The Ten Thousand Ways to Hug the Female Protagonist’s Thigh - Chapter 16.1

Wen Ling ran home, covering her face.

Her expression was dark as she entered her courtyard, her mood gloomy. Despite feeling wronged, she didn’t plan to seek comfort from her father. The Wen family had strict rules, and even if she complained, her father would likely dismiss her with a casual remark, “What’s the point of coming to me? If you have the ability, go and settle it yourself.”

The Wen family encouraged healthy competition. If two clan members had a dispute, they could resolve it in the training grounds’ Dueling Platform, where they would spar until one yielded without causing serious harm. The loser would then have to apologize unconditionally.

If Wen Ling could actually win, she wouldn’t be sulking alone.

Returning to her courtyard, Wen Ling ignored the maid who approached her and went straight to her room. She opened her small treasure chest, which contained many spirit pearls. The box was small but exquisitely crafted, and the pearls were plentiful.

These were her savings over the years—some from the monthly allowance the clan provided, some from gifts from elders, and others from New Year’s “lucky money.” She had thousands of spirit pearls, which could be exchanged for dozens of low-grade spirit stones.

In the cultivation world, spirit pearls were the basic currency. One hundred taels of gold could buy one spirit pearl, ten spirit pearls equaled one spirit coin, and ten spirit coins equaled one low-grade spirit stone. Beyond that, one hundred low-grade spirit stones could be exchanged for one mid-grade spirit stone and one hundred mid-grade spirit stones for one high-grade spirit stone. Top-grade spirit stones were scarce and were usually reserved for refining tools or cultivation, rarely used in transactions.

Even the most basic Qi Gathering Pills, essential for cultivators, cost between one hundred to two hundred spirit pearls for a low-grade version.

Wen Ling took out all her savings, placed them in her storage bag, and gritted her teeth as she ran toward the main gate.

Being young, Wen Ling rarely went to the market alone. Most of the time, her servants handled her purchases. Even when she did go, she would take a carriage and bring her maids. This time, however, she went alone, taking many detours and asking for directions several times. It took her most of the day to find the Medicine Pavilion in the city center, but its large sign made it easy to spot from a distance.

Wen Ling touched the storage bag in her pocket, took a deep breath, and strode into the Medicine Pavilion.

Dressed in the training uniform of a Wen family disciple, she was quickly recognized by a shop assistant. The assistant was very enthusiastic and even escorted her to a private room, saying, “Esteemed guest, please wait a moment. My young master will be here shortly!”

“…”

Wen Ling didn’t feel flattered by the special treatment. Instead, she began to suspect something was amiss, and the situation made her break out in a cold sweat. She sat stiffly in the chair, trying to maintain her composure, but her heart was filled with unease.

“Oh, little girl, don’t worry. I’m not going to eat you.”

Li Yusheng pushed the door open and saw Wen Ling sitting rigidly in her chair, barely breathing. He frowned slightly.

“I heard you’ve been having trouble with your two little friends. Coincidentally, I’ve also had some conflicts with them. I’d like to invite you to help me address the issue.”

“You’re that young noble who bothered Wen Xuening?”

Wen Ling immediately became wary.

“Bothered? It was just an accident…”