Chapter 74: Chapter 35: The Final Kill
Fang Rui followed Yuan Da and Gao Yao out of the Black Market. After navigating a winding path for several hundred meters, they arrived at a secluded courtyard.
The courtyard’s decor was not magnificent, but its layout was artfully arranged, showing that it had been designed with special care.
Upon entering the courtyard, Yuan Da fell silent. Fang Rui also remained quiet as he was led into the main hall by Yuan Da and Gao Yao.
Inside, two rows of twelve smokeless white candles were lit, brightly illuminating the room.
Behind a large desk sat a man in his twenties with a handsome, distinguished face and a full Celestial Court. He wore brocade robes, a Jade Pendant with a golden tassel hanging from his waist. A single glance was enough to tell he was the scion of a prominent family.
Flanking him was a pair of twin maids. They wore pale pink, chest-high gowns and light blue shawls, their faces pretty and their beauty outstanding.
’This must be the young master from the Lin Family’s main lineage—Lin Feng!’
Fang Rui thought to himself.
He had already learned the Young Master Lin’s name from his previous conversation with Yuan Da.
Lin Feng was looking through some documents. Hearing the noise, he glanced up. "You’re the ’Forefather of Finished Medicines’? The creator of the Muscle Regeneration Powder and Scar Remover? And you’re also the one who killed Zhou Changlin and Gao Tong?"
He had just read the intelligence report on Fang Rui and was growing increasingly interested in him.
To pioneer finished medicines and continuously innovate showed intelligence and a remarkable Medical Skill. To be able to kill Zhou Changlin and Gao Tong at such a young age showed exceptional talent and some potential in Martial Arts...
"Greetings, Young Master Lin!"
Fang Rui bowed deeply in a very formal manner. "It is I, Your Humble Servant. I dare not claim the title ’Forefather of Finished Medicines.’ That is merely the exaggerated prattling of a petty man..."
"However, it is true that I was the first to sell finished medicines in the Black Market... I must also thank Young Master Lin for providing such a platform, which allows me to make a humble living."
"As for killing Zhou Changlin and Gao Tong, I was truly forced into it..." A wry smile touched his lips.
’An immersive performance!’
In the presence of a powerful man who held his fate in his hands, Fang Rui was exceedingly cautious. He deeply understood the meaning of the word ’reverence’.
Nearby, Gao Yao’s expression turned sour.
He was the one who had added the "Forefather of Finished Medicines" title during the initial promotion. For Fang Rui to call it the ’exaggerated prattling of a petty man’ to his face... wasn’t that a direct, albeit veiled, insult?
Yuan Da, however, found himself liking Fang Rui more upon hearing this. Gao Yao had thoroughly disgusted him earlier that day, and his dislike for the man was only growing.
"I see."
Lin Feng nodded slightly. He could tell that Fang Rui and Gao Yao did not seem to get along. Naturally, he also understood that when Gao Yao had urged him to summon Fang Rui, it was most likely with malicious intent.
However, Gao Yao was, at least in name, a servant of his family. A man of his emotional intelligence would not sell out his own subordinate on the spot and expose his schemes.
"I require your formulas. Name your price," Lin Feng said coolly.
His words hung in the air.
The entire hall fell silent, the atmosphere turning tense.
Gao Yao secretly glanced up, looking at Fang Rui with anticipation, hoping he would refuse to hand over the formulas and stubbornly resist.
Under normal circumstances, this was a very real possibility.
In this world, trade secrets were fiercely guarded. Formulas like those for the Muscle Regeneration Powder and Scar Remover could be passed down as a family craft, providing for generations to come.
To most people, one’s legacy was more important than one’s life.
’He seems like a man who understands the situation... but ordinary people are always protective of their livelihood. It’s not impossible that he might get stubborn about this...’
Yuan Da looked at Fang Rui, an interested expression on his face, waiting to see what he would choose.
It was true he had taken a liking to Fang Rui, but if Fang Rui refused and Lin Feng ordered him to act, he would not hesitate for a second.
The twin maids also looked at Fang Rui, hoping he would be sensible and not make things difficult for their young master.
’As for the act itself?’
’They saw nothing wrong with it. For their young master to want something of his was an honor. To even discuss it with him so politely? That was practically elevating his status!’
"You honor me too greatly, Young Master Lin! It is my privilege that my humble formulas can be of use to you. How could I possibly dare to accept money? I wish to offer them to you as a gift."
As he spoke, Fang Rui retrieved a piece of coarse paper from his robes and offered it up respectfully with both hands.
’That’s right. He always kept copies of the four finished medicine formulas on his person. He had originally prepared them for several possibilities: to use in a trade, to throw as a distraction if he ran into danger, or to offer up in the hopes of trading wealth for his life if he were ever cornered by a powerful figure. He kept them on him just in case.’
’As for guarding the formulas and choosing death before submission?’
’That wasn’t his style.’
’He had no interest in the saying "men die for wealth as birds die for food." Self-preservation was paramount; worldly possessions were secondary. He was a great believer in following his gut.’
’Forget these simple formulas; if it came down to it, he would even hand over his copies of *Fang’s Medical Skill* and the *Nourishing Body Skill*.’
’So readily?!’
Gao Yao was deeply disappointed by Fang Rui’s behavior. He had thought Fang Rui would put up at least some resistance, but he never expected the man to be so utterly spineless.
’He’s supposed to be a formidable man, yet Young Master Lin asks one question and he just hands it over? And for free? What a disgrace!’
After a round of internal cursing, Gao Yao began to feel apprehensive.
’Looks like that Fang fellow has escaped disaster today... which means I’m the one who needs to be worried now... This won’t do. After tonight, I have to abandon this identity. I might even have to prepare to flee!’
He didn’t dare try any more clever tricks or attempt to stir up trouble. Not only would it be difficult to succeed with Fang Rui right there, but he knew he couldn’t fool someone as shrewd as Lin Feng.
To do so would be courting death.
’This man is really something...’
While Yuan Da secretly admired Fang Rui’s pragmatism, he also felt a trace of contempt.
He had acknowledged the man as a formidable individual, but... for him to be so spineless made Yuan Da wonder if he had misjudged him after all.
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