Chapter 114: New Confrontation
December 4, Wednesday, Snow.
In contrast to the ethereal pale on the mountaintop, the foot of Qingcheng Mountain in winter saw the snow melting instantly, icy water washing through the woods, which remained lush and green.
It was still the secluded hollow, deserted and overlooked, with that dilapidated Taoist temple.
Zhuang Jianfei once again appeared at the mountain gate, carrying a large food box, gazing at the eerily silent temple with a faint smile on his face.
“Damn it, this time I really hit rock bottom! Who knew the Wang family would retaliate so quickly, and they happened to expose my dealing over in X District! I don’t even know how many trash they blew up!”
In a filthy side room, Cao Kuang was savagely gnawing on a roast chicken, occasionally using his greasy hands to down a sip of liquor from a nearby bottle.
“Let me say this first, you’ve got to pay for all this. I even sacrificed a blood food point to set up this game, and before I was ready, the Wang family found out.”
As he spoke, Cao Kuang turned to Zhuang Jianfei, exposing yellowed teeth that gleamed ominously: “And that venue in P District has already cost me at least a million in income for the month; it’s you who pushed me to provoke the Wang family. You must get this straight with me!”
“That Li surnamed upper-class knight was still my confidant, and now I’ve lost him; I still can’t figure out how they died.”
“Hehe, are you scared?”
Zhuang Jianfei scoffed, grabbing a handful of peanuts and leisurely shelling them: “Since we’re going for something big, this can actually increase our odds. Besides those drugs, I’ll give you an extra ten million dollars. Hurry up and pick another spot; dig the pit within two months, and make it solid!”
“Ten million dollars?!”
Cao Kuang seemed to think he heard wrong, and without any mental preparation, his expression froze momentarily before he broke into a grin: “Haha, that’s a substantial investment! As long as your big boss is willing to spend, I’m not afraid of putting in the manpower!”
“But about that Baron Xue Sheng’s B-type breakthrough drug; you need to get me another one. Last time, both of us tried it and failed, nearly dying in the process—your thirty percent success rate is a damn joke; two doesn’t add up to one?”
Cao Kuang’s mood improved, wiping his mouth and grabbing a greasy pig’s knuckle, embodying a rogue who wouldn’t work unless he got his cut.
“Alright, but let me make this clear: if we get exposed again this time, just wait for death…”
Zhuang Jianfei laughed as he pulled out a small box from his suit pocket and tossed it onto the table. Then he wiped his hands on the other’s clothes and stood up: “Make sure your arrangements are detailed. Also, choose a few more people; in a few days, come east with me to intercept Wu Yuqing’s goods. No matter how much, you’ll get half.”
“Don’t tell me you’re sending me in as cannon fodder again? Just how ruthless do you want to be, and now you’re calculating the Hermit Alliance in too? If you’re called a double agent, who would dispute it!”
Cao Kuang tossed away the half-eaten pig’s knuckle, muttering curses, grabbing the small box and stuffing it into his arms, watching Zhuang Jianfei’s departing figure, indignantly making his point.
Zhuang Jianfei paused, slowly turned back, and looked at him with disdain: “Don’t you want to be like Zhu Lao Er, able to have a stake in overseas business in the future? As long as you save up your capital, what are you afraid of regarding the money boss?”
“At worst, you can pull Zhu Lao Er in too; the two of you can team up, having territory and good stuff. Even if the money boss is an earl, he has to recognize you.”
“Do your job well, and maybe someone will be happy and help you find where the money boss is resting…”
Zhuang Jianfei left, and Cao Kuang sat there in the room, his face growing increasingly twisted, unmistakable greed, fear, and turmoil playing on his features.
…
Jiang Yan’s special training for Hyacinth had entered its fourth day. Coupled with the powerful physique of the blood clan and professional tactical training, the participants could feel a noticeable change.
Good news continued to pour in. Xiao Dong had been discharged from the hospital and returned to the Jinhe Club to recuperate; Zheng Shaolin also awakened. Although the absence of the Hyacinth Knights had not changed, everything was moving in a positive direction.
With Jiang Yan’s secret blood test results exceeding expectations, these days had been among the best and most relaxed for Wan Yue.
That night, Wan Yue quietly left the Hyacinth Manor and returned to her private villa on Longquan Mountain.
