Mid Stage Inner Qi

Translator: CinderTL

As the sky began to lighten, everything had already been settled.

Xu Sanyan walked home with three precious medicines in hand, which he had found in the Moon Gazing Pavilion. He hadn't expected Jiang Chongyun to have accumulated so many.

With these three, his Vitality had reached seven points, and the Mid Stage of Inner Qi was within reach!

Once he fully absorbed the Moon Gazing Pavilion, Xu Sanyan would have the leverage to negotiate with the Ginseng Gang, ensuring a steady supply of precious medicines in the future.

On the empty street, a figure suddenly appeared. Dressed in a black-patterned white robe, his tall and slender frame stood out even more. The man spoke in a calm tone,

"Brother Xu, I've been waiting for you for some time."

Xu Sanyan stopped in his tracks, his mind racing as his fingers slowly rested on the hilt of his blade.

"Might I ask if you are the leader of the White Horse Gang?"

"Brother Xu is indeed clever." Bai Wuxia emerged from the morning mist, revealing a middle-aged face with a faint smile.

Xu Sanyan furrowed his brows. There was an elusive aura about this man. Even though he was just standing there, Xu Sanyan felt as if there was no escape.

This man's strength far surpassed his own.

"The Celestial Being Realm!"

Xu Sanyan's expression turned grave.

"Hehe…" Bai Wuxia didn't deny it. "Brother Xu has only been in Taian City for a few days, yet you've already absorbed the Yelang Society and the Moon Gazing Pavilion. Truly not someone to be underestimated."

"What business does Leader Bai have with me? I don't believe I've offended the White Horse Gang," Xu Sanyan said cautiously.

Bai Wuxia shook his head with a smile. "The Yelang Society and the Moon Gazing Pavilion didn't offend you either, did they?"

Then he continued, "Brother Xu, rest assured, I'm not here to kill you. I'm here to propose a partnership."

"A partnership?" Xu Sanyan was taken aback.

"This isn't the place to talk. Follow me." Bai Wuxia politely gestured.

Xu Sanyan had no choice but to follow. They arrived at a pavilion where a meal had already been prepared.

"Please."

After sitting down, Bai Wuxia remained silent, focusing on his meal.

Since he wasn't in a hurry, Xu Sanyan wasn't either, but he didn't touch the food.

After a while, Bai Wuxia picked up a napkin to wipe the corner of his mouth, then glanced at Xu Sanyan and chuckled, "Brother Xu is indeed composed."

"Leader Bai didn't invite me here just for a meal, did you?"

"Of course not."

Bai Wuxia took out two precious medicines from his robe and pushed them toward Xu Sanyan. "I heard Brother Xu likes these. Consider them a gift."

Xu Sanyan's heart tightened. This man had investigated him. He opened the package and confirmed they were indeed precious medicines, then unceremoniously tucked them into his robe. "Leader Bai, you can now tell me what you want."

Bai Wuxia got straight to the point. "I'll help you become the leader of the Guanshan Blade Association. In return, you'll give me half of the association's profits each month."

He was a subordinate of Prince Rui, responsible for raising funds, horses, and other supplies for Prince Rui's army. The Guanshan Blade Association, which had absorbed the Moon Gazing Pavilion and the Yelang Society, was undoubtedly a good partner.

He certainly had the ability to take over the Guanshan Blade Association, but doing so would attract too much attention and risk alerting the authorities, which could lead to trouble.

Taian City was located in Li Prefecture, in the western part of the Qi Kingdom, which was not yet under Prince Rui's control. Therefore, caution was essential, and cooperation was the best option.

Xu Sanyan narrowed his eyes slightly. "Leader Bai, you may not know this, but Lord Zhao of the Salt and Iron Bureau takes seventy-five percent of the Yelang Society's profits, and Lord Zhu takes half of the Moon Gazing Pavilion's profits. What's left for the Guanshan Blade Association isn't much."

Bai Wuxia shook his head with a smile. "You have no idea how much money the Moon Gazing Pavilion and the Yelang Society make each month. Even ten percent of the profits would be a number beyond your imagination."

"Since ancient times, salt, iron, tea, brothels, and gambling houses have been massive money pits. Once things are running smoothly, you'll see just how profitable they are."

Xu Sanyan suddenly realized that it was his absorption of these businesses that had drawn the attention of the White Horse Gang.

After a moment of silence, Xu Sanyan looked up and asked, "What's in it for me?"

Bai Wuxia raised an eyebrow, impressed. "You've got guts."

Knowing that he was in the Celestial Being Realm, yet still daring to negotiate—was he foolish or simply reckless?

"In a partnership, both sides need to benefit for it to last, don't you think?" Xu Sanyan said with a smile.

Bai Wuxia nodded in agreement. "True. What do you want?"

"Precious medicines! Five precious medicines each month, and I'll give the White Horse Gang sixty percent of the profits!"

Bai Wuxia thought for a moment. Five precious medicines weren't difficult. With Prince Rui's backing, he could easily obtain them.

"How about four?" Bai Wuxia instinctively bargained.

Xu Sanyan didn't hesitate. "Deal!"

Bai Wuxia was momentarily stunned, then laughed. "Good. Within three days, Song Qian will meet with an unfortunate accident. Be ready to take over."

"No problem. If there's nothing else, Leader Bai, I'll take my leave." Xu Sanyan stood up.

"Take care."

…

Back at home, Xu Sanyan looked at the five precious medicines in his hand and grinned.

The Guanshan Blade Association, the position of leader—he didn't care about any of that. With these precious medicines, all of it was within his grasp.

After consuming the five precious medicines, his Vitality reached nine points.

With a thought, he advanced!

…

Two quarters of an hour later, feeling the Inner Qi in his body grow more than twice as robust, Xu Sanyan was in high spirits. Not only had his Inner Qi increased, but his physical condition had also improved significantly.

He had caught up to Song Qian, successfully reaching the Mid Stage of Inner Qi.

"It cost eight points of Vitality…"

He still had one point of Vitality left on his panel.

Starting next month, Zhao Zhongyang would give him two precious medicines, Bai Wuxia would give him four, and with the natural growth of one point of Vitality each month, he would have a total of seven points.

If he could buy a few more from the Ginseng Gang and accumulate ten points, he should be able to step into the Celestial Being Realm within three months.

Xu Sanyan stood up, ready to visit the Ginseng Gang. Just then, Madam Wu swayed her hips as she approached. "Fourth Master, have you eaten yet?"

Xu Sanyan, in a good mood, stepped forward and embraced her, casually groping her as he whispered in her ear, "Are you hungry?"

Madam Wu lowered her head. "It's too early…"

"Hahaha…"

Xu Sanyan laughed as he walked out the door.

Madam Wu watched his retreating figure and couldn't help but sigh. Fourth Master was so much better than that old fool Wu Jue.

…

At Jingzhai Hall, Xu Sanyan's visit this time was vastly different from his last. As soon as he gave his name, the shopkeeper hurried over. "Ah, Leader Xu, what brings you here?"

Xu Sanyan smiled. "You know me?"

"Of course! The news of the Moon Gazing Pavilion changing hands has spread throughout the city. How could I not have heard? What brings you here this time?" the shopkeeper asked tentatively.

"To buy precious medicines," Xu Sanyan said with a smile.

The shopkeeper immediately led Xu Sanyan to an elegant room upstairs and personally brewed tea. "Leader Xu, this matter is beyond my authority. Please wait here while I fetch the gang leader."

Xu Sanyan nodded but didn't touch the tea on the table.

(End of the Chapter)

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