Chapter 124: Fengwu
“My sisters do not need to take the poison! Is my life not enough as collateral?” Lady Yan, who previously swallowed the pill, prevented Second Wife Li from taking the poison.
When Han Li heard Lady Yan’s words, he was slightly stunned, exposing an appearance of surprise.
After he immediately muttered to himself, he slightly nodded his head and said, “Since Fourth Martial Mother feels so deeply for her sisters, I, Han Li, will not be an unreasonable person! Fine, Second Martial Mother and the rest do not need to take the poison.”
After Han Li said this, he took the bottle from Lady Yan’s hands and stored it in his bosom.
“Since this affair has been concluded, I will first take my leave. Tomorrow at this time, I will come back to the Mo Estate for the portrait and other necessary items, then I will directly head to the Hegemon’s Villa.”
“Thank you for your troubles, Young Master!” Lady Yan and the others stood up to send him off.
Han Li faintly smiled, turned his body as easily as wind, and left the room.
Just as Han Li had left the small building, there were the sounds of many hurried footsteps from behind him.
“Senior Apprentice Brother Han, wait a moment. My second sister has come to find you for a certain matter!” Han Li heard the shouting voice of that young girl, Mo Caihuan, and sighed. He helpless turned his body.
He saw that little demoness take the lead at the front, followed by Mo Fengwu and Mo Yuzhu. They were all walking straight toward him.
Mo Caihuan overtook Han Li by a few steps. Then she widely opened her eyes, walked around him in a circle, and smacked her lips incessantly as if she were looking at a rare object!
Alright! Senior Apprentice Brother Han, I was already quite bitter from being cheated! However, I didn’t expect that you were also a faker! You actually went as far as to use a some small thing to trick me into moving around in circles.”
When Han Li heard this, he rolled his eyes at this girl. What ‘small thing’? This girl clearly wants a better gift, and thus, he must leave at once!
“Third sister, don’t be rude. Stop making trouble for Young Master Han.”
This was the first time Han Li heard Mo Fengwu’s voice. It was completely gentle and soft, like velvet, and could give a person a sense of comfort.
“What! Am I not taking revenge on behalf of our mothers? Who let this guy act so lofty in front of my mother!?” Mo Caihuan angrily asked.
Sure enough, the words Han Li heard fit his expectations. This girl had came here purely to vex him. In that case, he no longer paid notice of the little demoness and turned his head to Mo Fengwu , “Second junior apprentice sister, is something on your mind that compelled you to find me?”
Having Han Li speak to her caused her to complexion to slightly red. However, she continued, softly saying, “Fengwu came to find Young Master to simply know whether Third Sister’s Winding Fragrance Pills were truly gifted by Young master. Has my father’s medical expertise been completely passed down to Young Master?”
When Han Li had first seen Mo Fengwu, he had quite a favorable impression of her. Now that he had seen this shy jade person speak so tenderly, his mind could not help but feel a large amount of sympathy toward her.
(TL: “Jade Person”: ?? lit. jade person, refined beauty, I got tired to saying the word beauty… )
As a result, he politely said, “In response to second junior apprentice sister’s question, Han Li will naturally say all he knows. Junior apprentice sister Caihuan’s Winding Fragrance Pills were truly gifted by me. I have also indeed learned many medicinal recipes and obtained great medical expertise. This Winding Fragrance Pill was such a recipe….Could it be that junior apprentice sister Fengwu is greatly interested in this?”
Ever since Han Li had seen the medicinal herbs growing in the back garden, he knew for certain that there was someone here learning Doctor Mo’s medical expertise. Now that he saw Mo Fenwu ask this, his mind knew that it was most likely to be the jade person before him.
As expected, after Han Li said these words, this young woman, who originally seemed extremely gentle and quiet, displayed a cheerful expression from her eyes as she said, “I won’t conceal this from Young Master. Ever since Fengwu was a child, she was greatly interested in Father’s medical skills and meticulously studied many of Father’s medical books and experiences. Unfortunately, when Father departed the Mo Estate, Feng Wu’s age was still young, and thus, what she had acquired was quite limited.”