Her physical condition had become so robust that seasonal changes no longer affected her. In the winter night, Wan Yue donned only a thin black evening gown, sitting at the stone table on the lawn, supporting her chin on her wrist, eyes closed in contemplation.
A robust man dressed as a security guard quietly appeared outside the villa’s entrance. After observing for a few seconds, he directly walked towards Wan Yue.
“Hey, Fenjiu Big Jar! Wan Mei Zi knows me well!”
Under the light of the courtyard lamp post, the tall man, nearly 190 cm, casually glanced at the liquor bottles on the table before boldly sitting down across from her, grabbing the classic large black jar.
“Xiang Ge, how is Old Master Chu doing? With the Hermit Alliance, Elder Chen and Elder Gao are both resting, so we can only rely on Old Master Chu and you to hold things up.”
Wan Yue smiled as she pulled out a bottle of Jian Nan Chun from the side, and without needing any small cups, she clinked it directly with the large black jar, blending elegance with boisterousness cunningly.
“Not too good; we’re in a precarious situation. If both central elders don’t come out, Old Master Chu’s body really can’t hold up much longer.”
Xiang Zuxing downed a few gulps of white liquor, elbow brushing against the liquor by the corner of his mouth, showing a trace of confusion in his eyes.
Back in the days when they fought against the invaders under the leadership of the three central elders, they’d battled for over a decade, almost driving the people of the Ba House to extinction before they had no choice but to absorb some rogue blood clan forces… The Hermit had turned into the Hermit Alliance, but the hearts of people were no longer as united as before.
Xiang Zuxing sighed, heavily placing the liquor jar back on the table, the breath of alcohol escaping from his mouth: “Old Master Feng was a salt trafficker a hundred years ago, and he swore brotherhood with the old man, bringing his people into the alliance. In the end, he remained a wall-sitter, now stuck in the south with Sister Deng, minding his own front yard and avoiding offending anyone, living more and more like those old turtles.”
“As long as the Ba House still holds sway in the alliance’s center, we won’t fear anyone causing trouble. But that rich man Zhuang Jianfei has now become the acting elder, calling the shots everywhere… Brother Xiang, can you still bear this?”
Wan Yue poured a small sip of liquor, her gaze fixated on the silver moon above the night sky, her expression cold enough to freeze: “Isn’t anyone investigating his suspicion of being a black blood clan member?”
By mathematical calculation, Zhuang Jianfei had only been blooded for fifty years and was elevated to mid-level baron a few years ago… The Apennine blood clan is inherently the slowest growing lineage, not to mention that he is still an ordinary blood type.
“He’s mixed in Southeast Asia; we all know what’s happening there. It’s not just you who suspects he’s been with the black blood clan… But one thing you’re right about, this person’s heart isn’t in the right place!”
Xiang Zuxing stroked the black liquor jar, his face filled with thick self-mockery: “But they have the ability; in just thirty years, they’ve brought numerous benefits to the alliance, leveraging connections with a group of legitimate overseas blood family lineages to acquire quite a lot of good items. The newly inducted barons in the alliance over the years are relying on him; they’re watching him closely.”
“This is also why the central elders don’t pursue Zhuang Jianfei’s past critically. I estimate that until the other two central elders come out, Old Master Chu will resign, at which point Old Master Feng will fill the central position, and the vacant acting elder position will likely be taken by someone from Zhuang Jianfei’s side.”
“Now, Wu Yuqing is back with him again. This woman only starts moving when there’s profit at stake, successfully gathering a group of people while mostly shifting focus to overseas business, which has long distanced her from us…”
It’s somewhat humorous that those of us who are genuine blood relatives of the Hermit Ba House are becoming increasingly marginalized… Wan Mei Zi, come back! With your lineage and qualifications from the Ba House, once Old Master Chu resigns, Zhuang Jianfei’s people will certainly be pushed aside.
Listening to Xiang Zuxing lamenting about the internal disharmony within the Hermit Alliance, Wan Yue’s face revealed a faint smile, not responding to Xiang Zuxing’s invitation, merely sipping her liquor.
“Haha, speaking of unhappy matters feels like one’s mouth is full of grievances. Hey, just don’t laugh.”
Finishing the last of the liquor in the black jar in one go, Xiang Zuxing grinned widely again, regaining his grandiose demeanor.
