"Hiss..."
Doctor Huang, who was seated nearby in the Royal Mansion, was quite knowledgeable and couldn't help but gasp at the sight, asking in surprise:
"This is True Qi forming a shape, capturing objects in the air! Has Grandmaster Yu broken through to the Middle-stage Innate?"
Yu Xian smiled modestly, as if all of this was nothing significant.
"Not quite yet, but it won't be long."
Now, he was only a few months away from late-stage Qi Cultivation, so it was reasonable for him to pretend to be a Martial Arts Master in the Middle-stage Innate.
The key was that the value of making friends in the early-stage Innate differed greatly from the Middle-stage Innate. He wanted his friends to feel that they got more than their money's worth.
Sun Hong, who had been sitting steadily like a fisherman, couldn't help but feel a little uneasy.
What a powerful strength a Martial Arts Master in the Middle-stage Innate possesses!
Chen Xiao had already demonstrated it personally, spilling blood on the long streets, facing hundreds of enemies alone, crushing the heavy cavalry head-on. If it weren't for the Old Sixth's appearance, he would have left long ago with ease.
Moreover, that was when he was injured.
Innate was the peak of the mortal world, and progressing further was as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns. The Sun Family Pharmacy had been dealing with various sects for many years, and they understood the value of a Middle-stage Innate.
There were many sects in the Yue Kingdom. Innate Masters were the core of the great schools, and Middle-stage Innates were their Patriarchs.
If a Late Innate warrior were to appear, they would be able to unite the martial arts society and become the Martial alliance leader themselves.
Sun Hong calmed his mind, piled up a smile and flattered: "With Grandmaster Yu's talent, breaking through is just a matter of course. When the time comes, I will certainly prepare another generous gift to congratulate you."
Yu Xian raised his cup to thank him: "I will take Mr. Sun's kind words to heart. When that time comes, I will surely share another three hundred drinks with you."
It doesn't matter whether people come or not; the main thing is that the generous gift has to arrive.
So, they continued to toast each other.
During this time, Sun Hong hesitated to speak, but Yu Xian pretended not to see it. Since he didn't say anything, there was no need for him to bring it up himself.
He and Miss Butterfly next to him took turns drinking, getting closer and closer to each other.
Seeing Yu Xian show off his abilities, Miss Butterfly's slight resistance to his rudeness had already vanished.
After all, Grandmaster Yu was not only good-looking but also so powerful that even the shopkeeper of Sun Family Pharmacy had to ask for his help. If she could have a one-night stand with him, perhaps it could be her protective amulet and even enhance her own value.
Hers was a profession that relied on youth.
It was a pity that this opportunity had already been paid for in advance.
However, it didn't matter. As long as she served him well for the first time, she could offer her services for free the second and third time. Once they were well acquainted, the effect would be the same.
So Miss Butterfly got drunk very quickly.
She stumbled into Yu Xian's arms, sleeping deeply on his lap with her chest exposed, looking like she was ready to be taken.
Yu Xian could see a large expanse of smooth white skin just by looking down, and a few flames of desire rose in his belly. His fingers gently slid over Miss Butterfly's soft cheeks, and he suddenly said:
"Mr. Sun, I am getting a bit drunk and would like to rest."
The young lady was already so proactive. If he didn't make a move now, it would make him seem impotent.
Having hesitated for a long time, Sun Hong stopped Yu Xian in a hurry, fearing his plan might fail.
"Grandmaster Yu, please wait a moment. I have a presumptuous request for your assistance today."
Yu Xian exhaled a bit of alcohol, and his face seemed a little drunk.
He waved his hand with great generosity and said:
"Mr. Sun, you and I hit it off and are already friends. Friends should help each other in times of need. If you have any requests, just tell me. If I can help, I will certainly not refuse."
Seeing that Yu Xian appeared to be drunk, Sun Hong seized the opportunity and hurriedly said:
"A while ago, our Sun Family Pharmacy accidentally got involved in a military equipment case, and a large ship of medicinal materials from the north has been detained at the port.
We have already managed to settle matters with various parties, but General Zhou still believes that our pharmacy's suspicion has not been cleared yet, so he hesitates to issue a release order.
I have heard that Grandmaster Yu and General Zhou are close friends. I wanted to ask if you could put in a good word for us to him.
The rest of us from the pharmacy are willing to stay in Prosper City to cooperate with General Zhou's investigation – we just want our medicinal materials released as soon as possible."
Yu Xian was genuinely puzzled, asking, "General Zhou and I are close friends? I didn't know that."
He had only met Zhou Bo once, so how could they be close friends?
Sun Hong, seeing that Yu Xian appeared to want to refuse, inwardly cursed him for being insatiable. However, on the surface, he forced a smile and said:
"Who doesn't know that General Zhou and Grandmaster Yu captured the assassin who tried to kill Prince Wang after going through life and death together?
General Zhou has said more than once that you are the real hero, and if it weren't for you, the assassin would have escaped. Plus, you saved his life.
