Chapter 487: Chapter 131: Master Lou, Please Accept My Condolences

“Mu Junior Brother, are you even human!” After a while, Zhao Nanxing couldn’t help but question.

Mu Qingge lifted her gaze and glanced at him.

Zhao Nanxing spread his hands and smiled bitterly: “We have the Qiankun Bag, which is a reward for the top five on the popularity list from the Main Courtyard, but the space inside is only enough for one person. What treasure do you possess to effortlessly collect the giant Flood Dragon’s skeleton? So young, an Advanced Alchemist, a Blue Realm Peak Powerhouse, owner of a Divine Artifact, and possessing a powerful space device — where on earth did you come from, you monster? You’re crushing us so-called young talents, heaven’s chosen, to dust!”

Mu Qingge clasped her hands behind her back, squinting her eyes with a smile: “I’m just a bit luckier, that’s all.”

Haha! Luck, my foot! Such a blow to the ego! I wish I had such heaven-defying luck!

Zhao Nanxing gave Mu Qingge a disdainful look.

“Let’s leave here first,” Mei Zizhong, his eyes returning to calm from a moment of shock, said to everyone.

They left Moon Lake, and along the way, Zhu Ling said to Mu Qingge: “Don’t worry, Mu Junior Brother, what we saw today won’t be spread.”

Mu Qingge nodded with a smile and asked her: “Now that you’ve completely fallen out with Diao Yuan, what will you do when you return?” She hadn’t forgotten that Zhu Ling was still considered a disciple of Hua Cangzhu.

Zhu Ling smiled wryly: “What else can I do? The sect is full of jackals, there’s no way I can go back. I can only leave on my own.”

“How will you leave?” Mu Qingge inquired.

Zhu Ling replied: “Leaving the sect voluntarily means passing through a formation of swords and flames, and a poisonous forest. If you can pass through all three and survive, it means that heaven has left you with a lifeline. You can officially announce your departure from the sect, and sever all ties.”

Mu Qingge furrowed her eyebrows after hearing this.

None of the three sounds easy to pass.

“What if Hua Cangzhu voluntarily dissolves the master-disciple relationship with you?” Mu Qingge asked again.

Zhu Ling was taken aback, seemingly not immediately understanding the meaning behind her words.

It was Shang Zisu beside her who answered instead: “If Hua Cangzhu voluntarily breaks this relationship, Zhu Ling wouldn’t have to risk the trials. However, her future reputation would suffer, and her alchemy skills would be questioned.”

Mu Qingge fell silent, torn between reputation and life. For an Alchemist, both were extremely important.

Zhu Ling smiled: “Don’t worry about me, there’s actually another path I can take.”

Mu Qingge and Shang Zisu both looked at her.

Zhu Ling said: “You mustn’t forget, the selection for the medicine delivery quota is about to start. When I return, I will immediately enter seclusion until the selection begins. I will strive to secure my delivery quota, and once I am at the Main Courtyard, neither Hua Cangzhu nor Diao Yuan can reach me!”

“But, after all, Hua Cangzhu is from the Main Courtyard. If he asks the people from the Main Courtyard to make things difficult for you, won’t you be jumping from the frying pan into the fire?” Shang Zisu worriedly said.

Zhu Ling was confident: “If Hua Cangzhu really had standing at the Main Courtyard, he wouldn’t have been sent to this branch. I once inquired from a Senior Brother who returned from delivering medicine, and he said that people from the Main Courtyard actually look down on those from the branch, whether they are alchemy masters or disciples. As for Hua Cangzhu, many actually despise him. Once I am at the Main Courtyard, I must find a faction to rely on to live well. I will take the opportunity to have them dissolve the master-disciple relationship between me and Hua Cangzhu, then focus on improving my alchemy skills. As long as my alchemy surpasses Hua Cangzhu’s, he won’t be able to do anything to me when we meet again.”

This clever plan really suited Zhu Ling’s personality.

At the end, Zhu Ling looked reluctantly at Shang Zisu: “But in the future, it might be difficult for us to meet again. I know neither of you will easily leave Master Lou, nor would I force you. But remember, our agreement still stands. If one day you decide to leave Linchuan with Mu Junior Brother, be sure to take me with you.”

Shang Zisu looked at Mu Qingge, who nodded almost imperceptibly, before she replied: “Don’t worry, we won’t forget you. Although your plan is good, it’s still risky. In any case, be careful, and whatever happens, prioritize your life.”

Zhu Ling nodded.

Mu Qingge suddenly called out to Mei Zizhong: “Senior Brother Mei, when does this trial end?”

