Chapter 62: Got into a Fight with a Woman? - I Forged Them in Darkness, and They Buried Me in It

**Chapter 62: Got into a Fight with a Woman?** Wang Que walked away, his departing silhouette tinged with a hint of awkwardness. Accompanying him was Qin Shou’s low mutterings. “Darn it, scammers these days have gone too far. It’s one thing to deceive people in rural areas, but to come to an orphanage to con? Absolutely heartless...” Chen An patted him on the shoulder and sighed, "Perhaps it's just a well-intentioned lie?" Qin Shou was about to retort when he suddenly noticed Chen An’s tattered clothing. His expression shifted immediately, a surge of anger bubbling within him. "Damn, An, who did this to you?" He rolled up his sleeves, looking all set to avenge his friend with a fiery determination. Chen An quietly watched his theatrical performance. The bold declarations Qin Shou had imagined, such as “Don’t stop me, I’m getting justice for my brother today,” were left unspoken. Instead, he asked sheepishly, “Really, you’re okay?” Chen An shook his head, "I'm fine." But Qin Shou remained skeptical. “I just took a long restroom break, and in that time, you end up looking like this?” He stroked his chin in thought, convinced that someone had bullied Chen An and that Chen An was too embarrassed to admit it. Chen An dismissed his concerns and turned, heading towards a small figure on the steps. The girl was looking ahead blankly, and when she heard movement, she turned her head. “What happened?” “Nothing serious, just got caught up in something for a bit.” Chen Xi didn’t press for more details. Instead, she leaned in slightly, her little nose twitching subtly. “Brother Chen An, did you get into a fight?” She, too, had overheard Chen An and Qin Shou’s conversation just now. Chen An sighed, “Don’t listen to his nonsense. You know me; I wouldn't get into a fight.” Chen Xi merely responded with a soft “oh” and fell silent. Chen An sat beside her, gently picking up a lock of her soft hair, and continued braiding it. For a moment, the only sound was their soft breathing. After a while, Chen Xi spoke again, her voice carrying a hint of melancholy. “With a woman?” ... The next day, Chen An rose early. He went to Qin Shou’s bed and, ignoring his protests, dragged the boy out. Qin Shou, hair like a bird’s nest and sporting dark rings under his eyes, yawned endlessly. It was evident he’d stayed up late playing on his phone, reluctant to sleep. “Hey, An, I finally get a break, can’t you let me sleep in?” Qin Shou rubbed his head in frustration, his tone laced with complaints. Chen An glanced at him, “Don’t you have a car? Come with me somewhere.” He could travel via his own magical methods, but as Luo Cong An had remarked, riding is more practical than running. However, if he could refine artifacts in the future, they might make for suitable transportation tools. Hearing this, Qin Shou was surprised, curiosity piqued. “Where to?” “The Seven Stars Herbal Market in the neighboring city.” ... Adjacent to Qing City lies a smaller city, Seven Stars City. They are about a hundred kilometers apart, roughly an hour’s drive on the highway. Seven Stars City is a nationally renowned hub for the trade and cultivation of Chinese medicinal herbs, known for their high quality. Chen An came seeking specific herbs. He wished to refine a pill called the Beauty Pill to help Chen Xi regain her features. This wasn’t a sudden plan; since he first learned about cultivation, it had been on his mind. Standing in front of the sign bearing the words “Seven Stars Herbal Market,” Qin Shou scratched his head in confusion. “An, you woke me up so early and drove a hundred kilometers just to buy herbs?” He couldn’t help but complain, “Did some quack herbalist scam you? We could just order online, no need for an in-person trip.” Without explaining, Chen An stepped into the market. The robust scent of medicinal herbs wafted immediately to greet him. Although it was early, the market was bustling with people; the air filled with chatter, highlighting the venue's popularity. Most who came to Seven Stars Market did so for large-scale transactions, making solo retail shoppers like Chen An relatively rare. The shops lined the streets, and numerous stalls extended outward, with neatly arranged herbs of every kind available. The Beauty Pill isn’t considered a high-tier pill in the cultivation world, making the required herbs rather basic, allowing Chen An to discern their age and potency at a glance. Too poor. He frowned slightly. Even for a ‘low-tier’ pill like the Beauty Pill, the herbs here didn’t meet the lowest standards. Though the variety was vast, the quality left much to be desired. Typically, anything displayed openly wouldn’t be premium stock. So, Chen An approached the stall owner, asking if they had herbs of better vintage and quality. The stall owner, a gruff man in his forties with stubble lining his chin, glanced up and down at them once. Seeing two young boys, he visibly cooled. Yawning, he listlessly waved them off, “Oh, they exist, sure. But can you afford them?” Chen An didn’t get upset. Instead, he looked at Qin Shou. Also youthful and eager, Qin Shou took a step forward and slapped the car keys onto the stall counter with a flourish. The stall owner was momentarily taken aback, about to curse, but his gaze fell on the emblem on the keys, and he abruptly changed his tune. “Whoa... Turns out you’re someone important!” “Come, come, esteemed guests, right this way.” The stall owner’s transformation was seamless, now all smiles and warmth, as he ushered Chen An and Qin Shou inside. Qin Shou maintained a steady facade but internally felt immensely satisfied. Hell yeah, these classic male protagonist moments of showing off are best left to me! Inside, the stall owner served them top-quality tea reserved for special guests before discussing herbs. Upon learning that Chen An was after quality rather than quantity, the stall owner led them to a secluded corner of the herbal market. There, nestled in a quieter spot, though lacking the bustle of the main entrance, was a smaller stall. Introducing them, he said, "This is my brother; we've been in the herbal business in Seven Stars for decades. While my stall mainly has cultivated products, my brother’s specializes in authentic wild herbs..." Chen An nodded, casting a cursory glance over the offerings, then pointed. "This one, this one, this, and this." The stall owner and his brother beamed, their faces blooming like chrysanthemums, "Alrighty, let's get those packed for you." But their smiles froze the next moment. Because Chen An’s voice continued. “Hmm, not these four; wrap up all the others.” (End of Chapter)