Chapter 2129 Sworn to Secrecy
Alex met up with Fang Yuxie, Wang Yanwei, Rocksoul, and the rest. Pearl was along with him when he came to meet them.
In the next 3 days, he would have to leave this world, so he had come to say his farewells.
"Congratulations on becoming a Supreme Alchemist," Wang Yanwei said. "We couldn't believe our ears when we suddenly heard the news come out of nowhere."
"Oh, thank you," Alex said. "Surely senior Blackfrost said something about it beforehand though, didn't he? He should have been notified that I was taking a test since I am part of his guild."
"He was notified, apparently, but didn't tell us just in case you failed. He didn't want to let us worry, or so he said," Wang Yanwei replied.
"Boss," Rocksoul spoke up. "Didn't you say you would only come visit us when you are ready to leave? Why did you come now?" Alex gave a simple smile which was all the answer they needed.
"You are leaving already?" Fang Yuxie asked, somewhat surprised and emotional. It had been nearly 14 years since he had left the store, only to come back now. And as he had promised that time, it was to leave.
"Yes. I will be leaving this world within this week," he said.
Alex looked around the shop that was previously his. It still had his name on it, so it could be considered his still. There was a steady flow of customers coming in and out of the store.
"Business seems to be going great at least," he said.
"All thanks to you," Wang Yanwei said. "The recipes and knowledge you left behind have helped me improve just that much more. I can regularly make pills that reach 90%."
"Congratulations," Alex said.
"Boss, once you leave, when will you come back?" Rocksoul asked.
Alex shrugged. "I do not know," he said. "It all depends on how long it takes for me to find that which I am searching for. Maybe... a few dozen years after the tournament if I'm lucky. Maybe more if I'm not."
"Either way, I have an agreement to return here after 2500 years, so one way or another, I will be back."
Rocksoul nodded.
"Bluehorn hasn't been causing trouble anymore, have they?" Alex asked.
"They're quiet, for now," Fang Yuxie said. "I don't think they'll be doing anything."
"However," Alex continued, "I have also compromised with them so that they won't start selling this pill for the next 50 years. You have plenty of time to make these pills."
Wang Yanwei thought about what that meant and was beyond shocked. They were going to be the sole supplier of such a great pill for 50 years? That was enough to make them beyond rich.
"And you're just giving this to us?" Wang Yanwei asked.
"Why not? This is my store in the end, and you are my friends," he said. "Oh, and I nearly forgot."
Alex reached into his Soul Space and brought out something. They were 3 talismans and he held it.
"Now, I want to swear you three to secrecy," he said. "I want you all to speak an oath before I can give these to you."
"What is it?" Fang Yuxie asked.
"Let's just call it my secret," he said. "The thing that allowed me to be so good at making pills."
Everyone felt their heartbeat faster. One by one, they began swearing an oath to secrecy as per Alex's instruction. When they were done, Alex handed over the talisman.
"Read them and destroy them. Let no one know that you know this," he said. "If anyone finds out, I fear they will kill you to get to that information."
The three became pale for a moment and checked inside to see what it was that they had received. Each one of them was surprised.
"A Pill forming technique?" Rocksoul asked. "Boss, you already gave us an incredible one before you left last time. Why are you giving us another one?"
"The other one is a decoy. It's what I show others when I want them to believe I have a good pill-forming technique. When I'm on my own or hidden from sight, this is what I use."
"It will take you some time to learn it. I fear it will take a very long time. But when you do eventually end up learning it, I promise you, it will all be worth it."
The three took in deep breaths, feeling an incredible amount of pressure on them all of a sudden.
"That is all I have for you now," Alex said. "That and my well wishes for you all."
"You aren't going to stay?" Rocksoul asked.
Alex shook his head. "I must leave. I need to arrive at the western shore within the next 2 days."
The three gave a heartfelt goodbye, wishing him good luck in his future endeavors. Once the farewell was done, Alex left the shop, his shop, to never return here for the foreseeable future.