The Pill Dragon King was composed and exceedingly arrogant, his powerful self-confidence leaving people dumbfounded. For some reason, however, he also gave off a very unreliable vibe, like one of those charlatans who peddle miracle cures on the street.
As a result, Qin Meng stood rooted to the spot, holding the Lingzhi and the bottle of medicine, at a complete loss for what to do.
"What are you still standing here for? If you delay and the man dies, I won't be taking any responsibility," the Pill Dragon King remarked casually, holding his teacup.
"Oh, oh." Qin Meng nodded repeatedly. Things having come to this, she could only give it a try. It was a desperate gamble, but she had to take it.
However, just as Qin Meng was about to turn away, a voice called out.
"A three-hundred-year-old Lingzhi? A fine item!"
From a short distance away, two figures emerged. Qin Zhuo was leading a young man as they strode over.
The young man was in his late twenties, dressed in a plain robe. His features were as sharp as if carved from stone, and his physique was tall and majestic like a great mountain. Even walking beside Qin Zhuo, his presence and aura completely overshadowed the other man.
With deep-set eyes, the young man stared intently at the Lingzhi in Qin Meng's hand. "Hand it over!" he commanded as he approached.
"So it's Mr. Yang!" The old butler, who had been enjoying tea with the Pill Dragon King, quickly stood up. He greeted the young man warmly, "Mr. Yang, if I'm not mistaken, it has been ten years since we last met."
The young man, Yang Jin, didn't even glance at the old butler. He simply held out a hand that had been in his pocket. "Give me the Lingzhi!"
"Why should I give it to you?" Qin Meng retreated two steps, her face turning pale under the pressure of his overwhelming presence. She clutched the items in her hands tightly. "This is the medicine to save my grandfather's life!"
"How can such a fine item be wasted on a worthless scrap?" Yang Jin declared, standing before Qin Meng with eyes as sharp and piercing as a hawk's.
Qin Meng retorted angrily, "Who are you calling worthless? And what are you, a robber?!"
"Qin Meng, give it to Mr. Yang now," Qin Zhuo interjected, his tone a stern command as he stared at her.
"I won't!" Qin Meng retreated another two steps, her gaze firm. "The old gentleman gave me this to save my grandfather. I won't give it to anyone."
"This is Mr. Yang of the Holy Sea's Golden Summit Family! It is your honor that he has taken an interest in it. Hand it over, quickly!" Qin Zhuo's face visibly darkened, his tone becoming menacing.
Qin Meng clenched the items in her hands, glaring with fury, showing no intention of backing down.
"A waste of time."
Yang Jin swung his arm, and a wave of force sent Qin Meng flying several meters, blood spilling from her lips as she coughed.
But she still held the items in a death grip. This is the medicine that could save Grandpa's life!
"Hah!" Yang Jin suddenly chuckled, then turned to Qin Zhuo. "Would killing someone here be a problem?"
"Mr. Yang jests. The Qin Family is at the Yang Family's complete disposal," Qin Zhuo responded with a placid smile. "Please, do as you wish."
"Excellent!" Yang Jin sneered, raising his hand once more.
The Pill Dragon King, who had been leisurely enjoying his tea, thought, Hmph, looks like that fellow is going to owe me one. He stood up very reluctantly. With his hands clasped behind his back and his shoulders slumped, he waved a dismissive hand. "Kid, scram. Did you think you could just snatch my things?"
In a blur, Yang Jin's raised hand swiveled, striking straight at the Pill Dragon King.
The Pill Dragon King sidestepped slightly, evading the palm strike.
"So arrogant?" The Pill Dragon King still looked completely unbothered. "But you're a pale imitation of me in my prime."
"Scram if you don't want to die!"
Qin Zhuo was stunned. Where did this old geezer come from, daring to cause trouble on Qin Family grounds?
Failing to land the blow, Yang Jin's expression darkened. Feeling he had lost face, his eyes turned chillingly cold. "Do you know who I am? How dare you meddle in my affairs!"
"Then do you know who *I* am?" The Pill Dragon King chuckled, taking out a smoking pipe from the cloth bag slung over his shoulder. "Light this for me, and I'll tell you."
Yang Jin was silent.
"Not going to light it? Then I guarantee you won't be taking this Lingzhi."
"Hmph!" Yang Jin sneered coldly. "And who are you to stop me?"
He could tell this old man wasn't particularly powerful. If it came to a fight, killing him would be easy.
The Pill Dragon King lit the pipe himself, took a puff, and shook his head. "Now, you've lost your chance."
"Tch!" Yang Jin snorted in disdain. As the young master of the great Golden Summit Family, when had he ever needed anyone to give him a chance?
"I was fated to come across this three-hundred-year-old Lingzhi; therefore, it is mine. Obstruct me again, and don't blame me for being merciless!" Yang Jin glared, his face a mask of contempt.
The Pill Dragon King completely ignored him. He helped Qin Meng to her feet and fed her a pill. "Hurry to your grandfather. Make him eat this entire Lingzhi. If anything happens to him, I'll be in for a world of trouble."
Qin Meng was speechless.
"Ignoring me? Heh heh..." Yang Jin's eyes blazed with fire, his face twisting into a ferocious expression. His undisguised avarice and tyrannical arrogance were chilling. "An item that I, Yang Jin, have set my sights on, you would give to a dying man? Do you believe I won't slaughter you where you stand?"
"You're the first person to ever dare threaten me." Only then did the Pill Dragon King turn around, cheerfully puffing on his pipe. "My actual power might not be the most formidable, but when it comes to influence, I'm certainly among the top in Cangyun City."
"So what if you're from Cangyun City?" Yang Jin mocked, taking a step forward. "Defy me one more time, and I'll cut you down on the spot."
"Everyone calls me the Pill Dragon King. Ever heard of that title?"
Yang Jin froze.
"The powerful nobles, the old families, and the wealthy consortiums of Cangyun City all have deep connections with me. They all owe me huge favors!" The Pill Dragon King blinked. "Go on. Try and kill me."
Yang Jin was speechless.
"Old man, who are you trying to fool?"
Though his words were still harsh, Yang Jin's aggressive aura had noticeably weakened. If this man truly was the Pill Dragon King, he wouldn't dare act recklessly even if he had a hundred times the courage.
The Pill Dragon King's medical skills were legendary, said to be able to snatch people from the clutches of Yama himself. Countless top figures in Cangyun City owed their lives to his grace. Killing him would be like punching a hole in the heavens. The consequences were far beyond what his Yang Family could bear.
"Am I bluffing? Kill me, and you'll find out soon enough! Don't be a coward, young man!"
Yang Jin didn't move.
Seeing this, the Pill Dragon King crooked a finger. "Come on, boy. Come on and kill your grandpa!"
As he spoke, he even stretched out his neck and patted it. "Such a fine head. Are you really not going to take a swing?"
Yang Jin remained silent.
A tense silence descended.
...
PS: Four chapters, nine thousand words, more to follow