My Co-renting Lady Boss

Tang Ming observed Ying Chou’s closeness to Yan Fei and nodded, letting Zhou Mo and Shan Ze arrange accommodations for the group.

Yan Fei led Ying Chou inside, where Tang Ming’s people were treated by dedicated servants.

They sat down in the inn’s small dining room, and Yan Fei prepared tea for Tang Ming and his group. "Ying Chou, why have you returned? The ones who killed Commander Meng haven’t left yet. If they find out you have ties to Commander Meng and brought so many people, will they spare you?"

Yan Fei assumed Ying Chou returned for revenge on Meng Liang’s behalf.

But Ying Chou simply smiled and said, "Elder Yan, without absolute certainty, we won’t provoke those people. We’re headed to West Continent Town this time."

"West Continent Town, that poor place, what’s worth going there?"

Yan Fei was puzzled and looked at Ying Chou and Tang Ming with surprise.

Tang Ming was equally surprised at Yan Fei’s words, "Elder, isn’t it said that there are many Spirit Stone veins near West Continent Town? Why would West Continent Town be considered poor?"

"Hahaha, that’s true, West Continent Town indeed has many Spirit Stone veins, but the miners aren’t locals of West Continent Town."

Yan Fei smiled faintly, and understanding dawned on Tang Ming’s face.

While the Spirit Stone active mines were indeed located near West Continent Town, such valuable resources couldn’t possibly fall into the hands of its weak residents. Those who controlled the veins were powerful forces.

It’s said that the shadows of Jiulong Tower’s Tower Master loom behind every active mine.

Tang Ming squinted, considering how Thunder Dragon Tower’s Tower Master and his father both supported his going to that area.

Firstly, it used to be Tang Mosheng’s territory. Secondly, it seemed they wanted to stir things up.

"Thank you, Elder, for your guidance. However, I must go to West Continent Town, for I am its new mayor."

Tang Ming’s lips curled slightly, then spoke.

Yan Fei was surprised to realize Tang Ming was West Continent Town’s mayor. Remembering earlier news from the trade association’s daughter, Yan Fei’s smile widened. "Ah, Mayor Tang, pardon my impertinence. I suppose you’re here to establish a city and are well aware of the things I’ve said."

"Elder, your words suggest you don’t regard me as one of your own. Before coming, I was completely in the dark, and I don’t have many Spirit Stones. We’ve brought quite a few people, so let this be our lodging fee."

Tang Ming extended his hand, placing eight jade bottles on the table.

Four jade bottles gleamed with golden light; the other four glowed blue.

Ying Chou knew those four golden-lit jade bottles contained Golden Sore Pills, each containing five pills.

The other bottles contained Treasure Blue Pills, also with five pills each. These eight bottles’ elixirs would cover lodging not just for a day but perhaps a month, and Yan Fei would happily oblige.

Because Tang Ming’s refined elixirs surpassed typical ones in effectiveness; each contained pill patterns.

Yan Fei opened a Treasure Blue Pill jade bottle, releasing a rich pill fragrance.

A pill landed in Yan Fei’s hand, causing him to stand up in shock. "This is... Treasure Blue Pill."

"That’s right, Treasure Blue Pills with pill patterns, four bottles of them, and the other four are Golden Healing Pills. Are you satisfied, Elder?"

Tang Ming’s lips curled slightly.

Yan Fei’s eyes gleamed, and after a long pause, he inhaled deeply. "I indeed desire these. But Mayor Tang, before heading to West Continent Town, I think you should meet another guest residing here."

"Oh, another guest, who might you be referring to?"

Tang Ming raised his head, surprised, looking at Yan Fei.

"Hahaha, it’s a secret I’ve kept for a while. I’ll inquire during dinner; if she’s willing, you’ll meet her, otherwise, my hands are tied."

Yan Fei chuckled, seeming reluctant to talk about his other guest.

Tang Ming and Ying Chou exchanged glances and nodded, "Let’s follow Elder’s advice."

Following a servant to his quarters, he entered a simple courtyard, with two main rooms and a living room.

Five side rooms stood in a row on either side.

Most of Tang Ming’s group stayed in Tang Ming’s courtyard, while Shan Ze, having family, moved into one of the detached courtyards.

During dinner, a servant arrived at Tang Ming’s courtyard. "I didn’t know the esteemed guest was Master Tang; our shopkeeper invites you."

Tang Ming stood and nodded, "I have some matters to attend to; I’ll be back soon."

"I’ll come with you."

Lan Yanyou leapt from the corner onto Tang Ming’s shoulder.

Everyone nodded; with Lan Yancha gone, Lan Yanyou was one of the stronger presences among them.

Having Lan Yanyou ensures Tang Ming’s safety.

They followed the servant, bypassing the front courtyard’s facade and dining room, arriving at a secluded courtyard.

In the courtyard, Yan Fei sat opposite a scholarly-looking elder.

Tang Ming was surprised to see a Three-tailed Black Fox lying beside the elder, with a smiling maiden standing near him.

"Brother Tang Ming, I didn’t expect, after so long, you’d become West Continent City’s City Lord."

Hu Mei’er smiled charmingly at Tang Ming, her long hair veiling half her face, yet Tang Ming still swallowed.

"Sister Mei’er, you’ve become even more beautiful. I didn’t expect to meet you here; this must be Uncle."

Tang Ming bowed slightly to the elder seated there.

The elder nodded, "I am Hu Jiusheng. Honestly, if not for Mei’er and that old rascal Yan Fei mentioning you, I wouldn’t know someone like you existed. Forget West Continent Town; return home."

Tang Ming’s pupils contracted, "Uncle, what do you mean?"

"Literal meaning, do you know what West Continent City signifies? Once founded, what dangers will West Continent City face? Those who sent you to West Continent City set a trap for you. The first ones who won’t let you go are those greedy folks from West Desolation City. The second are the nine elders of Jiulong Tower. The third are the creatures emerging from the Underground Demon Pond."

Hu Jiusheng shook his head, mentioning the creatures from the Underground Demon Pond; his eyes narrowed tightly.