I Have Medicine

Chapter 535 - Ghost Division

Afterwards, Gongyi Tianheng said: “As for utilizing the cave… Right now, my subordinates need powerhouses to act as pillars, but it’s best if these pillars come from the Gongyi Clan. Therefore, I want to turn this cave inheritance into a reward.

“Every year, the clan will gather to select the three strongest people from the Gongyi Clan’s younger generations to go to the cave to comprehend for a few days — The first place for ten days, the second place for five days, and the third place for three days. Of course, I’ll have to ask Uncle Zhao to add a new type of rune to control those who know about this matter.

“If they talk about this of their own free will and betray me, they will immediately explode and won’t really be able to speak of it…”

He pondered for a short while: “Now I can bring my parents, grandfather, Tianyang, Mingxia, and others into the cave, and let them study and observe. If they can obtain an inheritance, it would be great. As for Tianteng, let’s wait until he grows up a little more.”

Gu Zuo thought about this, and nodded his head again: “What big brother says is reasonable.”

Ah, that was right. Although the lives of the battle slaves and servile races were in his big brother’s hands, when all was said and done, they were bestowed by the sect. Those followers were loyal now, but this loyalty wasn’t necessarily absolute. For the right price, they might do anything with no thought of personal safety.

Only the Tianlong Guards didn’t need to be worried over. However, they mainly practiced the techniques big brother created. For the time being, they didn’t need to go over to study and observe… As such, it was better to wait and see for a while. Then, they would make a decision after big brother’s strength improved again.

As for the Gongyi Clan, they could only rely on Tianheng right now. Moreover, they were of the same clan. Their cohesion was strong, and none of them were stupid people. On top of that, the runic restriction was the safest.

After making this decision, Tianheng and Gu Zuo didn’t delay any longer, and went back to the marital arts hall where they asked Gongyi Yan to gather the family members.

Although Gongyi Yan didn’t know why Tianheng came over again, he knew that his family’s son wasn’t the kind of person who didn’t know the importance of things. Thus, he gathered everyone together quite quickly.

Presently, Gongyi Mingxia was very lively and brisk. While holding a whip in her hand, she immediately asked: “Big brother, why are you calling for us again? Is there more good stuff?”

Gu Zuo couldn’t help laughing.

Tianheng helplessly said: “You got it right.”

Once these words were uttered, Gongyi Yan and Gongyi Zhuoyue were also somewhat surprised.

— There really were some more good things?

This speed was a little too fast.

Tianheng noticed what everyone was thinking, and said: “During this outing, I had a fortuitous encounter.”

Gongyi Mingxia’s eyes sparkled with an extraordinary splendor.

Eldest brother’s experiences were out of the ordinary. Anything that could be called a fortuitous encounter by him definitely wasn’t simple.

Tianheng continued: “Father, this time, I will take grandfather and the others to a certain location. You and Tianteng will stay here to arrange things first. After grandfather returns, I will take father there.”

Currently, the affairs of the Gongyi Clan were mainly handled by Gongyi Yan. Sometimes, Gongyi Yan would need to go into seclusion, so Gongyi Zhuoyue would take over. Therefore, the two of them couldn’t leave at the same time. Otherwise, it would inevitably attract the attention of others.

Seeing Tianheng acting so serious, everyone became even more curious.

Gongyi Yan agreed: “Rest assured.”

Soon after, Gongyi Yan watched as Gu Zuo and Tianheng each took out a token. Then, two circles of light appeared behind them.

Tianheng said: “Grandfather, mother, Tianyang, Mingxia. All of you go inside.”

Having heard what was said, the four glanced at one another and did as instructed.

Immediately following which, another ray of light flashed, and the group of people disappeared inside.

Gongyi Yan’s eyes flickered with a strange gleam. He grew more interested in the place Tianheng mentioned. However, he still calmed down right away. Placing Gongyi Tianteng in a hidden chamber to practice martial arts, he himself went to handle affairs.

Gongyi Tianteng was also very well-behaved. He didn’t ask any questions and didn’t make a fuss. Instead, with a stern expression on his little face, he started to practice martial arts on the wooden figure, each strike as rhythmic as the beats in a measure of music.

En, lay a good foundation, quickly grow up, and become a marital artist…

At the same time, under the pull of the token, Gongyi Zhuoyue and the others followed Tianheng and Gu Zuo without a hitch, and arrived inside that cave.

