Chapter 82: The Meeting

Liu Feng let the guard go and carefully returned to his own quarters, sitting on his bed with eyes closed to restore his energy.

About a quarter of an hour later, the door was knocked, and Zhao Hong arrived. Liu Feng hurriedly rose from the bed, poured a cup of tea for Zhao Hong, and they sat together. Zhao Hong placed a pile of spirit stones on the table.

“These are the spirit stones for Brother Wen Feng, all middle-grade stones—about ten thousand pieces, which equals a million low-grade stones,” Zhao Hong gestured to the stones, speaking to Liu Feng.

Liu Feng stared at the spirit stones, quietly amazed; he had never seen so many before. With these, he could accomplish much.

Zhao Hong continued, “Originally, we obtained weapons and pills from Yang Hao as well, but considering Brother Wen Feng’s cultivation is advanced and he wouldn’t need those, we converted everything to middle-grade spirit stones.”

Liu Feng nodded, replying, “Brother Zhao, I trust your integrity. There’s really no need to explain all this to me.”

Zhao Hong’s expression grew earnest. “That won’t do. You contributed greatly; I must make everything clear to you.”

“Brother Zhao, has your family recruited anyone else recently?” Liu Feng shifted the subject.

Zhao Hong replied, “Aside from you, we haven’t recruited anyone for half a year. We’re wary of Zhang’s and Yang’s families sending spies. The servants and guards were hired last year. Oh, and…”

He paused, as if considering whether to continue.

Liu Feng quickly said, “If it’s something you’d rather not discuss, there’s no need to mention it.”

Zhao Hong pondered, “It’s not really a secret. Brother Wen Feng has shown me such loyalty—how could I hide this?”

“If you’re willing to share, I’m all ears,” Liu Feng’s heart stirred with anticipation.

Zhao Hong sipped his tea and spoke slowly, “Actually, my aunt’s family has arrived here. Due to a misunderstanding, my second uncle locked them away somewhere.”

“Oh, I see. Misunderstandings can be resolved, especially when kinship is involved,” Liu Feng’s voice remained calm, though excitement flickered beneath.

“My father and eldest uncle have gone to speak with my aunt, hoping to settle the matter,” Zhao Hong explained.

Upon hearing this, Liu Feng’s thoughts turned. “Brother Zhao, does your family have Nirvana Pills? My cultivation has stalled—if I had such a pill, I could break through.”

Zhao Hong looked troubled. “‘Nirvana Pills’ are extremely rare. They enhance aptitude and potential, and aid breakthroughs—each costs tens of thousands of middle-grade spirit stones. Our Zhao family has only one, so I cannot sell it to Brother Wen Feng.”

“I’ve heard of its wonders, but never seen one. Might I at least have a glimpse?” Liu Feng probed.

Zhao Hong considered for a moment. “Alright, though I can’t sell it to you, I think my uncle will allow you to see it.” With that, Zhao Hong made a gesture of invitation.

The two walked, one following the other, deeper into the Zhao family’s estate. After about half an hour, they arrived at an iron door.

Zhao Hong said, “Wait here, Brother Wen Feng. I’ll go inside and ask my uncle. I think he’ll agree.”

He produced a key, opened the iron door, and entered. The door shut automatically behind him.

Liu Feng watched the door, his gaze thoughtful. He guessed this was the storage room, but wondered how to enter without a key.

Ten minutes later, Zhao Hong emerged, apologetic. “Sorry, Brother Wen Feng. My uncle still doesn’t fully trust you, so he won’t let you see the Nirvana Pill.”

Liu Feng had not truly hoped for success, and sighed lightly, “It’s a pity I can’t see such a miraculous pill, but it’s no matter. You needn’t feel guilty, Brother Zhao.”

Zhao Hong, seeing Liu Feng’s disappointment, felt uneasy himself.

“Brother Zhao, why don’t we have a few drinks together?” Liu Feng suddenly proposed.

“Looks like Brother Wen Feng is distressed over not seeing the Nirvana Pill—I’ll keep him company,” Zhao Hong thought, then smiled, “Since you’re in the mood, I’ll join you for a few cups.”

Liu Feng had been waiting for this. Only when Zhao Hong was drunk would he have a chance to obtain the storage room key and finally see his parents.

“Brother Zhao, let’s drink at my place—we’ll enjoy ourselves,” Liu Feng said.

“Alright, to Brother Wen Feng’s quarters! Let’s drink until we’re satisfied!” Zhao Hong agreed with gusto.

Together, they walked towards Liu Feng’s residence; half an hour later, they arrived.

Inside, Liu Feng invited Zhao Hong to sit and wait. Liu Feng left the Zhao estate, bought two large jars of wine and some snacks, each jar enough to hold dozens of pounds.

He placed the jars on the table, pouring Zhao Hong a full bowl, then filled his own.

“Brother Zhao, cheers!” Liu Feng raised his bowl and drained it in one gulp.

“Cheers!” Zhao Hong echoed, drinking it all.

Thus, the two continued, bowl after bowl, as if drinking water. In no time, the first jar, holding several dozen pounds, was emptied.

Liu Feng opened the second jar, pouring Zhao Hong another full bowl, which he again downed in a single gulp.

“Brother Wen Feng, did you know? I love Wang Yue more than my own life. When she said she liked Zhang Wenbin, my heart felt torn apart. No matter how deeply I love and cherish her, I could never fully win her heart,” Zhao Hong’s face twisted in pain as he spoke.

Liu Feng watched him, shaking his head slightly, thinking, “Zhao Hong is truly a man of feeling. I never expected his affection for Wang Yue to run so deep. Yet the deeper the love, the greater the pain of loss.”

At that moment, Zhao Hong poured himself another bowl, drinking it down; in a brief span, he had drunk over ten more bowls and finally collapsed, sprawled across the table.

Liu Feng approached, shook him gently, “Brother Zhao, Brother Zhao, let’s drink more.” After several shakes, seeing no response, Liu Feng quickly searched him and found the storage room key.

He quietly closed the door and slipped out.

Following the route committed to memory, Liu Feng made his way to the storage room. Half an hour later, he stood before the iron door.

He checked his surroundings, ensuring no one was near, then swiftly produced the key and unlocked the door.

A rush of fragrance—spirit herbs mingled with medicinal scents—wafted out.

Liu Feng stepped inside, finding stairs leading downward.

He carefully descended, passing dozens of steps before the space expanded below.

“Who’s there?” A familiar voice suddenly called out.