I Am Immortal in Great Yu

Chapter 73: Chapter 34: Mishap (3)

Fang Rui looked toward Yuan Da.

If he recalled correctly, the man held some goodwill toward him. This was a subtle probe; if Yuan Da agreed, Fang Rui could use the opportunity to fish for more information.

Even if the probe failed, his follow-up remark was designed to give the other man enough face that he wouldn’t turn hostile.

A flash of appreciation flickered in Yuan Da’s eyes. He had witnessed Fang Rui’s earlier performance—unflustered and composed, neither angry nor annoyed.

He was about to nod and voice his assent.

But Gao Yao spoke first, pointing at Fang Rui and shouting, "Insolent! You dare make Young Master Lin wait?"

’Since I’ve already offended this Fang, I might as well go all the way. I have to provoke him, get him and Yuan Da to fight. A perfect way to kill with a borrowed knife...’ he thought viciously.

But before the words had even left Gao Yao’s mouth...

THUD!

Yuan Da struck without hesitation, kicking Gao Yao square in the ass. The force sent him tumbling, and he landed face-first in the mud.

"You worthless cur, drop your petty schemes!" Yuan Da snarled, pointing at Gao Yao’s nose.

Provoking Fang Rui again and again, trying to make trouble for him, trying to use him as a blade... Did this fool really think he had no temper?!

If Young Master Lin hadn’t ordered Gao Yao to accompany him to invite Fang Rui, he would have likely killed the man on the spot!

"Cough! Cough cough!"

Gao Yao clutched his chest, rubbing his backside as he scrambled up from the ground. With his forehead and hair caked in mud, he was a pathetic sight.

Yet he didn’t dare show the slightest disrespect. He bowed and scraped before Yuan Da, his face plastered with a fawning smile.

He knew he had thoroughly offended Yuan Da this time. He made a decision then and there: whether his plot against Fang Rui succeeded or not, he would have to abandon this identity.

At that moment, Fang Rui finished packing his things. He shot Gao Yao a cool glance, then took two steps forward. "Lord Yuan, may I ask why Young Master Lin is looking for me?"

"Hemostatic Powder, Muscle Regeneration Powder."

Yuan Da was a man of few words. "Your medicine packets are slightly more effective than ours."

This answer was completely beyond Fang Rui’s expectations.

In truth, whether it was Hemostatic Powder, Nourishing Medicine, Muscle Regeneration Powder, or Scar Remover, the Physicians retained by the great families could all produce similar concoctions. That was precisely why he dared to sell them openly.

’That’s not right! Even if the Lin Family’s powders are slightly inferior to mine, their own Physicians could surely make up the difference with a little time. This means... there must be some urgent matter.’

’Hemostatic Powder and Muscle Regeneration Powder are related to military matters. Could it be... some unforeseen event has occurred outside the city?!’

’Of course, that’s not certain. Perhaps this is just a casual inquiry. Or maybe... it was his instigation!’

Fang Rui glanced at Gao Yao.

Sure enough, Yuan Da pointed at Gao Yao and continued, "Young Master Lin arrived today and ordered us to stockpile supplies, including finished medicines. When the task was assigned... this man heard about it. He took the initiative to approach the Young Master and claim that your finished medicine packets were the most effective. That’s what led to all this..."

He had taken a liking to Fang Rui, so he was being direct.

Of course, it was also because he loathed Gao Yao and wanted to use another’s hand to kill him—even if Fang Rui didn’t do it, he would personally take care of it after today.

’So that’s it. My wariness of Gao Yao was justified! The man is a venomous snake, ready to strike when you least expect it. Once this is all over... No, I can’t jinx it. The most important thing is to get through this first!’

A glint flashed in Fang Rui’s eyes.

Listening from behind, Gao Yao was wailing internally. ’This is bad. After today, I have to abandon this identity. Or better yet, just skip town completely!’

...

After Fang Rui, Yuan Da, and Gao Yao left, a buzz of discussion finally erupted from the crowd in the Black Market.

"I wonder who it is that could order Lord Yuan to run errands personally..."

"Who else?! In our Changshan County, there are two top families: the Lin Family, which runs the Black Market, and the Xia Family, which controls the gangs. The only one who could make Lord Yuan run errands would be someone from the Lin Family... And probably not just any member, but one of the young masters from the main branch..."

"Hiss! What could be so important that a young master of the Lin Family’s main branch is paying attention? That medicine seller is in deep trouble!"

"Not necessarily. Didn’t you see how polite Lord Yuan was to him? And how he kicked that other clueless guard? Maybe the guy’s stumbled upon a great opportunity!"

"Hah, trouble or opportunity, what does it have to do with small-timers like us? We can’t afford to offend a single one of those big shots..."

...