I Have Medicine

Chapter 536 - (Transaction Successful) The Heaven Lord’s Private Vault

I picked up this book when I saw it was available for pick-up. Unfortunately, I finished it a long time ago, and I didn’t follow the excellent work of the previous translator closely. As a result, my version may have some inconsistencies with names, as I’m more familiar with Pinyin than English names. I’m trying to use all English names, as the previous translator seems to have done, but some may still differ. If so, please let me know, so I can make notes and edit them accordingly.

Gu Zuo’s heart stirred.

Being able to enlist Ghost Division’s help once a year, with targets including even a Royal Realm cultivator … at such a price, it was indeed quite appealing.

However, he still asked, “In this quota, what happens if three attempts fail?”

The man in black immediately understood Gu Zuo’s concern, let out a raspy laugh, and replied, “Naturally, we will make three attempts. But rest assured, Master, even if we’re up against an Royal Realm powerhouse, we will give it our all. For instance, if the target is an entry-level Royal Realm cultivator, our first attempt would involve a mid-stage Royal Realm Ghost Disciple. If the first strike misses, then for the second, we would send a peak-stage Royal Realm Ghost Disciple, and if that also fails, we would dispatch multiple Royal Realm cultivators together. Alternatively, if the target is a peak-stage Royal Realm cultivator, we would start with one peak-stage Royal Realm Ghost Disciple for the first attempt, two for the second, and for the third, we’d send a Cosmic Realm Ghost Disciple. If the target still manages to escape, it could only be said that their fate is extraordinary, and their luck is astonishing. Such individuals are best either reconciled with or faced by someone whose destiny can suppress theirs.”

Hearing this, Gu Zuo felt that it made sense.

As long as they wouldn’t put in half-hearted efforts, he considered this arrangement worthwhile. With Ghost Division’s assurance, he had no further objections.

So, Gu Zuo nodded. “Very well, I agree.”

The atmosphere of the Ghost Division emissary softened, with a hint of pleasure in his tone. “Then, please sign the contract, Master. The contract term is set to one hundred years.”

With that, he pushed a scroll forward.

One hundred years… quite a long time.

Gu Zuo had just been thinking this when he realized—

Now that he had reached the Atomic Realm, with a lifespan of five hundred years, signing a hundred-year contract didn’t seem too long. Besides, it made sense why the term had to be set this way. With Ghost Division offering such favorable terms and showing such eagerness, if it were only for a few years or a decade, would they be this diligent?

Still, Gu Zuo sent a mental message.

[Big Brother, do you think it’s worth signing for so many years?]

Gongyi Tianheng had also read the unfolded scroll, and the terms were exactly what Gu Zuo had discussed with Ghost Division. Even the two examples Ghost Division had given were written in. Aside from the long duration, the sincerity was undeniable.

However…

[Ah Zuo, if you advance further, the terms should improve even more.]

Gu Zuo understood instantly and then looked at the two men in black. “If, during this period, I advance further and attain the status of a Pill King, then what?”

The status of a Pill King was vastly different from that of an ordinary Profound-Level Pharmacist.

The man in black was prepared for this question and replied with a smile, “If you advance to Pill King, this contract will naturally become void, and we would invite you to negotiate a new agreement with Ghost Division. As for the terms, we would be more than willing to discuss them.”

After he said this, he took up a brush in front of Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng, adding a clause to the contract. It specified that if Great Master Pill Slaughterer Profound advanced to Pill King within the contract’s duration, the contract would be voided, and a new contract would need to be drawn up. He even noted that the total duration of the new and prior contracts wouldn’t exceed a hundred years unless both parties agreed otherwise, leaving no loopholes or hidden traps.

After reading through, Gu Zuo had to admit—Ghost Division was quite thorough.

Gongyi Tianheng gave a slight smile, sending a message over.

[Our identities are different; we are not ones who can be easily pressured. Naturally, Ghost Division would aim to leave a good impression for the sake of long-term cooperation. However, if we were to back out of such a favorable contract, Ghost Division, with their resources, could take action against us, and even the Ten Ultimates Sect would be in the wrong, finding it hard to assist us.]

