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Chapter 13: Self-Humiliation

Self-Humiliation

Xiong Tianyan was a well-known drug freak. When he saw the new type of pill, he could not suppress the blood boiling within him. Unable to endure his curiosity and his urge to know about the pill's effect, he said to Meng Ying Ying: "I would like to ask Miss Meng to come up and introduce this new pill!"

How would Meng Ying Ying know what kind of pill she had refined?

Chu Tian saw the opportunity and came out to say: "This is called Crimson Lotus pill and its effect is similar to the effect of the so-called Fiery Rage pill, but the effect is both longer lasting and stronger. In addition, there are less harsh side effects. After the effect has passed, one would only feel that their body would become extremely exhausted, which can be recovered just by resting a few days. It will not damage one's foundation which means their cultivation would not decrease."

Xiong Tian Yan become deeply shocked!

The Crimson Lotus Pill was able to crap all over the Fiery Rage pill!

The side effects of the Fiery Rage pill would do a lot of harm to the body, and there was even a chance that one's cultivation could regress. This was the reason why this pill was only used during a life or death situation, as one's life was worth more than a setback in cultivation? Once the Crimson Lotus Pill went into production, what place would Fiery Rage pill have?

For one of Li Chang Yun's research that he was most proud of to be made this worthless would – without a doubt – shock the medicinal alchemy sector!

Xiong Tian Yan felt as if his blood was on fire. As even Meng Ying Ying could make such an excellent pill, then how terrifying must that mysterious teenage boy be?

"There is no need for me to state who the winner is!" Xiong Tian Yan personally gave Ye Feng's crystal card to Meng Ying Ying: "For miss Meng Ying Ying to create such an exquisite pill at such a young age, this old bear feels boundless admiration. Please accept your spoils."

"Impossible!"

"You guys are colluding!"

Ye Feng could not accept such a result, thus he exploded in rage.

Hearing this, Xiong Tian Yan became furious: "I, Xiong Tian Yan is honest and impartial. It is you Ye's that like to commit these despicable acts! If you aren't satisfied, then take this pill and have it analyzed by Li Chang Yun. If this old bear got it wrong, then I'll chop my head off so you can use it as a toilet."

Both Ye Feng's eyes were red through and through: "You guys are definitely banding together to trick me! Or else how could these garbage beat me? This is impossible! This is absolutely impossible! You are definitely tricking me!"

Losing money was not important!

This matter had dealt his ego too big of a blow!

Xiong Tian Yan was furious: "Don't push it! Can the Ye's not afford a lost?!"

"It's impossible for me to lose!" Ye Feng lost his intellect in his rage: "I want to have a duel with you! If you have ability come and fight a round with me! Trash will forever remain trash! If you didn't use any tricks and scheme, how would she have won!"

Meng Ying Ying became hot headed: "Then let's duel! I'm not afraid of you!"

Xiong Tian Yan was about to stop them.

Ye Feng had the power of peak 3rd rank Body Refinement. According to Zhang Li Qing's style, only those that have reached 3rd rank Body Refinement before the age of 18 could become his official disciple. Meng Ying Ying being only a nominal disciple meant that she did not have 3rd rank Body Refinement strength.

Chu Tian languidly yawned, saying irresponsibly: "No worries, let them fight!"

Ye Feng violently rushed forward a couple of steps, angrily roaring as he pounced towards Meng Ying Ying. Both of his fists glowed with a dim white magical light!

Losing to Meng Ying Ying in alchemy, was a reality that he could not accept!

Then he would use his fist to regain his dignity. Even if he cannot beat Meng Ying Ying to death today, he would still cripple her!

There must not be an alchemist genius more outstanding than me inside Tian Nan City!

Ye Feng did not hold back at all, he used his full strength and sent his fist straight towards Meng Ying Ying's head!

Only a lowly 2nd rank Body Refinement!

How was it possible for her to dodge?

Go die! Go and die for me!

Ye Feng had suffered a huge blow and his mentality had thoroughly crumbled apart. This made him completely lose his reason. The only way that he could shake off the shadows in his heart was to get rid of Meng Ying Ying.

"So slow! "

"It's you who is trash!"

Meng Ying Ying made a soft yelp, her body emitted a magical shine. That delicate slender leg sent a kick so fast that it made a whoosh sound as it passed through the air.

Ye Feng was not prepared to defend at all and the kick landed squarely on his lower abdomen. He was sent flying like a sack of hay before landing on his face 3 meters away!

"Wah! Nice Dog Crushing Kick!" Chu Tian exaggeratedly screamed and danced about: "Meng Ying Ying won!"

Meng Ying Ying herself was taken aback.

I won?

No way!

I really won!

Chu Tian rushed up and held Meng Ying Ying's delicate hands high in the air, and spoke loudly to the crowd: "Which blind dumbass dares to say Meng Ying Ying is garbage! Stand out if you have the guts!"

Meng Ying Ying's brain had already completely short-circuited.

The audience, including Xiong Tian Yan, were all stupefied.

Meng Ying Ying was actually this strong!

That kick had the strength of at least 4th rank Body Refinement, right? It was not someone who had just entered 4th rank Body Refinement, but it carried the power of peak 4th rank Body Refinement!

A sixteen year old peak 4th rank!

This kind of cultivation talent was already first rate in Tian Nan city, not to mention her incredible alchemy "talent"!

Who still dares to say she is garbage?

Who still dares to say she is a vase?

Who still dares to look down on Meng family's second daughter?

All the surrounding people's eyes gradually began to show both fear and respect.

Meng Ying Ying had a feeling that she was dreaming. The hardship and low self-esteem she carried all these years have all been washed away in an instant. She wanted to cry, but did not want to ruin her guise; she bit down on her teeth to stop the tears from flowing out!

How many people looked down on her?

How many people thought of her as a vase?

But today, she stood tall and proud!

She used actions to tell everyone that she was not just some garbage nor a vase!

Of course, everything was put in place by that mysterious boy!

When Meng Ying Ying was lost in her thoughts, Ye Feng suddenly got up, his hair unkempt and disheveled like a lunatic, pulling out a dagger from his waist: "I will kill you!"

The cold blade stabs towards Meng Ying Ying!

Xiong Tian Yan was enraged for real this time: "Dare to pretend I am not here!"

The power of his spirit was unleashed through his fist which landed on Ye Feng's chest. His exquisite white robe has been charred black and was sent flying dozens of meters before stopping; at least a dozen bones in his body is broken. Ye Feng coughed up a mouthful of blood before fainting.

"Young Master!"

The two mercenaries quickly carried Ye Feng away. After a brief inspection, their expression gloomed. Xiong Tian Yan's fist broke a few of Ye Feng's primary veins. Even if he was to completely recover, his strength would greatly decrease and it is possible to leave after effects.

The housekeeper's heart was dead like ash!

If Ye Feng was half-crippled, would he still have a status?

"The Ye family will not let you go!"

"So noisy! Scram!" Xiong Tian Yan slapped the housekeeper flying. Just like rumor, Xiong Tian Yan has a violent strong personality, not afraid to offend anybody: "Go back and tell Ye Xiong that Tian Nan city is not his, have some restraint. Also tell him that I was the one that crippled his son, if he wants revenge, then come for me, don't drag other people in this!"

The two mercenaries hurriedly fled the scene.

Meng Ying Ying felt a bit guilty: "Uncle Xiong Tian Yan, I am very sorry. We made you offend the Ye clan."

"Ha ha ha, nonsense!" Xiong Tian Yan laughed loudly: "This is not the first time I have offended, so it doesn't matter. I have a request that I hope you will consider."

"Of course we will do what we can."

Xiong Tian Yan's rough face carried a serious expression. He stared at Chu Tian intently, saying: "I want to become your disciple!"

Meng Ying Ying opened her mouth widely in surprise!

What kind of a figure was Xiong Tian Yan?

He was the Executive elder of Alchemist Association. The boss of Tian Nan city's herb market. His brother is Tian Nan city's general. As a person carrying so many titles, he can easily attain money, power, status and strength. To request becoming Chu Tian's disciple in front of so many!

Normal people would not let themselves do something like this.

Who has seen a famous billionaire grovel before a hobo and humbly become their lackey?

For situation like this, there is no need to mention whether it is reasonable; just the courage required is admirable!

Xiong Tian Yan true to his nickname Drug Freak, is fascinated with the art of medicinal alchemy. Chu Tian was able to teach Meng Ying Ying to make a precious pill such as Crimson Lotus pill in one night already set him apart from others. The knowledgeable ones will be the teacher, age does not matter!

"I don't accept disciples."

Chu Tian directly refused extreme characters like Xiong Tian Yan almost without thinking. This once again shocked everyone!

Xiong Tian Yan not only didn't become angry, but he felt Chu Tian was even more unordinary!

Xiong Tian Yan anxiously scratched his head: "Why don't you reconsider? Just pretend you hired a bodyguard, you must know that you already angered the Ye's clan!"

"No need, I definitely will not take disciples so you had better find some other experts. I will not change my mind on this matter." Chu Tian shook his head, and patted Meng Ying Ying, who was by his side: "The Ye's will come back soon to get revenge, let's quickly get out of here."

"Wait, I'm sincere!"

"I will pay tuition, any amount you want!"

Under countless people's wondering and admiring eyes, Chu Tian didn't look back as he left the alchemy center with Meng Ying Ying.

After leaving, Meng Ying Ying said: "Uncle Xiong is a very nice person and he is strong. If he were to become your disciple, then it would be good for all of us"

Chu Tian shook his head: "I don't like restrictions, besides, teaching or not teaching depends on fate. If I am in a good mood, then I'll give some pointers. If i am not in a good mood, then I will kick him away. That is my style. Regarding accepting a disciple, forget about it! If I were to accept a disciple, not to mention that he has not even reached Awakened Soul realm, but even if he has, there is nothing special about that either."

Awakened Soul cultivators are giants above everyone else.

Chu Tian acted as if those Awakened Souls were nothing special. Meng Ying Ying only rolled her eyes and did not say much else. She took out the 5000 gold crystal card and felt as if she was dreaming. Even if she gave Chu Tian half of it, the twenty five hundreds that is left is still a large amount.

The two people returned home.

