Chapter 12: No Admittance

A playful smile curled at the corner of his lips as Xu Yang replied, “I wouldn’t call it advanced age. I’ve just turned twenty-four this year.”

“Ah…” At his words, Old Hu’s expression grew extremely awkward. That meant, to become Xu Yang’s disciple, he would have to wait at least six more years. But at his age, with his life already flickering like a candle in the wind, did he have that much time left? A touch of bitterness welled up in his heart as he gazed at Xu Yang’s youthful face, and the impulsiveness in his chest finally eased.

He shook his head, no longer insisting, and said with a sigh, “Meeting a young and exceptionally talented physician like you today is truly my honor. Mr. Xu Yang, although I cannot become your disciple, please accept a salute from this old man as a token of my respect.”

With that, Old Hu gave Xu Yang a deep bow. Seeing the sincerity in his expression, Xu Yang smiled and did not stop him.

At this moment, the pharmacist who had spoken with Xu Yang earlier in the dispensary quickly approached Old Hu’s side. Leaning in, he quietly informed Old Hu of Xu Yang’s unsuccessful attempt to purchase medicinal ingredients.

Upon hearing this, Old Hu’s eyes lit up at once. He had been troubled about how to forge a connection with Xu Yang, and now, this was a heaven-sent opportunity.

He gave the pharmacist a few low instructions. The pharmacist nodded, left, and soon returned, carrying a wooden tray.

“Divine Physician Xu, it is my great fortune to encounter you today. I have nothing grand to offer, but these are some precious medicinal ingredients I’ve collected over the years. Please accept them, I beg you.”

Once again, Old Hu bowed deeply to Xu Yang, his face radiating sincerity.

Xu Yang’s gaze settled on the tray, and his calm expression revealed a hint of excitement. As a cultivator, his six senses were exceptionally keen. He could sense that the ingredients on the tray were all top-notch, each at least eighty years old. The faint aura of spiritual energy emanating from them delighted him.

He smiled at Old Hu and said, “Old Hu, thank you for your kindness. I gladly accept. When I have the chance, I will certainly return to Tong He Hall to discuss medical arts with you.”

“Good, good! I will always be waiting!” Old Hu replied, his voice trembling with excitement. His wrinkled face blossomed into a cheerful smile.

—

With several prized medicinal ingredients in hand, Xu Yang left Tong He Hall amid the staff’s respectful farewell. He hailed a taxi, and as he got in, instinctively gave the address of his rented apartment complex. Then he paused, a complex look crossing his face. In just one day, so much had happened that he felt as though he had lived through an entire era.

“Driver, not that neighborhood. Take me to a hotel instead…”

The next morning, Xu Yang awoke refreshed and alert. After a night of cultivation, he had already absorbed the spiritual energy from those rare medicinal ingredients. His personal cultivation had advanced from the first stage of Qi Refining to the fourth stage.

Now, he was clear-headed, his eyes bright, and the strength within him flowed ceaselessly, powerful as a mighty river.

With a slight shift of thought, the true energy within his body began to circulate through his meridians. The sensation was as if his internal organs were bathed in celestial nectar, a pleasure that words could scarcely describe.

After a brief round of practice, Xu Yang ended his cultivation. After all, he had promised Su Wenshan to stop the Chen family from forcing a marriage. Only one day remained, and he had to act quickly to see it through.

Yesterday, Xu Yang had learned much from Zhao Heilong. The Chen family of Jiangcheng had started out by lending money at exorbitant interest rates, amassing their first fortune through ruthless tactics. With wealth, they began to connect with influential figures, opening doors in both the underworld and the legitimate world, and their greed became even more unchecked.

Three years ago, a plot of land seized by the Chen family was chosen for development, propelling their finances to new heights and cementing their status as a leading clan in Jiangcheng.

Now, the Chen family wielded unusual influence in both business and the city’s underground circles. Because of this, the old Su Wenshan was deeply wary of them.

Recently, the Chen family had announced their intention to have their spoiled heir marry Su Yanran, the most beautiful woman in Jiangcheng. Upon hearing this, Su Wenshan’s heart sank. To prevent an alliance with the Chen family, without offending them, the old man had decided to arrange an immediate marriage between Xu Yang and Su Yanran.

After some deep thought, Xu Yang realized with resignation that, though he had inherited the Emperor’s legacy, moving the entire Chen family by himself was simply impossible.

At present, the only way to stop the Chen family’s marriage proposal was to deal with the key figure: Chen Xing, the eldest son.

Having understood this crucial point, a cold smile appeared at the corner of Xu Yang’s mouth.

—

An hour later, Xu Yang arrived by taxi at Jiangcheng’s famous high-end club, the Warm Fragrance Pavilion.

Nominally a club, it was in reality a luxury brothel. The Warm Fragrance Pavilion boasted beauties from Europe, America, Japan, Korea, voluptuous and slender alike, models, actresses, even popular internet celebrities. Any pleasure one could imagine was available for a price.

Rumor had it that some wealthy young men with peculiar tastes would even bring photographers to shoot various “artistic” films inside.

Chen Xing, the Chen family’s notorious heir, was a regular here. He had a private room at the Warm Fragrance Pavilion, where music and revelry never ceased, day or night.

When Xu Yang reached the entrance, two tall, curvaceous women in cheongsams blocked his way.

“Sir, this is a members-only club. Without a membership card, entry is not permitted.”

“Oh? How much is your membership card?” Xu Yang, with fifteen million in his account, asked calmly.

The two hostesses exchanged a smile and said, “Sir, best not to ask. Please leave.”

Just moments ago, Xu Yang had arrived by taxi, and his ordinary, bargain-bin clothes convinced the beauties that he had no qualification to enter.

“How much is the membership card?” Xu Yang repeated, his tone slightly cold with impatience.

“Eight million,” one replied, her expression showing irritation, her voice icy.

“Damn!” Xu Yang couldn’t help but curse, inwardly lamenting how poverty truly limits the imagination. For the rich, even the price of admission to indulge was astronomical!

“Please leave,” the hostess said, her tone even more disdainful at the shock on Xu Yang’s face.

But Xu Yang merely smiled playfully, shook his head, and said, “Swipe the card!”