“Speak, what do you want by contacting me this time? I’ve almost turned into an underground smuggler all these years. The Ba House’s brothers and sisters still need to be supported, and the expenses aren’t small. So, Old Master Chu can only leave these matters for me to manage.”
“Honestly, I need boiling blood, internal and external hormonal inhibitors, and rare blood. Even if it’s double the market price, I want it, along with some weapons and ammunition. I know you’ll have to deal with people from Southeast Asia and even Zhuang Jianfei for these goods, but it all depends on you, Brother Xiang.”
“The Wang family has been targeted; they’re now in a state of self-preservation, making it hard for them to acquire these from Old Jin. Even if he gives me face, the quantity won’t be sufficient.”
Wan Yue took out a small handbag from the side, pulled out a check, and pushed it towards Xiang Zuxing: “Twenty million dollars, which can be withdrawn directly in Hong Kong; it works better than our domestic money. I’ll rely on you, Brother Xiang.”
“Hey, Wan Mei Zi, that’s some big money! Where on earth did you get so much foreign currency? Tsk tsk, this Hyacinth is definitely growing bigger and bigger!”
Xiang Zuxing’s eyes lit up, hurriedly clutching the currency check, his previous despondent mood completely gone.
Some kids have the ability and also know how to navigate things.
Wan Yue smiled lightly as she watched the check in his hands.
“Alright, I happen to have some of the goods you need right now, but the boiling blood potion is indeed difficult. I can only talk to Zhuang Jianfei about it. However, I believe he won’t refuse this money. If there are some hard goods, even better; we can save money and directly barter for you!”
Xiang Zuxing tucked the check into his pocket, purposefully winking: “I heard you stepped in for the Wang family recently and took out a few of the Black Dragon Society’s spots. Did the Wang family show you some appreciation?”
“There are indeed some hard goods and spoils; follow me.”
Wan Yue mysteriously smiled, twisting her slim waist, standing up and heading towards the villa door.
…
The villa’s basement had a specially designated small cold storage area. As the electric door opened, a wave of cold air surged out, but for Wan Yue and Xiang Zuxing, it posed no discomfort.
“Hey, not bad! Five knights, twelve attendants, and still so fresh! I can directly exchange these with the Zhou family without spending a dime! But, you’ll have to take a bit of a loss.”
Glancing at the cold-storage black blood clan corpses, Xiang Zuxing revealed a satisfied smile.
“Hold on, with this, they won’t haggle.”
Wan Yue smiled again, opening another cabinet to pull out a cylindrical package.
This was the RMCE packaging container they had attempted to steal from the Zhong family’s pharmaceutical production base, originally three copies prepared by Jiang Mai, of which Zheng Shaolin used one. Wan Yue had planned to keep the remaining two, but considering the current developmental issues of Hyacinth, she decided to sell them.
“RMCE? Hiss… The Wang family is generous; this is worth two lives, a priceless good!”
Xiang Zuxing gasped, his eyes shining, directly grabbing the cylindrical package, unwilling to let go.
As he spoke, he pulled out the dollar check again and stuffed it back into Wan Yue’s hands: “Don’t spend that foreign currency. With these two items, plus the hard goods, you network another fifty million, and I can get you everything you want!”
Wan Yue smiled without saying a word, clearly pleased, her previously burdensome feelings easing.
…
Seeing off the excited Xiang Zuxing at the villa’s entrance, Wan Yue’s mood was also buoyant.
“By the way, Wan Mei Zi, are you interested in going to Yunnan with me for a job soon?”
Just as she was about to step down the final stair, Xiang Zuxing suddenly turned sideways, a mysterious smile gracing his face.
Wan Yue paused, her expression suspicious, wondering what scheme was being cooked up.
“Funny how it’s your sworn enemy, the Black Dragon Society, specifically Zhu Lao Er’s territory business.”
Xiang Zuxing lowered his voice, gesturing vaguely to the south: “The Luo family provided intelligence; they’ve located a smuggling line of the Black Dragon Society. Likely by the end of the month or next month, I plan to bring the Ba House to do a big job against them. If we can take out Zhu Lao Er, even better. If you’re interested in being a part of it, I won’t bring in Old Master Feng.”
“Right now, the Wang family is split dealing with the Liang family’s internal conflict, and they’ve been stealthily attacked by the Black Dragon Society in their homeland. Their hands won’t阻止我们 from taking action against the Black Dragon Society.”
