“But this is already my only path of cultivation—how could I give up so easily?”

He sighed, reached out to scoop up the young dragon, and only then began to loosen his clothes.

Previously, a physician had said that with his constitution, he might not be able to withstand strong tonics, and this was not just empty talk.

Although he possessed true qi, back when his dantian was shattered, his body grew weaker by the day. Later, after falling off a cliff, his legs were broken, and his internal organs were all damaged. He survived only by relying on the true qi within to sustain his life, but he remained frail.

As for these medicinal herbs, though none were rare treasures, they were still potent tonics.

If he truly used them for a medicinal bath, the medicine’s strength would be overwhelming. With his weak body, he would not be able to bear or digest it, resulting in true “inability to benefit from nourishment,” and his life would be cut short.

However, this medicinal bath was originally prepared for the young dragon.

Now, with the young dragon swimming freely within, absorbing the medicinal properties—including those of the herbs themselves—less than one percent of the potency remained.

Only at this point could he barely withstand the medicinal effects, take the bath, and strengthen his body.

Only such residual medicinal strength could benefit this damaged body.

……

Half an hour later.

Henry Clark pushed Brian Zane into the courtyard, then immediately withdrew to the shadow of the rockery.

“Master.”

At this moment, the steward with graying hair hurried over and said in a low voice, “The Qianlong Mountain Villa at Zhongwang Mountain has been completed for over a month now, and all the arrangements inside are in order. Old Bai already sent more than sixty people over in advance.”

This was one of the stewards in Fengcheng, surnamed Sun.

Brian Zane’s expression was calm as he said, “Pass down the order: tomorrow we move to Qianlong Mountain Villa.”

Mr. Turner hesitated and said, “But the business in Fengcheng was only settled yesterday. Are you leaving already?”

Brian Zane replied indifferently, “Though the situation was only settled yesterday, arrangements have been in place for over a month. Now Fengcheng is entirely under my control. The remaining three families can only rely on us; seeking cooperation with us is their only way out, and they can no longer stir up any trouble. Since the overall situation is set, it’s too noisy to stay in this city. We’ll move to the villa tomorrow for some peace and quiet—perfect for self-cultivation.”

Mr. Turner immediately nodded and said, “This old servant will make the preparations at once.”

Brian Zane waved his hand and said, “Go.”

Mr. Turner bowed, his gaze sweeping slightly as if unintentionally, then asked, “Why aren’t Lords Qianyang and Henry Clark by your side, Master?”

Brian Zane did not reply, but looked up at him.

Mr. Turner felt a chill in his heart, lowered his head, and said, “This old servant has spoken out of turn.”

Brian Zane withdrew his gaze, looked toward the pond, and said calmly, “Do not let it happen again.”

Mr. Turner was filled with dread, feeling as if his back was already drenched in sweat. He quickly withdrew, not daring to linger.

……

Edward Grant, Henry Clark.

In the martial world, the martial prowess of these two was renowned—they could split stone and break monuments, tear apart cattle and horses with their bare hands, truly formidable.

Yet no one could understand why these two martial experts, so accomplished in the martial arts, would obey the orders of the frail and powerless Brian Zane, serving as his personal bodyguards, never leaving his side for six years.

According to rumors, six years ago Brian Zane was not yet the richest man in Huai’an Prefecture, but a penniless, crippled, and sickly young man. Yet these two martial masters were already following him.

Over the years, with so many interests involved in business dealings, there were always those who tried to assassinate Brian Zane, but without exception, all were stopped by these two.

“Many people want to find out whether those two are really by my side, hoping to seize an opportunity to kill this sickly cripple.”

Brian Zane gazed at the scenery in the garden, gradually lost in thought, and murmured, “Mr. Turner has always been measured in his words, but today he lost his composure—there must be something wrong. I should look into it.”

From a corner of the courtyard, a voice responded.

Then a figure appeared—he was thin, with clear features, but a serious expression, about thirty years old.

This was a martial expert named Eric Lane, who had been defeated by Edward Grant five years ago and then subdued by Brian Zane.

Aside from the two ancient corpses, Edward Grant and Henry Clark, Eric Lane could be considered his top subordinate. Since his youth, he had roamed the martial world, had many connections, was well-informed, and knew people from all walks of life.

“Five days ago, the matter in Xuancheng was investigated thoroughly,” Eric Lane said slowly. “The Song, Qian, and Zhao families were restless and set up a scheme together. We suffered heavy losses, and many of our people were lost.”

“The Xuancheng business was a setup I arranged two years ago.” Brian Zane gently stroked the cloud serpent in his sleeve and said calmly, “Though I left, I left arrangements behind. Yet in just two days, they were broken, causing the whole plan to collapse. Such skill is not something those three families in Xuancheng could manage.”

“I think that old Master Song is not simple,” Eric Lane said hesitantly.

“That old Master Song may have had such boldness in his youth, but now he’s old and only hopes to maintain what he has, not daring to act rashly. That’s why he lost to me two years ago,” Brian Zane said calmly. “From the current situation, there must be an outsider skilled in strategy who has appeared in Xuancheng. He wasn’t there two years ago, nor was he part of the scheme, so I didn’t account for him. But he’s arrived in Xuancheng recently, becoming an unpredictable variable and able to break the plan so easily.”

“I understand. I’ll set out to investigate tonight,” Eric Lane replied.