Chapter 271 - 122: Prize Winnings, Physical Body Enhancement
Sun Yong and Yang Jing crossed the training grounds, and just as they reached the inside of the main gate, they heard a clamor of carriages, horses, and voices from outside.
When they reached the main gate, they saw the alley outside the Martial Arts Hall was packed solid with all kinds of carriages, each bearing a different family crest.
"Hall Master Sun! Young Hero Yang!"
Upon seeing Sun Yong and Yang Jing appear, the stewards waiting outside immediately caused a stir. They all rushed forward, hoping to get a word in, each holding a gilded invitation.
Yang Jing’s gaze swept over the crowd as he announced in a clear voice, "I appreciate everyone’s kind intentions. However, the Lord County Magistrate has already prepared a banquet for this evening, so I must decline all other invitations for now. I shall pay my respects on another day."
Hearing this, disappointed expressions appeared on everyone’s faces.
But since Yang Jing had already accepted the County Magistrate’s invitation, there was nothing more they could say, no matter how much they wanted to win him over.
Just then, an opulent carriage slowly pulled up nearby. The curtain was lifted, and Li Haitao stepped out from within.
He was dressed in a brocade robe, his expression calm, with no trace of the gloom he’d worn before. Watched by countless eyes, he walked toward Sun Yong and Yang Jing at a steady, unhurried pace.
The crowd instinctively parted to let him through, all eyes on the Patriarch Li who had just lost the fist duel.
No one had expected him to deliver the wager winnings in person, let alone so quickly.
Following behind Li Haitao was a steward in a green robe, carrying a heavy Purple Sandalwood Box with both hands. A red silk ribbon was tied around it.
Upon reaching the gate of the Martial Arts Hall, Li Haitao stopped. He smiled and offered a cupped-fist salute to Sun Yong and Yang Jing, his tone calm. "Hall Master Sun, Young Hero Yang. I have come uninvited. Might I enter for a moment?"
Sun Yong raised an eyebrow and snorted softly, then gave a faint nod. "Since Patriarch Li has come personally to deliver the wager winnings, of course there is a seat for you. Please."
With that, he turned to lead the way. Yang Jing and Li Haitao followed side-by-side, with the steward carrying the wooden box trailing closely behind Li Haitao.
The four of them crossed the training grounds in the front courtyard. Seeing their Hall Master walking with the Patriarch of the Li Family, the disciples all prudently fell silent. Still, they couldn’t hide the curiosity and excitement in their eyes as they watched the group enter the inner courtyard.
The main hall of the inner courtyard was spacious and bright. At the front stood two Grandmaster’s Chairs, flanked by carved armchairs.
Sun Yong naturally took the head seat, while Yang Jing and Li Haitao sat on either side. The steward stood behind Li Haitao, hands at his sides, still holding the wooden box.
A short while later, Sun Ningxiang emerged from a side room with a tea tray and poured a cup of hot tea for each of the three men.
Her movements were graceful. Her gaze rested on Li Haitao for just a moment before she lowered her head and withdrew, her footsteps as light as a feather.
Li Haitao raised his teacup and took a sip. The tea was warm, carrying the faint scent of orchids.
He set down the teacup and looked at Sun Yong, his tone sincere. "Hall Master Sun, as per our agreement for the fist duel, I am here today to deliver the wager winnings."
Sun Yong remained noncommittal, merely gesturing with his hand for him to proceed.
Li Haitao glanced at the steward behind him, who quickly stepped forward and presented the wooden box.
Li Haitao took the box, placed it on the table beside him, and with a CLICK, undid the brass clasp and lifted the lid.
The first things to meet the eye were two lustrous white jade vials, their surfaces engraved with intricate cloud patterns.
Li Haitao picked up the left vial and tipped out a thumb-sized, purplish-red pill. Its surface gleamed with a soft luster, and a faint medicinal aroma instantly filled the air. "These are five Purple Jade Pills. They have a wondrous effect on nourishing the flesh and meridians, and are also of great benefit to the cultivation of a Huajin Powerhouse."
Then, he picked up the right vial, which contained five emerald-green pills. Their medicinal fragrance was even more crisp and clear. "These are Hundred Herbs Spirit Pills. They can nourish one’s Inner Strength and regulate qi and blood. If you suffer minor injuries or your Inner Strength is depleted, one of these pills can restore you to your peak condition in moments. Furthermore, the Hundred Herbs Spirit Pill contains numerous spiritual plants and herbs, making it highly beneficial for gaining insights into martial arts."
After returning the two vials of elixirs to the box, Li Haitao took out a dark gold token. It was about the size of his palm, its edges engraved with fine cloud-and-thunder patterns. On its face, the two characters for "Exotic Beast" were carved in an ancient script.
Li Haitao explained, "With this Token, you can go to the Exotic Beast Pavilion in the Inner City and claim five hundred pounds of high-grade Exotic Beast Meat."
Lastly, from the bottom of the box, he removed a stack of silver notes, all neatly arranged.
Each silver note was bordered with red gold and printed with the four large characters for "Great Qi Universal Exchange." The face value was a staggering one thousand taels of silver. There were exactly ten notes—no more, no less—totaling precisely ten thousand taels.
"This," Li Haitao said, handing the box back to his steward, "is the complete prize for the fist duel." He then gestured for Sun Yong and Yang Jing to inspect the contents. "The quantity and quality are exactly as agreed upon. Hall Master Sun and Young Hero Yang are free to verify them."
The hall fell silent, the only movement the wisps of smoke curling up from the sandalwood incense burner.
The contents of the box emanated an alluring luster and fragrance. Whether it was the Purple Jade Pills, the Hundred Herbs Spirit Pills, the Token for Exotic Beast Meat, or the ten thousand taels in silver notes, any single item was enough to make an ordinary Martial Artist green with envy.
Sun Yong’s gaze swept over the box’s contents, but he made no move to touch them. He simply looked at Li Haitao and said flatly, "You are certainly forthright, Clan Leader Li."
Li Haitao smiled but didn’t respond. He simply raised his teacup for another sip, though his gaze seemed to drift almost imperceptibly toward Yang Jing.
Li Haitao set down his teacup and shot a meaningful glance at the steward beside him.
Understanding the signal, the steward took two steps forward with the Purple Sandalwood Box. He walked up to Sun Yong and gently placed it on the side table next to him.
Sun Yong glanced at the box, his fingertips drumming lightly on the edge of the table. He said nothing.