Gu Zuo sensed the pull of the token, and was somewhat stunned.

Sure enough, the power of runes was extraordinary.

Although his father mentioned that this token could only teleport people within a range of 500 kilometers because it was too crude, it really was powerful enough.

As for Gongyi Zhuoyue and the others, they were astonished by the scene within the cave in an instant.

Tianheng smiled and said: “This place is a land of inheritance. On the left stone wall, each runic picture is a kind of inheritance. All of you have a chance to acquire an inheritance, comprehend a body cultivation method, or get nothing at all. Everything depends on fate.”

Gu Zuo thought of something, and supplemented for his big brother: “Everyone can walk around here. If you are drawn to a picture, look at it for a while. If you feel as though your head is swelling up with pain, quickly stop looking at it.”

The two them spoke very clearly. Gongyi Mingxia jumped to the first runic picture in a couple of steps, and eagerly said: “This place is amazing!”

Gongyi Tianyang suppressed the excitement in his heart. He calmly walked to the second runic picture, and began to observe.

Meanwhile, Gongyi Zhuoyue was quick to notice the opportunity for their Gongyi Clan to rise up. After looking at Tianheng with a gaze of admiration, he no longer hesitated.

While Liu Suyan was the only one who had little interest in martial disciplines, because this fortuitous encounter was obtained by her beloved eldest son, she also started comprehending with happiness clear across her face.

Gu Zuo raised his head and looked at Tianheng.

Tianheng smiled back at him.

After that, the two departed from this place.

They only left behind one sentence: “We will come back to welcome you all in three days.”

Shortly thereafter, their figures vanished from the cave.

Not long after returning, the Dark Tower unexpectedly sent someone over.

Third Lady Xie and other people from the Dark Tower had long known about Gu Zuo’s identity. This move was to confirm this matter and to express their goodwill towards him.

Gu Zuo understood. When meeting the person who arrived, he didn’t put on the black cloak.

The person from the Dark Tower was a beautiful young miss. She somewhat resembled Third Lady Xie, so it seemed she was related to her by blood. In addition, her agile and orderly style of doing things was quite similar to that of Third Lady Xie.

The young miss said: “This one is Fourth Lady Xie. On the orders of my elder sister, I greet the Great Master Pill Slaughterer Profound Shadow.”

Gu Zuo said: “Are there results to the matter I entrusted?”

Fourth Lady Xie showed a somewhat hard-pressed expression, and answered: “To answer this great master, the matter had a little setback.”

Gu Zuo slightly furrowed his brows: “Oh?”

Seeing that he appeared unhappy, Fourth Lady Xie hurriedly responded: “It’s not that we didn’t try hard enough, but that the Ghost Division’s side is interested and wants to meet with the great master to negotiate face to face.”

Gu Zuo’s brows relaxed: “If it’s like this, we can meet. However, the Ghost Division can only bring three people at most, and I can also bring three people at most. If it’s feasible, let the Ghost Division arrange a time and place. Then, let me know.”

Since Gu Zuo was so easy to talk to, Fourth Lady Xie gave a sweet and engaging smile: “Truly worthy of being called a great master, a broad mind and vast heart.” After saying this, she continued, “The Ghost Division has said that if this great master is willing to meet, they will agree to some reasonable conditions. As for the meeting place, it has also been explained. If this great master doesn’t mind, this one can show the way. We may leave whenever you wish.”

Gu Zuo pondered for a moment, and said: “In that case, such matters shouldn’t be delayed. Let’s go right now.”

After that, he glanced at Tianheng: “Big brother, will you go with me?”

Tianheng smiled: “Naturally.”

Hearing this, Fourth Lady Xie hurriedly flicked out a beam of white light.

Gu Zuo’s gaze moved: “What’s this thing?”

Fourth Lady Xie responded: “This is a runic talisman of communication. Although it has limitations, this talisman can convey messages within 500 kilometers. Just now, I passed on this great master’s answer and his conditions to my elder sister. She will immediately make arrangements with the Ghost Division. This is to avoid holding things up and making the great master wait for a long time.”

Gu Zuo nodded his head.

