The Troubles of a Spreading Reputation

The faint morning light filtered through the gaps in the curtains, casting hazy beams of light across the dust-filled air. Lin Fan was awakened from his deep cultivation by his biological clock and slowly opened his eyes. The lingering tension from the phone threat last night had largely dissipated under the operation of the Supreme Clarity Heart-Cleansing Mantra. His mind was clear, and he even felt that his soul had become a bit more substantial than yesterday. He took a deep breath, and the faint Dao rhythm in the air (from Nüwa's statue and paintings) refreshed him.

He got up and began his usual routine. He quietly prepared breakfast – simmering soft millet porridge, frying golden eggs, and mixing a few refreshing side dishes. The aroma of the food blended with the peaceful and serene atmosphere of the room, creating a peculiar harmony.

Tong Tian was still meditating in the corner, like an ancient, unmoving statue. Only the increasingly restrained yet subtly emanating sharpness around him indicated that he was not sleeping but engaged in a silent, enduring battle with the rules of this world. Nüwa was already by the window, contemplating a piece of Xuan paper, her fingertips unconsciously tracing mysterious patterns on the tabletop, as if deducing some new principle of creation. Taishang Laojun was the most leisurely, holding a cup of freshly brewed, steaming hot tea that Lin Fan had made, his eyes squinted, taking small sips as if he were a neighbor enjoying his retirement. Only the occasional flash of wisdom in his eyes, which seemed to grasp the essence of worldly affairs, revealed his extraordinary nature.

Looking at these three "roommates," each with a different demeanor but all equally detached from the mundane world, Lin Fan's last trace of gloom caused by the underworld threat completely vanished. With these powerful figures present, what did he have to fear? The immediate priority was to handle the current trouble and make good use of the "opportunity" brought about by his newfound "fame."

After breakfast, Lin Fan tidied up and glanced at the time: nine in the morning. There was still an hour until the meeting at the tea house with the unknown underground forces.

He walked to the center of the living room and respectfully asked the three Sages, mainly Taishang Laojun who had offered advice, "Senior Laojun, regarding today's meeting, how should we specifically respond? That 'simplified' version of the pills..."

Taishang Laojun put down his teacup and chuckled. He slowly reached into his seemingly empty, wide sleeves and produced two small jade bottles (they looked like jade but were actually made from scraps of warm, smooth spirit stones, containing a trace of spiritual energy, which was rare in this world). The bottles were ancient and unadorned, yet they exuded a clear, pure aura.

"These two bottles are named 'Qingxin' and 'Yangyuan'," Laojun said, handing the bottles to Lin Fan. "'Qingxin' can slightly calm the spirit and pacify the mind, offering minor relief for common insomnia, excessive dreaming, anxiety, and irritability. 'Yangyuan' can mildly tonify qi and blood, boost energy, and provide slight benefit for those with deficiency, fatigue, or lack of vitality. The medicinal effects are mild, only one-tenth of the previous 'Qingre Pill,' and require long-term consumption to see even a slight effect. However, they are advantageous in that they have virtually no side effects and can be tolerated by ordinary constitutions."

Lin Fan carefully took the jade bottles, feeling their warmth. He opened one of the stoppers, and an extremely elegant medicinal fragrance wafted out, invigorating the senses. Although far less potent than the previous "Qingre Pill," it was purer and more lingering. Just by smelling it, he felt the last trace of fatigue from last night's cultivation disappear.

"Wonderful!" Lin Fan couldn't help but exclaim. The medicinal effects were set so precisely! Useful, but not too miraculous; requiring long-term consumption, making it a "steady stream" business; and harmless, avoiding potential future medical disputes. It perfectly fit the positioning of a "simplified version," a "youth edition"!

"Senior, then what about the price..." Lin Fan asked tentatively. He had no idea what to charge for these "immortal pills."

Laojun stroked his beard, a hint of slyness flashing in his eyes (Lin Fan suspected he had misread it). "Since they regard them as treasures, charge them... the maximum they can afford. Gold and silver may be like dirt to us, but to navigate this world and for you to exchange for 'takeout' and 'property fees,' it's quite convenient."

Lin Fan's mouth twitched slightly. Charging them the maximum they could afford? This was... exactly to his taste! Thinking about the price Li Fugui was willing to pay to save his life, how much would these underworld bosses, seeking "health preservation" and "power," offer for these "supplements" that, while not heaven-defying, were definitely beyond modern medical understanding? Lin Fan seemed to see countless banknotes waving at him.

"Junior understands!" Lin Fan solemnly put the two jade bottles away into an ordinary backpack. He knew that these two small bottles might be his "amulet" and "cash machine" today.

