In Da Chu, such power was exclusive to the Emperor. In this world where strength reigned supreme, it was displayed most vividly.
Although Marshal Wu’s attitude was pleasant now, who could guarantee he wouldn’t have a sudden whim, deeming his current actions beneath him, and seek retribution later?
If that time ever came, they would truly weep.
After all, they truly had no influential backing.
What Shen Xiaoyan didn’t know was that precisely because of her politeness, Marshal Wu became even more cautious.
Although it had only been five days, the more than 1,000 jin of immortal vegetables purchased had already been nearly consumed.
Naturally, this wasn’t just for him and his father; some trusted confidantes within the manor also received a share.
Even so, he himself consumed several hundred jin.
For one person to eat over a hundred jin of green vegetables in five days might sound incredible, even horrifying, at first glance, leading one to wonder if they would burst.
But upon closer thought, it was not so unusual.
Setting aside that cultivators, in general, had much larger appetites than ordinary people, these immortal vegetables, upon entering the body, would immediately transform into spiritual energy and descend into the dantian, causing no burden to the body. Eating a hundred jin was therefore not an issue.
In fact, one could cultivate through eating, as long as they were willing and had the means.
Marshal Wu’s personal visit and his willingness to queue outside indicated his genuine intention.
This was also due to a discovery shared by Wu Yihao with him.
Wu Yihao, possessing higher cultivation, discovered something ordinary cultivators might overlook after consuming these immortal vegetables.
That was, the spiritual energy produced by these immortal vegetables was utterly pure, free of any impurities.
Furthermore, these immortal vegetables subtly aided in body refinement.
After consuming several hundred jin, he actually felt that some of his long-standing ailments seemed to have lessened.
Although the improvement was minute, he could still perceive it.
This discovery filled him with immense joy.
Fearing it might be his own delusion or a placebo effect, he examined Marshal Wu, who had also consumed several hundred jin of immortal vegetables.
The results were astonishing. Unexpectedly, Marshal Wu’s physique had undergone some transformation.
It was difficult to pinpoint the exact nature of the change, but the sensation was that impurities within his body had reduced, akin to a cleansing of marrow and cleansing of the body.
This revelation felt like a massive windfall to Wu Yihao.
After all, the cleansing of marrow and cleansing of the body was the dream of every cultivator.
Shedding all impurities, expelling all contaminants from the body, and achieving an optimal physical state would lead to a qualitative leap in both speed and quality of cultivation.
Despite being a cherished dream, this was something Wu Yihao had never dared to imagine before.
Yet, now, it was laid out before him.
He had considered capturing Shen Xiaoyan and her companions, interrogating them rigorously about the source of these immortal vegetables.
However, after recalling the information Marshal Wu had shared about Shen Xiaoyan and her group potentially having a supreme master backing them, this thought quickly vanished from his mind.
Therefore, he decided to foster good relations with Shen Xiaoyan and her associates.
Judging by their demeanor, it seemed likely that these immortal vegetables would continue to be sold for a considerable time.
In that case, he would simply continue to purchase them and worry about other matters later.
This was why Shen Xiaoyan saw Marshal Wu return to buy immortal vegetables again.
And his attitude was even better than last time.
While Marshal Wu had smiled previously, his eyes always held a hint of scrutiny and wariness.
But this time, Shen Xiaoyan noticed.
Marshal Wu’s eyes held only joy, an exuberance that threatened to overflow into tears.
It was an emotional state akin to seeing a beloved.
However, Shen Xiaoyan sensed no romantic inclination from Marshal Wu.
This indicated that Marshal Wu's fervent gaze was not directed at her.
If it wasn't aimed at her, what was its purpose?
Shen Xiaoyan was puzzled but could not voice her questions, so she followed Marshal Wu, observing him closely.
Marshal Wu’s cultivation was not weak, and he naturally sensed Shen Xiaoyan’s intense gaze.
This realization further convinced him of Shen Xiaoyan and her group’s extraordinary background.
If they were ordinary people, not cultivators, why would they possess such a sense of vigilance?
He had already been so approachable, yet they still maintained their guard and suspicion.
Each with their own thoughts, they entered the courtyard together.
The courtyard was the same as five days prior, with bamboo baskets placed on the ground.
The bamboo strips used to weave the baskets were new, clearly freshly made.
Marshal Wu recognized the bamboo; it was common, found both in the city and in the surrounding wilderness.
However, the people he had stationed to observe the area had not reported Shen Xiaoyan and her group procuring bamboo baskets. This suggested the baskets had arrived along with the immortal vegetables.
But who had delivered them?
And when?
Why were his people completely unaware?
From another perspective, there was nothing surprising about this.
If ordinary matters could be detected by his guards, what concerns would he have?
He could have simply apprehended them and wouldn't need to queue before dawn.
Although he had agreed to Wu Yihao’s suggestion, Marshal Wu harbored considerable resentment at having to wake up so early to queue.
Upon seeing Zheng Wei standing in the courtyard, Marshal Wu strode forward.
In his eyes, although Shen Xiaoyan managed affairs, he clearly perceived Zheng Wei as the primary decision-maker, and he wished to discuss matters with him.
Shen Xiaoyan felt indifferent about this.
Talking to Zheng Wei was no different than talking to her.
"Brother Zheng..."
Shen Xiaoyan blinked in surprise, then a faint smile touched her lips.
Five days ago, he had politely addressed Zheng Wei as Young Master Zheng.
Now, after just a few days, the address had changed to Brother Zheng. It seemed these immortal vegetables held more importance in his and Wu Yihao's eyes than she had anticipated.
Zheng Wei, though also surprised by Marshal Wu’s changed address, showed no outward reaction. He responded with a faint smile, "Young Master Wu has arrived."
Marshal Wu shook his head, "Brother Zheng, you are too polite. Still calling me Young Master Wu? Just call me Xiao Wu. May I know your age, Brother Zheng? I feel we are quite destined to meet. Why don't we become sworn brothers? Let me introduce myself first. My name is Wu Shuai, the only son of the lord of Yingcheng Castle. Naturally, I don't mean to brag, I simply wish not to deceive you, Brother Zheng. Please don't be angry."
Listening to Marshal Wu’s words, Shen Xiaoyan secretly admired him.
The notion that the rich and noble were all degenerate playboys was unreliable.
Although Marshal Wu appeared frivolous and his temperament was volatile, with a poor reputation, his words revealed him to be a person of high emotional and intellectual intelligence.
Zheng Wei smiled and nodded, "Brother Wu, your temperament is forthright, and of course, I wouldn't mind. However, about this sworn brotherhood..."
Wasn't it a bit too casual?
"Are you looking down on me, Brother Zheng?"
Marshal Wu asked with a stern face, and coupled with his gruff voice, it was surprisingly chilling.
Evidently, Marshal Wu himself realized this, as he knew what he looked like when he put on a serious face.
Seeing Zheng Wei's expression slightly darken, Marshal Wu inwardly groaned.
It was over.
His efforts had been in vain.
Forcing a smile, Marshal Wu said, "Brother Zheng, please don't mind. My father only has me, his only child, and I was spoiled since birth, always getting whatever I wanted. This has resulted in such a temper, hahaha."
While apologizing, he dared not mention the sworn brotherhood again.
If he persisted, Zheng Wei would likely become even more wary of him.
Zheng Wei also smiled gently and said dismissively, "No matter, no matter. How much immortal vegetable would you like this time, Brother Wu? If you're late, there might not be any left."
Marshal Wu was startled. He looked around and saw that people were already engaged in lively transactions.
This was different from last time, where they had to pick and choose, deciding which varieties and how many jin of each.