Chapter 24 : Chapter 24
Chapter 24. Conflict
“Alright, alright. We are all in the same dormitory—whether we like it or not, we see each other every day.”
Wang Huan frowned slightly and spoke in the tone of an elder brother within the dorm. “Sanli, you were in the wrong this time. If you wanted to try the soybean paste, you should have at least asked Xu Yuan first.”
Among them, Wang Huan had been the first to break through as a martial artist, and his talent was also acknowledged by Instructor Feng. Naturally, he carried some weight.
Hearing this, Chen Sanli took a deep breath, forced out a smile, and said apologetically to Xu Yuan, “Brother Xu, I am sorry. My fault, my fault.”
“Still, Brother Xu, it is just a small matter. Was there really a need to make it so awkward for everyone?”
After addressing Chen Sanli, Wang Huan turned to Xu Yuan and admonished him, “You should always remember—we are no longer lowly servants like before. Now that we are martial artists, we ought to carry ourselves with some dignity, should we not?”
Hearing this so-called “fair” judgment that struck both sides equally,
Xu Yuan glanced at him without a word and continued quietly folding the clothes his sister-in-law had prepared for him.
That silent response, as if saying nothing yet saying everything, immediately left Wang Huan standing there in awkward silence.
The atmosphere in the room froze.
Xiao Sheng watched the scene but did not get involved. For him, the most important thing now was to practice martial arts and change his fate.
As for the others, although they were acquaintances, there was little real friendship between them.
Thus, he had no intention of speaking up. However, he observed everyone’s conduct carefully.
If he could find one or two people worth befriending deeply, he would not mind doing so.
“Come on, calm down, everyone. It is just a jar of soybean paste.”
At this moment, Li Shan spoke up, trying to smooth things over. “Sanli, if you really want some, I will go out and buy a jar later…”
“Brother Li!” Xu Yuan’s eyelids twitched as he interrupted.
People like this must never be indulged. Otherwise, they would push their luck. What you thought was kindness would only be seen as an opportunity to take advantage.
Li Shan’s family ran a small business—he should have had better judgment.
Just as Xu Yuan felt frustrated,
Li Shan waved his hand and continued, “Brother Xu, look at Sanli—he is drooling like a dog… though to be honest, I kind of want some too.”
How could Li Shan not see that Chen Sanli’s actions were excessive? His words deliberately belittled him.
At the same time, his good-natured personality took over again. He believed it was important to maintain good relationships within the dorm—who knew when they might prove useful?
After all, it was just a jar of soybean paste.
This was advice his father had repeatedly emphasized when he returned home a few days ago.
Yet he did not understand a simple truth—relationships are only useful if others also find you useful.
“Just wait.” Li Shan shook his head at Chen Sanli and walked out.
“That is great! Thank you, Brother Li—you are truly generous!” Chen Sanli, seeing both a way out and an opportunity to benefit, immediately showered him with flattery.
Xu Yuan shook his head. The situation had turned unnecessarily complicated, and now he seemed the petty one instead.
Still, he understood that Li Shan had the temperament of a people-pleaser.
Just like back in the outer courtyard—he would squeeze out time to guide others, even when his own training progress suffered.
If it had produced results, that would be one thing. But looking now, how many of those he helped had actually broken through to become martial artists?
It was all in vain.
“You dog, quick to take advantage!” Li Shan laughed as he scolded lightly.
However, Xu Yuan knew he was not truly angry. There was even a sense of satisfaction in being needed. Chen Sanli, too, wore a broad smile—whether it was gratitude or simply delight at gaining an advantage was anyone’s guess.
As for Chen Sanli, his thoughts were likely clear—Li Shan was easy to talk to and generous. It would be worthwhile to grow closer and take advantage in the future.
With the matter settled, Xu Yuan no longer paid attention. After neatly arranging his clothes, he thought to himself: Li Shan is a good person, but he lacks a sense of boundaries. He believes he can get along well with everyone, regardless of closeness.
“Forget it. It is better to keep some distance from him in the future.”
Shaking his head, Xu Yuan stood up, preparing to head to the Pill Hall to purchase medicinal resources.
“Brother Li, Brother Wang, Brother Xu, Brother Xiao—it is time to eat. Shall we go to the dining hall together?” At this moment, Chen Sanli spoke again, his usual carefree grin already restored.
Even Xu Yuan had to admire the thickness of his skin.
They had just had a conflict, yet he could immediately let it go, calling everyone “brother” warmly, regardless of the fact that most of them were actually younger than him.
“No, you all go ahead. I have already eaten.” Xu Yuan waved his hand in refusal. Watching them leave the dorm together with arms slung over each other’s shoulders, he then headed to the Pill Hall.
…
The Pill Hall was located at the center of the Shangyang Residence. Its exterior was an opulent ancient-style building. Many people moved in and out, dressed in various attires, reflecting different statuses.
The moment Xu Yuan stepped inside, a rich medicinal fragrance filled his nose. Looking around, he saw high beams, walls adorned with cloud patterns, and exquisite illustrations of medicinal herbs.
“As expected of a powerful household—the facilities are on another level,” Xu Yuan muttered in admiration.
He then went to the purchasing counter and bought three portions of Vein-Nourishing Powder and three bottles of Blood-Activating Pills, spending over one tael of silver. Fortunately, he was relatively well-off at the moment and did not feel much pain over the expense.
Vein-Nourishing Powder was a finely ground medicine, similar in effect to decocted soup but far more convenient to carry.
Opening a bottle of Blood-Activating Pills, a fragrance that was both refreshing and bitter wafted out. “According to Instructor Feng, this can strengthen the foundation of one’s Qi and blood, aiding in breakthroughs.”
As for the Vein-Nourishing Powder, it was meant to protect and nurture the meridians from damage.
These two items were among the most commonly consumed resources for martial artists.
However, Xu Yuan had noticed earlier that most of the people inside wore gray robes like himself. There were hundreds of people coming and going, all relying on the Pill Hall for resources.
“With such massive consumption of medicinal supplies, how does the Shangyang Residence sustain it?”
Unable to figure it out, Xu Yuan cast aside these thoughts and returned to the training ground in the courtyard.
He poured out a Blood-Activating Pill and tossed it into his mouth. It tasted sweet with a hint of bitterness. Once swallowed, his entire body grew hot, and a faint stinging sensation spread through his meridians.
Xu Yuan quickly followed it with a dose of Vein-Nourishing Soup. Then he began practicing his stance.
Soon, the effects of the two medicines merged, compressing into a powerful surge of Qi and blood that flowed through his meridians.
…