Chapter Seventy-Six: The Elixir of Transcendence

“Who exactly are you? I advise you not to meddle in other people’s business.” Although Quan Hu had been wounded by Yang Xiao, he forced himself to speak with composure.

“I am now the owner of this shop. Whatever business you have, you can talk to me,” Yang Xiao replied.

“You’re the owner here? Since when did this shop become yours?” Quan Hu said incredulously.

“Just now. Proprietor Bai has already sold the shop to me. So if you want to buy it, you’ll have to get my permission first,” Yang Xiao said.

“No matter who used to own this place, from now on it belongs to the Quan brothers. If you know what’s good for you, get lost, or don’t blame us for not being polite,” Quan Bao said angrily, his eyes wide with rage.

“I’d like to see just how impolite you can be,” Yang Xiao responded calmly.

“Fine, since you don’t know what’s good for you, we brothers will have to teach you a lesson.” The Quan brothers exchanged a glance, then each produced their own spiritual weapon. Quan Hu’s was indeed a high-grade cauldron-shaped artifact, while Quan Bao wielded a mid-grade seal-shaped weapon. Both were clearly formidable treasures, radiating a powerful aura of spiritual energy.

“Young Master Yang, they have powerful spiritual artifacts. Allow me to help you,” Bai Sheng said to Yang Xiao. After all, today’s trouble had started because of him; how could he stand by and do nothing now? Though he wasn’t certain he could stand against the Quan brothers, if he fought with all his might, he could at least hold out for a while. With Yang Xiao as an ally, they might even be able to keep the brothers at bay.

As he spoke, Bai Sheng also produced a pair of hook-shaped spiritual weapons—two mid-grade artifacts of quite decent quality.

“Uncle Bai, there’s no need for you to get involved. Just watch from the side,” Yang Xiao said, holding him back.

“You brat, since you’re looking for death, we’ll oblige you.” The Quan brothers, having drawn their spiritual weapons, poured their spiritual power into them and launched their attack on Yang Xiao.

A loud buzzing filled the air as the two large spiritual weapons hurtled toward Yang Xiao. Both were massive, seemingly made of some especially heavy material. If an ordinary cultivator were struck by either, they would surely suffer grave injuries.

Yet Yang Xiao showed no hint of fear. He activated his Ninefold Golden Body; his whole figure was enveloped in a faint golden radiance. Then, his two fists—like iron—met the oncoming weapons head-on.

With two thunderous crashes, those who had expected Yang Xiao’s choice to meet the attack directly with his body to be foolish were stunned: Yang Xiao emerged unscathed, while the two spiritual weapons were knocked flying backward.

The Quan brothers barely managed to catch their spiritual weapons, disbelief written on their faces. Flesh and blood had gone head-to-head with spiritual artifacts—what kind of inhuman strength was this? It was almost monstrous.

“Brother, looks like we’ve run into a tough one today,” Quan Bao said to Quan Hu.

“Indeed. But since we’ve come all this way, how can we leave empty-handed? No matter the cost, we must deal with him, or I’ll never swallow this insult,” Quan Hu spat through gritted teeth, his arm already seriously wounded.

“Very well. We’ll go all out,” Quan Bao agreed, biting down in determination.

Once again, the brothers sent their spiritual weapons flying at Yang Xiao, this time channeling most of their spiritual power, intent on killing him in one blow.

But Yang Xiao did not wait idly. With a flicker, he appeared beside the Quan brothers, sending their weapons flying with two powerful punches. Seizing the opening, he pressed forward, delivering a flurry of blows that landed squarely on both brothers. The Quan brothers were soon a pitiful sight, bones shattered in multiple places. Though they were protected by spiritual energy, it did nothing to shield them from Yang Xiao’s assault.

In a matter of moments, the Quan brothers were beaten to death by Yang Xiao.

With their demise, their spiritual artifacts became ownerless and were promptly collected by Yang Xiao. He also took their storage pouches, which brought him a sizable haul of spirit stones.

“Young Master Yang, you are truly incredible!” Bai Sheng exclaimed in disbelief. The once-arrogant Quan brothers had been killed so easily by Yang Xiao that he could not praise him enough.

Bai Xue was equally overjoyed. It seemed her judgment had been correct—she had known Yang Xiao would be able to resolve the matter, though she hadn’t expected it to happen so quickly. Still, however it had come about, the trouble was finally over.

“Come, Young Master Yang, you must be tired. Why not come inside and rest for a while? As for the bodies, I will see to their disposal,” Bai Sheng said with a cheerful smile.

Yang Xiao, having expended a great deal of energy, decided to take Bai Sheng’s suggestion and rest inside the shop.

Just then, a round of applause and a voice of praise rang out from the crowd. The bystanders had long been stunned by Yang Xiao’s astonishing display; silence reigned, and all eyes stared at him as if he were a monster. Yet, in such an atmosphere, someone could still clap and cheer, which immediately marked him as extraordinary.

Yang Xiao turned toward the source of the applause and saw a young man in his twenties, refined in appearance, making his way through the crowd toward him while clapping and praising. As he approached, he said, “A fine display of skill, sir. I am impressed. As it happens, I have a business proposition for you. Would you be interested in a partnership?”

“Business? What sort of business do you mean?” Yang Xiao was puzzled by the man’s sudden appearance and even more so by his offer. If he regarded Yang Xiao as the shop owner and wanted to make a purchase, it would make sense, but this seemed different. Still, Yang Xiao kept his composure, curious to see what the man was up to.

“Have you ever heard of Transcendence Spirit Elixir? The business I have in mind is related to that,” the young stranger said with an air of mystery.

“Transcendence Spirit Elixir? I believe I have heard the name. Why don’t you explain in detail?” Yang Xiao replied.