At the doorway, a bony old man wearing a cloth gown hurriedly rushed up: "How did Miss Meng Ying Ying come back only now, Miss Meng Qing Wu was almost worried to death."

"Housekeeper Zhao, what did you say? JieJie already knows?"

Housekeeper Zhao sighed: "Ah, my Miss Meng Ying Ying, this time you have overdone it. The news that you get expelled has spread. Miss Meng QIng Wu wanted you to explain but she waited a whole night and you didn't return."

"I will go explain to my sister!"

Housekeeper Zhao bitterly smiled as he said: "You don't know, this time Miss Meng Qing Wu is actually very disappointed and angry."

Meng Ying Ying stomped on the ground: "Then move out of the way! If I explain it, then it will be fine! She will understand me!"

A middle aged man in armor walked out from the gate, said with a long face: "Miss Meng Qing Wu ordered for you to be locked up for a day once you come back!"

"Captain Meng, what are you saying?"

"These are Miss Meng Qing Wu's original words."

"Forget it, I need to see JieJie first!"

"I am very sorry, I can only follow Miss Meng Qing Wu's command!"

The household guard kept his cold face, showing no compassion at all.

Two maids walked to either side of Meng Ying Ying and began to advise her in soft voices: "Miss Meng Ying Ying, Captain Meng is only following his instructions, he can't disobey orders. You had still better come with us."

"Okay, okay! I know!" Meng Ying Ying was a bit scared of Captain Meng. She gloomily stamped her foot: "I'll just go, so stubborn!"

Meng Ying Ying was brought away for confinement.

Captain Meng did not leave. He only looked at Chu Tian with a bad expression, saying: "You are the person that Miss Meng Ying Ying brought back? Miss Meng Qing Wu wants to see you!"

Captain Meng was the Meng family's head guard and has the power of 7th rank Body Refinement. He could be considered one of the few stronger people in Tian Nan city. This person was extremely loyal to the Meng family. Chu Tian was not his opponent, thereby escaping was impossible. If Miss Meng Qing Wu wanted to see him, then he might as well go have a look.

Captain Meng led him to a small flower garden.

"Go inside!"

This setup seemed kind of strange, almost as if the Miss Meng Qing Wu intended to meet with him alone? Chu Tian rubbed his nose but didn't think about it too much, immediately walking in.

The small garden had a quiet and tranquil style with a exquisite small pavilion located in the center.

There stood a tall beautiful girl that looked similar to Meng Ying Ying. Her veil like white dress made it appear as if she was standing in a thick, white fog. She stood quietly under a pavilion as if it was a beautiful painting. This sight would make even a flower pale in comparison while making people lose themselves in their thoughts.

Meng Qing Wu's hair had been carefully brushed and arranged. She looked beautiful and noble, with snow-like skin, long straight legs, a plump butt; full of a mature charm. From her brows seeped the aura of a strong woman.

Chu Tian looked at Meng Qing Wu with an eye of appreciation.

Unrivaled beauty, unrivaled beauty!

Both sisters are rare beauties.

Last night, when he could only hear her, but not see her, just her voice itself was already tantalizing. After seeing her in person, her beauty is indeed enough to overthrow cities and states, much more beautiful than he had previously imagined!

In addition, she had the most perfect, mature, and attractive body out of all the beauties he seen. That magnificent bosom, that moon-like round bottom, that obscene pair of long legs, all released a mature charm.

Meng Ying Ying was like a big kid; silly and naive. Being around her is very relaxing and comfortable. If she was compared to Meng Qing Wu, then she would lack a bit of femininity.

Nangong Yun was also very stunning, but her personality is very unruly and pungent. On the other hand, Meng Qing Wu's elegant, noble and dignified personality is better at stimulating a man's desire to conquer.

"Humph!"

"Have you seen enough?"

An magnetic voice sounded near his ears.

Meng Qing Wu's eyes showed a hint of animosity!

Chu Tian felt he was a bit abrupt. Meng Qing Wu was already not in a good mood, he did not want to fall into a bad situation; he immediately fakely cupped his hand: "The lowly Chu Tian greets Miss Meng Qing Wu. Does Miss have any instruction?"

Meng Qing Wu humphed.

The first impression was already extremely poor.

Despite this guy having fair skin and handsome looking, he probably wasn't anybody good!

She asked in a cold tone: "Where did you come from? What evil intentions do you harbor for getting close to Ying Ying?"

"Miss Meng Qing Wu, you have the situation confused. It was Miss Meng Ying Ying that brought me into Meng family, how could you say that I was the one getting close to her? You can ask her yourself for my background, no need for me to explain."

Chu Tian tried his best to appear modest and unassuming, but this was proving to be something very hard. The coquettishness and frivolousness in a person's bones was hard to cover up.

Miss Meng Qing Wu felt more deeply that this man was deceitful!

A sixteen year old girl that could lead Yun Nan Commerce out of quagmire was definitely someone with skills and perception. Meng Qing Wu's vicious gaze could tell that Chu Tian was not just a slave in just a single glance.

He must have ulterior motive for getting close to Meng Ying Ying!

Her pair of beautiful eyes immediately became filled with hostility.

Chu Tian helplessly sighed.

No wonder Miss Meng Qing Wu wanted to see me.

This setup is purely for sending in an army to punish me!

Chapter 14: The Ashamed and Enraged Da Xiao Jie

The Ashamed and Enraged Da Xiao Jie

TN: Da Xiao Jie(大小姐) is a title used for the eldest daughter of an affluent family. It is often used in slang to refer to a spoiled girl (aka Princess or an ojou-sama). Da Xiao Jie is also the nickname that Chu Tian uses to refer to Meng Qing Wu. This is a term that will appear a lot so please take note of it. That is all that you need to know. Do not do further research on this subject. Case closed.

Meng Qing Wu, shrouded in an aura of intense aggression, denounced Chu Tian in a tone as sharp as a blade cutting through ice: "Ying Ying is an innately good-natured and pure person. Having reached a rebellious age, and being driven by curiosity, she would inevitably get herself deceived by people's sweet words. If you dare to do anything outrageous and hurt Ying Ying one tiny bit, even if that means I lose everything, I will not let you off!"

Chu Tian hadn't committed anything he felt guilty about. With a clear conscience, he said: "This is a misunderstanding. I really did not do anything wicked, nor do I plan to."

Meng Ying Wu coldly snorted: "Let me ask you, did you take Ying Ying and stay out for the night?"

Chu Tian knew he could not conceal this matter and said: "That's right!"

Pa!

The wooden armrest was crushed into pieces.

"Do you still dare to say that you didn't do anything?" Meng Qing Wu's solemn and beautiful face exuded a wave of insatiable anger: "Why did you take Ying Ying out? What did you do?"

Chu Tian righteously said: "We only went out to earn some money. Miss Meng Ying Ying had a business idea, shouldn't you as her sister encourage her?"

How could Meng Qing Wu believe such a blatant lie?

How could she not know what kind of material her meimei* was?

TN:*meimei means younger sister

Surely, this villain must have deceived Ying Ying by taking advantage of her eagerness to get strong and brought her outside.

That face capable of causing the downfall of a nation, effused a boundless rage, causing her breasts to bob up and down; it truly was an incomparably beautiful sight to behold. That angry look added another flavour to her stern and able womanly appearance: "No more bickering! I will give you one more chance to tell the truth. If you tell half a word of a lie, I will not spare you!"

Da Xiao Jie's attitude became even more stern.

However, this kind of attitude that didn't differentiate between good or bad, right or wrong, instead continually questioning closely, had put Chu Tian in a bad mood.

This Da Xiao Jie had put on a foul face, categorizing Chu Tian as the bad guy from the start. What use was there for an explanation?

"Then according to you, when I brought Miss Meng Ying Ying outside, what should we have done?"

Meng Qing Wu was already very angry. Matters regarding her meimei were something she would never tolerate: "I don't care what you have done, but you are a servant of the Meng family! As a servant, not only did you not remind your master to follow the right path but instead led her astray. Just for this, you should be punished by being beaten with clubs and then get thrown out of the family!"

Fuck!

Absurd!

This Da Xiao Jie is being too unreasonable!

Do you really think that I am your servant?

Meng Qing Wu said with a stern expression: "Why don't you hurry up and confess?!"

"Right right right! We went to a hotel!" Chu Tian also had a bad temper. He decided to piss Da Xiao Jie off, and purposely said out loud: "We slept in the same room last night, well, you can't really say we slept. You should be satisfied with this answer!"

Meng Qing Wu turned pale as if she had been struck by lightning, her whole body unconsciously began to tremble: "You...You dared to do such an immoral act, Ying Ying is only 16 years old!"

"If I say I didn't do anything, would you believe me?" Chu Tian sneered a few times and said: "Not even trusting your own sister and trying to push all the blame onto us; if this information spread out, then Meng Ying Ying's reputation would be ruined. Did you really consider this from your meimei's perspective? Is this how you protect your younger sister? All boobs and no brain, always acting with own selfish interest. It is not hard to see why the Nan Yun commerce is half dead; with you at the helm, I'd say it is close to being finished!"

"Shut up!"

How could Meng Qing Wu not care about her sister's reputation?

The reason she wanted to see Chu Tian alone was because she wanted to secretly take care of this matter; thus preventing unfounded gossip from spreading out.

Trying to make me shut my mouth?

I choose not to!

Chu Tian continued with a stinging tone: "People like you are the people that lacked love when they grew up, resulting in having a twisted heart. They believe that every person is evil and despicable, everything is vulgar and wrong, as if there is not a single good person in the world. It is very bad psychologically for someone as pure and naive as Meng Ying Ying to have a sister that is so twisted, even I am concerned about her growth."

"Enough!"

Meng Qing Wu exploded, and viciously slapped towards Chu Tian in rage.

Even though Meng Qing Wu had been busy with business matters and had bad health that slowed down her cultivation, she still had the strength of a 4th rank Body Refinement realm cultivator. It would be very simple for her to deal with an opponent that was at an ordinary 3rd rank Body Refinement stage. But she encountered Chu Tian and Chu Tian was definitely not someone that was easy to deal with!

Chu Tian dodged to the side: "Wa! Missy! You can't outspeak somebody so you resort to violence. Not only are you twisted but you are also violent! Who would want to marry you in the future!?"

Meng Qing Wu once again pounced toward Chu Tian in rage.

