Several hours later, the daylight began to fade.

In a residence about five li west of Hundred Herbs Hall.

By the faint light, Chen Yi carefully studied his reflection in a copper mirror.

His formerly refined and scholarly appearance had transformed into one of striking handsomeness.

—Fair skin, sharp brows, star-like eyes, and a high-bridged nose.

Aside from his bright, clear eyes, his facial structure, mouth, and nose had all been subtly altered.

Whether at a glance or under close scrutiny, no one would recognize him as the live-in son-in-law of the Xiao Family.

Seeing no flaws, Chen Yi nodded. "Not bad."

Hearing this, Wang Ji beamed and quickly bowed.

"As long as you’re satisfied, my lord."

"It’s just that it’s a bit too handsome. It’ll attract unwanted attention."

"You jest, my lord. You drew attention before, too."

Chen Yi glanced at him, ignoring the flattery. He looked toward the figure outside the door and ordered,

"From now on, have him follow you."

"It’s a waste of talent for someone so young to be idling away in this residence."

Wang Ji quickly assented and gestured to the short, slender youth outside. "What are you waiting for? Come thank my lord."

This young man, Zhang Dabao, was the Jianghu expert in the Disguise Skill whom Wang Ji had found for Chen Yi.

It was both true and untrue to call him one of the Jianghu People.

To be precise, Zhang Dabao had just completed his apprenticeship and was about to step into the Jianghu when he was recruited by Wang Ji.

But the fact that his Disguise Skill came with recommendations meant he was certainly skilled.

His master, after all, was a famous master thief in Shu State, nicknamed "One Finger."

Legend had it he once stole his way from South City to North City using only a single finger, his hand never missing its mark. Since then, his name had become legendary in the thieving circles of Shu State.

Besides his ultimate thieving technique, "One Finger" was also a master of the Disguise Skill, which he often used to evade capture by the Government Office.

Zhang Dabao had learned everything he knew from "One Finger."

When Wang Ji found him, he was planning to follow in his master’s footsteps and make a name for himself by accomplishing the grand feat of stealing his way from the east side of Shu State City to the west.

If Wang Ji hadn’t made such a high offer, the lands of Shu State might already be abuzz with tales of a master thief named "Two Fingers."

Seeing Chen Yi’s satisfaction, the young Zhang Dabao couldn’t help but grin. "My deepest thanks, my lord."

Even though time was short, he had relied on his superb skills to craft a "human skin mask" for him, just as Chen Yi had requested.

Of course, it wasn’t real human skin, but a "mask" made of a special material.

It not only had realistic skin texture and fine hairs but could also be padded to simulate different bone and muscle structures, completely altering a person’s appearance.

And the disguise he had made for Chen Yi did just that.

From any angle, Chen Yi bore no resemblance to his former self.

Except for his build and a certain indescribable air about him.

So, after his praise, Zhang Dabao added a reminder, "My lord, appearance is only one part of it. If you want to completely become someone else, you’ll also have to change your..."

Before he could finish, Chen Yi understood. Without moving his feet, he gave a slight shrug and clasped his left hand behind his back.

Combined with the calm expression on his face, his entire demeanor instantly became far more aloof.

"How about this?"

Zhang Dabao stared blankly, rubbed his eyes, then broke into a wide grin. "A lord is a lord, after all. I can’t see a single flaw."

Though blunt, Zhang Dabao’s words were far more pleasing to Chen Yi’s ears than Wang Ji’s earlier flattery.

He grunted in acknowledgement and instructed Wang Ji, "Only four people know about this. Make sure no one else finds out."

Wang Ji naturally gave his assurance. "Rest assured, my lord."

"Besides me, Yan Sea, and Zhang Dabao, absolutely no one else will know."

Chen Yi nodded and walked toward the door. "Remember, my public name at Hundred Herbs Hall is Chen Yu."

Afterward, the three of them arrived at Hundred Herbs Hall.

Yan Sea glanced over curiously, and just as he was about to speak, he saw Wang Ji clap his hands and announce with a smile to the surrounding Guards, Physicians, and apprentices:

"This is the boss of our Hundred Herbs Hall, Chen Yu."

"He’s made a special trip to see how things are going."

Everyone from Hundred Herbs Hall turned to look at Chen Yi, as did the customers buying herbal teas and medicines.

Hundred Herbs Hall had been open for some time and had recently caused quite a stir in Shu State City, so it naturally attracted attention.

Besides Wang Ji, the Shopkeeper, many people were more interested in the mysterious boss behind Hundred Herbs Hall.

There had been some rumors in the past.

Some said Hundred Herbs Hall was a Xiao Family business that hadn’t been publicly claimed for some reason.

Some said it was the work of some Divine Doctor from the Jianghu.

Others guessed it was some great Noble Family from outside Shu State, who had come specifically to support the Xiao Family.

The theories were many and varied, but no one could say for sure.

Now that the boss of Hundred Herbs Hall had appeared, it was a decent piece of gossip for these people.

"He’s the boss of Hundred Herbs Hall? He certainly has a dignified bearing. He looks like he comes from a great family."

"Why do I get the feeling he’s one of the Jianghu People? He has a bit of a cold air about him."

Never mind the discussions in the hall; Yan Sea and the others were too preoccupied with bowing respectfully.

"Greetings, Proprietor."

Even Liu Lang did the same.

But as he bowed, he breathed a small sigh of relief.

The sky was already dark, and the person who had promised last night to heal his injuries still hadn’t appeared. He’d been starting to think he’d been tricked.

Fortunately, he had finally arrived.

It was just that the person before him was somewhat different from what he had imagined.

Strikingly handsome and cold, unlike the easygoing person he’d spoken with the night before.

Chen Yi paid no mind to the thoughts of those around him, simply saying in a level voice, "Everyone, back to your work."

"Yes, Proprietor."

After Yan Sea and the others continued to attend to the customers, Chen Yi signaled for Wang Ji to take Liu Lang to a quiet room and to bring the box of Silver Needles along.

Wang Ji brought Liu Lang over, looking perplexed. When Chen Yi waved a dismissive hand, he left without another question, despite his confusion.

Liu Lang looked at Chen Yi, who was sitting at the table preparing tea, and asked with a half-smile: "Senior?"

Chen Yi glanced at him and asked faintly, "Don’t I look the part?"

Liu Lang shook his head and sat down across from him. "You were gentler last night."

A smile touched Chen Yi’s handsome face, a hint of his nonchalance returning. His tone grew more casual.

"One has to wear a disguise when away from home."

Seeing him act this way, Liu Lang looked him up and down before bursting into laughter.

"Boss Chen, this must be your real face, right?"

’It’s not,’

Chen Yi thought. He cut to the chase. "I’ll ask you one last time: are you sure you’ll agree to my terms?"

Liu Lang was momentarily stunned, then replied, "I have roamed the Jianghu for years, and I have never once broken my word. You can rest assured on that."

"In that case, sit still."

"Sit still? I..."

Before Liu Lang could react, Chen Yi waved his hand and lightly tapped the box by his side, and his True Essence began to flow.

Instantly, a needle pierced his left shoulder, followed by another at his Chest Acupoint, and a third below his right pectoral muscle.

The three Silver Needles formed a straight line, each one landing perfectly on his wounds.

Liu Lang froze, staring at Chen Yi in shock. He was utterly dumbfounded.

He had long heard legends of "Divine Doctors" in the Jianghu, but seeing it for himself, he realized the rumors had been far too conservative.

How could "miraculous" even begin to describe this?

It was... it was simply divine.

Chen Yi had no time to care about Liu Lang’s thoughts, focusing only on using his True Essence to repair his damaged meridians.

In less than a quarter of an hour, he waved his hand and instantly retracted the three Silver Needles.

Liu Lang paused, looking at him blankly. "It’s done?"

"It’s done just like that?"

"So fast?"

As Chen Yi put the Silver Needles back into the box, he instructed, "I’ll leave a prescription with Wang Ji later. Drink it for three days, and you’ll be fully recovered."

"Remember not to fight with anyone during this time, lest your newly repaired meridians rupture."

Liu Lang remained stunned for a moment. When he finally came to his senses, he stood and clasped his fist in admiration.

"Please forgive me for my ignorance. I hope you will pardon my earlier impudence."

’He was utterly convinced. An injury that had tormented him for days had been healed in less than an hour. Anyone would be in awe.’

Chen Yi glanced at him. "You must not get out much."

"..."

Liu Lang gave a dry laugh, then sat up straight again and said seriously,

"Since you have healed my injuries, I will be sure to fulfill every part of our agreement."

Chen Yi grunted in acknowledgement, thought for a moment, and said, "As it happens, I have something I need you to do."

"I am at your command."

"You know about the Three Towns of Shu State, right?"

Liu Lang smiled and nodded. "Who doesn’t? Those garrisons are the foundation of the Xiao Family’s power in Shu State."

"I need you to find people to burn the summer grain that was just put into storage in the Three Towns."

"Uh..."

Liu Lang’s smile froze, the shock even greater than before. "Y-y-y-you... are you insane?"

’Burn the summer grain of the Three Towns? If I really do this, even ten heads won’t be enough to pay the price.’

’Damn it, this is one "command" I’d like to "refuse"!’