Mei Zizhong turned around, glanced at them, and then said: “You have half a month to obtain the Illusion Moon Bud and return to the Medicine Tower to succeed.”

“Half a month?” Mu Qingge calculated the time in her mind. It had been seven or eight days since entering the Mimeng Forest until now, and along with the return journey, half a month was just enough.

“Then when does the medicine delivery selection begin specifically?” Mu Qingge asked again.

Mei Zizhong thought for a moment and said: “From today, about a month and a half.”

“How soon after the selection will one depart?” Mu Qingge continued to inquire.

Though Mei Zizhong didn’t understand why Mu Qingge was asking these questions, he still answered truthfully: “The departure timing depends on the weather patterns of the Sea of No Desire. Normally, at the end of the year, the Sea of No Desire has less wind and rain, so counting on it, the latest would be a month after the selection ends. You would leave from the Medicine Tower, pass through Li Country, enter Qin Country, board a ship at Mu City in Qin Country, cross the Sea of No Desire, and enter the Holy Yuan Empire’s territory.”

“Departing from the Tower and arriving at Mu City in Qin Country to board the ship requires at least three months. The time involved is too long and can easily lead to unexpected events,” Mu Qingge frowned and shook her head, looking at Zhu Ling.

It seemed she was telling her that her plan had significant flaws.

Not to mention, the time between returning to the Medicine Tower and entering seclusion until the start of the selection could have unforeseen incidents. Even if she safely passed the selection, there would still be about four months before boarding the ship, during which time creating an “accident” would be all too easy.

Zhu Ling pursed her lips, seemingly realizing the potential in her plan.

She understood better than Mu Qingge the likelihood of such possibilities given Hua Cangzhu and Diao Yuan’s natures.

Yet, she had no other option. “I’ll have to take a gamble. If I can board the ship safely, then heaven does not wish me dead. If I do not make it, at least I know I tried.”

Her defeated look was something Shang Zisu had never seen before. She took hold of Zhu Ling’s hand, comforting: “There must be a way.” As she spoke, she instinctively looked at Mu Qingge.

The plea in her eyes was obvious, but she possibly didn’t even understand why she felt Mu Qingge could solve this problem.

By then, Mei Zizhong and Zhao Nanxing also understood what the three were discussing earlier.

Internally blaming themselves for their carelessness, they realized they had neglected Zhu Ling’s different position. After today’s incident, she would certainly face punishment when they returned.

Mei Zizhong looked at the sky and said to the four: “It’s getting late. After nightfall, the surrounding mist will thicken. Let’s find a place to settle down first and then think of a solution.”

The four agreed, setting the matter aside to find a place to stay.

…

Inside the cave, the five of them sat cross-legged around a bonfire.

Nobody was cultivating; they were all worried for Zhu Ling.

“How about when the selection ends, I take Zhu Ling to my Yu Kingdom Palace. With us accompanying her, it would be difficult for Hua Cangzhu to make any move,” Zhao Nanxing suggested first.

However, Mei Zizhong shook his head in disapproval: “Hua Cangzhu is the director of the Medicine Tower Branch, and given the relationship between the Medicine Tower and the Yu Kingdom, the Yu Kingdom Palace isn’t a secure place. If Hua Cangzhu asks your father for her as a so-called Medicine Tower renegade, will your father hand her over or not?”

The question left Zhao Nanxing silent.

Mu Qingge also nodded, agreeing: “Exactly. Hua Cangzhu doesn’t want this issue exposed. He won’t voluntarily dissolve the master-disciple relationship with Senior Sister Zhu, instead, he’ll secretly target her. If you take her into the Yu Kingdom Palace, he has countless reasons to request her return, and your father is unlikely to risk offending the Medicine Tower Director for a Medicine Tower disciple.”

“Then why not have Master protect Zhu Ling?” Shang Zisu suggested.

This suggestion was likewise rejected by Mu Qingge. “Hua Cangzhu and Master are already at odds. If conflict arises again because of Senior Sister Zhu, it might give Hua Cangzhu an excuse to deal with Master.”

Silence fell upon the cave.

It seemed they were at an impasse.

Zhu Ling suddenly began to laugh softly, telling the four: “Having you all here worrying for me already makes me feel fortunate. This matter is inherently difficult to resolve completely — let’s just leave it to fate. Rest assured, if they truly wish me dead, I’ll make sure to bite off a chunk of their flesh before I go!”

Her eyes reflected intense hatred and determination as she spoke, though it wasn’t directed at the four beside her, but at Hua Cangzhu and Diao Yuan.

