Chapter 105: Just a Soul-Returning Immortal Herb—I

My ancestors! This is already unexpected good fortune—don’t you dare cause any more trouble!

If your father finds out that two lowly Jin Dan cultivators from a remote region tricked his foolish son into stealing from home and then broke off his engagement to the Lord’s daughter, they’d have ten lives and still not be enough to atone.

“How much? We’ll buy it!”

Yan Xiao hurriedly pulled out all the money he had on him, including the medicinal herbs he’d already bought, and Zhou Qing emptied his entire storage pouch.

Though they knew these items couldn’t even buy one, they couldn’t just take things for free.

Zhang Wanbao quickly refused, even looking slightly angry: “Big brothers, what are you doing? Do you look down on me? This is just a small token of my gratitude, and it’s not worth much anyway.”

The two were on the verge of tears.

Don’t you dare mention gratitude—we already feel like we’ve caused trouble.

“Wait a moment!”

Looking at the two Nascent Soul Pills, Yan Xiao pulled Zhou Qing aside, heads close together, whispering urgently.

“It’s already this far—why not finish it right? See it through to the end?”

“Given the Nascent Soul Pills, we have no choice.”

“Little Brother Four, you’ve worked hard—keep refining this plan, make sure he wins the girl’s heart. I’ve got a feeling—if we mess this up, we might vanish halfway.”

“Third Brother, don’t scare me.”

“It’s true. My sixth sense is always right.”

Zhou Qing fell silent. This whole mess.

As the two turned to leave, Zhang Wanbao grinned and handed them another booklet: “Big brothers, here’s the auction list—take a look. If you need anything, just tell little brother, I’ll get it for you.”

The two winced again.

Are you missing a brain cell?

Even if you’re friendly, there’s a limit.

How will your father ever trust you with the family fortune? He’ll probably waste it all in a few years.

You’d be better off having another son.

“Thank you, but you must take these spirit stones—they’re payment. We’ll repay you later. Otherwise, our friendship ends here!”

Yan Xiao and Zhou Qing spoke with solemn seriousness.

Zhang Wanbao, unable to refuse, finally accepted.

“You two are righteous!” Zhang Wanbao was deeply impressed.

From the original thousand mid-grade spirit stones to now the Nascent Soul Pills, these two always settle accounts clearly—never messy or vague.

Such character is incredibly rare.

Seeing Zhang Wanbao accept, the two finally exhaled in relief.

“Let me see!”

Yan Xiao took the booklet and flipped through it with eager curiosity.

Meanwhile, Zhou Qing picked up the image stone again, studying Xiao Cancan’s expression closely, searching for a way to fix things.

At the same time, Wu Chuan stepped out of the room, greeted the other guards, confirmed his young master was safe, then glanced casually—and froze.

In the darkness across from him stood an old figure, as if he’d been standing there for ages.

Slowly, the figure extended a hand and beckoned gently.

Wu Chuan’s heart pounded—he hurried over and bowed deeply: “Master Fu—”

………

Just as Zhou Qing was straining his mind to devise a new plan for Zhang Wanbao, Yan Xiao, who’d been holding the booklet, suddenly gasped and rushed over, face alight with shock.

Zhou Qing looked over and saw, on that page, a clear illustration of a spiritual herb.

【Soul-Returning Immortal Herb, fully mature, flawless appearance, starting bid: one Jipin spirit stone. No upper or mid-grade spirit stones accepted. Only barter allowed.】

Reading the text, the two stared at each other, stunned with excitement.

This auction was actually offering a real Soul-Returning Immortal Herb.

Such a treasure was priceless and rarely seen. The last time they’d encountered it was in the black market—and even then, it was only a sapling. The vendor still demanded one Jipin spirit stone.

And this herb could heal Master’s years of soul damage. If they missed it this time, they might never see another.

After all, Second Sister’s condition was still uncertain.

“One Jipin spirit stone is just the starting bid—the final price will likely be around five,” Yan Xiao said.

Zhou Qing frowned. The booklet clearly stated only Jipin spirit stones were accepted—not even upper-grade.

He desperately wanted to buy it for his Master.

“What are you looking at? What’s this? Soul-Returning Immortal Herb? What’s it for?”

Seeing them whisper again, Zhang Wanbao leaned over curiously and spotted the illustration.

Then he said: “You want it? Don’t worry—I’ll steal it for you tonight. Afterward, I’ll say I ate it.”

The two burst into bitter laughter.

Do you really think this is some cheap trinket? This is a Soul-Returning Immortal Herb—unobtainable by mere luck!

Five Jipin spirit stones? Your father will break your legs—and ours too.

