Unparalleled medical and martial arts skills, saving the CEO's fiancée at the start.

Ye Chen had long known that he couldn't get any useful information from someone as shrewd as Qiao An, and the answer he gave was exactly what Ye Chen expected.

After Qiao An finished speaking, he turned and left, his figure quickly disappearing at the end of the corridor.

Ye Chen watched Qiao An leave, silently recited the calligraphy twice in his mind, then returned to the reception room, sat down in a chair, and fell into deep thought.

He Jianping leaned closer and asked cautiously, "Brother, what exactly does this old man mean? Aren't the Qiao family enemies? Why are they suddenly inviting you for tea? Is there poison in the tea? Should we prepare some antidote herbs beforehand?"

"It's not that it's poisonous. My master mentioned the name Qiao Yueshan to me once," Ye Chen said softly, his tone carrying a rare hint of seriousness.

He Jianping didn't speak, but just pricked up his ears, waiting for Ye Chen's voice.

"My master once told me that thirty years ago there was a man in the martial arts world nicknamed Iron Abacus. His martial arts skills weren't top-notch, but he was incredibly smart and had connections in both the legitimate and underworld circles. Later, this man suddenly retired from the martial arts world, returned to the provincial capital to inherit his family business, and turned a small company that was about to go bankrupt into the number one in the province. This man was Qiao Yueshan."

"Why not just ask Uncle Gui? Why bother making things up here?"

He Jianping reminded Ye Chen, who was talking to himself.

Ye Chen tapped the table lightly with his fingers, as if analyzing a complex chess game: "Old Master Qiao is the true pillar of the Qiao family. Li Chengwen, Qiao San, and even Han Song are all minor figures compared to him. Yet, after I defeated Han Song and publicly humiliated the Qiao family, he took the initiative to send someone to curry favor, saying that he would invite me for tea as an elder of the martial arts world. This is illogical."

"Old He, you're absolutely right. We can find out by asking Old Gui, but it's a pity he's not in Jiangcheng; he won't be back for another month!"

Ye Chen's words reminded He Jianping, who asked curiously, "So, should we go or not?"

Ye Chen stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the scenery of Jiangcheng, his eyes filled with determination: "We must go. There's good tea to drink, why not go?"

Ye Chen took the sheet of Xuan paper out of the envelope, looked at it again, and then carefully folded it and put it in his pocket. "But since he invited me to tea, we need to prepare a gift for the old man and let Qiao San know that he's not the only one who can decide this game."

That evening, Ye Chen returned to the villa, his mind replaying every word Qiao An had said and every expression she had made during the day.

Jiang Ruoxi, standing beside Ye Chen, could tell that something was wrong with him.

"What's wrong, Ye Chen? Did something happen again?"

Jiang Ruoxi's anxious face was filled with worry.

"Nothing much, just a busy day, playing cards with Minister He all day."

"That's impossible. Just tell the truth."

Intimidated by Jiang Ruoxi's imposing presence, Ye Chen still told her about Qiao An's visit the previous night.

"Wife, Qiao An came over today. Old Master Qiao knows the origin of Medicine King Valley and also knows my background. I don't know if this trip will bring good or bad fortune, but what's meant to happen will happen. But don't worry, no matter where your husband goes or how far he goes, he will definitely come home to cook for you tonight."

"Is it really necessary to go? We've been fighting the Qiao family for quite some time now, and besides, the outcome is still undecided."

Jiang Ruoxi looked at Ye Chen with concern.

"Honey, don't worry. We made it back safely from that dangerous banquet last time, so there's even less to worry about this time."

"But, but I have a feeling there's something wrong with this, that he's targeting you..."

Jiang Ruoxi's concerns were not unfounded, but Ye Chen had no other choice. If he didn't go, he would be seen as afraid of even an old man.

"Wife, I've already promised Grandpa Qiao, and there's no way to change it now. Don't worry, I, Ye Chen, have the ability to do it."

After hearing Ye Chen's words, Jiang Ruoxi said nothing more. She knew that once she agreed, there was no turning back.

Three days later, news spread simultaneously in the ancient martial arts circles of the provincial capital and Jiangcheng: Ye Chen had accepted Old Master Qiao's invitation and would soon be visiting the Qiao family's old residence.

The news sparked heated discussions among the various powerful families.

What's even more surprising is that Ye Chen not only went by himself, but also invited three witnesses to accompany him.

They are Zhou Wantong, chairman of Tongda Building Materials Group; Song Tiezhu, owner of Tiedun Logistics; and Mr. Wu Qingyuan, a 70-year-old Tai Chi master and a leading figure in the ancient martial arts world of the provincial capital.

These three people are a heavyweight in the provincial capital's business community, a leader in the logistics industry, and a respected figure in the ancient martial arts world.

With these three witnesses, the Qiao family would have to think twice before making any underhanded moves.

More importantly, each of the three people Ye Chen invited had some connection with the Qiao family, but none of them were under the Qiao family's control.

Zhou Wantong and Song Tiezhu had just joined forces to cut off the Qiao family's supply chain, while Wu Qingyuan was the one who introduced Han Song to his apprenticeship years ago.

This list was chosen with utmost care, offering both offensive and defensive advantages. It was essentially telling the Qiao family: I'm here for tea, not to be slaughtered.

When the news reached Qiao San's ears, he was in his study discussing with several trusted advisors how to deal with Ye Chen's return visit.

After listening to the servant's report, he remained silent for a long time, then slammed the teacup in his hand heavily on the table.

"This kid is treating the old man's tea party as his own stage, or is he trying to use it as an excuse to put me in a bad light." Qiao San's voice was so gloomy it could wring water out of it.

"Third Master, what should we do now? I should have come up with a plan sooner."

A trusted confidant reminded Qiao San.

"Ye Chen wanted to use the old man's face to suppress me, to let the whole city know that the Qiao family is not a monolithic entity. What a clever move to use someone else's strength against them, just like the move he used when he fought Han Song in the martial arts arena."

Qiao San gritted his teeth and said fiercely.

"Third Master, should we send someone over..." A staff member approached, lowered his voice, and made a gesture.

Qiao San glared at him fiercely: "Idiot, the old man personally invited them, who would dare to touch them? Besides, even Master Wu Qingyuan is here. He's Han Song's recommending master, a highly respected figure, and an absolute authority in the provincial martial arts world. You expect me to pull some tricks in front of him? What about the Qiao family's reputation if word gets out?"

The aide shrank back, not daring to speak again.

Qiao San stood up, and after a long silence, he suddenly smiled.

Qiao San's smile was as cold as a blade in a winter night, causing the several advisors standing behind him to shiver involuntarily.

"Alright, since he wants to act, let him act. The old man's tea isn't so easy to drink."