Returning after 10000 Years Cultivation - Chapter 74

Yang Kunpeng’s eyes widened in shock as a bloody hole appeared on his forehead. He slowly slid off the couch and collapsed onto the floor, his lifeless gaze frozen in place.

“The internal force martial arts master, Ghost-Kick? It’s you!”

Only then did Qiu Gong notice the shadow-like figure following Jiang Tian—it was actually a reclusive martial arts master who had vanished from the public eye years ago. He couldn’t help but gasp in astonishment.

Even a legendary figure like Ghost-Kick, who had made his name decades ago, was now serving as Jiang Tian’s subordinate. Just how powerful was this man?

The men Yang Kunpeng had brought with him were already paralyzed with terror under Jiang Tian’s overwhelming might.

“Master Jiang, spare us! Please, spare us!”

With their leader dead, not a single one dared to resist. They threw down their weapons and dropped to their knees, kowtowing frantically.

Jiang Tian didn’t even spare them a glance. He stepped down from the stage with effortless grace, walked over to Zhao Xueqing, and took her small hand in his. With a gentle smile, he asked, “Qing’er, were you scared just now?”

“No, I’m fine! Husband, you were amazing! What was that technique? Can you teach me later?”

Zhao Xueqing bounced excitedly, her face glowing with admiration.

“Of course, if you want to learn, I’ll teach you.”

Jiang Tian chuckled inwardly—this girl’s adaptability was impressive. “Let’s head back now. Sister Weiwei, come with us.”

Ye Ziwei quickly nodded. She had countless questions for Jiang Tian.

Before leaving, Jiang Tian glanced at Ye Gufeng and said with a faint smile,

“I heard you offered rare treasures as rewards for this tournament. Don’t forget to send them to me later.”

Seeing Jiang Tian about to leave with the two women, Ye Gufeng grew anxious. He suddenly stood up and called out, “Master Jiang, please wait!”

“What? Do you still want to challenge me?” Jiang Tian paused, frowning.

“No, no! Of course not!”

Ye Gufeng was so startled he immediately clasped his fists and bowed deeply. “Master Jiang, today, thanks to your heroic efforts, you repelled our enemies. If not for you, all of Jiangbei would have fallen into their hands!”

His expression turned solemn as he spoke with utmost reverence:

“From this day forward, the three cities of Jiangbei shall recognize you as our supreme master. We will follow your commands without question. If you have any orders, we will brave any danger, even at the cost of our lives!”

Hearing this, Liu Zikun was the first to react. He sprang up as if his seat were electrified, bowed, and declared, “Master Jiang, ‘Dog-Face’ Kun is willing to serve you and follow you for life!”

“Master Jiang!”

“Master Jiang!”

One after another, the influential figures of Jiangbei—Long Wu, Zhou Zhenghao, Xue Mingyi—stood up and bowed deeply, competing to express their utmost respect.

Meanwhile, younger elites like Liu Jinrong and Xue Feiyang were practically prostrating themselves in worship.

Today, they had witnessed the true might of a martial artist and finally understood what real power meant.

Wealth and status meant nothing in a world where strength ruled all.

Only by aligning themselves with a supreme expert like Jiang Tian could they hope to survive.

“Oh my god… What glory! What honor!”

Watching the most powerful figures of Jiangbei bow before Jiang Tian, Lu Biyao’s face flushed with excitement—and bitter regret.

She had once had the chance to get close to Jiang Tian, but she had squandered it again and again.

Now, compared to Jiang Tian, men like Liu Jinrong and Xue Feiyang were nothing but insignificant ants.

No—they weren’t even fit to stand in the same world as him!

If only she had accepted Jiang Tian’s advances, or at least not alienated him… then she, not Zhao Xueqing, would be the one standing by his side now.

“I’m not interested. Just give me a few of those prizes.”

Jiang Tian glanced at Zhao Xueqing, then waved dismissively.

“Why won’t Master Jiang accept?”

“Is it because of how Xue Feiyang and Liu Jinrong offended him earlier?”

“Those two idiots deserve to have their legs broken!”

Ye Gufeng and the others were in a panic. After finally finding a supreme expert like Jiang Tian, he refused to lead them.

“No way… Someone of Master Jiang’s stature wouldn’t care about trash like us, right?”

Liu Jinrong and Xue Feiyang turned deathly pale.

“Husband, why are you looking at me?” Zhao Xueqing blinked, confused.

But Ye Ziwei, sharp as ever, tugged at her sleeve and whispered, “Qing’er, convince Jiang Tian to accept. The Jiang family is in crisis right now—he needs a strong foundation.”

“Huh? He’s asking for my opinion?”

Zhao Xueqing’s heart melted. That he would consult her on such a major decision… She leaned in and whispered in his ear:

“Jiang Tian, you’re incredible, and I trust your judgment. Do what’s best for your ambitions.”

Only then did Jiang Tian nod. “Fine. I’ll stay a little longer. We can discuss this later.”

