Top Soldier Pursued by a Beauty

Su Li had gained a little brother, and Zhao Dong had learned swordsmanship. They were both in incredibly high spirits, and the atmosphere was cheerful.

After downing another pot of wine, Zhao Dong couldn't help but ask with concern, "Big Brother, you injured someone from the Law Enforcement Hall to protect me. The elders will surely come to hold you accountable later. What should we do then?"

Su Li took a big gulp from his gourd, tossed it aside, let out a wine burp, and said nonchalantly, "So what if they come? You're my little brother. Big Brother will protect you!"

Zhao Dong's heart warmed, and he said, a little embarrassed, "I'm grateful that you're willing to protect me, Big Brother. But I can't drag you into trouble. Maybe I should just leave?"

"Don't go! If you leave, who's going to drink with me?" Su Li declared brazenly. "It's just a few elders. If they dare to show up, we'll just fight them! Who's afraid of whom? Back when I was making a name for myself in the Qingyun Sect, they all had to bow before me! I may be the 'waste' they all talk about now, but I'm not made of clay! They can bully me, that's fine. But if they think they can bully my little brother, they'll have to ask my sword for permission first!"

Hearing this, Zhao Dong was not only moved but also filled with a complex mix of emotions. Su Li might be considered a disgraced waste by everyone else, but his current attitude toward life was so carefree and content that Zhao Dong couldn't help but feel envious.

Zhao Dong said gratefully, "Big Brother, you treat me so well. I really don't know how I can ever repay you."

"Hahahaha..." Su Li roared with laughter. "There's no need for repayment! I see things clearly now. What are sworn oaths and undying loyalty? They're all bullshit! I took a liking to you, so I'm willing to protect you. It's that simple. No other reason needed!"

Hearing this, Zhao Dong was filled with an indescribable mix of feelings. It was clear that in Su Li's heart, the pain from all those years ago hadn't faded one bit with time.

Zhao Dong said with a bitter smile, "Big Brother, you're so powerful and still so young. You have a great future ahead of you. Are you really planning to stay here for the rest of your life, accompanied only by alcohol, just letting yourself waste away like this?"

Sipping his wine, Su Li had an air of indifference. "And what if I am? Anyway, I don't want to cultivate anymore." As he spoke, a trace of bitterness touched the corners of his mouth. "Besides, I have internal injuries. Even if I tried to cultivate, my cultivation wouldn't advance an inch. Why would I torment myself for nothing?"

The dejection in his tone was palpable. Zhao Dong understood. Su Li's reluctance to cultivate stemmed partly from his past trauma and partly from his internal injuries. With this in mind, Zhao Dong said, "Big Brother, I know some medical arts. Why don't I take a look for you?"

"You?" Su Li waved a dismissive hand. "Famous doctors have looked at these injuries, and even they were helpless. How skilled in the medical arts could you possibly be at your age? Just forget it."

"Big Brother!" Zhao Dong insisted. "I'm not going to harm you. Even if I can't cure you, it's not like you lose anything, right? Besides, I'm confident in my medical skills. You saw them for yourself back in the dungeon, didn't you?"

Su Li couldn't argue with Zhao Dong's persistence, especially since he had indeed witnessed his medical skills before. So, half-convinced and half-skeptical, he extended his wrist. "Fine, but be quick about it," he said coolly. "Don't get in the way of our drinking."

"Don't worry, Big Brother!"

Zhao Dong quickly began his examination. A few minutes later, his brows knitted together. How could the injuries be this severe? His Dantian and meridians are all damaged to varying degrees. To survive something like this... Big Brother truly is incredible!

Su Li gave a self-deprecating laugh. "What's the use of being incredible? I would've rather died. Living on with this ruined body has just brought endless trouble."

With that, Su Li pulled his hand back and sighed. "Don't waste your energy. My injuries are incurable. Let's just keep drinking!"

"No!" Zhao Dong said, shaking his head. "Big Brother, your injuries are severe, but they're not hopeless! We just need to find three herbs—Tiger Tail Grass, the Tianshan Snow Frog, and the Yin Yang Flower. If we can refine them into a pill and I use my Silver Needle Technique, I'm sixty percent sure I can heal your internal injuries!"

Su Li's eyes flew wide open. He grabbed Zhao Dong's hand excitedly. "Are you sure?" he demanded. "You're not joking with me, are you? You're not just saying this to make me feel better?"

Seeing Su Li's reaction, Zhao Dong inwardly breathed a sigh of relief. His biggest fear was that Su Li, upon learning there was a cure, would refuse treatment. That would have been the most difficult situation of all. But from the looks of it, deep down, Su Li still hadn't given up on his cultivation. After all, only he truly knew how much he had sacrificed to reach his former heights. Besides, the events of the past had never truly been resolved. Su Li might act as if he had forgotten everything, but from their conversation, it was clear he still brooded over what had happened. If he had truly forgotten, why would he have brought it up? And if he had truly forgotten, why would he continue to live in such a miserable state? Therefore, deep down, Su Li must want to bring closure to that entire affair. It was just that his current strength was insufficient! But if Zhao Dong could heal his internal injuries, then there was still hope!

Zhao Dong stated firmly, "Of course not. Your kindness to me is immense, Big Brother. How could I possibly deceive you?" As he spoke, fearing Su Li still wouldn't believe him, Zhao Dong immediately took out a Violent Blood Pill he had refined and handed it over.

"This is a six-star, mid-grade Violent Blood Pill! You refined this?"

Su Li snatched the pill, his eyes filled with excitement. He had seen Zhao Dong take a Violent Blood Pill earlier but had assumed he'd found it by some lucky chance. But for Zhao Dong to pull one out now... did this mean he was the one who refined it?

Zhao Dong nodded. "That's right. I refined this pill myself. And I can refine more than just six-star pills. I can even make higher-grade ones."

Su Li was completely stunned. "I never would have guessed... I truly never imagined you were an Alchemist, and a six-star one at that, or even higher?"

Zhao Dong chuckled. "So, do you believe me now, Big Brother?"

Su Li fell silent. Staring at the Violent Blood Pill in his hand, his resolve wavered.

"Are you certain you're not lying to me?" Su Li's voice turned grave. "You should know that there's nothing I hate more than being deceived. Especially by someone I trust. If you're lying, I might just kill you."

Zhao Dong slapped his chest. "Rest assured, Big Brother. I am telling the absolute truth!"

Looking at Zhao Dong's unwavering expression, Su Li couldn't find a single trace of deceit. It was true. Excitement surged through him!

He gritted his teeth and grabbed Zhao Dong's arm. "Alright! I'll believe you! I'm going to find those herbs right now. It won't take long. You wait here for me!"

With that, Su Li turned to leave. But just as he was about to move, several powerful auras surged toward them from the distance. Looking up, he saw Grand Elder Lin Feng leading a group of powerful elders, striding purposefully in their direction.