[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-roaring-dragon":3,"chapter-the-roaring-dragon-the-roaring-dragon-chapter-19":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Roaring Dragon",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2281875,4463,"Chapter 19","the-roaring-dragon-chapter-19",19,"\u003Cp>Rustle...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[1] Ssshh…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wind rustled through the bamboo leaves, and the chatter in the alley had fallen completely silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[2] The wind rustled bamboo leaves, a soft susurration; the voices in the alley had fallen utterly silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps noon was the best time for napping—the fluffy coal ball sat quietly on the bedside, motionless for a long while.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[3] Perhaps noon was good for sleeping—the fluffy Meiqiu sat quietly on the bedside, motionless for a long while.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanyi sat cross-legged on the tea-colored bedsheet, the blood-coagulation poison gradually dissolving as her cheeks regained their rosy glow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[4] Lin Wanyi sat cross-legged on the tea-colored bedsheet, the blood-clot poison gradually dissolving, her cheeks regaining their rosy glow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[5] “Huu~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Letting out a soft breath, Lin Wanyi opened her eyes and looked around the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[6] She exhaled softly, opened her eyes, and looked around the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room had just been rented; although the wardrobe, dressing table, and other furniture were present, nothing had been placed inside, leaving it feeling strangely empty—the bed lacked bedding, only a bare wooden frame, and she wondered how anyone could sleep here at night...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[7] The room had just been rented; though the wardrobe, dressing table, and other furniture were complete, nothing was placed inside, making it feel hollow. The bed had no quilts or bedding—just a bare wooden frame. How one was supposed to sleep at night, she didn’t know…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanyi stood up; her exertion had left her drenched in sweat, her undergarments soaked and clinging uncomfortably to her buttocks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[8] Lin Wanyi stood up. Sweat drenched her undergarments, soaked into the crease of her buttocks, clinging uncomfortably to her skin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Xie Jinhuan hadn’t returned, she didn’t want to leave without notice, so she went to the neighboring bathroom, drew water from the Yun Pool, poured it into the bathtub, and prepared to wash up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[9] Seeing Xie Jin hadn’t returned, she couldn’t leave without word. She went to the adjacent bathroom, drew water from the Cloud Pool, poured it into the tub, and prepared to wash up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps fearing Xie Jinhuan might suddenly return, she still held the Zhenglun Sword for protection; after securing the door, she stripped off her belly band and small panties and slipped naked into the tub.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[10] Perhaps fearing Xie Jin might suddenly return, she still held the Zhenglun Sword for defense. After bolting the door, she shed her belly-band and small pants and slipped naked into the tub.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Splash splash~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[11] Splash splash~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clear water cascaded over her milky-white, plump chest—a breathtaking sight—but Lin Wanyi had no time for vanity; she only wanted to finish quickly, lest Xie Jinhuan catch her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[12] Clear water cascaded over her plump, milky-white bosom—a sight of endless beauty—but Lin Wanyi had no vanity to admire it; she only wanted to finish quickly, lest Xie Jin catch her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet after washing twice, her gaze fell again on the Zhenglun Sword beside the tub.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[13] But after washing twice, her gaze fell again on the Zhenglun Sword beside the tub.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zihui Mountain is the largest sect near Dan Yang City; its standard magical swords are common throughout Dan Yang, differing only in rank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[14] Zihui Mountain was the largest sect near Danyang City; its standard magic swords were common in Danyang, differing only in rank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beginner disciples of Zihui Mountain are typically issued a seventh-rank magical sword; inner disciples receive a fourth-rank one; further advancement depends on achievement—Linghu Qingmo, as the direct heir, wields the first-rank sword “Bamboo Shadow.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[15] Zihui Mountain’s entry-level disciples typically carried seventh-rank magic swords; inner disciples received fourth-rank ones. Further advancement depended on achievement. Linghu Qingmo, as the direct disciple, wielded the first-rank sword “Bamboo Shadow.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Auxiliary magical items like enchanted undergarments and the Eight Trigrams Disc can be used by practitioners of any level, regardless of rank, depending only on function and cost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[16] Auxiliary magic items like the magic undergarment and Bagua Disc could be used by cultivators of any level; rank didn’t matter—only function and cost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanyi didn’t know what rank Xie Jinhuan’s sword was, so she picked it up to examine it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[17] Lin Wanyi didn’t know the rank of Xie Jin’s sword, so she picked it up to examine it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Click~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[18] Chik~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blade slid out three inches, revealing its ink-green blade and the characters “Zhenglun.