“The Luo family knows that the Wang family is a vassal in Ya province. They had previous grudges against the Black Dragon Society and are looking to seize the opportunity to cause trouble, reclaiming some territory. They want to find a new business partner; I think you should give it a try and broaden your options.”
Wan Yue lit a cigarette, looking into Xiang Zuxing’s eyes, as if seeking some sort of emotion. Xiang Zuxing, aware of Wan Yue’s meticulous personality, maintained his position, awaiting her response.
A minute later, Wan Yue flicked the cigarette away, smiling sweetly: “Alright, I’ll rely on you to assist me then.”
In the house, no one was seen, and late at night, where could you be going?
Jiang Yan just stepped out of the elevator when she saw Jiang Yao in sports attire, guarding a peculiar canvas bag at her feet, glancing around the hall anxiously.
Jiang Yao was startled, a hint of panic crossing her face: “Sister, weren’t you having a small meeting with Zhao Peng ge?”
“Do you wish I were gone every day? Training out in the wild all day long, and you still have the energy to go out at night?”
Jiang Yan walked up to Jiang Yao, nudging the mysterious canvas bag with her foot, feeling it was filled with scattered items, her confusion deepening.
“The stuff’s been found. Let’s go… um, Jiang Yan?”
Behind her, another elevator opened, and Zhong Jing stepped out, also dressed for outdoor activities. However, upon seeing Jiang Yan present, Zhong Jing’s expression turned slightly awkward.
“It’s almost midnight. Are you all planning to go out at this time?”
Jiang Yan could guess what was happening, looking around and furrowing her brows.
“No going out!”
“Hmm, going out.”
Jiang Yao vigorously shook her head, while Zhong Jing, without hesitation, nodded, their responses completely contradictory.
The creek pool by the waterfall has blue stones at night; why don’t we go together?
Zhong Jing casually grabbed the canvas bag, smiling at Jiang Yan.
Jiang Yan silently studied Zhong Jing’s face. The odd emotional tension was forming between them, making Jiang Yao shift uncomfortably from the side.
“The training will end by noon tomorrow. You can go later. Xiaoyao, come with me. There’s something important that must be done tonight.”
A minute later, Jiang Yan turned around, heading directly for the elevator, not looking back.
As the elevator doors closed, Jiang Yao finally released a sigh of relief.
“If my sister disagrees, then I won’t go either.”
Jiang Yao lowered her head, dejectedly passing by Zhong Jing.
“She agreed. Tomorrow afternoon.”
Zhong Jinping, with a cheerful smile and hands in pockets, showed no signs of disappointment, appearing even happy.
“You’re being difficult, going against my sister. Didn’t you see how unhappy she was?”
Watching Zhong Jing’s inscrutable smile, Jiang Yao wore a peculiar expression.
“One expert-like figure in Hyacinth is enough.”
Zhong Jing smiled as he took out a cigarette and lit it, his expression slowly becoming more relaxed: “Xiaoyao, you need to learn to争取 somebody else’s living space. Otherwise, she won’t set her position right.”
“Don’t try to sow discord!”
Jiang Yao instantly became alert, like a little cat.
“No, I’m just letting you learn how to maintain a reasonable distance from her.”
“She naturally believes she must be the sun that shields you, but don’t think of yourself as Mercury. Honestly, being Neptune is pretty good; you can be around her and get her gravitational protection, but still maintain your own space.”
Having said that, Zhong Jing carried his fishing gear and stepped out into the night outside the manor.
Jiang Yao pondered over what Zhong Jing had just said, walking with a confused expression toward the elevator.
“Sister, what are we doing in Wan sister’s room so late?”
“Wow, there’s a secret room!”
“An automatic blood extraction machine? Sister, I’m not血虐啊 (not into blood play).”
Since a few minutes ago, Jiang Yao had been full of questions, and when she saw Jiang Yan lift the lid of the anti-static cover on one device, the confusion in her eyes grew.
“Xiaoyao, your suspicion has been verified. The night before yesterday, Xiao Mei drank my blood and directly entered a higher level of slumber. This morning, Aunt Xiao Ling said Xiao Mei has successfully broken through the bottleneck and reached the next level of attendant; she should be awake in about a week.”
“Zhao Peng drank my blood last night. He was very excited, so it shows it’s effective, but I don’t know how much more he needs to keep drinking.”
