The Prodigies War
chapter-56

Mu Wansu had returned to the Qingyang Tribe alone two days prior to search for news about the Little Sword Lord Xie Yutang.

The Qingyang Tribe was undoubtedly the most optimal place to find news regarding Xie Yutang.

In Mu Wansu’s opinion, since Xie Yutang had come to the Three Thousand Great Mountains, he would have also chosen the Qingyang Tribe for temporary lodging.

Thus, she only needed to check if anyone had seen Xie Yutang recently to verify when he arrived at the Three Thousand Great Mountains.

Of course, this was all Shi Xuan’s idea.

Mu Wansu did not understand why the First Young Master wanted to meet Xie Yutang so urgently. Could it merely be to witness the uniqueness of the Ruling Sword Art?

Or perhaps the First Young Master believed that Xie Yutang had already found the prophesized treasure?

Regardless, it was something Mu Wansu needed to do. It had already been two days since she arrived in the Qingyang Tribe, but she had yet to find any news about Xie Yutang.

This made Mu Wansu feel rather helpless. It was almost impossible to even catch a glimpse of someone like Xie Yutang, so how could it possibly be easy to find news about him?

Fortunately, Mu Wansu received news tonight that a golden flame beast had appeared at a river that was a thousand miles from the Qingyang Tribe. Such a creature had never appeared in the past hundred years and was likely related to the prophesized treasure.

Moreover, the empire’s southwest city governor’s first son, Liu Yukun, had lost his life to the beast!

This was an astonishing piece of news that could create giant waves.

Mu Wansu had already decided to go searching for the golden flame beast’s whereabouts the next morning.

However, before she could discuss some matters with the Stone Cauldron Alms manager, Yan Zhen, as she had originally planned, Mu Wansu was surprised to find a certain hateful, shameless, and despicable youngster had appeared!

Mu Wansu had been watching from afar. At the sight of Lin Xun being suspected by Yan Zhen and surrounded like a lamb waiting for slaughter, Mu Wansu suddenly felt an unexplainable surge of glee.

Little bastard, to think this day had finally come for you.

Mu Wansu could not wait for Yan Zhen to teach the shameless youngster a lesson on behalf of her.

The moment this thought appeared, however, she noticed the little bastard looking toward her.

Mu Wansu’s heart jumped and she quickly tried moving out of sight, but it was already too late.

The little bastard’s face practically lit up as he waved his hand and called out, “Big Sister Wansu, your timing is great. Quick come and tell them about the token. Big Brother Shi Xuan never said that taking this token into the Stone Cauldron Alms would make them treat me so coldly.”

Mu Wansu was speechless as she placed a hand on her forehead. To think that he would so shamelessly call out to her in such an intimate manner. Others might actually believe that they were well acquainted!

She really wanted to pretend she did not know him and leave. However, when she thought about how the token was indeed a gift from First Young Master Shi Xuan, she knew that she would not be able to explain this if he were to somehow find out.

What should I do?

Mu Wansu hesitated. If possible, she really wanted to go over and yank that little bastard’s ear. This is far too infuriating. Why does he look so righteous when he is the one asking for help?!

Another wave of confusion washed over Yan Zhen and the others as they looked around only to immediately catch sight of Mu Wansu.

She was dressed in a black dress and her beautiful hair was tied up in a bun. She had pretty and delicate features, an excellent figure, and a pair of straight black brows that gave off a fierce and sharp aura. She resembled a wild rose blossoming on a cliff, beautiful but thorny.

Yan Zhen’s pupils abruptly shrank as he stammered, “Miss Wansu, do you…know this young man?”

The others were also doubtful.

Mu Wansu sighed inwardly. She could only walk over and try to downplay as much as possible, “This token was indeed given by the First Young Master.”

She did not answer directly but the meaning behind her words was obvious.

All of Yan Zhen’s doubts disappeared in an instant. Mu Wansu was the person in charge of the Donglin City Stone Cauldron Alms branch, and even Yan Zhen was far below her in status.

Most importantly, Yan Zhen was well aware that Mu Wansu had been helping the First Young Master with some matters over the past few days. How could she possibly be lying?

It seemed that they had wrongly accused this youngster.

With such thoughts in mind, Yan Zhen’s gaze changed when he looked toward Lin Xun again. He did not know why their First Young Master would give such an important token to the young man, but since he had done so, there must definitely be a reason.

The expression of the middle-aged man in an embroidered gown rapidly fluctuated. This youngster is the First Young Master’s friend? If the First Young Master found out what happened today…

He did not dare to complete the thought.

The middle-aged man felt regretful. His earlier actions did seem a little too rude, but how could he have known that this shabby-looking youngster would have such an astonishing relationship?

The middle-aged man suddenly noticed Lin Xun turn around and look at him, causing his heart to jump in his chest; he was under the impression that Lin Xun was preparing to take revenge.

Who could have imagined that Lin Xun would cup his fists together in apology, “I was too rash earlier and was indeed the one at fault. Sorry uncle, I hope that you can forgive me.”

The middle-aged man was stunned and instinctively replied, “No matter, no matter. It was merely a misunderstanding earlier. The young master need not concern himself over it.”

Lin Xun smiled and did not say anything else.

Upon seeing this, Yan Zhen waved his hand and said, “All of you are dismissed.”

As he spoke, he led Lin Xun and Mu Wansu along a long corridor that ended at an elegant room where everyone quickly took a seat.

“May I ask for the young master’s name?” Yan Zhen’s attitude had become proper and friendly. His scholarly appearance with his gentle tone paired with his perpetually smiling face was akin to a spring breeze.

“Elder is too courteous. This junior’s surname is Lin and my name is Xun.” Lin Xun smiled and cupped his hands together.

Mu Wansu was seated to the side, absently-mindedly playing with an exquisite teacup as if she did not wish to be part of the conversion.

Her attitude felt odd to Yan Zhen, but he maintained his smile and said, “So it’s Young Master Lin Xun. Today’s matter was due to the inadequacy of my Stone Cauldron Alms. I hope the young master does not take it to heart.”

His words were courteous but Lin Xun was even more polite. He hurriedly rose to his feet and cupped his hands together, displaying an ashamed and apologetic appearance, “Elder is too polite, I was the one who was originally at fault. How can I possibly blame others?”

Yan Zhen found himself unable to read Lin Xun’s intentions. The kid had been so forceful and unyielding earlier, so why had he suddenly become so accommodating?

With such thoughts in mind, Yan Zhen asked, “If I may be so bold as to ask if the young master had immediately shown the token earlier, wouldn’t we have avoided this misunderstanding…”

Before he could finish, Lin Xun embarrassedly said, “Elder might not know but it was an emergency situation earlier. In addition, I was not certain of the token’s effectiveness. Hence, my plan was to make a big enough commotion to draw the elder's attention.”

Yan Zhen was at a loss for words. The kid was honest and had come clean about everything, making Yan Zhen feel that the kid’s character was not bad.

He had unwittingly begun to view Lin Xun in a slightly more favorable light. It was honestly rare to find such a wise thirteen-year-old youngster nowadays.

Most importantly, he knew when to stand his ground or back down. If Yan Zhen had not personally witnessed the earlier affair, he would have suspected Lin Xun to be a very shrewd adult.

“Was that really what you were thinking back there?” Mu Wansu suddenly asked, her eyes staring at Lin Xun like knives.

She could tell at a glance that the little punk had been talking rubbish since he entered the room. He made himself seem meek and truthful, making it impossible to find any fault with him. This brat is way too devious.

Given Lin Xun’s intelligence, Mu Wansu knew that he definitely would not have made such a huge commotion in public just to draw out Yan Zhen. There was likely some other goal behind these actions!

Lin Xun chuckled bitterly and sighed, “Big Sister Wansu, this is the first time in my life that I’ve left the mountain village and I have no knowledge or experience about the outside world. If there's anything I’ve done wrong, I hope that you will be generous with your guidance.”

He bowed at Mu Wansu with a sincere and earnest attitude, making it impossible for her to find any fault with him despite knowing that it was all an act. Otherwise, it would only make her appear petty.

This punk is becoming more and more crafty!

Mu Wansu was fuming inside, but she retained a lovely smile on her face, “Alright, since the matter has passed, we shall not bring it up anymore. Moreover, you’re someone who the First Young Master thinks highly of. Even if you made a mistake, it can be forgiven.”

“Haha, Miss Wansu is right. We shall not mention this matter again.” Yan Zhen laughed heartily, “Right then, we still do not know why the young master has come to our Stone Cauldron Alms.”

Lin Xun’s expression immediately turned solemn as he cupped his hands together, “Truth be told, I came here because of two matters.”

Yan Zhen stroked his mustache and smiled, “Feel free to tell us.”

“First, I’m here to sell some goods and exchange some living necessities for our Feiyun villagers. At the same time, I’m also hoping to sign a trade contract with Stone Cauldron Alms.”

Lin Xun swiftly explained, “Elder probably does not know yet, but Feiyun Village is currently able to produce some Feiyun Fire Copper, which I believe is a resource needed by Stone Cauldron Alms. I plan to sign an exclusive trading contract with Stone Cauldron Alms to collect the Feiyun Fire Copper and secure a long-term trading route for the village.”

Yan Zhen raised his brow, “Feiyun Fire Copper?”

Lin Xun smiled, “Correct, Big Sister Mu Wansu and the First Young Master saw it when they were guests at Feiyun Village.”

He instantly implicated Mu Wansu, causing her to glare at him. In the end, she nodded, “He’s right.”

Yan Zhen immediately put aside his worries and smiled, “Great, I can agree to this contract. After all, it’s mutually beneficial.”

Lin Xun chuckled, “Thank you, elder, for allowing it.”

Once this matter was settled, anyone who dared to have designs on the Feiyun Fire Copper in the future would have to first get past Stone Cauldron Alms.

At the same time, Stone Cauldron Alms would not dare to try and cheat the villagers on account of his relationship with Shi Xuan. Hence, Lin Xun would not need to worry about this after he left Feiyun Village in the future.

Moreover, selling Feiyun Fire Copper would create income for the village and gradually improve the villagers’ lives. They would no longer need to fret over their livelihoods.

This was called killing two birds with one stone. Lin Xun had already begun to plan this when he arrived at Feiyun Village and finally seeing it succeed made him breathe a sigh of relief inside.

Yan Zhen asked, “Young master, may I inquire about the second matter?”

Lin Xun glanced at Mu Wansu before looking back to Yan Zhen and suddenly revealed a bitter smile.

Before Lin Xun spoke, Mu Wansu’s heart sank as she cursed inside. This punk is full of evil thoughts, he’s most definitely going to use this chance to raise some troublesome matter!