Chapter 31: Granting Every Request

Before nightfall, everyone finally returned safely to the Feng family estate.

At Feng Shaolong's command, the Feng family servants immediately sprang into action, carrying the corpses to a room and locking it away.

Simultaneously, the family's private physicians, accompanied by apprentices and laborers, carried the wounded to the medical clinic to recover.

*Clang!*

As darkness fully descended, all doors were swiftly shut. Only the flickering candlelight in the rooms cast dancing, uneven shadows across the faces of Zhang Lingshan and the others.

Strictly speaking, Zhang Lingshan had only sustained minor injuries and did not require supervision. However, time was clearly running out. To avoid any accidents while traveling in the dark, he could only endure staying here for the night.

*‘Mother and Xiaoyu must be worried,’* Zhang Lingshan thought to himself. He only hoped this night would pass quickly.

Lying on the sickbed, listening to the groans and whimpers of pain from the wounded nearby, Zhang Lingshan sighed softly and slowly closed his weary eyes. Finally, he drifted into sleep.

When he opened his eyes again, sunlight was streaming in. He rolled over lazily, only to find the bed beside him empty.

"Where did that fellow go?" Zhang Lingshan asked an inquiring physician's apprentice.

The apprentice shook his head. "He passed away. He didn't make it through last night and was carried out this morning. You didn't even wake up despite being right next to him; you must have been exhausted. Get some more sleep. The Gu Yuan Tea is almost ready; the Sixth Young Master specifically instructed us to brew it for everyone. You only get to drink it because you made a great contribution by hunting two demon rabbits this time. You won't get this chance normally, so cherish it and drink plenty—it'll do you good."

Having said this, the apprentice glanced at Zhang Lingshan's palm and said in surprise, "Your recovery is almost complete. You just need one more change of medicine. I'll go get it for you; just rest."

"Mm, thank you," Zhang Lingshan replied with a cupped fist.

A moment later, after his medicine was changed, he was no longer sleepy. He climbed out of bed and went to the courtyard to soak up the sun. Amidst the rare warmth of the deep winter sun, he stretched, only to hear a hearty laugh coming from the entrance: "Junior Brother Shan, up so early? Why not sleep a bit longer?"

"Senior Brother Feng." Zhang Lingshan cupped his hands. "I couldn't sleep. I'm still shaken by yesterday's battle. It was my first time seeing a demon beast. Sigh, the fellow in the next bed didn't make it; he passed away last night."

"Uh..." The smile on Feng Shaolong's face froze instantly.

He realized he shouldn't have been so happy, given the heavy casualties yesterday. But he truly couldn't help laughing. Who could blame him when the harvest was so bountiful? When he reported to his father this morning, his father had even praised him for a job well done. Setting aside the demon rabbits and medicinal herbs, the mere fact that he had recruited Junior Brother Shan had caused his father to look at him in a new light and grant him a significant reward.

How could he not be happy to see Zhang Lingshan? Junior Brother Shan was his lucky star!

"Ahem." Feng Shaolong quickly coughed to mask his smile and sighed in turn. "Indeed. Who would have thought there were demon beasts on Cold Moon Mountain? We've never encountered them before—at most, just some venomous snakes or tigers and leopards. We were supposed to return safely through steady progress, but who could have expected... sigh..." Feng Shaolong let out a long sigh.

Zhang Lingshan did not continue that topic, but instead asked, "Senior Brother Feng, why had I never heard of these demon beasts before?"

Feng Shaolong replied, "Don't even mention you; I had never heard of them either, until I encountered one once. But you can't blame others for not telling us, because even if they did, no one would believe it without seeing it. Before you saw the demon rabbit, if I told you there was a type of rabbit in this world stronger than a man, would you have believed me? Even if you did, you would have been shocked when you finally saw it. So, what's the difference between telling and not telling? Moreover, the most crucial point is that not everyone is as brave as you, Junior Brother Shan. If we truly told the world that such demon beasts exist, how could anyone live in peace? Not telling is for everyone's own good," Feng Shaolong explained emphatically.

But Zhang Lingshan did not accept his explanation. If they hadn't mentioned the demon beasts in advance, it was either because Feng Shaolong was inconsiderate, or because he didn't believe ordinary herb-gathering guards had the right to know. Whichever it was, it proved the man wasn't all that great.

Though dissatisfied, Zhang Lingshan nodded in feigned agreement. "Senior Brother Feng is right. Before seeing the demon rabbit, who would have known such a thing existed. Luckily, we were fortunate to survive this time. If there are demon beasts again next time, I don't think I'll have the courage to work as a herb-gathering guard anymore."

