Chapter 87: Journey to Medicine Town, A Shift in Status

Chapter 87: Journey to Medicine Town, A Shift in Status (Request for Subscription)

Lin Manor stood deserted and empty, its sudden emptiness leaving an eerie silence.

"Tao Dingfang, your strength gives me confidence", Tao Wenxuan said, gazing at his nephew. "But the Medicine Gang has grown rapidly in recent years, backed by the Pure Land Sect. No one knows how powerful their leader, Jin Peng, has become. You must be cautious!"

"Uncle, rest assured", Tao Dingfang replied calmly. "No matter how strong the Medicine Gang is, they’re no match for the Ironclad Legion. This mission will not only eliminate them but also curb the Pure Land Sect’s influence. Even Lord Hong Yue would approve of securing peace for White Stone City."

"Hmph. As long as you act wisely", Tao Wenxuan muttered before shifting topics. "I heard you’ve allowed those martial cultivators to join the assault on the Medicine Gang’s branch and offered them half the profits. Is that true?"

"It is", Tao Dingfang confirmed without hesitation, his expression unwavering.

Tao Wenxuan sighed inwardly. His nephew clearly underestimated the value of the Medicine Gang’s share. The gang monopolized White Stone City’s herbal trade, extending its reach to neighboring cities and paying hefty tributes to the City Authorities. Half the profits would be a staggering loss.

Though Tao Dingfang’s plan targeted branch offices, dividing the spoils five ways among so many cultivators would still drain resources. Those funds could elevate his standing with Lord Hong Yue. Handing them over to outsiders was wasteful.

Tao Dingfang guessed his uncle’s thoughts and smirked. "If we don’t offer incentives, they won’t fight wholeheartedly. Besides…"

"Besides what?"

"Even if they take the money, they won’t keep it for long. They’ll repay it—with interest."

Tao Wenxuan paused, then burst into laughter. "Very well, then. Have it your way!"

---

On the road to Medicine Town, a group of over forty riders galloped forward.

"Our target is the Medicine Gang’s branch in Medicine Town", explained Tian Yi, the head constable from the County Courthouse. "The previous branch leader, Qian Ao, was recently killed. His replacement, Liu Ming, is untested. According to intelligence, Qian Ao reached the Lianli Perfection Realm, so Liu Ming likely matches him."

Though Tian Yi led the mission, the strongest among them was a young man—Su Chen. The others, including martial arts institute masters like Hong Ming, trailed behind him.

Reflecting on his decades stuck in the Body Tempering Stage while this youth had already attained Momentum Attunement, Tian Yi felt a pang of bitterness. Decades of cultivation seemed wasted.

Su Chen, walking at the forefront, drew furtive glances. Since the battle at Lin Family Fortress, word had spread that Hong Ming’s disciple possessed extraordinary strength. The three martial arts institutes had long been equals, but Hong’s sudden rise had sparked envy in the other two.

Hong Ming, grinning broadly, shot smug looks at the masters of the Jiang and Huang Institutes. Their irritation was palpable.

With a Momentum Attunement cultivator in their ranks, the Hong Martial Arts Institute would soon dominate White Stone City, leaving rivals in the dust. All thanks to this young man.

"We’re nearly at White Stone City", Tian Yi said, glancing at Su Chen. "Shall we rest?"

The group halted, awaiting Su Chen’s nod. As they munched on rations, Li Mo handed Su Chen water and dried food.

"Thanks, Senior Brother", Su Chen said.

"Nonsense", Li Mo waved him off, sitting beside him. "How does it feel to be the talk of the town? A Momentum Attunement cultivator at your age? You’ve probably topped the list of eligible bachelors in White Stone City!"

Su Chen chuckled. "You’re impossible. Ever since your marriage, you’ve turned into a jester. Focus on the mission ahead!"

"Relax! Liu Ming’s just Body Tempering Stage. You’ll crush him", Li Mo grinned. "Truth is, everyone’s confidence has skyrocketed since you joined."

"Hmph. Better safe than sorry", interjected Hong Ming, though his pride was evident.

Su Chen glanced around. The group’s relaxed demeanor confirmed Li Mo’s words. A Vital Force cultivator’s presence had turned the tide of their morale. When had he become the pillar others leaned on?

After half an hour, they resumed their march. Within an hour, a stone marker reading "Medicine Town" loomed ahead.

"Shall we strike now?" Hong Ming asked Tian Yi.

"Not yet. We wait for nightfall", Tian Yi ordered. "For now, hide and stay alert. If anyone has a better plan, speak up."

The instruction was aimed at Su Chen, who remained silent.

As twilight painted the sky, a lone scout slipped into Medicine Town to gather intel. The group, bathed in the warm evening breeze, brimmed with restless anticipation.

"Time to move out!" Tian Yi declared as the sun dipped below the horizon.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end