Zhu Xinfu and the others did not cultivate internal energy, so they lacked understanding of it. However, having heard of it, they knew cultivation was difficult. Thus, when Zhu Yanyi explained, they understood.
Zhu Xinfu smiled. "In that case, congratulations to Ani. Such a breakthrough opportunity is a good thing."
"Yes, it is good. But keeping a calm heart is more important," Zhu Yanyi said with a smile. She had experienced such breakthroughs several times, so she was accustomed to them.
Zhu Xinfu nodded approvingly. She was satisfied with Zhu Yanyi’s calm attitude toward everything.
Zhu Yanyi invited Zhu Xinfu to eat. "Grandpa, try the lotus root. It is said local farmers deliver the freshest ones every morning. I think it tastes fine. Let’s see how it differs from ours."
Zhu Xinfu smiled, picked up a piece, took a bite, and nodded. "Very crisp, and the taste is good."
"Indeed. They also serve a dish called 'Water Eight Immortals' here," Zhu Yanyi said.
"Water Eight Immortals? Water bamboo, lotus root, water celery, gorgon nut, arrowhead, water chestnut, water shield, and water caltrop. These are local specialties, a feature of this cuisine," Zhu Xinfu laughed. "I haven’t eaten them in over forty years."
"That is easy. I will have them sent up," Zhu Yanyi told the waiter nearby. Soon, the Water Eight Immortals arrived.
Zhu Yanyi put a piece of water caltrop in her mouth. It was crisp and sweet. "It tastes good. But eating it with pork stomach or other cold-natured foods causes stomach pain or bloating. Neither is good."
Zhu Xinfu nodded slightly. "So those who eat cold pork stomach salad cannot eat water caltrop."
Zhu Shunyao and Taishu Yuanxiang, who were eating cold pork stomach salad, were slightly stunned, then laughed. Taishu Yuanxiang said, "I will not eat water caltrop. I will eat lotus root instead."
The family meal was originally just for fun. This interaction added more joy to everyone.
After finishing the meal with smiles, Zhu Yanyi accompanied Zhu Xinfu for a walk. When it was time, they returned to their rooms to rest.
Today was a calm day, but tomorrow would mark the true confrontation. It was time to settle accounts. Zhu Yanyi did not like dragging things out.
The situation with the perfume was similar. Shangguan Haohan and Ma Tianliang discussed their next steps. Afterward, Shangguan Haohan smiled. "If Mr. Ma had not been by my side, I truly would not have known how to break through."
Ma Tianliang shook his head with a smile. "Master Shangguan, no need for politeness. We are doing this at the Young Master’s request. If it were only the Chen family, the Young Master would not have sent me and Wu Han to assist you. The Chen family has a Godfather. To be honest, the Young Master dislikes this Godfather. So, he wants him to understand that some people and places cannot do whatever they wish."
Shangguan Haohan nodded in agreement. "Mr. Ma is right. However, I have not met Mr. Wu. If there is time, I hope you can introduce me, so I may thank him personally."
"There will be a chance," Ma Tianliang smiled slightly. "Master Shangguan, you are already acquainted with our Young Master. Since you know each other, you have fate. Those with fate will meet."
Ma Tianliang’s speaking skills were indeed high. By saying this, she pulled Shangguan Haohan to Zhu Yanyi’s side. No matter what happened to Zhu Yanyi in the future, Shangguan Haohan could only support her.
Fortunately, Shangguan Haohan already favored Zhu Yanyi. First, she was the savior of her son. Second, knowing a divine doctor like Zhu Yanyi meant she did not need to worry about her life being in danger.
While Shangguan Haohan and Ma Tianliang spoke, the Godfather and Chen Jiahao discussed the current situation.
"In just a few days, we have lost so much business. Master Chen, it seems the Chen family is not so impressive," the Godfather said, doubting his own judgment. Why had he thought the Chen family was worth elevating?
Chen Jiahao had never faced such a situation since becoming head of the Chen family. He was unhappy, but his priority was to steady the Godfather’s heart. Support from the Godfather made a huge difference.
"Godfather, please rest assured. This is only temporary," Chen Jiahao said, though he lacked confidence in his heart.
The Godfather looked at Chen Jiahao with a half-smile. "I hope it is only temporary, as you say. Otherwise, if this continues, I can only abandon the Chen family. I cannot put all the Holy Sect’s resources on your family. I am not a speculator. I do not take excessive risks."
"Godfather, cooperation requires sincerity. Rest assured, the Chen family will not fall no matter what," Chen Jiahao said with a proud expression.
"I hope so," the Godfather said without adding much else. "I hope you think of a strategy tonight. Decide what to do next."
After speaking, the Godfather left. On the way, he pondered. He needed a backup plan. "Contact the Shangguan family. Tell them I wish to speak with Master Shangguan."
"Understood," his assistant recorded the request.
The perfume situation grew tense. Meanwhile, Yan Aohan faced fierce conflict.
"Xiangyao, I did not expect you to be so bold. I thought you had fled. It seems you believe the most dangerous place is the safest," Yan Aohan said, looking at Xiangyao. The little Chaos creature was hidden somewhere by Xiangyao, unseen.
Xiangyao looked at Yan Aohan. "God Yan, why press me so closely? I have not offended you."
"Xiangyao, it is not about offending me. It is about offending the Heavenly Dao," Yan Aohan said, a faint coldness appearing at the corner of his mouth. "This Venerable owes the Heavenly Dao a favor. They came to collect. I had no choice but to handle it here. I did not expect the幕后 culprit to be Xiangyao."
Yan Aohan’s cold eyes stared at Xiangyao. "Xiangyao, I dislike unnecessary talk. Will you commit suicide, or shall I act?"
Xiangyao looked at Yan Aohan. "God Yan, do not think that because you are the God of the Underworld, I cannot harm you. If I self-destruct, this entire world will perish with me."
"I believe that," Yan Aohan said calmly. "But you should know that since I act, I will not give you the chance to self-destruct." Yan Aohan spread his hand slightly, and the Earth Book appeared.