Chapter 148: Sensitive One Clan

Feiyu City! The Sensitive One Clan's Bai family, since being abandoned by the Clear Sky Sect, Bai He led the whole clan back to their ancestral home, Feiyu City.

It is located in the central part of the Xingluo Empire, not far from the Yang Clan's Cangyun City—about a thousand li away, which for members of the Sensitive One Clan is only a journey of roughly two hours.

Because it lies in central Xingluo Empire and has the Yang Clan's assistance, the Bai family, though living a modest life, is relatively safe and no longer suffers oppression from the Spirit Hall.

However, the Bai family has a reproachable flaw: they consider themselves lofty!

They deem their status noble and look down on ordinary Soul Masters' livelihoods; otherwise they wouldn't be so poor, so the Bai family is usually quiet, with almost no visitors.

But today they will receive a distinguished guest: Yu Tianyun! After regaining his vigor at dawn, Yu Tianyun rushed here at his astonishing speed; had it not been for a thundercloud en route, he could have arrived yesterday.

It is now noon; Yu Tianyun does not hurry to the Bai family, but instead dines on the local famous restaurant's specialty dishes, waiting until after the meal time before leisurely heading to the Bai family.

He thinks that at the Bai family he surely won't find good food, which also spares him from being disliked.

Arriving at the Bai family gate, Yu Tianyun stops to observe, muttering to himself, "It doesn't look that poor; could the intel be wrong? Still, the two Sensitive One Clan members guarding the door are indeed gaunt."

The Bai family's doors are no less impressive than those of the Yang family Yu Tianyun has visited—grand and aristocratic. A massive plaque bearing a single robust "Sensitive" character hangs on the tall gate tower, and the overall layout and scale are virtually identical to the Yang family's.

Surely it wasn't all built by the Yu clan, right? Also, after many years, Brother Niu Gao probably wouldn't have the face to ask Bai He for money; even if he tried, he wouldn't get it.

"Who are you? What are you skulking around here for? Get out quickly!"

A clear, lark‑like voice of a girl rang out behind Yu Tianyun.

Yu Tianyun furrowed his brows and turned around. He had already sensed someone approaching from behind, but their strength was weak—only around Great Soul Master level—so he paid no mind.

A girl of eleven or twelve appeared, tall and well‑proportioned, exceedingly beautiful; though slightly slender, her looks were only half a step less than the wives of his household. Her gaze seemed a bit haughty, but upon seeing Yu Tianyun's turned face, her expression clearly changed.

"I am here to visit the master of this house; may I ask what business you have?"

Yu Tianyun's tone was rather cold; the girl in front of him elicited no feeling. He is not one to act on sight, and besides, the girl is not his type—he prefers fuller figures, the kind hard to handle. The girl couldn't even compare to his own Rong Rong and Ling Ling, so he naturally felt no interest.

The girl, hearing Yu Tianyun's cold words, couldn't help but show a hint of annoyance and said:

"Hmph, this is my family! Do you have a letter of invitation? If not, don't think you can just walk in."

Yu Tianyun slightly raised an eyebrow, not minding the girl's impoliteness, and said slowly, "I have no invitation, but if you report that Yu Tianyun is visiting, your master will know."

The girl looked at him skeptically and said:

"Wait here, I'll report. If you deceive me, you'll see what happens to you."

Having said that, she turned and hurried into the residence.

Yu Tianyun was unfazed; he guessed the girl was Bai He's granddaughter—Bai Chenxiang—and thought, "Without the influence of the Rong Rong family, she'll develop a princess complex; she'll likely cause trouble. Children raised by grandparents are often spoiled."

Shortly after, the girl hurried back, her haughty expression gone, replaced by a trace of reverence, and said:

"My grandfather has invited you; please follow me."

"Okay!"

Yu Tianyun nodded lightly and followed Bai Chenxiang into the Bai family.

Along the way, Bai Chenxiang occasionally glanced at him surreptitiously.

But Yu Tianyun didn't even glance at her, which made Bai Chenxiang somewhat offended.

Usually she is the center of countless affection within the clan, and with her stunning looks she is the focus wherever she goes, yet Yu Tianyun didn't even give her a proper look; she couldn't help but speak up:

"Hey, I'm Bai Chenxiang, the clan chief is my grandfather; what are you here to do with my grandfather?"

Yu Tianyun still stared ahead, his voice even, "Nothing major, just discussing a small business."

"What business?"

Bai Chenxiang asked out of instinctive curiosity.

Yu Tianyun shook his head slightly, gave no further answer, and kept walking; Bai Chenxiang, annoyed, stamped her foot lightly but still obediently led the way.

