C46 Healed

"Is Ma Liang around?" Zhuang Xing inquired out of the blue.

Gan Tingting was taken aback. She hadn't expected Zhuang Xing to pose such a question.

"Sir, are you acquainted with Master Liu?"

Without responding, Zhuang Xing simply produced a small box and handed it to Gan Tingting.

"Deliver this to him. He'll understand once he sees it."

Gan Tingting accepted the small box, her face etched with confusion. What could possibly be inside?

"Xiaozhu, please take this box to Mr. Ma."

She might not have known the contents, but this was the Myriad Gold Chamber of Commerce, a place where no one would dare to cause trouble.

"Understood, Manager."

The attendant who had been standing nearby re-entered the inner hall. Shortly after, an elderly man emerged at a brisk pace.

"Young man, it's good to see you again," Ma Liang greeted Zhuang Xing with a chuckle, cupping his hands in a traditional gesture.

"Master Liu," Zhuang Xing returned the gesture.

Ma Liang dismissed the formalities with a wave of his hand. "I'm no master. If it's alright with you, let's consider ourselves peers."

Zhuang Xing had given him a Rank One Top Grade Pill. Anyone capable of crafting such a pill was at least a Rank Two Pill Refining Master. In the world of Pill Refining Masters, rank is paramount, and age is secondary. For instance, Ma Liang would always be the junior in the presence of a Rank Three Pill Refining Master, regardless of whether that person was younger than him. He would still address them as a senior.

"Mr. Ma, may I inquire about this gentleman's identity?" Gan Tingting asked, visibly astonished by their rapport. What status did this young man hold that allowed him to be treated as an equal by a Rank Two Pill Refining Master?

"He's a colleague from our field."

A colleague?

Gan Tingting's surprise deepened. Ma Liang was a Pill Refining Master, so a colleague in the same field would naturally be a Pill Refining Master as well. This meant that Zhuang Xing's true identity was that of a Pill Refining Master.

"Young man, you don't appear to be in the best of health. Would you allow me to check your pulse?"

As a Pill Refining Master, Ma Liang immediately recognized that Zhuang Xing was in poor health, clearly suffering from severe injuries.

Zhuang Xing offered a smile and said, "No, my visit this time is to purchase some medicinal herbs to treat my ailment."

Ma Liang wasn't surprised. Typically, Pill Refining Masters are adept at diagnosing their own illnesses.

Turning to Gan Tingting, Zhuang Xing inquired, "Manager Gan, do you have the medicinal herbs I requested?"

Gan Tingting jolted to attention and quickly responded, "Sir, rest assured. The Myriad Gold Chamber of Commerce will spare no effort to procure everything you need."

The status of a Pill Refining Master was esteemed, and the Myriad Gold Chamber of Commerce would certainly go out of its way to win favor and forge a strong relationship with one.

"That's excellent. I thank you in advance."

Zhuang Xing chuckled to himself. He had brought Ma Liang into the picture specifically to make Gan Tingting aware that he was no ordinary individual, ensuring that she would go to great lengths to secure the medicinal herbs he needed. It was far more efficient to have the Myriad Gold Chamber of Commerce source the herbs than to search for them himself, especially given his serious injuries.

"As for the price, I assure you that you won't be disappointed."

At his words, Gan Tingting blushed slightly. She had initially thought Zhuang Xing was merely a young master from some family, and had somewhat underestimated him. In Azure Sun City, few families or powers could command the attention of the Myriad Gold Chamber of Commerce. But a Pill Refining Master was a different matter entirely; they were revered individuals, and even the Myriad Gold Chamber of Commerce would strive to attract and befriend them.

With the assistance of the Myriad Gold Chamber of Commerce, finding the necessary medicinal herbs became much simpler. Their vast influence and high standing in Azure Sun City meant that the herbs Zhuang Xing needed were quickly assembled and delivered to him that very night.

Naturally, the cost for these herbs was steep, totaling 430,000 silver taels—a sum nearly equivalent to the Zhuang family's total income over two years. Had he not slain Bao Guangsha and Bao Houdi, acquiring several hundred thousand silver taels in the process, he would not have been able to afford this hefty expense.

The injuries Zhuang Xing had sustained this time were extremely severe. Despite having access to numerous precious medicines, it took him a full five days to fully recover. This was the gravest injury he had encountered since his rebirth.

"Spirit Wheel Stage Level Five Heaven."

Zhuang Xing clenched his fists, feeling the overwhelming power coursing through his body. He was elated. His period of convalescence had not only healed his wounds but had also significantly advanced his cultivation. His breakthrough to the Spirit Wheel Stage Level Five Heaven was an unforeseen boon.

"My body is nearly back to full strength. It's time to get out and stretch my legs."

He had been confined to the inn for five whole days, going nowhere and focusing solely on his recovery. Now, with his health restored and his cultivation enhanced, it was time for him to venture out.

On Zhuang Xing's second visit to Cloud Moon Tower, the place buzzed with its usual vibrancy. Many patrons were engaged in lively conversations over tea, all the while enjoying the stunning views.

"Have you heard about the major event in the Yao family?"

"Major event? Are you implying that the Yao family has been wiped out?"

"You're overthinking it. How could the Yao family be wiped out? Who could possibly do that?"

"Well, that's a relief. But what exactly happened to the Yao family?"

"Yao Di has advanced to the Spirit Wheel Stage Level Eight Heaven."

"Yao Di reached Spirit Wheel Stage Level Eight Heaven? Is that for real?"

"Absolutely. There's no falsehood in that news."

"He's one of the top three young masters of Azure Sun City, known for his extraordinary talent. It's incredible how swiftly he's reached the Spirit Wheel Stage Level Eight Heaven."

"With Yao Di's current prowess, securing a spot in the top 100 is a given. With the Hidden Dragon Ranking Great Competition over a month away, his talent might very well propel him to an even higher level."

"If he manages to ascend to the Spirit Wheel Stage Level Nine Heaven, he stands a chance of making it into the top fifty, or perhaps even the top thirty of the Hidden Dragon Ranking."

"Indeed."

"Yao Di has reached the Spirit Wheel Stage Level Eight Heaven?"

Zhuang Xing was all too familiar with the name Yao Di. In fact, his recent life-threatening clash with the Celestial Eagle Gang was closely linked to this very individual.

"Yao Di, don't fool yourself into thinking that just because you've reached the Spirit Wheel Stage Level Eight Heaven, I'm powerless against you. Soon enough, you'll witness my capabilities firsthand."

Zhuang Xing allowed himself a silent chuckle. He had always detested being manipulated, and Yao Di had dared to scheme against him, nearly costing him his life. Such a deep grudge demanded retribution, and he was determined to settle the score.

Zhuang Xing made his way into Cloud Moon Tower with measured steps. As he entered, a buzz swept through the crowd, the entire place abuzz with excitement at his arrival.