At Your Beck and Call

Before nightfall, everyone finally returned safely to the Feng Family.

At Feng Shaolong's command, the Feng Family servants immediately sprang into action, carrying all the corpses into a room and locking it up.

At the same time, the Feng Family's own physician, along with apprentices and laborers, carried all the injured into the clinic to stay.

Bang!

As darkness fully descended, every door was quickly shut tight. Only the lamplight swayed within the rooms, casting shifting light and shadow across the faces of Zhang Lingshan and the others.

Strictly speaking, Zhang Lingshan had only suffered minor injuries and did not need to stay here under anyone's care.

But there was clearly no time left.

To avoid running into some mishap while traveling at night, he could only put up with staying here for one night.

Mother and Xiao Yu must be worried.

Zhang Lingshan thought to himself.

He only hoped this night would pass quickly.

Lying on the sickbed and listening to the wounded men nearby groan and whimper in pain, Zhang Lingshan sighed inwardly. His exhausted eyes slowly closed.

At last, he gradually fell asleep.

When he opened his eyes again,

sunlight was streaming in from outside. He lazily turned over and saw that the sickbed beside him was already empty.

"Where's that brother?"

Zhang Lingshan grabbed a physician's apprentice and asked in confusion.

The apprentice shook his head. "He died. He didn't make it through last night and was carried out this morning.

"You were right beside him and didn't even wake up from the noise. You must have been exhausted too. Sleep a little longer.

"The Solid Essence Tea will be ready soon. Sixth Young Master specifically instructed us to brew it for everyone.

"You hunted two Demon Rabbits this time and rendered great service, so you get to drink it. You normally wouldn't get the chance. Treasure this opportunity and drink more—it'll do you good."

After speaking, the apprentice looked at Zhang Lingshan's palm and said in surprise, "It's almost healed. One more change of medicine and you'll be fine. I'll go get your medicine. Just rest."

"Mm, thank you."

Zhang Lingshan cupped his hands.

A short while later, after changing his medicine, he had no sleepiness left at all. He got out of bed and went into the courtyard to bask in the sun.

Under the rare bright sun of deep winter, he stretched lazily. Then he heard a hearty laugh from the doorway. "Junior Brother Shan, you're up so early? Why not sleep a little longer?"

"Senior Brother Feng."

Zhang Lingshan cupped his hands. "I couldn't sleep. I'm still shaken by yesterday's battle. It was the first time in my life I'd seen a demon beast. Sigh, the brother in the next bed didn't make it. He passed away last night."

"Uh..."

The smile on Feng Shaolong's face immediately froze.

Only then did he realize that he should not be so happy. After all, yesterday's casualties had been severe.

But he truly could not hold back his smile.

Who could blame him when the harvest had been so abundant?

When he reported to his father that morning, his father had even praised him for doing well.

Never mind the Demon Rabbits and Medicinal Ingredients. Simply recruiting Junior Brother Shan had made his father see him in a new light and reward him handsomely.

How could he not be happy when he saw Zhang Lingshan?

Junior Brother Shan was his lucky star!

Cough, cough.

Feng Shaolong hurriedly coughed twice, suppressing the smile on his face. Then he sighed. "Yes.

"Who would have thought there would be demon beasts on Cold Moon Mountain? We had never encountered them before. At most, we ran into poisonous snakes, tigers, leopards, and the like.

"Originally, if we had proceeded steadily and surely, we could have returned in perfection. Who could have imagined... sigh..."

Feng Shaolong let out a long sigh.

Zhang Lingshan did not continue that subject. Instead, he asked, "Senior Brother Feng, why had I never heard of demon beasts before?"

Feng Shaolong said, "Forget you—I'd never heard of them either, until I encountered one once and learned of them.

"But you can't blame others for not telling us. Even if they did, no one would believe it without seeing one.

"Before you saw a Demon Rabbit, if I told you there was a rabbit in this world stronger than a man, would you have believed me?

"Even if you did believe it, you would still be shocked when you saw one.

"So what difference would it make whether people said it or not?

"And most importantly, not everyone is as brave and fierce as you, Junior Brother Shan.

"If we truly told everyone in the world that such demon beasts existed, who would still be able to live their days in peace?

"Not telling them was for everyone's own good."

Feng Shaolong explained emphatically.

But Zhang Lingshan did not agree with that explanation.

Either Feng Shaolong had failed to consider things properly by not warning them about demon beasts beforehand, or he did not believe ordinary Herb Gathering Guards had the right to know.

No matter which it was, it proved he was not much of a person.

Though dissatisfied inside, Zhang Lingshan nodded as though he entirely agreed. "Senior Brother Feng is right. Before seeing the Demon Rabbit, who would have known there was such a thing? Luckily, we made it through this time. But if there are demon beasts again next time, I don't think I'll have the nerve to continue as a Herb Gathering Guard."