But looking at his earnest, simple face, the two felt unexpectedly moved.

This guy truly sees them as friends.

“Stop fooling around!” Yan Xiao warned sharply.

This guy’s got a loose screw—if you don’t explain clearly, he might spring a “surprise” on them tomorrow.

At that point, even a hundred mouths wouldn’t explain it.

First, you tricked my son into breaking off his engagement with the Lord’s daughter, severing decades of alliance. Then you got him to steal the Nascent Soul Pills. Now you’re after the Soul-Returning Immortal Herb too.

Next, are you going to steal my life?

Zhou Qing spoke earnestly: “You don’t know the value of daily necessities until you manage a household. Don’t do anything foolish. We do need this herb—but we’ll find a way to get it ourselves.”

Zhang Wanbao said: “Don’t worry. Even if I get caught, Father won’t punish me much—maybe just lock me in the dark room for a few days. He only has me as a son.”

Hearing this, the two were on the verge of tears.

How can you take everything so lightly?

“Brother Wanbao, listen to me. Your father works incredibly hard. We’ve never met him, but he alone holds up this vast enterprise, managing complex relationships every day. As his son, you should help him—not drag him down.”

“And don’t treat his love for you as your due. Do you understand?” Zhou Qing’s tone was sincere.

Yan Xiao nodded vigorously: “Yes. Those two Nascent Soul Pills have already helped us immensely. And look at the auction rules—only Jipin spirit stones accepted. From my experience, someone’s using your auction to sell it.”

“Your father just takes a small commission. If you steal it for us, your family must cover the loss. I know your family is rich—but this isn’t how you handle things. You can’t do this!”

Zhang Wanbao fell silent.

Then he looked at the two, visibly moved, and stepped back to bow deeply.

“Big brothers, thank you for your guidance. Wanbao understands!”

Seeing this, the two finally breathed a sigh of relief.

They’d nearly been buried by this kid—thankfully, they reacted in time.

Clap. Clap. Clap.

At that moment, applause sounded outside. The group turned—and saw an old man standing at the door, as if he’d appeared out of nowhere.

Qian Dafu, the businessman, instantly paled and whispered urgently to the two.

“We’re done. That’s Fu Kui, the auction house’s steward. Everyone calls him Master Fu or Fu Elder. His cultivation has reached Soul Transformation’s peak—he’s even half-stepped into the Severing Spirit realm. Even the Lord greets him with respect.”

“Didn’t this little brat just say he wanted all eight Nascent Soul Pills? That’s why only two were given—because he ran into this man. He was afraid of alerting him.”

Hearing Qian Dafu’s words, Zhou Qing and Yan Xiao turned pale.

“Master Fu—”

Seeing Fu Kui appear, Zhang Wanbao’s face paled, then he forced a simple smile and ran over.

“Master Fu, how did you know I was here? Let me introduce you—they’re my…”

“Your two big brothers!” Fu Kui cut him off, smiling throughout.

Instantly, a terrifying pressure locked onto the two.

Zhou Qing and Yan Xiao felt their throats tighten—they immediately shook their heads, waving frantically under the pressure.

“He’s joking! We don’t know him!” they shouted together.

Zhang Wanbao: “...”

But then Fu Kui burst into laughter and withdrew the pressure.

“Don’t worry—I won’t harm you. I’m just here on the Chairman’s orders, to see what kind of shady friends this kid has made, convincing him to return the marriage contract. Now I see—he’s got good taste. You two? Very good!”

Fu Kui spoke with genuine praise.

The two flushed awkwardly.

They had no idea about the marriage contract.

“Thank you, Elder!” they bowed quickly.

Zhang Wanbao opened his mouth to speak, but Fu Kui raised one finger, signaling silence.

Then he looked at the two: “Wanbao is simple-minded. He’s never left Lingyun City in his life. Even Xiao Cancan grew up under our watch. All we’ve done is give them the best possible environment—people and experiences.”

“Those with ulterior motives? We don’t welcome them. But that also means he only sees the brightest side of things. So what? Each age has its own trials—we know what’s right.”

Hearing Fu Kui, Zhou Qing and Yan Xiao nodded in agreement, secretly envious of Zhang Wanbao’s father for shielding him so thoroughly.

They now understood his recent innocent behavior.

Zhang Wanbao, meanwhile, stood quietly, lost in thought.

Fu Kui continued, “You two don’t look much older than Wanbao, yet your elders have raised you exceptionally well—your character, at least, is beyond reproach. Wanbao is fortunate to know you.”

