Contradiction

"Forget it, forget it. We're all in the same dorm, we'll see each other around."

Wang Huan frowned and advised with the demeanor of the dorm's eldest brother, "This is unfair of Sanli. If you want to eat bean paste, you should at least invite Xu Yuan!"

Wang Huan was the first among them to break through to Martial Artist. Master Feng also recognized his talent as exceptional, so he naturally carried considerable weight.

Chen Sanli heard this, took a deep breath, forced a smile, and said to Xu Yuan apologetically, "Brother Xu, I'm sorry, it's my fault."

"And you too, Brother Xu. It's such a small matter, why make things awkward for everyone?"

After speaking to Chen Sanli, Wang Huan turned to admonish Xu Yuan, "Always remember, we are no longer the lowly laborers we once were. As Martial Artists, we must maintain some dignity, shouldn't we?"

Hearing these words and the attitude of treating both sides equally.

Xu Yuan glanced up at him but didn't speak, quietly packing the clothes his sister-in-law had bought for him.

This silent response seemed to say nothing, yet also said everything, instantly leaving Wang Huan awkwardly frozen in place.

The air in the room fell silent.

Xiao Sheng watched the scene unfold without getting involved. For him, the most important thing now was to practice martial arts and change his destiny.

As for the others, although they knew each other, they didn't have much of a relationship.

Therefore, he naturally wouldn't say anything, but he was subtly observing the character and disposition of the people involved.

If he could find one or two friends to deepen his relationship with, he felt it wouldn't be a bad thing.

"Hey, everyone calm down. It's just about a jar of bean paste,"

Li Shan spoke up at this moment, trying to smooth things over. "Sanli, if you really want to eat it, I'll go buy a jar later..."

"Brother Li!" Xu Yuan's eyelids twitched, and he interrupted.

You absolutely cannot give this kind of person a good impression, otherwise, they'll take advantage of you. You think you're looking out for them, but in reality, they'll just be happy about getting something for free.

Li Shan's family also runs a small business. Logically, he should have some common sense, shouldn't he?

Just as Xu Yuan was feeling frustrated.

Li Shan waved at him and spoke again, "Brother Xu, look at Sanli, he's craving it like a dog... but I'm also a bit tempted."

How could Li Shan not see that Chen Sanli had gone too far? So, he deliberately belittled him in his words.

On the other hand, his good-natured personality had kicked in again. He felt that the relationships among the dorm mates should be maintained, as they might be useful in the future.

This was something his father had repeatedly reminded him of when Li Shan went home a few days ago.

However, he didn't know one thing: the prerequisite for relationships to be useful is that others also find you useful.

"Just wait," Li Shan said, looking at Chen Sanli, and walked out shaking his head.

"That would be great! Thank you, Brother Li, you're so generous!" Seeing an opportunity to save face and get something for free, Chen Sanli immediately showered him with compliments.

Xu Yuan shook his head, feeling that he really couldn't lead them. Not only did the situation become complicated, but it also made him appear even more petty.

However, he also knew that Li Shan had some qualities of a people-pleaser.

Just like when he was in the outer court, even if his martial arts progress was hindered, he would still make time to guide others.

If it were effective, that would be one thing, but look at them now. How many of those he helped have broken through to Martial Artist?

It was purely wasted effort.

"Damn it, so eager to take advantage!" Li Shan saw the other party's impatience and cursed with a smile.

However, Xu Yuan knew that he wasn't saying this out of anger, but rather out of a sense of satisfaction from being needed. Chen Sanli also had a smile on his face, unsure if it was gratitude or if he was calling Li Shan a fool in his heart after getting something for free.

And he was thinking along those lines right now, feeling that Li Shan was easy to talk to and generous, so he could get closer to him in the future to take advantage.

With the matter concluded, Xu Yuan no longer paid any attention. After neatly folding his clothes, he couldn't help but grumble in his heart: Li Shan is a decent person, but he's a bit indecisive. He thinks he can get along well with everyone, regardless of their closeness.

"Oh well, I should maintain some distance from him in the future," Xu Yuan shook his head and got up, preparing to go to the Pill Hall to buy some precious medicine.

"Brother Li, Brother Wang, Brother Xu, Brother Xiao, it's time for dinner. Shall we go to the mess hall together?" Chen Sanli said again at this moment, having returned to his usual grinning demeanor.

Seeing this, Xu Yuan couldn't help but sigh at the man's thick skin.

After just having a conflict, he could let it go and call everyone "brother" affectionately, regardless of whether the people present were actually younger than him.

"Forget it, you guys go ahead. I've already eaten," Xu Yuan waved his hand and refused. Watching them leave the dorm arm in arm, he then headed to the Pill Hall.

The Pill Hall was located in the center of the Shangyang Family. From the outside, it was an extremely luxurious ancient-style building. Many people were coming and going, wearing various clothes, with statuses both high and low.

As soon as Xu Yuan stepped inside, a rich medicinal aroma filled his nostrils. Looking up, he saw towering beams on both sides and walls adorned with cloud patterns and exquisite illustrations of medicinal herbs.

"As expected of a wealthy family, their facilities are indeed different," Xu Yuan marveled after looking around.

Then, he went to the medicine purchase window and bought three portions of Meridian Nourishing Powder and three bottles of Blood Activating Pills, which cost a little over one tael of silver. However, Xu Yuan was currently quite well-off, so he didn't feel too pained.

Meridian Nourishing Powder was a powdered medicine. Its effect was similar to boiling it in soup, but it was more convenient to carry.

Opening the Blood Activating Pill, a fragrant, bitter smell wafted out. "According to Master Feng, this item can enhance one's Blood Essence foundation and is beneficial for realm breakthroughs."

As for the Meridian Nourishing Powder, it was to nourish the meridians and reduce damage.

These two items were considered the most commonly used consumables for Martial Artists.

However, Xu Yuan glanced around and saw that people wearing grey robes like him occupied more than half of the hall. Hundreds of people entered and exited, and their resources were all supplied by the Pill Hall.

"With such a large consumption of medicines, I wonder how the Shangyang Family manages it?"

Xu Yuan couldn't figure it out, so he dismissed these杂乱 thoughts and returned to the training ground in the courtyard.

He poured out a Blood Activating Pill and threw it into his mouth. It tasted sweet with a hint of bitterness. After swallowing it, he felt a burning sensation all over his body, and his meridians even felt a slight stinging pain.

Xu Yuan quickly took another dose of Meridian Nourishing Soup and then happily practiced his Stance Practice. Soon, the two medicinal energies were compressed into a powerful surge of Blood Essence, circulating through his meridians.