Daddy is too Strong-Chapter 319

The Kunlun mountain range was home to countless spirit herbs—rare medicinal ingredients that most people would never see in their lifetime. Herbs like the Everfrost Ginseng, fleeceflower root, as well as the legendary Mita Nectar, a single drop of which took a hundred years to form on the grass growing deep within the frozen mountains of the Northern Ice Palace, were all commonly found in the Kunlun Mountains.

This was why the spiritual creatures in this region possessed far stronger energy than those elsewhere. These beings, having lived for countless years while absorbing the Kunlun Mountains’ essence and feasting on rare treasures, were powerful enough to subdue even the mightiest martial artists with a single strike.

Today, Do-Jun came to the Kunlun Mountains for a brief stroll. Like a hiker leisurely enjoying a familiar trail, he wandered through the rugged peaks of Kunlun with a calm and relaxed expression. Ouroboros, coiled around his wrist, suddenly opened its eyes and blinked, having woken up from its slumber.

Kyu.

Noticing this, Do-Jun set the tiny snake down on the ground. Much like himself, Ouroboros paid no heed to the designated “safe paths” and moved freely through the “danger zones” as if they were its own backyard. It slithered toward a patch of Everfrost Ginseng, its interest piqued.

Kyu? Kyuu?

Lifting its head, it turned to Do-Jun, letting out a questioning sound, asking for permission to eat some. Do-Jun chuckled and nodded.

Outside the mountain range, these same ginseng roots were so valuable that grand merchant houses would pay hundreds of thousands in gold for even a single one. Yet Ouroboros swallowed one whole in a single gulp, munching on it nonchalantly.

To an ordinary person, consuming even one would grant a vast amount of internal energy. However, to Ouroboros, whose magical energy reserves were near limitless, it was nothing more than a snack. In mere moments, it had devoured ten whole roots.

Kyuuuu.

The snake remarked that store-bought candy tasted much better. Scratching his head, Do-Jun plucked a few more roots and stashed them away in Ivela’s pouch.

***

The main reason Do-Jun had recruited Yao Ping, who had been living in seclusion in Huayan Prefecture, into the Heavenly Demon Sect was simple: he needed him to concoct elixirs. Although Yao Ping was an immortal who had spent his life cultivating the Dao, he was also a legendary physician known as the “Divine Healer.” More than anyone, he understood how to properly refine and use rare medicinal ingredients.

In fact, many of the secret formulas for legendary elixirs like Shaolin’s Great Elixir and Huasan Mountain’s Purple Elixir had originated from Yao Ping himself. A single miscalculation in ingredient proportions could diminish an elixir’s potency, but Yao Ping had an almost supernatural ability to fine-tune such details.

“Thirty pills, you say...?” Yao Ping blinked, unsure if he had misheard Do-Jun. “And you want twenty of them to be the Divine Qi Pills?” 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

He looked down at the collection of precious ingredients spread out on fine silk: Everfrost Ginseng, fleeceflower root, Mita Nectar, Spirit Essence, Divine Herb, and more.

The Divine Qi Pill was regarded as the most potent elixir in the Martial World. It was the culmination of Yao Ping’s lifetime of knowledge, a supreme elixir capable of granting decades’ worth of internal energy in an instant. Of course, this was based on the assumption that the consumer knew how to harness its power properly. Still, its effects far exceeded those of the Great Elixir or the Purple Elixir.

“Do you really want twenty of them? What exactly are you planning to do with all of these...?” Yao Ping probed Do-Jun for details.

“I have a use for them.”

Yao Ping had never thought Do-Jun would use the Divine Qi Pills himself, as he had long surpassed the stage where strengthening oneself through such supplements was even relevant. He had already broken past the Natural Realm—a level only spoken of in legends among martial artists—so there was no need for him to gather internal energy in his body.

“How long will it take?” Do-Jun asked.

“It’s going to take at least fifteen days. But again, I apologize if this comes across as insolent, but I just have to ask: where will these Divine Qi Pills be used?”

“I plan to distribute them to some acquaintances. It’s almost the change of seasons, after all; they will be good for preventing colds.”

“Preventing... colds...” Yao Ping nearly burst into laughter but managed to suppress it.

If anyone overheard such words, they would think he was insane to use the world’s greatest elixir as a common cold prevention measure. However, this was the Heavenly Demon’s request, or rather, command, and there was no room for refusal.

Do-Jun said, “I’m sorry for the sudden request. I’ll make sure you’re properly compensated when the work is done.”

At the mention of compensation, Yao Ping cleared his throat. If anyone overheard, they might think he was doing it just for the reward.

“Yao Ping, Demon Immortal and the Master of the Celestial Secret Division, accepts the command.”

With that, Do-Jun smiled faintly and left.

Watching him disappear into another dimension, Yao Ping quietly wrapped the precious ingredients in the fine silk. Just then, the doors to the inner chamber slid open, and another figure appeared. It was the Vice Leader of the Celestial Secret Division. Hearing that Yao Ping had finally ended his long seclusion and returned to the Sect, he had rushed over to pay his respects.

“Long live the Heavenly Demon! May the Heavenly Demon Sect reign supreme! This humble servant greets the Master!”

“Oh, it’s you. Long time no see.” Yao Ping responded indifferently.

“I rushed over as soon as I heard you had emerged from your seclusion!”

“Thanks. I’m going right back in.”

***

Fifteen days later, on his way to work, Do-Jun made a brief stop in the Martial World.

Due to the high level of focus required, Yao Ping had secluded himself in a hidden cave, located about twenty li away from the sect, to finish refining the elixir without distractions.

A short while later, laughter echoed from within the cave. “At last! It’s finished!”

Relishing the moment, Yao Ping suddenly straightened up at the sound of approaching footsteps, a distinct tapping of leather shoes. It was, without a doubt, Do-Jun.

Yao Ping grinned broadly and held up a tiny, finger-sized pill. “It is complete, Heavenly Demon.”

“You must have put in a lot of effort. Well done.”

“Not at all! If you require it, then it is only natural for me to fulfill your command, Heavenly Demon. Haha!”

The translucent blue pills emitted a clear, pure energy. A subtle fragrance emanated from the Divine Qi Pills, proof of the perfect harmony among the countless precious ingredients.

After securing the pills, Do-Jun checked his wristwatch.

“There is no need for a reward, truly. This humble old man is honored just to be of service to you. Haha!” Yao Ping exclaimed.

“Oh, really?”

“Eh?”

Do-Jun smiled. “I was joking. I’ll make sure you get your reward tonight.”

***

“Good morning.” Do-Jun greeted.

“Do-Jun, you’re here early today.”

“I have a meeting with the S-rank Hunters tomorrow, so I thought I’d do some prep.”

It had been quite a while since Seoul City Hall had entered into a formal partnership with the Hunter’s Bureau. Unlike other city governments, the Seoul Metropolitan Government jointly managed all Fissures in the city with the Hunter’s Bureau, regardless of their rank. As a result, once a month, all S-rank Hunters convened in the Seoul City Hall Fissure Management Division’s conference room to discuss issues related to Great Fissures.

“Oh, and here. Take one of these, Chief, Senior.” Do-Jun handed a small, round pill to Cheol-Soo and Hyuk-Soo while setting up the meeting room.

The two men examined it curiously. The pill had a translucent blue hue, making it look somewhat mysterious.

Cheol-Soo asked, “Oh, is this some kind of red ginseng extract?”

“It’s similar in a way. If you take it, you won’t catch colds as easily,” Do-Jun explained.

“Heh... I don’t know what I’d do without you, Do-Jun. Thanks! I’ve actually been feeling under the weather lately,” Cheol-Soo said gratefully.

Hyuk-Soo also thanked him. “Do-Jun, I appreciate it.”

Both men popped the pill into their mouths and chewed it thoroughly. A refreshing yet slightly bitter flavor spread across their tongues. After chewing for a moment, they swallowed, letting the pill settle.

A moment later, Cheol-Soo rubbed his throat and tilted his head in surprise. “What the...? My sore throat’s completely gone. And I feel lighter, too...?”

“Really? I guess the effects kicked in right away,” Do-Jun said.

“No way... Hyuk-Soo, how about you?”

Hyuk-Soo, who had been staring blankly into space, snapped back to reality. As Cheol-Soo said, his body felt much lighter. On top of that, the fatigue from his restless sleep the night before had completely disappeared. He suddenly realized that the “red ginseng extract” Do-Jun had given them was far from ordinary, perhaps something much rarer, something only obtainable in the depths of the Core.

“D-Do-Jun... are you sure it’s okay to give me something like this?” he asked hesitantly.

“Of course. You’re my senior.”

“Thank you...”

Hyuk-Soo suspected that what he had just consumed was no mere supplement but rather a potent auxiliary artifact, likely sourced from the Core.

At that moment, Cheol-Soo scratched his head and asked cautiously, “This isn’t some ridiculously expensive thing, is it? It tastes like it’s packed with high-quality ginseng...”

Do-Jun simply smiled.

Normally, to fully absorb the essence of the elixir, one needed to practice controlled breathing techniques or circulate their internal energy. However, even without those methods, the pill alone significantly boosted one’s metabolism. For those who weren’t Hunters, just this effect would be more than enough.

***

After finishing his work and returning home, Do-Jun also handed out the elixirs to the children.

Yoon-Hee received hers with both hands, bowing politely before placing it in her mouth without hesitation. Though Do-Jun hadn’t explained what it was, she instinctively thanked him and took it. A warm sensation spread through her stomach, but it wasn’t unpleasant. On the contrary, she felt lighter and more refreshed.

Watching her reaction, Do-Jun thought that her mana would soon begin to increase at an explosive rate. In the future, when she used her mana during Fissure training and practical exercises, the pill would naturally release more and more of its energy.

Meanwhile, Karsiel immediately sensed the immense energy within the pill. Startled, she looked up at Do-Jun. It wasn’t an overwhelming force, at least not beyond what she had previously wielded, but it was definitely comparable.

“Master, this thing is incredible...” she remarked.

“Take your time and make it yours.”

Karsiel nodded firmly, and Do-Jun, finding her diligence endearing, gently patted her head. She closed her eyes, smiling faintly as if enjoying the gesture.

On the other hand, Byeol was still chewing away. After some effort, she walked over to the fridge, grabbed a yogurt drink, and gulped it down in one go.

“Aaaah, this is dewicious.”

“Do you like it, Byeol?” Do-Jun asked with a chuckle.

“Yeah! It’s kinda bitter, but still yummy. Feels like gum.”

“Haha, I see.”

That’s when Do-Jun locked eyes with Yong-Yong.

“Master.”

“Hmm?”

“What about me...? Yong-Yong’s tail wagged expectantly.

In truth, Do-Jun had deliberately withheld the pill from him. Even without it, Yong-Yong possessed near-limitless magical energy, so consuming an elixir like the Divine Qi Pill wouldn’t make any noticeable difference. But to Yong-Yong, food was still food. And since he hadn’t given Yong-Yong anything, it was only fair to hand one over.

Sighing, Do-Jun placed an elixir in Yong-Yong’s front paw.

“Hehe. I’m gonna save it as a snack and eat it after chicken later.”

***

That night, Yao Ping finally received the reward Do-Jun had promised him. After handing over a small box, Do-Jun immediately returned to Earth.

Yao Ping carefully opened the box and was greeted by the sight of food, steam still rising from it.

“All this effort for something as trivial as food? Tsk.”

The past fifteen days had been grueling; he had worked tirelessly to refine the elixirs, suffering through the painstaking process. And yet, his compensation was... food?

Scoffing in disappointment, Yao Ping grabbed a piece and examined it. It was a dish he had never seen before. The outer layer was crispy, and when he split it apart, the inside was soft and juicy.

He took a bite, and suddenly everything fell silent. Yao Ping froze mid-chew, his mind completely blank. He stared off into space, unblinking, as if his soul had left his body.

At that moment, the door swung open, and the vice leader of the Celestial Secret Division walked in. “Master, I have urgent news—huh?! W-what happened?!”

His eyes widened in horror at the sight before him. Yao Ping’s soul was visibly leaving his body. Panicked, he rushed over and slapped Yao Ping repeatedly.

“Master! Wake up! Get a hold of yourself! Masteeeer!”

Perhaps thanks to the frantic slaps, Yao Ping’s soul slowly returned to his body.

“Gaaah!” Gasping for breath, Yao Ping clutched his chest.

Then, he looked at the piece of chicken still in his hand and muttered, “M-my god. I almost ascended.”