Chapter 475: Chapter 119: Retribution Comes So Soon!

The next day.

Mu Qingge woke up enveloped in sunlight. Last night, she fell asleep very late. She wasn’t sure if it was due to the discomfort of being in a new place or because someone who used to be by her side was absent.

Sitting on the bed, Mu Qingge shook her head hard to dismiss the second possibility entirely.

How could it be that she couldn’t sleep because someone wasn’t there to hold her as she drifted off?

“It must be because I’m not quite used to the new environment!” Mu Qingge said with determination.

“Junior brothers and sisters, come out and receive your disciple robes and registration proof.” A voice suddenly called from outside the treehouse.

Mu Qingge lifted her long robe, got out of bed, and pushed the door open to exit.

Standing in the corridor outside the door, she looked down to see two unfamiliar plain-clothed disciples holding some clothes and waiting below.

As she came out, others from the treehouse also stepped out, looking toward the new arrivals.

“Mu Ge, let’s go get the clothes,” said Wei Qi, who lived in the treehouse to the left of Mu Qingge, before jumping down from the treehouse.

Mu Qingge smiled slightly and followed closely behind.

After receiving the clothes and registration proof, Mu Qingge realized that the so-called registration proof was actually an entirely white jade pendant.

The jade pendant was round with decorative patterns on the top and bottom, with three sharp towers carved in the center, symbolizing the Medicine Tower.

On the reverse side, two lines of characters were engraved.

The upper line indicated the level. For instance, the one Mu Qingge was holding had the words [Low Level]. The one Shui Ling had read [Intermediate].

The lower line contained a numerical identifier.

A bit like the student ID numbers Mu Qingge understood in her previous life.

Shui Ling was an Intermediate Alchemist, something she had learned yesterday. However, Shui Ling had only recently entered the intermediate level, and the elixirs she made were merely intermediate substandard, and she couldn’t always produce intermediate elixirs.

As for Fu Tianlong, like Mu Qingge, he was a low-level alchemist, but the elixirs he produced were high grade, slightly inferior to the low-level top grade elixirs Mu Qingge could take out to handle situations.

Both Wei family siblings held the status of attendants, and their identification proof was a verdant oval jade token.

It had no level, merely the symbol of the Medicine Tower, and even lacked a number.

In Mu Qingge’s understanding, attendants were like auxiliary staff of the Medicine Tower, not officially part of the inner ranks.

After everyone received their clothes and identity tokens, they each returned to their treehouses to change their clothes.

The disciples’ robes of the Medicine Tower indeed showed some thoughtfulness.

Mu Qingge took off her usual red robe and donned the loose-fitting white disciple robe, with the lapels and cuffs meticulously embroidered with silver thread, understated yet not simple.

After changing, she even felt that she exuded a more ethereal and transcendent aura.

She hung the identity token on her belt and pushed the door open to step outside…

As soon as she stepped outside, she felt several surprised gazes fall upon her.

Looking up, she saw her nine roommates and the two Medicine Tower disciples waiting for people to finish changing.

They all stared at her with a stunned expression. Mu Qingge looked down at herself questioningly and asked, “What is it?”

“Nothing!” Wei Qi was the first to react and said to her, “We were used to seeing Mu Ge in red clothing. We didn’t expect that white robes would look so fresh and elegant on you, handsome and graceful.”

Mu Qingge pulled at the corner of her mouth and said speechlessly, “White clothes naturally make one’s temperament appear purer.”

She really didn’t think she looked any more beautiful in white.

Involuntarily, she thought of a certain enchanting figure in white, and Mu Qingge immediately felt that it was Wei Qi and their limited experience that was to blame!

“Ahem. Since everyone’s changed, let’s go. We need to take you to the alchemy room area to complete our task.” One of the Medicine Tower disciples cleared his throat and said aloud.

“What about us attendants?” Wei Guanguan asked eagerly, ignoring the scornful glances from the other five people.

“Attendants?” The previously silent Medicine Tower disciple looked at Wei Qi and Wei Guanguan with disdain before saying coldly, “Attendants report to the medicine field themselves. Once there, someone will naturally tell you what you need to do.”

After speaking, he arrogantly turned and left.

“What’s with this person?” Wei Guanguan muttered discontentedly with her mouth pouting.

Wei Qi patted her shoulder, comforting her, “When we become Pill Masters, they’ll naturally treat us differently.”

