Chapter 139: Buying Off

Meanwhile, inside the Grand Assembly Hall of the Martial King's Palace.

Ling Yunfei stood before Elder Wan and the matron, looking at the jade box in his hands with hands trembling from excitement, his brow filled with deep gratitude.

This was precisely the jade box that Qin Feiyang had entrusted the matron to pass on to him.

Inside rested a supreme-grade Crimson Fire Glazed Pill!

The matron admonished him, "Yunfei, Jiang Haotian is extremely vigilant. It is very difficult for anyone to truly get close to him, and becoming his friend is even harder. Therefore, you must carefully nurture this relationship."

"This disciple understands," Ling Yunfei nodded.

"Good," the matron nodded and smiled, "Before long, you will be able to break through to a six-star Martial Master. It is best to use this supreme-grade Crimson Fire Glazed Pill only after that breakthrough, allowing you to leap directly into an eight-star Martial Master in one go."

Ling Yunfei replied, "That is my plan as well."

"Then you may withdraw," the matron waved with a smile.

"This disciple takes his leave," Ling Yunfei bowed and retreated.

The matron withdrew her gaze, turned to Elder Wan, and asked in puzzlement, "Elder Wan, why haven't you said a word?"

Elder Wan frowned, "I was wondering how we can make Jiang Haotian truly integrate into our Martial King's Palace."

The matron said, "You would do best to dismiss that thought early on."

Elder Wan thought for a moment, then nodded with a sigh, "True. This boy has too fierce a temperament; any slight misstep would produce the opposite effect. It is better to let nature take its course. By the way, haven't you noticed how much Ling Yunfei resembles someone?"

The matron was startled, asking in confusion, "Resembles whom?"

"Ling Feng!" Elder Wan uttered the name, a fierce glare flashing through his aged eyes.

The matron's pupils constricted.

Elder Wan continued, "Ling Feng comes from the Ling family of Black Bear City, and Ling Yunfei also hails from the Ling family of Black Bear City. Furthermore, both possess azure-blue eyes and hair. Could there be some connection between them?"

These words seemed to stir up memories within the matron, leaving her silent for a long time.

A moment passed.

Only then did she shake her head and say, "Do not ask Ling Yunfei about this directly for now. Didn't Lier also grow up in Black Bear City? Find some time to ask her."

Elder Wan nodded.

...

When daybreak arrived, Qin Feiyang closed the leather-bound book, a trace of melancholy creeping onto his face as he murmured to himself, "Over these past few months, have you been living well in the Lin family?"

Swish!

The very next instant.

He vanished without a trace.

Having seen Qin Feiyang appear out of thin air, Shi Zheng was no longer surprised.

The two of them walked out of the room one after the other.

"Jiang Haotian has come out!"

"Brother Jiang, could you help me refine a few supreme-grade pills?"

"Big Brother Jiang, I've been waiting here for you all night."

In the main hall.

It was packed with guests from the early morning.

In truth, they were all waiting for Qin Feiyang.

The moment they saw Qin Feiyang appear, they immediately stood up in unison, gazing at him with pleading eyes.

Qin Feiyang walked down the stairs and said to Shi Zheng, "Go help me settle the tab."

"Alright," Shi Zheng nodded and turned toward the counter.

Scanning the crowd and looking into those pairs of eager eyes, Qin Feiyang smiled, "Everyone, I would love to help you refine pills, but alchemy is a very complex process. I am only one person and cannot be in multiple places at once, so I truly lack the capacity despite my willingness."

In an instant.

Disappointment crept over everyone's faces.

Pondering for a brief moment, Qin Feiyang smiled faintly, "How about this? From now on, every month, I will distribute one thousand supreme-grade pills for free in front of the gates of the Martial King's Palace, though they will be limited to healing pills and bone-mending pills."

"For free!"

Hearing this, the crowd surged with excitement once again.

Qin Feiyang smiled, "The first distribution of pills will take place on the morning of ten days from now. Everyone, remember to come early to line up, and please help me spread this news."

"No problem!"

"We will make sure everyone in Yan City knows about this in the shortest time possible!"

The crowd roared with excitement.

At this moment, Shi Zheng walked over and said in a low voice, "It's settled."

"Then let's go!" Qin Feiyang smiled, turned around, and walked toward the main entrance.

"Brother Jiang, take care."

The crowd automatically parted, cupping their hands in farewell.

After Qin Feiyang left, the Flying Phoenix Tower erupted into a commotion.

"I never expected him to be so kind! I originally thought he would look down on us with disdain!"

"Indeed, I thought he would put on airs and despise us at first."

"His character is truly exceptional."

"From now on, no matter what happens, we must back him up."

"That's right, such a kind-hearted youth must never be allowed to be bullied by others."

People chattered spiritedly, their emotions running high.

Suddenly, someone remarked, "One thousand supreme-grade pills is still a bit too few, isn't it? There are several million people in Yan City; how is this supposed to be divided?"

As soon as these words were spoken, they immediately provoked public outrage!

"What kind of nonsense are you spouting?"

"Doesn't he need to cultivate? Is he supposed to refine pills for you every day? Stop being so ungrateful! Look at the Pill King's Palace—they have over a thousand alchemists, but have they ever given away a single pill for free?"

"Besides, what he refines are supreme-grade pills! Can those be compared to ordinary pills?"

"If you dare say such things again, don't blame us for being rude!"

...

On the street.

Anyone who encountered Qin Feiyang would step forward to greet him.

Qin Feiyang showed not the slightest bit of impatience, responding with a smiling face and appearing exceptionally approachable and amiable.

In the eyes of those influential figures, he was an arrogant youth.

But in the eyes of these ordinary people, he was a sensible, polite child.

Shi Zheng had been frowning all the way. As they were about to enter the East District, he finally couldn't help but ask, "Jiang Haotian, why do I feel like you've been a bit unusual today?"

"Is that so?" Qin Feiyang asked.

Shi Zheng nodded, "Yes. Setting aside the free distribution of pills, just your attitude toward everyone is completely different from before."

"Do you know me that well? Do you know what kind of person I am?" Qin Feiyang countered.

Shi Zheng shook his head.

To be honest, he didn't understand him at all.

This boy was shrouded in a layer of veil; it was impossible to tell when he was showing his true self.

"That settles it." Qin Feiyang smiled faintly and offered no further explanation.

Because some matters could only be kept buried in the heart.

The Lin Family!

As the most powerful clan in Yan City, the Lin family's grand estate was naturally extraordinary.

It spanned several miles.

Gardens, pavilions, kiosks, and small streams—everything one could possibly imagine was present.

Flanking the main gate stood two stone carvings of tigers, towering three to four meters high, their tiger eyes radiating majesty.

Next to the stone carvings stood four guards at rigid attention, their sharp gazes appearing exceptionally piercing.

However, the moment they saw Qin Feiyang and his companion approaching, their expressions instantly shifted, taking on a look of flattery and adulation.

"Greetings, Young Master Jiang."

The four of them stepped forward and bowed.

Qin Feiyang said indifferently, "Trouble you to announce to the Patriarch of the Lin family that Jiang is paying a visit."

He could be good to anyone, except the Lin family.

"The Patriarch has given instructions that whenever the Young Master arrives, no announcement is necessary."

"Young Master Jiang, Elder Shi, please come inside!"

One of the guards led Qin Feiyang and his companion through the main gate, heading straight to the reception hall specially designated by the Lin family for distinguished guests.

"Please take a seat, the two of you. I will go invite the Patriarch right away," the guard said flatteringly before stepping out of the reception hall and instructing two maidservants standing guard outside, "Take good care of Young Master Jiang and see that nothing goes wrong, understand?"

The maidservants nodded and hurriedly rushed off to pour tea and water.

The Lin Family's Grand Discussion Hall!

Lin Han sat on the elevated chair, staring down at an elderly man dressed in black, and barked, "Half a year has passed, and you still haven't found Qin Feiyang? What on earth are all of you good for?"

The elderly man in black trembled and hurriedly said, "Patriarch, we are helpless too. He seems to have vanished into thin air; no matter how we investigate, we cannot track his whereabouts."

Lin Han raged, "I don't care whether he vanished into thin air or not. I only want results, do you understand?"

The elderly man in black nodded, "Understood, understood. I will go issue orders immediately to make them step up their efforts."

Lin Han declared, "Give them another half year. If they still haven't found him, tell them to bring their heads back to see me!"

"Yes," the elderly man in black bowed and complied.

Yet neither of them knew that the person they were racking their brains to find had not only entered the Lin family estate at this very moment, but was also sitting brazenly in the reception hall.

"Patriarch..."

At that moment.

The guard rushed hurriedly into the hall.

The elderly man in black frowned and shouted furiously, "Can't you see the Patriarch and I are discussing important matters? Get out!"

The guard said anxiously, "Steward Lin, Jiang Haotian has arrived."

"What?"

Steward Lin was startled. Why did he arrive so soon?

Lin Han also jerked to his feet, a brilliant light flashing in his eyes as he waved his hand, "You may withdraw first!"

After the guard left, Steward Lin looked up at Lin Han and asked, "Patriarch, have you figured out a way to buy him off?"

Lin Han replied, "What does a man strive for in his lifetime? Wealth, power, and beauty, nothing more."

Steward Lin pondered, "This boy probably doesn't lack wealth right now. As for power, we cannot give it to him either, which leaves only beauty... I understand, Patriarch, I will make arrangements immediately."

Lin Han shook his head, "Not just beauty, wealth as well. Prepare five million gold coins, and by the way, bring out that jar of wine I've treasured for many years."

Steward Lin's expression changed, and he hurriedly said, "Patriarch, that jar of wine was bestowed by the King of Yan. Even you couldn't bear to drink a single drop of it..."

Lin Han waved his hand dismissively, "If you don't enter the tiger's den, how can you catch its cub? Go make the arrangements!"

"Yes," Steward Lin answered helplessly, then turned away to make the preparations.

"I refuse to believe that with my methods, I cannot buy off a wet-behind-the-ears punk."

Lin Han let out a cold laugh, strode out of the discussion hall, and entered the reception hall. Cupping his hands, he smiled, "Pardon me for not welcoming you from afar upon your esteemed arrival, little brother. I trust you won't take offense!"

Qin Feiyang's eyes flashed slightly as he stood up with a smile, "Patriarch Lin is too polite."

Lin Han nodded to Elder Shi, then looked at Qin Feiyang and said, "Little brother, since you're here, you must stay at the Lin family for a few days no matter what, and let me fulfill the duties of a host."

"This..."

Qin Feiyang hesitated.

Lin Han said, "Little brother, if you refuse, that means you look down upon me and look down upon the Lin family."

Qin Feiyang smiled helplessly and nodded, "Very well. Since Patriarch Lin extends such a warm invitation, this junior will accept without modesty."

"Haha..."

Inwardly overjoyed, Lin Han laughed heartily, "Little brother is indeed a straightforward person. Come, come, please take a seat."

Shi Zheng, however, twitched his eyebrows imperceptibly.

This Lin Han clearly harbored ulterior motives!