Chapter 490: Chapter 134: Wait, Who Did You Say Has Arrived?

A month later, the Yu Country Medicine Tower Branch was ushering in an important moment.

Every year, the branches affiliated with the Medicine Tower Headquarters hold a selection competition. The winning disciple in the competition gains an opportunity to go to the only First-class Empire on the entire continent!

Entering the Holy Yuan Empire means various opportunities will come their way. There, legendary figures of the Purple Realm reside, endless heavenly materials and earthly treasures abound, and Spirit Level Alchemists, even Treasure Level Alchemists, exist!

For the disciples of the Medicine Tower, passing the selection competition is a chance to leap like a fish jumping over the dragon gate!

Therefore, each selection competition is especially grand!

Even before this year’s competition begins, rumors have already spread that—this year’s competition will welcome unprecedented influential characters!

As a result, the entire Medicine Tower is in an uproar.

Nearly every Pill Master is seizing the time to prepare, wanting to showcase themselves at the selection competition.

Three days ago, Diao Yuan, who was in closed-door training for Alchemy Skill, was suddenly summoned by his master Hua Cangzhu. After the two had a conversation in the secret chamber, Diao Yuan left filled with excitement.

No one knows exactly what was discussed.

Only Diao Yuan knows that Hua Cangzhu told him that among the influential characters coming this time, one will determine their fate as master and disciple.

If they manage to please him, they might just leave Yu Country, a Third-class Country, and upon returning to the headquarters, be a cut above others!

Hua Cangzhu instructed him to seize this opportunity and perform well in front of that person to leave a good impression!

On the day the selection competition started, there were still three hours left before the competition began when Shang Zisu and Zhao Nanxing arrived at the place where Zhu Ling was in closed-door training.

Zhao Nanxing pressed his hand on the door, infusing Spiritual Power.

The green Spiritual Power covered the door, flickering irregularly in length.

Afterward, Zhao Nanxing withdrew his hand and waited with Shang Zisu.

During the wait, Zhao Nanxing said to Shang Zisu, “Mu Shidi is really clever to think of this kind of code. Even if someone sees it, they won’t understand its meaning.”

Shang Zisu didn’t answer him, but her expression showed agreement with Zhao Nanxing’s words.

Initially, when several people discussed to prevent Zhu Ling from being tricked out of the Pill Room, they agreed on a code. This way, as long as someone didn’t know the code, Zhu Ling could ignore them.

After discussing for a while, they couldn’t come up with a definite result.

It was Mu Qingge who taught them a method to release Spiritual Power and make a flickering sign on the door as a marker. The flickering time varies in length, so a person unfamiliar with it wouldn’t notice. Even if someone tried to imitate it, any mistake would alert Zhu Ling to the impersonation.

Moreover, Mu Qingge also informed them that this irregular flickering code could convey different meanings.

Several people immediately showed interest and learned from her.

Zhao Nanxing and Shang Zisu didn’t have to wait long before the tightly shut stone door opened from inside. Zhu Ling walked out.

Seeing the two, she displayed a charming smile.

“Zhu Ling, you’ve lost a lot of weight,” Shang Zisu observed Zhu Ling. Although the tone was indifferent, it couldn’t hide her concern.

Zhu Ling smiled and said, “There’s no choice. To save my life, I can only give it my all.”

Zhao Nanxing nodded appreciatively, “That’s the spirit. How did it go?”

Zhu Ling glanced at the two but didn’t reveal the outcome of her closed-door training. She mysteriously said, “Leave a little suspense; we’ll see on the arena showdown.”

Shang Zisu paused for a moment, then nodded with a faint smile.

’It seems Zhu Ling has gained considerably.’

Zhao Nanxing laughed, “Alright! Since you say so, we’ll each keep our secrets, and on the arena, let’s see who’s improved the most during this time.”

“Okay!” Zhu Ling raised an eyebrow, her eyes charmingly sweeping him with a glance.

Zhao Nanxing confidently raised his chin and said to the two women, “Let’s go. Let’s first go back to the residence and see if Mu Shidi has finished his cloistered cultivation.”

“Mu Shidi is cultivating in seclusion at the residence?” Zhu Ling asked with surprise.

