CHAPTER 47: CHAPTER 47: FILLING IN THE BLANKS, INHALES SHARPLY!

The next day.

Early morning, Jade Cauldron Tower.

As a worker at the Jade Cauldron Tower, Zhang San was stationed at the entrance awaiting guests.

There were two other workers beside him, murmuring about something unknown.

It was the middle of winter; the sun had just risen, but the air still held a lingering chill.

Zhang San rubbed his hands together, stomped his feet hard, and didn’t feel like chatting with the other two, pondering whether he should buy himself a cotton coat when he gets paid at the end of the month.

Though the Jade Cauldron Tower had many rules and the working hours were long, the pay was still twenty percent higher than that of workers in other restaurants and inns.

This was something that always made him proud.

As a farmer’s son, having such a job in the county allowed him to stand more proudly in his village.

At that moment, a handsome young man approached.

Although it was winter, the young man dressed lightly, with a long sword at his waist, slim but not frail.

He had an attractive appearance, fair skin, and especially his bright, spirited, and sharp eyes left a deep impression.

Zhang San’s eyes lit up, and he greeted warmly:

"Brother Gu, you’re here so early today; did you perhaps find some Spirit Medicine?"

The newcomer was Gu Yuan, who chuckled softly at the words: "Spirit Medicine is not a weed; it’s not that easy to find. But when I do, I’ll certainly treat you to a drink!"

"Oh, how could a small person like me dare to let you treat me!"

Zhang San waved his hand repeatedly: "But my dad stored a good wine long ago, if you’d be so kind, I’d treat you in turn."

"Oh, I’d be more than happy to..."

Gu Yuan chatted with Zhang San for a bit, while the other two workers watched coldly, not making a sound.

It wasn’t until Gu Yuan went inside that one of them laughed and said:

"Zhang San, I couldn’t tell, but you’re quite polite to Brother Gu."

"Of course!"

Zhang San showed a proud expression: "I’m not bragging, but Brother Gu is no ordinary person. He used to ask me how to become a Medicine Gatherer, and in less than a month, he found a Spirit Medicine and became a Jade Cauldron Tower Medicine Gatherer..."

"Come on!"

Before Zhang San could finish, one of them sneered: "No matter how unusual he is, isn’t he just a new guy who’s only been here a month? If you want my insight, spend your energy saying good things to our Steward; that’s better than currying favor with Gu Yuan."

"What’s wrong with being new?"

Hearing someone badmouth Gu Yuan, Zhang San was somewhat displeased and countered:

"Even though Brother Gu hasn’t been here long, he’s always polite to me and never looks down on me. But as for others, who treats me seriously? For example, your childhood buddy used to say you were as close as brothers, with such good feelings, but since becoming an apprentice to the Martial Master, has he ever looked at you both with respect?"

"Well..."

The two were left speechless, mumblingly unable to respond.

Once people become successful, they start to float, looking down on those around them; this is usual behavior.

Zhang San’s words rendered the two speechless.

While the three were chatting, they saw Yang Jianfei in a brocade robe with a long sword at his waist approaching from a distance.

However, the usually carefree and complacent Yang Jianfei now had a gloomy and unpleasant expression.

One of his arms was wrapped in white cloth, faintly showing a hint of bloodstains and exuding a strong medicinal smell.

The three were good at reading people’s faces, so they immediately quieted down and greeted him respectfully.

"Greetings, Young Master Yang!"

Yang Jianfei didn’t even glance at them, with a sullen face, walked straight into the building.

The few exchanged glances and secretly shook their heads.

Though they were only workers at Jade Cauldron Tower, each of them was well-informed.

It’s said that Young Master Yang has been pursuing the Third Miss, and usually tries to appear approachable and kind before them.

However, the arrogance emanating from Young Master Yang’s core is evident to all.

Today, it seems he even couldn’t be bothered to fake it.

This kind of man, dreaming about pursuing the Third Miss, is pure delusion!

The few inwardly scorned, with some disdain.

Suddenly, just as Yang Jianfei had entered the hall, he stepped back out, coldly asking:

"Did Gu Yuan come by just now?"

"Ah?"

The group was engrossed in their scornful thoughts, and upon seeing the subject of their gossip reappear, naturally felt somewhat embarrassed and disoriented. But Zhang San reacted quickly, busy smilingly saying: "Yes, he did. Brother Gu already went inside."

"Hmph!"

Hearing this, Yang Jianfei’s expression seemed even more unsightly; he coldly snorted once more, and went back inside.

This guy really took the wrong medicine... a few exchanged glances, somewhat puzzled.

But what is he asking about Gu Yuan for?

From his face, it looks like his wife ran away from home; did Gu Yuan offend him somehow?

While wildly speculating, a girl with willow-like brows, cherry lips, and fair skin approached.

At once, they put away their trivial thoughts, respectfully saluting:

"Greetings, Third Miss."

"Hmm."

Xia Xiuxue looked a bit pale, but seemed quite spirited, about to enter the building. With one foot just over the threshold, she suddenly stopped and turned to ask:

"By the way, since you arrived early, did you see Gu Yuan just now?"

"Ah? Brother... Gu?"

They froze on the spot, staring at each other, even their minds started to wander.

What’s the situation?

It made sense for Yang Jianfei to ask about Gu Yuan, maybe Gu Yuan offended him, or for some other reason.

But why is the Third Miss also asking?

Logically, although Gu Yuan is a Medicine Gatherer, he is essentially just a rural villager. In terms of status, there is a far gap between him and Third Miss Xia, and they usually have no interaction!

Why is she asking about Gu Yuan now?

Wait, just now with Yang Jianfei’s looking downcast as if his wife had been stolen away.

And now, Third Miss Xia is also showing interest in Gu Yuan.

Could it be...

Hiss...

The few exchanged glances, immediately thinking of a possibility, and were in shock, taking a deep breath which seemed to lower the surrounding temperature a few more degrees.

...

Gu Yuan entered the Jade Cauldron Tower, went to a counter, and bought several bottles of pills with his money.

Most were supplements that boost Primordial Qi, strengthen tendons, and bones, barely sufficient to support his daily cultivation.

Upon the enhancement from the talent "Snake Coiling," his cultivation had nearly reached Great Success in Refining Tendons.

At this point, he should strike while the iron is hot, complete the Refining Tendons phase at once, and early enter the Bone Refining phase!

Speaking of this task trip, Gu Yuan had seen a lot.

The True Qi clashes among several Innate Martial Masters and methods like Gu Insect Magical Artifacts were difficult to defend against, mysterious and unpredictable, which won’t be mentioned for now.

Just the duel between Yang Han and Iron Tiger, two Peak Martial Masters with Great Success in Bone Refining, already put him on alert.

Either of those two could defeat him in a straight-up fight, not to mention an Innate Martial Master.