Mu Qingge also said to her, “Work hard; your personal growth is more important than any gossip.”

Wei Guanguan nodded vigorously and promised Mu Qingge, “I’ll work hard! Mu Ge, wait for me; I’ll become a Pill Master soon.”

“I believe you.” Mu Qingge smiled faintly and bid farewell to the two.

At this moment, Mu Qingge was still unaware that her name had begun to spread throughout the Medicine Tower.

Her stunning performance in the Spiritual Consciousness Tower and the subsequent surprising alchemy results fueled increasing debate over whether she was a genius or mediocrity.

The alchemy room area was located in a relatively open space.

The grid-like alchemy rooms, resembling a honeycomb, were embedded in the cliff walls. Each row was connected by chain bridges, or one could fly across using personal spiritual power.

Outside the alchemy rooms, a map was drawn, marking the locations of different numbered alchemy rooms. The areas for low and intermediate alchemy rooms were naturally separated. They were divided by a stunning waterfall hanging down from the cliff, a meter wide.

“Well, we’ve led you this far. Now you must familiarize yourselves with everything else.” After saying this, the two disciples turned and bid farewell, seemingly unwilling to linger any longer.

The five individuals respectfully saw off the two disciples, then automatically distanced themselves from Mu Qingge and the other two, beginning to find their respective alchemy room locations.

Only occasionally, when some glanced over at Fu Tianlong, did they carry a teasing look.

It seemed they hadn’t expected the three who had a ’dispute’ in the first match of yesterday’s entrance examination to be together again.

The way they interacted, plus Fu Tianlong’s woeful aura, was almost like that of a resentful husband.

Fu Tianlong felt uncomfortable with those gazes, clenched his fists, and seemed to be on the verge of making a move.

“Fu Tianlong, what are you doing?” Shui Ling, who had been watching him closely, noticed his strange behavior and quickly stopped him.

As soon as Shui Ling spoke, Fu Tianlong deflated instantly, standing silently aside.

Mu Qingge glanced at this scene indifferently, turned around to leave, and did not plan to visit her alchemy room.

“Mu Ge, where are you going?” Shui Ling asked subconsciously.

In an instant, she felt the air around Fu Tianlong pause.

Mu Qingge stopped, looked sideways, and replied, “I’m going to the Pill Recipe Hall to take a look.” With that, she strode away without any hesitation.

Mu Qingge’s straightforwardness left Shui Ling somewhat dazed.

After a while, she returned to her senses, bit her lip, looked at Fu Tianlong, and said, “Come with me.” Surprisingly, she didn’t head toward the alchemy room but instead walked toward a secluded forest.

Fu Tianlong was taken aback and followed Shui Ling away.

This made the crowd watching this ’drama’ start gossiping again.

“What do you think those two will talk about? Could it be that Shui Ling is about to confess and switch her affections to Mu Ge?”

“Even if that’s the case, it’s quite normal. Anyone can see the difference between Fu Tianlong and Mu Ge. If I were a girl, I’d choose the latter too.”

“Hehe, our batch of newcomers will certainly have much excitement to watch.”

A person who couldn’t bear the gossip spoke up, “Come on, instead of minding others’ business, we should hurry and find our alchemy rooms and leave marks. Afterward, we need to report to the medicine field and see what arrangements there are.”

“That’s right, there’s enough work of our own to deal with without getting involved in these love affairs.”

The crowd dispersed, each heading to their respective alchemy rooms.

On the other hand, Shui Ling brought Fu Tianlong into the forest; once she confirmed there was no one else around, Shui Ling looked at him with an eye full of resentment.

“Shui Ling, why did you call me here? Just say it.” Fu Tianlong said muffledly.

Shui Ling pursed her lips and gritted her teeth, “Mu Ge and I are not in the kind of relationship you think. Don’t trouble her anymore. Also, don’t drag her into our matters.”

“Did you call me here just because of that pretty boy?” Fu Tianlong’s temper flared instantly.

Shui Ling stomped her foot in anger and said furiously, “Am I such a fickle person in your eyes?”

“No! You’re not! How could you be that type of woman?” Fu Tianlong, seeing Shui Ling angry, immediately panicked and said, “I know you’re not that kind of person; it’s all that Mu surnamed pretty boy’s fault.”

