A Forced Melon Isn't Sweet

Walking on the street, Xiao Yan, clad in black robes, glanced around, confirming no one was tailing him before turning into a deserted alley. Observing the green card in his hand, Xiao Yan's heart swelled with joy.

"Teacher, is this money enough for me to break through to the Dou Qi Seventh Stage?"

Yao Lao's translucent soul body now floated into appearance: "This amount, it's enough for you to reach the Dou Practitioner level."

"Dou Practitioner!"

Hearing these two words, flames seemed to flicker in Xiao Yan's pupils. That was a level he once dared not imagine. He originally thought he couldn't break through to Dou Practitioner in this lifetime, but unexpectedly, Yao Lao's appearance rekindled the flame of hope within him.

The master and disciple remained silent for a moment, then Yao Lao spoke: "What do you think of that alchemist, Chu Chen?"

Yao Lao's sudden mention of Chu Chen's name momentarily caught Xiao Yan off guard: "Him? He's very formidable. He looks so young yet can already refine Tier 2 medicinal pills. I greatly admire him."

"Do you have any thoughts regarding him?"

"Thoughts?" Xiao Yan frowned, then relaxed a moment later: "Teacher, do you mean you want to win him over?"

Yao Lao affirmed with a nod: "Precisely. I know a little about the situation of the Xiao Clan and the other two great clans. The Xiao Clan currently seems a bit powerless compared to the other two. If there's an alchemist capable of refining Tier 2 medicinal pills stationed here, the situation will certainly improve."

"Indeed. It's inconvenient for us to show ourselves now. Chu Chen being stationed in the Xiao Clan is truly a good choice."

"Haha, with Chu Chen stepping forward to cooperate with the Xiao Clan, the Xiao Clan might just turn the tide. News of the auction for Foundation Establishment Pills and several other Tier 2 medicinal pills has already reached many. Xiao Yan, if you borrow a group of people from your father to spread this news, in less than two days, the entire Wutan City will know about it."

Xiao Yan slapped his palm, understanding everything.

"If everyone knows the Xiao Clan has a Tier 2 alchemist, they will definitely flock to our Xiao Clan, and those doing business will also choose the Xiao Clan. The weight of an alchemist is immense. In the eyes of ordinary people, having an alchemist stationed here is a symbol of prosperity."

Yao Lao greatly agreed with Xiao Yan's words.

"Not only that, you'll also have more time to cultivate. Alchemy can be temporarily put aside. After all, your main goal right now, disciple, is that Three-Year Agreement with Nalan Yanran."

Xiao Yan nodded, then turned and walked in another direction. A few minutes later, he slowed down, a familiar voice reaching his ears—it was Jia Lie Ao.

Jia Lie Ao was the young master of the Jia Lie Clan, one of the three great clans in Wutan City. Xiao Yan had a deep impression of him, not only because of the hostile relationship between their two clans, but mainly because he liked Xun Er. This love rival had reached the One-star Dou Practitioner level, a fairly strong individual among the younger generation in Wutan City, but his attitude towards Xiao Yan was always openly disdainful.

Xiao Yan quickly moved towards the source of the sound, found a small alley, and stopped at its end. Inside, Jia Lie Ao was leading five companions, blocking the path of a handsome man in white robes. When he saw the man's face, Xiao Yan's heart skipped a beat: "Chu Chen!"

"It seems someone was quicker than us. This Chu Chen is truly valuable," Yao Lao muttered.

In the alley, Chu Chen assessed the handsome man before him, but his complexion was somewhat pale from debauchery.

"I'm very busy right now, and as for being stationed in the Jia Lie Clan, I have no interest. Please leave. Oh, and young man, youth isn't capital for indulgence. Look at your pale, sickly complexion, kidney deficiency, perhaps? How about this, I have a way to help you."

Jia Lie Ao's face turned green. The attendants around him dared not show anything, but everyone knew their young master frequented pleasure quarters year-round, having been with countless women.

At this moment, a bearded man next to Jia Lie Ao stepped forward: "Senior, do you really have a way to treat kidney deficiency? To be honest, I have a friend..."

"Friend my foot!" Jia Lie Ao kicked the man away.

"Gentlemen, please leave. I must go." Chu Chen turned to depart.

"Senior, please reconsider. My father sent me. If I can't invite you back, I'll have trouble explaining myself. Whatever demands Senior has, our Jia Lie Clan will do our best to satisfy them."

"What a sycophant," Xiao Yan secretly cursed from his hiding spot. He had never seen Jia Lie Ao with such a face; his usual arrogance had completely vanished.

"Anything?"

When Chu Chen uttered this, both Jia Lie Ao and Xiao Yan were startled. Jia Lie Ao was delighted, while Xiao Yan worried Chu Chen would do something detrimental to the Xiao Clan.

"As long as Senior agrees to be stationed in the Jia Lie Clan, money is not an issue."

Chu Chen knew the Jia Lie Clan's unscrupulous methods. He wanted to keep his distance. Moreover, the Jia Lie Clan ultimately couldn't contend with the Xiao Clan; investing here would likely be a loss. But on second thought, making a quick profit from the Jia Lie Clan now wouldn't be bad, though working for them would be a bit troublesome. Chu Chen felt his money pouch; the money Mi Te Er gave him was not small, he wasn't short of cash.

"Sorry, I think I'll pass. The Jia Lie Clan has nothing that attracts me."

"Senior, please think again. In this Wutan City, I guarantee you'll have no worries about food and clothing."

"No need, a forced melon isn't sweet." Chu Chen walked away, but after only two steps, a sudden whooshing sound tore through the air behind him!

Jia Lie Ao lunged fiercely towards Chu Chen, his hands curved like a wild beast's claws, nails elongated, and azure Dou Qi transformed into ten sharp spikes!

Chu Chen froze, stomped his foot hard on the ground, and used the force to dodge to the side. Jia Lie Ao let out a ferocious smile. Seeing he missed, as he swept past, he swung his claw, unleashing a burst of energy: "You refuse a toast only to drink a forfeit!"

That burst of energy was incredibly fast, closing in on Chu Chen in a flash. Chu Chen showed no panic; his flame Dou Qi surged forth to meet it. A strange explosion rang out, the energy burst dissipated, but deep cracks appeared on the wall behind Chu Chen.

"Young Master, what are you doing? Old Master specifically told us not to offend this alchemist..." The attendants hesitated.

"That's right, Young Master, let's go. He doesn't seem angry yet. Otherwise, it will be hard for us to report to Old Master."

"Report? Hmph, if this alchemist leaves and is snatched by another clan, won't it put the Jia Lie Clan in danger?"

"This..." The few people were momentarily speechless. What Jia Lie Ao said wasn't unreasonable. If Chu Chen joined any other clan, the balance of power in Wutan City would be broken.

"Listen to me, either tie him up and bring him back, or bring back his corpse!"