Chapter 143: Are You Insane? (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 143: Are You Crazy? (Please Vote for the Moon)

Two hours later, the sky dimmed to a faint gray.

A mansion five li west of the Bai Caotang.

Chen Yi, guided by the faint light, carefully examined his reflection in the bronze mirror.

His visage had transformed from the previous scholarly grace into a strikingly handsome countenance—

Skin as pale as moonlight, eyebrows like willow leaves, eyes bright and star-like, nose and jaw refined.

Except for those crystal-clear, luminous eyes, his face and features had subtly shifted.

Whether glimpsed at a glance or studied closely, no one would recognize him as the same person as the Xiao family’s son-in-law.

Chen Yi confirmed there were no flaws, nodded once: “Good.”

Beside him, Wang Ji, hearing his approval, beamed with satisfaction and bowed:

“The master is pleased.”

“It’s perhaps too handsome, drawing too much attention.”

“The master is joking. You were noticed before as well.”

Chen Yi glanced at him, ignored his flattery, and fixed his gaze on the figure outside, commanding:

“From now on, let him stay with you.”

“Such a young man wasting his time here feels like a waste.”

Wang Ji immediately assented, then gestured toward the slender, short youth outside: “The young man has come to thank the master?”

That youth was Zhang Da Bao, the skilled makeup artist Wang Ji had brought for Chen Yi.

Calling him a wandering soul was accurate, though he wasn’t entirely one.

To be precise, Zhang Da Bao had just completed his apprenticeship, ready to venture into the world, when Wang Ji recruited him.

His skill in transformation earned him recognition, though he possessed some talent.

For his master was a renowned thief in Shu Zhou, known as “One Finger.”

Legend had it he once stole from the southern city to the northern city using just a single finger, never failing in his deeds, thus earning fame across Shu Zhou’s underworld.

Beyond this masterful skill, “One Finger” was also adept at disguise, using it to evade the authorities’ grasp.

Zhang Da Bao’s teachings came entirely from his master.

Wang Ji found him just as he planned to emulate his master’s feat—stealing from east to west of Shu Zhou’s city—to gain renown.

If not for Wang Ji’s exorbitant price, rumors of a “Two Fingers” thief had already begun circulating in Shu Zhou’s underworld.

Seeing Chen Yi’s satisfaction, Zhang Da Bao’s youthful face lit up with a shy smile: “The young master, I am grateful.”

Though time was short, he still crafted a “human skin mask” for Chen Yi through his refined skill.

Of course, it wasn’t real human skin, but a specially made mask.

It replicated skin texture and fur, and could be further padded to mimic bones and muscles, completely altering a person’s appearance.

After Chen Yi’s transformation, this was achieved.

From any angle, no trace of his former self remained.

Only his physique and that inexplicable aura remained.

Thus, Zhang Da Bao reminded him: “Master, the visage is but half the task. To fully become another, you must also—”

Before he could finish, Chen Yi had already understood. He remained still, shoulders slightly raised, left hand resting behind him.

His face remained calm, his entire demeanor suddenly solitary.

“Like this?”

Zhang Da Bao blinked, rubbed his eyes, and grinned: “The young master is the young master. I’ve already ironed out all flaws.”

His words were blunt, yet in Chen Yi’s ears, they sounded far more agreeable than Wang Ji’s flattery.

He nodded once, then whispered to Wang Ji: “This matter is known to only four people. Do not let others suspect.”

Wang Ji assured him: “The young master can rest assured.”

“Except me, Yan Hai, and Zhang Da Bao, no one else will know.”

Chen Yi nodded, then walked outside, instructing:

“Remember, my name here at Bai Caotang is Chen Yu. Just Chen Yu.”

Afterward, the three arrived at Bai Caotang.

Yan Hai glanced curiously, about to speak, when Wang Ji clapped his hands, smiling as he introduced him to the guards, doctors, and apprentices:

“This is our Bai Caotang’s master, Chen Yu.”

“I’ve come to take a look today.”

All the staff at Bai Caotang, as well as the customers buying tea and herbs, turned their attention to Chen Yi with curiosity.

Bai Caotang had been open for some time, and recently it had caused quite a stir in Shu Zhou, naturally drawing attention.

Beyond Wang Ji, the shopkeeper, many were more concerned about the mysterious master behind Bai Caotang.

Rumors had long circulated.

