Chapter 25: Cultivation Is Not About Fighting and Killing, But About Worldly Wisdom

"Master, you've arrived!"

"This young master, please, come in!"

"Master Qin, it's been a long time since you visited. I'm so glad to see you again!"

Within the exquisite and luxurious Snow Moon Pavilion, the air was thick with the sounds of singing and dancing, and the constant flutter of graceful figures. The scent of fine wine mingled with the fragrance of cosmetics, creating a vibrant and bustling atmosphere.

In a private room on the third floor, Zhang Long and Zhou Chen sat facing each other, with Zhao Hu, Yang Dali, and Yang Dagen seated alongside them.

Although Zhou Chen was a newcomer, he had already achieved success in skin refinement, entering the second stage of body tempering—the Flesh Refining Realm. In this world of extraordinary power, while status and seniority held some weight, it was true strength that ultimately determined one's position.

Strength was the foundation of everything.

"This is only the second time you've been here, isn't it, Brother Chen?" Zhao Hu asked with a smile.

"Brother Hu is quite right," Zhou Chen replied with a smile, nodding. "It's quite a coincidence; the first time I came here, I happened to see you four as well."

"I recall noticing a significant change in your physique and demeanor back then. You must have just finished your skin refinement at the time, right?" Zhang Long asked casually while looking at Zhou Chen.

"Brother Long has eyes like torches. I had indeed just broken through that day. I was in such high spirits that I came into the city to wander around and, incidentally, pick out a good bow." Zhou Chen did not hide anything; these matters were quite transparent, and he had no intention of keeping his purchase a secret.

"I heard you nearly wore the poor girl out—she couldn't even get up the next day!" Zhang Long teased.

Zhao Hu and the others chimed in with winks, saying with envy, "Martial artists are truly something else! Who knows when we'll ever finish our skin refinement!"

"Brother Hu, I happen to have something here that is essential for every man!" Zhou Chen took the opportunity to pull four small vials he had prepared from his pocket, presenting them to Zhang Long, Zhao Hu, and the others.

"Brother Chen, you look down on us!" Zhao Hu feigned anger. "We're one thing, but with the boss's strength, does he really need something like this?"

"Hehe, don't be so quick, Brother Hu!" Zhou Chen smiled slightly. "This is an ancestral secret formula. Not only does it have no side effects, but it is actually beneficial to the body, even possessing the ability to strengthen it. Even someone suffering from kidney deficiency would find this remedy effective immediately!"

"I naturally know that you don't *need* it, Brother Long, but who doesn't want to be stronger? Think of it as adding wings to a tiger—it’s excellent even just as a tonic."

"Is it that impressive? Then I'll have to give it a try!" Zhao Hu and the others smiled suggestively as they picked up the jade vials and opened them to take a look.

Zhang Long also opened his vial and sniffed. Inside were ten small, golden-yellow pills, each the size of a pea. These were the "Yang-Dominating Pills" that Zhou Chen had evolved from simple virility-boosting powder using ten points of "Romance Essence." He had spent the last few days crafting them specifically for this moment.

"Brother Long, as you know, I'm new here and need money for everything, especially since training in martial arts is like burning through gold," Zhou Chen said, looking at Zhang Long and getting straight to the point. "That is why I plan to open a shop in Qinghe City specifically to sell this medicine. I've named it 'Yang-Dominating Pill.' Its effects are unquestionable—beneficial, harmless, and side-effect-free. It's reasonably priced and is sure to have a huge market."

In this extraordinary world, there was no shortage of virility-boosting medicines, and some even existed that were side-effect-free and effective. However, those were all very expensive. Zhou Chen could capture a portion of the market by offering a slightly lower price.

"Hmm, that's a good idea," Zhang Long nodded. He was very supportive of Zhou Chen's plan to open a shop, though whether it could make money depended on whether the medicine was truly as effective as claimed.

"Brother Long, my funds are a bit tight right now. My proposal is this: I would like to ask you to help me secure a shop, which would serve as your investment. I will handle all the production and sales, and we can split the profits fifty-fifty. What do you think, Brother Long?"

Zhang Long raised an eyebrow, observing Zhou Chen with interest. A single shop was nothing to him. He knew that even if Zhou Chen had little money, he could certainly manage to rent a shop himself. Yet, Zhou Chen had involved him and offered half the profits. This level of boldness and strategic thinking was quite extraordinary.

On the surface, Zhang Long was merely providing a shop, but in reality, this brought their relationship much closer. Secondly, with his name attached to it, no one would dare cause trouble for Zhou Chen's business. Thirdly, Zhou Chen was giving him a gift while binding their interests together.

*I didn't expect someone so young to be so shrewd, and with his innate talent, he is certainly destined for greatness,* Zhang Long thought with admiration, his opinion of Zhou Chen rising even further.

He shook his head and smiled. "I'm only providing a shop; taking fifty percent is too much!"

"How can you say that, Brother Long? Your reputation alone provides a level of protection for the shop that money cannot buy," Zhou Chen replied earnestly.

Zhang Long nodded. "Even so, fifty percent is too much. Forty percent is enough!"

"It is settled then!" Zhang Long decided.

"Very well, as you say, Brother Long!" Zhou Chen felt a surge of relief. The matter of the shop was settled. With Zhang Long's backing, no short-sighted troublemakers would dare approach. Although he had given away a portion of the profits, Zhou Chen did not mind; minor gains were far less important than avoiding trouble. He wanted stability, and as for silver, he had plenty of ways to earn it—and what he had was already enough.

"My lords, apologies for the wait!" The madam, Sister Hong, greeted them as a line of young women filed into the room, filling it with a heart-stirring, sweet fragrance.

"I greet you, my lords!" Miaotong and the others bowed gracefully.

Zhang Long laughed, "Little Chen, you are the guest of honor today. Why don't you choose first?"

"How could I do that?" Zhou Chen said modestly.

"Why be so formal with your brother? If you don't choose, I'll do it for you!" Zhang Long waved his hand and pointed at Miaotong. "Miss Miaotong is an old acquaintance of yours. Pair her with Miaoyu, and it will be a perfect match! You must take good care of my brother today!"

"Yes, my lord!" Miaotong and Miaoyu, both familiar with the County Magistrate Zhang Long, bowed and moved to sit on either side of Zhou Chen.

Zhou Chen did not stand on ceremony, wrapping his arms around their slender, swaying waists. The women leaned into his embrace, their soft figures settling onto his lap. The other women soon gathered around Zhang Long, Zhao Hu, and the rest, appearing to be old acquaintances as well.

After several rounds of drinks, the group retired to their rooms with their companions. Zhou Chen carried Miaotong and Miaoyu to Miaotong’s room.

"Master, your touch is truly incredible; you're just bullying this humble one," Miaoyu whispered, her voice soft and breathless.

Feeling her hot breath against his ear, Zhou Chen smiled slightly. "This is nothing—just the tip of the iceberg."

"Sister Miaotong was nearly broken by you last time, Master; please be gentle!" Miaoyu teased with a seductive look.

Miaotong blushed, shooting a sharp glance at Miaoyu.

"Of course, I pride myself on being gentle with the fair sex!" Zhou Chen laughed heartily, picking them up and tossing them onto the couch.