Gu Zuo understood.

In any case, with Ghost Division’s courteous attitude, he indeed felt some goodwill toward them. Just as Ghost Division hoped, the resentment he’d felt due to his parents’ assassination had significantly lessened.

However, just as Gu Zuo was about to sign the contract, Gongyi Tianheng sent another message.

[Ah Zuo, add one more condition.]

Gu Zuo was taken aback.

[What condition?]

Gongyi Tianheng’s tone grew slightly heavy.

[Tell Ghost Division there are certain individuals whom we would like them to avoid taking assassination contracts on. Specifically, both our parents, Tianyang, Mingxia, and Tianteng…]

Hearing this, Gu Zuo was stunned, immediately grasping Tianheng’s meaning.

Indeed, this was an oversight on his part.

After all, Ghost Division were professional assassins, so he trusted there wouldn’t be any issues on their end. However, for the safety of his family, it was still necessary to make a record with Ghost Division.

As long as they continued to exist, an intelligent organization like Ghost Division would naturally avoid targeting his family. But if someone wanted to take him down so badly they were willing to pay a price that even the Ten Ultimates Sect couldn’t ignore, then those people would certainly figure out who he cared about most, making secrecy pointless.

Thus, Gu Zuo said to the two men in black, “By the way, there’s one more request I’d like Ghost Division to agree to.”

The man in black replied, “Please go ahead.”

Gu Zuo said, “There are a few individuals whom I hope Ghost Division will refrain from accepting assassination contracts on.”

Hearing this, the man in black hesitated. “This—Ghost Division has its rules. Completely refusing all business might not be feasible.”

Seeing he hadn’t outright refused, Gu Zuo asked, “Then, what does your side propose?”

The man in black replied, “We can raise the price for taking their lives to an extremely high level, while setting the level of those who may accept such a task and the reward amount to the lowest possible.”

Gu Zuo asked, “Could you elaborate?”

The man in black explained, “When hiring a Ghost Disciple, the requester must first post the task at the Ghost Hall, specifying the target’s identity. A steward within Ghost Division will then set the price. If the price is extremely high, it will naturally make people hesitate. If the person is determined and willing to pay a high price to issue the mission, then the steward will set the rank and reward for it and release it in the Ghost Pavilion. Many Ghost Disciples can select tasks in the Ghost Pavillion, with the rank limiting the Ghost Disciple’s cultivation level, and the reward will deter the interest of many powerful Ghost Disciples.”

Gu Zuo understood. “If that’s the case, then I’ll rely on Ghost Division to handle this.”

If they could go this far, that was sufficient. If someone still accepted under such terms, the Ghost Disciple would likely be of the same level as his family members, which could even serve as a form of training. The only one not suited for combat was Aunt Liu Suyan, but she typically stayed within the mansion and rarely went out. Even when she did, Uncle Gongyi would always assign high-level bodyguards or personally accompany her, so there was no need for concern.

At this point, everyone had reached an agreement.

Gu Zuo provided the names and identities of several of his and his brother’s relatives to Ghost Division. After they noted them down, he signed his full name on the contract.

Thus, the two sides formally established a cooperative relationship, and the atmosphere shifted from friendly to even more harmonious.

Of course, Gu Zuo did not mention his and Tianheng’s names, but the people from Ghost Division were undoubtedly aware of them.

Subsequently, one of the men in black took out a token from his sleeve and handed it to Gu Zuo. “Great Master Pill Slaughterer Profound, please take a look. This is the Ghost Order, a communication talisman. Once you drop your blood to acknowledge it, our Ghost Division will have a record of it. After you input your inner energy, we will know your location, and the nearest steward from Ghost Division will contact you.”

Gu Zuo accepted the Ghost Order and immediately dropped his blood on it to refine it, demonstrating his trust in Ghost Division.