“It’s not necessary to be so despondent,” Mu Qingge suddenly said.

As she spoke, the eyes of the four people were fixed on her face.

Mu Qingge said to Zhu Ling, “Senior Sister Zhu’s plan to use the Main Courtyard to get rid of Hua Cangzhu is indeed the one with the least damage at present. We will not let Hua Cangzhu and Diao Yuan off, but now is not the time to move on them. The Main Courtyard is our opportunity, but first, we must ensure Senior Sister Zhu reaches the Main Courtyard safely. With Hua Cangzhu’s status in the Main Courtyard, once Senior Sister Zhu complains about his crimes, naturally, there will be people who will seize the opportunity to suppress him, and then our chance will come. When the trial ends, we will return to the Medicine Tower, submit the task, and Senior Sister Zhu will immediately return to the Alchemy Room for a closed retreat. No matter what happens, unless it is us who come looking for you, even if the Medicine Tower is destroyed, you must not come out. When the selection day comes, we will go to the Alchemy Room to fetch you. During the selection competition, you must go all out to secure a spot for delivering medicine. Once the results are announced, I will have someone secretly pick you up, and you will go directly to Mu City to board the ship. As for why Senior Sister Zhu does not travel with the team, it will depend on the master and senior brother to negotiate.”

After hearing Mu Qingge’s words, Zhao Nanxing nodded and said, “This indeed avoids many unexpected events.”

“What if they make a move on the ship?” Shang Zisu expressed her concern.

Mu Qingge laughed, a hint of coldness in her smile, “Hua Cangzhu cannot board the ship. The ones escorting the medicinal materials back to the Main Courtyard are, besides the elders from the Medicine Tower, just the disciples. We don’t have to worry about those elders; we just need to be careful and inquire during this period about which elders are Hua Cangzhu’s people. As for the disciples, it depends on us performing well in the selection competition. Not only must we five secure spots, but we must also try to help others get the remaining twenty-five spots. In short, the fewer spots Hua Cangzhu’s disciples get, the better.”

She then looked at Zhao Nanxing and said to him, “At that time, will Yu Country send experts to participate in the escort?”

Zhao Nanxing nodded, “This is a rare opportunity to go to the Holy Yuan Empire. Not only will Yu Country send experts, but even the countries along the way, like Li Country and Qin Country, will send some experts to accompany.”

“In that case, there’s nothing to worry about.” Upon hearing Zhao Nanxing’s words, Mu Qingge’s lips curled into a noticeable smile.

The other four did not understand why she suddenly seemed so confident. Zhao Nanxing frowned and said, “If conflict occurs on the ship, those experts from other countries might not necessarily stand with us!”

Mu Qingge laughed relaxedly, “That’s not something you need to worry about. Just ensure that the people Yu Country sends are loyal to you.”

As for Li Country, she had her own way. As for Qin Country… is there even a need to worry?

Her words were mysterious but extremely convincing.

Unknowingly, Zhao Nanxing nodded.

Once the strategies were connected, the difficult issue was also resolved. The moods of the five were greatly improved.

With the matter settled, the five wasted no more time and each entered into cultivation.

The battle with the giant Flood Dragon today made them realize one truth: if they wished to leave Linchuan one day, they must become stronger. To be unafraid of being bullied, they must become stronger as well.

Upon returning this time, not only would Zhu Ling go into seclusion to break through in alchemy, but they also needed to do the same.

Mu Qingge closed her eyes, not to cultivate, but to flash into her spatial realm.

As soon as she appeared, Mengmeng rushed over aggrievedly, complaining to her, “Wah wah wah, master, you finally came back! That stinky fox was too nasty, constantly cursing Mengmeng. Master must teach it a harsh lesson for me!”

Mu Qingge’s mouth twitched and bluntly said, “Did you provoke it for no reason?”

Caught in the act, Mengmeng peeked through her fingers she used to cover her eyes, sneaking a glance at Mu Qingge. Seeing that she was not angry, she righteously said, “Meng Bao was doing it for you, master! Bao was teaching it what an honor it is to follow master!”

“And how did that turn out?” Mu Qingge smiled and asked.

Mengmeng’s round belly suddenly deflated like a balloon, “It’s simply a blockhead! Stubborn, an unyielding walnut! It thinks master is the murderer of its kin and vows to kill master for revenge!”

Mu Qingge nonchalantly nodded, “What it said isn’t wrong.”

Mengmeng exclaimed, shocked, “Master, how can you think that way? Any creature that wants to harm master must be prepared to die!”

