Chapter 109: Earth Grade, Huh

Chapter 109: Di Ji Ah…

During dinner, Chen Yi encountered Shen Huaotang’s senior disciple, Xie Tingyun.

Her name was rather elegant.

However, she truly didn’t quite understand the rules of etiquette.

At dinner, she would instinctively take large mouthfuls of food, her eyes fixed rigidly on the meat.

Then, Shen Huaotang would quietly kick her leg to remind her, and she’d grimace with reluctant compliance, resuming her meal with small, hesitant bites.

Not only did Chen Yi notice this, but Xiao Wan’er had as well.

Perhaps she’d met Xie Tingyun during the day, forming a vague impression in her mind, finding her rather amusing.

Of course, this was merely a fleeting subplot.

At the banquet, the most discussed topic was the business of the pharmacy.

Since the Xiao family had entered into an agreement with the Bai Caotang, their several pharmacies had steadily prospered.

Xiao Wan’er’s mood had been quite good.

On several occasions sharing meals, she’d managed to chat with Chen Yi.

Either discussing the recent earnings of the pharmacy, or the ways of the other shopkeepers in the other pharmacies.

Chen Yi naturally understood her intent, knowing she sought to share some experiences and methods, so he might quickly adapt to his role as the pharmacy’s manager.

Perhaps she also hoped he’d master the art of managing Ji Shi Pharmacy, to gain favor among the Xiao family.

Within the Xiao household, most didn’t hold much hope for Chen Yi, believing a scholar like him, appointed as a pharmacy manager, lacked the bearing to succeed.

This was a prejudice.

Scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants—merchants were always held in lower regard.

Thus, Chen Yi didn’t find it surprising that the Xiao family, or those who knew his situation, would harbor such thoughts.

Yet tonight, Xiao Wan’er said nothing of the sort.

“Has Ji Shi Pharmacy discovered any anomalies lately?” Xiao Wan’er asked, sipping her ginseng soup to warm her fire energy.

Chen Yi feigned thought, shook his head. “Nothing unusual. With the recent rain, the shop has mostly seen raincoat makers.”

He smiled, turning to recount the amusing tale from the afternoon: “They say the most powerful person in the world is called ‘Bai Dayuan.’”

“Known as ‘One who hears the rain through the smoke, yet sees no rival in the realm,’ my senior sister, have you heard of him?”

Xiao Wan’er, taken aback by the turn, blinked once and admitted she hadn’t.

She then turned to Shen Huaotang and Xie Tingyun: “Do you know him?”

“Bai Dayuan? The martial world’s people certainly know him well, don’t they?”

Xie Tingyun spoke in the dialect of Shu Zhou, glancing at the silent Shen Huaotang, then continued earnestly:

“Bai Dayuan is a martial arts elder, famed for fifty years, a figure of legend. It’s said he entered the realm of earthly immortals long ago.”

“With a mere gesture, he can overturn clouds and rain, possess the power to move mountains and fill seas.”

“Yet in recent decades, he’s rarely seen, and no one’s heard of him battling martial arts masters.”

When he finished, Xie Tingyun looked at Chen Yi: “My nephew, you… you’re interested in martial affairs?”

Chen Yi smiled: “The craftsmen say he grants people new lives—it sounds intriguing.”

Xie Tingyun’s eyes brightened, a hint of joy crossing her face. Just as she was about to speak, she felt a kick beneath her, and coughed lightly: “Yes… truly intriguing.”

She glowered at Shen Huaotang, mouth opening and closing as if silently uttering several words.

Shen Huaotang paid her no mind, musing: “My lady, what Bai Dayuan said may be true, and we must remain vigilant.”

Xiao Wan’er had intended this, nodding: “Starting tomorrow, you’ll lead someone on patrol around the pharmacy.”

She added, perhaps feeling the explanation was incomplete: “When King Bai Dayuan came to the capital seeking aid, he said the Huan Yin Sect was planning to attack the Bai Caotang, and requested the capital’s support.”

Chen Yi nodded in agreement. “No wonder my senior sister asked so earlier. I’ve found nothing amiss at Ji Shi Pharmacy.”

No sooner had the words settled than Xie Tingyun whispered, “If that scholar had noticed, the Huan Yin Sect would’ve been destroyed long ago.”

“…”

Chen Yi chuckled inwardly—this woman spoke her mind without pretense.

Xiao Wan’er had heard it all, so she replied with a smile: “My nephew isn’t skilled in martial arts either.”

Realizing she’d spoken carelessly, Xie Tingyun parted her lips, her face streaked with Shen Huaotang’s exasperated expression, and bowed:

“Um, I’ll just be strolling around the city tonight, checking the areas near the Bai Caotang and the other pharmacies.”

Xiao Wan’er nodded approvingly: “Well then, this has been no small effort for Tingyun Princess to travel so far.”

“Nothing to it, nothing to it.”

Xie Tingyun waved dismissively, then took a roasted chicken leg as she left.

After Shen Huaotang departed, she stood and said: “My lady, I’ll also take someone to accompany her.”