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[19] The blade slid out three inches, revealing its ink-blue-green body and the characters “Zheng Lun.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanyi carefully inspected it, initially noticing nothing unusual—but as she gazed longer, she suddenly realized the polished blade reflected her own face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[20] Lin Wanyi scrutinized it closely. At first she saw nothing unusual, but as she stared, she suddenly noticed her own eyebrows and eyes reflected on the sword’s polished surface.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanyi normally had almond-shaped eyes, wise and subtly alluring—but now she noticed the reflection’s eyes held a touch of seductive malice, and her aura had grown stronger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[21] Lin Wanyi’s eyes were almond-shaped, intelligent and subtly alluring—but now she saw that the reflection’s eyes held more seductive malice, and its aura was stronger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[22] “Hm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Confused, Lin Wanyi blinked—and the reflection blinked in unison.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[23] Confused, she blinked—and the reflection blinked the same.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She thought she might be drowsy or hallucinating, so she leaned closer for a better look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[24] She thought she’d dozed off and was seeing things, so she leaned closer for a better look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But those eyes in the reflection seemed enchanted; locking gazes for an instant, her eyelids grew heavy, and drowsiness flooded her mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[25] But those eyes in the reflection seemed enchanted. One glance, and her eyelids grew heavy; drowsiness flooded her mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ding~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[26] Ding~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Zhenglun Sword tapped lightly against the floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[27] The Zhenglun Sword tapped the floor, emitting a faint chime.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanyi leaned back in the tub, her right hand gripping the hilt resting on the tub’s edge, her consciousness slipping away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[28] Lin Wanyi leaned against the tub, her right hand gripping the hilt resting on the edge—then she lost consciousness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But moments later, the stunning beauty in the tub sat upright again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[29] But in an instant, the stunning beauty in the tub sat upright again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her once gentle, composed eyes now glowed with a hint of seductive malice, resembling a mountain demon queen reigning from the heavens.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[30] Her once dignified, gentle eyes now held a touch of seductive malice—she looked like a demoness perched atop a mountain peak, high above the nine heavens.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Splash splash~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[31] Splash splash~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The beauty rose from the tub, her jet-black hair cascading down her back, her flawless curves fully revealed—even the plump curves...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[32] The beauty rose from the tub, her ink-black hair cascading down her back, her flawless curves fully revealed—even the plumpness…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Affluent household...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[33] “A wealthy household…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gorgeous woman glanced down at her intoxicating figure, stepped over the tub, wrapped herself in her robes, and walked to the window, gazing northward toward Zihui Mountain, her eyes slowly clouding with confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[34] The beautiful woman glanced down at her devastating figure, stepped over the tub, wrapped herself in her robes, and went to the window, gazing northward at Zihui Mountain. A dazed look slowly surfaced in her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It feels so familiar...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[35] “Feels so familiar…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Xie the kid, too—he acts like a lover I’ve lived with for years. Could it be... these past three years he’s been with me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[36] “And Xie Jin too—he’s like a lover I’ve lived with for years. Could it be… these past three years he was with me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He’s outside the grave, I’m inside it—that doesn’t make sense...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[37] “He’s outside the grave, I’m inside it—that shouldn’t be…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[38] …\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After pondering deeply for a long while, the beautiful woman returned to the small bed, sat cross-legged, and raised her right hand to activate her inner cultivation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[39] After pondering long, the beautiful woman, still deeply puzzled, returned to the small bed, sat cross-legged, and raised her right hand to activate her inner cultivation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huh~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[40] Hu~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, a pale green flame drifted out from the palm of his right hand, hovering silently and flickering above the palm, yet emitting not a trace of heat, like a ghostly fire floating above the palm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[41] Instantly, a pale green flame drifted from her palm, hovering silently, flickering without warmth—like a ghostfire resting on her palm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The inheritance is quite good...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[42] “The inheritance is quite good…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The beautiful woman studied the soul-burning ghost flame, then twisted her fingers—immediately, the flame vanished, transforming into a black-green mist curling around her fingers, clearly laced with potent poison.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[43] The beautiful woman studied the ghostfire that could burn the soul, then twisted her fingers—immediately, the flame vanished, becoming a black-green mist curling around her fingers, clearly highly toxic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The poison arts are solid too—let’s see how the incantations fare...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[44] “The poison arts are solid too. I wonder about the incantations…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After studying the cultivation techniques for a moment, the beautiful woman stacked her palms together; mist swirled between them, and faint black-blue patterns began spreading across her body along the meridians, converging at her third eye:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[45] After studying the arts a moment longer, she stacked her palms, one over the other. Mist swirled between them; her body revealed thin, dark-blue veins, spreading along her meridians until converging at her third eye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Such intense yin-cold energy—where is the problem coming from...?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[46] “Such heavy yin-cold energy… where’s the problem coming from…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her murmurs echoed through the bathroom, then faded into the rustling autumn wind...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[47] Her murmurs echoed in the bathroom, then faded into the shivering autumn wind…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>——\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[48] —\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sanhe Building is located in the West City, far from Peach Immortal Lane, surrounded mostly by workshops and dye houses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[49] Sanhe Building stood in the western quarter, far from Peach Immortal Lane, surrounded mostly by workshops and dye houses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although most residents are from the city’s lower classes, Sanhe Building’s gambling den is wildly popular; even at noon, the noise spills onto the street:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[50] Though most residents were of the city’s lower class, Sanhe Building’s gambling den was wildly popular; even at noon, the noise spilled onto the main street:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Big! Big! Big!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[51] “Big! Big! Big…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Damn it, boss, lend me another half tael!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[52] “Damn it, manager, lend me half a tael more…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[53] …\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan stood at the mouth of an alley, holding an oil-paper umbrella, gazing at the three-story building ahead—two bouncers stood at the entrance, and guards patrolled the side alleys. He asked:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[54] Xie Jin held an oiled-paper umbrella, standing at the mouth of an alley, gazing at the distant three-story building. Two enforcers stood at the entrance, others posted along the side alleys. He asked:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How are we planning to investigate?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[55] “How are you planning to investigate?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Linghu Qingmo, Yang Dabiao, and others stood hidden in the alley, avoiding detection by the gambling den’s spies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[56] Linghu Qingmo, Yang Dabiao, and the others stood inside the alley, avoiding detection by the den’s spies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Linghu Qingmo, also holding an umbrella, surveyed the gambling den’s surroundings:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[57] Linghu Qingmo, umbrella in hand, surveyed the gambling den’s surroundings:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who runs Sanhe Building?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[58] “Who runs Sanhe Building?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Qingzhi replied: “Li Zixian, the eldest son of the Li family—but Master Li owns many businesses and rarely comes here; the on-site manager is his relative Li Shizhong, who has some martial skill.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[59] Liu Qing replied: “The eldest son of the Li family, Li Zixian. But he owns many businesses and rarely comes here. The overseer is his cousin Li Shizhong—he has some martial skill.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Dabiao crossed his arms, hesitating:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[60] Yang Dabiao crossed his arms, hesitating slightly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I only heard from street thugs that they sell Dengxian Powder here; the details are unclear. If we raid directly and find nothing, we’ll have trouble explaining ourselves later.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[61] “I only heard from street ruffians that they sell Dengxian Powder. I’m not sure of the truth. If we raid the place and find nothing, we’ll have trouble explaining it later.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Linghu Qingmo was merely a royal guard—high status but no real authority—so he thought for a moment and said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[62] Linghu Qingmo was merely a bodyguard of the Wang Fu—high background, no real authority. After thinking, he said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“One of you should disguise yourself and go buy Dengxian Powder. Once we confirm it’s real, we’ll raid. If the Li family complains afterward, we’ll have grounds to justify it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[63] “One of you disguise yourself, go to Sanhe Building and buy Dengxian Powder. If we confirm it exists, then we raid. If Li family complains later, we’ll have grounds.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Disguise?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[64] “Disguise?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Dabiao and Liu Qingzhi glanced at their armor and police robes, realizing they’d stand out no matter what.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[65] Yang Dabiao and Liu Qing glanced at their armor and constable robes—disguising themselves would be too obvious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their eyes then turned to the enthusiastic bystander, Xie Jinhuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[66] So their eyes turned to the enthusiastic bystander, Xie Jin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan shrugged: “I’ve got thick eyebrows and big eyes—do I look like a drug addict?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[67] Xie Jin raised his hands slightly: “With these bushy brows and big eyes? Do I look like a drug-addled worm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Dengxian Powder supposedly enhances virility; many wealthy young men buy it for pleasure.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[68] “Dengxian Powder supposedly enhances virility. Many wealthy youths buy it for pleasure.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do I need to enhance my virility?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[69] “I need to boost my virility?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Qingzhi sighed: “We’re both government officials—even in civilian clothes, Sanhe Building might recognize us.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[70] Liu Qing sighed: “We’re both from the government. Even in civilian clothes, Sanhe Building might recognize us.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Dabiao nodded: “Everyone in Dan Yang knows Lord Linghu’s name. Even if you dressed as a woman or turned to ash, they’d still recognize you... cough—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[71] Yang Dabiao nodded: “Linghu’s name is known throughout Danyang. Even if he dressed as a woman, or turned to ash, Sanhe Building would still recognize him… cough—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he finished, Linghu Qingmo shot him a cold glance and continued:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[72] Before he finished, Linghu Qingmo shot him a icy glance and replied:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re unfamiliar, look like a nobleman’s son—you’re perfect. The government will reimburse your expenses. How much silver do you two have?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[73] “You’re unfamiliar, look like a noble youth—you’re perfect. The government will reimburse expenses. How much silver do you two have?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned to the two men.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[74] He turned to the two men.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Qingzhi looked embarrassed: “My wife knows what Lord Linghu is like—she’s strict. I only have two taels, saved secretly—I doubt it’s enough.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[75] Liu Qing looked embarrassed: “My wife knows Linghu’s name—he’s strict. I’ve only got two taels—my secret stash. Probably not enough.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Dabiao, however, confidently pulled out several silver pieces and copper coins and slapped them into Xie Jinhuan’s hand:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[76] Yang Dabiao, however, was generous. He pulled out several silver fragments and a handful of copper coins and slapped them onto Xie Jin’s palm:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Here. Say you were referred by Master Han from Wencheng Street—they’ll sell it if they have any.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[77] “Here. Say you were referred by Young Master Han of Wencheng Street. If they have it, they’ll sell.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan weighed the coins—three mace and two fen, plus a few copper coins...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[78] Xie Jin weighed it lightly—three mace and two fen, plus a dozen copper coins…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Linghu Qingmo hadn’t expected these two men couldn’t even scrape together three taels; he sighed and pulled a small pouch from his robe, placing it in Xie Jinhuan’s palm:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[79] Linghu Qingmo hadn’t expected these two men couldn’t even scrape together three taels. He pulled a small pouch from his robe and slapped it into Xie Jin’s palm:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Buy as much as you can—get the bouncers to fetch it from the vault, so we know where to look later.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[80] “Buy more. Have the enforcers fetch it from the warehouse—so we can find the stash later.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan, unable to refuse, said nothing more and turned toward the street.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[81] Xie Jin couldn’t refuse. Without further words, he turned and walked toward the street.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Linghu Qingmo and the others hid in the alley, watching covertly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[82] Linghu Qingmo and the others hid in the alley, watching covertly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[83] …\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside Sanhe Building, the atmosphere was electric, noise never ceasing:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[84] Inside Sanhe Building, the atmosphere was electric, noise unceasing:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Four, five, six—small wins, big losses!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[85] “Four, five, six! Small loses, big wins!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ugh! Why did I lose again...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[86] “Ugh! Lost again…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan arrived at Sanhe Building; the attendant at the entrance hurried over eagerly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[87] Xie Jin arrived at Sanhe Building’s entrance. The attendant rushed forward eagerly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sir, first time here? We have private rooms upstairs...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[88] “Sir, first time here? We have private rooms upstairs…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan didn’t enter; instead, he made a gesture like buying a pornographic DVD, beckoning the attendant to lean close:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[89] Xie Jin didn’t enter. Instead, he mimicked buying a pornographic disc, gesturing for the attendant to lean close.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master Han from Wencheng Street sent me. I heard you sell Dengxian Powder here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[90] “Young Master Han of Wencheng Street sent me. Heard you sell Dengxian Powder?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The attendant froze, sizing up Xie Jinhuan, then glanced around:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[91] The attendant froze, sized up Xie Jin, then glanced left and right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Too many people on the street—come inside to talk.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[92] “Too many eyes on the street. Come inside to talk.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Xie Jinhuan knew he hadn’t come in vain; he followed the attendant into the gambling den, to a corner of the main hall, where the attendant kept asking:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[93] Xie Jin saw this and knew his trip wasn’t wasted. He followed the attendant into the den, to a corner of the main hall. Along the way, the attendant asked:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re unfamiliar—never been here before?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[94] “You’re unfamiliar. Never been here before?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just arrived in Dan Yang yesterday for the Mid-Autumn Festival. Master Han told me you sell Dengxian Powder, so I came to check.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[95] “Just arrived in Danyang yesterday for the Mid-Autumn Festival. Heard from Young Master Han that you sell Dengxian Powder. Came to check.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, that explains it. Master Han’s a regular—everyone knows him. I’ll give you a friend’s discount: five mace per bottle. How many do you want?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[96] “No wonder. Young Master Han comes often—we’re all familiar. I’ll give you a friend’s price: five mace per bottle. How many?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, the attendant pulled two small black bottles from his sleeve—identical to the ones found on Fu Dongping.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[97] As he spoke, the attendant pulled two small black vials from his sleeve—identical to the ones found on Fu Dongping.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan glanced at the bottles, then pulled out the three-hundred-tael silver note donated by Fu Dongping:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[98] Xie Jin glanced at the vials, then pulled from his sleeve the three-hundred-tael silver note donated by Fu Dongping:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A few bottles won’t be enough. I’m hosting friends tonight—over a dozen men, plus thirty-some girls. How much do you have?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[99] “A few bottles won’t do. Tonight I’m treating friends—over a dozen men, and thirty-odd girls. How much do you have?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wow—is he planning a silver orgy?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[100] Whoa—is he planning a silver orgy?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The servant sensed Xie Jinhuan was a wealthy young master, but hadn’t expected him to be this flush—he carried several hundred taels in silver notes. Seeing a big customer, he quickly tucked the bottle away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This stuff is strictly monitored by the government office—the proprietor won’t let us sell entire crates. But I could get you a box? Forty bottles per box, enough for a dozen men to enjoy. I’ll even throw in a box of Golden Spear Pills—they’re potent.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright, go get it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Young Master, please wait.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The servant finished speaking and hurried toward the back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan couldn’t follow directly to the storage room. After the servant lifted the curtain and left the hall, he feigned casual strolling, approaching the corridor behind the hall to listen for the servant’s movements and judge the warehouse’s approximate location.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after listening for a moment, a faint sound suddenly came from deep within the rear buildings:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cry was brief and low, not even drawing the attention of the guards patrolling the premises.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan frowned, sensing something was wrong, and quietly slipped into the rear courtyard…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, on the street.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The trio peered from the alley entrance, waiting for Xie Jinhuan to return with his report—but after he followed the servant inside, he vanished without a trace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Linghu Qingmo waited a long while, seeing no sign of Xie Jinhuan, and grew suspicious:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why is he taking so long? Could he really be using my silver to gamble? That was my private stash.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Dabiao leaned out to look: “Unlikely. Maybe he’s just following the servant to retrieve the medicine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After descending the mountain, Linghu Qingmo had all his belongings in his pouch—he couldn’t help but worry:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s go take a look.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The new book chart draws heavy traffic, but drops off after 200,000 characters, so we can’t keep blasting updates throughout the new book period—please understand, or2\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",3560,"2026-06-20T01:38:11.747Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","db8978fc1e33f05eb3a27b65fc915a3810e995ce70856314654524b9918c430b","the-roaring-dragon-chapter-20","the-roaring-dragon-chapter-18",252,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-roaring-dragon-cover.jpg"]