Young Noble Be Monster Slaying

Chapter 411: That Is Definitely Not a Rumor

Huyan Bin had thought about paying his way out of trouble, but he never expected Chu Liang to ask for such a huge amount right from the start—far more than he had imagined.

How can you be so bold? Huyan Bin thought.

Even Lin Bei, who was standing nearby, was stunned.

He had heard stories of how Chu Liang had extorted money from Shang Ziliang, which already sounded like highway robbery. But this? This was on a whole new level—this was like wishing upon a shooting star!

Despite his reputation for being calm and composed, honed from years of managing his family's business, Huyan Bin felt his patience wearing thin. The urge to curse was rising fast.

But before he could unleash his frustration, Chu Liang added, "If you're willing to pay that amount, I'll consider it an investment. In return, I'll offer you ten percent of Red Cotton Peak's profits every year for the next ten years."

"You..." Huyan Bin choked on the curse that was about to slip out and quickly countered, "Are you saying Red Cotton Peak's business will now be part of Taotie City's operations?"

"Exactly," Chu Liang replied with a sly grin. "This way, any success Red Cotton Peak achieves won't be a threat to you—instead, you'll profit from it."

Huyan Bin furrowed his brow, lost in thought. "This..."

"Furthermore, I can sign a wagering agreement with you. If this profit share doesn't double your principal—meaning it doesn't reach six hundred thousand Vermillion-Bird coins in ten years—I'll cover the difference. So, your investment is guaranteed to double in ten years."

Huyan Bin's eyes flickered with surprise. "You really dare to make such a bold guarantee?"

"It all depends on whether you trust me," Chu Liang replied with a calm smile. "But let's be clear: you're not the only one interested in investing in Red Cotton Peak. I'm offering this opportunity because I'd rather avoid competition with you, not because I need your money. If you wait a couple of years to join, the price won't be as favorable."

Huyan Bin fell into deep thought.

He had just praised Chu Liang for his clever ideas, and now Chu had presented something even more innovative. He hadn't realized business could be done this way. Partnerships weren't unusual, but breaking it down into small shares to sell—this was a new concept to him.

But there was no reason for him to reject signing this contract.

If he invested three hundred thousand now, it would be guaranteed to double in ten years...

And with the backing of the Mount Shu Sect, there was no worry about Chu Liang disappearing—his credibility was rock solid.

After a brief contemplation, Huyan Bin responded, "I think this is feasible, but I don't have the authority to make such a decision on my own. Young Hero Chu, let me discuss it with my father first before giving you a final answer."

"Alright," Chu Liang replied, "I will be waiting."

"Then we'll leave it at that for now," Huyan Bin added. "Brother Chu's ideas are always impressive. I can't help but be impressed."

"Brother Huyan's courage is truly top-notch," Chu Liang reciprocated with a smile.

Lin Bei, who had been listening on the side, was dumbfounded. How did it suddenly become Brother Chu and Brother Huyan?

Just as Huyan Bin was about to rise and take his leave, he hesitated and then sat back down. "By the way," he began, "there's something I would like to consult you about."

"Hm?" Chu Liang responded. "Brother Huyan, feel free to say what's on your mind."

"Well, I've admired Fairy Jiang of Mount Shu for a long time and have always wanted to meet her, but I haven't had the chance," Huyan Bin admitted with an embarrassed smile. "The other day, I heard that you and Fairy Jiang seem to have some sort of relationship. Is that true? If it is, I wouldn't dare harbor any further thoughts. But if it's just a rumor, could you perhaps introduce me?"

As Chu Liang listened, his smile slowly faded.

"Regarding the matter between Senior Sister Jiang and me..." Chu Liang said slowly, "let me clarify: that is definitely not a rumor."

...

"It's all just rumors; don't listen to that nonsense," Di Nufeng said with a chuckle. "All that talk about closed-door cultivation to break through to the eighth realm—how could it be that simple? Yan Zi is simply studying some divine techniques."