“I’ve heard everything. It has nothing to do with you—rest assured. Even regarding the Soul-Exhaling Immortal Herb, I have considerable authority to handle it.”

“If you need, I can give you a discount on Wanbao’s account and trade it to you directly, without you having to appear at the auction. Otherwise, you might attract the attention of certain schemers.”

Hearing Fu Kui’s words, the two instantly brightened.

Undeniably, this was a good opportunity—handle it privately, avoiding unnecessary trouble later.

But the key issue was—they had no money!

“Senior, please wait a moment!” Zhou Qing bowed again, then quickly pulled Yan Xiaohu aside.

He then whispered, “Third Brother, I think we should try it.”

Yan Xiaohu looked at Zhou Qing and said, “You mean that piece of Chaos Dark Gold?”

Zhou Qing nodded. “Our original plan was to have Master come and decide whether to bring it back to the sect or deal with it on-site. But the Mother-Son Scroll’s risk is too high—we both refuse to let Master take that chance.”

“This opportunity now? I can’t afford to let it slip. It’s worth the risk.”

Yan Xiaohu frowned. “Fourth Brother, remember this: that much Chaos Dark Gold is worth at least seven Jipin spirit stones. I want to trade it for the Soul-Exhaling Immortal Herb for Old Mo too—but only if our safety, especially yours, is guaranteed. When we left, I promised Master I’d look after you.”

Zhou Qing merely smiled slightly. “I want to gamble. Their family is wealthy—they might not even care about a few spirit stones.”

Yan Xiaohu’s expression turned grave. “Fourth Brother, remember this: never gamble on human nature. Often, what you see is exactly what others want you to see.”

Zhou Qing fell silent.

But soon, Yan Xiaohu clapped him on the shoulder, beaming.

“But this time, I’ll gamble with you!”

【Heart Mirror +9】

Yan Xiaohu’s head tag, “Godlike Little Brother,” instantly changed to “Bold Little Brother.”

Looking at his third brother, Zhou Qing couldn’t help but smile.

“Thank you, Third Brother. If anything goes wrong, I’ll use every means to ensure you escape safely!” Zhou Qing said seriously.

Yan Xiaohu nearly laughed out loud—thankfully, it was only a whisper.

“You help me escape? I’m helping you, more like. Enough already—it’s just selling something. Don’t make it sound like we’re saying goodbye forever.”

“What’s destined will come; what isn’t, won’t. This thing was just luck—we found it by chance. Worst case, we kneel and give it away for free, just begging for our lives. Nothing shameful about that.”

Third Brother was always so optimistic and carefree—it eased Zhou Qing’s mind considerably.

Then the two stepped out.

With a wave of his hand, the dazzling Chaos Dark Gold appeared in Zhou Qing’s palm.

Ever since the old hen was taken in by Third Brother, he’d been keeping it.

In Third Brother’s words, Zhou Qing had better luck—he carried it, and maybe it would multiply.

Turns out, this time it didn’t multiply—it cost them.

Yet neither felt any regret; instead, they felt immense pride.

Seeing such a large piece of Chaos Dark Gold, Fu Kui visibly froze, stunned, then hurried forward.

“This… is Chaos Dark Gold? Where did you get it?” Fu Kui asked.

Zhou Qing said, “It’s my master’s family heirloom, Senior. May I use it as exchange?”

Fu Kui burst into laughter. “Exchange? I’d have to pay you extra! Excellent—excellent quality, with a natural fishy scent, as if just unearthed.”

“It can not only replace the Soul-Exhaling Immortal Herb as the auction’s centerpiece but even serve as the grand finale. If you trust me, hand it over. I’ll return to you at this time tomorrow—how’s that?”

Zhou Qing hesitated not a moment—he handed over the Chaos Dark Gold.

Fu Kui’s admiration deepened. “Bold indeed. You’re not the least worried I’ll steal it?”

Zhou Qing smiled and looked at Zhang Wanbao.

“I trust him!”

Zhang Wanbao was deeply moved, then immediately turned to Fu Kui.

“Grandpa Fu, they’re my good friends—my brothers. Can you give them another discount?”

Fu Kui took the Chaos Dark Gold, looked at Zhang Wanbao, and smiled. “That depends on you.”

“Me?” Zhang Wanbao frowned.

Fu Kui refused to elaborate. “It’s late. We’ll take our leave.”

With that, he pulled Zhang Wanbao away.

Only after their figures vanished into the night did the two realize their backs were soaked in sweat.

Trading with a Chucijianmian Soul Transformation peak cultivator? Undeniably, it was a huge risk.

After all, if he wanted to steal it, a single finger could erase every trace here.