After she finished speaking, Mo Fengwu was somewhat hesitant, but still she continued, “Therefore, Fengwu has a request which she hopes Young Master will be able to complete….Is it possible for your distinguished self to give a copy of father’s medical skills and insight to Fengwu to let her learn a few things and deepen her own medical expertise?”
After she said these words, this second junior apprentice sister from the Mo Estate blushed. It was clear that to boldly request this of him was quite embarrassing for her.
After Han Li finished hearing the jade person’s request, he didn’t think of it in the least and immediately agreed.
“No problem. Tomorrow, when I come to the Mo Estate, I will give the few of Doctor Mo’s remaining manuscripts and prescriptions to second junior apprentice sister. Naturally, these already belonged to the Mo Estate. I had originally planned to hand them over to Fourth Martial Mother, but since second junior apprentice sister wants them, giving them to second junior apprentice sister would be the same.” Han Li said with a smile.
“A great many thanks, Young Master! Fengwu can’t help but be grateful!” Mo Fengwu’s face showed an appreciation for his decision.
“Second sister, why in the world are you thanking him? Did you not hear him say that those objects originally belonged to us? He should be giving them to you of his own volition.” The nearby Mo Caihuan blinked several times before interrupting.
After Han Li heard the words of the young girl, he shot her a glance and thought, “If it wasn’t your second sister, such a gentle and pleasant beauty, requesting this of me, would I still return these items, which fell into my possession, to the Mo Estate? I wouldn’t even think of it!’
“Third Sister, don’t speak drivel. Young Master Han will bring us Father’s remnants without the slightest hesitation. This sufficiently shows Young Master’s intentions.”
Seeing something amiss between Han Li and Mo Caihuan, Mo Fengwu hastily chided the young girl and then pulled her away. After she gracefully bowed to Han Li, she took her leave.
From the beginning to end, the Mo Estate’s eldest daughter, Mo Yuzhu, hadn’t said a word. After she saw her two sisters depart, she took a deep look at Han Li and left.
“The Mo Estate’s eldest daughter, what meaning did her glance hold? Does she appreciate me, loathe me, or even both?” Han Li threw Mo Yuzhu a departing glance, somewhat at a loss.
However, Han Li shrugged his shoulders and thought of it no longer. He then left the Mo Estate.
By the time Han Li returned to the inn, the newly appointed Fourth Level Gang’s Gang Leader Sun Ergou and one other person had already been waiting for a while outside his room. Naturally, Crooked Soul was there as well.
After Han Li saw Sun Ergou, he nodded his head and pushed open the room’s door. Sun Ergou and the other person immediately followed him inside. Then each person had a man respectfully standing on either side of them to attend to their needs.
After Han Li sat down, he sized up the stranger that came in with Sun Ergou. He was a robust man of perhaps thirty years and had a frightening face as well as a fearsome appearance.
“Seeing your bright red face, you must’ve already acquired the seat as the Gang Leader of the Fourth Level Gang!” Han Li faintly said to Sun Ergou.
“Take a seat! Take a seat! It was because of this Young Master’s backing that this servant is where he is today!” Sun Erhou hastily replied, beaming with joy.
“So lon
g as you know! I will not meddle with the Fourth Level Gang’s affairs, but you must use the Fourth Level Gang’s power in accordance to my instructions. Otherwise, I wouldn’t mind switching in a different Gang Leader.” Han Li coldly warned.
These words made Sun Ergou, originally lost in joy, immediately shiver, greatly clearing his clouded mind.
“I will follow Young Master’s instructions at any cost. Even if it costs me my life, I will do it!” Sun Ergou assumed a loyal appearance in a rush.
Han Li faintly let out an “En”, no longer taking notice of Sun Ergou and instead turning his gaze to the other man.
“You were the one that heard the Immortals’ conversation?” Han Li asked, rather interested.
“That’s right. This servant Xi Tieniu had truly heard this!” The robust man respectfully replied.
(TL: “Tieniu” ??- Iron Bull)
Though this person might be strong and tall, he was not at all stupid. He clearly understood that this unremarkable youth before him had elevated Sun Ergou, who was originally of the same status of himself, to the Gang Leader’s position. Thus, he didn’t dare be negligent.
