It was the fifteenth day of Jing Wudi's seclusion. Fan Li’s outstanding medical expenses included the cost of saving Jing Wudi's life, plus sixteen bowls of Longevity Broth. Only one bowl had gone to Fan Li himself; the rest had been consumed by Jing Wudi.

On top of that, the price Fan Li had paid for Jing Ke's remains was astronomical. Yet, Fan Li had only promised to settle the entire bill "in a few days."

Yu Shenzi hadn't pressed the matter. He maintained a facade of generosity. However, inwardly he was in turmoil. Those sixteen bowls of Longevity Broth had depleted ninety percent of the Azure Cloud Sect’s precious medicinal herbs. Their treasury was practically bare.

What if Fan Li reneged on his promise? The thought struck Yu Shenzi like a bolt from the blue one morning. He clearly lacked experience in conducting large transactions. Otherwise, he would understand a simple truth: borrowing money is easy; collecting it is another matter entirely.

Right now, Fan Li, the debtor, held all the power. As for Yu Shenzi, he was starting to feel like a beggar.

"No, no, no! Fan Li comes from a noble family. He’s a man of refinement and integrity. He would never stoop to such a thing."

Yu Shenzi tried to convince himself. "Even if he doesn't make a profit, as long as he repays the cost of those sixteen bowls of Longevity Broth, I'll be satisfied. Or… at least fifteen bowls… or fourteen… Yes, yes! We had some old herbs that were going to spoil anyway. Repaying for fourteen bowls wouldn't be a loss at all!"

Unconsciously, he lowered his expectations, becoming a desperate creditor, clinging to the hope of recovering his principal, the dream of profit long forgotten.

He didn't even dare to think about how much he could earn from selling Jing Ke’s remains.

“Sect Leader Yu, are you alright? Is your stomach bothering you?”

Fan Li, hand-in-hand with Lu Fubao, was enjoying a leisurely stroll through the Azure Cloud Sect. They made a point of putting on this display of marital bliss every day.

As they passed Yu Shenzi’s quarters, they spotted the old Daoist priest clutching his stomach in distress.

"My stomach?" Yu Shenzi blinked, taking a moment to process Fan Li’s question.

He smiled wryly. It wasn't his stomach that was bothering him. It was his empty purse. However, as a man of age and status, he couldn't bring himself to voice his concerns. He wanted to demand payment, but the words wouldn't come out.

"My, my, you two are always so affectionate," he said, changing the subject.

Lu Fubao blushed. Truth be told, she had grown accustomed to life in the Azure Cloud Sect. Gone were the anxieties of the Great Chu imperial palace, the constant need to guard against Xiang Chong and Empress Dowager Li. She had almost become comfortable with Fan Li by her side.

“You two haven’t started a family yet, have you?” Yu Shenzi asked with a knowing smile. “I have a prescription that’s excellent for nourishing the womb and preparing for pregnancy.”

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

He retrieved a piece of paper from his sleeve, a list of over a dozen medicinal herbs, carefully annotated with instructions for decoction. It was a gift he had prepared in advance, hoping to appease Fan Li. His actions mirrored those of bank managers from Fan Li’s previous world, showering their most valued clients with gifts and well wishes.

Fan Li was their most valued client.

"A prescription for pregnancy?" Fan Li’s expression turned peculiar. He and Lu Fubao were only pretending to be married. Accepting such a gift would be inappropriate.

He was about to refuse when Lu Fubao, quick as a flash, reached out and took the prescription. “Th-thank you, Senior.”

Fan Li was surprised, then chuckled inwardly. She was certainly committed to the act. He had almost forgotten. As expected, women were more attentive to such details. He cast an appreciative glance at Lu Fubao, who refused to meet his gaze.

“It’s nothing, nothing at all.” Yu Shenzi felt a great burden lift from his shoulders. ‘Why am I trying so hard to please this young man?’ he wondered.

Despite his internal turmoil, his hands were already moving. He retrieved a food box and offered it to Lu Fubao. “The festival is approaching. These are the Azure Cloud Sect’s special mooncakes. We have lotus seed paste, red bean paste, five-kernel, salted egg yolk, date paste, and many other flavors.”

He explained, “Those who eat these mooncakes will enjoy good health, abundant wealth, good fortune, and family harmony. If enjoyed with loved ones under the moonlight, the effects are even greater. Remember, remember…”

As he spoke, a disciple approached. “The guest in the side hall requests the presence of Master Fan and the Sect Leader.”

Fan Li’s eyebrows shot up. Had Jing Wudi finally emerged from seclusion? After receiving Jing Ke’s remains fifteen days ago, he had requested complete isolation, refusing even Yu Shenzi’s attempts to check his pulse. He only allowed them to deliver a bowl of Longevity Broth every day.

“Hmm, it seems Jing Wudi has fully recovered,” Yu Shenzi remarked, stroking his beard.

The three of them made their way to the side hall.

Yu Shenzi said playfully, “My friend, you are Jing Wudi’s savior. I wonder how he intends to repay you?”

Fan Li smiled, but said nothing. Repayment? If that was all he wanted, all this effort would have been wasted. Fan Li hoped Jing Wudi would pledge his life… to the Great Jin.

When they entered the side hall, they saw Jing Wudi, clad in a green robe, standing with his back to them.

‘Putting on airs?’ Yu Shenzi thought, displeased. ;Even if he doesn't thank me, he should at least show Fan Li some gratitude. Surely he knows how much those bowls of Longevity Broth cost…’

As he grumbled inwardly, Jing Wudi turned. Then, to Yu Shenzi’s astonishment, he dropped to his knees before Fan Li.

He wasn't kneeling before Yu Shenzi, nor was he kneeling before Lu Fubao. The angle and distance of his prostration clearly indicated that he was kneeling before Fan Li alone.

“Well, that’s more like it,” Yu Shenzi thought. However, he couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy.

Fan Li saved only Jing Wudi and received such a grand display of respect. He, Yu Shenzi, had saved the entire Azure Cloud Sect from Sage Ruler Miaoyin, ensuring the continuation of their legacy.

How could he possibly repay such a debt?

‘Oh well, I’ll consider Jing Ke’s remains a gift. And I’ll reduce the cost of the Longevity Broth to ten bowls.’

He might be putting on a grand show internally, but no one else was aware of his thoughts. He even envied Jing Wudi. One kowtow, and his debt was settled.

If only he, Yu Shenzi, were younger. He would kowtow before Fan Li as well, clearing their accounts and putting this awkward situation to rest.

Suddenly, he noticed that Fan Li had accepted Jing Wudi’s grand gesture without a hint of discomfort. Jing Wudi remained kneeling, and Fan Li hadn't even bothered to help him up. Was he deliberately flaunting his power, revelling in the other man's subservience?

“Brother Jing,” Fan Li said with a smile, his hands clasped behind his back. “Have you reached a decision?”

Yu Shenzi, standing beside them, was utterly bewildered. A decision? What decision?

As he pondered the question, Jing Wudi spoke in a clear and resounding voice, “I, Jing Wudi, pledge my life to your service, Your Majesty. Until death do us part!”