Returning after 10000 Years Cultivation - Chapter 97

“None of your business! Who do you think you are?”

Chen Bo was a top-tier young master in the secular world, used to strutting around and throwing his weight. But in the Shennong Sect, he was just a menial disciple—a position his family had begged and scraped to secure.

Meanwhile, Jiang Tian was being treated with utmost respect by both the Shennong Sect and the Hong family. The gap between them was just too glaring.

“Fine, not my business. But you’ve worked hard—here’s a premium-grade pill as a reward!”

Jiang Tian smirked, flicking his sleeve and sending a pill rolling to Chen Bo’s feet.

“Jiang Tian, what are you so smug about? Who wants your damn pill? So what if you can refine medicine?” Chen Bo exploded in rage.

“Don’t want it? Then throw it away.”

Jiang Tian ignored him, strolling leisurely toward the exit with his hands behind his back.

“Damn it, no point wasting it!”

Once Jiang Tian was gone, Chen Bo couldn’t resist the temptation. He snatched up the pill like a treasure, not even bothering to wipe off the dust before swallowing it.

“Gag—!”

A foul stench flooded his mouth. Chen Bo doubled over, retching uncontrollably.

Something felt horribly wrong. He roared, “Jiang Tian, what the hell kind of pill is this? It’s disgusting!”

“Oh, that? Just a goat turd. Perfect for a dog like you!” Jiang Tian laughed heartily as he walked away.

“Jiang Tian, don’t you dare act so high and mighty! I won’t let you off! Ptooey! Ptooey! Ugh, I’m gonna be sick!”

Chen Bo was livid, spitting furiously, his teeth grinding in fury.

“Grandmaster Jiang, I’m afraid things might take a bad turn.”

On the way back, Elder Qiu hesitated before speaking up.

“Why?” Jiang Tian was busy flirting with Zhao Xueqing over instant messaging.

“Hong Tianzhao is no saint. You know what they say—a man’s wealth is his own ruin. He’s probably already eyeing your pills.” Elder Qiu’s expression was grave.

“So what?” Jiang Tian remained unfazed, calmly gazing at the city lights outside.

“I suggest we skip tomorrow’s grand pill exchange. Hong Tianzhao is a Transformation Realm grandmaster—outwardly magnanimous, but inwardly treacherous. Tomorrow might be a trap.”

Elder Qiu chose his words carefully, speaking respectfully.

“Hah, a mere grandmaster isn’t worth avoiding. You overestimate him.”

Jiang Tian snorted dismissively.

Hearing such bold words from someone so young left Elder Qiu stunned, torn between shock and admiration.

After a pause, he rephrased, “Of course, I don’t doubt your strength, Grandmaster Jiang. But I worry he might resort to underhanded tricks. It’s best to steer clear.”

“Elder Qiu, understand this—before absolute power, all schemes are worthless.”

Jiang Tian sipped his tea leisurely, his tone indifferent.

“No matter how cunning he is, I, Jiang Tian, can crush it with a single punch.”

Elder Qiu pondered this, then bowed deeply, clasping his fists.

“Grandmaster Jiang speaks wisely. This humble one has learned much today. Thank you for your guidance!”

…

Back at the hotel, Jiang Tian nearly collided with Jiang Lin as she rushed out in a frenzy.

“Where are you going so late?” Jiang Tian frowned.

Jiang Lin was usually composed and dignified, but now she was flustered, her usual poise gone.

“Disaster! I messed up the tickets!”

Jiang Lin ignored Jiang Tian, her eyes red with frustration as she stomped her foot.

“I thought the million-yuan ticket I bought was for tomorrow’s grand exchange! But I just realized—it was for tonight’s!”

“I wasted a million! Didn’t get a single formula! Grandpa’s going to kill me!” She was on the verge of tears.

“It’s already eleven—the event’s over. Going now is pointless.”

Jiang Tian shook his head with a wry smile. “Just go to sleep. If you want to attend tomorrow’s exchange, I’ll take you.”

Only then did Jiang Lin actually look at Jiang Tian—and her face twisted with scorn.

“Jiang Tian, you’ve got some nerve! You’ll take me? Don’t talk big—you’ll strain your tongue!”

“Tomorrow’s exchange is only for high-ranking martial artists! What are you? A worthless good-for-nothing! You think you can waltz in? They’ll break your legs!”

With a disdainful snort, she wiped her tears, stomped off in her heels, and slammed her door.

“Ugh, what’s her problem?!”

Tang Linglong’s face darkened with anger, nearly cursing aloud. How dare she talk to Master Jiang like that?

Her master, the revered Grandmaster Jiang, commanded respect even from her own grandfather. Yet this woman had the gall to insult him?

“Let it go.”

Jiang Tian patted the girl’s head, smiling gently. “She’s still my cousin…”

Tang Linglong sulked silently as they headed upstairs.

Suddenly, she murmured emotionally, “Master… you’re really a good person…”

“Me? Good?” Jiang Tian blinked, then burst out laughing.

In his past life, he had forged his path through slaughter, dominating the cosmos with bloodshed. His titles—Supreme Immortal Venerable, Purgatory Demon Lord, Star Butcher—were legion, but “good” was never one of them.

“Yes. The Tang family is huge, but all my siblings ever do is scheme and backstab. There’s no warmth at all.”

Tang Linglong’s voice was thick with feeling.

“When I first met you, I thought you were cold—always aloof, ignoring everyone.”

“But now I see… you’re the most loyal person. You dote on your wife, help your family and friends… No matter how much you’re wronged, you never give up on them…”

“Hah, is that so?” Jiang Tian neither confirmed nor denied it as they reached his door.

“Being your disciple… is my greatest fortune.”

Tang Linglong hugged Jiang Tian’s arm—then suddenly pecked him on the cheek before darting into her room!

“Hah, got kissed by a kid.”

Jiang Tian knew it was just innocent admiration, a disciple’s affection. He chuckled, then noticed Elder Qiu staring dumbly.

“What are you gawking at? Go to bed!”

“R-Right! Right away!”

The old man snapped out of it, then grinned slyly. “Don’t worry, Grandmaster Jiang—I saw nothing. I won’t tell Madam Jiang!”

…

The next day, Jiang Tian, Tang Linglong, and Elder Qiu drove to Mount Jialuo, the site of the grand pill exchange.

Towering peaks stretched endlessly, shrouded in mist. Among the Shennongjia mountain range, Mount Jialuo stabbed into the sky like a spear.

At its summit was a flat platform enclosed by railings—the venue for the exchange.

The narrow mountain path was heavily guarded, sentries posted every few steps.

“Scenic place.”

Jiang Tian climbed the steps lazily, hands behind his back, like a tourist enjoying the view.

Unlike the untamed Hundred Thousand Mountains, Shennongjia was partly developed. They’d driven up the winding road early, hiking only the last few miles with ease.

Elder Qiu, white-haired and dignified, and Tang Linglong, ethereal in her martial arts attire, flanked him.

“Jiang Lin’s here before me?”

At the summit, Jiang Tian was met with an unexpected sight.

“Please, sir! I bought a ticket! Let me in!”

Jiang Lin stood at the entrance, desperately pleading with the guards, waving her ticket.

“Ticket’s no good—that was for last night’s event. It’s expired.”

The lead guard waved her off impatiently. “Today’s exchange requires an invitation. Leave.”

“But I missed last night’s! I can’t go back empty-handed!”

Jiang Lin was sweating—whether from panic or heat, it wasn’t clear.

“I’m from the Jiang family of Jinling! My father is Jiang Yangming, my grandfather is Jiang Changgeng!”

“The Jiang family of Jinling?”

The guard frowned, glancing at another, who whispered, “Probably the ones from Medicine King Group.”

“Beat it!”

The leader scoffed. “This is a martial world gathering. The Jiangs? A secular family? You’re nothing here. No entry.”

Jiang Lin’s face fell.

She hadn’t expected this—the Jiangs were a top-tier family in Jinling, yet they couldn’t even enter this event?

Then she spotted someone on the platform. Her eyes lit up with hope as she waved frantically.

“Young Master Chen! Please, let me in!”

Hearing this, Chen Bo sauntered over, smirking. “Want me to take you in? Fine. Kneel first.”

After last night’s humiliations by Jiang Tian, his rage had nowhere to go—and Jiang Lin became an easy target.

Jiang Lin’s smile froze. Her voice trembled. “Chen Bo… must you be so cruel?”

“You wouldn’t even drink with me—why should I do you favors?”

Chen Bo clasped his hands behind his back, looking down at her like she was an insect, waiting for her to kneel.

“Chen Bo, a mere outer sect lackey, dares bully the Jiang family? You’ve got a death wish!”

A cold, mocking voice cut through the air.

“Jiang Tian? What are you doing here?” Jiang Lin turned to see Jiang Tian approaching.

“Why wouldn’t I be here?” Jiang Tian strode toward Chen Bo, unstoppable.

Remembering Jiang Tian’s temper, Jiang Lin panicked, grabbing his arm. “Jiang Tian, don’t! He’s from the Shennong Sect—we can’t afford to offend him!”

“So what? You’ll really kneel to him?” Jiang Tian paused, eyeing her.

Jiang Lin stiffened. Then her body trembled, tears welling in her eyes, her face pale.

“If it gets me inside… for the Jiang family’s future… I’ll kneel.”

Jiang Tian sighed, unsure whether to admire or pity her.

“Jiang Lin, you’re smart. Haven’t you realized? The Jiang family and Jinling’s three great clans are already at war—a fight to the death.”

He stood lazily, hands behind his back.

“In life-or-death battles, caution and diplomacy aren’t enough. You need courage—the will to face the blade and win.”

“Th-This… it’s exactly what Grandpa said during the family meeting!”

Jiang Lin stared at Jiang Tian in disbelief.

Her cousin—the good-for-nothing—was speaking with such depth?

Jiang Tian ignored her, advancing on Chen Bo with icy calm.

“Jiang Lin, you’re shrewd, meticulous… but you lack the guts to fight to the end.”

“Today, I’ll show you how to crush a dog like him!”