“Young Leader Mu Li, it seems your Third Leader has lost.”
Yan Qingshan stood composed with his hands behind his back, as if he had only performed a trivial task—and in truth, to him, it was exactly that.
He Meng, a 7-Star Peak Dou Zhe, was a significant figure in Qingshan Town, but in front of the current Yan Qingshan, he was simply not enough.
He Meng’s highest data point barely approached 2.5, which was decent for a 7-Star Dou Zhe practicing a High Huang Class Qi Method, but even his specialty—defense—was useless against Yan Qingshan’s strength.
Having defeated a local powerhouse like He Meng in this first real trial, Yan Qingshan gained a clearer understanding of his own power level.
The reason high-level Qi Methods and Dou Techniques were so coveted was precisely this ability to fight across ranks.
Who wouldn’t want to be invincible among their peers?
With He Meng easily defeated, it was likely that no one at the Dou Zhe level in Qingshan Town posed a threat to him anymore.
He now only needed to be wary of the few Dou Shi powerhouses in town.
However, even against a Dou Shi, with his Purple Cloud Wings, he could leave at any time without fear.
This was exactly why he chose to reveal his strength; he felt he was finally ready to step into the light.
“Physician Yan has quite a profound background to be able to practice such a high-level Qi Method.
I imagine it’s the only one of its kind in Qingshan Town.”
Mu Li stared coldly at Yan Qingshan.
Lacking strength did not mean he lacked vision.
Although Yan Qingshan’s methods were subtle, no one present was an idiot.
To defeat He Meng so effortlessly, either Yan Qingshan’s cultivation far surpassed his, reaching the Dou Shi level, or his Qi Method and Dou Techniques were of a much higher class.
Looking at his aura, the former was unlikely, leaving only the latter as the explanation.
As Mu Li spoke, countless gazes locked onto Yan Qingshan.
A high-level Qi Method—one above the Huang Class—was something everyone in Qingshan Town pursued relentlessly.
Mu Li’s words were intentionally malicious, aimed at stirring up trouble for Yan Qingshan.
However, since Yan Qingshan had chosen to step forward, he had already considered the consequences.
He couldn’t hide forever, and it was time to display appropriate strength.
“Young Leader Mu Li, is your Wolf Head group planning to go back on the bet?”
Yan Qingshan didn’t bother answering Mu Li’s remark.
Instead, he let out a cold laugh as his Dou Qi surged, the dark green energy gathering around his upper body in a shimmering aura.
The Dou Qi condensed into a lion’s visage that covered his face like a mask.
Terrifying energy fluctuations built up, causing everyone to recoil instinctively in intimidation.
“This time, our Wolf Head admits defeat.
The green mountains don’t change, and the emerald waters flow forever.
We shall meet again!”
Mu Li’s legs trembled and his throat felt parched, yet he struggled to maintain his composure.
Facing Yan Qingshan at this moment, he was reminded of his father—the Dou Shi powerhouse—in a fit of rage.
Although there were no outward similarities, the abyss-like aura made him choose to follow his survival instincts.
“What are you all staring at?
Quickly, take me and Uncle He Meng away!”
After admitting defeat, Mu Li barked at his subordinates.
The thirty Wolf Head elites finally snapped out of it, rushing forward to carry Mu Li and He Meng away.
Once the Wolf Head group departed, the feverish gazes of the crowd cooled down significantly.
Mercenaries who lived by the blade were not fools; if Wolf Head had backed down, this was not someone they could afford to provoke.
A high-level Qi Method was fine and well, but one needed to be alive to enjoy it.
Mang Ba approached Yan Qingshan and whispered a few words before patting his shoulder and leaving.
“Qingshan, Mu She of the Wolf Head group has a tyrannical personality, and you possess a high-level Qi Method.”
“I’m afraid he won’t let this matter go so easily.
Be careful.
There are too many bastards in Qingshan Town.
You’d better go out and lie low for a while.”
Yan Qingshan watched Mang Ba’s departing back and sighed, knowing the man was intentionally distancing himself to avoid bringing trouble to either side.
“Qingshan, I didn’t expect a lad like you to have such a lucky break.
A high-level Qi Method…”
Another voice rang out beside him.
A smiling Manager Yao, his fat face so crinkled that his eyes were mere slits, approached with overflowing warmth.
Yan Qingshan turned and smiled.
There’s quite a large difference between high-level Qi Methods of different attributes, wouldn’t you agree?”
“Yes, yes, quite a large difference indeed.”
Manager Yao looked at the hand that had somehow found its way onto his shoulder.
The fat on his smiling face quivered as his expression grew even more “hospitable.”
Yan Qingshan withdrew his hand and stretched.
“I’ll leave the matters here for you to handle, Manager.
I’ve only just returned and I’m quite exhausted.”
“Xian’er!”
Yan Qingshan bypassed Manager Yao and went to Xiao Yixian’s side.
He brushed his fingers against the little beauty’s smooth palm.
When she turned, he leaned down and whispered a few words into her ear.
As she listened, her fair face flushed crimson.
She looked up at the grinning Yan Qingshan before running away with a beet-red face.
