Chapter 38: Tricks, Aching Waist, and the Chai Town Decree!

"Spirit Snake Martial Arts Hall? Why would they suddenly send someone to find me!"

At the dining table, Xia He pondered while eating. It seemed that Kong Hu's disappearance had already been discovered. But how did they know he needed blood-nourishing soup?

"Er Pang mentioned before that most of the blood-nourishing soup in the black market actually comes from the various martial arts halls. They secretly purchase land to grow medicinal herbs and then refine them into the soup."

Under the laws of the Great Qin, private land trading is illegal, and even if one owns land, one cannot simply plant whatever one pleases.

"So, is this an attempt to recruit me, a threat, or merely a test?"

He had heard rumors about the Spirit Snake Martial Arts Hall, particularly regarding their young master, whose reputation preceded him. It was said that this man possessed exceptional aptitude and, despite being under thirty, had already stepped into the Blood Refining realm. Under his command were numerous experts who had reached the Skin Refining and Blood Refining stages. If this man truly decided to make things difficult for him, it would be a formidable challenge.

However, since this young master had investigated him beforehand, and considering the attitude of the middle-aged man earlier, it seemed unlikely they wanted to become enemies. It appeared that Xia He’s status as a military household still commanded some caution; after all, no matter how powerful a martial arts hall was, openly opposing a military household was tantamount to rebellion.

"That man is evasive—he's a hidden threat. It seems I cannot let him be."

"I must finish the dark-gold wood, craft the javelins, and cultivate the first thread of vital energy to step into the Blood Refining realm."

Thinking of this, he could not help but smile bitterly. Even if he did not want to be drawn into disputes, these troubles and people kept showing up at his door. He looked at Li Huilan, who was busy working around the house, and his resolve hardened. Now that he had a goal to strive for, he would not allow anyone to disturb him. He would naturally eliminate these obstacles one by one.

Watching his wife’s graceful, charming silhouette from afar, a fire ignited within him, and he instinctively walked toward her. It was strange; since he had begun to pamper and nourish her, she had become radiant, losing that lifeless air from before. Furthermore, due to the improved diet and careful care over this period, her once gaunt, skin-and-bones frame had gradually filled out.

Her curves were now perfectly formed, while her waist remained slender and alluring. Her skin was as white and flawless as mutton-fat jade, delicate and smooth. If not for the small red birthmark on her pretty face, a woman as gentle, virtuous, and beautiful as her would never have been his to marry.

Just then, as Li Huilan was focused on her needlework, she was suddenly embraced from behind. An unfamiliar sensation washed over her, and her face flushed bright red, like a ripe apple. However, unlike at the beginning, she was no longer shy; instead, she playfully chided, "Brother He, I’ve had nothing to do these past two days, so I sewed a few outfits based on those strange styles you mentioned."

Xia He widened his eyes in surprise. These were things he had described to his wife based on knowledge from his previous life—cute, cheeky maid outfits, vibrant mandarin duck red bodices, elegant ancient gowns, and the like. He had only mentioned them in passing. He never expected Li Huilan to take his words to heart and put them into practice. Having such a virtuous and obedient wife was a delight beyond words.

Unable to hold back any longer, he urged, "My good wife, hurry and bring the clothes out; let’s try them on tonight."

...

The next morning, Xia He woke up with an aching back. Stepping outside, he quickly signaled for Wang Er Pang, who was waiting, to keep his voice down so as not to wake his sleeping wife.

"Brother He, is your waist hurting?"

Xia He glanced at him and retorted, "You guy without a wife, does your 'five-finger companion' hurt?"

His wife was becoming harder to handle. He was a martial artist, yet he had almost been unable to keep up! It seemed that breaking through to the Blood Refining realm was urgent.

After leaving the town with Wang Er Pang, the two moved with speed toward the mountains. Once they were deep enough, Wang Er Pang slowed down, panting as he asked, "Brother He, we're in such a rush to get into the mountains—what treasure are we looking for?"

Xia He did not hide the truth and explained everything. Upon hearing "dark-gold wood," Wang Er Pang’s eyes widened in shock. He swallowed hard and stammered, "W-what? Dark-gold wood? But hasn't all the dark-gold wood around here been cut down long ago? You can't even find a sapling!"

Xia He nodded, acknowledging he knew the situation. But he added, "That’s why, if we want to find dark-gold wood that is over thirty years old, we have no choice but to head deeper into the mountains."

If they hadn't spent days searching the mountains to ensure the barbarians had retreated, they wouldn't have dared to be so bold.

"Er Pang, hurry up. We need to find something before dark."

"Right."

...

Amidst the rolling peaks, thick miasma hung over the forest like a heavy veil. Several sturdy, powerful guards held blades, cautiously hacking through the thorns to clear a path. Chai He, surrounded by the guards, looked rather disheveled. His once exquisite clothes were splattered with mud, his shoes were covered in filth, and his expression was grim.

The Chai family had once been illustrious. His ancestors had followed the founding emperor in battle, winning great honors, and the family had produced marquises and ministers. Unfortunately, times had changed; after several centuries, the family lineage had fractured, and their former glory had faded. To make matters worse, his father’s generation had squandered the family fortune, leaving them in decline.

His grandfather had used his last connections in the military to appoint him as the town magistrate, not for him to enjoy life, but to turn things around and achieve success. Upon arrival, he had discovered that the town was plagued by an epidemic, with many dead. The magistrate, having some knowledge of medicine, had gone to the garrison to request soldiers to help search for herbs in the mountains. But the soldiers were all rascals who only cared about money. He had sought out the Thousand-Household Commander named Fan, only to be told he was too busy with military affairs to see him.

In a fit of anger, Chai He had brought his own guards to enter the mountains alone, never expecting the path to be so treacherous.