"Sister Qing, is something troubling you lately?" Chen Tianyang asked with concern.
Chapter 49: Top-Grade Pills!
"It's nothing." Han Muqing forced a smile.
Chen Tianyang nodded and said, "You can talk to me if anything's on your mind. No matter what the problem is, I'll do my best to help you solve it."
"Tianyang, thank you," Han Muqing said gratefully, a gleam returning to her eyes.
A warm smile touched the corners of Chen Tianyang's lips.
After driving Chen Tianyang to the entrance of the Xie Family villa, he had just stepped out of the car when—
"Tianyang."
Suddenly, Han Muqing's voice came from behind.
Chen Tianyang turned back to see Han Muqing standing by the car, tossing her dark, lustrous hair as she gave him a charming smile. "How about we move our date up? I'll come pick you up tonight."
Tonight? Could it be...
An ambiguous look flashed in Chen Tianyang's eyes.
"Little pervert, what are you letting your mind wander about?" Han Muqing gave a light huff and drove away.
"I didn't say anything at all. How did you know my mind was wandering?" Chen Tianyang said with a playful smile, looking forward to tonight's date even more.
Knowing that Chen Tianyang was coming to treat Uncle Zhong, Xie Anxiang had summoned Xie Yongguo and Uncle Zhong early on. Xie Xingxuan had even pushed aside a meeting she originally had scheduled for today.
As soon as Chen Tianyang walked into the villa's main hall, Xie Yongguo and Uncle Zhong hurried forward to greet him with delight.
After some pleasantries, Chen Tianyang got straight to the point. He took out a porcelain bottle, placed it in front of Xie Yongguo, and said, "Here. Gujing Pill. It nourishes yin and boosts yang, fortifies the root and nourishes the origin—one pill lasts for three years."
"In that case, many thanks, Mr. Chen." Xie Yongguo was overjoyed, looking so excited he seemed ready to swallow the "Gujing Pill" right on the spot to try it out.
Xie Xingxuan slapped a hand to her forehead in resignation.
Xie Anxiang chuckled and asked, "My young friend Chen, that chronic ailment on my brother Zhong that you mentioned last time..."
"I remember," Chen Tianyang said with a wave of his hand, producing a crimson pill. The entire hall was instantly filled with a rich fragrance, and everyone present felt a sudden surge of mental vigor, which left them utterly astonished.
Xie Xingxuan cast a sideways glance, staring curiously at 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 inside a major family in Yanjing. Mr. Chen, this is..."
The way he looked at Chen Tianyang was now filled with incredulity, and he even changed his form of address to the honorific.
"What? A top-grade pill?" Xie Anxiang and Xie Yongguo were equally stunned.
Only Xie Xingxuan lacked understanding, her pretty eyes full of curiosity. But she knew very well that for her grandfather's level of self-control to be shaken to the point of losing his composure, this pill was definitely extraordinary!
Chen Tianyang casually handed it to Uncle Zhong. "This is the 'Little Xuanyang Pill'. No matter what chronic illness you have, taking it will instantly make you as lively as a dragon and a tiger."
"Th-thank you, Mr. Chen." Uncle Zhong took it with trembling hands, as if afraid someone would snatch it from him, and immediately popped it into his mouth.
Xie Anxiang and the others watched him anxiously.
The next moment, nothing happened, and a bizarre expression crossed Uncle Zhong's face.
Xie Xingxuan let out a scoff, while disappointment crept into the eyes of Xie Anxiang and the others.
Suddenly, Uncle Zhong's face turned beet red, his eyes bulged wide, and a cracking sound echoed throughout his body as a fierce momentum erupted from him.
Then, at a visible rate, the white hair on Uncle Zhong's head turned much darker, and he looked at least ten years younger overall.
Shocked beyond measure, Xie Anxiang abruptly stood up.
"I... I've broken through to the Nether Penetration Realm Late-stage." Realizing he had broken through, Uncle Zhong was both shocked and delighted, throwing his head back in a long laugh as a powerful aura surged forth.
Chapter 50: An Excited Xie Anxiang
Xie Xingxuan was standing quite close and felt a sharp pain in her ears, her head buzzing so loudly she almost passed out on the spot.