Zhao Nanxing nodded, “Yes, he said the residence is quieter. He just instructed us not to disturb him. Brother Mei is helping the Master prepare some matters for the selection contest, so he didn’t have time to come with us to pick you up.”

“It’s okay.” The disappointment in Zhu Ling’s heart did not show.

Coming out of the Alchemy Room, not seeing Mei Zizhong’s figure, Zhu Ling was somewhat disappointed. However, she also knew that a person like Mei Zizhong would not like her, so she would never let her feelings interfere with him.

Even though their relationship has become somewhat closer now, she kept her feelings in check and did not cross that line.

The three of them left the Alchemy Room area together and walked toward Lou Chuanbai’s residence.

On the way, Zhao Nanxing roughly recounted the happenings at the Medicine Tower after Zhu Ling’s cloistered cultivation, talking about Feng Yugui being expelled from the Medicine Tower and returning in disgrace to Li Country. When Zhu Ling heard this, she directly said, “Mu Shidi is quite adept!”

Zhao Nanxing said gloomily, “I didn’t even mention it was related to Mu Ge, how did you guess?”

Zhu Ling covered her mouth and laughed softly, “The first time we met Mu Shidi was at Feng Yugui’s banquet, right? We all saw that Mu Shidi had deep-seated grievances with Feng Yugui. Later, after entering the Medicine Tower, I once saw Feng Yugui around Diao Yuan for a period. Diao Yuan is narrow-minded and petty. Originally, having Brother Mei above him was already distressing enough, not to mention the arrival of a more monstrous talented Mu Shidi? It’s obvious that the two of them would team up to make trouble for someone. After that, when Feng Yugui trespassed the forbidden grounds and was confined in the Water Prison, I vaguely heard Diao Yuan was very angry about it. I guessed that they were likely up to some mischief. Feng Yugui is at least a Prince of Li Country, he wouldn’t lower himself to steal an elixir, ruining the Imperial Family’s reputation, would he? Since he planned to conspire with Diao Yuan against Mu Shidi, then naturally Mu Shidi would take proactive measures to resolve this trouble completely.”

Zhao Nanxing looked at her admiringly, “I really couldn’t tell; you have a mind as meticulous as dust, analyzing the matter so clearly.”

“What is the truth?” Zhu Ling raised her eyebrows and looked at him.

Zhao Nanxing nodded, “Indeed, it’s as you said. However, it wasn’t Mu Shidi who took action, it was me. I should say Mu Shidi entrusted me to handle this matter entirely.”

After saying that, he proudly straightened his back, without a trace of guilt for slandering his fellow disciple.

Zhu Ling’s eyes widened in surprise, “I truly didn’t expect you would also get involved!”

Then she nodded, “Mu Shidi’s move is clever, completely distancing himself from the greatest suspicion and having you deal with it. You are an old disciple of the Medicine Tower, one of the influential figures, and have no conflict with Feng Yugui. Plus, you are a Prince, no one would suspect you of scheming against Feng Yugui. I imagine Feng Yugui must have claimed his innocence at the time, but was unable to defend himself.”

Zhao Nanxing sighed and said, “Junior Sister Zhu, I must say again, you are even smarter than I imagined.”

Zhu Ling laughed, ignoring Zhao Nanxing’s compliment, and said, “However, expelling Feng Yugui from the Medicine Tower is too lenient. He should be taught a thorough lesson so that in the future, when he sees Mu Shidi, he’ll go out of his way to avoid him.”

Zhao Nanxing laughed and said, “Mu Shidi has a mind like a deep trench, we cannot fathom his thoughts. Who knows what he truly intends?”

“You have a point,” Zhu Ling said with a cheerful smile.

“By the way, I’ve heard that Li Country’s long-lost Eldest Princess Feng Yufei has suddenly returned to the Imperial Palace. The Emperor of Li Country inexplicably restored her title that was stripped long ago. The reputation of the Eldest Princess back then far exceeded Feng Yugui’s current standing. The Eldest Princess’ return has stirred excitement throughout Li Country, while Feng Yugui, expelled for elixir theft, disgracedly returned to Li Country. Tsk, tsk… I suspect Li Country is currently staging a spectacular drama! I’m suddenly feeling honored to have had a minor participation in this grand play,” Zhao Nanxing energetically shared the information he knew.

However, Zhu Ling felt that his enthusiasm seemed more like schadenfreude!

The three chatted as they returned to Lou Chuanbai’s place.

Arriving at Mu Qingge’s door, the three chose to quietly wait.

“I wonder if Mu Shidi has finished his cloistered cultivation; hopefully, he won’t miss the selection contest,” Zhao Nanxing looked at the sky with concern. There was less than two hours left until the contest began, and he was worried.

Shang Zisu said, “Don’t worry, Mu Shidi knows what he’s doing.”

An hour passed, and Mu Qingge still hadn’t come out.

“Are you three still here?” Suddenly, a clear, ethereal voice came from behind them.

The three turned around and saw Mei Zizhong arriving gracefully like he was riding the clouds.

He approached the three, glanced at the tightly closed door of Mu Qingge, and frowned, “Mu Ge hasn’t finished his cultivation?”

Zhao Nanxing replied, “No, we’re waiting too.”

Mei Zizhong frowned more deeply, “Dean Hua has sent a message, a significant personage is about to arrive, and all disciples must go outside the tower to kneel and greet.”

“Kneel and greet?” Zhao Nanxing reacted the most negatively, his brows filled with unwillingness, “What personage requires us to greet, let alone kneel?”

Mei Zizhong pressed his lips and said, “It might be someone from the Holy Yuan Empire.”

The moment the four characters “Holy Yuan Empire” were spoken, Zhao Nanxing fell silent.

He was merely a prince from a small third-class country and had no qualifications to boast in front of the dignitaries of the Holy Yuan Empire. Even if he was unwilling, he had to compromise.

He couldn’t drag the entire Imperial Family of Yu Country down with him!

Zhu Ling looked at the reluctant Zhao Nanxing, then at the cold-faced Shang Zisu, and laughed, “Just kneel, after all, we’re not the only ones kneeling. If you’re still uncomfortable, just think of it as bowing to your deceased elders.”

Zhao Nanxing was taken aback, then responded with a smile, “Hahaha, well said. Let’s just consider it bowing to the departed elders.”

Shang Zisu’s icy demeanor also slightly eased.

Mei Zizhong looked at them and said, “Time is running out. Let’s go first. It’s just as well that Mu Ge hasn’t come out yet, with her temperament, she would be unwilling to kneel and wait as well.”

All three nodded in agreement with Mei Zizhong’s words.

After making plans, Zhao Nanxing left a message for Mu Qingge outside her door, and the three followed Mei Zizhong swiftly out towards the tower entrance.

On the way, many disciples had just received notice and were heading to gather outside the tower gate.

Some were hurrying past them with their masters.

“Where’s Master?” Zhao Nanxing asked Mei Zizhong.

Mei Zizhong replied, “Master went ahead.”

Zhao Nanxing nodded.

When the four arrived outside the tower gate, hundreds of disciples from the Medicine Tower had already crowded the square outside the courtyard gate.

Disciples with a mentor stood together under their master’s leadership. Those without a mentor gathered with the people they were familiar with daily.

Zhao Nanxing, with his keen eyes, noticed that the usually elusive tower guardian elders had also shown up, standing at the forefront beside Hua Cangzhu.

Zhu Ling stood amidst the crowd and suddenly felt a pair of sinister eyes fall on her.

She looked up and seemed to see through the crowd to spot Diao Yuan.

After thinking for a moment, she said to Shang Zisu and the others, “I’ll go back and stand over there to avoid gossip.”

Shang Zisu shook his head with concern, discouraging Zhu Ling’s idea.

Zhao Nanxing also opposed, “It’s safer to stay with us. If you go over and they make things difficult for you or plot against you, it would be a waste of effort, wouldn’t it?”

Zhu Ling’s peripheral vision casually glanced at Diao Yuan, sensing he was still staring at her. She then said, “If I don’t go over, it might stir up more trouble. Anyway, it’s just a greeting here; once it’s over, I’ll quickly return to your side.”

Mei Zizhong pondered a bit and said, “You’d better stay. Hua Cangzhu won’t bother you at this moment, but Diao Yuan might. No need to take risks. If you’re worried Diao Yuan will cause trouble, just bring up the matter of him forcing you to consume a Puppet Pill and ask these dignitaries from the Holy Yuan Empire to seek justice.”