Ah, runic talismans… He didn’t know about this thing before. There were many matters that were very inconvenient to handle. Moreover, because of poor mobility, it was inefficient and prone to accidents. Just like when his father and dad were in danger — If there was a runic talisman of communication, a message could’ve been sent directly and it wouldn’t have been so dangerous.

Now that he knew there was such a thing, he only needed to ask father to study it carefully and make it.

Following this, Gu Zuo and Tianheng glanced at one another and smiled. All of a sudden, their bodies were enshrouded with black cloaks.

Upon seeing this, Fourth Lady Xie was inwardly surprised.

She only knew that Pill Slaughterer Profound Shadow always wore a cloak when he went to the Dark Tower to conceal his face. Now, it seemed that these two cloaks were vaguely connected by some qi intent. As it turned out, they formed a set of spirit weapons?

These kind of spirit weapons were extremely rare. And even if they appeared, they were mostly refined by companions or partners. Pill Slaughterer Profound Shadow and this all-star prodigy actually refined them together. The relationship between them… Was it a profound friendship, or…

There were some guesses in her heart, but Fourth Lady Xie didn’t say them out loud.

No matter what the relationship was between the two, it was enough to know that they were practically inseparable. As for those speculations, once she returned, she would report them to her elder sister and pay attention to it.

Soon, under the guidance of Fourth Lady Xie, the two came to a water pavilion behind a restaurant.

This water pavilion was an additional location for the restaurant to entertain guests. Currently, it was reserved by the Ghost Division’s people to meet Gu Zuo.

When Gu Zuo and the others arrived, there were already people in the water pavilion.

Two of them were dressed in black robes and wore bronze masks on their faces, which happened to match the scene of Gu Zuo and Tianheng concealing their features with cloaks.

But this wasn’t surprising. An assassin who casually reveals their true face — What kind of assassin was that?

In addition, the last person’s figure was graceful and elegant. It was Third Lady Xie.

As for Gu Zuo, although his identity was already made known in the Dark Tower, and some organizations wouldn’t necessarily be incapable of getting his identity, he still didn’t want to show his true face in this kind of negotiation.

Even if this was nothing more than covering himself with a metaphorical fig-leaf.

His damned title of “Pill Slaughterer Profound Shadow” was really too embarrassing.

The water pavilion was located in the center of the lake. Separating the inside was a large expanse of lake water. The Ghost Division’s people were waiting at the center of the lake, so Gu Zuo had to use his own methods to get there. He also needed to show off his own methods.

Tianheng and Gu Zuo were in tune with each other. At this time, Tianheng didn’t carry Gu Zuo onwards like he normally did.

Gu Zuo made a comparison between using his internal qi realm to fly through the air and using methods from his path of medicine refinement…and chose the latter.

When all was said and done, his identity was still a pharmacist. Besides, he wasn’t very familiar with flying techniques.

Hence, Gu Zuo flipped his hand and an icy-white medicinal pill appeared in the hollow of his palm. As soon as it appeared, it exuded a faint chill that could cause people’s breaths to freeze.

After that, he flicked his finger, and the icy-white pill entered the lake.

In the blink of an eye, the coldness of the pill flourished, and the surrounding atmosphere became extremely frigid. Numerous things were covered in a cold frost. There were even some plants that were directly frozen to the point of shattering.

After that medicinal pill fell into the water, it was as though some magical ward was undone. In an instant, an incomparable sense of coldness broke out. The water in the lake was frozen by a large amount of cold air. Starting from the location of the medicinal pill, ice continued to form inch by inch and meter by meter.

It only took a few breaths of time for the entire lake to freeze over, forming an enormous icy surface. It was so clean that it was almost like a mirror pane, reflecting people’s images.

While one couldn’t see to the bottom of the lake’s depths, it could be seen that it was indeed frozen to the extreme. Perhaps, dozens of meters of water down had been frozen solid.

Afterwards, Gu Zuo walked onto the icy surface. Tianheng followed by his side, accompanying him on this stroll.

The two kept their feet firmly planted on the ground without the slightest hint of floating through the air. The icy surface had a strong load-bearing capacity. When the two walked across it, there was no sign of cracking.

Before long, the two arrived at the pavilion in the middle of the lake.

However, Fourth Lady Xie didn’t follow them. Instead, she waited at the lakeside.