Sitting across from her was an elderly man of imposing stature, dressed in a purple-red brocade robe adorned with flying serpents, and wearing a black crown threaded with gold. Though his skin was wrinkled, with gray hair and white brows, his sharp eyes and the vitality, qi, and spirit radiating from his entire presence were far beyond those of ordinary men.

"Miss Feng, no need to be nervous; I'm just making a routine inquiry," the old man said with a smile. "For the sword cultivators of the world, there are three Great Daos, each with its own master. His Majesty's intention is not to see Peak Master Yan Zi's extraordinary talent wasted on the Great Dao of Tai'a, so he asked me to remind you."

"What? Is he saying that Yan Zi is no match for the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner?" Di Nufeng retorted as she glared at that old man.

"No, no..." the old man said as he quickly waved his hand. "But even with cultivation power that can ascend the heavens, we should all work together against our actual enemies. The Divine Nine, Terrestrial Ten, and the Imperial Supervisory Bureau are all on the same side. There's no need for us to fight among each other.."

"Alright, alright," Di Nufeng said, curling her lips into a faint smile. "I know what you mean. You're just worried that Yan Zi might compete with the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner for the control of the Tai'a Great Dao. Rest assured, Yan Zi has no such intention."

"That's good," the old man said as nodded with a smile.

Yet, despite his outward calm, he couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

Though he had witnessed countless storms throughout his life and served by the emperor's side for many years, the brief glare from Di Nufeng had stirred a flicker of instinctive fear within him.

Is this the pressure of the Divine Phoenix?

Or have I just gotten old... and become more timid?

At that moment, Chu Liang's figure appeared at the door, calling out in confusion, "Esteemed teacher?"

It turned out that after returning from Red Cotton Peak, Chu Liang had noticed the fluttering banners on Silver Sword Peak, with two rows of black-clad guards in brocade uniforms lined up in front of Di Nufeng's pavilion.

Chu Liang's heart skipped a beat.

Could it be that his esteemed teacher had committed some major crime and the officials have come here to arrest her? Although he didn't know what the crime might be, he could easily think about the things she could have done. She must have done something.

Given how his teacher looked, who would believe she hadn't broken any laws or committed any crimes? At the very least, she must have beaten up an old man in the street.

So Chu Liang hurried over to check, but instead of seeing Di Nufeng resisting arrest, he saw her sitting and chatting with someone. The person across from her seemed to be... a eunuch?

Yes, an elderly eunuch dressed in the attire of a palace attendant, seemingly of high rank, was sitting across from his esteemed teacher, smiling deferentially.

"Ah, you're just in time. I was about to look for you." Di Nufeng waved him over as soon as she saw him. "This is Eunuch Lao from the imperial city."

"This younger one greets the Eunuch Lao," Chu Liang immediately bowed in respect.

So you are Eunuch Lao, Chu Liang thought.

He had indeed heard of this man. There were countless experts in the imperial city. Aside from the masters of the imperial family and the Night Dragon Hall guards, the most renowned were the Four Great Warriors[1].

These were four great eunuchs who had attained mastery in both martial arts and divine techniques.

The eunuchs of the Yu Dynasty traditionally practiced a powerful cultivation manual known as the Yin-Slaying Sutra, an art that could only be cultivated by those who had undergone castration. At its peak, this formidable art granted the ability to move mountains and command the seas.

Some of the eunuchs who mastered this cultivation art were honored as Emperor's Warriors.

The man before them, Lao Santai, held the position of Terrace-Supervising Eunuch and was recognized as the second-ranked among the Four Great Warriors, surpassed only by Yao Dengxian, the Dragon-Keeping Eunuch.

Eunuch Lao was also the Pen-Bearing Eunuch to the current emperor. Having served alongside two generations of rulers, he had become a central figure in the power hierarchy of the Yu Dynasty.

"This must be Young Hero Chu, the one who killed Taowu with his sword," Lao Santai said and chuckled when he saw Chu Liang. "Not only is your talent extraordinary, but you are also very handsome."

Chu Liang couldn't help but smile inwardly.

As expected from someone who had long served beside the emperor, his words were indeed flattering. Lately, everyone who met Chu Liang praised him as a "young hero," but Eunuch Lao was different. He was the only one who commented on his appearance.