These words warmed Zhu Ling’s heart, and she gave Mei Zizhong a watery-eyed grateful look, nodding in agreement.

In the end, Zhu Ling did not return to Hua Cangzhu’s group.

She stood with Mei Zizhong and the other three behind Lou Chuanbai.

Lou Chuanbai stood not far from Hua Cangzhu, and Zhu Ling standing there naturally was seen by him. His eyes darkened with a hint of murderous intent, as he exchanged glances with Diao Yuan without saying anything.

’All is for the greater good.’ Their chance to achieve success must not be destroyed by a minor figure like Zhu Ling!

Everyone from the Medicine Tower had already gathered, a united group of over a thousand people dressed in coordinated white attire, exuding an ethereal aura. Everyone waited silently, with Hua Cangzhu whispering to Lou Chuanbai, “Master Lou, don’t you have one more disciple?”

Lou Chuanbai smiled, “Mu Ge has not yet emerged.”

Hua Cangzhu’s eyes flashed, a thought passing through his mind, he thought to himself: ’It’s just as well that kid with the surname Mu isn’t coming, so as to avoid drawing that person’s attention. It’d be best if he didn’t show up for the upcoming selection either!’

Hua Cangzhu harbored venomous thoughts in his heart.

After waiting a while, suddenly, a fierce wind arose, and two enormous flying beasts flew in from the distance. Compared to these two, the flying beasts within the Medicine Tower were utterly inadequate.

Like an overcast cloud, the two flying beasts appeared above the Medicine Tower disciples, and the crowd in the square was instantly shrouded in shadow.

“My god! What kind of flying beast is that!” someone in the crowd couldn’t resist voicing the question on everyone’s minds.

However, no one could provide an answer.

The size of the two gigantic flying beasts had surpassed their understanding.

Both flying beasts belonged to the same species, and their wing movements stirred up a gale, fluttering the attire of the Medicine Tower disciples on the ground.

They spiraled in the sky, occasionally releasing long, high-pitched cries.

As they lowered, the Medicine Tower crowd looking up realized that two individuals stood on the backs of the two flying beasts.

These enormous beasts could carry hundreds, yet now only bore two people each.

At this moment, a single thought echoed in every Medicine Tower disciple’s heart—’So extravagant! So lavish!’

The flying beasts remained aloft above the square, standing to the left and right without descent. The four individuals standing on the flying beasts were ethereal and only faintly visible in their gray-white robes, making their features indistinguishable.

They stood upon the flying beasts without any intention to dismount or converse with anyone on the ground, merely waiting silently, as if expecting something.

Hua Cangzhu looked up at the enormous flying beasts, at the four in gray-white robes, and his hands hidden within his sleeves began to tremble slightly.

His eyes were filled with excitement. Among all present, no one understood better than Hua Cangzhu what these gray-white robes symbolized.

Those were the robes of the Elder Stewards at the Medicine Tower Headquarters!

The Elder Stewards held power within the Medicine Tower Headquarters, managing various affairs of the tower. They held more power than titular elders, and indeed, each headmaster throughout history has emerged from these Elder Stewards.

He never expected that this time, four Elder Stewards would appear simultaneously; such grandeur was unprecedented. And what’s more, that person…

As Hua Cangzhu’s heart surged with emotion, the sky resounded again with a soul-shaking beast roar.

In the distance, several black dots appeared.

In an instant, from a distant place, they appeared before the crowd.

When the people saw what those black dots were, their faces involuntarily changed!

’What is that monster!’

Dragon head, leopard body, fleshy wings, entirely in cyan, with golden totems faintly visible, mysterious and noble. Under their sharp claws, airflow surged, as if a casual swipe could rip the sky asunder.

The long leopard tail was covered with menacing barbs, emitting a terrifying chill. Its bulging muscles brimmed with violent power!

“This… this seems like the Six-winged Gale Dragon Leopard!” someone stammered in fear.

The three pairs of wings on those Gale Dragon Leopards seemed to announce their identity!

Six-winged Gale Dragon Leopard!

Although the six words were spoken quietly, they sparked a collective gasp around.

They might not know the Six-winged Gale Dragon Leopard, but they knew such beings transcended the continent’s species. It symbolized the most formidable man’s appearance on this continent.

That man was a goal for countless men, the object of their reverence!

That man was the legend among legends, an unmatched deity!

With the Six-winged Gale Dragon Leopards appearing here, could it be that man…

Everyone, involuntarily, focused their gaze on the entirely black, understated carriage being drawn by the Six-winged Gale Dragon Leopards.

Could that person be inside?

Mei Zizhong and Zhao Nanxing also gazed up at the exotic beast in the sky, their eyes filled with shock.

At this moment, it seemed the previously resentful requirement to kneel in welcome wasn’t as hard to accept. If it was for that man, they would kneel willingly!

“Senior Brother, is it really him? I feel like I’m dreaming,” Zhao Nanxing murmured.

Mei Zizhong’s detachment was shattered at this moment.

Even if he remained indifferent to worldly affairs, he could not have missed the legends about that person.

In his always calm eyes, there was a hint of anticipation as he answered Zhao Nanxing’s question, “If it’s true, I really want to witness his demeanor in person!”

On the other side, Zhu Ling also spoke to Shang Zisu, “Zisu, are we not dreaming?”

Shang Zisu’s eyes were full of shock, slowly shaking her head.

Among the crowd, the siblings of the Wei Family were with Fu Tianlong and Shui Ling. They too, along with others around them, stared in astonishment at the Gale Dragon Leopard in the sky, the excitement in their eyes palpable.

Wei Guanguan said to Wei Qi, “When we go home and tell Dad who we saw at the Medicine Tower today, he’s definitely going to be envious of us!”

Wei Qi also nodded excitedly, “Am I… no, am I dreaming, Guanguan… pinch me… pinch me!”

“Hiss~!” Wei Qi gasped sharply, clasping his arm, and said to Wei Guanguan, “You really pinched me!”

Wei Guanguan raised an eyebrow and said, “Didn’t you ask me to pinch you?”

Wei Qi looked at her speechlessly, glared at her fiercely, then turned his gaze back to the sky.

Fu Tianlong exclaimed to Shui Ling, “Is it really that revered one? The elders said that two hundred years ago, our Ba Country faced a great calamity, and it was that revered one who descended from the heavens to save everyone, rescuing the entire Ba Country.”

Shui Ling nodded blankly, “I know. I’ve heard Grandpa say that he was still a child at the time, and when he was on the verge of death, that revered one eradicated the Nine Netherworld Serpent with just one strike.”

Fu Tianlong swallowed hard and nodded, “The Nine Netherworld Serpent, an ancient fierce beast. It’s said that it shouldn’t have existed in the Linchuan Continent. The one that appeared in Ba Country was a serpent that had been dormant for ten thousand years, and even a Purple Realm master found it hard to counter a single move. Countless citizens of Ba Country were swallowed by the serpent, becoming its food.”

“That revered one is the benefactor of Ba Country!” Shui Ling said earnestly.

Fu Tianlong did not refute this statement.

Because, in Ba Country, almost every household and tribe worshiped the statue of that person.

It’s just a pity that the face remains indistinct!

Their reactions were varied, yet time had merely passed in moments.

After the Six-winged Gale Dragon Leopard appeared, the four initially standing atop the flying beast shed their arrogance, reverently and respectfully bowing, “In reverence for Your Majesty the Holy King!”

These words fell into the crowd below like a thunderstrike.

Even though they had already guessed some, hearing it personally was infinitely shocking.

Hua Cangzhu woke as if from a dream, hurriedly knelt on the ground, and shouted loudly, “In reverence for Your Majesty the Holy King——!”

With his voice, a thousand disciples fell to their knees, sincerely shouting, “In reverence for Your Majesty the Holy King!”

Lou Chuanbai knelt beside Hua Cangzhu, his hands trembling with excitement.

In his youth, he had longed to meet this man deemed the strongest across the continent, but had never had the chance. Unexpectedly, as he was aging, his dream was fulfilled.

In the sky, two black shadows suddenly appeared.

Once they appeared, they immediately landed on the backs of two Gale Dragon Leopards.

