130: Gift of Dan

That night, the moonlight was like water, quietly spilling over the Green Bamboo Courtyard.

In the Quiet Room, Qin Feng was organizing his gains for the day, especially the intelligence refreshed by the System regarding the Bai Family, which gave him a clearer understanding of the potential threats.

【White Intelligence: Bai Kong has set out on the road back to the Bai Family in the Imperial Capital. After returning home, there is a very high probability that he will inform his father, Eldest Young Master Bai, of his experiences in West Lake City, especially regarding the Host's close relationship with Lord Su and his setback at the Host's hands. Eldest Young Master Bai is narrow-minded, highly jealous, and vindictive; the Host may face trouble in the future. If the Host does not wish to be involved in disputes, it is suggested that after this garrison mission ends, you consider applying for a transfer back to the Hundred Flowers Pavilion headquarters to avoid the trouble.】

【yellow intelligence: Eldest Young Master Bai, aged thirty-eight, Su Yuetang's ex-husband. His cultivation was originally Mid-stage Martial Emperor, but due to long-term indulgence in wine and women, his body has long been hollowed out, and his true combat power remains only at the Early Stage Martial Emperor level.】

【yellow intelligence: The Bai Family in the Imperial Capital is one of the powerful aristocratic families of the Great Qian Dynasty, having built their fortune in real estate and becoming extremely wealthy. However, they are not among the top-tier elite families in the Imperial Capital. The current Clan Chief, Former Family Head of the Bai Family, has a cultivation of Late Stage Martial Emperor and is extremely protective of his own.】

“Hmph, the Bai Family, is it...” Qin Feng's gaze turned slightly cold, his fingertips unconsciously brushing over the icy scabbard of the ink plum sword. “Because of Lord Su, it seems I've attracted quite a bit of trouble.”

He was not afraid, he simply disliked this kind of unwarranted disaster. But on second thought, on the path of the Martial Dao, how could one shrink back for fear of trouble?

“What is there for the Sword Heart to fear? When soldiers come, I will block them with generals; when water comes, I will cover it with earth!” A sharp intent rose from his chest, and his Sword Heart issued a clear resonance, dispersing that trace of gloom.

Just then, a light knocking sound came from outside the Quiet Room.

Qin Feng restrained his Qi and stood up to open the door. Under the moonlight, Su Yuetang stood gracefully in a moon-white long dress, looking less charming and capable than usual, and more solitary with... a trace of barely perceptible apology.

“Lord Su?” Qin Feng stepped aside to let her in.

“Qin Feng,” Su Yuetang walked into the Quiet Room but did not sit down. Instead, she turned to face him and said softly, “About today... and Kong'er... I've caused trouble for you and Xiao Chun. I am truly sorry.”

Her tone carried a sincere sense of guilt.

“It is nothing.” Qin Feng shook his head, his tone calm. “Such minor matters are not worth Lord Su's concern.”

Su Yuetang felt slightly more at ease seeing his calm face, and then asked, “I heard Zhao Mang's detailed report on this voyage. You did exceptionally well, not only completing the mission but also almost completely annihilating that group of fierce Wokou, enhancing the prestige of our Hundred Flowers Pavilion and the Four Seas Merchant Guild. Your contribution is immense.”

“It was just luck,” Qin Feng said modestly. “This time it was also thanks to Lord Su sending Commander Zhao and the others to provide full support, otherwise the mission would never have gone so smoothly.”

Su Yuetang nodded slightly, her beautiful eyes fixed on Qin Feng. Her tone suddenly shifted, carrying a hint of expectation and melancholy that even she didn't notice: “Qin Feng, you come from Star South City, and you've been at my West Lake City branch for half a year now, haven't you? I wonder... after this garrison mission ends, what are your plans for the future? Will you... stay?”

Qin Feng pondered for a moment and did not give a definitive answer, only saying, “Not necessarily. For these remaining six months, I plan to concentrate on my Cultivation and strive for a Breakthrough to the Martial King Realm. As for what comes after, we shall see then.”

Hearing “Breakthrough to Martial King,” a flash of understanding passed through Su Yuetang's eyes, along with a trace of subtle disappointment. She fell silent for a moment, then took out a palm-sized jade box carved with exquisite Hundred Flowers patterns from her sleeve and handed it to Qin Feng.

“Qin Feng, this... consider it a small token of my appreciation.” Her voice was very soft, yet it carried an unquestionable determination. “No matter what you decide, no matter where you go in the future, I hope it... can be of some help to you.”

Qin Feng was slightly startled as he took the jade box. It felt warm to the touch, and he gently opened the lid.

A rich medicinal fragrance instantly filled the air, carrying a surging energy that made one's heart tremble. Inside the jade box, a Dragon-eye-sized, perfectly round Medicinal Pill with a perfect amber luster and natural cloud patterns on its surface lay quietly on a soft silk lining. Around the pill, there was a faint shroud of dense Spiritual Qi.

“Is this... a king breaking pill?!” Qin Feng's pupils constricted as he looked up at Su Yuetang, his heart shaken. How precious an Earth Rank Medicinal Pill was, especially one that could help someone Breakthrough a major Realm; it was truly priceless!

“Yes.” Su Yuetang nodded, her tone calm as if she had only given away an ordinary object. “Last month, I used my accumulated Contribution Points to exchange for this pill from headquarters. I thought... perhaps you might be able to use it in the future.”

She looked at Qin Feng with a soft gaze: “With a king breaking pill in hand, even if your first attempt to reach the Martial King Realm fails, you can still stabilize at Half-Step Martial King and solidify your Foundation. After half a year, when your Foundation is even firmer, taking it again will greatly increase the success rate of the Breakthrough. It's better to be prepared.”

Qin Feng held the heavy jade box, a warm current flowing through his heart. This gift was too precious, and too... thoughtful.

“Lord Su... you are very kind,” he said solemnly, committing this sentiment to heart.

Su Yuetang looked at him, her cheeks seeming to flush slightly in the moonlight. She turned her head away slightly, her voice as faint as a mosquito's hum, carrying a rare shyness: “Actually... when we are alone in private, you can also... call me Sister Su...”

Having said this, she seemed to have exhausted her courage and immediately turned back around. Her tone returned to its usual composure, though with a hint of haste: “Alright, I won't disturb your Cultivation any longer.”

She walked quickly toward the door. Just as she was about to step out of the Quiet Room, her footsteps paused. With her back to Qin Feng, she added, “By the way, if in the future... just in case someone from the Bai Family comes looking for trouble because of me, you must tell me immediately. I will handle everything.”

As her voice fell, she did not stay any longer, and her figure soon disappeared into the moonlit courtyard.

Inside the Quiet Room, Qin Feng stood alone, holding the king breaking pill that was enough to drive countless Grand Martial Masters crazy. The faint fragrance left by Su Yuetang seemed to still linger at the tip of his nose, and her barely audible “Sister Su” echoed in his ears.