If Grandmaster Yu is willing to help us and speak on our behalf, it will be worth more than what others can do with hundreds or thousands of words."
It was then that Yu Xian remembered the scene of his acting and saving someone.
Unexpectedly, General Zhou had been very considerate. He not only promoted him but also gave him the credit and fame.
According to what Yu Xian learned later, General Zhou was known for his impartiality and integrity. He respected no one's authority.
However, Zhou Bo was powerful and had a high reputation. He was the pillar of the Government Office. Even Duke Fu had to give him face.
No wonder the shopkeeper of Sun Family Pharmacy came to him. Probably others had been refused, and only the gratitude he gained had some influence.
But after a brief silence, Yu Xian sighed deeply, "I only happened to save Brother Zhou. I didn't want fame or merit. I didn't expect Brother Zhou would offer me this credit voluntarily.
If today Brother Zhou gives me face and allows you to go covertly, will he do so for others tomorrow? How could he live with it?
Since Brother Zhou is so sincere, I can't harm his reputation.
Mr. Sun, the innocent can prove their innocence. I believe that as long as you cooperate with Brother Zhou's investigation, he won't deliberately embarrass you. Instead of asking me to plead your case, you should prove your innocence as soon as possible."
If it were an ordinary matter, this favor would be used, and that would be it.
But what Sun, the shopkeeper, just mentioned is a case of military arms.
Arms are military weapons. And military weapons mean trouble. There's no need to get involved in the trouble for thousands of taels of silver.
Yu Xian holds Miss Butterfly and prepares to enjoy their night.
Since the others have come, he should take the silver, and he should sleep with the girl. Otherwise, wouldn't it be a waste of time?
The main idea is not to care about anything else.
"Wait!"
Sun Hong called out to Yu Xian, who was about to turn around. His voice seemed to be squeezed out from between his teeth.
"Ten thousand taels!"
"As long as Grandmaster Yu ensures that our pharmacy's ship leaves the port within three days, I'm willing to offer an additional ten thousand taels of silver to express my gratitude."
Yu Xian felt Miss Butterfly shudder in his arms, and he stopped.
"Ten thousand taels? Well, it seems that Mr. Sun is not as innocent as he claims."
Sun Hong's face turned pale, and he didn't speak. He just stared calmly at Yu Xian, as if demanding an answer.
"But what does it have to do with me? Who would turn against money?"
Yu Xian smiled slightly and said, "I will handle this matter myself, but I can't guarantee that General Zhou will give me face. If it doesn't work, I will take half."
According to him, one month in Duke Fu's Mansion would be enough to earn 200 taels. Ten thousand taels were fifty months of income. Even if he was involved in trouble later, he could simply run away without losing anything.
Moreover, when the trouble really came, at that time, his cultivation would probably make the so-called trouble insignificant.
It was a win-win situation.
Seeing Yu Xian finally gave in, Sun Hong thanked him with a bow, "Even if it doesn't work out, I won't blame you."
"Okay!" Yu Xian laughed, "Mr. Sun is magnanimous, then I will give it a try."
"It's late. I want to get some sleep."
Not long after Yu Xian left, Doctor Huang also said his goodbyes.
Unlike Yu Xian, who was staying on the pleasure boat, Doctor Huang got on a small boat to take him ashore and return to the Royal Mansion. He felt that he had heard something he shouldn't have tonight and needed to avoid any trouble.
Once the hall was empty, Sun Hong looked at the silent middle-aged man behind him.
"What do you think?"
The middle-aged man pondered for a moment, then said, "If he hasn't hidden his strength, I have a 20% chance, but if he has broken through, it's certain death for me.
I heard that his best skill is a technique called Red Flame Divine Palm, which is extremely powerful, melting a copper bell of an inch's thickness in an instant. Chen Xiao, a middle-stage Innate, couldn't resist after he was hit by it.
Moreover, the successor of a hermit sect like him must have many hidden cards up his sleeve. Only an Immortal Master from the sect would be a perfect match.
I suggest not to fight him to the death unless absolutely necessary."
Seeing the man's reply, Sun Hong finally let out the breath he had been holding.
"Alright, I'll buy safety with money. However, he's so greedy and enjoys female company like nothing else, maybe in the future, we can win him over."
"Do you think he can really persuade that stubborn Zhou Bo?" The middle-aged man asked, "We don't have much time."
Sun Hong sneered, "Zhou Bo is a man who values friendship over life and keeps his promises. Yu Xian once saved his life, and he owes him a great favor. If Zhou Bo is asked to return the favor, he will allow the passage unless there is ironclad evidence to the contrary."
"That's good. Once we get these weapons, it will be much easier to start the rebellion in the south."
"Yes, we've been dormant for many years, isn't it all for today?"
With a glance at each other, the two figures disappeared into the darkness together and left the pleasure boat.
The secret on the boat had gone away with the night, as the boat began to drift quietly on the Prosper River, with only the constantly swaying lanterns illuminating the silent night.