Chapter 21: Courting Death

"This proposal isn't bad; I suppose I can accept it," Wu Tian said with a solemn expression, though inside he was overjoyed.

Upon hearing Wu Tian agree, Attendant Hu was equally excited. He felt he'd struck a great bargain: this young man, so youthful, could refine such excellent pills in just one night—even if they were of the lower grade, he would surely make high-grade elixirs in the future. Having the right of first purchase for Wu Tian's pills meant endless supplies of advanced elixirs and vast income. Compared to a mere twenty percent discount on goods, it was insignificant.

"Young Master Wu, let us settle on this, then. Come, let's sign the contract," Attendant Hu urged, worried Wu Tian might change his mind, and hurriedly drew him over to sign.

Wu Tian did not refuse, and soon he and Attendant Hu signed the contract: Jimin Trading House would have the right of first purchase for Wu Tian's pills, and Wu Tian would enjoy a twenty percent discount at Shunfeng Trading House.

After the contract was signed, Attendant Hu took out a black-gold card and handed it to Wu Tian with both hands. "Young Master Wu, this is a Black-Gold VIP Card from Shunfeng Trading House. It is inscribed with unique runes. By presenting this card, you may enjoy a twenty percent discount on all merchandise, as well as VIP privileges."

Wu Tian accepted the card, and Attendant Hu then took several silver notes from his pocket and handed them over. "This is eighty thousand taels, payment for the pills you just sold. Please accept it."

"Thank you, Attendant Hu. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave. Until we meet again." Having gained eighty thousand taels today, Wu Tian was thoroughly satisfied.

With those words, Wu Tian took the silver notes and departed.

Attendant Hu watched Wu Tian's retreating figure, momentarily at a loss for words.

"Attendant Hu, there are only a handful in the entire Wild Martial Empire who possess this Black-Gold Card. All are influential figures and honored guests of Shunfeng Trading House. But this young man seems completely oblivious—does he not know its value?" the shop assistant asked in shock.

"Either he doesn't understand, or he simply doesn't care. Either way, this young man can refine so many fine pills in a single night—his future is limitless! I just hope Miss hasn't misjudged him." Attendant Hu murmured, gazing at Wu Tian's departing silhouette.

At that moment, atop the roof of Jimin Pharmacy, a woman in white watched Wu Tian's distant figure. Her face was veiled, concealing her features and expression, but her posture was graceful and alluring.

"The former prodigy of Qitian Sect, now able to refine supreme healing pills in a single night—his alchemical talent is unparalleled. If I could secure him, Shunfeng Trading House's influence would grow even greater!"

Wu Tian was still young, but already demonstrated unprecedented talent in pill refinement. This woman was not concerned with his present, but his future.

...

After leaving Jimin Pharmacy, Wu Tian brought some food back to his thatched hut. After eating with Xiao Hui, he headed to the rear mountain of Qitian Sect to sweep—a punishment from the Discipline Hall, though not a severe one.

Arriving at the rear mountain, Wu Tian wandered about with a large broom. There wasn't much to sweep, mostly just fallen leaves, and it wouldn't take much time.

"Look, isn't that Wu Tian, once the greatest prodigy of Qitian Sect? Now he's reduced to sweeping—how pathetic!"

"He offended Elder He; he's lucky not to be expelled from the sect!"

"Prodigy? More like trash!"

The passing disciples mocked Wu Tian as he swept. The details of him intruding into He Jiang's residence hadn't spread through Qitian Sect; only He Jiang's disciples knew of Wu Tian's strength. The rest still thought he was the same waste as before.

Wu Tian ignored them, sweeping diligently.

"Well, well! Isn't this our Qitian Sect's great prodigy Wu Tian? How come you're sweeping here?" came a mocking voice. A tall, proud young man approached, flanked by several fellow disciples.

Wu Tian looked up. He knew this person very well.

His name was Long Zhan, the chief disciple of the Grand Elder of Qitian Sect and a true genius. A year ago, he and Wu Tian were both at the first level Martial Master stage. Now, after a year, Long Zhan had reached the sixth level, outstanding among the younger generation—greater even than the Sect Master's disciples.

When Wu Tian was still a prodigy, Long Zhan’s reputation was modest. After Wu Tian’s fall, Long Zhan assumed his former status.

Truthfully, Long Zhan had always resented Wu Tian. His cultivation was no less than Wu Tian's, and he was even more diligent, yet few in Qitian Sect or Pingyang City knew his name. Wu Tian's brilliance had overshadowed him.

Now, seeing Wu Tian so downcast, Long Zhan felt elated. "Tsk, tsk... The ground is spotless! Not a single leaf anywhere. Brothers, don’t you agree?"

"Yes!" the disciples behind him chimed in.

Qin Long was among them. Ever since being beaten by Wu Tian, he had been plotting revenge, but he wasn’t Wu Tian's match. Now, he saw an opportunity.

"Senior Brother Long, Wu Tian looks so idle—hardly befitting a prodigy. Shouldn't we give him something to do?" Qin Long sidled up, grinning.

Long Zhan smiled and nodded. "You're right, Junior Brother Qin. A prodigy shouldn't be idle. We really ought to find him something to do. Any suggestions?"

"He's sweeping, isn't he? Why don't we make some mess for him to clean up?" Qin Long suggested maliciously.

"Hahaha! Good idea. I need to relieve myself anyway—right here will do!" Long Zhan laughed and began to undo his trousers where Wu Tian had just swept clean.

"Truly clever, Senior Brother! Come, let's all join in!" Qin Long and the others followed suit.

"Get lost!" Wu Tian shouted, pointing his broom at Long Zhan and his companions.

"You think this is your territory? You're nothing but a trash sweeper!" Qin Long sneered, emboldened by Long Zhan's presence.

"Courting death!" Wu Tian’s expression darkened. He charged forward, broom in hand.

Boom! With a thunderous crack, Wu Tian swept Qin Long off his feet, sending him flying.

Long Zhan and his disciples stared in disbelief. Wasn’t this guy supposed to be a failure? How could he be so formidable, knocking Qin Long aside with a single blow?

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