Seeing the shock and admiration in Han Muqing’s eyes, Chen Feiyu felt a secret sense of pride. Throughout the journey, he had noticed that Han Muqing looked unwell, with dark circles under her eyes, clearly the result of a sleepless night.
"Sister Qing, have you been troubled by something lately?" Chen Feiyu asked with concern.
"I'm fine," Han Muqing replied with a forced smile.
Chen Feiyu nodded and said, "If there is anything on your mind, you can tell me. No matter what the trouble is, I will do my best to help you solve it."
"Feiyu, thank you," Han Muqing said gratefully, a glimmer of light returning to her eyes. A gentle smile touched the corners of Chen Feiyu's mouth.
After dropping Chen Feiyu off at the entrance of the Xie family villa, he had just stepped out of the car when he heard a voice behind him.
"Feiyu."
Chen Feiyu turned back to see Han Muqing standing by the car. She tossed her dark, flowing hair and smiled enchantingly, "Why don't we move our date up? I'll come pick you up tonight."
*Tonight? Could it be…* An ambiguous look crossed Chen Feiyu’s eyes.
"You little rascal, what are you imagining?" Han Muqing scolded lightly before driving away.
"I didn't say anything, how do you know what I was thinking?" Chen Feiyu said with a playful grin, looking forward to the evening date even more.
Xie Anxiang knew Chen Feiyu was coming to treat Uncle Zhong, so he had summoned Xie Yongguo and Uncle Zhong early. Xie Xingxuan had even canceled a meeting to be there. By the time Chen Feiyu walked into the villa hall, Xie Yongguo and Uncle Zhong were already waiting to greet him with joyful faces.
After brief pleasantries, Chen Feiyu got straight to the point. He pulled out a porcelain bottle and placed it in front of Xie Yongguo. "Here, Essence-Solidifying Pills. They nourish the yin, strengthen the yang, and fortify one's foundation. One pill is worth three years of cultivation."
"In that case, many thanks, Mr. Chen!" Xie Yongguo was overjoyed. Seeing his excitement, one might have thought he was about to swallow the pill right then and there. Xie Xingxuan could only sigh and rub her forehead in resignation.
Xie Anxiang laughed heartily. "Young friend Chen, about the chronic illness you mentioned for Old Zhong..."
"I remember," Chen Feiyu said with a wave of his hand. He produced a crimson pill, and the entire hall was suddenly filled with an intense, fragrant aroma. Everyone present felt a sudden surge of mental clarity, which left them astonished. Xie Xingxuan, in particular, looked on with curiosity, her eyes fixed on the pill.
Uncle Zhong gasped in shock, "A top-grade pill? This is actually a top-grade pill! I’ve lived my whole life and only ever seen one in a prominent family in Yanjing. Mr. Chen, this is…" The way he looked at Chen Feiyu had shifted to one of sheer incredulity, and his address had changed to a formal honorific.
"What? A top-grade pill?" Xie Anxiang and Xie Yongguo were equally stunned. Xie Xingxuan, though less knowledgeable about such things, sensed the rarity of the item. She knew her grandfather well; if he could be so moved as to lose his composure, this pill was undoubtedly extraordinary.
Chen Feiyu handed it to Uncle Zhong casually. "This is a 'Little Profound Yang Pill.' No matter what chronic illness you have, taking this will have you feeling full of vitality in an instant."
"Th-thank you, Mr. Chen!" Uncle Zhong took it with trembling hands, fearing someone might snatch it away, and immediately popped it into his mouth. Xie Anxiang and the others watched him nervously.
A moment passed, and nothing happened. A strange look appeared on Uncle Zhong’s face. Xie Xingxuan let out a scoff, and disappointment flickered in the eyes of the others.
Suddenly, Uncle Zhong’s face turned scarlet. His eyes widened, and a series of "cracking" sounds emanated from his body as a powerful aura exploded outward. Then, at a speed visible to the naked eye, the gray hair on Uncle Zhong’s head turned dark, and he looked at least ten years younger.
Xie Anxiang was so shocked that he surged to his feet.
"I… I’ve broken through to the Late Nether Penetration Realm!" Realizing he had broken through, Uncle Zhong was both shocked and delighted. He threw his head back and laughed, his immense aura surging outward.
