Chapter Fifty: The Divine Apothecary

Outside the City Lord’s castle, Shadow opened the gates and brought the elderly man and the young man inside without saying a word. The old man simply followed behind him respectfully until they reached the grand hall.

Li Ren sat in the seat of honor, watching as Shadow led the old man in, showing no particular reaction. Shadow naturally took his place at Li Ren’s side and, as the old man was about to kneel in greeting, Li Ren glanced at Shadow. Having been by Li Ren’s side for so long, Shadow immediately understood his master’s intentions.

Stepping forward, Shadow stopped the old man, who had already begun to kneel. The young man accompanying him, however, dropped to his knees without hesitation, though his expression gradually softened. Although the old man was prevented from kneeling, he insisted on bowing deeply to Li Ren in respect.

Shadow did not obstruct him again. To refuse all ceremony would make their side appear weak, and it seemed clear this elder was no ordinary man.

“I am the Patriarch of the Eastern Clan. I pay my respects to the City Lord,” the old man declared.

“Please, rise. Shadow, find a seat for our guest,” Li Ren said. After all, he was just an ordinary young man, unaccustomed to such formalities; it was only natural that he appeared somewhat uneasy.

With keen insight born of experience, the old man immediately noticed Li Ren’s discomfort. Bowing again with great respect, he then sat on the stool Shadow set out for him.

Li Ren asked, “May I ask what brings you to Fallen Cloud City?”

The old man, Patriarch of the Eastern Clan, became even more deferential. “To speak plainly, it is with great shame that we come. We are of the Eastern Clan, but due to some treachery within, disaster befell us. Now, only a few of my people remain, wandering without a home. All we seek is a place to survive, granted by your lordship.”

Initially, their intention was only to enter the city for a brief respite, but upon seeing Li Ren, the old man subtly altered their plans.

“A place to survive, is it?” Li Ren pondered for a moment.

Shadow, standing to the side with his usual impassive expression, was inwardly roaring with astonishment. "The Eastern Clan! The Eastern Clan has appeared before me just like this?!"

His eyes betrayed his shock. The old man noticed Shadow’s strange gaze and wondered if his companion had discovered something, but after reviewing their actions along the way, he decided nothing had been revealed and dismissed the matter.

The Eastern Clan! In the era after Fallen Cloud City truly began to flourish, this mysterious clan fell into the hands of other powers. The Eastern Clan was not particularly notable for combat, but rather for one extraordinary talent—alchemy. In their hands, any herb could be transformed into something wondrous; even the most ordinary healing potion would have its effects amplified by at least 50%! And that was just the simplest preparation.

Their most famous creation was the Lan Cang Elixir—a pill that had cost Fallen Cloud City dearly several times. With severe side effects, the Lan Cang Elixir could instantly boost all abilities by 30%. In battle, such a sudden surge was utterly lethal.

Shadow was anxious but dared not speak out, knowing these members of the Eastern Clan were already in dire straits. If they suspected someone had unraveled their identity, they would surely flee at once. Forcing them to stay would be nearly impossible—and even if they stayed, they’d never truly serve Fallen Cloud City. The Eastern Clan was known for their stubbornness, which explained their current predicament.

No wonder they had once been the city’s most mysterious clan, only rising to prominence later. Now, it seemed, they were already wanderers, driven from their home by unknown misfortune. At least that mystery was now resolved for Shadow.

As Shadow fretted, eager to give Li Ren a hint, Li Ren had already spoken.

“Elder, there’s no need for such ceremony. Our Fallen Cloud City is newly founded; there is not much to offer, but I will do my best to provide for your people. However…”

At the word “however,” the young man behind the old patriarch, who had been visibly excited, immediately sobered. Of course, nothing falls from the sky for free—they would have to pay some price. The only question was what that price would be, and whether they could afford it.

Li Ren noticed their reactions but continued, “But you cannot simply stay in my city and do nothing. Here’s what I propose: gather the able-bodied men of your clan and form a guard unit. You’ll be responsible for security and scouting missions. Women and children should focus on recovering their health. Naturally, you’ll all be paid for your work. What do you think, Elder?”

The old man immediately stood and bowed deeply, understanding just how generous Li Ren’s terms were. To serve as a guard and scout, with payment, was not a demand but an act of mercy. Fallen Cloud City already had many skeletal soldiers guarding it and was unlikely to face large-scale war anytime soon. The real message was clear: settle down, rest assured, and don’t worry about not doing enough.

After all, what could they truly offer if forced? Li Ren agreed to let them stay partly because Fallen Cloud City, as a large city, had plenty of space for resettlement, and partly because he had noticed the children among their number as soon as they entered the city.

Malnutrition had left the children thin, but their eyes were bright and full of life—a deep love for living that touched Li Ren’s heart. He could not bear to drive them out of what might be their last hope.

To have come so far as Fallen Cloud City, so remote and isolated—what hope could there be in wandering further?

The old man’s eyes shone with gratitude. Though the city lord appeared as a skeleton, in that moment, he seemed more humane and noble than any so-called good man he had ever met.

When the old patriarch returned to his people and delivered the news, they could not contain their excitement and gratitude. The children’s innocent smiles tugged at Li Ren’s heartstrings.

Inside the City Lord’s castle, seeing the clan bow three times in unison toward the castle, Li Ren felt all the more certain he had made the right decision. What did it matter if they had no special talents?

Shadow, who had been so emotional, now fell silent, his excitement replaced by deep reflection.

Lantis, who had witnessed the scene, came to stand by Li Ren’s side. For some reason, her usually calm heart was suddenly unsteady. Before she realized it, she had left a gentle kiss on Li Ren’s cheek. Surprised, Li Ren turned to look at her. Lantis tried to act nonchalant, but her flawless face soon flushed crimson.

“Ah, that was… well, that was your Queen’s reward! Damn it! Don’t look! Don’t look at me!” With a little huff, she ran off, completely forgetting that, with her clearance, she could have teleported away.

Li Ren touched the spot where she had kissed him, feeling its soft, ticklish warmth. He smiled, only to see Shadow beside him giving him a double thumbs-up and a mischievous grin.

Li Ren cleared his throat, told Shadow to get lost, then turned away to savor this delightful moment.

Ps: Please recommend and add to your collection~~