149: Undercurrents

Bai Xiaofeng leaned lazily against the soft couch in the private room, his fingers gently tapping the armrest, his gaze sweeping over the luxurious decor, a playful smile subtly gracing the corners of his lips.

“Tsk tsk, Alchemist families are truly rolling in wealth!”

He reached out and picked up a fresh flower placed on the table; its petals were crystal clear, emitting a faint, delicate fragrance. Just a sniff made one feel refreshed, and even the Dou Qi within his body became a bit more active.

Then he looked at the Spirit Awakening Wood placed in the corner. Its entire body was jade green, with spiritual light faintly flowing between its branches and leaves. Just being near it could calm one's mind and double cultivation efficiency.

“These two items, if placed in Heavenly Serpent City, would surely cost over a million gold coins, wouldn't they?”

Bai Xiaofeng raised an eyebrow, his tone carrying a hint of teasing.

“Yet here, they are merely decorations in a private room? Tsk tsk, truly extravagant.”

He turned to look at Yao Chenzi, who was standing beside him, and said with a smile.

“Elder Yao, your Myriad Medicine City is truly rich and powerful. This place, I'm afraid even the Dou Huang experts of our Heavenly Serpent City aren't qualified to enjoy it, are they?”

Yao Chenzi stroked his beard and smiled, his expression humble, but a faint hint of pride flashed in his eyes.

“Young Master Bai is joking. These are just small trinkets, not worth mentioning. Although Myriad Medicine City is famous for alchemy, it ultimately cannot compare to the profound heritage of Heavenly Serpent City.”

“Heh, you're too modest.”

Bai Xiaofeng waved his hand, his tone casual, but a flicker of thought crossed his eyes.

This old fellow said it was not worth mentioning, but any single item in this private room would be enough to cause a scramble in the outside world.

It seems the Yao Family's financial power is far more terrifying than rumored!

He stretched lazily, his gaze subtly sweeping every corner of the room, calculating in his mind.

“Since Elder Yao is so generous, then this young master won't be polite.”

He grinned, casually picked up a crystal-clear spirit fruit from the table, and took a bite. Immediately, his mouth watered, and the Dou Qi in his body slightly boiled.

“Hmm, not bad. It's even more mellow than the Azure Spirit Fruit from our Heavenly Serpent City.”

He nodded in satisfaction, then looked at Yao Chenzi with a half-smile.

“Elder Yao, surely even this fruit is just a small, not-worth-mentioning trinket, right?”

Yao Chenzi still maintained a gentle smile, but a deep glint flashed in his eyes.

“If Young Master Bai likes it, this old fellow will have a few baskets sent to your residence later.”

“A few baskets?”

Bai Xiaofeng raised an eyebrow, secretly startled.

How much wealth does this old fellow actually possess?

Spirit fruits of this caliber can be sent by the basket?

He still maintained a carefree demeanor on the surface, smiling as he cupped his hands in greeting.

“Then many thanks, Elder Yao. This young master won't stand on ceremony.”

Yao Chenzi nodded slightly, then changed the subject.

“Young Master Bai has come a long way. I presume you are also quite interested in the Pill Heart Pavilion of Myriad Medicine City? This old fellow will personally take you there tomorrow; perhaps you'll see something interesting.”

A sharp glint flashed in Bai Xiaofeng's eyes, but he quickly returned to his lazy demeanor.

“Oh? Then this young master shall look forward to it.”

Something interesting?

Heh, this old fellow has a hidden meaning in his words!

He was secretly vigilant, but his face still wore a nonchalant smile, as if he were truly just a profligate young master out for leisure.

Seeing this, Yao Chenzi said no more, merely smiled slightly, cupped his hands, and said.

“Then Young Master Bai, please rest. This old fellow will not disturb you.”

With that, he turned and left, leaving Bai Xiaofeng and his group sitting in the luxurious private room, gazing profoundly out at the prosperous Myriad Medicine City, a meaningful curve slowly forming at the corner of his lips.