Chu Tian lowered his body to dodge the incoming fist. His feet kicked the ground, leaping forward to restrain Meng Qing Wu's soft narrow waist, pushing her against the wooden pole.

When both of their bodies were intertwined with each other, Chu Tian couldn't help but concede that this chick has the body of a succubus. It was big where it should be big and slim where it should be slim. That orchid fragranced body scent was enough to make anyone feel extremely refreshed.

Meng Qing Wu had never had skin contact with a man before. She fell into confusion, all the combat techniques she knew tossed to the back of her mind; she resorted to scratching and pounding like a shrewish wife: "You evil servant! You dare to retaliate!"

Did this woman go mad?

You already attacked me and then you hope that I don't hit back?

Meng Qing Wu did not have a great deal of combat experience. Once she was confused, she even forgot to use magic power. Chu Tian easily restrained her with a simple twist. He first pinned her arms against her back, then used his body to hold her down on the railing; forcing her big and round bottom high into the air.

This pose truly was not very elegant.

EN: But it was very sexy

"Let go of me!"

In her state of panic, Meng Qing Wu's magic power exploded. She quickly loosened one of her arms, grabbing a jade hairpin and stabbing it towards Chu Tian's important area. Chu Tian dodged it in the nick of time and the hairpin ended up stabbing into Chu Tian's left leg; blood immediately began to seep out.

Sssss!

The pain caused Chu Tian to take a breath of cold air.

At the same time, the scare made Chu Tian covered in cold sweat.

Motherfucker! Luckily I dodged quickly, or else I would die without a son!

Chu Tian did not think that the first injury he got after coming to this era would be caused by a woman!

This had completely enraged him!

Chu Tian was a very open minded person and normally did not hold grudges, because he would immediately have his revenge. This time was no exception!

Chu Tian forcibly slapped the full succulent peach-like bottom!

TN: In Chinese, beauty terms associated with water is often used to mean bright, beautiful, radiant and vivacious.

Pa!

Meng Qing Wu's mind went blank on the spot!

This bastard hit my…butt!

Today, her pure and noble body – even her hand had never been held by a man before – had been tarnished by this bastard!

Meng Qing Wu was scared and wanted to scream but a hand covered her mouth. She could only make low "wu wu" moans. That hot and well developed body desperately struggled in Chu Tian's arms. Her eyes were shooting out flames, as if she wanted to burn Chu Tian to ashes. Judging from her eyes, this crazy woman would not let this matter go.

"Fine, one slap is considered as hitting, a hundred slaps is also considered as hitting!"

Since you do not listen!

Then I will beat you until you listen!

I don't believe that I can't tame this savage horse!

Chu Tian again slapped that full round bottom.

What did this chick eat while growing up? This bottom is big, tight and elastic; making one unable to get enough of the aftertaste.

Meng Qing Wu felt as if she had been struck by lightning; her body trembled and her face flushed red. This was the first time she had ever been beaten. Chu Tian's slaps were ruthless. The severe pain stimulated her nerves and at the same time, it was as if an electric current coursed through her body, causing a strange numbing sensation.

"You did not thoroughly investigate the situation before blaming us, guilty!"

"You think you are noble and can look down on servants, guilty!"

"You got outspoken so you attacked me, guilty!"

"You almost discontinued my lineage, guilty!"

"..."

"..."

Chu Tian made dozens of crackling slaps on Da Xiao Jie's bottom, making her mind go blank. As if she had been beaten senseless, she completely gave up resisting. Meng Qing Wu was a goddess in many people's heart, as well as an inviolably strong and able woman, no one would dare do this to her.

Meng Qing Wu became more bitter and angry. She felt a strange sensation where the pain was mixed with a hint of pleasure. As the frequency and intensity of the slaps increased, her body involuntarily began to show a reaction. She wished she could just kill herself!

Meng Qing Wu's pair of eyes overflowed with tears, as if she was being bullied like a little girl: "You dare to humiliate me, I will not let you off...Oh!"

The words hadn't even left her mouth.

Her butt took another hit.

Meng Qing Wu's flushed red face exposed her weakness.

Chu Tian fearlessly said: "Respect should be mutual, If you don't show any respect to me, how can you expect me to respect you? I know that you cannot accept me and it would be fine if I left your household. But you think too highly of yourself!" As he was talking, he slapped her bottom again.

"Still not listening?"

"Still throwing tantrums?"

At this time, a noise came from the garden entrance.

Captain Meng had brought people into the garden.

"Quickly let me go!"

Meng Qing Wu began to panic. If someone were to see her in this situation, then tomorrow, the whole city would spread with "Meng Qing Wu has affair in garden with servant" rumour. For a strong able woman like her, she would not be able to find the courage to keep on living.

"First apologize!"

"You..."

Another slap!

"Apologize!"

"Ok Ok!" Meng Qing Wu was almost close to tears: "I was too impulsive today. Please let me go! We will discuss this matter later. Is that fine?"

Chu Tian saw that Meng Qing Wu softened her attitude, and decided to let go. He said with a humph: "Like I would believe you. I know that you will come to seek revenge very soon. I don't want to stay in this place anymore. I am leaving, you sisters take care!"

Meng Qing Wu's butt still burned with pain. When she saw Chu Tian limp away, she felt a bit lost...Could it be that I actually have wronged him?

Meng Qing Wu was not someone with a hot temper and was normally very prudent. Only towards matters regarding Meng Ying Ying would she have zero tolerance. So when she found out that Meng Ying Ying sneaked out with a man and did not come back for the night, the first thing in her mind was that her meimei has been deceived.

Because of her love for her meimei, anger got the best of her and made her lose her reasoning.

Even if I did wrong him, he should have carefully explained. But instead, he used words to insult me, and also beat my bottom. Just from this alone, he should not be spared. It was too good for him to just leave like this!

Meng Qing Wu tidied her clothes. However, she felt a great discomfort when walking. That bastard's beating was too ruthless, her whole bottom was swollen.

At this time, Captain Meng along with a few other people came in. Captain Meng carried an anxious expression, as if there is an important matter, "Da Xiao Jie, Xiong Tian Yan has come for a visit and demands to see Miss Meng Ying Ying. He said he has important matters to discuss."

"The executive manager of the Alchemist Association Xiong Tian Yan?"

"It's exactly this person!"

How would this kind of big figure personally come for visit?

Meng Qing Wu was unable to put aside time to find Chu Tian to exert her revenge, "Xiong Tian Yan is not only the Chief Executive Elder of Alchemist Association, his power has also reached the peak of the ninth rank of Body Refinement realm. He also has a powerful general supporting him and absolutely cannot be offended. I'll prepare for a moment and then immediately go over!"

To have a great person to come visit was definitely not for some trivial reason.

Meng Qing Wu first put her personal grudges aside and prepared to go see Xiong Tian Yan as soon as she could.

Xiong Tian Yan paced back and forth in the guest room: "Where is Meng Ying Ying? I want to see her!"

Meng Qing Wu walked over: "For elder Xiong to visit, Qing Wu feels honoured. I am Ying Ying's sister. For what reason has elder come for?

Xiong Tian Yan got straight to the point: "I have thought it through now. I want to become a disciple, Meng Ying Ying's disciple!"

Xiong Tian Yan's words almost didn't cause Meng Qing Wu to have a heart attack!

Chapter 15: Too Late For Regre

Too Late For Regret

Xiong Tian Yan had five important statuses:

The first, he was a half Awakened Spirit elite.

The second, he was a well-known alchemist.

The third, he was Tian Nan City's Alchemist Association's Chief Executive Elder.

The fourth, he was Tian Nan City's high ranking officer – General Xiong Bing's younger brother.

And the fifth, he was a behind-the-scenes large shareholder in Tian Nan City's Alchemic market, owning many properties and medicinal material channels.

Which one of these five statuses wouldn't cause people to respect and worship him? After Nan Yun Commerce had become a second-rate commerce, there had been no chance of seeking connections with such a prominent figure like Xiong Tian Yan! Now that Xiong Tian Yan had personally come for a visit and wanted to be Meng Ying Ying's disciple, how could she not be shocked?

Unimaginable!

Difficult to believe!

If Nan Yun Commerce could have Xiong Tian Yan as an umbrella protecting it, how would their enemies dare to try to deal with her openly?

Xiong Tian Yan had come up with this surprising decision after a session of deep thought. Chu Tian was the real expert. But as Chu Tian didn't accept disciples, then why not take a roundabout strategy and instead become Meng Ying Ying's disciple, learning Chu Tian's knowledge from her?

To a real drug freak, how much does dignity really mean compared to the opportunity to gain knowledge of advanced alchemy techniques?

If there are three people walking, one of them must be able to teach me something! Things that other people understand, but I don't; then it is worth it to go and learn.

TN: This is a phrase modified from Confucius. "Three people walking, there must be someone I can learn from. I can learn from other that are better and reflect on my weakness from other's weakness."

This was already originally Xiong Tian Yan's style!

Moreover, Meng Ying Ying was already at the peak of the fourth rank of Body Refining at such a young age. If they were to compare talent, then she is definitely above Xiong Tian Yan!

Meng Qing Wu tested the waters: "The Meng family is only a small household. Wouldn't doing something like this hurt the reputation of someone as famous as Elder Xiong? Besides, how would I not know what Meng Ying Ying is capable of? She does not even qualify to be your disciple."

Xiong Tian Yan slapped the table: "You women are too fussy. I leave my words here today, if I can't become her disciple today, then this old bear will just hang out here and not leave!"

Meng Qing Wu was a very cautious person due to long period of infighting and intrigues. This made her not trust anything easily. If she had not gotten this matter cleared up, she would not make any decisions. She could only think of a delay tactic: "Meng Ying Ying just got home and is resting. Why don't I give you a reply after she has woke up?"

"Has Master already went to sleep? Then let's talk about this after Master has had a good rest. You don't have to bother her! I have plenty of time!"

Even someone as good mannered as Meng Qing Wu couldn't help but want to curse out loud!

Xiong Tian Yan could be considered a respected figure.

How could he be so shameless!

Since Nan Yun commerce had begun to seep into the medicinal alchemy market, Xiong Tian Yan would be a great benefactor. However, Meng Qing Wu believed that there was no such thing as a free lunch. She had to settle Xiong Tian Yan down first, then ask meimei to understand the situation before making any decisions.