With quick eyes and swift hands, Chen Tianyang stepped forward and covered her ears. Only then did she feel much better. She raised her head to look at Chen Tianyang with a complex expression.
"Mr. Chen, thank you so much! Not only did you cure my chronic ailment, but you also helped me break through my bottleneck. Such a great kindness cannot be repaid with mere words. If you ever need me in the future, just say the word!" Uncle Zhong said gratefully.
With just a single pill, Uncle Zhong's martial arts cultivation—which had been stagnant for nearly ten years—broke through once again, and he had even regained his vitality. One can easily imagine the gratitude in his heart!
Xie Anxiang and the others were likewise astounded by Chen Tianyang's miraculous abilities.
Right now, inside the Xie Family villa's main hall, the way they looked at Chen Tianyang had completely changed. If they had previously valued him purely for his potential, the skills Chen Tianyang had just displayed were now enough to earn their genuine respect.
Although Xie Xingxuan was not a martial artist, seeing Uncle Zhong's dramatic transformation made her understand the miraculous nature of the pill, and she grew even more curious about Chen Tianyang.
Chen Tianyang said indifferently, "I said before that I would help you treat your chronic illness. I, Chen Tianyang, always keep my word in everything I do. There's no need to be so overly polite."
Xie Anxiang and the others nodded inwardly. A young man of such extraordinary bearing was bound to achieve great things in the future.
Then, Xie Anxiang asked cautiously, "My young friend Chen, might I ask who refined this pill?"
Chen Tianyang smiled slightly and said, "Far away on the horizon, yet right before your eyes."
Xie Anxiang and the others were completely dumbfounded.
Although he knew there was a high possibility that Chen Tianyang had refined it himself, the pill was simply too miraculous, and Chen Tianyang was far too young—he didn't look like an alchemist no matter how one looked at him.
Now that he had received a definitive answer, turbulent waves crashed within the hearts of Xie Anxiang and the others.
Brilliant medical skills, a martial arts expert, an alchemist...
Any single one of these awesome identities, if brought out into the world, would be enough to draw the serious attention of various major families. To have all these titles gathered in one person—and such a young person at that, who still had immense room for growth—meant that it was only a matter of time before he shook the entirety of Huaxia.
Suddenly, Xie Anxiang felt that the proudest thing in his life might not be his military career and illustrious achievements, nor his deep roots in Guanghua City establishing a major family, but rather getting to know Chen Tianyang!
Xie Xingxuan blinked her curious eyes, thinking secretly to herself: Chen Tianyang, just what kind of person are you, and why do you keep bringing people surprises over and over again?
"My young friend Chen, if I may be so bold as to ask, can this 'Little Xuanyang Pill' continue to be refined?" Xie Anxiang asked nervously.
Xie Yongguo, Uncle Zhong, and the others immediately perked up their ears. This was also the question they cared about most.
After all, the effects of the 'Little Xuanyang Pill' were simply too tyrannical. If they could continue to produce 'Little Xuanyang Pills', the Xie Family could cultivate more experts and secure even greater benefits for themselves.
The Xie Family might even use this to become a major family comparable to the Zhao Family of the Provincial Capital.
Therefore, Xie Anxiang and the others couldn't help but care deeply.
Amidst everyone's nervous gazes, Chen Tianyang slowly shook his head.
Disappointment that could not be concealed crossed the faces of Xie Anxiang and the others.
"True enough, after all, the 'Little Xuanyang Pill' is a top-grade pill. To be able to refine even one, and for it to fall right into the hands of our Xie Family, is already supreme fortune. I shouldn't be greedy," Xie Anxiang forced a smile.
Chen Tianyang rolled his eyes. In his eyes, the 'Little Xuanyang Pill' was actually a complete failure, so naturally he wouldn't continue refining them. That was why he shook his head.
Of course, Chen Tianyang wasn't about to say that out loud.
"Although I won't refine any more, I still happen to have more 'Little Xuanyang Pills' right here." Amidst everyone's disappointed expressions, Chen Tianyang slowly spoke up.
"What?"
Everyone was practically petrified.
Xie Anxiang immediately pressed, "My young friend Chen, is this true?"
