Chapter 47 : Chapter 47
Chapter 47. A Small Drinking Gathering for Three
After returning to his residence in the outer courtyard of Section Ding,
Xu Yuan had just set down the medicinal treasures he had purchased when he heard someone calling for him from outside. When he opened the door, he found that it was Chen Sanli and Tian Yang.
“Brother Xu!” Chen Sanli called out immediately upon seeing him, his attitude extremely warm and familiar, as though they were long-lost brothers.
Moreover, he had not come empty-handed. He carried large and small bundles filled with wine, meat, and side dishes.
If his teammates from the medicinal fields were to see this, their jaws would likely drop. Chen Sanli had always been stingy and miserly—yet today he was being so generous. It was simply unbelievable.
Tian Yang was also carrying food and wine, including a small portion of cooked spirit beast meat.
“Where did you get this spirit beast meat?” Xu Yuan asked in surprise. After all, this was something only those in the Second Meridian could purchase, and even then, it was limited in quantity.
“I asked a friend from the medicinal fields to help me get it.”
Tian Yang smiled somewhat awkwardly. Last month, he had performed well and received extra rewards. After obtaining the spirit beast meat through a friend, he could not bear to eat it himself, saving it until now to cook and bring over.
In his heart, he had never forgotten the life-saving favor Xu Yuan had shown him.
Moreover, when he had practiced the Benlei Fist with Xu Yuan before, it was Xu Yuan who had answered his questions whenever he encountered difficulties. This was, in a sense, a token of gratitude.
“Tian Yang, this… makes me look bad,” Chen Sanli said, shooting him an annoyed glance. He then took out some spirit beast meat as well. “If you want to eat this in the future, just tell me. If there is any extra, I will bring some for you. And the same goes for you, Brother Xu.”
Their sincerity made Xu Yuan feel quite touched, and the atmosphere between them grew even more cordial.
They moved into the room, arranged the table and stools, and sat down together. Then they opened all the food and wine, and immediately, a rich aroma filled the air, making one’s appetite surge.
As Chen Sanli ate, he glanced around the room with envy. “Brother Xu is still the most impressive. Not only is your monthly pay high, but you also have a single room. It is far better than my three-person dormitory.”
“I am a bit better than you—I am in a two-person room,” Tian Yang added with a smug chuckle.
“I have merely taken one step ahead of you. You will all reach the Second Meridian soon enough.”
Xu Yuan said modestly as he raised his cup. “We are all friends here. Eat and drink as you please.”
However, the two insisted that Xu Yuan take the first bite before they began eating and drinking.
“Come on, eat. I heard this spirit beast meat tastes excellent,” Tian Yang said, familiarly placing a piece into each of their bowls before taking a bite himself. He immediately exclaimed,
“Not bad! I have never tasted meat this tender before!”
Xu Yuan and Chen Sanli had already eaten it before and nodded in agreement.
As Tian Yang ate, he asked, “Recently, I have been thinking about changing assignments. Sanli, what is it like in the medicinal fields?”
Chen Sanli replied, “Ordinary beasts are handled by the servants. Only when spirit beasts appear do martial artists like us take action.”
“However, spirit beasts only come once every two or three days. During the middle of the month, when the medicinal fields emit a strange fragrance, things get more intense. Otherwise, it is fairly relaxed.”
“Is it dangerous?” Tian Yang asked.
“For the most part, they are first- or second-transformation spirit beasts. If stronger ones appear, the team leaders and even stronger field guards will handle them.”
“We just follow behind, wait for things to settle, and then share in the spirit beast meat. The risk is relatively low.”
Tian Yang fell into thought after hearing this, clearly tempted.
“Also, I heard that the Level Four zones are truly dangerous. Quite a few martial artists went there and disappeared without a trace. It is rather terrifying.”
Chen Sanli raised his cup and clinked it with the others, sighing. “I wonder where we will be assigned after these three months? I just hope it is not the Level Four zones.”
