Several days had passed since the heliobus incident, and Qin Shaoqing was strolling through the streets with a slight swagger in his step.
After gaining the Drain ability, his body had felt light ever since, and more people had begun visiting his stall to buy his products.
Though confused as to why, Bai Ming commented that his face was "slightly more pleasing to look at," and he was eighty percent sure all of this was related to the Drain ability.
If a single orange could give him a healthier body and a more refined appearance, he wondered what something with stronger yang energy could do.
But one had to be cautious—an imbalance of yin and yang could lead to bodily disruption or even death, or so he had heard.
He had also tested Ghost-like Movements and observed several ghostly afterimages trailing him whenever he moved. Even when moving slowly, the visual effect alone could confuse opponents if used properly.
Combined with Disembodied Voice, he could genuinely disorient someone using phantom shouts, footsteps, and stationary illusions.
In the middle of his musings, he noticed several individuals exiting a courtyard. What caught his attention was a Cloud Knight among them, with a yellow branch nearly hidden beneath his arm—a clear sign of being mara-struck.
'Sanctus Medicus?'
Qin Shaoqing considered whether he should report this to the Cloud Knights and go about his day, or follow them secretly. If they were caught in the act, he could stop their nefarious deeds—and drain their yang energy.
Seeing the group quickly disappear into the crowd, he decided to follow.
As he tailed them, they glanced back several times, as if sensing his presence—only to find empty air.
"Tsk, sharp fellows," Qin Shaoqing muttered.
Checking his phone briefly, he resumed pursuit. Before long, they arrived at an empty loading dock, where a group of merchants was waiting.
Watching from afar, Qin Shaoqing saw the two groups meet.
'A secret meeting, huh.' He squinted, trying to recognize anyone, but the distance was too great to overhear or identify faces.
After watching a bit longer, the meeting devolved into an argument. Soon, the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus turned aggressive—vines burst from beneath their clothing, forming armor and weapons.
"#Fall back, ### it's a trap!" one merchant shouted in panic.
Even from afar, Qin Shaoqing could tell the merchants had been unaware they were dealing with Disciples of Sanctus Medicus.
Now that their true forms were revealed, he knew they wouldn't let the innocent merchants leave alive.
Calling the Cloud Knight department and muting the call, he pocketed his phone and took a deep breath.
"Action time." Whether he was excited or nervous, he didn't dwell on it.
Slowly stepping out of the alleyway while clapping his hands, he instantly drew the attention of both groups.
"Gentlemen, how about we calm down and return to peace and tranquility? I'm sure there's a misunderstanding we can clear up." Qin Shaoqing walked over to the merchants.
"Hey, Fu Wenya! Sorry I'm late—haha, you know how traffic is around this time." He winked at the visibly terrified merchants.
"And of course, our apologies for the delay, dear customers. How about we make it up to you, hm?" Qin Shaoqing flashed a professional business smile.
"You know who we are now, and we won't let you leave alive," one disciple said, raising his arm-blade.
"Sir Cheng, let's talk man to man," Qin Shaoqing said calmly. "As valued customers, we offer nothing but trust and loyalty. I apologize for my subordinates angering you, but surely we can smooth this out."
"How about this—we'll offer a discount on our goods going forward. We'll even throw in something extra."
"Hmph. How about you give everything for free in exchange for your life?" Cheng Cheng sneered, drawing his blade close to Qin Shaoqing's neck.
"Sir Cheng, be reasonable. We're running an honest business here, and frankly, we don't care about your identity as a Disciple of Sanctus Medicus. In fact, to be part of such a passionate cult—I mean, sect—while being oppressed by the Luofu is admirable."
Qin Shaoqing's Friendly Aura surged outward like a wave.
"A-Ahem… so you truly understand what we're fighting for," Cheng Cheng said awkwardly. "I see kindness in your eyes, sir… err…"
"Qin Shaoqing," he replied. "But I'm nothing compared to a valiant soul like you. I can't imagine the hardships you endured to keep such a suppressed sect alive."
"As a matter of fact, we'd be delighted to cooperate with the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus. I'm sure a sect like yours has many noble souls in need of precious herbs."
"Hahahaha! You truly follow the scriptures!" Cheng Cheng laughed heartily. "We apologize for acting against your subordinates."
Turning sharply, he barked, "Quickly! Apologize!"
Under their leader's glare, the disciples lowered their weapons and began apologizing profusely.
"It's nothing. Misunderstandings happen—it's my job to smooth things over." Qin Shaoqing extended his hand. "So I hope moving forward, Sir Cheng, we can cooperate peacefully."
"Haha! Truly a man of reason. If you ever wish to join Sanctus Medicus, you'd be welcomed with open arms."
Before Cheng Cheng could take his hand, a distant shout echoed.
"Looks like they're here." Qin Shaoqing sighed in relief.
From the direction of the noise, a squad of Cloud Knights charged toward them.
Betrayal instantly flooded Cheng Cheng's heart, rage boiling over.
"YOU!" Without hesitation, he slashed at Qin Shaoqing's neck—only to meet no resistance as Qin's figure dissipated into mist.
[Congratulations for enraging Cheng Cheng. Your reward is: Sanctus Medicus's Rage — nearby members will feel inexplicable hostility toward you.]
[Congratulations for swindling Cheng Cheng. Your reward is: Body Full of Dew — nearby long-life species and Foxians will feel inexplicable attraction toward you.]
Several black lines appeared on Qin Shaoqing's forehead as an intense urge to curse his dysfunctional system surged.
Shaking his head, he ignored the notifications and focused on survival.
Unarmed, Qin Shaoqing relied on continuous dodging, using Ghost-like Movements and Disembodied Voice to create phantom footsteps and sounds, misleading Cheng Cheng about his true position.
"DIE! DIE, YOU BASTARD!" Cheng Cheng roared.
The commotion drew the attention of several Cloud Knights battling the other disciples.
Watching Qin Shaoqing's mesmerizing footwork as he evaded the rapid slashes, they couldn't help but marvel at the technique that produced such illusions.
One Cloud Knight in particular—a young woman—watched him with sparkling eyes.