Her grandfather had already told her that the stern man before her came from the Lan Dian Ba Wang Sect and held a very high position, far beyond what they could provoke; Bai Chenxiang wasn't foolish enough to deliberately offend Yu Tianyun.

Entering the main hall, a tall, slender, well‑proportioned elder sat at the head seat, his eyes fixed sharply on Yu Tianyun.

The elder was Bai He; his head was full of silver strands loosely draped behind him, yet his face was rosy like a baby's, clearly a man who had not endured much hardship.

Although Yang Wudi's hair is black, his skin is far worse than Bai He's, covered with scars and a face full of wrinkles.

Bai He laughed heartily, rose, and clasped his fists, saying, "We are unworthy of your arrival, Master Yu, and have failed to receive you properly; please forgive us."

Yu Tianyun also bowed in return, and, with slight puzzlement, asked:

"Chief Bai, you're being courteous; do you know me?"

If other young men from the Lan Dian Ba Wang Sect came, he wouldn't be this enthusiastic; this was information Yang Wudi had disclosed to him at the last four‑clan gathering. Bai He kept his smile and said warmly:

"Master Yu, your talent is unparalleled; I have heard of you for a long time. Please sit, sit quickly, fragrant tea, go serve tea promptly."

Bai Chenxiang replied reluctantly, then turned and left.

Bai He turned his head toward Yu Tianyun again and asked, "Master Yu, I heard you came to discuss business; what business is it?"

After Yu Tianyun sat down, he got straight to the point and said:

"Chief Bai, I have come because I received news that the Sensitive One Clan possesses a priceless treasure—a herb called Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng. The business I wish to discuss with you is this herb; please name your price." Upon hearing "Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng," Bai He's expression changed instantly; his smile vanished, becoming somewhat cold. The Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng is regarded by him as a family heirloom, a secret even Yang Wudi was unaware of; he could never sell it, no amount of money would suffice. Even if Bai He starved to death on the streets, he would never part with it. "Master Yu, though I don't know where your information came from, the Sensitive One Clan will absolutely not sell the Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng!"

Bai He said firmly, as if there was no room for negotiation.

Yu Tianyun smiled faintly and said:

"Then I'll set a price, how about that?"

"No amount of money will work; this is not a matter of money!"

Bai He shook his head at those words.

Yu Tianyun paid no heed and, on his own, quoted a price: "Five hundred thousand Jin Hun Coins."

"Sss~"

A barely audible, sharp intake of cold air came from Bai He's mouth; though faint, Yu Tianyun noticed it, clearly showing his shock.

Since Bai He led the clan out of the Clear Sky Sect, the Sensitive One Clan has had little means of earning money, relying on the other three clans and, in recent years, aid from the Lan Dian Ba Wang Sect. Yet the assistance from the other three clans and the Lan Dian Ba Wang Sect is limited, only enough to cover basic food and drink needs; after all, a grain of rice given is a favor, a grain taken is a grievance—a timeless truth on Douluo Continent.

(Even the entire clan together may not have a thousand Jin Hun Coins in their pockets; five hundred thousand Jin Hun Coins is an astronomical figure for them, like comparing a village head of a few dozen households to a top‑ten national billionaire.) Yet Bai He still tried to keep a calm demeanor, paused a breath, and said:

"Master Yu, this truly is not a matter of money."

Yu Tianyun noticed his breathing was a little rapid, smiled again and said, "One million Jin Hun Coins!"

Sss~

At that point Bai He could no longer hold himself together; his composure completely collapsed, his heart pounding like a drum, and he roared in his mind, "People of this great clan are truly unfilial. I would love to split a single coin in half to spend. They open their mouths asking for five hundred thousand, one million. I'm so angry! I could slap this stinking brat to death!"

Bai He realized today what it means to be rich; he felt his whole life had been a failure. Even when he was in the Clear Sky Sect, he had never seen so much money, yet he was still unwilling. He didn't want to hand over the crystal blood dragon root so easily.

He paused for a moment, then suddenly sensed something off: why was Yu Tianyun so keen on the crystal blood dragon root?

In fact, he himself didn't know the proper use of the crystal blood dragon root; he only sensed it contained a massive amount of energy and must be extremely precious. Yet the medicine is three parts poison, and he dared not use it rashly. So he thought of testing, "Young Master Yu, no one knows how to use this crystal blood dragon root; why waste this unjust money?"

Yu Tianyun heard this and realized what Bai He was hinting at; Bai He didn't dare reveal to Yang Wudi even a hint that he possessed such a treasure, so naturally he didn't know the use of the crystal blood dragon root.