"Junior Brother Shan, you're joking. It wasn't just luck; it was a combination of strength and talent. If you hadn't remained calm in the face of danger, our casualties would have been even higher," Feng Shaolong said with an awkward smile, flattering him.

Originally, he had wanted to recruit Zhang Lingshan into the Feng Family Pharmacy's hunting team to specialize in hunting demon beasts. But seeing Zhang Lingshan's lingering fear, he feared that if he brought it up now, he would be rejected outright.

Correct, he shouldn't be too hasty. He had been too excited and had lost his sense of propriety. He should wait a while before mentioning the hunting team. By then, Zhang Lingshan would have recovered his composure, and if he offered heavy rewards, the boy would surely join with joy. After all, demon beasts were a treasure. Once Zhang Lingshan tasted demon rabbit meat, he certainly wouldn't pass up the chance to join the hunting team.

Furthermore, his father had said that someone like Junior Brother Shan was a natural nemesis to demon beasts—a once-in-a-lifetime talent whose vital energy could contend with demonic aura. How could such a person be content with an ordinary life? Joining the hunting team was his true destiny.

Zhang Lingshan had no idea what Feng Shaolong was thinking, nor did he know he was some "once-in-a-lifetime talent." He only knew one thing: he had performed a great service, and he deserved more money!

So, he didn't mince words. Since Feng Shaolong was praising him, he immediately followed the lead: "Senior Brother Feng, seeing as I have made an outstanding contribution to our herb-gathering team, shouldn't I be given a raise?"

"Uh..." Feng Shaolong was stunned by Zhang Lingshan's bluntness. He had expected to be the one to suggest it and let Junior Brother Shan express his gratitude; he hadn't expected to be preempted.

If it were an ordinary person, Feng Shaolong would have played hard to get to practice his art of managing people. But the person before him was no ordinary person; he was a rare talent. If he dared to play games and drove him away, his father would never forgive him.

Thus, Feng Shaolong forced a smile. "A raise is indeed in order. However, as for the specifics, I must ask my father; I cannot decide on my own. But I can pay out of my own pocket! I'll give you twenty taels of silver now as an advance for your medical expenses. Just focus on recovering, Junior Brother Shan."

As he spoke, he immediately pulled a twenty-tael silver note from his robe, acting with great magnanimity.

Zhang Lingshan snatched the note, his face lighting up with joy. "Thank you, Senior Brother! Then I won't be polite."

Twenty taels. If exchanged for Snow Silver Flowers, a twenty percent discount would yield 25 taels worth of flowers. At three meals a day, that could be converted into 25 energy points within nine days. If exchanged for Spirit Root Grass, it could become 50 energy points within 75 days. Normally, he could only earn 20 taels a month, and now he had 20 taels all at once, and it was from Feng Shaolong's personal pocket.

Profitable! Extremely profitable! Once the value of the demon rabbit was calculated, he would surely have another windfall. No wonder Feng Shaolong was so high-spirited today; this trip must have brought a huge profit to the Feng Family Pharmacy, otherwise, he wouldn't be this generous.

Mentioning the demon rabbit, Zhang Lingshan's interest piqued again. "Senior Brother Feng promised us demon rabbit meat. I wonder when we can eat it?"

"Uh..." Feng Shaolong didn't know how many times he had been rendered speechless today. This guy really got straight to the point.

Originally, he was supposed to have someone prepare the meat and bring it out, allowing everyone to praise him for his generosity and grand character. Then, with a grand gesture, he would allow everyone to start eating. Instead, he had been preempted again.

*‘Eat, eat, eat. All he thinks about is eating,’* Feng Shaolong complained inwardly, though his face remained smiling. "Don't worry, Junior Brother Shan. Since I promised, there will definitely be demon rabbit meat for you. As soon as the kitchen is done, I'll bring it to you personally."

"Good, good, good. Thank you, Senior Brother Feng!" Zhang Lingshan said happily, cupping his hands.

Just then, the apprentice brought the Gu Yuan Tea. Zhang Lingshan took it, drained it in one gulp, and said, "Another bowl."

The apprentice looked at him in surprise but poured another.

"Another bowl!" Zhang Lingshan drained that one too.

He had to admit, the Gu Yuan Tea was effective. His stomach had been empty, but after two bowls, it felt full and warm, a soothing heat spreading throughout his body, making him feel incredibly comfortable. Most importantly, after two bowls, his energy value immediately increased by 0.1 points.

