A Gentle Reprimand

Although Xu Yuan had appeared to be on friendly terms with Zhou Chen over these past few days, with the latter answering any questions regarding cultivation without hesitation, Xu Yuan knew that deep down, Zhou Chen still looked down on him.

This could be seen in many small details.

While he addressed him as "Third Young Master" at every turn, as a bodyguard, he never once knocked before entering his private chambers.

When the two spoke, he never bothered to hide the stench of alcohol on his breath.

There was even one instance where, out of curiosity regarding the construction of a top-tier treasure like the Sumeru Ring, Zhou Chen had the audacity to shamelessly ask to borrow it from Xu Yuan to study.

Zhou Chen certainly meant only to study it, not to embezzle it.

After all, Xu Changge knew that Xu Yuan possessed this Sumeru Ring.

If Zhou Chen dared to steal it, he would be a dead man.

But the problem was that this was a Sumeru Ring, containing all of his private belongings.

Asking to borrow it was akin to knowing one's wife was bathing alone at home and still asking for the house keys.

Xu Yuan had refused and appropriately reprimanded him, yet Zhou Chen had even brought it up again in a half-joking manner afterward.

Such instances were far too numerous to count.

When Zhou Chen suddenly stepped in to deal with Xue Yong today, Xu Yuan had initially thought the man had changed.

He thought that the expenses of the past half-month of hosting, combined with his own month of bitter cultivation, had caused the man to change his perspective.

But the result was that, afterward, Zhou Chen remained exactly as he had always been.

He leaned in with a grinning, alcohol-reeking mouth, chatting about women and asking Xu Yuan to help him summon a few courtesans.

Xu Yuan felt his composure slipping.

He once again deeply understood the situation of the original owner, and why he had become so sensitive and irritable.

Xu Yuan had originally intended to endure it, just as he had in his past life—first achieving results, slowly establishing his own prestige, and then gradually disciplining these subordinates.

But after careful consideration, he suddenly realized that his status and cultivation physique meant he had no need to be overly polite to a Great Grandmaster expert like Zhou Chen.

Therefore, Xu Yuan used the excuse of "bitter cultivation" to start his outburst.

The contempt in Zhou Chen's words seemed to imply, You, a playboy, certainly won't be able to keep this up, so stop putting on a show.

Xu Yuan then mocked Zhou Chen for the pot calling the kettle black.

The original owner had given up on cultivation due to blocked meridians and a near-useless soul, While you, Zhou Chen, began to indulge yourself because you hit a bottleneck and could not advance an inch.

What is the difference between the two?

What right do you have to stand here and spout nonsense, mocking others?

With my current physique, is there any problem with me being willing to start cultivating again?

Xu Yuan's goals were very clear.

First, to thoroughly discipline Zhou Chen.

Second, to find a reason to focus on his cultivation.

Third, to change the inherent impression others had of him, and bit by bit, establish his own prestige in the eyes of these retainers and guest ministers.

There is a world of difference between subordinates who pay lip service while acting against you, and those who serve with all their heart.

In his past life, employees acting against him might lead to project delays or failure, but here, if these retainers and guest ministers acted against him, it could cost him his life.

That said, Zhou Chen's reaction did indeed surprise Xu Yuan.

He had expected this Great Grandmaster to lose face and storm off, but he never imagined he would actually lower his head and admit his mistake.

However, upon second thought, he felt relieved.

Zhou Chen's current submission was due to his recent reprimand, but also because of his status, and even more so because of the infinite possibilities held by the Innate Dao Body.

Xu Yuan took a deep look at Zhou Chen, who was bowing with his fists cupped.

To be able to admit defeat and lower one's posture the moment the situation turned unfavorable—that was not bad at all.

However, heh.

Xu Yuan did not speak, quietly staring at this Great Grandmaster.

"."

Zhou Chen maintained his bowing posture, his lowered face wearing an expression of utter devastation.

The other's words had suddenly made him realize one thing.

The Third Young Master of the past had no future.

As a cultivation cripple with no future, it was enough to just deal with him perfunctorily.

But the current Third Young Master had become an Innate Dao Body due to a fortuitous encounter.

Yet, he had been treating the current Third Young Master with the same attitude he held for the old one.

If the Third Young Master had truly turned over a new leaf, with the aptitude of an Innate Dao Body supplemented by the resources of the Prime Minister's Estate, the Third Young Master before him would very likely become a second Eldest Young Master.

Moreover, his growth speed might be even faster.

Breaking through to the Ninth Grade in just over half a month.

Once his cultivation rose in a few years, given the Third Young Master's vengeful nature...

"..." Zhou Chen.

Zhou Chen really wanted to slap himself hard across the face.

Habits, they truly could be the death of a man.

The silence at the top level persisted.

Xu Yuan stared at Zhou Chen quietly.

And Zhou Chen remained bowed with his fists cupped.

Watching the man refuse to open his mouth no matter what, impatience gradually grew in Xu Yuan's eyes.

He was a smart man, but not particularly smart.

Since you have already realized the current situation, and I have tolerated you for over half a month, do you really think you can brush this off with a single offense without confessing anything?

Zhou Chen's cultivation naturally allowed him to perceive the change in Xu Yuan's gaze. His expression shifted for a moment, and gritting his teeth, he said:

"Third Young Master, you have just entered the Ninth Grade, and Zhou has yet to offer a token of congratulations. This is a small gift I have specially prepared for you."

As he spoke, he reached into his robes and pulled out a small jade bottle.

"..."

Xu Yuan felt a bit disappointed at the sight.

He did not want things.

What he wanted was Zhou Chen himself.

At the very least, he should have obtained a few promises of assistance, right?

As the thought flashed by, Xu Yuan knew he was being too greedy.

Making a Grandmaster submit wholeheartedly just by reaching the Ninth Grade—even his eldest brother wasn't that impressive.

Collecting his thoughts, Xu Yuan looked back at Zhou Chen.

Zhou Chen looked pained; closing his eyes, he thrust his hand forward, offering the jade bottle to Xu Yuan.

"This item is called Essence Dissolving Powder."

Essence Dissolving Powder?

Xu Yuan glanced at the jade bottle.

Some blue-gray crystalline powder was scattered thinly at the bottom of the bottle.

In this world, not all medicines existed in the form of pills; liquid, solid, powdered, and even gaseous medicines were too numerous to count.

A brief search through his memories brought the function of this item to mind.

It was a good thing.

A top-tier body-tempering medicine; one simply poured it into a bath barrel while bathing. It was suitable for any grade, even for someone like him who had just entered the Ninth Grade. It warmed the meridians and tempered the body, laying the foundation in advance for entering the Sixth Grade Iron Body realm.

As a medicine that aided a Grandmaster's cultivation, if this Essence Dissolving Powder were sold on the open market, its price would be far more than ten thousand taels.

For Zhou Chen, this must have been a massive loss.

Xu Yuan's lips curled slightly as he reached out to take the bottle of spiritual powder from the other man's hand, tossing it playfully in his palm.

Zhou Chen raised his eyes, his gaze fixed on the jade bottle in Xu Yuan's hand, filled with reluctance and heartache.

Xu Yuan suddenly turned his gaze toward him.

Their eyes met.

"..." Zhou Chen.

Zhou Chen forced a smile and said with a chuckle:

"Third Young Master, with your Ninth Grade cultivation, you only need to pour a little of this in when you bathe—"

Before he could finish, the jade bottle was casually tossed back by Xu Yuan.

Zhou Chen hurriedly caught the precious jade bottle, his eyes filled with surprise.

He subconsciously assumed that the Third Young Master did not know the value of the item.

Xu Yuan merely glanced at him, turned to leave, and left behind a single sentence:

"Breaking through the bottleneck of entering the realm through martial arts is not easy. Mr. Zhou, you had better keep this Essence Dissolving Powder for your own use."

"..." Zhou Chen.

Silence.

A flicker passed through Zhou Chen's eyes, and he suddenly grinned, cupping his fists in a salute:

"Zhou thanks the Third Young Master."

"."

Xu Yuan did not reply, his footsteps steady as he walked toward the lower floor.

After a brief pause, Zhou Chen hurried to catch up; sometimes, having a thick skin was always more beneficial than harmful.

Walking beside Xu Yuan, Zhou Chen reverted to his previous demeanor, though the smell of alcohol had vanished from his words as he asked with a chuckle:

"Third Young Master, are you heading off to cultivate? I have nothing to do lately, so I could assist you from the side."

"Assist in cultivation?" Xu Yuan raised an eyebrow; this was the first time he had heard such a term.

Zhou Chen explained with a smile: "It is a unique trait of my cultivation technique. I can use my Soul Intent to refine the surrounding Source Qi before gathering it around you; you would only need to focus on refining it continuously."

"There is such a thing?" Xu Yuan glanced at Zhou Chen.

"Of course."

Zhou Chen persisted shamelessly: "Does the Third Young Master require it?"

"Hmm, not for the time being."

"Ah? Then, Third Young Master, you are..."

"Since I am heading downstairs, I am obviously going to find the madam."

"." Zhou Chen.

Xu Yuan stood still, glancing sideways at Zhou Chen with a hint of amusement, speaking as if it were only natural:

"Tomorrow, the Drunken Immortal Pavilion has a top courtesan making her debut."