On this day, Wang Hong had just finished his cultivation when he received a Transmission Talisman.
Surprisingly, it was sent by Shen Jian. Shen Jian rarely had any business with him, so it piqued his curiosity.
After Wang Hong arrived at Shen Jian's residence, Shen Jian received him in the living room.
"Junior Brother Wang, since you arrived here, Qingxu Tower's Alchemy business has grown by thirty percent in over four years, greatly enhancing the reputation of our Qingxu Sect's Alchemists," Shen Jian praised Wang Hong's performance at Qingxu Tower.
"Senior Brother Shen, you're too kind. I've just been doing my part," Wang Hong replied, sensing that Shen Jian had something in mind.
"This time, Junior Brother Wang, I have news for you. Your training mission can come to an end soon. In a few days, a replacement Alchemist from our sect will arrive. You can start preparing to return to our sect," Shen Jian announced, confirming Wang Hong's suspicions.
"Ah, that's great news! Thank you, Senior Brother Shen, for taking care of me all these years. Please accept this small token of my appreciation." Wang Hong took out a porcelain bottle containing ten Nourishing Essence Pills and handed it to Shen Jian.
Shen Jian politely accepted it and said, "Junior Brother Wang, if you encounter any difficulties after you leave, feel free to ask for help. As long as it's within my capabilities, I will do my best to assist you."
"Thank you for your kind offer, Senior Brother. I don't have any personal issues, but I hope you can look after the Pill store I opened when I leave Boundary City," Wang Hong explained.
"I see, you can rest assured. If anything comes up, I will take care of it. By the way, are your subordinates from the Foundation Building stage staying or leaving?" Shen Jian admired Wang Hong for establishing such a significant industry at a young age and attracting powerful subordinates in Boundary City.
"I will return alone, and they will stay here to manage the store's daily operations."
"Since they will be here, you can rest assured. There aren't many forces in Boundary City that can rival them."
Whenever there was a battle against Demonic Beasts, all cultivators in Boundary City had a duty to participate. Wang Hong's subordinates were no exception and had participated in several battles, demonstrating impressive performance.
In one particular battle against a Beast Tide, led by Wen Lan and eight others, they engaged in close combat with Demonic Beasts and killed an opposing Demon Beast.
As a result, this nine-member squad gained fame in Boundary City and became a symbol of Wang Hong's Pill store. After that incident, no one dared to cause trouble at his store.
After bidding farewell to Shen Jian, Wang Hong returned to his store on East Street.
Due to Wang Hong and his subordinates' growing influence, Yin Ze received more resources from suppliers each month. With more Spiritual Objects in stock, the business in the store naturally improved.
"East Master, you're back!" Yin Ze greeted Wang Hong.
In the past two years, with the abundant resources supplied by Wang Hong, Yin Ze had also achieved Qi Cultivation Grand Completion in his cultivation.
His performance over the past few years had satisfied Wang Hong, though it remained uncertain whether Yin Ze's loyalty could match that of Zhang Chunfeng and others.
However, Yin Ze was diligent and managed the store efficiently, keeping things well-organized. At least in terms of work, he was doing well.
"Well, I came to check on things and discuss something with you," Wang Hong said as he headed straight for a secret chamber, with Yin Ze following closely.
"In a few days, I'll be returning to the sect, so I'm entrusting everything here to you. Also, your cultivation level is still a bit low. Here are a few Foundation Establishment Pills for you. Use them to cultivate and set aside other matters for now." Wang Hong handed Yin Ze a bottle containing three Foundation Establishment Pills. With Yin Ze having three Spiritual Roots, usually, one pill would suffice.
"Thank you, East Master!" Yin Ze accepted the pills and bowed deeply.
Originally, he had intended to follow Wang Hong to repay his life-saving favor. However, following Wang Hong, he had received even more benefits than he had ever imagined during his time as a loose cultivator.
For example, Foundation Establishment Pills were something many loose cultivators would strive for their entire lives and risk their lives to obtain. This was something he had never dared to dream of before.
In this store, apart from the recruited shop assistants, there were only two Qi Cultivation stage cultivators—himself as the store manager and Ling Shuai's daughter, Ling Xue.
Being on the same level as a three-year-old girl made him feel somewhat inferior. At this moment, he was so excited that even his body, which was prostrated on the ground, was trembling slightly.
Wang Hong helped him up, patted his shoulder, and said, "After I leave, many things here will depend on you. Having a sufficient cultivation level is essential. People like Wen Lan will be responsible for the store's security, but you will still be in charge of its management."
After Wang Hong gave Yin Ze some additional instructions, he went upstairs to find Ling Shuai.
His relationship with Ling Shuai could be described as employment or cooperation. He helped Ling Xue refine her body with Spirit Meals and Spirit Nectar, and in return, Ling Shuai helped him oversee the store.
Now, after more than three years, Ling Xue had mostly recovered. Even if they hired another Spirit Meal Alchemist, they could still help Ling Xue with her recovery.
Therefore, before Wang Hong left, he came to discuss Ling Shuai's plans for the future.
"Uncle Wang!" Upon seeing Wang Hong, Ling Xue, with her big bright eyes, greeted him with a smile.
"Ah, little Ling Xue!" Wang Hong walked to the door, pinched Ling Xue's petite, snow-white face, and then handed her a box of candied fruits made from Spirit Honey and spirit fruits.
Ling Xue thanked him with a crisp voice, then extended her little hand, grabbed Wang Hong, and pulled him inside.
"Daddy! Uncle Wang is here!" Ling Xue, holding Wang Hong's hand, called out loudly.
Ling Shuai had known that Wang Hong was coming. If it had been a stranger, he wouldn't have allowed anyone near Ling Xue so easily.
"Friend Wang, please have a seat. Ling Xue, go play on your own and don't bother Uncle Wang," Ling Shuai said.
Ling Xue made a funny face at her father, then left Wang Hong's side somewhat reluctantly, holding the box of candied fruits.
Wang Hong released Little Peng from his Spirit Beast pouch and let it go play with the little girl. Wang Hong noticed that their relationship, between the human and the bird, seemed quite good. They often played together, perhaps because their intelligence levels were somewhat similar.
"Ling Friend, I just received a notice. My training mission will be over in a few days, and I need to return to the sect. I came here to ask about your plans for the future. Would you like to accompany me to live in Azure Void City?"
[Read at /shanefreak, and heartfelt thankyou for your support!]