“That is not something to worry about for now.”
After a moment of consideration, Xu Yuan shared the information Feng Xiao had told him earlier.
“Really?” Chen Sanli’s face lit up with joy. Knowing Xu Yuan would not speak without reason, he continued analyzing, “In that case, we need to quickly improve our cultivation and martial techniques to prove our value. Only then will we not be discarded so easily.”
Xu Yuan nodded. That was exactly the case.
After confirming this, both Chen Sanli and Tian Yang felt a strong sense of urgency. They resolved to break through to the Second Meridian within this month.
At the same time, they felt fortunate. If Xu Yuan had not reminded them, they might have slackened off and ended up being thrown to the front lines after three months.
“Following Brother Xu is truly the right choice. This information is absolutely crucial for us!”
Chen Sanli and Tian Yang showed gratitude as they raised full cups of wine and drank them in one go.
“Oh right, remember to tell Xiao Sheng about this as well, but do not spread it around,” Xu Yuan instructed. He had a good impression of Xiao Sheng—honest, reserved, and measured in his actions.
“Do not worry, Brother Xu. Leave it to me,” Chen Sanli said, patting his chest. After silently repeating it several times in his mind, he grinned and continued, “Speaking of which, the Level Three zones are quite interesting too.”
“Because of the chaotic battles between the Shangyang Residence and the Bai Family, several smaller gangs caught in between have already disbanded. They are each seeking new backing from the two sides. I reckon in the first few waves of conflict, both sides will use them as cannon fodder.”
“A battle among giants,” Xu Yuan said, shaking his head. He could not help but think of the Wild Wolf Gang in the outer city. He wondered if they were still managing to survive.
“What about the authorities? Do they not intervene?” Tian Yang asked.
“Intervene in what?” Chen Sanli sneered. “As long as the officials get enough silver and it does not threaten the safety of the Prefecture City, who cares how you fight?”
At this point, he looked at Tian Yang. “Brother Tian, you could try going to the medicinal fields. As for me, I plan to explore the Level Three zones this month.”
Xu Yuan was somewhat surprised. Chen Sanli was the kind of person who would not act without profit—yet he was willing to take the risk of going to the Level Three zones?
“I have some connections there. Maybe I can get some benefits…” Seeing their puzzled expressions, Chen Sanli smiled mysteriously and brushed it off.
“As expected of you,” Xu Yuan said, finally understanding.
After some time passed,
Night deepened outside the window. A full moon rose into the sky, casting a gentle, silvery glow across the ground.
The three sat together, drinking and chatting, sharing their respective experiences. Their relationship grew closer, and the conversation gradually turned to their former dormitory companions.
Chewing on peanuts, Chen Sanli said leisurely, “I heard from a friend that Wang Huan has been doing quite well in the Level Four zones. He has seen blood, taken a few heads, and even broken through in cultivation.”
Xu Yuan already knew this, but he still could not help but remark, “Your network of friends is quite extensive.”
“Hah, just small tricks. Nothing compared to Brother Xu’s solid cultivation path,” Chen Sanli said, taking the opportunity to flatter him before continuing,
“As for Qin Yang, that fellow is rather disappointing. One night, he went off to ‘watch a show’ again, ended up delaying the team’s tasks, and just happened to run into an enemy ambush. He suffered lasting injuries and will probably not amount to much.”
Hearing this, the two could not help but sigh.
“As for Li Shan, his situation is quite interesting…” Chen Sanli suddenly smiled.
“It is said that his female team leader has taken a liking to him. She dotes on him constantly, arranging whatever medicinal resources he needs. His Benlei Fist has already reached the entry level, and his cultivation will likely follow soon.”
“What? Li Shan is… being kept?” Tian Yang exclaimed in shock.
Xu Yuan also found it somewhat amusing. Who would have thought that Li Shan, with his burly frame, would end up living such a life?
Among the group, he was actually one of those doing quite well.