Wang Hong set out this time with Little Peng by his side, riding on the creature's back at a leisurely pace. Dozens of Spirit Bees circled and danced around him, providing a bit of alertness.
However, the journey back to Azure Void City was uneventful, with no encounters with treasure-seeking cultivators or the notorious assassins from Shadow Kill.
"Doesn't Shadow Kill know that he has left the sect? With such a massive organization, they must have dedicated intelligence units. It's impossible for them not to know," Wang Hong speculated. He believed that they might attempt an assassination on his return journey.
They could be observing in the shadows, and his bold departure, knowing the potential threat from Shadow Kill, might arouse suspicion on their end. After all, they had just recently eradicated a branch of the Qingxu Sect. What if this was a deliberate attempt to lure them out?
They would surely be watching, checking if other sect cultivators were stealthily following him. Once they determined the reality, a battle was inevitable on his way back; it all depended on how the other party would strike.
Wang Hong returned to Azure Void City in a confident manner, heading first to his residence or shop.
As he arrived at his residence, he coincidentally encountered Luo Zhongjie leading twenty individuals returning from a hunting expedition outside the city.
"East Master!" The twenty individuals simultaneously saluted Wang Hong, their voices and movements synchronized, the clinking of their black Magical Weapon armor echoing.
Passing cultivators cast curious glances as most of them resided nearby, having some knowledge about the occupants of this estate.
The estate housed dozens of people, including the friendly Ma Brothers, who were known for their amiable demeanor and articulate speech.
The others maintained a serious demeanor, rarely speaking, and strangely, they always left in neatly arranged formations.
A little over a year ago, a Foundation Building cultivator had ascended within this estate, but apparently, they were not the master of this place.
Today, they discovered that the true owner was only a Qi Cultivation late-stage cultivator, seemingly unremarkable in appearance but capable of commanding so many subordinates, displaying apparent loyalty.
"You've all worked hard!" Wang Hong returned the gesture and said, "Let's go inside and talk!"
"Luo Zhongjie, I heard from Zhang Chunfeng that you were injured. How are you recovering? I have a high-quality healing pill here." Wang Hong tossed a Jade vial to Luo Zhongjie.
"Cui Fang, I heard you brought your family to Azure Void City?," he continued, addressing a middle-aged man who seemed a bit nervous. Cui Fang hadn't sought permission beforehand and was worried about Wang Hong's reaction.
He had no choice. As the only son with a deceased elder brother who served in the military, he had to take care of his aging parents in Azure Void City. He couldn't abandon them just because he embarked on the path of cultivation.
Being loyal and filial was a challenge, and if the general disapproved, he would have to find a way to fulfill his filial duties first.
Although Cui Fang had followed Wang Hong for many years and owed him a great debt, it didn't mean he could disregard his filial duty to his parents.
"East Master, my parents are elderly and have no one to care for them, so I took the liberty of bringing them here. I ask for your punishment," Cui Fang explained. Even though he had prepared himself for this conversation, there was still some anxiety in his heart. Honestly, he had no desire to leave.
"Why should I punish you? Filial piety is a sacred duty. If someone easily abandons parents who have nurtured them, regardless of the reasons, I would doubt their character. I neglected this aspect before, not considering everyone's situation," Wang Hong spoke, bowing to express his apology.
"Tomorrow, I will buy another estate. Those who have family in the mortal world can take a leave and bring their relatives here. I will cover all living expenses, ensuring that you have nothing to worry about. Cui Fang, I will accompany you to visit your parents shortly, and once I purchase the estate, you'll be the first to move in."
In truth, Wang Hong couldn't trust someone who couldn't fulfill their filial duties. "Everyone can take leave in the next few days to bring their family members here. Concentrating the care and support for everyone's relatives in one place will bring peace of mind to all."
The next day, Wang Hong assigned Xu Lun to buy a large estate dedicated to accommodating the families of his subordinates.
"East Master, you've finally returned! We've been missing you every moment!" the Ma Brothers greeted enthusiastically. They even complimented Little Peng, a seemingly ordinary flying creature that Wang Hong kept.
"It seems you two have mastered the Refinement technique with multiple materials. Are you aiming for the Foundation Establishment Pill? And how did you notice Little Peng's extraordinary qualities? I didn't see anything special," Wang Hong inquired.
"About half a year ago, we luckily mastered the Refinement technique for multiple pills. We can refine five materials simultaneously, with a Pill Success Rate of thirty percent," one of the brothers explained hesitantly.
"Little Peng is extraordinary in its simplicity. Its spirit and demeanor reveal its uniqueness," the other brother added.
Acknowledging their alchemical proficiency, Wang Hong promised to reward them with Foundation Establishment Pills on his next visit, which would be about a year later. He advised them to focus on cultivation and solidify their Qi Cultivation realm during this time.
"Thank you, East Master, for your nurturing. Even if we become cows or horses, we can't repay your kindness," the Ma Brothers expressed genuine gratitude.
These two were truly thankful. Without Wang Hong, they wouldn't have achieved their current status. Now respected as alchemists, people even came to compliment them. Being on the receiving end of flattery was surprisingly satisfying for them.
They were the type who openly expressed gratitude, not ones to silently keep favors in their hearts for future repayment. Expressing their thanks on the spot was their style, ensuring that their usual flattery wasn't in vain.
"However, although your alchemical skills are passable, you still need to practice. A thirty percent Pill Success Rate is a bit low," Wang Hong remarked.
[Read at /shanefreak, and heartfelt thankyou for your support!]