Turning around, Jiang Yan smiled and gave Jiang Yao a thumbs up: “Xiaoyao, you changed the future of Hyacinth; Wan Jie is very happy.”
No wonder Zhao Peng was training like he had injected adrenaline this morning; I thought he knew about Brother Zheng getting better. Turns out you and Wan Jie were just working on this matter the night before and even made me pay for a door.
Jiang Yao suddenly understood, and her face exploded with joy beneath the veneer of anger, her expressions betraying her currently excited and satisfied heart.
“It’s all for testing effects; you’re identical; what can I do…”
“But my blood is mostly for you, so this time I need you to put in some effort. After all, I noticed that despite undergoing serious injuries multiple times, your hematopoietic function keeps getting increasingly better. Five hundred milliliters every week is okay, right?”
Jiang Yan smiled as she pressed Jiang Yao’s face against the blood extraction port and began adjusting the machine’s parameters.
Piece of cake! By the way, sis, do you think if we sell blood to the Wang family, we’ll make a fortune? Then our Hyacinth would never lack money again?
With all those compliments, Jiang Yao’s thoughts began to wander again.
No jokes! Right now, apart from Zhao Peng knowing, Wan Jie is already trying to package reasons. I’ve said this kind of thing must be kept confidential; never probe the hearts of people!
Jiang Yan revealed a very serious expression, each word heavy with caution.
The faint noise of the automatic blood extractor’s pump reverberated in the room. The two sisters fell silent: Jiang Yao seemed pensive, while a trace of anxiety in Jiang Yan’s brow lingered unbroken.
Before long, the blood extracted by Jiang Yao was portioned into five 100-milliliter glass vials and placed into a temperature-controlled refrigeration box, resembling valuable vials of blood from some game, rich in theatricality.
Xiaoyao, do you feel like you’re becoming more and more girly? Like in speech, lifestyle habits, and whatnot?
While tidying up the scene, Jiang Yan lowered her voice but avoided looking at Jiang Yao’s face.
A strange observation—does it feel that way to me? Not particularly… What else could it be…
Sister Xiaoling and the others all say I have a very boyish personality. Yet you, sister, your motherly traits have already spread throughout Hyacinth.
Jiang Yao paused, her face turning slightly red, yet still feeling a bit defensive: “But I’m not making this up! They say that privately.”
Hearing this critique that no longer felt like a joke, Jiang Yan froze for a moment, her tasks momentarily halted.
Does living amidst a throng of girls, under the gaze of male patrons at the club, truly shift one’s thinking and responding habits?
Or perhaps the body itself, in conjunction with the environment and others’ perspectives and attitudes, is urging the evolution of one’s mindset?
It seems Wan Jie has mentioned that gender is a physiological marker and a social identifier. Who you are isn’t often dictated by yourself but by how others perceive you and interact with you… Jiang Yan’s mind grew muddled, even as some tall young man in military attire unexpectedly became a cause of agitation, just adding to her irritation.
“Sister, I think you presently… in some aspects, are mimicking Wan Jie. So do you count as becoming more feminine?”
Jiang Yao’s mouth was relentless, yanking Jiang Yan out of her anxious thoughts, before landing a few metaphorical slaps, stunning the latter momentarily.
Don’t change the subject! You’re as vigilant as a cat around outsiders, yet you’re precisely lacking boundaries with those close to you. Haven’t you realized this flaw?
After great difficulty, Jiang Yan managed to push back the chaotic turmoil within her, straightening her face and directly pulling Jiang Yao to sit down beside her.
You can just watch me, right?
Jiang Yao held her light golden hair, looking unconcerned, feeling she couldn’t escape Jiang Yan’s surveillance; whatever she said felt like an order from the family.
Can I really watch you for life?! You claim I’m too controlling, yet you’re also relying on me to help you survive? Can’t you gain some understanding of things on your own?!
A nameless anger rose within Jiang Yan, and she shoved Jiang Yao’s shoulder forcefully, her expression complex.
I get it perfectly; just say it directly about Zhong Jing! I’ve said he’s one of us; I only trust him. I know he’s not a good guy, and you all look down on him behind his back! He helped Brother Zheng with the medicine, and no one has ever praised him!
Jiang Yao angrily pushed Jiang Yan’s hand away and stormed out of the room with no door.