"Eldest Miss, Miss Nangong Yun and Master Zhang Li Qing have come to visit!"

Housekeeper Zhao ran over, breathing erratically.

What?

Nangong Yun?

Zhang Li Qing!

Meng Qing Wu heard a loud buzz in her head, her thoughts turned into a complete disarray, like a bowl of mushy porridge. Xiong Tian Yan was already a big deal, now two more bigger big-shots had arrived. What was going on? Are these events connected somehow?

Nangong Yun, the mayor's only child with astonishing talent. Her Fire Phoenix spirit made her fame spread far and wide. She is destined to be an elite among elites. Her potential is limitless.

Zhang Li Qing, one of the most influential people in Tian Nan City. Tian Nan City's scrivener guild's master. He sits in the pinnacle on the studies of talismans and arrays in Tian Nan City. He had unfathomable strength and a vast social network. He was someone that countless people try to curry a favor from. Even the mayor had to pay respect to him.

Even when Nan Yun commerce was at its peak it did not have this kind of honour!

Meng Qing Wu forced herself to calm down. Even though there must be schemes when abnormalities appear, but now that Zhang Li Qing had appeared, the likeliness of schemes had greatly decreased. Because the power Zhang Li Qing and Nangong Yun each hold is more than enough to go against Nan Yun commerce even without any scheming.

A simply dressed elder stood outside.

A flaming hot beauty with red hair and wearing a red dress stood at his side.

Meng Qing Wu personally came out to receive the guests, slightly flustered as she cupped her hands: "Master Zhang, Miss Nangong, Qing Wu did not know you two would come for visit so the welcome was lacking. I hope the two of you would accept my apology."

Meng Qing Wu looked at the old man again.

Sure enough it was Zhang Li Qing!

This person was the pinnacle on the study of talismans in Tian Nan city and Nan Yun commerce's speciality was in talismans. For such a leading figure to come visit, how could Meng Qing Wu not be nervous? She couldn't hold back and asked: "May I ask for what matter the two has come for? Is it that Ying Ying has done something wrong, so…."

Zhang Li Qing smiled slightly, shaking his head: "The matter with Meng Ying Ying was a misunderstanding, I hope you will not keep this matter to heart."

Keep this matter to heart?

How would I dare!

Meng Qing Wu felt happiness in her heart.

Could it be that he was preparing to accept Meng Ying Ying back?

Nangong Yun interrupted: "Sister Meng Qing Wu, before I thought you were pretty alright; but now I found you to be a not very honest and sincere person!"

Meng Qing Wu's heart skipped a beat, and her forehead started to sweat.

Why would she say that?

What have I done wrong?

Nangong Yun's violent tendencies were something no one was unaware of. If she got angry, even dismantling the entire Meng family was something within her ability. Meng Qing Wu didn't remember when she had ever offended this demonic respected figure!

Meng Qing Wu was a bit fearful: "Qing Wu does not know where she has gone wrong, would Miss Nangong please enlighten me?"

Nangong Yun casually said: "Since you have already found a real expert, why let Ying Ying stay under that old man's tutelage? Isn't this letting other people see it as a joke! It's almost as if you are trying to insult the old man!"

Zhang Li Qing also nodded depressingly.

"Ah?"

Meng Qing Wu felt at a loss. Expert, what expert? Surely there wasn't any other person in Tian Nan City more formidable than Zhang Li Qing? Even if there was this kind of person, it was impossible for them to build connections with Nangong Commerce: "Your serious tone, I… don't understand."

"Ok, stop pretending! We already know!" Nangong Yun threw a heavy sack onto the floor, "This is the twelve thousand gold that I scraped from different places. For this money, I almost sold my underwear. Where is Meng Ying Ying? I want to invest, I want to buy shares, I want to work together with her!"

Nangong Yun wanted to invest with Meng Ying Ying?

The Nangong family clan was an exemplary military and political noble clan. A mercenary clan like the Ye family could never compare!

As the daughter of the city lord, Nangong Yun's position in Tian Nan City separated her from the rest. Not to mention about buying shares, just her words was enough to cause waves and put fear into numerous groups of power. You need to know that Nangong Yun was a real genius that has reached peak 9th rank Body Refinement at the age of 18. No one would want to go against someone that had a divine spirit.

Even Meng Qing Wu with her intelligence could not figure out this matter.

"This old man has come for this." Zhang Li Qing took out a scroll from his sleeve and handed it to Meng Qing Wu with both hands, "This is 'Rock Skin' talisman blueprint. I will give this to Nan Yun Commerce. I will not take any of the revenue that it generates. It will all belong to Nan Yun Commerce."

Once again, a huge meat pie fell from the sky.

Meng Qing Wu was shocked, her head pounding, as waves of dizziness swept through her.

Zhang Li Qing said with a smile: "If it weren't for Meng Ying Ying's help, how could this old man come up with such a perfect design? Just the fame generated is already terrifying, how would i still dare to seek more benefits from it? I think giving this to Nan Yun commerce is the most suitable. Please accept it, I only have a single request. I want to see Miss Meng Ying Ying as well as that erudite person."

"Hey, what will we do about my investment? You should give me a straight answer!"

Nang Gong Yun carelessly started to make noise.

"Please, please!" Meng Qing Wu was wiping sweat as she said: "Meng Ying Ying has just slept. Why don't you come in for tea while I go discuss this with Ying Ying before we give you an appropriate answer? Would this be fine?!"

"Of course there is no problem, in any case I don't have much to do today." Nang Gong Yun nodded her head: "However, I'll say the ugly words first. I almost had to sell even my underpants in order to raise money for this investment. If you don't give me face, then I will be very unhappy, and if I'm not happy, I will make many people be unhappy with me."

Meng Qing Wu's heart thumped. She had no choice but to smile along.

"Yes, Miss Nangong please come this way."

The two has been seated in the main hall.

Meng Qing Wu used the 100-meter sprinting speed to look for Meng Ying Ying. She pushed open the door without knocking.

This series of event was too abnormal. She must understand everything from start to finish.

The Meng Ying Ying that had no knowledge of what was going on outside was sleeping soundly.

Meng Ying Ying, stumbling, got up: "Did one day already pass?"

Meng Qing Wu urgently asked: "What happened yesterday? Quickly tell me!"

Meng Ying Ying honestly answered: "I was selling steak with Chu Tian. We then went to the alchemic market."

"Just that?"

"Yep, what?"

Meng Qing Wu described what has just happened: "Why does Elder Xiong want to become your disciple? Why does Nangong Yun want to invest? Why is Zhang Li Qing being so nice to us? What is happening?!"

"Ah? You already know! I wanted to hide this for a bit and give you a surprise. Since you already know, then I will tell you."

Meng Ying Ying jumped down from bed with bare feet, danced with joy and said: "What happened last night was more fulfilling than the previous ten years!"

Meng Ying Ying began to describe.

First sold steak and encountered thugs; then went to alchemy market, encountered the Ye family and got dragged into duel. Then defeated Ye Feng with Chu Tian's help and won 5000 gold.

"You didn't know!"

"When Ye Feng fiercely charged towards me, I Meng Ying Ying daxiaojie was calm and patient. I sent the stinky Ye Feng flying with just one kick!"

"JieJie, did you know? Everyone was shocked, they all see me in a new light now!"

Meng Ying Ying was still dancing, gesturing as she waltzed.

Meng Qing Wu held Meng Ying Ying's wrist and carefully felt it. She showed a shocked expression. All other things could be made up but only this could not. Meng Ying Ying had already reached the peak of 4th rank Body Refinement, same as her!

Meng Ying Ying brought out the crystal card, delightedly said: "This is my reward! Would the honourable JieJie please take a look!"

This is the crystal storage card designed for merchants. The card is standardized throughout the entire country, in order to give merchant, the convenience of not having to bring a large amount of gold everywhere. They could visit a bank that is established in all cities and retrieve the gold from there.

The minimum deposit amount for these crystal card is 1000 gold!

This crystal card actually had a massive deposit of 5000 gold!

Chu Tian, everything revolved around Chu Tian. That bastard is Chu Tian? He didn't lie? He really brought Meng Ying Ying to earn money. He really did take Meng Ying Ying out to a hotel, but they were only there to use the alchemy room!

From the beginning to the end, he was always helping Meng Ying Ying, yet she had misunderstood him without any cause or reason.

Meng Qing Wu distractedly sat down on the stool: "Where did you find this person?"

Meng Ying Ying smiled broadly, saying with a pleased expression: "I bought him!"

"Bought?"

"Formidable, right?"

Meng Ying Ying proudly raised her head; this was mostly likely the most powerful contribution she had made to her life within all the years she had lived. "I saved my allowance for half and year, and bought him from the slave market. Hey, by the way, where did this guy go, he didn't come look for me."

"This is bad, he…might have been so angered by me that he already ran out!"

"What?"

"Where does he live? Bring me there!"

"He lives in the small room by the kitchen!"

Meng Ying Ying hurriedly brought her sister to Chu Tian's small room.

The room was empty and deserted, Chu Tian had long before left without a trace!

Meng Ying Ying immediately became frantic, searching inside and out a few times without finding anything, "Where did he go!"

Meng Qing Wu felt extremely guilty: "Sorry, this was all my fault. I thought he was sinisterly plotting against you, so I said some heavy words. How would I know that he had such a big temper, I accidentally…accidentally stabbed and injured him…in anger he said he was going to leave, I don't know where he went?"

"What?" Meng Ying Ying's eyes immediately became moist, unable to help the tears gushing out: "He helped me to the best of his ability, yet we have treated him like this. Your actions have definitely broken his heart! Sister, how could you be like this, you didn't investigate clearly and treated a good person unjustly!"

I was just doing this for you.

Wasn't it just a temporary fit of anger?

Meng Qing Wu felt that her chest was stuffy. She was unable to say anything for a while. She looked at the leftover light bulbs, the inscribed pans and soup pots. She looked at air conditioning array in the wall and the automatic tea heating array.

Even though she didn't know what use these things had.

But she had already realized she had done something stupid.

The most stupid thing she had ever done in her life.

She had chased away an extraordinary talent, a genius sent from the heavens!

