The Strategy

The third princess departed in the afternoon, her pleasant fragrance the only evidence of her prior presence in the garden. At that instant, Chu Li felt a strange longing within him.

Li Yue also seemed to be bereft of energy; his enthusiasm diminished.

The constitution of the Winter's Star remained normal in the meantime. Although the plant was not classified as a spirit herb, its purity, however, was comparable to the willow trees. Chu Li worked on both plants simultaneously with one hand on the Moonlight Orchid and the other on Winter's Star.

The spiritual force of the Moonlight Orchid was siphoned by circulating the Minute Pulse Technique, its energy dispersing through the entirety of the Winter's Star.

Consuming the spiritual force of the Moonlight Orchid reinvigorated the Winter's Star. It gradually regained a fertile green and vitalized look, almost as if it had just basked in the cooling rain.

The next morning, Su Ru fluttered by in an apricot-yellow gown, wearing a subtle fragrance.

Chu Li was training crossed-legged at the Moonlight Orchid's parterre while Li Yue anxiously waited under the willow tree for Su Ru.

Upon her arrival, Li Yue passionately welcomed her and the two of them approached Chu Li.

Su Ru waved as a gesture to Chu Li, dispensing formalities. After staring at the Winter's Star for quite some time, Su Ru looked up at Chu Li and asked, "Chu Li, is that really a pot of Winter's Star?"

Chu Li nodded in acknowledgment.

"That is really..."

Su Ru found it hard to believe her eyes. She reached out towards the plant to confirm its authenticity.

"It really is!"

She then made a very discreet mark on the pot so that the others would not notice.

Chu Li inaudibly sighed to himself. Su Ru was an incredibly sharp lady given her age and should never be underestimated. Chu Li felt slightly vulnerable learning that he may not be entirely invincible even with the assistance of the Omniscient Mirror.

"It seems like you're quite the talented person, Chu Li." Su Ru glanced towards him with a gentle smile.

Chu Li returned her smile but did not reply.

Su Ru then proceeded to produce a silk handkerchief from her sleeves. Within it contained a single seed.

"This is from the princess. Figure a way to cultivate it."

"What seed is this?"

"It's the Nightmare Flower, have you heard of it before?"

Chu Li hummed as he quickly searched his memory palace for an answer.

"The Nightmare Flower that grants eternal youth?"

"How knowledgeable!" Su Ru nodded in appreciation. "It is indeed that Nightmare Flower!"

Miss Xiao Qi may have placed Chu Li in an important role. Su Ru has thoroughly investigated his background especially everything that has occurred after Chu Li joined the Public House. A learned man who loves reading, possessing a vast array of knowledge. Almost everyone else is preoccupied with practicing martial arts and neglected the academics. The people of the Public House truly believed that the importance of martial art proficiency surpasses that of being knowledgable. This is what sets Chu Li apart from the rest.

"The Nightmare Flower can only grow on the highest of peaks. Their height must be as high as the clouds. The environment there would definitely be..."

Chu Li frowned.

"It's all up to you now." Su Ru smiled as she pointed at the seed.

"You would need genuine ability to actually succeed in making it sprout."

"Alright, I will try my best."

"If it does not sprout, then you would be better of sincerely serving the plant!"

"Understood," answered Chu Li.

Li Yue tried to offer his services while fawning over Su Ru. He wanted to assist her in delivering the Winter's Star back. Su Ru rejected his offer and left.

Li Yue stood below the willow tree and watched the boat sail into the horizon. Even as it sailed out of sight, he was still unwilling to break contact.

"Li Yue, have you lost your mind?"

"Don't spout nonsense!" Li Yue replied in a snap.

"Wake up!" Chu Li yelled as he shook Li Yue.

"We can't afford to do this right now!"

"Ha…" Li Yue sighed lazily as he squatted.

"Sometimes, I feel like I deserve better…" said Li Yue. He scribbled on the ground with a blade of grass he had picked up.

"Even if you were a peerless practitioner, it would still be impossible to be together with a lady like Chief Su Ru."

"There will always be a trace of hope!"

"Su Ru could not even be bothered about Zhuo Feiyang. Did you think you are better looking or more proficient in martial arts than he is?"

"Watch your mouth!" Li Yue snapped at Chu Li angrily.

"Just let a man dream! Don't go and dampen my spirit!"

"I'm just afraid that you'd go out and do something foolish in the future. There will come a time when one would do anything for love!"

Li Yue sighed. "I'm completely befuddled. What kind of guy would ever be suitable for her?"

"Li Yue, this isn't what we should be mulling over. Let's get back to work," said Chu Li.

Even though he said that, what he had in mind was completely different. The deep ambition blazing within the depths of his heart said, "Xiao Qi, Su Ru, Zhao Ying, I want all of them so as to not fail my reincarnation into this world!"

