The Martial Arts Tournament in the Royal City was only two days away, but the Yao Family's genius, Yao Tianhua, was still missing. This left the entire Yao Family in a frenzy. Yao Tianhua was a rare talent in the family, and although he was somewhat arrogant, the Yao Family believed it was only natural. Now, with no sign of him, alive or dead, the family was in a state of panic.
Shen Xiang returned from the Black Wind Gang's residence but didn't see his father in the Dan King Hall.
"Great Uncle, where's my dad?" Shen Xiang asked anxiously when he saw Shen Luzong.
"He's much better now. Don't worry. He's returned to the Shen Family to gather the branches and prepare to confront Shen Furong!" Shen Luzong chuckled. "Your dad isn't someone who will just let things slide. Shen Furong violated the family rules by injuring the clan leader and trying to meddle in the family's affairs. Plus, he helped our enemies. Based on all this, Shen Furong must be expelled from the family."
Shen Furong, driven by selfish desires, had gone to great lengths to aid the Yao Family in their efforts against the Shen Family. This had angered everyone in the Shen Family, and now Shen Tianhu had named Shen Furong the family's top enemy. Only by dealing with Shen Furong could the Shen Family grow stronger.
Shen Xiang's expression became serious as he asked, "Great Uncle, Shen Furong is a disciple of those martial sects. If we do this, won't it provoke conflict with them?"
Shen Luzong shook his head. "Don't worry. The martial sects have their own rules. If their disciples cause trouble here, they can't blame anyone if they're killed. Hmph! For a disciple of such a prestigious sect to lower himself and get involved in these matters… if he dies, he deserves it."
If the martial sects didn't have such regulations, any martial expert could come to the secular world and dominate. Things would descend into chaos.
Shen Xiang felt much more at ease now, knowing that the sects wouldn't interfere.
"Great Uncle, Dan King Hall will officially open tomorrow. Let Old Meng be prepared, and make sure the entire Nanwu Kingdom is notified," Shen Xiang announced, his voice filled with excitement.
Dan King Hall had a significant stockpile of pills, and there would be daily restrictions on sales to prevent running out. With several alchemists and the Pill King Meng Bo overseeing everything, Shen Xiang felt confident.
Shen Luzong was equally excited. His old face was filled with joy, as he had long dreamed of establishing a foothold in the Royal City. However, due to a lack of manpower, he had been confined to Crouching Tiger City.
Opening a pill shop in the Royal City required immense resources!
The news of the grand opening quickly spread. Dan King Hall had been under the public eye for some time, as everyone knew it was a Shen Family enterprise. Given the rivalry between the Shen and Yao Families, it was expected that there would be a price war. This was a welcome prospect for the less affluent martial artists, who had long been forced to buy overpriced pills from the Yao Family.
The Yao Family had dominated the market for years, and Danxiang Herbal Manor only sold medicinal herbs. The martial artists had no choice but to buy Yao Family's expensive pills. But now, with Dan King Hall, they could save a significant amount of money.
That night, after bathing, Shen Xiang changed into a luxurious white robe and headed to Danxiang Herbal Manor. The thought of Danxiang Manor's seductive owner made his heart race a little.
After announcing his arrival, Shen Xiang once again entered the fragrant parlor where Hua Yueyun had been waiting for him. Upon seeing her, Shen Xiang froze.
Hua Yueyun wore only a sheer purple gauze dress, with nothing underneath. Through the translucent fabric, her beautiful figure was fully visible—the rounded chest, slender waist, and long legs. Every move she made exuded endless allure, captivating any man's soul. Shen Xiang's breathing became difficult as his face flushed, his heart pounding.
"Shen Gongzi, do you find me beautiful?" Hua Yueyun asked seductively, her voice like silk as she stepped lightly on the soft carpet, approaching Shen Xiang.
Shen Xiang gulped hard, quickly sitting down, pouring himself a cup of tea, and downing it in one go to dispel the heat rising in him. He didn't dare look at the tempting Hua Yueyun again.
"Shen Gongzi, your self-control is truly admirable. If you wish, I'd be more than happy to serve you for life, as your maid." Hua Yueyun's voice was sincere, her tone no longer playful. She donned a long white dress, covering her captivating figure, as if realizing that her earlier attempt had been in vain.
For a woman to stand almost naked in front of a man, only for him to react with mild interest before ignoring her—that was a huge blow to Hua Yueyun's confidence.
"Sister Yueyun, please don't tease me like this. You're a beautiful woman with impressive strength. There's no need for such games." Shen Xiang smiled bitterly. The Danxiang Herbal Manor had been selling herbs at a discounted price to Dan King Hall these past days, so Shen Xiang had come to express his gratitude. He hadn't expected the manor's owner to have such a peculiar hobby—teasing an innocent young man like him.
Pouting, Hua Yueyun huffed, "Shen Gongzi, I'm serious. I've long been captivated by your charm…"
Charm, my foot! Shen Xiang didn't believe in such nonsense as 'kingly aura.' He knew Hua Yueyun's true aim—to rope him into Danxiang Taoyuan, the sect focused on alchemy.
With a dry laugh, Shen Xiang said, "Lady Hua, I already have an engagement with Xianxian. You're too stunning for me to handle—my fiancée would get jealous."
"I know you look down on me." Hua Yueyun smiled self-deprecatingly. "So, what brings you here?"
Shen Xiang took out a small piece of Hell Spirit Mushroom and handed it to her, his tone sincere. "Yueyun, this is to thank you for your support of Dan King Hall. I hope we can continue our partnership. And if possible, you should sell your herbs to the Yao Family at a higher price."
Without hesitation, Hua Yueyun accepted the tiny piece of the Hell Spirit Mushroom. Though small, it was incredibly valuable. She giggled, "Shen Gongzi is so generous! If this manor were truly mine, I'd give you all my herbs for free."
Shen Xiang was taken aback, studying her beautiful and alluring face. He couldn't help but wonder if he should really consider making Hua Yueyun his maid, though he still suspected she had ulterior motives.
"Dan King Hall opens tomorrow, but everything will be managed by my Great Uncle. I need to prepare for the Martial Arts Tournament. If you can, it would be great if you could help promote Dan King Hall," Shen Xiang said with a smile.
"Of course! Yueyun will definitely do as you ask," Hua Yueyun replied, acting like a loyal maid, which made Shen Xiang a little uncomfortable. After exchanging a few more pleasantries, he hurriedly took his leave.
Watching Shen Xiang flee, Hua Yueyun's eyes sparkled as she muttered, "What a tough nut to crack. Even my last resort didn't work on him. The harder he is to win over, the more determined I am to get him."
As usual, Shen Xiang went outside the city to train. His goal was to establish the Shen Family in the Royal City as a powerful martial arts family. Only then could he set his mind at ease and venture into the great sects. As for Dan King Hall, he had no need to worry, as it was in good hands with Pill King Meng Bo and Shen Luzong in charge, along with Hua Yueyun's covert support. His only focus now was on strengthening himself.