By the end of the victory feast, everyone had eaten and drunk their fill.
Though there had been no wine.
Duan Jian had already begun treating himself as Nie Li's servant, which surprised everyone. Still, they all thought well of this iron-willed man.
That evening, while everyone was resting, Nie Li came to Duan Jian's room.
"Master."
The moment Duan Jian saw Nie Li, he dropped to one knee.
Nie Li: ...
"All right, all right. You don't need to kneel whenever you see me. Helping you up is a hassle, too. I'm not as tall as you."
"Yes."
Only then did Duan Jian stand.
"Duan Jian, I have an opportunity to offer you, but it comes with risks."
"Please explain, Master."
"You carry the Black Dragon bloodline within your body. Those dragon wings on your back prove that you're a descendant of the Dragon Race. Though your blood is mixed, no descendant of the Dragon Race can be underestimated. I have a way to awaken the Black Dragon bloodline within you. Once I do, your strength can soar straight to Black Gold Rank, and your physical body can reach Legendary Rank. But during the ten days this process takes, you'll suffer terribly. You could even say you'll wish you were dead. If you can't endure it, you really will die."
Hearing Nie Li say that he might die, Duan Jian showed no concern whatsoever and simply stripped off his shirt.
"Master, I have sworn to take that old thief Sikong's head in this lifetime. What is there to fear in a mere death? Please apply the needles, Master."
Nie Li nodded. Since Duan Jian had said as much himself, there was no need to say anything more.
He took out a pill.
"Take this first."
Duan Jian accepted it