Supreme Emperor of Mist

Chapter 42: Rise of the Qins (1)

Their wedding ceremony was held on the same day as Qin Lan's two elder siblings return. Following alongside them is their uncle, Qin Xuan. He's also an elder in Cloud Plucking Sect, known as the twelve elder.

This kind of displacement of strength shows the force assembled by the direct descendent of the Qin patriarch. Qin Fan was the eldest, aged nineteen, followed by Qin Chan which turning seventeen this year. Qin Lan was the youngest of the three siblings.

In terms of strength, Qin Fan is naturally the strongest amongst them in the younger generation with a third-level Bone Restructuring Layer cultivation. Even Lu Yuanjun, a direct disciple of the eleventh elder, is only at the first-level of Bone Restructuring Layer.

As for Qing Chan, she's expecting to step into the Bone Reconstruction Layer's first-level soon.

"I'll be a laughingstock of our fellow disciples once we returned to the Min-Xin Dwelling," Qin Fan chuckled as he seated on the seat prepared for the younger generations. At this time, he was presented with two cups of tea from the wedding couple.

"Eldest brother, please!" Qin Lan smiled. Qin Lan still remembers his doting eldest brother and second sister like it happened yesterday.

If both of them were present when Qin Lan was attacked by the expert hired by the Jiaos, their ending wouldn't be as lenient as right now. At the very least, few chunks of flesh would've been torn off to vent their unsurmountable anger.

"Eldest brother in law, please!" Hu Jia repeat after Qin Lan the moment Qin Fan takes a sip from Qin Lan's cup.

"Very good! This eldest brother is too happy today. This is my present to congratulate both of you. Please take care of my third brother." Qin Fan took two pieces of the purple jade slip out from his sleeve pocket and gave it to Qin Lan and Hu Jia.

"Hahaha, a befitting gift for the marrying couple." Qin Tian laughed. The other patriarchs, relatives, and friends from the three households laughed together while looking at the juniors.

"This is?" Hu Jia shows a puzzled expression.

"That's the Purple-Dragon Storage Jade issued by the Country of Wu. It is also a pass that allowed the jade slip holder to move around the country unhindered." Qin Fan explained. To Qin Lan, it was also something interesting for him to know.

(Who would have thought... This small portable jade slip design created by that brat could last longer than the less popular Department of Cuisine of mine...)

Qin Lan had the urge to sigh, but he held it for now. Now facing his second elder sister, the wedding ceremony continued. Like Qin Fan, Qin Chan also prepared a lavish wedding gift to congratulate her doted third brother.

After paying respect to the same generation as Qin Lan and Hu Jia, the customary practices moves to the elderly. It was a long and tedious one, but everyone managed to enjoy it while it lasts.

The only unfortunate part was that the couple would have to wait for another year before they're "officially" allowed to consummate their marriage.

As for now, they would have to do with sleeping separately in two different rooms, a customary belief that would bring positive karma and longevity to their marriage.

The next morning, the ceremony continued with paying respect to the elders. When everything is finally done, Hu Jia was allowed to leave the elder hall. As for Qin Lan, he's expected to stay as many clarifications are waiting for him to be explained.

"Are you ready?" Qin Tian, Qin Xuan, Qin Fan, and Qin Chan are seated inside this hall. On a corner is Qin Yuan, the father of the three siblings. He still behaves like a mentally ill patient as their discussion started.

(I'll have to check this father of mine soon...)

"Lan-Er is ready," Qin Lan said.

"Let's start from the beginning. What happened?" Qin Tian asked.

"I received help from an expert. Grandfather may address him through his surname, Lu." Qin Lan started their discussion using the persona of Pharmacist Lu. At the very least, there are less than ten people who know the truth about this person's identity.

Furthermore, Qin Lan has been preparing for this since he regains his cultivation.

"Pharmacist Lu? Is he the one who supplies the Flesh Mending Pill to our pharmacy?" Qin Chan asked the question of Qin Tian's behalf.

"Yes, second sister. Our master, Pharmacist Lu, was the creator of the recipe. The four of us are also taught the basics to prepare the medicinal pill." Qin Lan added.

"Does that means... The four of you were given an introductory lesson on the Department of Medicine and Herbs?" Qin Tian asked, impatiently. There was nothing more surprising compared to having a Treasure Master in their family.

Even Qin Xuan, Qin Fan, and Qin Chan failed to master the art of medicine and pill concoction after being with the sect for some time.

"Just some basics for us to take care of ourselves outside of the Qin Family in the future. But Lan-Er believes that what he taught us wasn't as mediocre as he mentioned. It is also a precaution from allowing us to went overboard and overwhelmed by greed." Qin Lan answered.

"Indeed... Indeed... Throughout the years, how many families have risen and fall due to that reason? Even the Jiao Family is following this path sooner or later." Qin Tian shook his head as he thinks about how fickle is the strength of a family in front of benefits.

"And the reason behind your actions to remain as a cripple... Does it come from Pharmacist Lu as well?" Qin Tian continued.

"Yes. Master worries that misfortune will befall the Qin Family if we recklessly expose our trump card. Furthermore, we're unsure if there's any mole within the family working for them," Qin Lan replied.

Along with this reply, the incident of Huo Zunjie's house is brought into their discussion. Using his experience of two lifetimes, Qin Lan led the others into his story while he clarifies the reason behind his action.

About two hours later, Lu Yi was ordered to deliver something into the elder's hall.

And right in front of those present, Qin Lan shows them how the Flesh Mending Pill is concocted. As there was no discrepancy between Qin Lan's product and what Pharmacist Lu provided, they're no reason for them to continue to suspect Qin Lan's word.

Furthermore, Qin Lan was well prepared.

The key to access the private room given to Pharmacist Lu is in Qin Lan's hand, along with a written recipe of the Wound Mending Pill. There's also a letter that explains the reason behind Pharmacist Lu's departure.

"That would be all." Qin Tian nodded as he accepted everything Qin Lan has to say.

"Is there anything you would like to do while consolidating your cultivation until you achieve the Middle-Attainment Rank?" Qin Tian asked.

"Please allow Lan-Er to solidify our Qin Family's foundation before we left for the Cloud Plucking Sect." Qin Lan answered. His unwavering attitude surprises Qin Tian and Qin Xuan.

The father and child looked at each other and considered. After a while, both of them nodded at Qin Lan as they said,

"Go ahead and do what you think is for the good of the Qin Family. You're an adult now, so it's time to learn how to behave like one."

...

...

...

One month later.

"Open the gate!" a servant donned in the garment of Qin Family servant yelled from afar while approaching the Fu-Rong Town on horseback. Following not too far from him was a convoy of six caravans filled with goods.

It was guarded by Lu Yi, Lu Qing Yun, and Huo Zunjie as they returned from the Su-Hang Town about a week distance away.

There are also a few other members of their convoy wearing clothing of a different color. On their armband, a wrapper with the word "Chu" is clearly sewn to announce their affiliation to the public.

"It's the people from Qin and Chu Family. Get the door ready! Empty the street for their carriage to pass." the guard leader standing on top of the wall ordered.

Soon, the gate into Fu-Rong Town is opened wide for the six carriages to enter unhindered.

In this one month, many things have changed.

Under Qin Lan's leadership, the Qin Family found their second wind as they started to grow powerful.

A new trading route is established between Fu-Rong Town and Su-Hang Town to increase the number of trades going on between them. And in between, it benefitted the smaller villages as more merchandise started to flow into the market.

Such a decision quickly turn into a benefit as more raw materials, such as medicinal herbs and metal ores, entered the market. With a higher supply of goods, more merchandise can be manufactured before it was sold to neighboring villages and towns.

It only took Fu-Rong Town a month to promote their town specialties until it becomes hotter than hotcakes sold on the street.