Yu Tianyun thought for a moment and decided to tell him, after all he would certainly ask Yang Wudi later; if the story spread that Yu Tianyun had deceived an old man, his reputation would surely suffer.

"Hm? That's odd, why did none of the evil thoughts appear this time?"

Yu Tianyun suddenly realized that, had he followed the thoughts he had when he first left Tiandou City, he would have killed and silenced the victim, snatching it outright. He sighed inwardly, "Indeed, heavenly thunder does suppress evil qi; now I should be free from the corrupt influence of the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger. I'm a pure‑hearted person, how could I harbor such wicked thoughts?"

Yu Tianyun, now in high spirits, smiled at Bai He and said, "White Clan Leader, this crystal blood dragon root is merely a medicine that replenishes qi and blood and strengthens the body. Its energy is immense; for those below Soul Saint cultivation, it is harmful and useless, while those above Soul Saint are already older, gaining little benefit from taking it."

Hearing this, Bai He frowned and couldn't help but say, "If Young Master Yu says that, isn't this crystal blood dragon root rather useless? Then why does Young Master Yu waste money on it?"

Yu Tianyun smiled calmly, "White Clan Leader, this crystal blood dragon root bears the character 'dragon', so it is highly useful for Soul Masters who possess a dragon martial soul. A Soul Master with at least Soul Ancestor cultivation can absorb its potency, and on the continent only our Lan Dian Ba Wang Sect has a true dragon martial soul, so I urgently need this herb."

Bai He, hearing Yu Tianyun's explanation, found it reasonable, yet he still harbored doubts, fearing Yu Tianyun might be deceiving him, and hesitated.

At that moment, Yu Tianyun saw his expression and spoke again, "White Clan Leader, I have heard that the Yang Clan Leader of the Breaking Clan is proficient in pharmacology and must recognize this herb and know its effects. If you don't trust me, you may go ask the Yang Clan Leader."

Upon hearing that, Bai He's brow furrowed even tighter; he wouldn't dare ask Yang Wudi. If Yang Wudi found out, he would surely berate him, saying, 'I treat you as a brother, yet you hide this from me? I've helped you for years; don't contact me again.'

In fact, everything Yu Tianyun said was true; his words were taken from the celestial herb catalog that Yang Wudi had given him.

At that moment, Bai Chenxiang entered carrying tea, placed it on the table, sensed the atmosphere was off, and looked toward the two.

Yu Tianyun also lifted his head, meeting Bai Chenxiang's gaze; neither moved their eyes.

Bai Chenxiang has always been proud; since childhood, when she locked eyes with peers of the opposite sex, the other would look away first. Now Yu Tianyun's unabashed stare made her embarrassed, and she thought, "How can this person be so shameless, staring at me constantly? He is indeed handsome, but he can't be so forward; why won't he look away…?"

Yu Tianyun didn't know Bai Chenxiang's thoughts, but upon seeing her, he suddenly understood how to push the deal forward.

At that moment, Bai He also raised his head, saw the two locked in gaze, and a thought sprang in his mind, growing larger; the more he contemplated it, the more feasible it seemed, and his eyes brightened.

In the next instant, "White Clan Leader…"

"Young Master Yu…"

"Hm?" Both paused slightly, surprised that they spoke at the same time.

"Ahem, Young Master Yu, you speak first." Bai He coughed, gesturing for Yu Tianyun to begin.

Yu Tianyun didn't decline, glanced again at Bai Chenxiang, and said, "White Clan Leader, could we ask Miss Xiangxiang to step aside for now?"

Yu Tianyun's next words were likely to offend the tsundere Sensitive One Clan little princess, fearing she might become a hindrance later.

"You…" Bai Chenxiang glared angrily at Yu Tianyun. This is her home, and he asks her to step aside—how absurd! Before she could finish, Bai He cut her off.

"Xiangxiang, you go out first," Bai He said in a deep voice; what he needed to say wasn't suitable for his granddaughter to hear directly, lest it cause trouble.

"Grandfather, you…" Bai Chenxiang's eyes widened in disbelief, but before she could finish, Bai He spoke again with an even more authoritative tone:

"Xiangxiang, go out, and don't throw a fit."

Bai Chenxiang, feeling both aggrieved and angry, turned and left the main hall, not forgetting to give Yu Tianyun a hard glare as she went.

Seeing his granddaughter leave, Bai He looked at Yu Tianyun with eager anticipation and said, "Young Master Yu, you may speak now."

(End of chapter)