Seven Jipin spirit stones? He could pocket them without a soul knowing.

“That was Chaos Dark Gold!”

The belatedly shocked Qian Dafu couldn’t help but cry out.

Zhou Qing and Yan Xiaohu collapsed onto their chairs, frantically grabbing water, then looked at each other and burst into laughter.

Looks like they’d won the gamble!

………

“So that little fat boy is the young master of the Wanxiang Auction House? Your father is the Lord of Lingyun Prefecture?”

Inside the room, Li Shitao stared in shock.

Honestly, whether the original owner of this body or her new self, she had no idea of their true identities.

Xiao Cancan nodded, glancing subtly at Li Shitao’s chest, then said, “Sorry, Sister Tao—I didn’t mean to hide it from you.”

“N-no problem! I’m thrilled for you—you have such a great background!” Li Shitao beamed.

She propped her chin on one hand, her hair cascading over her shoulders, eyes sparkling. “You’ve been here two days—doesn’t your father worry?”

Xiao Cancan shifted slightly. “He’s busy—probably no time. Let’s not talk about that. What do you think Zhang Wanbao’s motive was in bringing this here?”

Li Shitao looked at the marriage contract on the bed, then said, “Since you treat me as your confidante, helping you is natural—but first, I need to know your story.”

Xiao Cancan nodded, organizing her thoughts. “It starts when my father was first transferred to Lingyun Prefecture. After the former Lord passed away, the Imperial Capital sent my father to take over as Lord…”

Soft moonlight streamed through the lattice windows, illuminating the spacious carved bed, where a graceful, still-beautiful woman and a naive girl whispered softly, laughter occasionally rising.

Outside, shadows hid among buildings and trees, eyes like hawks scanning every direction—any rustle drew immediate attention.

The next night, amid anxious waiting, they finally saw Zhang Wanbao again, followed by Fu Kui.

Zhang Wanbao strode in, triumphant, as if victorious in battle.

“Look what I’ve got!” He pulled a long jade box from his storage pouch—inside, the entire Soul-Exhaling Immortal Herb was sealed.

The two’s eyes lit up; they snatched it eagerly.

After confirming its authenticity, they bowed deeply to Zhang Wanbao and Fu Kui.

Fu Kui said, “Thank him—he spent all night begging the Chairman, even throwing tantrums, to get it at the lowest price. It could’ve sold for five Jipin spirit stones—he got it for four.”

“As for the Chaos Dark Gold you gave me, the appraisal team valued it at seven Jipin spirit stones. After his antics, we settled at eight. Here are the four remaining after offsetting—take them.”

Fu Kui immediately handed over four Jipin spirit stones.

These were ordinary Jipin spirit stones, brimming with immense spiritual energy, nearly pure.

In any sect, Jipin spirit stones were strategic assets—used for rapid healing or activating final trump cards.

Better still were the Five Elements spirit stones, and even rarer varieties.

Like Thunder Spirit Stones, Wind Spirit Stones, and so on.

Earlier, Second Uncle had tossed Zhou Qing a Water Element spirit stone as thanks for rescuing him from the Cave Heaven.

Its spiritual energy was gentler, calming the mind when absorbed.

“Thank you, Senior! Thank you, Brother Wanbao!”

The two expressed their gratitude—technically, they’d gained two extra Jipin spirit stones.

Zhang Wanbao preened. “What’s there to thank for? We’re brothers.”

“The auction starts tomorrow. I’ve got work to do—I’ll take my leave,” Fu Kui said.

The two hurried to see him off.

“It’s like a dream!” Yan Xiaohu stared at the four Jipin spirit stones in his hand, eyes gleaming.

Their mission to Lingyun Prefecture had been completed—exceeded—in just two days.

Two Nascent Soul Elixirs, four Jipin spirit stones, and now a Soul-Exhaling Immortal Herb.

More importantly, they’d met a rich heir.

“One Nascent Soul Elixir each, and two Jipin spirit stones apiece,” Yan Xiaohu declared.

Zhou Qing happily accepted.

Beside them, Qian Dafu watched with envy—but no one noticed the flicker of greed beneath his smile.

“Big Brothers, now that your business is done, what about me?” Zhang Wanbao said.

The two smiled. Zhou Qing said, “Don’t worry—we take money, we do the job. Your job now? Stay busy.”

“Stay busy?” Zhang Wanbao pondered.

Zhou Qing said, “The auction starts tomorrow—Sister Xiao Cancan will probably attend. Even if she doesn’t, just be yourself. Then you can do this…”

Request Zhang Yue tickets, esteemed masters!





(End of Chapter)