Meng Ying Ying felt very uncomfortable, but didn't have the heart to blame her sister. Looking at it from jiejie's perspective, she hadn't gone too overboard, she was only too caring for her. A combination of care and confusion, caused jiejie to have strained their relationship with Chu Tian.

"Chu Tian helped me to the best of his ability. In the end, he didn't get any thanks but instead was misunderstood. He must be very disappointed and heartbroken!"

Meng Ying Ying felt a sense of deep guilt and self-blame.

Chapter 16: Vicious Scheme

Vicious Scheme

What to do now?

Meng Qing Wu's dark brows consolidated, quickly thinking of a response to the situation: "I will think of a way to delay them. Chu Tian should not have gone far. Quickly find him and get him back."

This was the only option!

The two sisters split up the work.

Meng Qing Wu prepared a sumptuous banquet for the three important guests. Meng Ying Ying stationed people throughout the city to look for Chu Tian. Half a day passed without finding any traces of Chu Tian at all.

Meng Ying Ying came back full of disappointment: "Chu Tian is a resourceful person. If he really wanted to leave, there is no way we can bring him back."

Hearing this, Meng Qing Wu felt as if she wanted to cry. She felt aggrieved; even though her preconceived thoughts made her misunderstood him, but he had already gotten his revenge. Not only did he humiliate me, he also beat my bottom dozens of times. This body has never been touched by a man. Isn't that more than enough?

A man should be more open minded and not fuss over matter with a woman like me!

Her round bottom was still burning with pain, and the swelling still had yet to subside. This tells you how vicious the beating was!

He showed absolutely no compassion towards women!

Meng Ying Ying's mood was different from her sister. Her mind was full of gains and losses. She had average cultivation talent and wasn't very intelligent; aside from her beauty, she had nothing else that was outstanding. Since she was little, people had only looked at her with lust if not with disdain. When Ye Feng said that she was only a vase, she was very angry but she could not refute his words.

Chu Tian was heaven's gift to her.

Even though he was only with her for two days, but it had the most up and downs, was the most happy and fulfilling two days in her life.

This was the first time she felt that destiny could be changed. By standing on an air outlet, even pigs could fly.

This was the first time she felt a powerful sense of security. This sense of security was something not even someone like jiejie could provide.

Chu Tian was frivolous, arrogant, overbearing, and very very bad…yet Meng Ying Ying had a feeling that Chu Tian was definitely a good person that she could trust!

Even though it was only for two days, but a peculiar uncanny feeling had already germinated inside her heart.

Who would know that surprise came too sudden and left too sudden. She was caught by surprise and had no time to react. What was left was only the void and limitless regret and losses!

Will I never see him again?

Meng Ying Ying could not believe how depressed she was. It was as if there was a worm relentlessly biting her heart, causing her to suffer and tears to flow nonstop.

When Meng Qing Wu saw meimei's depressed expression, she felt even more regret and bitterness. A short moment of impulse had deeply hurt two people, no, it should be three, she was also a victim!

"Daxiaojie!"

"Daxiaojie!"

"There is big trouble!"

Housekeeper Zhao almost stumbled as he hastily rushed in.

Meng Qing Wu was already in a very passive state. What new trouble was there now?

Housekeeper Zhao was full of sweat: "The pharmacy is in trouble! There is mass poisoning among the customers. There is a large mob heading this way to seek an explanation from Nan Yun commerce!"

Meng Qing Wu was as if she had been struck by lightning: "How is this possible?"

Nan Yun commerce had invested a large amount of gold and made adequate preparations to enter the medicine market. Since the opening of the pharmacies, everything had been going smoothly and there had been no setbacks. But it was because everything was going too smoothly, Meng Qing Wu felt concerned there was going to be a scheme and had even told Meng Ying Ying about her premonitions.

That premonition of danger had become true!

Meng Ying Ying looked at jiejie with a worried expression: "What do we do?"

The outside was already filled with waves of angry cries.

"Treacherous business hurting citizens!"

"Treacherous business hurting citizens!"

"Meng Qing Wu, stop being a coward and come out!"

There were three important guests in the house while there is an angry mob just outside. Meng Qing Wu felt that she was stuck between a rock and a hard place, she said only to Meng Ying Ying: "This must be a scheme our enemy has set for us. You go to the hall to find Master Zhang Li Qing. Stay with them, you will be safe."

Meng Ying Ying anxiously asked: "What about jiejie?"

"I will take care of it, no need to worry about me." Meng Qing Wu called: "Captain Meng, bring some people. We will go take a look."

Meng Qing Wu did not make an immediate appearance. She observed from the inside for the time being.

The angry mob outside was all armed. There were soldiers, mercenaries, adventurers, and individual cultivators. Because the targeted customers of the pharmacy is all cultivators, the people they enrage when there is trouble in the pharmacy was also the group of people that had the most power.

At this time, Meng Qing Wu finally put all the pieces together. No wonder why everything in the pharmacy shop was going smoothly. Her enemy didn't plan to just harass her businesses at all, they thought of a vicious plan to use other's power to finish them off in one strike!"

"Treacherous trader, come out now!"

"My younger brother is in a coma, give me justice!"

Captain Meng came out first and unsheathed his long knife and deflected various stones and debris, shouted: "Quiet! Daxiaojie will explain clearly! What use is there shouting? Can this solve anything?"

Captain Meng was a well known warrior.

7th rank Body Refinement with strong combat strength. When he spoke up, everyone was a bit afraid.

"Meng Shan, you sure have the prestige."

Captain Meng looked over, his expression became abnormal and showed a hint of hatred. This was not just anyone, this was Han Shao Long, Meng Ying Ying's upperclassman, Zhang Li Qing's second disciple, the next in line leader of Black Water Commerce.

Other people were afraid of Captain Meng, but Han Shao Long was not one bit afraid, exclaiming: "Nan Yun pharmacy selling bad medicine has been uncovered. The Han family also has a few victims. Now that things already happened, I have come for justice and compensation. Meng Qing Wu does not even make an appearance and only sends out guards to suppress others, where is justice? Where is justice!"

This remark has riled up the mob's anger.

When the mob was about to get out of control.

"It is impossible for Nan Yun commerce's medicine to have problems."

A magnetic voice reached over. The voice was seductive yet dignified.

Meng Qing Wu slowly walked out. She wore snow white dress, waterfall-like black hair, noble, like a goddess descending to earth.

At the moment, even though she looked calm, her heart felt very unsettled. The incident was simply too big. The most terrifying thing was that she did not notice anything beforehand.

The ingredient source was reliable.

All the pharmacists were hired at a high price from outside the city.

Meng Qing Wu was always very cautious, it can almost be described as flawless!

Therefore, it was impossible for an outsider to poison the medicine. The only possibility left was that it was someone she was close to —— There was a deeply hidden spy within Nan Yun commerce. Because she understood this point, Meng Qing Wu felt a chill running through her body.

To not know who has betrayed her.

This person must be someone she trusts!

"Shameless treacherous merchant!"

"The truth is already in front of us, you still dare to deny!"

"Everyone, bring the sick here. Let the treacherous merchant see what unethical sin they have committed!"

From the crowd, more than one hundred sick had been brought up. Every single one was in a weak state. Their faces wore an unnatural gray black color, their body trembled and they sweated profusely. This was definitely the symptoms of serious poisoning.

Han Shao Long crossed his arms, righteously said: "This is only a small fraction of the victims. Almost everyone that has consumed the medicine from Nan Yun commerce in these two days showed symptoms of poisoning. The truth is already in front of our eyes, what more can you deny? Everyone, shouldn't we all get justice and compensation?"

"That's right!"

"We want justice and compensation!"

This was a long planned and well executed scheme!

"Everyone, please calm down." Meng Qing Wu knows that denying is useless now; it would have the opposite effect of angering the mob even more. She could only suppress her anger and bitterness, said: "There is something suspicious in this incident. Please believe me, believe in Nan Yun commerce. We will investigate this matter and give the victims compensation!"

"Compensation?"

"Can you even afford the compensations?"

"After we were poisoned, our cultivation has also seriously regressed!"

"We can't even find out what kind of poison we have been poisoned with. Even after you Nan Yun commerce has investigated clearly, we don't know how many people would have died already, yet you're still talking about compensation?"

This matter appeared to be more severe than they had imagined.

Because the poison could not be identified, this hints that the poison was carefully prepared to ensure that Nan Yun commerce cannot identify the poison. If you cannot identify the poison, how can you catch the culprit? In addition, because you don't even know the poison used, how can you treat the victims? The situation will continue to escalate and ultimately get out of control!

TN: And we'll be lucky to live through it.

"My brother bought a bottle of healing water. The poison took effect during his mission and he was killed by magic beasts." A man with a face full of beard charged out from the crowd with a steel axe in his hands, angrily shouted: "You treacherous scoundrels, return my brother's life!"

Captain Meng roared: "Get out!"

The long knife blocked the steel axe. Captain Meng's magic power directly knocked his opponent off the ground and immediately followed up with an midair kick to send him back into the crowd.

Captain Meng wielded the long knife while standing besides Meng Qing Wu: "Whoever dares to hurt daxiaojie, don't blame me for being rude!"

Han Shao Long caught the bearded man, immediately shouted: "Treacherous scoundrels do not give any explanation but instead attack others!"

"Fight with them to death!"

"Kill the treacherous scoundrels!"

"Knock down the evil business!"

Meng Qing Wu blankly stared at the angry mob, her face paling until it was stark white….it was over, everything was over, after this matter had passed over, even with the best possible outcome, Nan Yun commerce's good name would be permanently ruined.

With one step wrong, everything was lost!

Her years of painstaking efforts to operate, were like treading on thin ice, extremely cautious. In the end, the result was still being sabotaged, the commerce disintegrating into pieces within moments.

Meng Qing Wu suddenly had a deep feeling of exhaustion.

She was really already very tired.

"Please be quiet." Meng Qing shouted, her two eyes containing tears. She walked forward two steps, standing in front of everybody. Her heart filled with a thousand tastes of different emotions. She used a firm and strong voice to say, "I am again saying it again. Nan Yun Commerce will compensate for all losses, please believe me, even if I bring my family to ruin, I will still compensate you. Housekeeper Zhao!"

Housekeeper Zhao haltingly walked to face his female master.