In the pavilion, the two black-robed people opened their mouths. Their voices were hoarse: “As expected of the Great Master Pill Slaughterer Profound Shadow. Your ability to refine medicine is truly extraordinary.”

Having put on the cloak to cover his face, Gu Zuo’s qi field had risen several fold. At this time, he acted solemnly: “A small parlor trick isn’t worth mentioning.”

The two black-robed people didn’t say much else, but gestured to the opposite side: “These two sirs, please have a seat.”

Gu Zuo sat down with Tianheng in a straightforward manner.

Beyond expectations, the two people from the Ghost Division were actually quite courteous. Although they were obviously killers, they took the initiative to nudge the tea on the table to pair, and said: “Please have a taste.”

Since the other party was so polite, Gu Zuo would certainly give face. He took the tea, and drank a mouthful. He didn’t doubt whether the other party had poisoned him — Attempting to poison him would be the height of stupidity — Then, he directly said: “This incident was caused by a lowlife. Now that this lowlife has been executed, I intend to resolve this grievance. What does the Ghost Division think about this?”

Gu Zuo had really considered things. If the Ghost Division wanted to fight him to the death, they didn’t need to meet him at all, and could’ve simply rejected Third Lady Xie’ directly. As such, the Ghost Division’s goal was probably related to his medicinal pills… Either to make a proper business deal or to ask for the lion’s share. He didn’t know which one it would be.

But after arriving, the two behaved so politely. As a result, he reckoned that the possibility of wanting to make a deal was bigger. In fact, it was more reasonable to make a deal because it was a long-term process. Moreover, the Ghost Division wouldn’t go so far as to have a life-and-death feud with the pharmacist genius who was clearly going to become a powerful pill king in the future.

After these thoughts turned in his mind, Gu Zuo waited for the other party’s answer.

Having heard what was said, the two from the Ghost Division said: “Grievances can naturally be resolved. An insignificant lowlife won’t affect the relationship between our Ghost Division and this honored sir. As for those two remaining pursuit orders, our Ghost Division will immediately abolish them.”

It had to be said that Gu Zuo’s impression of the Ghost Division improved greatly after these words were uttered.

Although the two figures who almost killed his parents were from the Ghost Division, it wasn’t the Ghost Division’s subjective behavior after all. The Ghost Division was just the blade clenched in the hands of the criminal. Besides, the people who actually took action had been executed, and Yu Ze, who hired the killers, was also dead. On the contrary, he wasn’t going to insist on harassing the Ghost Division because of this.

In the end, an organization of assassins wasn’t so easy to push around. The Ghost Division had been entrenched for many years. According to what he learned from the Dark Tower, there were many Cosmic Realm powerhouses in this killer organization. He heard that there could even be Lesser Emperor Realm powerhouses. The Central Continent’s evaluation of the Ghost Division was at least a veteran silver-ranked force, which wasn’t any worse than Ten Ultimates Sect.

Gu Zuo plainly said: “The two of you asked me to meet in person because…”

The Ghost Division’s representative said: “To discuss business.”

Gu Zuo looked at the two of them: “Oh?”

Unexpectedly, one black-robed person started to praise: “Great Master Pill Slaughterer Profound Shadow offered a world-wide bounty some time ago. It was such a huge deal. Our Ghost Division feels that this great master values friendship and righteousness, and has superb skills. We hope to make a deal with this great master for flawless medicinal pills to protect the lives of our Ghost Division’s specters. While carefully studying the path of martial arts amid the fighting and killing, too many specters have fallen. If we can gain a few more chances of survival, our Ghost Division is willing to pay a sufficient price.”

As it turned out, the assassins in the Ghost Division had another name and were called “specters.” As the blade in the hands of all martial artists on the continent, they pointed their butcher’s knives wherever the resources pointed to. However, they weren’t invincible. For each mission, if the target wasn’t dead, they would make three attempts. Why would they have failed the first two times? Once the specters took action, they would fight until the bitter end. The loser would naturally die.

From this, it could be seen that the losses this huge assassin organization suffered truly weren’t small. It was only a matter of course for them to want better medicinal pills.

Gu Zuo’s tone overflowed with a sense of displeasure: “The pills in my hands can’t support the orders of numerous specters.”

The black-robed figure’s voice was hoarse, but his manner of speech was hurried: “We aren’t asking this great master to refine large quantities. What our Ghost Division is striving its hardest to save is merely the highest and finest echelon of specters.”

