Chapter 56: When Scattering Someone’s Ashes... Think Twice...

“In any case, little Lin’er, you must be careful. Of course, there's no need to worry too much—who in this world has truly seen a real dragon? Nearly all who took part in the ancient war are dead.” The Patriarch of Dragon Gate Sect continued gently.

“Even when Qingwan told me about the Dragon Soul of the Lost Realm, if you hadn’t said she was a true dragon, I wouldn’t have believed it. No, I still can’t quite believe it. Besides, it seems there's some sort of seal on little Niannian, suppressing her dragon aura. Perhaps she hasn’t awakened yet, so others wouldn’t be able to sense it.”

“No, Patriarch, that's not all I’m worried about.” Jiang Lin pressed down his trembling left hand.

“What else are you afraid of?” The Patriarch shot Jiang Lin a glance. “Are you worried that little Niannian might accidentally roast you alive someday?”

Jiang Lin’s heart trembled. That’s exactly what he was worried about...

“All right, enough nonsense. I mainly came to see you this time. I was concerned you might be injured, but seeing you so full of life, I can return and reassure my wife and your senior sister.”

He stood, shaking his robe. “I must be off; otherwise, that woman will start missing me terribly.”

“Grandmaster’s wife will miss you? She probably does, wondering if you’ve been catching up on your studies...”

“What did you just say, boy?”

“Nothing, nothing. But, Grandmaster, don’t rush off. I have a few things here for you to look at.”

Jiang Lin produced a storage pouch and pulled out five bottles of body-tempering elixir. “You’ve seen much in your years, Grandmaster—please appraise these for me.”

“What are these?” The Patriarch took a bottle, infused it with spiritual power, closed his eyes, and sensed...

“What excellent stuff!” He put the bottle down.

“Is it meant for pure martial artists?”

“That’s right.”

“No wonder.” The Patriarch stroked his beard.

“There are countless cultivators in the world, infinite paths to immortality, and endless rivers of tears spent on expenses. Our sword cultivators spend the most, followed by pure martial artists.

Pure martial artists need not only immense willpower and determination, but also a tolerance for hardship—and plenty of money. Most of the money goes toward bathing...”

“Bathing...?”

“Yes, you fool! Have you ever set foot in our Dragon Gate Sect library?”

“I have, but only the basement. I’m quite fond of the ‘Infinite Spring Breeze Scrolls’ down there.”

“Heh heh, me too. Especially that fan fiction ranked first on the Beauty List—your old grandmaster... cough, cough, never mind, we’re getting off track... Let’s continue.” The Patriarch took a sip of tea.

“In short, a pure martial artist, once reaching the Golden Body stage, can withstand countless spells with sheer flesh, boasting incredible defense and magic resistance. Even after death, their bodies can endure for a thousand years. This isn’t achieved through mere body-tempering; bathing is essential.

These medicinal baths aren’t about rarity or price, but about the recipe. Take the foremost martial sect in Wutong Prefecture—the Gan Earth Fist Sect. Their bath formulas are top-notch and never shared. Even their own disciples receive baths mixed by specialists, and the recipes are passed down only to direct disciples. There are several formulas; direct disciples and inner disciples use different ones.

Don’t be fooled by the baths sold on the market—they’re usually for inner disciples, and their effects are inferior.”

“That doesn’t seem right...”

“What’s wrong?”

“What if someone pirates the formula? Isn’t it easy to analyze the ingredients?”

“Do you think they haven’t considered that? Gan Earth Fist Sect isn’t stupid. Their recipes are measured down to two decimal places. Plus, they add various supplements that don’t affect efficacy but help confuse the analysis.”

“All right, Grandmaster, let’s not get lost in the setting. We’re already at chapter fifty-six—let’s just talk about the body-tempering elixir.”

“I’m just worried you wouldn’t understand.” The Patriarch shot Jiang Lin a glance. “Anyway, I can’t analyze the ingredients in your elixir, but its effects must be potent; it’s likely as good as the bath agent used by Gan Earth Sect’s direct disciples!”

“That doesn’t seem right...”

“You fool, what now?”

“Grandmaster, how do you know what Gan Earth Sect’s direct disciples’ bath agent is like?”

“Well... to be honest...” The Patriarch beckoned Jiang Lin closer.

Jiang Lin’s eyes shone with anticipation, ears perked for the juicy details.

“Actually, Gan Earth Sect collaborates with some massage parlors. Your old grandmaster spent a premium spirit stone ‘catching up on studies’ in one of their baths. I’ll take you someday to learn a thing or two.”

“No, no, that’s too expensive.”

“What’s the big deal! Next time I help you swipe a dragon vein, we’ll work together—dozens of premium spirit stones won’t be an issue.”

“That... doesn’t seem right...”

“What’s wrong with it? We scholars, when we ‘swipe’ something, is it really stealing? Don’t worry—after we sell the dragon vein, I’ll treat you! Learning is on me!”

“Oh, that’s so embarrassing.” Jiang Lin couldn’t help rubbing his hands together.

“But this time, your Grandmaster’s wife misunderstands me greatly. She thinks I’ve been studying at the Sun and Moon Sect, but I told her I was always by your side, little Lin’er. She doesn’t believe me. And those old geezers want to suppress you, but when I stood there, none dared act. Still, your Grandmaster’s wife won't believe me. I’m quite troubled.”

“Grandmaster, rest assured! During my duel with the Six Great Sects—no, when I ‘risked my life’—Grandmaster was always there, holding the line. Your contributions were invaluable. Afterwards, we judged the disciples of the Solitary Demon Sect together, inseparable. Absolutely nothing else was going on!”

“Hahaha, you rascal, why do you always have to speak such truths?” The Patriarch stroked his beard.

“Well then, I’ll head back for now. Next time we’ll go learn together. But remember, in the future, if things go wrong, run first. In cultivation, that’s not cowardice—it’s wisdom.”

With a sweep of his hand over Jiang Lin’s waist, the pain vanished instantly. Jiang Lin felt revitalized.

He bowed deeply. “I will remember Grandmaster’s teachings.”

“Hahaha, truth is, you’re even slicker than I am. You hardly need my advice.” The Patriarch gazed at Jiang Lin, eyes tinged with reluctance. “I’m off... Anything you want me to tell your Senior Sister Lin?”

Jiang Lin handed him a small parcel. “Inside are gifts, divided into three parts—my regards for you, your wife, and Senior Sister. As for what I wish to say...”

“May Senior Sister press forward, ascend the path to immortality, and when scattering the bones of others... think thrice before acting.”

“......”