Mengmeng’s loyal protectiveness made Mu Qingge chuckle softly, “Did you finish the candies?”

“Hehe.” Mengmeng chuckled nervously, rubbing its chubby face with a fawning smile, “Master is really wise and mighty!”

Mu Qingge raised an eyebrow and said, “You can have candies, but you must answer a few questions first.”

“Ask away, master! Meng Bao will certainly speak all it knows, sparing no detail!” Mengmeng straightened up and vowed solemnly.

Mu Qingge walked to the place where the giant Flood Dragon’s remains were stacked, gently caressing the bones, feeling their density and toughness. After a while, she said to Mengmeng, “I can feel that these bones and scales can become excellent refining materials. I even know how to refine them without wasting materials. Is this what’s called an Artifact Refiner’s bloodline talent?”

Mengmeng nodded, “Yes! Congratulations, Master, you’ve finally realized your power!”

Mu Qingge, however, didn’t feel much about it and said, “The bones can be crafted into weapons, scales and beast skins into armor, but what about the flesh and blood? I don’t sense much from these two.”

“Baby knows!” Mengmeng proudly tilted her head up.

“Speak.” Mu Qingge tossed out a bottle of elixir.

Mengmeng immediately dropped her haughty expression and, looking eager to please, took the elixir, grinning, “Master is the best!”

“Enough with the nonsense,” Mu Qingge gave her a sidelong glance.

Mengmeng quickly said, “These flood dragon’s blood contain Dragon Power. The Dragon Clan is renowned for their formidable defense. Master just needs to extract the Dragon Power from the blood and dilute it for the Dragon Tooth Guards to drink. For them, it would be an excellent body refining holy medicine! Once they absorb the Dragon Power, their bodies will transform, becoming extremely tough, and ordinary weapons won’t be able to pierce their flesh. Their strength will also increase significantly. In fact, their aura will carry a hint of Dragon Power, suppressing some low-rank Spirit Beasts.”

Mu Qingge was dumbfounded, thinking to herself: ’That’s so incredible!’

“Then I…”

“Master doesn’t need to consume it. You already have the Thunder Pool Body Refining. Even if you drink the flood dragon’s blood, it won’t have much effect, so don’t waste it!” To her surprise, Mengmeng ruthlessly shattered Mu Qingge’s delusions.

Mu Qingge regretfully smacked her lips. Then she pointed to the flesh of the giant Flood Dragon and asked, “What about these?”

“Uh…” Mengmeng scratched her head and said to Mu Qingge, “Basically, feeding that stinky fox would be a good use for this meat!”

Mu Qingge’s mouth twitched suddenly, gritting her teeth, “So it’s not very useful, huh?”

“You can’t say it like that!” Mengmeng denied it, saying, “This meat also contains some Dragon Power, but more of it is the power of the flood dragon. Since flood dragons are a branch of dragons, feeding this meat to that stinky fox might just allow it to break through the divine beast limit!”

Breaking through the divine beast boundary!

Mu Qingge’s heart skipped a beat.

What’s above a divine beast? That’s a holy beast!

A holy beast has never appeared in Linchuan!

As if knowing her thoughts, Mengmeng smugly added, “Not just Linchuan, even the realm above it rarely sees a holy beast.”

Mu Qingge swallowed, marveling once again at how this giant Flood Dragon was truly a treasure trove!

Mengmeng mumbled to herself, “That stinky fox already has the potential of a divine beast. Giving it such a big supplement might really give it a chance to transform into a holy beast! Wow! The Snow Fox Clan has never seen a holy beast in its history! But, that stinky fox is too stubborn to submit to Master, so this can’t be an easy gain for it! It’s better to stash the flood dragon meat away for now! When a more agreeable underling comes along, bring it out as a bribe… Hey? Master, where are you taking the flood dragon meat?”

Mengmeng suddenly noticed that Mu Qingge had picked up a piece of flood dragon meat and was heading out. She quickly chased her and tried to drag her back by the hem of her clothes.

But how could her small stature restrict Mu Qingge’s actions?

Helplessly, she could only shout, “Master, you must calm down! This giant Flood Dragon is rare and hard to come by. If you feed that ingrate now, you’ll be at a loss! You might not encounter another giant Flood Dragon next time!”

“Go play somewhere else!” Mu Qingge lightly lifted her foot, sending Mengmeng flying. Casually, she continued towards the room where the Snow Fox King was confined, holding the flood dragon meat.

As she entered the room, the Snow Fox King was still lying on the floor, its large tail covering its body, exposing only a small part of its head.