To be honest, upon seeing this Ghost Order, he felt that Ghost Division was quite humane. If he traveled far in the future, he could directly hand over the pills he had refined to the local steward! But this could also be a tactic from Ghost Division, hinting to him that they could collect pills at any time, no matter where he went for adventures or training—nothing could stop them…

The man in black also appeared quite satisfied. “If you encounter danger while outside and find yourself in a difficult situation, you can input your inner energy into the Ghost Order and include a message. At that time, the quota for your annual killings can be converted to protect you, which counts as our sincerity towards you, Master.”

Gu Zuo listened and naturally had no objections. “Thank you.”

The man in black smiled. “Mutual benefit.”

After that, the two men in black swiftly finished their tea and took the contract with them as they left.

Third Lady Xie seemed to breathe a sigh of relief and said enviously, “Such a contract and such courtesy from Ghost Division can only be afforded by someone as capable as Master Pill Slaughterer Profound Shadow, aside from those exceptionally powerful Pill King and Pill Emperor.”

Gu Zuo replied, “Ghost Division is simply giving me face.”

Third LadyXie smiled and half-flatteringly remarked, “Not everyone deserves such consideration.”

Gu Zuo nodded. “Thanks again for the steward’s connection. I’ll take my leave now.”

After saying that, he tossed a jade bottle to Third Lady Xie and, together with Gongyi Tianheng, turned to leave the waterside pavilion.

The ice on the lake had still not melted, remaining as smooth and beautiful as a mirror, perfectly reflecting their images. The group walked across the ice, and when they reached the shore, Gu Zuo snapped his fingers, causing a pill to drop onto the ice surface, then continued walking forward.

In an instant, a burst of flames erupted on the ice, spreading rapidly and engulfing the entire surface in a blaze, melting it quickly in the dazzling flames.

Within just a few breaths, the ice had transformed back into the lake’s surface.

At this moment, Gu Zuo had only walked about ten meters away.

At the entrance, Third Lady Xie bid farewell to Gu Zuo and the others, and with the matter of Ghost Division resolved, Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng felt a weight lifted from their hearts.

As they turned a corner, the two silently removed their black cloaks. Gu Zuo walked alongside Tianheng and sighed, “At least this matter was resolved relatively smoothly.”

Gongyi Tianheng smiled at him, warmth evident in his gaze.

On the path of cultivation, though there would always be petty people causing trouble and the need to guard against certain individuals, the outcome was far better than the worst results Gongyi Tianheng had imagined before coming to the Central Continent.

With family and loved ones safe, the family’s future looking promising, and the regrets with his partner able to be addressed, they could communicate their thoughts and feelings… even with the many challenges ahead, he felt no fear.

…

At the Ten Ultimates Sect, Gu Zuo continued to refine pills while cultivating, while Gongyi Tianheng went into seclusion several times and ventured into the stone cave to comprehend the various methods inscribed on the stone walls, integrating them into his martial arts to fill in the gaps of the Six Dao techniques.

Gradually, both of their strengths progressed—despite one still being at the entry level of the Atomic Realm and the other at the entry level of the Ascendant Realm, they were both close to breaking through, waiting for an opportunity to advance further.

During this time, members of the Gongyi family also gained benefits in the stone cave.

Gongyi Yan comprehended three sets of martial techniques from a certain inscription, each set stronger than the last, with one even reaching the level of a supreme technique, significantly enhancing his combat power.

Gongyi Zhuoyue also comprehended martial techniques from a certain inscription, but he only grasped two sets, with one reaching the level of a supreme technique.

Liu Suyan managed to comprehend just one supreme technique, but this technique had a strong escape ability. Simply put, it was a technique of movement—once executed, her form became ethereal, and her speed was incredibly fast. She did not like to engage in combat and had little fighting spirit, but it must be said that this supreme technique suited her perfectly.

As for Gongyi Mingxia and Gongyi Tianyang, they both received legacies from the stone wall.

Gongyi Tianyang obtained a technique called the “Battle Heaven Technique,” which contained a complete set of sword techniques that progressed from weak to strong, forming a system that ultimately transformed into a supreme technique—fighting in heaven and earth, unmatched in power. What was even more surprising was that this legacy included the teachings he had previously received from General Huo Zhan, indicating that General Huo’s martial arts and this set of techniques shared a common origin, or rather, that the former was derived from the latter, essentially a fragment of the latter’s teachings. Thus, after receiving this legacy, Gongyi Tianyang only needed a period of practice to significantly enhance his strength and reach a new level. Alternatively, if Gongyi Tianyang had not previously practiced General Huo’s martial arts and received his teachings, he might not have comprehended the complete “Battle Heaven Technique” at all—who could say for certain?

As for Gongyi Mingxia, her long-term association with Huang Ji had influenced her character, leading to certain changes. However, unlike Huang Ji’s self-deception, her transformation was different. Later, when she received a whip from Gongyi Tianheng, she became enamored with it, and after some adaptation, she surprisingly began to prefer the whip over her fists. Perhaps she truly had an affinity for whip techniques, as she was indeed drawn to an inscription that depicted whip techniques, resonating with it and obtaining the complete legacy within.

Gu Zuo did not find this outcome surprising.

In comparison, Gongyi Mingxia and Gongyi Tianyang had a solid foundation and were quite young, which naturally enhanced their comprehension abilities. Moreover, their innate talents were already superior to those of Gongyi Yan and Gongyi Zhuoyue. Thus, while it was a fortunate coincidence that they could acquire the complete legacy, it was not too unexpected. The fact that the other three could comprehend some techniques was also a great opportunity—of course, this was related to Gongyi Tianheng loosening the restrictions and allowing them to study freely. As for the other Gongyi family disciples, they could only comprehend for a few days, and whether they could grasp anything or how much they could understand would depend entirely on their abilities.

…

In the blink of an eye, three months had passed.

The master of the Blood Transformation Palace summoned them.

Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng responded promptly and headed over.

This time, the master of the Blood Transformation Palace brought a message: “My father has emerged from seclusion. Tianheng, Ah Zuo, come with me to my father’s private treasury and choose some useful items.”

Gu Zuo was taken aback.

In fact, he had completely forgotten about this matter…

Gongyi Tianheng found it somewhat amusing and also approving.

He hadn’t given this matter much thought either, but the Blood Transformation Palace Master still remembered it, which undoubtedly earned his admiration. He didn’t covet the items in the private treasury; rather, it was the case that the master had initially brought it up himself. If it was later clarified that the master was unwilling to proceed, pretending it never happened would inevitably lead him to feel that the master did not honor promises, casting doubt on his character.

Fortunately, although the master of the Blood Transformation Palace had an ominous appearance, his temperament was surprisingly contrary to his looks.

Gongyi Tianheng exchanged glances with Gu Zuo and said, “Thank you, Master, for your consideration. There’s no need for this…”

But the master of the Blood Transformation Palace said, “I have given half of those items to my father, and he shares the same sentiment. Therefore, Tianheng, there is no need for you to say more; just choose whatever you like.” Seeing that Gongyi Tianheng still appeared to decline, he directly added, “Rest assured, I won’t put you in a difficult position. My father’s intention is for both you and Ah Zuo to each select three items from the private treasury; what you can find will depend on your discernment.”

With that said, Gongyi Tianheng became interested. “If that’s the case, then disciple and Ah Zuo will humbly obey.”

The master of the Blood Transformation Palace waved his hand. “Come with me.”

Gu Zuo lifted his foot and silently followed.

Well, being polite feels somewhat disingenuous; he is actually quite curious about what items a Heaven Lord might have in his private treasury……

Heaven Lord resided in a secret chamber deep within the Blood Transformation Palace, where he remained in seclusion for many years, rarely concerning himself with matters of the hall. He only appeared in front of others in the case of significant emergencies.

As a direct disciple of Blood Transformation Master, Gongyi Tianheng had only seen him once since becoming a disciple, and they had not met again afterward.

