Chapter 37: Chapter 37: Yan Ling’s First Mission
The Path of the True Demon. After successfully breaking through to Qi Refining, Yan Ling sat in his new chamber, staring at his hands. His body felt lighter, his meridians stronger, and for the first time in years he felt at peace.
But peace was short-lived in the Heavenly Mystical Sect.
Chan Li entered, his presence commanding yet relaxed.
"Yan Ling, it's time for your first mission."
Yan Ling's eyes hardened.
"What do you need me to do, Sect Master?"
Chan Li smirked. "Make money."
Yan Ling: "..."
A moment of silence. Then
"M-Money?" Yan Ling blinked, confused.
"Of course! A sect cannot run on air alone. We need resources, pills, treasures, and most importantly profit!" Chan Li declared, arms folded.
Yan Ling's mouth twitched. He had expected some intense mission perhaps fighting a demonic beast or infiltrating an enemy sect.
Not… a business venture.
"But Sect Master, I'm a cultivator, not a merchant!" Yan Ling protested.
Chan Li grinned mischievously.
"Oh? You think being a cultivator means you can ignore the economy? Even the mightiest sects rely on commerce. Besides, you'll need money to fund your cultivation. Unless you plan to rob people?"
Yan Ling winced. He had lived as a demonic cultivator for years, surviving through theft and battle. But now, under Chan Li's guidance, he was learning a different way.
"Fine," Yan Ling sighed. "What's the plan?"
Chan Li's eyes glowed with excitement.
"Simple. I recently developed a new product one that will shake the mortal and cultivator markets alike!"
Yan Ling gulped. He had a bad feeling about this.
Introducing… Spirit Cola!
In the grand marketplace of Azure Cloud City, countless stalls lined the streets, selling everything from spirit herbs to enchanted weapons. Cultivators and mortals alike bustled about, haggling and trading.
In the middle of the busy plaza, a single stall stood out.
A large banner hung above it, reading:
"TRY THE REVOLUTIONARY DRINK! SPIRIT COLA REFRESH YOUR SOUL!"
Yan Ling, dressed in a plain black robe, stood behind the stall, his face dark with embarrassment.
Next to him, a group of sect disciples enthusiastically handed out small cups of a fizzy, dark-colored liquid to curious customers.
A burly cultivator in Foundation Establishment took a sip
And his eyes widened in shock!
"I-Impossible! This drink… it's cold yet sweet! Refreshing yet strong! And WHAT IS THIS BUBBLY SENSATION?!"
A group of alchemists rushed forward, eyes filled with curiosity.
"Is this a medicinal elixir? What ingredients are used?!"
Yan Ling sighed deeply. "It's… just a drink."
The crowd exploded in excitement.
"Nonsense! No mere drink could have this effect!"
"I feel a slight boost in my Qi circulation! This must be some divine medicine!"
"How much for one bottle?!"
Yan Ling hesitated. "Uhh… 5 spirit stones?"
The cultivators slammed down money instantly.
The next moment, Spirit Cola sold out entirely.
Yan Ling's hands shook as he stared at the pile of spirit stones on the counter.
"S-Sect Master… We made a fortune."
Meanwhile, hidden in the distance, Chan Li watched with a satisfied smirk.
"First step in economic dominance complete!"
The Shadows Stir
Far from Azure Cloud City, deep in a dark cavern, a group of cloaked figures knelt before a shadowy throne.
A chilling voice echoed.
"Heavenly Mystical Sect… Who would have thought such a small force would suddenly gain so much influence?"
One of the cloaked figures bowed deeply.
"My Lord, reports indicate they have created a new mysterious energy drink that is spreading rapidly among cultivators and mortals alike. Even high-ranking alchemists are showing interest."
The figure on the throne chuckled coldly.
"A mere drink? Hah. Do not be fooled. This is no ordinary sect. Investigate them. And if they prove to be a threat… eliminate them."
The cloaked figures vanished into the darkness.
The storm was brewing.
And soon Chan Li's sect would face its greatest challenge yet.