Mu Qingge glanced at it and tossed the flood dragon meat in front of it.

With a thud, the sound of the meat hitting the ground and the rich bloody aroma made the Snow Fox King open its eyes, revealing blood-red pupils.

“Eat.” Mu Qingge pulled up a chair and sat down casually, stretching out her legs and lazily leaning her back against the chair.

She looked down at the Snow Fox King, who just snorted and closed its eyes.

“Not eating? Starving to death?” Mu Qingge raised an eyebrow. With a playful nod, she said, “Hmm, that works too. It’ll save me food and I won’t have to worry about a fox constantly thinking about killing me.”

The Snow Fox King suddenly opened its eyes, a fierce light reflecting in its pupils.

It stared at Mu Qingge, as if trying to pierce holes through her.

After a long while, it lowered its head with an air of aloofness and took a bite of the Flood Dragon meat in front of it.

However, as soon as the Flood Dragon meat entered its mouth, its scarlet pupils shrank suddenly, and it looked at Mu Qingge in disbelief. “You killed the giant Flood Dragon in Moon Lake!”

The pleasant voice of a man entered Mu Qingge’s ears, making her eyes light up. She smiled and said, “A Divine Beast is truly a Divine Beast! Not fully grown, yet able to speak human language.”

“Hmph, foolish. I am merely using an Illusion Technique to communicate with you.” The Snow Fox King glanced at her dismissively.

Mu Qingge paused, observing the Snow Fox King carefully. She then discovered it still holding the Flood Dragon meat in its mouth tightly, so speaking was impossible.

Her lips curled up slightly, eyes squinting with interest. “Interesting. This way, I won’t be playing music to a cow.”

“Are you actually comparing me, the noble Snow Fox King, to a cow?” The Snow Fox King retorted angrily.

Mu Qingge shrugged and said, “Mengmeng said you’re stubborn, somewhat like a cow, stuck in one track.”

“You! Human! You’re courting death!” The Snow Fox King glared fiercely at Mu Qingge.

Yet, Mu Qingge laughed happily, “Don’t forget, you’re my captive now. Whether you live or die depends solely on my whim!”

The Snow Fox King fell silent, but the unwillingness in its eyes was very intense.

Mu Qingge’s gaze shifted slightly to the Flood Dragon meat in its mouth and asked, “You knew there was a giant Flood Dragon in Moon Lake?”

The Snow Fox King gave her a fleeting glance, then bit down hard on the meat, chewed it a few times, and swallowed it. “Of course I knew. It ate quite a few of my kin. I didn’t think it would die at your hands.”

A gleam flickered in Mu Qingge’s clear eyes as she smiled, “No wonder you eat the meat with such hatred. But now, it has become troublesome.”

The Snow Fox King paused its eating, looking at Mu Qingge as if unsure of her meaning.

Mu Qingge smiled, explaining to it, “See, I am your enemy, and the Flood Dragon was also your enemy. Presumably, you hated it even more. Judging from your tone, you must have tried to get revenge on it before but failed. Now that I’ve killed the Flood Dragon, I’ve avenged you in a sense. How will you thank me?”

“What did you say? You want me to thank you?” The Snow Fox King’s scarlet eyes widened dramatically!

Mu Qingge nodded earnestly, “Look, I killed one of your kin and you want my life. But I also avenged your clan’s great enmity. You Snow Foxes can’t just take revenge without repaying kindness, can you?”

The Snow Fox King’s scarlet eyes glimmered. It ground its sharp teeth and said, “You killed it, not at my behest, so it can’t be counted!”

“Saying that makes no sense,” Mu Qingge said sincerely. “Killing your kin was not something I desired, after all, it attacked me first, looking determined to kill me. I killed it in self-defense. Did I deserve to die for that? In front of you Snow Foxes, should humans just resign to death doing nothing? If your reasoning holds, then you shouldn’t be angry if the Flood Dragon ate your kin. The Flood Dragon was so strong, killing your kin was just what they deserved.”

“You’re talking nonsense!” The Snow Fox King shouted angrily.

Its eyes were stimulated by Mu Qingge’s words to become even more blood-red.

Mu Qingge shook her head, “You’re wrong, I’m not talking nonsense. I’m explaining according to your logic.”

The Snow Fox King, infuriated, let out a “szz” sound, its sharp teeth exposed.

