Chapter 52: Far Off Living Place
Translator: Tim; Editor: Tehrn/Carolin
After a moment of silence, Ye Mo said, “Brother Zhuo, if you trust me, leave me your address. After I finish my business here, I will visit and see if I can help your son. However, I must tell you that the Dark Purple Root cannot cure his illness. I don't know where that old Chinese doctor heard that, but it's completely false.”
Zhuo Aiguo yelped in surprise, grabbing Ye Mo’s hands. “Brother Ye, can you really help cure my son?”
Ye Mo nodded. “It shouldn't be a problem.”
“Of course, I believe you!” Zhuo Aiguo stammered, producing an exquisite business card. “This is my home address and contact number. Please.”
He didn't believe Ye Mo was lying or boasting, especially after witnessing his skills today. Despite their short acquaintance, he considered Ye Mo trustworthy and a good friend.
Ye Mo examined the card and nodded. “However, I can't go to Beijing now. It will likely have to wait a year.” He knew going to Beijing now would probably be walking into a trap.
Zhuo Aiguo showed no displeasure, only elation. Even if the Dark Purple Root could cure his son, it would take two to three years. Ye Mo’s statement, while implying he couldn't cure the illness immediately, meant a cure was possible with a visit. Zhuo Aiguo knew which was the better option.
He didn't dwell on Ye Mo's inability to leave immediately. Ye Mo was extraordinary and had his own affairs to attend to—a trip to the border suggested pressing matters. As a friend, he wouldn't pry.
“Haha, Brother Ye, I'll immediately arrange a feast to welcome you both!” Fang Nan’s joy stemmed not from the business deal, but from meeting someone like Ye Mo, especially since he'd be staying for a while.
Xiao Lei, after a long wait, panicked until Ye Mo and Zhuo Aiguo emerged, followed by a large, long-haired man.
After the meal, Xiao Lei observed the mutual respect between the guests and host. Zhuo Aiguo, a wealthy Beijing entrepreneur, displayed an unexpected deference toward Ye Mo.
Although curious, Xiao Lei felt too unfamiliar with Ye Mo to ask directly. She bombarded Xiao Yu with questions, but Xiao Yu knew nothing. Fang Nan had arranged their accommodations, but Ye Mo left after dinner, his destination unknown except to Zhuo Aiguo, who had a vague idea.
Ye Mo visited the base of the thirteen thugs, but found it deserted. He was disappointed, wondering how they could have amassed no savings from their long-running, capital-free business, dashing his hopes of quick riches.
Early the next morning, Fang Nan visited Ye Mo and the others. Fang Nan's Pu Dao Clan was now one of the two largest in Flowing Snake, following the elimination of the Thirteen Turbos, previously the weakest of the three great clans.
Thanks to Fang Nan's protection, Zhuo Aiguo and the others were safe in Flowing Snake. The next day, Zhuo Aiguo bid Ye Mo farewell as he departed.
“I’ll send some men to escort you to the main roads,” Fang Nan offered, seeing them off.
Ye Mo didn't object; the Thirteen Turbos were gone, so escort wasn't necessary. Still, he accepted Fang Nan's gesture.
Xiao Lei approached Ye Mo, mumbling, “Um, Ye Mo, could you give me your phone number? I… I’d like to thank you properly when you’re in Beijing.”
Her initial shyness faded as she regained her journalist's confidence. Ye Mo smiled. “Thank you, but that won't be necessary. Actually, I don't even have a phone. Don't worry about such trifles.”
Xiao Lei was stunned. She couldn't believe a man would refuse a beautiful woman's request, assuming it was a deliberate rejection. She doubted his lack of a phone in this day and age.
Zhuo Aiguo, though aware Ye Mo lacked a phone, let the misunderstanding stand. “Let's go! Or we'll miss our flight to Xi'an.” Xiao Lei, resigned, left with him.
With Fang Nan's assistance, Ye Mo no longer needed Zhuo Aiguo's help finding a place to cultivate.
Fang Nan arranged a pagoda about ten kilometers from Flowing Snake. It had previously housed a wandering monk known to Fang Nan, but the monk vanished three years prior, leaving the pagoda behind. Fang Nan would have provided more luxurious accommodations if Ye Mo hadn't requested a secluded location. Clan members cleaned the pagoda, and Ye Mo moved in, intending to cultivate Silver Heart Grass and investigate the origin of the Purple Heart Vine.
Fang Nan explained that seven years prior, while fleeing, he'd discovered the body of a Tibetan Lama in a valley near the Yue border. The body held a wooden box containing what turned out to be a Dark Purple Root. Fang Nan buried the Lama nearby after securing the plant.
Ye Mo requested a map of the burial site, wanting to investigate. He figured the Lama, possessing a Purple Heart Vine, might have other items of interest.
The pagoda was over fifty square meters. Ye Mo also prepared land for cultivating Silver Heart Grass, planting only nineteen seeds initially to test the suitability of the location before risking all thirty-nine. He believed his seeds might be unique, or at least, difficult to replace.
After planting and preparing protective measures, Ye Mo planned to explore the forest, as the seeds needed a month to germinate, and he wasn't making cultivation progress. His aim was to visit the Lama's burial site.
After informing Fang Nan, Ye Mo left Flowing Snake for the location of Fang Nan's former refuge. His priority: strengthening his abilities.