C10 Meeting the Little Prince of Chen Cixun

News about Wang Feng crippling Wang Jian's martial arts abilities spread like wildfire throughout the outer court, becoming common knowledge to all.

Yet, Wang Feng seemed unfazed by the commotion, maintaining his usual routine: practicing his punches, observing Lee refine pills, and perusing books about the First Land in the study.

After completing his martial exercises, Wang Feng made his way to Lee's dwelling. Upon arrival, he was greeted by the sight of Lee engrossed in pill refinement, using an iron pot no less. Wang Feng couldn't help but let out a wry smile at the scene.

Wang Feng mused to himself, "Lee has really taken to pill refining these past few days. With the Supreme Pill Refining Technique at his disposal, his skills and experience are advancing rapidly. His one-star Blademaster capabilities are now sufficient to produce three-star Blademaster pills."

"The rate at which we're going through herbs is concerning, though. It's time for a new furnace. No one should be using an iron pot for this craft. Despite our limited funds, we must invest wisely. As the saying goes, 'good steel is best used for the blade's edge.' That's how you make the most of what you have."

Time passed, about as long as it takes to brew half a cup of tea.

"Young Master, you've arrived," greeted Lee.

"Yes," Wang Feng replied softly.

Lee rose from his work at the pot and lifted the lid. A boiling white mist enveloped the kitchen beams and gradually ascended towards the ceiling. The steam and fog spread slowly until the kitchen was shrouded in mist.

Once the mist cleared, the true form of the pills in the pot was revealed. Lee, with a spoon in hand, scooped up three pale blue pills from the bottom. He then presented them to Wang Feng with great respect.

"There's no need for such formality between us, Lee," Wang Feng remarked.

"Ha! Young Master, pill refining has become my greatest passion," Lee responded with a chuckle. "The opportunity you've given me to apply my skills and be of use brings me immense joy."

Curious, Wang Feng inquired, "Lee, what are these three pills?"

Lee answered, "Young Master, these pills are known as Sand of the Sea."

"Sand of the Sea? What effects do they have?" asked Wang Feng.

Lee explained, "This pill is known as the Sand of the Sea because its primary ingredient is derived from the skeleton of a desolate beast from the ocean depths. As such, it boasts the ability to protect the heart and spleen, as well as to enhance the recovery speed of one's spiritual energy."

"Excellent! Lee, keep up the good work! Once I have the funds, I'll buy you a top-notch furnace!" Wang Feng said, giving Lee an encouraging pat on the shoulder.

Lee, who usually maintained a composed demeanor, showed a flicker of emotion upon hearing Wang Feng's words.

"Is that true? Young Master, are you really serious? You're not pulling my leg, are you?" Lee inquired, his voice tinged with urgency.

Wang Feng chuckled, "Absolutely! When have I ever deceived you?"

Observing the joy spread across Lee's face, Wang Feng realized for the first time how endearing the elderly could be, reminiscent of children in their simplicity. There's a saying that the older you get, the more childlike you become, and perhaps there's some truth to it.

Their conversation was cut short by a melodious voice.

"Wang Feng! What are you up to?"

Wang Mingzhu, clad in a light blue dress with a cloud ribbon cinching her waist and her long hair cascading down her back, approached the somewhat distracted Wang Feng.

"Wang Mingzhu: What's the matter?"

"Wang Feng: Oh, it's nothing!"

"Wang Mingzhu: Do you have time today, Wang Feng?"

"Wang Feng: Yes, I do. Is something the matter?"

"Wang Mingzhu: Well, would you accompany me shopping? I'd like to buy a few things. Would you join me?"

"Wang Feng: Of course, I can. It feels like it's been quite a while since we last went shopping together."

Wang Mingzhu giggled, "Yes! It has been a long time."

"Let's go!" she exclaimed, stepping out the door first. As Wang Feng followed, he glanced back to see Lee, who was diligently refining pills. Lee gave Wang Feng a wave, signaling him.

Once they had gone, Lee remained seated before the furnace, spoon in hand, shaking his head slightly. His wrinkles seemed to fade into a pallor. Rising, he reached for a pill manual on the bookshelf to his left and began to read with relish.

On the bustling East Deld of the Imperial City, the streets were alive with a sea of people and a constant stream of carriages and horses. The air was filled with the sounds of life: vendors selling trinkets, children buying toys, street performers showcasing their talents, hawkers peddling candied fruits, artisans crafting sugar figurines, and the distant gazes of women from the brothels. The calls of the tavern keepers, the cries of the peddlers, and the haggling of customers all contributed to the vibrant and thriving atmosphere of prosperity.

Among the crowd, one could spot many mysterious foreigners whose attire starkly contrasted with that of the locals. The flourishing city naturally drew visitors from afar, eager to immerse themselves in the Imperial Capital's rich cultural traditions.

Wang Feng trailed behind Wang Mingzhu, his gaze darting from one novelty to the next. Despite this not being his first shopping excursion, East Deld always had something new to offer. It was the go-to destination for wealthy young nobles seeking entertainment and indulgence.

While Wang Mingzhu shopped, Wang Feng typically remained silent. It wasn't that he found her choices unappealing; rather, he struggled with making decisions himself.

