Chapter 701 682: Still Humane

Fatty Bai would certainly help, but Wang Meng knew the Bai Family was in the middle of rebuilding. They didn't need the distraction, especially at such a critical time. He could also ask Wang Shifeng, but that wasn't the point. Ultimately, he had to solve his problems himself.

He never expected to be facing the problem of survival again after arriving in the Middle Thousand Realm. This time, however, he was clearly much more confident.

He could also fall back on Artifact Refining, Spirit Control, or making Pills, but those were too conspicuous. Besides, some of the techniques here were different. Other than that…

A flash of inspiration struck Master Wang, especially as he looked at Zuojing and Youjing. A brilliant idea popped into his head—one that would not only solve his financial problems but also provide him with a great deal of convenience.

The wine he brewed had swept through the Small Thousand Realm, and it would be just as unrivaled in the Middle Thousand Realm. If nothing else, his focus on aged vintages—genuinely aged and unparalleled—would set him apart.

And with such a pair of lovely sisters helping, it would be impossible not to make a fortune.

Just as Wang Meng was about to share his idea, the sound of a carriage and voices came from outside the courtyard.

Zuojing's and Youjing's eyes lit up. 'Someone's here!'

Just a few days ago, the sound of a carriage outside would have given both women a headache as they struggled to explain why Wang Meng wasn't seeing visitors. Now, however, they felt completely different.

They opened the courtyard gate, and Wang Shifeng walked in, looking slightly anxious.

Wang Shifeng entered with four men carrying two large chests. The moment he saw Wang Meng, his heart sank. 'It's over... Wrapped in bandages like this, it's a miracle he's even alive. To hope he won't be crippled... the odds are just too slim.'

Then, Wang Shifeng's gaze shifted, and his eyes went wide when he saw Zhan Yingluo standing off to the side. 'What...? How is the Zhan Family's precious daughter in Wang Meng's courtyard? The sun must have risen in the west today!'

Wang Shifeng walked over to Wang Meng. "How could you be so careless?" he said. "But you seem to be in good spirits. Are you all right?"

Ever since Wang Meng had defeated Wang Hantian in the family competition, Wang Shifeng no longer treated him like a junior.

Wang Meng smiled. "I'm fine. Nothing serious."

"Glad to hear it's nothing serious." Looking at Wang Meng's state, however, Wang Shifeng couldn't see anything that *wasn't* serious.

Seeing Wang Shifeng's worried expression, Wang Meng simply smiled.

Wang Shifeng scratched his hair. He normally wouldn't believe idle gossip, but the key was that the source of this news had already confirmed it. Elder Alchemist Lou had a certain reputation, after all. 'His rank might be a little low, but the man has over thirty years of experience. How could he possibly misdiagnose damage to muscles and meridians?'

But then he saw the smile on Wang Meng's face and glanced over at Zhan Yingluo. Wang Shifeng, a veteran in the ways of the world, noticed something odd about the way Miss Zhan was looking at Wang Meng. There was an ambiguous tenderness in her gaze. 'The Zhan Family's precious daughter and Wang Meng, Haojing's infamous, wandering target of ridicule... there's absolutely no way those two should be together.'

Wang Shifeng put the thought aside. "I brought you some things," he said. "Make sure you take care of yourself. Staying alive—living well—is more important than anything."

Wang Shifeng felt a sense of kinship with Wang Meng, so his words were sincere. In truth, looking at Wang Meng's condition, he was likely just putting on a brave face.

The men he had brought with him carried the chests forward and opened them. Inside was a pile of healing supplies and tonics, most of which were expensive items beneficial to one's muscles and meridians.

"Focus on your recovery, and get well as soon as you can. Sigh... it seems you've really turned over a new leaf, kid. What a mess. Who did this to you? We'll make them pay!"

Wang Meng didn't know whether to laugh or cry. 'Go to Tower 76? In this state, I'd be done for in an instant.'

"Forget it. The less trouble, the better. Like you said, staying alive is what's most important."

Zhan Yingluo was also a little surprised by Wang Shifeng. Wang Meng had been ambushed and severely injured, yet only she and Wang Shifeng had come to visit. Whatever his motives, his visit made Zhan Yingluo see him in a new light.

"Miss Zhan, I'm organizing a small auction for True Essence Beasts soon. I'd appreciate it if you could help spread the word. We have quite a few cute little fellas." Since he was already here, Wang Shifeng couldn't miss the opportunity to advertise.

Zhan Yingluo smiled and agreed.

"Anyway, focus on getting better. And speaking of the auction, I've got a lot to do, so I'll be on my way..."

At this, Wang Shifeng glanced at Zuojing and Youjing, then lowered his voice. "Try to stay away from women for a while. It's not good for your recovery. And be careful with Miss Zhan. That look in her eyes..."

Wang Meng gave a wry smile. "I'm wrapped up like this. It's not the time for jokes. Besides, there's nothing between us."

"Ahem, well, it's good you see it that way. But if you really apply yourself, you might still have a shot... even if the Zhan Family doesn't approve of you in the short term."

After Wang Shifeng left in high spirits, Zhan Yingluo blinked her large eyes and said, "I didn't realize anyone besides your aunt cared about you."

"Heh, aren't you one of them?"

Zhan Yingluo smiled faintly, deeply touched. 'At least he's not a block of wood,' she thought.

With Zhan Yingluo around, the courtyard was filled with much more laughter. Even Old Horse grew fond of her. Although she constantly pestered it for a ride, the delicious food Miss Zhan made had truly won over its stomach. It kept declaring that everything it ate before was pig slop. In the end, however, Zhan Yingluo never managed to get her ride.

But the good times didn't last. The next day, a magnificent, five-colored bird landed on Zhan Yingluo's shoulder and chattered for a moment. Zhan Yingluo's expression changed. After she finished making dinner, she said to Wang Meng, "I have to go back. You... take good care of yourself and get well."

Wang Meng just smiled. He had actually understood the True Essence Beast's words. The Zhan Family had clearly found out that Zhan Yingluo was at his home; it could no longer be kept secret. In this situation, no one would want to be associated with him.

Zhan Yingluo thought for a moment, then took the bird from her shoulder. "Little Chirpy," she said to it, "this person's name is Wang Meng. Do you remember it?"

"SQUAWK!"

"Good, as long as you remember... Wang Meng, you seem to be doing much better lately, so I'm going home." Zhan Yingluo felt helpless; it was one thing to be seen with him in public, but for a young woman like herself to stay at his home was improper. "I'll come see you when I get the chance."

Wang Meng smiled and nodded. "Thank you for everything these past few days."

After Zhan Yingluo left, Wang Meng's courtyard fell quiet. Nine Discount and the others stopped trying to act cute and began to train with a life-or-death desperation. They too had witnessed how desperately Wang Meng had fought on the seventy-sixth layer of the Divine Sealing Tower, forsaking his physical body beneath the Yin-Yang Gang Wind to comprehend its power. 'Compared to that, what did their own small struggles and pains even amount to?'

No matter how difficult, tiring, or painful it became, the five little ones bottled it all up, absolutely refusing to make a single sound.

As for Old Horse, it was fine when it kept its mouth shut. But the moment it spoke, it was either to call out for its "Beauty God" or to complain, "I can't eat this pig slop..."

Wang Meng gave Old Horse a kick. "You yell 'pig slop' so loudly, yet you eat more of it than anyone."

Old Horse moved to retaliate, but seeing Wang Meng's bandages, it held back. "Don't push it. I'm injured too."

Despite its words, it showed no mercy as it snatched up food, specifically picking out the meat.

(It's still a double rewards period, so I know there are some big-shot readers out there among you all. If you have any monthly tickets, please send them Skeleton's way soon. Thank you.) (To be continued. If you like this work, please come to Qidian.com to vote with recommendation tickets and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)