Xue Jiang was bundled with all sorts of luggage to prepare himself for this journey, and was walking forward dispiritedly. He was able to purchase what he needed from Ying Ling's alchemy store, but she demanded that he stop doing business! If Xue Jiang didn’t close down his shop, she would directly refuse to sell him anything!

Xue Jiang was helpless in the matter. He couldn’t face the trials of the Dragon Blood Cult without life-saving measures; it simply wasn’t his style! If went forward into danger without preparation, his name wouldn’t be Xue Jiang!

Xue Jiang could only accept Ying Ling’s terms. She said that the only way for Xue Jiang to continue being an alchemist in Coiling Snake city, was to sell his products directly to her at a wholesale price. It was still possible for Xue Jiang to make money, but unfortunately, his profits would be deeply impacted.

Xue Jiang lets out a sigh. Forget it; as long as I can make money… He says, lamenting his loss with a shake of his head.

This event somewhat made Xue Jiang desperate for success for when he faces the trials of Dragon Blood Cult; if he could somehow find a way to advance to the Nascent Soul stage, his alchemy ability would be able to upgrade. Then, even if he still had to suffer a loss from the price of his products, his profits would still see a huge increase. Products that were made by a Nascent Soul alchemist was not a small matter, and each product could be said to be a treasure!

Xue Jiang’s mouth hung open, and was somewhat drooling as he imagined the pile of spiritual stones that he could possibly earn in the future.

Wang Tian gives Xue Jiang’s shoulder a light punch. “What’s wrong? You look like you’re about to shit yourself.” He says with a laugh.

Xue Jiang shakes his head; his eyes refocusing. “Nothing; I’m just thinking about the trials ahead. I hope I’m well-prepared enough.” He says, somewhat worried that what he brought wasn’t enough.

Wang Tian lets out a laugh. “Hah! With all the stuff you’re carrying, it would be a wonder if it didn’t become a burden instead of a life-saving measure!” He says, a bit worried. Wang Tian had only brought one bag, but Xue Jiang directly brought more than three bags. He could only shake his head. It was only a Core Formation inheritance trial; was there a need to be so cautious?

Xue Jiang lets out a sigh. “Alas, what can I do; as I thought over the possible scenarios we could face, the amount of stuff I have to bring could only increase. In fact, what I’ve brought may not be enough. Ay! If only I had more spiritual stones!” He exclaims, lamenting his lacking ability to prepare for the future.

Wang Tian could only give Xue Jiang a weird look. Is it a blessing or a curse that I brought over Xue Jiang? He couldn’t help but wonder.

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Wang Tian lead Xue Jiang to a clearing in front of the entrance to a forest, before setting his bag down. “We’ll make camp here.” He says, stretching his aching shoulders.

Xue Jiang raises an eyebrow. “Are you sure we should set camp here? Isn’t it too open? You know, bandits are a pretty common occurrence in this world.” He says, somewhat worried.

Wang Tian lets out a yawn. “It can’t be helped. That’s the Demon Gathering forest. That place is deeply connected to the Spirit Realm, and there’s a good chance our minds will become attacked by the malevolent spirits lingering in there, if we choose to rest in there; not to mention all the demonic beasts that make their home in the forest. Although we’re somewhat vulnerable out in the open, we have a better chance at resting comfortably for the night.” He says, directly laying down on the grass, while using his bag as a pillow.

Xue Jiang lets out a sigh. Who knew traveling would be so complicated? He thinks, finding it somewhat troublesome. Alas, I can only accept it. He thinks, taking out his portable tent and sleeping bag.

Wang Tian looks over and his face became somewhat weird as he watched Xue Jiang set up his tent. Seeing that Xue Jiang had the capacity to worry about this sort of thing, he became somewhat mad. “What’s the use of a tent!? You’re a Core Formation expert! Your spiritual energy can directly protect you from the elements!” He exclaims, not sure if he should laugh or cry.

“Hmph! Go to sleep while exposed? No way! Do you know that there’s demonic mosquitos that can directly suck away your life force as you sleep? It would be foolish to risk it!” Xue Jiang says, determined to sleep in a tent.

Wang Tian wanted to spit blood. How can a Core Formation expert be afraid of a mosquito!? He exclaims. Alas, there was nothing he could do. This was simply Xue Jiang’s way of doing things; if he wanted to partner up with him, Wang Tian simply had to put up with it.

…

…

Eventually, Xue Jiang and Wang Tian made it across the forest, into the territory of the Clear Pond sect. They were a small, but powerful and tightly-knit sect, which had been around for about five hundred years. Their roots went quite deep in the surrounding area, and the Dragon Blood Cult’s inheritance happened to be found in their territory.

As the pair approached the area, their presence was quickly made known to the Clear Pond disciples, who hurriedly made their way over.

“Halt! State your purpose!” A disciple calls out, a safe distance away.

“We’re here for the Dragon Blood Cult’s inheritance!” Wang Tian calls back.

The Clear Pond disciple lets out a smile. “If that’s the case, it will be five hundred spiritual stones per person! One thousand, for the two of you!” He calls out. Unfortunately, the Clear Pond disciples couldn’t take participate in the trial for the Dragon Blood Cult’s inheritance; but that didn’t mean that they couldn’t take advantage of it! Since the inheritance was found in their territory, it was only natural that others would have to pay the maintenance fees if they wanted to participate in the trial!

Xue Jiang had a weird look on his face as he looks at Wang Tian.

Wang Tian raises an eyebrow. “What?” He asks, a bit worries.

Xue Jiang could only let out a bitter smile. “I’m broke.” He says directly.

Wang Tian lets out a groan. He was still wondering, was it a blessing or a curse?