Chapter 30: The Acquisition Plan and Han Li Taking the Fall
"Alright, we agree to your proposal. But first, we need to conduct some tests." Guang Ling and Qing Luan exchanged a glance and decisively responded.
"It's best to test on men with average talent and older age. That way, if any unexpected side effects occur, they'll be easier to handle."
Even though Han Li was almost certain there wouldn't be any issues, he still gave a reminder.
"Do they take it directly?" Guang Ling asked.
"No, it needs to be melted down with high temperature flames first and then consumed before beginning cultivation." Han Li added.
"Got it. You two sit tight; no need to find test subjects elsewhere. I have someone suitable in the residence." Qing Luan suddenly spoke up.
Guang Ling seemed to realize something, nodded in agreement, and watched as Qing Luan left.
"Shibo, who is he referring to?" Han Li turned to his teacher after Qing Luan was gone.
"Nothing major, just one of his younger brother's descendants. Not a close one, though. His talent is mediocre at best, but he enjoys throwing his weight around using your Shibo's name. He recently came running to him for protection. You don't need to concern yourself with it. If the test succeeds, he benefits from it." Guang Ling waved it off dismissively, clearly not fond of the mentioned relative.
"Oh." Since it was Shibo's family matter, Han Li didn't pry further.
"Then, why hasn't Teacher married yet? You should at least leave behind a descendant."
Han Li suddenly asked, thinking that if his teacher started working on it now, maybe his future little martial brother could hitch a ride to the Divine Realm.
Guang Ling's expression stiffened. What could he say? That he was too focused on cultivation when he was younger, and by the time he thought about it, most of his peers were either already married or nearly buried? His interest had already faded.
"You don't understand. A true archer must have a heart free of distractions only then can their archery reach divine levels. That's why I was the first to break through to rank 97. Han Li, trust your teacher: this is the only way to reach the pinnacle of archery." Guang Ling spoke with a straight face.
Han Li glanced at his teacher, who was obviously making excuses. He didn't even bother mentioning that Qian Daoliu, who hadn't reached rank 99 yet, already had a granddaughter well into her teenage years. Gotta be kind to the single folks.
The two casually chatted for a bit longer before Qing Luan returned, his face full of excitement.
"It worked?" Guang Ling immediately asked upon seeing his expression.
"Yes, following Han Li's method, after consuming a thousand year whale glue, he was able to endure a spirit ring that was approximately 400 years older than what he could originally handle not quite 500. But that's likely because his body was already weak."
"Don't worry, I used my spirit power to block his vision and taste. I only told him it was a rare treasure and didn't let him know what he actually consumed. This is the last favor I'll do for him."
Qing Luan's tone carried clear disdain. If not for the fact that they shared distant blood ties, he wouldn't have hesitated to kill that relative himself. Now, at least, the guy had been put to some use.
"Uh… Shibo, you really planned it out well."
Han Li could only awkwardly respond. If even his usually gentle Shibo was this disdainful, that relative must have been an absolute disappointment.
"Since it worked, why wait? We can do more specific testing later. First, let's discuss how we're going to acquire the stock." Guang Ling couldn't hide his excitement.
"Agreed."
Han Li and Qing Luan exchanged a look before joining the discussion.
After over an hour, the three of them sat back, satisfied, staring at the acquisition plan laid out on the table and the contracts before them. All three had identical grins on their faces.
Qing Luan chuckled, then suddenly stopped himself. Wait a second have I been spending too much time with these two? I'm actually starting to pick up their habits. This isn't good for my reputation.
Still, as he glanced at the contract, he found it impossible to suppress his good mood.
After some more discussion, Han Li was the first to excuse himself not because he was trying to slip away after getting things done, but because Guang Ling sternly reminded him that it was time for cultivation. He couldn't afford to let greed delay his training. The originally eager to stay for dinner Han Li had no choice but to obey and hurry back to train.
Since they were collecting everything discreetly, and since most of the high quality whale glue came from Hanhai City which was quite far from Spirit City the plan proceeded smoothly. In just a short period, they had stockpiled a significant amount.
Thus, Han Li became the first known soul master to undergo body refinement with high quality whale glue. His physical durability increased just as he had hoped, but the experience was a different story.
The taste of whale glue, when melted down at high temperatures, was something straight out of a nightmare. The stench assaulted his senses so intensely that it gave him an immediate aversion to seafood. He now instinctively avoided anything that smelled remotely like the ocean.
And just like that, half a year passed.
One day, while Han Li was cultivating in his mimicry training environment, he heard Xiu'er calling from outside. Slowly, he exited his meditative state and stepped outside.
"Xiu'er, what's the matter?"
He smiled at the now even more graceful young girl before him.
"Han Li, Guang Ling Douluo and Qing Luan Douluo sent someone to call you to the residence. They said they have something important to discuss with you."
Xiu'er stole a glance at Han Li, whose height had shot up to around 1.5 meters, making him slightly taller than her now. Her cheeks reddened slightly.
"Alright. Wait for me at home I'll be back in time for dinner."
As he passed by her, Han Li casually leaned in and whispered, not waiting for her response before quickly leaving.
"Mm."
Only after Han Li had left did Xiu'er softly respond, as if answering his earlier words.
Guang Ling's Residence
The moment Han Li stepped through the doorway, he was greeted by his teacher's excited voice.
"Han Li, get over here! We're about to make a fortune!"
Rounding the screen, Han Li saw Guang Ling laughing dramatically, practically radiating joy.
"Then I should congratulate Teacher. If you think there's too much, you could always give me a little extra I wouldn't mind." Han Li joked.
"Of course! After we cash out, I'll give you one million gold spirit coins."
Guang Ling promised without hesitation.
"Hearing you say that, it sounds like we really are about to make a fortune."
Han Li chuckled, sitting down at the table.
"You brat, you make it sound like I've been stingy before." Guang Ling laughed as he scolded him, clearly in a fantastic mood.
Qing Luan handed Han Li a ledger, motioning for him to take a look.
But instead of opening it, Han Li placed it back on the table and said, "I won't look at it. You and Shibo will be handling the rest I'll just wait to collect my cut. Right now, we need to prepare to report this."
"Mm, we've held onto this for half a year it's time." Guang Ling's expression turned serious.
"Teacher, just follow the original plan when speaking to Grand Worshipper. Tell him everything truthfully and say it was my idea. No need to cover for me."
Han Li cut off whatever Guang Ling had been about to say.
"You two are in a different position than me. If anything, this kind of thing could damage your standing. But I'm still young. At worst, Grand Worshipper will just lecture me. If either of you take responsibility, it becomes a bigger issue. We agreed on this from the start no backing out now."
Guang Ling and Qing Luan exchanged a complicated look, their expressions unreadable.
Was their disciple protecting them now?
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 20 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/johanssen