Chapter 10: When Things Don't Get Done, It's Because Not Enough Money Was Offered

Chapter 10: If Things Don't Work Out, It’s Because the Money Isn’t Enough

“Hiss…”

Doctor Huang, who had long resided at the Prince’s Mansion and was a man of insight, couldn’t help but draw in a sharp breath upon witnessing the scene, astonished as he asked, “Is this true qi taking shape, telekinetic grasping! Has Master Yu broken through to the mid-stage of Innate?”

Yu Xian smiled modestly, as if all of this were trivial. “Not quite yet, but not far off.”

At present, he was only months away from reaching the late stage of Qi Refinement. Disguised as an Innate mid-stage martial master, it was entirely plausible. The key was that the price of befriending someone at the early Innate stage differed from that of the mid-stage; to make friends feel they’d gotten their money’s worth was essential.

Sun Hong, who had been calmly observing from the sidelines, suddenly grew restless.

What kind of power did an Innate mid-stage martial master possess?

Chen Xiao had already demonstrated it personally—bloodshed on the long street, single-handedly defeating hundreds, smashing through heavily armored cavalry. If not for an unexpected sixth player, he would have left with ease.

And that was when he was injured.

Innate was already the pinnacle of the mundane world; advancing further was as rare as a phoenix or unicorn. The Sun family’s pharmacy had traveled far and wide, mingling with all social strata and understanding well the true value of the Innate mid-stage.

In the Jianghu of Yue Kingdom, many sects existed; Innate masters were the core of major factions, while mid-stage Innate masters were akin to patriarchs of those sects.

If a late-stage Innate warrior appeared, they could unify the martial world and proclaim themselves leader of the martial alliance.

Sun Hong composed himself and smiled ingratiatingly. “With Master Yu’s talent, breaking through is merely a matter of time. When that day comes, this old man shall prepare a generous gift to congratulate you.”

Yu Xian raised his cup in thanks. “I accept Old Mr. Sun’s auspicious words. When the time comes, I shall drink three hundred cups with you.”

Whether they came or not was irrelevant; the important thing was the generous gift must arrive.

So the cups kept clinking.

During the drinking, Sun Hong frequently hesitated to speak, but Yu Xian pretended not to notice. If he wouldn’t speak, Yu Xian saw no reason to stir trouble for himself.

He and Miss Cai Die drank in turn, gradually drawing closer.

After witnessing Yu Xian’s slight display of skill, the initial resistance Cai Die felt toward his impudence had long since vanished.

After all, Master Yu was handsome and powerful. Even the chief steward of the Sun family’s pharmacy sought his favor. If she could share a night with him, it might become her talisman, elevating her own worth.

In her profession, youth was the currency.

It was a pity, though, that this encounter was paid for in advance.

But no matter; as long as she served well the first time, the second and third times could be free. Once they fell asleep, the effect was the same.

Soon, Cai Die grew drunk.

She drunkenly collapsed into Yu Xian’s arms, soon falling sound asleep on his lap, leaving herself open and vulnerable.

Yu Xian lowered his head and saw a vast expanse of smooth, snowy skin. A flicker of heat stirred in his belly as his fingers gently traced Cai Die’s delicate cheek.

Suddenly, he said, “Old Mr. Sun, I find myself somewhat unsteady with the wine and wish to rest.”

The girl had been so forward; if he did not take some practical action now, he would seem incapable.

Hesitating long, Sun Hong feared that if he did not speak now, the silver would be wasted today. He hurriedly stopped Yu Xian.

“Master Yu, please wait. Actually, this humble one invited you today to make a rather bold request.”

Yu Xian, exhaling some wine breath, appeared slightly intoxicated.

With a wave of his hand, he was magnanimous: “Old Mr. Sun, we are friends who met as if by fate. Friends help each other. Whatever you need, speak freely; if I can assist, I will not refuse.”

Seizing the opportunity presented by Yu Xian’s drunken air, Sun Hong hurried on:

“A few days ago, our Sun family pharmacy was accidentally involved in an arms smuggling case. A large shipment of medicinal herbs from the north is now detained at the harbor.

All the necessary channels have been cleared except for one Chief Constable Zhou, who suspects our pharmacy has yet to be fully cleared and thus delays the release.

I heard that you and Chief Constable Zhou are sworn brothers, and I hope Master Yu can speak a good word for us.

Myself and the other members of the pharmacy will remain in Changning City to cooperate with Chief Constable Zhou’s investigation; all we ask is for the release of our herbs.”

Yu Xian was genuinely puzzled. “Sworn brothers with Chief Constable Zhou? How come I didn’t know?”

He only had a fleeting encounter with Zhou Bai; how could they be sworn brothers?

Sun Hong saw Yu Xian’s reluctance and silently cursed his greed but forced a smile.

“Who doesn’t know that the assassin targeting the prince was captured by Chief Constable Zhou and Master Yu after a life-and-death struggle?

