Chapter 406: Making Master Han An Offer

Liam was genuinely satisfied with the pill’s effects. Thanks to his cultivation level surpassing Master Han’s and his Primordial Alchemy Sovereign talent, he could perceive the changes occurring in the old blacksmith’s body perfectly.The pill had healed everything. Not just the shattered hand bones or the damaged leg that had forced Master Han to limp for months. Every single injury the old man had accumulated throughout his long career as a blacksmith had been addressed and corrected.

Before taking the pill, Master Han’s body had been a map of hidden damage that only someone with Liam’s enhanced perception could fully appreciate. Decades of working over hot forges had left micro-fractures in his wrist bones that never quite healed properly. Years of swinging heavy hammers had created chronic inflammation in his shoulder joints. The constant exposure to metal particles and forge smoke had caused subtle scarring in his lungs that reduced his breathing capacity.

All of it was gone now. Erased as if those injuries had never existed in the first place.

The pill had done more than simply restore Master Han to his pre-attack condition. It had returned him to a physical state better than he’d enjoyed in decades, perhaps better than any point in his adult life. His meridians, which had been partially blocked by accumulated impurities from years of exposure to forge smoke and metal dust, now flowed cleanly. His entire physiology optimized to a degree that few low level cultivators ever achieved through normal practice.

While Master Han hadn’t been fortunate enough to achieve a breakthrough in cultivation realm, he stood on the very threshold of one. The massive influx of refined spiritual energy from the pill had pushed him from the 8th stage of Qi Refining to the 9th stage. One more small push, and he would break through to Foundation Establishment, a realm most cultivators spent decades trying to reach.

For someone who had spent most of his life focused on craftsmanship rather than cultivation, this was an extraordinary leap forward.

Liam’s smile widened with genuine satisfaction as he observed the successful transformation. "Master Han," he said warmly, "are you still experiencing any pain or discomfort anywhere?"

Master Han shook his head, unable to suppress a small laugh of pure joy. The sound was light, almost boyish, completely at odds with his weathered appearance.

"No, Master. Nothing at all. I feel... I feel like I could forge for three days straight without rest. My body hasn’t felt this good since I was a young apprentice." He flexed his left hand again, still marveling at its restored function. "I’m perfectly fine. Better than fine, actually."

Liam nodded, pleased by the confirmation. He let the moment of happiness settle for a few seconds before asking his next question, his tone becoming more serious. "What do you plan to do next, now that you’re fully healed?"

Master Han’s expression grew thoughtful, his fingers unconsciously tracing patterns in the air as if holding an invisible hammer. "I want to reopen the shop," he said after a brief pause. "Soon. Perhaps in a few days, once I’ve had time to assess the full extent of the damage and determine what can be salvaged."

His eyes took on a distant quality, as if seeing something only he could perceive. "Master, I’ve been feeling something these past weeks, even through the pain and frustration. A sensation I can’t quite describe. It’s like standing at the edge of a precipice, knowing that one more step will either lead to a fall or to flight." He looked directly at Liam, his weathered face earnest. "I feel like I’m on the brink of a major breakthrough in my craftsmanship. I don’t want to lose this feeling by staying away from my forge any longer than necessary."

Liam nodded slowly, understanding completely. Creative breakthroughs were fragile things, easily lost if not pursued when they appeared. For a craftsman like Master Han, the forge wasn’t not only a workplace, but also where he communicated with the fundamental nature of his art.

But Liam’s expression shifted from understanding to something more solemn, more intense. The casual warmth in his eyes took on a deeper, more serious quality.

"Master Han," he said carefully, "what would you say if I told you I could offer you access to a blacksmithing facility beyond anything you’ve ever imagined? A place with specialized forging rooms, cultivation manuals and unlimited resources. Everything you could possibly need to pursue your breakthrough and push far beyond it."

The question hung in the air between them like a suspended blade.

Master Han stared at Liam, his mouth slightly open, completely stunned by the offer. For several seconds, he couldn’t formulate a response, his mind struggling to process what he’d just heard.

Such a place sounded like something from legends, from stories old blacksmiths told their apprentices about the mythical forges of ancient masters. And his master was offering him access to it?

But then Master Han’s shock began to fade, replaced by careful consideration. He looked at Liam and thought about everything he’d witnessed over the past months.

This teenager had appeared in his shop demonstrating blacksmithing skills that exceeded Master Han’s own despite decades of experience. He’d revealed knowledge of alchemy profound enough to create Rank 4 pills on what was supposedly his first serious attempt. He possessed resources so vast that he casually spent what must have been a fortune creating four peak-grade pills just to heal one old blacksmith’s injuries.

If someone like Liam said such a facility existed, then it existed. The only question was whether Master Han had the courage to step through that particular door.

Master Han sighed internally as he weighed his options. He was an old man, set in his ways, comfortable in his modest shop in Blackstone City. Accepting this offer would mean change, uncertainty, stepping into a world he didn’t fully understand.

But it would also mean the chance to pursue his craft to heights he’d only dreamed of. The opportunity to work with materials he’d never touch otherwise. Access to techniques that could transform his understanding of blacksmithing itself. And perhaps most importantly, it would mean continuing to learn from this extraordinary young master who had already taught him so much.

