Chapter 48. Do you understand what I'm saying?

I leaned against the door of the classroom, staring at the boxes of white yam.

The small box contained the century-old white yam, and the two larger boxes contained regular white yam.

Jinhae, who had just gotten off the carriage, strode into the hall and said,

"Senior Brother, we still need to check the quality."

Jinhae sat opposite and opened the larger box.

"Ah, it's not easy to find such medicinal herbs these days."

Jinhae waved his hand to smell the medicinal herbs.

"Ah, the scent is warm and intense. It's not easy to store, so it's best to consume it as soon as possible."

I glanced at the regular white yam.

Medicinal herbs don't have an extraordinary appearance. They are mostly similar to ginseng or common herbs. The place where they are found is more important.

Just like how people change depending on their environment.

White yam is actually a medicinal herb that can be harvested from Nammulim in Tibet, not the Western Regions. It has no side effects and helps in enhancing inner strength, so the older it is, the more valuable it becomes.

I picked up a regular white yam and slowly chewed it, putting it under my mask.

Jinhae, who thought I would buy them all, asked,

"How is it?"

I nodded.

"It's good."

"Ah, Senior Brother, have you tried white yam before?"

In my previous life, compared to the top martial artists, I had a shorter time practicing martial arts. Naturally, I had tried most medicinal herbs. Of course, I hadn't tried extremely rare ones like snow ginseng.

But I had been taken to Nammulim to eat white yam, so I couldn't forget its taste.

The regular white yam was genuine.

The problem was with the century-old white yam...

As I tried to open the box containing the century-old white yam, Jinhae pressed his finger on the box.

"Senior Brother, even if we are close, it's still proper to check the goods and pay. It's not about trust, but the basic principle of trade."

"Manager Bi, bring the gold."

"Yes, Master."

Things should always be handled straightforwardly. As Manager Bi dragged the box of gold over, I said,

"We still need to check the quality. Manager Bi, inspect it yourself."

Manager Bi placed the box of gold on the table and replied,

"Should I?"

Jinhae looked at Manager Bi.

"Can you identify medicinal herbs?"

"Of course."

I pointed at Manager Bi and said,

"He's a veteran of the martial world for over thirty years. A legendary medicinal herb appraiser, an expert in medicinal herbs, a genius in the field, a master with extensive knowledge, a man who can discover medicinal herbs from a hundred miles away and smell them from a hundred miles away, a man who became a martial artist to appraise medicinal herbs. That's Manager Bi."

Manager Bi bowed to me and replied,

"You flatter me."

It was indeed flattery.

Jinhae chuckled and looked at Manager Bi.

"Is that so? Manager Bi, you're impressive. Go ahead and inspect it."

Manager Bi opened the box and flared his nostrils.

"There are three roots. The scent is correct. However, you can see that the roots have been torn awkwardly, indicating that someone has already consumed one root."

Manager Bi looked at Jinhae.

Jinhae replied,

"Instead of giving me a lecture, just tell me if it's genuine or not. I've already made a big concession by offering fifty gold for three roots. If you keep making me uncomfortable, I can take it to Senior Baiyu."

Jinhae's excessive anger made Manager Bi bow slightly.

"I apologize."

Manager Bi turned to me.

"Still, the decision is up to you, Master. The white yam is genuine. It's not easy to find such quality even if we send people to Nammulim. The transportation is difficult, and Jinhai's statement is true. If there were five or six roots, Jinhai would have asked for a hundred gold."

I nodded.

"Is that so?"

Jinhae laughed heartily, as if his mood had improved.

"Manager Bi, I thought you were just a perverted artist, but you have extensive knowledge of medicinal herbs."

I pointed at the box.

"Check the gold and take it."

Jinhae opened the box of gold, carefully inspecting it with his hands.

"It should be fine. By the way, do you think Senior Miao will win this time? It's a pity."

"What is?"

"No, nothing."

"Tell me."

Jinhae tilted his head and said,

"Well, if there's a martial arts betting, most people would bet on Senior Baiyu. He's the underdog. I think if he takes this, it will at least be a draw or a win for Senior Miao. If we make it a big bet, fifty gold is nothing... Do you understand?"

"A betting on the Twelve Elders' match?"

Jinhae pointed at me.

"That's why it's a big deal. Do you understand? Besides, Senior Baiyu is one of the Four Elders. I need to think about it since I can't come up with a plan right away. If this happens, it will be a big deal. Just matching the outcome for fifty gold? No, at least five hundred gold. If that happens, Senior Baiyu will get the medicinal herbs for free."

I subtly showed interest.

"What about Master?"

Jinhae replied,

"Master? I take good care of him as usual. What's the problem? Hahaha."

As Jinhae laughed, Manager Bi also laughed along.

"Hahaha, indeed, Jinhai is always the smartest among the Twelve Elders. I'm impressed."

Jinhae looked at Manager Bi.

"Manager Bi."

"Yes."

"Who told you to flatter me like that?"

Manager Bi clasped his hands together.

"I apologize. I overstepped."

I said in a low tone, as I thought Jinhae had crossed the line.

"Junior, you should know your limits."

Jinhae stood up and replied,

"Then I'll take my leave. Senior Brother, it's best to consume it now. The efficacy can decrease once it's exposed to air. Manager Bi."

"Yes."

"Senior Miao will be meditating all day today, so be extra vigilant. Not even an ant should get through."

"I will remember that."

"See you later."

As Jinhae turned to leave the hall, I called out to him.

"Wait."

Jinhae turned his head to look at me.

I put the three roots of century-old white yam under my mask and chewed them in front of Jinhae.

"..."

In fact, I don't need to meditate immediately because of the Heavenly Jade. The Heavenly Jade absorbs the essence of the medicinal herbs, and I use its energy to meditate and enhance my inner strength whenever I have time.

I nodded and said,

"It's genuine. This is the real century-old white yam."

Jinhae smiled and said goodbye.

"Senior Brother, congratulations in advance. See you later."

After Jinhae left, Manager Bi asked me,

"Are you okay? You don't need to meditate immediately."

I took off my mask and replied,

"I'm fine. What about the other officers?"

"They are waiting at various points along the route. By the way, Master, even if you take off your mask and act personally, didn't Jinhai see your real face?"

"He's a smart pig, so he'll remember."

"Will that be a problem? Jinhai's merchant group has a considerable number of troops."

I put down Heimiao and started to undress while saying,

"Manager Bi, I'm not that strategic. What's important is..."

"Yes."

"Having the courage to take the money. The determination to take it. Courage, integrity, bravery, aggressiveness, and a proactive attitude. Planning is not important. What matters is the heart. Worry is a trivial thought that ranks lower than planning. Remember that."

"Yes, Master."

Shibi brought me a change of clothes and bowed deeply when she saw my naked body.

I put on a clean white robe and ordered Manager Bi,

"Maintain strict vigilance. Officially, the Master is meditating."

"I will do so. By the way, are you not taking your sword?"

"What sword?"

* * *

As Jinhae got into the carriage and took off his mask, he said to the guard sitting opposite,

"Stupid kid, he was suspicious. It's tiring."

The guard, who was holding a sword, smiled and replied,

"You've worked hard. Where should I take you?"

"Let's go to Senior Jidagali. It's been a busy day."

The guard looked at the driver and raised his voice slightly.

"Let's go to Senior Baiyu."

In the swaying carriage, Jinhae suddenly tilted his head.

"The atmosphere seems to have changed."

"Why?"

"You're not making your usual jokes. Your head seems a bit off."

Jinhae circled his temple with his finger.

"Facing Senior Baiyu must make you anxious and nervous."

"Is that so?"

"Are you going to bet on the match?"

"I haven't decided yet."

The guard, as if pleased with Jinhae's plan, said,

"Selling three roots to Heimiao and four to Baiyu. If the betting is successful and the stakes are raised... Indeed, there are no flaws in your plan."

Jinhae nodded.

"It's better to stick to the Four Elders. The rabbit won't even know why he lost again. If he gets seriously injured this time, I can bribe Master and maybe participate in the ranking tournament?"

"Would you immediately rise to the fifth rank?"

"What would change if I reached the fifth rank?"

The guard shook his head.

"Why are you satisfied with the fifth rank? If you eliminate one of the Four Elders, you can take their position."

Jinhae pointed at the guard and said,

"You're too impatient. The Four Elders are not easy opponents. Think long-term. How much money did I lose to the Great Temple gang? There's no need to rush. My family has never suffered a loss. Eventually, everything will be recovered."

At that moment, the driver shouted, and the carriage swayed violently. The sound of galloping horses and the neighing of horses filled the air.

Jinhae, looking out the small window, shouted,

"Are they crazy!"

Jinhae got out of the carriage with a bewildered expression.

A sudden collision with a carriage that had appeared from the right side of the road. The horses were rearing and neighing wildly. This was an accident that shouldn't happen unless the drivers were drunk.

The guard tried to calm the angry Jinhae.

"Master, put your mask on. I'll handle it."

"No, what's going on in the middle of a wide road? Check if the driver on the other side is drunk first."

"Yes."

"If he's drunk, give him twenty slaps."

"Understood."

* * *

I determined the direction by the fireworks exploding in the air.

Whether Jinhae goes home or heads to a pleasure house with the money he just made, the officers will be lying in wait at important intersections, ready to block or delay him.

While the officers buy time, I will follow the direction indicated by the fireworks.

However, based on the position of the fireworks, Jinhae hasn't gone far yet.

I increased my speed and started running towards my beloved junior.

There are so many things I want to say.

First, my money.

When I asked for water, it bothered me that he answered with formal language.

Come to think of it, he didn't pay for the meal either.

It was a feast, so he shouldn't have done that.

I want to advise him to lose some weight for his health.

Most importantly, I'm bothered by how disrespectful he is to his senior.

Suddenly, as I ran fiercely, I realized I wasn't wearing my mask.

Then, I am currently...

A waiter in Yiyang County, the leader of Haowen, the liberator of Heixianbao, a servant of Heimiaofang, and a partner in Zihakezhan.

What does this mean?

In any case, it means I have a strong dislike for rich young masters.

Is it because I'm running?

Suddenly, a surge of anger welled up inside me.

I ran, tearing through the wind.

Wait, junior.

I'm... coming to... meet you now.