As for Gu Zuo, he had never seen him at all and wondered if he might finally meet him this time.

Fortunately, Gu Zuo was in luck. Perhaps because Blood Transformation Palace Master seldom received usable items from his descendants, he showed some interest in meeting. Thus, when Gu Zuo entered a stone hall, he saw a blood pool… and a middle-aged man with silver hair floating in the blood pool.

It was a bit strange, to say the least.

Gu Zuo’s first thought upon seeing the terrifying presence of Heaven Lord in the blood pool was—the master and the Heaven Lord have different hair colors!

That’s right, the Blood Transformation Heaven Lord had silver hair, while the master of the Blood Transformation Palace had black hair… Gu Zuo found it puzzling. Is this due to the palace master’s inheritance from his mother, a genetic mutation, or a change caused by a technique?!!

Such thoughts were shared with Gongyi Tianheng through their connection in the contract.

Gongyi Tianheng: “…”

[Ah Zuo, I heard that when cultivating the secret technique of the Blood Transformation Palace, the stages are from black hair to silver hair and then to blood hair. Currently, the master is in the first stage, my ancestor is in the second stage, while the earliest master of the Blood Transformation Palace was in the third stage.]

Gu Zuo chuckled dryly.

Well, he had actually guessed it correctly…

The exchange between the two happened in an instant, and then they both bowed to acknowledge the figure in the blood pool.

The blood waves in the pool surged, and the thick blood mist nearly blinded them. They claimed to see the Blood Transformation Heaven Lord, but in reality, they only saw a rough outline of him and that silver hair. As for what the Blood Transformation Heaven Lord’s face actually looked like… Gongyi Tianheng knew since he had seen him before, while Gu Zuo hadn’t seen anything clearly at all.

The Blood Transformation Heaven Lord, originally with a cold demeanor, now spoke in a kinder tone: “Your sincere intentions warm my heart. I cannot neglect you both, so today I shall open my private treasury, allowing each of you to take three items as a token of my gratitude.”

Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng said in unison:

“Thank you, Heaven Lord.”

“Thank you, Ancestor.”

Then, the Blood Transformation Heaven Lord made his move.

With a casual swipe of his hand, something that seemed far away suddenly drew near, as if a great force emanated from his hand. In the blink of an eye, the space in front of Gongyi Tianheng began to ripple and distort due to the clash of air currents.

Gu Zuo silently marveled: This is the power of the Cosmic Realm, tearing through space as easily as eating or drinking!

Before long, a black dot suddenly appeared in the area of distortion. The dot quickly expanded into a line, the line grew into a gap, and eventually transformed into a black hole that loomed before the two of them.

The Blood Transformation Heaven Lord’s voice echoed: “Enter from here, and you will see my private treasury. Li’er will guide you both.”

Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng expressed their gratitude once more.

Then, they saw the master of the Blood Transformation Palace step into the black hole, and with a flick of his sleeve, he pulled Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng in with him… In an instant, the world spun around them, and the three of them appeared before an ancient stone door.

The master of the Blood Transformation Palace extended his hand and pressed a bloody palm imprint against the stone door.

In an instant, a strong blood light erupted from the stone door, and after a few breaths, it opened.

The master of the Blood Transformation Palace said, “Follow me.”

Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng hurriedly stepped inside. As soon as their feet crossed a bloodline, the stone door closed behind them. However, within the door, it was bright as day.

In addition to this expanse of light, many other brilliant colors also shone, displaying hues of three colors, five colors, seven colors, along with golden, azure, and silver lights… All sorts of dazzling brilliance flashed about intermittently.

Gu Zuo blinked at the dazzling light.

It is a bit blinding…

Then, Gu Zuo saw two long rows of shelves.

These shelves were divided into many compartments, each equipped with powerful seals, and the items within were extremely precious.

As for the light that had almost blinded Gu Zuo earlier… it was merely the radiant treasures spilling through the seals from those compartments.