Upon leaving the Tang Family's main gate, Chen Yang sent out his message accepting the challenge. Since they demanded a battle, a battle it would be!

"Admiral, Sir!" Qiu Yu chased after him, calling out loudly.

Chen Yang did not turn his head, merely waved his hand. "You know I'm not that person anymore. Stop calling me that."

"In our hearts, you always will be! No one else is worthy of that title!"

Chen Yang paused slightly in his stride and asked, "Was it Elder Wu Xing or Elder Jin Zheng who sent you?"

"It was Elder Jin Zheng," Qiu Yu answered truthfully.

"Tell him there's no need. It's too great a favor, and I won't be able to repay it in the future."

The sound of footsteps faded into the distance as his silhouette was gradually swallowed by the night.

「Back Home.」

Just like at noon, Qin Qiu sat by the main gate, her chin propped in her hand. Her gaze was fixed intently on the courtyard door, waiting in eager anticipation. It might have seemed boring, but for Qin Qiu, it was an exceedingly important matter.

Only if he is well, can I be well.

CREAK.

The moment the courtyard door was pushed open, Qin Qiu immediately stood and walked over with a smile.

"You're back."

Chen Yang smiled and nodded, taking Qin Qiu's small hand, which was icy to the touch. "Silly girl, it's freezing out here. You should have stayed inside!"

"But from here, I can see you the moment you arrive."

Qin Qiu smiled, unconcerned. "Xiaomo and Grandpa were exhausted from the day and went to bed early. They still need to fetch the medicine tomorrow. I've kept your meal warm in the pot; I'll go get it for you."

But Chen Yang caught her in one swift motion, holding her tightly in his arms. Not a word was spoken; he just embraced her.

"Alright, go eat first," she said softly.

"Alright."

「At the dining table.」

As Chen Yang ate heartily, Qin Qiu smiled and asked, "Why did you move the date forward?"

"Chilian Peak is most beautiful in the spring. I was afraid that by the twenty-eighth of March, spring would have already passed," Chen Yang said.

A warm current flowed through Qin Qiu's heart.

So, you did all of this for me.

「The Next Day.」

After breakfast, Chen Yang took Qin Qiu, Qin Mo, and Qin Gang to the Pill Dragon King's clinic to pick up their medicine. Following yesterday's diagnosis and initial treatment, Qin Gang's hidden ailment had been completely taken care of; it was a non-issue. In the Pill Dragon King's words, after taking the medicine for three more months, the root cause of the illness would be completely eradicated.

Chen Yang also needed to express his gratitude in person for the Pill Dragon King's help with the Qin Feng incident on Qiyun Road. Therefore, they all went together.

It was another sunny day. In the community square, even more people than usual were gathered in small groups, seemingly discussing the events of the previous night. Only Tang Yuan and Tang Lan were nowhere to be seen. Chen Yang retracted his gaze and paid them no further mind. He was neither heartless nor a saint. Many actions, once taken, naturally carried a price.

On the way, Su Ling called, informing Chen Yang that Jiang Ying, that wretched woman, might still try to cause trouble.

"She's already dead," Chen Yang said indifferently.

"..."

GULP.

Su Ling's nervous swallow was clearly audible through the phone.

"If you're free, come over," Chen Yang said. It wasn't anything serious; he just wanted to repay the favor for the house.

"Yes, yes!" Su Ling was ecstatic. "Boss, should I come find you at your house?"

"Come to the Pill Dragon King's clinic."

「Half an hour later.」

They arrived at the Immortal Physician Pavilion. If an ordinary clinic hung such a sign, its owners would surely be berated into oblivion, even drowned in spit. But when it came to the Pill Dragon King, it was a different matter. With his medical skill, fame, and status, he was more than worthy of the title "Immortal Physician." Moreover, the plaque had been personally inscribed by a major figure from Cangyun City.

Approaching the entrance, a dense medicinal fragrance wafted through the air. Despite his illustrious reputation, the Pill Dragon King didn't play the part of a reclusive master, but continued to run the clinic himself. In his words, all lives are equal; there is no distinction between high and low, noble and humble.

Because of this life principle, every patient, whether they were common peddlers or nobles from influential families, had to make an appointment and queue in order. Until it was your turn, not even the Heavenly King himself could cut the line. Such a rigid character inevitably offended many people, but since lives were at stake, no one dared to trouble the Pill Dragon King, whose medical skills were nothing short of miraculous. After all, who could guarantee that their own family would never need a doctor?

Nevertheless, class hierarchy was a persistent reality. There would always be those who sought to use their power and influence to create distinctions among people.

After entering the clinic and taking a number according to the rules, Chen Yang and his group sat in the waiting area, patiently biding their time. They chatted and laughed, so the wait didn't feel tedious, and time passed quickly.

A few moments later, the Pill Dragon King, dressed in a long white robe, stepped out from an inner room. When his eyes fell on Chen Yang, he couldn't help but slow his pace and break into a wide grin. "I was wondering why the sunshine was especially bright today—it's because a big shot like you decided to show up."

Chen Yang smiled without a word.

This old geezer is always so flippant, never serious for a moment.

"Why come in person for something that could have been settled with a phone call?"

It seemed like a joke, but it was actually praise for Chen Yang's conduct and integrity.

"Since you set the rules, they should be followed," Chen Yang said with a smile.

The Pill Dragon King said nothing more. "Just wait a little longer; it'll be ready soon."

The mighty Nine Gates Admiral, the Zhennan Prince. He's powerful, isn't he? How many people can compare to his strength and influence? Yet has he ever shown any intention of using his authority to pressure others? Meanwhile, some people don't even understand the basic meaning of 'respect.' Truly uncultured. Do they really think their lives are the only ones that matter, while everyone else is just worthless weeds?

At that thought, the Pill Dragon King subconsciously glanced at a luxury RV parked outside, his eyes flashing with disapproval and a hint of hostility.

Beside the vehicle stood a richly dressed woman and a woman of about twenty-seven or twenty-eight in a long black dress, exuding a chilling temperament. They appeared to be a mother and daughter: Qiao Yun and Mu Qiuyue, from Cangyun City's local Mu Family.

"This damned old geezer is like a stone in a latrine—stinky and stubborn! It's infuriating!" Faced with the Pill Dragon King's gaze, Mu Qiuyue's anger flared, and she spoke with indignation.

Qiao Yun slowly turned the string of jade beads in her hand, her expression icy and displeased.

They had risen at the crack of dawn and traversed nearly the entire city, rushing from the south side of Cangyun City to the north. They expected to take the Pill Dragon King with them immediately, only to be told they had to take a number and queue.

When had the Mu Family ever *not* been treated as honored guests, served with the finest tea and snacks? And today? They were expected to queue with this rabble—the lowest dregs of society, reeking of filth and teeming with germs like a swarm of trash flies? They were people from two completely different worlds.

If this lot was delayed, it was no big deal. Even if they died, it would be as insignificant as a fart. But how could the Mu Family be the same? Wasting even a single minute of their time was a grave sin.

"Hmph!"

The more Mu Qiuyue thought about it, the angrier she became. "I'll have someone drive out all this foul-smelling trash," she said coldly. "When it's just us left, I'd like to see how that old geezer makes me queue then."

"Good!" Qiao Yun nodded in agreement, adding, "Your father is still lying in bed. Every minute we're delayed is a huge loss for our Mu Family."

"Don't worry, Mom," Mu Qiuyue said confidently.

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