Han Li was very satisfied. So long as this man was clever, this affair would be handled smoothly.
“Tell me about the day when you saw the Immortal couple, from start to finish. If I am satisfied, I’ll have you be Sun Ergou’s assistant and turn you into the Fourth Level Gang’s Vice Gang Leader.” Han Li knew that only with the attachment of rewards would others work with enthusiasm. As a result, he made such an unrestrained promise.
As expected, when Xi Tieniu heard what was said, he was delighted. He excitedly slapped his chest immediately, expressing that he would surely satisfy Han Li.
When Sun Ergou heard these words, he was somewhat unwilling. However, he didn’t dare to show the slightest bit of disagreement on his face.
As a result, after Xi Tieniu calmed down a bit, he narrated the day he came across the Immortals once through and in great detail.
Xi Tieniu’s account and the finer details spoken by Sun Ergou were much different, but the overall course of events were almost entirely the same.
“This Immortal couple, did they mention any time or place?” After Han Li finished hearing Tieniu’s statement, he asked of the matter that he was most concerned about.
Chapter 125: Plans
“Time? Place?” When Xi Tieniu heard this, he was stunned momentarily. It seemed he had no recollection of it. But now, seeing Han Li so serious, he knew this was the crucial point of his service. He lowered his head and pondered deeply, trying to recollect his memory.
Half a quarter of an hour later….
“Got it!” Xi Tieniu suddenly shouted, raising his head. His face was completely cheerful.
“I heard the female Immortal tell her male companion that before they participate in the Immortal’s Great Assembly, he was to accompany her to an Immortal gathering place called the Great South Valley.”
(TL: Great South (Tainan)?? could almost mean southmost or the most southern)
“Great South Valley?” Han Li softly murmured to himself. He had never heard of it before, not even the slightest impression.
Han Li turned his gaze to Sun Ergou. If this place had a name, then this local gang boss should have a bit of information.
“There is no such place in Jia Yuan City! If there is truly such a valley, I would remember it quite clearly.” Sun Ergou creased his brow and shook his head left and right.
“Did you for some reason remember incorrectly?” Han Li brought his gaze back to Xi Tieniu as he spoke in a cold, severe tone.
“I absolutely did not. That woman also said that, as long as they hurry for half a day, she would be able to attend the meeting with her friend at Great South Valley.” Xi Tieniu said, hastily swearing to the heavens.
“Half a day! If a person were to walk by foot then they would no longer be in the vicinity of Jia Yuan City. But if these two were rushing on flying beasts, then the scope would be great. Even so, it shouldn’t stray from the boundaries of Lan Province.” Han Li inwardly pondered.
“Do you two know of any places called ‘Great South Valley’ or with names that include ‘Great South’?” Han Li’s expression eased a bit as he asked the two.
“Sun Ergou and Xi Tieniu looked at each other and spoke nearly at the same time:
“Great South Temple.”
“Great South Mountain.”
“There are two places called Great South?” Han Li was surprised. Groaning, he started to have a small headache.
“Young Master, there isn’t! There is only one!” Sun Ergou hastily replied.
“That Great South Temple was build on Great South Mountain.” Xi Tieniu added, not to be outdone.
“Oh! Very good. Then it seems that Great South Valley should located there,” Han Li easily stated.
“But Young Master, we have never heard of a ‘Great South Valley’ near Great South Mountain! It could be wrong.” Sun Ergou warned with doubt.
When Han Li heard this, he chuckled, “It isn’t wrong, it’s this place!”
‘You aren’t cultivators, so of course you wouldn’t know of this place. I suppose that there should be some sort of cultivator’s residence,’ Han Li excitedly thought.
“Where is the lowest point of this Great South Mountain?” After Han Li’s excitement, he recalled that this place wasn’t well known and asked without thinking.
“Young Master, Great South Mountain is in the Lan Province’s southmost area.” Sun Ergou respectfully said.
