Chapter 408: Boiling Wine (Part 2)

‘This is indeed strange!’

He mused to himself, using his Divine Technique, Emperor’s Gaze, to observe Liu Yun. Peering through the heavy mist of the Flood Dragon’s self-concealment, he saw it: the Flood Dragon manifested from Liu Yun’s Qi Fortune seemed to be suppressed by something. It was listless and weak, its form had even become illusory, on the verge of shattering apart.

“Is his Qi Fortune being stolen, his Destiny Chart on the verge of collapse?!”

A glint appeared in Fang Rui’s eyes.

Although Qi Fortune didn’t decide everything, theoretically, as long as that Rebel King could perceive the workings of heaven and earth, he could strike first and suppress the Celestial Determined Flood Dragon. Or, if he performed exceptionally well and defeated the Celestial Determined Flood Dragon time and again, he could steal its fortune and alter his own Destiny Chart…

But theory was just theory. How difficult it was to defy the heavens and change one’s fate!

“There must be a great external force at play. But where could such a force come from?”

‘It’s not… it is…’

A thought struck Fang Rui, and he suddenly smiled. “Here in Rao State, the Celestial Determined Flood Dragon’s Qi Fortune is being stolen, a Rebel King has risen from nowhere, heaven and earth are inverted, and yin and yang are in disarray. How interesting!”

“Sir, this tea is complimentary, on the manager’s orders. It’s free of charge.”

Just then, the waiter came in, carrying a pot of green plum tea. He took a long look at Fang Rui, this Scholar in his cyan robe, and thought to himself: ‘This man has such an air about him, just like a character from a story. No one I’ve ever met before can compare. No wonder the manager told me to form a good connection with him…’

Nearby, Xin Xue’Er, who had been playing, glanced up at the waiter before lowering her head again, not the least bit surprised.

Throughout their journey, her uncle was always able to swindle free food and drinks… no, that’s not right, he was always being *offered* free food and drinks. She was already used to it.

What she didn’t know was that this was because Fang Rui, in order to avoid trouble, didn’t overly suppress the otherworldly, transcendent aura about him. This made countless people want to befriend him, willing to do him a small favor.

“Excellent.”

Fang Rui nodded and casually tipped him a corner of silver.

“This…”

The waiter’s face lit up with delight, but he didn’t quite dare to accept it, afraid of ruining his manager’s plan to form a good connection.

“It’s fine. Since I’m giving it to you, just take it.”

Fang Rui naturally saw through the waiter’s thoughts and instructed, “I have a matter I need your help with. Do you see that man over there? Please ask him to come over for a chat.”

“Don’t you worry, Sir, leave it to me!” The waiter patted his chest and went on his way.

「A short while later.」

“An honored person summoned me?!”

Led by the waiter, Liu Yun arrived at the private booth with a look of suspicion, his eyes landing on Fang Rui at once.

What kind of person was this?

He possessed a serene and farsighted presence, like an orchid or a jade tree. Though his features weren’t exceptionally handsome, his aura was extraordinary. Like a crane among chickens, he stood out from the crowd, and a single glance was enough to make one forget the mundane world.

‘Such a person actually exists in this world?’ A look of shock crossed Liu Yun’s face as the thought flashed through his mind.

“Liu Monarch, please sit.” Fang Rui gestured with his hand.

“Thank you, Sir.”

But Liu Yun was no ordinary man. He quickly composed himself and sat down with a serious expression.

“I happened to overhear your words, Liu Monarch, ‘A true man should be thus.’ I found it interesting, so I invited you here for a brief chat.”

“So that’s the reason.”

Liu Yun was not a man of few words. After exchanging pleasantries with Fang Rui, he became quite talkative.

In the course of their conversation, Fang Rui learned that Liu Yun was a Small Banner Officer in the Government Office. He loved to socialize, and though his monthly salary was considerable, he would spend it all by the middle of the month due to his generosity in treating others. He often had to go to his brother and sister-in-law’s house to freeload meals…

‘Though he’s impoverished, his spirit isn’t constrained. His horizons are broad, and the people he socializes with… they are his foundation and his claws,’ he privately assessed.

“I’ve wasted half my life and accomplished nothing. I must be a laughingstock to you, Sir,” Liu Yun said, covering his face in shame.

“Hardship is but a temporary state. I can see that you, Liu Monarch, will one day have your moment to shine.”

A smile on his face, Fang Rui suddenly waved his sleeve. Wisps of cyan essence were extracted from the pot of green plum tea and infused into another pot of wine, causing it to bubble and churn as if boiling.

In an instant, a rich aroma of wine, mingled with the fresh, natural scent of green plums, wafted out.

“Th-th-this…”

Liu Yun’s eyes went wide. Such Immortal-like methods were simply unheard of!

“The two of us shall emulate the sages of old today, discussing heroes over plum-brewed wine. In your opinion, Liu Monarch, who among the Three States of the Southwest can be called a hero?”

Fang Rui asked as he poured the wine.

‘Emulate the sages of old, discussing heroes over plum-brewed wine? Why haven’t I ever heard of this allusion? Looks like I need to read more in the future!’

Liu Yun mumbled to himself before speaking aloud, “I’ve heard that Cao Meng of Yuanzhou has long harbored great ambitions. He treats worthy men with respect and rose to power while suppressing bandits. He now occupies the territory of two mansions and three counties. Can he be considered a hero?”

