C5 I Won't Do It Again

Chiang Huangqi peered into the wooden box at the century-old ginseng and gently lifted it out. He brought it to his nose, inhaling deeply as the ginseng's aroma filled the air. He scrutinized its roots, examining them closely for a moment.

"Elder Tang, you're incredibly fortunate. This is indeed a century-old ginseng!" Chiang Huangqi declared with confidence.

"Is that truly so, Divine Doctor Chiang?" The old man's face brightened with joy, a tremor of excitement in his voice.

"Absolutely! This ginseng exudes a potent herbal scent, and its medicinal properties are substantial. Plus, look at the roots—ten in total. That's a key indicator of its venerable age," Chiang Huangqi explained, pointing to the ginseng he held. Elder Tang and Tang Qingshan counted the roots, and indeed, there were ten.

"It looks like Grandma will really be saved," Tang Qingshan said, her voice tinged with elation.

"Indeed! Elder Tang, Miss Tang, there's no need for concern any longer!" Chiang Huangqi said, smoothing his beard with a nod.

Elder Tang and his wife shared a deep bond, and in his quest to cure her illness, he had sought out countless doctors from near and far. Now, with the discovery of this century-old ginseng, it seemed as though fortune had finally smiled upon them.

"A century-old ginseng, yet this one clearly isn't old enough!" Just as the trio's spirits were soaring with the find, an indifferent voice cut through their excitement.

They turned to see Liu Changqing, who had been waiting off to the side for his own herbs.

"What are you implying?" Tang Qingshan, deeply attached to her grandmother, felt a chill douse her hopes. Her face darkened, and with eyes ablaze, she stepped forward to confront him.

"It means exactly what I said—if I say this ginseng isn't a century old, then it isn't," Liu Changqing retorted, his judgment swift and sure, the kind that only comes with eons of experience.

"That's outrageous! I won't stand for this—I'll have to teach you a lesson!" Tang Qingshan, incensed by Liu Changqing's brazen defiance, advanced towards him, ready to stand her ground.

"Just you?"

Liu Changqing shook his head, discerning that Tang Qingshan was indeed a practitioner, yet he had ascended to the Spirit Awakening Stage. Despite his body's ailments, the cultivation of the Primordial Scroll had unleashed his Spiritual Qi. Someone at Tang Qingshan's level couldn't even get close to him.

Elder Tang, witnessing Tang Qingshan's stance, initially wanted to intervene. However, Liu Changqing's haughtiness kindled a spark of anger within him. After all, he was a figure of authority, with a temper to match. He was well aware of his granddaughter's capabilities. Liu Changqing's arrogance warranted a lesson from Tang Qingshan.

"Don't feign knowledge ever again!"

With those words, Tang Qingshan's palm swung out abruptly.

Though a woman, Tang Qingshan was no less formidable, capable of handling several men with ease. Her slap, neither too light nor too heavy, would have dislocated Liu Changqing's jaw had it connected.

But as her hand neared Liu Changqing's face, Tang Qingshan's eyes widened in horror. Her hand was inexplicably suspended in mid-air, unable to strike, as if an unseen barrier thwarted her.

"Qingshan! Stand down! Show some respect!"

Elder Tang, realizing something amiss, called out, his voice tinged with alarm.

"I am Tang Zhenye, and this is my granddaughter, Tang Qingshan. She's young and naive, a bit impulsive. I hope you'll overlook her behavior!"

Tang Zhenye quickly bowed in apology to Liu Changqing.

"Grandfather, what are you doing? With your stature, why should you lower yourself to him?"

Tang Qingshan knew her grandfather all too well. In all of Gliatol, Tang Zhenye's influence was seismic, commanding respect wherever he went. Yet here he was, seeking Liu Changqing's pardon.

Liu Changqing remained still, observing Tang Zhenye in silence, offering no response.

Tang Zhenye, relieved that Liu Changqing showed no sign of retaliation, caught his breath and, with a tug at the puzzled Tang Qingshan, urged, "Quickly! Apologize to this gentleman!"

"Grandpa, what are you doing? Why should I apologize to him? He was the one who insulted me first!"

Tang Qingshan was immediately indignant, convinced she had done nothing wrong.

"Be quiet and apologize!"

Tang Zhenye, seeing his granddaughter's stubborn refusal to apologize, was utterly panicked.

Liu Changqing might not have moved much earlier, but that was clearly a demonstration of his power!

Such a display of power, indicative of the Master Stage, was rare in all of Xia Country. How many could claim to be at the Master Stage? Only a select few! Offending a Master could mean annihilation for the Tang family with just a flick of the wrist!

They simply could not afford to provoke someone of his stature.

"I'm sorry!"

Though Tang Qingshan didn't understand the reason, Elder Tang had never been so harsh with her before. She felt deeply hurt but ultimately heeded his command and offered an apology.

"Do you realize the consequences of offending me?"

Liu Changqing's face was stoic, but his voice was laced with a chilling threat.

In a moment, his presence transformed, as if he were a deity descending from the heavens, exalted and capable of dictating the fate of all with a mere thought.

Tang Qingshan was fortunate, really. Liu Changqing typically wouldn't bother with a mere girl. Had it been anyone else, they might have already been lying dead for their insolence.

Feeling the overwhelming pressure of Liu Changqing's aura, Tang Qingshan's spine turned icy, her legs shook uncontrollably, and she found herself seated on the ground, too terrified to even breathe.

"Sir, I beg of you to show leniency. She's just a child, please spare her," Tang Zhenye pleaded, unable to withstand the intensity of Liu Changqing's presence, sweat beading on his brow as he bowed deeply.

It was a striking image: Elder Tang, a septuagenarian, bowing to a man in his twenties, the renowned Tang Zhenye of Gliatol, leaving Chiang Huangqi utterly speechless.

From his lofty position, Liu Changqing watched as Tang Zhenye bowed in submission, not daring to lift his gaze.

Tang Zhenye remained in a deep bow, motionless.

Without a word from Liu Changqing, he wouldn't dare to rise, despite his waist aching as though pierced by needles. But to avoid offending such a young Master, he bit back the pain and stood firm.

Eventually, Liu Changqing spoke with a detached tone, "Let this not happen again."

At those words, Tang Zhenye's strength gave out, and he collapsed onto the ground. Tang Qingshan rushed to his side, quickly lifting him up, concerned that Elder Tang might harm himself.

"I've been rash and caused you amusement," Tang Zhenye said, sitting down and mopping the sweat from his brow, as he gave a respectful gesture to Liu Changqing.