…

A month later.

Chu Li had not taken a single step outside the East Garden.

On this particular evening, the sunset illuminated the East Garden, furnishing it with a wealthy and extravagant look. Li Yue had delivered a Moonlight Orchid to the East Garden only to return in anger.

Chu Li sat in the Moonlight Orchid's parterre. A sprout could be seen erupting from the soil. The Nightmare Flower had grown!

Li Yue sat on the floor and began to rant.

"That Gu Litong guy is truly a despicable person!"

Chu Li lifted his head to look at Li Yue.

"You weren't there but his facial features warped like a madman! It's as though somebody owed him ten thousand taels!"

Chu Li laughed.

"If a person is inferior to others, they would admit it. What's the point of making faces? It's not like we're asking him to give us a Moonlight Orchid!" Li Yue's grew angrier the more he spoke of it; the volume of his voice was ascending.

"What else did he say?" Chu Li asked.

"Nothing…" Li Yue replied.

"So, he's saying that it was a fluke. Isn't that enough proof?

Chu Li laughed and continued, "He said that it was a fluke and one incident isn't enough evidence for my ability?"

"Hmph, something like that." Li Yue's mouth twitched.

He knows that this is a crucial moment. If the Nightmare Flower were to be successfully grown, Chu Li would be sought after by Lady Xiao. From that point onwards, Gu Litong would become insignificant."

"It's normal to be jealous. In any case, did anyone saw you deliver that flower?" asked Chu Li.

"Many of those from the West Garden saw me. I even met two of them on my way there! Are you worried that they wouldn't acknowledge your success?"

Li Yue's expression suddenly turned grave.

"Or are you afraid that they would attempt to steal credit for it?"

The new Moonlight Orchid had already adapted itself to the soil here. If Gu Litong were to use it to breed a few more plants and claim that it is his, he would create more problems.

"This is something that needs to be prevented," commented Chu Li.

"I'll go and search for Sir Meng!"

Li Yue stood up and immediately went on his way.

Chu Li shook his head in amusement and smiled. These problems were actually relatively small issues. If Li Yue could lick Lady Xiao's boots well enough, his future would be secured.

Meng Qinlin quickly arrived alongside Li Yue. He was beaming with a proud expression.

Chu Li greeted him when he arrived.

"Haha! The young Chu! I'm here to deliver some good news!" remarked Li Yue. He patted Chu Li's shoulder and laughed.

"This time, we actually got them good! It's unfortunate that you weren't there to witness Gu Litong's mien!"

"LI Yue had just delivered a Moonlight Orchid there and Gu Litong did not take it too well," said Chu Li as he smiled.

"Young Li Yue went at just the right moment! Gu Litong had just left the Thousand Herb Garden in a sour mood and that was where we stumbled into him!"

Meng Qinlin's joy brightened up his countenance.

Li Yue shook his head.

"I'm sure there must be a reason for it."

Meng Qinlin chuckled.

"Young Chu, you've just earned yourself another rank! You're at the eighth rank now!"

"Much obliged, Sir Meng!"

"Young Chu, it's a shame that it may take you some time before entering the Herb Garden! I feel terrible about it," lamented Meng Qinlin.

"Those from the West Garden are getting in the way on that. It'll take a while before you can get an answer, but don't beat yourself about it!" Men Qinlin sighed.

"Ahh…" Chu Li nodded.

Naturally, he would not mention what Lady Xiao had told him beforehand. There would be no advantage in doing so.

"Be careful of Gu Litong, he and his faction are trying to start a fight with you. They are definitely not convinced!" warned Meng Qinlin.

"There is nothing to fight for. I can only progress and improve myself if I can learn something from this interaction." Chu Li smiled.

"Your attitude is what I like about you, young man!" Meng Qinlin laughed as he patted Chu Li's shoulder.

"Come at us if you aren't satisfied! Keep doing it until you're convinced!"

"Nonetheless, Gu Litong is still highly skilled," remarked Li Yue as he shook his head.

"And that would make our victory all the more meaningful!" Meng Qinlin smiled.

"There is no point in winning against the weak, it wouldn't be satisfying!"

Chu Li maintained his smile in silence.

It was easy to understand. All the encouragement by Meng Qinlin was merely to motivate Chu Li into beating Gu Litong once more in order to gain access to the Herb Garden.

…

Li Yue dragged Chu Li out of the East Garden. It was around early evening when all the lanterns were lit. Having recently ranked up to rank eight, they had gone to the Goddess Domain. How could they not celebrate such an accomplishment?

The Goddess Domain was located on the south side of Chong Ming Village. It was not too far from the southern gate. The building was huge and a rather attractive signboard hung above for the whole of Chong Ming to see.

Both of them picked seats that were located next to the window on the second floor. Looking at the hustle and bustle from above, it made them feel like they were the only ones at peace.

Four jars of Jade Leaf Wine were opened for them. The fragrance of the wine tingled their senses. Ten delectable and appetizing dishes occupied their table. The two of them chatted as they drank.

"Now, this is the life! Chu Li, this is how things should have been! We get paid so much, why don't we just enjoy?"

Li Yue was excited.

"This meal would probably cost us… ten taels?" Chu Li guessed.

"Six is more than enough!" replied Li Yue.

"The rice and dishes aren't worth that much. It's the wine! It costs one tael per jar!"

Chu Li was not actually familiar with the market price.

"Both of us earn fifty taels a month, excluding the rewards!"

"That too."

Chu Li was a man who knew how to indulge. Good wine, food and women. He drinks only the best wine and flirts with only the most gorgeous of girls. He had a high regard for tastes and goes all out for things such as these. He enjoyed life to its fullest, but only due to his high position as well as being a formidable martial artist.

"Wow, now isn't he that prominent man… Chu Li?!"

An abrupt shout resounded while two men approached their table.

Chu Li stared at the strangers. They were both young. The first was staring down at them with long, squinting eyes filled with pride. He was rather slim while his partner was a pudgy young man with strained hair and a round face.

"Gu Litong!" called Li Yue.

"Li Yue," replied the skinny man coldly.

"Did you track me?!" Li Yue's countenance turned sour.

"Now that's a fantastic joke!" said Gu Litong sarcastically with a grin.

"You're definitely not an illustriously alluring maiden, why would I have any reason to track you? Chu Li… was it?"

Gu Litong had a sharp stare, his gaze toward Chu Li felt as though he could see right through him.

"Yes, I am. I've been looking forward to meeting you, Gu Litong!"

This was the first time the both of them had encountered each other face-to-face. Chu Li analyzed Gu Litong. His martial arts was not bad, being at a level where he was able to match up against a rank nine Protector.

Gu Litong impolitely sat down without permission and raised his hand.

"Waiter! Give us two more pairs of chopsticks and bowls!"

"On my way!"

Chu Li furrowed his brows.It was quite clear that with Gu Litong's behavior, he was not here to be friends. Why else would he appear in person?

"So, you're Chu Li?"

The young and pudgy man assessed Chu Li. "You stick out quite a lot!"

"And you are?" asked Chu Li.

"Zhou Yuting!" replied the man with an arrogant scorn.

In a moment of epiphany, Chu Li realized who he was. "Oh, it's Zhou Yuting."

Zhou Yuting. A rank eight Scribe. The son of the Imperial Attendant of the Martial Arts Hall. His connections run far and deep.

Zhou Yuting took up a jar of beer and filled his and Gu Litong's cup. He slammed the empty jar on the table as they both began to jeer and celebrate as if they were the owners of the establishment.

Li Yue felt displeased but was politely gestured by Chu Li to desist.

Zhou Yuting settled his cup on the table and gave Chu Li a smug look.

"Let's be straightforward here. Did you really manage to breed the Moonlight Orchid?"

"Zhou Yuting, what are you talking about?" Chu Li returned Zhou Yuting's scorn with a smile.

"The Moonlight Orchid was bred by Gu Litong!" yelled Zhou Yuting while he slammed his cup.

Chu Li felt surprised. He glanced at Zhou Yuting and Gu Litong and simply laughed.

"Zhou Yuting! What nonsense are you spouting?!" Li Yue stood up, feeling rather provoked by the claim.

"The Moonlight Orchid… bred by Gu Litong?"

"Truly, it was bred by Gu Litong himself," said Zhou Yuting as he took a swig of wine.

"Chu Li stole Gu Litong's technique! People like that have no right to stay in the Public House!"

Chu Li shook his head.

"Nonsense!" Li Yue's face crimsoned with rage.

"Zhou Yuting, get this fact into your thick skull! I delivered the orchid personally and dozens of people bore witness to that. There's no use in attempting to deny this fact!"

"Now, who was it that saw you?" Zhou Yuting waved his arm as he disregarded Li Yue.

"Still lying? Come now, you must have real guts to lie through your teeth like that!"

"Preposte—!"

Right as Li Yue was about to continue his argument, he was halted by Chu Li.

"Li Yue, forget about it."

Li Yue looked at him, baffled.

Chu Li helped him replenish the wine in his cup.

"Come on, we should drink after being entertained by such an interesting joke!"

Surprised but quick to react, Li Yue smiled and followed up saying, "Yes, yes! But this joke is a little too hilarious!"