“That man is outwardly sincere but inwardly false, and his nature is paranoid. At best, he can be called a ruthless tyrant, but not a hero.” Fang Rui shook his head.

“I’ve heard that Li Yu of Liangzhou is open to all counsel and skilled at accepting advice. He rose from a mountain bandit to become a regional lord, and now occupies one mansion and five counties. Can he be considered a hero?”

“That man is weak-willed, overthinks everything, and lacks decisiveness. He cannot be a hero.”

“I’ve heard that Yuwen An of Rao State possesses Innate Divine Power. He is a master of both military and political strategy and has yet to suffer a single defeat. He now occupies two mansions and six counties. Can he be considered a hero?”

“That man has committed many tyrannical acts and has an arrogant, wild personality. I predict that a great disaster may befall him, and it would not be surprising if he falls midway on his path.”

“This…”

Liu Yun gave a bitter smile and proposed one last candidate. “I’ve also heard of the ‘Demon Ancestor,’ Chu the Madman, in Liangzhou. His origins are mysterious and unknown, and no one has ever seen his true face. Every time he acts, it’s like a dragon’s claw emerging from the clouds—utterly untraceable… He is suspected to be the mastermind behind all the rebel armies in Liangzhou… He possesses the Beast Driving Army Formation Method and has slaughtered the patriarchs of an entire state’s Noble Families… Can this person be considered a hero?”

“That person… naturally can be.”

Fang Rui nodded, then gave a cryptic smile. “In my view, among the Three States of the Southwest, the only ones worthy of being called heroes are that ‘Demon Ancestor,’ Chu the Madman, and you, Liu Monarch!”

“How could I be worthy of being called a hero?” Liu Yun was so startled that his hand trembled, spilling wine.

“You, Liu Monarch, are indomitable and unwavering. For thirty years, you have remained true to your original aspirations. How could you not be worthy of being a hero?”

Fang Rui looked up, staring directly into Liu Yun’s eyes. “A true man born between heaven and earth—how can he languish long under another’s heel? I foresee that one day, Liu Monarch, you could replace that Yuwen An.”

“Sir… Sir, you’ve had too much to drink.”

“Then there’s no harm in having another cup.”

Fang Rui poured a cup for himself and drank it down. Then, he suddenly reached into his sleeve, took out a Coiling Dragon Jade Pendant, and tossed it over.

This Jade Pendant was just like the one he had given to Cao Meng. It contained a wisp of the Chaos Dragon Pearl Origin, which was of great use to beings like this Flood Dragon.

“You’re giving this Jade Pendant to me?”

“Yes.”

“Then I thank you, Sir.”

Liu Yun snatched the Jade Pendant, a look of delight on his face.

‘The quality isn’t bad. This is good jade! If I were to sell it, I bet it could fetch about a hundred taels of silver… Of course, this Sir must be an extraordinary person, so his gift must be extraordinary as well. I absolutely cannot sell it.’

He mused to himself and quickly stuffed the Jade Pendant into his robes. Suddenly, he felt a warm current surge into his body, invigorating his spirit and filling him with vigor. The feeling was like a dying fish finding water, or sweet rain after a long drought.

“Excellent! Excellent!”

Seeing that Liu Yun’s manifested Qi Fortune Flood Dragon had stabilized after receiving his support, Fang Rui couldn’t help but smile.

“Oh, right!”

As if remembering something, he suddenly reached out and snatched the sword from Liu Yun’s waist. “Since you have accepted my Jade Pendant, Liu Monarch, let this be your payment!”

——It wasn’t that he was greedy or eager for a quick return. Rather, if some of Fang Rui’s previous speculations were correct, this item could serve as a trump card later.

“This…”

A pained look crossed Liu Yun’s face. However, since Fang Rui had already taken the sword and he knew there was no hope of getting it back, he made a magnanimous gesture. “This sword is named ‘Cyan Sky.’ I once used it to slay a green serpent. If you like it, Sir, then please take it.”

“Haha, good! A gift for a gift, we are now even. Excellent!”

Fang Rui clapped his hands and laughed.

Seeing that Fang Rui seemed about to leave, Liu Yun quickly said, “Sir, you are a Divine Being! Hearing your words today was like a moment of enlightenment. Please, Sir, stay, so that I may seek your guidance often!”

Fang Rui smiled but said nothing.

“We’re leaving!”

He took Xin Xue’Er’s hand and abruptly stood up.

“Hey, Sir!”

Liu Yun grabbed onto Fang Rui’s leg and refused to let go. “If you do not wish to stay, Sir, I dare not make things difficult for you. But I am in dire straits at the moment, so I beg you, Sir, please help me one more time!”

‘This shamelessness… for some reason, it reminds me of someone.’

Fang Rui thought to himself and said with a laugh, “Alright, alright. You have asked, and I shall answer. Within this Spirit Ring, there is a stalk of Divine Medicine and a copy of the Dragon God Skill. I will give them both to you!”

With that said, a flash of Spiritual Light erupted from his body, knocking Liu Yun away, and he was already gone with Xin Xue’Er.

“Sir! Sir!”

Liu Yun chased after them. The louder he shouted, the faster Fang Rui moved, vanishing in the span of a breath.

…

“Huh?!”

As Fang Rui led Xin Xue’Er out of the tavern, his steps suddenly halted.

His gaze caught sight of a beautiful silhouette in white in a distant alley. She was as cold and pure as the moon in the sky, and she vanished in a flash.