The effect was instantaneous. Although the increase wasn't much, it was fast. If such a good thing was available, wouldn't it be foolish not to drink several free bowls?

And so, he went bowl after bowl. The apprentice was stunned; was this guy drinking like a donkey? Wouldn't his stomach burst? Even if it was free, one shouldn't abuse it like this. This was something meant for everyone, and he was drinking it all dry—it wasn't right!

The apprentice couldn't help but look at Feng Shaolong, hoping he would stop him. Instead, he saw Feng Shaolong's eye twitching as he forced a smile. "Drink, drink. Junior Brother Shan can drink as much as he wants. If we run out, we'll brew more. In short, everyone who fought yesterday must get to drink."

Then, he said to Zhang Lingshan, "Take your time, Junior Brother Shan. I'll go check on the others."

"Please, Senior Brother Feng. Don't mind me."

"Mm." Feng Shaolong hurried away, cursing inwardly.

*‘This brat loses his mind the moment he sees something free. No wonder people complained to me that you eat a meal at my place and then another at the martial arts hall, always looking for a bargain. I thought people were just making things up about you, but today I've seen what it truly means to be a man who won't pass up a cheap deal.’*

Feng Shaolong felt deep contempt for Zhang Lingshan's behavior. A pauper was a pauper; seeing a tiny benefit and clinging to it endlessly—he was ruining his own good impression.

Returning to the courtyard with disdain, Feng Shaolong saw a tall but not particularly imposing figure, one that possessed a certain scholarly air, standing in the yard.

"Father, why are you here?" Feng Shaolong asked in surprise. Usually, he was the one running to his father's courtyard; for his father to come to him personally was quite overwhelming. But they had only just parted; he had reported the news about Zhang Lingshan and the demon rabbit this morning, and now his father had rushed over...

"Well? Did that Junior Brother Zhang Lingshan of yours agree to join our hunting team?" Feng Ji asked, getting straight to the point.

Mentioning this filled Feng Shaolong with frustration. He complained, "Father, you don't understand. That kid said he's a coward and that if there are demon beasts again, he'll quit the herb-gathering guards."

"Nonsense! The cowards have already been killed by the demon rabbits. How can he be a coward? Did you not explain it properly to him? Since you can't handle it, I will go speak to him myself," Feng Ji said angrily, stepping toward the door.

Feng Shaolong hadn't expected his father to value Zhang Lingshan so much more than he did. He quickly grabbed his father. "Father, don't be in such a hurry. He's just shaken because it was his first time seeing a demon beast and so many people died. He needs time to settle down. But don't worry about him not joining; I've already figured out his temperament. This kid loves a bargain and loves money. In a few days, I will definitely bring him to our hunting team!" Feng Shaolong promised heavily, patting his chest.

Only then did Feng Ji calm down and nod. "It would be best if you could handle it. If I go personally, it might cause trouble if word gets out. Remember, do not be afraid to spend money. Such talent is a treasure; keeping him will earn us much more. Also, tell your people to keep their mouths shut. If anyone leaks the details of how Zhang Lingshan repelled the demon rabbit, I will hold you personally responsible!"

Having said that, he didn't bother with more small talk and left immediately. As the head of the family, he was clearly not idle. Hearing the seriousness in his father's tone, Feng Shaolong also grew nervous and immediately went to check on his subordinates. Most importantly, he had to ensure they kept their mouths shut and didn't speak recklessly.

Meanwhile, Zhang Lingshan finally stopped drinking the Gu Yuan Tea. He patted his stomach, looking thoroughly satisfied. In that short time, his energy points had increased by 3. Although his stomach was very full, it was well worth it.

As he basked in the sun, he pondered Feng Shaolong's attitude. *‘Feng Shaolong's temperament is surprisingly good. He's so accommodating—whatever I say, he gives me. He doesn't get angry; he even smiles to save my face...’*

Zhang Lingshan was puzzled. He remembered that back at the Hong Family Martial Arts Hall, Feng Shaolong wouldn't even give him a second glance. It was only after he had undergone skin-molding that Feng Shaolong recruited him into the Feng Family Pharmacy. Even until yesterday, he was just a lowly herb-gathering guard. While Feng Shaolong's attitude toward him had been decent, it was never like this.

What exactly had changed?

Clearly, the change happened yesterday. Zhang Lingshan thought about it and felt there was only one reason for this shift.

*‘It seems that moment when I stood my ground against the demon rabbit showed something extraordinary. I now have enough value to make Feng Shaolong look at me with respect.’*