Chapter 96: Striking a Chord

"Yes, yes." Hearing the familiar voice, the servants confirmed that the middle-aged man in front of them was indeed Old Master Liu. Though shocked, they swiftly cleaned up the table and floor, replacing the dried fruits and tea with fresh ones. They hurried to the kitchen to urge the chefs, and soon brought out several plates of light dishes.

"Come, Menglong." Old Master Liu had never been as happy as he was today. His deteriorating body had regained its peak, and with Li Nianlong's unexpected appearance, a series of fortunate events had occurred. Old Master Liu just wanted to revel in this moment. "Today, Grandpa is extremely happy. I've never been this happy in my life. Servants, bring more wine! Menglong, drink with Grandpa today."

Though Li Nianlong was annoyed by the repeated use of "Grandpa," seeing the old man so elated and not crossing his boundaries, he complied. "Sure, your health is fine now, so drinking a bit won't hurt."

"Haha, it's all thanks to Menglong." Old Master Liu paused and continued, "Menglong, you saved Grandpa's life, which is equivalent to saving the Liu family. Although you don't want to succeed as the head of the Liu family, there's no reward without merit. What do you want? Even if you want the stars in the sky, Grandpa will get them for you."

"I don't want anything... Oh!" Li Nianlong suddenly remembered something and glanced at Old Master Liu.

"What? What do you want?" Seeing Li Nianlong's change in attitude, Old Master Liu was delighted. He thought to himself, 'I'm not afraid if you want something, I'm only afraid if you don't. As long as you want something, you can't escape from my grasp.'

Li Nianlong remained silent for a moment before asking, "How much liquid capital does the Liu family have?"

Liquid capital?

Old Master Liu was puzzled. He turned to Shao Meiyun and asked, "Meiyun, how much capital does the Liu Mansion currently have?"

Shao Meiyun replied, "Currently, we have 262 billion. If we increase the effort to recoup funds, we can raise another approximately 500 billion within three days."

Old Master Liu nodded, then looked back at Li Nianlong. "Menglong, how much do you want?"

Li Nianlong pondered for a moment before saying, "Give me 10 billion."

"Is 10 billion enough?" Hearing such a small sum, Old Master Liu relaxed and said, "Menglong, the Liu family isn't short on money. Although I don't know what you need it for, as long as you need it, even if I have to sell everything, the Liu family will provide you with the funds."

Li Nianlong's expression softened. "Currently, 10 billion is enough. If it's not enough later, we can discuss it then."

Li Nianlong needed the money to invest in alchemy materials. Making 100 attribute pills would cost 500 million, a significant expense. Even if he went monster hunting every day to earn money, he wouldn't be able to sustain it for long. Moreover, it came with significant risks. With the supply of funds from the Liu family, he could stay at home and focus on alchemy. Plus, with the training grounds available, he could accumulate enough experience points without having to hunt monsters in the short term.

At this moment, Li Nianlong had to admit that affiliating with a certain power was the most efficient way to save time and energy, and also the way to minimize risks. His refusal to take over the Liu family wasn't because he feared assassination; Moon and Yuexi had returned to Dragon City. His only concern was being inundated with paperwork after becoming the family head. Although Shao Meiyun had mentioned that he didn't need to handle these affairs for the time being, what about later?

Escaping for a moment wouldn't solve the issue forever. Not having to take on the responsibilities of family head while still reaping the benefits was undoubtedly the ideal situation for now.

However, this was only true for the time being. If Old Master Liu passed away and a new family head took over, things might change. But with the supplementation of the pills, Old Master Liu could easily live for another twenty or thirty years. In that time, perhaps Li Nianlong would have reached level 100 and undoubtedly avenged Uncle Guan. There would be no need to worry about what happened next.

With Li Nianlong achieving his goal and Old Master Liu achieving his, the two enjoyed their meal together, though Li Nianlong found the food at the Liu Mansion not as delicious as what Nalan Ruyue made.

"Menglong." After a few rounds of drinks and a satisfying meal, Shao Meiyun, slightly intoxicated, spoke with a flushed face and hazy eyes. "These days, Cousin's health hasn't been good. Do you have any pills? Just a few to replenish her energy would be enough."

"Meiyun!" Old Master Liu scolded her, feeling she was being too forward.

Shao Meiyun snapped back to reality, her drunkenness fading slightly. She hurriedly explained, "Menglong, Cousin didn't mean anything by it. Don't overthink it."

"It's okay." Li Nianlong shook his head, rummaged in his pocket, and took out a golden Vitality Pill. "This pill can replenish vitality." Then he took out nine more and said, "Take these. If your body and energy levels aren't good in the future, take one. I believe it will instantly bring you to your best state."

Seeing Li Nianlong produce ten precious pills at once, Old Master Liu's face lit up, and Shao Meiyun was even more touched. "Menglong, I... I don't know how to thank you."

"Although I hate to admit it, you're right..." Li Nianlong looked at her and said calmly, "After all, I still have Liu family blood running through my veins. During the most critical time for the Liu family, you supported it with your not-so-strong body. For this, I admire you, and I'm proud to have a cousin like you."

Shao Meiyun burst into tears, as Li Nianlong had voiced her grievances. Who else knew how tough these past few months had been for her? Without the firm belief in supporting the Liu family, she would have collapsed long ago. How could the Liu family have held on until now?

Li Nianlong struck a chord with her, and Shao Meiyun cried uncontrollably.

Old Master Liu patted her back with affection, sighing softly, "Meiyun, you've been through a lot during this time."

After crying for a while, Shao Meiyun gradually composed herself, wiped away her tears, her eyes red and her voice choked, "I... I'm fine... I'm sorry for worrying you."

Li Nianlong didn't say anything but placed the pills in front of Shao Meiyun.

"Thank you." Taking the pills, Shao Meiyun picked one and swallowed it. Almost instantly, she felt a significant improvement in her energy

 and mood. Not only was she sober, but her spirits were also higher than ever. The fatigue in her body disappeared, and most importantly, the dark circles under her eyes vanished, and the dead skin on her right index finger shed, revealing tender skin.

"I... I'm better!?" Shao Meiyun stood up, stretching her arms, feeling no soreness, no pain in her shoulders, and her waist wasn't sore either. Shao Meiyun was ecstatic. "I'm really better!"

Old Master Liu exclaimed, "It's truly a miracle pill!" Then he laughed heartily, "Everyone says that Duan Tianming is the Medicine King, but in my opinion, Menglong is the real Medicine King. Duan Tianming should step down and pass the torch."

Having heard from Shao Meiyun about the deep enmity between Old Master Liu and Duan Tianming, Li Nianlong believed his words.

"Yeah!" Shao Meiyun smiled brightly. "I also believe that Menglong is the real Medicine King. No matter how miraculous Duan Tianming's medicines are, they can't take effect instantly like Menglong's. It's like playing a game."

Hearing the word 'game,' Li Nianlong's heart skipped a beat, but seeing Shao Meiyun's casual expression, he relaxed. He knew she only spoke unintentionally. He smiled faintly, "Let's keep this between us. I don't want it to become common knowledge."

"Don't worry!" Old Master Liu and Shao Meiyun nodded in agreement. Old Master Liu said to Shao Meiyun, "Meiyun, Menglong's matter must be kept confidential. Even my restored health must be kept secret. Understand?"

After a moment of thought, Shao Meiyun nodded, "Grandpa, I understand."

"Good." Old Master Liu smiled again, "Menglong, eat! This is your home; don't be shy."

"I'm almost done." Li Nianlong ate a few more bites, put down his bowl and wiped his mouth. "It's getting late, I should go back."

"Are you leaving already? Why not stay the night?" Shao Meiyun persuaded.

"No, Nalan Ruyue is alone at home, and I'm worried."

This reason made it difficult for Shao Meiyun to insist. She smiled slightly, "Alright, family comes first. We won't keep you. Just wait a moment, I'll get the card."

100 billion is not a small sum. Even for the Liu family, it would take several tens of minutes to gather. After Shao Meiyun left, Old Master Liu looked at Li Nianlong and smiled slightly, "When you leave, take some tea leaves. Come here whenever you have time." He paused, "I'll inform the Liu Mansion's staff, and you can come and go as you please."

Li Nianlong made a soft noise of acknowledgment and said calmly, "Don't push yourself too hard. You're already an old man, not like a young man."

"Hehe..." Old Master Liu laughed, "I have to work hard! The Liu family can't afford to be complacent."

Seeing him, Li Nianlong hesitated for a moment but didn't mention the Moon sisters. Instead, he just reminded, "It's been a while. The assassins may not continue their actions. After all, you and your cousin haven't been attacked during this time. I think there should be a few courageous people in the Liu family. Let them try."

Old Master Liu only regarded Li Nianlong's words as concern and nodded with a smile, "I'll do that... But in my heart, you are still the best candidate."

"I won't agree."

"So, I'm in a dilemma."

"Even though I'm from a collateral branch, I'm still better than this rogue."

"But they don't have your abilities and courage."

"I'm also afraid of death."

"Everyone is afraid of death."

"I don't like the scheming and intrigue of big families; it's too tiring to live like that."

"Sigh! Honor and wealth aren't obtained for nothing."

"So, I'm not suitable. I just want to have my own life."

"You should reconsider. Grandpa will give you time."

"No need to give me time. It's impossible."

"Hehe, nothing in this world is absolute."

Li Nianlong didn't say anything more because Shao Meiyun had returned.