Xiao Wan’er thought a moment, then nodded: “Very well. You inform the judicial bureau to also take precautions.”

Shen Huaotang bowed and departed.

Chen Yi simply watched silently, finishing his soup.

A moment of silence passed. He asked: “If the Huan Yin Sect appears again, targeting the Bai Caotang, it seems someone from Shu Zhou is pulling the strings?”

Xiao Wan’er nodded, her words vague: “I don’t know the details clearly. It’s all handled by Grandfather and Second Uncle with the judicial bureau.”

“My nephew needn’t worry. Just stay at the mansion for now. When all is settled, we’ll return to the pharmacy—it won’t be late.”

Chen Yi had already planned this, rising as Shen Huaotang did, bowing: “I humbly obey the lady’s command. I’ll return to the Spring Lotus Garden.”

Xiao Wan’er frowned at his odd behavior, scolding: “You needn’t leave the mansion either, you should keep an eye on the pharmacy business. Liu Quan isn’t unable to come to the mansion.”

Chen Yi smiled and nodded, leading Xiao Wuhe back to the Spring Lotus Garden.

Xiao Wan’er watched the two depart, her smile gradually fading.

She lowered her head, sipping her soup, a strange bitterness on her tongue.

Back at the Spring Lotus Garden, Xiao Wuhe first glanced around, then whispered softly: “Brother, I’ve got a secret to tell you.”

“What’s that?”

“Xie Tingyun, Shen Huaotang’s senior disciple, her martial arts are quite formidable.”

Chen Yi had long suspected Xie Tingyun’s martial prowess, but didn’t know the specifics. He smiled: “Did you see it?”

Xiao Wuhe nodded emphatically. “She can retrieve objects across distances.”

As he spoke, he mimicked a claw-like motion: “With this technique, things would fly into her hands.”

Upon hearing this, Chen Yi mused: “This must be a subtle use of spiritual energy.”

"External qi emission? It doesn't require particularly profound cultivation."

Xiao Wugou, however, was quite intrigued. As he followed the other back to the wooden building, he gestured animatedly, "If only I could be that powerful."

Chen Yi patted his head and said, "Once you're six years old and have completed your foundation establishment, you'll naturally be able to as well."

Xiao Wugou chuckled twice, but his smile quickly faded into a solemn expression.

"By the time I'm six, I won't be able to stay in Shu Zhou anymore. I'll have to go to Jinling."

Speaking of this, he brought up old matters, looking hopefully at Chen Yi, "Brother, you really don't intend to take me to Jinling with you?"

Chen Yi thought for a moment and didn't outright refuse. He smiled and said, "We'll see what the family's situation is next year."

Such an answer was already quite perfunctory, yet it made Xiao Wugou immensely happy.

Chen Yi smiled and let Xiao Di lead him to wash up.

To his surprise, Xiao Di brought out a cup of ginger tea and said, "Master, the humidity on a rainy day can be quite oppressive..."

Chen Yi looked at the steaming ginger tea and didn't make an excuse, drinking it in one gulp.

Xiao Di happily took the cup, then hurried upstairs with Xiao Wugou.

As Chen Yi watched them disappear into the distance, he patted his abdomen. The qi circulating in his dantian's energy field had completed a half-circle, and the warmth from the ginger tea dissipated.

Now that his martial arts were fully developed, eating too much of certain things could be detrimental. Especially since he excelled not only in martial arts but also in medicine.

The human body requires balance between yin and yang. Whether yang energy increases or decreases, or yin energy does the same, it affects the body, and one must pay attention to such matters.

After Xiao Di and Xiao Wugou had rested,

Chen Yi naturally stood up and began his cultivation practice.

But this time, he had temporarily paused his training in boxing, stepping, and spear techniques, devoting all his time to cultivating the "Four Symbols Art."

It wasn't until deep into the night, past midnight, that his practice lasted for six full zhou cycles, and he finally concluded his session.

After carefully reflecting on the profound mysteries of martial arts in his mind, Chen Yi stood tall and walked to the window.

At that moment, the rain had slightly eased, leaving only a fine drizzle. But the wind was strong enough to make the distant bamboo grove sway with blurred outlines.

"To reach the eighth rank, one must open eight meridians and the Ren and Du acupoints."

"Now, only the Ren and Du acupoints remain to be opened."

In just two days of practicing the "Four Symbols Art," Chen Yi's cultivation had made remarkable progress.

From the middle to the upper echelon of the eighth rank, he was now on the verge of completion, and advancing to the ninth rank could not be faster.

"Upon reaching the ninth rank, I should be able to unleash the might of the Fallen Dragon Spear."

Chen Yi thought to himself and silently noted to seek a suitable weapon in the future, preferably one that was inconspicuous and easy to conceal.

Not long after, midnight approached—

[Daily Intelligence Report: Grade II: At the moment of the Dog hour, the Bai Caotang encountered difficulties. Numerous opportunities for gain await.]

Chen Yi glanced at the report, "A Grade II... what a shame..."

(Chapter Complete)