“Lan Province’s south?” Han Li wrinkled his brow. The Hegemon’s Villa and the Sovereign he was to assassinate were right in the center of the Lan Province, out of the way and absolutely inconvenient. It seemed that he would have to make several trips.
“Sun Ergou, after you return, have Xi Tieniu become the Fourth Level Gang’s Vice Commander. I know you aren’t too willing but since I already promised this person, the promise must be kept.” Han Li instructed Sun Ergou.
“I don’t dare to refuse, Young Master. Your wish is my command. I wouldn’t voice even half a complaint!” When Sun Ergou heard this, he had a fright. Recalling what Han Li had said before, his complexion turned pale.
“Be at ease, I am well aware of your loyalty. This bottle contains the antidote that will completely dissolve the poison in your body. Just like I promised, you will have nothing further to fear. I treat everyone fairly, so I will certainly not cheat you.” Han Li removed a bottle of medicine and handed it over to Sun Ergou.
When Sun Ergou saw this, he was pleased beyond expectation. The Rotten Heart Pill inside his body had made his meals unappetizing and his sleep restless. Now that he could completely remove it, how could he not be moved?
“Thank you, Young Master! Thank you, Young Master! This servant will certainly repay this favor even if he were to die the cruelest death!” After Sun Ergou took the bottle, he sincerely said these words.
Han Li non-committedly nodded his head.
The reason why he had given the cure to Sun Ergou so frankly was mostly because he felt that giving Sun Ergou a dose of antidote every month would be far too troublesome! Since he would be far away from Jia Yuan City for a prolonged period of time, he decided to forego using poison to control Sun Ergou. Of course, if someday these two truly betrayed him, Han Li wouldn’t care about it in the least. He would just immediately kill the two and find their replacements.
In addition, Han Li had no use for the Fourth Level Gang as of now. He had already prepared the Fourth Level Gang to be a fallback plan in case all else failed.
Han Li clearly understood that in this world, there were no loyalty nor betrayal without reason. By using force to control others, it would be the easiest method to acquire the desired results. But at the same time, it was also the worst method, because the party being forced may retaliate at any time. As a result, if one were to instill some loyalty, it would be best to include both incentives and punishment.
Hence, Han Li gave Sun Ergou the cure. On one hand, he would greatly raise Sun Ergou’s loyalty for a long period of time. On the other, Xi Tieniu and Sun Ergou would feel meaning behind his words: Results will merit rewards and mistakes will be punished. This benefited Han Li’s long term control over the two.
That was what Han Li had thought after some deliberation.
After Han Li saw Sun Ergou consume the cure, he suddenly said something that made Sun Ergou both frightened and happy.
“I will leave Crooked Soul in your care later on, but I won’t allow you to use it to provoke quarrels. Although this Crooked Soul may be ferocious, there are a great many extraordinary eccentrics in this world. You might be so unlucky as to provoke a deathly calamity. Keep this inmind!” Han Li said with a heavy tone.
“Of course, I will keep this in mind. I will properly make arrangements for Sir Crooked Soul. Esteemed Young Master, please feel at ease.” Sun Ergou was like a chick pecking grain, nodding his head incessantly.
“Were it not for the fact that I no longer need Crooked Soul as a personal bodyguard, his far too eye-catching appearance, and the inconvenience of him following me on a long journey, there is no way I could hand over Crooked Soul to this person’s care!” Thinking this, Han Li sighed and inwardly shook his head, somewhat reluctant to part with his large companion.
“Look out for yourselves! In the coming days, you do not need to come see me, I will soon leave on a prolonged journey far from here, and I do not know when I will return.” Han Li softly waved his hand as he told them to leave.
When Sun Ergou and Xi Tieniu heard these words, they respectfully withdrew from the room, leaving Han Li as the sole person within. Even so, he was still contemplating about something.
“This Great South Valley, at the very bottom of Great South Mountain…what sort of cultivators will there be? If I come to their door without prior notice, would it be improper? Would I encounter danger?” Han Li foolishly thought. As of now, he could not help but let his mind wander and enter a state of selflessness.
A Record of a Mortal’s Journey to Immortality c1-2248 Page 58