"Naturally. Would I lie to you?" Chen Tianyang took out a small blue-and-white porcelain bottle and placed it on the sandalwood table.
"Could it be that these are 'Little Xuanyang Pills'? Heaven blesses the Xie Family! There's actually another pill of the 'Little Xuanyang Pill'! The Xie Family is bound to reach a new height—we must celebrate with a large cup of wine!" Xie Anxiang said excitedly.
Chen Tianyang curled his lip and said, "Who said there's only one? So uncultivated. There are ten more inside."
Chapter 51: Dating Han Muqing
"T-ten?"
Overwhelmed with excitement, Xie Anxiang and the others bounded to their feet.
Uncle Zhong rushed over eagerly, popped open the bottle cap to peer inside, and then said to Xie Anxiang in shock, "Old Brother Xie, there really are ten!"
Xie Anxiang was so excited that old tears welled up in his eyes.
Chen Tianyang rolled his eyes, feeling a silent wave of contempt. Truly ignorant—they were getting this excited over a mere failed product. If you saw a real 'Xuanyang Pill', wouldn't you go completely mad with excitement?
Suppressing the surging excitement in his heart, Xie Anxiang asked cautiously, "My young friend Chen, I am willing to offer one hundred million to buy all ten of these 'Little Xuanyang Pills'. What do you think?"
After saying this, Xie Anxiang looked extremely nervous, as if afraid Chen Tianyang would refuse.
Chen Tianyang was startled. What? This piece of junk could sell for one hundred million?
Thinking Chen Tianyang was reluctant, Xie Anxiang quickly added, "Three hundred million... no, five hundred million! I am willing to offer five hundred million Huaxia Currency to buy all ten of these 'Little Xuanyang Pills'."
"Alright, it's a deal!" Chen Tianyang said. He was also quite thrilled—not long after coming down the mountain, he had already made over five hundred million Huaxia Currency, plus a bay-front villa. Tsk tsk, awesome!Xie Anxiang burst into laughter, feeling he had just gotten the absolute bargain of a lifetime. Terrified that Chen Tianyang might change his mind, he hurriedly instructed Xie Yongguo to put the "Little Xuan Yang Pill" away. At the same time, he began mapping out in his heart how these ten pills would be used.
His second son and grandson were serving in the military; giving two of them to the army would boost their strength and cement their positions within the military ranks.
He would take another two to rope in powerful martial artists so they would swear allegiance to the Xie Family.
He would keep one for himself—who knew, it might revitalize him and shave more than a decade off his biological age.
The remaining five would be kept as the family's ultimate heirloom!
Xie Anxiang believed it wouldn't be long before the Xie Family's influence rose to a whole new level, making them a powerhouse on par with the great families of the Provincial Capital!
Tonight, he decided, he would drink three full cups of wine in celebration!
Chen Tianyang shook his head inwardly. To think the Xie Family considered themselves a prominent household, yet they were losing their minds over a mere few "Little Xuan Yang Pill"s—they truly had no idea of the wider world.
In truth, Xie Anxiang could hardly be blamed. Alchemists were exceptionally rare in this world, and alchemists capable of refining top-grade pills were scarcer still.
Every single alchemist was a prized figure whom the major families fought to recruit, wielding immense influence.
"Little Friend Chen, what is your bank card number? I'll transfer the funds to you right now." Excited as he was, Xie Anxiang was still an old fox who knew not to neglect business.
After Chen Tianyang rattled off his digits, five hundred million Huaxia Currency landed in his account shortly thereafter.
Staring at the long string of zeros at the end, even with Chen Tianyang's rock-solid state of mind, his heart couldn't help racing.
The feeling of being rich was, damn it, simply fantastic!
Xie Xingxuan had been sitting quietly to one side. She couldn't wrap her head around how Chen Tianyang—who had been nothing more than a diner waiter just days ago—had amassed hundreds of millions in assets within such a short span of time.
Perhaps Chen Tianyang was a true crouching dragon, destined to soar into the heavens one fine day.
Had she crossed paths with him a little earlier, perhaps even her heart would have been stirred.
But now...
Thinking of her current predicament, Xie Xingxuan let out a quiet sigh.
That evening, at the Bay Villa.
Chen Tianyang sat in the living room, watching television out of boredom, when his cell phone suddenly rang. It was a call from Han Muqing.
"Tianyang, come on out. I'm right outside your house."
Chen Tianyang perked up, a smile spontaneously tugging at the corners of his lips.
Stepping outside, he saw Han Muqing leaning against her car door, wearing sunglasses and beaming at him with a radiant smile.
It was clear Han Muqing had dressed up with great care. Shedding her usual black professional attire, she wore a striped off-the-shoulder top that exposed her smooth, flawless shoulders with striking allure. Below, she wore dark blue cropped trousers that accentuated the length of her legs, and on her feet were crystal-clear high-heeled sandals that revealed ten delicate toes.
A blend of maturity and irresistible charm!
Chen Tianyang's eyes lit up. He walked over with a grin and teased, "Dressed up this pretty—I almost thought you were going on a blind date."
Pleased by the remark, Han Muqing curled her lips into a seductive smile, shot him a lingering, mesmerizing side-glance, and chided playfully, "Flibbertigibbet. Come on, your big sister is taking you out to dinner to shut that mouth of yours."
Chapter 52: My Woman
After getting into the car, the two of them drove toward the downtown district.
Given Han Muqing's status and standing, Chen Tianyang had initially expected her to treat him to a lavish feast.
As a result, when Han Muqing pulled the car over by a roadside food stall, Chen Tianyang's jaw nearly hit the floor.
"What, you aren't happy?" Han Muqing chided playfully.
Chen Tianyang flashed a grin. "Not at all. Sister Qing is treating me to dinner; I'm thrilled just to be here."
"At least your tongue knows how to sweet-talk. Let's go, the food stalls around here are famous." Han Muqing took off her sunglasses, slipped her arm companionably through Chen Tianyang's, and walked with him toward the stalls as if they were a pair of sweethearts.
Han Muqing was already a supreme goddess in her own right. The moment she appeared, plenty of rough-hewn men at the food stalls turned to look at her, their expressions filled with sheer astonishment—and a heavy dose of envy and jealousy directed at Chen Tianyang.
"Hmph!"
Chen Tianyang suddenly wrapped an arm around Han Muqing's waist, sweeping a defiant gaze over the surroundings as if staking his claim.
Instantly, the surrounding gazes turned hostile.
Han Muqing's body stiffened for a split second before she relaxed, letting out a soft laugh. "Little brother, you really are overbearing."
"Naturally. How could I let anyone else harbor thoughts about my woman?" Chen Tianyang huffed, pulling Han Muqing close and unceremoniously leading her to a nearby square table.
Han Muqing shot him a reproachful glare. "Since when did I become your woman? I don't recall agreeing to that."
"Even if you aren't now, you will be in the future." Chen Tianyang replied with absolute confidence.
"How naive." Han Muqing shook her head with a faint smile, her cheeks flushing slightly.
The two ordered some skewers and beer. After a couple of drinks, Han Muqing's cheeks were flushed, adding an even more dazzling radiance to her beauty.
"You know, five years ago, right after I graduated from college and came to Guanghua City all by myself, the very first paycheck I ever earned was spent eating at a food stall right here." A trace of nostalgia surfaced in Han Muqing's eyes.
There was wine, there was a story, and there was a beautiful woman.
Chen Tianyang remained silent, listening quietly.
"Nobody knows how much effort I poured in. Two years later, Elder Xie recognized my capabilities and made an exceptional promotion, appointing me general manager of the Guanghua Trade Building. You know how it is—a single, attractive woman sitting in a position of high authority is bound to invite slander. Even the two young heiresses, Xie Xingxuan and Su Muyu, were no exception.
I spent three solid years single-handedly tripling the profits of the Guanghua Trade Building, step by step forcing all those gossiping critics to shut their traps.
Now that I've become president, those rumors and whispers that had gradually faded away are flaring up among the employees again. They claim I climbed to where I am by selling my body, and during a meeting just recently, some senior staff even had the nerve to openly mock me..."
A bitter trace touched the corners of Han Muqing's lips as she picked up her glass and gulped down a large mouthful of beer.
Looking at her with a heart full of ache, Chen Tianyang asked, "Is that why you've been in such a bad mood these past couple of days?"
"That's only part of it... Wait, in your eyes, is your big sister really that fragile, unable to handle a little gossip?" She threw him a playful, exasperated look before continuing, "The main issue is business. The Zhao Family's Wanxing Trading Company has been crossing us at every turn, sabotaging quite a few of my deals. What a bunch of troublemakers, hmph!"
"The Zhao Family?" Chen Tianyang's eyes rolled as he asked, "Li Yuanze?"
"Oh, so you've heard of him too? That's right, it's him. What a despicable villain!" Han Muqing said bitterly.
A flash of killing intent crossed Chen Tianyang's eyes. Li Yuanze hadn't settled accounts with him for trying to scheme against him last time; now, with old grudges and new grievances combined, it seemed high time for a proper reckoning.
"Well, well, well. Little beauty, care to come have a drink with us brothers?"
Suddenly, four hoodlums reeking of alcohol sauntered over from nearby, leering at Han Muqing with suggestive smirks.
Many people around them drew sharp breaths. They had recognized these four as local thugs renowned for brawling savagely—troublemakers virtually no one dared to cross.
Chapter 53: Capturing the Beauty's Heart
Han Muqing frowned, making no attempt to hide her disgust as she spat out, "Get lost!"
"Haha, this little beauty's got some fire! I like 'em spicy. You're gonna stick around and keep us happy tonight, or don't even think about leaving this place!" a punk with dyed yellow hair said viciously.
Han Muqing stood up, her gaze icy, and without a second thought slapped the yellow-haired punk right across the face.
"Damn it, you dare hit me? I'll fucking kill you!" Livid with rage, the yellow-haired punk lashed out, aiming a heavy blow straight at Han Muqing's face.
Suddenly, a hand shot out from the side and gripped his wrist with bone-crushing force.
It was Chen Tianyang.
The punk hollered in fury, "Damn it, let go of me, or I'll slaughter your whole family!"
Chen Tianyang's expression turned frigid, a cold glint freezing in his eyes as he stated, "If you flirt with my woman, you damn well better be ready to pay the price!"
Chen Tianyang applied pressure to his grip. With a crisp *crack*, the punk's wrist fractured, and his right hand went limp, dangling uselessly.
"Quick, beat him to death!" The punk shrieked in pain and fury.
Spurred by anger, the other three thugs grabbed iron pipes and lunged straight at Chen Tianyang.
"Tianyang, watch out!" Han Muqing cried out, clapping a hand over her mouth in alarm.
Chen Tianyang naturally didn't care about street thugs of this caliber. With lightning speed, he lashed out with three successive kicks, moving faster than their attack and striking each of them squarely in the shins.
With three consecutive cracks—*crack*, *crack*, *crack*—all three thugs suffered fractures in their left legs, crashing heavily to the ground and struggling in vain to get back up.
The surrounding crowd drew sharp breaths of disbelief, shocked by Chen Tianyang's ruthless efficiency.
Suddenly, the yellow-haired punk sneaked forward clutching an iron pipe, a vicious glare in his eyes, and swung it directly toward Han Muqing's forehead.
If that blow landed, she would at best be disfigured, if not killed outright.
Han Muqing's face drained of color; she squeezed her eyes shut, resigning herself to her fate.
The next instant, Han Muqing felt herself pulled firmly into an embrace. Opening her eyes, she saw that Chen Tianyang had positioned himself right in front of her, using his own back to block the iron pipe. For a split second, Chen Tianyang even winced slightly.
It must have hurt him terribly.
Han Muqing felt as though her heart was melting. With a gaze full of ache, she gently stroked Chen Tianyang's face, tears welling up in her eyes.
A warm, gentle smile curved Chen Tianyang's lips. "Be a good girl and watch me settle the score for you."
"Mn, I believe you," Han Muqing murmured, completely captivated.
Of course, this had all been intentional on Chen Tianyang's part. With his level of martial prowess, he easily had over a hundred ways to neutralize the yellow-haired punk while keeping Han Muqing completely safe from harm.
Yet none of those methods could compare to stepping directly into the line of fire.
The classic "hero saves the beauty" routine might be a cliché, but it worked wonders every single time.