Blue Silver Grass Strategy (Douluo Dalu Fiction)

With both hands raised high, Ling Yi arched his body like a tightly drawn longbow, stretching his muscles and bones thoroughly.

Randomly swinging his arms and punching, each motion was accompanied by a crackling sound that echoed like firecrackers, filling Ling Yi with a sense of invigorating satisfaction.

It was an indescribable feeling of comfort.

Outside the resting room, the trio who had finished tidying up the tools and cleaning were drawn back from their cultivation by the sound.

Zhang Mufeng got up and walked to the entrance, softly calling, "Yi bro, are you awake?"

As soon as his voice fell, the wooden door in front of him swung open from the inside, and Ling Yi's graceful figure appeared before their eyes. A clear and pleasant voice rang out, "I'm awake. Hungry yet?"

"Grrr—"

Almost as if in response to Ling Yi's words, a loud rumbling came from someone's stomach.

Ling Yi, Zhang Mufeng, and Qingqiu Xin turned towards the sound to see Long Yin sheepishly scratching his head with one hand while holding his stomach with the other. "Hehe~ Yi bro, I'm actually a bit hungry—"

Just moments ago, the three had been cultivating; Zhang Mufeng and Qingqiu Xin meditating for soul power, while Long Yin practiced the "Beast Martial Soul: Form-Intent Boxing Frame — Bear Felling Boulder" on the open ground in the center of the cabin, keeping watch for his companions.

This boxing form mobilizes soul power to invigorate the body's essence, strengthening muscles, bones, and skin. The soul power consumption is moderate, yet the energy exertion is considerable, necessitating prompt replenishment to avoid physical depletion.

Ling Yi chuckled and nodded, "Alright, let's go to the market for some good food then—"

"Sure thing!" Long Yin quickly nodded, his face ablaze with excitement.

Beside him, both Zhang Mufeng and Qingqiu Xin were eagerly ready to go.

They're at an age when growing bodies demand ample nutrition.

Meanwhile, consider where they currently find themselves.

『Roaring Wind Canyon』, [Water Wood Principality]’s five primary Soul Hunting Forests, they are now staying in this wooden cabin located between the canyon’s entrance and the marketplace outside the Soul Hunting Forest.

Further into the canyon, you'll find the outpost of the principality’s forest guard stationed here.

...

The group of four made their way towards the marketplace. Along the road, every Spirit Master they encountered, whether from small teams or solitary wanderers, be they one-ring Masters or three-ring Spirit Elders, all greeted Ling Yi at a gentle pace. Their attitudes, friendly and approachable.

And Ling Yi, in return, responded to each one, accurately calling out the names of Spirit Masters he had met before, even those he didn’t know were met with a warm smile, friendly tone, and a bit of casual conversation.

While chatting as they walked, it wasn’t long before a bustling marketplace came into view for Ling Yi and his companions. Listening to the cries of vendors hawking their wares or inviting passersby, Ling Yi led Zhang Mufeng and the others to the largest tavern in the market.

Since becoming a blacksmith, Ling Yi had initially achieved financial independence.

Of course, that is assuming he doesn’t spend on any potent or rare soul tools.

As for spirit bones, even the most useless hundreds-year-old ones were beyond his grasp, just a thought for daydreaming.

Greeted by the tavern keeper and the waiter, the four of them easily made their way up to the second floor, finding a square table by the street and took their seats.

"Brother Fang, what good ingredients do you have today?"

After sitting down, Ling Yi didn’t immediately look at the menu but first asked the waiter named Fang waiting beside them.

The waiter was familiar with Ling Yi's title as a ‘Great Doctor’ and responded with a grin, "This morning, the kitchen received half a side of 'Tusks Pig' and a whole 'Wind Shadow Deer.' As for the dishes, they’re made according to the recipes you've directed previously, Mr. Ling..."

Ling Yi nodded and said, "Grilled fanged boar tenderloin, canned roasted wind antelope jerky, four servings each, and then eight more meat dishes, paired with a few vegetable sides. For the main dish, I'll have a bucket of rice... what about you guys?”

He asked the last question to the other three people at the table.

Zhang Mufeng replied, "I'll have the same as you, Brother Yi."

Long In said, "Bring me a basket of buns."

Qingqiu Xin added, "I'll change it up today and take a basket of buns too."

The waiter noted down the requests of Ling Yi and his companions and quickly jogged down the stairs to relay their order to the kitchen.

Without waiting for the remaining side dishes, an equally hungry Ling Yi waved his hand, "Let's eat!"

Half an hour later, The four of them switched to another table by the window, leaving the previous table messy with cups and plates as the waiter cleaned it.

Chewing on a toothpick, Long In patted his protruding belly, turned to Ling Yi, who was slowly sipping tea by his side, and asked, "Brother Yi, those two groups didn't pay their consultation fees. Do you think they will—?"

Compared to Zhang Mufeng and Qingqiu Xin, who had arrived a month ago, Long In, less than a week into his stay, was still unclear about Ling Yi's payment practices.

This past week, it just so happened that the patients who came all paid with Gold Soul Coins on the spot, so he didn't think much of it.

Today was different; after two consecutive challenging surgeries, Ling Yi, drained of soul power and with faint exhaustion both mentally and physically, had directly retreated to his rest chamber for deep sleep without much conversation with those groups, leaving Long In a bit worried.

"No worries."

Ling Yi shook his head at those words. Not a ripple disturbed his hand holding the teacup as he smiled faintly, "I trust them. Before departing, they said they'd send the consultation fees later. So, late it is, then."

"Uh..."

Long Yin listened, opened his mouth, somewhat at a loss for words.

His elder brother Yi was good in every way, except for being too honest, too easily believing in others.

By reasoning, with his elder brother's wisdom, he should clearly understand the deceit and complications between people in this world, perceive them clearly through those eyes, so why...?

Gazing steadily at Ling Yi's genuine expression and sincere eyes, Long Yin sighed inwardly.

If those two groups really defaulted, in the worst case, he could turn to his father later to recover the costs.

Turning to look at Zhang Mufeng and Qingqiu Xin on either side, he saw their composed expressions.

Long Yin raised an eyebrow, and the two returned the gesture.

From their gazes, Long Yin saw thoughts mirroring his own.

Ling Yi observed the trio's interaction, feeling somewhat touched and a bit amused.

He truly didn't care whether those two groups would deliver the consultation fees or not.

If they did, he hadn't misplaced his trust.

If they didn't, the soul masters he had treated before and would treat in the future would certainly ensure he got his due fees.

This was not a world with systems and regulations as complete and comprehensive as those from a past life, but one where individual strength was paramount and violence abounded.

Evading debts? Not an option!

In their past lives, some large hospitals wouldn't treat patients without immediate payment, but others prioritized treatment, allowing for payment afterward.

Take low-income families, for example; they benefit from certain priority policies.

There were also cases where people couldn't provide cash right away, like those with bank certificates of deposit or those needing night-time emergency surgery with costs they couldn't immediately cover.

Ling Yi had often heard from the surgery nurse and healthcare assistant that some patients, having been successfully treated, simply abscond without paying, claiming poverty when found.

Some would even take hospital property, like bed sheets, hot water bottles, and plastic bottles with them.

Deposit? For someone who arrives without a penny, where would they get a deposit?

"Use it now, make up for it later," they say.

With legal protection for such individuals, what options are there?

File a lawsuit?

Aren't they afraid of being labeled as merciless businesses, exploiting customers?

Those greedy for money, providing treatment only for a fee, are detestable. Those chronic defaulters are equally reprehensible.

But in the Douluo Continent or any extraordinary worlds, defy them if you dare?

The four enjoyed their post-meal relaxation while at another staircase, two groups of people ascended in succession.

The young man and the middle-aged leader, upon arrival, scanned the room and promptly set their sights on Ling Yi and his companions by the window.

(End of Chapter)