Amused, Mu Qingge continued, “If you think I’m talking nonsense, does that mean your pursuit of me is baseless? I killed your kin under threat; it approached humans and should have been prepared for the possibility of death. It simply had bad luck meeting an unbeatable opponent. And the Flood Dragon, killing so many of your kin, was a threat. Its continued existence posed an ongoing threat to your kin. Now I’ve eliminated it, freeing your clan from a threat. I should be considered your great benefactor! Including you, you wanted to kill me and rip my heart out, yet I chose not to kill you and even let you eat your enemy’s flesh… Tsk tsk… I’m so kind-hearted! I’m almost moved to tears by my own kindness!”

“You did that because you want to make me a Spirit Beast pet!” The Snow Fox King reluctantly retorted.

Mu Qingge sneered, “You flatter yourself too much, do you really think you’re unparalleled in the world! Keeping you as a Spirit Beast pet was just on a whim, to find company for Mengmeng. Whenever Mengmeng gets bored, she can decide whether to steam or braise you.”

“Master! Mengmeng loves you so much!” Outside the door, Mengmeng, who was eavesdropping, couldn’t help but wave her little fists in excitement, her face brimming with emotion.

Now, when she looked at the Snow Fox King, it was as if she was looking at a sumptuous feast…

Mu Qingge glanced at her indifferently, then looked back at the Snow Fox King, “Really giving you face, thinking I need you more than anything?”

Standing up from her chair, Mu Qingge walked outside. At the doorway, facing Mengmeng’s starry-eyed expression, she suddenly stopped and said to the Snow Fox King behind her, “Don’t just lie here lazily. Think about how to repay your great benefactor.”

With that, she grabbed Mengmeng’s bellyband and left the Snow Fox King’s sight.

The Snow Fox King lay on the floor, its sharp claws already leaving several deep marks on the ground. Watching where Mu Qingge had left, it growled with hatred, “Damn human!”

Outside, Mengmeng wriggled her little hips, rubbing her hands together, her face full of longing as she looked at Mu Qingge, “Master, master. You’re really going to let the baby eat that smelly fox? Steamed is too plain, the baby wants it braised!”

Mu Qingge’s mouth twitched sharply, looking at her with disdain, “Have some ambition, will you? Fox meat is all gamey, what’s so good about it? When I’m not around, feed it a piece of meat every day. Bullying it occasionally is fine too.”

Mengmeng froze, clearly not understanding why her master wouldn’t let her eat fox meat anymore.

“That’s it, call me if there’s anything. I’m leaving now.” Mu Qingge waved her hand, swiftly leaving the space.

“Waaa… Master, you’re a big liar!” Regaining her composure, Mengmeng vented her angry accusation towards where Mu Qingge disappeared.

…

Mu Qingge opened her eyes, her mood was cheerful.

Usually cultivating, refining elixirs, occasionally teasing the fox, such days were quite leisurely!

“Mu Ge, what makes you so happy?” Mei Zizhong suddenly looked at her.

Mu Qingge turned her gaze towards him, locking eyes with him.

This man, suddenly no longer addressing her as Mu Junior Brother, truly made her a bit uncomfortable.

Mu Qingge smiled softly, “Nothing much, just remembered something amusing.”

Mei Zizhong nodded his head, not pressing further.

A few days later, at the end of the trial, five people walked out of the Mimeng Forest. At this time, outside the Mimeng Forest, there were no more Medicine Tower disciples, eerily quiet.

“Let’s head back to the tower.” Mei Zizhong surveyed the area and said to the four others.

Zhao Nanxing laughed mockingly, “Diao Yuan must have thought we were dead for sure. I’m suddenly eager to return to the Medicine Tower quickly, to see the look on his face when he sees we’re alive and standing well before him. It’s bound to be amusing.”

“Since everyone is eager, let’s go then,” Mu Qingge raised her chin slightly, smiling as she spoke.

In the Medicine Tower, the atmosphere was different from usual, seemingly heavier and more solemn.

On the largest open-air plaza of the Medicine Tower, arranged in rows of arc-shaped steps, all the Alchemy Masters of the Medicine Tower sat. They were seated on prayer mats, looking at a group kneeling in the plaza center.

Sitting at the topmost step was the Director of the Medicine Tower Branch, Hua Cangzhu.

Below Hua Cangzhu, separated by a line, sat Lou Chuanbai.

On the steps below them, were seated the other Alchemy Masters of the Medicine Tower.

On both sides of the plaza, the Medicine Tower disciples crammed in. There were those accepted into various families and others who hadn’t been taken as apprentices. In the distance, many disciples and attendants hurried over.

The siblings of the Wei Family, Fu Tianlong, and Shui Ling were also among them.