The remark was fair, accurate, and objective.

"So, how about it? Will he pass the selection process for eunuchs?" Di Nufeng suddenly asked.

The Yu Dynasty's selection for eunuchs was notoriously strict, requiring candidates to meet high standards of elegance and attractiveness. That was why Di Nufeng asked.

"Definitely top-tier," Lao Santai replied, having given Chu Liang a thorough top-down scrutinization once more.

Chu Liang's smile froze on his face.

Wait, so you're not here to take away my esteemed teacher—you're here to take me?

Fortunately, Lao Santai quickly stood up and said, "Since Miss Feng has agreed to enter the palace, let's set off right away. We can still reach the capital before sunset."

"Alright," Di Nufeng said, rising with casual ease.

"Esteemed teacher, you're entering the palace?" Chu Liang asked.

"The Emperor wishes to see me," Di Nufeng replied.

"Mainly to inquire about the matters concerning the Whale Gang from that day," Lao Santai added.

Having observed through her facial expression that it was not a serious matter, Chu Liang nodded.

As for the inquiry about the Whale Gang, Chu Liang didn't believe it. The Imperial Supervisory Bureau had already investigated everything from that day, and if there were further questions, they would likely have summoned him as well.

He didn't press further about their exact plans.

Lao Santai's visit to Mount Shu was not only to summon Di Nufeng but also to gather information on Daoist Yan's situation. The higher-ups were concerned that Daoist Yan might take a path conflicting with the Imperial Supervisory Commissioner, which could lead to unnecessary complications.

In fact, a written decree would have been enough to summon anyone else. However, they were worried that if they had only sent a letter, Di Nufeng would refuse to show up. And so, they sent a high-ranking eunuch to extend a personal invitation.

As Di Nufeng walked out the door, she was still grumbling.

"You guys handle things in such an unreliable manner. You said you came to fetch me because Mount Shu is far. Why didn't you seek me out when I was still at the Giant Whale Mountain Manor? Instead, you waited until I returned here, only to make me travel all the way back again."

"Yes, yes, that was indeed inconsiderate of us," Lao Santai said repeatedly. "The main issue was that by the time this matter was reported to His Majesty, it was already too late. Even if we had sent the summons then, it wouldn't have reached you in time. By the next day, when we checked, you had already returned to the mountain."

"What? Are you blaming me for leaving too early?" Di Nufeng shot him a sharp glance.

"No, no, it was just unfortunate timing, and I apologize for the trouble," Lao Santai said with a fawning smile.

As Chu Liang escorted them outside, he watched from the side and mused to himself, Serving alongside the emperor might be easier than dealing with Di Nufeng.

As they stepped out, a loud screech echoed through the air, and a magnificent White-Feathered Golden Luan descended from the sky. Its back was adorned with a seat and a brocade canopy.

Everyone took their seats, and the eunuch at the front gave the signal to take flight. However, the White-Feathered Golden Luan remained on the ground, trembling and shaking in place.

"What's going on?" Lao Santai frowned, causing the guards and eunuchs ahead to stiffen with fear. Their reaction made it clear that this Warrior Lao was far less easygoing than Di Nufeng.[2]

Chu Liang whispered as he reminded Di Nufeng from below, "Esteemed teacher, could you please control your aura a bit?"

"Oh, I forgot," Di Nufeng said before she intentionally restrained her imposing aura. Only then did the White-Feathered Golden Luan stand straight and soar into the sky.

With her Divine Phoenix aura, she was the queen of all feathered creatures. If she didn't keep her aura in check, even birds with celestial beast bloodlines would cower and tremble before her.

The giant bird glided slowly across the distant sky.

1. We named 力士 as Warrior but this really means macho men. ☜

2. In Chinese, "Lao" (劳) can be a surname, and "力士" (lìshì) means "warrior" or "strongman." When combined, "Lao" (劳) with "力士" sounds like "Rolex" in English due to the similarity in pronunciation. So Warrior Lao also means Rolex. ☜