Eternity Master

Life progressed steadily for Xue Jiang for a long period. He continued to gather spiritual stones by crafting alchemy products, and had added several other items to his catalogue of goods; strength bursting powder, qi gathering pills, and he even sold protection amulets. So far, many of his products were quite popular, and often had a better price than the alchemy stores. Unfortunately, most of his goods were only useful for Qi Gathering and Foundation Establishment practitioners, otherwise he wouldn’t mind using these things himself.

Xue Jiang also continued to cultivate diligently, and had managed to refine his sword techniques which have become rusty through the years.

Currently, Xue Jiang was still dabbling in his exploration of the Dao of Invincibility, and he was trying to extract as much knowledge from Hao Yang’s notes and various other books, before he began the Soul Source polishing process.

But otherwise, Xue Jiang’s life has been peaceful ever since Wang Tian stopped the Scorpion gang from harassing him.

Unfortunately, life was doomed to happen for everyone, and the world had all sorts of ways to disturb the peace.

…

…

“Strength bursting powder! Get your strength bursting powder here! Inhale directly through the nose, and your strength will directly rise to the Foundation Establishment stage!” Xue Jiang calls out from his market stall.

Suddenly, Xue Jiang saw a familiar face walking through the crowd to his stall; it was Wang Tian.

Xue Jiang raises an eyebrow. What is it this time? He wonders.

Wang Tian walks over, approaching Xue Jiang’s stall. “We need to talk.” He says directly.

Xue Jiang lets out a sigh. He smelled trouble waiting in the distance.

…

…

The pair directly went to the Flood Dragon restaurant to find a private room; once more, ordering a few dishes and a pot of Valley Fog tea.

Xue Jiang takes a sip of his tea before setting his cup down. “So, how can I be of service?” He asks.

Wang Tian lets out a sigh. “An inheritance of the Dragon Blood cult has been found.” He says, informing Xue Jiang.

Xue Jiang’s eyes widen. Holy shit! He exclaims. It was very possible that this was the opportunity Xue Jiang was waiting for.

Wang Tian takes a sip of tea before continuing. “It is said that the inheritance is limited to Core Formation experts, and it probably requires a Dragon Blood core to enter. As we’re both eligible inheritors, it should be natural that we team up to face the inheritance trials together.” He says, hoping to gather Xue Jiang’s support.

Xue Jiang raises an eyebrow. “Is this something you would need to team up for; if you simply went, who could compete with you?” He asks, curious.

Wang Tian shakes his head. “You’re mistaken. Although it's said that the recipe for the Dragon Blood core has long been lost; many sects and clans have been researching this thing for years. It’s just that no one admits to it because of the negative association to a demonic path sect. Although it seems rare, you can be sure there will be other eligible inheritors with a Dragon Blood core.” He says, explaining the matter.

Xue Jiang’s eyes widen. “Wow, who said this thing was rare?” He says with a shake of his head.

Xue Jiang thinks it over, before a question comes to his mind. “Are you sure you can trust me? How do you know I won’t try to rob you if you receive the inheritance?” He asks, somewhat apprehensive.

Wang Tian lets out a chuckle. “Xue Jiang, we’re old friends. I liked you back when I was a kid, and I like you now. Besides, you may become my brother-in-law in the future.” He says, his words dwindling to a whisper by the end of his speech.

Xue Jiang’s eyes widen. “Your what?” He asks, wondering if he heard wrong.

Wang Tian lets out a laugh. “Never mind that. What matters currently is that as a team, we’ll be better prepared to face the trials we face, and if necessary, it will be easier to face the other inheritance candidates.” He says, looking to Xue Jiang for his approval. “So, what do you say?” He asks.

Xue Jiang thinks it over, and in truth, it was quite possible this inheritance was something he needed to continue progressing his cultivation; if he could face the trials with Wang Tian, it would directly improve their chances of success.

Xue Jiang looks to Wang Tian and nods. “Alright, let’s do it!” He says, holding out his hand.

Wang Tian lets out a laugh. “Hah!” He says, clasping his hand with Xue Jiang’s. “We’ll be sure to succeed in this! When we get back, I’ll even treat you the Flood Dragon restaurant’s Eight Treasures Flood Dragon!” He says, excited for their success.

…

…

Xue Jiang enters the alchemy store and looks around. If he was going to face the trials for the Dragon Blood Cult’s inheritance, he had to stock up on life-saving measures. It wasn’t Xue Jiang’s style to enter danger unprepared; if he could help it, he would always have at least a hundred life-saving measures on him at all times.

Ying Ling, the shopkeeper immediately recognized Xue Jiang when he entered. “Well, if it isn’t the stray alchemist who’s been stealing my business. What can I do for you, mister thief?” She says with a snort.

Xue Jiang’s brows raise. “How can you call me a thief? I’m just a small stall owner; how can my business be a threat to you?” He asks, unwilling to believe his small profits could compare to the alchemy store.

“Hmph! Because of you, we hardly receive any Qi Gathering customers, and our Foundation Establishment customers have dwindled as well! Besides, I’ve looked into your business; with the amount you’re producing you could directly open a specialty store for Qi Gathering and Foundation Establishment customers!” Ying Ling exclaims. If I was a small-minded person, I wouldn’t bother to tolerate it, and would have directly smashed your stall by now! She thinks, somewhat doubting why she hadn’t done it already.

Xue Jiang lets out a few coughs. “It can’t be that bad, right? It’s only a few products…” He says, somewhat doubtfully. I guess I have expanded my business a bit. He thinks, somewhat shamefully. But what could he do? Seeing as alchemy was so profitable, he would be a fool if he didn’t take advantage of it!

Ying Ling snorts once more. “Enough! Tell me, what do you want?” She asks, not wanting to waste more time on a thief.

Xue Jiang lets out a sigh. “I’ll likely be facing some dangerous situations soon; I came to purchase a few life-saving measures.” He says directly.

Ying Ling raises an eyebrow, processing Xue Jiang’s words, before a grin forms on her face. Hah! Since you need my help so bad, you can consider your business over! She thinks with ill intentions. With this bargaining chip, she didn’t even need to smash Xue Jiang’s stall, she could directly force him to stop his business!