Their tall, imposing silhouettes and indifferent demeanor instilled a sort of fear from within.

It seemed these two men’s presence signified the vast difference between them and the one inside the carriage.

“The Master said, you may rise.” Gu Ye looked down at the thousand people on the ground, coldly speaking.

Gu Ya, however, was searching the crowd for that familiar figure.

If not for their master’s concern for that person, why would it matter if this group was standing or kneeling? But… why can’t she be seen?

“Thank you, Your Majesty the Holy King!”

The four atop the flying beast first spoke, standing upright.

Only after Hua Cangzhu led the people in thanks did they rise from the ground.

The flying beast suddenly descended, its immense wings flapping, forcing the thousand people below to retreat, making sufficient space for it to land.

The flying beast retracted its wings, its talons fiercely clutched the ground. The hard jade stones shattered instantly beneath them.

The disciples of the Medicine Tower saw the ferocity of the flying beast and visibly turned pale from fear.

The flying beast crouched on the ground, allowing those on its back to dismount.

As soon as the four landed, they walked towards Hua Cangzhu.

Without greeting him, instead, they collectively turned and looked towards the sky.

The Six-winged Gale Dragon Leopard and the Mystic Car vanished from everyone’s sight in an instant.

A thousand people saw only two black and one white silhouette descending slowly from above.

The tall and slender figure standing in the middle instantly captured all eyes.

Spotless white, noble and mysterious purple, together delineated the lines on his body. Ink-like long hair cascaded down to his ankles, waving without wind.

He descended slowly, like a heavenly god descending, making one involuntarily want to prostrate and offer the most sincere worship.

When his features became clear in the depths of everyone’s eyes, time seemed to stop——

A man like jade, unparalleled in the world. Such a description could no longer capture the shock in their hearts. His act of stunning beauty went beyond imagination, as if the sun seemed to dim in comparison.

It seemed, he was the only source of light in this world!

Si Mo’s appearance brought about a sense of inadequacy among everyone, a gap between mortals and gods.

But it brought a lightning-like terror to four of them!

“He… he… how does he resemble Mu Ge’s cousin…” Wei Guanguan stammered. The terror in her eyes seemed to swallow her whole.

Wei Qi and Shui Ling weren’t much better off.

Especially Fu Tianlong, who had become rigid where he stood. If this revered one was Mu Ge’s cousin, then Mu Ge’s origin and background… he suddenly felt a chill on his neck.

It felt as if he had unwittingly brushed past the edge of death multiple times!

Fu Tianlong came to his senses and met Shui Ling’s gaze.

Her big eyes seemed to say to him, “Look at what you’ve done! Almost brought disaster upon Ba Country!”

Fu Tianlong lowered his head in shame, wishing he could slap himself to death.

Si Mo’s countenance was awe-inspiring, the kind of admiration that did not dare give rise to reckless fantasies. Even the Medicine Tower’s infatuated female disciples dared not entertain any evil thoughts, much less act inappropriately.

As Si Mo stood on the plaza, everyone felt a powerful aura spreading from his feet, swiftly enveloping the entire Medicine Tower. Those proud forbidden techniques could not deter his perception.

Si Mo’s actions were transparent and unhidden, clear as day.

A thousand people dared not voice any opposition.

When Si Mo’s aura reached Mu Qingge’s tightly shut door, the familiar presence inside prompted him to instantly withdraw the released aura, a faint smile flickering in his deep and indifferent eyes.

The four who had disembarked from the flying beast walked together to Si Mo, bowing respectfully, “Your Majesty the Holy King, I am Yuan Hu, Elder Steward of the Medicine Tower Headquarters.”

The other three followed suit——

“I am Cang Erzi, Elder Steward of the Medicine Tower Headquarters.”

“I am Li Ren, Elder Steward of the Medicine Tower Headquarters.”

“`

“I am Xia Tianwu, Elder Steward of the Medicine Tower Headquarters.”

“We pay our respects to the great presence of the Holy King!”

Si Mo’s eyes drooped, his long and curling lashes concealing his expression. It was as if he did not hear what the four were saying.

The four dared not show any dissatisfaction, only becoming more cautious and careful.

Gu Ye stepped forward and said, “The master has never liked formalities. This time, he is here to watch the Medicine Tower Selection Tournament; let’s not waste any more time with other matters.”

