News of the unpleasant meeting between Chen Yue and Li Lie, and the fact that he ultimately left with only the Secret Manual, was leaked by an unknown source and quickly sent ripples throughout Huichun Hall.
It began as hushed discussions among the guards while they drank privately or stood their watch, their words filled with criticism of Chen Yue’s inability to read the situation. Then, as if it had grown legs, the news found its way to the ears of the backyard apprentices and into the stewards’ rooms.
When Chen Lin heard the news, his brow furrowed slightly.
That day, as Chen Yue was heading to the front hall to deliver some Elixirs, Chen Lin specifically called him into the Quiet Chamber where he managed his affairs.
"Sit."
Chen Lin pointed to a nearby chair. Once Chen Yue was seated, he carefully chose his words and said, "Chen Yue, I heard you sought out Li Lie to learn the Mountain Flipping Technique, and things became a little unpleasant?"
A perfectly helpless expression appeared on Chen Yue’s face. "Steward Chen, it seems Mr. Li had other pressing matters, so I was unable to receive his personal guidance. I only managed to acquire the Secret Manual and plan to study it on my own."
Chen Lin glanced at him and sighed. "You’re an Alchemy Master now; your status is different. That Li Lie... he has a rather arrogant personality. If you truly wish to learn the Mountain Flipping Technique, I can arrange for another, more even-tempered guard to instruct you."
"Thank you, Steward, but there’s no need for now. I’ll be fine figuring it out on my own first," Chen Yue replied with a smile.
’With the daily rewards, getting guidance would be a nice bonus. But without it, I can still cultivate on my own.’
A moment later, Chen Yue returned to the Alchemy Room. When Lin Quan saw him, he waved him over, and Chen Yue hurried to his side.
"I heard you had a little run-in with that Li Lie?" Lin Quan asked with a smile.
"Something like that."
Lin Quan looked at Chen Yue, feeling it was necessary to offer him some advice.
"Here in the apothecary, our status as Alchemy Masters is quite high. But the guards operate under a relatively independent system."
Lin Quan lowered his voice. "The guards are responsible for the apothecary’s security, so loyalty and reliability come first. A Martial Artist in the Refining Flesh Realm like Li Lie is considered a formidable expert here in Youlin County. He’s a key part of the fighting force our business relies on."
"His Cultivation Realm is the foundation of his standing in the apothecary. Even when he needs Elixirs, the hall just sells them to him at a discount, so there isn’t much we can do to curry favor with him."
Chen Yue nodded in understanding.
Lin Quan looked at Chen Yue and spoke earnestly, "He likely saw that you’re young and came into prominence so suddenly, and wanted to put you in your place. Maybe he was hoping to get some extra benefits, or maybe he just can’t stand to see it."
"But he didn’t expect you to be so unyielding and refuse to play along. Just let the matter drop. Don’t provoke any more conflict. Focusing on your Alchemy is more important than anything."
Chen Yue recognized the mix of protectiveness and caution in Lin Quan’s words and nodded. "I understand. I will focus on the Alchemy Dao and won’t go looking for trouble."
Chen Yue truly had no intention of causing trouble, but he feared others might not be so willing to let the matter rest.
In a small tavern in the western part of the city, smoke hung thick in the air amidst a cacophony of voices. Li Lie was seated at a table with several other guards, a few side dishes and two jars of cloudy, rustic wine spread before them.
Li Lie threw his head back and downed a large mouthful of wine, the fiery liquid burning his throat. He slammed the bowl down on the table with a dull THUD, causing diners at nearby tables to glance over before quickly looking away.
"Bah! A wet-behind-the-ears brat who thinks he’s a big shot just because he can cook up a few Elixirs?"
Flushed with drink, Li Lie sneered, "You think the Mountain Flipping Technique is that easy to learn? Without *my* personal instruction, without the right medicinal soaks to temper his bones and sinews, he thinks he can master it just by reading some tattered book?"
He scanned the guards at the table, his face a mask of undisguised malice. "If he comes to any of you for help, you all know what to do!"
