As soon as Zhang Ling and Zou Ping departed, a wave of jubilation swept through the upper and lower floors of Di San Xian. Even Zheng Yuan, who had been giving Li Yundong a hard time earlier, beamed with a smile, cupped his hands, and congratulated him: "Congratulations to True Master Li on the successful opening of your teahouse, a joyous occasion indeed!"

Li Yundong glanced at him coldly and replied, "Thank you."

Ding Nan, overcome with mixed emotions, then addressed Li Yundong, "Li Yundong, I know you have reservations about me, but regardless, we were classmates once. For the sake of our past association, I wish you a booming business and endless prosperity."

Hearing this, Li Yundong felt a surge of emotion. He looked at the tall girl before him with a complex gaze and sighed, "Ding Nan, I know nothing I say now will sway you. But... alas, just take care of yourself!"

Ding Nan’s expression dimmed. She lowered her head, as if unwilling to let Li Yundong see the affection in her eyes, and murmured softly, "Then I shall take my leave."

With that, she hurried away. Zheng Yuan narrowed his eyes slightly and remarked to Li Yundong with a knowing air, "True Master Li, your relationship with your prized disciple... seems quite warm, doesn't it?"

Although Li Yundong didn't know why Ding Nan had become Zheng Yuan's apprentice, he suspected there were hidden reasons. Knowing Zheng Yuan to be cunning, treacherous, and ruthless, he deliberately spoke evasively: "In this world, there is no hatred too deep to be set aside, nor grievances too tangled to be unraveled. Moreover, your disciple and I have had some prior connection. Is there something you find confusing, Sect Master Zheng?"

Zheng Yuan forced a smile and said, "Nothing at all, True Master Li. The Lotus Gathering is in a month; we shall meet again then!" With a slight bow, he swept his sleeve and departed.

Ding Nan had momentarily let genuine emotion slip in front of Li Yundong, but once she was away, she secretly regretted it. She understood Zheng Yuan's calculating mind and methods perfectly. If she revealed any flaw and let him realize she was not Lü Fengping, certain death would follow!

Not far after stepping out, Ding Nan stopped dead in her tracks. Only when she saw Zheng Yuan approach did she softly whisper, "Master, I apologize."

Zheng Yuan stood with his hands clasped behind his back and remarked blandly, "Oh? What brings about this apology?"

Ding Nan lowered her voice, "I know my words just now would make you suspect things, Master, but I was left with no choice."

Zheng Yuan replied coolly, "Oh?"

Ding Nan’s eyes filled with tears, "Master, you saw it too. This Li Yundong is too strong. I truly dare not harbor hope of revenge succeeding. I only pray that Master will incur fewer enmities with him in the future. If this formidable person comes knocking later and... well, if something happens to Master, I’ll be left entirely alone in this world."

Having spent so long maneuvering around Zhou Qin, Ding Nan’s acting skills were honed to perfection. Her tears were truly like a pear blossom under the rain, utterly pitiable. Zheng Yuan's stern expression immediately softened. He said, "Then you didn't need to speak to him with such sentimental warmth. Those who didn't know might think... Hmph!"

Ding Nan continued, "Master, by doing this, I can both numb Li Yundong and lower his guard, and perhaps even dissolve the hostility between us. Should trouble arise later, we might gain a powerful ally..."

Zheng Yuan nodded slightly. "You are not entirely wrong. Li Yundong's cultivation speed is terrifying. In all my years, I have never seen such a formidable young man. If he is friend rather than foe, that would indeed be excellent news..."

Ding Nan suppressed a flicker of joy in her heart, but Zheng Yuan quickly shifted the topic. "However, do you think this Li Yundong is a fool? Do you believe a few words from you will turn an enemy into a friend?"

Ding Nan cursed him silently: This old lecher is quite hard to fool!

Ding Nan then sniffled softly, "Master, my physical body used to be classmates with Li Yundong, and we were quite close. He doesn't know that I have taken over his former classmate's body, so he is unaware of the subtleties involved, believing I am still his peer. Knowing this made me bold enough to say those things, but I never expected it to cause you suspicion. I beg your punishment, Master."

Having said this, Ding Nan gracefully prepared to kneel.

Although Zheng Yuan was ruthless, he was also someone who appreciated beauty. He raised a hand to stop her, smiling slightly, "There are so many people here; what are you doing? Let’s go. Since you didn't mean it that way, I won't doubt you. But in the future, if you have any stratagems, you must discuss them with me beforehand. It wouldn't be good if misunderstandings arose between master and disciple."

Ding Nan forced a smile through her tears, "Thank you for your magnanimity, Master."

Zheng Yuan chuckled and casually took Ding Nan's hand, pulling her along. "Come, let's go back. The Lotus Gathering is in a month; your master needs to prepare thoroughly."

The moment Zheng Yuan gripped her hand, Ding Nan felt goosebumps erupt across her skin, but she dared not pull away, forcing herself to maintain a smile. "I wish Master great might at the Lotus Gathering, to suppress all rivals."

Hearing this, Zheng Yuan burst into hearty laughter, patting Ding Nan's hand as he said with a grin, "I'll need your help for that!"

Ding Nan felt utterly nauseous inside, feigning a smile while thinking: This pervert is getting bolder. I must devise a plan!

Although Zheng Yuan’s face was wreathed in smiles, a sliver of suspicion remained hidden in his heart: Ping'er has been acting strange ever since she possessed the body. Even though she said what she said today, I still feel something is off! No, I must find an opportunity to test her again later!

The two conversed cheerfully as they walked, but secretly, each harbored their own agenda, plotting in their hearts, their outward harmony masking deep divergence.

Back at Di San Xian, Li Yundong instantly became the focal point of everyone's attention.

Many influential figures from various circles attended the opening celebration of this small teahouse solely out of respect for the Zhou family's standing. If the Zhou family hadn't regained prominence, Zhou Qin couldn't have summoned these guests even by begging on his knees. But now that the Zhou family was resurging, these people showed up uninvited—a stark example of the fickle nature of politics, where influence shines brightest when fortunes are high.

Initially, many attendees subconsciously viewed Li Yundong as a potential son-in-law of the Zhou family. Thus, while outwardly polite, their internal thoughts often carried notions like, "This fellow got lucky by latching onto a powerful connection," or "What a leech."

But now, they all regarded Li Yundong with newfound respect, amazed by his prowess. Some finally understood the weight of the two words Zhou Qin had respectfully uttered to Li Yundong: "Master."

It turned out this impossibly young man was indeed an extraordinary master!

Liu Fei'er watched Li Yundong with feverish excitement, desperately gripping Cao Kefei's clothes. "Sister Cao, Sister Cao, this guy is truly a master! So high up there!"

Cao Kefei also looked at Li Yundong with reverence. She knew he was an unusual figure before, classifying him as a master with impressive martial arts skills. However, she hadn't anticipated his skills would far exceed her expectations, transcending the human realm and inspiring genuine awe.

When Liu Fei'er pulled her, Cao Kefei redirected her gaze and laughed, "Are you convinced now?"

Liu Fei'er nodded her head rapidly like a chick pecking grain, "Convinced, absolutely convinced! How did he do it?"

Cao Kefei smiled, "That, I don't know. Why don't you go ask him?"

Liu Fei'er's eyes lit up momentarily, but recalling Li Yundong's attitude towards her earlier, her expression instantly soured, "Hmph, this guy not only keeps his eyes too high up, but he’s also nearsighted! He totally ignores me!"

Cao Kefei covered her mouth and chuckled, "Oh? Even a big star like you has no effect?"

Liu Fei'er pouted, "Sister Cao, I came out here kindly to accompany you, and you mock me like that!"

Cao Kefei burst into laughter, "You clearly just wanted to skip work, dumping your manager aside and even turning off your phone? Hmph hmph, wait until you turn your phone back on, let's see what you do!"

Liu Fei'er giggled, "Who told her to police me so tightly all day? Let her worry! Hmph! But, Sister Cao, you can't be like that. At least let me figure out what's going on! Otherwise, I won't sleep tonight!"

Cao Kefei sniffed, "I can't help you. Don't let his age fool you; he's very astute. Didn't you see how frantically I looked for him recently? That heartless thing disappeared without even a courtesy call! With someone like that, asking him is useless!"

Liu Fei'er looked dejected, "Ah? Then knowing this, I shouldn't have come! Isn't this deliberately trying to annoy me?"

Yin Mengfan, standing nearby, suddenly laughed, "Liu Fei'er, don't worry. I estimate my uncle will invite Li Yundong to become the teacher for Shen You and Shen Hui shortly."

Cao Kefei asked in surprise, "How do you know?"

Yin Mengfan kept her eyes on Shen Hui but turned her head to smile at Cao Kefei, "Shen Hui secretly told me that the Old Master wants to invite Zi Yuan and Li Yundong to be the home tutors for Shen You and Shen Hui. Seeing that the Old Master brought both of them today, he likely intends to formally request discipleship in public."

Liu Fei'er couldn't help interjecting, "What does that have to do with me?"

Yin Mengfan laughed, "Both Shen Hui and Shen You are your fans! If Li Yundong accepts them as students, you can take the roundabout way and find out everything from those two!"

Liu Fei'er burst out laughing, "That's a good idea! But, will Li Yundong really take them as disciples?"

Cao Kefei smiled, "He probably will. Old Master Shen still holds considerable influence."

As they were speaking, they saw Shen Wancai, after his initial excitement, quickly compose himself. He spoke very seriously and sincerely, "Young Master Li, since our parting in Dongwu City, I have been deeply impressed and greatly admire the bearing of you and Miss Zi Yuan. I intended to call on you sooner, but I couldn't locate either of you. Yesterday, I chanced upon news that Young Master Li was opening a teahouse in Tiannan City. Thrilled, I came uninvited. Firstly, to offer congratulations on the joyous opening, and secondly..."

As he spoke, he brought Shen You and Shen Hui, who looked clearly reluctant, forward. "This is my son and daughter. Young Master Li must recognize my son, hehe. He and Young Master Li had some misunderstandings before, but I believe Young Master Li is broad-minded and won't hold a grudge. Besides, young people often get to know each other better through clashes! As for my daughter..."

Shen Wancai looked towards Shen Hui, but the little doll-faced girl suddenly snorted and turned her face away, showing no deference to her father.

The smile froze on Shen Wancai's face, but he quickly recovered, laughing, "This girl, still shy!"

Li Yundong smiled faintly, not taking Shen Wancai’s bait, but calmly observing him, showing no sign of being overwhelmed by the flattery.

Shen You noticed this and grumbled inwardly. In his view, who was his father, Shen Wancai? He was someone whose slightest tremor could shake Tiannan City. For him to request Li Yundong to be his teacher was showing Li Yundong immense respect—it was a gesture of honoring the worthy! This fellow, simply because he knows a few parlor tricks, is putting on airs! Hmph, what's so great about him!

Unaware of his son's thoughts, Shen Wancai smiled at Li Yundong, "I trust Young Master Li recognizes my daughter now, hehe. I, Shen Wancai, have an immodest request, and I hope Young Master Li will grant me the courtesy."

By now, Li Yundong had guessed that Shen Wancai wanted him to take Shen You and Shen Hui as apprentices. However, he was also conflicted: Taking disciples wasn't like buying cabbage at the market—it wasn't done on a whim. Furthermore, Shen Hui had always been at odds with him; accepting her would surely invite chaos! Besides, Shen You had poor character, which Li Yundong found utterly unacceptable. How could he accept him?

But if he refused, Li Yundong didn't know how to let Shen Wancai save face. He hesitated for a moment, desperately hoping Shen Wancai wouldn't mention this matter of discipleship.

What he feared most came true. Shen Wancai continued, "Young Master Li, could you possibly accept my son and daughter as your apprentices? It's not to learn anything grand, but merely to be able to stay by your side, serving tea and pouring water, and to learn your composure—this cultivation of being unperturbed by honor or disgrace, remaining as imposing as a high mountain—that alone would be enough!"

Li Yundong inwardly offered a bitter smile. It's here, just as I feared. Should I accept or not?

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