C5 A Roadblock(1)

Atop Green Plum Mountain, there were three marvels.

The first was the black tiger, a fellbeast raised by Huang Zun to protect the mountain. Its power was immeasurable, and though its wild nature had been tamed, it typically served as a formidable gatekeeper, driving away visitors from the mountain. It might injure intruders, but it never consumed them.

To overcome this challenge, Lee Xiao exhausted every trick in the book, even deploying the Lee family's most powerful technique, the Thousand Army Break, which left him with some internal injuries. Only then did he earn the black tiger's acknowledgment.

Yet, acknowledgment was all it was. The black tiger continued to sprawl across the path, refusing to budge.

In stark contrast to Lee Xiao's exertions, Han Fei simply produced a dark, muddy-looking pill, which instantly won over the elder tiger, prompting it to willingly move aside...

The astonishment felt by the onlookers was palpable.

Lee Xiao, the esteemed manager of the Exquisite Pavilion, wore a heavy frown. It took a long while before he called out, snapping everyone out of their stupor to resume the ascent in disarray.

The previously boisterous Lee family disciples were now silent, with Lee Feng trudging ahead, his gaze intently fixed on Han Fei at the forefront, his thoughts a mystery.

Catching up, Lee Xiao walked alongside Han Fei. Though inwardly astounded, he maintained a friendly demeanor and inquired, "Nephew Han Fei, could you enlighten me about the origins of that... Tiger Food Pill you presented? It's something I've never come across before."

Han Fei coolly replied, "It's just a pill I concocted on a whim. It happens to suit Senior Tiger's palate, nothing more."

Lee Xiao nodded in apparent understanding, yet deep down, he remained skeptical.

Han Fei offered no further explanation and continued the ascent. Before long, they reached the mountainside, where the sound of a bubbling spring mingled with the intermittent chirping of insects, creating a symphony of nature.

Among the group, Liu San and several Lee family disciples were newcomers to Green Plum Mountain. They looked up to see a quaint stone pavilion, modest in size and crafted in harmony with the surrounding landscape. Inside, a boy in white was boiling water from the spring. As the water bubbled, the boy announced, "My master has sent me to wait here for quite some time. Travelers from afar are always welcome guests. Having passed Senior Tiger's test, you must be weary. Please, enter the pavilion for a respite and savor the second wonder of Green Plum Mountain."

Han Fei was brimming with enthusiasm as he eagerly made his way forward.

Upon entering the stone pavilion, no sooner had Han Fei taken his seat than the white-clothed boy began to rinse several porcelain teacups. He methodically filled them with boiling sweet spring water before adding a few green pills to each.

Some onlookers were curious, to which the boy responded, "Our Green Plum Mountain's second most exceptional offering is this Green Plum Tea. Please, enjoy."

Just as the conversation settled, a majestic black tiger leaped out from the nearby woods. Unfazed, the white-clothed boy repeated his actions and placed a cup of the 'tea' before the tiger.

This black tiger was the very same one that had previously obstructed their path.

Gasps of surprise rose from the crowd as Han Fei observed the tiger savoring the tea in a truly refined manner. After its indulgence, the tiger staggered as though inebriated, swaying as if it might collapse at any moment.

It was then that Han Fei reached for his own teacup.

The green pill previously placed by the boy had fully dissolved, tinting the water a pale green and releasing a warm, subtle tea aroma. Upon tasting, the liquid's potency struck like a strong liquor, its flavor sharp and spicy.

It was a challenge to discern whether it was tea, wine, or a pill. Yet, once ingested, the pale green liquid transformed into a comforting warmth that gently flowed through his body.

Han Fei could distinctly sense a slight increase in his cultivation. "Violet Cloth Grass, Ancient Orchid Vine, Green Plum Fruit, Monkey Wine, Hundred Blossom Wine..." he listed the components of the green pill with a knowing smile. "This Green Plum Tea, akin to both tea and wine, not only quenches thirst and cools the body but also boosts one's power. Truly, it is a treasure of Green Plum Mountain."

The white-clothed boy looked on in amazement, giving Han Fei a surprised glance. "It appears you have some knowledge of pill refining."

Han Fei modestly shook his head. "Just a bit, hardly worth mentioning."

The boy then turned to Lee Xiao.

Lee Xiao's face darkened, and after a moment of silence, he appraised, "I've had the pleasure of tasting this Green Plum Tea numerous times, and its memorable flavor lingers on."

A disciple of the Lee family, slightly tipsy from the tea, chimed in, "Indeed, it's exceptional tea with an unforgettable flavor."

Hearing such a banal compliment, the boy in white appeared somewhat disappointed. "If that's all, I won't impose any further hospitality. Once you've had sufficient rest, feel free to make your way up the mountain."

With that, the boy in white gave Han Fei a respectful fist salute, hoisted the medicine bundle onto his back, grasped the herb-harvesting sickle, and, with the inebriated Black Tiger in tow, started walking deeper into the forest.

After savoring the Green Plum Tea and taking a brief respite, Han Fei, Lee Xiao, and their companions resumed their journey to the mountain's summit.

Along the path, Liu San struggled to contain his amusement, while Han Fei maintained his usual composure. Lee Xiao's group, on the other hand, looked even more sullen, resembling a flock of ostriches, their pace and voices notably subdued.

In a hushed tone, Liu San remarked, "The Third Young Master is formidable indeed. Without lifting a finger, he's turned the Lee family members into shrinking turtles, now too scared to even let out a peep. They've truly lost face."

Han Fei responded with a serene smile.

Liu San's whisper was low, but not low enough to escape the keen ears of the group.

Aside from Lee Xiao, a formidable practitioner of the Vital Spirit Realm, even the least adept among Lee Feng and the others from the Lee family were at the Body Tempering Realm and possessed acute hearing.

One of the Lee family disciples retorted with a cold laugh, "What good is it to be skilled in pill refinement or tea tasting? This time, to persuade Senior Huang Zun to leave his seclusion, we've prepared many generous gifts. Our sincerity is what truly matters."

Liu San was at a loss for words and turned to Han Fei, his eyes pleading for support.

Han Fei spoke with a nonchalant air, "Speaking of sincerity at this juncture is premature."

But the moment had passed; they had reached the mountain's peak and the secluded dwelling of Huang Zun.

They found themselves in a verdant bamboo grove, where a scattering of thatched cottages could be glimpsed among the greenery. A younger boy stood by the path, and upon noticing the group's arrival, he straightened his expression and announced confidently, "I am Zhang Tong, the third disciple of my esteemed master!"

Lee Xiao, having previously visited this place, was well aware of the young boy's avaricious tendencies. Without waiting for Zhang Tong to speak, he swiftly stepped forward and produced a palm-sized brocade box from his sleeve. "Please accept this modest token of my esteem. I'd appreciate it if you could inform Master Huang Zun that members of the Lee family are here to pay him a visit in White Feather City."

The young boy's expression remained unchanged as he assessed the weight of the brocade box in his hands. Upon opening it and taking a quick glance, his face lit up with a smile. "Consider it done. I'll go right away and notify my teacher."