Meng Qing Wu ordered: "First take out all the cash the commerce has as the first batch of compensation. In addition, mortgage all the real estate of the commerce at all costs. Compensate for the losses of all the victims first!"

"Daxiaojie, this will dissolve the commerce!" Housekeeper Zhao's old tears flowed freely, "There is no need to do this, this wasn't our fault! Scheme! It's all a scheme!"

Meng Qing Wu laughed miserably.

It was a scheme, but did that information have any use?

This time, the other side had made careful and thorough preparations, they had confidence that she would not be able to trace this back to them. Also, the culprit was very likely to be a person on the inside, so even if this incident was cleared up, Nan Yun Commerce would also be accused of not being able to manage their people properly, and would still have to take on a lot of responsibility.

Moreover, after a despicable matter like this had happened, even if Nan Yun Commerce was spared and lived on, would a commerce that had lost its reputation still have a chance of expanding?

Housekeeper Zhao's whole body shook: "When master and madame had just started trying to make a living from place to place, this old servant had been following by their sides. Toiling and struggling for dozens of years, I watched as Nan Yun commerce build up and expand with my own eyes. Six years ago, the master and madame encountered a calamity, this servant should have been buried alive with the dead, yet this was worried about the commerce, after all, this was their life's effort! As of today, the commerce is gone; there is no need for me to continue to drag on an ignoble existence, I will fight it out with these despicable and vile scumbags!"

"Elder Zhao, no!"

Housekeeper Zhao pounced towards Han Shao Long. Meng Qing Wu tried to stop him but it was too late. An arrow shot from the crowd, directly running through the old man's chest.

"Elder Zhao!" Meng Qing Wu disregarded Captain Meng's attempt to bar her way and threw herself onto the old man's body. Her two hands were quickly dyed red with blood. She looked at the surrounding crowd, her face already filled with tears: "I am already willing to let go of everything, you have won, you have already won, why would you do this! Why!"

Han Shao Long laughed loudly, "Meng Qing Wu, are you actually stupid or just pretending to be dumb, did you really think just compensating for the losses was enough? Brother Wang, please tell her!"

A man wearing a senior military officer's armor walked out, first raising a badge up high: "I am Tian Nan city's investigation team's captain Wang An!"

Wang An spoke with a sense of justice: "This incident has involved a large number of victims, the impact was extremely odious. According to the country's law and the commerce regulations, if Meng Qing Wu, as the head of the commerce, cannot uncover the truth, then she will bear the responsibility and be treated as the accomplice. She exiled and sentenced to hard labor for life at the borders. All her family and relatives will become comfort women and military slaves."

So vicious!

Meng Qing Wu would be branded and exiled.

Meng Ying Ying would be reduced to a comfort woman.

Could it be they are this ruthless?

"Damn it!" At this time, a sound that carried the oppressiveness of a large bell came from inside the house. It contained an endless amount of rage, "Who the hell wants to send my master to become a comfort woman? You simply have a death wish! First eat laozi's punches!"

TN: 老子/LaoZi is a term with many meanings.

1) It is the name of a famous ancient chinese philosopher.

2) It means father.

3) It is used to refer to oneself, showing contempt for the spoken to or used jokingly.

Context here: This is a term that only men uses to refer to themselves. The female usually uses 老娘/LaoNiang instead of LaoZi. But because of how overbearing Nangong Yun is, she actually uses LaoZi to refer to herself.

A strong wave of intimidating pressure abruptly invaded.

The audience all felt their chests became heavy, even their bodies had no way to move.

The captain that had just before been spouting words of righteousness and cause was suddenly hit by the red shadow of a fist. He was immediately thrown out more than ten meters, his whole body's tendons and bones smashed to pieces. He didn't even have the chance to make a sound before he immediately died on the spot.

Han Shao Long's facial expression changed greatly: "You dare! You dare to sneak attack and kill an officer in broad daylight!"

At this time the familiar voice of a girl passed over: "The one surnamed Han, cheating your teacher, making up lies, you sure have guts!"

"Nangong Yun?"

Three people gradually walked out.

One was a flaming hot beauty with cascading red hair, wearing a red dress and high-heeled boots.

One was a thirty-year old brawny man near two meters tall, with a thick and bulky physique just

like a bear.

The last was a plain and ordinary looking white-haired old man.

When Han Shao Long saw Zhang Li Qing, it was as if he had seen a ghost. His facial expression immediately changed: "T…Teacher!"

Chapter 17: Turning the Tide

Turning the Tide

What kind of a figure was Zhang Li Qing?

He clearly understood the cause and effect of the matter in an instant. After Southern Cloud Commerce had met with calamity and lost grounds six years ago, it was exactly then the Ye family supported the Blackwater Commerce, allowing them to rapidly expand. Blackwater Commerce and Southern Cloud Commerce's major products were both talismans. The conflict between the two had basically never stopped these past years .

Blackwater Commerce's sphere of influence increasingly grew, especially with the strong Ye family's support. After Southern Cloud Commerce had run up against bitter setbacks, it had become a second-rate commerce. Without a strong backing, the two commerces weren't even enemies on the same level.

Meng Qing Wu was not a simple person. She shouldered huge pressures and stood firmly for six years. Under her leadership, not only did Southern Cloud Commerce not collapse, it stabilized and grew despite being put under huge pressure.

Meng Qing Wu was someone with ambition; she wished Southern Cloud Commerce could regain its former splendor. But she knows very well that Southern Cloud Commerce could not directly confront the influential Blackwater Commerce without a strong backing; so she picked a different path. She invested large sum of gold and spent half a year to complete arrangements to enter the pharmaceutical market.

She carefully prepared for half a year. But for such a big incident to occur only two weeks after opening; how was that even possible?

Impossible!

They had definitely been framed!

When Han Shao Long had purposely mislead him into expelling Meng Ying Ying the day before yesterday, his motive was to split apart any relationship between him and the Meng family. When this series of events all connected together, Zhang Li Qing was positive that the Han family had definitely participated in this scheme.

Zhang Li Qing doesn't pay attention to the fights between businesses, but the situation was different this time around. It involved Meng Ying Ying, it involved Chu Tian and more importantly, it involved his own life. At the same time, the poisoning incident affected too many people; there were too many victims. Confrontation between business could not be more normal, harming citizen is simply unforgivable.

In any case, he had to interfere!

Han Shao Long was surprised and bewildered. He wasn't sure which side Zhang Li Qing stood on: "Why would you appear here?"

Zhang Li Qing coldly looked at him: "From today onward, our master-disciple relationship is severed. The academic community doesn't need any youth who is cruel with wild ambitions. I especially don't need a student that schemes in the dark!"

Han Shao Long's facial expression changed dramatically!

The famous talisman crafter Zhang Li Qing had just banished his second disciple in front of the whole crowd!

What was going on?

Zhang Li Qing used increasingly harsh tones: "If you don't stop trying to start a fire, then don't blame me for being rude."

Han Shao Long showed an embarrassed face. After all the planning and scheming, he did not foresee that Zhang Li Qing would appear!

There was also Xiong Tian Yan and Nangong Yun. Why were all these important figures here together with Meng Qing Wu? He hadn't known any of this in advance!

"Old Zhang, you are trying to commit a great mistake!" Another hoarse old voice could be heard coming from the crowd, "Your many years of credibility were not easily earned. I suggest you don't get involved with this mess; you might bring yourself to ruin, losing everything in your remaining life!"

Xiong Tian Yan's big bear face stiffened. He humphed, "Li Chang Yun? Since you are here, stop being enigmatic and come out!"

A very lean old man walked out, his skin tight against his body, with very little white hair. On the outside he looked merely around fifty years old, but in fact he was already seventy. He wore an extremely exquisite and luxurious embroidered robe, his hand grasping a violet gold cast snakehead long staff. On his finger he wore a few flashing and expensive rings. His hair had been brushed back strand by strand, looking extremely noble and befitting of his status.

Comparatively, Zhang Li Qing was like an old and slovenly man from the countryside.

Tian Nan City Alchemy Association's president!

Tian Nan City Scrivener Guild's guild master!

The clashing of these two leading figures exceeded everyone's expectation!

Zhang Li Qing's expression turned serious. For Li Chang Yun to be here not only served to hold down Zhang Li Qing, it also carried a deeper meaning. Li Chang Yun was someone the Ye family had paid a lot of tributes to and he could be considered their visiting elder. In a sense, Li Chang Yun was a member of the Ye family. For him to appear here, means that the Ye family was also involved in this incident.

Southern Cloud Commerce was in danger!

"Xiong Tian Yan, I will deal with you sooner or later on the matter with my disciple." Li Chang Yun glared at Xiong Tian Yan before turning his attention back to Zhang Li Qing, "Old Zhang, I advise you to cherish your reputation. The Southern Cloud Commerce committed such a grave sin. Heaven is enraged, the people demand justice, as the representative of the alchemist association, I naturally have to interfere in this matter."

Li Chang Yun laughed coldly, continuing on: "You excel in talisman crafting, but are you better than me in alchemy? Even I can't diagnose what poison it is this time. If you keep speaking nonsense, I'm afraid you will regret it!"

How could Zhang Li Qing not understand Li Chang Yun's implication?

If Li Chang Yun as president of Tian Nan city Alchemist Association could not diagnose the poison, then no one else in Tian Nan city could diagnose the poison. If the victim's poison could not be diagnosed, then how could the victim be treated? According to the law, if Meng Qing Wu cannot find the culprit; then as the commerce's leader, she would have to become the scapegoat!

If Zhang Li Qing were to back Meng Qing Wu, then his reputation would be ruined!

As thought!

These people were well prepared.

Even the type of poison used was carefully selected.

Zhang Li Qing remained unfazed: "All the contributions the Ye family paid you had worn away your integrity. Your soul is only filled with greed and thoughts of luxury. If we as scholars do not have the demeanor and integrity, then how will we ever seek out the truth? I will interfere in this matter for sure! I will not rest until I find the truth!"

Xiong Tian Yan roared: "Nicely put! This old bear will also interfere!"

Nangong Yun followed: "This lady will make sure the culprit wish they were dead!"

Three people that happened to meet here by chance bid their honor to help her seek justice. This is a big honor! Meng Qing Wu is very moved, but she knows very well that the three stood on her side mainly because of Chu Tian.