Xie Xingxuan, who was standing nearby, felt a sharp pain in her ears and a buzzing in her head, nearly fainting. Chen Feiyu reacted with lightning speed, stepping forward to cover her ears. She felt much better, and as she looked up at Chen Feiyu, her expression became complex.
"Mr. Chen, thank you so much! Not only did you cure my chronic illness, but you helped me break through my bottleneck. I cannot thank you enough. If you ever need anything, just say the word!" Uncle Zhong said with deep gratitude.
To have his martial cultivation—which had been stagnant for nearly a decade—break through with a single pill, and to feel his vitality restored, left him profoundly moved. Xie Anxiang and the others were equally stunned by Chen Feiyu’s supernatural ability.
Inside the Xie villa hall, the way they looked at Chen Feiyu had completely changed. If before they had only valued his potential, the skills he now displayed were enough to command their genuine respect. Though Xie Xingxuan was not a martial artist, seeing the obvious change in Uncle Zhong made her realize the miracle of the pill, and she became even more curious about Chen Feiyu.
Chen Feiyu said calmly, "I told you before that I would treat your condition. I, Chen Feiyu, always keep my word. There is no need for such formalities."
Xie Anxiang and the others nodded inwardly; this young man had an extraordinary bearing and was destined for great things.
Xie Anxiang then asked cautiously, "Young friend Chen, may I ask who refined this pill?"
Chen Feiyu smiled slightly. "Far away, yet right before your eyes."
Xie Anxiang and the others were thoroughly shaken. Although they had suspected Chen Feiyu might have refined it himself, the pill was too miraculous and Chen Feiyu was too young—he didn't look like an alchemist at all. Now that they had confirmation, a tidal wave of emotion crashed through them.
A master of medicine, a martial arts expert, and an alchemist… any one of these identities would be enough to garner the respect of any great family. To have all these titles concentrated in one person—and such a young one at that—meant his potential was limitless. It was only a matter of time before he became famous throughout all of China.
Suddenly, Xie Anxiang felt that the thing he was most proud of in his life might not be his military career or the founding of the Xie family in Mingji City, but his acquaintance with Chen Feiyu.
Xie Xingxuan, blinking her curious eyes, thought to herself, *Chen Feiyu, what kind of person are you? Why do you give people such surprises, one after another?*
"Young friend Chen, might I ask if this 'Little Profound Yang Pill' can continue to be refined?" Xie Anxiang asked nervously. Xie Yongguo and Uncle Zhong pricked up their ears; this was a matter of great concern. If the Xie family could produce more of these pills, they could cultivate more experts, securing greater benefits and perhaps even allowing them to rival the great families of the provincial capital.
Under their anxious gazes, Chen Feiyu slowly shook his head.
Disappointment clouded the faces of the group. "It’s true," Xie Anxiang said with a forced smile. "The 'Little Profound Yang Pill' is a top-grade pill. To have even one, and for it to fall into the hands of the Xie family, is a great blessing. I shouldn't be greedy."
Chen Feiyu rolled his eyes. In truth, he considered the "Little Profound Yang Pill" a failed experiment, which was why he wouldn't refine it again. Naturally, he didn't voice this.
"Although I won't be refining more, I happen to have some 'Little Profound Yang Pills' here," Chen Feiyu said slowly, breaking the somber mood.
"What?" The group stood frozen.
Xie Anxiang quickly pressed, "Young friend Chen, are you serious?"
"Naturally. Would I lie to you?" Chen Feiyu pulled out a small blue-and-white porcelain bottle and placed it on the sandalwood table.
"Is... is the 'Little Profound Yang Pill' inside this? Heaven bless the Xie family! To think there is another! The Xie family will surely rise to new heights. We must celebrate with a drink!" Xie Anxiang exclaimed, overcome with excitement.
Chen Feiyu curled his lip. "Who said there was only one? How short-sighted. There are ten inside."
"T-ten?" Xie Anxiang and the others jumped to their feet in excitement. Uncle Zhong rushed over, opened the lid to peek inside, and then shouted to Xie Anxiang, "Old Brother Xie, it really is ten!"
Xie Anxiang wept with joy. Chen Feiyu rolled his eyes, inwardly despising them for their lack of vision—they were getting this excited over a mere failure. If they ever saw a true "Profound Yang Pill," they would probably go mad with excitement.
Suppressing his internal fervor, Xie Anxiang asked cautiously, "Young friend Chen, I would like to offer one hundred million to buy all ten of these 'Little Profound Yang Pills.' How does that sound?" He looked at Chen Feiyu with nervous apprehension, fearing a refusal.
Chen Feiyu was startled. *What? These pieces of junk are worth a hundred million?*
Thinking Chen Feiyu was hesitant, Xie Anxiang quickly added, "Three hundred million… no, five hundred million. I am willing to pay five hundred million yuan to buy them all."
"Done! Deal," Chen Feiyu replied. He was secretly thrilled. He hadn't been down from the mountain long, and he had already made over five hundred million, plus a villa in the bay. *Tsk, this feels good!*
Xie Anxiang laughed heartily, feeling he had gotten the bargain of a lifetime. He immediately had Xie Yongguo put the pills away, his mind already busy planning how to use them: two for his sons in the military to boost their standing, two to recruit experts for the family, one for himself to potentially regain his youth, and the remaining five as family heirlooms. He believed that before long, the Xie family would stand alongside the greatest families in the province.
Tonight, he would drink to his heart’s content.
***
Chen Feiyu shook his head. To think the Xie family was considered a "great family," yet they were so excited over a simple "Little Profound Yang Pill"—they truly were inexperienced.
In reality, one could hardly blame Xie Anxiang. Alchemists were exceptionally rare in this world, and those who could refine top-grade pills were rarer still. Every alchemist was a prized asset fought over by the major families.
"Young friend Chen, what is your bank account number? I will transfer the funds immediately." Even in his excitement, Xie Anxiang, a seasoned veteran of the world, didn't forget business.
After Chen Feiyu provided the details, five hundred million yuan hit his account. Looking at the long string of zeros, even Chen Feiyu, with his firm temperament, felt a surge of heat. Having money really felt damn good!
Xie Xingxuan had been sitting to the side the whole time. She couldn't believe that only a few days ago, Chen Feiyu was just a server at a snack bar, and now he had hundreds of millions in assets. Perhaps Chen Feiyu was a true dragon in hiding, destined to soar. If they had met earlier, perhaps she would have been moved. But now… thinking of her current predicament, Xie Xingxuan sighed internally.
***
That night, at the Bay Villa, Chen Feiyu was sitting in the living room watching television when his phone rang. It was Han Muqing.
"Feiyu, come out. I’m outside your place."
Chen Feiyu’s spirits lifted, and a smile appeared on his face involuntarily.
When he reached the door, he saw Han Muqing leaning against her car, wearing sunglasses and smiling brightly. She was clearly dressed with great care. She had traded her usual black business attire for a striped, off-the-shoulder top that bared her smooth, perfect shoulders, looking captivating. Below, she wore navy blue cropped trousers that accentuated her long legs, and on her feet were crystal-heeled sandals, revealing her delicate toes. She looked both mature and alluring.
Chen Feiyu’s eyes brightened. He walked over and teased, "Dressed so beautifully, I thought you were going on a blind date."
Han Muqing felt pleased. Her lips curved into an enchanting smile as she gave him a playful, sidelong glance. "Smooth talker. Come on, big sister is going to take you out to eat and shut that mouth of yours."
After they got in the car, they headed toward the city center. Initially, given Han Muqing's status, Chen Feiyu assumed she would take him somewhere fancy. He was stunned when she pulled up to a roadside night market.
"What? Not happy?" Han Muqing teased.
Chen Feiyu laughed. "How could I be? I’m more than happy to have dinner with you, Sister Qing."
"At least you know how to talk. Let’s go, this place is famous." Han Muqing took off her sunglasses and took Chen Feiyu’s arm, walking into the market like a couple.
Han Muqing was a goddess, and the moment she appeared, many of the men at the market turned to look at her with amazement and, toward Chen Feiyu, envy and jealousy.
"Hmph!" Chen Feiyu suddenly wrapped his arm around Han Muqing's waist, scanning the surroundings as if declaring his territory. The looks from the crowd immediately turned hostile.
Han Muqing’s body stiffened for a moment before she relaxed, laughing, "Little brother, you’re quite domineering."
"Naturally. How could I let others have designs on my woman?" Chen Feiyu huffed, pulling her to a nearby square table without argument.
Han Muqing glared at him. "I didn't know I was your woman."
"Even if you aren't yet, you will be," Chen Feiyu said with confidence.
"How naive," she chuckled, her cheeks turning slightly pink.
They ordered skewers and beer. After a few glasses, Han Muqing’s cheeks were flushed, adding to her charm. "You know," she said, her eyes turning nostalgic, "five years ago, when I had just graduated college and came to Mingji City alone, the first paycheck I ever earned was spent eating at a night market just like this."
With wine, stories, and a beautiful woman, Chen Feiyu listened quietly.
"No one knows how much effort I put in. Two years later, Old Master Xie recognized my talent and promoted me to general manager of the Mingji Trade Building. You know how it is—a single, attractive woman in a high position is easily slandered. Not even the two heiresses, Xie Xingxuan and Su Yingxue, were exceptions. I spent three years raising the profits of the Mingji Trade Building by three times, step by step forcing those who only gossiped behind my back to shut up. Now that I’m president, the rumors have started again among the staff. They say I climbed to the top by selling my body. In meetings, some people even use their seniority to insult me…"
Han Muqing’s mouth turned bitter as she downed her glass.
Chen Feiyu felt a pang of heartache. "Is that why you’ve been in a bad mood the last few days?"
"That’s only part of it… wait, in your eyes, is your big sister so fragile that she can't handle others’ opinions?" She scolded him lightly before continuing, "The main thing is business. Li Tongwei’s Wanxing Trade is constantly undermining me, ruining many of my deals. He’s such a piece of work, hmph!"
"The Li family? Li Tongwei?" Chen Feiyu’s eyes glinted.
"So you know him? Yes, it’s him. A despicable man!" Han Muqing said with hatred.
A hint of murderous intent flashed in Chen Feiyu’s eyes. Li Tongwei had tried to ambush him last time, and he hadn't settled that score yet. It seemed it was time to settle the old debts along with the new ones.
"Yo, little beauty, want to come have a drink with us?"
Suddenly, four thugs reeking of alcohol approached them, leering at Han Muqing. The surrounding crowd gasped, recognizing them as local street fighters whom no one dared to offend.
Han Muqing frowned, not hiding her disgust. "Get lost!"
"Haha, little beauty is quite spicy. I like that. You’re coming with us tonight, or you aren't leaving this place!" a yellow-haired punk said menacingly.
Han Muqing stood up, her eyes cold, and slapped the man across the face.
"Damn it! You dare hit me? I’ll kill you!" The punk shouted in a rage, reaching out to strike her back.
Suddenly, a hand reached out from the side and grabbed him firmly. It was Chen Feiyu.
The thug snarled, "Damn you, let go, or I’ll kill your whole family!"
Chen Feiyu’s expression was icy. "If you try to molest my woman, you must be prepared to pay the price!" With a squeeze, a "crack" echoed, and the thug’s wrist broke, his hand dangling uselessly.
"Quick! Kill him!" the thug screamed in pain and rage. The other three thugs rushed at Chen Feiyu with iron pipes.
"Feiyu, be careful!" Han Muqing cried out.
Handling such thugs was nothing for Chen Feiyu. He quickly kicked three times, striking before they could reach him, hitting each of their lower legs. "Crack! Crack! Crack!" Three bones snapped, and the thugs collapsed to the ground, struggling in vain to get back up.
The crowd gasped in shock at Chen Feiyu’s ruthlessness. Suddenly, the yellow-haired thug, seizing a chance, lunged toward Han Muqing’s forehead with his iron pipe. Had it landed, she would have been disfigured if not killed. Han Muqing’s face turned pale, and she closed her eyes, resigned to her fate.
A moment later, she felt herself pulled into an embrace. Opening her eyes, she saw Chen Feiyu had stepped in front of her, taking the blow to his own back. He winced slightly.
*It must hurt so much.* Han Muqing felt her heart melting. She touched Chen Feiyu’s face with concern, tears welling in her eyes.
Chen Feiyu raised a gentle smile. "Be good. Watch me take revenge for you."
"Mhm, I trust you," Han Muqing said softly.
Of course, Chen Feiyu had done this on purpose. With his strength, he had a hundred ways to deal with the thug while keeping Han Muqing safe, but none were as effective as this. The "hero saves the beauty" trope might be cliché, but it worked every time.