The guards quickly plastered on obsequious smiles, assuring him they would never teach Chen Yue how to practice the Mountain Flipping Technique.
Chen Yue’s rise had been so fast it was dizzying, almost difficult for them to accept. From an apprentice they could freely mock to an Alchemy Master they had to treat politely... this sudden jump in status created a subtle psychological imbalance.
To a certain extent, Li Lie’s denigration and curses gave voice to their own unspoken jealousy and resentment. They would be delighted to see Chen Yue take a fall.
Chen Yue ignored all the outside rumors, gossip, overt mockery, and veiled sarcasm, continuing to live life at his own pace.
The newly acquired Mountain Shattering Technique was remarkably profound. As he delved deeper into his practice, the first thing Chen Yue noticed wasn’t a significant leap in his Cultivation Realm, but an increase in the power of his very flesh and blood!
This increase in power was different from the general physical enhancement he’d experienced when his Cultivation broke through to the Skin Refining Realm. This was far more focused.
When Chen Yue circulated the Mountain Shattering Technique, he could clearly feel the muscles and bones in his arms, waist, and legs—all the key areas for generating force—being infused with a tougher, more resilient energy.
’So, a good Cultivation Technique doesn’t just increase the speed of your Cultivation, it also comes with its own unique properties...’ Chen Yue’s understanding of the importance of Cultivation Techniques deepened.
Reaching Perfection in Iron Mountain Fist had merely laid a solid foundation, while the Mountain Shattering Technique built upon it to unlock a strength-focused trait. If he could acquire other good Cultivation Techniques, perhaps he could unlock different traits as well.
However, the only Cultivation Techniques that Huichun Hall could provide were Iron Mountain Fist and the Mountain Flipping Technique.
To acquire more and stronger Cultivation Techniques, Chen Yue would have to find his own path.
Just as Chen Yue was engrossed in his cultivation, turning a deaf ear to the world outside, the atmosphere in Youlin County began to grow strange.
Outside the county gates, a crowd of sallow, emaciated refugees had gathered at some point.
They came with their families in tow, their eyes numb and desperate, having fled from several neighboring counties ravaged by both war and drought.
Recently, turmoil had spread across the lands. It was said that rebel armies had risen in several areas, fanning the flames of war and forcing people from their homes.
The news of the gathering refugees hung like a shadow over the hearts of Youlin County’s residents, filling them with a vague sense of unease.
The County Yamen quickly issued an order to seal the gates and strictly prohibit the refugees from entering, in order to prevent any unrest.
At the same time, however—perhaps as a placating gesture—the County Yamen ordered the city’s major families and wealthy households to take turns distributing congee outside the walls. This was to alleviate the refugees’ immediate suffering and prevent them from resorting to desperate measures, like storming the gates.
The Chen Family, the power behind Huichun Hall and one of Youlin County’s most prominent clans, was naturally required to send people to help. The task didn’t fall to Alchemy Masters like Chen Yue; guards and apprentices were sent to handle it.
However, that afternoon, Steward Chen Lin appeared before the apothecary staff, a woman in tow.
Chen Lin clapped his hands, signaling for the bustling apprentices, clerks, and all the guards and Alchemy Masters to gather around.
Everyone’s gaze was involuntarily drawn to the woman standing beside Chen Lin.
She appeared to be around twenty-three or twenty-four, dressed in a simple, moon-white dress. The fabric wasn’t luxurious, but it was expertly tailored, accentuating her poised figure.
Her eyes were especially striking—they were classic phoenix eyes, slanting slightly upward at the corners.
"Everyone,"
Chen Lin cleared his throat, his voice carrying clearly through the front hall. "This is Steward Chen Yuqing. Starting today, she will be taking over for Steward Tu to manage all affairs in the apothecary’s back courtyard. Henceforth, all matters in the back courtyard must be reported to her."
The announcement stunned the entire hall.
Replacing Tushan? Where had Steward Tu gone?