Later That Evening…

Soon, the wealthy elites dispersed from the deck, and a grand banquet began in the ship’s top-floor hall, attended by the most powerful figures of Jiangbei’s three cities.

“Master Jiang, I’ve heard the Medicine King Group is expanding and needs funds. The brothers from Donghai, Jiangzhou, and Linzhou have pooled 2 billion yuan. Please accept this humble offering.”

In a private room, Ye Gufeng respectfully presented a check, his face full of deference.

“Yes, Master Jiang, please accept it. It’s but a small token of our respect!”

Liu Zikun, Long Wu, Zheng Guangsha, and others echoed eagerly.

This was the power of strength.

Before, the Jiang family had struggled to secure even a few hundred million in funding. Now, they were being handed two billion without hesitation.

Ye Ziwei, standing nearby, couldn’t help but feel emotional. Seeing Jiang Tian’s slight nod, she accepted the check.

“Consider this a loan, Mr. Ye. One day, I’ll repay you tenfold.”

Jiang Tian’s tone was indifferent.

“Master Jiang, we’re all family now. There’s no need for such formalities!” Ye Gufeng laughed.

Two billion was nothing when split among a dozen tycoons—each had only contributed a few hundred million at most. If it meant securing Jiang Tian’s favor, it was worth every penny.

“Money is trivial. What I need… are cultivation resources.”

Jiang Tian sighed softly.

“Master Jiang, please wait a moment.”

Ye Gufeng whispered an order, and Liu Zikun quickly stepped out.

When he returned, several black-suited men followed, each carrying a wooden box, which they placed on the table.

“Master Jiang, these are some rare items I’ve collected over the years. Please see if any meet your standards.”

Jiang Tian opened the boxes, then shook his head in disappointment.

There were some aged ginseng and wild herbs—valuable in the secular world, but useless for his spirit-gathering array.

Then, his gaze locked onto a dark metallic fragment.

“This… is Gengjin Iron Essence! How did you obtain this?”

“Ah, that’s a meteorite I bought from an antique market.”

“No wonder.”

Jiang Tian nodded, his eyes gleaming.

Gengjin Iron Essence was a metal-element material essential for his array.

According to his master, such materials didn’t naturally exist on Earth—they could only come from outer space.

“Master Jiang, this meteorite has strong radiation. We usually keep it in a lead box. Is it useful?”

“Extremely.”

For the first time in a while, Jiang Tian smiled, making everyone exhale in relief.

Now, he had gathered metal, fire, and water elemental materials. Only wood and earth remained.

“But this still isn’t enough. Do you know where I can find more rare treasures?”

Silence fell. The men exchanged uneasy glances.

They were merely wealthy businessmen—if they were lucky, they might know a martial artist or two. But cultivation resources? Those were beyond their reach.

Qiu Gong, having recovered thanks to Jiang Tian’s pill, now held deep respect for him.

Hesitating, he finally spoke:

“Master Jiang… have you heard of the Alchemy Exchange, held once every five years?”

“No. Tell me more.”

Qiu Gong was surprised—how could someone as powerful as Jiang Tian not know of this? But he didn’t dare question it.

“The Alchemy Exchange is hosted jointly by the Shennong Sect, the top alchemy faction in the martial world, and the Hong family, a martial clan from Hubei. It gathers martial artists, spellcasters, and rare treasures. The Shennong Sect sells elixirs or trades them for rare herbs. It’s a grand event!”

“Years ago, I attended with my master, Yuan Rusong. He spent 30 million on a Qi-Gathering Pill and broke through to the Profound Realm!”

“The Shennong Sect has a thousand-year history. If you connect with them, you’ll surely find what you need.”

“Oh? When is it?” Jiang Tian’s interest was piqued.

A major alchemy sect like this might possess wood-element treasures.

“One month from now. In Hankou.”

“Good. You’ll accompany me there.”

“It would be my honor!”

Qiu Gong’s face flushed with excitement. To travel with Master Jiang was an unimaginable privilege!

Meanwhile, Liu Zikun and Xue Mingyi bowed deeply, trembling.

“Master Jiang… our sons offended you earlier. We’d like to bring them to apologize in person.”

“Fine. Oh, and bring that girl—what was her name? Lu Biyao.”

Elsewhere on the Ship…

In a secluded room, Lu Biyao was being berated mercilessly by Xue Feiyang and Liu Jinrong.

“Lu Biyao, you’ve ruined us!”

Liu Jinrong’s face twisted in fury. “If you hadn’t called Master Jiang a madman, I never would’ve disrespected him! Now he’s going to kill me! And if I die, I’ll take your entire family with me!”

Trembling, Lu Biyao tearfully pleaded, “Young Master Liu, please spare me! I had no idea Jiang Tian was this powerful! Before, he was just… ordinary! I even heard Liu Wangfeng and Wu Zhaohui poisoned him and drove him insane…”