, opened it, and took out a wooden box, saying, "Auntie Su, take a look."


    Bai Susu''s hands trembled slightly as she opened the box. A strong scent of herbs rushed to her nose, making her feel as if her body had lightened somewhat. Inside the boxy a ginseng as thick as a baby''s arm, its deep yellow color pervaded the whole nt, and its roots were half a meter long.


    Bai Susu was an expert in medicinal materials.


    At first nce at this ginseng, her eyes widened.


    No need for machines to authenticate.


    Just by smelling the scent of the ginseng and assessing its appearance, she could almost be certain that this was undoubtedly top-grade old medicine, and as for its age, it was probably more than a hundred years old.


    Next, Bai Susu had someone take a sample of the ginseng flesh for testing.


    Long Xiaoshan also wanted to see just what level the potency of the Spirit Ginseng he had cultivated with Spiritual Liquid could reach.


    After all, the naked eye is never as urate as machine analysis.


    About ten minutester, the test results were out.


    The Bai''s employee who conducted the test came over with the report, her face filled with shock as she reported, "Chairman, the potency of this ginseng reached that of a two-hundred-year-old specimen."


    Bai Susu''s pretty face changed color.


    Long Xiaoshan also showed a hint of surprise.


    He had only known that medicinal herbs cultivated with Spiritual Liquid had a potency that seemed superior to ordinary herbs, but he didn''t expect that a hundred-year-old herb could match the potency of a two-hundred-year-old specimen.


    It was not as simple as doubling.


    The older the medicinal herb, the more precious it bes as it grows.


    The price difference between a hundred-year-old medicinal herb and a two-hundred-year-old one is more than just a few times.

 Chapter 200 Rescuing Awakening (Please Subscribe)

    Chapter Two Hundred


    "Xiaoshan, where did you find this hundred-year-old ginseng?" Bai Susu looked up, and besides being excited, she felt a mix of surprise and disbelief in her heart. A two-hundred-year-old ginseng, even with her many years in the medicinal materials business, was something she had never seen before.


    "I grew it," Long Xiaoshan said calmly.


    Bai Susu let out an "Ah," then immediately reached out to gently hit Long Xiaoshan, her eyes roving as she yfully scolded, "Little Xiaoshan, you must be joking with Auntie Su."


    "It''s really one I grew."


    "Alright, alright, if Auntie Su doesn''t ask you anymore, will that be okay?" Bai Susu said helplessly, knowing that Long Xiaoshan definitely had his reasons for not wanting to reveal the origin of the ginseng.


    Long Xiaoshan felt frustrated in his heart.


    Why didn''t Bai Susu believe him when he was telling the truth?


    Looking at the ginseng,


    Bai Susu knew her father could be saved now.


    But a sense of unease also surged in her heart; such a ginseng was simply too precious, and even as the chairwoman of Bai''s Medicinal Materials, she had no confidence in being able to purchase this ginseng.


    She hesitantly asked, "Little Xiaoshan, how much is this ginseng?"


    "Auntie Su, the ginseng is a gift for you," Long Xiaoshan said.


    "A gift for me." Bai Susu almost fainted as she shook her head repeatedly, "Little Xiaoshan, have you lost your mind? Do you know how much this ginseng is worth?"


    A hundred-year-old ginseng would be valued in the tens of millions and was priceless.


    Let alone a two-hundred-year ginseng, it could easily fetch over a hundred million at a major auction.


    She had managed Bai''s Medicinal Materials for many years and her worth had barely surpassed a hundred million.


    That tooprised various fixed assets and stocks put together, and if it required cash, she would struggle to even produce ten million.


    She knew Long Xiaoshan had an extraordinary background.


    And had connections with Gu Jingheng.


    But even those with connections wouldn''t just give away ginseng worth hundreds of millions.


    Her entirepany might not be worth as much as this ginseng.


    "I know, but didn''t I promise Auntie Sust time that I would get you some hundred-year-old medicine?" Long Xiaoshan said.


    "You did promise, but you can''t just give it away, it''s too precious."


    Long Xiaoshan smiled lightly and asked, "Then Auntie Su, how much do you n to give me?" Enjoy new adventures from empire


    Bai Susu was stunned.


    Yes, how much should she give Long Xiaoshan?


    Tens of millions, and she would have to liquidate Bai''s Medicinal Materials, not to mention the price of a two-hundred-year-old medicine¡ªit was anyone''s guess.


    After a long moment, she gritted her teeth and said, "Xiaoshan, mypany, along with other assets, should be worth about one hundred million. That''s the most I could offer; the rest I would owe you as a favor, and I will definitely repay it."


    Long Xiaoshan chuckled and said, "Auntie Su, what do I need yourpany for, and if you gave me all your assets, where would you live, how would you afford Xue Hen''s education?"


    Bai Susu was about to speak.


    Long Xiaoshan firmly said, "Auntie Su, whether you believe it or not, this medicine isn''t much to me, I can produce several more at any time. If you insist on paying, then we should talk business; whatever the market price is, you can''t shortchange me a penny. But if you consider me, Long Xiaoshan, a friend, then ept this medicine, and I won''t take a penny from you."


    Facing Long Xiaoshan''s intense gaze,


    Bai Susu''s eyes reddened, choked with emotion and unable to speak.


    She refused to believe Long Xiaoshan could casually produce several more hundred-year-old medicines.


    But what kind of fool would give away medicine worth hundreds of millions so carelessly?


    And yet, she had just met such a foolishly generous young man.


    "Alright, Auntie Su will ept it," Bai Susu said softly, moved.


    "Let''s go, there''s no time to lose. We should head to the hospital now to save Elder Bai," Long Xiaoshan said.


    "Mhm," Bai Susu responded tenderly.


    The two of them went downstairs, with Bai Susu driving the BMW 5 Series and Long Xiaoshan sitting in the passenger seat, casually asking, "What about Xue Hen, is she at home?"


    "Oh, since her grandfather''s condition is stable, I asked her to go back to school. I didn''t expect you to find the hundred-year-old medicine so quickly," she replied.


    "So it is," Long Xiaoshan seemed somewhat regretful.


    Bai Susu felt a stirring in her heart and asked, "Why, are you disappointed that Xuehen is not here?"


    "Uh, no," he responded.


    Bai Susu chuckled softly, paused for a moment, and then said, "Xuehen doesn''t have a boyfriend yet."


    "Auntie Su, I didn''t ask about that," Long Xiaoshan said awkwardly.


    Bai Susu smirked and replied, "I didn''t say you did, I''m just telling you."


    "..."


    The car soon arrived at Carewell Hospital, and Bai Susu and Long Xiaoshan went to the VIP ward where Old Master Bai was staying.


    There, Old Master Baiy, his heartbeat stable, all his vital signs showing normal.


    Holding Old Master Bai''s wrist, Long Xiaoshan checked him over and found the effect of the Life-Extending Divine Needle to be extraordinary. A week had passed, and Old Master Bai''s vital energy had depleted very little; under normal circumstances, he could continue lying there for three months with no problem.


    He turned to Bai Susu and said, "Go get the medicine jar."


    Bai Susu nodded and hurriedly fetched the medicine jar.


    Long Xiaoshan sliced off a piece of the Hundred-Year-Old Ginseng, ced it into the medicine jar, and added water to simmer.


    In two hours, the fragrance of the medicine billowed, filling the room with a life-giving aroma.


    "Such potent medicinal strength."


    Smelling the fragrance, Long Xiaoshan felt his True Qi stirring restlessly.


    Even without refining the Xiao Peiyuan Dan, the medicinal strength of the Hundred-Year-Old Medicine was enough to significantly increase his cultivation level.


    Long Xiaoshan poured out the ginseng liquid and put it into a saline bag, then hung it on a drip into Old Master Bai''s vein.


    Now, Old Master Bai''s body was extremely fragile, and he needed to be replenished slowly with a drip. Otherwise, the potency of the Hundred-Year-Old Ginseng alone could overwhelm his body.


    Long Xiaoshan took out the Golden Needle.


    He flipped up Old Master Bai''s clothes and began to insert needles into his emaciated body, channeling wave after wave of True Qi into him, stimting Old Master Bai''s acupoints.


    Time passed by every second.


    Bai Susu stood by, anxiously waiting.


    Two hourster.


    A whole bag of ginseng liquid hadpletely entered Old Master Bai''s body.


    The body of Old Master Bai seemed to inte slightly, the once withered lines on his skin diminished; however, he had not yet awakened. By contrast, Long Xiaoshan had wisps of white steam rising from his head, and sweat glistened on his forehead.


    "Spirits of the soul, heed mymand!"


    Suddenly, Long Xiaoshan touched the point between Old Master Bai''s eyebrows, where a golden me almost leaped out of his eye sockets.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Old Master Bai''s body shook violently once.


    The Three Souls and Seven Spirits returned to their ces.


    He abruptly opened his eyes.


    Long Xiaoshan slowly exhaled a breath and retracted his divine skills and mana.


    Old Master Bai had been in aa for too long, his Three Souls and Seven Spirits scattered; the Hundred-Year-Old Medicine could nourish his vital energy but could not gather and return his soul and spirit to their ces.


    Fortunately, Long Xiaoshan with his Divine Body and fully-realized Divine Skills, found it not too difficult to gather Old Master Bai''s soul and spirit.


    "Dad!" Bai Susu rushed to the bedside, her eyes brimming with surprise and joy as she looked at her father who had awakened.


    Old Master Bai blinked his eyes, as if he hade out of a deep dream but finally recognized his daughter and said, "Su Su."


    "It''s me, Dad."


    "I''m still alive."


    "Of course you are, Xiaoshan saved you."


    Bai Susu pointed to Long Xiaoshan at the side.


    When Old Master Bai saw Long Xiaoshan, a trace of astonishment flickered in his eyes.

 Chapter 201 Wang Sihais Ulterior Motives

    "Grandpa Bai, hello," Long Xiaoshan said, nodding slightly in greeting.


    Bai Yizhan looked at Long Xiaoshan.


    He was secretly shocked.


    He had been in aa for a long time, with his divine soul detached, in a state of confusion, but just before he awoke, he seemed to see a golden, towering figure, like a majestic heavenly deity, radiating with divine might, uttering truths, and awakening him from his muddled state.


    He had thought all of it was an illusion.


    Yet, upon seeing Long Xiaoshan, he felt the face of that golden figure bore a striking resemnce to Long Xiaoshan.


    Only at that moment, the golden light had been too brilliant.


    He had not been able to see clearly.


    Now, after hearing from his daughter that it was Long Xiaoshan who had awoken him, he was even more convinced that there was something peculiar.


    With the experience and insight from eighty years of life, he instinctively felt that the two were likely not a coincidence.


    After hearing that Long Xiaoshan had used Hundred-Year-Old Medicine to save his life for free, Bai Yizhan''s inner feelings grew even stronger.


    Long Xiaoshan did not stay long at the hospital.


    Having spent quite some time for Old Master Bai, a call from Wang Sihai soon came in. Long Xiaoshan responded over the phone, bid farewell to Bai Susu, and left the hospital.


    He declined Wang Sihai''s offer to send a car and hailed a taxi to Jingheng Hotel.


    Jingheng Hotel had been open for less than a month.


    Carrying the reputation of the "little Superman" of Hong Kong Ind, Gu Jingheng, and the powerful effects of the health-preserving fruits and vegetables, it had quickly be the hottest hotel in Hechuan City. High prices did not deter the affluent clientele from flocking to it.


    Wang Sihai had also chosen this hotel.


    When Long Xiaoshan arrived, Wang Sihai was eagerly waiting at the entrance.


    Upon seeing Long Xiaoshan alighting, he hurried over and respectfully called out, "Brother Long."


    Long Xiaoshan nodded.


    The two entered the hotel.


    As they approached the staircase, several people were about to ascend when they suddenly heard someone from behindmand, "Make way."


    Following that, two men resembling bodyguards pushed through the group, monopolizing the entrance to the stairs and respectfully letting the two people behind them pass.


    "What are you doing?"


    One of the young men wearing a Givenchy suit who had just been pushed aside changed his expression and shouted angrily.


    The clientele at Jingheng Hotel were either rich or noble, and naturally they weren''t short-tempered.


    Although these two had bodyguards and seemed very imposing,


    the young men could afford bodyguards of their own.


    A very stylish middle-aged man standing beside the young man frowned and looked over at the two men, but suddenly his expression changed drastically. He pulled the young man aside and whispered, "Xiao Fan, shut your mouth, don''t talk."


    Only after the pair followed by the bodyguards had passed,


    did the middle-aged man finally breathe a sigh of relief.


    The young manined, "Dad, what are you doing? Why should we give way?"


    "What do you know, do you know who just walked by?" the middle-aged man scolded in a low voice.


    "Who?"


    "That was the chairman of Weifeng Group, Wang Sihai," the middle-aged man said coldly.


    Everyone drew a sharp breath.


    In Hechuan City, the presence of Sihai Group was well-known, and Wang Sihai, with his vast wealth and power, was someone only a few dared to provoke.


    Within the crowd, a tall and disdainfully elegant young girl furrowed her brows, seemingly puzzled.


    "Mengjie, what are you still looking at? Everyone''s gone; let''s go up for dinner," called out a middle-aged man.


    "Oh, okay, Uncle," the girl followed, but a trace of confusion lingered in her eyes.


    The person who had apanied Wang Sihai just now¡ªwhy did he seem so familiar?


    But she must have been mistaken. Stay updated via empire


    How could it be that person?


    What stature does Wang Sihai possess, and how could that little farmer have any connection with him...


    Last time Long Xiaoshan came, he was only in a small private room on the second floor, but this time, he was in the most prestigious Heaven Level private room on the top floor.


    Wang Sihai had practically ordered everything on the menu, with just the dishes adding up to no less than five hundred thousand.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    After the wine had flowed three rounds, and they had tasted five different vors of dishes.


    Wang Sihai suddenly spoke with trepidation, "Brother Long, there''s something I''m not sure whether I should speak of or not."


    "Hm?" Long Xiaoshan uttered a faint sound, assessing Wang Sihai with a hint of a smile that was not quite a smile.


    In his gaze seemed to flicker two golden mes.


    Cold sweat seeped from Wang Sihai''s forehead.


    He suddenly felt that none of his scheming could escape Long Xiaoshan''s eyes, and a sense of regret welled up within him. This man controlled his life and death¡ªa Heavenly Being. In fear and trepidation, he said, "Brother Long, I apologize for my presumption, please act as if I have said nothing."


    "Speak, what is the matter?" Long Xiaoshan said indifferently.


    He had long seen that Wang Sihai was hiding something from him.


    If it were not for the fact that Wang Sihai had made a considerable effort to arrange Chun Tao''s schooling, he would not have bothered toe.


    After hesitating for a moment, Wang Sihai said, "Brother Long, do you rememberst time I told you about Wei Zhentian from Weifeng Martial Arts School inviting over a master?"


    Seeing Long Xiaoshan nod, Wang Sihai continued, "That master''s name is Yu Cheng, said to be Wei Zhentian''s senior brother. Over these days, he has continually challenged the major powers in Hechuan on the underground fighting ring. Initially, we thought he was just an ordinary fighter seeking to earn some prize money before leaving, but unexpectedly, he turned out to be a ferocious dragon crossing the river. In these days, he has won neen consecutive fights on our underground fighting ring in Hechuan City, taking a huge amount of funds and territory from us and, in union with Wei Zhentian, has subdued quite a few of our medium-sized forces. Now, Weifeng Group has risen like lightning, bing the strongest force in Hechuan. This man has great ambitions; just three days ago, he issued a challenge to all the major forces in Hechuan City, proposing to establish amercial guild and settle matters on the fighting ring, with the loser acknowledging him as their leader and following his orders."


    "So what? A dragon cannot suppress the local snakes. With so many of you in Hechuan City banding together, can you not deal with just one person?" Long Xiaoshan said.


    Wang Sihai''s face was filled with bitterness, "If we could deal with him, I wouldn''t have mentioned it. The man is like a Demon God; he can dodge bullets and tten a car with a single palm."


    Long Xiaoshan''s eyes narrowed, a palm ttening a car.


    This was no longer something that could be achieved by physical strength alone.


    Thinking of how Wei Zhentian was a Huang Level Martial Artist.


    His senior brother must be a Martial Artist as well.


    Yet, to be able to tten a car, his power far surpassed Wei Zhentian''s, it''s hard to say by how much.


    "So you''re saying, you want me to help you deal with this Yu Cheng," Long Xiaoshan squinted his eyes and said.


    Wang Sihai hastened to say in a trembling voice, "I wouldn''t dare, I wouldn''t dare. It''s just that Wei Zhentian has a grudge against you, Brother Long, and his son was crippled by you. With Yu Cheng''s aggressive approach, I''m afraid you too might get involved, Brother Long, so I thought to notify you in advance."


    Long Xiaoshan''s eyes remained squinted, his fingers lightly tapping on the table.


    His feud with Wei Zhentian was no small matter.


    Having broken his Dantian and crippled his son, if Wei Zhentian truly unified the Hechuan businessmunity, he would certainly seek trouble with Long Xiaoshan.


    "When is your fighting ring event? I wille to watch when the timees," Long Xiaoshan said lightly.

 Chapter 202 Cultivation Soars (Please Subscribe)

    Chapter Two Hundred and Two


    "The tournament is set for tomorrow night at the Kowloon Mountain Clubhouse."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "I understand!"


    Long Xiaoshan nodded.


    After eating with Wang Sihai for a while, Long Xiaoshan got up to take his leave.


    Walking on the road, Long Xiaoshan pondered deeply.


    Wang Sihai''s words had raised his vignce.


    In prison, he had learned a lesson: if you don''t remove the roots, the weeds will grow back with the spring breeze.


    So even now, whether dealing with Zhao Jun or Wang Sihai, he kept control in his hands.


    Therefore, Wei Zhentian posed a potential threat.


    If he let Wei Zhentian unify Hechuan''s business world after crippling his Dantian, would Wei really let him off?


    Realizing this, Long Xiaoshan already had an idea. He went to the city to get his car and returned to the vige overnight.


    After returning to the farm, Long Xiaoshan went to the pharmacy.


    Then, he took out the Hundred Ghosts Banner and called out. Boom! A cloud of ck smoke billowed out, and a chilling presence spread, causing a sharp drop in temperature that would have frozen an ordinary person solid.


    A ghost appeared.


    It was Yue Ling.


    Long Xiaoshan nced at him and said, "Brother Yue, your strength has improved again." Experience exclusive tales on empire


    Yue Ling replied with satisfaction, "I must thank you for your elixir pills; otherwise, my improvement wouldn''t have been so rapid."


    The Yin Yuan Pill that Long Xiaoshan had given himst time had been of great help.


    It had more than doubled his strengthpared to when he had first met Long Xiaoshan.


    After some small talk, Long Xiaoshan began to inquire.


    "Brother Yue, what level of strength does a person have if they can tten a car with their bare hands?"


    Know thyself, know thy enemy, and you shall win a hundred battles without loss.


    Hence, Long Xiaoshan wanted to gauge Yu Cheng''s approximate strength from Yue Ling.


    After hearing the question, Yue Ling pondered for a moment before saying, "ttening a car with bare hands, that strength is probably at the Profound Level. Of course, there''s also a possibility that the person''s hand-to-handbat skills are extremely formidable. So, even a Huang Level cultivation might be able to manage it, though it would definitely have to be in the Late Yellow Stage at the very least."


    Profound Level, or Late Yellow Stage?


    Long Xiaoshan nodded silently and then asked, "Brother Yue, in terms of my Martial Dao strength, how close am I to that level?"


    "I need to see it to be sure, because you are a Spirit Practitioner, which is somewhat different from a Martial Artist," Yue Ling said.


    Without wasting words, Long Xiaoshan stood up and started to demonstrate.


    He brought out his full strength, and the sound of his fist cutting through the air soon filled the room, eventually apanied by the faint sound of a wolf howling reverberating continuously.


    Yue Ling watched, excitement gradually flickering in his ghostly eyes.


    He had been cultivating in the Ghost Banner these days.


    He hadn''t paid attention to Long Xiaoshan''s cultivation. But now, he realized that Long Xiaoshan''s strength had improved so rapidly that he had even grasped the concept of Fist Intent.


    Mysterious Rank Warriors, also known as Martial Dao Tongxuan Practitioners.


    Only upon reaching Martial Dao Tongxuan can oneprehend the notion of intent.


    Although Long Xiaoshan''s physical strength had not reached the level of a Mysterious Rank Warrior, his understanding of intent, the understanding of reaching the Tongxuan stage, signified aplete and thoroughprehension.


    Genius, no, even the term genius fails to describe him; he is a prodigy, a monster!


    If previously Yue Ling had only engaged with Long Xiaoshan in mutual benefit, calling upon martial skills in exchange for Long Xiaoshan''s elixir pills.


    Now, he genuinely had taken a liking to Long Xiaoshan''s talents.


    After Long Xiaoshan finished his demonstration, Yue Ling said, "Xiaoshan, with your strength, aside fromcking in power, you canpletely contend with a Mysterious Rank Warrior."


    "So you mean winning against a Mysterious Rank Warrior is still difficult for me?" Long Xiaoshan realized after a moment.


    "Indeed, your strength iscking, Mysterious Rank Warrior. Having such a title means you are already a member of those who have entered the hall within the Ancient Martial World. Even among various sects, you would be a core member. Every Mysterious Rank Warrior has fought through countless life-and-death battles, it''s not so simple. Of course, you also have other capabilities, Spirit Practitioner spells. Once you maintain some distance, even warriors find them troublesome. Plus, you have me. Although I no longer possess the Grandmaster strength I had in life, killing a Mysterious Rank Warrior is not difficult for me," Yue Ling said indifferently, her tone filled with sky-soaring pride.


    She truly is a descendant of a great general.


    Long Xiaoshan lowered his gaze slightly.


    He was well aware of Yue Ling''s formidability.


    But he was even more aware that relying on others would only weaken him. His experience in prison, while cruel, had matured him. Only one''s own strength was absolute.


    He turned his head to look at the Hundred-Year-Old Medicine.


    A faint smile appeared on his face.


    What of Mysterious Rank Warriors?


    He had the Jade Purifying Bottle, a miraculous treasure that could nurture old medicine and even Spiritual Medicine. Who else in this world could so nonchntly consume Hundred-Year-Old Medicine like it was nothing?


    Originally, he had nned to use the Hundred-Year-Old Medicine to concoct Lesser Qi Nurturing Pills.


    But then it dawned on him.


    Even without crafting Lesser Qi Nurturing Pills, these Hundred-Year-Old Medicines were precious cultivation resources in themselves.


    Even though the effect wasn''t as potent as that of the Lesser Qi Nurturing Pills, and taking them directly was wasteful, he wasn''tcking in medicinal ingredients at all. Besides, his current level of cultivation wasn''t that profound¡ªit was just at the Qi-Refining First Layer.


    Using Hundred-Year-Old Medicine was enough for now.


    Long Xiaoshan picked a stalk of Hundred-Year He Shou Wu.


    He had Yue Ling protect him as he directly started ingesting the He Shou Wu.


    The old medicine nurtured by the Spiritual Liquid was incredibly potent, equivalent to medicine that had matured for two hundred years on the market, and was exceptionally pure. After swallowing it, it felt like a me rolling inside his abdomen.


    Such potency was something ordinary individuals couldn''t sustain.


    An average person would boil and ingest it slowly. It might take several months for someone to fully consume a Hundred-Year He Shou Wu.


    But Long Xiaoshan took only a few minutes.


    To consume one stalk of Hundred-Year He Shou Wu.


    The rolling potency made his abdomen bloat like a balloon, an intimidating sight, but Long Xiaoshan was not rmed, instead, he felt delighted. With a low roar, he began circting the Longevity Art cultivation technique.


    Under the guidance of the Longevity Art, the raging potency struck furiously against Long Xiaoshan''s meridians, bones, and flesh, cleansing his body. At the same time, a great amount of that potency transformed into True Qi, which was eagerly absorbed by his Dantian.


    True Qi quickly filled Long Xiaoshan''s Dantian. He progressed from the middle stage of the Qi-Refining First Layer to thete stage, charging towards the Qi-Refining Second Layer.


    About half a Chinese hourter.


    Boom!


    It felt as if something within him broke, releasing a great amount of ck impurities out of his body.


    The Longevity Art, at eachyer, had the function of Sinew-Transforming Marrow-Washing.


    Under the powerful assault of the medicine from the Hundred-Year He Shou Wu,


    Long Xiaoshan''s cultivation advanced from the Qi-Refining First Layer to the Qi-Refining Second Layer.


    By this time, only about half of the medicine''s potency had been expended. The remaining potency continued to turn into True Qi, elevating Long Xiaoshan''s cultivation to the middle stage of the Qi-Refining Second Layer before stopping.


    He slowly opened his eyes.


    His gaze was restrained.


    Feeling the surging Longevity Art True Qi inside his body.


    The middle stage of the Qi-Refining Second Layer was several times more powerful than the Qi-Refining First Layer.


    What was even more potent was the body''s Sinew-Transforming Marrow-Washing.


    It made his bones, flesh, and meridians much stronger than before. This fundamental change in his body increased Long Xiaoshan''s strength, speed, and reflexes across the board, even making his mind clearer.


    "With my current strength, I should be able to contend with a Mysterious Rank Warrior."


    Long Xiaoshan thought to himself.


    However, this was still not enough.


    How could Long Xiaoshan be content with just the Qi-Refining Second Layer? He picked another stalk of Hundred-Year-Old Medicine and ced it into his mouth¡­

 Chapter 203 The True Heritage of the Yue Family (Please Subscribe)

    A night had passed.


    Long Xiaoshan had swallowed three more Hundred-Year-Old Medicines.


    To know, these medicinal herbs were worth billions.


    Yet Long Xiaoshan treated them as if they were asmon as cabbage.


    He had consumed four of them.


    If those from the Martial Tao World witnessed this, they would probably die of rage.


    A single Hundred-Year-Old Medicine could nurture a Huang Level Martial Artist. Even Wei Zhentian, a disciple from an ancient martial sect, only managed to acquire one after operating in Hechuan City for more than a decade, finally breaking through to be a Huang Level Warrior.


    Moreover, the medicinal materials that Long Xiaoshan had wereparable to the typical herbs of two centuries'' worth.


    Probably even the sons of the leaders from the major sects were not as extravagant as him.


    In one night, he had consumed medicinal materials worth four to five billion.


    And the effect, too, had manifested, as Long Xiaoshan''s cultivation base soared directly to thete stage of the Third Layer of Qi Drawing.


    Had he not found that the efficacy of the medicine was rapidly weakening, and that Yue Ling had also cautioned him to be steady and methodical, warning that forced growth could easily ruin his foundation,


    he might have swallowed the remaining two Hundred-Year-Old Medicines as well.


    The dirt on Long Xiaoshan''s body had formed an armor-like crust.


    He hurriedly stepped out of his room and leaped into the nearby stream by the farm, scrubbing vigorously for a while.


    After washing, Long Xiaoshan stood in the water.


    Staring at his body, he showed an astonished expression.


    This was his body.


    What he saw was a physique carved as if by knives and chisels, every proportion remarkable, even more astonishing were the crisscrossed scars on his body that had faded to almost invisibility. His skin had be finer and also much fairer.


    Such skin would even make women envy.


    Long Xiaoshan was not pleased.


    Instead, he felt depressed. His body had turned pale overnight, making it difficult to exin to acquaintances; luckily, it was still early, and no one hade to the farm to work.


    Long Xiaoshan leaped out of the stream swiftly, shooting forth like an arrow released from its bow.


    Fast! Fast! Fast!


    His body turned into a phantom.


    In one step, he was over ten meters away.


    Racing past, a great whirl of dust and leaves rose in the air, like a fierce wind, even causing therge tree branches to tremble incessantly.


    Minutester, he had dashed from the stream to a mountain peak.


    Stopping, his face was still not flushed, nor was he gasping for breath.


    Long Xiaoshan punched out, his howl startling the mountain woods, countless birds awoke in their sleep, pping into the sky in rm, while wild animals scattered in all directions.


    Boom!


    The fist mmed into a boulder more than a person high.


    The entire boulder shattered apart.


    "Good!" Yue Ling, who seemed to have followed at some point, said.


    Watching Long Xiaoshan blow up the huge rock with a punch, his eyes zed fiercely, "Your strength now ispletelyparable to a Mid Xuan-Level warrior. I have no idea what kind of Spirit Practitioner cultivation technique you''re practicing, but a thirdyer Spirit Practitioner definitely doesn''t have this kind of power."


    Long Xiaoshan didn''t know either. It was passed down to him by Master Chang, and he was unclear about Master Chang''s background too.


    "Xiaoshan, from now on, I will teach you the genuine teachings of the Yue Family!" Yue Ling said.


    "The Yue Family''s genuine teachings?" Long Xiaoshan asked in surprise.


    Yue Ling nodded, "ughter Wolf Fist, Wind-Cutting Leg, are just the martial arts that our Yue Family imparts to the military''s descendants. However, we have a genuine set of teachings for the Yue Family''s descendants, which only those of Yue bloodline and the most outstanding are eligible to learn."


    Long Xiaoshan''s curiosity was profoundly piqued, and he asked, "Brother Yue, what kind of martial arts is it?"


    "Spear!" Yue Ling surged upwards suddenly, standing tall like a Divine Serpent pointing towards the heavens, almost piercing through the sky.


    "The weapon of our ancestor was the Li Quan Divine Spear, which was transformed from a Divine Serpent he subdued. The essence of our Yue Family''s martial arts lies in the spear..." As Yue Ling spoke, he casually motioned with his hand, and a stream of dark qi condensed in his palm, forming into a ck spear about eight feet long.


    "Now I''ll show you the Yue Family''s spear technique!"


    Yue Ling suddenly adopted a spear stance, holding the spear horizontally as it hummed. With a flick of the spear tip, Yue Ling thrust out as swift as a snake''s tongue. The eight-feet long ck spear rolled around him, creatingyers of spear shadows, and Yue Ling''s bodypletely disappeared within them.


    The spear thrust out like a dragon, and towards the end, the ck spear seemed to transform into a ck dragon, churning the river and overturning the seas.


    Long Xiaoshan watched the might of the long spear and inwardly felt a shock.


    Merely standing by and watching, he could feel the massive threat.


    His ughter Wolf Fist inparison to Yue Ling''s current spear technique.


    Was without a doubt, a minor witch encountering a Great Witch.


    Several minutester, Yue Ling let out a thunderous shout.


    The long spear charged towards arge tree that required several people to wrap their arms around it.


    Bang bang bang!


    Continuous booming sounds emitted from therge tree.


    Countless egg-sized holes appeared on the thick trunk.


    The tree swayed and then crashed down with a loud noise.


    Yue Ling sheathed his spear technique and arrogantly said, "This is the Thirty-Six Forms of our Yue Family Spear Technique, what do you think?"


    Long Xiaoshan''s eyes lit up as he said, "Awesome."


    Yue Ling smiled and asked, "Do you want to learn it?"


    "Yes!"


    "Good, I''ll teach you!" Yue Ling agreed straightforwardly; he discovered that Long Xiaoshan was a martial arts prodigy, and by passing on the true teachings of the Yue Family to him, it might allow the Yue Family Spear Technique to flourish in the modern era.


    Long Xiaoshan fetched a piece of wood and carved himself a wooden long spear.


    He began following Yue Ling to learn.


    They say one year for a saber, a month for a staff, and a lifetime for a spear.


    Spear technique is the hardest to train.


    But Long Xiaoshan''s aptitude once again surprised Yue Ling.


    Practicing until noon.


    Long Xiaoshan had already grasped the basics of the Yue Family Spear Technique, and though it was only the surface, just mastering the entry level had taken Yue Ling himself three years.


    At noon, Long Xiaoshan stopped cultivating.


    Spear technique is a process full of refinement.


    He didn''t need to rush, and besides, with his current strength, even if Yu Cheng was a Mysterious Rank Warrior, he felt no fear. Long Xiaoshan found some medicinal herbs in the mountains and prepared a juice to apply to his skin.


    His skin gradually darkened.


    Only when his skin returned to its healthy bronze color was Long Xiaoshan satisfied enough to head down the mountain.


    The Couple Long Dashan were surprised when they saw Long Xiaoshan, "Little Xiaoshan, you''re back! We thought you were in the city, did Chun Tao go to send you to school?"


    "Yes, I had something to take care ofst night, so I came back early, but I have to go out againter," Long Xiaoshan said.


    Tonight was thepetition on the fighting tform, and he was determined to go.


    After his cultivation had increased, he was eager to find an opponent to test his skills; Yu Cheng had already caught his interest, even if he wasn''t part of Wei Zhentian''s gang, Long Xiaoshan still wanted to see what he had.


    After all, worthy opponents are hard toe by.


    At their level, they are exceedingly rare.


    After eating, Long Xiaoshan drove towards the city.


    When he arrived in the city, it was already three in the afternoon. He was about to arrange a meeting with Wang Sihai when his phone rang; seeing that it was Chun Tao calling, he quickly answered.


    After the call.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    His expression was somewhat peculiar.


    "A social mixer?"


    Chun Tao''s dormitory was actually holding some sort of social event, and Chun Tao called him about it.


    Having been to university, Long Xiaoshan of course knew what a social mixer meant¡ªit was akin to a blind date, where interested men and women would pair off after mingling.


    While he had confidence in Chun Tao, the thought of his girlfriend going to socialize with others.


    Still made him ufortable. Read new chapters at empire


    Long Xiaoshan thought it over and then drove his pickup truck directly to the business school.

 Chapter 204 Picking up Girlfriend (Please Subscribe)

    ``` Explore more stories at empire


    When Long Xiaoshan drove his pickup to the women''s dormitory of the business school, the ce was already filled with various cars.


    It was Friday and the weekend was just around the corner.


    There were no sses.


    So many students who had been cooped up for a week took the opportunity to go out and have some fun tonight.


    The cars parked downstairs now made models like the Passat and ord, worth two or three hundred thousand, too embarrassed to evene near. Although it was just a school setting, Mercedes C-ss and BMW 3-series were considered ordinary here.


    Then suddenly, a pickup truck appeared.


    Everyone thought it was the vehicle of a worker who hade to do some work.


    No one expected the pickup to head to the front of the women''s dorm, stopping directly underneath.


    Long Xiaoshan got out of the truck and headed toward the girls'' dormitory, but before he could enter, he was chased out by the loud voice of the dorm manager, a stout guardian. Yesterday, he was able to enter because of Qiao Ruoli''s connections.


    Today, with Qiao Ruoli gone, the broad-shouldered dorm manager stood at the entrance like a daunting door deity, making sure no one slipped past her.


    Long Xiaoshan had no choice but to walk back and decided to call Chun Tao.


    After answering the phone, Chun Tao said that Su Mei and the others were still putting on makeup, but she woulde down in a few minutes.


    Long Xiaoshan responded and leaned on the pickup to wait.


    "Damn, am I seeing this right? Is this god-level dude really picking up his girlfriend in a pickup truck?"


    The many men who were waiting for their crushes or girlfriends burst intoughter after witnessing Long Xiaoshan getting kicked out of the girls'' dormitory.


    They had picked up girls here many times before but had never seen anything so ridiculous.


    You talk about driving a pickup truck, it''s better not to drive at all.


    The paint on the truck was clearly marked, identifying it as a utility vehicle.


    You might as well walk; at least it''s a bit more face-saving.


    In the business school, every girl''s family had assets worth at least one or two million. None of them would get into such a broken car. Everyone wasughing at Long Xiaoshan, pointing fingers, but he remained indifferent, as if he didn''t hear their mockery.


    One after another, the borately dressed girls came down.


    The girls from the business school were all quite attractive.


    Of course, this was on the premise that they knew how to dress and apply makeup. Any woman capable of those can look passable, unless she''s truly hard to look at. As these girls came down, they got into the cars parked at the entrance and drove away.


    Suddenly, amotion came from the entrance, and the guys'' eyes lit up as they stared at the doorway.


    Four girls walked down.


    If the girls who came down before were above average, scoring six or seven points, then these four girls were easily eights or even higher.


    If a single eight-point beauty were toe down, the impact wouldn''t be as strong.


    But when four beauties each above eight points walked together¡­


    That kind of impact wasn''t just additive; it was exponentially greater.


    If one had to describe it, it would be ''different kinds of beauty.''


    "It''s the three golden flowers from 306, wait, there''s an extra one today. Oh~~ she''s so pure. Feels almost like the goddess Vivian Chow from Hong Kong in the ''90s."


    "You don''t know yet? That''s the new transfer student in 306. The moment she arrived, she became the top contender for the school beauty of the year."


    ```


    "You haven''t seen her without makeup yet, I think she''s even more beautiful than Su Mei."


    Wolf-whistles erupted from the crowd, and drool nearly spilled out.


    Su Mei, Li Mengjie are known goddesses at the business school, Yuan Xiaoli, although not as prestigious as the two of them, d in a low-cut outfit and unting a pair of huge assets with her fiery figure, she could easily make the cut as a nerd''s goddess. Normally they''re all quite uppity figures.


    But today, it felt like they were all upstaged.


    After all, Chun Tao was the new transfer student, and her pure aura, within such a noble school like the business school, was as rare as a phoenix feather or a unicorn horn, catching everyone''s eye.


    Yuan Xiaoli pursed her lips, dripping with envy, "Taozi, look at those guys'' eyeballs, they''re about to fall out."


    With so many people watching her, the normally shy Chun Tao appeared even more bashful, lowering her head and following behind Su Mei and the others.


    Four young men walked out from the crowd.


    These four men were quite handsome, and the one in the lead, sporting a pair of gold-rimmed sses, smiled in a way that resembled the Korean star Pei Yongjun, looking absolutely dashing and refined.


    The young men standing beside him also exuded an impressive presence, and clothes make the man; they were all dressed in famous brands worth no less than tens of thousands, which could elevate someone with 50% good looks to 70%, let alone them who were naturally good-looking.


    "It''s Wei Shaocong, Han Mu and the others!"


    The crowd parted to make way for them.


    These were the celebrities of the school, Wei Shaocong was the president of the student council, Han Mu was the head of the sports department, both from families with assets over a billion. The other two, Zhong Keqin and Ma Botao, also came from distinguished backgrounds.


    Such abination, even at a noble institution like the business school, stood out from the crowd.


    They were unofficially dubbed as the business school''s F4.


    The number of girls who liked them could form several lines.


    "Su Mei!" Wei Shaocong called out as he walked to the steps in front of the dorm building.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Seeing Wei Shaocong, Su Mei shed a smile and greeted, "Shaocong."


    The two of them, one as the president and the other as the vice president of the student council, werebeled as a match made in heaven, a pair of golden boy and jade girl, although Su Mei had not yet confirmed the nature of their rtionship. They''d always been in an ambiguous state.


    But Wei Shaocong knew that it was only a matter of time before he won over Su Mei.


    He smiled as his gaze swept over the four from dorm room 306, finally resting on Chun Tao with a sh of amazement.


    Yesterday, Su Mei had mentioned that a great beauty had joined their dorm, and when they had socialized with room 306 in the past, they often couldn''t gather everyone due to one person missing. Hearing that a new girl had joined room 306, he quickly organized a social gathering.


    Following Wei Shaocong, the eyes of Han Mu and the others all lit up.


    The four of them acknowledged Su Mei and Wei Shaocong as an item, and the other three would notpete with Wei Shaocong for her.


    Among the four, Ma Botao''s family was the least wealthy, and he had always been pursuing Yuan Xiaoli.


    Han Mu and Zhong Keqin both fancied Li Mengjie.


    But Li Mengjie was exceedingly aloof, even someone as wealthy as Han Mu couldn''t move her.


    They themselves were not exactly chaste individuals; with their status, they nevercked for femalepany, and naturally, they wouldn''t stubbornly chase after one, especially now that they saw Chun Tao, a pure beauty whose temperament and looks were on par with Li Mengjie.


    The two men suddenly found a new target for their affections.


    Especially Chun Tao''s delicate shyness, which let these men, with their ample experience with women, know that conquering such a target would be much easier than Li Mengjie.


    The tall and handsome Han Mu, dressed in thetest fall collection from Versace, stepped forward and said, "Sister-inw, who is this beauty? She''s new to me, why don''t you introduce us?"


    "What sister-inw," Su Mei red at Han Mu, but wasn''t actually angry. She looped her arm around Chun Tao''s shoulder and said, "This is Xu Chuntao, the new transfer student in our dorm. Isn''t she pretty? You guys better not bully her."

 Chapter 205 Choosing a Car (Please Subscribe)

    Chapter Two Hundred and Five


    "Hello, Miss Xu, my name is Han Mu, and I am very pleased to meet you." Han Mu, with his noble demeanor and extraordinary poise, extended his hand to Chun Tao, clearly a man raised with impable manners.


    Chun Tao was a bit at a loss when she saw Han Mu''s hand reaching out to her.


    She was not used to contact with boys.


    Especially since Han Mu, despite his gracefulness, had a piercing gaze that was somewhat frightening.


    "Taozi!"


    Suddenly, a voice rang out, and Chun Tao''s face lit up with joy. She quickly turned her head, calling out "Little Xiaoshan."


    Long Xiaoshan, with his hands in his pockets, walked over with a smile.


    Chun Tao hurriedly dodged Han Mu''s hand and ran towards Long Xiaoshan.


    Long Xiaoshan opened his arms.


    And embraced Chun Tao in his arms.


    Chun Tao''s face turned slightly shy, after all it was in front of a public gathering.


    "What''s going on?"


    "Am I seeing things?"


    Broken ssesy all around¡ªthe pristine school beauty who had just transferred, became the dream lover of many in no time at all, and she had jumped into the arms of a man, especially since that man turned out to be the same male student who had arrived in a pickup truck.


    Just moments ago, everyone was mocking him, saying what girl would be blind enough to get into his truck.


    In the blink of an eye,


    Reality pped them hard across the face.


    The pure and moving Chun Tao had, upon making her appearance, became the dream lover of many. If her boyfriend had been someone like Han Mu¡ªwith his billions in assets, tall and handsome¡ªa rich young master, then everyone could have epted it a little better.


    After all, they couldn''tpare to him.


    But to have a dark-skinned, robust man resembling a peasant pluck away this fresh flower,


    It left many of the waiting young men in tears.


    In their midst, whose family didn''t have a few million, and the cars they drove were at least worth a couple of hundred thousand¡ªhas the taste of a beauty changed these days, preferring this rugged type?


    Han Mu''s face stiffened there, a trace of darkness shing in his eyes.


    He had entered the scene with grace and pride,


    Deeming himself a noble scion, confident in his ability to win over the pure beauty and take her away effortlessly. Yet he hadn''t even touched her hand when the beauty turned and threw herself into another man''s embrace right in front of him.


    Although it was also his first meeting with Chun Tao,


    Not knowing her circumstances or whether she had a boyfriend, he still felt a burning sensation on his face under the scrutiny of all those eyes.


    He turned his head, his face somewhat dark, asking, "Miss Su, what is going on here?"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Su Mei was also somewhat embarrassed.


    She hadn''t nned on inviting Long Xiaoshan to the mixer at all.


    And this mixer was originally intended to give Chun Tao a glimpse of high society, to lure her into the circle.


    In her eyes, Long Xiaoshan was simply not worthy of Chun Tao.


    He had no right to enter her circle.


    As someone adept at socializing, she naturally wouldn''t directly exclude Long Xiaoshan like Yuan Xiaoli did. Thus, she chose the mixer, inviting Wei Shaocong to bring people like Han Mu. In her view, not to mention Wei Shaocong, even the family backgrounds and demeanor of people like Zhong Keqin and Ma Botao could easily crush Long Xiaoshan.


    Once Chun Tao met these truly outstanding scions of the wealthy,


    She believed Chun Tao would understand that she and Long Xiaoshan were not on the same path.


    However, she hadn''t anticipated Chun Tao secretly inviting Long Xiaoshan over.


    Su Mei frowned slightly but quickly resumed her smile, saying lightly, "Young Master Han, could this be Chun Tao''s boyfriend?"


    "Boyfriend," Han Mu''s face darkened: "If she already has a boyfriend, why did you invite us to this mixer? To be spare tires?"


    Zhong Keqin, standing beside him, also said with discontent, "Isn''t this just showing us up?"


    Su Mei chuckled lightly and said, "I didn''t expect Young Master Han and Young Master Zhong to be so honest. Since you all think that way, I guess we can forget about the social gathering."


    Han Mu was taken aback for a moment.


    Zhong Keqin was equally startled for a moment.


    Then, both of them came to their senses.


    And suddenly burst intoughter.


    They had, just now, walked into a mental dead-end, but with Su Mei''s "guidance," they understood that it didn''t matter if she had a boyfriend¡ªas if they hadn''t poached others'' corners before.


    Even married women.


    They both had yed that game.


    As long as the hoe is swung well, there isn''t a corner that can''t be dug out.


    With their wealth and status, they couldn''t believe they would lose to a peasant driving a pickup truck.


    And truly, Chun Tao had captivated their hearts.


    A beauty so pure and simple was indeed rare in their circle.


    "Chun Tao, we''re leaving," Su Mei called out.


    Chun Tao responded, then turned to Long Xiaoshan and said, "Little Xiaoshan, I didn''t want to go originally. Otherwise, I can just speak to Su Mei and we won''t go."


