Legacy of Hatred

Rather than the pill, Master Vermillion, the audience, or the branching experts in the area, the yellow-robed cultivators became the target of Liam’s attention.

Those messengers did their best to hide it, but Liam could taste the shock in their auras and body language, as well as the hurry in relaying what they had just witnessed.

’Master, it’s done,’ Liam sighed internally. ’Now the whole world will know about your compound concoctions.’

It was a small but extremely meaningful step for Liam. It had taken him almost three years, but he had finally begun to repay his Master by teaching the world about his greatness.

’One day, Master,’ Liam thought. ’One day the world will be unable to stop chanting your name.’

The meaningful step felt better than defeating stronger cultivators or getting cool bows. Liam owed everything he was to his Master. His spark was what had saved Liam from the grimness of life, and he had finally gotten good enough to express that bottomless gratitude.

Needless to say, the audience exploded with cries and questions, most featuring understandable disbelief.

"Is that a rank 3 product?"

"Why did Master Vermillion concede?"

"Is everything I heard about Bla-, Master Black Qi true?"

Liam heard everything but ignored it. Silence was better in those cases. Ignorance would enshroud him in exaggerated rumors, and his appearance worked to his favor.

Liam had sweated during the last part of the concoction but was otherwise fine now. He had almost made it look easy, giving the impression that the procedure had more to it than vast reserves of powerful Qi. His real talent would be safe like that.

Master Vermillion was the only one who could understand the truth. He had studied the whole concoction through his knowledgeable eye, but his character abided by rules that went beyond politics.

"Master Black Qi successfully concocted a rank 3 alchemical product as a rooting expert," Master Vermillion continued, straightening to address the audience. "There is no skill in my arsenal that can match such a feat."

The explicit confirmation removed the last traces of doubt among the audience, triggering a second wave of cries, while also creating a new problem. Testing Liam had only been one part of the relatively public competition, a relatively small one.

Colleen hurried to the balcony, with Grace following her. Felix was already nearby and didn’t hesitate to join them, tinkering with one of the talismans so that the five could have privacy.

Grace took her rightful place at Liam’s side, wearing a proud, slightly arrogant expression. Meanwhile, Felix and Colleen inspected the dark-green pill, feeling its undeniable threat despite their lack of specific expertise.

Of course, Master Vermillion’s announcement had more than set the matter in stone. Actually, questioning it would be insulting. That was a genuine rank 3 product, one that could kill branching experts.

Instead, the inspection had more to do with the contest’s main goal, one that Colleen mentioned as politely as possible.

"Master Vermillion, I wouldn’t dare to oppose your passion," Colleen announced, facing the flamboyant man with Felix. "However, the Guilds have invested much in this event."

The Merchants Guild was forwarding the ingredients in exchange for the finished products, with the Enforcement Guild and Mercenary Guild getting a cut from the former in other ways. Liam was basically just an excuse to make money.

With two rank 3 alchemical products, the Merchants Guild could already call itself satisfied, but it was just the afternoon of the first day. Ending that mobilization of people and assets so soon was a waste, especially since there could be far more financial gains.

Master Vermillion’s announcement had basically ended the competition, which didn’t sit right with the Guilds. Still, his status prevented outright rebukes or orders.

"Lady Chief, I meant no disrespect," Master Vermillion responded. "But there is nothing I can do to change the facts. As an alchemist, Master Black Qi has defeated me."

’He isn’t too eccentric after all,’ Liam mentally noted.

Master Vermillion had looked quite genuine with Liam, even bordering on friendliness, but that seemed limited to alchemy and his fellow masters. The former knew how to conduct himself when it came to other parties.

Also, the addicted part of Master Vermillion’s rumors gained even more ground. Liam couldn’t agree with his methods, but he was undoubtedly devoted to alchemy, to the point where he had declared his inferiority despite risking going against the Guilds.

The promise of money was powerless against true passion, but Colleen wasn’t the only merchant there.

"Master Vermillion, my beloved is grateful for the opportunity to exchange pointers with a master of your caliber," Grace exclaimed. "As such, may I ask you to continue competing?"

Grace was basically doing the Guilds a favor there. Other than favorable trades, she and Liam would get nothing from competing any further.

Still, Grace had also spoken the truth. Many wouldn’t see it, but she had recognized the interest in Liam’s face.

Liam threw a look at Grace, suppressing the urge to embrace her. She had read him so well. He had the opportunity to concoct for free and learn from a fellow master, so he wanted to keep going as long as possible.

"My Dao partner speaks the truth," Liam confirmed. "Master Vermillion, may I ask for more of your time? I am truly enjoying this competition."

Felix and Colleen focused on Master Vermillion with pleading gazes, at which the flamboyant man lifted his arms and laughed.

"Fellow Daoists, there has been a misunderstanding," Master Vermillion exclaimed. "My admission of defeat didn’t imply my immediate departure. I am more than eager to steal more of Master Black Qi’s time if he’ll have me."

The matter turned out to be a non-issue, almost making Felix and Colleen sigh in relief. Sadly, they had another pressing matter to solve.

The dark-green pill still in Liam’s hands reclaimed the branching experts’ attention. The two couldn’t ignore that a weapon capable of killing them had appeared in their area.

In theory, the rank 3 Cloud Pill would go to the Merchants Guild, but Felix didn’t really want Colleen to obtain it. That was raw military power after all.

Naturally, Grace handled that pickle.

"Fellow Daoists, I’m sure you are aware poison masters are as dangerous as their secrets," Grace announced. "It might go against our initial agreement, but could we keep this alchemical product? We’d be willing to offer something of equal value in exchange."

"Lady Grace, an unknown alchemical product can have far greater value," Colleen began the merchant’s shenanigans. "Even more since it’s the result of Master Black Qi’s inspirational performance."

That was a trap. Even Liam smelled as much, Grace having thoroughly educated his nose in those matters. Colleen was hoping to access the complete list of the couple’s rank 3 possessions under the guise of choosing something that matched the Cloud Pill.

Of course, prices were Grace’s realm, so she summoned an item that was bound to silence Colleen. Among the remaining seven rank 3 products from the inheritance, the Qi Igniting pill was the most valuable, and the matter ended as soon as Colleen seized it.

Just like that, Liam obtained another rank 3 poisonous weapon.

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