The decision crystallized in his mind with surprising clarity.

Master Han straightened his back, ignoring the small aches that would have accompanied such a movement just an hour ago. He performed a deep, formal bow. When he spoke, his voice was steady and clear, carrying the weight of an oath.

"Master, I will follow you wherever you lead. My hammer is yours to direct, my skills yours to command. Wherever this place you speak of is located, I will go there and dedicate myself to the craft with everything I have."

Liam’s solemn expression broke into a genuine smile, satisfaction evident in his eyes. "Good. Very good." He nodded with approval. "Don’t worry about your shop anymore, Master Han. I’ll take care of everything. You can maintain it as a presence in the city if you wish, or we can arrange for its closure. Either way, it won’t be a burden on you."

Master Han smiled, relief and gratitude mixing in his expression. "Thank you, Master. Your generosity knows no bounds."

Liam reached into his robes and withdrew the jade pill bottle containing the three remaining Transcendent Recovery Pills. He held it out toward Master Han.

"Take these. Keep them safe. If you or anyone under my protection is ever seriously injured again, these pills can save lives."

Master Han’s hands moved instinctively to accept the offering, but then he stopped, his fingers hovering just short of the bottle. He gently pushed Liam’s hand back toward him, shaking his head with a rueful smile.

"Master, I cannot accept something so precious. You’ve already given me more than I could repay in ten lifetimes. Please, keep them for yourself or for others who might need them more desperately than an old blacksmith."

Liam studied Master Han’s face for a moment, recognizing the genuine discomfort behind the refusal. The old man’s pride wouldn’t allow him to accept what he saw as excessive charity.

Liam gave a small nod of understanding and returned the pill bottle into the Dimensional Space. "Very well. But know that if you ever need them, you only have to ask."

"Thank you for understanding," Master Han said quietly.

Liam’s expression became more practical. "For now, you should rest. Don’t even think about returning to blacksmithing yet, no matter how eager you feel. Your body has been through an extraordinary transformation, and it needs time to fully stabilize. A few days of rest won’t harm your breakthrough. It might actually help by giving you time to process what you’re feeling."

He turned to Luo, who had been standing quietly nearby, his face still showing traces of the tears he’d shed earlier. "Luo, come with me. We need to visit the market and get some proper supplies so you can prepare a good meal for Master Han. He needs nutrition to support his recovery."

Master Han smiled and nodded, settling back into his chair. The brightness in his expression was unmistakable as he flexed his left hand, watching his fingers move with perfect coordination, then shifted his weight onto his right leg, feeling it support him without the slightest twinge of pain.

"I won’t argue with that. A good meal sounds wonderful."

Luo immediately moved to follow Liam toward the door. "Yes, Grandmaster. I’ll make sure Master Han eats well."

They walked through the modest house and out into the courtyard. Once they passed through the outer gate and stood on the street outside Master Han’s compound, Liam stopped and turned to face his companion.

He reached into the Dimensional Space, and his hand emerged holding a leather pouch. He pressed it into Luo’s hands.

"There are enough coins in here. Get everything you need from the market, to make a proper feast. Don’t hold back on quality. Master Han deserves the best after what he’s been through."

Luo’s eyes widened at the amount. A thousand gold coins was more money than most families saw in a year. "Grandmaster, this is—"

"Necessary," Liam interrupted firmly. "Master Han’s body has undergone significant changes. He needs good food to help stabilize his new condition. Consider this an investment in his health." His expression became more serious. "Don’t wait for me to return. I have some business to attend to that will take a while. Go to the market, get what you need, and prepare the meal. Make sure Master Han eats properly and doesn’t try to do any blacksmithing until I give explicit permission. Even if he insists he feels fine, remind him that I specifically ordered rest."

Luo nodded, clutching the pouch of coins. "I understand, Grandmaster. I’ll make sure Master Han follows your instructions." He hesitated, then added quietly, "Thank you. For everything you’ve done for him. For both of us."

Liam offered a slight smile. "Take care of him, Luo. I’ll see you both soon."

With that, Liam turned and started walking in the opposite direction from where the main market district lay. His destination was more specific—the auction house located in the deeper, wealthier section of Blackstone City’s commercial area.

As he walked, his mind worked through the plan taking shape. The three remaining Transcendent Recovery Pills represented an opportunity beyond their obvious healing applications.

He would take one to the auction house and arrange for it to be sold. Not because he needed the money, as his resources were effectively unlimited at this point. No, the auction served a different purpose entirely.

He wanted to create an image. A reputation of a mysterious alchemist capable of producing pills that bordered on miraculous. Someone whose identity remained hidden but whose capabilities were undeniable.

This reputation would serve as the foundation for the organisation he intends to create soon.

The future organisation was also the reason why he made that offer to Master Han. Liam intends to make him a part of his organisation. While the old man isn’t very talentedin blacksmithing or cultivation, he’s someone that’s loyal and resilient. And to Liam, those qualities are more than enough.

As for where Liam would take him, he naturally meant the Heavenly Scriptures Pagoda in the Dimensional Space.

It’s time to start bringing people into his deeper secrets. He intends to bring Daniel and his friends to the Dimensional Space, too.

Liam smiled to himself, as he continued walking.