“I told you, it’s unrelated to others!” Shui Ling shook with anger.

Seeing Fu Tianlong still looking bewildered, she clenched her fist, her shoulders trembling, and said, “Mu Ge has no other thoughts for me, and I have no improper thoughts for her. Do you understand?”

“Shui Ling…” Fu Tianlong stood frozen in place.

At this moment, in Fu Tianlong’s eyes, Shui Ling seemed like a little girl who had been wronged.

She looked just like when she was a child, accused of stealing someone else’s fruit, forced to admit it under their aggressive questioning.

He knew that this was Shui Ling’s character.

I say I didn’t do it, yet you don’t believe me. If you insist I did, then I will show you.

He remembered that after Shui Ling admitted to stealing the fruit, she went and picked all the other fruits from the orchard that night, left them untouched, and stomped them into a pulp on the ground.

Later, when others came around, she coldly said, “Didn’t you accuse me of stealing your fruit? If I hadn’t done it, wouldn’t I be proving your accusation wrong?”

Now in Fu Tianlong’s eyes, Shui Ling seemed to have returned to her childhood.

He said she and Mu Ge were ambiguous, and she denied it. If he didn’t believe her, perhaps she would really do something about it.

A kind of fear surged in Fu Tianlong’s heart, and he quickly opened his arms and hugged Shui Ling tightly, shouting in her ear, “I believe, I believe, Shui Ling, I believe you. If you say there’s no issue, then there is none. I promise not to bother Mu anymore. I’ll be good.”

Suddenly embraced tightly, Shui Ling struggled slightly.

However, Fu Tianlong’s frantic tone and helpless words made her stop struggling, allowing him to hold her.

After a while, she slowly raised her hands, hugging Fu Tianlong’s broad back, her eyes moist.

This man, she loved him to the core.

But she didn’t know whether his concern for her was genuine or due to their arranged marriage.

A bitter tear flowed from Shui Ling’s eye, and she murmured to herself: ’Ling Tong, oh Ling Tong, you let me see through countless disguises in the world, why can’t you let me see through one person’s heart?’

…

“Pill Recipe Hall.” Mu Qingge glanced at the sign hanging on the tower door, puzzled.

Clearly it’s a tower, why call it a hall?

With a pout, she stepped inside.

Upon entering, she felt a force sweep over her, which dissipated after detecting the identity token at her waist, seemingly verifying her identity.

Soon, she heard a majestic voice descend from above: “Low-level Pill Master, can access books on the first and second layers. Each reading session is limited to two hours. Proceed.”

With surprise, Mu Qingge entered the Pill Recipe Hall.

She felt she had miscalculated.

She hadn’t expected that rank was linked to privileges.

Low-level Pill Masters could only read books from the first and second layers, and the reading time was limited. Thus, if she needed more time or wanted to read higher-level collections and recipes, she would need a higher rank.

Suddenly, Mu Qingge realized that instead of this Pill Recipe Hall, she should be heading to the place where she could assess and confirm her Pill Master rank.

“Since I’m already here, I might as well take a look.” Mu Qingge said with a sense of resignation.

She walked into the quiet Pill Recipe Hall.

The hall was octagonal.

Many bookshelves stood from bottom to top. Each shelf could rotate and was arranged from the outside in according to the octagonal shape, maximizing the number of books it could hold.

Although Mu Qingge could currently access only the first and second layers, the first layer had a substantial collection.

Even with unlimited time, reading all those books would likely take several months.

This was assuming a highly abnormal reading speed.

Mu Qingge walked along the rows of bookshelves, glancing briefly at the books on the first layer.

Most of the first layer contained introductions to herbs, distribution of medicinal materials, and some other topics.

“I guess the elixir recipes will only appear on the second layer.” Mu Qingge murmured to herself.

Her mind already contained an immense variety of herbal knowledge, so this layer held little attraction for her.

Realizing she had only two hours and half an hour had already passed, she decided to leave the first layer and head up to the second.

Ascending the stairs, Mu Qingge arrived at the second layer.

Sure enough, as she expected. Some low-level elixir recipes were placed on the second layer. Additionally, there were certain introductions to the interactions between medications.

There were even books on alchemy insights.

These books undoubtedly provided an opportunity for Medicine Tower disciples who had not yet joined a sect to self-study.

Though low-level elixir recipes didn’t particularly interest Mu Qingge, she stayed on the second layer, skimming the collections there. Instead, she focused more on the books discussing alchemy insights and solutions for difficult problems.

The Pill Recipe Hall had very few people.

There were only about twelve to twenty people on the second layer, all engrossed in the ocean of books, not disturbing each other.

Mu Qingge got absorbed in her reading, noticing eventually that those who arrived before her had gradually left, leaving only herself standing before the bookshelf, engrossed in the contents of the book she held.

A beam of light from the top of the tower illuminated her, as if enveloping her in a halo.

Shang Zisu, descending from the upper floor, saw this stunning sight.

She had never seen any man so beautiful that you couldn’t take your eyes off him. Even shedding his red robe for pure white garments, he still conveyed a sense of wild arrogance and nobility as if dominating heaven and earth, beholden to none. His gaze was so transparent but hid intense defiance, his straight posture seemed to be made of proud bones, unable to be bent even if the sky fell.

Sensing she was being watched, Mu Qingge lifted her eyes and met Shang Zisu’s slightly dazed gaze.

In that brief eye contact, Shang Zisu felt a sharp light shoot from those clear eyes, piercing her core and shattering all her defenses.

For the first time, a trace of panic appeared in her calm, beautiful eyes.

She didn’t even know what to do next.

Mu Qingge lightly closed the book and nodded slightly, “Sister Shang.”

“You know me?” Shang Zisu blurted out. But as the words fell, she felt surprised.

In the past, when fellow disciples called her, when had she ever responded?

Displeased with her unusual response, Shang Zisu’s expression instantly cooled, more akin to the ice-cold beauty the rumors depicted.

“Sister Shang’s reputation as Medicine Tower’s top beauty, and her popularity ranking being third, though I am new to the Medicine Tower, I’ve heard of it.” Mu Qingge said calmly. Her lips seemed to hold a slight smile.

Though respectful in her words, Shang Zisu didn’t see the carefulness and admiration in Mu Qingge that other disciples showed when facing her.

It seemed that, in Mu Qingge’s eyes, she was no different than any stray cat or dog without any special significance.

This feeling made her curiously size up Mu Qingge a bit more but quickly withdrew her gaze without leaving a trace.

With a faint nod, Shang Zisu descended the stairs, leaving Mu Qingge’s sight.

After watching Shang Zisu leave, Mu Qingge once again focused on the book in her hands.

The contents were indeed interesting, vividly described, making reading them much engaging. The solutions for difficult problems were unexpectedly novel.

A long time passed, and suddenly the jade pendant at Mu Qingge’s waist shimmered again.

The majestic voice descended once more: “Time’s up, exit.”

With that, Mu Qingge felt as though a giant force pulled her, dragging her out of the Pill Recipe Hall.

Once the force dissipated, she was already standing outside the hall.

’Such a strong forbidden technique!’ Mu Qingge silently marveled.

She had studied forbidden techniques and could recognize that the force dragging her out of the hall was indeed a forbidden technique.

Looking down at her jade pendant, Mu Qingge could only helplessly leave, planning to return the next day to continue reading that intriguing book.

Recalling her alchemy room still lacked an imprint, Mu Qingge began to head towards the alchemy room area.

After taking a few steps, she overheard people talking about how certain newcomers were chosen by certain Alchemy Masters as disciples.

To this, Mu Qingge felt indifferent.

Arriving at the alchemy room area, standing before the honeycomb-like cliffside, there was hardly anyone in sight.

She wondered whether they were all silently engaging in alchemy or had gone elsewhere.

Following the guidance, Mu Qingge easily found her own Alchemy Room.

She removed the jade pendant from her waist and pressed it into the slot, the door of the Alchemy Room slowly opened, and at the same time, it remembered the aura of the jade pendant in Mu Qingge’s hand.

From now on, aside from the identity jade pendant in her hand, nothing else could open the Alchemy Room.

Lowering her head to enter the Alchemy Room, Mu Qingge discovered that it was a cave.

Not large, just the size of a small chamber.

Inside, however, were various tools needed for alchemy, even more complete and abundant than the Alchemy Room used in the previous assessment.

After a quick look around, Mu Qingge was quite satisfied with this Alchemy Room.

“I wonder if there will be an opportunity to perform alchemy here.” Mu Qingge said with a smile.

Her original plan in the Medicine Tower was to spend only about a year, but now, in order to gain the qualification to escort the Medicine Ship, it might take that much time.

A year, for those who cultivate, passes quickly.

She feared she really wouldn’t find many chances to refine elixirs here.

Walking out of the Alchemy Room, closing its door, Mu Qingge left the alchemy area.

However, she hadn’t walked far when her path was blocked by a long statured, graceful figure.

Mu Qingge raised her eyes in confusion, looking at the person before her.

Once she saw the person’s appearance clearly, Mu Qingge’s eyes flickered, feeling a stream of clarity flowing through her heart, taking away all mundane matters.

The man before her was pure and unworldly, as ethereal as an immortal.

Like a refined gentleman, he also resembled a cloud in the sky.

“Junior Brother Mu.” The person accurately called out her surname, confirming for Mu Qingge that he had found the right person.

Her clear eyes darkened momentarily, and Mu Qingge replied in an affirmative tone, “Senior Brother Mei.”

Mei Zizhong’s smiling mouth curled deeper, his eyes warmer: “I didn’t expect Junior Brother Mu to know of me.”

Mu Qingge smiled lightly: “With such style and demeanor, aside from the number one on the Medicine Tower’s popularity list, I can’t think of anyone else.”

“Junior Brother Mu is too kind.” Mei Zizhong said with a faint smile.

He showed no hint of pride or complacency due to Mu Qingge’s words.

“What brings Senior Brother Mei to me?” Mu Qingge asked directly.

Mei Zizhong replied with a smile in his eyes, “Has any master proposed to accept Junior Brother Mu as an apprentice?”

“No,” Mu Qingge replied bluntly.

“In that case…” Mei Zizhong’s smile deepened, and he spoke sincerely, “I wish to take you as an apprentice on behalf of my master. Would Junior Brother Mu be willing to join Lou Chuanbai, under Master Lou?”

“Become an apprentice on behalf of your master?” Mu Qingge’s lips curled playfully.

Mei Zizhong explained, “Please don’t mind, Junior Brother Mu. My master is not currently in the Medicine Tower; he’s traveling and will return in a few days. I’m taking in apprentices on his behalf out of necessity.”

Mu Qingge laughed, “Aren’t you worried, Senior Brother Mei, that your master will trouble you when he returns for acting on your own?”

Mei Zizhong shook his head lightly, “It’s true that Master rarely takes apprentices. Besides me, there are only two others, Junior Sister Shang and Junior Brother Zhao. But, I know Master’s nature. If he were in the Medicine Tower and knew of a talent like Junior Brother Mu, he would definitely accept you. I’m just trying to prevent him from blaming me later for letting such a talented person slip away.”

This half-joking remark revealed Mei Zizhong’s approachable nature and helped to bridge the gap between them.

The harmless impression Mei Zizhong gave left a good impression on Mu Qingge.

However, this goodwill wasn’t enough to change her previous decision. So, after Mei Zizhong finished speaking, she slowly shook her head and declined, “I’m sorry, Senior Brother Mei, I don’t have any plans to apprentice under anyone at the moment. Besides, I’m not a genius; you know I only managed to refine a low-level elixir, right?”

“That doesn’t mean anything,” Mei Zizhong showed no discontent at being refused. His tone remained gentle, “Junior Brother Mu’s reputation as a genius isn’t baseless. Perhaps you don’t realize that even before officially entering the Medicine Tower, you’ve already become a celebrity here.”

“What do you mean?” Mu Qingge’s eyes flickered, and she became cautious.

Her first thought was the revelation of her identity as the Little Lord of Qin Country.

Of course, that didn’t matter much. There were many with status and background in the Medicine Tower. She just felt that having her identity exposed might restrict her actions a bit.

Mei Zizhong chuckled, “In the Spiritual Consciousness Tower, Junior Brother Mu set the highest record ever. Your Spiritual Sense Strength surpasses everyone in the Medicine Tower, so you are a born Alchemist. There’s no doubt about it.”

So that’s what it was about.

Mu Qingge suddenly realized.

However, she felt a bit uneasy. She never expected that upon entering the Medicine Tower, she would cause such a stir and even break a record?

’Sigh, this is too showy!’ someone thought smugly to themselves.

“It was just luck,” Mu Qingge replied with a light smile.

Mei Zizhong shook his head seriously, “It’s talent, not luck. Junior Brother Mu doesn’t have to agree right now, but I hope you consider it for a few days. In the Medicine Tower, you can learn more from a mentor and won’t waste your talent.”

“Okay.” Seeing his seriousness, Mu Qingge couldn’t outright refuse.

Seeing her agree, Mei Zizhong’s smile widened, “Whenever you need, my sect is always open for Junior Brother Mu. If you encounter any confusion, feel free to find me, and I’ll do my best to help. Also, with your growing reputation, you might face some troubles, so don’t hesitate to come to me if needed.”

“Thank you, Senior Brother Mei,” Mu Qingge expressed her gratitude.

Regardless of whether she needed it or how genuine he was, such a promise deserved her thanks.

“Alright, I won’t delay Junior Brother Mu’s time any longer.” Mei Zizhong said his piece and then turned to leave. His graceful departure was as fluid as flowing water, exuding utmost flair.

When Mu Qingge returned to the “dormitory,” the Wei siblings were already waiting for her.

But Shui Ling and Fu Tianlong were nowhere to be seen—they seemed to have gone off somewhere.

“Mu Ge, come quickly!” Wei Guanguan exclaimed excitedly, as usual. As soon as she saw Mu Qingge, she eagerly jumped up and waved for her to come over.

With a light leap, Mu Qingge landed in front of her door.

She pushed the door open and was the first to slip inside, saying to the other two, “Come in.”

Invited, Wei Qi and Wei Guanguan exchanged a smile and followed Mu Qingge into the tree house.

Once inside, the two of them pulled out chairs familiarly and started telling Mu Qingge about their day’s observations.

“Mu Ge, did you go to the Medicine Field today? Wow! The Medicine Tower is as reputable as they say, the field stretches as far as the eye can see. Luckily, smelly Wei Qi and I are only responsible for a small piece, otherwise, it would be exhausting! Also, did you hear? That annoying Third Prince Feng is actually an Intermediate Alchemist. If we had known, you shouldn’t have hidden your skills, now it lets that petty person flaunt around,” Wei Guanguan chattered on.

’Feng Yugui is an Intermediate Alchemist? Truly unexpected, yet makes sense,’ Mu Qingge was slightly surprised.

Seeing Wei Guanguan’s indignant face, she smiled, “If he didn’t have some skill, how could he claim to produce Advanced Elixirs?”

“I know, I just can’t stand his smug look,” Wei Guanguan pouted angrily.

Then she brightened up: “But you wouldn’t know, though his level is decent, someone still came to mock him today, saying he boasted about producing Advanced Elixir, yet only made a Middle Level Middle Grade Elixir in the entrance test. It cracked me up. I also heard someone even challenged him to a Dan Fighting duel and they will set a time for it.”

“A Dan Fighting duel?” Mu Qingge’s interest was piqued.

“Yeah! They say the challenger to Feng Yugui isn’t on the popular list but is close behind and seems to be a follower of Diao Yuan. It’s uncertain if the challenge to Feng Yugui was under Diao Yuan’s instruction. If Feng Yugui loses, he’ll be discredited; if he wins, it’ll benefit him,” Wei Qi said.

“Someone from Diao Yuan’s side? Probably testing Feng Yugui,” Mu Qingge quickly deduced the intrigue behind this duel challenge.

“There’s another thing, you know, Mu Ge?” Wei Guanguan raised her eyebrows at Mu Qingge, as if waiting for her to ask further.

But Mu Qingge remained unperturbed, leaving Wei Guanguan feeling quite deflated.

Mu Qingge turned to Wei Qi and asked, “When is their Dan Fighting duel scheduled?”

Wei Qi said, “It’s set for three days later.”

Mu Qingge smiled slightly. She was curious to see this spectacle.

Then she looked at the dejected Wei Guanguan and asked, “Any other news?”

“This one’s about you, Mu Ge,” Wei Qi interjected.

This angered Wei Guanguan, who smacked her sibling mercilessly and scolded, “Stupid Wei Qi, don’t steal my news!”

“You’re so fierce, how will you get married later?” Wei Qi dodged quickly, hiding behind Mu Qingge to warn Wei Guanguan.

Wei Guanguan hesitated, took a shy glance at Mu Qingge, and stomped her foot, “If I can’t get married, so be it, what does it matter to you!”

“Alright, alright! You say it, I won’t compete with you, Mu Ge is waiting to hear,” Wei Qi pleaded.

When Mu Qingge was mentioned, Wei Guanguan finally calmed her aggressive demeanor, glared fiercely at Wei Qi, and said, “Mu Ge, the person we’ve heard most discussed today is you. Do you know why?”

If Mei Zizhong hadn’t sought her out, perhaps Mu Qingge would still be surprised.

But at this moment, hearing Wei Guanguan’s words, she had a sense of it.

However, seeing the little girl’s earnest and expectant look, she still shook her head as desired and asked, “Why?”

Wei Guanguan immediately squinted her eyes with a smug smile and said, “Mu Ge, you’re simply incredible! Do you know that you’ve broken the record in the Medicine Tower’s Spiritual Consciousness Tower? Most importantly, do you know? The previous record holder was Senior Brother Mei Zizhong, who ranks first on the popularity list. I heard that our performance in the Spiritual Consciousness Tower yesterday was roughly visible to the outside. When the teachers and students in the Medicine Tower saw you breaking the record, it truly shocked everyone, even alarming the dean!”

Mu Qingge raised her eyebrows but showed no particular reaction.

Wei Guanguan, however, continued excitedly, “You wouldn’t believe it; today we saw how Feng Yugui turned black-faced upon hearing news about you. Hahaha—!”

“Alright, that’s nothing special. It’s just that I have a bit more endurance than others,” Mu Qingge said with a faint smile.

“A bit more? It’s a lot more, okay!” Wei Guanguan exaggerated.

After her excitement slightly calmed down, Mu Qingge said, “Rest well tonight; from tomorrow, we’ll have to work hard. Strive to become a Pill Master soon, and don’t embarrass your father.”

This statement froze the expressions of both brother and sister at the same time.

It seems, reminded intentionally or unintentionally by Mu Qingge, they remembered that the person in front of them was the adopted brother recognized by their father, and in terms of generation, he was their ’uncle.’

Obediently exiting Mu Qingge’s room, they gazed at the bright moon in the sky, sighed mourningly, feeling the same plight.

A silent night, Mu Qingge rose early again.

These past two days, without the disturbance of the monster gentleman, she should have slept better, but unexpectedly, she experienced insomnia again.

In the end, she resorted to meditative cultivation as a means of rest.

Rubbing her brow, Mu Qingge felt dissatisfied with her own oddity.

It seems she was somewhat missing that warm embrace felt every morning upon awakening.

“This isn’t a good sign!” Mu Qingge slapped her cheeks, warning herself.

Exhaling a breath of impure air, Mu Qingge jumped off the bed, pushed the door open, and walked out of her room.

Today, everyone started their own cultivation, and there would be no group activities.

Like following Mu Qingge closely, the Wei siblings couldn’t accompany Mu Qingge due to learning different things from the attendant.

Mu Qingge sensed her surroundings; it was peaceful, seemingly she was the only one remaining in the dormitory.

She wondered if others had gone to the Medicine Field or to the Pill Room area.

However, according to what those Medicine Tower disciples said before, during the observation period, students had to spend half a day each day in the Medicine Field, so they were likely all at the Medicine Field by now.

Yet, she didn’t plan to go to the Medicine Field.

Flicking away nonexistent dust on her white robe, she headed towards the Pill Recipe Hall.

As for the rules, well, she’ll deal with them if they come to her.

That day, Mu Qingge again spent her time in the Pill Recipe Hall.

Coincidentally, she met Shang Zisu there again. Unlike the previous day, Shang Zisu was not there when she arrived, appearing only after Mu Qingge had spent roughly half her time there, climbing the stairs.

Upon their second meeting, Mu Qingge merely nodded slightly, while Shang Zisu only glanced at her before walking upstairs, maintaining that untouchable, cold, and aloof demeanor as rumored.

Shang Zisu’s indifference did not make Mu Qingge feel anything amiss.

On the contrary, such a greeting made her feel at ease, uninfluenced by each other.

When the time came, Mu Qingge was once again repelled by the power of the Forbidden Technique, leading her to consider finding time to upgrade her Low Level to Intermediate Level.

As for Advanced…

Currently, there were only three Advanced Alchemists in the Medicine Tower.

Unless necessary, she really didn’t want to draw that much attention.

Being thrown out of the Pill Recipe Hall, Mu Qingge lightly brushed her wide robe, and headed towards the Medicine Field. There was still plenty of time; she could visit the immense Medicine Field Wei Guanguan described and check on how the siblings were doing.

But before she reached the Medicine Field, only seeing its hazy outline, her path was blocked again.

Mu Qingge felt speechless inside.

Complaining to herself: Are people from this Medicine Tower keen on blocking others’ paths?

Was it Mei Zizhong yesterday, and who is it today?

Mu Qingge looked at the person obstructing her path, her clear eyes flashing. She hadn’t expected the one stopping her was none other than Diao Yuan, ranked second on the popularity list, often jokingly called the eternal runner-up.

Seeing Diao Yuan looking at her with a gloomy gaze, she found it inexplicable.

“Are you Mu Ge?” Diao Yuan’s cold voice echoed, a chilling breeze emanating from his eyes.

Mu Qingge raised an eyebrow, not responding.

If Mei Zizhong gave people a feeling of spring, then Diao Yuan gave a feeling of ominous autumn.

“No answer? Very well.” Diao Yuan squinted, malicious gleam sparkling within his eyes. “I have a question for you; you must answer honestly.”

Mu Qingge’s eyebrow raised higher. She mused: Who are you, really?

But Diao Yuan ignored the sarcasm on Mu Qingge’s face, asking, “What did you gain in the Spiritual Consciousness Tower? If you hand it over, I can ensure your safety in the Medicine Tower.”

It was only yesterday that his master mentioned there was a hidden treasure in the Spiritual Consciousness Tower, very precious and longed for by countless Pill Masters.

Only those reaching the final point relying on their Spiritual Sense Strength could own it.

Especially since this treasure had remained unattained by anyone until surprisingly, during the entrance exam, Mu Ge, a prodigal, reached the endpoint.

Since she reached the endpoint, the treasure must have fallen into her hands.

For Diao Yuan, a treasure coveted even by his master, desired by countless Pill Masters, could only be his!

So today he appeared before Mu Qingge.

’The thing in the Spiritual Consciousness Tower?’ Mu Qingge’s mind flashed with the light ball she saw when losing consciousness.

She still didn’t know what that thing was. But the only thing she was certain of was, when she lightly touched it, it shattered and entered her brow, vanishing.

She couldn’t take it out for Diao Yuan, even if the light ball were in her hands, she wouldn’t give it to Diao Yuan in exchange for safety in the Medicine Tower.

Mu Qingge sneered contemptuously, looking at Diao Yuan unafraid, and said, “I refuse.”

“You wish to die!” Diao Yuan’s eyes squinted tighter, the malicious gleam in his eyes intensified.

Mu Qingge mocked, remaining calm, “I’ll be waiting.”

“Humph.” Diao Yuan coldly snorted, his face turned dark as he flung his sleeve and left.

That cold snort contained much murderous intent, and Mu Qingge’s smile gradually faded.

She just wanted to quietly visit the Medicine Tower, but trouble emerged. Yet she pondered, what was that light ball truly? Could it be valuable enough for Diao Yuan to personally seek it?

Mu Qingge felt puzzled but didn’t know who to ask for clarity at the moment, so she temporarily let it go.

Having been delayed some time by Diao Yuan, Mu Qingge quickened her pace towards the Medicine Field.

Approaching the Medicine Field, she genuinely felt the impact of the boundless Medicine Field described by Wei Guanguan.

“Indeed, it’s vast!” Mu Qingge exclaimed, sincerely admiring the endless Medicine Field.

“Are you Mu Junior Brother? I want to challenge you!” Suddenly, an unfamiliar voice interrupted Mu Qingge’s admiration.

Turning back, she saw a young man with a Jade Pendant proving Intermediate Level hanging at his waist.

The young man appeared to be in his twenties, displaying arrogance and disdain.

“Who are you?” Mu Qingge asked with a raised brow.

The young man lifted his chin, proudly stating, “I am ranked eighth on the popularity list, Song Yu.”

“Oh, don’t recognize you,” Mu Qingge responded flatly, her clear eyes showing no fluctuation.

She didn’t know why this Song Yu found her, but upon seeing the surrounding crowd, noticing Diao Yuan’s presence, she understood.

Diao Yuan’s revenge came faster than expected!

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep