Chapter 58: The City Lord’s Mansion’s Gift

After accepting the Solar Gathering Cauldron from Ning Yuqiao, Wu Tian naturally needed to show some sincerity in return. He knew well that Ning Yuqiao was a businesswoman, always putting profit first. Giving him the cauldron was essentially doing him a favor—after all, it served her no purpose. Ning Yuqiao’s true aim was to obtain high-quality pills from Wu Tian, to build up the reputation of Shunfeng Trading Company. If successful, the benefits would far exceed the value of a single cauldron—perhaps hundreds or thousands of times more.

Of course, this arrangement cost Wu Tian nothing. He had received the Solar Gathering Cauldron from Ning Yuqiao, could freely take raw materials for pill refining, and only needed to provide her with a certain quantity of pills. Any surplus would be his own. There was no reason for him to refuse.

So, after acquiring the cauldron, Wu Tian went to Jimin Pharmacy and took medicinal herbs worth over a million taels of silver, free of charge. Ning Yuqiao had already said there was no reason not to take them.

When Wu Tian left, Hu, the devotee, asked Ning Yuqiao, puzzled, “Miss, while I admit young Wu is indeed impressive—a prodigy in pill refining—is it really worth it? A Solar Gathering Cauldron and a million taels’ worth of free ingredients? No other alchemist in all of Shunfeng Trading Company enjoys such privileges.”

Ning Yuqiao smiled faintly, as beautiful as a field of blooming flowers. “If you can name any alchemist at Shunfeng Trading Company who at eighteen can refine a profound-grade divine pill, I’ll grant him the same treatment.”

Hu was speechless, resigned. “Well, I truly can’t. Not everyone is as freakish as young Wu.”

“If Wu Tian were merely an alchemist, it wouldn’t matter much, but don’t forget—he won first place in the Qitian Sect’s grand competition. He’ll soon enter the headquarters. Moreover, according to our reports, he may possess the cultivation of a first-level Martial Spirit. How many can achieve that at eighteen?”

Hu blinked, saying nothing more; at this moment, he found himself at a loss.

...

“A lower-tier celestial Solar Gathering Cauldron, a pile of free herbs, and eight million taels from the sale—this trip to Jimin Pharmacy was truly fruitful, splendid!” Wu Tian returned laden with gifts, his heart brimming with joy.

But when he arrived at his shabby thatched hut, he was stunned. The place, inside and out, was packed with people and goods, leaving Wu Tian utterly perplexed.

“Miss, may I ask—is Wu Tian at home? We’re from the ‘Integrity Escort Agency’ of Pingyang City. We heard Master Wu won first place at the Qitian Sect’s grand competition and have come to deliver our congratulations!”

“Miss, we’re from the Wang family next door. Is Master Wu in? We’re here to offer our congratulations as well…”

“And us, from Anding Bank…”

Apparently, all these people had come to offer gifts, yet Wu Tian was certain he didn’t know a single one—not even by name. It seemed none of them knew him either; when he walked past, no one recognized him.

Xiaohui was struggling to deal with them, and judging by her uneasy smile, she was clearly out of her depth. At last, she spotted Wu Tian.

“Master, master! They’ve all come to give gifts, and I don’t know what to do!” She rushed to him for help.

Only then did the gift-bearers notice Wu Tian, all surging forward to present their offerings.

“Wait! Everyone, give me a moment to think…” Wu Tian was instantly overwhelmed by the commotion. He looked at a few people, bewildered. “You said you’re from the Wang family next door—do you even know me?”

“Of course! You’re the grand champion of the Qitian Sect’s competition, soon to enter the headquarters for training, destined for greatness!”

“But why didn’t you recognize me when I walked right past you?”

The man fell silent.

“And you, from the Integrity Escort Agency—I don’t believe I’ve ever had dealings with your company. I appreciate the gesture, but please take your gift back!”

“And you, from Anding Bank—I came to borrow money from you months ago, but you wouldn’t even lend me a few taels. I really can’t accept your grand gift now!”

“So, to all of you who’ve brought gifts, thank you for your congratulations—but I cannot accept them. Please return to where you came from, thank you!” Wu Tian shouted, looking at the crowd.

He knew exactly why they were here: winning first place in the sect’s competition and entering the headquarters meant he was likely to rise in status. They wanted to curry favor and forge connections.

Unfortunately, they were too late.

Seeing Wu Tian’s resolute stance, the crowd had no choice but to leave, lugging their gifts away.

Watching them go, Xiaohui finally breathed a sigh of relief. “Phew… That was exhausting! If you hadn’t arrived, young master, I wouldn’t have known what to do.”

“These people only care about profit. If they’d come months ago, I would have welcomed their gifts. But now, I have no use for them!” Wu Tian said with a dismissive curl of his lip.

At that moment, another group arrived—this time, soldiers clad in armor and armed with swords. Wu Tian immediately recognized them as City Guard from the City Lord’s mansion.

Leading them was the City Lord’s daughter, Song Qianqian, and Captain Ma. Seeing the delegation from the City Lord’s mansion, Wu Tian frowned. Why were they here? Had they found out he’d eliminated He Jiang and come to arrest him?

“Master Wu, congratulations on winning first place in the Qitian Sect’s grand competition! Truly a remarkable achievement!” Captain Ma approached, smiling and clasping his hands respectfully. He beckoned to a subordinate. “To celebrate your victory, the City Lord has specially prepared a modest gift. Please accept it!”

So they weren’t here to arrest him, but to give a gift.

“Ah, a gift from the City Lord—what an unexpected honor…” Wu Tian feigned surprise, then shook his head. “But I am of humble status and truly cannot accept such a generous gift. Please convey my gratitude to the City Lord, but Captain Ma, please take the gift back.”

“Master Wu, it’s just a simple token—nothing more. Please accept it, so I can report back.”

“Captain Ma, really, I appreciate the City Lord’s kindness, but I cannot accept the gift.”

“Hmph! So what if you won the grand competition? My father’s gift is a mark of his esteem for you, and you’re so ungrateful! Do you even know what it is? It’s a fourth-tier monster core—I wouldn’t want to give it to you if I had the choice!” Song Qianqian sneered, full of disdain.

Captain Ma’s expression changed instantly; this was a disaster.

“Miss Song, a fourth-tier monster core—such a precious gift! Far too valuable for me! I truly cannot accept something so expensive!” Wu Tian replied coldly, without the slightest courtesy.