Yan Qingshan watched her departing figure and smiled, feeling excellent.
He placed his hands behind his head and leisurely left the square, heading toward the backyard.
Manager Yao turned around and stared at the palm print on his shoulder.
The dim light in his eyes flickered.
‘This little brat has truly come into his own.
But he’s right…
Wood-attribute.
Why must it be Wood-attribute?
Sigh.’
…
Late at night, in the backyard of the Thousand Medicinal House.
Xiao Yixian was alone in her room.
Since dinner, she had felt a strange restlessness and retired early.
However, the more she thought about Yan Qingshan’s words, the more she found it impossible to sit still.
‘Brother Qingshan is really…
if there’s something to say…
Why must it be in the bedroom?
And at night…
telling me to leave the door unlocked for him…’
The more she thought, the more bashful she became.
Her heart hammered against her chest like a frantic rabbit.
She had feelings for Yan Qingshan and didn’t mind being close to him, but “that kind of thing”…
it felt too fast, and she wasn’t ready.
‘Brother Qingshan isn’t that kind of person, I shouldn’t think of him like that.
Maybe he really does have serious business.
But if it’s business, couldn’t it be said outside?
Why in the room?
And at night…’
Xiao Yixian’s thoughts ran wild, her face growing more radiant and beautiful under the candlelight.
Just as her mind was a whirlwind of confusion, two soft knocks sounded on the door.
Before she could even turn, the unlocked door was pushed open from the outside.
“Brother Qingshan!”
Xiao Yixian watched as Yan Qingshan turned to close and lock the door.
She stood up, looking down and fidgeting with her fingers, speaking timidly.
“It’s so late.
Why did you come to find Xian’er?
What exactly is it?”
“Xian’er, what’s wrong with you?”
Yan Qingshan had a strange expression. This chapter is updated first at g.com.
Looking at the timid girl who looked like a frightened little rabbit, he smiled and walked further inside.
He eventually sat down on the girl’s bed and patted the empty spot beside him.
“Come, sit here and let’s talk slowly.”
“Ah!
This…
this…”
Seeing Yan Qingshan walk straight into the inner room and sit on her bed, Xiao Yixian’s brain short-circuited for several seconds.
Her little heart throbbed so hard it made her tremble, and her vision felt blurry.
“This…
this…
this…”
She “this-ed” several times without a follow-up, truly unsure whether to refuse or simply go along with it.
Seeing her like this, a trace of a playful, mischievous smile appeared on Yan Qingshan’s lips.
He stood up, walked over, and took the half-frozen girl by the hand, leading her to the bed.
He held her small hand with his left and draped his right arm over her shoulder.
Xiao Yixian’s room wasn’t large; it was divided into two sections by a screen.
The decor was simple but carefully arranged, featuring a warm, pale white tone.
The bed was very soft; that was Yan Qingshan’s first impression.
A faint fragrance lingered in the air, similar to the scent on the girl.
He wasn’t sure if it was some kind of perfume or a natural body fragrance.
Xiao Yixian sat on her familiar soft bed, yet she was beyond nervous.
Her entire body was tense, but she kept her head down and let Yan Qingshan guide her, offering no real resistance.
“Xian’er!”
Yan Qingshan called out.
Xiao Yixian raised her head slightly, her gentle and beautiful face revealing a dazed, bashful look.
She didn’t dare meet his eyes.
After a light laugh, Yan Qingshan leaned closer and whispered into her ear, “Will you promise me something?”
“This…
this…”
Naturally, Xiao Yixian hesitated.
In this situation, even the most naive girl would have certain associations.
Usually very decisive, she had now become hesitant.
Yan Qingshan spoke sweet, honeyed words—phrases he had only ever heard in his past life but never practiced—applying them all to the girl who was too gentle to refuse him.
“Just promise me.
Don’t worry, I will take responsibility; I will treat you well, Xian’er…”
In his past life, Yan Qingshan had been an ordinary person, neither exceptional nor a failure.
But with the Dawn AI, even the most ordinary person possessed extensive theoretical knowledge.
In romance, the younger the girl, the easier it was to win them over.
A naive girl of twelve or thirteen, not yet from an age of information explosion, could sometimes be tricked into a first kiss with just a lollipop.
Girls of different ages have different aesthetics and objects of affection.
Middle school-aged girls are more likely to fall for boys who are good at studying, while by high school, they lean toward athletic, outgoing boys.
Xiao Yixian was not yet thirteen.
Only between “straight-A students” is there true common ground.
Yan Qingshan used this to gradually get closer to her.
Combined with the time spent together during his recovery, the two had become very familiar.
With his intentional efforts—creating small, ambiguous misunderstandings that were easy to accept, alongside thoughtful care and constant concern—Xiao Yixian had fallen step by step into the palm of his hand.
She had no way to escape now.
Throughout this process, Dawn provided Yan Qingshan with precise data.
Even the most attentive couples find it hard to remember every single habit and preference of their partner, always leaving small oversights.
But Dawn ensured that Yan Qingshan remembered every tiny detail of her behavior.
(End of Chapter)