The pair paused at a jewelry stall where Wang Mingzhu's eyes sparkled at the sight of two distinct pieces. She picked them up, eager for a second opinion.

"Wang Feng, what do you think of these? Which pendant looks better?" inquired Wang Mingzhu.

Wang Feng, scratching his head awkwardly, hesitated before responding, "Well, I think the light purple one is quite nice. It's a crystal pendant that shimmers with an eye-catching sheen."

Wang Mingzhu, pleased with the feedback, turned to the vendor with a smile. "In that case, I'll take the light purple one. Please wrap it up."

Just then, a mocking voice cut through the chatter. "Ha! Look who it is! The Wang family's good-for-nothing. Out for a stroll, are we? And what's this? Mingling with Mingzhu?"

"Mingzhu, why lower yourself to be seen with the Wang family's disgrace? Surely, you realize he's not in your league?"

A dashing young man approached, clad in white, a folding fan in hand, a blood-red Qilin Jade at his waist, and white jade boots on his feet. His delicate features made him appear more feminine than masculine, earning him the nickname Snow.

An onlooker gasped in recognition, "Isn't that Chen Ren, the young master of the Chen family? Everyone knows that Chen Cixun of the Chen family is a favored courtier of His Majesty, holding a prestigious position as a first-grade official."

Wang Mingzhu defended fiercely, "Who says Wang Feng is worthless? Say that again, and I'll make sure you regret it!"

"You!"

Chen Ren sneered, changing his approach, "Wang Feng, what kind of hero hides behind Miss Mingzhu? Are you too scared to admit that you're nothing but a weakling?"

Wang Feng gently tapped Wang Mingzhu's shoulder and said confidently, "I've got this."

In that moment, Wang Feng seemed to transform before Night Pearl's eyes. He exuded both a familiar and foreign aura. Gone was his former timidity, replaced by a newfound resilience. His stature, though not imposing, now stood protectively in front of Wang Mingzhu, as unyielding as a mountain. The recent events that had shaped Wang Feng remained a mystery to all.

As Wang Feng stepped forward, Chen Ren moved to strike, still convinced that Wang Feng was a nobody without a trace of martial arts skill.

Chen Ren taunted, "Oh, showing some backbone, are we?"

Just as Chen Ren's fist neared Wang Feng's face, Wang Feng caught his hand in a firm grip.

"Release me!" Chen Ren commanded his guard, "Help me, now!" He tugged with all his might.

Wang Feng held his ground, "And what if I don't let go? What then? What can you possibly do to me?"

Unmoved, Wang Feng stood his ground as Chen Ren pulled and struggled in vain. The tighter Chen Ren fought, the firmer Wang Feng's grasp became, turning Chen Ren's hands the color of the necklace Wang Mingzhu had purchased at the jewelry stall.

In agony, Chen Ren could bear it no longer.

Desperate, Chen Ren cried out, "Old Liu, save me!"

At his call, an elder with a crane-like appearance intervened. He was Chen Ren's guardian, Liu Wenying.

"May I kindly ask you to release my young master? Otherwise, I'll have no choice but to intervene."

With that, Liu Wenying exerted an oppressive force upon Wang Feng, whose aura became disrupted. Relying on the Celestial Nine Revolution Technique, Wang Feng barely managed to stabilize the tumultuous energy within him. Despite his efforts, it was clear that Wang Feng was still at a disadvantage.

Observing the old man's complexion, Wang Feng was astonished to find that the elder's vitality matched that of Lee's. This meant that Chen Ren's guardian must be at least a Warlord-level master. Lee excelled in pill refining, and although his realm was on par with Wang Feng's, his vitality surpassed it by a level.

Consequently, Wang Feng released Chen Ren's hand.

"Ha," Chen Ren gasped, looking at his hand that had turned purple. Liu Wenying approached and placed Chen Ren's hand beneath his whisk. Muttering an incantation, Liu Wenying swept the whisk, and a stream of green energy enveloped the hand, gradually restoring the damaged skin.

"Come on, Liu Wenying, let's go!"

Once Chen Ren and Liu Wenying had departed, the injuries Wang Feng had been suppressing burst forth.

"Pfft!"

"What's wrong with you, Wang Feng?" Wang Mingzhu inquired, her voice laced with concern.

"Ah, I see now. You were just resisting the old man's oppressive aura, weren't you?"

Wang Mingzhu steadied Wang Feng, who managed a wry smile and replied, "Yes, I resisted. But I didn't anticipate his incredible strength."

"Wang Mingzhu: Liu Wenying from the Chen family is an Eighth Star Warlord. After making a name for himself in the martial arts world, he was recruited by Chen Cixun to serve as Chen Ren's protector. You, with your mere one-star Blademaster strength, naturally couldn't withstand Liu Wenying's pressure."

"Hurry, follow me. I'll take you to the Vault of Wonders. They have not only the finest pills but also a collection of rare and exotic treasures. They'll certainly be able to heal your current injuries."

Wang Mingzhu offered her support to Wang Feng, but he shook his head with a smile, signaling that she needn't bother; he could manage on his own.