The four awkwardly smiled and stepped aside.

Among them, Elder Yuan Hu gave Hua Cangzhu, who was standing nearby, a covert look. Hua quickly understood, stepped forward, and addressed Si Mo, saying, “Your Majesty the Holy King, I am Hua Cangzhu, the head of the Medicine Tower Branch.”

After speaking, he looked at Gu Ye, saying cautiously, “Honorable sir, the competition is about to begin. Would it be better for Your Majesty the Holy King to come with us inside first?”

Gu Ye looked at Si Mo, and seeing him give an almost imperceptible nod, he then said to Hua Cangzhu, “Proceed.”

Hua Cangzhu immediately turned and led the way, while a thousand people quickly made way, clearing a path for Si Mo to walk.

It wasn’t until Si Mo’s figure disappeared at the gate of the courtyard that Wei Qi exhaled heavily and said, “Do you think His Majesty the Holy King and Mu Ge’s cousin are really the same person? Why does it feel like they just look the same to me?”

Wei Guanguan also said with some anxiety, “I also feel that although Mu Ge’s cousin doesn’t talk much, he’s very easy to get along with. But His Majesty the Holy King… I feel like he’s from a completely different world than us.”

“Nonsense. His Majesty the Holy King is a god-like figure, naturally different from us,” Shui Ling couldn’t help but say.

“So are they the same person or not?” Wei Qi scratched his head in frustration.

Fu Tianlong suddenly said, “This question can be answered as soon as we meet Mu Ge.”

…

In Lou Chuanbai’s residence, Mu Qingge stepped out of the room and immediately felt an unusual quietness around.

During this closed-door cultivation, she was not in the room everyone thought, but in her own space. For over a month, she didn’t let anything distract her and continuously practiced alchemy in the alchemy room within the space.

In the later stages, she suddenly entered a very mysterious state, giving her many new insights into alchemy.

Had it not been for the competition date that she remembered, she might have continued alchemy indefinitely.

“Where is everyone?” Mu Qingge felt surprised when she sensed no one around.

While searching around, she found a letter Zhao Nanxing left on the door.

After opening it, she realized they had been summoned to the gate of the Medicine Tower Courtyard to greet an important figure.

She was very grateful inwardly, ’Luckily, I came out late, or I would have suffered.’

Just as Mu Qingge put down the paper, she saw Zhao Nanxing hurriedly running over.

“Mu Junior Brother, you’ve finally come out!” As soon as Zhao Nanxing saw Mu Qingge standing in the courtyard, the tension on his face vanished instantly.

“What’s the matter?” Mu Qingge raised an eyebrow and asked.

Zhao Nanxing urged, “Come with me quickly, or we’ll be late.”

“What exactly is going on?” Mu Qingge frowned and asked. Wasn’t this guy supposed to be greeting the important figure?

“I’ll explain on the way,” Zhao Nanxing prompted Mu Qingge to start moving, and once she followed him, he explained, “Because His Majesty the Holy King has arrived, the head decided to start the competition half an hour early. Any disciple not arriving at the competition site within one incense stick’s time will be disqualified.”

“Wait, who did you say came?” Mu Qingge suddenly stopped and looked at Zhao Nanxing with wide eyes.

Zhao Nanxing thought Mu Qingge’s surprise was due to the shocking news of His Majesty the Holy King’s unexpected arrival and proudly said, “Like you, I was startled when I heard the Holy King came to our Medicine Tower Branch. I even thought I was dreaming, but unexpectedly, he really came! It’s a pity you didn’t see the scene when he appeared. Descending slowly from the sky, it was as if a god came down! I felt like, with just one stomp, the entire Linchuan Continent would shake!”

Mu Qingge listened, her eyebrows tightly furrowed. She thought inwardly: why did that old monster suddenly appear?

After Zhao Nanxing finished speaking, seeing Mu Qingge’s frowning silence, he assumed she was regretting not witnessing the Holy King’s divine appearance, so he hastily reassured, “Don’t worry, Mu Junior Brother. Once we get to the competition site, you’ll be able to see His Majesty the Holy King.”

Who the hell wants to see him!

Mu Qingge roared internally!

