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--- Chapter 225 ---
Six months later.
Jia Ma Empire - Wu Tan City.
...
People say "thick thighs" save lives. In the cultivation world, like the Dou Qi Continent, that saying is very accurate. If you could hug someone's thighs to become stronger, that alone is already a dream and the best scenario in life.
However, Han Yuan would have never thought someone would offer their own thighs to him. His conflict with Gu Xun'er was short, but meaningful in a way, especially for the girl.
It was a wake-up call, allowing Gu Xun'er to mature and realize the world is not as colorful as she thought. And there are many perspectives she had to see in life.
Even then, the way Gu Xun'er showcased her "responsibility" over Han Yuan's injuries is a bit too much.
This girl, she, isn't just caring. She's borderline overprotective and even stalking to prevent Han Yuan from suffering from the smallest thing.
"Oh, there is a rock on your path. Let me get rid of it for you! I don't want you to slip by accident."
"Today's weather is a bit too hot. Let me get some ice from the northern region to create a formation to cool your house."
"Wait, tomorrow is cold? Let me get you a high-quality coat so you don't get cold."
Simply put, Gu Xun'er was over the top. Although she hasn't visited Han Yuan much, he could feel her lingering presence in the shadows as she observed him in guilt.
Han Yuan almost felt about it, after all, they seemed to misunderstand how severe his burn was. In fact, his body is 'already' healed 80% and only the charred, scabbed skin remains under the bandage.
Yet, Gu Xun'er insisted. She didn't take "no" for an answer and provided Han Yuan with utmost care, though she was ashamed about it and didn't dare face him personally too much.
In contrast, Xiao Yixian had also been putting more effort into tending to Han Yuan's injury. She somehow felt the competitive streak every time Ling Ying dropped aids for Han Yuan.
Xiao Yixian learned to cook a variety of dishes, woke up early to meditate and improve her cultivation and martial combat skills with determination that put adults to shame.
In remembrance of her late mother, Xiao Yixian also picked up gardening, sewing, and studying medicinal skills, much like her "original" counterpart, Little Fairy Doctor.
(A/N: I know Xiao Yixian meant Little Fairy Doctor!)
...
Today is no different than any other day. Yet, the Soaring Wind Dojo was 'finally' visited by another heroine.
Truthfully, Han Yuan fully expected to meet her sooner, but this cautious merchant girl is sure different from others. She has been observing him instead of making a move, even bribing some outer disciples to get more information about him.
Seated on the third floor, Han Yuan is facing the infamous auctioneer of Primer Auction House, Lady Yafei.
Yafei is stunning. She's tall for her age with a killer figure in a vermillion dress. Her golden hair falling to her back, her foxy yet gentle features framed those blue eyes like they were exquisite gems.
It's hard to believe that she is only five years older than Han Yuan.
Yes, this girl is only twelve years old.
Yet, she is popular in Wu Tan City not only because of her beauty, but also because she can bring profit to the table with her acute business sense.
There is a rumor that Yafei could double, if not triple, her investment within a few months.
And we are not talking about rookie numbers like ten or a hundred gold coins, no, no, we are talking millions here!
"We finally met, Han Yuan," said Yafei with a smile. "I didn't expect the infamous rising genius of Wu Tan City to be so... humble."
"After defeating Xiao Clan's genius, you haven't really done anything but hone yourself in this dojo."
"Any other genius would lift their nose high to the sky."
"After all, your name is already known in the entire Jia Ma Empire. The emperor even wanted to betroth his youngest daughter to you."
"Talking about poaching a boy with an infinite prospect, am I right?" She finished, stirring her warm tea casually.
"Oh, there is also Misty Cloud Sect's Mistress, Yun Yun. She exited her seclusion recently, and after hearing about you, wants to invite you to be her disciple."
Han Yuan's mouth twitched slightly, "You sure knew a lot about the spicy rumors in Jia Ma Empire, huh?"
Yafei's eyes gleamed, "Of course, for a merchant, knowledge is power. I can't possibly miss out on new information."
"As to whether those rumors are true or not, who knows..." She flashed him a playful smile.