Chief Constable Zhou has repeatedly declared that Master Yu was the real hero. If not for Master Yu’s intervention, the assassin would have escaped, and it was Master Yu who saved his life.

If Master Yu would speak for us, it would carry far more weight than hundreds or thousands of others.”

Yu Xian recalled the scene where he had performed and saved a life.

Unexpectedly, Chief Constable Zhou was a man of principle who not only praised him but shared the credit and reputation.

From what he’d heard, Zhou Bai was famously strict and incorruptible, refusing to grant favors even for his superiors.

Yet Zhou Bai’s strength and prestige were formidable, making him the steady anchor of the government, and even the Prince had to give him some face.

No wonder the chief steward of the Sun family pharmacy sought him out; likely others had been refused, and only this lifesaver might bend Zhou Bai’s will.

After a moment’s silence, Yu Xian sighed deeply.

“I merely happened to save Brother Zhou by chance, with no intention of claiming credit. I did not expect Brother Zhou to take this honor upon himself.

If Brother Zhou gives me face today and privately releases your shipment, what will he do when he must give face to others tomorrow? How can he maintain his own standing?

Since Brother Zhou treats me sincerely, how could I tarnish his reputation?

Old Mr. Sun, the innocent remain innocent. I believe that if you cooperate with Brother Zhou’s investigation, he will not deliberately trouble you.

Instead of asking me to plead, it’s better to prove your innocence as soon as possible.”

If this had been an ordinary matter, the friendship would have been spent as currency.

But the chief steward mentioned this was an arms case.

Arms meant weapons, weapons meant trouble. There was no need to get involved in trouble over a few thousand taels of silver.

Yu Xian lifted the drunk Cai Die, preparing to enjoy the night.

Since he had come, the silver had to be collected, and the girl had to be satisfied; otherwise, his visit would be in vain.

The game was shamelessness itself.

“Wait!”

Sun Hong called after Yu Xian, his voice squeezed from between clenched teeth.

“Ten thousand taels!”

“As long as Master Yu can have our large ship released from the harbor within three days, this old man is willing to reward you another ten thousand taels in silver as thanks.”

The trembling Cai Die in Yu Xian’s arms caused him to pause.

“Ten thousand taels? Heh, it seems Old Mr. Sun is not as innocent as you claim.”

Sun Hong’s face turned ashen but said nothing, merely staring calmly at Yu Xian, as if demanding an answer.

“What does it matter to me? Who would refuse money?”

Yu Xian smiled faintly. “I will handle this personally, but I can’t guarantee Chief Constable Zhou will show me favor. If it fails, I still expect half the fee.”

At the Prince’s Mansion, he earned two hundred taels a month freeloading, so ten thousand taels was worth fifty months. Even if trouble came, he could run without loss.

Moreover, when trouble truly arrived, by then his cultivation would make such troubles insignificant.

No matter how he calculated it, it was a good deal.

Seeing Yu Xian finally relent, Sun Hong clasped his hands in gratitude.

“Master Yu’s willingness to intervene humbles this old man. Even if it fails, we will not blame you.”

“Good!” Yu Xian laughed heartily. “Old Mr. Sun is generous. I shall give it a try.”

“It’s late; I shall retire now.”

Shortly after Yu Xian left, Doctor Huang also bowed and took his leave.

Unlike Yu Xian, who would stay on the pleasure boat to enjoy himself, Doctor Huang took a small boat back to the mansion.

He felt he had overheard things he shouldn’t have and needed to lay low for a while.

When the hall emptied, Sun Hong looked toward a silent middle-aged man behind him.

“Well?”

The man pondered briefly. “If he hasn’t concealed his strength, it’s two against eight; if he has broken through, it’s death for me.

I heard his specialty is a technique called the Scarlet Flame Divine Palm, incredibly powerful, capable of melting a copper bell an inch thick instantly.

The Innate mid-stage Chen Xiao was struck by one palm and completely lost the ability to resist.

Moreover, the heir of such a hidden sect surely has many trump cards; only a celestial master from his sect could stand a sure chance.

I advise against fighting him to the death unless absolutely necessary.”

Hearing this, Sun Hong exhaled the breath he’d been holding.

“Fine, let’s consider the money bought us peace. This man is so greedy, and shameless with women; perhaps we can use that to win him over later.”

“Do you think he can really persuade Zhou Bai, that iron-hearted man?” the middle-aged man asked. “Time is short.”

Sun Hong sneered. “Zhou Bai values loyalty and promises above life itself. Master Yu once saved his life; the debt is heavy.

Unless Zhou Bai has irrefutable evidence, he will release the shipment for this favor.”

“That’s good. With this shipment of arms, the uprising in the south will be much easier.”

“Yes, we’ve been laying low all these years for this day.”

The two exchanged a glance and vanished into the shadows, leaving the pleasure boat behind.

Thus, the secret aboard the pleasure boat dissolved quietly into the night, drifting silently on the Changning River, the only flickering lights from the swaying lanterns breaking the stillness.

(End of Chapter)