Rise of the God Emperor

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And just like that, what I had predicted really came true.

Just as I was offered a seat by the old man in front of me, I heard an unpleasant remark, as if he didn't like me.

"Father, are you sure he's an alchemy master? He looks far too young. There's no way he can help us."

"Be quiet. He is our guest. I hope you won't interrupt our conversation."

"Uh… Your son understands. Please forgive my rudeness."

At last, after seeing the old man's son apologize to me, I opened my mouth without hesitation, with no intention of delaying the matter.

"I see you already know the reason for my visit. Did you predict it?"

"What do you mean? I'm not as insightful as you think. I simply assumed you came seeking help from the Xin family. But, judging from your expression, I fear my assumption was wrong."

Without realizing it, I found myself putting on a serious face.

Deep down, I knew the old man in front of me was trying to assess my true nature.

But so what? Should I reveal my identity in front of a stranger?

No.

Unexpectedly, I asked a completely nonsensical question.

"Do you know? Hiding in a turtle shell is a wise choice. But when facing humans? I think you're just an ant."

For a moment, I heard a loud shout from behind the old man.

Indeed, I knew it was impossible for the man beside him to stay calm.

Looking at the old man's son, I could tell he thought I was an insolent young man.

If he hadn't been held back by his father, it's highly likely he would have chosen to throw me out.

Naturally, as a son, he couldn't bear to see someone insulting his father.

And now, he realized I had deliberately provoked the head of their family.

Luckily, the old man acted before his son could strike.

"Calm down. Don't disgrace yourself. Do you see the calm face of this man? He clearly doesn't take you seriously."

"But Father! He—he just insulted you!"

Unexpectedly, I noticed the old man's temperament beginning to change.

Honestly, his temperament was the complete opposite of what I had imagined.

"This is your last warning. Be quiet, or I'll handle you myself."

"I… Please forgive me… I'm truly sorry, Father."

"My sincerest apologies for my son's actions. I hope you don't hold a grudge against him."

Honestly, I had to admit, the old man in front of me wasn't the kind of person I expected.

If I may say, he clearly carried himself like a true leader.

"Don't worry about it. I might've gone a bit too far as well. Let's just forget it. I'd like to continue our business."

"So, Mister Hao, you said you wanted 50% of the profits, correct?"

"That's right. That's why I came to the Xin residence— to ensure none of you engage in anything shady."

Without wasting time, I carefully studied the expression of the old man's son.

I wanted to guess—could he be involved in embezzling funds?

Fortunately, judging by his reaction, I could tell he had no interest in the profits from pill sales.

'Now then… What about the rest of you? Do you think I don't know? Some of you even tried to silence me… So brazen…' In truth, I could sense several people in the Xin residence holding weapons.

If I weren't a cultivator, would I even be able to sense their presence?

Moreover, judging by their spiritual energy, I knew they were at the Qi Refinement Stage.

Some even released the aura of the Foundation Establishment Stage, indicating they were the strongest.

'Sixteen… eighteen… plus two Foundation Establishment cultivators. Not bad… This family looks ordinary, but they can gather two Foundation Establishment Stage experts,' I thought, having counted the number of individuals within the Xin residence.

Certainly, none of those twenty were worthy of facing me.

If I wished, I could eliminate them all in a single move.

"I see. And what do you think? Do we seem weak to you?"

"What do I think? Why not do the math yourself? Twenty people… You're severely underestimating me."

For a moment, I released the full aura of a peak Golden Core cultivator.

Even my Golden Core pressure alone was enough to overwhelm everyone in the Xin residence, filling them with fear.

Crack!

In the blink of an eye, I heard the structure of the Xin residence begin to crack.

That alone told me the pressure from my spiritual energy was enough to affect even non-living objects.

"This…! This terrifying feeling… Are you a cultivator?!" Realizing what was happening, the old man finally understood my true identity.

Of course, as an experienced elder, he had seen cultivators beyond the Foundation Establishment Stage.

Regardless, the fact that he possessed Heaven-grade treasures couldn't be denied.

"A cultivator?! Impossible! How can that young man in front of us be a cultivator?! I don't believe it!" shouted the old man's son. He clearly understood what the title "cultivator" meant.

In the past, this man had once witnessed the power of someone beyond the Foundation Establishment Stage.

But he wasn't sure if I truly belonged to that realm.

If memory served, he had only ever seen such cultivators as old men.

Maybe that's why he couldn't believe I was one of them.

'Don't believe me? Fine. Let me show you what absolute power looks like.'

Without delay, I once again increased the pressure of my cultivation.

Boom!

In an instant, the man near the old elder collapsed to the ground.

However, I noticed the old man himself didn't even flinch.

Instead, I realized he wore a protective talisman around his neck.

Clearly, it was likely one of the defensive artifacts.

"Sir— no, Lord Hao. I beg you, please withdraw your killing intent. I know we were wrong. I just wanted to test you a little."

"I understand. But you were reckless. If it were anyone else, I doubt they would forgive the Xin family's actions," I said, having no intention of holding a grudge.

Deep in my heart, I knew I didn't need to destroy the Xin family's business ties.

From the start, I had come here to obtain their medicinal herbs.

If I could get the ingredients for crafting mid- to high-grade pills, wouldn't I have a chance to break through to the Nascent Soul Realm?

"Of course… We've also prepared compensation for our actions. I hope you'll be pleased with this gift."

"Oh… Very well. I accept your gift."

Honestly, deep down, I was pleased to receive some high-quality medicinal herbs.

But I had to remain calm—projecting the demeanor of a high-level expert.

Snap!

With a snap of my fingers, I watched as the pressure on the people in the Xin residence vanished.

Fortunately, the old man's son showed no intention of protesting my actions.

In his heart, he knew—he must never provoke me.

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