Jiang Tianhu was not only bowing and apologizing now, but he was also genuinely afraid that Chen Tianyang wouldn't accept.
To be honest, Chen Tianyang was already tempted. He didn't have a place of his own yet and had been staying at Tang Meilian’s house; this villa was exactly what he needed.
Just as he was about to accept, he rolled his eyes and kept a stoic, unmoved expression. Jiang Tianhu didn't dare to speak, cold sweat beading on his forehead.
Suddenly, Xie Yongguo coughed twice.
Jiang Tianhu’s expression shifted slightly. He took a bank card from his pocket, placed it on top of the keys, and said respectfully, "Mr. Chen, there is five million in here. Please, do me the honor of accepting it."
Chen Tianyang remained unmoved.
Jiang Tianhu’s face changed again. Gritting his teeth, he took out another bank card and placed it on top, adding respectfully, "Right, I almost forgot. There is another ten million here, also intended as a token of respect for Mr. Chen."
Though his heart ached, Jiang Tianhu had to maintain a pleasant smile, his face stiffening from the effort.
"What... what are you doing?"
Chen Tianyang felt it was enough. Only then did he beam, taking the keys and the bank cards. "Since you are being so polite, I suppose I will reluctantly accept."
He hadn't expected this trip to yield not only the medicinal herbs but also, out of thin air, a villa and fifteen million. It was quite a haul.
Jiang Tianhu felt a wave of relief and let out a long breath, only then realizing his own back was drenched in cold sweat. However, Chen Tianyang’s next sentence made his heart leap back into his throat.
"I was taken to the police station yesterday. Did you have anything to do with that?"
Jiang Tianhu shivered instantly. This major figure of Guanghua City hurriedly explained, "Mr. Chen, it’s a misunderstanding, a total misunderstanding! It was Li Yuanze pulling strings behind the scenes..."
After Jiang Tianhu truthfully recounted Li Yuanze’s plan, he looked at Chen Tianyang with bated breath.
"Li Yuanze?" Chen Tianyang realized, suddenly remembering that this was the rich kid who had been chasing his "first wife" and whom he had given a sound thrashing. He hadn't expected him to dare scheme behind his back.
A sharp glint flashed in Chen Tianyang’s eyes.
After arranging to deliver the Gujing Pill the following day, Chen Tianyang took his leave. Since Han Muqing wasn't around, Xie Anxiang had Xie Xingxuan drive him, and Xie Yongguo specifically instructed her to drop Chen Tianyang off at the Bay Villa in the suburbs.
Throughout the journey, Xie Xingxuan was preoccupied with the bet, terrified that Chen Tianyang might demand something outrageous. She was restless, casting glances at Chen Tianyang through the rearview mirror every so often. Chen Tianyang, however, kept his eyes closed and his mind focused the entire time, not even looking at her once, which left her feeling slightly frustrated.
Halfway there, Chen Tianyang seemed to notice something strange. He opened his eyes, frowned, and asked, "Do you have bodyguards with you?"
Xie Xingxuan shook her head, saying with a hint of haughtiness, "In Guanghua City, no one dares to touch a member of the Xie Family. There’s no need for bodyguards."
Chen Tianyang looked thoughtful, then suddenly said, "Stop the car."
Xie Xingxuan instinctively slammed on the brakes, her head nearly hitting the steering wheel. "Are you sick?"
"Wait for me here."
Chen Tianyang opened the door and stepped out directly. He had only walked a few steps when Xie Xingxuan, gritting her teeth, chased after him. "You haven't told me the terms of our bet yet!"
Chen Tianyang turned around. Looking at Xie Xingxuan, whose graceful figure was outlined by her cyan-white qipao, a mischievous smile played on his lips. He walked toward her until he was standing right in front of her, the scent of her subtle perfume filling his nose.
"What... what are you doing?" Xie Xingxuan’s breathing quickened. Did he want to kiss her?
Tense and shy, she instinctively wanted to flee back into the car, but then she thought, she had promised to lose a condition to him; if it was just a kiss, it wasn't unacceptable. I, Xie Xingxuan, always keep my word!
Xie Xingxuan nervously closed her eyes, acting as if she were facing death itself. Yet, her flushed cheeks and slightly trembling eyelids betrayed her inner shyness and tension.
The next moment, however, things didn't go quite as she had imagined.
Chen Tianyang didn't kiss her. Instead, he reached out and hugged her, blowing into her ear and teasing, "I'll tell you when I've thought of it. Now, be a good girl and wait for me in the car. Don't come out. I'll be back soon."
It was the first time Xie Xingxuan had been this intimate with a man, and the earlobe was a particularly sensitive spot. The heat of Chen Tianyang’s breath made her feel weak, and had he not been holding her, she would have nearly lost her footing.
