C45 All Smashed

Chu Yan learned from the shopkeeper that Evergreen Town had undergone several expansions over the past few decades. The area they were in was part of the newer section of town, constructed within that time frame. The old town, however, was situated right next to this newer development, separated by a wall.

Despite the emergence of the new town, the old town was far from deserted. Homeless individuals sought refuge there, and illicit traders used it as a haven for their shady dealings, exploiting the lack of oversight to conduct business away from prying eyes. Consequently, the old town evolved into a complex and chaotic place. It had its own unwritten laws, yet to call it orderly would be a stretch. Anyone suggesting that the old town was a place of harmony and goodwill would be met with scorn; unclaimed bodies turned up daily, and acts of violence and theft were rampant.

The shopkeeper had mentioned that it was possible to purchase inexpensive blood essence within the old town ruins. "Though the old town ruins might not be as secure as the new town, rest assured, young master, as long as you avoid the secluded alleys, you'll be safe," he assured Chu Yan. "Business thrives there, and if safety were compromised, who would dare conduct their trades? Those who disrupt the flow of commerce are swiftly dealt with by interested parties." His repeated assurances seemed to guarantee safety within the old town.

Yet Chu Yan remained unconvinced. Sensing his skepticism, the shopkeeper appeared to make a weighty decision, quickly producing an item from his sleeve to show Chu Yan before concealing it again. To the average person, his movements might seem swift, but to a martial artist like Chu Yan, they were painfully slow.

Chu Yan had seen that it was a vial of blood essence, similar in color to that sold by the Wan Hai Chamber of Commerce, but he could tell the potency of the blood energy was inferior.

"The young master is welcome to inquire further about the old town," the shopkeeper whispered. "To speak frankly, I merely facilitate connections for others and earn a small commission. In this line of work, what truly matters is one's reputation and the ability to attract repeat customers, wouldn't you agree?"

"Could you give me an address?" Chu Yan requested casually.

The shopkeeper was overjoyed and promptly provided the address of an old town. Concerned that Chu Yan might forget, he reiterated in a hushed tone, "The place is called Langya Pavilion. It appears to be a training ground for warriors, but once inside, young master, just mention that Old Xia sent you, and they'll know exactly what to do."

"Got it," Chu Yan nodded, "I appreciate your enthusiasm, Manager. I'll definitely check it out since I'm in need. However, I'm running low on Spirit Money after today's meal—it cost me quite a bit. How about you let this one slide?"

The shopkeeper was taken aback by Chu Yan's audacious request, his face a mix of shock and disbelief.

"Just kidding," Chu Yan chuckled. "Do I look like the type to dine and dash? Let's settle on five hundred Spirit Money, shall we?"

The manager turned ashen.

The wild animal meat Chu Yan had enjoyed was nearly eight hundred Spirit Money just for the ingredients, not to mention the chef's labor, wear and tear on the cutting tools, and so on.

"One thousand two hundred," the shopkeeper finally managed to utter after a tense pause.

"Six hundred," Chu Yan countered, unfazed.

"One thousand one hundred."

"Seven hundred."

"One thousand."

"Eight hundred."

"Nine hundred."

"Deal!" Chu Yan exclaimed, slapping the table and giving the shopkeeper a start. "Nine hundred it is. You're a real straight shooter, Manager!"

Regaining his composure, the shopkeeper couldn't help but smile wryly.

After a lifetime in business, he'd been outmaneuvered by a youngster.

As Chu Yan handed over the Spirit Money, he reassured the shopkeeper, "You've said it yourself, Manager—never underestimate a martial artist. And think about it: when I purchase the Blood Marrow and achieve my advancement, I'll remember your kindness. Don't fixate solely on the Spirit Money. You're making a substantial profit in other ways."

His words implied that by giving up more than three hundred Spirit Money, he was actually looking out for the shopkeeper's best interest.

Confronted with a martial artist of Chu Yan's caliber, the shopkeeper had no choice but to acquiesce. Yet, the prospect of earning a cut from the lucrative Blood Marrow trade soon eased his frustration.

Having negotiated his meal down to nine hundred Spirit Money, Chu Yan left the establishment with a sense of satisfaction, using the remaining three hundred Spirit Money to purchase materials for crafting inscription patterns. By the time he had completed his errands, it was already afternoon when he made his way back to the Lin Family Mansion.

Approaching his courtyard, Chu Yan was met with a cacophony of noise that seemed to emanate from within. With a slight furrow of his brow, he quickened his pace.

Before he could set foot in the courtyard, the sounds of smashing and shouting reached his ears.

"Smash it all!" they yelled. "Chu Yan has really turned the world upside down!"

"He wasn't punished by the Patriarch last time, and now he thinks he's someone special?"

"A worthless stray dog who sought refuge with our Lin Family dares to strike one of our own? Today, he'll learn his lesson!"

"Smash everything!"

As Chu Yan entered, a cabinet crashed to the ground before him, shattering into pieces. Five or six members of the Lin Clan stood amidst the chaos, their faces alight with a sense of triumph as if they had toppled something monumental.

However, upon noticing Chu Yan's unexpected return, their expressions swiftly shifted to a mix of surprise, anger, and guilt.

Chu Yan paid them no mind, pausing at the entrance to survey the scene. The once tidy courtyard was now a shambles, with furniture strewn about and the house's front door hanging precariously by a hinge. Without stepping inside, Chu Yan could well imagine the state of disarray within.

When Chu Yan remained silent, the Lin Family members exchanged glances. One stepped forward with a sneer, "Chu Yan! We've smashed these things; what do you have to say for yourself?"

With his arms crossed, Chu Yan regarded the man with a look of bemusement, "You've smashed your own property. Why would I have anything to say about it?"

"We really gave it to you, but... huh?" His words hung in the air as the Lin family member suddenly caught on, his mouth gaping, his face instantly petrified.

It wasn't just him—other members of the Lin family had the same realization, their facial muscles spasming in unison.

Their expressions were akin to someone reveling in a delicious meal, only to be abruptly informed that what they were savoring was actually excrement.