    Chun Tao was innocent but not dumb or ignorant.


    That''s why she had secretly called Long Xiaoshan toe over.


    Long Xiaoshan shook his head, "Why not go? It''d be good to have fun, and since everyone''s from the same dormitory, there will be plenty of time to get along in the future."


    "Mm, I''ll listen to you," Chun Tao said obediently.


    The two, holding hands, regrouped with Su Mei and the others.


    Standing together, the group of nine cut a striking image¡ªSu Mei and Wei Shaocong were all handsome and beautiful, dressed in the height of fashion and luxury, drawing many eyes. In contrast, Long Xiaoshan, in his street market clothes, seemedpletely out of ce.


    Wei Shaocong shed a sharp nce and extended his hand with a smile, "Wei Shaocong, president of the Business School''s Student Union. A friendes along and plucks Miss Xu, this beautiful flower, arousing everyone''s envy. May I ask where you hail from?"


    "Long Xiaoshan, a jobless loafer, just farming at home," Long Xiaoshan extended his hand to Wei Shaocong indifferently and gave it a brief shake.


    Continue your saga on empire


    "Farming?"


    A strong sense of disdain shed in the eyes of Han Mu and the others.


    With a fake smile, Han Mu said, "My family owns a four-star hotel in Xicheng District, and we actually need quite a bit of produce. Maybe we can work together."


    Long Xiaoshan gave him a brief nce and said indifferently, "No need, I''ve already got an exclusive supplier."


    Snicker.


    Yuan Xiaoli couldn''t help butugh out loud.


    You, a simple farmer, boasting as if you''re not out of breath¡ªtalking about having an exclusive supplier, no less.


    The corners of the mouths of Han Mu and the rest were twitching uncontrobly.


    Su Mei shook her head secretly, deeming Long Xiaoshan''s act of bluffing as quite juvenile.


    It further solidified her belief that Long Xiaoshan was no match for Chun Tao.


    "Let''s go, everyone into the cars. First, we''ll grab some food," Wei Shaocong, as the leader of the group, directed. "Same rules as always,dies choose which car to ride in. I''ve only got a Magotan, can''tpare to the luxury cars of Young Master Han, Young Master Zhong, and Young Master Ma. I wonder whichdy will give me the honor, so I don''t ride solo."


    Wei Shaocong pretended to look pitiable as he spoke.


    Wei Shaocong''s ride was just a Magotan, exceedingly understated.


    Han Mu pulled out his Porsche keys and said, "This time, I brought over a Cayenne. No matter how many beauties there are, I can fit them in. I hope a few of you gorgeousdies would do me the honor."


    Zhong Keqin pulled out a key and said, "Mine''s a Mercedes SLK convertible. Can''tpete with Young Master Han''s Cayenne, it can only fit one."


    Ma Botao took out a BMW 330 key.


    It was then that everyone turned their gaze toward Long Xiaoshan, with a hint of mockery in their eyes.


    Under everyone''s watchful eyes, Long Xiaoshan slowly took out his pickup truck key...

 Chapter 206 Choosing a Key

    Chapter Two Hundred and Six


    Seeing Long Xiaoshan actually pull out a key, the girls in dormitory 306 were all somewhat surprised.


    They had thought that Long Xiaoshan, the farmer, might have a vehicle, but at most a bicycle.


    "It''s not the key to an electric scooter, is it?" Yuan Xiaoli looked at the simple key, doubting.


    Han Mu and the othersughed but said nothing, looking at Long Xiaoshan with teasing nces.


    They had just been downstairs and, of course, seen Long Xiaoshan arrive in a pickup truck.


    Now they were here to enjoy the show.


    Long Xiaoshan pointed to the pickup parked not far away, "That''s my car, right there, that Great Wall pickup."


    "..."


    After a moment of stunned silence.


    Ha ha ha.


    Yuan Xiaoli was the first to burst intoughter.


    Although Su Mei didn''tugh as loudly as Yuan Xiaoli, she clearlyughed out loud, and even the usually aloof Li Mengjie''s lips curved into a smile.


    "Long Xiaoshan, you''re really funny! Too hrious, I can''t take it, my stomach hurts."


    Han Mu and the others were eager to see Long Xiaoshan make a fool of himself, their eyes on Long Xiaoshan''s face.


    Long Xiaoshan''s face was one of indifference.


    Keep pretending! Just keep it up!


    You''re pretty good at pretending.


    Han Mu and the others snickered.


    After a while ofughter, Wei Shaocong said, "Come on, everybody pick a car."


    Four men extended their car keys forward.


    Yuan Xiaoli said cheerily, "Brother Long, where''s your key?"


    Long Xiaoshan shrugged his shoulders and also extended his pickup key forward.


    Su Mei was the first to choose. Pretending to have a hard time deciding, she nced over the Cayenne, Mercedes, and BMW. Han Muughed, "Su the beauty, ride in my Cayenne, ah, it''s the most spacious andfortable."


    Su Mei gave a flirtyugh and reached for the Cayenne key.


    This prompted Wei Shaocong to pretend to kick Han Mu.


    Just as Su Mei''s hand almost touched the Cayenne key, she suddenly shifted, swooped past it, and grabbed the Magotan key from Wei Shaocong''s hand.


    Wei Shaocong patted his chest with a look of relief, "Good, good, otherwise I''d really be single."


    Han Mu and the othersughed heartily.


    Everyone knew Su Mei would certainly choose Wei Shaocong, even if he drove a QQ instead of a Magotan.


    Just because Wei Shaocong''s father was the district head.


    After Su Mei chose, Yuan Xiaoli immediately jumped out, saying, "Me, me, I''ll choose first."


    Although Yuan Xiaoli was not as good-looking as Su Mei and the others, her voluptuous figure was certainly attractive, so Han Mu and the others didn''t mind ying around with her.


    "Yuan the beauty, ride in my Cayenne, it''srge andfy, can even serve as a bed," Han Mu said suggestively with a smile.


    "Or ride in my convertible, the weather''s nice today, perfect for a drive with the top down," Zhong Keqin said eagerly.


    "Come on, you two just want topete with me, right?" Ma Botao, holding the BMW key, was quite frustrated, although his car was also worth five hundred thousand, it was still far behind the Cayenne and Mercedes convertible.


    Yuan Xiaoli''s hand swayed left and right, finally resting on Zhong Keqin''s Mercedes key, and she said, "Today, I want to go for a drive."


    Zhong Keqin felt somewhat disappointed inside.


    Originally, he had wanted to be with Chu Tao or Li Mengjie, the two beauties, of course, Yuan Xiaoli wasn''t bad either; Zhong Keqin looked at her ample curves and fantasized for a moment.


    Now it was down to Han Mu, Ma Botao, and Long Xiaoshan.


    "Miss Xu, how about riding in my car?"


    Han Mu looked at Chun Tao expectantly.


    He believed that between a Porsche and a pickup truck, the choice was easy. Chun Tao simply chose such a boyfriend because she hadn''t been exposed to the world; he could tell from her clothes, all of which were budget brands worth a few hundred yuan.


    "I''ll ride with little Xiaoshan," Chun Tao quickly said, standing next to Long Xiaoshan.


    Han Mu''s face fell.


    He hadn''t expected Chun Tao to still choose Long Xiaoshan.


    Even Wei Shaocong, Su Mei, and others were surprised.


    Could it be that Chun Tao couldn''t see that, in terms of family background and demeanor, Han Mu and his friends were far superior to Long Xiaoshan?


    "Interesting, but I prefer such beauties," Han Mu said.


    His face looked unpleasant for a moment, before he quickly regained hisposure.


    If Chun Tao had chosen him without hesitation, he wouldn''t have been as excited as he was now; conquering such a woman was what made it interesting.


    After that, only Li Mengjie was left.


    Han Mu and Ma Botao both watched Li Mengjie, with Ma Botao feeling incredibly frustrated, knowing she would never choose him. Li Mengjie''s aloofness was famous throughout the campus, and even with someone like Han Mu, she rarely engaged; but now that it was just the two of them left, surely she would choose Han Mu.


    He knew he was less than Han Mu in both family background and looks.


    Han Mu confidently gazed at Li Mengjie.


    Just when everyone thought Li Mengjie would choose Han Mu,


    Li Mengjie suddenly walked over to Long Xiaoshan and said indifferently, "I''ll ride in your truck."


    Everyone was stunned.


    Li Mengjie had actually chosen Long Xiaoshan''s old pickup as well.


    Since when had broken pickup trucks be so popr?


    Han Mu''s face became even more gloomy.


    Even Long Xiaoshan said with some surprise, "You want to ride in my truck?"


    "Is that not okay? Is there no room in your truck?" Li Mengjie asked with interest, gazing at Long Xiaoshan, a spark of amusement in her eyes.


    "Uh, there''s room," Long Xiaoshan responded, puzzled but not overthinking it. If Li Mengjie wanted to ride, then let her.


    After the vehicles were chosen, the atmosphere turned somewhat awkward.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Han Mu and Ma Botao hade out to socialize, and yet neither had a femalepanion.


    Both of their faces looked a bit unsightly.


    Especially Han Mu.


    Watching Long Xiaoshan, a flicker of rage crossed his eyes.


    Su Mei also felt awkward, but despite several meaningful nces to Li Mengjie, she got nowhere. With a sigh, Su Mei reflected on Li Mengjie''s imperious coldness; even she, the dormitory queen bee, couldn''t sway her. As for Chun Tao, she was Long Xiaoshan''s official girlfriend; it wouldn''t be appropriate for her to encourage Chun Tao to look after another man''s reputation.


    Su Mei tried to smooth things over, "It''s gettingte, and I''m so hungry. Let''s hurry up and go eat."


    "Let''s go, let''s go eat," Wei Shaocong also patted Han Mu''s shoulder, giving him a knowing look.


    Suppressing his anger, Han Mu said, "Okay, let''s go."


    Next, everyone got into their cars.


    Long Xiaoshan was with Chun Tao as they boarded the pickup truck, not expecting Li Mengjie to really follow.


    Long Xiaoshan opened the rear door, and Li Mengjie, looking at the worn-out back seat and the pickup reeking of smoke, frowned, doubting if she really had been mistaken the night before.


    But she had made her choice.


    She tiptoed elegantly into the back seat, and upon seeing Li Mengjie get in, Chun Tao also moved to the back seat.


    This scene, witnessed by the boys under the dormitory building, left them all choking in shock.


    "Am I seeing things? That pure and beautiful transfer student, I could understand her riding in his pickup truck, but Li Mengjie, the ice queen, in his pickup truck too?"


    "My heart, my heart!" Explore stories on empire


    "Hello, Dad? I''m going to sell my brand-new Porsche and buy a dozen pickup trucks instead. I''ll arrange them in an S shape, then a B shape¡­"

 Chapter 207 One of Each (Please Subscribe)

    Dihao Entertainment City, located in the downtown area, is arge entertainment club. Here, one can find dining, KTVs, bars, baths, saunas, massages¡ªevery imaginable form of entertainment is avable.


    It is also the most famous venue in Hechuan.


    It has a powerful backing, and they say no one dares to cause trouble here.


    A row of cars drove over.


    In the lead was a Magotan, followed by a Cayenne, a Mercedes SLK, and a BMW 330. The doormen standing at the entrance of the entertainment city quickly stepped forward to wee them, as such a convoy was already quite impressive in an ind Earth Level city like Hechuan.


    Especially when they saw the group of young peopleing out of the cars, wearing luxury brand watches and clothing.


    They knew these young people muste from wealth or nobility, with extraordinary backgrounds.


    They approached with smiles, intending to help Wei Shaocong and the others park.


    Suddenly, they noticed a shabby pickup truck covered in mud on its wheels also following in.


    A doorman hastily waved his hands impatiently, saying, "Get out, get out, do you know what ce this is?"


    Han Mu and the others came down and watched with cold smiles, pretending not to notice, showing no intention of speaking up.


    Long Xiaoshan was not angry and said, "Do you really want me to leave?"


    "Nonsense, this is Dihao Entertainment City, not a ce for migrant workers toe for work," the doorman said haughtily.


    "Well, if that''s the case, then I''ll leave."


    Having said that, Long Xiaoshan really drove the pickup truck out.


    Seeing Long Xiaoshan leave as he said he would, Su Mei panicked¡ª it didn''t matter if Long Xiaoshan left, but Xu Chuntao and Li Mengjie were still in the car. With four beauties in total, if two left, what kind of gathering would it be?


    She quickly said to Wei Shaocong, "Aren''t you going to do something?"


    Wei Shaocong was also frustrated, as he had originally wanted to show Long Xiaoshan his ce and make hime begging, but the guy just left as he said he would.


    He quickly stepped forward, saying to the doorman, "He''s our friend, we came together."


    The doorman looked skeptical, "Really or not?"


    "Really, he''s truly our friend," Wei Shaocong said with a wry smile, then called out, "Long Xiaoshan,e back!"


    The pickup truck finally stopped.


    When they saw Li Mengjie and Xu Chuntao, two stunning beauties either pure or morous, get out of the truck, the doorman''s eyes popped. He hadn''t noticed them before, but even though no women had gotten out of the Cayenne and the BMW, this pickup truck had two charming beauties.


    Is it now trendy for beauties to preferughing in pickup trucks over crying in BMWs?


    Or is it that the rich young masters are now into driving pickups to show off?


    Quite possible.


    Even though Long Xiaoshan was still dressed in clothes that looked like they came from a street stall, the presence of two great beauties by his side seemed to add a halo around him that made the doorman start to smile apologetically.


    A doorman even rushed to take the pickup truck keys from Long Xiaoshan''s hand, offering to help park the vehicle.


    Han Mu and the others were extremely embarrassed, watching Long Xiaoshan with his hands in his pockets, a nonchnt look on his face, thinking they would soon wipe that smug look off.


    The group entered the resplendent Dihao Entertainment Club.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The interior lived up to the name ''Dihao'', with gold almost everywhere the eye could see. Even the walls were covered in gold leaf, which, under the huge chandeliers, glistened brilliantly, truly imperial and luxurious.


    Upon entering the lobby, there were two rows of hostesses in cheongsam and silk stockings, each with long legs, slim waists, and ample bosoms. Their beauty was at least a seven out of ten, with makeup that was exquisite, rivaling the level of beauty of Yuan Xiaoli. They all bowed and greeted the guests in unison as they came in.


    A woman in her thirties approached, greeted, "Young Master Han, what brings you out today?"


    "Manager Chu," Han Mu was obviously not a first-timer here. He even knew the manager of the lobby.


    "Help me set up a ce to eat and sing first." Stay connected via empire


    "Sure thing, Young Master Han, this way, please."


    Han Mu nced indifferently at Long Xiaoshan and, led by the lobby manager, a few of them walked into a luxurious private room, which was divided into two parts: an inside area for KTV and an outside area for dining.


    After sitting down, the lobby manager brought the menu and Han Mu handed it to Chun Tao, saying, "Miss Xu, would you like to order?"


    "I..." Chun Tao took the menu and, after seeing the digits on it, eximed in shock, "It''s so expensive."


    The dishes listed were almost all over a hundred yuan, and that was just for the vegetarian dishes; the meat dishes were several hundred to over a thousand. She had never seen such expensive food in the vige; she didn''t even spend that much in a whole year.


    "It''s too expensive; let''s go somewhere else," Chun Tao said, too scared to order.


    Su Meiughed and said, "Why are you being so polite with Young Master Han? He''s worth over a billion; go ahead and order. Even if you ordered everything on the menu, it would still be a small case for Young Master Han."


    "Miss Su, you''re underselling me. No matter how rich I am, I can''tpare with Wei Shaocong. Uncle Wei is in charge of the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of people in Xicheng District," said Han Mu with a light smile, but his arrogance was impossible to conceal.


    Wei Shaocongughed, "Don''t. My old man is as clean as a whistle. I only get two thousand yuan for my monthly expenses, not even enough to fill up your Cayenne."


    "Hahaha." Han Muughed, pointing at Wei Shaocong.


    "Chun Tao, go ahead and order," urged Su Mei.


    Chun Tao just shook her head.


    Then, with a smile, Han Mu suggested, "How about letting your boyfriend order instead?"


    He wanted to make clear to Long Xiaoshan the disparity between them.


    "That wouldn''t be good; it''s too expensive," Long Xiaoshan said, holding the menu with a troubled and shocked expression.


    A country bumpkin, stunned, aren''t you?


    Looking down on Long Xiaoshan, Han Mu said indifferently, "It''s fine, just order, I''m treating."


    "It''s too expensive, too expensive," Long Xiaoshan kept shaking his head.


    "Just order it, you''re not the one paying," Han Mu said, losing his patience.


    "Alright then, miss, please serve me one of each item on this menu," Long Xiaoshan quickly said to the beautiful manager beside him.


    "..."


    Everybody was stunned, and the beautiful manager was also taken aback, "One of every dish?"


    With an innocent face, Long Xiaoshan said, "Yes, is that too much? Miss Su, you just said that ordering everything on the menu would be a small case for Young Master Han. If it''s too much, we can cut a few items, it wouldn''t be good if the money isn''t enoughter."


    Inside, Su Mei was screaming, ''I was exaggerating, do you understand exaggeration, you blockhead!''


    "Who said I don''t have enough money?" Han Mu snapped, and then said to the beautiful manager, "Manager Chu, just as he said, one of everything."


    Manager Chu nodded with a peculiar expression on her face.


    After a while, she went down and dishes starteding up one by one, like a flowing stream.


    Even though the dishes here were not as expensive as those at Jingheng Hotel, with over a hundred different dishes including cold dishes listed on the menu, the total would be at least fifty to eighty thousand yuan. Including drinks, the private room, and other costs, it woulde to nearly a hundred thousand yuan.


    Even Han Mu, whose family ran a four-star hotel and was worth over a billion, felt the pinch; after all, that was his father''s money, mostly tied up in fixed assets. He was just a university student, and this meal squeezed his cheeks involuntarily.


    "Delicious, delicious!"


    Long Xiaoshan, upon seeing the dishes arrive, started to eat heartily without any reserve.


    His manner of eating was incrediblymanding, his voice thunderous.


    While eating, he said, "So delicious, what are you all dazing for? Eat up!"

 Chapter 208 Furious Han Mu

    Watching Long Xiaoshan''s hearty eating style, Han Mu and the others were painfully frustrated.


    A few women felt the same cringe.


    What, haven''t you eaten for days? It seems you''vee just for this meal.


    Han Mu and the others began to suspect that Long Xiaoshan was pretending to be crazy and foolish, deliberately conning them into ordering so many dishes. But as they watched him devour dish after dish like a whirlwind, they couldn''t help but think that maybe he was just a glutton with a huge appetite.


    Long Xiaoshan chuckled inwardly while eating and cing the bird''s nest, shark fin, and other delicacies in front of Chun Tao, saying, "Taozi, you should eat too, have more. This bird''s nest is said to be nourishing for the skin. We don''t have this in our countryside, but to me, it doesn''t taste much different from white fungus. Look, they charge hundreds for a bowl of it, like ughtering a pig, and this shark fin doesn''t even taste as good as pork stewed with vermicelli¡­"


    Long Xiaoshan continued to eat, and toin at the same time.


    Han Mu almost vomited blood. If it''s not tasty, why the hell are you eating it so joyfully?


    Looking at the table full of dishes.


    And the smacking sounds Long Xiaoshan made.


    Everyone lost their appetite.


    Li Mengjie frowned slightly, observing Long Xiaoshan.


    She suspected that Long Xiaoshan was the same person she saw yesterday at Jingheng Hotel, standing next to Wang Sihai. That''s why she got into Long Xiaoshan''s car. But now, the likelihood seemed slim. Could someone who walked with Wang Sihai just be a glutton?


    Han Mu gave a meaningful look to Wei Shaocong, Zhong Keqin, and Ma Botao, then gestured towards the wine bottles with a nod.


    All were regrs in each other''spany.


    A nce was enough to convey the n.


    The three of them subtly nodded.


    Han Mu opened a bottle of Hennessy XO and said, "What''s the fun in just eating? Let''s have some drinks."


    "Right, right, let''s drink." Wei Shaocong chimed in as well.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Brother Long, it''s our first meeting, let''s have a drink," said Han Mu while pouring two sses of liquor.


    "Stop, better you call me ''Brother.'' I recall my cousin''s son is older than you. Back in the vige, everyone calls me ''Uncle.'' Your way of addressing is improper; you are younger than me. How can you call me ''Little Brother''?" said Long Xiaoshan as he gnawed on a crystal pork knuckle, shaking his head as if he was distinctly unsatisfied with Han Mu''sck of manners.


    Han Mu was caught off guard by Long Xiaoshan''s response.


    You want me to call you ''Brother''?


    Who the hell are you, and what''s my status?


    Han Mu was on the verge of pping Long Xiaoshan. He had never seen such a presumptuous peasant.


    Su Mei tugged at his sleeve.


    Han Mu took several deep breaths to suppress the urge tosh out. With so many beauties present today, especially in front of Chun Tao and Li Mengjie, he couldn''t leave an impression of being impulsive and savage.


    Fucking hell, I won''t stoop to your level, you stinking peasant.


    I swear, if I don''t knock you downter, I''ll take your surname.


    Han Mu cursed inwardly several times, managing to squeeze out a feigned smile on his face, and walked over to Long Xiaoshan, saying, "Then Brother Long, let''s have a drink."


    The word ''brother'' was barely audible, almost just a movement of his lips.


    Long Xiaoshan looked at him with a smile and shook the ss, saying, "What''s this drink? Why does it look like urine?"


    Han Mu''s face twitched violently, gritting his teeth and barely pushing out two words: "Foreign liquor."


    "Come on, cheers," Han Mu said, feeling that he couldn''t go on talking. He feared he wouldn''t be able to hold back from hitting the youngster.


    He downed a ss in one gulp.


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    His family owned a hotel, and he had been drinking since he was thirteen. Later, partying with friends, he developed a strong tolerance for alcohol. He could handle two bottles of ordinary foreign liquor without turning red or out of breath.


    Seeing Long Xiaoshan make no move, Han Mu said, "Long... you wouldn''t really disrespect me like this, would you?"


    "What are you talking about? We country folks might not know all the rules, but you''re looking down on me here." Long Xiaoshan roared in anger, gulping down the liquor.


    Suddenly, his face changed and he vomited it out with a retch, sttering Han Mu who was standing close by.


    "What are you doing?" Han Mu bellowed angrily.


    Long Xiaoshan''s tone grew even louder as he shouted, "I should be the one asking you, this stuff tastes like piss, I won''t drink this crap, bring me the clear stuff!"


    Long Xiaoshan''s booming voice made Han Mu''s ears buzz.


    He staggered back two steps.


    Seeing Long Xiaoshan look as though he had suffered the greatest grievance, Wei Shaocong stood up, held back the livid Han Mu, and said with a smile, "Please don''t me someone who doesn''t know any better. It''s not a problem if Brother Long wants baijiu. Waiter, bring us a few bottles of the clear liquor."


    "I want Maotai," Long Xiaoshan demanded, plucking feathers from the goose as he shouted at the waiter.


    Han Mu''s face turned an even darker shade of green.


    Soon, three bottles of Maotai arrived.


    By this time, Han Mu had regained hisposure and sneered. He opened a bottle of Maotai, slowly poured two sses, set one before Long Xiaoshan, and said coldly, "Are you satisfied now? No making excuses after getting Maotai."


    "I''ve never cared for you city folks. We country people are honest and never pull any dirty tricks," Long Xiaoshan said bluntly, picking up the ss and downing it in one gulp.


    When Han Mu saw him truly gulp down a ss of baijiu, he was momentarily pleased, but then he noticed Long Xiaoshan make another nauseated gesture.


    Startled, he leaped aside, and most of the liquor from the cup spilled.


    Burp~~


    Long Xiaoshan let out a belch and eximed, "Good liquor!"


    After that, he turned to Han Mu, who had awkwardly jumped away, and said with a puzzled expression, "What are you doing, putting on a monkey show? Come on, drink up. Don''t tell me you''re going to renege."


    Screw your sister! Monkey your sister! y your sister!


    Han Mu felt a sweetness in his throat as he almost spat out a mouthful of blood.


    Trembling, he was about to drink when Long Xiaoshan said, "Stop, you just spilled half of it. Don''t think I didn''t see that. You use me of making excuses, yet you city people really know how to y."


    Ah!


    Dear God, strike this bastard dead with lightning.


    Han Mu was inplete disarray.


    He grabbed the bottle and began gulping down half a bottle straight, and had Wei Shaocong not intervened sensing something was amiss, he would have drained it entirely.


    "Damn it, I''m not going to stoop to ying mind games with someone like you. See how much I drank? If you''re man enough, let''s see you chug it." Han Mu, having drunk half a bottle of Maotai in a single breath, felt his belly burning like fire and his eyes turning blood red as he red at Long Xiaoshan, roaring incessantly.


    "Young Master Han, Young Master Han," Wei Shaocong hastily pulled Han Mu aside and said, "I''ll take him outside for a smoke, Keqin, Botao, you guys drink with Long Xiaoshan."


    "What''s wrong with me, why is he so angry?" Long Xiaoshan looked around innocently at the people at the table.


    Su Mei and the others watched Long Xiaoshan and Han Mu, who was being escorted out by Wei Shaocong, their mouths twitching incessantly.


    They had been to gatherings with Han Mu before, and each time he had been the epitome of elegance, courteousness, and nobility. It was their first time seeing Han Mu in such a flustered and furious state.


    However, from the start to the finish, Long Xiaoshan hadn''t actually done much.


    At most, he was a bit brash and spoke too directly.


    Isn''t that just the nature of a simple farmer?


    It wouldn''t be right to me Long Xiaoshan for just that.


    "Come on, let''s drink," Su Mei stood up, lifting the slightly chilly atmosphere in the private room.

 Chapter 209 Who Spiked Whose Drink (Please Subscribe)

    After a while, Wei Shaocong returned with Han Mu.


    Han Mu''splexion was still unpleasant; gulping down half a bottle of white spirits in one go would overpower anyone and he had just gone to throw up.


    When he came back, his head was much clearer.


    Moreover, under Wei Shaocong''s analysis, he realized he had acted impulsively.


    And Wei Shaocong''s theory that Long Xiaoshan might be ying the fool was truly frightening if it were true.


    This brought Han Mu back to his senses.


    The consequences of that impulsiveness were not good.


    In the eyes of Li Mengjie and the other women, he had surely made a terrible impression, losing all decorum. Thinking of this, he felt not just a yful attitude towards Long Xiaoshan, but a sense of hatred instead.


    If it had been earlier, he only wanted to toy with Long Xiaoshan.


    Now he had decided he must get Chun Tao to his side and, when the time came, stand in front of Long Xiaoshan with this beauty and deal him a harsh blow.


    After Han Mu had this thought in mind,


    he showed no outward sign of his disdain for Long Xiaoshan and approached him with a "sincere" expression, "I really am sorry about earlier. I bbered nonsense after the alcohol hit me. I apologize to you, and this drink is my way of apologizing."


    Han Mu poured another ss of wine and drank it down.


    Even though he had just thrown up.


    But his tolerance was actually much higher than just half a bottle of Moutai; he had simply drunk too quickly earlier.


    Now that he had vomited, his capacity for alcohol had returned.


    Long Xiaoshan said, "To err is human, to forgive, divine."


    Han Mu''s eyelid twitched repeatedly.


    This jerk really wasn''t giving him any ck, acting as if he saw himself as someone important.


    However, Han Mu had regained hisposure, and his scheming mind was back in action,


    He sat down and took a few bites of food.


    After three rounds of drinks, the atmosphere gradually warmed up.


    Wei Shaocong, Zhong Keqin, and Ma Botao began to take turns toasting Long Xiaoshan.


    Long Xiaoshan drank his fill with each toast.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He was very decisive, never hesitating.


    Seeing how forthright he was, Wei Shaocong and the others were surprised; Wei Shaocong had suspected Long Xiaoshan of deliberately acting crazy and pretend, but his drinking style didn''t seem to fit the act, rather he seemed genuinely foolish.


    Initially, they had been restraining themselves.


    They hadn''t shown an obvious intent to get him drunk.


    Butter on, seeing how straightforward Long Xiaoshan was, they let go and took turns toasting him.


    Even Chun Tao, a simple and honest person, noticed something amiss and tugged at Long Xiaoshan''s sleeve. Clearly, these four were trying to get Long Xiaoshan drunk, but he seemed utterly unaware and kept drinking non-stop.


    Of course, Long Xiaoshan was aware of Chun Tao''s concern; he held her hand under the table to reassure her while he continued to drink incessantly on the surface. He even went beyond the toasts from Wei Shaocong and the others, seeking out more alcohol as if fearing a loss at finding Moutai and not drinking it.


    Seeing Long Xiaoshan''s behavior,


    Han Mu was overjoyed.


    This guy really was a fool and a greedy drunkard at that; seeing Long Xiaoshan guzzle down Moutai as if it cost nothing, Han Mu would''ve been pained on a normal day, but now, he wished Long Xiaoshan would drink even more.


    In no time at all, three bottles of Moutai were nearly empty.


    Almost half of it had been consumed by Long Xiaoshan.


    Han Mu called for three more bottles.


    Even Chun Tao couldn''t tell, so naturally Su Mei and the others couldn''t see the trick either. However, since they weren''t close to Long Xiaoshan and even had an aversion to him, they remained silent despite noticing that Wei Shaocong and his group were trying to get Long Xiaoshan drunk.


    It was Li Mengjie who frowned and said, "Isn''t that too much to drink? Don''t get drunk."


    Long Xiaoshan nced at Li Mengjie, thinking to himself that although she seemed aloof on the surface, she wasn''t all bad at heart, even caring enough to warn a small-time farmer like him.


    However, he knew that he wouldn''t get drunk, not from three bottles, not even from thirty.


    He was a grandmaster of the Third Layer of Qi Drawing.


    He could dispel even arge amount of alcohol with ease.


    Grinning at Li Mengjie, he cheerfully said, "No worries, no worries, this alcohol is really tasty."


    Li Mengjie snorted. She despised drunkards the most. Seeing Long Xiaoshan''s eagerness to drink, she turned away in disgust.


    "Haha, Brother Long can really hold his liquor, drink all you want, we have plenty of booze," Han Mu said, pretending to be very friendly as he came over.


    Then, once more, the drinking resumed in earnest.


    In no time at all, another three bottles of Maotai were gone.


    Han Mu frowned as he watched Long Xiaoshan, shocked to see that Long Xiaoshan still showed no sign of drunkenness, especially after most of the alcohol had been consumed by him. In total, Long Xiaoshan had downed at least three bottles of Maotai by now.


    How can this kid drink so much?


    Grinding his teeth, this time he directly ordered five bottles.


    The Maotai here was more expensive than outside, costing him tens of thousands already.


    But to see Long Xiaoshan drunk, he was willing to pay the price.


    The women had lost interest in watching Long Xiaoshan and the others drink non-stop. Su Mei, pulling along Li Mengjie, and Yuan Xiaoli went inside the private room to sing. Chun Tao, however, refused to leave and insisted on staying by Long Xiaoshan''s side.


    She was worried Long Xiaoshan might get drunk and cause trouble and was nning to take him away directly afterward.


    They drank for another half hour.


    Five more bottles of Maotai reached their end.


    By now, even Wei Shaocong and his group were struggling, showing signs of intoxication. After all, they had gone through eleven bottles of Maotai, and even if Long Xiaoshan had drunk more than half, it still left more than a bottle for each of them.


    An ordinary person would have been down after just one bottle.


    Only because Wei Shaocong and his friends had trained their alcohol tolerance were they still standing.


    But clearly, they couldn''t drink any further.


    At this point, when they looked at Long Xiaoshan, he was still asposed as ever, as if he was drinking water instead of Maotai.


    Was this guy a monster?


    To be able to gulp down five or six bottles of Maotai and not be drunk?


    Wei Shaocong and his group were no fools; they realized their n had been wed from the start.


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    They had tried to calcte every possibility but hadn''t anticipated Long Xiaoshan''s monstrous alcohol tolerance.


    No wonder the kid was drinking with such gusto. The most miserable one was Han Mu, who was now beginning to regret the cost of the alcohol. Eleven bottles of Maotai¡ªthat was a lot of money.


    Seeing Long Xiaoshan getting ready to order more drinks,


    Han Mu hurriedly stopped him, his face twitching as he said, "Alright, Brother Long, let''s just stop here, the brothers have had enough too. Look, the girls are already singing. Let''s go join them for some songs, let''s have some fun."


    "I''m not drinking anymore?" Long Xiaoshan said with a disappointed smack of his lips, "This liquor sure is strong, much better than what we brew at home. You guys go sing, I''ll drink a few more bottles."


    "No, no, let''s stick together. Drinking alone isn''t fun, let''s go sing," Wei Shaocong nearly fell to his knees.


    If they kept on drinking, he''d be stuck drinking the northwest wind for the next few months.


    "Alright then," Long Xiaoshan smiled coldly inside, but with a reluctant face, he stood up.


    The group entered the private room.


    Seeing Wei Shaocong and the others staggering in with drunken faces, copsing onto the sofas, while Long Xiaoshan looked as normal as ever, Su Mei and the rest were astonished. They all knew Wei Shaocong''s group had been trying to make Long Xiaoshan drunk, but it seemed like they were the ones who ended up intoxicated.

 Chapter 210 Xiaoshan is a Coward

    A group of people had been drinking and began to sing.


    They sang while they talked.


    They were all from the same circle, discussing things that Long Xiaoshan couldn''t add to.


    Moreover, he had no interest in it.


    Su Mei kept pulling on Chun Tao, trying to get her to join the conversation.


    Unable to resist, since they shared a dormitory, Chun Tao felt obliged to give some face.


    Everyone took turns choosing songs to sing.


    However, it seemed like everyone had forgotten about Long Xiaoshan, as no one invited him to sing a song.


    Long Xiaoshan sat aside, he hadn''t learned how to sing, nor did he know how, so he simply munched on some fruit from the tter.


    Looking at the time, it was already seven o''clock, soon he was due at the Kowloon Mountain Clubhouse, having promised Wang Sihai that he would back him up and meet Yu Cheng.


    At that moment, Yuan Xiaoli said she needed to go to the bathroom, and Su Mei also imed she did, so the two left together.


    A few minutester, Su Mei rushed back, shouting, "It''s terrible, Yuan Xiaoli was hit by someone at the bathroom door."


    "What, what happened?" Several men in the private room stood up.


    "Just now, Xiaoli came out first, washing her hands when someone touched her butt. Xiaoli scolded the person, and then she got pped. When I came out to try and stop it, that person wouldn''t let up and even tried toy hands on me, so I hurried back," Su Mei exined.


    "Damn, who the hell is so bold." Read new adventures at empire


    Han Mu and the others were offspring of the privileged ss.


    Usually, it was only them bullying others outside; now that someone hade for them, there was no way they could stand for it. Yuan Xiaoli hade out with them socially and was naturally considered theirpanion.


    This was something they absolutely could not tolerate.


    Wei Shaocong and others all got up and headed outside.


    Long Xiaoshan remained seated, not moving.


    Seeing Long Xiaoshan stationary and holding back Chun Tao, who was too embarrassed to stand, several men frowned and said, "Aren''t youing?"


    Long Xiaoshan replied, "What does it have to do with me?"


    Long Xiaoshan continued eating a slice of cantaloupe, showing no intention of standing up.


    "Damn, are you even a man?" cursed Han Mu.


    "Total wimp."


    A few women also disyed a look of contempt, believing that Long Xiaoshan was cowardly and afraid of standing up for something. After all, Yuan Xiaoli was one of the girls they were hanging out with and was bullied, yet he was too scared to step forward, hiding here like a turtle shrinking its head.


    Long Xiaoshan waspletely indifferent.


    Su Mei said, "Alright, forget about him, Xiaoli is still out there, hurry up."


    Everyone rushed out in a hurry.


    Chun Tao, held back by Long Xiaoshan, couldn''t move. Seeing everyone rush out, she said, "little Xiaoshan, this isn''t right, after all, Xiaoli is from our dorm."


    Long Xiaoshan put down the cantaloupe and pulled out a paper towel to wipe his hands before pinching Chun Tao''s nose, saying, "Silly girl, only someone as softhearted as you would think like that. Isn''t the purpose of your dorm organizing this social event obvious? They just want to drive you away from me. Especially this Yuan Xiaoli, she''s been sneering at me all along, why should I bother with none of my business? Besides, those four guys were trying hard to make me drink earlier. If I were an ordinary person, I''d have been down already. I''m simply not one of them, why should I demean myself?"


    Long Xiaoshan was no Saint.


    Though he did punish evil and promoted good, it didn''t mean he was always the good guy.


    Moreover, with his skills growing deeper,


    the sensation of doing as he pleased became even more pronounced.


    Acting on a whim and doing what one desires is what real men do; they certainly won''t be held hostage by so-called societal morals.


    Thinking that when a woman is bullied, a man should stand up for her.


    Yuan Xiaoli, dressed in a low-cut outfit with a skirt so short it barely covered her behind, was no wonder a target for harassment in such a night entertainment venue.


    About five or six minutes passed.


    The private room door was pushed open once again.


    With swollen eyes and sobbing, Yuan Xiaoli was helped back by Su Mei and Li Mengjie, one on each side. She looked disheveled, with a mess of hair, swollen cheeks, lots of wrinkles on her clothes, and her skirt torn. She was also wearing a man''s jacket, looking utterly disheveled.


    As they walked, Su Mei consoled her, "It''s alright, Xiaoli, nothing more will happen. That little thug has already been taught a lesson by Wei and the others, stop crying."


    Wei Shaocong, Han Mu, Zhong Keqin, and Ma Botao followed them into the room.


    All four of them were thrilled.


    They were still discussing how they had just beaten up the thug who had bullied Yuan Xiaoli.


    "The punk dared to challenge me, but he got his front teeth knocked out by my hook punch."


    "You didn''t see how I kicked him in the groin, his entire face turned purple."


    "Haha, he was still acting tough with us, telling us to ''just wait''¡ªas if I''m afraid of a nobody like him."


    The four had just been engaged in a drinking bout with Long Xiaoshan and were a bit tipsy, so when they rushed out and saw Yuan Xiaoli being pinned to the ground and hit by a young man with dyed green hair, they didn''t hesitate to jump in and beat him up.


    Under the influence of alcohol, it was aplete outburst.


    They left the young man with a swollen face and wailing miserably.


    If it hadn''t been for Su Mei and the others fearing trouble, they probably would have beaten him to within an inch of his life.


    "Shall we just go? Let''s not sing anymore," Li Mengjie said worriedly. She knew that conflicts in such ces could definitely triggerrge-scale violence.


    Moreover, the green-haired young man had left threatening words as he ran away.


    Han Mu scoffed, "Mengjie, what''s there to fear? He''s just a nobody. If we''ve taught him a lesson, so be it."


    His family owned a four-star hotel; they had connections with both the underworld and legitimate circles and knew many people. Though their hotel wasn''t in the central district, they still had acquaintances there, and besides, the guy they had just taught a lesson was dressed with dyed green hair, a leather jacket, and many chains¡ªa typical lowlife thug.


    Such people are not to be feared.


    Wei Shaocong spoke indifferently, "It''s no big deal; the people at the central district police station know my dad. It''s only seven o''clock; let''s have some more fun."


    With Su Mei''s persuasion, Li Mengjie didn''t say anything more.


    The group walked back into the KTV private room and saw Long Xiaoshan still sitting there, calm as Mount Tai, all of them sneering coldly.


    Chun Tao stood up awkwardly and extended her hand, "Xiaoli, are you okay?"


    Yuan Xiaoli snorted and forcefully pushed Chun Tao''s hand away.


    She was upset that Long Xiaoshan and Chun Tao had note out to help when she was bullied.


    "Alright, Xiaoli, don''t be mad at Chun Tao. It was Long Xiaoshan who stopped her froming out," Su Mei tried to appease her.


    Having heard that, Yuan Xiaoli red at Long Xiaoshan with even more anger and contempt.


    "What a loser."


    "Miss Xu, no offense, but you like such a cowardly man? If you get bullied outside, will he protect you?"


    Han Mu and the others had been concerned about saving face.


    But after the shameful act of Long Xiaoshan.


    They all started to mock him openly, clearly not intending to show any more respect.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

 Chapter 211 Brother Liang (Please Subscribe)

    Chapter Two Hundred and Eleven


    "No, Xiaoshan isn''t that kind of person." Faced with everyone''s usations, Chun Tao tried her best to defend Long Xiaoshan.


    But the words of many can melt metal and erode bones.


    Her singr attempt to argue on behalf of Long Xiaoshan seemed pale and weak.


    As for Long Xiaoshan, he sat there like an old god, unaffected by the multitude of usations.


    The things these people said about him did not cause him to lose any flesh.


    Brother Wukong, Brother Wukong, Master has been captured by the Demon Fairy of the Pansi Cave...


    The sudden sound of a phone ringing.


    Long Xiaoshan took it out to look; it was from Wang Sihai, so he answered the call.


    "Brother Long, where are you now?"


    "I''m at the Dihao Entertainment City."


    "You''re there? I have shares in Dihao too. Had I known earlier, I would have joined you. But, Brother Long, the ring match here is about to start."


    "I know. I''ll being over."


    "I''ll send Ashui to pick you up right away."


    "Hmm."


    Long Xiaoshan didn''t know about Kowloon Mountain Clubhouse, of course, so he didn''t refuse...


    ...


    Speaking of the Emperor''s Hall within the entertainment city''s interior, it was the highest-ranking private room of the entire Dihao Entertainment City. At this moment, a young man with a head of green hair, his face swollen and bruised, was rushing over, tumbling and crawling.


    He pushed the door and entered the Emperor''s Hall.


    Inside the Emperor''s Hall, the lights were dazzling, the area alone exceeding two hundred square meters. The walls were all covered in gold foil, the floor boasted a golden dragon-patterned carpet and even the tables were crafted to resemble the dragon thrones of ancient emperors.


    Walking inside was like stepping into the opulence of an imperial pce.


    Although the private room where Long Xiaoshan and the others sat was also quite magnificent,


    The difference in fees for the private rooms was tenfold.


    Moreover, without status, one simply couldn''t enter the Emperor''s Hall.


    Those who could be here were at the very least billionaire tycoons, meaning only someone on the level of Han Mu''s father could barely qualify to enter the Emperor''s Hall.


    Inside, the Emperor''s Hall was filled with the chatter of beautiful women, with more than a dozen present. Each one''s grace surpassed that of the princesses outside and even whenpared with someone like Su Mei, the school''s department beauty, they were not much different.


    Moreover, many of the women here were indeed college students doing "part-time jobs."


    In school, they were adored and put on pedestals, goddesses in their own right, but here, they became mere ythings at the mercy of men.


    These women were dressed in clothes that resembled the garb of the imperial concubines from ancient times.


    They were also adorned in a highly traditional manner.


    asionally, the shes of skin revealed by the slits in their qipaos that ran all the way up to the thigh, and one would discover they wore nothing underneath.


    To enter this ce was to feel like an emperor.


    At this moment, seated on the dragon throne was a man.


    With a knife scar on his face, and sitting with legs crossed, Dama Jin Dao projected an imposing presence. He was holding a woman in his arms, dressed in the garments of an Imperial Concubine, incredibly gorgeous and eclipsing everyone in the room. The man with the scar was obviously very fond of the woman, holding her close and eating the lychees she fed him. His hand caressed the nylon-d thigh of the woman, eyes squinted, thoroughly enjoying the moment.


    Opposite him, a man with sses and a face full of cunning was saying, "Brother Liang, this is the ie statement of our entertainment city for this month..."


    The door was pushed open, and Little Mao with green hair came in, tumbling and crawling to the man with the scar, wailing, "Sister, Brother-inw, I got beaten up, you must avenge me."


    "Little Mao." The Imperial Concubine woman stood up abruptly from the scarred man''s embrace upon seeing Green Mao''s bruised and swollen face.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "How did you get beaten up like this?"


    Not only was Green Mao''s face bruised and swollen, but he was also missing his front teeth, causing him to whistle as he spoke.


    Such a pitiful state he was in.


    Rage appeared on the Imperial Concubine''s face, for Green Mao was her brother. Although he was a good-for-nothing who only knew how to fool around, he was still her brother. The Imperial Concubine turned her head to look at the scarred man and shouted, "Brother Liang!"


    The scarred man, Zhu Liang, was the general manager of Dihao Entertainment City.


    He managed everything in the entertainment city.


    In the CZ District, he was a well-known figure¡ªafter all, managing such arge entertainment city, how could he not have connections?


    Zhu Liang never expected that on his own turf, someone would dare to touch his people.


    Even though he viewed Green Mao as nothing but a piece of trash, and didn''t care much for him, the Imperial Concubine, his sister, happened to be his favorite woman recently. Not only was she beautiful, but she also knew how to serve a man well.


    The Imperial Concubine was his lover, and indeed, Green Mao could be considered his half brother-inw.


    If Zhu Liang''s brother-inw got beaten up and he did nothing about it, where would he put his face?


    Zhu Liang coldly said, "What happened? Who hit you?"


