Martial Saint with Passives

Jiang Che was at a loss for words.

’Looks like the laws of economics are the same in this era, too.’

When it came to the consumer market, the pecking order was women, children, the elderly, dogs, and finally, men.

"Old man, aside from internal remedies, you could also try topical ones. They might be even more effective," Jiang Che suggested, seeing Zhang Jinghuai’s enthusiasm.

He was thinking of the face creams, masks, serums, and other skincare products from his past life.

’If he managed to develop all of those, wouldn’t this old man make an absolute killing?’

Zhang Jinghuai was taken aback. "Topical applications?"

He started to ponder the idea carefully.

Suddenly, as if he’d just thought of something, he shot off toward the warehouse to grab some kind of medicine.

Jiang Che paid him no mind and went to find Li Rushan.

After asking a few gang members on the way, Jiang Che learned that Li Rushan was drinking at a tavern inside Seven Stars Castle.

Arriving at the tavern, he saw Li Rushan drinking and boasting with a group of burly men, having a grand old time.

Seeing Jiang Che arrive, Li Rushan yanked him over to his side and announced to the other men,

"This here, this is the Jiang Che I was tellin’ you all about! Little Brother Jiang! An Innate Iron Body! How ’bout that? Badass, right!"

His face was flushed, and he was clearly drunk, slurring his words.

"Innate Iron Body, huh? Not bad! You drink, kid? C’mon, have a bowl with your big brothers!" a heavily intoxicated man slurred at Jiang Che.

He had a shaved head and a thick, bushy beard, looking like a regular Lu Zhishen.

"Sorry, I don’t drink..." Jiang Che said, shaking his head.

"You can’t drink? Then who gives a damn what kind of Body you have! Scram and play somewhere else!" another man, his face just as flushed, said with a look of disdain.

"Jiang Che, just drink with him! Drink him under the table!" Li Rushan said, his face red and his eyes half-closed.

Jiang Che guessed Li Rushan was trying to help him make some connections.

But he really wasn’t a drinker.

He sighed, leaned in, and said in a low voice,

"Senior Li, I came to ask about the Black Beast hunt."

"Black Beasts?" Li Rushan said, motioning with his chin. "See that bald guy over there? That’s Qin Yue, Master Qin! He’s the best hunter in our Seven Stars Gang. In a few days, he’ll be leading a team into the mountains to hunt Black Beasts. Let me tell you, if you can drink him happy, you’re in."

"Alright, I’ll drink!" Jiang Che said, casting aside his hesitation.

"Now that’s more like it!" Qin Yue laughed.

He immediately poured Jiang Che a bowl.

Jiang Che raised the bowl, tilted his head back, and downed it.

The liquor in this world wasn’t very strong; Jiang Che guessed it was only about ten percent alcohol, so it wasn’t too bad.

Seeing Jiang Che drink, the other burly men also raised their bowls and began to drink.

After ten bowls, Jiang Che’s stomach felt bloated, and his head was starting to spin.

Helplessly, he said, "Seniors, I need to step out for a moment to relieve myself."

"What’s wrong, kid? Can’t you hang?" Qin Yue grumbled. "Fine, whatever. Go on, hurry back!"

"Many thanks, Master Qin!"

Jiang Che quickly made his exit.

The men began to talk as soon as he was gone.

"Some Innate Iron Body. Can’t even hold his liquor!"

"That kid’s good-looking, I’ll give him that, but he’s all for show!"

"Yeah, you said it!"

Li Rushan didn’t join the conversation.

He could have used his authority as an Elder to stick up for Jiang Che.

But if Jiang Che truly wanted to find his place in the gang, he had to learn how to deal with these men on his own.

He could help him out now, but he couldn’t help him forever.

Besides, while these men had foul mouths, they were fiercely loyal.

Once you earned their trust, they were the kind of men you could entrust your life to.

After Jiang Che went to the latrine and finished his business, he didn’t immediately go out.

Instead, he stripped off his clothes.

’Heart of the Black Abyss!’