Chapter 19: Isn't He Just a Seller of Fake Medicine?

Just as Xiang Nan was basking in self-satisfaction, Wu Liang burst in with dozens of Eagle League brothers, all eager and grandly assembled.

“Brother Nan, I’ve gathered all the brothers who are out working the stalls today.”

Xiang Nan glanced at the crowd—mostly young men, each raring to go, their eyes shining with anticipation. Wu Liang and Zheng Hao had done a fine job with their recruitment pitch.

Without further ado, Xiang Nan exchanged all his merit points for medicine. The night before, he’d caught a gambling itch and tried drawing ten at once, only to have rotten luck—ten consecutive draws, and all he got were dog skin plasters, which made him so angry he swore he’d chop his own hand off.

Thinking it over, he realized it was best to focus on the economy for now, to solve the problem of survival first. Once sales took off, merit points would come rolling in effortlessly. By then, he could draw ten or a hundred times, until his hand cramped, and it wouldn’t matter.

Now, with the Eagle League brothers handling distribution, Xiang Nan no longer needed to man the stalls himself. Yet he didn’t idle about; Wu Liang accompanied him as they inspected each stall.

One had to admit, Wu Liang was truly talented. In a short time, he’d trained quite a few sales experts. Each stall was manned by three people: one to handle the cash and medicines, and two to perform live demonstrations. It was much like street performers drawing a crowd—gathering attention while letting people witness the medicine’s effects firsthand.

“This method is excellent and practical. Perhaps a bit ruthless, but good work, brothers!”

As Xiang Nan walked the line, he couldn’t help but laugh and sigh with satisfaction. “Also, we need to establish our brand. Every stall should have a poster with just three big characters: ‘Treasure Spirit’.”

He carried himself like a business owner inspecting the grassroots.

“Yes, yes! We’ll get right on it!” Wu Liang replied enthusiastically from behind.

Everyone who saw Xiang Nan greeted him with excitement, calling him Brother Nan with genuine affection. Wu Liang understood this well and explained as they went along.

“It hasn’t been easy for the Eagle League these years, especially in a core city like the capital. The brothers at the bottom either make weapons in the factories or scrape by on the streets, collecting a bit of protection money or stall fees. Life’s been tough. Now, with our Treasure Spirit, we’ve given the brothers a way to make a living. Everyone is grateful to you from the bottom of their hearts. From now on, we’re all following you—Brother Nan eats meat, and the brothers are happy just to have some soup.”

Xiang Nan waved his hand grandly, “We’re all brothers here. Work hard, and there’ll be meat for everyone!”

The crowd cheered with exuberance.

When they reached the bustling commercial pedestrian street, Xiang Nan couldn’t resist personally taking the stage to diagnose and treat patients. With his good looks, exceptional medical skill, and the medicine’s immediate effect, he instantly became the star attraction of the night market—the brightest and most dazzling figure among the street vendors.

“Wow, look! That guy running the stall is so handsome!”

“Hey, cutie, I’ve got a herniated disc—give me a massage, will you?”

“Oh my, I think I’m getting palpitations—what should I do?”

“Boss, let’s add each other on WeChat. Your medicine is so good, I’ll help promote it to all my friends!”

The commotion drew the attention of a group at the street corner. Their leader was none other than Gu Shaoqing, the one who’d beaten Zhang Chen with a staff days before. The moment he spotted Xiang Nan, Gu Shaoqing’s eyes brimmed with hostility.

As the son of Gu Yun, an Eagle League steward, Gu Shaoqing was a pillar of the League’s new generation—outstanding even among the young in martial prowess. He’d always considered himself the League’s heir. Moreover, he’d long coveted the young and beautiful Xu Jiya, seeing her as his destined partner.

Within the Eagle League, the Xu family held the secret to precision weapon manufacturing. If he could win Xu Jiya’s heart and her family’s support, combined with his own family’s influence, his bid for succession would be even more secure.

But suddenly, a rival appeared—so young, so handsome, and now living with Xu Jiya! How could he tolerate that?

Now, Xiang Nan was even running a stall in his own territory—wasn’t that just asking for trouble?

Gu Shaoqing gave a signal, and two henchmen swaggered over.

“Well, well, who’s this who doesn’t understand the rules, setting up shop here? Have you paid your respects to the local boss?”

The newcomers were clearly looking for trouble.

Before Xiang Nan could respond, Wu Liang stepped forward.

“Hey, watch your mouth! We're all Eagle League brothers here working the stalls—no need for all that ceremony.”

The henchmen refused to yield. “Isn’t this the newcomer personally introduced by Steward Xu? No wonder he’s so arrogant. He’s relying on the Xu family’s power and doesn’t give a damn about our Young Master Gu!”

At these words, Wu Liang’s face grew grim.

“You’re crossing the line! Since when did the Eagle League charge our own brothers stall fees? This is just disrespect!”

At that moment, the crowd parted as Gu Shaoqing strode forward.

“On Gu family turf, it’s up to me whether you get any respect or not!”

“Oh, an old acquaintance!” Xiang Nan chuckled lightly and stood up.

He and Gu Shaoqing locked eyes, neither willing to back down. The surrounding air grew tense, as if even the atmosphere were solidifying, pressing down on everyone’s chest.

Then, a middle-aged woman stepped from the crowd, casting a disapproving look at Gu Shaoqing and his men.

“You little thugs, take your trouble elsewhere—don’t get in the way of us buying medicine.”

“Handsome boss, I’ll take two more plasters.”

Her interruption broke the tension, and the atmosphere relaxed. The bystanders began to chime in, rebuking Gu Shaoqing.

“This is a public space. What’s all this about territory and bosses?”

“The young man’s stall benefits everyone—he’s curing illnesses and saving lives, can’t you see?”

“Exactly! Have some decency. Even someone this good is being harassed!”

“Don’t mind them, handsome! We support you!”

“I’ll take two more plasters, a bottle of medicinal wine, and some of that healing powder—essentials for home and travel!”

“Yes, yes! Give me the full set, too!”

With every word, Gu Shaoqing was drowned in a sea of voices, unsure at whom to vent his anger. More importantly, he’d never seen a street vendor so popular. What could he be selling—wasn’t it just some fake medicine? Benefiting humanity, indeed!

Even his henchmen were confused, and one couldn’t help but ask, “Since when is selling fake medicine so impressive?”

He barely finished before he was almost showered in spittle.

“Fake medicine? You’re the one selling fake medicine—your whole family sells fake medicine!”

“Ten minutes and it cured my pain—this is the most effective ‘fake’ medicine I’ve ever used!”

“You can insult our intelligence, but you can’t insult this medicine!”

The henchman wiped the saliva from his face and looked at Gu Shaoqing, whose own face had darkened.

At this point, Gu Shaoqing was truly enraged, his fists cracking audibly.

“I refuse to believe I can’t handle you! Smash his stall!”

With that, he lashed out with a kick, shattering several bottles of medicinal wine on the spot, spilling their contents all over the ground. His henchmen charged forward as well.