Over the past several thousand years, Li Changsheng had secretly figured out that Nine Sons Heaven was the heaven of the Nine Clans. Only descendants of the Nine Clans could achieve Great Transcendence.
This "could not" meant that others simply had no budding potential for Haotian.
He had entered the perfected Ninth Realm over a century ago, yet when it came to taking that final step, not only did he lack the slightest stirring of Dao-heart, but whenever the thought of transcendence arose, he would inexplicably feel alarmed, his hair standing on end.
He knew then that this final step would be incomparably perilous.
Thus, he had long delayed drawing his sword against "heaven" and cleaving through chaos to depart.
Seated in the alchemist's place, Li Changsheng found his thoughts tangled beyond all calm.
"How did the Dao Master leave back then..."
All of a sudden, he missed the Dao Master a little.
"Alchemist Li, these past few days I've been feeling severely depleted again. Hurry and prescribe me a couple doses of tonic medicine..."
At that moment, a young man of eighteen or nineteen, dressed in fine silk brocade, entered the shop while clutching his waist. Dark circles hung beneath his eyes, and he panted lightly.
The moment he entered, he greeted Li Changsheng with practiced familiarity and asked for tonic medicine.
"Number Eighteen in the alley, Lin Dongyuan. He married a Saintess last year. He used to be vigorous as a dragon and lively as a tiger, but now he came every few days to buy tonic medicine."
Information about the young man in splendid robes flashed through Li Changsheng's mind.
"It's nothing serious. Drink two extra doses this time, and you'll recover somewhat." He softly reassured the visitor, casually taking four packets of medicine from the counter