Han Yuan shook his head helplessly. Although he had debuted as a rising genius in Wu Tan City, at the end of the day, it is still a city and not the entirety of the Jia Ma Empire.
People knew Han Yuan, but to them in the Imperial City, he's not that impressive, as they didn't know his 'true' strength.
Yafei is simply praising, if not buttering him up, for her "business" deals coming up.
After all, the only people who knew Han Yuan's strength were those who had only grazed the tip of the iceberg. Gu Xun'er and Ling Ying thought he was a monster when he revealed his Dou Master cultivation, but that was not the only thing he had in his arsenal.
Even Xiao Yixian didn't know how strong her brother was.
Rather than a monster, he's more of an anomaly!
Han Yuan brushed this fleeting thought off and asked, "So, what do I owe Young Lady Yafei a visit today?"
"A business," Yafei said straightforwardly. "I wanted to cooperate with you."
"Then, you should talk with my teacher first-!" Han Yuan deflected, but before he could finish his words, Yafei interrupted by smiling at him knowingly.
"No, I don't want to cooperate with the Soaring Wind Dojo. I wanted to cooperate with you, Han Yuan!" Yafei said with conviction.
"Why?" Han Yuan narrowed his eyes slightly.
Yafei pointed at her forehead, "Intuition, and guesses."
"The new addition of Dou Qi Boosting Pill and many other new medicines in the Jia Ma Empire has flipped the tables in the business world, Primer Clan included."
"My instinct screamed it has something to do with you..."
"At first, I thought it was such a joke and laughed, but the more I dug into you, the more unknown you became."
"Thankfully, you left a flaw, a glaring one at that."
"Say, Han Yuan, don't you think my skin is much better than others?" She suddenly rubbed her cheeks casually.
Han Yuan chuckled, "Skin care..."
Upon hearing Han Yuan's chuckle, Yafei giggled in return, "Yup, the skin care products you gifted to a 'certain' herbal store lady are very effective, better than anything the market has."
"My skin has become fairer, glowing even."
"Yet, it remained unknown until Soaring Wind Dojo was 'recently' founded."
"Suddenly, the market is flooded with skin care products from an unknown source."
"Coincidence, maybe, but I don't think so."
"For you, to get hands on such a product, only means one thing..." Yafei added victoriously. "You knew the one making it."
Han Yuan clapped his hands. "As expected, Lady Yafei is very clever in putting puzzles together."
"But aren't you afraid..."
"After all, curiosity kills the cat."
"I am afraid. I was entering an unknown, after all. That's why I've been watching you for months." Yafei answered calmly.
"Oh, and what is the result of your observation?" Han Yuan asked curiously.
Yafei smiled helplessly, "You're squeaky-clean..."
"Whether it was your reputation, appearance, and talent. People praised you for your kindness, humility, and efforts."
"It's hard to believe someone like you exists. But here you are, rising from common people to a young genius."
"Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a perfect person in this world."
"You're right." Han Yuan acknowledged this. "There is no perfect human in this world."
"But those who strive to be one are not ordinary."
"Precisely that!" Yafei agreed, too. "That's why I'm betting my life on you, who is nearly flawless."
"I'm willing to put everything on you."
"Heh, what a business lady." Han Yuan laughed softly. "You sound more like a mad gambler to me now."
'Amusing, truly amusing...'
"Okay, let's do it."
"Today will be the biggest bet on your life, Yafei..."
'And you just hit a jackpot!'
If there is one thing Han Yuan lacks at the moment, then it would be a manager for his growing business. He has been looking for the perfect manager, and Yafei fits the criteria.
Even though Yafei is a little weak, it is not a problem with some drugs! I mean, freshly made pills cannot solve, right?
Cough, cough, this is definitely has nothing to do with his quests to create a harem in the behalf of the boy he took over.
"Happy cooperation?" Han Yuan extended his left hand to Yafei.
Yafei started with Han Yuan's stretched hand and shook it firmly, "Happy cooperation!"
...
...
(A/N: Next Chapter is a timeskip)