“Interesting. It seems this trip wasn't in vain.”

Seeing Yao Chenzi leave, Bai Xiaofeng's previously lazy expression gradually receded, and a sharp glint flashed in his eyes.

He raised his hand and waved, and a faint Dou Qi barrier silently enveloped the entire private room, isolating it from any potential prying.

He turned to Qin Wuye, who was standing beside him, and asked in a low voice.

“Ninth Elder, are there any eavesdroppers in this private room?”

Qin Wuye's black robe stirred slightly, his gaze sweeping every corner of the room like an eagle, then he coldly shook his head.

“Unless a Dou Zong personally makes a move, no one can hide from my perception.”

Bai Xiaofeng heard this, and the corner of his mouth curved into a playful smile.

“That's good.”

He relaxed and leaned back on the soft couch, his fingers gently tapping the armrest, his gaze thoughtfully directed at the bustling night view of Myriad Medicine City outside the window.

“Ninth Elder, what do you think Yao Chenzi is planning?”

Qin Wuye was silent for a moment, his voice deep and cold.

“The Yao Family has always been neutral, but today Yao Chenzi personally greeted us and arranged such luxurious accommodation, clearly he has ulterior motives.”

Bai Xiaofeng chuckled softly.

“Indeed. Is a mere Fourth-Grade Alchemist worth so much attention from them?”

He paused, a glint flashing in his eyes.

“Unless what they truly care about is not Jiang Donghua, but our Heavenly Serpent City.”

Qin Wuye's gaze sharpened.

“Are you saying the Yao Family wants to use this opportunity to win us over?”

Bai Xiaofeng shook his head, his tone playful.

“Win us over? Not necessarily. Testing us is more likely.”

He stood up, walked to the window, and looked down at the brightly lit streets below, speaking slowly.

“Although Myriad Medicine City is strong, it is ultimately just an Alchemist family. In terms of combat power, it is far inferior to our Heavenly Serpent City. But they control high-grade elixir resources, and all major forces in the Black-Corner Region have to give them some face.”

“Now that they are actively showing goodwill, either they want to use the influence of Heavenly Serpent City to stabilize their position, or someone wants to use the Yao Family to probe our depths.”

He turned around, a hint of coldness flashing in his eyes.

Qin Wuye snorted coldly.

“No matter what they want to do, if they dare to be detrimental to Heavenly Serpent City, I don't mind letting Myriad Medicine City see some blood.”

Bai Xiaofeng smiled, his tone relaxed.

“Don't rush, Ninth Elder. We are guests now; we must first see what play the host wants to put on.”

He stretched, resuming his carefree demeanor, and said lazily.

“Anyway, with you here, we're not afraid of any tricks they might pull.”

Qin Wuye nodded slightly, saying no more, but the vigilance in his eyes remained undiminished.

Bai Xiaofeng then walked to the table, casually picked up a spirit fruit, took a bite, and said indistinctly.

“Alright, let's get some good rest tonight. Tomorrow, we'll go to the Pill Heart Pavilion and see if we can get some benefits.”

He narrowed his eyes, his smile deep.

“After all, since we're already here, we can't go back empty-handed, right?”

After some thought, he still had to talk to Master Jiang. Bai Xiaofeng narrowed his eyes, looking at Jiang Donghua's indifferent expression, and couldn't help but chuckle inwardly.

“Master Jiang, please don't mind me being long-winded.”

He leaned in closer, lowering his voice, his tone a mix of teasing and seriousness.

“This Black-Corner Region is not a good place. Although your strength is considerable, you can't guard against those who play dirty. If some reckless fellow really targets you, just hide behind Ninth Elder. He's best at reasoning.”

As he spoke, he gestured towards Qin Wuye, who stood expressionlessly to the side, his black robe fluttering without wind, an oppressive aura subtly emanating from him that made one's heart palpitate.

Jiang Donghua's mouth twitched, and he rolled his eyes inwardly.

“This kid, does he really think I'm a helpless Alchemist?”

However, seeing Bai Xiaofeng's 'I'm doing this for your own good' expression, Jiang Donghua finally sighed and nodded perfunctorily.

“Alright, alright, if there's danger, I'll definitely run to Elder Qin, alright?”

Only then did Bai Xiaofeng grin in satisfaction and pat Jiang Donghua's shoulder.

“That's more like it! When we're out and about, safety first!”

This kid, is he perhaps treating himself as a fragile Alchemist who needs protection?

As night deepened, the lights of Myriad Medicine City still shone brightly, but the atmosphere in the room was subtly tense.

Red Silk leaned against the edge of the bed, one bare foot gently swaying, the tip of her gold-embroidered shoe tracing a lazy arc in the air.

She was only draped in a thin, gauze-like nightgown, her snow-white shoulder half-exposed, gleaming with a lustrous sheen in the candlelight.

“Donghua—”

She drew out his name, her fingertips twirling a strand of hair, staring at him with a half-smile.

“Should we sleep together?”

Jiang Donghua didn't even lift his eyelids, walking directly to the soft couch on the other side of the room, his tone calm.

“No need, I'll sleep here.”

Red Silk narrowed her eyes, her shoe tip landing on the floor with a soft 'thump,' her body leaning slightly forward, her tone dangerous.

“What, you dislike your Senior Sister?”

Only then did Donghua look up, his gaze sweeping over her, and he calmly said.

“It's not dislike; I'm afraid of being kicked out of bed by you in the middle of the night.”

“Heh!”

Red Silk sneered, abruptly stood up, her nightgown slipping a bit, revealing a large expanse of snow-white skin.

She took a few steps, closing in on Donghua, grabbed his collar, and gritted her teeth.

“Jiang Donghua, do you think your Senior Sister has too good a temper? Believe it or not, I'll knock you out with one punch right now and drag you straight to bed?”

Donghua was forced to lower his head, his gaze meeting her angry eyes and the rising and falling curves so close to him.

He was silent for a moment, then said sincerely.

“Senior Sister's figure is indeed very good.”

Red Silk was stunned, then burst into laughter, releasing his collar, laughing so hard she swayed like a flower branch.

“You kid, you even compliment people so seriously?”

She turned and walked back to the bed, lazily flopping down onto it, her hair spread out like a mass of seaweed in the ocean.

“Alright, I won't tease you anymore.”

She waved her hand, her tone suddenly becoming a bit more serious.

“However, when we go to the Pill Heart Pavilion tomorrow, don't stray too far from me. Those Old Foxes of the Yao Family might be up to something.”

Donghua nodded slightly, a hint of coldness flashing in his eyes.

“Don't worry.”

He silently lay down on the soft couch, his back to Red Silk, and said one last thing before closing his eyes.

“Senior Sister, goodnight.”

Red Silk stared at his back, snorted softly, and muttered under her breath.

“Wooden head!”

Outside the window, moonlight spilled in, and the night wind of Myriad Medicine City carried a faint medicinal fragrance.

Inside the main hall of the Yao Family, lights shone brightly.

Several Elders sat around an ancient sandalwood table, the air filled with a faint medicinal aroma.

But at this moment, no one was calmly sipping tea; instead, each had a different expression, their gazes fixed intently on Yao Chenzi in the main seat.

“Chenzi, is that Jiang Donghua today truly as exceptionally talented as rumored?”

An Elder with white hair and beard was the first to speak, his tone tinged with doubt.

“Is a mere Fourth-Grade Alchemist worth such importance from the Bai Family?”

Yao Chenzi picked up his teacup, took a light sip, and then slowly said.

“This child has an extraordinary demeanor. Although I haven't personally seen him perform alchemy, that composure is definitely not comparable to ordinary Alchemists.”

“Hmph, demeanor?”

Another Elder with a sinister face sneered.

“Aren't there enough people putting on airs in the Black-Corner Region? Maybe he's just a pretty face, intentionally propped up by the Bai Family to fool people!”

“But that kid Bai Xiaofeng is extremely respectful to him, even implicitly taking him as the leader.”

Yao Chenzi put down his teacup, his gaze deep.

“How arrogant is the Young Master of the Bai Family? If that Jiang Donghua didn't have some real skill, would he treat him like that?”

Everyone fell silent upon hearing this.

After a moment, a kind-faced Elder stroked his beard and said with a smile.

“In that case, why not try to win him over? What we lack least in Myriad Medicine City are high-grade medicinal ingredients and rare Pill Formulas. These two things are irresistible temptations for any Alchemist.”

“Exactly! As long as he's willing to come, he can name his terms! fifth-grade elixir formulas, medicinal ingredients, even access to the Medicine Ceremony Pavilion, all can be discussed!”

Another Elder immediately echoed, a glint flashing in his eyes.

Yao Chenzi nodded slightly, but a hidden, profound meaning flashed in his eyes.

“Winning him over is certainly possible, but if this child is truly as monstrous as rumored, he might not be so easy to subdue. Moreover, the Bai Family won't easily let him go.”

He paused, his voice deepening a bit.

“Hmph, what is the Bai Family? In the Black-Corner Region, there's no one the Yao Family wants that we haven't gotten!”

The sinister Elder snorted disdainfully.

Yao Chenzi glanced at him and said lightly.

“Don't forget, behind the Bai Family stands Bai Wutian.”

At these words, the atmosphere in the hall suddenly solidified.

A moment later, the kind-faced Elder spoke again, his tone still gentle, but with a hint of sharpness.

“If overt means don't work, then we'll use covert ones. Alchemists, after all, always have weaknesses. As long as we figure out his preferences and cater to them, proceeding slowly, we might not fail.”

Yao Chenzi pondered for a moment, then finally nodded.

“Tomorrow's trip to the Pill Heart Pavilion, first probe his background. If he truly has value!”

He didn't continue, but everyone present understood and smiled knowingly.

What Myriad Medicine City sets its sights on, it never easily lets go of!

Red Silk and Bi Yao stood in the shadows of the corridor, looking at Jiang Donghua's closed door, their eyes filled with loss and helplessness.

“It seems Master Jiang has no interest in us at all.”

Red Silk bit her lip, her voice so low it was almost inaudible.

Bi Yao sighed softly, her fingertips unconsciously twisting the corner of her clothes, and whispered.

“He won't even let us in, let alone allow us to curry favor.”

The two exchanged glances, seeing the same bitterness in each other's eyes.

They were originally playthings of Bai Xiaofeng, relying on pleasing the Young Master of Heavenly Serpent City to barely survive in this dog-eat-dog Black-Corner Region.

But recently, Bai Xiaofeng's interest in them had clearly waned; he hadn't summoned them to serve him for a long time.

“Ninth Young Master is probably tired of us!”

Red Silk whispered, her tone carrying a hint of self-mockery.

“Who will we be given to next?”

Bi Yao's body trembled slightly, a hint of fear appearing in her eyes.

In the Black-Corner Region, women like them who relied on powerful men, once discarded by their masters, often met a grim fate.

If lucky, they might be transferred to other influential figures, continuing to be caged birds; if unlucky, they might be thrown into some dirty brothel, reduced to the lowest-class playthings, trampled upon by anyone.

“Perhaps it will be some hot-tempered Elder?”

Red Silk forced a smile, which was uglier than a cry.

“Or, perhaps, some pervert who enjoys tormenting people?”

Bi Yao's face was pale, and she whispered.

“Don't say anymore...”

The two fell silent, and in the corridor, only the faint candlelight flickered, reflecting their obscure expressions.

After a long while, Red Silk finally took a deep breath and forced herself to say with renewed spirit.

“Forget it, thinking more won't help. Let's go back for now.”

Bi Yao nodded, and the two turned and left.