"Remember," Tong Tian's indifferent voice sounded, his eyes still closed, "if they don't know their place and dare to resort to violence, my sword intent can sever their souls even from a distance."

His tone was calm, but it sent a chill down Lin Fan's neck. He quickly replied, "Yes, Senior! I will try my best to persuade them with 'reason'!" He mentally added, mainly with 'physics,' and of course, preferably with 'profit.'

Nüwa also gently advised, "Lin Fan, be careful. If things don't work out, just returning safely is enough."

Feeling Goddess Nüwa's genuine concern, Lin Fan's heart warmed, and he nodded, "Thank you for your concern, Your Grace. I will act according to the situation."

Having prepared himself, Lin Fan slung on his backpack, took a deep breath, and walked out of the rental apartment. He knew that outside the door, not only was there the morning sunlight, but also countless eyes, both obvious and hidden, watching him. Yet, his steps were steady, and he had a plan in mind.

Shortly after Lin Fan left, in a surveillance point in the building opposite the rental apartment, Chen Jing received a report from her subordinate.

"Team Leader, target Lin Fan has left. His direction appears to be towards the 'Jingxin' tea house in the city center. He is carrying a regular backpack. Based on last night's communication intercepts, he has an appointment at the 'Zhuyun' private room of that tea house at ten o'clock today. His counterpart is suspected to be the second-in-command of a local underground force, the 'Black Tiger Gang,' known by the nickname 'Scarface,' Wang Meng. The purpose is likely related to the 'special effect drugs' that have surfaced from Lin Fan."

Chen Jing looked at the surveillance footage of Lin Fan leaving the residential complex on the screen, her brow furrowed. "Black Tiger Gang... Wang Meng..." she repeated softly, tapping her fingers on the table. "It seems the influence of those drugs is spreading faster than we anticipated. Even these local thugs can't help but jump out."

"Team Leader, do we need to intervene? What if a conflict occurs..." the subordinate asked for instructions.

Chen Jing pondered for a moment and shook her head. "Not for now. This is a good opportunity to observe Lin Fan's ability to handle crises and to assess the reactions of those two 'special existences.' Have our people set up a perimeter outside, closely monitor the movements inside and outside the tea house, and record any abnormal energy fluctuations and personnel movements. Do not act without my orders."

"Yes!"

Chen Jing's sharp gaze fixed on the screen. Lin Fan, facing threats and temptations from the underworld, what will you do? And what methods will the two behind you reveal? She vaguely felt that this seemingly ordinary tea house meeting today might uncover more hidden truths beneath the mist.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the city, at the mansion of top collector Zhou Wenyuan.

In the study, Zhou Wenyuan had barely slept all night, his eyes bloodshot, but his mind was unusually excited. Spread across his large desk were various documents, a magnifying glass, and high-definition prints of details from the Orchid Grass Painting.

The more he studied it, the more his shock intensified. The brushwork and artistic conception of this painting completely surpassed his entire artistic knowledge system. He had used all his connections and resources to trace the origin of the painting, but could only trace it back to an inconspicuous antique market in the city, where it was sold by a vagrant-like individual at an extremely low price. The clues ended there.

"Impossible! Absolutely impossible for it to be done by mortal hands!" Zhou Wenyuan muttered to himself. He suddenly stood up and paced the study. "This must be the work of some reclusive master! Or even... perhaps not 'human'..." An absurd yet incredibly strong thought grew in his mind.

He recalled some faint rumors circulating in the art world recently about certain anonymously appearing, uniquely styled, and strangely charming small artworks, such as lifelike, seemingly spirited small clay figurines... Before, he had dismissed them as rumors or new marketing tactics, but now, he couldn't help but connect them.

"Investigate! Continue investigating! Focus on those recently appearing, unidentifiable, uniquely styled clay figurines or paintings!" Zhou Wenyuan instructed his assistant, his voice urgent. "Spare no expense, I must find this 'master'!"

He had a premonition that finding this "master" might be the greatest opportunity of his artistic career, and even his entire life. He did not know that the "master" he was desperately seeking was currently sitting quietly in an ordinary rental apartment, continuing her "creation" game with ordinary clay and ink, and the ripples caused by her "works" had only just begun.

Lin Fan arrived at the "Jingxin" tea house precisely on time. The environment here was serene and antique, completely different from the "Blue Note" bar mentioned on the phone last night. He gave the name of the "Zhuyun" private room, and the server respectfully led him upstairs.