Gu Zuo’s tone slowed slightly: “If it’s like this, it’s not impossible to talk about business.”

There was a hint of joy in the black-robed person’s voice. Soon after, he waved a hand, and three jade boxes appeared on the table: “Great master, please accept these gifts first.”

Gu Zuo’s brows twitched, and he opened the three boxes separately.

The boxes flashed with the colors of the setting sun. They contained a blade of 100,000-year-old Dragon Blood Grass, a rank-five origin beast’s origin pearl, as well as a chunk of Blood Source Stone that could be refined into a natal spirit weapon according to the owner’s desires.

Dragon Blood Grass could only grow in places that were dripping in dragon blood. It wasn’t spirit medicine. It surpassed spirit medicine.

A rank-five origin beast was comparable to a Royal Realm martial artist. The precious value of its origin pearl was hard to put into words.

Blood Source Stones were most suitable for martial artists who cultivated the path of blood. Once refined, it harmonized perfectly…

Three types of objects, and all of them were exceptionally good things. One could say that this was a huge haul.

And these three objects were just greeting gifts from the Ghost Division, which showed that the other party was very sincere.

After seeing this, Gu Zuo already understood that these greeting gifts were in good faith. They weren’t necessarily without some apologetic intent. No matter how it was put, the Ghost Division had previously attacked the people around Gu Zuo. Though it was Gu Zuo who took the initiative to resolve this grievance, it didn’t mean that Gu Zuo had no grudges in his heart. At this moment, what the Ghost Division was trying to eliminate was this grudge and to appease Gu Zuo as much as possible.

It had to be said that their way of doings things made it easy for others to have good impressions of them.

This was clearly just a killer organization. It should’ve been ruthless, sinister, and treacherous, but from the way they handled matters, it was hard to make people feel disgusted… To be capable of these things, they truly weren’t simple.

Upon seeing this, Gu Zuo casually flicked his sleeve, and received all three boxes: “I won’t stand on ceremony.”

Since Gu Zuo accepted the greeting gifts, the two sitting across of them seemed to be relieved.

Gu Zuo secretly thought: It appears that they have really attached great importance to whether this transaction can be reached.

After that, the black-robed person said: “We won’t hide it from this great master. Our Ghost Division hopes to obtain a batch of flawless medicinal pills from you every month to nurture and protect the most outstanding specters. Is that possible?”

Gu Zuo shook his head: “Every month is too rigid. Change it to every year.”

At first, when the black-robed person saw Gu Zuo shaking his head, his breath hitched. But after hearing that he wanted to change it to every year, his breathing eased: “Every year is just every year. There’s no harm in this matter.”

Then, Gu Zuo said: “This is only a temporary decision. I often go into seclusion to refine pills. I go out to travel occasionally. The time can’t be precise. Therefore, it’s possible that if I give it this year, I might not make it in time for next year. Alternatively, I can give enough batches for three, five, or even ten years at a time. Would the Ghost Division be able to accept this?”

The black-robed person pondered for a moment, and firmly said: “We can accept it. Of course, we can’t affect the great master’s own affairs, but we ask this great master to do his best.”

Gu Zuo nodded his head: “This is only natural.”

The black-robed figure continued: “How many profound-level flawless pills can this great master offer every year?”

It wasn’t that they couldn’t get human-level and golden-level flawless pills at all. The crucial point was that profound-level medicinal pills were the backbone of their organization.

Gu Zuo said: “You guys provide the medicinal ingredients. Five pills per month, sixty pills per year.”

The black-robed person was delighted: “Okay.”

If this number was for ordinary pills, it was like splashing a cup of water on a burning cart of firewood. But if it was flawless pills, this was a lot.

Then, Gu Zuo said: “You can choose the type of medicinal pill on your own. When I offered that world-wide bounty, I listed the names of the pills, and all of them could be refined.”

The two black-robed figures were naturally ecstatic.

Gu Zuo pondered: “As for the price…”

One of the black-robed people said: “How about giving you five portions of each furnace of medicinal ingredients? The extra materials will belong to you and count as your contribution fee. In addition, every year, our Ghost Division will give you a quota to kill any powerhouse below the Cosmic Realm, but the quota cannot be accumulated. How about that?”

T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

Please don’t forget to support the original author.