When she thought of Chu Tian, she sunk back into a deep feeling of regret.

It would be nice if that bastard didn't leave. He could protect Ying Ying better than this useless jiejie.

Li Chang Yun fiercely struck the floor with his long staff: "This old fellow will leave you these words, this poison has no cure, no one in Tian Nan city can cure it! Those fail to recognize their error will only be buried alive. Just watch!"

Zhang Li Qing's heart sank.

Li geezer was full of confidence, perhaps this time there really was trouble!

"Who said no one can dispel the poison? That old fart is just incompetent!" However, it was just at this time that a frivolous voice sounded out from the audience: "Move aside, move aside, let me through!"

"Chu Tian! Chu Tian, is it you?" Meng Ying Ying opened her eyes wide in disbelief.

Chu Tian uneasily pushed himself through the crowd, thievish smiled at Meng Ying Ying: "Of course is me, who else could it be?"

Meng Qing Wu was stunned.

This bastard…didn't he want to leave? Why is he back!

Meng Ying Ying could not hold back her tears, directly threw herself into his embrace in excitement: "How could you leave without saying anything! I thought I would never find you!"

Chu Tian patted the missy's shoulder: "You stupid, my contract is still with you, how could I leave? If you were to destroy the contract, then I would be finished!"

Meng Ying Ying finally remembered that Chu Tian was a slave and the contract was still with her. Her tears turned to smile: "Even you have something you are afraid of? But don't worry, I won't use the contract against you! Where did you go? I couldn't find you anywhere!"

"My leg is injured so I went to buy some medicine at the shop and then took a nap." Chu Tian observed the surroundings, "But then again, for something this big to happen right when I come back really caught me by surprise! Who is this ugly old fart?"

Chu Tian can back her up!

The missy immediately regained her strength!

Meng Ying Ying acted like a bullied child, angrily complaining to her parent: "He is Li Chang Yun!"

Li Chang Yun held back his rage. He was very confident in his reputation. There wasn't anyone in Tian Nan city that did not know him. Wouldn't this child just wet himself after he finds out my identity?

Who knew that Chu Tian only shook his head: "I already said before, the president of the Alchemist Association isn't even worthy to be my lackey, looks like I am right. Trash like you is less than even Xiong Tian Yan. I think you should quickly resign your position and retire early!"

Li Chang Yun was enraged: "Cheeky brat! All boasts! Just for that, this old man shall kill you right now!"

"With President Li's age, why would you need to get mad at a junior?" Zhang Li Qing understood Chu Tian's personality Old Li's cultivation was not weak, so he wasn't sure of being able to stop them while he had poison in his body. Zhang Li Qing was fearful of Chu Tian angering Li Chang Yun, "Little teacher, can you diagnose what kind of poison these people have?"

Li Chang Yun coldly laughed, saying "You have lived for several tens of years in vain; you would believe the mad ravings of a mere boy?"

Chu Tian directly said to Li Chang Yun: "You are just a frog in a well! Like you would know shit!"

Li Chang Yun's face turned ghastly pale: "What did you say?"

Chu Tian directly drove his words back: "I said, you are already lived several decades old fart. You are pedantic and old fashioned. Only abusing your power in this small meager city, did you really think you were an important figure? In reality you are less than a piece of shit!"

"What? Why are your eyes glaring so hard? Not convinced? Humph! Self proclaimed number one alchemist in Tian Nan city, what a bold statement! Laozi will leave these words here. If I can identify the poison, will you bow and kowtow before me, or silently leave this city?!"

Li Chang Yun's clenched fist started making crackling sound: "You are the first in Tian Nan city to talk to me like this. Fine, if you can diagnose the the poison, then this old fellow will forget what happen just now. Else, I will forever shut that annoying mouth of years!"

"No need to diagnose, it is Styx River Water!"

Han Shao Long's pupil immediately contracted. Li Chang Yun also showed a hint of surprise.

Xiong Tian Yan finally realized, said while in admiration: "After being poisoned with Styx River Water, the poison fuses together with the magic power inside the body. It consumes the magic power, causing the regress in cultivation. The poison is colorless and odorless. When it is mixed in water, it will not react with any other ingredients, therefore hard to diagnose. After the poison enters the bloodstream, it becomes virtually impossible to detect, therefore making it hard to diagnose. Also Styx River Water is extremely rare, normal people would not even think of it."

"Talking pure nonsense! Are you trying to fool this old man, or trying to fool the public?" Li Chang Yun coldly laughed: "There is no way to detect Styx River Water poisoning. Actually using a kind of poison that no one knows how to detect, what grounds are you basing this on!"

Han Shao Long said in a even angrier tone: "He is a person from the Meng family. I suspect he is trying to get these treacherous traders out of trouble. These people should be hacked to death by a thousand knives!"

The people started to reveal angry facial expressions one after another.

"Ignorant to the extreme!" Chu Tian rudely added, "Styx River Water corrodes elemental power, causing harm to cultivators; so it has no use whatsoever on ordinary people. You only have to inquire a bit into whether the ordinary citizens have been poisoned; that will be enough evidence to tell. If you still don't believe, then you can experiment the poisonous medicine on a convict to see! If the poison is not Styx River Water, I will cut off my head to let you kick as a ball!"

Xiong Tian Yan's fierce-looking face twitched, said with enthusiasm: "Styx River Water serves purely as a poison. It is very rare and extremely expensive; more expensive than most of the drugs on the market by ten times. No pharmacy would ever use this kind of thing, and even if Southern Cloud Commerce's executives were stupid, they could not possibly put large amounts of Styx River Water into their own medicine. Therefore, this was not a problems with the materials nor an alchemy accident!"

Nang Gong Yun nodded her head: "This is a premeditated poisoning, one hundred percent intended!"

The crowd all started to not know what to believe.

Han Shao Long saw that the situation wasn't favorable, immediately shouted: "You are trying to confuse the public! Even if for the moment we don't talk about whether the poisoning was premeditated, Southern Cloud Commerce still needs to take responsibility for not supervising their people properly!"

"Right! Thats right!"

"Stop dreaming of washing the black-hearted commerce's face clean!"

"If the real poisoner is not found, Meng Qing Wu has to take responsibility for the whole matter!"

"Hold your horses, hold your horses, in fact, I have already found the culprit." Chu Tian lifted his hand to point at the person standing next to Meng Qing Wu: "It's you, Captain Meng!"

Chapter 18: Finding the Real Culpri

Finding the Real Culprit

Meng Qing Wu's body shook from head to toe!

Even though she had already guessed that the culprit was one of her trusted aides, but she could not have thought or could not believe that it was the loyal Captain Meng that had followed her for over seven years!

Seven years ago, Meng Shan, escaping from his enemies with his weak wife and child, was accepted into the still influential Southern Cloud Commerce. Meng Shan did not shine in either talent or strength so he could only serve as a regular guard. Soon afterward, Southern Cloud Commerce faced its biggest calamity. When the tree falls, the monkeys scatter, all its employees and talents left. Only Meng Shan stayed behind and assisted Meng Qing Wu to journey over the hard times.

Was it really possible for someone that had shared joys and sorrows, someone who was upright and affectionate, to become a traitor?

Meng Ying Ying also did not completely believe, as Captain Meng's loyalty towards jiejie was unquestionable. He had saved jiejie in critical periods several times. If he wanted to harm the commerce, he did not have to wait until today to do it.

"Non…Nonsense!" Meng Shan's face showed a surprised expression, revealing a barely restrained panic: "In Southern Cloud Commerce, there is no one who doesn't know that I am completely loyal and devoted to daxiaojie, why would I try to harm her! If you can't bring out the evidence, don't make unfounded and slanderous charges!"

Chu Tian said: "The evidence that could have been destroyed naturally was destroyed, but some evidence cannot be destroyed. For example, highly concentrated Styx River Water is a volatile liquid that easily evaporates. In the process of using highly concentrated of Styx River Water, it is impossible to prevent the inhaling some of its poisonous gas."

As if he had been reminded of something, Captain Meng's body started to slightly shake.

Chu Tian gently sighed: "Because the poison is very mild, at most one would only feel a slight discomfort, so one would not pay special attention to it. However, what you have not noticed is that when the poison Styx River Water vapor has condensed, it will leave some light gray marks on the body. In addition, Styx River Water's intrinsic quality is one of a darkness type material; the blackness on your fingers is the proof of contact with dark-type materials. Am I right?"

Freak!

This young man really was a freak!

Why did he even know such a thing?

Xiong Tian Yan walked over: "Let me see."

Captain Meng tried to resist: "Move away! I don't have it!"

Nangong Yun launched herself up and kicked away like a long knife. Xiong Tian Yan took the opportunity to demonstrate his grappling abilities, easily restraining Captain Meng's two hands. They first examined his ten fingers, "The ten fingers are stained black, this definitely is the effect of coming into contact with dark materials!"

Xiong Tian Yan opened up Meng Shan's armor and saw that there were dense needle-sized gray spots scattered on his chest and back: "Ironclad evidence, still dare to quibble?!"

Meng Shan's face turned as white as a sheet of paper.

Over, its all over.

"It really was you?" Meng Qing Wu's body trembled: "I thought you were a honest man who put weight in affections and righteousness; I thought you were someone that would not sway in front of money. Tell me….why did you do this?"

"That's right!" Captain Meng's eyes were filled with a desire for vengeance and regret: "I poisoned the medicine!"

Everyone was stunned.

Everyone thought that Captain Meng would continue to make excuses, who would know that he admitted to it so easily!

"The one surnamed Meng!"

"You won't die in peace!"

"..."

Meng Shan looked at the angry mob. His eyes were filled with hopelessness and a hint of relief. At first he felt he was a bit lucky, but he knew he was finished from the moment he had been saw through.

Han Shao Long showed a panicked and frightened expression, quickly saying: "Meng Shan, how much did these treacherous merchants give you? Is it worth to take the blame?! Don't forget, you have a wife and child! If you die, what will happen to them?"

Meng Shan broke into a frenzied laughter: "Ha ha ha ha, wife and child, you dare to speak about them in front of me… … Release me! Release me! Please let me go!"

Meng Qing Wu nodded toward Xiong Tian Yan.

After Meng Shan was released, his eyes showed determination: "Southern Cloud Commerce's kindness towards me carries as much weight as a mountain in my heart. Even if I die, I will not betray daxiaojie, but…"

Meng Shan's hand trembled as he reached for a small cloth bag in his clothes. Inside of the bag were a few bloody fingers. He cried out with a hoarse voice: "Five days ago, my wife and child were kidnapped. These swines used my wife and child to threaten me! At first I didn't help them with their scheme, but they sent me one of their cut-off fingers each day to torture me! Damned swine, you won't die in peace!"

Han Shao Long's face changed dramatically: "Think about the consequences before you speak!"

Meng Shan's eyes were bloodshot, he angrily pointed at Han Shao Long, exhaustly jeered: "Han Shao Long, I am talking about you! Come at me if you have the ability, why torture my wife and child! They are only normal people! They are only normal people!"

Shua!

Countless stares focused on Han Shao Long.

Han Shao Long took a step back from fright: "Slander! You slanderer!"

Meng Shan turned around and kneel on the ground and kowtowed three times toward Meng Qing Wu: "Daxiaojie, the poison was given to me by Han Shao Long! I have committed a grave sin and do not want to drag out my miserable existence in this world. I don't have the dignity to face you anymore! For proving that I am not lying, for proving that Southern Cloud Commerce is innocent, for the innocent people that have died, I can only ask for forgiveness with death!"

Meng Shan raised his palm after he finished speaking.

"Don't!"

Meng Qing Wu hurried to stop him but it was too late. Meng Shan heavily struck his chest, the arteries and veins in his heart immediately shattering. He spewed out a large mouthful of blood, falling to the ground face-up.

Meng Ying Ying screamed in horror: "Captain Meng! Captain Meng!"

Meng Qing Wu hurried over to hold him up: "I know you are forced into this, why take this on yourself!"

"My wife and child, my everything…is over, everything is over...." Meng Shan's eyes was opened widely before it started to slack. His breath was heavy, his face filled with vengeance and regret, "I know, I was too selfish. I did not think….the consequence was this heavy! I did not know, they are this vicious!"

Meng Shan's consciousness began to blur. He said with his last breath: "Everything is my own fault…If my wife and child by any chance have survived, please let them go!"

"Daxiaojie, I'm sorry! Sorry! Sorr…."

Meng Shan knew, that no matter how much he spoke, he could not make up for even a thousandth of what he had done. A single tear rolled out of the corner of his eyes as he left this world, taking with him unending regret, pain, and bitterness.

Zhang Li Qing was very sad: "If he had known it would come to this, he would have acted differently."

Housekeeper Zhao had died.

Captain Meng had died.

When she saw Meng Shan's face that was full of bitterness and remorse, without peace even in death, Meng Qing Wu's mood sank to an extreme depression, mumbling to herself: "Rest in peace, if your wife and son are still alive, I will help you take care of them for sure."

"Han, Shao, Long!"

"You dirty swine!"

Countless angry eyes turned to him at almost the same time!

Han Shao Long pointed at Chu Tian: "Can you guys not see? The profiteers are obviously trying to use their own slave and a guard to act out a ruse of intentionally injuring themselves! Don't be tricked! The Han family has also suffered, many of our clan members have been poisoned. How this matter could be related to us is beyond me! It's definitely Southern Cloud Commerce who wants to shift blame onto others!"

Zhang Li Qing angrily said: "Han Shao Long, under this circumstances, you still won't admit, have you really taken all these people for idiots?"

"Words cannot be spoken like this." Li Chang Yun used a tone dripping with sarcasm to say: "Personally, I think young master Han's words are not without reason. Ladies and gentlemen, why don't you think for a moment, this is a poison that not even I can identify; he is a mere slave only in his teens, where did all his so-called knowledge and ability come from? Is this not worth doubting? Even if he started learning alchemy when he was in his mother's womb, he could not have such a great understanding towards the characteristics of Styx River Water! I believe that there is something queer about this matter! I suggest that we first close up Southern Cloud Commerce, lock up the suspect Meng Qing Wu, investigate the matter clearly, and then make the decisions."

Li Chang Yun's standing in the eyes of the people was very high.

The crowd started to hesitate.

Han Shao Long breathed a sigh of relief: "Thank you, great master. I am of course innocent. How could I be almost framed by them!"

Han Shao Long had realized.

This Chu Tian with an unknown origin is the real threat!

Must think of an idea to get rid of this guy!

Han Shao Long had a change of mind, immediately directing the spearhead towards Chu Tian: "You cheap slave! Admit honestly! How much did these treacherous traders give you to frame me?"

"One is a discord-sowing old dog, other is a shit-spewing dumbass!" Chu Tian maintained his calm and collective image, as if everything was in his control. He did not lose his rationality from the other's provocation: "Captain Meng used his death to testify against you yet you say that I was the one who framed you, doesn't everyone think this is a joke?"

He actually called Master Li Chang Yun an old dog in front of so many people?

Li Chang Yun naturally became enraged, murderous intent beginning to surface in his mind: "Kid, I already repeatedly put up with you but you keep pushing your luck. You must know that careless words carry consequences."

"We have all heard it! This lowly servant actually dares to be this savage and goes so far as to insult even the great master Li Chang Yun? A thousand punishments would not be enough to atone for his crime!" Han Shao Long took the opportunity to speak out: "You are the kind of person whose death would not be regretted, yet great master Li Chang Yun has displayed exemplary conduct worthy of his noble character and is not willing to bother raising a fuss about this. But you have defiled my innocence and integrity, I cannot let you off no matter what!"

Chu Tian could clearly see Han Shao Long's intent: "What do you want?"

Han Shao Long eloquently said: "I want to fight you one on one. A fair fight to the death. I will use your blood to wash away my injustice! Do you dare?!"

Duel?

"You are at the fourth rank of Body Refinement, I am at the third rank; you are already over twenty years old, I am only seventeen; you found yourself bested in argument and so you want to use force to suppress me. This is really a good and fair life-and-death duel!"

"Do you not dare? Then bow down to me and apologize, confess that I'm innocent!"

"No no no, you insisted on a fight, how could I not have the decency to accompany you?"

When Han Shao Long listened up to here, he immediately revealed an expression of glee: "Trash like you, I only need one move to defeat!"

Chu Tian shrugged his shoulders, saying: "Those words I will return to you, I will also only need one move."

One move?

The audience were all shocked!

The difference between the amounts of magic power of a third and a fourth stage Body Refinement cultivator was tremendous!

A fourth rank Body Refinement cultivator defeating a third rank Body Refinement cultivator was only normal. After all, there is great disparity in power between the two. But for a third rank to defeat a fourth rank in one move? That was something practically impossible!

Xiong Tian Yan wanted to prevent the fight.

Nangong Yun shook her head: "Han Shao Long is no more than a foppish disciple, even though he has the cultivation of Body Refinement fourth rank, he lacks real combat experience. Even though Chu Tian has bragged a little excessively, I believe that he will not lose."

"I'll see how you continue to be so rampant!" Han Shao Long's hands abruptly flicked out, generating a light detonating sound. "I'll first cripple your two arms!"

Divine Falcon Talon!

TN#2: psst…it's actually a 🐔 😉

TN#1: ^ implied that it was Divine Cock Talon

This was a very quick and forceful martial art; Han Shao Long had bitterly trained for many years, already mastering his skill to perfection – his speed was fast and his attack was powerful. Used with the power of his fourth rank Body Refinement cultivation, one hit was enough to cause the opponent to become crippled!

Chu Tian closed his eyes, remaining unmoved, discreetly condensing magic power. His right fist slightly glowing with magic power. At the moment when Han Shao Long's sharp talons were right in front of him.

His eyes opened!

At this moment, it was as if Chu Tian became a different person. He no longer wore a lazy, sluggish, and cynical appearance. Instead, he was like a sword, a sword drawn out of the scabbard, a sword with the desire to kill!

Han Shao Long's heart thumped!

Han Shao Long had a fearful premonition, just as if he was the prey that was being stalked by the hunter. This caused all the fine hair on his body to stand straight up, even his blood was frozen.

Impossible!

A meager third rank Body Refinement cultivator.

How could he create such a strong pressure?

Han Shao Long gritted his teeth: "I won't believe that you are able to block my attack, go die!"

Chu Tian was like a butterfly flying through the flowers, stepping forward with extreme elegance, letting Han Shao Long's attack dissolve into nothing in the moment. Han Shao Long's chest was exposed in front of his fist.

"Collapsing Punch!"

Chu Tian's heavy strike exploded, creating a strong blast of shockwave that sent Han Shao Long flying like a kite with its string broken. A couple of his bones immediately broke and he heavily smashed onto the ground.

"You..."

Han Shao Long struggled to stand up.

Bang!

A foot pinned his head to the ground.

"You're so weak it's pitiful, unable to withstand even a single blow. In the end, look who is trash!" Chu Tian's clothes were still making crackling noises under the trembling of the magic power. His gaze was as sharp as knives and as cold as ice. His gaze fixed on the Han Shao Long lying on the ground. He looked down at him from above: "Do you have any final words?"

The crowd was astonished!

The youth's extremely frivolous and overbearing attitude shook people to their core!

He had really achieved it, with only the power of the third rank of Body Refinement, he had defeated an opponent at the fourth rank of Body Refinement with a single move. He achieved victory without breaking a sweat, without any suspense, and without any pressure. It gave people a feeling that perhaps Chu Tian was an expert secretly hiding his power, and Han Shao Long was no more than a dunce that had no idea of death or danger!

Li Chang Yun slightly wrinkled his brows. This youngster was really not ordinary, what kind of background did he have? Could it be he was some major superpower's core disciple?

A slave?

Impossible!

This personality, this talent, these abilities, how could he be a slave?

A genius definitely does not appear out of thin air, yet before, Chu Tian was completely unknown. This seemed extremely mysterious and strange, causing Li Chang Yun to become hesitant about what to do next.

The audience also saw Chu Tian in a new light.

You say he's a slave?

What a joke!

A young person who could easily defeat opponents with higher cultivation than him would definitely get focal treatment no matter which power he joins. How could he be a mere servant for a small commerce like Southern Cloud?

Chu Tian's one fist that destroyed Han Shao Long also destroyed the argument that he was a slave!