    Green Mao quickly recounted getting beaten up by a group of young people at the restroom entrance, adding his own dramatic ir while iming innocent, "Brother Liang, that woman was dressed like the women here, with half her butt hanging out, so I thought she was one of the entertainment city''s own. I just pped her behind, making a joke, but she pped me hard and had her friends beat me up this badly. I told them I was your man, Brother Liang, but they said you were nothing and even imed they could have me locked up with just one phone call."


    Green Mao exaggerated his story.


    "Well, daring to discredit me in my own ce, I really want to see who this insolent neer is," Zhu Liang said with a cold smile, instructing a henchman, "Go check the surveince to see where those who did the beating are now."


    "Yes, Brother Liang."


    The henchman was quick to leave, and soon he returned to report, "Brother Liang, they''re still here, in the Age of Prosperity Private Room."


    "They dare to hit my guy and have the guts to stay and continue having fun! What audacity!"


    Zhu Liang''s anger turned into augh, standing up, "Gather everyone ande with me to take a look."


    Soon, scores of fierce-looking thugs assembled, each armed with a steel pipe or simr weapon.


    Green Mao, full of smug satisfaction, trotted behind Zhu Liang on the way to the Age of Prosperity Private Room.


    He couldn''t wait to see those arrogant kids who had beaten him get theirs.


    ...


    Inside the Age of Prosperity Private Room.


    Long Xiaoshan nced at the time, uninterested in addressing the usations from Han Mu and the others, and stood up to say, "Taozi, we''re leaving."


    "What do you mean by this, just now you were the one pulling Chun Tao, and now you want to take Chun Tao away while our gathering isn''t even over yet," said Su Mei.


    "Yeah, you''re just Chun Tao''s boyfriend, not her husband. What right do you have to make decisions for her?"


    Experience tales with empire


    "Miss Xu, please stay. A cowardly man like him isn''t worth it. Listen to me, it''s okay to be poor, but you can''t be without spine. You won''t find happiness with him," Han Mu said with a pained expression.


    "Long Xiaoshan, if you''re still a man, then don''t control Miss Xu. Let her decide her own stay or leave," said Wei Shaocong indifferently.

 Chapter 212 Give me some face (Please subscribe)

    "You''re saying I control Chun Tao?" Long Xiaoshanughed.


    "What are youughing about?" Su Mei said coldly.


    "Ah, forget it, I can''t be bothered with you all," Long Xiaoshan said, "Taozi, then let me ask you, do you want to stay and continue ying, or will youe with me?"


    Chun Tao quickly grabbed Long Xiaoshan''s arm and said, "Little Xiaoshan, of course, I''ll go with you."


    Seeing Chun Tao''s anxious appearance, she looked like a pitiful abandoned puppy.


    Everyone was falling apart.


    You''re at least a great beauty, can''t you be a little more reserved?


    Su Mei was even more frustrated as she said, "Chun Tao, do you really choose him?"


    Stay connected via empire


    She really didn''t understand. Han Mu, Zhong Keqin, Ma Botao¡ªwho among them wasn''t ten times better than Long Xiaoshan? Wealthy and well-mannered. If it was said before that Chun Tao couldn''t bear to leave Long Xiaoshan, that might be excused by the feelings between the two, then Long Xiaoshan''s subsequent behavior waspletely appalling.


    Faced with Yuan Xiaoli, a femalepanion being bullied by outsiders, Long Xiaoshan actually shrank back like a turtle.


    In the eyes of women, this was simply unforgivable behavior.


    It could be utterly vetoed.


    Yet, Chun Tao, as if spellbound, remained infatuated with Long Xiaoshan, choosing him without hesitation, which was iprehensible.


    This man who was poor, uneducated, and spineless¡ªwhat was good about him?


    Han Mu, Zhong Keqin, and others gritted their teeth.


    But what could they do? Could they forcibly keep Chun Tao? She had willingly chosen him, and everyone had seen it. There was simply no stopping her.


    Long Xiaoshan chuckled, took Chun Tao by the hand, and headed for the door.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    However, after a few steps, he stopped and sighed.


    "Go on then, why have you stopped?" Su Mei said with a cold voice.


    "It''s not that I don''t want to go, it''s that I can''t leave," Long Xiaoshan turned around and said helplessly.


    Bang!


    Just as Long Xiaoshan''s voice fell, the door to the private room was violently kicked open, and a group of menacing men in ck walked in, some holding clubs. After these men entered, they split into two rows.


    Then, a man with a scar swaggered in, nked by a stunningly beautiful woman in pce attire, supporting him as if she were attending to a Retired Emperor.


    Seeing these men storm in, Wei Shaocong and the others changed their expressions slightly.


    However, being a group of young men from notable backgrounds, they didn''t show fear even though the scarred man had an imposing presence.


    "Who are you?" Han Mu stepped forward and asked coldly.


    "Brother-inw, it''s them. It''s this bunch of little bastards who beat me up," a sharp voice rang out. A green-haired man emerged from behind the scarred man, the very one who had been beaten up at the bathroom entrance earlier.


    Seeing the green-haired man, Han Mu''s expression changed as he said, "So it''s you."


    "Damn it, you little bastards. Now with my brother-inw here, you motherf*ckers be arrogant again, I''ll make sure you''re dead," the green-haired man said with an arrogant and fierce face.


    Han Mu was not intimidated; his father owned a four-star hotel, and he didn''t believe the green-haired man''s brother-inw would dare touch him. Furthermore, Wei Shaocong was there.


    Han Mu didn''t pay attention to the green-haired man but appeared confident as he addressed the scarred man, "Brother, you should manage your little brother-inw. Not every woman is someone he can touch; be careful not to bring trouble on yourself."


    Zhu Liang''s eyes narrowed sharply.


    He didn''t get angry. Instead, he smiled, walked a few steps forward, and came face-to-face with Han Mu, "Haha, interesting. Not many dare to speak to me like that in Hechuan City. May I know who you are?"


    "My name is Han Mu. My father is Han Jun, the chairman of the Horse Hotel," Han Mu said indifferently.


    "Horse Hotel, Han Jun, could it be the one from XC District?" Zhu Liang took a sharp breath.


    "That''s right," Han Mu said, seeing Zhu Liang''s expression and thinking he was afraid.


    p!


    Suddenly, a pnded, and Zhu Liang smacked Han Mu fiercely to the ground.


    Zhu Liang was strong, and Han Mu got confused by the p, his face swelling up like it was blown up with air.


    "When your father sees me, he has to call me Brother Liang. What are you? Daring to tell me about bringing trouble upon yourself," Zhu Liang stomped on Han Mu and bent over, saying fiercely.


    That aura of a real tough guy erupted.


    Han Mu was scared white in the face.


    Moreover, the other party, after hearing his father''s name, wasn''t frightened at all. Usually, he relied on his father''s name to be arrogant outside. Now, this card was useless, and he didn''t know what to do.


    "Go die." The green-haired man charged forward, punching and kicking Han Mu.


    Han Mu, pinned down by Zhu Liang, couldn''t break free, and his screams were incessant.


    "Stop it." Wei Shaocong and others hurriedly rushed forward, attempting to rescue Han Mu.


    Zhu Liang waved his hand, and his dozens of underlings swarmed in; Wei Shaocong urgently shouted, "My dad is Wei Jianjun, stop it right now."


    Zhu Liang''s expression paused for a moment before he shouted, "Stop."


    Everyone halted their moves, including the green-haired man, who was already a de facto power figure in Hechuan City, wielded considerable deterrence.


    "Your dad is Wei Jianjun." Zhu Liang said, squinting his eyes.


    "That''s right, my dad is Wei Jianjun, let go of my ssmate now," Wei Shaocong urgentlymanded.


    Zhu Liang''s eyes shed with wariness but didn''t lift his foot off Han Mu. Instead, he looked at Zhong Keqin and Ma Botao and asked, "What about you two, what is your status?"


    Zhong Keqin and Ma Botao reported their families'' status too.


    Their families each ownedpanies with assets of tens of millions.


    After hearing this, Zhu Liang exhaled sharply and suddenly swung his hand furiously, "Take them all away for me."


    "You dare!"


    Wei Shaocong was shocked, but soon he and the other two were subdued by Zhu Liang''s men.


    "Drag him over there," Zhu Liang ordered, pointing at Wei Shaocong. "Little Mao, for the other three, however they hit you just now, hit them back the same way."


    "Thank you, brother-inw," the green-haired man said with a ferocious face as he charged towards Zhong Keqin and Ma Botao.


    Screams soon filled the private room.


    Wei Shaocong, furious, shouted, "Stop it now. Aren''t you afraid my father will have you arrested?"


    Zhu Liang shook his head in disdain.


    XC District was the poorest in Hechuan City. Besides, Zhu Liang was based in CZ District and was not without backing. He would, at most, not touch this Wei Shaocong.


    As for Wei Shaocong''s ssmates, they amounted to nothing.


    Seeing Han Mu and others getting brutally beaten, Su Mei and the others turned pale with fear. They were usually delicate and spoiled; they had never witnessed such violence.


    Even Su Mei, who was normally quite loquacious, could not utter a word now.


    After a brutal beating, Han Mu, Zhong Keqin, and Ma Botao were all swollen and bruised, with Han Mu even losing several teeth, nowhere near the dashing appearance he had earlier.


    "That''s enough."


    Zhu Liangmanded firmly,


    and the green-haired man stopped.


    These were children of wealthy families; a lesson was all they needed. Causing serious trouble would be a problem even for him.


    After being released, Wei Shaocong and others quickly gathered together.


    But at this moment, those ignorant young masters no longer possessed their earlier arrogance.


    Wei Shaocong, grinding his teeth, asked, "Brother Liang, can we leave now?"


    "Get lost," Zhu Liang gestured dismissively.


    Wei Shaocong and the others, as if granted amnesty, prepared to leave with Su Mei and others in tow.


    However, the green-haired man clearly wasn''t ready to let things end there.


    He rushed over, pped Yuan Xiaoli across the face, grabbed her hair, and dragged her out, snarling, "Come out with me, we''re not done settling our score."


    "I don''t want to, I don''t want to!" Yuan Xiaoli struggled and shrieked, weeping loudly.


    "Save me, save me, Young Master Wei, Young Master Han, Su Mei, Mengjie."


    Yuan Xiaoli knew all too well what would happen if she were left behind alone.


    But at that moment, Wei Shaocong and the others kept their heads down, not daring to say another word. They could stand up to a mere thug before, but facing someone as connected as Zhu Liang, they were nowpletely terrified.


    Moreover, this whole incident was Yuan Xiaoli''s fault to begin with.


    After being brutally beaten, the anger of Han Mu and others towards Yuan Xiaoli had built inside them, and they were even less likely to speak up.


    "Let her go, she''s just a girl."


    Although Li Mengjie and Su Mei were anxious, they were helpless to do anything.


    Chun Tao couldn''t stand it anymore, clutching Long Xiaoshan''s arm, she looked up at him and said, "Little Xiaoshan."


    Long Xiaoshan patted Chun Tao on the head, knowing she had a tender heart, he stepped forward and said indifferently, "Alright, Brother Liang, let''s call it even. Give me some face."

 Chapter 213 The Style Is Off (Please Subscribe)

    Chapter Two Hundred Thirteen


    "Alright, Brother Liang, you''ve beaten the guy. Let''s just leave it at that, give me some face," Xiaoshan stepped forward, blocking the green-haired man and spoke indifferently.


    Everyone was stunned.


    Even Yuan Xiaoli, who had been crying, forgot to cry for a moment.


    Previously, when Yuan Xiaoli was being beaten by the green-haired man in the restroom, Xiaoshan was too timid toe forward.


    Now, even Wei Shaocong didn''t dare to speak, and Xiaoshan actually stood up.


    This person!


    Was there something wrong with his brain?


    "Oh, who are you? Daring to ask for my face," Zhu Liang spoke with a menacing tone.


    Before this, Zhu Liang hadn''t even noticed Xiaoshan.


    Because Xiaoshan was dressed in cheap street clothes and had been quiet in the back of the crowd, how could such a person catch Zhu Liang''s eye?


    So, he was actually quite curious as to why Xiaoshan dared to stand out.


    "Me?" Xiaoshan smiled, "I''m someone you can''t afford to provoke."


    Holy crap!


    Wei Shaocong and the others nearly passed out!


    Don''t freaking drag us down if you''re looking to get killed!


    They now realized that Xiaoshan wasn''t timid at all, but incredibly bold, no, this wasn''t even about courage anymore, the guy was simply a clown invited by a monkey.


    Su Mei and the others held their foreheads.


    Even Yuan Xiaoli was shaking in fear.


    She had been quite excited that someone stood up for her, but she didn''t expect this guy to be simply adding fuel to the fire.


    Now it was over.


    Zhu Liang''s face instantly darkened, and the temperature in the air seemed to drop by several degrees.


    "Fuck your mother, who''s the dumbass showing up out of nowhere! Daring to talk to Brother Liang like that!"


    The green-haired man kicked towards Xiaoshan.


    Smack!


    The green-haired man was pped to the ground by Xiaoshan, and his already sparse teeth were now two fewer.


    "Who do you want to ''fuck''?" Xiaoshan squatted down.


    "Fuck your mother!" the green-haired man yelled.


    Smack!


    "Who do you fuck?"


    "I fuck!"


    Smack!


    "Who do you fuck?"


    "I!"


    Smack!


    "..."


    Smack!


    Smack!


    Smack!


    "Wuuu~~"


    In a sh, Xiaoshan pped the green-haired man on the face over a dozen times, and the manpletely copsed, crying: "I didn''t even say anything, why do you keep hitting me? You''re cheating!"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Enough!"


    Zhu Liang roared furiously, the ferocious scar on his face glowed red, showing that he was in a state of rage.


    It''s over!


    Su Mei and the others closed their eyes.


    Xiaoshan was doing more than just stroking the tiger''s whiskers, he was outright shitting on the tiger''s head.


    One could imagine what the furious Brother Liang would do next.


    Wei Shaocong and the others shouted, "Brother Liang, we don''t know him, let us go first."


    "Today, no one leaves!"


    Zhu Liang, overflowing with an aura of killing, said grimly, "It seems that ''Butcher Liang'' has not killed a pig for too long, and now just anyone dares to jump around in front of me."


    "What, you''re Butcher Liang!"


    The faces of Wei Shaocong and the others changed drastically.


    Butcher Liang was a vicious man in Hechuan City who could silence crying babies. When a child cried, an adult had to only say, "Cry again and Butcher Liang wille for you," and the child wouldn''t dare to cry.


    Facing this childhood bogeyman, how could Wei Shaocong and the others not be afraid?


    "Butcher Liang?" Long Xiaoshan was taken aback for a moment.


    "Scared, huh? But it''s toote!" Zhu Liang said, his face showing pride.


    He thoroughly enjoyed the look of terror on people''s faces when they heard his nickname.


    "Hahahaha..."


    All of a sudden, Long Xiaoshan burst intoughter, tears streaming down his face as he pointed at Zhu Liang and said, "Your nickname, it''s really something special. Why didn''t you call yourself ''Pig Brother Liang''? Hahahahaha..."


    Zhu Liang''s face turned iron blue.


    "Asking for death!"


    Zhu Liang could not restrain himself any longer, and with a wave of his hand, he said, "Hack him to death!"


    His underlings, wielding clubs, charged at Long Xiaoshan with loud shouts. Wei Shaocong and the others were already scared out of their wits, huddling in a corner, shaking uncontrobly.


    They were students, unustomed to witnessing such real-life shing.


    "Hmph!"


    With a cold snort, Long Xiaoshan rushed forward, unleashing a whirlwind of more than a dozen kicks. With each kick, a sharp sound of breaking air could be heard, the Yue Family Martial Arts, the Wind-Cutting Leg! After a dozen or so kicks, those who had charged him were sent flying back.


    The arms of each person holding a weapon were broken!


    Lying on the ground, they groaned in pain.


    Everyone was stunned.


    Wei Shaocong and the others'' eyes widened; they had thought for sure that Long Xiaoshan was going to be hacked to death, but the situation had taken a dramatic turn.


    They thought he was just a simple farmer, toiling thend with unsophisticated manners and not too sharp a mind, someone they would never even nce at normally. But to their surprise, this very farmer turned out to be a hidden master.


    Bare-handed, he easily defeated over a dozen strong men armed with weapons.


    Zhu Liang''s eyes narrowed, staring intently at Long Xiaoshan, his expression grave.


    "Who the hell are you?"


    "Haven''t I already told you? I''m someone you can''t afford to provoke."


    "Good, very good!"


    Zhu Liang pushed aside the woman next to him, violently tore open his shirt, revealing his muscr upper body. Most people tattooed an Azure Dragon or a White Tiger on their bodies, but on his chest was an inked image of a ferocious Demon Pig, just like the transforming pig demon from ''Journey to the West,'' incredibly terrifying.


    Zhu Liang picked up a cleaver from the ground, wrapped his shirt into a bandage around his knife-holding hand, and said word by word, "I haven''t taken action in a long time, I wonder if my knife skills have be rusty. I used to enjoy stripping flesh from bones. I once sliced a man 108 times, and only after I had finished did he realize that only the skeleton of his leg remained, the flesh all stripped by me. Let''s see how many pieces of flesh you''ll have left on you after I''m done slicing."


    Wuu~~


    Zhu Liang''s sinister and terrifying words caused the women to turn pale with fear, the mere thought of that image almost making them vomit.


    "You sure talk a lot. If you want to fight, thene on," Long Xiaoshan said impatiently.


    Zhu Liang''s expression faltered for a moment before his eyes filled with bloodshot veins and he let out a howl, charging at Long Xiaoshan with his cleaver, releasing eighteen slices in an instant, crisscrossing into a flurry of snowy white knife res.


    Bang!


    Like a cannonball, Zhu Liang shot out a lingering shadow, shattered the door, and rolled out onto the corridor outside.


    Long Xiaoshan stood diagonally, his foot slowlying down from the air.


    Su Mei, Li Mengjie, Wei Shaocong, and the others gaped in astonishment.


    This isn''t right.


    The nightmare of their childhood!


    A boss of the Great Demon King level!


    Just like that, he was kicked away!


    Ahh¡ª


    Zhu Liang, his head covered in blood, charged back in from outside, rushing at Long Xiaoshan in a frenzy.


    Explore new worlds at empire


    Bang!


    Once again, a lingering shadow was seen flying out.

 Chapter 214 Play With You (Please Subscribe)

    Chapter Two Hundred and Fourteen


    Crack!


    When Zhu Liang charged in once more, Long Xiaoshan didn''t kick him out again, but instead dislocated the joints of both his legs.


    Zhu Liang copsed to the ground.


    This guy truly was ruthless. Despite sweating profusely from the pain, he still red at Long Xiaoshan with a look that seemed to tear a piece of flesh from his body.


    "You don''t ept this?" Long Xiaoshan squatted down.


    "I ept your fucking ass," Zhu Liang shouted.


    Crack, crack.


    Long Xiaoshan dislocated both of Zhu Liang''s arms cleanly and decisively.


    Ow!


    Zhu Liang howled.


    "Do you ept it now?" Long Xiaoshan smiled slightly, revealing eight big, white teeth.


    "I ept your fucking ass!"


    Crack, crack, crack!


    Long Xiaoshan, with a smiling face, continued to dislocate joints all over Zhu Liang''s body.


    In less than a minute, eighty percent of the joints in Zhu Liang''s body were dislocated, and he slumped into a heap of mush, unable to move anything but his mouth.


    Zhu Liang was in enduring agony.


    "Kid, I, Zhu Liang, am not afraid to die. You think just because you can fight, that it''s useful? Do you have family? A woman? Friends? If you dare to touch me, your whole family will die!" Zhu Liang howled.


    It must be said, this guy was insanely vicious, and the ferocity he exuded was chilling.


    A cold light shed in Long Xiaoshan''s eyes.


    He hated it most when others threatened his family.


    Whoever dared to make him fear for his family''s lives, he would make them fear for theirs.


    "Alright then, you want to y? Let''s y," Long Xiaoshan said calmly, with a hidden killing intent.


    As his words fell, a flurry of hurried footsteps came from the corridor, and bam, the private room door was kicked open again, and another group of thugs rushed in.


    It was impossible for the entertainment city to have only so few thugs. After Long Xiaoshan had sent Zhu Liang flying, the woman in the pce outfit had slipped out of the room and called for more reinforcements.


    These people even brought several guns with them.


    As the biggest entertainment city in Hechuan City, it was normal for there to be a few guns hidden inside.


    These people charged into the room, pointing their guns at Long Xiaoshan and Wei Shaocong and others.


    If it weren''t for Zhu Liang, who was caught in Long Xiaoshan''s grasp, they would have already fired.


    "Don''t shoot, don''t shoot, we''re not with him."


    Wei Shaocong and his group, who were being pointed at by the guns, all started yelling, squeezing desperately toward the corner of the room. Ordinary people have no experience being under gunpoint. Even high-worth young masters be just as panicked as ordinary people when faced with guns, or even more so, because they fear death more ¨C they believe their lives are worth far more than those of ordinary people.


    Seeing his own men rush in, and even with guns brought in, Zhu Liang''s momentum picked up again, and he sneered.


    "You think you can still y with me now?"


    Long Xiaoshan looked at those guns with a calm expression. Zhu Liang had threatened his family, and he definitely wouldn''t let him go, but before that, he had to clear the field.


    He pointed at Wei Shaocong and the others and said, "Let them go first, then we''ll continue our game."


    Zhu Liang weighed the situation and said, "Let them go."


    After all, Wei Shaocong and the others were either rich or noble.


    A lesson was one thing.


    But he couldn''t take the responsibility of killing them.


    Besides, the one he hated the most right now was Long Xiaoshan.


    As long as Long Xiaoshan was dealt with, he''d be happy.


    Wei Shaocong and the others hid in the corner of the wall.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    They looked on in terror at the two men.


    Butcher Liang was ruthless, but Long Xiaoshan, who just now snapped all of Butcher Liang''s bones with a crackle and pop, wasn''t much better. This small-time farmer waspletely unrecognizable from the man they knew, turning into a little demon who could rival Butcher Liang. Han Mu was so scared he nearly pissed himself, especially since he was just plotting how to undermine this demon.


    Looking at Butcher Liang slumped on the ground, he felt pain all over his body, especially in his balls.


    "What''s wrong, not willing to leave? Want to stay for some tea?" Long Xiaoshan repeated.


    Wei Shaocong and the others came to their senses and quickly said, "We''re leaving, right now."


    "Taozi, you should go back with them first," Long Xiaoshan said.


    "I''m not leaving."


    "You should go first. I''ll finish up here soon and call you," he reassured her.


    "I''m not going." Chun Tao clung to Long Xiaoshan''s arm, with a stubborn and determined look on her face.


    "Alright then," Long Xiaoshan gave in helplessly.


    He knew Chun Tao was soft on the outside but tough on the inside; once she dug in her heels, even he couldn''t persuade her otherwise.


    Wei Shaocong, Su Mei, and the others quickly left the private room and bolted out of Dihao Entertainment City as fast as they could. Breathing in the air outside, they felt it was the freshest and most wonderful air they had ever breathed in their lives.


    Li Mengjie said, "Wei Shaocong, you should call your dad quickly to save Long Xiaoshan and Chun Tao."


    There were guns inside.


    Although Long Xiaoshan was a formidable fighter, nobody believed he could ovee guns.


    Wei Shaocong didn''t respond or make the call, but instead walked towards his car.


    "Hurry up, if we''re not quick it''ll be toote," Li Mengjie shouted.


    Wei Shaocong got into the car and said to Su Mei, "I''ll take you home."


    Li Mengjie could see that Wei Shaocong probably didn''t want to make the call and quickly chased after him to stop him, saying, "Wei Shaocong, why aren''t you calling? Even if you dislike Long Xiaoshan, Chun Tao is our ssmate!"


    Su Mei also said, "Shaocong, you should still make the call."


    "You think making a call would help, that''s Butcher Liang, the boss of Dihao Entertainment City," Wei Shaocong said with a pale face.


    His legs were still trembling, and he didn''t want to get involved anymore. If his father found out about tonight''s events, he was sure to get his legs broken.


    "You can''t just stand by and do nothing if you see someone dying, you can''t just watch Long Xiaoshan and Chun Tao get killed!" Li Mengjie shouted angrily.


    "Sorry, miss, who did you just say was getting killed?"


    Suddenly, a voice came from beside them.


    Li Mengjie and the others were stunned to see a Bentley pull up next to them,ing to a stop, and a burly young man with a cold aura stepped out. It was this young man who had spoken.


    The Bentley was a rare sight in Hechuan City, especially with a license te series of all 8s, which certainly wasn''t something just anyone could afford. Even Han Mu''s father, Han Jun, only drove a Mercedes S400.


    Seeing that Li Mengjie didn''t speak, the young man pressed with a heavier tone, "Who did you say was getting killed just now, Long Xiaoshan and Chun Tao?"


    Li Mengjie finally sensed something in his tone, and she asked, "Do you know Long Xiaoshan and Chun Tao?"


    Ashui was startled.


    He came to pick up Long Xiaoshan. Just as he drove up to the entrance of the entertainment city, he immediately approached upon hearing Li Mengjie''s shouts.


    He quickly grabbed Li Mengjie and demanded harshly, "What''s going on? Who''s trying to kill Brother Long and Sister-in-Law? Where are they now?"


    Brother Long?


    Sister-in-Law?


    Li Mengjie was bewildered.


    Standing beside her, Su Mei, Young Master Han, Han Mu, and the others were even more confused.


    "You''re hurting me," Li Mengjie winced in pain.


    Ashui loosened his grip a bit, but his tone was more urgent as he said, "Talk,e on, fast."


    Li Mengjie didn''t understand why Long Xiaoshan had be Brother Long, but seeing Ashui''s urgency and the Bentley he drove, which implied no ordinary status, she quickly recounted the events in the private room, emphasizing that Butcher Liang''s men were now pointing guns at Long Xiaoshan.

 Chapter 215 The Confused Man is not Confused (Please Subscribe)

    "Dammit, it seems Zhu Liang is tired of living," someone cursed.


    As Ashui rushed into the entertainment city at top speed.


    Wei Shaocong and the rest stood there, and after a long while, Ma Botao tentatively asked, "Who is he?"


    Wei Shaocong shook his head, and so did Han Mu.


    Nobody knew Ashui, but how could someone with a Bentley decked out with a string of eights be simple? Moreover, this man clearly heard of Butcher Liang''s infamous reputation, yet showed no fear; he even cursed out loud.


    This matter probably wasn''t so straightforward.


    Everyone''s expressions grewplicated.


    At first, they thought Long Xiaoshan was just a farmer, driving a beaten-up pickup and dressed in street market clothes.


    Later, when Long Xiaoshan brazenly confronted Zhu Liang head-on, they still hadn''t changed their view, merely upgrading him from an ordinary farmer to a farmer who could fight well.


    But now, they began to doubt.


    Could a man who got called ''brother'' by someone driving a Bentley really be a farmer?


    Only Li Mengjie, observing Ashui''s retreating figure, had a flicker of recognition in her eyes.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Amidst the urgency just now, she hadn''t recognized him.


    But suddenly, she felt this man looked somewhat familiar. Wasn''t he the bodyguard making way for Wang Sihaist night?


    If previously she had a slight suspicion, now she was eighty percent certain that the young man standing beside Wang Sihai yesterday was Long Xiaoshan.


    Long Xiaoshan, who on earth are you?


    Li Mengjie''s curiosity grew intense.


    She had never been particrly curious about any man, not even her cousin, who was touted as a business prodigy. Long Xiaoshan was the first.


    ...


    Inside the Age of Prosperity private room.


    Long Xiaoshan stood in a standoff with Zhu Liang''s men, with Chun Tao at his side.


    "What is it, you nning to stand with me all night? Let go of me, and we can talk," Zhu Liang said with disdainful, coldughter.


    He was a ruthless man, so he wasn''t afraid of Long Xiaoshan killing him now. Because if he killed him, Long Xiaoshan would die, and so would the woman with Long Xiaoshan.


    He could see it.


    Although Long Xiaoshan was also ruthless, he was one who valued his rtionships. A ruthless man with attachments has weaknesses, and someone with weaknesses can be dealt with.


    Thus he was fearless.


    But what he didn''t count on was one thing.


    Long Xiaoshan was not just any strong man; he was a Spirit Practitioner of the Third Layer of Qi Drawing.


    A powerful existence beyond the imagination of the ordinary person.


    The moment Zhu Liang threatened him, he decided to eliminate anyone who threatened his family.


    He hadn''t acted immediately because he wanted to wait for Wei Shaocong and the others to leave.


    Now that Wei Shaocong and hispanions had left.


    Long Xiaoshan sighed, having made up his mind to take action. He turned around and said softly and gently, "Taozi, close your eyes and no matter what you hear, do not open them."


    He wasn''t just a ruthless man; he was also someone who spared the innocent from suffering.


    Thus, he didn''t want the pure Chun Tao to witness too much bloodshed.


    Taozi looked into Long Xiaoshan''s clear eyes, not understanding why he wanted her to close her eyes. Was she supposed to be scared that bullets would hit her?


    She thought to herself, Little Xiaoshan, since I''ve decided to stay, I have the courage to die with you; why would I be afraid of bullets?


    But still, she obediently closed her eyes.


    She had always been a well-behaved girl, ready to agree to anything Xiaoshan asked of her.


    Long Xiaoshan saw her close her eyes.


    His eyes showed tenderness, but as he turned away, that tenderness was transformed into a towering Aura of Killing. This cold indifference sent a chill through even Butcher Liang, a ruthless man to the bone.


    He was suddenly horrified.


    As someone who had killed before, how could he not recognize that this was the look in someone''s eyes just before theymitted murder?


    That kind of deathly stillness and indifference.


    It was definitely not the look of someone killing for the first time.


    He had not expected Long Xiaoshan to actually attempt murder under the aim of so many guns, and he knew that if Long Xiaoshan wanted to kill, he would certainly be the first to die.


    He hadpletely misjudged Long Xiaoshan, and Zhu Liang shouted out loud.


    "Shoot quickly!"


    Now he only had one chance, which was for the bullets to be faster than Long Xiaoshan''s movements.


    "Stop!"


    A fierce shout came from outside the private room.


    Someone charged in.


    After Ashui rushed in and saw so many guns pointed at Long Xiaoshan, he hurriedly yelled again, "Stop."


    The major shareholder behind Dihao Entertainment City was not Zhu Liang.


    Zhu Liang was just the general manager, in other words, he was in charge of overseeing the ce. He couldn''t support such a big operation like Dihao alone.


    The real major shareholder of Dihao were Wang Sihai and several other Hechuan bigwigs.


    Therefore, Ashui, a favorite and bodyguard of Wang Sihai, was someone Zhu Liang would certainly recognize.


    The enforcers of Dihao Entertainment City also recognized Brother Ashui.


    So after Ashui barged in, they hesitated for a moment and did not shoot.


    Ashui quickly rushed to Long Xiaoshan''s side, bent down on the floor, and said in a fearful and respectful tone, "Brother Long, I''ve arrivedte, I hope you are unharmed."


    Long Xiaoshan frowned slightly, and slightly moved his hand away from Zhu Liang''s throat, and asked, "Ashui, you know him?"


    Ashui looked at Zhu Liang, limp and held in Long Xiaoshan''s grip, and pped him across the face, shouting, "Zhu Liang, you''ve got quite the nerve, daring to assault Director Wang''s honored guest."


    Zhu Liang, initially angered by Ashui''s p, was an old hand in the underworld, much more senior than Ashui.


    But upon hearing thetter part of the sentence, his anger was extinguished like cold water had been poured on it, and he asked in shock, "Ashui, what are you talking about? He knows Director Wang?"


    "More than just knows," Ashui said sternly. "He is a distinguished guest of Director Wang, and even Director Wang himself has to address him as ''Brother Long'' in person. You dared to point your gun at Brother Long; Director Wang will never spare you."


    Zhu Liang was stunned.


    Cold sweat broke out on his back.


    As a former butcher, he had made it this far because others said he was ruthless and good in a fight, but there were many ruthless people.


    Why was it that only Butcher Liang made a name for himself?


    Only he knew that without the support of wealthy tycoons like Wang Sihai behind him, he was nothing. Would he dare to show disrespect to Wei Jianjun or Han Jun?


    No matter how good he was in a fight, could he beat a gun? He''d have been killed long ago.


    So although he was crazy and wild, he only showed this side to those weaker than him.


    In front of real bosses, he was more obedient than anyone else.


    So his previous ferocity disappeared instantaneously, and he said weakly, "Brother Ashui, I didn''t know."


    How could he have known that someone Director Wang has to call ''brother'' would dress like a farmer?


    Ashui red at him fiercely and looked up to say, "Brother Long, regarding this matter, how would you like to deal with it? Zhu Liang is a fool."


    Long Xiaoshan looked at him with a smile that was not quite a smile and said, "He''s a fool? He just threatened to kill my entire family."


    Ashui shuddered.


    Others might not know, but how could he be unaware of Long Xiaoshan''s fearsomeness?


    This was the man who had taken one of Director Wang''s eyes yet left Director Wang unable to utter a word of protest.


    Ashui had initially intended to speak in defense of Zhu Liang somewhat, otherwise he would not have deliberately mentioned Zhu Liang was a fool, trying to make an excuse for him. But now that Zhu Liang had said such things, seeing Long Xiaoshan''s indifferent smile, Ashui knew this was going to be difficult.


    He said, "Brother Long, I will call the boss right now. He will definitely give you a reasonable exnation."

 Chapter 216 The Expert Arrives (Please Subscribe)

    Chapter Two Hundred and Sixteen


    Upon hearing Wang Sihai''s roar on the phone, Zhu Liang knew he was finished.


    After obtaining Wang Sihai''s assurance that Zhu Liang would disappear before him,


    Long Xiaoshan and Ashui walked out of Dihao Entertainment City.


    "Brother Long, please get in the car," Ashui said as he opened the back door of the Bentley.


    Long Xiaoshan and Chun Tao took a seat in the back, Ashui closed the car door, got into the driver''s seat, started the car, and drove the Bentley out of the parking lot.


    After the Bentley entered the street, a young girl walked out from a corner of the parking lot.


    It was Li Mengjie.


    The Kowloon Mountain Clubhouse was located on a mountain in the suburbs of Hechuan City, named Kowloon Mountain. The mountain was densely forested and even boasted a hot spring. After being surveyed by a feng shui grandmaster, it was said that this ce was a treasure spot of feng shui capable of umting dragon energy, which could lead to promotions and wealth.


    Therefore, it had been imed early on by Hechuan City''s richest man, Zhou Yushan, to build a private clubhouse.


    The Kowloon Mountain Clubhouse was not open to the general public.


    Unlike Dihao Entertainment City, where anyone with money could go to spend,


    The Kowloon Mountain Clubhouse was more like a private forest garden.


    Only the real big shots of Hechuan City could enter this ce. However, today, the Kowloon Mountain Clubhouse was busier and more strictly guarded than usual.


    After the Bentley wound its way up Kowloon Mountain, passing checks at three gatekeeper posts at the foot, midway, and the top of the mountain, it finally drove into the parking lot of the Kowloon Mountain Clubhouse.


    "Nice ce," said Long Xiaoshan as he looked at the clubhouse hidden among the dense forests and theyout of the entire Kowloon Mountain.


    Others might not notice.


    But he, a Spirit Practitioner with the Heavenly Eye, had already enveloped the whole Kowloon Mountain, and with his knowledge of feng shui, he could tell that the ce had been transformed by a feng shui grandmaster. Theyout and terrain were definitely a treasure of feng shui.


    Even, the spiritual energy for cultivation here was more abundant than outside.


    Ordinary people living here would have stronger bodies, and cultivators would progress faster here than outside.


    Long Xiaoshan and Chun Tao walked hand in hand.


    They didn''t seem to be here for an arenapetition, but rather as tourists.


    Originally, he wanted to send Chun Tao away first, but since she wanted to be with him, he let her stay.


    Seeing Long Xiaoshan and Chun Tao leisurely touring the clubhouse manor, with Long Xiaoshan asionally pointing and admiring his surroundings, Ashui was speechless, thinking to himself how carefree Brother Long was.


    Did he not realize how important tonight''s arenapetition was?


    Today was the day that would determine the fate of the entire underground forces of Hechuan City.


    If this were ancient times, it would resemble the struggle for the position of martial alliance hierarch.


    Whoever emerged victorious from the arenapetition would be able to decisively be the real decision-maker of Hechuan City''s underground. Yet, at this time, Long Xiaoshan actually had the leisure to appreciate the scenery.


    Ashui couldn''t help but remind him, "Brother Long, Boss Wang is already waiting for you inside."


    "Oh," Long Xiaoshan seemed to snap out of it.


    Pulling Chun Tao''s hand, he said, "Let''s go inside and take a look first, if it''s not fun, we can leave in a bit."


    "Mhm," Chun Tao nodded.


    "..."


    Ashui didn''t know what else to say.


    He led Long Xiaoshan and the others toward the main clubhouse. After a few steps, he saw Wang Sihai standing at the entrance of the grand hall, looking around anxiously. Find more to read at empire


    Upon seeing Long Xiaoshan, Wang Sihai''s face brightened with joy, and he quickly walked over, eximing, "Brother Long, you finally arrived."


    "Director Wang," Long Xiaoshan nodded in acknowledgement.


    "Brother Long, I''m truly sorry about the matter with Zhu Liang, I swear I won''t let him appear before you again."


    Long Xiaoshan waved his hand dismissively, toozy to speak. Zhu Liang was just a minor character. Whether Wang Sihai dealt with him or not, Zhu Liang would never be able to stand tall again in his lifetime. Those who threatened his family, he would not let them off easily.


    "Brother Long, this way, please. Let''s rest for a bit first. The ringpetition doesn''t start until eight o''clock," Wang Sihai said respectfully.


    "Alright."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    A group of people walked inside.


    Suddenly, Long Xiaoshan''s gaze caught a familiar figure, and he eximed, "Zhao Jun."


    Zhao Jun stood with another group of people. Among them was a man in a Tang suit ying with a string of star-and-moon Buddha beads. He appeared to be in his fifties or sixties, with half-white hair and a dignified presence. Zhao Jun stood slightly behind him, indicating the man''s higher status.


    Zhao Jun was now helping with his work, keeping an eye on the Longling Pharmaceuticals'' business in Xinyuan County.


    Hearing Long Xiaoshan''s voice, Zhao Jun turned his head around.


    His face showed a mix of surprise and then quickly turned somewhat fearful.


    Long Xiaoshan asked, "What are you doing here?"


    Zhao Jun replied with a respectful face, "I''m here to watch the ringpetition, Brother Long."


    Seeing Zhao Jun treat a young man with such reverence, the man in the Tang suit furrowed his brows. Zheng Laoshi had helped Zhao Jun in the past. Although Zhao Jun had since be independent and was thriving in Xinyuan County, he still had to call the man Fourth Uncle upon seeing him.


    Now, Zhao Jun was showing more deference to this younger person than to him, which rubbed him the wrong way.


    And this young man was standing with Wang Sihai.


    Everyone in Hechuan County knew that he and Wang Sihai were at odds.


    "Director Wang." The man in the Tang suit said coolly.


    "Zheng Laoshi," Wang Sihai responded with a forced smile.


    "Who is this young fellow? I don''t recognize him. Could he be one of your juniors?" Zheng Laoshi asked indifferently.


    "Zheng Laoshi, don''t get things wrong. This is Brother Long, not one of my juniors, but a master I''ve invited to hold the fort," Wang Sihai hurriedly said.


    "Your invited master? Him?" Zheng Laoshiughed.


    He thought Long Xiaoshan looked like an ordinary person, and even more like someone who hade up the hard way, otherwise his skin wouldn''t be so dark, and his clothes wouldn''t be so shabby.


    "Zheng Laoshi, what are youughing at?" Wang Sihai said with displeasure.


    "Wang Sihai, you''ve really regressed with age. In today''s tournament that will decide the Dragon Head of the Hechuan City Chamber of Commerce, you invited him to contend with Yu Cheng?" Zheng Laoshi scoffed coldly.


    "Fourth Uncle, please be cautious with your words," Zhao Jun hurriedly tugged at Zheng Laoshi''s sleeve.


    Others might not know, but how could he not? Long Xiaoshan was a tough man, someone who couldn''t even be killed by bullets.


    However, his action made Zheng Laoshi lose face, especially since Zhao Jun was his man and was advising him to be cautious. He spoke sharply, "Junzi, what are you doing?"


    Zhao Jun replied, "Brother Long is a master, a very formidable one."


    "Nonsense! Junzi, have you be muddled after a few months of not seeing? This is what a real master looks like, herees the grandmaster," Zheng Laoshi said disdainfully.


    As he spoke, a Rolls-Royce pulled up.


    The car door opened, and a person in a ck robe stepped out, emitting a chilling and decayed aura.


    Once the man descended, everyone felt their skin tingle. He was extremely thin, almost skeletal, and he held a bell in his hand. After shaking the bell, a harsh sound rang out from it.


    Click-ck.


    A tall figure crawled out from the back seat of the Rolls-Royce. The person''s movements were bizarre, stiff to the extreme, as if not quite human.


    And their skin was a grayish brown, uncharacteristic of any living person. As he stepped out, a wave of putrefaction enveloped the air.


    The people around couldn''t help but step back in horror.

 Chapter 217 Gathering of Experts

    Chapter Two Hundred Seventeen


    "Master Zhong, you''ve arrived," Zheng Laoshi said with a trace of obsequious smile,ing forward with sped hands in greeting.


    The man in the ck robe let out a somewhat ominous voice, "Zheng Boss."


    At that moment, Zheng Laoshi turned his head and said to Wang Sihai and the others, "See, this is Master Zhong from Mangdu in Zhongzhou Province, capable of summoning spirits and gods, a true Grandmaster, iparable to any brat that just pops up out of nowhere."


    "Heh heh!" The man in the ck robe let out a sinisterugh, oozing arrogance.


    Seeing this man in a ck robe and the one trailing behind him, clothed in dark brown and reeking of cadaverine, Experience tales at empire


    Wang Sihai and the others all showed a trace of shock.


    Compared to Long Xiaoshan,


    the man in the ck robe definitely seemed like a terrifying existence.


    Even these tycoon-level individuals felt their hearts race and flesh tremble at the sight of him, and Mangdu, known as the ''Ghost City'', has always been associated with tales of corpse drivers.


    This Master Zhong hailing from there is very likely to be one such person.


    As for those mysterious figures,


    even these wealthy magnates held them in great respect and fear, knowing that offending them could lead to sudden and inexplicable death.


    "Spirit Practitioner!"


    At this time, Long Xiaoshan was staring at the man in the ck robe.


    Since thest time he had killed the Taoist from the ck Scale Gate, this was the second time he had encountered a Spirit Practitioner.


    His Heavenly Eye could see right through this man in the ck robe.


    This Master Zhong turned out to be at the first level of a Spirit Practitioner.


    As for the man following behind him, he was nothing but a dead man, or rather a zombie, whom the man in the ck robe had somehow controlled to do his bidding.


    There really are many miraculous things in this world.


    If he hadn''t cultivated the Longevity Art, he might have nevere across such strange and bizarre individuals in his entire life.


    Moreover, he was also very interested, for he knew too little about the world of Spirit Practitioners, and now that he finally saw one, perhaps he could learn more about their world from him.


    Master Zhong was quite pleased with the effect of his entrance.


    All these local big shots worth billions were bowing to him, which gave him an indescribable sense of pleasure.


    Huh!


    His gaze turned and he suddenly saw a young man watching him, who not only didn''t show any fear, but also had an interested expression.


    This kind of gaze made him very ufortable.


    He fiercely red at Long Xiaoshan, his eyes seemingly shooting out green, oily mes. A Spirit Practitioner, with much stronger spiritual power than the average person, seeing that Long Xiaoshan was not respectful towards him, instantly wanted to teach him a lesson.


    Just a kid, one look from him could make him so terrified that his soul would scatter, potentially causing a severe illness.


    Seeing that mass of green fire, and feeling an invisible force surging into his own mindscape,


    Long Xiaoshan instinctively activated his Heavenly Eye.


    Two small mes of golden fire appeared in his eyes.


    Ah!


    Master Zhong suddenly let out a cry of pain, stumbling back several steps.


    "Master Zhong, what''s wrong with you?" Zheng Laoshi and the others hurriedly asked.


    They had all been bowing their heads with respect and had not seen Master Zhong use his spiritual power against Long Xiaoshan, so naturally, they did not know that his spiritual power had backfired due to Long Xiaoshan.


    "It''s nothing, nothing at all,"


    Master Zhong quickly shook his head.


    His heart was still in shock.


    Just now, it seemed like two bursts of golden me spewed from Long Xiaoshan''s eyes, that terrifying force of spiritual power waspletely overwhelming.


    He hadn''t expected to encounter such a formidable expert here.


    But fortunately, it seemed that Long Xiaoshan did not intend to deal him a lethal blow; he had just suffered a minor bacsh.


    Master Zhong looked up and saw Long Xiaoshan''s smiling face.


    He quickly turned his head away.


    Since Long Xiaoshan had neither spoken nor reacted, it was very likely he did not wish to reveal his identity. In Hechuan, this mere ind Earth Level city, to think it concealed a dragon amidst hiding tigers. If he hadn''t just epted ten million from Zheng Laoshi, he would have very much liked to leave right away.


    He felt no sense of safety here.


    "I might just be worn out from the journey, not feeling well; I need to rest a bit," Master Zhong said.


    Zheng Laoshi, who had wanted to show off in front of Wang Sihai, could only say, "Then Master, please go rest well. We''ll be counting on you in the uing Lei Taipetition."


    Master Zhong hummed a response and quickly made an anxious exit, appearing nothing like the impressive figure he was when he had arrived.


    Zheng Laoshi followed close behind him.


    Zhao Jun nced at Long Xiaoshan, who waved his hand. Zhao Jun said, "Brother Long, I''lle to find you after the Lei Taipetition concludes."


    Once Zhao Jun had left,


    Wang Sihai said, "Brother Long, let''s also go rest awhile."


    "Alright," Long Xiaoshan nodded.


    A group of people walked inside, and soon, everyone arrived at a venue. The venue was quiterge and contained a Lei Tai tform, surrounded by many seats and private boxes.


    With Wang Sihai''s status, he naturally acquired a private box.


    Thus, Wang Sihai brought Long Xiaoshan into that box, which was already stocked with an assortment of drinks and food.


    After sitting down, Long Xiaoshan activated his Heavenly Eye, epassing the entire venue. Having just seen a Spirit Practitioner, his interest in the Lei Taipetition had intensified, so he wanted to see if there were any other figures worth his attention.


    Once the Heavenly Eye was deployed, no private box could block his sight.


    He caught sight of Master Zhong, and he saw some formidable figures within each box as well.


    Two of them caught his attention.


    One was a man with a bare upper body, covered in countless scars. He had many scars on his body in the past, but evenpared to his past self, this man''s scars were far more significant. His eyes conveyed a mad killing intent, and he must have taken many lives.


    The other was a sword-bearer, a sight rarely seen on the streets nowadays; who still carries a sword in modern times? But this person indeed wore a sword at his side.


    And Long Xiaoshan could feel Inner Strength emanating from him; this was a Huang Level Martial Artist.


    Beyond these two individuals,


    there were some who seemed quite formidable, but they no longer caught Long Xiaoshan''s interest.


    Long Xiaoshan retracted his Heavenly Eye.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He had originally wanted to look for Yu Cheng, but since Wei Zhentian was not here yet, it was evident that Yu Cheng was also absent.


    Long Xiaoshan, out of boredom, began cracking walnuts for Chun Tao to eat. With a slight tremor of his hand, the hard walnut shells shattered, leaving the nutmeats intact.


    One per second.


    Like a magic trick.


    This made Chun Tao giggle withughter.


    Wang Sihai watched the couple sprinkle dog food without saying anything.


    About ten minutester, a stir suddenly arose outside; Wang Sihai stood up and said, "Yu Cheng has arrived."

 Chapter 218 Battle of the Dragon Head

    Chapter Two Hundred and Eighteen


    Long Xiaoshan also looked outside the private room. At the entrance, a group dressed in martial arts school uniforms walked in, with Wei Zhentian and another man leading them.


    Wei Zhentian seemed to have be hunched over, appearing to have aged ten years.


    Gone was the aura of a martial artist.


    However, the air of a big shot still clung to him.


    Butpared to the man next to him, even a big shot like Wei Zhentian seemed more like an attendant. The man was built like a javelin, his upper body was exceptionally muscr, especially his arms, which were so powerfully developed they seemed almost deformed.


    It was as if two gori arms had been grafted onto a human body.


    When he walked, naturally, all focus shifted onto him.


    This was the aura of a person.


    Such an aura, born of genuine personal strength, even made Long Xiaoshan''s eyes show a trace of solemnity.


    The martial artists he had encountered so far included only Wei Zhentian; if Wei was a Tibetan mastiff, then this man was a true lion, a fundamental difference existing between the two.


    "Interesting!"


    A slight smile appeared on Long Xiaoshan''s face.


    Today, he hade to witness the masters.


    This Yu Cheng did not disappoint him.


    Wei Zhentian and his entourage arrived at a private room in the north side. Without a doubt, Yu Cheng took the seat of honor, while Wei Zhentian could only sit in a guest seat.


    With the arrival of Wei Zhentian and his party, the atmosphere of the entire venue had already started to build up.


    On the stage, a lion dance troupe came up and began to perform. The beating of drums and gongs made the atmosphere of the venue seem like New Year was being celebrated. After the performance was over,


    a man stood up in a private room on the eastern side. This man, dressed in a Zhongshan suit wearing sses, looked like a refined and graceful university professor. Yet when he stood up, the entire venue fell silent.


    It was as though this man possessed an immense presence because he was Zhou Yushan, the richest man in Hechuan City.


    Zhou Yushan''s business extended throughout Hechuan City. His industries included real estate, hotels, transport, entertainment, supermarkets, and he had his hands in nearly every sector, earning him the nickname "Half-City Zhou" in Hechuan City.


    Even the mayor would have to respectfully address him as Mr. Zhou when they met.


    The venue for today''s Kowloon Mountain Clubhouse event was also provided by him.


    Zhou Yushan stood up and said, "Esteemed guests, for a long time now, ourpanies and enterprises in Hechuan City have been acting independently, somewhat scattered, unable to unite into a single force. As a result, our power in Xichuan Province has always been the weakest. When we go outside, we often face discrimination and unfair treatment. In view of this, after consultation, we have decided to organise this underground martial artspetition, to make friends through martial arts and jointly select a business leader for Hechuan City, someone who will hold sway over the businessmunity."


    Zhou Yushan''s words caused a strong reaction among the attendees.


    Although everyone was already aware of the extraordinary significance of thispetition, hearing Zhou Yushan personally announce it still has a profound impact.


    This was about bing the top leader of the business association.


    In ancient times, this was like being the Alliance Hierarch of the martial world.


    Although this title was more symbolic, having it would mean a special status in the businessmunity of Hechuan City, even slightly surpassing the position of Zhou Yushan, the richest man.


    The push for a leader of the business association this time originated from the threat posed by the new power Weifeng Group, which triggered the initiative.


    However, what allowed everyone toe to an agreement so quickly was not simply because of threats,


    but the driving force of everyone''s ambitions.


    Although Yu Cheng was formidable, among the wealthy elites in Hechuan City present, hardly anyone was a pushover¡ªso what if the opponent was skilled?


    In the vastnds of Huaxia, hidden dragons and crouching tigers abound.


    Countless hidden experts lie in wait.


    No one would concede defeat to another.


    The one who clinches victory in this tournament would easily obtain the position of Dragon Head.


    Who would let slip such an opportunity? Therefore, every party went all out, expending significant human and financial resources, gathering masters from all over to join this battle for the Dragon Head. Experience tales at empire


    "Now, I announce the rules of the underground tournament. A total of eighteen forces are participating in the battle for the Dragon Head, represented here by the eighteen private boxes. The number of your box is your code name. Two numbers will be randomly drawn byputer for the matches, and losing even once signifies failure. The first round will yield nine winners; the second round will continue with one having a bye, leaving five. Then, in the third round, it proceeds as free challenge matches. Failure to win a challenge means elimination, until the final victor is determined. Now, I dere that the tournament... officially begins."


    Zhou Yushan sinctly finished announcing the rules.


    A burst of drumming sounded.


    On therge screen above the arena, two rows of numbers began to alternately sh, both ranging from 1 to 18.


    Xiaoshan sat inside, noting his box number, and Wang Sihai''s was number 5.


    Which meant if number 5 was drawn, he would be in the fight.


    With the drumming reaching its climax, it abruptly stopped, and two numbers appeared on therge screen, 7 and 8.


    A roar erupted from the seats as everyone turned to look at boxes 7 and 8.


    A momentter, the doors to boxes 7 and 8 opened.


    Two figures emerged; from box 7 came a short man, standing only around one and a half meters tall, with dark skin and a venomous look in his eyes. From box 8, in stark contrast, a giant of a man stepped out, resembling a sumo wrestler from RB in stature, practically a mountain of flesh and scantily d in just a pair of shorts. As he moved, the flesh on his body quivered, and when he descended the steps, it seemed as though the ground of the entire venue trembled with him.


    The short man from box 7 was light as a swallow, seemingly weightless as he flipped through the air andnded onto the more than one-meter-high arena, his agility sparking a wave of cheering from below.


    The flesh mountain from box 8 took his steps up to the arena.


    Facing the giant whose stature was nearly five to six times his own size, the short man showed no fear on his face, his eyes gleaming with a hint of cruelty. He pulled two daggers from his waist and sneered, "I''ve once assassinated a Yokozuna level sumo wrestler from the Ind Country, it took me three hundred knife cuts to kill him. I wonder how many it will take for you?"


    Chilled gasps came from the audience.


    In the sumo wrestling of the Ind Country, Yokozuna is the highest rank¡ªsuch wrestlers possess the strength of a thousand pounds, essentially human tanks, and with their training from a young age, they are agile, not just any ordinary chubby fighters, let alone a Yokozuna.


    And this short, dark-skinned man imed to have killed a Yokozuna wrestler.


    At that moment, some sharp-eyed individuals noticed a blood-red tattoo peeking out from the man''s neck, shaped like an eyeball.


    "He''s an assassin from the Dark Eye!"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Someone eximed in shock.


    The Dark Eye, the most powerful and secretive assassin organization in Southeast Asia. Box 7 really spared no expense, having hired someone from the Dark Eye. Assassins from the Dark Eye are not ordinary beings; they are truly formidable, and their prices are astonishingly high¡ªthe lowest reported price starts from a million.


    An assassin from the Dark Eye capable of killing a Yokozuna wrestler would definitely be of no low rank.

 Chapter 219 The Bloody Arena Battle

    Chapter Two Hundred and Neen


    "That fatso is done for, the assassin from Dark Eye is too powerful," murmured the crowd below.


    The behemoth standing opposite the Dark Eye assassin seemed as if he hadn''t woken up yet, his expression was foolishly simple, and he was indifferent to the provocation from the Dark Eye assassin.


    The crowd below shook their heads.


    This was a silly big guy who could be frightening to ordinary people, but this was not an ordinary venue¡ªit was the fighting ring for the Dragon Head battles.


    And his opponent was a powerful assassin.


    The Dark Eye assassin snorted coldly.


    His body rapidly charged towards the behemoth. His figure almostpletely turned into a shadow, and as the behemoth raised his arm to swing at the Dark Eye assassin, his thick arm was like arge stick swinging swiftly.


    But the Dark Eye assassin was faster, his body quickly curled up, flying under the behemoth''s armpit like a nimble monkey, while simultaneously pulling his dagger.


    Rip!


    Blood spurted out.


    A long bloody gash was torn from the behemoth''s ribs to his lower back.


    Blood gushed out immediately.


    Seeing the blood shooting out, the audience watching the arena battle below became even more excited. These were not ordinary spectators, all were people who mingled in the underground, subordinates of various big shots.


    These people were usually fierce and aggressive, and seeing such bloodshed only excited them more.


    "Toxic Sting, Toxic Sting! Kill him, kill him!"


    The crowd beneath Box No. 7 was roaring and bellowing non-stop; Toxic Sting was the codename of the Dark Eye assassin.


    In Box No. 8, the shouting was just as intense.


    "Demon Mountain, Demon Mountain!"


    Toxic Sting, within the fighting ring, was like an incredibly agile snake, constantly darting around, amon person''s eyes could only capture a streak of shadow, and that was because of the intense lighting of the venue. If it had been a dim environment, perhaps not even the shadow would be seen.


    Rip, rip!


    The sound of a dagger sinking into flesh was heard continuously.


    Within a mere minute, Toxic Sting had shed twenty or thirty gashes on Demon Mountain''s body, and these shes were scattered all over Demon Mountain''s flesh. Although Demon Mountain''s body was exceptionally huge, with so many gashes, his body had also be blood-drenched.


    The crowds in the stands became even wilder.


    And Toxic Sting seemed to thoroughly enjoy the feeling of continuously slicing his prey.


    He even jumped onto a pir at the edge of the ring, slightly bowing to the audience in response to their cheers, like a gentleman, his blood-stained dagger making the gesture incredibly cruel.


    Inside Box No. 5, Chun Tao''s face was deathly pale.


    She was a woman from a vige, where had she ever witnessed such a bloody scene?


    Long Xiaoshanforted her by patting her back, saying, "Taozi, close your eyes, don''t look. I didn''t want you toe in the first ce."


    Explore more at empire


    Chun Tao clutched Long Xiaoshan''s arm, hiding behind his back.


    "Duan Hai actually managed to hire an assassin from Dark Eye," Wang Sihai frowned and said, "He''s going to win this match."


    The owner of Box No. 7 was named Duan Hai, a major figure in Hechuan whose power wasparable to Wang Sihai''s.


    "No, he''s going to lose," Long Xiaoshan shook his head lightly.


    Wang Sihai, surprised, said, "How can that be possible? That Demon Mountain may be very strong, but he can''t even touch Toxic Sting. Look at him now, losing so much blood, his movements are clearly slowing down."


    Long Xiaoshan replied indifferently, "No, Demon Mountain isn''t hurt at all. You see his body covered in blood, but those wounds are actually very shallow, he''s been waiting for an opportunity. Just wait, the result will be soon."


    "Really?" Wang Sihai said with a mix of doubt and belief.


    On the fighting ring, Toxic Sting sneered, "Die."


    He had had enough fun and was ready to finish off Demon Mountainpletely.


    His body turned into a wisp of smoke!


    A dagger violently stabbed into Demon Mountain''s chest. This time he switched from shing to stabbing, the dagger plunging deep into Demon Mountain''s body. However, just as he was about to pull out the dagger, Demon Mountain''s flesh suddenly tensed up, bing as hard as steel.


    At this moment, the face of Demon Mountain no longer bore the simple and foolish look it had before, but rather revealed a ferocious and vicious expression. The abrupt transformation of what seemed like a foolish fat man into this demeanor conveyed only one feeling to onlookers¡ªterror.


    Even before he could withdraw his dagger, Poison Sting''s face changed color.


    Being an assassin, he knew he had walked into a trap.


    Just as he attempted to retreat, Demon Mountain''s fan-sized hand had already swung over and fiercely mped around Poison Sting''s head.


    With a forceful squeeze!


    Crack!


    From between the fingers of Demon Mountain, many yellow and red fluids spurted out¡­


    The sounds inside the venue instantly quieted down for a moment.


    Poison Sting''s body drooped limply.


    Demon Mountain threw his body on the ground, and everyone who saw Poison Sting''s head covered their mouths, feeling an urge to vomit despite being hardened individuals.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    After discarding Poison Sting, Demon Mountain, still with the simple and foolish look, pulled out the dagger from his chest and walked towards the stage''s edge.


    As this blood-soaked mound of flesh approached, the people on either side of him couldn''t help but recoil.


    The onlookers below box number 8 roared wildly, almost lifting the roof off.


    Inside box number 1.


    Zhou Yushan frowned and said, "This Demon Mountain is quite impressive, even an assassin from Dark Eye couldn''t match him."


    The white-clothed swordsman, sitting beside him, indifferently said, "His flesh is merely a facade; in truth, he is a master of body refining. That flesh of his is his most formidable defense. Poison Sting''s dagger couldn''t breach his defense. Moreover, an assassin should excel at lurking in the darkness, waiting for the right moment to strike, and yet he chose to engage in direct confrontation on the stage, bringing about his own demise."


    "Mr. Tang, are you confident in breaching Demon Mountain''s defense?"


    "Him?" said the white-clothed swordsman with a faint smile, radiating pride: "One sword stroke is all it takes!"


    "With Mr. Tang''s word, I am reassured."


    Zhou Yushan''s face regained itsposure.


    He was aware of the white-clothed swordsman''s identity¡ªone from the Tang Family of Tianfu.


    Since the Tang Family hade, the oue of the tournament was already destined; no one could stir up any waves.


    The numbers on the big screen started to change again.


    After a short while, number 11 and number 4 popped up.


    Box number 4 opened.


    A figure shrouded in a ck robe, exuding an extremely sinister aura, emerged. Following behind him was a "person" with dark brown skin, yellow-brown eyes, and an extremely rigid body.


    It was none other than Master Zhong whom Long Xiaoshan had just seen in the hall.


    "It stinks!"


    "What is this smell?! It reeks to death, like the smell of a corpse."


    As Master Zhong made his way down, the people seated along the path covered their noses.


    "Corpse Refinement! This is a magician from Mangdu!" eximed the white-clothed swordsman in box number 1, frowning.


    "Corpse Refinement?" asked Zhou Yushan.


    "The ''person'' following that magician is not a human, but a refined corpse, created by using a secret technique on a dead body."


    "What." Even as the affluent andposed Zhou Yushan, head of Hechuan''s richest, he could not hide his astonishment upon learning that such things from novels and television actually existed in this world.


    At this moment, Master Zhong had already stepped onto the stage.


    A one-eyed middle-aged man from box number 11 also leaped onto the stage.


    Seeing that Master Zhong had brought someone with him, he sneered, "What, you''re ying two against one now?"


    A set of jeers arose from below.


    Master Zhong let out a cold, sinisterugh: "To kill you, my precious one is more than enough."


    After speaking, he gave the bell in his hand a shake.

 Chapter 220 Xiaoshan Makes an Appearance

    Chapter Two Hundred and Twenty


    Master Zhong''s sinister coldughter cackled, "To kill you, one of my precious ones is enough."


    After he spoke, he shook the bell in his hand.


    Dinglingling!


    The grating sound of the bell arose, and upon hearing this sound, everyone felt a wave of irritation in their chests, a highly agitated sensation.


    The refined corpse standing behind Master Zhong suddenly opened its eyes wide, its yellowish-brown pupils turning a vivid red, extremely eerie. The refined corpse let out a strange howl, much like a night owl.


    It pounced fiercely.


    In that moment, its stiff body moved with surprising speed.


    Almost as fast as the assassin, Poison Sting, whose head was crushed just a moment ago.


    The one-eyed middle-aged man''s expression became stern; he clearly hadn''t expected this creature to be so fast. But he was no pushover either, for he was not an ordinary person but an ancient martial artist, a Huang Level ancient martial artist at that.


    Ancient martial artists were rare and powerful.


    Previously, all of Hechuan City had only Wei Zhentian, and after Wei Zhentian was crippled, it was very hard to find a second one.


    But today, at this arenapetition rted to the battle for the Dragon Head position,


    martial artists had be quitemon.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The one-eyed middle-aged man, gathering his inner strength, dodged the refined corpse''s attack and swung his palm, which glowed red, fiercely toward the refined corpse.


    Although the refined corpse was fast, it wasn''t agile.


    Thud!


    The refined corpse was struck and sent tumbling.


    A dent appeared on its body, and after rolling on the ground, the refined corpse climbed up as if nothing had happened and charged at the middle-aged man again, just as fast.


    The one-eyed middle-aged man''splexion changed slightly. His palm strike, fueled by inner strength, could crack even a stone, yet this person seemed unaffected by it and showed no signs of injury.


    "Could this be a master of horizontal kung fu?" the one-eyed middle-aged man spected.


    "What does it matter if you''re a master of horizontal kung fu? I''d like to see how many blows you can take from me."


    The one-eyed middle-aged man constantly used footwork to entangle with the refined corpse. Though his absolute speed was not as fast as that of the refined corpse, the agility of a martial artist was something the refined corpse couldn''tpare with. Therefore, in the fight, the one-eyed middle-aged man clearly had the upper hand.


    The refined corpse was knocked over by the one-eyed middle-aged man from time to time.


    Many dents had appeared on its body.


    Once, the refined corpse''s head was even caved in by the one-eyed middle-aged man''s chop.


    Yet the refined corpse remained as lively as a dragon.


    The one-eyed middle-aged man gradually showed a trace of anxiety. Even a master of horizontal kung fu wouldn''t be fine after having their head caved in. He now doubted whether this was a normal human at all. Faced with an existence that couldn''t be killed, even an ancient martial artist would feel nervous.


    Suddenly, he felt a slight dizziness in his head.


    In that instant, a shadow pounced over, and with a ''puchi,''


    arge chunk of flesh was gouged from the one-eyed middle-aged man''s body by the refined corpse''s sharp nails.


    The one-eyed middle-aged man howled in pain.


    He looked at the wound on his chest where the flesh had been gouged out and turned pitch ck, while a spreading numbness and intense itching sensation enveloped him.


    "Poison!" he eximed in horror.


    "Despicable! To actually use..."


    The one-eyed middle-aged man cursed, but before he could finish, the refined corpse had already pounced over andunched a ferocious attack, its w shadows fluttering wildly.


    The one-eyed middle-aged man felt the numbness in his body bing more and more severe, as the poison from the corpse spread throughout him.


    His movements became clumsy and slow, and as the Corpse Refinement caught him over and over, chunks of flesh were ripped from his body, turning the one-eyed middle-aged man''s face a ghastly shade of green.


    He knew he was finished. Under the severe poison, he simply couldn''t fend off the Corpse Refinement.


    "Die!"


    Suddenly disregarding the Corpse Refinement, the one-eyed middle-aged man lunged toward Master Zhong, who stood at the edge of the arena, cackling coldly.


    He might not recognize the Corpse Refinement, but he could tell this was far from a normal human being, and that Master Zhong was the real instigator. So, facing the inevitability of his doom, he chose to try to kill Master Zhong.


    Under the stimulus of imminent death, the one-eyed middle-aged man burst forth with speed greater than usual.


    Even the Corpse Refinement couldn''t catch up with him.


    In almost an instant, he was upon Master Zhong.


    As if he had anticipated this, Master Zhong''s withered face revealed a sinister smile; he stretched out his bony finger toward the one-eyed middle-aged man and pointed, sending a surge of ck qi that enveloped him.


    The one-eyed middle-aged man immediately copsed to the ground, his body engulfed in ck qi. He screamed, flopping on the ground like a fish on a chopping board, and quickly withered away, transforming into a dried-up corpse.


    "How terrifying!"


    "What a horrible way to die."


    The audience below was shocked by Master Zhong''s disy of power.


    Inside box number 4, Zheng Laoshi wore a smug expression, speaking to Zhao Jun next to him, "See that? You still think your Brother Long is a match for Master Zhong?"


    On the way here, Zheng Laoshi certainly didn''t miss the chance to ask Zhao Jun why he showed such respect for Xiaoshan, a mere kid.


    It wasn''t because he felt slighted that Zhao Jun showed more respect to Xiaoshan than to him.


    It was because Xiaoshan stood next to Wang Sihai.


    So, of course, he had to inquire about the background of such a young man.


    Zhao Jun had shared his own losses with Zheng Laoshi, to warn him not to provoke Xiaoshan.


    However, his caution obviously had no effect.


    And having witnessed Master Zhong''s action, he had to admit Master Zhong was formidable, easily turning a man into a dry corpse with just a flick of his finger. This inhuman method was almost on par with Xiaoshan''s demonstrated ability to withstand bullets.


    Thus, after Zheng Laoshi''sment, he wasn''t sure Xiaoshan could match Master Zhong at all.


    So he fell silent.


    Seeing Zhao Jun''s silence, Zheng Laoshi said indifferently, "You''re now a big shot who dominates a county. Yet, you are controlled by a kid. When he meets Master Zhong, I will have Master Zhong force that kid to hand over the antidote, then you can deal with him however you please."


    Zhao Jun did not respond.


    But his eyes clearly showed a flicker of interest, after all, no one likes to be controlled for life, especially at his status, where every man is a formidable figure.


    After Master Zhong left with the Corpse Refinement,


    The one-eyed middle-aged man''s body was quickly carried away.


    The arena was cleaned up and then the numbers began to spin again.


    This time, the chosen numbers were for boxes 11 and 13.


    Two men came down and started an intense battle on the arena...


    Soon, three more fights had gone by.


    The most impressive was the man covered in scars from box number 10.


    After his appearance, Xiaoshan learned that the man''s name was Wang Chao, the well-known King of Underground Fist from Zhonghai. Upon entering the arena, he kicked his opponent''s neck and broke it, finishing the fight swiftly and decisively, nearly achieving an instant kill.


    The sixth match.


    The numbers jumped rapidly, atst stopping on 5 and 17. Discover exclusive tales on empire


    Wang Sihai took a sharp breath, turning to look at Xiaoshan.


    Xiaoshan nodded slightly; he knew it was his turn to enter the fray. He slowly stood up!

 Chapter 221 The Loneliness of a Master (Please Subscribe)

    Chapter Two Hundred and Twenty-One


    "Xiaoshan." Chun Tao grabbed Long Xiaoshan''s hand, her face full of worry and fear.


    If she hadn''t watched the earlierpetitions, she wouldn''t have been so scared, for she had confidence in her man.


    But having seen the earlierpetitions, Chun Tao became frightened.


    None of those who went on stage were ordinary people; each one was like a superhero, assassin, mountain of flesh, or magician driving Corpse Refinement straight out of a TV show...


    Even more terrifying, up to this point, except for the fourth match, everyone who lost in the other four matches had died.


    This was apetition without rules.


    Death here had be an ordinary thing.


    The people here alsocked reverence for life.


    So Chun Tao was afraid; she didn''t want Long Xiaoshan to participate, regardless of how powerful he was, she didn''t want him to go¡ªthat was an emotion any woman would feel for her loved one.


    "Taozi, if there''s danger, I''ll definitely be the first to run," Long Xiaoshan said with a reassuring smile.


    But his reassurances didn''t have much effect; Chun Tao was still very worried.


    Long Xiaoshan sighed helplessly. He really shouldn''t have let Chun Taoe, but now that they were here, it was impossible not to participate. Besides, he really did want to meet these experts. Opportunities to encounter so many of them were truly rare.


    Hardening his heart, Long Xiaoshan walked out of the private booth.


    When Long Xiaoshan stepped out of booth number five, almost everyone was stunned. Everyone knew that booth number five belonged to Wang Sihai, but nobody expected that the person Wang Sihai invited to fight would be such a young man.


    Dressed in casual clothes from a street stall, with dark skin.


    He lookedpletely like a young fellow from the countryside.


    He didn''t carry a single shred of the demeanor of an expert, especially in contrast to the previous experts. The crowd in the stands burst into hootingughter.


    This was particrly true for the forces that were on bad terms with Wang Sihai. Your next chapter is on empire


    The sound of mockery was especially intense.


    "Where''s this green kid from? Go home and drink your milk, this ce isn''t for you."


    "Don''t wet yourselfter.


    "Boss Wang, if you really can''t find anyone, you could ask me to go up. I could beat ten of these kids," someone jeered.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Laughter erupted from below.


    However, the reactions from several private booths were different.


    From booth number one, standing behind Zhou Yushan, Patriarch Hai eximed, "It''s that kid," his face showing a change of expression.


    "Uncle Hai, what is it?" Zhou Yushan asked.


    "I know him because he''s the one who injured Ye Tiannan at Jingheng Hotelst time," Patriarch Hai said.


    "So, it''s him." Zhou Yushan frowned slightly.


    "Ye Tiannan, is that someone from the Ye Family?" the middle-aged swordsman asked.


    The Ye Family was also a well-known noble family in Xichuan, not exactly aligned with the Tang Family, but he recognized them.


    "That''s right," Zhou Yushan said.


    "Let''s hear about it," the middle-aged swordsman showed a hint of interest.


    After Patriarch Hai recounted the story, the middle-aged swordsmanughed, "Him, a Martial Dao Tongxuan? Impossible."


    A Xuan-level Practitioner was extremely powerful. Even the middle-aged swordsman had not reached the Xuan level himself, and within the Tang Family, even the most talented Tang Hao had not yet reached the Xuan level. The Xuan level was a considerable barrier, one that many people could not ovee in their lifetime.


    And this young man, he looked even younger than Tang Hao.


    "Could I have been mistaken?" Patriarch Hai wondered doubtfully, since the middle-aged swordsman was from the Tang Family and, in both vision and strength, was far superior to him.


    "You must have seen wrong. When he gets on the ring, the truth will naturallye out," the middle-aged swordsman said indifferently.


    Patriarch Hai is just at the Early Huang Stage, how would he know the strength of the Xuan Level?


    Box No. 2.


    Wei Zhentian suddenly stood up from his seat, staring at Long Xiaoshan with rapid breaths and eyes filled with deep-seated hatred.


    "What''s wrong?" Yu Cheng asked indifferently.


    "He''s the one who destroyed my dantian and my son''s. I didn''t expect this kid to show up here, and to participate in the ring battle, too," Wei Zhentian said word by word, the hatred erupting from his bones.


    Yu Cheng narrowed his eyes and also set his gaze on Long Xiaoshan, saying, "Him? Are you sure you''re not mistaken?"


    "It''s him! I''d recognize him even if he turned to ash," Wei Zhentian asserted.


    Yu Cheng narrowed his eyes, sizing him up, and shook his head, "I can''t tell. His temples aren''t bulging, and there are no marks of a martial artist on his body."


    "Senior brother, please help me take revenge," Wei Zhentian knelt down, bowing his head to the ground.


    "Get up. Since you''re sure it''s him, I''ll kill him when it''s my turn. But, he might not even get to face me," Yu Cheng said, shaking his head.


    Because he saw that the personing out of Box No. 17 was also a martial artist.


    A martial artist who was even stronger than Wei Zhentian before he was crippled.


    Wei Zhentian had only stepped into the Huang Level a year ago and had also been engaged in secr business all along. His strength could be considered the very bottom among martial artists. A martial artist who could cripple Wei Zhentian might not necessarily be that impressive.


    The martial artist from Box No. 11 had a sallow face and thick, toad-like legs. He leaped down the spectator steps two at a time, and with a ten-meter distance from the ring, he stomped fiercely on the stair.


    His body shot across the ten meters like an arrow andnded on the meter-high ring.


    "Excellent!"


    This move garnered apuse from the entire hall.


    Compared to Long Xiaoshan who slowly descended the steps and honestly climbed the woodendder to the edge of the ring...


    It was clear who was superior and who was inferior.


    Sizing up Long Xiaoshan stepping onto the ring, the sallow-faced martial artist showed a trace of disdain and said, "Battles in the ring are silent, fists and kicks need no words. Young man, this is not the ce for you, it''s still not toote to step down."


    Long Xiaoshan scratched his head and gave a simple grin, "Uncle, I came to fight because I''m getting paid for it. How about you let me win? You don''t look like someone who''s short on cash."


    The sallow-faced martial artist indeed didn''t look like he was short on cash, because, although he was a martial artist, his attire was all global designer brands, while Long Xiaoshan at a nce was just a simple countryman.


    The sallow-faced martial artist''s face darkened as he spoke, "It seems you''d rather have money than your life."


    "Uncle, you''ve got it wrong. I want the money, but I want my life too," Long Xiaoshan shook his head.


    "s, why are there always so many insatiable people in this world? Those who are greedy never live long," the sallow-faced martial artistmented with his hands behind his back, a visage of loneliness.


    There was a sense of a master''s loneliness. Then, he took to the air, his foot kicking towards Long Xiaoshan¡ªwhoo! A strong whooshing sound of the wind signaled the ferocity of the kick, as if it were a great knife.


    Long Xiaoshan raised his foot as well.


    A hint of a cold smile appeared on the sallow-faced martial artist''s face.


    His kick could break a stout wooden post as thick as a bowl; could human bones be harder than wood?


    Bang!


    Crack!


    The two feet collided mid-air.


    He clearly heard the sound of bones breaking.


    The sallow-faced martial artist revealed a hint of a smile, knowing the young man''s leg must have broken.


    After passing over Long Xiaoshan, hended gently on the ground, but suddenly his expression changed, he let out a pained groan, and fell to the ground. Hastily looking down, he found his own lower leg twisted.

 Chapter 222 Not So Impressive

    Chapter Two Hundred Twenty-Two


    The sallow-faced martial artist hastily propped himself up and retreated a few steps, only to gaze upon Long Xiaoshan with a trace of incredulity.


    The kick he had just issued not only failed to break Long Xiaoshan''s leg, but had instead dislocated his own foot.


    Fortunately, it wasn''t broken.


    It must have been an ident just now.


    The sallow-faced martial artist quickly grasped his foot and with a forceful twist, *crack*, his foot returned to its normal position. He tested putting weight on his foot and found, aside from the dislocation, there were no other injuries. It really did seem to be an ident.


    If Long Xiaoshan truly had brute strength, then having his leg forcibly dislocated should have resulted in an injury.


    Damn it!


    He shouldn''t have been so careless.


    The sallow-faced martial artist fumed inwardly, as he hadn''t used his full strength just now, thinking that fighting a junior merited less than thirty percent of his effort.


    He snorted coldly.


    The sallow-faced martial artist leapt up once again, this time unleashing a series of consecutive kicks.


    Seeing the flurry of legs, the crowd below burst into cheering, although they didn''t understand the reason for the sallow-faced martial artist''s earlier fall due to the speed of the incident.


    Only a very few had seen his leg get dislocated.


    A series of leg shadows came flying in.


    Long Xiaoshan didn''t use brute force to directly defeat his opponent, for what he sought was the experience ofbat. Although he didn''t take the power and speed of the sallow-faced one seriously, thetter''s offensive style was full of variations.


    He kept dodging among the shadows of the legs.


    The sallow-faced martial artist unleashed thirty-six kicks in one breath, yet none hit Long Xiaoshan.


    "Damn it, just knows how to dodge."


    "Are you here to run away or topete in the ring?"


    People from Stand 17 started shouting loudly.


    Long Xiaoshan seemed to hear those uproarious voices and stopped.


    Youths these days, can''t seem to keep theirposure.


    The sallow-faced martial artist hadn''t expected Long Xiaoshan to stop dodging; he was overjoyed and with a howling wind, his legshed out - the thirty-seventh kick, which was meant to be a finishing move.


    *Crack!*


    The sallow-faced martial artist heard the familiar sound once again.


    Afternding, his leg faltered and he fell to the ground again.


    Crap!


    The sallow-faced martial artist realized that his foot had dislocated again.


    His heart sank.


    If the first dislocation could be attributed to his opponent''s blind luck like a blind cat running into a dead rat,


    Then the second time,


    It absolutely couldn''t be a coincidence.


    The sallow-faced martial artist stood up once more, resetting his foot into ce.


    "Didn''t see thating, huh. You actually are an expert," the sallow-faced martial artist said gravely, looking at his opponent. Getting his leg kicked dislocated twice imposed a significant humiliation, especially by a wet-behind-the-ears youngster.


    "You''ve provoked me now. If you can block my next kick, consider it your victory!"


    The sallow-faced martial artist moved one foot forward, drawing half a circle on the ground with the other as his aura underwent a transformation.


    The full power of a Yellow Grade Expert was on disy.


    His body suddenly sprang into action, a series of quick hops followed by a lightning-fast kick aimed straight for Long Xiaoshan''s sr plexus.


    Heart-Piercing Kick!


    This was the true lethal move of the sallow-faced martial artist.


    Although not as shy as the previous chain of kicks, only the experts among the audience could see how formidable this kick was¡ªthis kick was a return to simplicity and truth.


    Seeing the lightning-fast iing kick,


    Long Xiaoshan''s expression became slightly more serious.


    He hadn''t used overwhelming force up to this point, even refraining from utilizing his True Qi, and a faint golden me lit up in his eyes. Under the influence of the Heavenly Eye, the movements of the sallow-faced martial artist seemed like slow motion in a movie.


    Previously, he had easily spotted the ws in the tanned-faced man''s kicking technique.


    However, this kick seemed to be impable.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    But this only started to get interesting, Long Xiaoshan finally brought out part of his real strength, using his Wind-Cutting Leg technique, leg against leg, with a whoosh, their legs collided.


    Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!


    Suddenly, many leg shadows appeared on the stage.


    Seeing the kicks Long Xiaoshan was now delivering, the people below realized he wasn''t as weak as they had imagined. From his kicks, it was evident that he was evenly matched with the tanned-faced man.


    Bang!


    The victor was finally decided on the stage.


    With the ability of the Heavenly Eye, Long Xiaoshan caught the w in the tanned-faced man''s kicking technique and swept him off the stage with one kick.


    Seeing the initially domineering and solitary tanned-faced man lose,


    a wave of mockery rose from below.


    The tanned-faced man''s face turned red, and he left the venue without looking back.


    Long Xiaoshan walked back amidst the cheers from Stand Number Five.


    In Box Number One, the Swordsman said indifferently, "He finally showed his true skills, not bad, indeed close to Huang Level Middle Stage strength. A young person of this age could even enter the ranks of core disciples in the Tang Family."


    In Box Number Two, Yu Cheng sneered, "Decent enough, but that''s all, killing him would be like killing a chicken."


    Long Xiaoshan returned to his box, where Chun Tao stood up and threw herself into his arms.


    She had been extremely worried just now.


    Long Xiaoshanforted her before sitting down again.


    Next, the tournament on the stage continued.


    Although Long Xiaoshan had disyed impressive strength, his light was soon overshadowed by the performances of the middle-aged swordsman and Yu Cheng who took to the stage after him.


    Both of their matches ended in instant kills.


    The middle-aged swordsman injured a Muay Thai expert with a single thrust.


    Yu Cheng was even more ruthless, copsing his opponent''s ribcage with a palm strike, pulverizing the internal organs.


    Moreover, by their performance, it was effortless, nowhere near their full strength.


    In front of such powerful individuals,


    Long Xiaoshan''s recent disy was simply not worth mentioning.


    The first round ended quickly.


    Nine winners were decided, moving on to the second round.


    The first match of the second round.


    Number Eight against Number Ten.


    The first to enter the stage again was Demon Mountain, and his opponent was Number Ten, the King of Underground Fist, Wang Chao.


    After a brutal killing spree by Demon Mountain in the first round, crushing Heici''s head, Demon Mountain''s poprity soared. His entrance alone caused the whole arena to erupt in cheers, while Wang Chao, despite a clean victory in his first match, couldn''t match Demon Mountain''s head-crushing poprity.


    And although Wang Chao''s physique was somewhat more robust and taller than Heici,


    he was still only about one meter seventy, his lean body appearing like a doll in front of Demon Mountain''s towering frame, measuring two meters and weighing four to five hundred kilograms.


    "Demon Mountain, tear him apart!"


    "Demon Mountain, crush his skull!"


    "Demon Mountain¡­"


    Hysterical cheers erupted from below, in the face of such a blood-stimting battle, everyone seemed to forget this was a fight for the position of Dragon Head, and all the darkness in their hearts burst forth.


    The two men stood on the stage.


    Wang Chao''s face was indifferent, as if he was oblivious to the flesh mountain in front of him that had just crushed another man''s head.


    Demon Mountain still bore his silly demeanor, but no one would mistake him for a simpleton anymore; beneath that foolish exteriory a heart akin to a demonic beast.


    The war drums sounded, Wang Chao stepped swiftly, unleashing a flying kick.


    Boom!


    This kick sank deep into Demon Mountain''s belly.


    All the fat on Demon Mountain''s body violently trembled, as he staggered backward, showcasing the strength of Wang Chao''s kick. He took a deep breath, and theyers of his fat wrapped around Wang Chao''s entire leg, pulling him in as if caught by the suction of an octopus''s mouth.

 Chapter 224 Yu Chengs Fierce Might

    Wang Chao''s legwork was formidable, and his technique had surpassed that of the sallow-faced martial artist who had fought Xiaoshan earlier.


    If the sallow-faced martial artist could snap a wooden post as thick as a bowl,


    then Wang Chao''s legs could snap steel rebar.


    His axe-like leg split carried a hint of the martial dao''s essence, turning his enemies into what seemed true victims of a giant axe.


    Yet Xiaoshan had not detected any trace of inner strength in Wang Chao. Experience new stories on empire


    This man had not cultivated in the martial dao, but his power was enough to challenge a mid-level Huang Level warrior.


    Probably, the sallow-faced martial artist would have been just as dead had he faced Wang Chao''s split.


    Unfortunately for Wang Chao, he faced Yu Cheng, whose strength was far beyond the sallow-faced man''s.


    Confronted with Wang Chao''s terrifying leg split, a cold smile spread across Yu Cheng''s face, and with almost no attempt to dodge, he struck out with his palm - crack - Wang Chao was sent flying, his leg horrendously bent uponnding.


    Unlike the sallow-faced man who had suffered a dislocation, Yu Cheng hadpletely broken Wang Chao''s leg.


    All around, there was an uproar.


    The punch Wang Chao hadnded on Demon Mountain earlier had won him the highest poprity.


    Even many believed Wang Chao to be the strongest.


    Yet in reality, Wang Chao couldn''t even block a single palm from Yu Cheng.


    "Pointless, ''King of Underground Fist'' is nothing but trash, how could someone who hasn''t cultivated inner strength understand the power of an inner strength martial practitioner?" Yu Cheng said, hands behind his back, slowly approaching Wang Chao.


    Supporting himself, Wang Chao stood up, letting out a furious roar.


    His body swelled and grew again, transforming into a roughly one-point-nine-meter demon god with dark blue-ish skin.


    Seeing Wang Chao''s transformation,


    excitement surged through the crowd once more, shouting for Wang Chao, Wang Chao.


    After all, Yu Cheng was an outsider.


    And a major reason for this tournament was Weifeng Martial Arts School''s ambition to dominate Hechuan City.


    The local heavyweights, seeking to stop Yu Cheng, had invited strong fighters from various ces.


    So apart from Weifeng Martial Arts School''s people, everyone overwhelmingly supported Wang Chao.


    Seeing Wang Chao turn into a fearsome demon god, Yu Cheng''s expression remained indifferent. "Nothing but a self-sacrifice secret technique," he said. "Only reckless fools like you would use such a counterproductive method. I wonder how many more times your body can endure it."


    "Killing you will be enough!"


    Wang Chao spoke for the first time.


    His voice was hoarse, like that of a wild beast.


    Boom!


    With that, Wang Chao lunged again, but this time his speed had increased by more than fivefold.


    If previously he could match a mid-level Huang Level martial artist, now he was challenging those at thete Yellow Stage.


    Furthermore, after using the self-sacrifice secret technique, his broken leg miraculously healed in a short time.


    Whoosh!


    His leg, like a battle-axe, whistled through the air, the dreadful sound slicing across the stadium.


    Yu Cheng''s body abruptly vanished as Wang Chao''s leg came down on the side of the solid steel column on the stage, kicking it up from the ground, striking a spectator near the stands and knocking them unconscious with a spray of blood.


    This disy of powerful force caused an uproar throughout the arena.


    Wang Chao turned, his legs spinning like wheels, furiously aiming splits at Yu Cheng.


    Yu Cheng snorted coldly, inner strength surging as his hands turned an iron-blue color, as if they were hands of iron, mming down on Wang Chao''s legs - thump thump thump!


    A rapid session of muffled sounds continued between them.


    Xiaoshan could tell.


    Yu Cheng''s strength was far too overwhelming.


    Yu Cheng''s strength had clearly reached the peak of the Huang Level.


    Although Wang Chao could challenge a Late Yellow Stage practitioner after using a secret technique, there was an insurmountable gap between the Late Yellow Stage and the peak level of Huang.


    Each of Yu Cheng''s attacks inflicted damage on Wang Chao''s body.


    It was only because Wang Chao was in a very special state that he suppressed those injuries.


    It was certain that once the effects of the secret technique faded, Wang Chao''s injuries would bacsh severely.


    Long Xiaoshan squinted his eyes, not understanding why Wang Chao was fighting so desperately.


    Even if he was an underground fighter who preferred money over life, the disparity was too obvious; his reckless attacks, other than courting death, offered no other path.


    "How much longer can you hold on!" Yu Chengughed heartily.


    Handling Wang Chao''s attacks with ease, he could tell that Wang Chao was reaching his limit. Secret techniques had their limits, and under his beating, it was clear that Wang Chao''s body was also breaking down.


    Suddenly, Wang Chao abandoned all defense.


    He endured a strike from Yu Cheng, pounced onto him, and bit toward Yu Cheng''s throat in a sudden and crazy attack that caught Yu Cheng somewhat off guard.


    However, he was a grandmaster after all; though surprised, he managed to shift his body mid-air, and Wang Chao missed his throat, biting down on Yu Cheng''s shoulder instead.


    The pain from the shoulder.


    Sent Yu Cheng into a rage.


    He hadn''t expected that due to his slight carelessness, he was actually injured, and it was a close call that Wang Chao nearly bit his throat. If his throat had been crushed, he would have been undoubtedly dead.


    "Die!"


    Yu Cheng eruptedpletely, sending Wang Chao flying with a palm strike. Then, he dashed forward, catching up with the thrown figure of Wang Chao, and his iron palms viciously pounded on Wang Chao''s body. Crack crack crack!


    The grating sound of bones breaking filled the air.


    Wang Chao''s body was beaten in the air by Yu Cheng, tumbling like a torn sack, unable to touch the ground.


    Finally, Yu Cheng let out a breath and ced a palm on Wang Chao''s body.


    Wang Chao''s body flew several dozen meters before crashing into the wall of the venue, falling to the ground; his form waspletely mangled.


    Yu Cheng stood proudly in the ring, looking around the entire ce, and no one dared to meet his gaze.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    There was a dead silence all around.


    Everyone had witnessed Wang Chao''s strength.


    After transforming, he was as fierce as a Demon God.


    But the Demon God-like Wang Chao was toyed with under Yu Cheng''s furious hands, knocked down effortlessly, his body nearly shattered.


    It was not just the stands.


    Even the many big shots of Hechuan City sitting in the private boxes were as pale as death, their bodies slightly trembling.


    Such terrifying power, truly beyond human capability.


    Even though many big shots could summon hundreds of subordinates with a flick of their fingers or even obtain guns.


    Nobody had the courage to face Yu Cheng''s ferocity head-on.


    Even the Swordsman Tang Mo, who had been indifferent all this time, frowned slightly, evidently finding Yu Cheng''s strength to be beyond his expectations.


    Only after showing off his martial prowess did Yu Cheng slowly step down from the ring.


    The ring was quickly cleared, and the second match followed, with Master Zhong drawing the second spot choosing his opponent.


    Master Zhong''s face was gloomy and stiff, inwardlymenting.


    He had thought that in a small ind city, with the might of a Spirit Practitioner, it would be easy to suppress, yet he encountered nothing but freaks. Apart from Yu Cheng, even Wang Chao seemed uncertain to him, and he had to carry out the job once he took the money.


    Master Zhong also had a prominent reputation in Mangdu.


    Despite his trepidation.


    He could not withdraw at the brink of battle, for if word got out, he would not be able to stay in the Sorcerers'' Circle of Mangdu.


    So, with a heavy heart, he looked toward the Swordsman Tang Mo and Long Xiaoshan. Yu Cheng had already fought one match, and ording to the rules, did not have to fight consecutively.


    Therefore, Master Zhong only had to choose between the two.

 Chapter 225 A Sword to Extinguish Everything

    Chapter Two Hundred Twenty-Five


    Master Zhong looked left and right, neither of these two were easy to deal with.


    The swordsman had finished off his opponents with a single strike up to now.


    As for Long Xiaoshan...


    Master Zhong''s body trembled, the terrifying golden mes seemed to reappear before his eyes, and finally, he extended his hand, pointing towards Tang Mo, "You then,e."


    Ah!


    A stir went through the crowd.


    It was one thing for Wang Chao to mysteriously challenge Yu Cheng first in the earlier match.


    Wang Chao, with his mad-demon-like boxing king behavior, could be exined as an oddity.


    However, Master Zhong, though shadowy and dark, did note across as a fool in his previous two battles, but rather as a crafty old fox, toying with his opponents at will.


    Such a sly old fox.


    He still didn''t choose Long Xiaoshan, the easy pick.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    It simply bewildered everyone in the arena.


    If it weren''t for everyone knowing the deep-seated unclean dealings between Zheng Laoshi and Wang Sihai.


    Many would suspect foul y.


    Even the big shot in VIP Box Number 4, Zheng Laoshi, seemed a bit unsteady; he walked to the doorway, waving repeatedly at Master Zhong.


    Obviously, he was signaling him to choose a different opponent.


    After all, Tang Mo''s performance had been unfathomable, finishing off opponents with a single strike in both matches, anding from VIP Box Number 1, a man invited by the wealthiest Zhou Yushan wouldn''t be simple; it was clearly not as safe a choice as Long Xiaoshan.


    Nheless, Master Zhong seemed as if he hadn''t seen Zheng Laoshi''s expression at all, still pointing at Tang Mo.


    A hint of displeasure shed across Tang Mo''s face.


    Great masters are proud.


    Just like Yu Cheng was displeased to be the first picked for Tang Long''s challenge.


    He too felt his face had been slighted.


    After all, between him and a little brat like Long Xiaoshan, anyone who wasn''t blind would choose Long Xiaoshan, right? Could it be that he, Tang Mo, was now inferior to a brat?


    Tang Mo''s expression turned cold, "Do you really want to choose me?"


    An aura of sharpness emanated from the swordsman, chilling to the extreme.


    Master Zhong''s face twitched, he felt Tang Mo''s strength, but he was even less willing to confront Long Xiaoshan; Tang Mo could be strong, but with various tricks avable to a magician, he believed he could survive, yet facing Long Xiaoshan, he felt he might be killed with a single thought.


    Master Zhong''s voice was creepy, "It''s you."


    After saying this, he was the first to stride onto the arena.


    Tang Mo''s face was icy as he dashed onto the arena; other people might fear these mysterious and sinister sorcerers, but as a member of the Tang Family, this wasn''t his first sh with Spirit Sorcerers.


    Once on the arena, Tang Mo looked at Master Zhong and said indifferently, "Choosing me was a mistake."


    Master Zhong cackled, he of course found it needless to exin. He shook the bell, the Magic Artifact in his hand, and the Corpse Refinement roared and charged out; Tang Mo let out a coldugh, drawing his long sword swiftly with Sword Qi surging like a rainbow, "Pfft!"


    The Corpse Refinement that rushed at him was cut and sent flying by a single strike.


    A deep, bone-exposing gash appeared from its chest to its crotch.


    Yellow corpse oil flowed out from the gash, emitting a foul stench.


    This was because the Corpse Refinement''s body was extremely resilient; a regr person would have been sliced in two by Tang Mo''s blow by now.


    But a Corpse Refinement is a Corpse Refinement, almost bisected yet still wing its way towards Tang Mo. At this moment, Master Zhong was also rapidly chanting spells, forming hand seals, with waves of darkness rising from his body, clearly in the midst of spellcasting.


    Tang Mo knew he absolutely could not afford to give the magician leisure to cast spells.


    Otherwise, even at his Late Yellow Stage, he would be in danger.


    Therefore, Tang Mo once again cleaved the Corpse Refinement in two, this time severing an arm of the corpse as well, Immediately after slicing through the Corpse Refinement, he executed his sword steps and in a sh, closed in on Master Zhong, thrusting with his sword.


    Master Zhong let out a great shout.


    A green glow burst forth from his body, blocking Tang Mo''s sword thrust like a ss curtain wall.


    Right then, hepleted his spell, pointing a finger at Tang Mo. A stream of dark energy surged towards Tang Mo, carrying with it the breath of withering, The martial artist who had fought Master Zhong just before had been turned into a mummy by this very move.


    Tang Mo''s expression shifted slightly.


    The spells of Spirit Sorcerers and the attacks of Martial Dao were entirely different things. Even though he was stronger than Master Zhong, he dared not sh head-on carelessly. He retreated quickly, leaving a trail of afterimages in the fight ring.


    However, the withering darkness pursued him like maggots on bones, moving incredibly fast.


    The fight ring was not thatrge, only ten meters square.


    Being chased by the dark energy and with the Corpse Refinement pouncing at him, Tang Mo was quickly driven to the edge. If he were pushed out of the ring, it counted as his loss. Tang Mo''s face darkened; this Devil Magician had too many tricks. If it came down to a direct confrontation, he could y his opponent with a single sword strike.


    It seemed he had no choice but to unleash his true capabilities.


    Tang Mo had initially wanted to reserve some strength for the final battle against Yu Cheng.


    "Break for me!"


    Tang Mo fiercely raised his sword above his head, and a sword light appeared on the de, extending several meters long.


    Tang Mo shed his sword towards the dark energy.


    All the dark energy was instantly dispelled by the sword light.


    The sword light continued on after eradicating the dark energy, splitting the Corpse Refinement in half, slicing directly through the hard surface of the fight ring to leave a sword mark several inches deep and several meters long.


    This dazzling strike made Master Zhong lose all desire to continue the fight.


    Seeing Tang Mo''s gaze sweeping over, brimming with an Aura of Killing,


    Master Zhong immediately leapt from the ring, saying, "I admit defeat."


    Tang Mo had intended to kill Master Zhong, but he hadn''t expected the old man to escape so quickly.


    He snorted coldly and leapt down from the ring.


    The crowd, witnessing the strange and formidable Master Zhong defeated by Tang Mo, shook their heads. Master Zhong hadn''t chosen Long Xiaoshan but instead picked the unfathomable Tang Mo and, sure enough, lost.


    Everyone began to shout Tang Mo''s name; among the local forces, Tang Mo was now thest great hope.


    He had be the only hope of defeating Yu Cheng.


    As for Long Xiaoshan, he had been forgotten long ago.


    In the end, only Yu Cheng, Tang Mo, and Long Xiaoshan were left.


    It was supposed to be Long Xiaoshan''s turn to pick an opponent.


    But since Yu Cheng and Tang Mo had just fought, for the sake of fairness, it wouldn''t be right for Long Xiaoshan to choose either. Therefore, they decided to draw lots again. This time Yu Cheng drew the first pick, Long Xiaoshan the second, and Tang Mo the third.


    That is to say, in the next round, Yu Cheng had the priority to choose first.


    Yu Cheng stepped forward, his gaze slowly sweeping over Long Xiaoshan and Tang Mo.


    He paused for a moment on Long Xiaoshan, revealing a hint of killing intent. Long Xiaoshan had dared to challenge the Iron Palm Gang and disabled Wei Zhentian''s Dantian; his death was certain. However, after a brief pause, Yu Cheng looked away from him.


    Compared to killing Long Xiaoshan, unifying the Hechuan forces was the urgent matter at hand.


    A mere Long Xiaoshan could be crushed at willter on, but Tang Mo''s sword strike had put a lot of pressure on him. Swordsmen were always troublesome, and before defeating Tang Mo, he didn''t want to waste an ounce of energy.


    Even if Long Xiaoshan was but an ant, it would still require a bit of his energy to squash him.


    Thus, he slowly raised his hand and pointed towards Tang Mo.


    Tang Mo, as if he had expected Yu Cheng to choose him, stepped forward nonchntly, saying indifferently, "Good, let us decide life and death then, Yu Cheng of the Iron Palm Gang."

 Chapter 226 Im Tired of Waiting

    Chapter Two Hundred and Twenty-Six


    Tang Mo seemed to have anticipated Yu Cheng would choose him and stepped forward at a leisurely pace, speaking indifferently, "Very well, let''s decide life and death then, Yu Cheng of the Iron Palm Gang."


    Yu Cheng''s eyes narrowed as he said coldly, "You''re from the Tang Family?"


    Yu Cheng''s association with the Iron Palm Gang was a secret.


    There was no way the bigwigs of Hechuan City could possibly know about it.


    They were far too detached from the Ancient Martial World.


    Yet, Tang Mo had dered his background outright, and since this person bore the surname Tang, Yu Cheng immediately spected.


    "Since you know I''m from the Tang Family, why haven''t you scrammed out of Hechuan? If you leave now, Tang will spare your life," Tang Mo said icily.


    "Hahaha."


    Yu Cheng burst intoughter.


    "Laughing at what?"


    "So what if it''s the Tang Family? Xichuan was originally ours, the Iron Palm Gang''s territory. Now, we''re simply taking it back," Yu Cheng dered.


    "How presumptuous! The Iron Palm Gang dares to challenge our Tang Family? Have you forgotten how you were driven out of Xichuan back then and what guarantees you made to our family ancestor?" Tang Mo''s aura of killing was overwhelming.


    Yu Cheng sneered, "Of course our Iron Palm Gang remembers. However, that old fellow from your Tang Family, I''m afraid he''s too busy to care for himself now. Who knows how much longer he can live."


    Tang Mo''s face changed.


    The grave injury of the Tang Family ancestor was a closely guarded secret of the Tang Family; it was sealed with utmost secrecy. Tang Mo hadn''t expected it to be known by the Iron Palm Gang, no wonder they dared to step into Xichuan again.


    "Our ancestor is the Divine Dragon Grandmaster; how dare you, mere ants, specte about him? Disrespecting our ancestor means today I shall sacrifice your blood and trample the Iron Palm Gang into oblivion," Tang Mo dered, leaping forward without stepping onto the ring, his sword shing directly at Yu Cheng.


    Clearly, after the facades had been torn away, this was no longer a contest for supremacy in Hechuan City.


    It was a direct conflict between the Tang Family and the Iron Palm Gang.


    There was no regard for the rules of the ring anymore.


    "You think you can kill me? Just try!"


    Yu Cheng provoked with a madugh, leaping into the air like an eagle, his palms suddenly turning a dark iron hue as he struck out at the iing sword light.


    The Iron Palm Gang, the Tang Family.


    Many people heard the dialogue between the two and looked puzzled and confused.


    But after frowning, the numerous big shots in the private boxes showed looks of shock; could it be that Tang Family?


    The Iron Palm Gang was unknown to many of them.


    But the Tang Family, they knew very well.


    In the entirety of Xichuan Province, only the Tang Family of Tianfu dared to im that name, the foremost noble family that dominated Xichuan. Although no one knew the true extent of the Tang Family''s strength, a saying circted underground in Xichuan, "Better offend Yama, than provoke the Young Master of Tang n." This gave a glimpse of the Tang Family''s might.


    Even the Ye Family seemed inferiorpared to the Tang Family.


    A billionaire like Wang Sihai meant nothing in front of the Tang Family, insignificant as ants, easily quashed at a moment''s notice.


    Thus, hearing that someone from the Tang Family had actuallye here,


    All were secretly terrified.


    The same shock applied to Yu Cheng.


    With the Tang Family''s unyielding dominance, even if a servant came here, local tycoons like Wang Sihai would treat them as imperialmissioners from ancient times, not daring to show the least bit of negligence.


    Yet Yu Cheng dared to challenge Tang Mo to his face, and didn''t consider him significant at all.


    The Iron Palm Gang must indeed be a power with a formidable background, at least not far behind the Tang Family in strength.


    All these wealthy individuals had bitter expressions on their faces.


    This was simply a fight between Celestials with the lesser creatures suffering the consequences. Hechuan had always been a remote ce in Xichuan Province, considered one of the weakest cities; the Tang Family usually couldn''t be bothered to reach out here, yet now everyone seemed to havee all at once.


    I fear that whoever wins this match, it won''t be good news for them.


    Neither the Tang Family nor the Iron Palm Gang were forces they could withstand.


    ```


    In the sky, two figures crisscrossed incessantly, apanied by the pounding noises of their fierce Inner Strength, conjuring whirlwinds in their wake.


    Wherever they passed, tables, chairs, and even the railings of the stands were smashed to pieces.


    Unlucky spectators caught in the Sword Qi shrieked in agony as their blood sprayed and sttered.


    Everyone frantically ran backward.


    Clearing space for the twobatants to duel.


    Yu Cheng''s iron hands were like refined fire, seemingly unafraid as they faced Tang Mo''s long sword, swinging with great force and vigor. Facing Yu Cheng, Tang Mo felt as if he were up against a mountain.


    Each sh hended on Yu Cheng''s hands sent a huge recoil that numbed his own arms.


    "Such profound Inner Strength, he must be a powerhouse at the Peak of Huang Level."


    The more Tang Mo fought, the more rmed he became.


    Although a swordsman''sbat strength is formidable, Tang Mo was still a hair''s breadth away from the Peak of Huang Level. He could hold his own against a typical Peak of Huang Level fighter with his swordsmanship, but Yu Cheng''s palm strikes were terrifyingly powerful, vast and superior to his own.


    "No good, his Inner Strength is deeper than mine. If this continues, my defeat is certain!"


    Tang Mo let out a long cry as he leapt into the air.


    He raised his long sword high above his head, the sword light flickering.


    He unleashed the same stunning killing move that had defeated Master Zhong moments earlier. The sword light shone even more brilliantly than before, clearly signifying a peak-level sword strike. Tang Mo, with an arrogant expression, coldly said, "Die!"


    Whoosh!


    A single sh fell, as if cleaving heaven and earth.


    Even gpoles in the distance were severed by the passing Sword Qi.


    Facing Tang Mo''s peak-level sword strike, Yu Cheng''s expression darkened. He roared furiously, and his shirt suddenly burst open, revealing arms that had turned as dark and hard as iron, like his hands before.


    "Move mountains and overturn seas!"


    He soared into the air and forcefully mmed his palms down.


    Crash!


    A tsunami-like sound resonated through the air.


    Everyone felt as if giant waves were rolling before their eyes.


    With a thunderous impact, his palms struck the long sword. Bang!


    Tang Mo''s face turned red, he spat out a mouthful of blood, and his long sword flew from his grasp, his body crashing into the arena like a cannonball.


    "You... you''re at Half-Step Profound Level!"


    Lying on the ground, blood oozing from the corner of his mouth, Tang Mo struggled to speak.


    Yu Cheng snorted,nded in front of Tang Mo, and gripping his throat with an iron palm, he hoisted him high into the air.


    "Weren''t you about to make a blood sacrifice out of me just now? What do you have to say?" Yu Cheng taunted as he looked at Tang Mo.


    Tang Mo''s face turned ashen as he said, "Fine, you''re the better fighter, I admit defeat. I''ll leave Hechuan right now."


    "Thinking of leaving? Toote!" A sinister look suddenly flickered in Yu Cheng''s eyes.


    rmed, Tang Mo eximed in terror, "You wouldn''t dare kill me, I am from the Tang..."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Crack!


    Before he could finish, Yu Cheng had twisted Tang Mo''s neck, leaving his head hanging limply.


    Yu Cheng, still clutching Tang Mo''s neck, paraded around the arena, showing all of Hechuan City''s wealthy spectators Tang Mo''s demise. He sneered, "You''ve all seen it, the Tang n''s Young Master has been killed by me. From now on, you all will heed the orders of the Iron Palm Gang. Any dissenters, step forward."


    The venue was deadly silent.


    Everyone trembled, staring at the corpse of Tang Mo with eyes that refused to close in death.


    This was someone from the Tang n of Tianfu.


    If even a member of the Tang n could be killed, who would dare to stand up? Even Zhou Yushan in VIP box number one sat pale-faced, unable to utter a single word.


    Just then, a yawn sounded, and a nonchnt voice drifted over, "I was getting sleepy with all the waiting. Are you done fighting? It should be my turn now, right?"


    ```

 Chapter 227 Fierce Dragon (Please Subscribe)

    "I''ve waited so long that I''m almost asleep. Are you done yet? It must be my turn now."


    In the utter silence, one could hear a pin drop.


    This faint voice, though not loud, reached everyone''s ears.


    In an instant, all eyes turned toward the source of the sound.


    At the edge of the arena, Long Xiaoshan appeared as if he had just woken up, stretchednguidly, and slowly stood up.


    A thought rose in everyone''s mind.


    Courting death!


    Yu Cheng, with the fierce reputation of killing a member of the Tang Family, was overwhelmingly domineering.


    Didn''t you see that not a single big shot in the audience dared to utter a sound? Yet Long Xiaoshan dared to speak at this moment; had this kid been scared silly?


    Even Wang Sihai was keeping his head down at this time, for Yu Cheng was too ferocious, daring to kill people from the Tang Family. Even if, in his heart, Long Xiaoshan was almost akin to a Heavenly Being, Wang Sihai still believed thatpared to the untouchable Tang Family, Long Xiaoshan couldn''t be mentioned in the same breath.


    Chun Tao was so anxious she felt like crying.


    She rushed to the doorway of the private box and yelled, "Xiaoshan,e back! Don''t go up there."


    If not for Wang Sihai having his people stop her.


    Chun Tao would have charged down already.


    Now that Yu Cheng''s murderous intent had risen, aiming to use overwhelming martial force to intimidate the entire Hechuan City, whoever dared to provoke him was courting death.


    And at this time, Long Xiaoshan chose to provoke Yu Cheng.


    This battle had be inevitable.


    No one could stop it.


    Long Xiaoshan turned his head, smiled faintly, "Taozi, it''s okay, I''m not afraid of him."


    After saying this, Long Xiaoshan took one slow step at a time, ascending the stairs beside the arena.


    When Long Xiaoshan finally stood firm on the stage,


    Wei Zhentian burst out of the private box, bellowing, "Kill him, Senior Brother! Kill this little beast!"


    The hatred of having his Dantian destroyed was more distressing than being killed.


    Yu Cheng, looking at Long Xiaoshan as he approached, hadn''t actually expected that Long Xiaoshan would dare to stand out at this time. Ah, youth, truly like a newborn calf unafraid of tigers. At this moment, he indeed had some admiration for Long Xiaoshan''s courage.


    However, admiration was just admiration.


    He had originally intended to kill Long Xiaoshan to avenge Wei Zhentian.


    Now Long Xiaoshan dared to challenge him while he was suppressing the heavyweights of Hechuan City.


    If he didn''t forcefully kill Long Xiaoshan now, how could hemand respect!


    With a casual flick, Yu Cheng threw Tang Mo''s body down from the arena.


    With his hands behind his back, he said indifferently, "I didn''t expect you to have the guts to step forward. In recognition of your courage, I will leave a whole corpse for youter."


    Long Xiaoshan replied calmly, "Just because of what you said, I will give you a quick end as well."


    Yu Cheng''s eyes suddenly narrowed, and he burst into heartyughter, "Good, very good!"


    At the second "good," Yu Cheng had already stepped on the ground and swung a palm towards Long Xiaoshan''s head, the dull sound of the palm wind sweeping over the arena, the pitch-ck hand flickering with a metallic luster.


    If this palm struck, even if Long Xiaoshan''s head were made of iron, it would be ttened.


    Long Xiaoshan stood with his feet apart, neither dodging nor evading, a slight smile at the corner of his mouth. Watching the fierce iron palm, he remained unmoved, pulled his fist back, and with a sudden arc, it shot out like an arrow released from a drawn bow.


    Bang!


    The fist and palm collided rapidly, emitting a thunderous noise.


    To everyone''s astonishment,


    It was Yu Cheng who stumbled backward.


    Long Xiaoshan, aside from tremors running through his body, had not moved from his spot.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "How is this possible!"


    No one had expected that in a head-on collision, Long Xiaoshan would actually have the upper hand.


    Even Yu Cheng had not anticipated this.


    Although he had only exerted thirty percent of his strength just now, with his Half-Step Profound Level capabilities, thirty percent of his power should have been more than enough to cripple a martial artist at the Huang Level Middle Stage.


    Based on Long Xiaoshan''s previously demonstrated strength, he seemed to be at most equivalent to that sallow-faced martial artist. To say that he was at the Huang Level Middle Stage was already giving him too much credit.


    "I didn''t expect you were hiding your strength!"


    Yu Cheng said coldly.


    Long Xiaoshan simply smiled without saying a word.


    Yu Cheng''s face darkened and he sneered with a chilling smile, "Well then, let me show you my true power!"


    With a muffled roar reminiscent of a tiger''s bellow, Yu Cheng''s body seemed to suddenly grow three inches taller. His bare arms swelled as if injected with molten iron, his body glided forward, and he appeared ghost-like at Long Xiaoshan''s side.


    A palm strike descended!


    Like lightning!


    This palm strike was worlds apart from the previous one.


    The ferocious palm wind kicked up a storm, tearing the air apart, andpared to the palm that flung Tang Mo just before, it was not much different. It was powerful enough to blow away a martial artist at the Late Huang Level with a single strike.


    The Iron Palm had yet to arrive.


    The roaring palm wind already had Long Xiaoshan''s clothes pping wildly!


    Facing this violent Iron Palm.


    Long Xiaoshan''s expression remained calm. He suddenly stomped on the ground, his right foot drawing a semicircle to form a pivot point, his body leaning backwards as if he were an arrow pulled back on a fully drawn bow, and heunched a punch with explosive force.


    Bang!


    That punch, like the roar of a cannon, shredded the air!


    This punch was several times more powerful than the previous one!


    Even Yu Cheng, pressing down with his Iron Palm, had his expression change abruptly. He had not anticipated that Long Xiaoshan had concealed so much strength; thatst punch still wasn''t his true power.


    Watching the fist that thundered towards him like a cannonball.


    Tearing through the palm wind!


    Yu Cheng no longer had time to retract his palm, he could only press down with all his might!


    Boom!


    At the center of their sh, ripples visible to the naked eye radiated outwards explosively!


    The fences on the stage were swept up by the strong wind, uprooted from their ces.


    St!


    Yu Cheng spat out blood!


    He was sent flying, falling off the stage, and stumbled back more than ten meters on the ground before he came to a stop.


    Everyone in the audience had their eyes wide open, witnessing this scene.


    Even Wei Zhentian, who was roaring, suddenly stopped as if his throat had been grabbed.


    In his eyes, the nearly invincible Yu Cheng had actually been sent flying!


    Equally shocked were the many Hechuan bigshots and spectators present. They had witnessed firsthand how arrogant and insurmountable Yu Cheng had been. Even Tang Mo, the top-level expert from the Tang Family, couldn''t withstand his palm and had his neck broken by him.


    The impact Yu Cheng had given them just before was too intense.


    So much so that now, the sight of Yu Cheng being punched by Long Xiaoshan and spewing blood was almost absurd!


    From the beginning to the end, Long Xiaoshan was the one least noticed.


    Dressed in items from a roadside stall, his face bore a look of simplicity, reminiscent of a farm boy.


    Who would have thought that this farm boy was actually a true dragon in disguise?


    Down below the stage, Yu Cheng finally steadied himself. He stared intently at Long Xiaoshan, blood hanging from the corner of his mouth, his chest heaving violently like a bellows, and with bloodied teeth, he spat out word by word, "I didn''t expect that at such a young age, you''ve already cultivated to the Huang Level Peak! And your schemes run so deep, biding your time until now to reveal your strength!"


    "I''m not at the Huang Level Peak," Long Xiaoshan shook his head.


    "Haha, you still want to deny it even now?" Yu Cheng''s eyes were filled with a dark and murderous glint as he slowly said, "But it ends here. Whether you admit it or not, today you will die here. To kill a twenty-year-old at the Huang Level Peak, this battle will not have been in vain."


    Yu Cheng''s eyes suddenly bulged, and bloodshot veins spread out as he let out a series of hoarse roars. His already abnormally strong arms swelled evenrger, nearly as thick as his waist, covered in blue veins and as dark as iron...

 Chapter 228 Kill Yu Cheng (Seeking Subscriptions)

    Chapter Two Hundred Twenty-Eight


    Even Wang Chao, the king of underground boxing, had a secret technique.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    How could Yu Cheng, a martial artist with a legacy, not have a trump card?


    Yu Cheng also deployed a secret technique, stimting his potential. Although using this technique would likewise cause some damage to his body, it was not fatal. Furthermore, to exchange a few sacrifices for Long Xiaoshan''s life was too worthwhile.


    Because he had underestimated Long Xiaoshan.


    Long Xiaoshan had actually reached the Huang Level Peak at the age of twenty. Such a genius, even if ced among the Ancient Martial Sects, would be rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns. Letting such a person grow unchecked was undoubtedly a cmity.


    To nip such a genius in the bud was tantamount to clearing a massive threat for his sect.


    He felt the strength in his body climbing steadily.


    Like a furnace, it contained a tremendous amount of energy.


    Yu Cheng even felt that, facing a Xuan Level Expert head-on, he could put up a fight.


    He burst into wildughter.


    Suddenly, he stomped on the ground. Boom! The entire Martial Arts School shook as if an earthquake had urred. Many people were directly shaken off their chairs, and the ground beneath Yu Cheng''s feet cracked open like a spider web, forming a huge circle.


    At this moment, Yu Cheng felt not like a human, but a prehistoric beast.


    With immense propelling force, Yu Cheng soared into the sky.


    He spread his arms wide, like an eagle soaring high, and instantly crossed over ten meters.


    He dived down from a height of five or six meters.


    His palms came together and mmed down fiercely!


    Woo-hah~


    Everyone felt as though a towering tsunami had appeared before their eyes.


    This was an illusion brought about by Martial Dao Tongxuan.


    Yu Cheng, having deployed a secret technique, boosted his cultivation to nearly that of a Xuan Level Beginner Stage, unleashing a heaven-shattering palm strike!


    Long Xiaoshan squinted his eyes.


    With a flicker, he vanished from the spot.


    Boom!


    Like a meteor striking the earth.


    Yu Cheng''s palm pressed down on the spot where Long Xiaoshan had just been standing. Crack and crumble! The arena corner, made of hard bluestone, copsed instantly!


    Everybody''s eyes nearly popped out of their sockets!


    This was bluestone, which even hammers struggled to smash.


    Yet, with a single palm strike, Yu Cheng had demolished a corner of the arena.


    Such immense strength could no longer be described by lions and tigers. Perhaps it was more akin to the force of dragons and elephants. Was it really possible for a human body to contain such terrifying power? Not even Olympic champions or strongmen could achieve this.


    Yu Cheng''s palm met air, but he rebounded from the force, continuously unleashing palm strikes. The sound of thunder continuously echoed in the ears of the audience.


    In the midst of the wave-like palm winds, Long Xiaoshan was as light as a catkin, constantly swaying.


    But that iron palm could never leave its mark on him.


    Boom, boom, boom, boom!


    The iron palm kept hitting the ground, causing the arena to crack continuously, with rubble cascading down.


    Dozens of palmster, the entire arena was riddled with cracks.


    Unable to prevail after a prolonged attack, Yu Cheng''s face gradually contorted.


    Secret techniques were not permanent.


    Though his secret technique was not as self-destructive as Wang Chao''s, as he continued attacking, his robust Inner Strength also rapidly depleted.


    "Can you only flee?" Yu Cheng bellowed.


    Long Xiaoshan suddenly stood still, stepping on one corner of the arena.


    His expression was calm, looking at the breathless Yu Cheng, whose eyes were bloodshot. He sighed lightly and said, "Enough, you''ve reached your body''s limit too. There''s no point in continuing."


    He slowly clenched his fist, pulled his body back, and gradually formed a full moon shape.


    Yu Cheng saw that Long Xiaoshan had finally stopped running.


    A hint of joy appeared in his eyes.


    Long Xiaoshan''s movement technique was too slippery. If the other wanted to run, he was not confident he could catch him. But now that Long Xiaoshan had chosen to have a head-on collision, Yu Cheng fiercely bit the tip of his tongue. The power that had begun to wane red up again, fiercer and more explosive than before.


    Yu Cheng took several steps forward, as powerful as a Heavenly Deity, and mmed down with his palm.


    Boom!


    As the iron palm swung out, waves surged, solidifying as if tangible!


    Everyone felt as though they were not in a venue, but rather engulfed by a giant wave.


    This palm strike, whether in terms of Martial Dao mindset or Inner Strength, had fully reached the Xuan Level, arguably the most pinnacle palm strike of Yu Cheng''s life.


    Long Xiaoshan''s gaze was seemingly unfocused.


    At the moment Yu Cheng''s pinnacle palm strike came bearing down,


    his fist, which he had kept hidden behind his back, finally thrust out slowly.


    Howl~~


    A violent wolf howl suddenly pierced through the noise of the waves; as Long Xiaoshan gently swung out his fist, a figment of a wolf asrge as a little Xiaoshan appeared in the void, howling at the moon and pouncing toward the onrushing waves.


    Long Xiaoshan''s fist shone like jade, almost like an exquisite piece of art. By contrast, Yu Cheng''s huge, millstone-sized iron palm made it appear even more fragile, as if it would shatter at a single touch.


    Bang!


    The fist collided with the iron palm.


    The arena, already full of cracks and fragile, copsed instantly.


    Huge clouds of dust surged up, engulfing the figures of the two men.


    "Who won?"


    Everyone stood up; even the big shots couldn''t sit still in their boxes any longer. They all rushed out, staring fixedly at the swirling dust below.


    "It must be Yu Cheng!"


    "His palm strike just now was too terrifying!"


    "Are these even humans? They''re like two human-shaped tanks, even smashing the arena!"


    Suddenly, everyone saw a figure leap out from the dust.


    It was Yu Cheng!


    Yu Cheng had indeed won!


    The hearts of the big shots present sank; even though they had anticipated it, the thought of Hechuan City henceforthnguishing under Yu Cheng''s shadow still left them feeling incredibly stifled. With fists less powerful than another''s, what could they do?


    "Little Xiaoshan!" Chun Tao clutched her mouth tightly, kneeling down, a look of despair in her eyes.


    "The brother has won! That beast is dead!"


    "Elder Yu is mighty!"


    Cheers like roaring tides and thunderous waves erupted from the stands of the Weifeng Martial Arts School. Wei Zhentian was so excited that tears streamed down his face, almost wanting to look up to the sky and roar with exhration.


    The revenge for the cripple, for the ruined Dantian.


    Today, he finally imed vengeance!


    That little beast finally bowed its head!


    Just as all the big shots fell silent and the Weifeng Martial Arts School was celebrating,


    Yu Cheng, who had emerged from the dust, suddenly staggered, spat out a mouthful of fresh blood, and then, without looking back, rushed towards the exit of the venue, leaving a trail of blood as he ran.


    What''s happening?


    Everyone was puzzled.


    Yu Cheng had just killed Long Xiaoshan, wasn''t it time for him to unt his might and gather the various powers of Hechuan''s business world?


    Why was he running outside?


    Suddenly, someone sharp-eyed shouted out: "Long Xiaoshan is not dead!"


    The dust gradually dissipated.


    A figure was seen slowly emerging from the rubble with his hands behind his back, graduallying into clear view.


    If it wasn''t Long Xiaoshan, then who could it be.


    The pervasive dust appeared to have not touched Long Xiaoshan in the slightest; his clothes were clean, his face was radiant, almost like a Heavenly Beingpared to Yu Cheng, who was in a pitiful scramble.


    After stepping out of the rubble, Long Xiaoshan looked distantly at Yu Cheng, who was about to reach the door, then bent down to pick up a broken gpole from the ruins.


    With a breath and a shout, he violently hurled the gpole!


    A sh of lightning streaked through the air.


    It pierced Yu Cheng''s body, lifting him off his feet and pinning him to the wall.

 Chapter 230 Dragon Head of the Chamber of Commerce

    Murderous intent surged in Long Xiaoshan''s heart.


    To be shot by Wei Zhentian did not fill him with hatred, after all, there was an irreconcble vendetta between them.


    But he detested that Wei Zhentian even wanted to kill Chun Tao.


    He was a man who cherished flowers.


    What he hated the most was such unseemly conduct; therefore, Wei Zhentian had to die. Looking down at the Martial Arts School Disciples who knelt all over the ground, Long Xiaoshan spat out one word, "Scram! From today on, Weifeng Martial Arts School is abolished in Hechuan City; I do not wish to see it again."


    Though he was cold-hearted, he did not revel in killing, especially not in front of Chun Tao.


    The cold-heartedness of a man should not be disyed in front of the woman he loves.


    If Wei Zhentian hadn''t resorted to using his gun,


    Long Xiaoshan would have spared him today.


    Regrettably, Wei Zhentian did not know this, or else he would surely have regretted it to the point of wanting toe back to life after death.


    "Xie Tianren, we''ll scram right away, right away!"


    All of the remaining people from Weifeng Martial Arts School scrambled and fled in a panic.


    After the Martial Arts School Disciples had all evacuated, Long Xiaoshan slowly turned around, his gaze sweeping through the crowd. At this moment, the rich men of Hechuan, no matter how much they wished to escape, had nowhere to hide.


    Wang Sihai was the first to react, his corpulent body rolling out of booth number five like a massive meatball, rushing to the base of the steps where Long Xiaoshan stood at what was likely the fastest speed of his life, and bowed with hands sped, "Heavenly Being, by eradicating Yu Cheng and driving out Weifeng Group, you have rescued the business world of Hechuan from peril. From now on, Sihai will regard you as a leader. Should there be any orders, I will have no second words!"


    Wang Sihai was, after all, under Long Xiaoshan''s control due to the Heart Corroding Bone Eroding Pill.


    Therefore, his speech was full of righteous indignation.


    But the others didn''t know that.


    Seeing Wang Sihai bow and submit, the major bosses finally came to their senses and shivered with realization.


    "Dragon Celestial Being, I, like Brother Sihai, will henceforth follow the edicts of the Heavenly Being. Should there be any orders, I will have no second words!"


    "Dragon Celestial Being!"


    "Heavenly Being!"


    One after another, the wealthy natives of Hechuan rushed in front of Long Xiaoshan, swearing oaths and pledging loyalty to Long Xiaoshan.


    If at first, they still harbored a glimmer of hope when Long Xiaoshan eradicated Yu Cheng,


    However, when Long Xiaoshanter withstood bullets and, like a Heavenly Deity, traversed the void, hurling fireballs that reduced the Martial Arts School Disciples to ashes¡ª


    It shattered all illusions held by the powerful figures present.


    Leaving them with the imprint of a deity spirit.


    A man can fight against another man, but how dare they oppose a Heavenly Deity.


    Of course, they knew that Long Xiaoshan could not possibly be a true Heavenly Deity.


    But when a person is powerful to such a degree, what difference does it make from a "Heavenly Deity"?


    Zhou Yushan stood in box number one, his gazeplex as he watched Long Xiaoshan, now surrounded and ttered by the major bosses, and then asked, "Uncle Hai, what do you think the chances are if the Tang Family sends someone again?"


    With a grave expression, Patriarch Hai said slowly, "Xuan-level practitioners are not in abundance, even for the Tang Family. Among all the provinces of Xichuan, Hechuan is the weakest, and the Tang Family has already lost a Tang Mo here... Moreover, even if the Tang Family sends another Xuan-level Practitioner, I fear they might not be a match for him. This man has reached the Tongxuan level in the Martial Dao, and what''s even more terrifying is that he seems to also be a Spirit Practitioner."


    Thinking of how Long Xiaoshan effortlessly disintegrated people with a mere gesture, Patriarch Hai''s eyes revealed horror, and even his voice trembled slightly.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    After listening to Patriarch Hai,


    Zhou Yushan sighed deeply, knowing he no longer had a second option. He slowly descended the steps and approached Long Xiaoshan, bending his proud head and with hands sped, he said, "Dragon Celestial Being¡­"


    With that, all the business magnates of Hechuan City, without exception, submitted to Long Xiaoshan.


    Surrounded by a crowd, Long Xiaoshan slowly descended the steps. Now that the struggle for the Dragon Head was over, the ce was in shambles, obviously no longer suitable for further discussion.


    Fortunately, the Kowloon Mountain Clubhouse upied an expansive area.


    There was plenty of space to gather all the bigwigs of Hechuan...


    ...


    In a huge conference room.


    Long Xiaoshan was seated at the head of the table.


    Zhou Yushan and Wang Sihai each took the first position to the left and right of Long Xiaoshan.


    Next, two or three dozen business magnates from various sectors (including the counties and cities below) were seated on both sides.


    Originally, Wang Sihai''s status among the Hechuan City bigwigs would only rank him fourth or fifth.


    This could be seen from the number of his private room.


    However, because Wang Sihai was the first to follow Long Xiaoshan and it was also he who had invited Long Xiaoshan to participate in the arena fight, "A man''s sess brings glory to all his followers," his position immediately became the most prominent among the present magnates, even slightly surpassing Zhou Yushan.


    At that moment, the bigwigs were sitting upright with seriousness, like primary school students attentively listening, all gazing at Long Xiaoshan in the leading seat.


    Long Xiaoshan said indifferently, "You want to elect me as the head of the Chamber of Commerce, but with my limited experience, let''s forget it. I will not manage your affairs..."


    The reason Long Xiaoshan hade to participate in the arenapetition was firstly to witness the experts, and secondly to eliminate the hidden danger of Weifeng Martial Arts School; he naturally had no interest in the so-called Chamber of Commerce headship.


    Seeing that Long Xiaoshan was indifferent to the position of the Chamber of Commerce head, everyone looked at each other in dismay.


    Although Hechuan was one of the lowest-ranking Earth Level cities in Xichuan Province, no matter how poor, it was still an Earth Level city. Moreover, it had eight counties and districts underneath; many of the business magnates present were worth at least several hundred million, with Zhou Yushan even being a former top ten wealthiest tycoon in the province ording to Hurun Report, with assets of forty to fifty billion.


    Theirbined assets were worth hundreds of billions.


    With Long Xiaoshan''s current influence, the headship of the Chamber of Commerce was no empty title.


    Meaning, he could move hundreds of billions in assets with just one word, calling him a rainmaker would not be an exaggeration.


    Faced with such enormous temptation, Long Xiaoshan seemed uninterested.


    Some secretly rejoiced in their hearts, grateful they wouldn''t have to heed someone''s orders.


    But Wang Sihai''s face twitched, and he quickly said, "Brother Long, if you don''t take the position as the head, who else could handle it? Besides, with Yu Cheng dead, the Iron Palm Gang probably won''t let things rest. Who else would be able to stand against them when the timees?"


    Wang Sihai''s words gave the bigwigs a jolt.


    Indeed!


    Yu Cheng was dead!


    But the Iron Palm Gang was still around.


    A power not weaker than the Tang Family, the thought alone was terrifying.


    Without Long Xiaoshan, just another expert like Yu Cheng would be enough to suppress the Hechuan businessmunity.


    Moreover, with Yu Cheng dead, if the Iron Palm Gang sought revenge, they would undoubtedly send someone stronger than Yu Cheng.


    Considering the Iron Palm Gang''s reputation, if they were to take over, it would be far worse than simply following Long Xiaoshan''s lead, who at a nce, didn''t seem to be a person filled with ambitious desires.


    With Long Xiaoshan present, if the sky were to fall, there would still be a tall one to hold it up.


    Thinking this.


    The magnates all started to persuade him, and they didn''t hesitate to offer up various benefits: some were willing to part with apany, others with shares; this one an entertainment city, that one a hotel, and some even directly stated they wanted to give tens of millions to honor the head.


    A rough calction showed that just the assets offered up as tributes by everyone present amounted to over ten billion.


    Long Xiaoshan was tempted by the prospect of an easy gain of over ten billion.


    He was not a man of ascetic desires; who doesn''t love money and beauty.


    Seeing Long Xiaoshan somewhat moved, Zhou Yushan also spoke, "Dragon Celestial Being, in reality, the Chamber of Commerce doesn''t require much oversight normally. Everyone just doesn''t want to fight among themselves, and we need a decisive person for critical moments. It won''t consume much of your time. Moreover, if the Celestial Being is worried about his identity being exposed, we can keep it confidential, ensuring that it won''t affect your daily life."

 Chapter 231 Various Thoughts

    Chapter Two Hundred and Thirty-One


    After much thought, Long Xiaoshan felt that bing the head of the chamber ofmerce wasn''t such a bad idea.


    He didn''t have to contribute anything, just earning over a billion for free.


    As for shielding Hechuan Commerce Association from the Iron Palm Gang, since Yu Cheng was killed by him, and even Wei Zhentian could be said to have died at his hands, the Iron Palm Gang would definitely seek him out if they came. Regardless of whether he was the Dragon Head or not, he couldn''t escape this if he wanted to continue living in Hechuan.


    Putting on a very reluctant expression, Long Xiaoshan said, "Fine then, I''ll make do and be this Dragon Head."


    A group of bosses almost spat out a mouthful of old blood.


    This was the position of the Dragon Head of Hechuan City Chamber of Commerce, after all.


    Which one of these bosses didn''t want to be the Dragon Head?


    Yet here he was, acting as though he was very reluctant, like they were all kneeling and begging him to take the position.


    He really deserved a beating.


    But everyone knew that only Long Xiaoshan had to be the Dragon Head.


    No one else could convince the masses. After witnessing the ferocity of people like Yu Cheng, even Zhou Yushan, the wealthiest man, couldn''t suppress these local snakes.


    Only Long Xiaoshan, the fierce dragon,


    Could keep everyone in check.


    Subsequently, many bosses discussed. Now with the existence of the chamber ofmerce, they obviously couldn''t act like before. The reason why many bosses from Hechuan were bullied when they went outside, besides Hechuan''s weak influence,


    Wasrgely due to the fact that they were scattered like a te of loose sand, each fighting and depleting their own forces.


    Now with the chamber ofmerce, if they could integrate the strengths of all the counties and cities in Hechuan, they wouldn''t necessarily beparable to the Tang Family. However, once they ventured out, there wouldn''t be many powers in the province that would dare to underestimate them, and at the very least, they could join the ranks of first-rate forces within the province.


    Among them,


    Wang Sihai and Zhao Jun were the most excited,


    Wang Sihai was the earliest follower of Long Xiaoshan.


    It was clear that Long Xiaoshan didn''t have much ambition for the position of the Dragon Head. Even if he became the head of the chamber, he would definitely be toozy to deal with the specifics. Currently, Wang Sihai had the closest rtionship with Long Xiaoshan, if he could win his trust and be his official spokesperson, then wouldn''t he be the second most powerful man in Hechuan, under only one but above millions?


    Zhao Jun harbored the same thoughts.


    Zhao Jun had submitted to Long Xiaoshan even earlier than Wang Sihai.


    Previously, it was out of fear of Long Xiaoshan''s heavenly methods and the poison cast upon him that he had no choice but to serve Long Xiaoshan.


    But now, he saw an opportunity to ascend to the heavens.


    As long as he could cling tightly to Long Xiaoshan''s coattails, he probably wouldn''t have to content himself with just stirring up minor trouble in a small county city like Xinyuan. A county boss like him could dominate within his own county, but in the city, he was only second-rate. This could be seen from the fact that he didn''t have a private box and had to follow Zheng Laoshi.


    And he wasn''t the only one with such thoughts.


    Everyone shared their opinions and discussed fervently, and what started as a regr gathering evolved into establishing an organization that was both loose and tightly-knit like an Ind Country Zaibatsu. They nned regr meetings to discuss industry development, business alliances, and more.


    Long Xiaoshan watched with a cold eye.


    He saw through everyone''s intentions as if they were crystal clear.


    He knew why these wealthy individuals of Hechuan chose him to be the Dragon Head. Besides fearing his power, they probably did so because he was young, inexperienced, not good with interpersonal rtions, and they regarded him as merely a martial artist with strength, who could be supported just like that.


    But how could these people know that in prison, he had subdued many strong figures with his overwhelming power and dynamic tactics, earning the fearsome position of the top boss in Lingxi Prison.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He couldn''t possibly know less about human nature than these big shots.


    But he didn''t care about that either.


    Since he had assumed the role of the Dragon Head,


    he would have let them be if they had behaved themselves.


    But if someone truly harbored ill intentions and plotted to use or outsmart him,


    he would make them understand what fear meant!


    ...


    Two hourster, Long Xiaoshan stepped out of the meeting room; he had no interest in the specific and tedious details.


    Upon exiting the meeting room,


    Long Xiaoshan was led by a uniformed beauty into a room.


    As soon as he entered, a figure d in ck robes trembled at the sight and knelt down with a thud, continuously kowtowing, "Dragon, Dragon Celestial Being, I was blind and failed to recognize your presence in the hall just now, please spare my humble life."


    This person exuded a ghastly and decaying aura, he was Master Zhong from Mangdu.


    At this moment, Master Zhong''s withered face forced a smile, uglier than crying, filled with anxiety.


    After the arenapetition concluded, Master Zhong had hurriedly excused himself, iming an urgent matter to descend the mountain. Long Xiaoshan''s execution of Yu Cheng and the burning of the Martial Arts School Disciples were vivid in his memory. He had provoked Long Xiaoshan before the match, attacking him with spiritual power, and although Long Xiaoshan had not retaliated or said anything, the always cautious Master Zhong decided it was best to put as much distance between them as possible.


    But just as he was halfway down the mountain, he was stopped by two gatekeepers from the association.


    They said Long Xiaoshan had invited him back.


    A great sense of rm rose in Master Zhong''s heart, fearing that Long Xiaoshan was settling scores after the fall, and he nearly thought to flee. With his abilities, a few gatekeepers wouldn''t be able to stop him.


    But then he thought of Long Xiaoshan''s terrifying methods,


    and his courage dissipated.


    It''s either fortune or a cmity that can''t be avoided.


    Having no choice, he returned to the association and was arranged to wait in a resting room.


    Anxiously, he waited for two hours before Long Xiaoshan finally arrived.


    Seeing Master Zhong immediately prostrate upon his entrance and begging for mercy, Long Xiaoshan uttered, "Master Zhong, there''s no need for such formalities. Please, stand up. I didn''t ask you here for that reason."


    Master Zhong was momentarily stunned, then slowly got up, a sigh of relief escaping him as he realized Long Xiaoshan wasn''t there to settle scores, "Dragon Celestial Being, may I inquire why you summoned me?"


    "Let''s sit down and talk," Long Xiaoshan said indifferently, gesturing to the seat opposite him.


    Master Zhong hesitantly sat down on the sourwood chair across from him, barely perching on the edge of it.


    Long Xiaoshan took a sip from the tea brought to him and pondered for a moment before asking, "Master Zhong, unless I''m mistaken, you are a First Order Spirit Practitioner, aren''t you?"


    "In the presence of the Celestial Being, I dare not call myself a master, my name is Zhong Huai, you may simply call me by my name. Indeed, I am a First Order Spirit Practitioner," Master Zhong replied hastily.


    Long Xiaoshan gave a faint smile, "You needn''t call me Celestial Being either, I''m not any Celestial Being. You may call me by my name, there''s no need to be so tense. I just want to ask you some questions because I know very little about the circle of Spirit Practitioners. Since you''re a Spirit Practitioner, have you ever heard of ck Scale Gate?"


    "ck Scale Gate?" Master Zhong''s face changed slightly, showing faint signs of fear and hatred.


    Long Xiaoshan''s gaze sharpened as he inquired, "You''re familiar with ck Scale Gate."


    Master Zhong spoke, "Of course, I''m well aware that ck Scale Gate is a major faction in Central Province, purportedly the Orthodox Path of Ghost Cultivation, with a Grand Spirit Master in residence."

 Chapter 232 Hot Springs

    Chapter Two Hundred and Thirty-Two


    Central State Sect, Orthodox Path of Ghost Cultivation, Grand Spirit Master.


    Upon hearing these terms,


    Long Xiaoshan''s brows slightly furrowed.


    The reason he inquired about Zhong Huai and ck Scale Gate was that both were adept in dark magic, proficient in exorcising ghosts and Corpse Refinement, sharing some simrities, and he had killed two people from ck Scale Gate, which was always a potential problem, even though there were no witnesses to the killings.


    But the means of Spirit Practitioners were beyond the imagination of ordinary people; even without witnesses, it was not certain that they couldn''t trace it back to him.


    He was quite aware of ck Scale Gate''s practices.


    Therefore, it was necessary to be prepared in advance.


    If needed, it was imperative to eliminate the threat beforehand.


    However, ording to what Zhong Huai had said, it seemed that ck Scale Gate had quite a significant background.


    "How strong is a Grand Spirit Master? What kind of power do they possess?" Long Xiaoshan asked again.


    His understanding of Spirit Practitioners was indeed very limited, even Yue Ling didn''t know much.


    "Long... Grandmaster, you don''t know about Grand Spirit Masters?" Zhong Huai asked in surprise. He''d seen Long Xiaoshan levitating and tossing fireballs¡ªthese were Spirit Practitioner techniques, which Martial Artists certainly couldn''t perform. Yet Long Xiaoshan seemed unaware of Grand Spirit Masters.


    "Hmm, I''m mostly self-taught and haven''t had contact with the circle of Spirit Practitioners."


    Zhong Huai''s mouth twitched for a while. Self-taught, my goodness, you''re making it hard for the rest of us.


    "Then I''ll exin in detail. Spirit Practitioners are cultivators who are different from Martial Artists that cultivate their own bodies. Spirit Practitioners draw upon the Force of Heaven and Earth for their own use, absorb the essence of heaven and earth, induce Qi into their bodies, open the Purple Mansion, and give birth to Mana, thus bing Spirit Practitioners. Spirit Practitioners are divided into nine ranks, with every three Qi-Refiningyers making one rank. The Qi-Refining First Layer to the Third Layer is for Spirit Practitioners, Qi Introduction Fourth Layer to the Sixth Layer are honored as Spirit Masters, and those above Qi Drawing Level Seven are revered as Grand Spirit Masters, possessing Great Magical Power tomand wind and rain, or ''turn beans into soldiers.'' After breaking through the Qi Drawing Ninth Layer, one bes a True Person. However, True People are like Earthly Immortals, like Leftover Zi of the Eastern Han and L¨¹ Dongbin of the Tang Dynasty, who are rare and godlike beings scarcely found throughout Hua Country."


    With Zhong Huai''s exnation,n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Long Xiaoshan gained a deeper understanding of Spirit Practitioners.


    He was currently at the Late Stage of the Third Layer of Qi Drawing.


    And ck Scale Gate actually had Grand Spirit Masters above Qi Drawing Level Seven.


    Although, ording to Zhong Huai, the Grand Spirit Masters of ck Scale Gate were characters who would suppress an entire sect.


    They would not easily emerge from seclusion.


    However, the power of ck Scale Gate was unquestionable.


    He still needed to be cautious.


    Long Xiaoshan asked Zhong Huai many more questions, and Zhong Huai, intimidated by Long Xiaoshan''s power, was very forting and revealed all he knew.


    Which gave Long Xiaoshan a much better understanding of the cultivation circles.


    This circle, while not as prosperous as the ancient martial arts circles, was still not to be underestimated, and many feng shui masters and fortune-tellers encountered in everyday life belonged to the lineage of Spirit Practitioners¡ªonly many of them had no Mana, belonging to the outer circle.


    After talking with Zhong Huai and getting answers to all his questions,


    Long Xiaoshan waved his hand for Zhong Huai to leave.


    Zhong Huai felt like he had received a great pardon and hastily left Kowloon Mountain during the night. Although Long Xiaoshan did not seem intent on settling scores, being close to such a strong person made Zhong Huai very ufortable.


    Kowloon Mountain Clubhouse, the backyard, hot spring pool.


    This was Zhou Yushan''s private territory.


    However, today, Zhou Yushan had already vacated this area. When Long Xiaoshan stepped in, he saw the unusual peaks protruding, with a bamboo grove shading a glimpse of the corner of a little house with red walls and green tiles, exuding an antique charm.


    Entering the wooden building,


    he saw Chun Tao sitting inside the hall, somewhat preupied, while two beauties dressed in green cheongsam uniforms stood by.


    Upon seeing him enter, she quickly got up and ran over, "little Xiaoshan."


    "Sorry to have kept you waiting." Long Xiaoshan had just been discussing matters with the leaders of Hechuan and had met with Zhong Huai, so a lot of time had been wasted.


    "It''s okay," the worry on Chun Tao''s face faded.


    "You two can go down," Long Xiaoshan waved.


    "Yes!" The two uniformed beauties answered and left.


    Only Long Xiaoshan and Chun Tao were left inside the small building.


    "little Xiaoshan, I, we should just go back," Chun Tao said, somewhat timid, ncing around.


    Looking at the exquisite and luxurious interior decorations and the two beautiful women who had served her made her feel utterly out of ce. Coming from poverty, she had never enjoyed such things and it all felt surreal to her.


    Long Xiaoshan shook his head, "It''s gettingte. Let''s rest here for the night. Besides, I''ve heard that the hot springs of Kowloon Mountain are very famous. Zhou Yushan rmended them quite enthusiastically, I wouldn''t want to disregard his kind intentions."


    Long Xiaoshan''s eyes gleamed, a mischievous smile at the corner of his mouth.


    Enjoying the hot springs was one thing, but especially the thought of sharing them with a beautiful woman was an experience he had yet to enjoy. Naturally, his heart throbbed with excitement.


    "What hot spring?" Chun Tao was confused.


    With his Heavenly Eye, Long Xiaoshan had already located the hot springs. With a slight smile, he took Chun Tao by the hand and walked toward the back of the building, arriving at an arch. The sound of water could be heard. Passing through the archway, a Suzhou-style garden appeared before them.


    Lush greenery surrounded them, a bridge extended before them, with rockeries, walkways, and several hot spring poolsrge ones covering hundreds of square meters, small ones only capable of amodating two or three people, milky white and emitting wisps of steam.


    It was as if they had stepped into a veritable paradise.


    Chun Tao covered her mouth in surprise.


    She had never seen such a beautiful sight.


    Even Long Xiaoshan couldn''t help but admire it. Zhou Yushan knew how to indulge himself, having built a private garden here to enjoy this treasure alone.


    And with his keen observation, he recognized that this ce was where the geomantic energy of Kowloon Mountain converged, the eye of the formation, making these hot springs even more spiritual than ordinary ones.


    Long Xiaoshan, holding Chun Tao''s hand, arrived at thergest hot spring pool, dipped his hand in the water, and found the temperature to be just right.


    "little Xiaoshan, why is this water white and steaming?" Chun Tao curiously asked.


    "This is a hot spring, a naturally urring geothermal spring. It''s perfect for bathing. Hot springs contain many minerals and trace elements, and taking hot spring baths can be highly beneficial to one''s health. Around the world, hot spring bathing is considered a fashionable form of therapy."


    "So, today we''ll take a good soak right here!"


    While exining, Long Xiaoshan began to undress.


    Soon, he had taken off his shirt and pants, revealing his naked, sculpture-like strong physique.

 Chapter 233 Are You Sick in the Head?

    ......


    Early the next morning.


    Long Xiaoshan got up from his bed, feeling refreshed and clear-headed.


    Looking at Chun Tao, who was still deep in sleep, Long Xiaoshan tenderly kissed her forehead and got out of bed without making a sound.


    Long Xiaoshan stepped out of the small building, reflecting on yesterday''s battle with Yu Cheng, which had been incredibly enlightening. Although Yu Cheng was no match for him, his strength was not weak, especially when he burst forth in power, almost reaching the Profound Level.


    Had his Longevity Art True Qi not been more robust than Yu Cheng''s Inner Strength, the oue of their fight might have been uncertain. Now, as he contemted the battle, he absorbed much experience from it.


    After all, thebat between martial artists is different from that of ordinary people.


    Bing a truly supreme warrior, Long Xiaoshan still had a long way to go.


    Long Xiaoshan found a t surface and practiced a set of punches, and after finishing his routine,


    "Dragon Head," a voice came.


    Long Xiaoshan turned his head and saw Zhou Yushan, dressed in a Zhongshan suit and looking like a university professor, with Patriarch Hai standing behind him, folding his hands and smiling, "President Zhou."


    "A moment in the spring night is worth a thousand gold, Dragon Head, you are up so early," Zhou Yushan said with a slight smile.


    "It''s a habit," Long Xiaoshan said, "You''re up pretty early as well, President Zhou."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Haha, I''m getting old, my sleep isn''t great," Zhou Yushan said.


    "It''s not that your sleep isn''t great, it''s that your brain is sick," Long Xiaoshan said with a nce.


    "..." Zhou Yushan''s face darkened.


    Even Patriarch Hai, standing behind him, had a sh of anger across his face and a vein bulging on his forehead; if not for the fear of Long Xiaoshan''s formidable strength, he would have taken the opportunity to teach him a lesson.


    "Dragon Head is joking,"


    Zhou Yushanughed dryly twice, barely holding back his anger.


    As the richest man in Hechuan, even the mayor was extremely polite to him; nobody had ever dared to humiliate him to his face before.


    "Your brain really is sick," Long Xiaoshan said again.


    "Shut your mouth!"


    Patriarch Hai bellowed angrily, "Even if you are the Dragon Head, you cannot insult people like this. Besides, Yushan is so much older than you. Could it be you think you can do whatever you want just because of your martial strength?"


    "Uncle Hai!" Zhou Yushan''s face changed dramatically, and he quickly held back Patriarch Hai, apologizing to Long Xiaoshan, "Dragon Head, Uncle Hai meant no harm, please don''t me him."


    Zhou Yushan knew that martial artists were decisive killers.


    Moreover, from yesterday''s battle in the arena, it was clear that Long Xiaoshan was no kind-hearted soul; he was merciless in killing.


    He feared that Long Xiaoshan might rise in fury andmit murder then and there.


    Uncle Hai had been helping the Zhou Family since he was young, a protector who had shielded him from numerous assassinations. Without Uncle Hai, he might have died several times over; thus, though officially a servant, he regarded Uncle Hai as close as kin.


    Seeing Uncle Hai curse Long Xiaoshan, Zhou Yushan was extremely anxious.


    Although Uncle Hai possessed the strength of the Early Huang Stage, he probably could not withstand even a single finger from Long Xiaoshan.


    "A gentleman can be killed but not insulted. Yushan, don''t plead for me. Even if I die today, I will not bow to him," Zhang Hai shouted.


    Long Xiaoshan touched his nose.


    Looking at one with a flushed face and neck, and the other in fearful earnest,


    Long Xiaoshan shook his head and sighed, "When I said your brain was sick, I meant there has been a pathological change in your brain''s blood vessels. Have you been experiencing frequent pains in the left side of your braintely? Struggling to sleep, and asionally suffering from dizziness?"


    Zhou Yushan was stunned, "How do you know that?"


    "I can tell," Long Xiaoshan replied.


    Zhou Yushan was shocked. This issue had indeed gued him for some time now, but he had suffered from migraines since he was young and they were incurable ¨C just more frequent ofte.


    That Long Xiaoshan could pinpoint his symptoms with one look astonished Zhou Yushan greatly.


    "You should get it checked out properly. If you dy any further, I''m afraid your life won''t be long,"


    After Long Xiaoshan spoke, he turned and walked away with his hands behind his back.


    Zhou Yushan stood still, his face unsettled, as Patriarch Hai said, "Yushan, could that young man be tricking you? He''s so young, how could he diagnose your brain issues with just a nce?"


    Although Zhou Yushan thought the same, watching Long Xiaoshan''s retreating figure, he still felt a bit uneasy.


    Never mind, it wouldn''t hurt to get a check-up for some peace of mind.

 Chapter 234 Spare His Life

    Chapter Two Hundred and Thirty-Four


    Once Chun Tao woke up, Long Xiaoshan took her down from Kowloon Mountain.


    Wang Sihai''s car was waiting at the foot of the mountain.


    Long Xiaoshan and Chun Tao got into Wang Sihai''s Bentley and headed for the city.


    On the way, Wang Sihai received a phone call, said something impatiently, and then hung up directly.


    "Brother Long, let me show you your properties!"


    Wang Sihai said.


    Yesterday, all the bigwigs paid their respects to the Dragon Head by offering him properties¡ªthis one a restaurant, that one a KTV entertainment club, with almost every bigwig giving away an estate worth tens of millions.


    Long Xiaoshan didn''t stand on ceremony with them.


    There was no need for pleasantries with these people.


    The support he offered them against the Iron Palm Gang was worth far more than this.


    In order to please Long Xiaoshan, Wang Sihai was the most generous, giving away a four-star hotel directly, the best one under hismand, worth hundreds of millions.


    And it was in an excellent location.


    Han Mu''s family owned a four-star hotel too, but that was in the worst West District.


    But Wang Sihai''s Sihai Hotel was in the central district, and both in scale and value, it far exceeded Han Mu''s.


    It didn''t take long for the Bentley to reach Sihai Hotel.


    Sihai Hotel was located in the downtown area, towering eighteen floors high, with an additional three underground levels.


    The facade was resplendent, and in Hechuan City, there was only one five-star hotel.


    Sihai Hotel, ranking among the top in four-star hotels, could definitely be considered on par with the five-star category.


    The first three floors of the hotel housed the restaurant, the meeting rooms, and the entertainment city, while the hotel rooms were located above, and the top floor featured the presidential suite.


    Wang Sihai and Long Xiaoshan got out of the car.


    The doormen of the hotel saw the boss''s car and hurried over, bowing and saluting.


    Ashui didn''t let the doormen park it but personally drove the car to the parking area.


    Wang Sihai said, "Brother Long, this way please. I''ll show you around inside, and then we can sign the transfer agreement to pass the hotel over to you."


    Looking at the magnificent hotel, Long Xiaoshan thought to himself that just a few months ago, he was abor reform convict who had just been released, and now, in the blink of an eye, someone was giving him a four-star hotel¡ªit really felt a bit like a dream.


    As they were about to enter, suddenly a middle-aged fat man in a suit burst out from a diagonal angle, looking to be in his forties or fifties.


    The middle-aged fat man rushed in front of Wang Sihai, knelt down with a thud, and shouted, "Boss Wang, Boss Wang, spare my son''s life, I''m begging you on my knees."


    With that, the middle-aged fat man started knocking his head on the ground relentlessly.


    "Yang Dafu, you damn fool, you actually chased me down to here, you''re looking for death," Wang Sihai roared with fury, stepping forward to kick the middle-aged fat man.


    The middle-aged fat man rolled on the ground without daring to say anything more, but got up and knelt again.


    At that moment, the hotel''s security had already rushed over.


    Their attention had been on the big boss''s presence from early on.


    "Throw him out," Wang Sihai ordered the security.


    The security men immediately came up, grabbed the fat man, and started to drag him out.


    The fat man struggled incessantly, crying and shouting loudly, "Boss Wang, please spare my son''s life, he''s my only son."


    "Wang Sihai, what''s going on?" Long Xiaoshan frowned and asked.


    "Brother Long, this man is the father of that little bastard who offended you in Jinxiu; his name is Yang Dafu, and he runs a car salespany," Wang Sihai said. "That kid offended you, Dragon Head, and I still have him in custody."


    Long Xiaoshan thought of the Yang Jun he had encountered that day when he took Chun Tao to the city and said, "It''s him."


    "Let him down first," Long Xiaoshan pointed at Yang Dafu and said.


    Wang Sihai, hearing Long Xiaoshan speak, hastily ordered, "Let him down."


    After Yang Dafu was released, he hurried over, continuously bowing and scraping, saying, "Thank you, Boss Wang."


    Wang Sihai said coldly, "Don''t thank me; it''s Brother Long who told me to let you go."


    Yang Dafu looked at Long Xiaoshan with surprise and uncertainty. Long Xiaoshan still dressed in his nondescript street market attire, appearing very ordinary, yet Wang Sihai addressed him as Brother Long. There were few in Hechuan who couldmand such respect from Wang Sihai.


    Suddenly, a thought shed through his mind.


    He had been trying to find out where his son had offended Wang Sihai and ended up detained.


    It had taken a lot of effort but indeed, from the mouths of witnesses that day, he learned that Yang Jun had offended a young man, leading to his capture by Wang Sihai''s men, and that young man seemed to be called Brother Long.


    Could it be the man before him?


    The more Yang Dafu thought about it, the more likely it seemed. He quickly knelt in front of Long Xiaoshan and pleaded, "Brother Long, you are a man of great benevolence; please forgive my son. I apologize to you."


    Long Xiaoshan said, "All right, get up and talk."


    Yang Dafu refused to get up until Wang Sihai yanked him to his feet.


    "Do you know how your son offended me?" Long Xiaoshan asked coolly.


    "I, I''m not very clear on the details," Yang Dafu said with a trembling voice.


    "Your son took a brick and tried to smash my head in," Long Xiaoshan said with a smile that was not quite a smile.


    Yang Dafu almost copsed. He had always known his son to be impulsive and willful, but he had never imagined he would dare to smash someone with a brick, especially not such an important figure.


    "I''ve already let him off once, but he then called people to ambush me. Tell me, should I let him off again?" Long Xiaoshan continued.


    Yang Dafu broke out in a cold sweat, soaking through his clothes.


    This is what it meant to be courting death!


    He was filled with regret now.


    Having spoiled his son normally, he had fostered an arrogant character in him, which had now led to such a disaster. He knew that Long Xiaoshan had still shown mercy; if it were someone as fierce as Wang Sihai, being stepped on like this would have meant the disappearance of his entire family.


    At this moment, his face was the picture of despair, not even daring to utter a plea for mercy.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Long Xiaoshan waved his hand: "Forget it, I''ll give your son one more chance. Sihai, let his son go."


    "Yes, Brother Long," Wang Sihai responded quickly.


    Yang Dafu hadn''t expected Long Xiaoshan to forego holding him responsible and was willing to release his son, suddenly feeling as if he had ascended from hell to heaven. He was tearfully grateful, "Thank you, Brother Long, thank you, Brother Long."


    "I''m doing this out of consideration for your parental affection, but this is the only time. I believe you know how to discipline your son. Otherwise, next time, even if he doesn''t make trouble for me, he will provoke someone he shouldn''t," Long Xiaoshan said indifferently.


    "Yes, when I get back I will definitely discipline him harshly. If this kid messes up again, I''ll break his legs," Yang Dafu said, showing his own ruthless side.


    Wang Sihai said ominously, "Yang Dafu, it''s only because Brother Long is generous. Later you go bring the best car from your shop here, Brother Long just happens to be missing a ride, I''ll buy it."


    Yang Dafu gave a wry smile and said again and again, "Yes, yes, I''ll do that right away."


    He knew what Wang Sihai meant by ''buy.''


    It was indeed a purchase, but it was buying his son''s life.


    But to exchange a car for his son''s life was well worth it.


    Watching Yang Dafu leave, Long Xiaoshan gestured towards Wang Sihai.


    Wang Sihaiughed and said, "That''s letting him off easy, Brother Long. If you don''t charge him some interest, where will your reputation as Dragon Head stand, right?"

 Chapter 235 : Broke but Still Pretentious

    Long Xiaoshan and Wang Sihai entered the hotel and took a look around.


    It had to be said, the grand hotel wasvishly decorated, and its facilities were clearly a cut above those at the Lily Hotel. While the Lily Hotel was only three-star, this one was four-star and it was among the elite within the four-star category.


    Long Xiaoshan first apanied Xiaoshan to a private conference room.


    "Brother Long, I''m going to deal with some contract issues with thewyer now. Later, I''ll call the hotel''s senior management to meet you. Do you want to go to the upstairs lounge and wait?" asked Wang Sihai, knowing that Long Xiaoshan did not likeplicated matters, so he prepared everything himself.


    "No need, I see there''s a restaurant over there. Chun Tao and I will sit there, have something to eat. You go ahead with your work," Long Xiaoshan waved his hand and said.


    "Alright, Brother Long, you and your wife enjoy your meal. I''lle and get youter," Wang Sihai said.


    Long Xiaoshan nodded and took Chun Tao into the restaurant.


    There were some guests enjoying their morning tea.


    Long Xiaoshan sat down, ordered some char siu, xiaolongbao, and other breakfast items, along with two cups of ck tea.


    "Little Xiaoshan, are you saying this ce will belong to you from now on?" Chun Tao looked around at the opulent four-star restaurant filled with neatly dressed people and felt it was incredible.


    "Yes," Long Xiaoshan smiled slightly and said, "From now on, you will be thedy boss here."


    Hearing the term dy boss.''


    Chun Tao''s face flushed a little, but she was still worried. The hotel was too luxurious, and she felt somewhat apprehensive walking inside it.


    How much money would this hotel cost?


    And to think it was given away just like that.


    "Won''t there be any problem with that, I mean, with Boss Wang..." Chun Tao stopped midway.


    "What about him?"


    "He...he doesn''t seem like a good person."


    "Hahaha," Long Xiaoshanughed and shook his head, "then do you think I am a good person?"


    "Of course, you are a good person."


    "But I have killed people."


    "That''s different, you killed bad guys."


    "That''s because you like me. In many people''s eyes, I am a bad guy, at least in the eyes of those I''ve killed, I am very bad. So, there is no absolute good or bad person, in this world, often there are only the strong and the weak..."


    As the two chatted idly,


    a doubtful voice suddenly interrupted, "You are... Chun Tao?"


    Long Xiaoshan turned his head.


    A woman in a red dress stood by, heavily made up and quite attractive.


    "Oh, you are Cui Juan, what are you doing here?" After recognizing her, Chun Tao stood up and said.


    She hadn''t expected to encounter her middle school ssmate.


    Cui Juan was not only in the same ss as her in the vige''s middle school but also from the same vige. However, Cui Juan was quite opportunistic; even in middle school, she liked to hang out with a few of the richer boys in ss and was rumored to have been sleeping with boys since then, which gave her a bad reputation.


    Later, she didn''t partake in the middle school final exams and dropped out to work in the county.


    I never expected to encounter her here; it had been many years since she was married off to Longyang Vige.


    "Of course it''s me. I wanted to ask you, howe you are here too? Are you working in the city as well?" Cui Juan asked.


    "Oh, I''m not. I am actually studying right now," Chun Tao replied.


    "You''re studying?" Cui Juan chuckled with a sneer, ncing at Long Xiaoshan dressed in cheap street market clothes, a trace of disdain shing in her eyes, "Who is he? Is he your boyfriend or your husband?"


    "I am his husband."


    Long Xiaoshan stood up and extended his hand.


    However, Cui Juan ignored his hand and turned her head, waving and saying, "Darling, I''m over here."


    A man dressed in a suit and leather shoes approached, his eyes lighting up upon seeing the pure and lovely Chun Tao, and he quickly said to Cui Juan beside him, "Juanzi, who is this? Why don''t you introduce me to her?"


    "This is Xu Chuntao, my ssmate and also from the same vige. This is her husband," said Cui Juan, her arm entwined with the suited man''s, her tone somewhat sour.


    She noticed Li Ronghao walking over, his gaze fixated on Chun Tao, and immediately felt a sour sensation inside. Back in ss, the boys had preferred flocking around Chun Tao. Despite the attention she herself got for being coquettish, it was clear those boys were only around her because she would let them take advantage of her, while Chun Tao never yed with the boys and yet received more secret admirer notes than anyone else.


    She thought herself no less than Chun Tao; this young woman was just good at ying the innocent.


    When Li Ronghao heard Xu Chuntao was from the same vige as Cui Juan, he felt a stirring in his heart.


    He knew Cui Juan''s vige was very poor.


    So, Xu Chuntao mustn''t be wealthy, either.


    Judging by her clothing, which looked like it cost a few hundred yuan at most, and as for the man beside her, dressed in shoddy street goods, he deemed them unworthy of his attention.


    "Hello, I am Li Ronghao, the assistant manager of the hotel. It''s a pleasure to meet you," Li Ronghao said with an air of arrogance, extending his hand, a gold Rolex peeking from his suit sleeve.


    He believed that revealing his status as the assistant manager of a four-star hotel would certainly impress this woman from a small mountain vige.


    However, he didn''t expect Long Xiaoshan to disregard his hand and even pull Chun Tao to sit down.


    Li Ronghao''s hand froze stiff in the air, his expression darkening.


    "Chun Tao, what does your husband mean by this?"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Cui Juan, seeing Li Ronghao lose face, quickly shouted out loud.


    She had finally managed totch onto a wealthy man like Li Ronghao, who was also the manager of a four-star hotel. Even though she was only his mistress, she had originally been relegated to singing for patrons at KTV lounges, and now she had a wealthy man on the hook, she was certainly clinging to him tightly.


    Chun Tao, feeling a bit embarrassed, said, "Cui Juan, I''m sorry. My husband has a bad temper."


    "He has a bad temper? My temper is even worse. Poor and yet trying to act high and mighty," Cui Juan said with a nasty tone.


    Chun Tao''s face also began to sour. She was usually gentle, but she couldn''t tolerate others speaking ill of Long Xiaoshan, saying, "Cui Juan, you can talk about me, but do not speak about my husband like that."


    "Wow," Cui Juan was surprised to hear Chun Tao talk back.


    In the past, Chun Tao was the easiest to bully in ss.


    In the dormitory, they would always make her do all the chores.


    "I can''t even talk now? Just look around, is this a ce where you cane in? Husband, look at them, did they sneak in here? Didn''t you say that this ce is not open to the public and only avable to hotel guests?" Cui Juan said.


    Li Ronghao''s eyes narrowed slightly as he said with a faux smile, "You didn''t have to mention it, I almost forgot. Our hotel''s restaurant is only open to hotel guests. Are you staying here?"


    The standard room at the Lily Hotel cost 888 for one night, and he didn''t believe these two could afford it.

 Chapter 236 : Not Seeing Wrong, Right? (Please Subscribe)

    Long Xiaoshan said indifferently, "We indeed don''t live here."


    "I knew it, with your shabby looks, you couldn''t afford the rooms here." Cui Juan, excited that she had guessed right, called out and looked towards Li Ronghao as if to take credit.


    Li Ronghao had just lost face because of Long Xiaoshan and certainly wasn''t going to let it go.


    He sneered coldly, "Since you don''t live here, yet you sneak in, do you know what this ce is? Get out, now. Of course, the beauty can stay exception, Miss Xu, you can stay."


    He just wanted to see Long Xiaoshan in an embarrassing situation.


    At the same time, he also wanted Xu Chuntao to see his authority.


    "You want me to get out?" Long Xiaoshanughed out loud.


    "Of course, or would you rather I call security to escort you out?" Li Ronghao said.


    "I hope you don''t regret it." Long Xiaoshan said indifferently.


    "Me, regret?" Li Ronghao scoffed with disdain, "It seems you want me to call security then."


    Li Ronghao was about to take out his phone to notify security.


    Suddenly his phone rang.


    Seeing it was a call from the general manager, he quickly answered, "Yes, alright, I''ll be right up."


    Li Ronghao hung up the phone.


    Unexpectedly, the hotel had suddenly called an emergency meeting, requiring him to go up immediately. It seemed he could not stay after all.


    But he didn''t want to let Long Xiaoshan off so easily. He waved over the restaurant manager and pointed at Long Xiaoshan, "This person is not a guest of our hotel, yet he sneaks in to eat. What kind of management is this? Get someone to throw him out."


    As the hotel''s assistant manager, the restaurant manager quickly nodded, "Yes, Manager Li."


    Having said that, Li Ronghao told Cui Juan, "I need to go up, there''s an emergency meeting."


    "Uh-huh, you go. I''ll be here watching, definitely kicking this country bumpkin out. I''ll wait for you in the roomter." Cui Juan smiled coquettishly.


    A sly smile appeared on Li Ronghao''s lips, and he nced at Long Xiaoshan arrogantly before turning to leave.


    "Sir, please leave the restaurant immediately." After Li Ronghao left, the restaurant manager began to carry out the order right away.


    Cui Juan also mocked from the side, "Don''t put on a tough front now, it''ll be shameful when security drags you outter."


    Long Xiaoshan''s expression remained calm as he continued to sit there leisurely sipping his morning tea and ignoring the restaurant manager who, picking up the walkie-talkie, started calling for backup. A minuteter, two security guards rushed in.


    The restaurant manager pointed at Long Xiaoshan, "That''s the guy, snuck in here. Drag him out."


    The two security guards moved menacingly towards Long Xiaoshan and shouted, "Kid..."


    Suddenly, one guard froze, hisplexion changed drastically, and he abruptly pulled the other one back.


    "Brother Gang, why are you pulling me?"


    "Don''t move."


    The guard named Brother Gang greeted respectfully, "Brother Long."


    Long Xiaoshan turned around and saw it was one of the security guards who had previously appeared downstairs, one of those Wang Sihai had ordered to drag away Yang Dafu.


    He waved his hand dismissively, "Go on, this doesn''t concern you. Don''t stand here."


    "Yes, yes."


    Brother Gang hurriedly pulled the other guard out.


    "Hey hey, what are you doing, why are you leaving?" the restaurant manager shouted.


    Brother Gang, as if he had suddenly gone deaf, pulled the other guard to move faster, quickly disappearing from sight.


    "Brother Gang, why are you pulling me? Who is that guy? You look scared to death."


    "You don''t know shit. You were in the bathroom just now and didn''t see that guy standing at the main entrance with the boss. Even the boss was calling him Brother Long."


    "What..." Another security guard was so frightened that he couldn''t speak.


    In the restaurant.


    Cui Juan saw the security guards walk away and they had even called Long Xiaoshan "Brother Long." She was stunned for a moment and then furiously said, "So you know the security guards here. No wonder you''re so arrogant. These guards actually dare to be partial. I''m definitely going to have Ronghao fire themter."


    Right at that time, a man dressed in ck and with a cold face hurried in.


    He pushed Cui Juan, who was chattering nonstop in front of Long Xiaoshan.


    He respectfully called out, "Brother Long, Boss Wang said everything is ready and sent me to invite you."


    Long Xiaoshan set down his tea cup and nodded.


    "Hey, who do you think you are, pushing me? Do you know who I am?" Cui Juan yelled.


    Ashui''s face turned cold, and he red over. Cui Juan was struck by his fierce gaze and suddenly felt a chill in her heart, no longer daring to speak.


    "Brother Long, this way, please."


    Ashui led the way and Long Xiaoshan took Chun Tao and walked out.


    "This is bad, this is really bad," muttered the restaurant manager pale-faced, wiping his sweat incessantly.


    Unlike Cui Juan, he was an old employee here. He knew Ashui, who was the boss''s confidant. And the Boss Wang Ashui had mentioned was the big boss. From Ashui''s respectful demeanor and the way he spoke, the manager could tell that this young man definitely had a rtionship with the big boss, and it was not ordinary.


    Ashui opened the private elevator and took Long Xiaoshan and Chun Tao to the hotel''s eighteenth floor, where there was a conference room for the use of middle and high-level management.


    At this moment, in the eighteenth-floor conference room.


    About two or three dozen managers, deputy managers, and department heads sat up straight.


    The big boss rarely came over, as Wang Sihai had a vast business empire. The Sihai Group had a scale of twenty to thirty billion, and Sihai Grand Hotel was just one of its assets. Naturally, he could not personally oversee everything. Coming over once or twice a month for regr meetings was enough. Normally, he left things to his subordinates.


    But today was a sudden conference.


    The monthly meeting had just been held at the beginning of the month, and yet the big boss had suddenly called everyone together to announce something very important.


    And there was supposed to be an important guesting as well.


    Now, everyone waited in the conference room. The big boss''s authority was immense, so even the act of smoking was absent in the office. No one was whispering either; they all waited in anticipation.


    Li Ronghao sat in the conference room, his seat towards the back. As one of several deputy managers, he wasn''t the most powerful.


    At this moment, he was looking at Wang Sihai with confusion.


    The big boss was standing by the door, waiting respectfully instead of sitting in his ce.


    With the boss''s status, such reverence was unusual. Could it be the mayoring for an inspection?


    Just then, Wang Sihai suddenly straightened up and quickly walked out the door, calling, "Brother Long."


    The people in the office also hurriedly stood up.


    From Wang Sihai''s reaction, they could tell the important guest had arrived.


    A bitter, Wang Sihai walked in with a young man and woman.


    Seeing these young people, the hotel''s executives were slightly stunned. Were these the distinguished guests the big boss had mentioned? They looked so young, as if they hadn''t even graduated from college, and they were dressed like poor students.


    But seeing Wang Sihai beside them, bowing and scraping with utmost respect, utterly the image of a servant, everybody understood that indeed the big boss had been waiting for these two young people.


    Li Ronghao''s face changed color. He wondered if he had seen wrongly and rubbed his eyes vigorously.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    When he saw the faces of the young couple clearly, his face turned deathly pale.

 Chapter 237 : Unmatched

    Li Ronghao''s face changed color as he doubted his own eyes, rubbing them vigorously.


    When he clearly saw the faces of the young couple, hisplexion went deathly pale.


    "How could it be them!"


    Li Ronghao could never have imagined that the big boss, who hade in respectfully and had specifically gathered all the top brass of the hotel to meet, was actually the same young couple who had been seated and dining in the restaurant below just a moment ago.


    Didn''t Cui Juan say that Xu Chuntao was from her vige?


    Didn''t she say that she had married someone from the vige?


    How could they be such big shots that even the big boss had to treat them with great respect?


    At this moment, his mind was racing with ten thousand "cao ni mas," his forehead breaking into a cold sweat, his brain buzzing.


    "Brother Long, sister-inw, please take the seat of honor."


    Wang Sihai respectfully invited Long Xiaoshan and Chun Tao to sit where he used to sit in meetings.


    Long Xiaoshan did not stand on ceremony with Wang Sihai and sat down, pulling Chun Tao with him.


    Standing aside, Wang Sihai cleared his throat and addressed the hotel executives, who were standing in two rows: "Everyone, let me introduce you to him. His name is Long Xiaoshan, and he will be the Chairman of the Shan Long Hotel from now on. Today, I will transfer all the shares of the Shan Long Hotel to him, and you can also call him Young Master Long."


    The crowd was abuzz.


    No one had expected that today''s emergency meeting would bring such big news.


    Wang Sihai had transferred all the shares of the hotel to this young man.


    The Shan Long Hotel was a wholly-owned hotel by Wang Sihai, owning one hundred percent of the shares, which meant that from now on, their big boss would be changing to the ordinary-looking young man before them.


    Good heavens!


    What was going on?


    The Shan Long Hotel was a property worth hundreds of millions, a prime asset. How could it possibly just be transferred on a whim?


    Moreover, the transfer was made so decisively, without any reservations.


    Shouldn''t a transaction worth hundreds of millions at least go through several months of negotiations, various overt and covert struggles, before finally being concluded?


    Why hadn''t these executives heard even a whisper of it, and suddenly it was transferred?


    Could Long Xiaoshan be Wang Sihai''s illegitimate son?n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Impossible, didn''t Wang Sihai call Long Xiaoshan ''Brother Long''?


    All the executives were dumbfounded.


    Li Ronghao waspletely bbergasted; just now in the restaurant downstairs, he had been showing off proudly about his status as the hotel''s deputy manager in front of Long Xiaoshan, even saying that Long Xiaoshan had sneaked in to eat at the hotel''s breakfast bar, and that he should call security to throw him out.


    In the blink of an eye, Long Xiaoshan had be thepany''s big boss.


    Could there be anything more absurd?


    "Chairman, may I ask why? Why the sudden transfer of shares, I want to know at what price the hotel was transferred," Cao Fang, a veteran of the hotel and general manager, stood up and questioned. As a hotel veteran, he had run the Shan Long Hotel from the start, and now that the boss was suddenly changing, he found it hard to ept because once the boss changed, the old bnce might be broken. A new boss could bring in a batch of new people, not keeping these old-timers.


    Wang Sihai said indifferently, "There is no price. It''s a gratuitous transfer."


    "Ah!" Everyone felt as though their minds couldn''t keep up.


    Who was Wang Sihai that they wouldn''t know?


    It was enough that he didn''t steal from others, but to give away his own hotel?


    "Chairman, this, this is too rash," Cao Fang said emphatically.


    "Yes, how can the hotel be handed over to a young person just like that."


    "Chairman, please reconsider."


    Several important executives also urged him in haste.


    "MLGBD," Wang Sihai pped the table forcefully, barking roughly: "The hotel is mine, how I transfer it is my business, and it''s not your ce to talk nonsense. All you need to do is do your jobs well. Whoever dares to talk nonsense again can get out."


    The people below were startled and dared not make a sound.


    Long Xiaoshan then said, "Ladies and gentlemen, you actually don''t need to worry too much, The hotel''s operation will continue as normal after it''s transferred to my hands, and I won''t be recing any of you or changing your positions. As long as you do your jobs well, the hotel will operate as it always has, Of course, the prerequisite is that you must perform well."


    The people below felt somewhat reassured upon hearing this.


    "Lawyer He," Wang Sihai called out.


    Awyer walked in, and Wang Sihai said, "Bring out the transfer contract."


    Lawyer He nodded, took out a transfer document from his hand, and passed it to Wang Sihai, who signed it and then handed it to Long Xiaoshan, saying, "Brother Long, please."


    Long Xiaoshan took the document, quickly browsed through it, and confirmed it was indeed the hotel transfer contract, and it was a transfer of 100 percent of the equity.


    Suddenly, he ced the contract in front of Chun Tao and said, "Taozi, sign here."


    "Ah, me?" Chun Tao was taken aback and hurriedly waved her hands, "I, I can''t sign, I can''t sign."


    She knew the value of this contract; by signing it, she would own a four-star hotel.


    "What''s there not to sign? It''s just a hotel," Long Xiaoshan said indifferently yet with deep emotion, "As long as you like it, I''ll even pluck the stars from the sky for you."


    A group of hotel executives stood there with dumbfounded faces.


    Internally they were screaming!


    This was a four-star hotel!


    And this young master was just casually giving it to a woman.


    Several female executives had heart-shaped eyes.


    My god!


    They had never seen such a handsome man.


    Never heard such moving sweet nothings.


    If someone else had said such words, they would have scoffed.


    Pick your damn stars, childish fool.


    But if someone managed to utter such childish sweet nothings while casually giving away a four-star hotel worth billions, there probably wouldn''t be any sweeter words in the world.


    Truly a woman who must have saved the Milky Way Gxy in her past life.


    Several female executives looked at Chun Tao with feverish jealousy.


    A wave of moistness surged in their hearts.


    Imagining themselves in her ce, they would probably have already reached the height of... ecstasy.


    Under Long Xiaoshan''s affectionate gaze,


    Chun Tao couldn''t resist, and she signed her name on the contract.


    Tears shimmered in her eyes, and her heart felt enveloped in countless roses, so sweet it almost spilled honey. If it hadn''t been such a public setting, she would have surely thrown herself into Long Xiaoshan''s arms by now.


    What moved her wasn''t the hotel worth hundreds of millions that Long Xiaoshan had given her.


    What moved her was that she could feel how intensely this young man loved her.


    After signing the contract,


    Long Xiaoshan said indifferently, "From now on, Ms. Xu Chuntao will be your chairman. I only have one requirement of you, remember, her word isw in the hotel, even if it''s wrong, you must follow it."


    The group of executives gave wry smiles.


    Turned out their lifelong career pursuits were nothing but a ything for this young master tovish on a woman.


    Makes one sick with envy.


    They would never learn this kind of spirit for wooing women in their lifetimes.


    Now they were even starting to wonder about the astonishing background of Young Master Long, could he be from the Capital City? Otherwise, how could he possess such audacity?

 Chapter 238 : Ferrari 488 (Please Subscribe)

    Chapter Two Hundred and Thirty-Eight


    After the contract was signed, Long Xiaoshan had nothing else to say, just told them to continue as usual.


    After announcing the end of the meeting,


    all the executives stood up.


    Li Ronghao bowed his head and hunched his shoulders, trying his best to maintain the demeanor of a quail as he walked out, muttering to himself, "Can''t see me, can''t see me."


    However, a voice resounded like a nightmare, "Li Ronghao, wait a moment."


    Li Ronghao''s body stiffened, and he instantly felt like a dead man walking.


    The executives passing by nced at him; Li Ronghao did not hold a high position among them, and they wondered why he was singled out.


    After a while, everyone had left.


    Li Ronghao turned around and saw Long Xiaoshan sitting above, looking at him with a smile that was not quite a smile. He pleaded, "Young Master Long, I was blind and failed to recognize Tai Shan earlier. Please, I beg you to forget the transgressions of someone as insignificant as me..."


    Wang Sihai sensed something was wrong, and his expression darkened as he asked, "What''s the matter?"


    Long Xiaoshan said, "I was having breakfast with Chun Tao downstairs, and he said I was not a guest here, and had no right to sit there. He told me to get out."


    "Holy shit!"


    Wang Sihai sucked in a breath of cold air, rushed forward, and pped Li Ronghao to the ground with one p, "You truly have dog eyes."


    "Boss Wang, it''s my fault, I was the one looking down on others with dog eyes." Compared to Long Xiaoshan, Li Ronghao was more afraid of Wang Sihai.


    Very few in Hechuan City did not fear Wang Yama.


    Wang Sihai was about to continue beating him.


    Long Xiaoshan gestured, "No need to hit him anymore. Li Ronghao, I told you downstairs that I hoped you would not regret it. From today on, don''t bothering to work."


    Li Ronghao''s face fell.


    He''d graduated from university and had climbed to the position of deputy general manager of a four-star hotel over ten years, only to be sent back to square one today.


    But under Wang Sihai''s fierce gaze, he couldn''t even utter a word of protest.


    He got up from the ground with his head down, fleeing the meeting room like a dog that had lost its home.


    He went back to the office on the third floor to pack his things.


    The moment he opened the door, a fragrant breeze hit him, and Cui Juan threw herself into his arms, saying coquettishly, "Ronghao, you must fire the security guards at your hotel. They actually disobeyed orders and didn''t get rid of that bumpkin..."


    p!


    Li Ronghao viciously pped Cui Juan to the ground.


    Cui Juan, lying on the floor and holding her face, looked at Li Ronghao in shock, "Why did you hit me?"


    Li Ronghao''s face twisted with fury, and he charged at her, raining down blows, "It''s all your fault, all your fault, you wretched woman. If it weren''t for you, I wouldn''t have been kicked out of thepany."


    Cui Juan screamed miserably as she scrambled and rolled out of the office.


    ...


    Inside the chairman''s office, Long Xiaoshan said to Chun Tao, "In the future, you cane here to practice during your spare time at school. The best way to make progress is tobine theory with practice. Feel free to boldly implement your own ideas. Even if the hotel ultimately fails, it doesn''t matter. What''s important is that you improve yourself."


    If those who study business heard what Long Xiaoshan said, they would probably be spitting blood.


    There probably aren''t many people in the world who would entrust the position of chairman, with assets worth several hundred million, to a business rookie for practice.


    The only one who might do such a thing is Hua Country''s richest father, casually tossing out 500 million as if to let his son try his hand at ying.


    "Sure, I will work hard," Chun Tao said earnestly.


    Although Long Xiaoshan was very indulgent towards her, she believed that even if she really ran the hotel into closure, Long Xiaoshan wouldn''t scold her.


    But in her heart, she secretly swore that she must make it a sess, she definitely couldn''t let down Long Xiaoshan''s doting love for her.


    Little did Long Xiaoshan know that his casual remark would lead to the rise of the most renowned businesswoman in Hua Country in the days toe. Because of his indulgence, Chun Tao was able to unleash her thoughts and break free from conventional constraints, achieving many astonishing feats in business, akin to the fantasies of a Celestial Horse.


    Wang Sihai nned to continue taking Long Xiaoshan to take over other businesses offered up by the big shots.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Chun Tao decided to stay here, diligently reviewing the reports, learning how the chairman dealt with affairs.


    Wang Sihai specifically found her a female assistant to help.


    He certainly didn''t want Long Xiaoshan to misunderstand anything.


    Seeing how hard Chun Tao was working, the only thing Long Xiaoshan could do was to follow Wang Sihai reluctantly.


    As they stepped into the lobby, they heard a voice, "Brother Long, Brother Long."


    Turning around, they saw it was Yang Dafu.


    "Brother Long, Director Wang, you came down," said Yang Dafu.


    Wang Sihai snorted softly and said, "What are you doing here again?"


    Yang Dafu said, "I''ve brought a car for Brother Long; I''ve parked it at the entrance already."


    "Oh?" Wang Sihai squinted his eyes and said, "Yang Dafu, don''t bother showing off any cars worth less than two million."


    "I guarantee Brother Long will be satisfied," Yang Dafu said as he wiped the sweat from his brow.


    As soon as they left the hotel building, a fiery red Ferrari was parked at the hotel entrance, like a zing me. Its captivating lines caused passers-by to wave continuously, and some even took out their cellphones to take pictures or leaned in to take selfies with the car.


    Such a luxury car was indeed a rare sight in Hechuan City, even in front of a four-star hotel.


    "The new Ferrari 488GTB, with a 3.9-liter twin-turbocharged engine, 669 horsepower, zero to a hundred kilometers eleration in just 3 seconds, and a top speed of up to 330 KM per hour..."


    Yang Dafu proudly and somewhat painfully rattled off the specifications; the car was, after all, the crown jewel of his dealership.


    It was intended to be exhibited in the showroom to demonstrate thepany''s strength. Even though many wealthy clients had inquired about the price, he was reluctant to sell.


    Yang Jun had wanted to take the car out for a spin several times, but he had never allowed him to even touch it.


    Had it not been for Yang Jun offending such an important person, which he wanted to appease, he would never have thought of giving up this treasure.


    Long Xiaoshan''s eyes brightened slightly.


    There wasn''t a man who didn''t like cars.


    Thest time he drove Shangguan Baihe''s Porsche 911, the powerful thrust still left him longing for more, and this Ferrari was far more expensive than the 911, truly the king amongst sports cars.


    Long Xiaoshan walked down the steps and circled around the Ferrari, admiring the artistic lines of the car body, and with a smile on his face, he said, "Not bad."


    Seeing Long Xiaoshan smile, Yang Dafu hurriedly presented the keys and said, "Brother Long, here are the keys. Please give the car a try."


    Long Xiaoshan, without any hesitation, took the keys and, with Yang Dafu''s instructions, sat in the car.


    He had a good memory; Yang Dafu only needed to exin everything once for him to remember. He closed the door, started the engine, and with a low growl, like a fierce beast, the Ferrari''s engine thrummed vibrantly. Long Xiaoshan drove the car out of the hotel gates and stomped on the elerator.


    Roar!


    The Ferrari, like a fiery red stallion unleashed, surged forward with incredible speed, blurring the passersby and trees on both sides as they rapidly receded in the roar of the engine, the intense adrenaline rush enveloping him.


    "Wow, a Ferrari!"


    Many young men and women on the street screamed as they saw the sh of fiery red speed by, their faces showing wild envy and admiration.

 Chapter 239 The Old Mansion

    Because he was in the city, Long Xiaoshan didn''t get too carried away; he took the car for a brief spin and drove back to the hotel.


    He opened the door and got out of the car.


    Cui Juan happened to being down the stairs, covering her face in a sorry state.


    She had been beaten up by Li Ronghao, her skin bruised and face swollen. She had just cleaned herself up in the bathroom beforeing out, her heart filled with unresolved anger. She couldn''t understand why Li Ronghao had suddenly lost his mind and even mentioned being kicked out of the hotel.


    She wanted to wait for Li Ronghao to calm down before looking for him again.


    After all, a rich client wasn''t easy toe by, and even after being beaten, she wasn''t willing to let go.


    As she reached the entrance, a fiery sports car roared in.


    Having hung around in the city for a few years, she recognized that the car was a Ferrari, worth at least several million¡ªa car even Li Ronghao couldn''t afford. He had once pointed at a simr sports car and told her that one day he would drive a Ferrari and be a real member of high society.


    So seeing this car, she couldn''t help but stop and gaze at it with envy and longing.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    When she saw a young man step out of that fiery sports car, she thought to herself how young he was, even younger than Li Ronghao. If only she could get involved with him,pared to this man, Li Ronghao was nothing.


    But she was self-aware enough to know that a woman like her, who had been through the wringer, wouldn''t catch the eye of these truly powerful scions.


    Yet, why did the man''s back look so familiar?


    When the man from the sports car turned around, Cui Juan''s face suddenly stiffened.


    It was him!


    Chun Tao''s husband.


    The young man dressed in clothes that screamed peasant roots.


    How could this be?


    Cui Juan''s heart felt as if it had been struck by lightning, almost stopping.


    A wave of intense jealousy and panic surged within her.


    She had thought that after a few years in the city, she was no longer in the same league as Chun Tao, and seeing her only made her want to show off.


    Only now did she realize how ridiculous that was.


    Chun Tao''s husband was so wealthy, driving a sports car that Li Ronghao might never afford in his lifetime.


    Why, why, in what way was she inferior to her?


    Why did the boys back in school like her?


    After so many years since graduation, having entered society, and selling her body numerous times just to make money, having endured all kinds of hardships, she still couldn''tpare to her.


    Chun Tao, a poor girl from the countryside, had actually married such a top-tier yboy.


    And yet, she could only be a mistress to the likes of Li Ronghao, always at risk of being abandoned.


    This vast disparity twisted Cui Juan''s face.


    Only now did she realize why Li Ronghao had cursed and hit her earlier, and why he said it was her fault. It must have been because he had offended Chun Tao''s husband, leading to the loss of Li Ronghao''s job.


    ...


    After getting out of the car, Long Xiaoshan was greeted by Wang Sihai and Yang Dafu.


    Yang Dafu said, "Brother Long, how do you like the car?"


    "The car is good," Long Xiaoshan rested his hand on the car door. "How much? I''ll take it."


    "No need, no need, my son has offended Brother Long. Consider this car a gift of apology from me," Yang Dafu hurriedly said.


    Long Xiaoshan gave a faint smile, "Let''s keep things separate. Do you think I''m the kind of person to extort you?"


    "Not at all, Brother Long, I truly seek forgiveness," Yang Dafu, who had just stood beside Wang Sihai, had cautiously inquired about Long Xiaoshan''s background. Although Wang Sihai hadn''t revealed anything about Long Xiaoshan bing the Dragon Head of Hechuan City, the fragments of information he let slip were enough to send chills down Yang''s spine.


    Someone like Wang Sihai, a big shot who took more than he gave, had actually gifted a four-star hotel to the Brother Long before him.


    Compared to that, the car worth several million he offered was nothing.


    Initially, he had felt some pain and reluctance, but now he genuinely wished to ingratiate himself with such a prominent figure. If he could establish even the slightest connection with such a person, it would be worth it even if he had to give away several Ferraris.


    As someone in business, he knew all too well the importance of connections.


    Long Xiaoshan slightly knitted his brows, and Wang Sihai said, "Brother Long, why not just put it on the hotel''s ount? The hotel was nning to get a car for the chairman anyway."


    Upon receiving a signal from Wang Sihai, Yang Dafu quickly added, "Right, I have a partnership with Sihai''s hotel, so putting it on the hotel''s ount is convenient as well."


    Long Xiaoshan pondered for a moment and then said, "Alright, let''s do that."


    He knew that Yang Dafu wouldn''t charge him if it went on the hotel''s ount, but he couldn''t be bothered to go back and forth on the issue here.


    He patted Yang Dafu''s shoulder and said, "You''re not bad. Leave me your business card, ourpany will need quite a few cars in the future."


    Indeed, a great many vehicles would be needed once the roads in Longyang Vige werepleted.


    Upon hearing this, Yang Dafu was overjoyed. He hastily took out a business card and respectfully handed it to Long Xiaoshan, saying, "Brother Long, you cane to me for any car needs in the future, and I''ll give you the best prices."


    Long Xiaoshan nodded. He and Wang Sihai still had business to attend to and after a few words, asked Yang Dafu to go first.


    Long Xiaoshan drove the Ferrari with Wang Sihai and visited several locations.


    They also took over a KTV, a restaurant, and two bars.


    Busy to the point of not touching the ground.


    Brother Wukong, Brother Wukong, the master is being taken away by the Demon Fairy.


    "Hey, Auntie Su!"


    "There''s no need to trouble yourself."


    "Xuehen is back? Alright, I''lle over in the evening."


    Long Xiaoshan hung up the phone.


    Bai Susu called him to join them for a meal to thank him for saving Old Master Bai; hearing that Bai Xuehen had also taken leave from school toe back, Long Xiaoshan pulled over to the side of the road.


    "Brother Long, what''s the matter?" Wang Sihai got out of the car and asked.


    "I have something else to do. Let''s leave those other matters for another time," Long Xiaoshan replied.


    "Alright then, Brother Long, you''re busy," Wang Sihai said.


    "That''s fine, see youter."


    Long Xiaoshan drove the Ferrari straight to the suburbs. Old Master Bai had been discharged from the hospital and returned to his home. The Bai Family''s old residence was located in the suburbs, a more suitable ce for convalescence. Long Xiaoshan followed the GPS straight to the Bai Family''s old residence.


    The houses here were quite old, having seen many years, but they all upied significant plots ofnd.


    With front and back courtyards, even in the suburbs, suchrge mansions weren''t something ordinary people could afford; only those with some substance lived here.


    When Long Xiaoshan arrived, it was around four in the afternoon.


    The mansions here were connected.


    They weren''t very far apart from each other thanks to simr construction styles, and luckily there were house numbers. Long Xiaoshan drove into a smallne and saw the gate of a mansion open, with two people dressed as Taoists walking out.


    Such attire was rare these days, prompting Long Xiaoshan to take a second look.


    He soon realized that these two Taoists were not Spirit Practitioners¡ªafter all, Spirit Practitioners weren''t thatmon.


    As he drove past the mansion gate, he let out a soft "Huh," his expression showing that he was deep in thought. As his car passed by the front of the house, he nced inside and saw a woman standing alone in the courtyard, her hair disheveled.

 Chapter 240 Open the Door If You Dont Want to Die

    Chapter Two Hundred Forty


    The car drove past that house and stopped in front of the gate of another courtyard ahead, checking the house number.


    669, this is the ce.


    Long Xiaoshan got out of the car.


    He walked up to the gate.


    The house was built in an ancient architectural style and indeed had some years on it. The camphor tree inside had lush branches reaching for the sky, visible even beyond the courtyard wall. There were also two small stone lions at the entrance. Long Xiaoshan patted the redcquered gate.


    After a moment, a crisp voice came from inside: "Coming."


    Creak!


    The door opened a crack, and a pretty little face, charming yet petnt, appeared. Seeing Long Xiaoshan, her eyes lit up. She hurriedly pulled the door open and said, "Big Brother Xiaoshan."


    "Xuehen," greeted Long Xiaoshan with a smile as well.


    "Come in quickly, Big Brother Xiaoshan." Bai Xuehen eagerly took Long Xiaoshan''s hand and led him into the courtyard.


    Long Xiaoshan fixed his eyes on her as they walked. That day, Bai Xuehen wore a white short-sleeve sweater with tight-fitting jeans underneath, revealing her young and upright figure. Long Xiaoshan had always seen her dressed in traditional attire, and this was the first time he had seen her in modern clothes.


    Who would have thought she had such a great figure, truly inheriting Bai Susu''s impressive traits. Only because of her age, she wasn''t quite as fully matured.


    But it added a breath of youthful vitality.


    Seeing Long Xiaoshan eyeing her incessantly, Bai Xuehen''s face blushed as she rebuked, "What are you looking at? Is there a flower on me?"


    "I think it''s even prettier than a flower," Long Xiaoshan said earnestly.


    Bai Xuehen rolled her eyes at Long Xiaoshan and quickly ran into the house, calling out, "Grandpa, Mom, Brother Xiaoshan is here."


    Long Xiaoshan walked into the main hall and noticed Bai Heming and his wife were also there, but he ignored them.


    He approached Grandpa Bai and asked, "Grandpa Bai, how are you feeling now?"


    "I''m feeling very well, young friend, thanks to you," he replied.


    "Let me check your pulse again."


    "Sure, thank you, young friend." Grandpa Bai gave a heartyugh and extended his hand.


    Long Xiaoshan checked Grandpa Bai''s pulse and smiled slightly, "Your physical condition is very good. Continue taking the remaining Ginseng and pay attention to your health maintenance."


    Grandpa Bai nodded with a smile: "Since our young friend hase, let''s all be seated for the meal."


    Under Grandpa Bai''s invitation, everyone sat down at a banquet table in the adjoining flower hall.


    Apart from Grandpa Bai who abstained for health reasons, everyone else apanied Long Xiaoshan in drinking some alcohol. However, throughout the meal, Long Xiaoshan never so much as nced at Bai Heming and his wife, treating them as if they were air even when they offered toasts.


    The couple felt uneasy throughout the meal and as soon as the banquet was over, they rose to take their leave.


    "Heming, focus on your work when you get back. Be patient and don''t be impulsive," advised Grandpa Bai.


    "Yes, Father."


    Bai Heming and his wife left the Bai family mansion somewhat abashed.


    Once outside, they got into their car.


    Ma Xiaohong eximed angrily: "Bai Heming, is there any father like this? He didn''t even try to speak up for us, and Bai Susu didn''t either. They''re intentionally kicking us while we''re down, aren''t they still your father and your sister? Strangers are nicer than them."


    "Enough!"


    Bai Heming shouted at her suddenly.


    Ma Xiaohong was stunned for a moment and then yelled, "Bai Heming, why are you yelling at me?"


    The two of them were in the midst of an argument.


    Suddenly, a piercing scream from a woman came from next door, agonized and chilling to the bone.


    The two of them turned pale with fright.


    Recalling some rumors about the neighboring house, they felt a sudden chill and lost any desire to continue their argument, quickly driving away.


    Back in the Bai family''s courtyard.


    As the Bai family and Long Xiaoshan sipped tea in the main hall, they too heard the horrible scream from next door. Bai Xuehen, a little scared,tched onto Long Xiaoshan''s arm.


    Long Xiaoshan frowned and looked in the direction of the noise, "What''s going on?"


    Bai Susu said, "It''s from Song Yi''s house next door, Dad."


    Grandpa Bai nodded his head.


    "Dad just moved back from the hospital, and I only heard thesest couple of days that next door is haunted. A few months ago, someone died there, now only Song Yi refuses to move out. I wanted Dad to stay at my ce, but he wouldn''t go."


    "At my age, having just returned from Purgatory Gate, what ghost should I be afraid of?" Grandpa Bai said with worldly wisdom.


    A glint of gold momentarily flickered in Long Xiaoshan''s eyes.


    Unseen by others.


    But he, more than anyone, could see the gloom enveloping the house next door. He knew best whether ghosts existed in this world or not.


    The corner of his mouth quirked slightly as he stood up and said, "I''ll go take a look next door."


    Bai Susu was rmed and hastily said, "Little Xiaoshan, don''t mess around. I''ve heard that many Taoists invited to the house next door couldn''t solve the problem. You better not get involved in this kind of thing."


    "Auntie Su, it''s okay. Don''t you trust me?"


    Long Xiaoshan walked outside.


    Bai Xuehen called out excitedly: "I''ll go with you!"


    "You kids, really, you never grow up. There''s nothing interesting to see there," said Bai Susu resignedly as she got up. "Dad, should I go with them?"


    "Yes, you go. Song Yi is quite pitiful, and she was your ssmate back in the day," Grandpa Bai remarked.


    The three of them walked out the door.


    Seeing a fiery red Ferrari parked at the entrance, Bai Xuehen eximed, "Wow, a Ferrari. Whose car is parked at our door?"


    In Hechuan City, Ferraris were indeed rare.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "It''s mine," Long Xiaoshan replied offhandedly.


    Bai Xuehenughed, "Big Brother Xiaoshan, you just can''t concede defeat with words."


    Long Xiaoshan chuckled and, without exining further, the three of them approached the house next door. Bai Susu knocked on the door and after a long wait, it was opened by a disheveled woman in white, with a pale face and dark circles under her hollow eyes, giving her a cadaverous appearance. Especially at night, the sight was quite eerie.


    "It''s you, Bai Susu. What do you want?" the woman said, her tone unkind.


    "Song Yi, I came to see you. Did something happen to you just now?" Bai Susu inquired.


    "I don''t need your feigned concern."


    Song Yi tried to close the door, but a hand suddenly reached out, holding it open. A voice said, "If you don''t want to die, then open the door."

 Chapter 241 Bad Temper

    "If you don''t want to die, open the door!"


    The woman standing inside was stunned for a moment, then looked at the speaker, a young man in his twenties. She said with an unpleasant tone, "How are you talking? You little brat."


    Xiaoshan chuckled; he hadn''t expected this woman to have such a short fuse.


    "I''m not joking with you, your body has been severely eroded by yin energy. Just now, you must have experienced hallucinations, which is why you were screaming," Xiaoshan said indifferently.


    Song Yi''s face changed, and after a while, she said, "How, how do you know that?"


    "How I know is none of your concern; you just need to understand I''m someone who can save your life. You know about Old Master Bai''s illness next door, right? I''m the one who saved him," Xiaoshan said with a hint of arrogance.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Song Yi was quite shocked; she lived next door to the Bai Family and was certainly aware of how serious Old Master Bai''s illness had been.


    There hadn''t been any haunting in their home when Old Master Bai was ill.


    Everyone thought for sure that Old Master Bai was done for, but unexpectedly, he came back to life. She looked at Bai Susu, who said, "He''s right, my dad was saved by him."


    After her expression wavered several times, Song Yi finally opened the door.


    Bai Susu and the two others walked in.


    The moment they entered, a chilling breeze blew over them, causing Bai Susu and Bai Xuehen to shiver; it was so cold.


    The Song Family''s house felt several degrees colder than outside, like walking from summer heat into a room sting with strong air conditioning.


    The house was deste inside; it was clear it hadn''t been tidied for a long time. The courtyard was overgrown with weeds, and the smell of incense lingered throughout.


    Thick sticks of tribute incense were burning both inside and outside the house.


    Xiaoshan, who had inherited the ck Scale Gate''s legacy, knew that the ck Scale Gate specialized in dealings with ghosts, and that tribute incense is offered to gods and buddhas, but it can also be used to drive away ghosts; ordinary little ghosts would be scared off by the incense because ghosts fear the gods the most.


    However, this could only intimidate ghosts with no spiritual power or confused spirits.


    Encountering a ghost with even a slight amount of spiritual power, the incense would be useless.


    Because of the burning incense and the fact it was night, the house seemed even more eerily cold. Xiaoshan walked around inside and outside the house with his hands behind his back. He went up to Song Yi and said, "Big sister, give me your hand."


    "What do you want to do?" Song Yi asked, looking at him warily.


    "To treat you, of course. You''re quite grown up; are you still afraid I''ll take advantage of you?" Xiaoshan remarked.


    Song Yi''s face turned red with anger; no woman likes to be told she''s old.


    Even though Xiaoshan was indeed much younger than her.


    "You little pest!" Song Yi cursed inwardly but still extended her hand because she had let Xiaoshan in, believing in his ability to have cured Old Master Bai.


    Xiaoshan grasped Song Yi''s wrist.


    Song Yi shivered; she could clearly feel a warm current flowing into her, and as it circted within her body, the cold inside her began to dissipate and she felt much morefortable.


    If she had been skeptical before, she was now convinced Xiaoshan truly had real skills.


    After about five minutes, Xiaoshan let go of her hand.


    Song Yi was no longer feeling as ufortable and herplexion had improved significantly.


    Curiously, she asked, "What did you just infuse into my body? Was it qigong?"


    Xiaoshan pursed his lips.


    Seeing Xiaoshan''s dismissive reaction, Song Yi felt like stamping her feet in irritation, cursing that pesky little brat in her mind before forcing herself to calm down.


    Bai Susu asked, "Xiaoshan, did you notice anything?"


    "Hmm, there are some issues," Xiaoshan replied. "I will stay here tonight and extinguish the ghost."


    "There really is a ghost?" Bai Xuehen asked in surprise. "But don''t books say that there are no ghosts or gods in the world?"


    "The national news broadcasting always says that the people across the country are living happily."


    "Liar." Bai Xuehen gently kicked Long Xiaoshan.


    "Are you really sure?" Song Yi said, "I''ve looked for many Taoists, but none were effective."


    "You must have found a fake Taoist," Long Xiaoshan joked.


    Song Yi twitched the corner of her mouth, initially wanting tough, but recalling her recent experiences, she couldn''t muster a smile.


    After standing for a while and seeing the sky getting darker, Long Xiaoshan spoke with a more serious tone, "Auntie Su, you and Xuehen should head back first, it''s gettingte."


    "Okay," Bai Susu agreed.


    Although Bai Xuehen was curious to see what kind of ghost it was, Bai Susu still pulled her away.


    After Bai Susu and the others left, only Long Xiaoshan and Song Yi remained in the room. Continue reading on empire


    "I''m going to wash my face first." Having been treated by Long Xiaoshan and feeling more clear-headed, Song Yi realized she was in a mess. Being so unkempt in front of an outsider was uneptable for a woman.


    She excused herself and quickly ran to her room.


    Long Xiaoshan faintly heard the sound of water but didn''t bother with Song Yi. Instead, he entered a room with many wooden shelves disying a lot of antiques¡ªnot the fake kind, but real antiques.


    Bai Susu had mentioned that the Song Family was in the antique business.


    Just by looking at these antiques, one could tell that the Song Family was wealthy.


    Long Xiaoshan''s eyesnded on a corner of the room and lit up. He walked over to find something that resembled a Pill Furnace, shaped like a gourd but divided into three sections, with five feet, adorned with carved flowers, birds, and fish. On the top were two protruding spouts, and there was a hole underneath for ash removal.


    "Pill Furnace!"


    He had been searching for one, and unexpectedly, his effort had finally paid off.


    Looking at the Pill Furnace, it was clearly very old, having a history of at least several hundred years.


    Long Xiaoshan was inspecting it when he heard footsteps behind him.


    He turned and saw a woman in pajamas entering the room. Seeing her, he paused and asked, "Are you Sister Song?"


    "Don''t call me sister; it sounds terrible," Song Yi frowned. However, seeing Long Xiaoshan''s dumbfounded expression made her somewhat proud. She thought to herself, "You little devil, now you''ll stop looking down on me."


    "So what should I call you, aunty?"


    "Go to hell," Song Yi responded, her voice thundering with annoyance.


    Long Xiaoshan chuckled, but honestly, he hadn''t expected that Song Yi, after a bath and a bit of dressing up, would be so beautiful.


    She bore a resemnce to Sister Zhiling and didn''t look anywhere near Auntie Su''s age.


    This aspect also resembled Sister Zhiling, because Sister Zhiling herself was no longer young.


    Another thing, Song Yi had aposed demeanor, with her legs tightly closed, clearly still a virgin.


    Nearing forty and still a virgin, no wonder she was so quick-tempered.


    "What are you staring at, you little brat?" Song Yi asked with displeasure.


    "At this," Long Xiaoshan patted the Pill Furnace beneath his feet.


    "What''s so good about that?" Although the object wasrge, it wasn''t highly valued in the eyes of antique dealers because it wasn''t finely crafted and it bore no signature.


    "How about we make a deal, auntie? I''ll drive away the ghost for you, and you give me this Pill Furnace."


    "I told you, stop calling me auntie!" A sharp scream echoed through the house from Song Yi!

 Chapter 242 Chaos of Ghosts

    ```


    Chapter Two Hundred and Forty-Two


    "So when I call you Su Su, I should be calling you auntie?" Long Xiaoshan said.


    "Don''t mention Bai Susu to me; I''m not like her," Song Yi said coldly.


    Hearing Song Yi''s tone, Long Xiaoshan thought to himself that there must be some melodramatic story between these two women.


    Otherwise, why would they live next door to each other and have little to do with each other?


    Long Xiaoshan said, "I''ll take that as a yes, then."


    "It''s just a broken furnace. If you want it, take it and go," Song Yi huffed.


    Long Xiaoshan happily lifted the furnace and carried it outside.


    Song Yi was also startled, the furnace was cumbersome, being made of bronze and weighing at least a couple hundred pounds, yet Long Xiaoshan carried it out single-handedly.


    He looked thin, but unexpectedly strong.


    After taking out the Pill Furnace, Long Xiaoshan asked about the haunting at Song Yi''s house. Song Yi said the haunting began six months ago; the lights in the rooms would switch on and off by themselves; the TV would change channels randomly; at night, the toilet would flush without reason; and the most terrifying thing was that sometimes when washing, blood would flow from the tap instead of water.


    The Song Family was originally quite populous, being in the antique business and very wealthy, so although Song Yi''s parents had passed away, and she had no other family, was unmarried, and childless, she had hired many servants and maids.


    But due to the ghostly disturbances, they all left one by one.


    Song Yi did hire some more after that.


    Untilter when someone died, and no one woulde to work for her anymore, no matter how much money she offered.


    Song Yi was a stubborn person as well.


    The haunt was fierce, yet she still chose to live there.


    Moreover, she had many Taoistse to perform rituals to catch the ghost.


    She had spent millions of yuan and had at least a dozen groups try, but none could exorcise the ghost.


    Now, she was offering even higher amounts, up to five million.


    Long Xiaoshan exaggeratedly said, "Wow, five million, so if I get rid of the ghost for you, will you also give me five million?"


    Song Yi said irritably, "I thought the Pill Furnace was enough for you."


    "I didn''t know you were offering that much. If I''d known earlier, of course I would have asked for five million, the Pill Furnace isn''t worth that much," Long Xiaoshanined.


    A glint of shrewdness shed in Song Yi''s eyes as she said, "Alright then, leave the Pill Furnace and I''ll give you five million."


    "Eh... you''re ruthless," Long Xiaoshan said.


    Dead kid trying to y me, Song Yi was in business, how could sheck such cunning?


    She clearly saw how much Long Xiaoshan valued that Pill Furnace.


    The night grew deeper.


    Although Long Xiaoshan was young, Song Yi, who hadn''t had much contact with men for a while, felt the atmosphere was off; if it weren''t for the haunted house, she would never have stayed alone with a strange man.


    Long Xiaoshan could also feel it and said, "Miss Song, why don''t you go rest first."


    "Alright, thank you for your trouble. Call me if you need anything!"


    Song Yi was indeed tired, and feeling ufortable being alone with a man, she took the opportunity to retire to her bedroom. To prevent the Fierce Ghost from harming Song Yi, Long Xiaoshan decided to rest with his eyes closed in the living room outside her bedroom.


    In a drowsy state,


    suddenly, he heard the sound of the toilet flushing from Song Yi''s room.


    Long Xiaoshan thought Song Yi had gone to the bathroom and didn''t pay it any mind until he heard hurried footsteps. Song Yi rushed out of her room, her face pale with fright, "Master Long, did you hear the sound from the toilet just now?"


    In her fear, she didn''t dare call Long Xiaoshan a dead kid anymore.


    ```


    "I heard it," Long Xiaoshan said offhandedly, then suddenly realized, "Just now, that wasn''t you using the bathroom."


    Song Yi, her face pale, nodded.


    Long Xiaoshan frowned and followed Song Yi into her bedroom. There was a bathroom inside her room, from where the sound of flushing had juste. Long Xiaoshan opened his Heavenly Eye and looked intently¡ªthe ghost in the bathroom had already fled.


    "What''s the matter?" asked Song Yi.


    "It''s nothing, just continue sleeping, I''ll watch over you," said Long Xiaoshan as he moved to leave.


    "Don''t go out, just stay here," Song Yi said, somewhat scared.


    "Alright."


    Seeing that she was truly frightened, Long Xiaoshan didn''t insist on leaving. Song Yi sat on the bed, now without any desire to sleep, just sitting there. Experience tales with empire


    "Don''t talk," Long Xiaoshan whispered after sitting down beside the bed.


    Because the lights were off, Song Yi didn''t notice that she had a wardrobe malfunction.


    Another ten or so minutes passed.


    Suddenly, the sound of footsteps came from the living room.


    Song Yi, gripped by nervousness, immediately clung to Long Xiaoshan, grabbing his arm.


    Long Xiaoshan opened his Heavenly Eye and saw ghosts drifting around outside. He didn''t startle the spirits but continued to wait. After a while, more and more ghosts swarmed in, almost like a troop marching into the house.


    Then, all sorts of strange phenomena urred.


    The entire house was filled with an assortment of sounds¡ªthe noise of marbles upstairs, the sound of toilets flushing, the fizzling of lightbulbs, the living room TV suddenly turned on and began ying music...


    Holy cow!


    Long Xiaoshan also silently stuck out his tongue in amazement.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    This wasn''t a haunting; this was practically a ghost party!


    So many ghosts.


    It was astonishing that Song Yi had managed to live in such a ghost-infested house for so long.


    Having a Divine Body, he naturally didn''t fear these minor specters.


    However, Song Yi was terrified. Initially, she just clutched at Long Xiaoshan''s arm, but as the ghosts'' revelry intensified, she got so scared that she snuggled into Long Xiaoshan''s embrace, hugging his body, her whole figure trembling.


    Through the thin clothes, Long Xiaoshan could feel Song Yi''s heart racing, beating fast.


    It was making him restless.


    This feeling was really quite nice.


    Long Xiaoshan was tempted to linger in this state and not banish the ghosts at all.


    Although he was enjoying the moment, Long Xiaoshan remembered his purpose. He leaned in and whispered in Song Yi''s ear, "I''m going to catch the ghosts now. I will be motionlesster, so don''t touch me indiscriminately."


    Too scared to understand what Long Xiaoshan was saying, Song Yi just nodded.


    Thinking sheprehended, Long Xiaoshan closed his eyes, his Divine Soul departed, and as his Divine Body appeared, suddenly all the noises in the room quieted down. All the ghosts looked up at the Golden Spirit suspended in the air in horror, trembling with fear.


    After Long Xiaoshan subdued the ghosts, he grabbed one and questioned it.


    That was when he learned the source of these ghosts.


    Once he understood, Long Xiaoshan didn''t deal with them harshly, as these ghosts weren''t Fierce Ghosts; if they had been, Song Yi would have died long ago. Long Xiaoshan drove the ghosts out and performed the Salvation Rite for them.


    Then he returned to Song Yi''s house.


    When his Divine Soul drifted back, he was taken aback¡ªSong Yi was kneeling on the bed, pressing on his chest, administering artificial respiration, and anxiously shouting, "Wake up, wake up."

 Chapter 244 Melodramatic Past (Please Subscribe)

    Chapter Two Hundred Forty-four


    "There really are ghosts!" Bai Xuehen stepped into the yard, looking here and there, "Where''s the ghost?"


    "I told you, I''ve driven them away," Long Xiaoshan said proudly.


    "Big Brother Xiaoshan, you''re amazing. You could be a chatan," Bai Xuehen said with a pursed smile.


    "What chatan? I''m a grandmaster, you know. I can do fortune-telling and divination, Golden Needle Point Determination, anything!" Long Xiaoshan huffed.


    "Pfft¡ª" Bai Xuehen''s face was full of disdain.


    "You don''t believe me? Then let me read your palm; I offer a tenfold refund for any falsehood," Long Xiaoshan said.


    "Pfft, a tenfold refund, as if you''re selling fake medicine," Bai Xuehenughed.


    "You don''t believe me, give me your hand," Long Xiaoshan said earnestly, exuding a faint aura of a superior being.


    Practicing the Longevity Art, his True Qi began to circte, and his demeanor suddenly changed, making him seem like an ethereal Heavenly Being, startling Bai Xuehen, who couldn''t help but extend her hand, muttering, "Fine, I''ll let you have a look."


    Long Xiaoshan grabbed Bai Xuehen''s wless, snow-white hands.


    Her palms were beautiful, fair and delicate like jade, especially her fingers, which were particrly long, soft at the tips, with nails like transparent shells; her hands felt soft in Long Xiaoshan''s grasp.


    Long Xiaoshan held her hand, pretended to study her palm lines for a long time, then suddenly eximed, "Good!"


    Bai Xuehen was startled, "Good what? You''re always startling people."


    "I just saw that your love line is very favorable, and this year, your destined love will appear. From your palm lines, tell me, were you born on the seventh day of the fourth lunar month at the hour of You?"


    "Yes, how did you know?" Bai Xuehen eximed in surprise.


    Indeed, her birthday was on the seventh day of the fourth lunar month at the hour of You.


    Long Xiaoshan didn''t respond but, with a Grandmaster''s demeanor, murmured and calcted before pping his thigh, "I''ve got it! Your fated person was born on the ninth day of the eighth lunar month at the hour of Hai and is exactly two years older than you. You two are like heavenly stems matching earthly branches, yin and yang in harmony, a once-in-a-century mandarin duck and butterfly fate. Thisbination of birth elements is rare in a century, born out of past life karma. Once you meet, you will definitely fall in love, and after marriage, you''ll have immense happiness, with the man bringing prosperity to his wife and vice versa. In short, it doesn''t get better than this."


    Bai Xuehen was dumbfounded by Long Xiaoshan''s smooth talk.


    She was somewhat panicked, saying, "Is it true?"


    Though an atheist, not buying into any of these mystical notions,


    What Long Xiaoshan said was too enigmatic, seemingly profound, and he even managed to predict her birth date and time.


    But she was afraid,


    What she hated most was this notion of things being predestined.


    What if the guy wasn''t to her liking at all?


    And she hadn''t prepared for anything yet.


    While Bai Xuehen''s mind was racing,


    Long Xiaoshan spoke up again, "Do you want to know where the man born on the ninth day of the eighth lunar month at the hour of Hai is?"


    A flicker of unrest passed over Bai Xuehen''s face. She wanted to say no, but driven by an overwhelming curiosity, blurted out, "Where?"


    Long Xiaoshan pretended to calcte then burst intoughter, "Great, I''ve figured out this person; far in the horizon yet near at hand..."


    Suddenly, a cold voice cut in, "Stop fooling around, Bai Susu, you see your daughter being bamboozled by this darn fool and you don''t step in."


    Unbeknownst to them, Song Yi hade out, standing in the doorway of the main room.


    "What fooling around," Long Xiaoshan snorted. "You''ve seen my skills before."


    Song Yi scoffed and extended her finger, pretending to calcte as she suddenly eximed, "Ah, I''ve figured it out too. The person born on the ninth day of the eighth lunar month at the hour of Hai is you, right?"


    "Uh." Long Xiaoshan gave a sheepish smile.


    Bai Xuehen was a clever person and immediately understood she had been yed by Long Xiaoshan.


    Fuming, she kicked Long Xiaoshan''s leg hard, "Jerk."


    Long Xiaoshan winced in pain and hopped around holding his foot.


    He red at Song Yi forcefully.


    Song Yi ignored him and turned to say coldly, "Bai Susu, what are you doing here again?"


    Bai Susu was not offended by Song Yi''s tone and said gently, "Song Yi, you''re alright now, aren''t you?"


    Song Yi said, "I''m not going to die, and I''ve told you before, don''te into my house anymore."


    "Hey! How can you talk like that?" Long Xiaoshan was not pleased. Between Bai Susu and Song Yi, he would obviously choose Bai Susu. Hearing Song Yi''s rude tone towards Bai Susu, he stepped forward.


    "How I speak is none of your business," Song Yi replied.


    "Damn, are you on your period?" Long Xiaoshan retorted with venom.


    "You..." Song Yi turned pale.


    "Little Xiaoshan, how can you talk to Auntie Song like that? Don''t be like this," Bai Susu quickly said.


    Long Xiaoshan scratched his head; he also felt that he had gone a bit too far.


    "That... sorry!"


    Song Yi snapped, "Bai Susu, spare me your fake kindness."


    For some reason, seeing Long Xiaoshan being so obedient to Bai Susu made Song Yi even angrier.


    "Look at my temper..." Long Xiaoshan thought this woman needed to be put in her ce.


    Bai Susu quickly pulled on Long Xiaoshan, "Xiaoshan, don''t. Song Yi, I wronged you that year, but it''s been so many years, he''s long gone, it''s been almost twenty years. Can''t we let it be the past?"


    "I can''t let it go, Bai Susu, get out, get out!" Song Yi, with tears streaming down her face, shouted pointing at the door.


    Bai Susu sighed.


    She took Long Xiaoshan and Bai Xuehen and started to leave.


    Long Xiaoshan, not understanding the situation, could only be pulled along to leave.


    After they walked out, Bai Xuehen asked, "Mom, what exactly happened between you and Auntie Song?"


    Long Xiaoshan pricked up his ears.


    This was something he wanted to ask as well, but since he was an outsider, it wouldn''t be proper for him to butt in. But now that Bai Xuehen had asked, he, too, wanted to hear the answer.


    Bai Susu looked somewhat sorrowful.


    Seeing this, Bai Xuehen said, "Mom, if it''s too difficult to talk about, let''s forget it."


    Bai Susu stopped walking, gazed at the sky, let out a long breath, and said, "It''s all in the past now. I didn''t want to bring it up again, but since you want to know, and you are grown up now, I guess it''s okay to talk about it. This has to do with your dad."


    Bai Xuehen was born posthumously and had never met her father.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    But upon hearing it involved her dad, she paid closer attention. Bai Susu continued, "Back in the day, Song Yi, your dad, and I were ssmates. Song Yi and your dad were childhood sweethearts. When he transferred to our school and also due to our elders'' arrangement, they were betrothed, and Song Yi always liked your dad, growing up believing she would marry him. However, as we grew older, your dad fell in love with me. That era''s childhood promises of marriage weren''t taken so seriously; they were just verbal agreements made by elders, so your dad didn''t take it seriously. In college, your dad and I got together."

 Chapter 245 Space Ring

    Chapter Two Hundred and Forty-Five


    "I didn''t know about the engagement between Song Yi and your father, if I had known, I definitely wouldn''t have epted your father''s pursuit, because Song Yi and I were the best of friends at that time. When I found out about this, it caused me great pain, so I proposed a breakup with your father and left without meeting him again. Maybe because of this, it affected his emotions; he was in the military academy and eventually volunteered to join a border operation against drug offenders, where he ended up sacrificing his life at the border. Following that, Song Yi always hated me, believing that if it weren''t for me, your father wouldn''t have died."


    Bai Susu said all this in one breath, her eyes slightly reddening.


    She had kept these things hidden in her heart for almost twenty years, and it was the first time today that she shared them with anyone else.


    Bai Xuehen took Bai Susu''s hand and said, "Mom, how can you me yourself for this? What era is this to still cling to engagements."


    Bai Susu sighed and said, "Your dad came from a military family, and your grandfather was very stubborn too, overall, the situation was a mix of errors and misfortune."


    Long Xiaoshan hadn''t expected there to be suchplications, it truly was quite melodramatic.


    It was difficult to say who was right or wrong in these matters.


    However, that Song Yi actually never married after that.


    Probably obsessed over it too much.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    And now she''s be an old maid; surely, her psyche must be even more twisted now.


    As a doctor, Long Xiaoshan had some insight into psychology.


    He consoled her, "Auntie Su, it''s been so many years, let the past be the past. When I have time, I''ll talk to Song Yi. She''s just stuck in her ways."


    "You might as well not bother, I''m afraid you two might end up fighting," Bai Susu said with a wry smile.


    She knew that Long Xiaoshan had a hot temper.


    So did Song Yi.


    When these two hot temperse together, it would be like Mars colliding with Earth.


    "Auntie Su, don''t you trust me? I''m the best barefoot doctor in the vige," Long Xiaoshan said, rather conceitedly.


    Bai Susu covered her mouth andughed, the heavy feeling from bringing up the past faded somewhat.


    They walked back to the entrance of the house.


    Bai Xuehen said, "Why is this Ferrari still parked outside our house?"


    "Didn''t I tell you, it''s mine," Long Xiaoshan replied.


    "Pfft," Bai Xuehen sneered.


    Long Xiaoshan felt quite frustrated, it seemed nobody believed him when he told the truth.


    The three of them entered the house, Bai Yizhan was practicing Taiji for health in the courtyard. Upon seeing the three enter, he ceased his movements and greeted them with a smile, "You''re back."


    "Back, Dad."


    "Back, Grandpa."


    "Elder Bai."


    All three greeted him, Bai Yizhan then said, "Xiaoshan,e with me for a moment."


    Long Xiaoshan replied and followed Bai Yizhan into the house, where Bai Yizhan led him to a study, pointed to a chair, and said, "Have a seat, Xiaoshan."


    After Long Xiaoshan sat down.


    Bai Yizhan said, "Xiaoshan, that two-hundred-year-old ginseng must have cost you a lot of money; it really has great uses. Yet, you used it on an old man like me who is on his way out, it really wasn''t worth it."


    "What''s money? I think it''s very worthwhile if a ginseng can exchange for a life," Long Xiaoshan said nonchntly.


    "You really don''t regret it? I heard from Su Su that she originally wanted to give Bai''s Medicinal Materials to you, but you firmly refused to ept it."


    "Auntie Su is my friend. If I were to take away all her possessions for helping her, then she definitely wouldn''t be my friend."


    Bai Yizhan''s eyes slightly brightened.


    In his life, he had seen many people and could discern the hearts of many.


    From Long Xiaoshan''s expressions and demeanor, he could tell that Long Xiaoshan truly did not care about the ginseng.


    How many people in this world would use a two-hundred-year-old ginseng to save someone?


    Even among close rtives, there are few who would be willing to do this.


    Such an extraordinary young man.


    He made up his mind, stood up, walked over to the bookshelf in the study, and turned something in a certain spot. Suddenly, the bookshelf made a clicking noise and moved to both sides, revealing a safe.


    Long Xiaoshan showed a hint of curiosity, not expecting there to be a mechanism here.


    Bai Yizhan opened the safe''s door, took out a box from inside, walked up to Long Xiaoshan, and said, "Although you say so, I cannot simply ept your ginseng for free. However, I don''t have that much money to give you. This is something I came across by chance in the past. I have never been able to figure out what it is, but I feel that it must be extraordinary. Therefore, I want to give it to you. Maybe you can unravel its mystery."


    After saying this, he opened the box, revealing the item inside: a ring.


    Long Xiaoshan''s face slightly changed as he saw the ring.


    He reached out and picked up the ring.


    He felt the fluctuations of Spiritual Power from the ring; it was clearly a Magic Artifact.


    "Be careful, it seems to absorb your spirit. Every time I looked at it, it felt like it was drawing in my whole spirit, and I even passed out once," Bai Yizhan said swiftly as he saw Long Xiaoshan taking the ring, offering a word of caution.


    "No problem, Grandpa Bai."


    Long Xiaoshan frowned as he examined the ring. Its patterns were intricate, and upon closer inspection, they seemed to move, as if they were about to absorb his spirit, making him slightly dizzy. But soon he activated his Heavenly Eye.


    Golden mes faintly emerged from his eyes.


    A powerful Spiritual Force surged towards the ring.


    It seemed as though a cracking sound came from the void.


    Only Long Xiaoshan''s spiritual senses could detect it; immediately afterward, his spirit entered a dimly lit space that was about five meters square.


    Inside, there were quite a few items, much like a room.


    He had never seen a pig climb a tree, but he had seen pigs run.


    In this age of information explosion, Long Xiaoshan had read plenty of novels.


    He couldn''t help but exim, "Space Ring."


    This was eerily simr to the Space Rings described in many online novels. He never imagined such legendary objects truly existed, but upon reflection, he didn''t find it strange. Wasn''t he a Spirit Practitioner?


    And he even had the Virtuous Jade Spiritual Purification Bottle, which was a million times more magical than the Space Ring.


    Still, an intense excitement surged within him.


    This object was incredibly practical, the perfect tool for travel,mitting murders, robbery, and burry. Seeing Long Xiaoshan''s excitement, Elder Bai asked, "Xiaoshan, do you know what this is?"


    "Yes, but Grandpa Bai, where did you get this from?" Long Xiaoshan inquired.


    "That''s a long story. It was back when I was young, before I was married, just an ordinary herb gatherer. I was young and fearless, and once, I entered Shennongjia and got sucked into Ghost Cave. There, I discovered an ancient corpse dressed like someone from ancient times. Despite being dead for so long, the body was not decayed. I found this ring on his body, as well as several talismans. I used those talismans to make it out of Ghost Cave, but inexplicably, they turned to ash, leaving only this ring which I brought out with me."

 Chapter 246 Taobao

    Chapter Two Hundred and Forty-Six


    Bai Yizhan was just an ordinary person; he did not clearly understand the things he experienced, but Long Xiaoshan was a cultivator. Hence, from Bai Yizhan''s words, he gathered a lot of useful information.


    He could be certain that the corpse was that of a powerful cultivator.


    An incorruptible body indicated that the deceased''s physique had been cultivated to be far stronger than that of an ordinary person, perhaps far beyond his own abilities.


    As for the Ghost Cave in Shennongjia, the name itself had an eerie aura.


    Inside, there must be something special.


    Perhaps ghosts, or perhaps something else.


    Bai Yizhan fell into the Ghost Cave and was able toe out, likely because he took the talismans off the corpse.


    Bai Yizhan said that when he came out, the talismans disappeared without reason.


    It probably wasn''t without reason, but rather he was attacked by some invisible force, and the talismans protected him, allowing his escape. Otherwise, he would have certainly died inside.


    Interesting.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Long Xiaoshan, holding the Space Ring, said, "Grandpa Bai, this ring is very useful to me, and ordinary people can''t use it anyway, so I won''t stand on ceremony."


    "Hey, I was intending to give it to you from the start. Just take it," Bai Yizhan said with a kindly smile.


    He liked this youngd very much.


    Frank, kind-hearted, and at the same time, not pretentious.


    If it were a pretentious person, they might have hesitated, but Long Xiaoshan readily said he would take it and specified that it was very useful to him, which made Bai Yizhan feel morefortable.


    Otherwise, owing Long Xiaoshan such a big favor, he might not speak of it, but it would actually weigh on him internally.


    Gratitude is also a form of invisible pressure.


    "Grandpa Bai, I''ll take it and study it first," Long Xiaoshan said.


    "Fine, go ahead."


    Long Xiaoshan excitedly took the Space Ring to another room. Using his spiritual power, he opened the ring. He had seen earlier that there were quite a few items inside the Space Ring, and now he could examine exactly what was inside.


    The ring''s previous owner must have had a much higher cultivation level than his; the things he carried with him would not be ordinary.


    In one corner of the ring space, there was food and water, which after decades had long ceased to be edible. Long Xiaoshan tried using his spiritual power to move them, and the food and water were removed from the ring.


    After clearing the useless items,


    What was left were three books, a badge made of some unknown metal, a knife, three bottles of elixir pills, some small gs, and a pile of assorted items.


    Long Xiaoshan first took out the metal badge. It was hefty to hold and he had no idea what metal it was made from. On the front was engraved the word "Xuandu," and on the back, "Outer Gate."


    Xuandu, Outer Gate.


    Could it be an identity badge?


    An Outer Sect Disciple of the Xuandu Sect?


    Long Xiaoshan guessed.


    Seeing no further clues, he threw the badge back in.


    Long Xiaoshan then picked up the knife, and as soon as he did, it was as if mes surged within it, raising the room''s temperature by several degrees. The de was keen, and there seemed to be some faint patterns on the body of the knife.


    With a gentle swing from Long Xiaoshan, a sweltering breath streaked through the air.


    Long Xiaoshan tried channeling his True Qi into it, and the knife''s patterns suddenly became clear. A thinyer of mes enveloped the de, causing the temperature in the room to rise sharply, quickly reaching a point unbearable for ordinary people.


    What a knife!


    This was definitely a top-notch Magic Artifact.


    Not an ordinary weapon.


    Long Xiaoshan knew ordinary weapons could not have mes attached to them; it was a pity, though, if it had been a spear, that would have been fantastic. He had been learning the spear from Yue Ling recently and had some insights. Moreover, he had grown fond of the spear.


    Having a knife wasn''t too bad, after all.


    Especially since this was no ordinary knife.


    Long Xiaoshan toyed with it for a while before putting it back.


    He took out the three bottles of elixir pills.


    There weren''t many elixir pills left in each bottle. Long Xiaoshan opened them and poured out a few. The quality of these pills was not bad and couldpete with those he had concocted. However, they weren''t elixirs for increasing cultivation levels, but rather for healing and detoxification.


    After putting the elixir pills back,


    Long Xiaoshan checked the remaining misceneous items.


    Among them were three pieces of milky-white stones.


    Upon picking one up, he immediately felt an abundant rush of Spiritual Energy flooding from the stone, invigorating the True Qi within his body.


    "What kind of stone is this, with such abundant Spiritual Energy?" Long Xiaoshan felt that cultivating with such a stone would certainly double the results with half the effort.


    "Could it be the legendary Spirit Stone?"


    Long Xiaoshan thought of online novels.


    Regardless, the stone was clearly meant for cultivation.


    Long Xiaoshan continued to rummage through the pile of items. There were blue sands and red crystals containing thermal energy. These materials were odd and rare; Long Xiaoshan didn''t recognize any of them.


    Hey!


    Long Xiaoshan''s gaze shed as he saw a piece of golden bamboo that seemed to have been chopped off.


    Only twenty centimeters long, Long Xiaoshan reached out and zap! A fierce bolt of electricity shed, leaving Long Xiaoshan''s arm extremely numbed, which would have seriously injured an ordinary person.


    Long Xiaoshan circted his True Qi to resist the currenting from the bamboo.


    He took it out and examined the segment.


    It was covered with golden patterns, extremely tough, and even heavier than gold¡ªdefinitely a fine item. It was a pity that it was too short; otherwise, if he could whittle a long spear from this bamboo, it would naturally carry an electric charge, without any refinement it would be a powerful Magic Artifact.


    An idea sparked in Long Xiaoshan''s mind.


    Didn''t he have the Jade Purifying Bottle?


    Inside was the Spiritual Liquid.


    He wondered if it could make the bamboo grow, but given it was only a section and not the root, Long Xiaoshan wasn''t sure if it could be revitalized.


    But even if he had an idea, he didn''t have a ce to cultivate it now; he would have to wait until he got back to the vige.


    Long Xiaoshan put the golden bamboo segment back into the ring.


    Now that he had examined most of the items, only three Secret Tomes remained. Long Xiaoshan picked them up; the tomes were titled "Spell Art of Dark Incantation of Cloud and Water," "Thunder Art," and "Array Secrets."


    He flipped open "Spell Art of Dark Incantation of Cloud and Water" and indeed, it was a Cultivation Technique, but of the Water Element. Since Long Xiaoshan had already been cultivating "The Art of Immortality," the "Cloud Water Art" wasn''t very tempting to him.


    However, the "Thunder Art" and "Array Secrets" caught his eye.


    "Thunder Art" was a Secret Tome for cultivating spells of the Thunder Element.


    "Array Secrets" was about the Formation Path, teaching how to set up formations.


    Long Xiaoshan was very interested in both "Thunder Art" and "Array Secrets." "Thunder Art" was powerful in terms of offensive capability, and "Array Secrets" was extremely useful. The inheritance Long Xiaoshan had received from the Elder of the ck Scale Sect had only been some simple spells.


    After all, those two elders weren''t very powerful.


    Geomancy Talismans were considered pretty insignificant.


    They were only suitable against average people; against the truly powerful, those methods were too weak.


    They weren''t as practical as martial arts.


    But now that he had "Thunder Art" and "Array Secrets," which were clearly extraordinary, just a cursory nce revealed theirplexity and obscurity, far beyond what the ck Scale Sect''s tomes couldpare to.

 Chapter 247 Su Su Got Angry

    Chapter Two Hundred and Forty-Seven


    Long Xiaoshan never expected that by giving away just one Hundred-Year-Old Ginseng, he would receive such a tremendous benefit.


    Not to mention the many treasures inside the ring.


    The value of the Space Ring alone was infinite, something that no amount of money could buy.


    Long Xiaoshan wore the Space Ring on his finger and couldn''t help but marvel at his own good luck.


    At the same time, he felt very grateful to Old Master Bai, as he owed the Bai family a huge favor.


    These items were iparable to a single Hundred-Year-Old Ginseng, and probably even a thousand-year-old Ginseng couldn''t be traded for them.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He must find a way to repay the favor, that''s right, wasn''t he capable of Alchemy? Though Ginseng was good, it was far from the finished Elixir Pills. He remembered a few forms in the Pharmacopoeia that prolonged life and increased longevity; he could refine a few batches and give them to Old Master Baiter on.


    Furthermore, Bai''s Medicinal Materials was limited because Bai Susu was a woman, and a beautiful one at that, surrounded by wolves on all sides, hindering her from development on many fronts.


    Now, having secured a leading position in Hechuan City himself,


    many of the local heavyweights had to listen to hismands.


    With such resources, helping Bai''s Medicinal Materials develop into a powerful group wouldn''t be a problem at all.


    After all, he had plenty of medicinal forms at hand.


    All of these could be discussed with Auntie Su.


    "Xiaoshan,e out for dinner," said Bai Susu as she walked in.


    "Ok."


    Long Xiaoshan got up and went outside, where breakfast wasid out under the camphor tree in the courtyard.


    There were poached eggs, mixed vegetables, steamed buns, and medicinal porridge, all very light and suitable for the family.


    After sitting down, Long Xiaoshan began to eat and mentioned to Bai Susu his ns to invest in Bai''s Medicinal Materials Company.


    "You want to invest in Bai''s Medicinal Materials?"


    "Yes, I have some medicinal forms at hand, and I know how to cultivate medicinal herbs. I n to hand them over to Bai''s Medicinal Materials to operate. Right now, I also have a Century-Old Snow Lotus that is as old as the Ginseng. I hope to let Bai''s Medicinal Materials sell it and then reinvest the money into further development."


    "What, you have another Hundred-Year-Old Medicine, and it''s the same age as that Ginseng?" Bai Susu eximed, nearly dropping her chopsticks to the ground.


    This was astounding.


    The Ginseng had been tested by machines to have two hundred years'' worth of medicinal strength.


    If Long Xiaoshan had another two hundred years'' old Snow Lotus,


    such herbs, if released into the market, would cause a sensation and would definitely make Bai''s Medicinal Materials famous overnight. She was all too aware of the power of a Hundred-Year-Old Medicine, let alone one of two hundred years.


    Fearfully, there might not be another medicinal materialspany in the province that could offer such herbs for sale.


    "Yes, I have one more, take a look." Long Xiaoshan took out his cell phone, opened the gallery, and found a photo of the Snow Lotus he had taken at home, showing it to Bai Susu.


    Bai Susu took it and looked closely.


    From the photo, the age of the Snow Lotus seemed very high; although it was just a photo and could be Photoshopped, she believed that Long Xiaoshan would not deceive her.


    Bai Susu''s heart pounded furiously.


    She just couldn''t understand anymore.


    Hundred-Year-Old Ginseng was hard toe by and couldn''t be bought with just money, yet Long Xiaoshan could produce one after another.


    "Auntie Su, don''t look at me like that; this is really all I have. I don''t have any more," Long Xiaoshan said with a smile. The ability to elerate the age of herbs was his biggest secret. He couldn''t possibly reveal it, as it would attract great trouble.


    Bai Susu gave a gentle smile but shook her head and said, "I can''t ept this Century-Old Snow Lotus from you."


    "Why not?"


    "With this Century-Old Snow Lotus, you couldpletely start your ownpany with it and instantly break into the market. Why would you hand it over to me to sell? I can''t take such a big advantage from you. I already don''t know how to repay you for that Hundred-Year-Old Ginseng. If you really want to sell it, I can help you manage the process, but you should start apany and sell it under your own name," Bai Susu said.


    "No, I don''t have the time, and to tell you the truth, Auntie, you must be aware of my identity by now," Long Xiaoshan said.


    "I know now," Bai Susu said. "You''re from Niuyi County Longyang Vige, the chairman of Longyang Group, and you developed those health-preserving fruits and vegetables." Bai Susu spoke, recalling howst time at Jingheng Hotel, Long Xiaoshan had gotten into a dispute with Gu Jingheng and had injured a member of the Ye Family without any repercussions. She couldn''t help but do some investigating.


    It was not easy for her to find out from Shangguan Baihe either.


    "Exactly, now that you know, I''m busy running a bigpany. I''ll leave the selling of the medicine to you. Moreover, I won''t let you sell it for nothing; just give me a 20% share in Bai''s Medicinal Materials," Long Xiaoshan said.


    "You really are reckless. A two-century-old Snow Lotus could buy my entirepany, and you''re only asking for 20%? You might as well just give it to me," Bai Susu said, getting angry.


    "Then that''s fine too," Long Xiaoshan nodded repeatedly.


    "Long Xiaoshan!" Bai Susu''s pretty face turned red as she stood up and walked inside. "You can sell it to whoever you want; I don''t want it."


    To see the usually gentle Bai Susu actually getting angry.


    Long Xiaoshan also felt a bit frightened and didn''t understand why she was so angry.


    Bai Xuehen quickly ran inside.


    "Grandpa Bai, what''s wrong with Auntie Su?" Long Xiaoshan asked.


    Bai Yizhan pointed at Long Xiaoshan and said, "You, you are still young. Although Su Su has a gentle nature, she is very proud at heart. Aren''t you hurting her pride with what you''re doing?"


    Long Xiaoshan was a smart person.


    He understood that he had been too hasty.


    He himself didn''t want to owe Bai Yizhan any favors and wanted to repay the Bai Family, but Bai Susu didn''t know that. To continuously give away such precious Century-Old Medicine, for Bai Susu, wasn''t it just the same? Too heavy a favor was also a burden, especially for someone with Bai Susu''s pride.


    "Grandpa Bai, I''m sorry, I was rash. I''ll go in and apologize to Auntie Su."


    "Go on, I know you didn''t mean it. Su Su won''t me you," he said.


    Long Xiaoshan ran towards Bai Susu''s room.


    Seeing hime in, Bai Xuehen red at him and said, "Stinky Big Brother Xiaoshan, you made mom cry."


    Long Xiaoshan hurried over and saw that Bai Susu''s eyes were red and there were still traces of tears. He quickly said, "Auntie Su, I''m sorry, I was wrong. I didn''t exin things clearly to you."


    "Actually, it''s not that your Bai Family owes me a favor, but rather it''s me who owes the Bai Family."


    "I owe your family?" Bai Susu looked up in confusion and said, "Are you trying toe up with some excuse to deceive me again?"


    "It''s not like that," he said.


    Long Xiaoshan thought for a while, walked over to the table, and put his right hand, the one with the ring, in front of a bronze mirror on the table, saying, "Look."


    Bai Susu and Bai Xuehen looked over.


    Suddenly, the mirror disappeared.


    "What is this? Magic?" Bai Xuehen asked curiously.


    Long Xiaoshan then aimed the ring at the dressing table, and suddenly the entire vanity also vanished.


    Both women''s eyes widened in disbelief.


    They knew about magic tricks, but they also knew that such tricks often required props and preparation, and for this close-up magic to make a whole table disappear seemed nearly impossible.

 Chapter 248 I will be responsible for you

    Chapter Two Hundred and Forty-Eight


    Bai Susu also forgot to be angry; the two of them walked over to Long Xiaoshan and circled around him, yet they couldn''t figure out where Long Xiaoshan could have hidden the table.


    "Big Brother Xiaoshan, where did you hide the table?" Bai Xuehen asked.


    Long Xiaoshan chuckled, waved his hand, and the dressing table reappeared; with another wave, the copper mirror also appeared.


    The two of them stood right beside Long Xiaoshan, still unable to see how he did it. Even magic wasn''t this miraculous, right?


    "Big Brother Xiaoshan,e on, tell us." Bai Xuehen''s curiosity was piqued.


    Long Xiaoshan shook the ring in his hand and said, "This isn''t magic, but it''s because of this ring. It''s the legendary Space Ring. I can store external objects inside it and can also take out any of your belongings."


    "You''re not running a fever, are you?" Bai Xuehen reached out to feel Long Xiaoshan''s forehead.


    Bai Susu also found it hard to believe.


    How could there possibly be a Space Ring in this world?


    "You don''t believe me?" Long Xiaoshan walked to the bedside, touched it, and the bed disappeared; he moved next to the wardrobe, and the wardrobe disappeared; walked over to the desk, and the desk disappeared.


    Soon, Long Xiaoshan had emptied the entire room of its contents.


    Bai Susu and Bai Xuehen were agape in astonishment.


    They wanted to say it was impossible, but everything was happening right before their eyes, and it was definitely not magic.


    Magic couldn''t possibly reach this extent, no matter how miraculous.


    "little Xiaoshan, is this really a Space Ring?" Bai Susu was starting to believe Long Xiaoshan''s words, because there''s nothing more convincing than seeing it with one''s own eyes. Looking at the empty room, she simply couldn''t find another exnation.


    "Yes, Auntie Su, I swear I''m not lying to you, and moreover, Grandpa Bai just gave me this ring."


    "Grandpa gave it to you." Bai Xuehen said, "How could Grandpa have such a thing?"


    "It''s a long story, and I won''t exin now, but as you can see, what do you think this ring is worth?" Long Xiaoshan said as he waved his hand, putting the bed, wardrobe, and everything else back into the room.


    Bai Susu and Bai Xuehen looked at each other. How would they know the value of such a legendary item?


    "A treasure beyond price."


    Long Xiaoshan said, "So, Auntie Su, do you still think you owe me a favor? Grandpa Bai gave me this priceless treasure, and even if I were to use ten stalks of Hundred-Year-Old Medicine, I couldn''t repay this favor."


    Bai Susu was silent.


    But she felt much more at ease, at least she didn''t owe such a huge favor anymore.


    "Well then, Xiaoshan, I believe you now. However, my father''s life is priceless in my eyes too, and the fact that he gave you this ring doesn''t mean you owe the Bai Family. So, I can help sell the Snow Lotus for you, but we should conduct business the way business is done: the shares will be worth whatever they''re worth." Bai Susu spoke gently yet resolutely.


    "Alright," Long Xiaoshan said with a wry smile.


    Bai Susu''s mood improved again.


    Bai Xuehen, on the other hand, developed a strong interest in the Space Ring, insisting that Long Xiaoshan let her y with it.


    Unfortunately, only those with extraordinary spiritual power could use the Space Ring.


    For ordinary people, not only was the ring useless, but the spatial energy within it could also cause dizziness.


    After nearly passing out from the ring, Bai Xuehen hastily returned it to Long Xiaoshan.


    After dinner, Long Xiaoshan discussed with Bai Xuehen and ultimately decided that Bai''s Medicinal Materials would hold a grand auction to sell the Century-Old Snow Lotus. Long Xiaoshan would enter the pharmaceutical business with this Snow Lotus, taking half of the shares in Bai''s Medicinal Materials.


    After the discussion, Long Xiaoshan remembered that the Pill Furnace from the Song Family had not been retrieved. That morning, Song Yi, the old maid, hadshed out at them, driving them all out.


    Long Xiaoshan went out again and knocked on the door next door.


    Knock knock knock!


    Who''s there!


    From inside came the voice of Song Yi.


    "It''s me," Long Xiaoshan called out.


    "What are you doing here again?"


    "My Pill Furnace."


    There was a pause inside, followed by footsteps, and the door opened. Long Xiaoshan''s breath hitched slightly.


    Standing at the door was a cold and aloof beauty.


    Her ck, straight hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her palm-sized oval face looked exceptionally cool. Her full lips, adorned with pale pink lipstick, were crystal clear, and her eyes, hazy, were like waves in autumn.


    Song Yi was tall, easily reaching 1.78 meters. Wearing diamond-studded high heels, she stood taller than the 1.8-meter-tall Long Xiaoshan.


    She stood there, her arms crossed, looking at Long Xiaoshan.


    The epitome of an ice queen.


    Long Xiaoshan thought to himself, how could an old maid look like that, it waspletely unscientific.


    Almost forty, yet she looked just like a girl in her mid-twenties.


    Seeing the amazement in Long Xiaoshan''s eyes, Song Yi snorted softly through her nose, turned proudly, and swayed her hips lightly as she walked inside.


    She walked with charm, her stride that of a top model, full of rhythm.


    Everyone has a love for beauty.


    Although he couldn''t stand Song Yi''s fiery temper, Long Xiaoshan had to admit that the woman was beautiful and had a great temperament, on par with Sister Zhiling.


    He followed Song Yi into the house.


    Song Yi turned around and said coldly, "What are you doing in here? Your broken furnace is outside, take it and leave quickly."


    "Wow, Sister Song, why are you so heartless, so cold? After all, I helped you so muchst night," Long Xiaoshan said aggrievedly. "Have you forgotten how you were trembling with fear from those ghosts yesterday, and who protected you? I fought with those Evil Ghosts for three hundred rounds to protect you, nearly lost my life, you have no idea."


    Song Yi''s expression changed slightly.


    Thinking back to the terror ofst night, she felt a long-lost sense of safety while lying in this young man''s arms.


    Her face softened a bit.


    She also recalled how Long Xiaoshan''s heart had indeed stopped for a momentst night, how his breathing ceased, and after hesitating, she said, "I didn''t mean it that way, Master Long, are you sure you''re alright? Do you want to go to the hospital to check?"


    "I''m fine, there shouldn''t be a big problem," Long Xiaoshan replied.


    Song Yi, seeing Long Xiaoshan dressed poorly, thought he was worried about the cost and said, "You still need to get checked out. You saved me yesterday, so whatever problems you have, I will take responsibility for them."


    "Really, Sister Song? With your words, I feel relieved," Long Xiaoshan said joyfully, grabbed Song Yi''s hand, and caressing it added, "From now on, I''m your man."


    "What do you mean ''your man''? Get off me," Song Yi immediately recoiled when Long Xiaoshan gripped her hand and stroked it tenderly, and she hastily pulled away.


    "Didn''t you say you would take responsibility for me? Was that all lies?" Long Xiaoshan said, hurt.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "I said I''d take care of your medical expenses, you jerk."

 Chapter 250 A Nest of Snakes and Rats

    It took Long Xiaoshan a good dozen ps before he finally let go of Song Yi, who was now so unstable on her feet that she barely kept herself from falling by clinging to a chair.


    "I won''t let you get away with this, you bastard. I''ll kill you," Song Yi said through gritted teeth.


    "I''m at your service anytime, just so you don''t mind your ass being spanked until it blooms again," Long Xiaoshan smirked, shaking his right hand and even bringing his fingers to his nose for a sniff.


    Song Yi''s legs gave out, her face flushed with humiliation.


    Thud, thud, thud!


    Just then, a knock came at the door.


    Song Yi reflexively straightened up, seemingly aggravating the pain in her buttocks, which made her gasp in pain.


    "Who is it?" she called out irritably.


    "Song Benefactor, we''re the Taoist priests who came yesterday to respond to the ad for exorcising ghosts," a voice came from outside.


    Song Yi shouted through the door, "What do you want now? Didn''t you say it was hopeless yesterday?"


    "After returning home yesterday, I couldn''t bear to see Evil Ghost rampant, causing the benefactor to suffer. So I asked my senior brother toe down from the mountain during the night. Please open the door," the voice outside pleaded.


    "No need..."


    Just as Song Yi was about to refuse, Long Xiaoshan suddenly covered her mouth and said, "Go open the door."


    Song Yi forcefully pulled away his hand and said, "What are you doing? Didn''t you say the ghost was already driven away?"


    "Go and open the door, trust me," Long Xiaoshan said in a low voice.


    Song Yi took a deep look at Long Xiaoshan, and although the bastard had just made fun of her, she didn''t refuse him. Enduring the pain in her buttocks, she moved to the door and opened it.


    Two people dressed in ck Taoist robes stood at the door, with Taoist buns on their heads and Peach Wood Swords on their backs¡ªone looked to be in his forties while the other seemed to be in his thirties.


    Seeing Song Yi opening the door with reddened cheeks and disheveled hair, the two Taoist priests were taken aback for a moment, and a hint of evil greed shed in their eyes.


    "Song Benefactor," said the younger Taoist priest, "this is my senior brother, Daoist Qingfeng, a truly profound practitioner with great cultivation."


    The forty-something Taoist priest tilted his head slightly, showing a somewhat arrogant demeanor.


    Had it been a day earlier, Song Yi might have been quite convinced.


    But now that the ghost had been driven away, she naturally lost interest in any so-called profound practitioners. She said, "I apologize, Taoist Masters, but the ghost has already been driven away. There''s no longer any need to trouble yourselves."


    "What?"


    The two Taoist priests changed color simultaneously.


    The younger one''s face darkened as he said, "Impossible, this house is notoriously haunted, and the ghost inside had great Mana. Apart from my senior brother, I fear no one else is capable of driving out the Evil Ghost. Benefactor Song, don''t be deceived by others."


    "I was the one who drove the ghost away," a voice said nonchntly from the side.


    Then Long Xiaoshan''s figure appeared at the door.


    Looking at Long Xiaoshan, the two Taoist priests saw that he was young and dressed inly, which made them scoff.


    "Where did this little swindlere from, not even fully grown and already tricking people here and there," they taunted.


    "Benefactor Song, you believe this milk-nosed brat can exorcise ghosts? Don''t fall for his glib talk; be careful not to gamble with your life," they warned.


    Facing open usation from the two Taoist priests.


    Long Xiaoshan remainedposed, smiling lightly as he said, "It was just a simple Ghost Attracting Formation. The Formation has been broken by me, and naturally, the ghost inside has vanished."


    The faces of the Taoist priests changed abruptly, and the disdain in their eyes dissipated.


    A cold glint shone in their eyes.


    "It turns out we''re fellows in the same craft. Since that''s the case, we shall take our leave," they said.


    After speaking, the two Taoist priests turned and walked away.


    Long Xiaoshan watched them leave without saying a word.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    After closing the door, Song Yi asked, "What are you ying at, opening the door just to say a few words to them?"


    Long Xiaoshan shook his head, "Of course not, I was observing their reactions because I suspect the Ghost Attracting Formation in your house was rted to them."


    "How could that be possible?" asked Song Yi. "I''ve never met them before."


    "It''s just a suspicion of mine, but we''ll know for sure soon enough," Long Xiaoshan said with a slight smile.


    After waiting about ten minutes or so, a gleam of gold shed in Long Xiaoshan''s eyes and a smirk crept onto his lips, "I''ll be stepping out for a bit."


    "What are you going to do?"


    "What''s the matter, can''t bear to let me go?" he teased.


    "Get lost!"


    Long Xiaoshan left Song Yi''s house and, instead of heading towards Bai Susu''s home, he walked casually down the road.


    After about fifty meters, he reached a corner.


    Suddenly, two individuals stepped out from behind a tree, blocking his path¡ªthe two Taoist priests who had just been at Song Yi''s house.


    "What''s this, you two again? Why are you blocking my way?" Long Xiaoshan asked with a slight frown.


    "Kid,e with us," the younger Taoist priest said coldly.


    "Come with you? Why should I?"


    "Because you snatched our business halfway through."


    "Pff, if you don''t have the skill and can''t cultivate properly, allowing me to drive away the ghost, how can that be considered snatching your business?" Long Xiaoshan retorted disdainfully.


    "Enough talk, take action," the older priest suddenly made his move, rushed in front of Long Xiaoshan, and struck a point on his body. Long Xiaoshan was about to resist when the younger priest also pounced, and after a few exchanges, Long Xiaoshan seemed to be overpowered. Hit by the older priest''s pointed finger, his body stiffened.


    The two priests lifted Long Xiaoshan into a parked Toyota and quickly drove away.


    About half an hour into the drive, the car sped onto a small vige and stopped in front of a mansion.


    Stepping out, they brought Long Xiaoshan into the mansion.


    Inside, five or six people attired in Taoist Robes or Kasayas, including some dressed as Feng Shui Masters, were drinking and ying drinking games.


    Seeing the priestse in, the group greeted, "Brother Qingfeng, you''re back so soon?"


    "Damn it, this brat ruined our n. The formation we set up in Song Yi''s house was destroyed by him," the middle-aged priest pointed at Long Xiaoshan, brought in and said viciously.


    "What?" those drinking stood up in surprise.


    "What happened?" inquired a Monk donned in a Kasaya.


    "We were supposed to go to Song Yi''s house today, hoping to raise the price and close the deal, but when we arrived, we encountered this kid at Song Yi''s house. He''s already ruined the Ghost Attracting Formation," exined the middle-aged priest.

 Chapter 251 The Cancer of the Feng Shui Sector

    Chapter Two Hundred and Fifty-One


    "Looking for death!" A group of people stood up and began to surround Long Xiaoshan.


    Long Xiaoshan revealed a hint of panic and said, "What do you want to do? You couldn''t drive off the ghost from Song Yi''s house yourselves, do you also forbid others from doing it? We''re all just getting paid to do a job."


    "You brat, how much did Song Yi pay you for the job?"


    Long Xiaoshan spoke with a reluctant look on his face.


    "Spit it out, or we''ll butcher you." A Feng Shui Master picked up a meat cleaver from the table.


    "Five, five million." Long Xiaoshan said in fear.


    The group of people showed greedy expressions one after another.


    Daoist Qingfeng let out a sinister, coldugh, "Kid, since you''re in this business, you shouldn''t be ignorant of the going rates. Do you think exorcising a ghost should cost this much? At most, a few tens of thousands of yuan is already impressive. Five million, do you think it''s that easy to get? Let me tell you the truth, the Ghost Attracting Formation wasid out by us. We spent half a year, and every time Song Yi hired someone to drive away the ghost, the people who went imed the ghost was too fierce to be driven away, and most of those people were sent by us. This is called price hiking. Any exorcist from outside who tried to interfere was also stopped by us. It took half a year for us to make Song Yi push the price higher and higher, reaching this exorbitant amount. And you, you intercepted halfway. Tell me, don''t you deserve to die?"


    Daoist Qingfeng''s words finally made Long Xiaoshan understand.


    Why Song Yi would offer such a high price of five million and still couldn''t get rid of the ghost.


    The Ghost Attracting Formation wasn''t any high-level formation.


    The ghosts that were attracted were not Fierce Ghosts, just wandering spirits.


    For anyone with a little bit of spiritual cultivation, breaking this Formation wouldn''t be difficult.


    How could it have allowed the Song Family to be haunted for as long as half a year.


    It turned out that these people were deliberately causing trouble, orchestrating a scheme to make Song Yi raise the price higher and higher, so that they would eventually act and make a big profit from Song Yi.


    Looking at how familiar these people were with the process, it was likely not the first time they had pulled off something like this.


    Moreover, a servant who had been hired at Song Yi''s house had died, which was very possibly rted to this group of people.


    Thinking of this, Long Xiaoshan let out a cold smile. These people, garbed as Taoist priests, monks, and Feng Shui Masters, were actually just a bunch of murderers driven by greed.


    "Kid, if you know what''s good for you, hand over the five million you''ve earned right now, and we can spare your little life," Daoist Qingfeng threatened ominously.


    After understanding the situation, the panicked expression on Long Xiaoshan''s face vanished, and he spoke indifferently, "What if I''m unwilling?"


    "You think you have a choice!"


    The monk threw a punch directly at Long Xiaoshan''s face.


    This guy was clearly a trained fighter, with a face full of brute strength, throwing a punch that was heavy and powerful.


    Enough to smash the nose of an ordinary person.


    But he was up against Long Xiaoshan.


    Long Xiaoshan raised his hand, grabbed the monk''s fist, and with a twist, broke the monk''s arm on the spot, bone shards bursting out.


    Ah!


    The monk screamed in pain as Long Xiaoshan kicked him out like a ball, crashing into and splintering a table, breaking tes and wine bottles all over the ground.


    The faces of the people around them changed.


    However, they were all ustomed to the ways of the world and had engaged in looting and robbery before they took up ghost driving and fortelling. Tough and ruthless, they were not panicked, and each one pulled out their weapons, moving to attack Long Xiaoshan.


    Long Xiaoshan snorted coldly.


    He struck out like lightning, showing no mercy towards these murderous thieves.


    With every move, he aimed to break arms and legs.


    The sound of snapping, crack after crack, continued to echo.


    In the blink of an eye, five or six people were already lying on the ground.


    Limbs broken, writhing on the ground in agonizing howls.


    Only Daoist Qingfeng remained.


    Daoist Qingfeng''s face underwent a drastic change. They had captured Long Xiaoshan with ease, thinking he was an easy target, only to find he was such a ruthless man. Didn''t he realize that Xiaoshan had been feigning weakness on purpose?


    He turned and rushed into the house.


    Long Xiaoshan followed suit, lifting his foot to step inside.


    Daoist Qingfeng held a ck ceramic pot in his hands, with a talisman stuck to it, and he shouted, "Don''te any closer, or I''ll release the ghost to kill you."


    Long Xiaoshan, as if he hadn''t heard a thing, continued walking towards Daoist Qingfeng.


    Daoist Qingfeng''s face contorted viciously as he violently tore off the talisman from the pot, and whoosh, a gust of cold wind swept through, the air temperature plummeted, and a mass of ck qi surged out from the pot, instantly transforming into an Evil Ghost with a face shining green light, grinning with a desire to devour, cackling eerily.


    "That''s all the tricks you have?"


    Long Xiaoshan shook his head indifferently, facing the ferocious howling Evil Ghost, he gently raised his hand, boom! A ball of mes erupted from his hand.


    Long Xiaoshan, now at the Third Layer of Qi-Refining, could cast quite a number of spells without relying on talismans.


    The fire spell was the simplest of them.


    The mes rose, intensely fierce. This was True Qi-driven fire, surpassing ordinary mortal mes. As the fire zed out, the Fierce Ghost''s triumphantughter came to an abrupt stop, shrieking pitifully like a mouse confronting a cat, and scurrying back into the pot.


    Long Xiaoshan''s eyes were tranquil, as if he was a Heavenly Being, he took a step forward, simultaneously raising his finger.


    The mes dashed out like a Fire Serpent.


    It struck the Evil Ghost directly. In the midst of the intense mes, the Evil Ghost struggled for a moment before dissolving into a puff of blue smoke.


    After the Fire Serpent burnt the Evil Ghost, it continued unabated, following the trail of yin qi to Daoist Qingfeng''s ghost-harboring pot, and bang!


    The ceramic pot burst violently open.


    Daoist Qingfeng let out a scream and fell to the ground, seated.


    His clothes burnt riddled with holes, even his hair singed, his entire face ckened, emitting white smoke.


    Seeing Long Xiaoshan approaching with hands behind his back, his gaze as vast as the sky.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Daoist Qingfeng trembled all over, crawling on the ground, wailing, "Grandmaster, spare my life, grandmaster, spare my life."


    He was a half-baked Taoist priest.


    His skills weren''t even on par with Daoist Jia, whom Xiaoshan had killed back at Lotus Temple.


    He had never seen such a true master who could control fire and exterminate Evil Ghosts with a flip of the hand.


    Long Xiaoshan took out his phone and activated the recording function.


    He said indifferently, "If you want to live, you can, but you need to confess all the setting up and scheming, the fortunes made and lives taken, one by one, or else..."


    Long Xiaoshan didn''t finish his sentence, but the mes erupted from his hand again, only ten centimeters away from Daoist Qingfeng.


    "I''ll talk, I''ll talk."


    Daoist Qingfeng, terrified by Long Xiaoshan, spilled all his wrongdoings.


    Indeed, the man was utterly depraved, stopping at nothing to make money.


    Driving away spirits to harm people, no fewer than ten people died at their hands, and they had even formed an industry. With him at the helm, this group of several dozen people nearly controlled the Feng Shui sector of the city, and this courtyard was only part of it.


    The more Long Xiaoshan heard, the colder his expression became. He pulled out a Golden Needle to break Daoist Qingfeng''s life point, then dragged him out and threw him into the courtyard, before picking up the phone to call Wang Sihai.


    A heavyweight like Wang Sihai, with omnipotent reach in Hechuan City, naturally had connections with city officials.


    He was to notify some trustworthy police officers.


    After the police arrived, they arrested these people, and following the leads, they eradicated the tumor in the Feng Shui Sector. That''s a story for another time.

 Chapter 252 Ill Protect You

    Hearing the knock on the door, Song Yi opened it and saw Long Xiaoshan standing with a police officer.


    Song Yi was somewhat puzzled and surprised.


    "Let''s talk inside," Long Xiaoshan and the officer walked in.


    Then, from the mouth of the officer, she learned the truth of the matter: the Ghost Attracting Formation in her home was set up by a group of Feng Shui Masters to swindle her money.


    Long Xiaoshan had left earlier precisely to draw the snakes out of their hole and catch the group of Feng Shui Masters.


    The police hade to take her statement.


    After the statement was recorded, the police officer took his leave.


    Song Yi looked at Long Xiaoshan with aplex expression, remaining silent for a long time.


    "What are you looking at? Do you think I''m very handsome and capable, and you''ve fallen for me?" Long Xiaoshan shamelessly said.


    "Go to hell."


    "Indeed, that sounds much better to my ears."


    "You''re really cheap."


    "Haha," Long Xiaoshanughed out loud as he stood up and said, "Alright, now that everything has been resolved, I''m leaving, goodbye."


    After he finished speaking, Long Xiaoshan left the house nonchntly, picked up the Pill Furnace in the courtyard, and headed to the gate.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Song Yi watched his figure, biting her lip, until Long Xiaoshan opened the door and walked out, she called out, "Long Xiaoshan, thank you."


    Long Xiaoshan didn''t turn back, just raised his left hand and gave a shake.


    She watched as he disappeared without turning his head.


    Song Yi bit her lip softly, one hand ced on her still faintly aching buttocks, and whispered lowly, "Little bastard."


    Once outside and finding the coast clear, Long Xiaoshan directly put the Pill Furnace into the Space Ring.


    Then he returned to the Bai Family''s residence.


    When Bai Susu asked what he had been up to, Long Xiaoshan recounted the story of how the Feng Shui Masters had plotted against Song Yi, and Bai Susu patted her ample chest, somewhat frightened, "There are such things too, these people are too despicable, it''s really thanks to you, otherwise Song Yi would have certainly suffered a big loss this time."


    "Human hearts are treacherous, actually demons are not scary, people are much more frightening than demons,"


    Long Xiaoshan said.


    Bai Susu nodded with feeling.


    Having been in the business world for so many years, she understood this all too well.


    If she hadn''t protected herself with all her might over the years, she would probably have been devoured whole, skin and bones. It was even more difficult for a woman, and a beautiful woman at that, to survive alone in this society.


    "Auntie Su, you don''t have to worry though, from now on I will protect you. Whether it''s a human or a ghost, if anyone dares to hurt you, I''ll p them to death," Long Xiaoshan dered, thumping his chest.


    "Little Xiaoshan!"


    Bai Susu smiled faintly, feeling warmth in her heart.


    Over the years, many men had said simr words to her, but they always came with the caveat of "as long as you''re with me."


    She had never met a man like Long Xiaoshan who simply wanted to protect her.


    Brother Wukong, Brother Wukong, master has been captured by the Demon Fairy of Pansi Cave.


    Long Xiaoshan answered the phone.


    "Is that Dragon Head?" A slightly flustered voice came from the other end.


    "Zhou Yushan?"


    "It''s me, Dragon Head," Zhou Yushan''s tone was somewhat bitter: "I''ve already gone for an examination, and there are indeed several abnormal vessels in my brain that could burst at any time."


    A burst vessel in the brain was no small matter.


    That was a brain hemorrhage, mild cases resulted in strokes with paralysis on one side, while severe cases led to immediatea and death.


    So even a big shot like Zhou Yushan was feeling uneasy at this moment.


    However, after the examination and diagnosis, the abnormal vessels in his brain were in a very bad location, and the surgical risk was extremely high, with the chance of waking up from a craniotomy being less than one in ten.


    Zhou Yushan didn''t dare to undergo surgery.


    The odds were too small.


    The Zhou family had assets worth billions, and as the helmsman once unable to wake up, the Zhou family would likely plunge into chaos immediately.


    In such a situation, he thought of Long Xiaoshan. Just yesterday morning, with just a nce, Long Xiaoshan had pointed out the illness in his brain, an eye for detail that was nothing short of astonishing.


    Despite this, he was unclear whether Long Xiaoshan''s medical skills were equally remarkable.


    But at this point, desperate times called for desperate measures, and he could only call Long Xiaoshan, clinging to a sliver of hope.


    "Oh, I see, anything else?" Long Xiaoshan said indifferently.


    Long Xiaoshan was no saint.


    Zhou Yushan had no rtion to him, and his doubtful attitude after the revtion yesterday had irritated him.


    Wisdom is not shared with those who do not ask, just as medicine does not serve those who do not knock.


    If one wanted to live, a respectful attitude was necessary.


    On the other end of the phone, Zhou Yushan was startled by Long Xiaoshan''s indifferent tone, but being a savvy man, he understood that Long Xiaoshan might be displeased with his attitude from yesterday. He quickly said, "Dragon Head, my fault yesterday, I did not believe in you, and Uncle Hai was even more rude to you, I will definitely punish him severely. I hope you can overlook past grievances and forgive me."


    "No problem, since it''s been diagnosed just go and get it treated quickly."


    Zhou Yushan forced a smile and said, "Dragon Head, my condition is very dangerous, doctors say the surgery has less than a ten percent sess rate, so I was wondering if you might have a way?"


    "You want me to treat you?"


    "Yes."


    "I can treat your condition."


    As soon as Zhou Yushan heard this, joy surged in his heart, and he quickly said, "Dragon Head, may I ask if you would treat me, thepensation is negotiable."


    "I don''t want money, but if I let you live, you have to give me Kowloon Mountain," Long Xiaoshan said calmly.


    Money was of little significance to him now; he was not short on cash. Kowloon Mountain was a locale he already liked, having felt its essence just yesterday, plus it hosted its own hot springs. If he wanted to establish a base in the city, that would be his choice.


    Zhou Yushan did not hesitate for long before agreeing.


    Kowloon Mountain was nice, truly a Feng Shui treasure. If possible, he''d rather pay a billion to Long Xiaoshan.


    But since Long Xiaoshan had set his sights on Kowloon Mountain, Zhou Yushan wouldn''t bargain. After all, the finest Feng Shui treasure was useless without life to enjoy it.


    Hearing Zhou Yushan''s agreement, Long Xiaoshan said, "Good, where are you now?"


    "I''m at Kowloon Mountain right now."


    "Then wait for me, I''ming over now."


    Long Xiaoshan stood up, ready to leave.


    "Where are you going again?" Bai Xuehen saw that Long Xiaoshan had just returned and was already getting ready to go out.


    "I''m going to Kowloon Mountain; a friend wants me to take a look at his illness."


    "Kowloon Mountain, I''ve heard of it, a very upscale clubhouse, but I''ve never been. I want to go have a look too," Bai Xuehen said excitedly as she stood up.


    "Sure, you cane with me."


    "Mom, give me the car keys," Bai Xuehen turned and said.


    "No need, I''ll drive."


    "You''re driving?"


    "Yes,e with me. Auntie Su, would you like to join us?"


    "You go ahead, I''ll stay home with dad."


    "Alright then, Xuehen, let''s go."


    Long Xiaoshan and Bai Xuehen stepped out of the house together. Bai Xuehen looked at the doorway and asked, "Where''s your car?"


    Long Xiaoshan took out a red key and pressed it.


    The Ferrari responded with the sound of unlocking and the lights blinked twice.


    Bai Xuehen stood there stunned, incredulously saying, "Is this Ferrari really yours?"


    "I''ve told you already, didn''t you believe me?" Long Xiaoshan walked over to the car, opened the door and said, "Get in quickly."


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