In the private room, two people were already seated. At the head of the table was a lean, tough-looking middle-aged man, wearing a black tight-fitting T-shirt under a casual suit, with a gold chain as thick as a little finger around his neck. A ferocious scar ran from his brow bone to his mouth – it was Wang Meng, nicknamed "Scarface." His eyes were fierce, carrying a malevolent aura, and he was currently sizing up Lin Fan, who had just entered, with the gaze of a hunter appraising its prey. Behind him stood an even more burly man in a tank top, muscles bulging, his expressionless face suggesting he was a bodyguard.

"Mr. Lin? Very punctual." Wang Meng grinned, the scar twisting, making him look even more ferocious. He made no move to stand, gesturing to the seat opposite him. "Sit."

Lin Fan's expression was calm as he walked over and sat down, placing his backpack beside him. He could feel the pressure emanating from the other man and the undisguised hostility from the bodyguard. But he silently recited the Supreme Clarity Heart-Cleansing Mantra, keeping his mind clear and showing no fear.

"Mr. Wang?" Lin Fan confirmed.

"That's me." Wang Meng picked up the purple clay teapot on the table and poured himself a cup of tea, but made no move to pour one for Lin Fan, his posture arrogant. "Mr. Lin is a smart man, so let's get straight to the point. Li Fatty's life was saved by you, wasn't it? Hand over the medicine you used. The price, we can discuss."

His tone was direct, carrying the assertiveness typical of underworld figures, as if he were commanding rather than negotiating.

Lin Fan sneered inwardly, just as he expected. However, he put on a facade of appropriate difficulty and wariness. "Mr. Wang, I think you've misunderstood. Mr. Li's situation might have been a coincidence, or perhaps the hospital treatment was effective. I don't have any special medicine."

"Bang!" Wang Meng slammed his hand on the table, making the teacup jump and tea splash. His eyes instantly turned fierce. "Kid! Don't push your luck! I don't have time to play games with you! Li Fugui personally admitted that you gave him a pill! If you're smart, hand over the medicine, take the money, and we'll all be fine. Otherwise..." The bodyguard behind him took half a step forward, clenched his fist, and his knuckles made a cracking sound.

If it were the old Lin Fan, he would have panicked under such intimidation. But now, Tong Tian's indifferent gaze and the words "just destroy them" flashed in his mind, giving him a lot more confidence. He even found the other party's act somewhat... laughable.

Lin Fan did not get angry. Instead, he picked up the teapot on the table, poured himself a cup of tea, blew on the steam, took a sip, and then said slowly, "Mr. Wang, don't get so angry. The environment here is nice, suitable for discussing matters quietly."

His nonchalant attitude surprised both Wang Meng and his bodyguard. This kid, why wasn't he playing by the rules? How could he be in the mood to sip tea when facing their threats?

Wang Meng narrowed his eyes, re-examining Lin Fan. This young man looked ordinary, and his clothes were also plain, but his composure didn't seem fake. Could it be... he had some backing?

"Kid, what do you mean?" Wang Meng suppressed his anger and asked coldly.

Lin Fan put down his teacup, his gaze calm as he looked at Wang Meng. "Mr. Wang, let's be frank. I do have some... ancestral recipes, for making things that nourish the body and strengthen the constitution. But these things are extremely difficult to make, and the materials are even rarer. Every bit used is one less. Mr. Li's situation last time was an emergency, and I had no choice but to help. It's not a 'medicine' that can be mass-produced."

His words were half-truth, half-lie, acknowledging the existence of "something" while emphasizing its scarcity and preciousness, paving the way for a high price and a "simplified version" later on.

Upon hearing this, a flicker of greed flashed in Wang Meng's eyes. So there really was something! An ancestral secret recipe! That made sense! His tone softened slightly, but still carried a hint of coercion: "Since you have it, name your price. As long as the effects are truly as legendary as they say, money is no object."

Lin Fan shook his head and sighed, "Mr. Wang, this isn't about money. These things are priceless to me. If it weren't for... alas, never mind." He deliberately left his words unfinished, creating the illusion that he was being forced to act against his will.

"Stop the bullshit!" Wang Meng impatiently interrupted, "Just tell me, how much per pill? Or, sell me the formula!"

Lin Fan looked at Wang Meng and held up one finger.

"One million?" Wang Meng raised an eyebrow. The price wasn't low, but if it could truly save lives or have miraculous effects, it wasn't entirely unacceptable.

Lin Fan slowly shook his head.

"Ten million?!" Wang Meng sat up straighter, his expression shifting slightly. This price was a bit outrageous, unless it was an elixir capable of raising the dead.

Lin Fan continued to shake his head. Just as Wang Meng was about to lose his temper, he finally spoke, his tone carrying a calm matter-of-factness: "My final offer, one hundred million. Cash, non-sequential bills. And, only one pill."

"What?! One hundred million?! Are you robbing a bank?!" Wang Meng suddenly stood up, and the bodyguards behind him instantly exuded a murderous aura, as if ready to act at any moment.

Lin Fan, however, acted as if he hadn't noticed their reaction. He remained seated, as if calmly fishing, even pouring himself another cup of tea and saying slowly, "Mr. Wang, please calm yourself. I said, this item is priceless. One hundred million, for a guarantee at a critical moment, or... an opportunity to climb higher, do you think it's expensive?"

He looked at Wang Meng meaningfully. People like Wang Meng, who lived a life of crime, valued their lives the most and craved power and opportunity. A "miracle drug" that could "resurrect the dead" or greatly improve one's physique and combat power would be invaluable at a critical juncture.

Wang Meng stared intently at Lin Fan, his chest heaving. He was clearly shocked by the price and struck by Lin Fan's words. He did need such a thing, whether for his own survival, to appease higher-ups, or to cultivate top-tier enforcers. But one hundred million... that was almost all of his available liquid funds!

"Kid, are you playing me?" Wang Meng's eyes turned sinister, and his hand slowly moved towards his lower back.

Sensing the killing intent, Lin Fan's heart tightened slightly, but his expression remained unchanged. He picked up the backpack at his feet, opened it, and took out the jade bottle labeled "Yang Yuan" that Taishang Laojun had given him.

"Mr. Wang, whether I'm playing you or not, you can inspect the goods first." Lin Fan placed the jade bottle on the table and pushed it over. "Inside this bottle is one 'Yangyuan Pill.' Its effects, naturally, are not as potent as the one that saved Boss Li. But it can strengthen the body, invigorate the spirit, and slightly enhance physical strength. You can have someone try it. If you find it effective, we can then discuss the 'life-saving pill.' As for the price... one hundred million, not a penny less."

He adopted a roundabout strategy. First, he would pique the other party's desire and trust with a weakened yet still miraculous "Yangyuan Pill," then present the exorbitant price for the "life-saving pill" (which was actually the previous "Qingre Pill," but he deliberately exaggerated its effects), allowing the other party some psychological buffer. At the same time, he handed the choice back to the other party.

Wang Meng looked at the ancient jade bottle, his eyes flickering uncertainly. He hesitated for a moment and gave a signal to the bodyguard behind him. The bodyguard stepped forward, carefully picked up the jade bottle, and opened the stopper. A medicinal fragrance, several times more potent than when Lin Fan had opened it, instantly filled the air!

Both Wang Meng and the bodyguard felt invigorated upon smelling the fragrance, their fatigue significantly dispelled! If the aroma alone had such an effect, then the pill itself...

A hint of surprise flashed in the bodyguard's eyes. He nodded at Wang Meng and whispered, "Brother Meng, this medicine... it's extraordinary."

Wang Meng took a deep breath, suppressing his excitement and greed. He sat down again, looking at Lin Fan with a complex expression. This kid really had good stuff! And he seemed to be acting with confidence!

He pondered for a moment, then snatched the bottle of "Yangyuan Pill" and stuffed it into his pocket. He said fiercely, "Fine! I'll take this bottle of 'Yangyuan Pill' first! I'll find someone to test it. If it's truly as effective as you say... one hundred million is negotiable! But if you dare to play any tricks..." He made a throat-slitting gesture.

Lin Fan breathed a sigh of relief, knowing the first step was successful. He smiled slightly and stood up, "In that case, I'll await Mr. Wang's good news. As I said, there's only one 'life-saving pill,' so act fast if you want it. Goodbye."

With that, he didn't wait for Wang Meng's response, slung his backpack over his shoulder, and calmly walked out of the private room.

Watching Lin Fan's retreating figure, Wang Meng's expression turned grim. He touched the jade bottle in his pocket and instructed his bodyguard, "Find a trusted brother to test this medicine! Also, investigate! Investigate this kid's background thoroughly! Find out who he really is!"

Lin Fan walked out of the tea house, the sunlight warm on his body. He glanced back at the tea house sign, a smile playing on his lips.

"Gotta charge more... it really works."

He knew that the trouble was far from over, but this "growing reputation" problem seemed to have taken a solid first step towards "making a fortune." Little did he know, another storm, triggered by a casual creation of Goddess Nüwa, was quietly approaching him. The investigators dispatched by Zhou Wenyuan, following the clues from the mud figurines containing faint Dao rhythm that had entered the market, had gradually narrowed their search scope to the old residential complex where he was located.