Chapter 533 - 531: Let’s Spar Sometime
Currently, Shen Yan has completely warmed up to Chen Tianlong. To know that a man could spend a whole night holding her without making any untoward moves was rare indeed, and now that she knows he has always been hiding his identity, he remains just as forgiving.
The two of them left the cave with Anxin Grass and the Spirit Beast Rabbit. This time, it truly was a bountiful harvest. They secured Anxin Grass and unexpectedly captured a Spirit Beast; it was truly fortuitous.
This fully validated the saying, "A blessing in disguise."
When they jumped off the mountain pass, Shen Yan was embarrassed to let Chen Tianlong carry her again, so knowing this mutually understood feeling, she gently leaped down.
"Your lightweight skill is impressive. Should we have a friendly competition sometime?" Chen Tianlong grinned and said.
"Oh, Chen Tianlong, don’t be sarcastic. I know I was wrong, but I promise, I won’t ever do anything to harm you." Shen Yan felt the need to clarify.
"Well, I believe in you."
Chen Tianlong had no doubts that Shen Yan would harm him. Regardless of the reason, he would not suspect her. For some reason, Chen Tianlong didn’t feel any danger; there was no abnormal constriction in his chest.
They exchanged smiles and started walking down the mountain.
They had been out for an hour; who knows the state Old Chen was in? If his condition worsened while they were out gathering herbs, that would be a hassle. They had no secrets to conceal, so they quickly raced down the mountain.
It’s worth mentioning that Chen Tianlong’s capabilities had advanced to Yellow Dao four stars, significantly improving his speed, almost enough to keep pace with Shen Yan.
"Haha, you’re still more impressive, Shen Yan. I’m in awe."
Chen Tianlong understood the saying "the strong are king." Shen Yan’s ability to take down the Spirit Beast Rabbit in one move indicated her strength was at least Yellow Dao seven stars or higher. Someone with such power must have an impressive background. If she wanted to kill him, she wouldn’t need to hide her identity; with a wave, he could’ve met King Yama.
"Haha, absolutely."
At this moment, Shen Yan was also relaxed. With Chen Tianlong’s trust, she didn’t need to dwell on it. Although her identity couldn’t be exposed, showing her strength didn’t reveal her identity.
Moreover, Chen Tianlong wouldn’t betray her. Thinking it over, Shen Yan felt happier, "Alright, let’s quickly make medicine for Old Chen."
They walked into the courtyard, only to find Chen Yong still sitting in the shade by the door, looking troubled.
Chen Tianlong frowned, aware of Yong’s character; his stubborn pride was one thing, but dragging Old Chen into his mess was too much.
Old Chen is kind-hearted; otherwise, someone else would’ve kicked Chen Yong out long ago. He doesn’t visit regularly, only showing up when he needs help. With Old Chen so ill, instead of being concerned, he still refused to leave.
"Uncle Yong, why haven’t you gone home? Old Chen has fallen ill; he probably can’t help you." Although Chen Tianlong was somewhat angry, as a family member, he couldn’t be too harsh.
"Oh, Chen Tianlong, I’m really at my wit’s end. Only Old Chen can help with this. If he doesn’t, I’m done for. The factory workers are on strike; the factory can’t operate, and I can’t ship out the tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of steel I’ve accumulated. The town’s quality inspectors are busy going home for the New Year and ignoring me. The critical issue is that the people in charge aren’t government officials; the local tyrants, Du Family Gang from Sanketan Town, are in charge."
Chen Yong shook his head with some helplessness. "You know, if I move that steel out now, it costs fifty thousand in capital. I’d need to pay at least twenty thousand in fees to let it pass. I wouldn’t make back the capital, let alone profit from it."
"Du Family Gang? Is the person you’re talking about Du Dachang?" Chen Tianlong focused solely on this Du Dachang.
"Huh? How do you know? Du Dachang is the local overlord in Sakata; even the police can’t handle him. It’s said he has almost a thousand followers now. If we truly clashed with him, the few hundred officers in our small town wouldn’t stand a chance, so most turn a blind eye, considering the distance from authorities."
"However, recently, I heard Du Dachang became a vegetative state, and now his brother, Du Wenkang, has taken control. This guy is even more arrogant than his brother and seems to know some martial arts."
This was the truth Yun had to reveal: in such an inconspicuous town, the government wouldn’t pay much attention. If problems arose, they’d block the news, and a little money could solve it.
"It really is him."
Thinking this through, Chen Tianlong initially didn’t want to interfere, but Du Family Gang was simply too bullying. They disrupted the orphanage earlier and then sent the expert Ye Ba to deal with him. Chen Tianlong had long wanted to obliterate them. Perhaps doing so might improve Sakata’s law and order. Thus, he said, "Alright, I’ll help you."
"You? Tianlong, don’t cause trouble. What can a young guy like you do? I was going to have Old Chen persuade the workers not to strike temporarily. Once I sell my steel after the New Year, salaries can be paid properly."
Chen Yong disdainfully replied, viewing Chen Tianlong as a mere kid.
"Uncle Yong, don’t worry about it; I’m not begging, but rather, I have a way to get your steel shipped out. Trust me and let me lead the charge. If not, then forget it."
Chen Tianlong didn’t wait for Chen Yong’s reply, heading to the kitchen with the Anxin Grass; he needed to quickly brew the medicine for Old Chen.
"Chen Tianlong, you start first. I’ll check on Old Chen."
Shen Yan saw no need to hide anymore. Since Chen Tianlong knew her strength, and Old Chen likely already noticed it, continuing to conceal it would be self-deception.
"Alright, I’ll prepare the medicine first."
Chen Tianlong wasted no time, preparing the pot, placing the Anxin Grass inside, adding water, and lighting the fire. Brewing this Anxin Grass was simple; no extra ingredients or medicinal guides were required.
Chen Yong thought it over. Given Chen Tianlong’s current state, he likely couldn’t leave home for a few days. With illness weighing him down, how could he possibly help with such matters?
Weighing his options, Chen Yong gritted his teeth. After all, facing death either way, he might as well let Chen Tianlong take a chance. If things go wrong, resulting in losses, Chen Tianlong can’t just ignore them.
If he speaks up, the losses might not be too severe.
"Ah... this is the best option." Chen Yong exhaled deeply. There was nothing else he could do; he had to try.
Soon, Chen Tianlong finished brewing the medicine and brought it to the room, where he noticed Old Chen had already gotten out of bed. Although he seemed fine, his pale face indicated Old Chen was feigning strength.