Some said Bai Caotang was the Xiao family’s enterprise, for reasons unknown, never appearing publicly.

Others claimed it was the work of a legendary physician in the martial world.

Some speculated it was a noble family from outside Shu Zhou, deliberately aiding the Xiao family.

Theories abounded, yet no one could uncover the truth.

Now, with the master revealed, it became a topic of some interest.

“He’s the master of Bai Caotang? Indeed, his bearing is noble, clearly from a great family.”

“I feel he’s a martial artist, his aura carries a hint of coldness.”

The staff inside barely noticed, merely bowing respectfully. “We’ve met the eldest master.”

Even Luo Lang did so.

Yet, in the midst of the bow, he felt some relief.

The sky had turned dark, and the person who promised to treat his wounds the night before had yet to appear, leaving him fearing he’d been scammed.

Thankfully, he had arrived.

But the man before him differed from his expectations.

Handsome, yet cold, unlike the casual demeanor from their previous conversation.

Chen Yi ignored the thoughts around him, speaking calmly: “Everyone, attend to your duties.”

“Yes, the eldest master.”

After the others continued serving the guests, Chen Yi signaled Wang Ji to lead Luo Lang to the study, and took the silver needle box.

Wang Ji, puzzled, led him there. When Chen Yi waved him off, though he had questions, he said nothing and departed.

Liu Lang stared at Chen Yi, who was seated at the table sipping tea, and asked, half-smiling, half-not, "Senior?"

Chen Yi glanced at him and replied coolly, "Doesn't seem like it."

Liu Lang shook his head, settling himself across from the elder with a quiet "Last night, you were a bit more gentle."

Chen Yi smiled faintly, his handsome face relaxing into a composed expression, his tone growing more casual: "When you're out in the world, you have to play the part."

Liu Lang observed this demeanor, then nodded slowly, letting out a hearty laugh: "Chen Boss, this is truly your original face!"

No.

Chen Yi thought this to himself, saying nothing further, and simply stated plainly, "One last time—have you confirmed your answer to my request?"

Liu Lang hesitated, then said, "I’ve never broken my promise in all my travels across the realm. You can count on that."

"Then sit down."

"Sit down, I—"

Before Liu Lang could finish, Chen Yi waved a hand, and his qi surged forth.

Then a needle pierced his left shoulder, another struck at the chest’s vital point, and a third found its mark just below his right chest.

Three silver needles, linked in a straight line, all lodged perfectly in his wounds.

Liu Lang froze, his eyes wide with disbelief.

How could this be?

Though he’d heard whispers of legendary healers in the martial world, seeing one in person made him realize those tales had been far too conservative.

This wasn’t merely "miraculous."

It was, it was, simply too miraculous.

Chen Yi paid no heed to Liu Lang’s thoughts, focusing instead on channeling his qi to mend the damaged meridians.

In less than a minute, he waved a hand, retracting the three needles.

Liu Lang blinked, staring at him: "All right?"

"Is that all?"

"So fast?"

Chen Yi slipped the needles back into his box, then reminded him, "I’ll leave you a formula later for Wang Ji. Drink it for three days, and you’ll be cured."

"And remember, don’t get into any fights during that time, or the meridians I’ve just repaired might tear open again."

Liu Lang was still dazed, finally nodding in awe, bowing his head: "I’m sorry, Senior, for my earlier rudeness at Meng Lao’s place."

Unreasonable.

His wounds, inflicted over days of torment, had been healed in less than a breath’s span.

No one could dispute it.

Chen Yi shot him a glance, "You’re strange."

"……"

Liu Lang let out a nervous laugh, then sat obediently, his voice steady: "Since you’ve mended my injuries, I’ll fulfill your requests—no matter how many."

Chen Yi nodded, thinking a moment: "I have something I need you to do."

"But with your command, I’ll refuse."

"The three military garrisons in Shu Zhou—you know them, right?"

Liu Lang smiled, "Of course. Those garrisons are the pillars holding up Shu Zhou."

"I need you to burn the summer grain stored in those three garrisons."

"Uh…"

Liu Lang’s smile froze, his mind reeling from the blow: "Y-You—you—you’re… you’re insane?!"

Burning the summer grain in the three garrisons?

If he actually did it, even a man with ten heads wouldn’t dare do it!

Damn it, this "command"—he wanted to "refuse!"

PS: New month, begging for a guaranteed monthly ticket, please!

(Chapter End)