Since his sudden proclamation of a bunch of sappy words last time, she has had no desire to see that man at all.

Mu Qingge forcefully turned her neck, seemingly using this action to express her true feelings.

She really doesn’t want to see him!

“Huh? Mu Junior Brother, what’s wrong with you? Why does your expression look so strange?” Zhao Nanxing saw the changeable expression on Mu Qingge’s face and asked in confusion.

Mu Qingge instinctively touched her face and blurted out, “Who looks strange?”

Zhao Nanxing frowned and said seriously, “Mu Junior Brother, you’re acting a bit off. Have you been overly tired from your closed-door cultivation?”

Mu Qingge quickly put her hand down, covering her exquisite features with a layer of coldness: “No.”

“Are you sure? The arena competition isn’t easy, and in alchemy, even a slight distraction is unacceptable. If you’re low on energy or feeling unwell, you must speak up, to resolve it early and avoid affecting your performance,” Zhao Nanxing said solemnly.

Mu Qingge thought to herself: her only problem is wanting to kick Si Mo, that old scoundrel, away. But can she?

“I’m fine, let’s go. Didn’t you say it was getting late?” Mu Qingge deflected, choosing not to address the issues directly.

Seeing she was unwilling to reveal more, Zhao Nanxing didn’t press further. He nodded and reminded her, “Just remember, if you feel any discomfort, say it immediately.”

“Got it,” Mu Qingge replied.

When the two of them arrived at the competition venue, they found that a vast square had already been set up with ten high platforms, with banners above them bearing words like ’First, Second, Third, Fourth,’ and so on.

Around the arenas, there were high stands allowing those seated to have a complete view of the contests.

And the best sightlines on the stand were divided into three levels. At the top sat a single person dressed in white. Without looking at his face, Mu Qingge already knew who it was. Moreover, Gu Ya and Gu Ye stood by his sides.

“Mu Junior Brother, you see, that is His Majesty the Holy King, acknowledged as the foremost person in Linchuan,” Zhao Nanxing said softly, introducing her as he saw Mu Qingge’s gaze directed at the stands.

Mu Qingge looked at Si Mo, and seemingly sensing her gaze, he turned his head to look at her. The moment their eyes met, Mu Qingge indifferently turned away, as if she hadn’t seen him at all.

Si Mo’s brow subtly arched, and a faint smile appeared on his lips. It seems his little Ge’er doesn’t wish to see him here.

Mu Qingge continued to scan the stands, seeing four unfamiliar figures in gray-white robes.

“Those four are the Elder Stewards from the Medicine Tower Headquarters,” Zhao Nanxing explained to Mu Qingge.

The third tier needed no introduction, as it was occupied by the elders of the institute. Hua Cangzhu and Lou Chuanbai were among them.

Mu Qingge noticed that despite the assembly of over a thousand, it felt eerily quiet, as if no one was there.

She frowned, easily guessing the cause of such silence.

Look at that. What a fine competition, what a lively atmosphere, all turned so lifeless because of one person.

And that person sat there so unashamedly.

In front of Hua Cangzhu was an incense burner with a long stick of incense. At that moment, the incense was nearly burnt to the end.

When the flame went out, Hua Cangzhu stood up and addressed those around the arena’s perimeter, saying, “Alright, time’s up. Any disciple who hasn’t arrived is already disqualified. Next, I’ll announce the competition rules for this selection tournament. As in previous years, this time, the tournament will also follow the system of holding the arena. The top ten on the popularity chart will defend the arena according to their rankings, and others may challenge freely. Those who win five consecutive matches will advance. The competition continues until all thirty positions are filled!”

Mu Qingge understood that the first round would have the defenders as the ten on the popularity chart.

Those unable to defend the arena would be replaced by the victors. Anyone winning three consecutive matches would automatically qualify, and the remaining contestants would vie for the vacant positions, continuing the competition.

Once thirty participants earning the right to obtain medicinal licenses were selected, the competition would conclude.

However, she still had a question. She directly interrupted Hua Cangzhu’s speech to ask, “President Hua, I wonder if those defending the arena may challenge others on different stages?”

Hua Cangzhu’s face sank, not expecting Mu Qingge to so brazenly interrupt him at that moment…

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep