I Want to Test the Medicine

"Uncle She, have someone prepare hot water for a bath. Also, bring over one of our Death Servants at the Soul Grandmaster level."

"Yes."

Xue Qinghe sat in a chair, toying with the Porcelain Bottle as he considered how to deal with Lu Chuan.

Since Lu Chuan was a merchant, he certainly wouldn't do business with Xue Qinghe alone—unless Xue Qinghe could buy out his entire stock.

But that would require an ocean of Spirit Bones. With his authority alone, Xue Qinghe could never satisfy Lu Chuan's appetite.

What a headache...

Still, it wasn't without its advantages. At least he could use other factions to test whether Lu Chuan's claim of being invincible under heaven was true.

If it was false, he could send Uncle She to save Lu Chuan and win him over.

If it was true, the faction that made a move would suffer grievous losses, while Spirit Hall would sit back and reap the profits.

Having worked through it, Xue Qinghe felt the knot in his chest loosen, and his expression relaxed.

Before long, in the Secret Chamber's bathing room, a huge Bath Barrel stood ready, warm mist rising slowly from it.

Qian Renxue had returned to her original appearance. Her skin was fair and delicate, translucent as jade, and dazzling golden hair fell over her shoulders. She radiated a sacred, noble air.

She pulled the stopper from the Porcelain Bottle and gently shook a drop of Foundation Establishment Spiritual Liquid into the hot water.

The clear water instantly turned a deep green, and potent, pure medicinal energy spread through the room.

Qian Renxue drew a light breath, surprise in her eyes. "The Foundation Establishment Spiritual Liquid truly is extraordinary. A single drop has this much medicinal power."

Then a slender figure was brought in.

She was a girl of just fourteen, with delicate features, a graceful figure, and a steady, concentrated aura.

Her gaze fell on Qian Renxue, and fervor blazed in her eyes.

The girl dropped to one knee and saluted solemnly, her voice filled with heartfelt reverence:

"Young Master!"

Qian Renxue turned slowly and gave a slight nod.

"What is your cultivation level now?"

"This subordinate is a level twenty-four Soul Grandmaster. I would go through boiling water and fire for you, Young Master, even at the cost of my life!"

"I have seen your loyalty." Qian Renxue spoke evenly, but her words carried a powerful allure. "Today, I grant you an opportunity as vast as the heavens. Seize it, and one day you may reach the realm of Titled Douluo."

She pointed to the Bath Barrel.

"Take off your clothes, get in, and cultivate."

"Yes!"

The girl did not hesitate for a moment. Disregarding her embarrassment, she quickly undressed, stepped into the steaming Bath Barrel, and sat up straight.

The next instant, violent yet pure medicinal energy surged through every limb and bone. An intense, swelling pain swept over her, and she could not hold back a cry of agony:

"Aah!!"

The sudden scream made Qian Renxue's heart lurch.

She came back to herself and looked at the girl's face, twisted in pain inside the Bath Barrel. Her expression darkened at once.

Her fingers tightened, gouging a deep mark into the hard wooden wall of the barrel.

"Damn it!" Qian Renxue cursed inwardly. "That crooked merchant never said it would hurt this much!"

Even a fourteen-year-old Soul Grandmaster was in this much pain. Anyone younger could never withstand it, let alone cultivate!

Meanwhile, one thought filled the girl's mind: I can't disappoint the Young Master.

She forced herself to endure and began cultivating her Soul Power.

Two and a half double-hours later, the medicinal liquid in the Bath Barrel was finally absorbed.

All strength had left the girl's body. Her head drooped against the rim as she gasped for breath.

"Young Master, this subordinate... made it through."

Qian Renxue nodded slightly. "Very good. Tell me how you feel now."

"The Soul Power in my body is more concentrated. My Soul Power capacity and cultivation speed have also improved a little."

"Mm. Thank you for your effort. Get some rest."

Then Qian Renxue left the bathing room under the girl's grateful gaze.

Back in her room, she sat down with a trace of delight, turning the little Porcelain Bottle of Foundation Establishment Spiritual Liquid over and over between her fingers.

That crooked merchant was telling the truth! Everything he has is worth far more than it costs!

In that case, I can get the High Black Rank Cultivation Method too!

As for his restriction that only one person can cultivate it and it can't be passed on—heh. If I pass it on in secret, how would he know?

I'll record the Cultivation Method and send it back to the Worship Hall as a family Cultivation Method for the Angel Lineage.

At worst, we'll practice in secret for now. After a few hundred or a thousand years, we'll outlive him and practice it openly! Practice it to our hearts' content!

Brimming with excitement, Qian Renxue lay down on the bed and tossed and turned. Unable to sleep, she simply got up to review memorials.

Meanwhile, in the Guest Room.

Lu Chuan and Zhu Zhuqing were playing a Little Game.

"Brother Lu, aren't you done yet? My hand's getting sore."

"Can't help it~ You're the one who made it swell. Go a little faster."

Zhu Zhuqing pressed her lips together and entered Martial Soul Possession. In playful revenge, she launched a flurry of swift attacks until her right hand became a blur.

"Hiss... it's coming..."

Zhu Zhuqing hurriedly dodged, but the attack still struck her face. She pulled out a tissue and cleaned herself up, her expression full of reproach.

Lu Chuan let out a long breath and reached up to pinch Zhu Zhuqing's pretty cheek, still a little round with baby fat.

"There. This stuff's good for your skin."

He took out two Dou Techniques.

Yellow Rank intermediate "Rending Claw Strike":

Soul Power flowed through the Meridians of the arms. The five fingers curled into claws, gathering energy at the fingertips to form sharp claw force. Its tricky moves excelled at tearing flesh and ripping through armor.

Yellow Rank advanced "Gale Step":

Soul Power flowed through specific Meridians into both legs. Pale-green wind force swirled beneath the feet, greatly increasing running speed for a short time and leaving afterimages in one's wake.

"One is a claw-attack Dou Technique, and the other is a movement Dou Technique. Both suit your Martial Soul well. Master these two first."

"Thank you."

Zhu Zhuqing happily took the two Dou Techniques and began leafing through them.

Lu Chuan wrapped his arms around her from behind, his hands resting across her lower abdomen. With his chin on her shoulder, he watched her study intently.

"Don't rush. These are just transitional Dou Techniques. They'll be useful early on, but they'll lose their edge later and won't keep up with your strength. For now, use them to get accustomed to cultivating Dou Techniques."

"Mm. I'll work hard so I won't hold you back like I did today."

Zhu Zhuqing's little face was so earnest and adorable that Lu Chuan could not help kissing her.

"All right. It's late. You can read them tomorrow. Let's sleep."

"Mm."

Zhu Zhuqing handed the Dou Techniques back to Lu Chuan for safekeeping.

Then she curled up in his arms, and they fell asleep holding each other.

The night passed without incident.

The next day.

Lu Chuan and Zhu Zhuqing had just finished a specially prepared breakfast.

Xue Qinghe walked in as if he had timed it to the minute.

"Hahaha, good morning, Brother Lu Chuan. I had someone test it last night. The Foundation Establishment Spiritual Liquid you sold me really is worth the price."

Lu Chuan took a sip of freshly squeezed juice and smiled.

"Would I sell you junk? So what brings you here now?"

Xue Qinghe pulled up a chair beside Lu Chuan and took out an exquisite wooden box.

"Brother Lu Chuan, here's a fifty-four-thousand-year-old Left Arm Bone and four thousand gold coins in exchange for the High Black Rank Cultivation Method, the 'Flame Scripture,' and four Self-Created Soul Skills."