After Chen Tianyang let her go, he turned and walked forward. At the same time, a light rain began to fall from the sky. Watching his retreating figure, Xie Xingxuan’s expression was complex.
Chen Tianyang walked some distance until he reached a stone bridge. It was quite secluded, with no pedestrians around. Suddenly, on the other side of the bridge, a man in black appeared. His eyes were cold and his entire body radiated a biting aura. It was clear at a glance that he was trouble.
"I don't think I know you. Why are you following me?" Chen Tianyang asked, hands in his pockets, his demeanor relaxed and easy.
Back in Xie Xingxuan’s car, he had already sensed he was being followed, and the individual was exuding strong killing intent. That was why Chen Tianyang had deliberately left the car and sought out a secluded spot—to draw the snake out of its hole. It seemed the man in black was indeed his tail.
Zhao Wushang
The man in black said coldly, "You are merely an ant from the lower class; naturally, you wouldn't know me. I come from the Provincial Capital Zhao Family. To you, we are an existence as vast as a mountain."
"The Provincial Capital Zhao Family?" This was the second time Chen Tianyang had heard that name.
The man in black continued, "Young Master Zhao sent me to investigate Xie Xingxuan in secret because she has caught his eye. Young Master Zhao is a germaphobe; he doesn't like others touching his women. Since you’ve held Xie Xingxuan, you must die!"
The man in black drew a short sword. The blade was narrow but razor-sharp, emitting a heavy bloodlust. The atmosphere turned grave, on the verge of exploding.
At the same moment, behind a willow tree not far away, a beautiful young woman had a look of shock in her eyes. "It’s actually him. This is going to be troublesome."
Her name was Su Wanbai. She had been sent by Su Muyu to protect Chen Tianyang, and having reached the "Qi Combination Mid-stage," she was considered a rare expert. But at this moment, her heart sank to the bottom. She had recognized the man in black: he was Zhao Tianlai, an expert of the Zhao Family, rumored to have reached the "Nether Penetration Early-stage." Legend had it that he had once single-handedly taken on ten special forces teams with his short sword and emerged unscathed. Ever since, his reputation had soared, and he was known as "Zhao Wushang."
Now that Zhao Tianlai had made his move, Chen Tianyang was as good as dead.
"Zhao Tianlai is a full rank above me. Even if I go out to stall him and create a chance for Chen Tianyang to run, I’d likely just be throwing my life away. What should I do?" Su Wanbai was filled with conflict, and even despair, in her eyes.
On the small bridge, the rain continued to fall, growing even heavier.
Chen Tianyang raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure you can kill me?"
"Because I intend to kill you, you are as good as dead. Remember, my name is Zhao Tianlai, also known as Zhao Wushang," Zhao Tianlai said slowly, his killing intent intensifying.
Chen Tianyang shrugged. "When the sky wants to rain, or a mother wants to remarry, there's no stopping it. If you want to throw your life away, I suppose I have no choice but to oblige you."
A flicker of contempt appeared in Zhao Tianlai’s eyes. He felt absolutely no martial aura from Chen Tianyang. Dealing with such an ordinary person would take only one sword strike! He gripped his sword and stepped forward, moving with incredible speed, splashing water under his feet.
Chen Tianyang stood his ground, still with his hands in his pockets.
The next instant, Zhao Tianlai was upon him. His short sword swung down, a faint silver glow shimmering on the blade, cleaving through the raindrops. Just the sheer force of this strike was several levels higher than Leng Dao’s "Double Blade Cross Slash." He was truly worthy of being a "Nether Penetration Early-stage" expert.
Not far away, Su Wanbai closed her eyes in despair; she couldn't bear to watch Chen Tianyang die a gruesome death.
Zhao Tianlai was gloating internally. It seemed his strength had improved again; this strike was enough to split Chen Tianyang in two!
Suddenly, Chen Tianyang’s eyes sharpened. He abruptly extended two fingers, and the intimidating sword strike was caught firmly between them.
Zhao Tianlai’s eyes widened in disbelief.
"In front of me, you aren't worthy of using a sword!" Chen Tianyang’s other hand formed a fist and struck Zhao Tianlai squarely in the chest.
Zhao Tianlai let out a muffled groan as he flew backward. Several of his ribs shattered, and the short sword slipped from his hand. He stumbled back over ten meters before regaining his footing, then suddenly coughed up a mouthful of blood.
Su Wanbai, who hadn't heard the scream she expected, opened her eyes out of curiosity and was instantly stunned. "This... what just happened? Why is Chen Tianyang perfectly fine while Zhao Tianlai is heavily wounded?" Su Wanbai felt her brain couldn't keep up; she couldn't comprehend what she was seeing.
Chen Tianyang picked up the short sword and began walking forward slowly. "Now, I'll let you see what real swordsmanship is."
"Who... who are you?" Zhao Tianlai asked, shocked.
"I am Chen Tianyang, the man who is about to kill you." Chen Tianyang smiled calmly, continuing his advance.
Feeling the approach of death, Zhao Tianlai was gripped by terror. He was an expert at the "Nether Penetration Early-stage," especially skilled with the short sword, with power capable of cleaving mountains and stone. Yet, a full-force strike of his had been stopped by Chen Tianyang with just two fingers.
Could it be that Chen Tianyang’s strength was far above his own? Could Chen Tianyang be a top-tier expert of the "Nether Penetration Late-stage"?
Hidden Dragon
"Damn it, I didn't investigate properly!" Zhao Tianlai cursed fiercely before suddenly turning and sprinting away.
"Want to run? It’s not that easy."
Chen Tianyang pushed off the ground, sending water splashing in all directions. He was like an arrow released from a string, dashing forward with terrifying speed. In the blink of an eye, he had outpaced his target, arriving before Zhao Tianlai and bringing the sword down, cleanly severing his right arm.
Zhao Tianlai screamed, blood spraying from his stump as Chen Tianyang kicked him to the ground, covered in blood and rainwater.
"You... you can't kill me! If you kill me, the Provincial Capital Zhao Family will definitely avenge me, and then you’ll find yourself with no place to be buried!" Zhao Tianlai snarled.
"The Provincial Capital Zhao Family? By all means, have them come seek revenge. Once you’ve crossed me, Chen Tianyang, I don't care if it's the Zhao Family or the Wang Family—I’ll wipe them all out of existence!" Chen Tianyang said playfully. "I said it before: when the sky wants to rain, or a mother wants to remarry, there is no stopping it. If you want to die, I’m helpless; I can only satisfy you."
With that, Chen Tianyang leaned in. In his hand, the short sword seemed to have a life of its own, the sword-play elusive and untraceable. Where the sword light flickered, deep, bone-exposing gashes appeared on Zhao Tianlai’s body. Blood flowed continuously, dyeing the surrounding rainwater crimson.
Su Wanbai was already paralyzed. Zhao Tianlai, known as "Zhao Wushang," was being toyed with and shredded by Chen Tianyang. Except for a "Nether Penetration Late-stage" expert, who else could have such skill? Was it possible that Chen Tianyang, despite his youth, was already a "Nether Penetration Late-stage" expert? Su Wanbai was completely stunned.
With one final strike, Chen Tianyang slit Zhao Tianlai’s throat. This expert who had single-handedly fought ten special forces teams and emerged unscathed was dead at Chen Tianyang’s hands.
"If news of this battle spreads, Chen Tianyang will surely become famous. But he’s killed someone from the Provincial Capital Zhao Family; they certainly won't let this go," Su Wanbai said with worry.
Suddenly, she realized Chen Tianyang had vanished from the spot, and she was shocked.
"Who are you, and why have you been following me?"
The next instant, Chen Tianyang’s voice sounded right behind her like a ghost. Su Wanbai jumped and turned to look. Suddenly, the world blurred before her eyes, and she felt her neck being gripped by Chen Tianyang.
Subdued in a single move!
At that moment, Su Wanbai felt the threat of death and broke into a cold sweat. Chen Tianyang had tossed the short sword aside; one hand was in his pocket, the other clutching her throat. Seeing her beautiful face clearly, Chen Tianyang was slightly surprised. Adding to that, Su Wanbai was wearing a red qipao with a high slit, revealing long, slender, white legs, which only made her look more alluring.
"A beauty like you following me around... don't tell me you've taken a liking to me?" Chen Tianyang laughed, reaching out to touch her shapely leg.
A look of humiliation appeared in Su Wanbai’s eyes, and she quickly said, "I... I was sent by Miss Su Muyu to protect you."
"Uh..."
Chen Tianyang was dumbfounded, his hand stopping in mid-air. He hadn't expected to be teasing someone sent by his "first wife." He released her, laughing awkwardly, "A misunderstanding. So, you’re on my side."
Freed, Su Wanbai coughed painfully, gasping for fresh air, then glared fiercely at Chen Tianyang.
Chen Tianyang asked awkwardly, "You say you were sent by my first wife. What’s going on?"
Though she was curious why Chen Tianyang called Su Muyu his "first wife," Su Wanbai didn't dare ask. She truthfully explained, "Since you’re new here and have offended Li Yuanze, the Miss was worried you might be in danger, so she sent me to watch over you secretly."
Of course, there was also the matter of reporting his whereabouts and seeing if he could build his career on his own, but Su Wanbai thought it best not to mention that.
Chen Tianyang had a strange look on his face. "My first wife, she looks cold as ice, but I didn't expect her to be so kind to me."
Su Wanbai kept her head down, but her heart was in turmoil. *Oh, Miss, if we had known Chen Tianyang was this powerful, why send me to protect him? It’s more like he should be protecting me!*
Chen Tianyang pondered for a moment. "Go back and tell Su Muyu that there’s no need to follow me anymore." With that, he turned and disappeared into the misty rain.
"Miss, oh Miss, you really must hold on to him. Chen Tianyang is a true hidden dragon," Su Wanbai sighed to herself. Her eyes flickered. "Still, this future son-in-law is quite bold; he even dares to kill people from the Zhao Family. I’d better help him dispose of Zhao Tianlai’s body to buy him some time against the Zhao Family."
People Compared to Others...
Riding in Xie Xingxuan’s luxury car, Chen Tianyang arrived at the Bay Villa that Jiang Tianhu had gifted him, and Xie Xingxuan fled as if escaping.
Although he knew the villa was high-end, Chen Tianyang was still amazed once he walked inside. It was a four-story detached villa with two levels of underground parking, covering at least ten thousand square meters. The living room was adorned with authentic calligraphy and paintings by masters from the Ming and Qing dynasties; it was both opulent and elegant.
Standing before the floor-to-ceiling windows on the second floor, he could even see the vast ocean in the distance, which was incredibly refreshing for both body and mind.
"No wonder Jiang Tianhu could become a local hegemon—he certainly has guts. This villa alone must be worth tens of millions. Tsk, tsk."
Chen Tianyang first called Tang Meilian to let her know he had found a place and would be moving out. Tang Meilian offered a few words of concern and told him to come over for dinner in a few days before they hung up.
Chen Tianyang brought the medicinal herbs to his bedroom and began refining the pills. From childhood, he had relied on various rare pills to assist his cultivation. However, precious medicinal herbs were hard to come by, and since he had nearly exhausted the supply on the mountain and his cultivation had hit a bottleneck, he had been forced to come down to find rare herbs to refine the pills he needed to breakthrough. In another sense, alchemy was his specialty, even more so than his medical skills.
"Missing Qingyuzhi, Fire Spirit Grass, and Heavenly Heart Fruit... Hmm, no choice. I’ll have to make do. Hopefully, I can at least refine a 'Xuan-Yang Pill'."
After placing the necessary herbs before him, Chen Tianyang took out a small bronze tripod from his robes. It was carved with patterns of the sun, moon, and stars, looking ancient and profound. The "Immortal Martial Integration Technique" he practiced drew upon the pure Yang energy of all things in heaven and earth; naturally, it could also extract the vital energy from herbs.
"Heaven and earth unite, the two symbols merge, yin and yang descend, the upper reaches the profound. Nine turns of the elixir, refining energy into essence."
Chen Tianyang sat cross-legged, focusing his mind and reciting the sacred mantra. He watched as wisps of azure energy rose from the herbs, gathering into the bronze tripod and swirling within. Chen Tianyang channeled his inner energy, causing the tripod to hover in mid-air as a flame manifested beneath it, burning fiercely.
A moment later, the heat was sufficient. The rich fragrance of the pills turned into a white vapor, almost tangible, permeating the entire room, leaving anyone who smelled it feeling refreshed.
"Consuming the essence of the sun and moon, mastering the wonders of the two landscapes, a priceless treasure, the divine pill is born!"
Chen Tianyang formed a seal with his hands, and the flame vanished. Simultaneously, the medicinal aura throughout the room was absorbed like a whale drinking water, condensing into twelve crimson-red pills. Looking at their quality, one could feel the massive vitality contained within.
Chen Tianyang felt a trace of disappointment, frowning. "As expected, I overestimated myself. Lacking several key ingredients, the true Xuan-Yang Pill couldn't be refined. Still, although these are failed products, they should be more than enough to treat Uncle Zhong’s chronic illness."
Chen Tianyang decided to name this batch of failed products "Minor Xuan-Yang Pills." The reason he called them "Minor" was that compared to the true Xuan-Yang Pill, their effectiveness was less than a hundredth, which, for Chen Tianyang, was of little use.
After refining a few "Gujing Pills" as well, Chen Tianyang popped a "Minor Xuan-Yang Pill" into his mouth and began his meditation. Although he couldn't breakthrough, it was better than nothing.
The next morning, after asking Tang Meilian for another day off, Chen Tianyang called Han Muqing to pick him up. Han Muqing didn't know he had moved into the Bay Villa. When she arrived at the address, she was thoroughly shocked.
She had been the general manager of the Guanghua Trade Building for three years and was now the president; even with her annual salary accumulated over these years, she couldn't afford this villa. Yet, Chen Tianyang had secured it in just a few days. Truly, comparing people to one another is just depressing.
Seeing the shock and admiration in Han Muqing’s eyes, Chen Tianyang felt secretly pleased.
On the road, he noticed Han Muqing’s complexion was poor and she had dark circles under her eyes, clearly indicating she had stayed up late the previous night.