Chapter 473: Chapter 117: Which Family’s Prodigy Has Been Unleashed?

“Ah—! Ah ah ah—! Why, why! Shui Ling, why have you changed!”

In the forest, the rumbling sound followed by the shaking of the large trees caused the leaves to fall like a torrential downpour.

Fu Tianlong stood under a tree, clenching his fists, punching the trunk over and over without using any spiritual power for protection. Blood quickly seeped from his knuckles, staining the tree trunk red.

His eyes were bloodshot, though it was unclear whether it was from sadness or anger.

At this moment, he resembled a mad bull, desperate to vent the anger within him.

“I told you long ago that the one named Mu is no good, yet you still associate with him.” Suddenly, a mocking voice came from behind Fu Tianlong.

“Who?” Fu Tianlong suddenly turned around and saw Feng Yugui slowly stepping out from behind a large tree.

“It’s you?” Fu Tianlong narrowed his eyes sharply, his gaze vigilant, “You’re no good either!”

Feng Yugui sneered, gradually approaching Fu Tianlong, “I admit I’m no good. But at least I would never make a move on a friend’s beloved.”

Fu Tianlong’s eyes flashed, and he muttered, “Mu and I aren’t friends.”

Feng Yugui smirked, “Even knowing the deep connection between Shui Ling and you, he still interferes. Such a despicable act is unbearable, even for a bystander like me.”

There was a ferocious gleam in Fu Tianlong’s eyes as he asked, “What do you want to do? Let me tell you, your poisons won’t work on him at all. I won’t work with you again either.”

“I understand your misunderstanding towards me, Fu. Not wanting to have further contact with me is because of Shui Ling, right? But have you ever thought about, who is Shui Ling doing it for?” Feng Yugui hinted deliberately.

Fu Tianlong’s face turned cold, remaining silent.

Feng Yugui chuckled, “Today in the woods, you and Mu got into a fight over Shui Ling. Undoubtedly, this incident will soon reach the Medicine Tower. Have you considered how others will interpret the reason behind it?”

“What do you mean?” Fu Tianlong raised his eyes, a cold glint appearing in them.

Feng Yugui placed his hands behind his back and said to Fu Tianlong, “Mu is handsome and charming; who knows how many hearts that pretty face will confuse? In contrast, despite your rugged firmness, there’s a sense of wildness about you. It is as clear as day who stands more fittingly by Shui Ling’s side.”

“What nonsense are you spouting? Shui Ling is my betrothed,” Fu Tianlong retorted angrily.

Feng Yugui’s smile grew wider, “But others don’t know the inside story. They only know that Mu and Shui Ling are better suited; they only know that in this dispute, Shui Ling stands on Mu’s side. You will become the villain who interferes, trying to destroy them out of unrequited love.”

“You’re lying! Clearly, Mu is the one interfering!” Fu Tianlong argued anxiously.

“Yes, you and I both know the truth. But outsiders don’t,” Feng Yugui said helplessly with a shrug.

Fu Tianlong pursed his lips tightly, frowning as he stared at Feng Yugui.

After a moment, he finally muttered, “What exactly are you trying to say? Stop beating around the bush.”

Feng Yugui’s lips curled up, “What I want is very simple. If you help me, I’ll help you. I’ll make Shui Ling automatically return to your side.”

“Do you have a way to make Shui Ling change her mind?” Fu Tianlong’s eyes brightened.

“Whether you believe it or not is up to you,” Feng Yugui said ambiguously.

However, the more he spoke this way, the more Fu Tianlong started to believe him. “What method do you have?”

At this moment, Feng Yugui stopped talking, smiling as he watched Fu Tianlong.

Under his gaze, Fu Tianlong finally reacted, grumbling, “How do you want me to help you?”

“It’s simple, you go back to them, find a way to regain their trust, and await my instructions. Once I deal with Mu, Shui Ling will no longer attach to a useless person. After that, I’ll tell you how to ensure Shui Ling is wholeheartedly yours,” Feng Yugui said enticingly.

Fu Tianlong examined Feng Yugui seriously, and after a long while, he squeezed out a “Fine” between his teeth.

…

“Mu Ge, does the plant in my hand look like the Snow Scene Grass?” Wei Guanguan ran up to Mu Qingge, holding a plant with small white flowers.

Mu Qingge glanced at it and nodded.

Wei Guanguan immediately happily placed the Snow Scene Grass carefully into her cloth bag. “Finally, the last one is found.”

Pleased, she patted her cloth bag and looked at Mu Qingge, asking, “Mu Ge, I have all the herbs now. Shall we head to the Medicine Tower’s courtyard gate?”

“Alright.” Mu Qingge nodded.

The four of them walked towards the courtyard gate together. However, Shui Ling seemed a little absent-minded.

Wei Qi glanced at her and walked over to Mu Qingge, smiling, “We’re pretty lucky to have quickly found five types of herbs each. The first round of the entrance assessment shouldn’t be a problem now, right?”

After saying that, he lowered his voice and asked, “Mu Ge, tell me honestly, do you like Shui Ling?”

Mu Qingge twitched the corner of her mouth and gave him a peculiar look, “Have I done something to make you misunderstand?” Clearly, it was Shui Ling who caused this mess. She was a victim too, wasn’t she?

Wei Qi hurriedly waved his hand and shook his head, explaining, “I also think you wouldn’t like such a little girl. But if you don’t like her, you should make it clear quickly to avoid any misunderstanding with Tianlong.”

Mu Qingge was at a loss, amused and frustrated.

What was she supposed to explain? Shui Ling was the clearest about her identity; how could a woman like her fall for another woman?

Mu Qingge was left speechless, but Wei Qi, full of imagination, continued, “Ah, it’s a pity you’re a man. If you were a woman, I wouldn’t hesitate to marry you despite any difficulties.”

Hearing this, Mu Qingge was left in a daze again.

But he wasn’t finished yet; he continued, “Your presence puts a lot of pressure on us good guys. The girls we like end up liking you. I feel like you have the sort of personality that should go for those aloof ice-cold beauties, the snow lotus on ice mountains that ordinary people can’t pick. That senior we met at Cui Lake last time seemed pretty good. If you were with her, Shui Ling wouldn’t have any delusions.”

Mu Qingge had an urge to use the herbs in her hand to block Wei Qi’s wild imagination.

“Stupid Wei Qi, what are you talking about! Mu Ge wouldn’t like any big ice mountain!” Wei Guanguan, who had been listening to their conversation, immediately jumped out and chased after Wei Qi wanting to hit him.

Wei Qi quickly dodged, holding his head and running around, still fearlessly saying, “Why are you worried? If Mu Ge liked you, he’d have liked you ages ago. Mu Ge doesn’t have feelings for you, so stop daydreaming!”

’These two clowns!’ Mu Qingge sighed helplessly in her heart.

When they had moved far enough away, Mu Qingge’s gaze fell on Shui Ling.

After some thought, she walked over and asked, “Why?”

Shui Ling was startled, looking up at her, seemingly not understanding her question.

Facing those clear eyes, Shui Ling felt as if those truly were the eyes of wisdom, exposing whatever was in her heart.

After a brief pause, she said, “Since childhood, Fu Tianlong and I have had a marriage arranged by the elders of our clan. As time goes by, the date of our marriage draws closer. However, I don’t want him to marry me because of this arrangement.”

“You think he doesn’t like you?” Mu Qingge asked.

Shui Ling shook her head, giving a helpless bitter smile, “That fool. He’s very simple-minded and doesn’t go back on what he’s set his mind on. I’m afraid even he can’t distinguish if he cares for me because of the marriage or because he likes me.”

“So, you wanted to use me to provoke him, to make him understand his feelings, and to also let you see clearly?” Mu Qingge pierced right through it.

Shui Ling uncomfortably nodded. Stubbornly, she said, “If he’s marrying me because of the arrangement, I’d rather not marry.”

“Have you figured out the result now?” Mu Qingge asked with a smile.

Shui Ling gave a wry smile, “I haven’t figured out if he truly cares for me, but I’ve found out about his recklessness.”

“Do you plan to continue playing this game?” Mu Qingge suddenly stopped and looked at her seriously.

Shui Ling shook her head, “No. I’m sorry to have dragged you into this, I’ll find a chance to talk to him, to make clear his feelings. I’ll also tell him my decision, if he doesn’t love me, I won’t marry him!”

“If he doesn’t love you, you won’t marry him. Even if you have feelings for him.” Mu Qingge murmured softly.

Shui Ling blushed, not denying the implication of Mu Qingge’s latter statement.

After giving her a deep look, Mu Qingge said with deeper meaning, “You do have principles.”

“Perhaps, I just don’t want to be too humble in matters of the heart,” Shui Ling said in a moment of realization.

…

Outside the Medicine Tower Courtyard gate, several disciples in plain clothes stood in front of the gate with hands behind their backs.

Behind them, the courtyard gate of the Medicine Tower was completely visible.

The tall courtyard gate stood ten meters high. The heavy copper door was engraved with thousands of herbs along with annotations. The whole courtyard gate seemed like an encyclopedia of herbs.

In front of the gate, the jade steps extended downward.

At this moment, scattered silhouettes already appeared at the end of the steps.

Seeing someone appear, one of the plain-clothed disciples guarding the gate stepped forward, infused their voice with spiritual power, and loudly announced, “There is only half an incense stick’s time before the assessment deadline. Those who have gathered all the herbs should present them for inspection. Those who pass may enter the courtyard gate.”

His roar made the people appearing on the steps quicken their pace involuntarily.

Those who hadn’t appeared yet also accelerated, rushing toward the courtyard gate.

Finding five kinds of herbs within half a day wasn’t difficult for the Medicine Tower’s apprentice candidates. The only challenge was to avoid mixing up similar herbs.

When Mu Qingge and the other three arrived on the steps, they saw a few people standing dejectedly on the side, disqualified for mixing up herbs.

“Mu, Mu Ge, I’m a bit nervous,” Wei Guanguan suddenly clutched Mu Qingge’s sleeve and said softly.

Mu Qingge glanced back at her and comforted her, “Don’t worry, your herbs are correct.”

Wei Guanguan nodded vigorously, took a deep breath, and released Mu Qingge’s sleeve.

“Look, Tianlong has already arrived,” Wei Qi suddenly looked toward the group of people who had passed and said to the three.

The first to look over was Shui Ling, but upon seeing Fu Tianlong, she quickly averted her gaze as if she didn’t want to see him at all.

Mu Qingge also glanced up and said to the three, “Let’s go submit the herbs first.”

The three nodded.

The four of them then walked up the steps toward several disciples in plain clothing.

Around the waists of those disciples hung several herb baskets, into which they tossed the herbs they deemed acceptable.

Arriving before the courtyard gate, they craned their necks to take in the towering ten-zhang-high gate.

“It’s magnificent!” Wei Qi murmured in admiration.

Wei Guanguan nodded in awe, “Standing in front of this gate, I feel so small.”

“Is this the Medicine Tower’s courtyard gate?” Shui Ling whispered, unable to hide her excitement and astonishment in her eyes.

Her bright eyes gleamed as she suddenly leaned close to Mu Qingge and whispered, “It seems there’s a powerful defense restriction on this gate.”

Mu Qingge’s eyes flashed with surprise.

Si Mo had mentioned that the Ling Tong bloodline could see through all disguises. She hadn’t expected Shui Ling to see the hidden prohibition on the gate.

Even though she was close to entering the Purple Realm, she could only feel the oppressive aura emanating from the gate.

A clearer perception was that the herbal patterns engraved on the gate seemed to follow a certain order.

“You guys, hurry up and submit the herbs,” a sudden urging voice called out.

The four of them snapped out of their reverie, handed their collected herbs to the disciples in plain clothing, and then stood aside waiting.

Soon, the disciples in plain clothing had the results, and the four were directed to stand on the side eligible to enter the Medicine Tower courtyard gate.

Once inside, Mu Qingge spotted Feng Yugui among the crowd.

However, Feng Yugui was acting as if she didn’t recognize her at all, not even sparing her a glance, which puzzled Mu Qingge.

“Shui Ling,” Fu Tianlong squeezed through the crowd to stand by Shui Ling’s side, speaking softly.

Shui Ling turned away, expressionless.

Fu Tianlong’s face turned pale, and he quickly said, “Shui Ling, I know you’re mad at me. I was just blinded by anger earlier; I was wrong.”

Shui Ling continued to ignore him.

Fu Tianlong said anxiously, “Shui Ling, please don’t ignore me! Tell me what it will take to earn your forgiveness.”

Finally, Shui Ling looked at him and, after a long appraisal, said, “You want me to forgive you?”

Fu Tianlong nodded quickly.

“Alright, if you promise me one condition,” Shui Ling looked at him and said.

“Go ahead,” Fu Tianlong looked at her sincerely.

Shui Ling pursed her lips and said to him, “Can you not act so rashly and impulsively in the future? Stop hurting people without understanding the situation?”

“You’re still mad at me about Mu, aren’t you?” Fu Tianlong said with displeasure. But when he saw Shui Ling’s face turn cold, he hurriedly said, “Okay, okay. I understand. I’ll change.”

Shui Ling lowered her eyes and said coldly, “Apologize to Mu Ge.”

“I…” Fu Tianlong’s chest heaved with emotion. He didn’t want to apologize to Mu Qingge, but thinking of Feng Yugui’s words and Shui Ling’s current attitude toward him, he had no choice but to brace himself and approach Mu Qingge.

As he approached, Wei Qi and Wei Guanguan eyed him warily.

He glanced at the Wei siblings and said to Mu Qingge, “As long as you stay away from Shui Ling in the future, I won’t bother you anymore.”

“Hey! Fu Tianlong, is that how you apologize?” Wei Guanguan was the first to disapprove.

Wei Qi also wore a disapproving expression.

Mu Qingge chuckled lightly, “When have you ever seen me getting close to anyone? They all come to me themselves, don’t they?”

“I don’t care!” Fu Tianlong said stubbornly. “Anyway, I was wrong earlier. I wasn’t intending to harm you; I just didn’t want Shui Ling to get hurt. In the future, just stay away from her.”

With that, he didn’t care whether Mu Qingge accepted his apology and turned to return to Shui Ling’s side.

“What a stubborn mule!” Wei Guanguan stomped her foot angrily.

Shui Ling also shot him an unkind look but didn’t ask him to leave again.

This little episode didn’t cause much of a stir, but some who witnessed Fu Tianlong’s earlier outburst in the forest exaggerated it into a tale of romantic rivalry.

“Alright, those who passed, come with me,” the plain-clothes disciple said lightly, carrying an air of aloofness.

The status of being an Alchemist led many to consider themselves superior. However, most present accepted this as the appropriate demeanor for an Alchemist.

In the first round, thirty to forty people were screened out. The remaining three hundred or so followed behind the plain-clothes disciple toward the courtyard gate.

The crowd slowly moved forward, and the closed courtyard gate, with a dull and heavy sound, opened a gap wide enough for three people to walk side by side.

The plain-clothes disciple entered first, with Mu Qingge and the others closely following.

Those who were eliminated could only watch enviously as they disappeared into the courtyard gate, leaving dejectedly under the urging of the Medicine Tower people.

Once inside the gate, everyone was enveloped in a swirl of white mist, blocking all sight.

It was as if they were floating in the clouds, unable to discern east from west.

With their vision suddenly blocked, everyone who entered the gate stopped in their tracks.

After a while, the white mist gradually dissipated, revealing a path paved with jade stones.

“Stay close to me,” the plain-clothes disciple leading the way instructed as he walked along the jade stone path.

More than three hundred people followed closely behind him, entering the white mist.

No one could tell how long they walked, but the road beneath their feet felt unchanged.

“Alright,” the plain-clothes disciple suddenly stopped.

Raising their heads, everyone saw the white mist on both sides gradually thinning, revealing the scenery hidden beneath.

“Is this an earthly paradise?” someone marveled.

Mu Qingge raised her eyes, observing everything around her.

White clouds touched the ground, seemingly continuous with the earth. Ancient trees towered overhead, their lush green leaves like canopies, and countless vines hung down like curtains.

On these ancient trees were rustic treehouses, from which wafted the fragrance of herbs.

Each of these ancient trees would likely require ten people to join hands to encircle. The treehouses on them appeared palace-like, connecting one to another, layered and overlapping.

Along the pathways and steps carved into the ancient trees, many plain-clothes disciples hurried along.

In the midst of the ancient trees stood three seven-layered spire towers, appearing majestic and regal, seemingly symbolizing supreme glory.

Amidst the ancient trees, arch bridges woven from vines spanned the sky, like rainbows connecting the ancient trees, allowing the people living on the trees to move between them.

Between the ancient trees was a square platform, squared like a pavilion, woven from vines suspended in mid-air.

Covered with smooth jade stones, it shimmered in the sunlight, like a plaza.

Beyond the ancient trees, the mountains rise and fall, extending endlessly.

In the distance, one can vaguely see traces of human activity, as if people also dwell there.

’Is this the Medicine Tower?!’ Mu Qingge’s clear eyes were filled with shock.

She had never imagined that the Medicine Tower Branch would present itself in such a form before her. If even a branch is like this, then what about the Headquarters? The Medicine Tower Headquarters located in the Holy Yuan Empire would surely be even more awe-inspiring.

Upon arriving here, Mu Qingge suddenly realized that she had been like a frog at the bottom of a well; there were so many places in this world she had yet to experience.

“This completely overturns what I knew! They actually live in trees!” Wei Qi muttered to himself in shock.

Wei Guanguan’s eyes shone with brilliance, full of curiosity as she looked at every scene.

“Everyone, welcome to the Medicine Tower Branch.” The guide, a disciple in plain clothing, noted everyone’s expressions of shock and spoke with pride.

When he first entered the Medicine Tower, he too was struck with such awe.

Even now, he remains astounded by these sights unseen by the outside world.

“In front of you is the main activity area of the Medicine Tower, including dormitories, Alchemy Rooms, Medicine Houses, and the Pill Recipe Hall. Behind that lies the Mimeng Forest, a natural trove of medicinal materials. However, no one may enter without permission; violators will be promptly expelled from the Medicine Tower without mercy! At the forest’s edge is our own medicine field which you new arrivals will manage.” The disciple in plain clothing briefly introduced the Medicine Tower.

Then, amidst their stunned expressions, he continued, “Alright, the entry assessment is not yet over. Next, you will be led to the Alchemy Room to assess your alchemy talent and to check your Spiritual Sense Strength.”

Upon hearing about the assessment, everyone held their breath and gathered their emotions.

Scanning the group, the disciple in plain clothing smirked with disdain, “Remember, your talent determines your future prospects. So, you must strive to create high-quality Elixirs. I’ve heard that someone among you can produce Advanced Elixirs, such talent is unprecedented in our Medicine Tower. The fellow who can create Advanced Elixirs should work hard indeed.”

The tone was laden with hostility.

There was even derisive provocation.

Feng Yugui stood amidst the crowd, trying to lower his presence, yet he could still sense the mocking glances from around him.

This made him internally resent Mu Qingge, wishing he could drag her out and punish her severely!

“Let’s go, time to test your Spiritual Sense Strength.” The disciple in plain clothing snorted coldly, turning toward one of the pointed towers.

In no time, they followed him to the tower on the far right, stopping in front of it.

At the entrance of the tower hung a plaque, inscribed with the words ’Spiritual Consciousness Tower’.

As they approached, the previously closed tower door suddenly opened, and the disciple in plain clothing led them inside with a steady demeanor.

“I heard there are three towers in the Medicine Tower: Spiritual Consciousness, Pill Recipe, and Hidden Elixir. This must be the Spiritual Consciousness Tower.” Someone quietly murmured as they entered the tower’s first layer.

“No kidding, didn’t you see the sign at the entrance!” Someone sneered.

“Hmph! Laugh at me? Do you even know that there are experts secretly observing in each tower? Perhaps every move we make is being watched.”

“Silence!” The disciple in plain clothing sternly rebuked.

Instantly, the tower fell silent.

Once everything quieted down, the disciple in plain clothing clasped his hands, bowing respectfully, “Elder, by the Dean’s order, I bring the newly inducted disciples to test their Spiritual Sense Strength.”

No one responded from within the tower.

However, the door to the next layer opened, revealing a dark passage.

Standing tall, the disciple in plain clothing addressed the group, “Ascend one by one, as far as you can go without straining yourself. If you feel it’s too difficult to proceed, just stay put, and someone will bring you down after the test is concluded.”

Once he finished speaking, he directed the group toward the passage to the second layer.

Wei Guanguan, walking beside Mu Qingge, nervously asked, “Mu Ge, how is Spiritual Sense detected?”

Mu Qingge pressed her lips together, remaining silent.

Spiritual Sense Strength is possibly akin to the Spiritual Power strength she knows.

Yet, how to test it was not clear from the disciple in plain clothing’s words.

Seeing everyone entering with apprehensive expressions, Mu Qingge instructed the Wei siblings, “Stay close to me, as that senior fellow advised. If it becomes difficult, speak up, don’t push yourselves.”

Wei Qi and Wei Guanguan nodded vigorously, standing to either side of Mu Qingge.

Shui Ling stood a bit further away, Fu Tianlong closely guarding her.

When it was their turn to enter the second layer, Mu Qingge lightly brushed her sleeve, curious, as she entered the passage to the second layer, followed closely by the Wei siblings.

Upon entering, everything went dark. Once her vision adjusted, she saw a winding staircase stretching upward like a great serpent, floating in the void, with no end in sight.

“What is this place? Aren’t we inside the tower?” Wei Qi remarked in surprise from behind.

“Stay close to me,” Mu Qingge instructed as she stepped onto the stairs.

In front of her, previous entrants were nowhere to be seen. Looking back, apart from the Wei siblings, there were no others.

’What a strange place.’ Mu Qingge furrowed her brow, concentrating her mind as she ascended.

As she climbed, she didn’t feel particularly uncomfortable.

With some doubt, she continued moving forward.

The Wei siblings closely followed her, not daring to be careless.

They walked for who knows how long, yet the stairway still showed no end. Given their pace, they should have reached the tower top by now, but it felt as though they were treading in place.

Gradually, the Wei siblings began to feel fatigued.

“Mu Ge, my legs feel so heavy,” Wei Guanguan panted.

Wei Qi shared the sentiment, “I feel utterly drained, like carrying a burden of a thousand pounds.”

Mu Qingge paused, looking back at them, puzzled, “Why do I feel nothing?”

The Wei siblings shook their heads simultaneously upon hearing this.

Pondering briefly, Mu Qingge told them, “Continue moving forward.”

The Wei siblings nodded, taking a deep breath, following Mu Qingge upward.

The three of them climbed the steps, as if navigating through infinite void, reaching endlessly for the top.

Time ticked by slowly.

They seemed to walk for a year, ten years, a hundred years…

The Wei siblings’ steps grew more laborious, unable even to maintain straight postures, relying on each other to keep moving. Large beads of sweat trickled down their brows, soaking their clothes.

Mu Qingge also began to feel the fatigue described by the Wei siblings, yet she persevered, not feeling exhausted.

Seeing the Wei siblings reaching their limit, Mu Qingge finally said, “You should stop here.”

Wei Guanguan leaned strengthlessly against Wei Qi, unable to speak, as frail as a willow in the wind. Wei Qi, pale, sat on the steps, looking up at Mu Qingge. The sight left him speechless.

Even as he watched them collapse on the steps, clothes drenched in sweat, Mu Qingge continued to ascend with little trouble, leaving them astonished.

Fair-minded, they know when to stop and wait patiently for the test to finish before they are helped down.

The Wei siblings, after taking a deep breath, kept up with Mu Qingge, determined to continue.

Standing slightly further away, Shui Ling was guarded closely by Fu Tianlong, who never left her side.

When it was time for them to enter the second layer, Mu Qingge lightly brushed her sleeve, holding onto a thread of curiosity, before heading into the passage of the second layer, with the Wei siblings following closely.

Upon entering, darkness enveloped her. Once her eyes adjusted, she saw a twisting path in the dark.

“Isn’t it crazy that we’re living in a tree?!” Wei Qi mumbled in shock.

Wei Guanguan’s eyes were full of wonder, watching every scene with curiosity.

“Remember to keep up with me, as the senior brother said. If you feel like it’s too hard, just say it, there’s no need to force yourself.”

Wei Qi and Wei Guanguan nodded forcefully. Standing to the left and right of Mu Qingge, respectively.

Shui Ling stood a little further away, protected closely by Fu Tianlong.

Once it was their turn to enter the second floor, Mu Qingge lightly brushed her sleeve, intrigued, and stepped into the passage leading to the second floor, followed closely by the Wei siblings.

As she walked in, everything went black for a moment. Once her vision adjusted, she saw a serpentine path unwinding before her, floating in a pitch-black void without any visible end.

“Stick close,” Mu Qingge told them, curious about what lay ahead, as the Wei siblings followed her upward.

Though they had ascended seemingly far beyond the tower’s peak, they felt that they were barely moving.

After what felt like a year, even ten years, a hundred years…

They walked until they almost couldn’t go any further.

“Mu Ge, how do we test our spiritual sense?” asked Wei Guanguan anxiously, walking at Mu Qingge’s side.

Mu Qingge pressed her lips and remained silent.

Spiritual Sense Strength, perhaps it’s what she knew as spiritual power strength.

However, how to test it was not evident from the trainee’s words.

Seeing everyone holding anxious expressions as they went in, Mu Qingge could only tell the Wei siblings, “Remember to stay close to me, and as that senior brother said, speak up if it becomes too difficult, there’s no need to force it.”

Wei Qi and Wei Guanguan nodded forcefully, standing close behind Mu Qingge. Shui Ling stayed a little farther away, with Fu Tianlong guarding her without a step between.

When it was their turn to enter the second layer, Mu Qingge smoothly flipped her sleeve and, with curiosity alight in her eyes, stepped into the passage to the second layer, the Wei siblings following closely behind.

Once inside, everything went black. As her vision adjusted, she saw a winding path before her, coiling like a great serpent without end.

“What’s going on here?” Wei Guanguan puzzled, her voice tinged with surprise.

“Stay close,” Mu Qingge reminded.

She went on with a mix of curiosity. The world had much more left for her to experience.

As they moved on, she felt no discomfort.

They walked with some confusion, feeling they had climbed to the tower top already, yet they saw no one else.

It felt as if they walked for a year, ten years, a hundred years…

The Wei siblings were exhausted, their clothes soaked in sweat, their breaths heavy.

Having pushed them to their limit, Mu Qingge finally said, “You two should stay here. Don’t force yourselves.”

Leaning heavily against the steps, Wei Guanguan nodded, too breathless even to speak. Wei Qi was also pale, sitting on the steps, looking up at Mu Qingge speechlessly.

Realizing what the test might be, that Spiritual Sense Strength could be related to the mental power she knew of.

Perhaps this is what the senior disciple spoke of earlier.

He was about to instruct the elders in the tower to bring the newcomers out, when he suddenly heard a gasp of astonishment beside him.

“Huh? Someone is still able to go up?”

The silver-haired old man’s eyes flickered, instantly locking onto the highest climbing point of starry light.

This spot of light, like a lone star, continuously climbed upwards at a slow pace, leaving the remaining lights far behind.

“Look quickly! He’s about to break Senior Brother Mei’s record.” Among the onlookers were disciples of the Medicine Tower, and someone exclaimed in shock.

His words focused the gazes of many on a group of outstanding disciples standing at the forefront.

There stood the prominent figures of the Medicine Tower.

If Mu Qingge were here, she would definitely recognize four of them, having met them once at Cui Lake.

Apart from these four, there were six more, all personalities from the Medicine Tower’s popularity list. At this moment, a slender and handsome man standing beside Shang Zisu was watching that spot of light with closed lips, seemingly not hearing any comments from the outside world.

Zhao Nanxing glanced at him and laughed, “Senior Brother Mei, it seems the junior brothers and sisters this time are going to be quite a challenge for you.”

Mei Zizhong’s elegant face remained emotionless, as calm as a cloud. Faced with Zhao Nanxing’s tease, he merely smiled slightly and did not respond.

“He’s surpassed! Surpassed! Who is this person, with a spiritual sense intensity stronger than Senior Brother Mei?” Someone exclaimed in awe.

Suddenly, all eyes were once again drawn to the obsidian.

Inside the tower, Mu Qingge walked tirelessly.

Actually, her legs had long felt heavy as lead, and her shoulders felt as if they were bearing the weight of Qinling. Yet, her will supported her, step by step, upwards.

’Huff—huff—’

Beside her ear, it seemed she could hear her own breathing.

Mu Qingge made a swallowing motion, seemingly wanting to moisten her parched throat with the liquid in her mouth. But after performing the motion, there was no improvement.

One could say her body had dried up to the point of not being able to secrete any liquid.

’Just hang on a little longer!’ Mu Qingge lifted her head, looking at the continuously ascending steps, speaking to herself.

She seemed to see the end, saw the terminus.

“I want to see what the end of this road looks like!” Mu Qingge’s voice became especially hoarse, but still carried determination.

Outside the tower, more and more people gathered around the Obsidian Stele.

Some were Alchemists renowned in the Medicine Tower for a long time, while others were senior students of the tower.

But without exception, all of them locked their gazes on that continuously ascending starry light, their expressions full of astonishment.

It seemed as if that spot of starlight had reached an unprecedented height!

The silver-haired old man, sitting cross-legged on a mat nearest to the Obsidian Stele, could no longer maintain his composure, replaced by solemnity and excitement.

His hand, hidden in his sleeve, trembled slightly, as if he had the fortune in his lifetime to witness the emergence of a peerless genius in the field of Alchemy.

’No matter who this person is, he must become my disciple!’ The silver-haired old man silently vowed in his heart.

Even his eyes became extremely fervent!

“Heavens! How much longer can he last? Is he even human?”

“I’m afraid he not only broke Senior Brother Mei’s record but will become the record holder for a very long time.”

“Come on, I’ve never heard of anyone who could persist so long inside the Spiritual Consciousness Tower since I entered the Medicine Tower.”

“It seems the Medicine Tower Branch of our Yu Country is about to welcome an extraordinary genius Alchemist!”

Behind the Alchemists, the students were all talking at once.

And the Alchemists sitting at the front were both alarmed and secretly wary.

Such a peerless genius, who wouldn’t want to take him as a disciple?

Everyone present was a competitor.

But when they saw the silver-haired old man intensely staring at the Obsidian Stele, their hearts sank a little. How could they compete with this person?

An Alchemist murmured softly, “Fortunately Master Lou is not here today. If he were, I’m afraid there would be a bloody scramble over the disciple in the tower.”

“He’s about to break through the stele!”

In the crowd, a disciple exclaimed in shock.

This statement once again heightened the tension on the scene.

Even Mei Zizhong, usually unflappable, and the indifferent Shang Zisu couldn’t help but show slight changes in expression.

Diao Yuan, who was naturally prone to jealousy, stared at the starlight with Yin Zhe’s eyes, emitting a vicious cold light.

Mei Zizhong’s lips curled into a faint smile, saying to Shang Zisu and Zhao Nanxing beside him, “With such a talented person, I’d like to see for myself.”

Shang Zisu glanced at him lightly, seemingly surprised.

As if the senior brother she knew wasn’t someone who liked to take the initiative to make new connections.

Zhao Nanxing nodded in full understanding, “To meet such genius, it would be a blessing beyond measure.”

In the crowd, Zhu Ling looked at Diao Yuan, whose face was gloomy, and said with a slightly teasing tone, “Senior Brother, it seems you’re going to face competition again. I wonder if you’ll still hold the title of second in the Medicine Tower this time.”

Diao Yuan’s eyes swept over her coldly, speaking chillingly, “Don’t provoke me!”

The silver-haired old man kept his eyes fixed on the Obsidian Stele, and when he found the starlight about to break through the stele’s boundary, his eyes suddenly squinted, murmuring in shock, “Breaking through the stele! Truly blessed, he has gained a tremendous advantage.”

Fortunately, he spoke this quietly, and with no one close to him, his words didn’t reach the ears of others.

Inside the Spiritual Consciousness Tower, Mu Qingge had already surpassed her limits, relying solely on a burst of willpower to keep going. The goal seemed within reach, just ten meters away. She was now crawling on the steps, relying on her hands to slowly move upwards.

“Almost there!”

Mu Qingge gritted her teeth to encourage herself, her gaze firmly fixed on the light so close at hand.

Ten meters, nine meters, eight meters… five meters, four meters, three meters, two meters, one meter! She reached it!

Mu Qingge’s once dulled eyes suddenly regained their luster, and she looked at the end.

“So, the end is just a light ball.” Mu Qingge murmured, a barely noticeable smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.

She reached out, instinctively wanting to pick up the light ball…

Suddenly, a mutation arose. The light ball, about the size of a Luminous Pearl, instantly shattered at the moment her fingertip touched it, fragments floating in the air towards her glabella.

The speed was too fast to capture, and in Mu Qingge’s exhausted state, she couldn’t avoid it.

In just an instant, all those fragments of light spots poured into Mu Qingge’s glabella, making her whole body jolt, her mind seemingly entering a blank state.

The previously dried-up spiritual power was recovering at an astonishing speed, even becoming more resilient and more viscous.

Apparently, though the quantity didn’t change, the quality had achieved a new leap!

This change, Mu Qingge herself was unaware of.

Because the moment those unknown light spots rushed into her glabella, she lost consciousness and fell into a coma.

Outside the tower, the continuously rising starlight on the Obsidian Stele had disappeared.

Because he had surpassed the scope of the Obsidian’s perception.

All around was silence.

Whether shocked or alarmed, no one knew.

This was just an ordinary recruitment assessment for newcomers, yet it created a myth that no one would ever forget.

At this moment, regardless of everyone’s mood, there was a common question in everyone’s mind—

Which was, ’Who on earth is it? How could anyone be so extraordinary?!’

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep