Text-based martial arts: A nighttime rendezvous with the gang leader's wife in a dilapidated te

They went out?!

Although it was just a short walk around the Shen family mansion, it was still a rare step forward for Chen Xuan at his current level!

Most importantly, if you can explore all the scenes in the Shen family mansion, you can activate the Fate-Defying Activation and directly seek out the extraordinary encounters within the Shen family mansion!

If even a physician like Cao has two extraordinary encounters at the prefectural level, how could the Shen family, such a large place and such a powerful clan, possibly not have any high-level extraordinary encounters at all?

Having a serendipitous encounter means you have potential!

In an instant, Chen Xuan's drowsy and confused state vanished completely.

"Hello, Dr. Cao."

The passing servants and attendants greeted Cao Qing respectfully yet fearfully.

You followed Doctor Cao through the vast Shen family mansion.

The mansion boasts pavilions, terraces, and waterside pavilions—everything one could desire.

As you follow and observe, your state of mind is completely different from last time.

[The doctor, Dr. Cao, who was standing to the side, noticed that your eyes kept darting around before he said:]

"There's nothing much to see, just some mundane things. You're quite talented and clever enough, kid."

"Most importantly, work hard enough. I've seen your diligence today, and you might have a bright future! Don't let greed for these things jeopardize your future."

You glanced at Dr. Cao again, somewhat flattered, realizing that he had been observing you all day.

You scratched your head, and Dr. Cao gave a soft snort:

"This entire Shen family thinks I'm eccentric and ruthless, and that those medicine apprentices who came won't live long. But little do they know, I gave these hopeless cases a chance!"

"The first time I draw blood, I always give them a chance to ask questions and learn! If these rotten woodworms could learn even eleven percent of my alchemy skills, they would be able to establish themselves in Jinling and even Danyang County."

"Alas, these good-for-nothings, not one of them even dares to look at us, let alone ask for our advice!"

"The world is a dangerous place. If you don't dare to fight, or don't want to fight, who will care about these ants? But you, kid, have good comprehension and are more willing to stand up for yourself."

After listening to Doctor Cao's explanation, you belatedly nodded and then respectfully said:

"The kid just wants to survive." (Option 2)

Dr. Cao nodded in deep agreement, then murmured:

"Who doesn't just want a way to survive?"

After speaking, Dr. Cao sighed, as if he had made a decision.

[Your steps were swift; after passing several pavilions and towers, you finally arrived at the courtyard directly ahead.]

"Old Master Cao, you've finally arrived! Master, Eldest Master, Second Master, Third Madam, and Eldest Young Master are all waiting for you inside!"

The arrogant outer courtyard manager who once stood before you is now all smiles, his mustache twitching incessantly in front of Cao Qing, making him look rather comical.

He quickly spotted you behind Cao Qing, and the twitching of his mustache froze.

"Old Cao, who is this...?"

Cao Qing glanced at the steward, but didn't answer anything, only speaking calmly:

"Open the door!"

"Yes, yes, yes!"

The steward hurriedly opened the door and let the two of you in.

However, just as Cao Qing was about to enter the room, he paused slightly, turned around, and glanced at you.

You decide...

Looking at the prompt before him, Chen Xuan considered the character of Doctor Cao as described in the text and decisively chose the third option:

You turned to the steward with a smile, cupped your hands in greeting, and said:

【"Thank you very much, sir. Otherwise, I would never have met you, sir..."】 (Option 3)

Cao Qing smiled with satisfaction, and then took another step.

[Only now do you realize that Cao Qing already knows exactly how you entered the Shen family and how you met this steward!]

That's true; given his personality, he'll inevitably investigate your background thoroughly.

"Let's go."

You followed Cao Qing into the Shen family mansion, which clearly held special significance, and the door closed behind you.

In the last glimpse of his eyes, you clearly saw beads of sweat forming on the manager's forehead.

You're in a great mood.

However, your expression quickly composed you, and you walked around the screen and the passageway. Soon, you followed Cao Qing into a room.

Inside the room, there were six seats; the other five were already occupied.

[You've been observing this; try to identify the person mentioned in the manager's words.]

[An old man, two extremely dignified middle-aged men, a beautiful woman, and a handsome young man.]

"Dr. Cao!"

"Old Cao, you've arrived..."

The pleasantries exchanged among the group made it clear that Cao Qing held a truly distinguished position within the Shen family.

However, they also looked at you with surprise, seemingly wondering about your identity.

"Old Cao, what's this...?"

The elderly man at the head of the table, clearly the 'master' of the Shen family, looked at Cao Qing, who had just taken his seat, and asked in surprise.

Cao Qing paused for a moment: "Didn't you promise me before? I've been in the Shen family for quite some time now, and I'm getting a little tired of it..."

Upon hearing this, everyone present changed their expression.

A middle-aged man nearby quickly said, "Old Cao, should we...?"

Cao Qing interrupted, "Don't worry, our cooperation with the Shen family hasn't stopped. Didn't you say before that you'd set up a pharmacy for me in Jinling City?"

At this point, he pointed at you: "When the time comes, let this kid make contact with you. If there are any questions or needs, I'll tell him and you!"

All eyes turned to you, and you tensed, taking in everyone's expressions.

The elderly man at the head of the table remained expressionless, merely offering a calm, slight smile. Below him, one middle-aged man had a serious expression, while the other maintained a friendly smile, and even nodded directly to you.

The young master sized you up without batting an eye. The third madam, meeting your gaze, revealed a hint of admiration and surprise.

"So that's how it is. Master Cao has found a talented disciple? Indeed, she is exceptionally gifted..." the Third Madam asked with a smile.

Cao Qing waved his hand: "No, it's just that my alchemy skills haven't broken through for a long time, and I really wanted to try something different. I just took a liking to this new kid and thought it was a good idea."

Clearly, Cao Qing didn't want to say much about this, so he waved his hand and quickly said, "Alright, let's get down to business. What's the matter?"

The elder at the head of the table finally spoke: "Hehe, this is indeed a major matter for my Shen family, but there's no need to trouble you, Old Cao, with anything. We've just come to discuss a few things."

After a pause, Master Shen finally spoke:

["According to Qiu'er's report, the leaders of the four halls of the Golden Dragon Society—the Carp Hall, the Angry Dragon Hall, the Giant Whale Hall, and the Divine Turtle Hall—have all returned to Golden Dragon Island recently. It seems the Golden Dragon Society is about to make a big move! It is very likely related to the 'Hundred Boats Race Ceremony' to be held by the Canal Gang in three months!"]

Upon seeing this, Chen Xuan's heart skipped a beat.

Golden Dragon Society, Ten Thousand Carp Hall?!