"Junior Brother Shan, you jest. That wasn't luck. You possess both strength and talent. If you had not stayed calm in the face of danger, I fear our casualties would have been even greater."

Feng Shaolong gave an awkward smile and flattered him.

Originally, he had wanted to recruit Zhang Lingshan into the Feng Family Pharmacy's Hunting Squad, where he could specialize in hunting demon beasts.

But seeing how shaken Zhang Lingshan still was, if he brought it up now, he would probably be rejected outright.

Right, he should not rush things. He had been too excited and lost some of his composure.

He should wait a while before mentioning the Hunting Squad.

By then, Zhang Lingshan would have recovered from the shock. If he offered him a hefty sum, he would surely join with joy.

After all, demon beasts were good things.

Once Zhang Lingshan had eaten Demon Rabbit meat, he definitely would not let the chance to join the Hunting Squad slip away.

What was more, his father had said that people like Junior Brother Shan were born nemeses of demon beasts—rare talents, one in ten thousand, with blood and qi capable of resisting demonic qi.

How could such a person be content with mediocrity?

Joining the Hunting Squad was his best destination, what fate had ordained for him.

Zhang Lingshan did not know what Feng Shaolong was thinking, nor did he know that he was some one-in-ten-thousand genius at countering demons.

He only knew that he had rendered great service, so he deserved more money!

Thus, he did not beat around the bush. Since Feng Shaolong was praising him, he immediately followed up. "Senior Brother Feng, seeing as I made an outstanding contribution to our Herb Gathering Squad, shouldn't I get a pay raise?"

"Uh..."

Feng Shaolong had not expected Zhang Lingshan to be so blunt and was stunned for a moment.

Shouldn't he have been the one to bring it up and make Junior Brother Shan feel deeply grateful? How had the other man beaten him to it?

If it had been an ordinary person, Feng Shaolong would definitely have held them in check a little and practiced the art of controlling people.

But the person before him was no ordinary person. He was a one-in-ten-thousand talent.

If he dared hold the man in check and angered him into leaving, his father definitely would not let him off.

So Feng Shaolong forced out a smile. "You should get more money, you should.

"But for the exact accounting, I need to ask my father. I can't make that decision myself.

"Still, I can pay from my own pocket! I'll advance you twenty taels in medical expenses first, Junior Brother Shan. Just focus on recovering."

As he spoke, he immediately pulled out a twenty-tael Silver Note from his robes, looking exceedingly generous and forthright.

Zhang Lingshan snatched the Silver Note into his hand and immediately beamed. "Thank you, Senior Brother. Then I won't stand on ceremony."

Twenty taels could be exchanged for twenty-five taels' worth of Snow Silver Flower at an eighty-percent price, enough to turn into twenty-five points of Energy Value within nine days if taken three times a day.

If exchanged for Spirit Root Grass, it could become fifty points of Energy Value within seventy-five days.

He had originally needed a whole month to earn twenty taels, but now he had gotten twenty taels in one go—and this was only from Feng Shaolong's own pocket.

Profit. A huge profit!

Once the value of the Demon Rabbits was settled, he would definitely receive another sum.

No wonder Feng Shaolong had been so high-spirited and happy today. This trip must have earned the Feng Family Pharmacy a great deal, or he would not have been so generous.

And speaking of Demon Rabbits...

Zhang Lingshan immediately set his mind on it and added, "Senior Brother Feng, you promised us Demon Rabbit meat before. When can we eat it?"

"Uh..."

Feng Shaolong had no idea how many times he had been left speechless today.

This guy truly spoke like a single blade thrust, straight through the gate.

Originally, he should have ordered someone to prepare the Demon Rabbit meat and bring it out, whereupon everyone would praise Sixth Young Master for his heroic generosity, lavish hand, and broad-minded character.

Then, with a grand wave of his hand, everyone could begin eating.

Yet this fellow had beaten him to it again.

Eat, eat, eat. All he knows is eating.

Feng Shaolong grumbled inwardly, while keeping a smile on his face. "Don't worry, Junior Brother Shan. Since I promised, you'll definitely have Demon Rabbit meat to eat. Once the kitchen finishes making it, I'll bring it to you first thing."

"Good, good, good. Thank you, Senior Brother Feng."

Zhang Lingshan happily cupped his hands.

Just then, the physician's apprentice brought over the Solid Essence Tea.

Zhang Lingshan took it and drained it in one gulp. "Another bowl."

The apprentice gave him a surprised look, then filled another bowl.

"Another bowl!"

Zhang Lingshan drained that one in another gulp.

It had to be said, this Solid Essence Tea worked quite well.

His stomach had felt empty, but after two bowls went down, it immediately felt full. A warm current rose within him and spread through every part of his body, leaving him pleasantly warm all over.

Most importantly,

after two bowls went down,

his Energy Value immediately increased by 0.1 points.

The results were immediate.

Though it did not add much Energy Value, it worked quickly.

If he did not drink several extra bowls of something this good while it was free, would that not make him a fool?

So after that, he drank bowl after bowl after bowl.

The physician's apprentice was dumbfounded. Was this guy drinking like a donkey? Wouldn't his belly burst after drinking so much?

Even if it was free, one person could not keep consuming it like this.

This was something everyone was supposed to get a share of, and he was about to drink it all dry. That was not appropriate!

The apprentice could not help looking toward Feng Shaolong, hoping he would stop him.

But Feng Shaolong's eye twitched as he forced out a smile. "Drink, drink. Junior Brother Shan can drink as much as he wants. If there isn't enough, brew more. In any case, everyone who fought yesterday must get some."

After saying that, he told Zhang Lingshan, "Junior Brother Shan, drink slowly. I'll go see the others."

"Please do, Senior Brother Feng. No need to mind me."

"Mm."

Feng Shaolong quickly left the place, cursing inwardly.

The brat sees something free and loses his mind. No wonder someone complained to me that after eating one meal here, you also had to eat one at the martial arts hall. You're addicted to petty gains. I thought someone was slandering you, but today I've seen what it means to be a Bastard if you don't take an advantage offered to you.

Feng Shaolong held Zhang Lingshan's actions in deep contempt.

A pauper was still a pauper.

He clung to the slightest benefit without end, ruining every good impression he had made.

Filled with contempt for Zhang Lingshan, Feng Shaolong returned to the courtyard and saw a tall figure standing there. He did not look imposing; instead, he carried something of a scholarly air.

"Father, why are you here?"

Feng Shaolong asked in surprise.

Normally, he was the one going to his father's courtyard. Why had his father come here in person?

He was overwhelmed by the unexpected favor!

But they had only parted a short while ago. He had met his father that very morning to report about Zhang Lingshan and the Demon Rabbit, and now his father had hurried over again...

"Well? Has your Junior Brother Zhang Lingshan agreed to join our Hunting Squad?"

Sure enough, Feng Ji went straight to the point.

At the mention of that, Feng Shaolong felt a bellyful of frustration and complained, "Father, you don't know. That kid said he was timid, and if there are demon beasts next time, he wants to quit being a Herb Gathering Guard."

"Nonsense! The timid ones were already beaten to death by the Demon Rabbit. Could he be timid? Did you fail to speak to him properly? Since you can't handle it, I'll go speak to him myself."

Feng Ji said angrily, striding toward the gate.

Feng Shaolong had not expected his father to value Zhang Lingshan far more than he had imagined. He hurriedly grabbed his father. "Father, don't rush.

"It's only because it was his first time seeing a demon beast, and because so many people died, that he is still shaken. He needs some time to recover.

"But don't worry that he won't join, because I've already figured out his temperament.

"That kid loves petty gains, and he loves money. Give me a few days, and I'll definitely bring him into our Hunting Squad!"

Feng Shaolong thumped his chest and gave a solemn guarantee.

Only then did Feng Ji calm down somewhat and nod. "It's best if you can handle it. If I go find him personally, it will be troublesome if word gets out.

"Remember, don't be afraid to spend money. Talents like this are treasures. Keep him, and he can earn us even more money.

"And tell your people to keep their mouths shut. If anyone leaks the details of Zhang Lingshan driving back the Demon Rabbit, I'll hold you accountable!"

With that, he could not be bothered to waste words with Feng Shaolong and immediately left. As the head of a family, he clearly was not idle with nothing to do.

Hearing the severity in his father's final tone, Feng Shaolong could not help growing nervous. He immediately went around to visit his subordinates.

Most importantly, he had to make them shut their mouths and not speak carelessly.

At this moment.

Zhang Lingshan finally stopped drinking Solid Essence Tea. He patted his belly, his face full of satisfaction.

In this short span of time,

his Energy Points had already increased by 3.

Though his stomach was bloated, it had been well worth it.

Basking in the sun, he secretly pondered Feng Shaolong's attitude just now.

Feng Shaolong actually has such a good temper. And he grants every request—I ask for something, and he gives it to me. Not only does he not get angry, he even smiles along with me to give me face...

Zhang Lingshan was somewhat puzzled.

He still remembered that, back at the Hong Clan Martial Hall, Feng Shaolong had not even spared him a glance. Only after he underwent Skin Grinding had Feng Shaolong recruited him into the Feng Family Pharmacy.

But until yesterday, he had merely been a lowly Herb Gathering Guard. Although Feng Shaolong's attitude toward him had been fairly good, he would never have acted as he did today.

What exactly had changed?

Clearly, the change had happened yesterday.

After thinking it over, Zhang Lingshan felt there was only one thing that could explain the reason for this change.

It seems that taking that hit from the Demon Rabbit head-on showed that I'm no ordinary man. The current me already has the value to make Feng Shaolong look at me in a new light.