Legacy of Hatred

’That’s interesting,’ Liam couldn’t help but think, feeling some childish excitement.

Confrontation was one of the staples of growth. That was true for combat and noble arts. Even mere conversations could broaden someone’s perspective, reflecting positively in their craft.

Liam’s utmost devotion to his great Master’s approach didn’t make him blind to other paths. He had seen his own perspective change too many times to ignore that other masters could provide valuable lessons.

That stance also fit with Liam’s new life’s philosophy. He might have perfected the recipe that represented himself now, but that could easily be a flawed conviction born from ignorance.

If Liam learned more, he might uncover an even better recipe that didn’t need additional ingredients, allowing him to perfect himself even further without exploring new fields.

Of course, Liam’s approach to alchemy wouldn’t change. He would still wield the utmost, mad pursuit of perfection his Master had taught him. What he sought was an exchange of ideas that would improve how he walked that path.

Liam would swallow it all, fully immersing himself in the noble art so that he would one day surpass the great Horace Rauret. Such was his duty as his disciple.

There was also a less philosophical reason for that desire. The playing field had indeed changed. Liam had now joined a competition among branching experts, and he needed better tools at his disposal to shine there, or even to survive.

Becoming a branching expert obviously was the first step toward that goal, but strength in the cultivation world came from more than sheer Qi.

As of now, Liam had a new rank 3 Poisonous Cloud Pill. The Demoness’ technique also allowed him to touch upon the superior realm, and ninety-five minor roots granted him a leeway other rooting experts couldn’t match when it came to rank 3 martial arts.

All that would also improve greatly after Liam’s breakthrough. He would probably instantly become the most prepared and strongest newly advanced branching expert, but that just wasn’t enough in his situation.

’Their skin is impenetrable scales,’ Liam recalled the Demoness’ warning. ’Their hands are claws that can uproot mountains. They breathe all-melting fire and are immune to every poison under the Heavens.’

That was the only description Liam had about the Dragons, which he could accept rather easily. After all, despite his inborn advantages, he was an inferior living being compared to the lineage with the title of Perfection.

Liam had already decided that he would use alchemy to concoct himself into a being beyond his legendary ancestor, but that was all theoretical, and the warning had a specific issue that had stuck with him.

’Immune to every poison under the Heavens,’ Liam repeated in his mind. ’Even I don’t have that, but the solution is obvious.’

No poison under the Heavens could affect the Dragons, but Liam could concoct substances beyond that realm through his black Qi. Even his own venom fell in that category once he reached the quasi-stage.

’But the Dragon King has the quasi-stage, too, right?’ Liam considered. ’Or do all the Dragons have ten spiritual roots? Does it mean even the poisons only I can concoct wouldn’t be enough?’

Liam couldn’t be sure until he actually got his hands on a Dragon, but one thing was clear. The world had just gotten a bit more unable to satisfy his needs since that project would demand extensive experiments, meaning plenty of resources.

Because of that, Liam couldn’t live underground anymore. Making the best of criminal networks and Grace’s miracles just wouldn’t be enough. He had to fully unleash his amazing woman in wealthy environments, which led to a pickle.

’Strength is necessary to establish a proper foothold,’ Liam thought. ’But such strength will also attract a lot of attention, potentially the Dragons.’

As with many problems Liam had already faced, the new one had no solution. Something had to give. There was no perfect answer because the world was always watching and wouldn’t stand by as he claimed power, which only meant one thing for a straightforward guy like him.

’I want to become even stronger,’ Liam cursed internally. ’I want to be a total and complete monster, way beyond the fiend Master wants me to be.’

Naturally, the conversation had continued while Liam was immersed in his thoughts, claiming his full attention only when the topic reached its conclusion.

"The Merchants Guild will forward the ingredients," Colleen announced. "The Enforcement Guild will provide the location, while the Mercenary Guild will offer manpower. Whispering Wind, is the Messengers Guild satisfied with watching?"

"It is," The old woman confirmed, putting an end to the negotiations.

Basically, Liam and the area’s alchemist would challenge themselves, concocting in a relatively public environment, and their products would go to the Merchants Guild. The other Guilds’ involvement was merely a way to give them a cut of the promised gains, preventing them from opposing the suggestion.

Everything looked set, with even Red Boar holding back his displeased snorts. Liam had inflicted a huge blow to the Mercenary Guild’s reputation, but profits looked to be on the horizon, and that could solve a lot with the right series of lies.

It would be enough for the Mercenary Guild to claim that Liam had ultimately caved in to its authority to restore some reputation. Red Boar could also blame Jessica and the eastern branches, playing into the feud between regions.

There was just one last problem to handle, one last wrinkle to smooth out, and Felix knew it was time to address it. After all, if it weren’t for that third party, the issue would have already ended.

"The Guilds have come to an agreement," Felix exclaimed. "The Enforcement Guild now asks Priest Fred of the Church of the Man to speak."

Every eye at the meeting fell on the bald man, who calmly sipped from his cup before putting it down.

"We are all children of the Heavens," Priest Fred declared. "And the Church understands that life is a challenging affair. I don’t know what caused these young Dao partners to stray from the righteous path, but it would be an unforgivable sin to drive them further into the demonic path when they can be a great force for good."

Priest Fred made a compelling argument, even complimenting Liam and Grace in the process. After what happened on the border, they could truly be an incredible driving force for whatever goal their allies or partners set out to achieve.

"But lives have been lost," Priest Fred continued. "The Church is willing to put enmities aside, but it must request restitutions. That much is necessary to honor the dead and His Excellency Archbishop Ignatius’ wish."

The request was perfectly reasonable. It was even better than what Deacon Jesse had offered, but watching Grace in her element for so long had given Liam an idea of how to improve her playing field. He only needed the truth there.

"That’s false," Liam stated. "Archbishop Ignatius didn’t want the Church of the Man to claim his inheritance. He told me that himself."

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