As it was still early and he wasn't too hungry, Ning Yue decided to visit the pharmacy again.
He still hadn't bought the medicinal bath packets he promised his younger brothers, and he couldn't let it delay their cultivation.
On this matter, Ning Yue had no intention of compromising; for himself and his brothers, cultivation was the top priority.
Moreover, the journey to Longxi was imminent.
The Hunter Association's President, an Acquired Realm expert, had fallen into the deep mountains, and who knew what kind of commotion that would cause.
Now, an extra measure of strength meant an extra measure of security.
Of course, Tongji Pharmacy, run by the Zhao family, offered a 30% discount to Zongqi, and Ning Yue certainly didn't want to miss out.
After getting promoted, the benefits truly were numerous.
Amidst the bustling crowd, Ning Yue smiled and stepped through the doors of Tongji Pharmacy.
The moment he entered, the errand boy's pupils suddenly contracted!
He was young, quite clever, and had an especially good memory.
Although thousands of people bought medicine daily, this person was unique.
Past experiences replayed vividly in his mind like a revolving lantern, and the errand boy turned and ran inside.
As he ran, he shouted, "Manager Yu, something bad has happened! That beggar is here!"
Damn it!
Ning Yue was furious and chased after him, shouting as he ran, "Stop! You boy, I, your official, command you to stop! Who are you calling a beggar?!"
He fled, he pursued, the errand boy had no wings to fly away!
It wasn't until Manager Yu heard the commotion and came out, pulling the foul-mouthed boy behind him.
His empty sleeve reminded Ning Yue that this was a veteran warrior, a tiger whose frame might be broken, but whose might remained.
After two months, Manager Yu looked even older, his stubble a mix of gray and white, mostly white with sparse black.
Perhaps after losing his arm, his vitality had declined more rapidly.
His strength might have long since fallen short of Ning Yue's current level.
But those ascending the mountain should not mock the gods descending it.
There was no animosity between them, and Manager Yu had even shown him some kindness.
Although it was out of deference to the Young Master, a kindness he had no choice but to give, Ning Yue appreciated it.
So he bowed respectfully, saying, "Greetings, Manager Yu.
It has been a month since we last met, and you look so energetic and radiant.
I daresay you'll live a long life, won't you?"
Everyone loves to hear pleasant words.
Manager Yu, seeing Ning Yue in his silver flying fish uniform, was secretly astonished and worried if he was coming to settle a score from that day.
Hearing Ning Yue's words, he felt a wave of relief.
He also bowed, bending even lower, "This old man is unworthy of such praise from Zongqi.
Instead, Ning, you've been promoted to Zongqi in just a few days; that's truly cause for celebration.
This old man should be congratulating you."
Ning Yue supported the old general, his strong hands lifting him, not allowing Manager Yu to bow any lower.
He smiled and said, "You flatter me, Manager.
It was just that on that day, with so many generals gathered, Zhao City Lord personally conferred it.
I'm still just a Ninth-Rank Deputy Centurion, nothing worth mentioning, nothing at all."
"Speaking of which, that was also the first time I met the City Lord.
His majestic and imposing figure is still deeply imprinted in my heart, truly like looking up at a towering mountain, hahahaha..."
Nothing worth mentioning, yet you keep bringing it up endlessly?!
Manager Yu almost choked on his breath.
His expression, however, grew even more respectful.
To be promoted to a Ninth-Rank Deputy Centurion before reaching adulthood, there were only a few such instances in the entire Gu City.
The Xie and Mo families, though they wielded power over half of Gu City, had not seen Mo Yingshuo or Xie Yanming achieve such a feat.
Manager Yu, having served as a personal guard, naturally understood military matters and was well aware of the significance.
Moreover... a Deputy Centurion was originally of the Eighth Rank.
The immediate promotion was likely withheld due to Ning Yue's rapid advancement.
Too much of a good thing can be detrimental; they wanted to temper him, just like Zhao Zhige now.
This was certainly not suppression, but rather rare care and protection.
"Ning Yue has already caught the City Lord's eye!" Manager Yu thought to himself.
He offered congratulations repeatedly, then subtly began to observe the man opposite him.
The Zongqi had clear, open features and a dignified demeanor.
His silver-white flying fish uniform, with its wide sleeves, billowed around him, making him appear exceptionally handsome and truly a valiant young man.
It was a pity, however, that the broken wooden saber at his waist was rather shabby, a stark contrast to his overall style.
Just on this point alone, he definitely wouldn't be worthy of his Miss Silu.
"Tsk tsk tsk... what a regret," Manager Yu sighed inwardly.
His gaze, though subtle, like an elder observing a junior, did not escape Ning Yue's keen eyes.
Seeing the sense of unfamiliarity fade and a feeling of closeness grow, Ning Yue began his move.
"Manager Yu, you're congratulating me verbally, but I wonder if our Tongji Pharmacy can offer a little sweetness to my struggling, hand-to-mouth existence?"
Everything else was superficial; once the emotions were in place, it was time to talk money.
Ning Yue had been building up to this question for a long time.
Manager Yu, however, just shook his head, not answering, and changed the subject, "I heard that over a month ago, at Han Qianhu's promotion banquet, he bestowed upon you a Cold Light Blade.
Such a treasure, why don't I see you carrying it with you?"
It must be said, Manager Yu's information was severely outdated.
Ning Yue feigned a sigh, "Alas! Manager Yu, don't you know that the path of cultivation for us martial artists is extremely costly?
I still have several brothers under me who have decent foundations but are struggling without resources to support them, wasting away until now."
"I had no choice but to pawn that precious saber."
Manager Yu's body stiffened, and his eyes widened, "Pawned it?! Who did you sell it to? How could you just sell such a good item? You really are—"
The words of reprimand were on the tip of his tongue, but the old manager remembered the identity of the person beside him and swallowed them back, reluctantly.
His expression was just dejected, as if he himself had lost the saber.
Ning Yue quickly comforted him, "Fortunately, it wasn't sold to an outsider.
It was to my comrade Xue Youwei, Master Xue's brother, so it's still keeping the wealth within our own circles."
Manager Yu clearly had some impression of Xue Youwei.
Upon hearing this, he squinted his eyes and remarked unceremoniously, "With his crude and clumsy appearance, does he even deserve such a fine saber?!"
"A waste of heavenly treasures," Manager Yu gritted his teeth.
Manager Yu must not have seen many good things, just like when he first arrived, Ning Yue mused inwardly.
He urged again, "Manager Yu, you've been talking for a long time.
Are you going to give me this discount or not?"
Manager Yu laughed, a laugh born of extreme anger.
"You... you... you're simply throwing away a watermelon to pick up a sesame seed!
My Young Master already instructed that if you come to buy medicine, it should be given to you for free.
No matter the cost, just put it on Miss's tab!"
"Huh?!" Ning Yue exclaimed in surprise.