Chapter 69: The Distinguished Guest of the Hundred Herbs Pavilion

“Judging by the days, the Herb Pavilion should have gathered all the medicinal ingredients I requested by now.” It had been several days since Li Jian San returned from the Herb Pavilion, and he assumed they must have assembled the items listed in his prescription.

“It’s time to pay the Herb Pavilion another visit.”

…

“Why hasn’t that esteemed guest arrived yet?” Within the Herb Pavilion, a well-dressed middle-aged man grew increasingly anxious.

He gazed at the prescription, now wrinkled and worn, regret clouding his expression. “This is a third-grade prescription… There aren’t many of these in the Herb Pavilion. If it can be put to use, it will mean a fortune. I must not let it slip from my hands.”

The prescription he held was the very one Li Jian San had written days ago. After the attendant had crumpled it, the middle-aged man had happened to notice it.

“Was it you, you fool, who angered that distinguished guest?” he snapped.

Hearing this, the attendant felt a chill run down his spine. “Manager Zhang, I didn’t know his background at the time, but I treated him with utmost respect. The prescription was only tossed away after he left…”

“Idiot!” Manager Zhang’s anger flared, and he slapped the attendant hard across the face.

“How dare you talk back! Do you realize that someone capable of writing such a prescription is no ordinary person? You thought you could play petty tricks behind his back—how could someone like that not notice?”

Manager Zhang glared. “If that guest doesn’t return within three days, you’ll regret it!”

The attendant was terrified; he knew all too well the manager’s methods for discipline. If he incurred his wrath, he would surely suffer.

“Please, Manager Zhang, calm yourself. I’ll go and invite the guest back at once.”

Without another word, he dashed out, hoping fervently to find Li Jian San.

Yet, in this vast sea of people, finding one man was easier said than done. The attendant was filled with regret—he should never have discarded that prescription.

Just as despair threatened to overwhelm him, he caught sight of a familiar figure on the street.

“Honored guest, we’ve been waiting for you! You’ve finally come!” The attendant rushed over as soon as he saw Li Jian San.

Li Jian San remembered him vaguely and asked in surprise, “You were waiting for me?”

Has service become so attentive these days? The attendant, fearing Li Jian San might be offended, quickly shook his head. “It’s nothing, sir. Waiting for you is our duty.”

“Please, this way.” The attendant led the way courteously.

“Esteemed guest, please come in!” As soon as they entered the Herb Pavilion, Manager Zhang greeted them with warmth.

After a moment, he asked cautiously, “Sir, are you an alchemist?”

Seeing Li Jian San nod slightly, a flicker of doubt flashed across Manager Zhang’s face, but he quickly masked it with a smile and followed Li Jian San.

“May I ask where your prescription comes from?” Even knowing Li Jian San was an alchemist, the prescription was of third-grade quality. Li Jian San was so young; in his view, it was unlikely he himself was a third-grade alchemist, hence the question.

“It was written by my master, to aid me in my cultivation.”

“So, have you prepared the ingredients listed in the prescription?”

Manager Zhang felt relieved upon hearing Li Jian San’s answer—it turned out he had apprenticed under a master alchemist.

But when Li Jian San asked about the ingredients, Manager Zhang suddenly remembered something, and cold sweat broke out on his forehead. He had been so anxious before that he hadn’t managed to gather the ingredients yet.

“We still need a bit more time…”

Li Jian San’s expression changed. “Not ready, and yet you summoned me?”

Seeing his displeasure, Manager Zhang began to panic. To trifle with an alchemist was no small matter; he himself wouldn’t tolerate such treatment.

Manager Zhang was visibly nervous. He couldn’t gauge Li Jian San’s true strength, let alone the master behind him. To have trained an alchemist, the master must be someone extraordinary.

The Herb Pavilion was powerful, but there were some people they absolutely could not offend—and alchemists were foremost among them.

Should they offend Li Jian San today, the master behind him would surely not let it rest.

Manager Zhang became even more deferential. “These ingredients are extremely rare, and difficult to acquire at short notice. But today, we will make sure to gather them for you, and at no cost—consider it a gesture of friendship.”

To spend such ingredients in exchange for favor with an alchemist was, in Manager Zhang’s opinion, a worthwhile trade.

Li Jian San paused, then said coolly, “Very well, I shall wait a little longer.”

“Honored guest, please forgive our earlier negligence. Come, how can we let you wait here? Please follow me; whatever you require, we will do our utmost to accommodate.”

Manager Zhang’s face was wreathed in smiles. Li Jian San was a figure to be courted with all diligence.

Soon, Manager Zhang led Li Jian San inside…

As Li Jian San entered the inner hall, he was greeted by a lavish decor, opulence radiating from every corner. There was a corridor laid with a green wool carpet.

Manager Zhang brought Li Jian San to a room of antique elegance and said respectfully, “Honored guest, please sit.”

“This is our finest tea, aged fifty years. Please, young master, have a taste.”

He brewed a cup, handed it to Li Jian San, and made a gesture inviting him to drink.

After Li Jian San took a few sips, Manager Zhang asked, “May I ask your name, young master?”

Li Jian San smiled. “You may have heard of me. My name is Li Jian San.”

Manager Zhang smiled in return. “Oh? I believe I have. That is indeed interesting, may I ask—”

But as he heard the name ‘Li Jian San,’ Manager Zhang’s smile vanished. “The young master of Shengjing Gate, Li Jian San? The notorious troublemaker who never cultivates and spends his days in mischief…”

Manager Zhang stared at Li Jian San, unable to reconcile this dignified youth with the infamous wastrel of the rumors.

Li Jian San smiled faintly. “No need to be concerned, Manager. I am indeed that Li Jian San.”

Manager Zhang coughed lightly. “I suppose, young master, you have been biding your time all along…”

Li Jian San was slightly taken aback by the remark. This old fox was truly shrewd; his words and actions were measured and flawless.

Manager Zhang cast a glance at Li Jian San. If he had only pretended to be unremarkable in the past, then his patience and determination alone foretold limitless future achievements…

After sipping his tea again, Manager Zhang continued, “Young master, I also invited you here today to discuss some business with you.”