Chapter 89: This Is Worth Doing

Dragon Essence Tiger Power Pill was indeed effective for internal injuries caused by disruptions in cultivation like Elder Tan’s, but to truly restore his vigor and achieve unwavering potency, a special method was required to unlock the pill’s full potential. For this special method, Zhong Qi had prepared Hong Ying’s art of allure.

To be precise, Hong Ying would go to Elder Tan, offer herself to him, and at the moment when the pill’s effects manifested, seize the opportunity to break through his blocked meridians and assist him in ascending to ecstasy.

“This Dragon Essence Tiger Power Pill is a secret elixir of Cang Hai Pavilion, and without our sect’s internal energy technique, it cannot achieve the best results. If Elder Tan assists me in securing a place in the secret realm, I will spare no effort and make a sacrifice... I will lend you this beauty at my side to aid in your recovery,” Zhong Qi conveyed the latter part of his proposal to Elder Tan through sound transmission.

At these words, Elder Tan’s body visibly tensed. His dull, gray eyes swept up and down Hong Ying’s form, his throat moving with barely contained desire.

He could tell Hong Ying was no untouched maiden, yet her every gesture oozed an enchanting allure that had long since tempted him to explore beneath her pink silk skirt at his leisure.

Zhong Qi’s offer was simply irresistible—restoring his vigor and savoring such a beauty was the greatest pleasure in a long life.

The quota for entering Lingxiao Pavilion’s secret realm was entirely within his control. Allowing one outsider in was no great matter; with careful planning and a disguised identity, it would be effortless.

Yes, this was worth doing—more than worth it!

“Very well, Nephew Zhong Qi. I accept your proposal!” Elder Tan swallowed, replying in kind.

Zhong Qi’s face instantly lit up with joy, his heart pounding. Elder Tan’s agreement meant he would enter the secret realm, gaining supreme benefits or inheriting some great legacy—enough to elevate the entire Cang Lang Pavilion to new heights!

“Elder Tan, why not take the pill now and meditate on the bed for a while?”

“Agreed, I’ll follow your arrangements,” Elder Tan replied, his eyes lingering on Hong Ying, who seemed unaware of her impending role. The thought inflamed his desire further; though his body had yet to react, his mind was already racing.

Without delay, he settled cross-legged on the bed and, as Zhong Qi had instructed, swallowed three Dragon Essence Tiger Power Pills.

On their way out, Hong Ying teased Elder Tan, twisting her slender waist with a laugh: “Once the pill’s effects kick in, he can summon a girl from Drunken Moon House for a test, hehe…”

When they reached the corridor outside, Hong Ying sensed something amiss in Zhong Qi’s hesitant, grave expression. “My lord, is there something you wish to say to me?”

“Hong Ying, you once said you would do anything for me, didn’t you?” At this point, nothing could turn Zhong Qi back. “You know my goal. To achieve it, no matter what stands in the way or what price must be paid…”

Hong Ying’s face darkened, her expression stiff. She even felt a little dizzy, instinctively reaching for Zhong Qi’s sleeve and asking softly, “So?”

After a brief silence, she withdrew her hand.

“So, today I need you to make a sacrifice. Use your Coiling Dragon Technique to assist Elder Tan. Once his ailment is resolved, the quota for entering Lingxiao Pavilion’s secret realm will be ours…” Zhong Qi turned away, unable to meet her eyes, but his words were clear and resolute.

“Oh!” Hong Ying seemed to regain her composure. She finally raised her head, and in that moment, all trace of allure and enchantment vanished from her. In a calm, distant tone, she said, “Look into my eyes, and repeat what you just said.”

Zhong Qi was momentarily confused; had he not made himself clear enough? No matter—he would repeat himself. No one could sway his decision, not even this woman he so indulged.

“I hope you’ll make this sacrifice, use your... When I restore our sect’s glory, Hong Ying, your contribution will be remembered…”

Before he could finish, Hong Ying turned, opened Elder Tan’s door, and stepped inside, closing it behind her.

As the door shut, Zhong Qi caught a glimpse of her eyes—void of emotion, yet filled with an unfathomable dread.

Meanwhile, Drunken Moon House bustled with life. Lights blazed, music and dance filled the halls, courtesans and gallants mingled, and the stream of guests was unending. Most newcomers, however, muttered curses under their breath.

Their complaints were about neglect and poor service—business was simply too brisk tonight.

Inside the largest private suite, Lei Feiyang, the young master of Thunder Sect, drank with several trusted followers. Each man had a Drunken Moon courtesan by his side, and the air was thick with bawdy jokes and lewd banter.

Of course, Steward Gao Zhuo was not present. The old pedant only got in the way, always meddling; Lei Feiyang preferred his absence.

“Why hasn’t Lei Dong returned yet?” Lei Feiyang’s interest in the woman beside him waned. His humiliation at the auction still rankled, leaving him unable to enjoy even this diversion.

Lei Dong had been sent to track Lin Zhan’s whereabouts. Lin Zhan’s interference during the bidding for the peerless elixir had been a public slap in Lei Feiyang’s face.

Lei Feiyang was used to humiliating others, not the other way around. He could not let this affront go.

“Kid, some things just aren’t meant for the likes of you. You may have snatched it for now, but let’s see how long you can keep it!”

Yes, once they found Lin Zhan, he would take his men, give him a beating, snatch the elixir, and clean out his valuables—who would dare object?

Thunder Sect was the nearest great sect to Fuyang City, their influence stretching to within a hundred li. If not for the Wei family’s presence in Fuyang, and its proximity to Blazing Flame Peak and Westward Peak, Thunder Sect would have taken the city long ago.

No wonder Lei Feiyang was so arrogant—he had the strength to back it up.

Just then, Lei Dong rushed in, breathless with spittle flying as he reported, “Young Master, that brat is staying at the Fuyang Inn to the north. But as far as I could tell, he’s alone—the innkeeper and other guests are nowhere to be seen. I’m not sure why.”

“Idiot!” Lei Feiyang smacked him hard on the head, cursing, “You’re not sure? Couldn’t you ask the locals?”

“Please forgive me, Young Master. I wanted to ask around, but there isn’t a soul within half a li of the inn!” Lei Dong wailed, not daring to shield his head from the blow. The pain had to be endured—after all, Lei Xi had been crippled for life for ducking a similar strike.

“Damn it, what are you all sitting around for? Come with me to Fuyang Inn and bring me that peerless elixir!” Lei Feiyang slammed the table and bellowed.