After squeezing into the crowd, Wei Guanguan asked Shui Ling beside her, “What’s going on? We came from the medicine field and only heard that something big happened in the tower. Everyone’s been gathered here.”

Shui Ling shook her head and frowned, “I’m not sure either. Tianlong and I were originally in the alchemy room, refining pills. We only came out when we heard the summoning bell. It even cost me a batch of pills.”

Wei Guanguan glanced around and saw the crowd growing larger. She whispered, “Looks like something big is going on!”

At this moment, Wei Qi looked at the dozen or so people kneeling in the center of the square and said, “Isn’t that Diao Yuan and that Song Yu and their group? Why are they kneeling there?”

“There are more people kneeling further away,” Fu Tianlong suddenly said.

Immediately, the four of them looked towards the center of the square.

Fu Tianlong continued, “I heard that Diao Yuan went to participate in the Mimeng Forest trial mission.”

“Mu Ge and the others went too!” Wei Guanguan said subconsciously.

“But I don’t see her,” Shui Ling quickly searched the crowd, her brow furrowed. In her eyes, there was a hint of worry.

“Yeah! Where’s Mu Ge?” Wei Qi also craned his neck to look around but still didn’t see the familiar figure appear.

“Looks like something happened,” Fu Tianlong said solemnly.

“What could have happened? Mu Ge is so powerful; if something happened, it wouldn’t be to her!” Wei Guanguan said firmly. However, upon closer inspection, it was not difficult to see a hint of panic in her eyes.

“Everyone, stay calm and see what’s going on first. Right now, the elders, pill masters, the director of the tower, and Master Lou are all here. Let’s not cause any trouble and add to Mu Ge’s burdens when she returns,” Wei Qi said, pursing his lips.

Such mature words coming from his mouth were surprising. However, the other three nodded in agreement, even the usually unrestrained Wei Guanguan bit her lip and nervously held her brother’s hand.

“Diao Yuan, tell us in detail what happened in the Mimeng Forest,” Hua Cangzhu slowly opened his mouth. His silver hair gave him a somewhat celestial appearance.

“Yes, Master,” Diao Yuan knelt on the ground, his gaze lowered to the floor, making it impossible to see the coldness in his eyes.

“Our senior brothers entered the Mimeng Forest separately. At first, everything went smoothly without any significant difficulties, and we made it to Moon Lake. When we arrived at Moon Lake, we encountered Senior Brother Mei and a few others. Senior Brother Mei was with Junior Brother Zhao, Junior Sister Shang, Junior Brother Mu, and Junior Sister Zhu. After both sides joined forces, we intended to find a way to sneak into Moon Lake together to obtain the Illusion Moon Bud and complete the trial task. But… but unexpectedly…” Diao Yuan’s speech suddenly became intermittent.

Sitting next to Hua Cangzhu, Lou Chuanbai felt uneasy upon hearing his disciple’s name. Seeing Diao Yuan stammering, he urgently urged, “Unexpectedly what? Speak up!”

Diao Yuan looked up, quickly casting a glance at him, then lowered his gaze again before anyone could see the emotions in his eyes.

At this time, Hua Cangzhu said to Lou Chuanbai, “Don’t be hasty, Master Lou. Let’s listen to how Diao Yuan explains.”

Lou Chuanbai glanced at Hua Cangzhu, who returned the look with a hidden smugness, making Lou Chuanbai snort coldly and turn his gaze away.

“Diao Yuan, continue,” Hua Cangzhu said to Diao Yuan, a trace of coldness flashing in the look he directed at Lou Chuanbai.

“Yes, Master,” Diao Yuan continued, “We originally agreed to enter the lake together to get the Illusion Moon Bud. After obtaining it, our teams would split up, achieving the trial task for everyone. However, before we entered the lake, a massive vortex appeared on the lake surface. At that moment, the ground trembled, and the sky filled with thunder and lightning. We hurriedly retreated from the lake surface, but we heard a loud roar coming from the lake bottom…”

Around them, the murmurs of discussion began due to Diao Yuan’s narration.

The disciples of Medicine Tower were all speculating about what might be hidden at the bottom of the lake.

Wei Qi and his friends also felt nervous and held their breath, afraid they might miss or mishear a single word.

Diao Yuan glanced at Song Yu, the latter trembling all over, bowing his head so low he couldn’t lower it any further, stammering, “We… we… saw a giant Flood Dragon rush out from the lake bottom…”

What!

A giant Flood Dragon!

With a boom, the whole square seemed to be thrown into a thunderous shock, and everyone was stunned.

What concept was a giant Flood Dragon? It was simply an unbeatable existence for them!

