The Aura of Righteousness

"Yang is currently questioning these ruffians. Might I inquire as to the purpose of your visit, Master Hu? Could it be that you share some undisclosed connection with these scoundrels?" Yang Fan's words dripped with a cold sarcasm, infused with a hint of competitive spirit. The insinuation was unmistakable.

The townsfolk surrounding them exchanged wary glances, their expressions tinged with skepticism. Hu's appearance was indeed too coincidental, arriving just as one of the ruffians was on the verge of divulging the identity of their hidden benefactor.

"Ha ha ha! How mistaken you are, Young Master Yang! These individuals are merely residents of Wuliu Town. Though they often lead idle lives, you are neither a magistrate nor a constable; what right do you have to interrogate them?" Hu waved his feathered wand lightly, his smile blooming like a flower in the spring sun.

The seasoned trickster that he was, Hu deftly sidestepped the moral argument, instead invoking the laws of the mundane world. In this realm of common folk, even low-level cultivators like them were still bound by societal rules. Of course, how much misdeed one could commit in private was of little concern to the law, and any charlatanry aimed at swindling the gullible was beyond the scrutiny of righteous practitioners—unless it led to some grand scandal.

"The truth lies in the hearts of the people... these ruffians wreak havoc in the town, and the townsfolk despise them." Yang paused, his demeanor unyielding yet composed. "However, since Master Hu is interceding on their behalf, I shall temporarily spare them. As for the so-called mastermind behind this, I shall let it slide, for I trust the townspeople can discern the truth for themselves..."

A faint smile graced Yang's lips as he tactfully turned the tables on Hu, placing the mantle of protector over the ruffians squarely on him. Any discerning mind present would surely draw a connection between Hu and the unseen puppeteer.

Yet, Hu had already cultivated a considerable reputation within the town. For many of the fixed-minded townsfolk, he had ascended to the status of a deity. Thus, Yang had no intention of attempting to topple him all at once—such ambition would be impractical.

"How dare you slander my name!" 

A flicker of shadow passed through Hu's eyes before a cold smirk replaced it. "I had heard that Young Master Yang was the first genius of the Yang family in the south. I wonder what led you to return to this mundane world to run a clinic and compete with me for scraps."

By referencing Yang's past decline, Hu sought to strike at the young man's vulnerable psyche. 

"The title of first genius of the Yang family? Just empty words, hardly worth mentioning! Yet you, Sir, forsake your cultivation to engage in sorcery and hoodwink the people—only to further confuse the simple folk. Such tactics only serve to bring ridicule upon your fellow practitioners," Yang countered, exuding an air of calm confidence. His words resonated with genuine composure, free from the veneer of deceit.

In contrast, Hu's expression darkened as Yang's resolute tone subtly invoked the forces of nature, lending him an intangible authority. In the subtle dance of power, Yang had the upper hand.

"Very well! Are you implying that you look down upon us, these wandering cultivators? If that is indeed the case, let us duel and reveal our true strengths in the arena!" 

Hu chuckled mockingly, his feathered wand twirling in his grasp, conjuring a chilling gust that swept through the crowd, leaving the townsfolk in awe and trepidation.

"You were just speaking of mundane laws, yet now you wish to settle matters with violence?" Yang shook his head, a weary sigh escaping his lips. "I regret to inform you, I cannot comply with your unjust demand."

Though both men were on par in cultivation, Yang was confident in his chances of victory. Defeating a mere rogue would be child's play, especially considering he had recently overwhelmed two seasoned practitioners of the fourth layer of qi training. However, Yang's current ambition lay in entering the world of cultivation as a mere pharmacist, which would inadvertently diminish the threat he posed in the eyes of his enemies.

Should the world learn that this pharmacist was not only an unparalleled healer but also a force to be reckoned with, those lurking adversaries—like the Yang family from the capital—would surely stifle his growth before it even began.

"You dare to..." Hu faltered for a moment, then broke into a series of derisive chuckles. "If that is your stance, what right do you have to disdain us wandering cultivators?"

"Allow me to clarify," Yang declared with righteous fervor. "As a pharmacist, my mission is to alleviate suffering and promote compassion across the land. I do not judge based on wealth, nobility, or cultivation; neither do I condescend to masquerade as a deity, misleading the common folk. Such practices are beneath me, a mere charlatan's game."

In his righteous zeal, Yang radiated a profound aura, his words ringing with clarity and strength, bolstered by his poised, gallant presence. 

In stark contrast, Hu, with his shifty eyes and gaunt visage, found himself at a loss, rendered speechless in the face of Yang's commanding presence.

"Ha ha ha! Young Master Yang, your eloquence is impressive!" 

At that moment, a robust figure approached—a middle-aged man with a square face, adorned in fine robes, exuding authority with every step he took.

"The Town Mayor!" 

"The Mayor is here!" 

Gasps of awe rippled through the crowd as many citizens bowed respectfully, their eyes filled with genuine admiration.

The newcomer was none other than Liu Degui, the esteemed mayor of Wuliu Town.

"Liu Mayor, you have arrived! Quickly, help me reason with this young brat from the Yang family. He is being unreasonably obstinate, wielding his tongue like a weapon!" 

Hu's face lit up with joy upon seeing Liu Degui and hurriedly approached him.

Having served as mayor for a decade, Liu Degui held a position of great respect and authority, having gained the trust and admiration of the townsfolk by fostering prosperity within their small community. Standing together with Hu would surely overshadow the fiery spirit of a young upstart like Yang.

"Ah, Mayor Liu, a pleasure to see you." 

Yang offered a slight smile and a respectful nod, a gesture that Liu Degui acknowledged with a wave of his hand, brushing off the slight formality.

"I would like to speak a few words of reason. Both of you are esteemed pharmacists in this town; your statuses are not to be trifled with. Let us not allow a petty quarrel over a small clinic to disrupt the peace among you. It would be wise to co-exist harmoniously, engaging in fair competition to foster prosperity in our community," Liu Degui suggested with a friendly demeanor.

His well-reasoned remarks, spoken with the authority of someone accustomed to leadership, resonated well. However, the conflict between the two clinics stemmed from far deeper issues than mere monetary gain.

"Indeed, Mayor Liu speaks wisely. We must strive for fair competition," Yang said, his smile tight and unwavering, emphasizing the word "fair."

Hu picked up on the underlying tension, responding with a sardonic laugh. "Fair competition? Who is afraid of whom? I ask you, Young Pharmacist Yang, are you willing to engage in a challenge of fair competition?"

He emphasized the title of "pharmacist" with a hint of derision.

"Speak your piece, but I refuse to participate in any unprincipled brawls," Yang retorted, the hint of a smirk dancing on his lips, sensing Hu's ulterior motives.

"If you will not engage in battle but pride yourself as a pharmacist, then let us wager. Liu Mayor's beloved daughter is gravely ill, even haunted by restless spirits. Despite my multiple treatments, I have been unable to eradicate the root of her ailment. However, I have recently devised a plan with an eighty percent success rate that may cure her," Hu proclaimed, his intentions as clear as day.

"The stakes are as follows: if you boast of your superior medical skills, then treat the mayor's daughter and prove your worth to me," Hu suggested, his motives cloaked in a veneer of mischief.

"Very well, I accept!" Yang interjected before Hu could finish, his determination palpable.

"Excellent! I shall grant you a span of seven days," Hu declared, delight glimmering in his eyes at Yang's unhesitating acceptance.