Peerless Medicine God

Chapter 9: It's Impolite Not to Reciprocate . . .

Within the bustling confines of the Drunken Star Manor, streams of people moved ceaselessly in and out, engrossed in various activities.

Inside the manor, a middle-aged man, garbed in traditional attire, exuded an air of restlessness, pacing incessantly. Seated next to him, a middle-aged man maintained an air of calm composure.

The agitated man, Wan Dongyang, addressed the composed figure beside him, "Big Brother, why isn't there any news from that Liu An? Could it be that the brawny-looking man's poison was cured by Ye Hang?"

Wan Dongyang, the one pacing, was the brother of Wan Donghai, both alchemists hailing from the same sect. The one seated was the Manor Lord of the Drunken Star Manor, Wan Donghai.

However, Wan Donghai remained composed, assuring his brother, "Dongyang, remain calm. I am all too clear on Ye Hang's abilities. It's impossible for him to treat that poison. We just have to sit here and wait for the good news to come."

Yet, Wan Dongyang couldn't contain his frustration, "Aiya, Big Brother, this Fragrant Medicine Pavilion has been competing with us for so many years. Now that we finally have this opportunity, how can we ease the hatred in our hearts if we don't take them down completely?"

Wan Dongyang gritted his teeth, eager for retribution. However, Wan Donghai, despite acknowledging the animosity, saw the bigger picture, "Haha. Oh Dongyang, you really need to fix that short temper of yours. Otherwise, it will be tough to break through and reach the Alchemist Grandmaster Realm."

Despite the admonishment, Wan Dongyang's impatience remained palpable. He pressed further, "Big Brother, why do I keep feeling that something is wrong? Why don't we send someone down to check on the situation there?"

Wan Donghai, cautious not to alert Ye Hang, hesitated but ultimately agreed, "Alright. You send someone to check it out."

Wan Donghai feared that acting rashly might draw Ye Hang's attention. Except for Liu An, he refrained from sending anyone else for updates. If there was a conflict, news should have already reached them.

Meanwhile, the Drunken Star Manor was abuzz with activity, with individuals engaged in various pursuits. Suddenly, an urgent knock interrupted their deliberations. "Manor Lord, something big is happening! Someone is here to cause trouble!"

The door opened, and Wan Donghai, donning a cold expression, interrogated, "Who is it?"

The shopkeeper stammered, "Who is so audacious? To actually dare climb on top of our heads?! What are all of you doing?!"

Upon learning that the troublemaker sought treatment rather than causing harm, Wan Dongyang's irritation surfaced, "Just a silkpants scared you until like this? Are you retarded? Do you still want your job as a shopkeeper?"

Disregarding the shopkeeper's shortcomings, Wan Donghai decided, "Forget it, let's go out and take a look."

The trio approached the lobby, only to find a youth seated conspicuously in the shopkeeper's place. Wan Donghai, suppressing his annoyance, prepared to address the intruder when he noticed Liu An on the ground. A sudden apprehension gripped his heart.

Ye Yuan, aware of Wan Donghai's arrival, leisurely rose and approached. With a smile, he greeted, "Manor Lord Wan, this Little Nephew came here rather abruptly today. I hope you won't take offense."

Wan Donghai restrained the impulse to strike Ye Yuan. Forcing a smile, he responded, "Not at all. So it was Honorable Nephew who came. I was wondering which blind little bastard dared to be so rude in our Drunken Star Manor. If Honorable Nephew wants to come, it's better to notify us beforehand, so that we wouldn't be discourteous."

Although he wished to express his hatred, Wan Donghai refrained from verbal losses. Addressing Ye Yuan as a "little bastard" subtly hinted at the rivalry between the Drunken Star Manor and the Fragrant Medicine Pavilion. Even though they were business adversaries, civility was essential to avoid escalating matters.

Internally smirking at Wan Donghai's narrow-mindedness, Ye Yuan responded, "Aww shucks. It's because I was anxious about saving people, and so I had no choice but to intrude. I've long heard that Manor Lord Wan's Alchemy Dao is number one in the State of Qin. That was why this Little Nephew had the idea of coming here to save a life."

Wan Donghai felt the sting of Ye Yuan's words, realizing that he intentionally provoked him in front of a crowd. Given the circumstances, Wan Donghai maintained a forced smile, "If Honorable Nephew wants to come, it's better to notify us beforehand." 𝒻𝑟𝑒𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝑛ℴ𝘷𝑒𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝑚

Though the exchange remained civil, the tension beneath the surface hinted at the deep-seated animosity between the two establishments.

Is there anything else you'd like assistance with?

In the present situation, Wan Donghai found himself in an uncomfortable position, akin to having swallowed a fly. Despite this discomfort, he forced a smile to greet Ye Yuan, saying, "What are you saying, Honorable Nephew? How can I dare to claim to be the number one in the State of Qin? At least your father's and the Imperial Uncle's Alchemy Dao standards aren't below mine. However, I find it a little strange that Honorable Nephew came to the Drunken Star Manor to seek medical help. With an expert like your father, why didn't you find him but come to our Drunken Star Manor instead?"

Ye Yuan responded with a smile, "It's a matter of expediency. Firstly, your Drunken Star Manor has always been hailed as number one in the capital. Secondly, it was obviously because this place is nearer."

While explaining, Ye Yuan gestured towards Liu An, who resembled a lifeless dog, and with an air of benevolence, he continued, "I encountered this person in excruciating agony on the road. Thinking about how heaven cares for every living thing, I brought him to the Drunken Star Manor to seek medical help. But who would have thought that even after swapping a few physicians, they still couldn't do it. This capital's number one..."

Wan Donghai suddenly realized that he couldn't gain an advantage over this youth standing before him.

Something seemed amiss. Just yesterday, Yuan-er sent word that he schemed to poison Ye Hang's son to death. So why was this brat alive and well at the Drunken Star Manor today?

If Ye Yuan had merely caused some trouble, Wan Donghai wouldn't be overly concerned. However, bringing Liu An into the mix was too much of a coincidence.

If Liu An could be cured, it would be fine. But what if the treatment failed, and Liu An decided to betray the Drunken Star Manor? Liu An's true identity had to remain hidden from the public eye. With alchemists and demonic beast hunters present, exposing Liu An's identity could deal a significant blow to the Drunken Star Manor.

Reflecting on everything that had occurred, Wan Donghai found the circumstances highly unusual. If not handled properly, it could lead to a severe setback for the Drunken Star Manor. The questions persisted—what was wrong with Liu An? He left for the Fragrant Medicine Pavilion in seemingly good health, with only some internal injuries. Why did he return in such a dire state, resembling a lifeless dog?

Wan Donghai, with his expertise in the Alchemy Dao, could discern that Liu An had been poisoned. However, the nature of the poison that left many skilled practitioners helpless and compelled the shopkeeper to exit remained a mystery. As these thoughts swirled in Wan Donghai's mind, he understood the urgency of addressing the situation appropriately to prevent potential harm to the Drunken Star Manor's reputation.