Chen Zheng turned his head to see a boy of about fifteen sizing him up with curiosity.

"That's right, young man. Can you take me to your stockade leader?" Chen Zheng replied with a smile.

"You're looking for Leader Kuang? Is it for medicinal herbs?" the boy asked.

"That's right," Chen Zheng nodded.

"Please, come with me!" The boy, who introduced himself as Xiaoliuzi, enthusiastically invited Chen Zheng to follow, his face beaming with a sunny smile. He set off, leading Chen Zheng along a lush, green path to a tranquil courtyard.

"Xiaoliuzi, what are you doing here? And who is this young man?" a middle-aged man asked as he stepped out from the courtyard, his gaze falling upon the two of them.

"Leader," Xiaoliuzi answered with a smile, "he has come specifically to purchase medicinal herbs."

"Welcome, sir! Please, come inside," Leader Kuang Nie invited, his face wreathed in smiles. The people of Nanhai Stockade made their living by selling medicinal herbs, so they always treated potential customers with great hospitality.

"I appreciate your kind invitation, Leader Kuang," Chen Zheng responded, taking a seat as Kuang Nie gestured for him to do so.

Kuang Nie brewed a pot of fragrant tea and handed a cup to Chen Zheng. "May I ask for our honored guest's name? And what kind of medicinal herbs are you looking for?"

"My name is Chen Zheng. I've come to purchase Luhuangdi," Chen Zheng replied.

"As for the price, you needn't worry," Chen Zheng added. "I'm willing to pay slightly above the market rate."

"Luhuangdi?" Kuang Nie's brow furrowed. "Chen Zheng, we do have some Luhuangdi left, but it has become increasingly difficult to harvest in recent years. How much do you need, and do you have any requirements for its age?"

"Naturally, the more, the better. As for its age, let's say at least twenty years old," Chen Zheng said after a moment of thought.

"That's a rather demanding request," Kuang Nie responded with a frown. Indeed, Luhuangdi was already a rare treasure, and specimens over twenty years old were even harder to come by.

"Is there a problem, Leader Kuang?" Chen Zheng asked.

"The problem is…" Kuang Nie began, but was cut off by a commotion from behind him. His words stopped abruptly, and he shot to his feet as if electrocuted. Chen Zheng also looked curiously in the direction of the noise.

"Let me go!" a familiar voice drifted over, and Chen Zheng's brow furrowed involuntarily.

Isn't that Huang Hua's voice? Why is he here?

"Let you go? Hah, dream on!" A gruff voice boomed as it drew closer. It was a roar that carried the force of Thunderous Might. Immediately after, a large man appeared, dragging Huang Hua with him.

"Father, it's him again!" the large man said, looking at Kuang Nie.

"Hmph…" Kuang Nie snorted coldly and strode forward. His warm demeanor vanished, replaced by an expression of icy indifference. "What do you think you're doing?" His tone was chilling, a stark contrast to the friendly warmth he had shown Chen Zheng moments before.

"You know exactly why I'm here!" Huang Hua's voice was as piercing and frigid as a winter wind, his tone turning grim.

"You shouldn't have come here." Kuang Nie's voice was like the darkness of an abyss, evoking a bottomless dread.

"But I'm here now," Huang Hua retorted. Though his voice was faint, it was filled with resolve.

Chen Zheng shook his head helplessly. Only someone with high emotional intelligence could understand this kind of conversation.

"Aren't you afraid of dying?" Kuang Nie's voice was indifferent, as if he had already seen through life and death.

After a moment of silence, Kuang Nie spoke. "Death is one thing. But I'd rather die than let her continue to live a life worse than death."

The words had barely left his mouth when the large man struck, slamming his palm into Huang Hua.

PUH! Huang Hua was hit and collapsed to the ground, spitting out a mouthful of blood.

"Then your life ends here!" The burly man's gaze was wolfish as his foot descended like a pouncing tiger, aiming to stomp on Huang Hua's back. The force behind the stomp was so great that it made the air tremble. If it connected, Huang Hua would be gravely injured, if not killed outright.

Kuang Nie made no move to stop it; he only watched Huang Hua with a cold gaze.

Chen Zheng, however, could no longer stand idly by. He flashed in front of Huang Hua, pulling him out of the way just in time. The burly man's foot stomped heavily onto the ground, leaving a deep imprint.

Both Kuang Nie and the burly man frowned, their surprised gazes fixed on Chen Zheng.

"What is going on here?" Chen Zheng asked, looking at Huang Hua in confusion.

"You know each other?" Kuang Nie questioned.

Chen Zheng gave a slight nod.

"Hmph… So you were plotting together all along!" the burly man sneered. He glared at Huang Hua and roared, "Do you think having one more person means we can't handle you today?"

"So you weren't truly here for the Luhuangdi?" Kuang Nie's voice rang out again. This time, his gaze was locked on Chen Zheng, flames of anger flickering in his eyes as if he felt he had been deceived.

"I truly did come to purchase Luhuangdi, and it was Huang Hua who led me here," Chen Zheng said, frowning. "There must be some misunderstanding."

Kuang Nie's brow relaxed slightly; at least he hadn't been duped. Still, he remained deeply displeased. He said flatly, "You may leave. Nanhai Stockade no longer wants your business. He, however, stays!"

Confused, Chen Zheng ignored Kuang Nie and turned to Huang Hua. "What happened?"

"Brother, I'm sorry," Huang Hua said, looking dejected. "I've ruined things for you. I just wanted to see her!"

As soon as Huang Hua finished, the burly man erupted. "You still dare to try and see my sister?" he roared, his eyes bloodshot with rage. "Why don't you just die!"

"I can't die," Huang Hua retorted, his voice rising to a shout. "I'm looking for a cure! If I die, who else in this world can save her?!"

Chen Zheng immediately sensed the strange atmosphere. This is like some kind of tragic romance.

"And have you? Have you found a way to save her?" the burly man thundered back.

Huang Hua's body went rigid. He shook his head in despair, his jaw clenched tight.

"Enough!" Kuang Nie interrupted. "Stop arguing. Chen Zheng, you can go. But he stays."

Huang Hua also looked at Chen Zheng. "Brother, you should go. This is all my fault. I should have waited until after you got the Luhuangdi before I came." He added apologetically, "I just wanted to see her!"

Chen Zheng's brow furrowed. He was still completely in the dark.

Leaving like this isn't an option. I haven't gotten the Luhuangdi yet, and if I just abandon him, Huang Hua will surely come to harm. After all, that big oaf is merciless. If I hadn't stepped in, Huang Hua would probably be dead by now.

[Ding! Congratulations to the host for successfully triggering a choice mission]

[Choice One: Help Huang Hua see his beloved. Reward: Poison Scripture]

[Choice Two: Turn around and leave. Reward: 10 pieces of 100-year-old Luhuangdi]

Chen Zheng fell into deep thought. Option two is undoubtedly tempting… but if I choose it, how could I live with myself?

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