Chapter 9: Visiting The Prison

Uncle Fu was efficient, returning to Ling Tian's study with a selection of herbs, carefully arranged and freshly harvested. Ling Tian examined the herbs with a keen eye, understanding their significance in the concoctions he intended to create.

He needed to prepare two different types of poison, each designed for a specific purpose.

"Qiang Zi," Ling Tian called, summoning his trusted aide who stood at attention, ready for orders.

"Young master, what are your commands?" Qiang Zi asked, his voice steady and respectful as he awaited Ling Tian's instructions, knowing the importance of the task at hand.

"Didn't Song Hui from the Song family take action against Ye Feng? We need to find a way to further weaken Ye Feng without it being traced back to us. He enjoys the company of women, but being in prison, he won't have that luxury. However, there are plenty of men in prison…" Ling Tian's voice trailed off, a playful smirk appearing on his lips as he considered the implications.

Qiang Zi quickly caught on. "I understand, young master. We can arrange for him to meet some of the swordsmanship masters inside the prison for some 'sparring sessions.' Leave the details to me."

A wry smile spread across Qiang Zi's face, recognizing the mischievous intent behind Ling Tian's words. He had been with Ling Tian long enough to know what was expected of him.

"Also, hire a professional photographer to capture these moments. It would be entertaining for Brother Feng to view later," Ling Tian added, his eyes glinting with mischief as he envisioned the outcome of their plan.

"Of course, young master. It sounds like a delightful spectacle," Qiang Zi replied, his smile broadening as he reveled in the absurdity of the plan. He was a master at flattery, and he enjoyed the challenge of outdoing himself.

Ling Tian then produced two small bottles filled with brightly colored liquid. "These poisons are specially crafted for martial artists at the Body Tempering Realm. They'll have little to no effect on ordinary people. The red bottle will induce weakness that lasts about three days, while the other contains a potent aphrodisiac with effects lasting half a day. I want you to test these on Brother Feng."

He placed the bottles carefully in front of Qiang Zi, confident in his henchman's capabilities. Ling Tian felt a certain satisfaction, knowing his plan was taking shape.

"Rest assured, young master. I'll handle this with precision," Qiang Zi said, a sly smile spreading across his face as he accepted the bottles. He was already concocting ideas in his mind, eager to execute Ling Tian's orders.

"Then get started," Ling Tian instructed, and Qiang Zi nodded before turning to leave the room, anticipation evident in his demeanor.

~~~

In the Ling Family Courtyard

Meanwhile, Ye Wanrou sat in the courtyard of the Ling family manor, her fair face clouded with a mix of sadness and anger. Earlier that day, she received a distressing call from the police station informing her that her son had been detained for fighting and causing a public disturbance. 

The news was shocking, shaking her to the core. Scrolling through her phone, she found several videos of Ye Feng in a humiliating state—his face swollen and smeared with filth. The sight was almost unbearable; she could barely recognize her son in such a degraded condition.

"Feng'er, what has happened to you?" Ye Wanrou sighed, feeling a deep ache in her heart. She couldn't fathom how her son had fallen so far.

It was clear to her that Ye Feng had changed significantly over the past few weeks. Once a shy and obedient child, he had morphed into someone arrogant and brash, flaunting an air of superiority that seemed foreign to her. His recent behavior raised troubling questions in her mind, and she could no longer ignore them.

Determined to confront him, Ye Wanrou made her way to the police station. No matter the circumstances, he was still her son, and she needed to understand what was happening.

Upon arriving, the two were soon reunited in the dreary visiting area. "Mom!" Ye Feng exclaimed, a grim smile plastered on his swollen face as he rushed to greet her. Though he was not particularly eager to see her in such a state, he felt a flicker of relief at her presence.

"Who did this to you? What happened?" Ye Wanrou's voice trembled with anger and concern as she took in her son's injuries. His cheeks were grotesquely swollen, and she could count the few remaining teeth in his mouth.

"I didn't fight anyone, Mom. I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. I was robbed while trying to buy antiques!" Ye Feng protested, quickly spinning a tale that he hoped would deflect his mother's wrath.

Ye Wanrou frowned, skepticism evident on her face. "Where did you get the money for antiques? What kind of antiques could possibly attract trouble?"

Her mind raced with doubt. Before graduating high school, Ye Feng had worked in a restaurant and shown little interest in academics or valuable items. The thought that he could afford antiques was alarming, and her instincts told her something was off.

"Mom, it's Song Hui from the Song family! He's seeking revenge because I embarrassed him yesterday!" Ye Feng exclaimed, finally pointing fingers at his adversary in desperation.

Ye Wanrou was not convinced. In her opinion, if Song Hui wanted revenge, he would have acted immediately after the fight. Furthermore, Ling Tian was their protector, which should have deterred any retaliation from Song Hui. 

"What has gotten into you lately? Your behavior is very concerning," Ye Wanrou pressed, determination in her voice as she sought to understand what was happening with her son.

Yet how could Ye Feng explain his rebirth and the changes in his personality? He knew no one would believe him, especially not his mother. "Mom, I'm fine," he said dismissively, trying to brush off her worries.

"Why isn't Brother Tian here? Why didn't he bail me out immediately?" Ye Feng suddenly changed the subject, irritation seeping into his voice.

Ling Tian's absence only fueled Ye Feng's resentment. He felt a deep sense of betrayal that Ling Tian hadn't come to his aid, especially given the power and influence of the Ling family. If they had spoken a word, Ye Feng would have been free by now, but instead, he felt trapped and abandoned.

"Damn it! This is such a minor issue, and he didn't even help me!" Ye Feng seethed, frustration boiling within him as he thought of how easy it could have been for Ling Tian to intervene.

Ye Wanrou watched her son, a mix of concern and disappointment in her eyes. She knew that behind his bravado lay a young man who needed guidance, and she feared he was spiraling into a darkness from which he might not return.