In the backyard of Jianji Hall, Tanjirou was meticulously practicing the combined Breathing Technique and Qi Refining Technique according to the instructions Mr. Cheng Mo had left.
The air was filled with a faint medicinal scent, and occasionally, the subtle sounds of the front hall's assistants grinding medicine and receiving guests could be heard.
Matsushita Eiichi gently slid open the paper door and entered, holding an exquisitely crafted invitation.
"Tanjiro-kun," the old man's voice was gentle, "Mr. Cheng instructed before he left that if he returns late, you don't need to wait for him; just eat and rest on your own."
Tanjirou stopped his practice, wiping the sweat from his brow: "Yes, thank you, Mr. Matsushita. Did my teacher… go to that very important evening banquet?"
Matsushita Eiichi nodded, placing the invitation on a low table nearby: "It's a charity banquet hosted by the Mitsui Group; various dignitaries from Tokyo Prefecture will be attending. Mr. Cheng is representing our Jianji Hall, and he also has some important matters to discuss face-to-face with President Mitsui."
He paused, looking at Tanjirou, "Mr. Cheng specifically told you to stay here and not worry."
Tanjirou hummed in response, but his gaze unconsciously drifted towards the invitation.
The gilded lettering shimmered slightly under the light, and it seemed to carry a… an extremely faint, yet strangely cold fragrance that inexplicably pricked the back of his nose.
It bore a bizarre resemblance to the aura left by a certain terrifying entity on that nightmare-like night in his memory, yet it was also mixed with more complex, urban scents that he couldn't comprehend.
Was it a delusion?
Tanjirou sniffed hard, but the sensation vanished.
He shook his head; he must have been too nervous.
How could there be such a thing where his teacher went?
"I understand, I'll stay put."
Tanjirou suppressed the inexplicable unease in his heart and said earnestly to Matsushita Eiichi.
Meanwhile, inside the most luxurious hotel ballroom in Tokyo Prefecture, a different scene unfolded.
The light from the crystal chandeliers illuminated the hall like daylight, and elegantly dressed men and women held wine glasses, chatting and laughing softly.
The air was a mixture of high-end perfume, cigars, and food. Waiters in tailcoats moved silently through the crowd, carrying silver trays.
Cheng Mo, dressed in a well-fitting dark suit, stood by a slightly secluded pillar, holding an untouched glass of champagne.
He was out of place among the jovial guests, like a sharp blade mistakenly placed in a jewelry box, its edge sheathed, yet still exuding a cold, hard quality.
His gaze occasionally swept over the crowd. The Eye of Truth, operating at an extremely low passive state, could still clearly perceive the vibrant or decaying life forces of everyone present, as well as the desires and calculations hidden beneath their smiles.
This made him feel an uncomfortable sensation, as if he were in a giant dyeing vat.
His objective was clear—a brief, private conversation with Mitsui Hiroki, the president of the Mitsui Group.
This was part of a deeper collaboration between the Ubuyashiki Family and Mitsui, concerning the stable supply and absolute secrecy of certain special medicinal ingredients.
Soon, a capable-looking middle-aged man in a kimono approached him with a gentle smile, making a "please" gesture: "Mr. Cheng, the president is waiting for you in the VIP room."
Cheng Mo nodded slightly, put down his wine glass, and followed the man through the crowd towards a quiet corridor on the side.
The VIP room door opened and closed, cutting off the outside commotion.
Mitsui Hiroki was a man around fifty, with sharp eyes and an imposing presence.
He rose to shake hands with Cheng Mo, his demeanor polite but with a businessman's scrutiny.
"Mr. Cheng, I've heard much about you. Mr. Matsushita has mentioned you many times, saying you are a rare medical genius."
Mitsui Hiroki motioned for Cheng Mo to sit down.
"President Mitsui, a pleasure to meet you." Cheng Mo nodded slightly, skipping the pleasantries and getting straight to the point, "Regarding the next import quota and confidentiality procedures for 'special medicinal ingredients,' these are some of our suggestions…"
The meeting was brief and efficient.
Cheng Mo represented the unfathomable foundation of the Ubuyashiki Clan and their sincerity for long-term cooperation, while Mitsui Hiroki valued the rare resources and astonishingly effective "ancient formulas" provided by the other party.
Both sides got what they needed and quickly reached a consensus.
Cheng Mo's words were concise and to the point, and the plan he proposed considered both production demands and prioritized confidentiality and transportation safety.
Mitsui Hiroki's initial scrutiny quickly turned to admiration.
He liked dealing with smart, direct, well-connected, and rule-abiding people like him.
"Mr. Cheng is truly a straightforward man." Mitsui Hiroki's smile became more genuine, "With this, I feel relieved. Happy cooperation."
"Happy cooperation." Cheng Mo stood up.
About half an hour later, the VIP room door opened again.
Mitsui Hiroki, with a satisfied smile, personally escorted Cheng Mo out, his posture very humble: "Mr. Cheng, please rest assured, everything will proceed according to the agreement, in absolute secrecy."
"Thank you, President." Cheng Mo nodded.
Just then, a gentle, smiling voice came from not far away: "President Mitsui, so you're here, I've been looking for you."
Cheng Mo and Mitsui Hiroki turned their heads simultaneously.
They saw a young man, exquisitely handsome to the point of being almost demonic, dressed in a perfectly tailored white suit, walking towards them with a smile.
His demeanor was elegant, his steps unhurried, a glass of red wine in his hand, and his pale purple eyes sparkled charmingly under the lights, attracting the gaze of many ladies around him.
He was none other than President Tsukihiko of Tsukihiko Corporation, the rising star of Tokyo's social scene.
"President Tsukihiko," Mitsui Hiroki was clearly acquainted with him and greeted him with a smile, "What a coincidence. Come, let me introduce you to a promising young talent."
He turned sideways, naturally acting as an intermediary.
"This is Mr. Cheng Mo from Jianji Hall, a new business partner I've just met. He's a brilliant doctor and accomplished at a young age. Mr. Cheng Mo, this is President Tsukihiko, a successful young entrepreneur and an important trade partner of our Mitsui Group."
In that instant, the air seemed to freeze.
Cheng Mo's pupils contracted almost imperceptibly.
There was no need to actively activate the Eye of Truth.
Within one-tenth of a second of their gazes meeting, his powerful senses had already sent him the sharpest warning!
Beneath the human skin of this handsome, elegant "President Tsukihiko," who exuded a charming aura, there was a nearly overflowing, nauseatingly viscous, icy malice and an endless sea of blood.
It was a pure evil and curse, accumulated over thousands of years.
Kibutsuji Muzan!
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