“A giant Flood Dragon! You say there’s a giant Flood Dragon beneath Moon Lake?!” Lou Chuanbai jumped up, pointing towards the direction of Song Yu and Diao Yuan and asked in a stern voice.

“Yes… yes…” Song Yu said, trembling. It was as if he were still trapped in that terrifying scene and hadn’t woken up.

Diao Yuan said painfully, “The appearance of the giant Flood Dragon was beyond our expectations. The Flood Dragon was incredibly powerful, accompanied by Purple Realm spiritual power when it appeared. We… we… really didn’t dare to fight it!”

Purple Realm spiritual power?

Not only did they encounter a giant Flood Dragon, but a Purple Realm giant Flood Dragon?

What kind of luck is that!

Among the disciples of Medicine Tower, many were grateful they didn’t participate in this trial, or they wouldn’t even know how they died.

Lou Chuanbai staggered, his whole body seeming to be struck by thunder and lightning.

Hua Cangzhu then said, “When encountering an unbeatable enemy, retreating is the right choice.”

Diao Yuan raised his head, revealing a face full of grief and indignation: “Yes, we wanted to retreat. But Senior Brother Mei and the others were unwilling to give up. They believed they could defeat the giant Flood Dragon and obtain the Illusion Moon Bud with their abilities. So, against our objections, they engaged the giant Flood Dragon in battle. We couldn’t persuade them for long, and to avoid unnecessary casualties among other disciples, we had to withdraw from the battle area. We waited outside for days, but they never appeared. Moon Lake was too dangerous for us to re-enter, so we had to return. Senior Brother Mei and the others might have already…”

“You’re lying! Zizhong would never be so reckless!” Lou Chuanbai angrily refuted Diao Yuan’s words.

In Diao Yuan’s words, Mei Zizhong and the others were portrayed as reckless, careless of other disciples’ safety and heedless of their abilities.

However, Lou Chuanbai would never believe this.

Moreover, Diao Yuan’s unsaid words implied that his several prized disciples were devoured by the Flood Dragon!

“You’re lying! Mu Ge would never die!” Among the crowd, Wei Guanguan cried out angrily.

Wei Qi tightly controlled Wei Guanguan, preventing her from causing trouble, and kept whispering in her ear, “Wait, wait, we must believe in Mu Ge, we must find out the truth of this matter!”

Diao Yuan said, “If Master Lou doesn’t believe me, you can ask others. It was not just Diao Yuan present; many people saw Senior Brother Mei’s firm decision to fight the giant Flood Dragon against all objections.”

“So reckless! How could they fight a giant Flood Dragon!”

“A brash courage, a brash courage, wasted lives for nothing!”

Other alchemy masters shook their heads in disappointment at Mei Zizhong and the others’ actions.

Other comments echoed similar sentiments, decrying the recklessness and questioning how anyone would fight a giant Flood Dragon.

Hua Cangzhu’s satisfaction grew as he observed the scene. He looked at Lou Chuanbai, whose face was ashen, with a faint smile on his lips.

“Diao Yuan, keep going. What happened then?” Hua Cangzhu said, a trace of coldness flashing in his eyes as he looked at Lou Chuanbai, then at Diao Yuan.

“Yes, Master,” Diao Yuan continued. “After that, the giant Flood Dragon attacked. We couldn’t even see what was happening. All we could hear was the sounds of battle, and when we turned back to help, we saw…”

The words filled the square with an atmosphere of panic and disbelief as bystanders started murmuring among themselves.

“Yes, tell us what happened next!” Lou Chuanbai sprung down from the steps in distress, grabbing a kneeling disciple for the answer.

“I… we… saw a giant Flood Dragon burst out from beneath the lake…”

What!

A giant Flood Dragon!

A rumble echoed, as if a thunderous explosion had been unleashed upon the square, stunning everyone.

What is the concept of a giant Flood Dragon? It was practically an invincible existence to them!

“A giant Flood Dragon! You say there’s a giant Flood Dragon beneath the Moon Lake?!” Lou Chuanbai jumped up, pointing towards the direction of Song Yu and Diao Yuan and demanded fiercely.

“Yes… yes…” Song Yu trembled, seemingly still immersed in that terrifying scene, unable to wake up.

“Purple Realm? A giant Flood Dragon is a nearly invincible being to us!”

Among the Medicine Tower’s disciples, many were relieved that they hadn’t participated in this trial; otherwise, they wouldn’t know how they would have died!

As Lou Chuanbai looked at one disciple after another and received the same answer, he was on the verge of breaking down!

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep