Welcome our new Patron: Caleb! Your support means the world to me <3 We are up to 'Chapter 236: A Little Bit? More Like a Billion Times! Fourth Soul Skill' on Patreon!
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)
------------------------------------------------------
In the backyard of the governor's mansion in Wu'an City
Leaving aside Ye Lingling and Dugu Yan's playful banter, Dai Chengfeng had already stepped out of the hot spring.
The older maid and Little E, who had been waiting outside, immediately bowed deeply upon seeing Dai Chengfeng, their voices filled with reverence: "Greetings, Young Master."
Dai Chengfeng paused briefly as he glanced at them, then strode away confidently.
"Guard this place well. No one is allowed to enter."
"When those two ladies finish and come out, go to the treasury and each claim ten golden spirit coins. Tell them it was my order."
Upon hearing these words, both women's eyes lit up with surprise.
Ten golden spirit coins were an incredibly generous reward for servants like them, who worked in the governor's mansion.
"Thank you so much, Young Master! Thank you!"
They were overwhelmed with excitement, bowing repeatedly, their voices trembling slightly from joy.
By the time they straightened up, Dai Chengfeng's figure had already vanished.
At that moment, Little E, her face brimming with both surprise and confusion, couldn't help but ask the older maid: "Auntie, the Young Master didn't blame us at all—and even gave us a reward?"
The older maid smiled warmly and gently tapped Little E's forehead. "Of course not. You have to consider who it is."
"If it were adults like Zhu Yan or Zhu Fan, no matter how high their status, we absolutely cannot let them in without permission."
"But if it's those two noble ladies…"
"You see, there's much more to learn about these matters~"
Little E tilted her head, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. She nodded half-understandingly, mulling over the implications:
Letting noble ladies in is fine, and hiding the fact that the Young Master is inside… So in the future…
Her eyes gleamed faintly at the thought.
Meanwhile, Dai Chengfeng had already been led by a servant back to the room prepared for him by Zhu Yan.
The room was exquisitely decorated, with wooden furniture emitting a faint woody fragrance, exuding luxury.
However, Dai Chengfeng paid little attention to it. He changed into a white, gold-trimmed outfit that fit snugly.
Looking at his reflection in the mirror, the well-tailored outfit accentuated his handsome features and dignified demeanor.
Satisfied, Dai Chengfeng nodded and made his way to the main hall.
The governor's mansion's main hall was extravagantly adorned—carved beams, painted pillars, red carpets, dazzling chandeliers, and various decorations, all exuding opulence.
Dai Chengfeng's expression remained stern as he strode confidently to the main seat and sat down firmly.
He then instructed the attendant standing nearby: "Go notify Zhu Yan, Elder Ye, and Senior Dugu Bo to come see me."
"Yes, Young Master."
The servant bowed slightly and hurried off, their footsteps echoing through the empty corridor.
Dai Chengfeng leaned back in his chair, his gaze deep in thought as he contemplated the many tasks ahead. His brows furrowed slightly.
"How can I kill Xu Guotao without alarming those tens of thousands of soldiers stationed at Jinshan Pass?"
After all, Jinshan Pass was a major fortress city, and Xu Guotao had been stationed there for years…
Their soldiers recognized Dai Chengfeng, but expecting them to surrender without a fight, as the soldiers in Wu'an City had done, was simply impossible.
"Sigh"
For a long while, Dai Chengfeng took a deep breath, still unable to come up with a plan.
Step, step, step~
Just then, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed from outside.
"Young Master, you summoned me?"
Zhu Yan had just entered the hall, clasping his fists together and bowing slightly with utmost respect.
Dai Chengfeng, seated in the main position, raised his eyes toward Zhu Yan and nodded slightly. His expression was calm as he spoke:
"Yes. Elder Ye will arrive shortly. Once he does, you will escort him to the Yin family."
Upon hearing this, Zhu Yan's body stiffened momentarily.
At the mention of the Yin family, a flicker of guilt flashed in his eyes. He lowered his head deeply and clasped his hands tightly. "Thank you, Young Master," he said, his voice tinged with barely noticeable emotion.
Dai Chengfeng observed Zhu Yan silently.
Though anger still simmered within him—after all, Zhu Yan had indeed been somewhat negligent—it was undeniable that Zhu Yan belonged to a lesser branch of the Zhu family and had always been overlooked.
His soul power had only reached the Soul King level, and given the forces of Xu Guotao and Dai Tian, Zhu Yan had managed to hold on admirably.
Even after being demoted, he had faithfully carried out his assigned mission. Such loyalty was rare.
Moreover, Zhu Yan had played an indispensable role in swiftly restarting the Dujiangyan project.
Anyone else in his position might not have performed as well. His competence was unquestionable.
"There's still a lack of talent—top-tier talent!"
As these thoughts crossed his mind, Dai Chengfeng's anticipation for the upcoming journey grew stronger.
At the same time, his expression softened slightly.
Turning to Zhu Yan, he retrieved a top-tier medicinal herb—not a celestial grass, but still extremely valuable—from his spirit ring: the Blood Ganoderma.
"Zhu Yan, I am fair in rewarding and punishing. Though you fell short in some areas after I left, you did your best and pushed yourself to your limits."
Dai Chengfeng's tone was measured, carrying the authority and impartiality of someone in a position of power.
"This is your reward—the Blood Ganoderma."
"It not only greatly nourishes the body and strengthens physical constitution but also stimulates the flow of soul power, accelerating its accumulation."
"Most importantly, it has miraculous effects in helping soul masters break through bottlenecks…"
"With your current strength at Rank 59 Soul King, consuming this will undoubtedly propel you to the Soul Emperor realm."
"Young Master…"
Zhu Yan stared wide-eyed at the Blood Ganoderma in Dai Chengfeng's hand, utterly astonished.
After all, he had been stuck at the Soul King level for quite some time, unable to advance to the Soul Emperor realm.
This Blood Ganoderma was truly a godsend.
But almost immediately, shame clouded his face. He bowed even lower, gripping the edges of his clothes tightly, consumed by self-reproach.
He felt his past actions were unworthy of such generosity from the Young Master.
With resolve, Zhu Yan suddenly dropped to his knees, kowtowing firmly and forcefully, until blood seeped from his forehead.
"Young Master, your kindness is something I will never forget. I vow to repay you with my life!"
Dai Chengfeng waved his hand dismissively. "Rise. Do not disappoint me again."
"Yes, Young Master. Zhu Yan will forever remember your teachings!"
Zhu Yan carefully stored the Blood Ganoderma, responding respectfully with a loud, determined voice, as if etching his resolve into his very bones.
At that moment, clear footsteps echoed once again from outside.
Moments later, Ye Renxin, clad in gray robes, entered the room.
Seeing this, Dai Chengfeng immediately stood up and quickly approached Ye Renxin, his face beaming with smiles. "Elder Ye, you've finally arrived. Earlier, I mentioned the Yin family mother and daughter…"
Ye Renxin nodded knowingly. "So that's why you called for me."
A flicker of confidence passed through his eyes. "Leave it to me."
Dai Chengfeng gave a slight bow. "Then I'll trouble you, Elder Ye."
He then turned to Zhu Yan, his expression turning serious once more. "Zhu Yan, guide Elder Ye."
"Yes!"
Zhu Yan responded crisply and stepped aside, bowing respectfully to Ye Renxin. "Elder Ye, please follow me."
Ye Renxin nodded slightly and followed Zhu Yan out.
Dai Chengfeng returned to the main seat in the hall, and the room fell silent once again.
"Now that my resources are limited and I lack many talented individuals, I hope the powerhouse I'm about to meet—a force comparable to a Title Douluo—won't disappoint me!"
Dai Chengfeng's eyes narrowed slightly as he thought of the person he was about to meet. His gaze burned with anticipation and excitement.
------------------------------------------------------
40+ Chapters Ahead Guaranteed: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow