Chapter 484: Chapter 128: Diao Yuan’s Scheme

“What is the trial task?”

Zhao Nanxing was also somewhat puzzled.

Logically, if there were a trial task, it should have been announced long ago. Why is it so sudden this time?

After pondering for a moment, Zhao Nanxing said to Lou Chuanbai, “Master, it seems this trial task is not simple.”

Lou Chuanbai nodded in agreement: “I think so too.” After speaking, he gave Mu Qingge a meaningful glance.

Mu Qingge smiled faintly, seemingly indifferent.

Seeing her calm demeanor, Lou Chuanbai said to the four, “This trial is only open to Intermediate Alchemists and above. The task is to enter the depths of the Mimeng Forest to find a medicinal material called the Illusion Moon Bud.”

“Illusion Moon Bud?” Mei Zizhong said first in surprise, “Isn’t the Illusion Moon Bud only found near Moon Lake? To obtain it, don’t we have to go to the deepest part of the Mimeng Forest?”

Lou Chuanbai nodded: “The Mimeng Forest is famous for its medicinal materials, but it is not without the presence of Spirit Beasts. Going so deep is already a test for you. Moreover, I worry there might be other dangers.”

Though he spoke vaguely, the four present understood.

This trial might be a conspiracy against Mu Qingge. If Hua Cangzhu cannot have something, he would rather destroy it than let others have it; that’s his way.

In the past, Lou Chuanbai had let it go when competing with him for disciples. But this time is different; Mu Qingge’s talent is unprecedented, and she even obtained a treasure from the Spiritual Consciousness Tower. How could such talent be handed over to others?

There is a secret that even Lou Chuanbai does not know.

For Hua Cangzhu to return to the Main Courtyard, he must either become a Spirit Level Alchemist or have a capable apprentice to return with.

All these years, he focused on breaking his limits, but he still couldn’t touch the barrier of becoming a Spirit Level Alchemist. The appearance of Mu Qingge gave him new hope.

So, if Mu Qingge cannot be used by him, he would rather destroy her!

His extreme nature was one of the reasons he was sent to the Branch initially; not due to outstanding ability, but because his extremism isolated him from many.

“Mu Ge, you must be careful,” Lou Chuanbai said solemnly.

Mu Qingge laughed, “Don’t worry, many want my life, but none have succeeded so far.”

Lou Chuanbai shook his head, disagreeing: “You must not be careless. They know you’re skilled in Poison Techniques, so they’ll definitely be on guard. The same tricks might not work again.”

“I understand.” Mu Qingge did not explain further.

Despite thinking it over, Lou Chuanbai was unsettled. He then said to the other three, “Your Junior Brother Mu has not been here long and is unfamiliar with many situations. The trial did not specify whether you can team up, so you three should join him in a team.”

“Yes, Master.”

“Yes, Master!”

“Yes, Master!”

Mei Zizhong, Zhao Nanxing, and Shang Zisu agreed in unison without hesitation.

Mu Qingge opened her mouth to refuse, but Lou Chuanbai’s unwavering gaze stopped her.

These people genuinely cared for her safety.

For the first time, Mu Qingge felt the camaraderie among fellow disciples.

The feeling was not bad.

’Oh well, if there’s any danger, I’ll just bear it,’ Mu Qingge conceded in her heart.

“Alright, you all go back and rest. The trial starts early tomorrow. Remember, your safety is the priority over any task.” Lou Chuanbai waved his sleeve and left with his hands clasped behind his back.

The four remaining stood in place. Mei Zizhong looked around at them, then said, “I’m going to prepare some things.” With that, he turned, vanishing like smoke.

Shang Zisu also looked at Mu Qingge and Zhao Nanxing, “I’ll go prepare some things too.”

Once the two had left, Zhao Nanxing smiled at Mu Qingge, “Junior Brother Mu, where do you plan to go?”

Mu Qingge responded with amusement, “Does Senior Brother Zhao still worry someone would dare to attack me in the Medicine Tower?”

“The thoughts of deceitful people cannot be measured by ordinary standards.” Zhao Nanxing’s smile was as warm as a spring breeze, gentle like green bamboo.

Mu Qingge laughed, “I’m heading to my old treehouse.”

“Since Senior Brother and Zisu are preparing things, and I have nothing else to do, why not accompany Junior Brother for a walk?” Zhao Nanxing offered.

Mu Qingge nodded, agreeing to the company.

The two left Lou Chuanbai’s residence side by side, heading to the treehouse area.

Along the way, onlookers whispered about Mu Qingge, as if discussing her previous refusal to become Master Lou’s disciple, and now becoming his apprentice.

Some even maliciously speculated that Master Lou must have secretly promised her benefits to change her mind.

Throughout the way, listening to the gossip, Zhao Nanxing silently observed Mu Qingge’s expression. Not until they reached the treehouse area did he say, “Junior Brother, ignore those people’s words.”

“Don’t worry, Senior Brother Zhao. If I took every rumor to heart, wouldn’t I be overwhelmed?” Mu Qingge joked.

Zhao Nanxing’s furrowed brows relaxed instantly, “I’m relieved you’re not affected, Junior Brother Mu.”

“Not at all. In fact, they’re not completely wrong,” Mu Qingge hinted. Indeed, she and Lou Chuanbai had reached some agreements, just not as others imagined.

Zhao Nanxing seemed puzzled, not understanding Mu Qingge’s meaning.

Seeing his confusion, Mu Qingge knew Lou Chuanbai had not shared their conversation with his apprentice, so she said no more, just smiled it off.

Reaching the treehouse, the Wei siblings had already gone to the Medicine Field.

Among the ten treehouses, only Fu Tianlong and Shui Ling remained.

Mu Qingge went directly to Fu Tianlong’s room, while Zhao Nanxing considerately stayed outside, seemingly admiring the treehouse scenery.

Shui Ling came out to make tea for him, then stayed outside with him.

In Fu Tianlong’s room, Mu Qingge told him about the trial task in the Mimeng Forest. “This trial requires Intermediate Dan God level and above. Shui Ling is qualified, but the trial might not be simple, so she shouldn’t join the commotion. Moreover, although Feng Yugui is in the Water Prison, his nature won’t let him wait passively. He may find a way to get out early, so be cautious of him. In short, until I return, avoid conflicts with him.”

Fu Tianlong said gravely, “Last time, you said you were waiting for someone. Who is it? Can he handle Feng Yugui?”

Mu Qingge was silent for a moment, then narrowed her eyes slowly, speaking softly, “Feng Yugui’s identity as the Prince of Li Country is his greatest protection. If you confront him head-on and kill him, it will draw Li Country’s retribution. We can be fearless, but we must consider if dealing with one Feng Yugui is worth opposing an entire country. That person will shatter Feng Yugui’s dreams and keep him too busy to bother you. Rest assured, he will inevitably meet his demise!”

Fu Tianlong listened, stunned, nodding dully after a while.

Mu Qingge asked, “You are the Young Clan Leader of the Hu Clan. The Hu Clan is already a major clan among the tribes in Ba Country. It is said that now Ba Country’s Great Witch is from the Hu Clan?”

Fu Tianlong, not understanding Mu Qingge’s inquiry, still nodded, “Ba Country is different from other nations, with each tribe self-governing. However, when engaging with other countries, they act under Ba Country’s name. Every four years, a Great Witch is elected from the tribes as Ba Country’s highest authority in diplomacy. The current Great Witch is indeed from our Hu Clan; he’s my uncle.”

“In that case, it will be easier,” Mu Qingge smiled. “Wait for my message; when the time comes, you must write a letter to your uncle to give Feng Yugui a grand gift.”

Mu Qingge’s words were vague, leaving Fu Tianlong confused, but he nodded in cooperation.

After talking with Fu Tianlong, Mu Qingge came out, seeing Zhao Nanxing and Shui Ling chatting pleasantly. She went over.

“Shui Ling,” Mu Qingge called gently.

Shui Ling turned, showing a pure smile, “Mu Ge!”

Mu Qingge approached her, speaking softly, “I need to leave for a few days. You and Fu Tianlong take care, be wary of what you consume daily. Also, inform the Wei siblings to stay in the Medicine Field for now, don’t wander around.”

The opponent’s insidiousness required her careful consideration.

Shui Ling nodded, seemingly sensing something unusual in Mu Qingge’s words.

After leaving the treehouse, Zhao Nanxing asked Mu Qingge, “Are you worried they might be implicated?”

“With that person’s nature, it’s not impossible,” Mu Qingge said with a playful curl of her lips.

Zhao Nanxing nodded almost imperceptibly, saying, “If you’re worried, I will have people secretly keep an eye on them. I’ll also inform our master to watch for any movements over there.”

“Thanks,” Mu Qingge said. If it weren’t for the rules against bringing personal followers into the Medicine Tower, she wouldn’t be so passive.

With Fu Tianlong’s protection over Shui Ling, the Wei siblings’ strength isn’t considered weak. However, she must guard against the opponent’s underhanded tactics.

After all, they are implicated because of her.

If she hadn’t caught Diao Yuan’s interest, or hadn’t harbored resentment with Feng Yugui, they wouldn’t have been drawn into this affair.

“Brother Zhao, if someone wants to ruin someone’s reputation and get them expelled from the Medicine Tower, what can be done?” Suddenly, Mu Qingge asked.

Zhao Nanxing was taken aback, examined Mu Qingge for a moment, and his eyes curving like crescent moons, replied, “It’s quite simple, as long as he violates the rules of the Medicine Tower.”

“For example?” Mu Qingge smiled faintly.

Zhao Nanxing seemed to think for a moment before answering, “Hmm, for instance, if he steals Elixir in the Hidden Pill Tower. Or kills the Medicine Tower disciples in public. Or cheats in Dan Fighting. Or conspires with external thieves to do things that are detrimental to the Medicine Tower.”

Mu Qingge looked at him, seeing star-like slyness in his gentle jade-like eyes.

Her smile deepened, she cupped her fists with a bow, saying, “Thank you for the guidance, senior brother.”

Zhao Nanxing laughed, “You’re too kind, junior brother.”

When Mu Qingge met his gaze, a sense of mutual understanding naturally arose.

She chuckled and said to Zhao Nanxing, “Senior brother, I plan to visit the Pill Recipe Hall, do you wish to accompany me?”

Zhao Nanxing immediately shook his head with a bitter face, “I’ve been there many times, and I’ve seen everything below the fourth layer. Unfortunately, this foolish brother does not have enough talent to reach the fifth layer; it’s a waste of time for me. If junior brother feels sorry for senior brother, how about writing down some entry-level recipes of Advanced Alchemist for me when you see them?”

“Understood.” Mu Qingge replied with a laugh.

After parting ways with Zhao Nanxing, she headed towards the Pill Recipe Hall. Today, she wanted to see what ancient books were kept on the Seventh Layer.

Upon entering the Pill Recipe Hall, Mu Qingge went straight to the Seventh Layer.

As for the elixir recipes Zhao Nanxing wanted, they were already imprinted in Mu Qingge’s mind, and she could write a few casually for him later.

Arriving at the Seventh Layer, even before entering, Mu Qingge felt a powerful force preventing her from approaching.

Mu Qingge lifted her foot, feeling it heavier than usual, as if her body was filled with lead, becoming sluggish and heavy.

’There really is a Forbidden Technique!’ Mu Qingge’s eyes narrowed slightly.

Bang!

Her foot landed heavily, making a dull sound on the stairs.

Mu Qingge lifted her other foot again, slowly but steadily approaching the Seventh Layer.

Half an hour later, she finally stood at the entrance of the Seventh Layer.

She raised her hand, spread her fingers, and pushed inside, a transparent barrier appeared under her palm.

No matter how much force she applied, this barrier repelled her with equal strength.

Frowning, Mu Qingge refrained from being reckless, instead pondering a way in.

Thinking for a moment, a sparkle flashed in her eyes, and a knowing smile curved her vermilion lips.

At this moment, there was no one else at the entrance of the Seventh Layer, the top of the Pill Recipe Hall was eerily quiet. Standing outside the Seventh Layer, strong Spiritual Sense seeped out from her brow, spreading around like countless tendrils.

Gradually, the Spiritual Sense enveloped her entire body, even reaching the door’s transparent barrier.

Suddenly, Mu Qingge opened her eyes, with a trace of coldness in their clarity.

In this instant, it was as if her eyes held only rationality, devoid of any human emotion.

Mu Qingge lifted her foot and stepped through the door.

The blocking force from before didn’t appear, allowing her to step easily through the door.

She then took another step, completely passing through the transparent barrier, entering the Seventh Layer.

After she entered the Seventh Layer, the released Spiritual Sense receded like a tide, returning to her brow.

At this moment, her cold eyes seemed to regain a hint of humanity.

Touching her brow, Mu Qingge murmured to herself, “It seems after absorbing that Light Ball, my Spiritual Sense has changed somewhat. If previously it was like a newborn baby, now it’s more like a toddler beginning to walk.”

Mu Qingge clearly sensed the change in her Spiritual Sense, prompting her to relish it, “Such a good thing, I wouldn’t mind it happening several more times! No wonder Diao Yuan is so insistent on that Light Ball.”

Clearing her thoughts, Mu Qingge finally had time to properly observe this mysterious Seventh Layer.

The Seventh Layer wasn’t large, with few bookshelves and even fewer books.

Mu Qingge walked over and casually pulled out a book.

Suddenly, her pupils contracted, and she blurted out, “Poison Scripture!”

She then pulled out several more books, each detailing poisons without exception.

They included introductions to all the world’s poisons, analyses of various toxins, and even recipes for Poison Pills.

Mu Qingge was shocked!

She hadn’t expected that the Seventh Layer would contain materials on poison concocting.

Recalling that Song Yu mentioned that those ranked in the top ten of the popularity list would have a chance to enter the Seventh Layer to read. Mu Qingge seemed to suddenly understand why Diao Yuan possessed the Spirit Breaking Pill, that vicious elixir.

Her eyes narrowed slightly, and Mu Qingge quickly searched through the Seventh Layer.

Soon, she found the recipe for the Spirit Breaking Pill on a bookshelf.

The Seventh Layer of the Pill Recipe Hall housed records on Poison Pills, something that indeed surprised Mu Qingge. Previously, she hadn’t considered this possibility, nor had she asked anyone, so naturally, no one told her what the Seventh Layer contained.

However, based on the reactions of Mei Zizhong and others, and Diao Yuan, it seemed that only Diao Yuan really valued the content of the Seventh Layer.

For someone with the temperament of Mei Zizhong, they likely disdain underhanded poisoning.

How others behave is their own business; at least she won’t resort to poisoning for sabotage.

Mu Qingge couldn’t call him inflexible, as everyone has principles they wish to uphold.

As her initial shock subsided, Mu Qingge began perusing the books in the Seventh Layer. To her, elixir recipes and poison recipes were the same.

“Skills hold no moral value, it all depends on the heart.”

Mu Qingge ended up reading for an entire day.

As she closed a book, she murmured with a sigh, “Puppet Pill!”

This Puppet Pill was extremely sinister. In Mu Qingge’s opinion, it resembled a Gu Technique. The pill contained a special insect which, once ingested, would burrow into the brain, using the brain marrow as nourishment to control the person’s will and thoughts. The one who ingests it follows the commands of the poisoner completely, like a puppet.

This poison, despite its insidiousness, piqued Mu Qingge’s interest.

When she left the Pill Recipe Hall, it was late.

Mu Qingge was heading towards the area where Lou Chuanbai resided, but halfway there she nearly collided with a figure that suddenly appeared.

“Sister Zhu!” In the moonlight, recognizing the features of the person, Mu Qingge said in surprise.

At that moment, Zhu Ling looked disheveled, her face pale, her expression flustered. She lifted her gaze towards Mu Qingge, her eyes filled with despair immediately lighting up with joy, “Junior brother Mu, please save me!”

Mu Qingge’s eyes narrowed slightly, asking, “What happened to you?”

Zhu Ling glanced around anxiously, urgently saying to Mu Qingge, “This is not the place to talk, take me away first.”

A glint of dark light flashed in Mu Qingge’s eyes, she nodded without asking further questions.

However, Zhu Ling added, “Don’t take me to see Zisu, I fear… I fear…”

Her words trailing off, Mu Qingge calmly replied, “I understand.” Then she led Zhu Ling, disappearing from the spot, returning to the nearest Pill Recipe Hall.

At this time, there was no one else in the Pill Recipe Hall, making it a relatively safe place.

Mu Qingge brought Zhu Ling to the fourth layer and only asked her after setting her down, “Senior Sister Zhu, what happened to you?”

Zhu Ling leaned weakly against the bookshelf behind her, her temples already damp with cold sweat. She offered a bitter smile, choosing not to respond directly to Mu Qingge’s question, but instead asked, “Junior Brother Mu, could you do me one more favor?”

Mu Qingge had a relatively good impression of Zhu Ling, so he didn’t voice a refusal.

Her silence gave Zhu Ling a glimmer of hope.

She supported herself with her hands on the ground, leaning forward, and looked up at Mu Qingge pleadingly: “Junior Brother Mu, you are an Advanced Alchemist. Could you go to the top layer and find an elixir recipe for me?”

“What elixir recipe?” Mu Qingge frowned slightly.

Zhu Ling bit her lip, her pale lips gaining some color from the bite. Her voice grew colder, tinged with hatred: “The antidote recipe for the Puppet Pill.”

“Puppet Pill?” Mu Qingge was a bit surprised.

Her reaction made Zhu Ling excited: “Junior Brother Mu knows?”

Mu Qingge slowly nodded: “I just came down from the Seventh Layer.”

Zhu Ling was stunned, instantly expressing envy: “Junior Brother Mu truly is extraordinarily talented, able to freely enter and exit the Seventh Layer.” Her earlier request was simply hoping Mu Qingge would find a way to go to the Seventh Layer, but unexpectedly, he had already been there.

“Since Junior Brother Mu knows what the Puppet Pill is, Senior Sister will not keep it from you,” Zhu Ling leaned against the bookshelf again, showing a miserable smile as she slowly said, “I have been fed a Puppet Pill.”

Mu Qingge’s gaze sharpened, his lips slowly pressed together.

Zhu Ling weakly said, “Junior Brother knows what a Puppet Pill is, and should already understand its effect. Right now, I am using medicine to hypnotize the strange insect within the pill, temporarily feeling alright. But I don’t know how long I can control myself, or when I might lose my senses and become someone else’s puppet.”

“So you didn’t let me take you to see Senior Sister Shang because you’re afraid that if the suppressing elixir fails, you might harm her? And you asked for my help to find the antidote and perform alchemy yourself to detoxify?” Mu Qingge said.

Zhu Ling slowly nodded.

She said with a complex expression, “I don’t want to become a puppet, and I don’t want to harm Zisu. If I cannot detoxify, I ask Junior Brother to kill me, to give me a quick end. So as not to be used by villains to do things against my will.”

Unexpectedly, Zhu Ling is such a fierce woman!

Mu Qingge slowly squatted down and said to Zhu Ling, “I have seen the elixir recipe for the Puppet Pill, and I am naturally aware of the antidote method; Senior Sister need not worry too much.”

“Do you mean it!” Zhu Ling was excited upon hearing this.

Mu Qingge earnestly nodded, saying quietly: “First, tell me what happened exactly? Who gave you the Puppet Pill?”

With hatred in her eyes, Zhu Ling said bitterly, “Who else could it be other than Diao Yuan?” Speaking, she laughed despondently again: “But I know that the Puppet Pill was refined by Master.”

Mu Qingge understood.

Feeding Zhu Ling such a malicious elixir is likely inseparable from both Diao Yuan and Hua Cangzhu.

But—

“Why?” Mu Qingge asked.

Zhu Ling forced a smile, her tone gentle, “Yesterday after I came back, I wanted to inquire about the situation because I was worried Diao Yuan would trouble Zisu. But unexpectedly, Diao Yuan was summoned by Master… by Hua Cangzhu.”

Mentioning Hua Cangzhu again, Zhu Ling showed a trace of resoluteness in her eyes, no longer calling him Master.

“I was waiting outside until Diao Yuan came out. At that time, he warned me, but I didn’t pay attention. However, unexpectedly, he came to me this morning, saying he hoped I would go find Zisu to team up for the trial. I felt strange then; everyone knows I am on good terms with Zisu, yet Diao Yuan has always disliked it, why would he suddenly make such a request? I rejected it, and he didn’t say much but brought out an elixir, saying it was newly refined and asked me to taste it. I suspected nothing, yet unexpectedly, he took the opportunity to assault me, imprison me, and feed the Puppet Pill to me.” By the end, Zhu Ling’s features slightly twisted.

It seems there were some unpleasant experiences during this process that she was unwilling to disclose.

Mu Qingge’s gaze quietly swept over her disheveled clothing, already guessing somewhat in his heart.

“I struggled to escape, only to hear him behind me laughing like mad, saying I couldn’t escape his grasp, and eventually, I would obediently return to his side and follow his commands.” Zhu Ling finished, seemingly drained of all strength.

“What does he want to do?” Mu Qingge asked.

Zhu Ling shook her head: “He didn’t say. But can there be anything good? Even though he hides very deep, I know he has long coveted Zisu. Moreover, he is deeply jealous of Senior Brother Mei; he might use me to achieve some unspeakable purpose.”

Mu Qingge pursed his lips in thought.

It seems that this trial, Diao Yuan wants to settle it once and for all. Does he intend to use this opportunity to eliminate everyone who displeases him?

By giving Zhu Ling the Puppet Pill, he probably wants to use her friendship with Shang Zisu to easily infiltrate their team and deliver a fatal blow at the critical moment.

Such a trick, Mu Qingge easily guessed could happen.

She looked at Zhu Ling and said to her, “The Puppet Pill is an Advanced Elixir, so you think it was refined by your master, Hua Cangzhu?”

Zhu Ling nodded forcefully, biting her lip, “Not think, but certain. I’ve seen Hua Cangzhu researching the Puppet Pill for a while. No matter how skilled Diao Yuan is, he couldn’t have stolen it from him; it must have been instructed by Hua Cangzhu. Hua Cangzhu has been competing with Master Lou for years, and now with the selection date approaching for delivering medicine to the Main Courtyard, incapacitating Master Lou would definitely be motivation for him.”

“What if you know the antidote recipe for the Puppet Pill? Can you refine an Advanced Elixir?” Mu Qingge asked.

Zhu Ling lowered her gaze and softly said, “I originally wanted to break into the Seventh Layer to find the recipe and ask Brother Mei or Master Lou to refine it. If unsuccessful, dying at Brother Mei’s hands would have been acceptable. I didn’t expect to meet Brother Mu; it’s my good fortune. I don’t know if I can continue to suppress the awakening of the parasite with medicinal power. If I can’t wait for the detoxification, please ask Brother Mu to kill me.”

“I can detoxify you,” Mu Qingge suddenly said.

“What!” Zhu Ling raised her head, tears glistening in her eyes as she looked at her.

She had considered asking Mu Qingge to help refine the elixir but couldn’t find the reason to ask.

She didn’t expect the offer to come voluntarily.

“I can detoxify you, but you must agree to one thing,” Mu Qingge said again.

Zhu Ling struggled to support her weak body and said to Mu Qingge, “Brother Mu, just say it. Not just one thing, even ten or a hundred, I’ll agree to you!”

Mu Qingge shook her head gently, “No need, just agree to one.”

“Alright!” Zhu Ling, quick to respond, did not dwell on the matter.

Just as she finished speaking, Zhu Ling suddenly clutched her head and cried out in pain.

She fell directly to the ground, her body curling up, suffering so much she pounded her head fiercely against the floor, as if trying to split it open.

Mu Qingge’s eyes narrowed, recognizing the awakening of the parasite.

Without time to think, Mu Qingge swiftly knocked out Zhu Ling to prevent her from further harming herself. At the same time, she took out a pill from her bosom and administered it to her.

This pill couldn’t detoxify, but it could calm the parasite. Its anesthetic properties could suppress it.

“Looks like I need to quickly refine the antidote,” Mu Qingge murmured to herself.

For now, she was relieved that although the collection in the Seventh Layer was mostly poison, they did include antidotes. Otherwise, she’d really have to consider an open-head surgery to save Zhu Ling.

With Zhu Ling unconscious, Mu Qingge carefully settled her and then slipped into the space to refine the antidote according to the Puppet Pill’s antidote recipe.

Once again, she was extremely satisfied with the unlimited supply of medicinal materials in the space.

That night, Mu Qingge did not return to her lodgings.

This greatly worried Lou Chuanbai, and even after Mei Zizhong and Shang Zisu had finished their tasks, they became anxious. Finally, it was Zhao Nanxing who said Mu Qingge had gone to the Pill Recipe Hall and, perhaps lost in reading, forgot the time, which put them at ease somewhat.

The night passed, and dawn arrived.

Lou Chuanbai waited but did not see Mu Qingge appear, and couldn’t hold back any longer. He said to Mei Zizhong and Zhao Nanxing, “You two go to the Pill Recipe Hall and bring your junior brother back.”

Seeing that the time to set off for the trial was near, Mei Zizhong and Zhao Nanxing nodded, preparing to find Mu Qingge.

However, just as they turned, Mu Qingge walked back from outside.

“Junior Brother is back,” Shang Zisu said calmly.

Mei Zizhong quickly glanced at Mu Qingge, seeing she was unharmed, and the tension in his eyes slowly eased.

Zhao Nanxing quickly walked up to Mu Qingge and asked, “This whole night you didn’t return, do you know you worried Master terribly.”

Mu Qingge smiled slightly and approached the glaring Lou Chuanbai, “I was in the Pill Recipe Hall, lost in reading, and forgot the time. Thankfully, I made it back in time.”

“Hmph.” Lou Chuanbai snorted, scolding, “Eagerness for learning is good, but you must take care of your health. You know today is the start of the trial, yet did not rest well last night; how will you have energy for today?”

“Disciple admits the mistake,” Mu Qingge said submissively.

However, Lou Chuanbai angrily said, “You know nothing! I think you only listen with your ears and never take to heart what your master says.”

Then, he told Mei Zizhong and the two others, “Your junior brother didn’t rest last night. When the trial starts, keep an eye on him. Don’t go too deep today, let him rest first.”

“Understood, Master,” Mei Zizhong replied with a bow.

“Alright, alright, off you go. You’re a sight for sore eyes!” Lou Chuanbai impatiently waved his sleeve.

The four of them took their leave and headed to the trial assembly point.

On the way, Mu Qingge looked at Mei Zizhong and Shang Zisu. They had mentioned they needed to prepare some things, yet there were no bags on them. It was unclear if they had prepared or not.

Or perhaps, they too had space containers?

Soon, the four arrived at the trial assembly point. It was at the outskirts of the Mimeng Forest, just a zhang away from entering the forest.

When they got there, many were already waiting.

“Senior Brother Mei, Senior Brother Zhao, Senior Sister Shang, Junior Brother Mu!”

“Senior Brother Mei!”

“Senior Brother Zhao!”

“Senior Sister Shang!”

“Junior Brother Mu!”

“Junior Brother Mu!”

The moment the four appeared, greetings echoed around them.

Particularly when seeing Mu Qingge, there was an extra note of curiosity in their voices. It seemed this new popularity king of the Medicine Tower piqued their interest.

Quite a few female disciples were stirred seeing Mu Qingge along with Mei Zizhong and Zhao Nanxing, their actions and expressions turning somewhat bashful.

Fortunately, with Shang Zisu, the ice mountain, holding fort, those female disciples didn’t dare come too close.

Mei Zizhong appeared ethereal, as if he’d never let his gaze linger on the mortal world. Shang Zisu was cold and serene, transcendent in her solitude. Zhao Nanxing was gentle like jade, tall like bamboo, nodding warmly at the surrounding greetings.

Mu Qingge, with his carefree and elegant demeanor, carried a touch of nonchalance, yet he did not seem unapproachable.

The four walked past the crowd, finding a less crowded area to stand.

Opposite them, not far away, was Diao Yuan’s group.

Compared to Mu Qingge’s group of four, Diao Yuan’s side was clearly less eye-catching. Even though he ranked second on the popularity chart, and despite having over a dozen intermediate alchemists.

Even if his side’s numbers increased several times over, they still couldn’t outshine Mu Qingge’s group of four.

Because among these four, there were two advanced alchemists!

The stark contrast was like a resounding slap to Diao Yuan’s face, echoing loudly.

His gaze turned ominous and terrifying, as if laced with poison, deterring anyone from approaching. The sinister aura he emitted lowered the surrounding temperature by a few degrees.

The people initially around him all unconsciously stepped back a few paces, as if to avoid being inadvertently harmed.

Among them was Song Yu, who had previously engaged in Dan Fighting with Mu Qingge. He sneaked a glance at Mu Qingge, his eyes filled with reluctance that was quickly replaced by fear.

Sometimes, when talent and ability are absolutely crushed, it only inspires terror and a desire to flee.

“Where are you going?” Noticing Song Yu’s steady retreat, Diao Yuan swept his icy gaze over him.

Song Yu’s back turned cold instantly, his face pale as he said, “N-n-nowhere…”

“Humph,” a cold snort escaped Diao Yuan, his gaze shifting unpredictably between Mei Zizhong and Mu Qingge. Finally, he greedily lingered on Shang Zisu for a few more seconds.

“Humph.”

This unguarded gaze drew an unhappy snort from Zhao Nanxing.

He inconspicuously stepped in front of Shang Zisu, blocking Diao Yuan’s line of sight.

This scene sparked murderous intent in Diao Yuan’s eyes.

“Senior Brother,” a coquettish voice called, causing Diao Yuan’s gaze to flicker as he turned to look.

From afar, a graceful yet voluptuous figure approached, the breeze ruffling her garments and accentuating her curvaceous form, arousing heat in many Medicine Tower disciples.

Diao Yuan’s gaze fixated darkly on the approaching Zhu Ling.

He keenly noticed a faint green mark on Zhu Ling’s forehead at the hairline, as if she had accidentally hit her head.

Diao Yuan’s gaze flashed as he said to Zhu Ling, “Junior Sister, why are you so late?”

Zhu Ling raised a hand to rub her temple, her tone somewhat weary as she replied, “I don’t know how, but I slept until now. When I woke up, I found myself in the Pill Recipe Hall.”

So she hid in the Pill Recipe Hall!

A cold smile formed in Diao Yuan’s heart. Zhu Ling’s answer relaxed him. The reason she went to the Pill Recipe Hall, he naturally understood. But so what?

Even if she found the antidote recipe, did she have time to seek help? Could anyone concoct an antidote to save her in such a short time?

“Junior Sister, do you remember what happened yesterday?” Diao Yuan probed.

With a bewildered look, Zhu Ling replied, “What happened?”

Diao Yuan narrowed his Yin Zhe eyes, intently watching Zhu Ling’s expression. He spoke each word deliberately: “Yesterday, you said you wanted to team up with Junior Sister Shang, hoping I’d agree.”

“Ah! Did I say that?” Zhu Ling exclaimed in surprise, then furrowed her brows, thinking hard. She seemed unsure as she said, “I think I said it, but I can’t remember.”

“You certainly did,” Diao Yuan sneered.

Zhu Ling’s face showed guilt as she said to Diao Yuan, “I’m sorry, Senior Brother, it was presumptuous of me to make such a request.”

Her expression was utterly sincere.

Diao Yuan couldn’t detect anything unusual.

He suddenly smiled, “Oh, how could it be presumptuous? You and Junior Sister Shang have always been on good terms. Wanting to team up for the trial makes perfect sense. I won’t stand in your way.”

“Really!” Zhu Ling exclaimed, eyes sparkling with delight. Yet she promptly hesitated, “But, wouldn’t that be inappropriate? After all, our master and Lou Chuanbai’s group…”

“You overthink,” Diao Yuan interrupted. “We’re all Medicine Tower disciples, is there any sect division? Completing the trial task is our duty, don’t worry about anything else.”

“You’re right, Senior Brother, I understand,” Zhu Ling nodded to Diao Yuan.

Diao Yuan nodded, quite pleased, and said arrogantly, “Since you want to join with Junior Sister Shang, hurry over. The trial is about to start.”

“Thank you, Senior Brother. Then I wish you to seize the top spot in the trial,” Zhu Ling said with a bright smile.

Diao Yuan’s expression became even more smug, as if Zhu Ling’s words were not a wish but a certainty.

Bidding farewell to Diao Yuan, Zhu Ling turned and walked towards Shang Zisu and the others.

Zhao Nanxing watched her, with a thoughtful look in his eyes, but did not stop her.

When Zhu Ling reached Shang Zisu, Shang Zisu asked in surprise, “Zhu Ling? Is there something you need?”

Zhu Ling smiled at her and greeted Mei Zizhong, “Senior Brother Mei.”

Mei Zizhong gave a slight nod, and Zhu Ling’s smile became more radiant. She said to Shang Zisu, “Zisu, would it be alright if I join your team?”

“What!” Shang Zisu was extremely surprised.

Mei Zizhong and Zhao Nanxing were also quite surprised.

Mu Qingge, however, just smiled slightly and said to Zhu Ling, “Having Senior Sister Zhu join is indeed a great help.”

Zhu Ling looked at Mu Qingge, her smile unchanged, “You’re too kind, Junior Brother Mu.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep