Chapter 491: Chapter 135: Junior Brother Mu, You Did That on Purpose!

The scene was originally very quiet.

But suddenly someone interrupted Hua Cangzhu’s speech, and instantly, countless eyes turned to such a ’bold’ person.

“It’s Junior Brother Mu!”

“Look quickly, it’s actually Junior Brother Mu!”

“What does he mean by asking this question? Could it be that he still wants to challenge others?”

“However, with Junior Brother Mu’s skills, being ranked eighth is indeed an injustice to him!”

“Haha, I thought we’d only see a real duel when the popularity ranking matches start. But now, seeing this situation, the upcoming competition will surely be exciting.”

The stands were filled with whispers, yet they all consciously kept the volume as low as possible.

In the middle of the three-tier stands, Hua Cangzhu’s face slightly darkened, his eyes glinting coldly as he looked at Mu Qingge. On the second tier of the stands, the four Elder Stewards from the Main Courtyard also raised their eyes, glancing expressionlessly at Mu Qingge.

It seems they were somewhat displeased with her rashness.

“Whose disciple is this?” Elder Li Ren among the four Elder Stewards asked, seemingly casually.

Lou Chuanbai immediately stood up from the lower tier, turned around and saluted saying, “Reporting to Elder Li, the disciple who spoke is my disciple. Please pardon the young one’s recklessness.”

Elder Li didn’t even bother to lift his eyelids as he asked, “And who are you?”

Lou Chuanbai’s expression froze; Elder Li’s tone was indeed a bit disdainful. While standing aside, Hua Cangzhu secretly mocked Lou Chuanbai in his heart.

Perhaps, in the territory of the Third-class Country, Lou Chuanbai hadn’t experienced such treatment in a long time.

Lou Chuanbai immediately composed himself and said calmly, “I am Lou Chuanbai, a Pill Master from the Medicine Tower Branch.”

“You are Lou Chuanbai?” Before Elder Li Ren could speak, another elder named Xia Tianwu spoke with interest.

He looked at Lou Chuanbai, his eyes revealing some appreciation.

Lou Chuanbai sensed the goodwill in his tone and slightly turned to him, saying, “That would be me.”

Xia Tianwu smiled and nodded, “I’ve heard some things about you in the Main Courtyard, they say your alchemy talent is quite good. Why not come to the Main Courtyard?”

Lou Chuanbai smiled and said, “I am a person of the wilderness, accustomed to my current life. Going to the Main Courtyard, I’m afraid I wouldn’t adjust well and would disappoint the Main Courtyard’s nurturing.”

“A place where everyone wants to squeeze in, yet you stay away. Interesting, interesting, let’s have a good chat after the selection competition.” Xia Tianwu’s attitude was quite congenial. With just a few words, the previous awkwardness was passed over, and it subtly reminded everyone that the selection competition was serious business, not to delay, not forgetting there’s a supreme being sitting above them.

What sort of people are the elders from the Main Courtyard? Each and every one of them is a person of insight.

A secret exchange of glances, and all tacitly fell silent.

“Chuanbai is at your service any time.” Lou Chuanbai also slightly saluted, then turned around and sat down.

Hua Cangzhu felt the change among them, both angrily and resentfully. Clearly, he could have suppressed Lou Chuanbai, but the turn of events unexpectedly allowed him to gain face in front of the elders from the Main Courtyard.

But in this scene, he couldn’t do anything.

He turned his eyes slightly, using the corner of his eyes to sneak a look at the emotions of the one sitting at the top, yet he could not discern any clues.

’Master, what is Little Lord doing?’ Gu Ya looked at his master, who was smiling since a certain lady appeared, and asked using a secret sound in his ear method.

Poor him, he didn’t get a response from Si Mo at all.

It seemed all of Si Mo’s attention was focused on the breathtaking figure standing proudly by the edge of the ring.

Hua Cangzhu suppressed his anger and asked, “Mu Ge, what do you mean by this?”

Mu Qingge chuckled softly, “No special meaning, just wanted to clarify the rules to avoid misunderstandings. May I ask, Principal, can a defender also challenge the ringmaster they are defending?”

Hua Cangzhu frowned, his intuition told him to deny this inquiry. So, he said loudly, “This is naturally not allowed. If the ringmaster challenges the ringmaster, wouldn’t the whole competition be in chaos?”

Defending is a kind of honor; defending successfully in three matches allows one to win. On your own ring, if you defend successfully for three matches you win, who would be foolish enough to challenge another ringmaster?

You must know, the abilities of a ringmaster and a challenger are not of the same level!

“Good, understood.” Mu Qingge smiled slightly and said no more.

It seemed, the doubt in her heart had been clarified, and she would no longer ’seek attention’.

Yes, in the eyes of the four elders from the Main Courtyard, Mu Qingge’s abrupt behavior just now seemed like attention-seeking, deliberately using topics to leave an impression on them and get noticed.

They have seen these little tricks too often at the Main Courtyard, how could they be fooled?

The four Elder Stewards inwardly smiled with some disdain.

Even if there’s an impression, so what? Who could say if it’s a good one or a bad one? Although this kid trying to grab eyeballs looks stunningly attractive, their Medicine Tower is not a place for selling looks, who cares how good he looks? Talent is the most important!

If these thoughts were to reach Si Mo’s ears, who knows if this supreme being would crush their heads in public.

Dare to judge his little Ge’er this way? They’re simply courting death in creative ways!

“Alright, the competition rules have been stated, now the competition begins. The top ten on the popularity list, go to the ring according to their ranking.” Hua Cangzhu shouted.

The challengers stepped back, poised for action.

Mei Zizhong, being the first on the popularity list, did not rush to the first ring.

Instead, Diao Yuan took the lead and jumped onto the second ring, standing coldly with a disdainful gaze scanning over the people beneath the stage.

However, when he saw Mu Qingge, his gaze flashed slightly.

For some reason, he always felt that this person’s earlier question was aimed at himself.

Diao Yuan’s gaze didn’t linger long on Mu Qingge before moving away.

Zhao Nanxing at this moment said to Mu Qingge and others, “Senior brothers, junior brothers, junior sisters, let us all do our best!”

The four nodded, then Zhao Nanxing leaped up onto the fourth ring.

“That one seems to be a prince of Yu Country.” Elder Cang Erzi suddenly looked at Zhao Nanxing and said.

Li Ren’s expression was arrogant, his voice carrying some pride, “So what if he is a prince?”

Cang Erzi glanced at him, smiled, and said nothing more.

After Zhao Nanxing took the stage, Zhu Ling also went onto the fifth ring. Her figure was alluring and graceful, exceptionally charming, causing many male disciples in the stands to brighten in their eyes, even the four elders from the Main Courtyard took a few more glances.

“Unexpected to have such a bright and charming female disciple in the branch.” Elder Yuan Hu narrowed his eyes, speaking with some unclear meaning.

Sitting beside him, Xia Tianwu lightly coughed twice, hinting with his eyes not to forget who was sitting above.

Yuan Hu’s face instantly changed, immediately sitting upright, saying no more.

Even when the beautiful Shang Zisu stepped onto the third ring, though his eyes flashed with astonishment, he dared not speak further.

All rings except the first ring had people standing on them.

Mei Zizhong didn’t hurry to the ring, instead walked to Mu Qingge, his eyes as calm as water, “Mu Ge, whatever you plan to do, make sure you advance. Don’t risk yourself for pointless individuals.”

Mu Qingge held a slight smile at her lips, “Thank you for the reminder, Senior Brother.”

Mei Zizhong nodded, as if he had more to say, but he just pursed his lips, then turned like floating clouds, heading for the first ring.

“This person ranked first on the branch’s popularity is indeed someone extraordinary.” Xia Tianwu nodded in appreciation. It seemed he admired Mei Zizhong’s airy, cloud-like, ethereal and tender temperament.

Sitting at the highest point, Si Mo’s narrowed eyes fell on Mei Zizhong, the smile that curled at his lips held several different meanings.

Secretly, Gu Ya looked at Gu Ye, conveying with his eyes: ’Do you feel any killing intent?’

Gu Ye coldly nodded.

Gu Ya added: ’It seems to start when that guy walked up to Little Lord.’

Gu Ye nodded again.

Gu Ya was almost crying without tears, lamenting in his heart: ’Master! Could your possessiveness not be so strong? It was just a word!’

When Mei Zizhong stepped onto the first ring, it immediately sparked cheers from the crowd.

The start of the competition seemed to also release these Medicine Tower disciples under the pressure of His Majesty, the Holy King.

Once most people were standing on the rings, only then did Mu Qingge head toward the eighth ring.

Once she stepped onto the ring, the surrounding erupted with deafening cheers, almost lifting the ground of the Medicine Tower!

“Mu Junior Brother! Mu Junior Brother! Mu Junior Brother!”

“Mu Ge—! Mu Ge—!”

The cheers came one after another, like waves of the sea.

This enthusiasm far exceeded that of the first person, Mei Zizhong. Yet, Mei Zizhong did not show any discontent; instead, he smiled slightly, with a sense of pride hidden in his eyes.

Not only him, but the notable figures on the third, fourth, and fifth platforms also smiled and showed no sign of jealousy.

Only Diao Yuan, standing on the second platform, had a darkened expression, and even his aura suddenly turned cold.

However, his change was not enough to alter the atmosphere at the scene. In fact, he had been overlooked to the point of non-existence.

“This disciple actually has so much support!” Xia Tianwu exclaimed in shock.

Such popularity, they had never experienced even in the Main Courtyard.

The other three were equally shocked, but they still had some doubts about Mu Qingge’s strength. After all, no matter how impressive she was for her age, how formidable could she really be? At most, she was an Advanced Alchemist, and in the Medicine Tower Headquarters, Advanced Alchemists of her age were not unheard of.

The cheers, like heatwaves, heightened the temperature of the competition site by several degrees.

This stemmed from the last thrilling Dan Fighting between Mu Qingge and Song Yu; the unprecedented phenomenon made them full of expectations for Mu Qingge, hoping she would amaze them once more!

Si Mo’s smile held a touch of fondness, his eyes locked onto the person on the eighth platform.

It seemed as if she was the only one in the world worthy of his gaze.

Such thunderous cheers seemed perfectly normal to him, and he even thought it was not enough. After all, that person was his little Ge’er! His little Ge’er was incomparable!

“Mu Ge—! Mu Ge—!”

“Mu Junior Brother! Mu Junior Brother! Mu Junior Brother!”

Standing on the eighth platform, Mu Qingge’s clear gaze scanned over Hua Cangzhu’s darkened face and Luo Chuanbai’s blooming smile, then suddenly raised her arm and clenched her fist tightly.

The action was crisp and forceful. Almost instinctively, all the cheers instantly silenced, and the Medicine Tower disciples in the stands pursed their lips following her action, but their chests still roared with emotion, stirred by this unparalleled, handsome gesture!

“Mu Junior Brother is so handsome!” a female disciple said with a shy face, biting her handkerchief.

“Oh my! I can’t take it anymore!” a male disciple couldn’t help but let out a low roar, overwhelmed by the primal energy within.

Such a simple action, yet it could command the entire scene.

This kind of control and influence made the four Elders from the Main Courtyard involuntarily gasp!

They all wondered in their hearts about who exactly this Mu Ge was. How could she have such popularity and support? Could it be… that the Branch had another world-shocking genius they were unaware of?

Immediately, all four of them simultaneously directed their inquisitive gazes at Hua Cangzhu.

Hua Cangzhu suddenly felt as if needles were pricking his back, making him very uncomfortable.

“Dean Hua, why does this Mu Ge receive such adoration from the disciples?” Xia Tianwu asked on behalf of the four.

Hua Cangzhu’s expression was uncertain, but he had no choice but to respond to the question from the Headquarters’ Elders. He difficultly replied, “This person completely passed the Spiritual Consciousness Tower test during the tower entry and also received the Spiritual Sense Fruit as a reward.”

The four immediately widened their eyes.

They knew what the Spiritual Sense Fruit was; in the Main Courtyard, everyone was aware.

Only by completely passing the test of the Spiritual Consciousness Tower could one receive the Spiritual Sense Fruit as a reward, significantly enhancing one’s spiritual sense, achieving a qualitative leap.

However, no one in either the Main or Branch Courtyard had ever completely passed the test.

Therefore, the Spiritual Sense Fruit had never been obtained by anyone.

But now, what did they hear? A new disciple was able to pass the test of the Spiritual Consciousness Tower and received the Spiritual Sense Fruit?! This wasn’t just the number one in the Branch; it was the number one in the Main Courtyard too!

Yet, the shock was not over.

Hua Cangzhu continued, “After entering the tower, during a Dan Fighting, she refined a Top Grade Advanced Elixir, and there were Dan Clouds forming, which further condensed into Dan Flowers.”

Having said this, he almost ground his teeth to pieces.

“What!” the four exclaimed in shock.

Those who have never practiced alchemy can hardly imagine how difficult it is to produce Dan Clouds, let alone for them to condense into Dan Flowers.

Could such a young person really achieve this step?

“How many flowers?” Cang Erzi asked, losing his composure.

Hua Cangzhu’s mouth twitched hard, and he squeezed out two words through his teeth: “Seven flowers.”

Ssss——!

The sound of the four drawing a breath was incredibly synchronized. The shock in their eyes was impossible to conceal.

They seemed to understand why Mu Ge had such support.

In an instant, their impression of Mu Qingge transformed from a showy youngster to a remarkably talented prodigy!

“Since he is so formidable, why does he only guard the eighth platform?” Li Ren asked after recovering from the shock.

Hua Cangzhu really didn’t want to answer this question, as the person defeated by Mu Qingge was his disciple.

While he hesitated, Luo Chuanbai stood up and answered for him: “My disciple has only joined for a few months and is yet to participate in the ranking competitions. The eighth ranking was due to someone challenging her, and she won by chance.”

A few months?

Li Ren’s mouth twitched hard, and he chose not to speak further.

Xia Tianwu smiled with admiration at Luo Chuanbai and said, “Chuanbai brother, you really got yourself a good disciple!”

Luo Chuanbai humbly lowered his head, saluted the four, and then sat down again.

The conversation between them was clearly heard by Si Mo. The smile on his lips grew wider; his little Ge’er was indeed so astonishing and delightful.

Even Gu Ya and Gu Ye showed expressions of shock in their eyes.

They had witnessed with their own eyes how this Mu “Little Lord” had transformed from a worthless being to her current state. Not only had her cultivation skyrocketed, but her alchemical prowess was equally impressive. Moreover, the whole process took less than two years.

Such a person… when compared to those so-called geniuses and prodigies, it was simply an insult!

They synchronously glanced at their master, once again admiring their master’s sharp vision! Yes, for such a formidable, legendary prodigy, it’s best to bring her home early!

The master was right! The master was indeed wise!

…

The shock caused by Mu Qingge mounting the platform gradually subsided, and the selection competition officially began.

There were few people mounting platforms from the first to the fifth. It seemed they all knew that going up would mean a loss. Meanwhile, before platforms six to ten, outside Mu Qingge’s eighth platform, there wasn’t a single challenger in line.

Seeing this situation, Mu Qingge thought she should have asked one more question.

That is—what happens if no one challenges her?

Fortunately, her question was somewhat unnecessary. After waiting patiently for a while, she witnessed a failed challenger coming down from the second platform, and finally, a shy-faced female disciple approached her platform.

Mu Qingge was stunned, and only then did she notice that at that moment, female disciples had filled in before her platform.

Once the female disciple ascended the platform, she immediately explained to Mu Qingge: “Mu Junior Brother, please don’t misunderstand me. I’m not here to seize your platform. I… I can’t win against you. I just want… to see you up close. Being able to have a Dan Fighting with you is the greatest honor of my life.”

Mu Qingge was bewildered by what she heard, feeling her mouth twitch slightly.

She speechlessly glanced at the eager-to-try female disciples below the platform and thought to herself: Surely, they weren’t all thinking of doing this?

With a helpless smile, Mu Qingge said to the female disciple, “Senior Sister, please.”

The female disciple’s cheeks flushed a shy red, and she said to Mu Qingge, “I… I can at best refine Intermediate-level elixirs.”

Mu Qingge, with a good temper, replied, “No worries, let’s just refine Intermediate-level elixirs then.”

Such gentleness and demeanor made the female disciples below the platform swoon all over again, immensely excited.

Unlike the other fiercely contested platforms, Mu Qingge’s platform was like a gentle spring breeze, captivating hearts.

Even on the first platform with Mei Zizhong, there were occasionally female disciples hesitating below the platform, but it did not possess the same springtime exuberance as the eighth platform.

Si Mo watched with a slightly cold gaze, and Gu Ya and Gu Ye, standing behind him, took a step back in unison.

Feeling that his master was almost unable to restrain himself from killing, Gu Ya hurriedly said, “Master, they’re all women. Women.”

“Women?” Si Mo’s lips slightly parted, his indifferent tone carrying an irresistible air: “Even if they’re women, it won’t do.”

Gu Ya and Gu Ye wanted to cry but had no tears, thinking to themselves: Master, oh master, you know this young master is a magnet for trouble, why look for trouble yourself?

Just as they were worrying and fearing their master would lose his temper, a sudden exclamation sounded from the eighth arena.

The two immediately looked over and saw a puff of black smoke coming from Mu Qingge’s pill furnace on the eighth arena, clearly indicating a failure in alchemy.

The woman competing against her was bewildered, looking incredulously at Mu Qingge’s pill furnace.

The female disciples queuing to get on the arena were also dumbfounded.

Even those in the stands were shocked, staring at the eighth arena.

“What’s going on with Mu Ge? How could she fail?” Wei Guanguan asked in confusion.

Wei Qi remained relatively calm and said to her, “Just wait and see, Mu Ge must have her own plans.”

Mu Qingge’s failure in alchemy attracted the attention of other arenas. Mei Zizhong and Zhao Nanxing were puzzled, while Diao Yuan sneered mockingly.

Li Ren laughed sarcastically, “Facing female disciples, he’s so distracted that he can’t even refine an elixir. No matter how good the talent is, too young indeed!”

Hua Cangzhu had a look of pride in his eyes.

Mu Qingge had already lost one match and even forfeited the arena. As for Diao Yuan? He’s already won two matches in a row, and just needs one more to secure a spot.

He looked at Lou Chuanbai, who had a calm demeanor, and said with hidden meaning, “Master Lou really can sit still.”

But Lou Chuanbai calmly smiled and said, “It’s their fate, the result doesn’t matter anymore.”

His calmness made Hua Cangzhu’s pride appear rather comical. Hua Cangzhu’s gaze turned a bit colder and he stopped speaking.

“I lost,” Mu Qingge casually said.

Then, she walked off the arena with her hands behind her back, head held high and proud.

That demeanor didn’t have the slightest hint of a loser? She didn’t have the slightest attachment or regret for her eighth arena.

The female disciple remained standing on the platform, apparently still accepting the result.

Mu Qingge walked down the platform, and the female disciples around it automatically made way.

After stepping down, she didn’t linger but headed straight for the second arena.

As she moved, numerous people cast their gaze on her, and until she calmly ascended the second arena, all competitions on other platforms halted, the audience silent, watching the second arena.

Facing Diao Yuan, Mu Qingge smiled and said with a hint of arrogance, “Brother Diao, Mu Ge is here to learn.”

Suddenly, everyone realized.

The previous match wasn’t a loss of control, but deliberate!

Mu Ge clearly intended to discard the title of arena master and challenge Diao Yuan on the second arena!

“Hehe, waited so long, finally a good show,” someone said gleefully.

Zhao Nanxing and others were enlightened, instantly understanding Mu Qingge’s intentions.

Previously, they had discussed how to teach Diao Yuan a lesson, and now Mu Ge was showing them in action how to effectively teach Diao Yuan.

The moment touched them slightly, Zhao Nanxing suddenly ’accidentally’ knocked over the pill furnace, and amid the stunned look of his opponent, he walked off the platform calmly, heading for the tenth arena.

There, where Song Yu had just successfully challenged, defeating the original arena master.

When he saw Zhao Nanxing approaching him with a gentle smile, he couldn’t help but show a bitter smile.

With Zhao Nanxing leading the way, Shang Zisu also ’accidentally’ left the arena master position for another platform occupied by a disciple under Hua Cangzhu.

Next, Zhu Ling ’accidentally’ left too and headed to the platform of her former sect.

Finally, even Mei Zizhong on the first arena ’lost’, calmly walking off the platform toward the sixth arena, where the arena master also belonged to Hua Cangzhu.

This phenomenon caused an uproar in the entire venue.

“What are they doing?” Xia Tianwu asked in surprise.

Anyone could see these people did it intentionally.

Hua Cangzhu, with a difficult expression, looked at Lou Chuanbai and said in a low voice, “Lou Chuanbai, what are you playing at?”

Lou Chuanbai shrugged innocently, “I’m just as clueless as you.”

…

On the second arena, Mu Qingge smiled at Diao Yuan, “Brother Diao, I’ll accept your concession.”

Diao Yuan’s expression turned icy cold, his eyes filled with murderous intent. Yet, he still turned and left the arena, heading for the ninth platform.

Mu Qingge stood on the platform, hands behind her back, smilingly watching Diao Yuan leave.

The competition proceeded, but a strange phenomenon occurred.

Mei Zizhong and others seemed to be chasing after Hua Cangzhu’s disciples, showing up to defeat them whenever they took the arena. If it was disciples of other sects, they didn’t bother.

Mu Qingge seemed to have her eyes fixed on Diao Yuan.

Every time Diao Yuan won two consecutive matches, Mu Qingge appeared to defeat him.

In time, the disciples in the stands began to notice this trend.

It wasn’t a competition anymore; it was addressing personal vendettas!

Mu Qingge’s pursuit of Diao Yuan was terrifying, what does it mean to not kill with one stroke, but to slowly torment?

At this moment, Diao Yuan’s internal rage probably reached the point of explosion, wishing he could end Mu Ge!

The competition lasted three days and nights, testing the participants’ mental fortitude.

More and more qualified contestants emerged, with Mei Zizhong, Zhao Nanxing, and Shang Zisu choosing to advance due to Mu Qingge’s hint. However, Hua Cangzhu’s disciples captured no advancement.

This result made Hua Cangzhu almost go berserk on the spot!

When only one spot was left, Mu Qingge and Diao Yuan were once again standing together on the first arena.

Everyone knew this final spot would be taken between them; other arenas were wisely empty too.

Diao Yuan’s anger was at the peak, he coldly said to Mu Qingge, “Mu Ge, you want to play, right? Fine! I’ll play with you! Let’s see if you’re stronger or I am!”

Mu Qingge smirked, “Having confidence is good, Brother Diao, but one must act within their ability.”

Implying, after failing to defeat me previously, what’s the meaning of talking big now?

That remark, upon careful thought, was quite malicious.

Usually, Diao Yuan would have retaliated against Mu Qingge ruthlessly, but this time he just sneered and sarcastically addressed Mu Qingge, “You think I don’t know your schemes? I just see you want to play, so I’ll play along.”

“Do they have a grudge?” Xia Tianwu asked Lou Chuanbai directly.

Lou Chuanbai smiled and said, “I also don’t know why Diao Yuan likes to trouble my disciple, but my disciple is gentle, likes harmony, but isn’t afraid of issues. Sometimes, being proactive is better than waiting for trouble.”

“I see.” Xia Tianwu said in realization.

Hua Cangzhu listened on the side, his teeth grinding, unable to resist saying, “Elder Xia, you have witnessed who’s causing issues to whom.”

Saying that, he looked at Lou Chuanbai and snorted coldly.

Xia Tianwu just smiled, choosing not to respond.

Gu Ya silently listened to this conversation, internally commenting: This Master Mu surely has a gentle disposition? Likes harmony? Why does this description feel so unfamiliar?

Xia Tianwu paused for a moment and then said to Lou Chuanbai, “I haven’t congratulated Master Lou for cultivating such outstanding disciples.” He had already known within these three days that Mei Zizhong, Zhao Nanxing, and Shang Zisu were Lou Chuanbai’s disciples. These three, all being advanced alchemists, were truly surprising.

Talking about his outstanding students made Lou Chuanbai pleased, “I was surprised too. It seems their recent retreat has been quite fruitful.”

He had to admit, the breakthrough of Zhao Nanxing and Shang Zisu into advanced alchemists surprised and delighted him.

Hua Cangzhu once again listened with envy!

Among his disciples, Zhu Ling had actually become an advanced alchemist. Unfortunately, she was like water and fire with him, as her master. What’s the use being an advanced alchemist when she’s not loyal?

The ones who betray him, all deserve to die!

“Mu Ge, do you really think you’re that great?” Diao Yuan said to Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge’s smile remained undiminished: “Senior Brother Diao, you’re mistaken. I’ve never considered myself that great. I understand the principle that there’s always someone better out there.”

“Hmph, could you really be that humble?” Diao Yuan said disdainfully.

Mu Qingge replied frankly, “I’ve always been very humble.”

The conversation between the two was as tense as drawn swords.

Li Ren laughed teasingly from the sidelines: “It seems, true skills will now be revealed.”

The Medicine Tower Elder in charge of the judgement looked at the two and announced: “The competition begins—!”

Diao Yuan glanced at the medicinal materials on the table and said to the Medicine Tower Elder: “I need to add a few more herbs.”

The Elder nodded and said: “Speak.”

Below the stage, an attendant immediately stepped over to record and prepare.

Diao Yuan gave Mu Qingge a cold smirk and declared confidently: “Nine Jade Flower, Hundred Herbs Fruit, Fire Smoke Grass, White Jade Fragrance…” Diao Yuan listed over ten kinds of medicinal materials, each considered a precious item.

The Medicine Tower Elder on stage was slightly shocked as he heard this; the elixir to be refined from these materials would surely be extraordinary.

Li Ren repeated the ingredients Diao Yuan required and thought for a moment, saying: “He intends to refine a Six Revolutions Small Returning Pill.”

“Six Revolutions Small Returning Pill?” Yuan Hu was slightly surprised: “The Six Revolutions Small Returning Pill is an advanced elixir, but among advanced elixirs, it’s also extremely difficult to successfully refine. Its refinement difficulty is already infinitely close to a Spirit Level elixir.”

Xia Tianwu nodded and said: “Indeed. If Diao Yuan can truly refine a Six Revolutions Small Returning Pill, to win, one must likely refine a Spirit Level elixir.” After speaking, he glanced at Lou Chuanbai.

Lou Chuanbai pressed his lips together, frowning.

Could Diao Yuan really manage to refine such a difficult elixir?

Lou Chuanbai was fully aware of Diao Yuan’s ability. Just over a month ago, he was not yet an advanced alchemist, and in little more than a month’s time, could he refine a Six Revolutions Small Returning Pill, a challenge infinitely close to a Spirit Level elixir?

Lou Chuanbai himself had refined the Six Revolutions Small Returning Pill, and he knew how difficult it was.

Even he couldn’t guarantee success every time he refined. What confidence did Diao Yuan have to dare refine in such a competition?

This wasn’t a private duel where there were three chances.

In the selection tournament, each competition allowed only one chance to refine!

If Diao Yuan truly came prepared, what would happen to Mu Ge?

Lou Chuanbai felt a subtle worry for Mu Qingge in his heart. Last time, he witnessed Mu Qingge’s Dan Fighting competition with his own eyes and knew it was only a matter of time before she became a Spirit Level alchemist.

However, that also required a process of accumulation. Could it really be accomplished in a short two or three months?

If it were that easy to break through to become a Spirit Level alchemist, he and Hua Cangzhu wouldn’t have lingered at the advanced alchemist realm for so many years.

But no matter how worried his heart was, Lou Chuanbai couldn’t stop the competition on stage.

Hua Cangzhu, listening to their conversation from the side, felt a faint sense of satisfaction.

He wasn’t worried that Diao Yuan would lose to Mu Qingge, because in his mind, that was impossible. His only concern was that when Diao Yuan used that item, it wouldn’t catch the Holy King’s eye.

Beside the first competition platform, the attendant recorded the medicinal materials Diao Yuan needed and then looked at the elder on stage. The elder looked at Mu Qingge and asked: “Do you need to specially add any materials?”

Mu Qingge glanced indifferently over nearly a thousand types of medicinal materials and slightly smiled: “There’s no need. Everything I need is here.”

After she responded, the attendant turned and left.

While waiting for the medicinal materials, for fairness, neither could start.

Thus, Diao Yuan and Mu Qingge stood somewhat idle on the platform, looking at each other.

The elders of the Medicine Tower Headquarters had already guessed from the medicinal materials Diao Yuan required what elixir he intended to refine. But as for Mu Qingge’s intended elixir, they were completely unaware.

Meanwhile, the others in the stands were clueless and could only wait in silence.

The four who had already advanced stood silently about the platform, watching everything unfold.

Zhao Nanxing, worried, said to Mei Zizhong, “Diao Yuan’s strength isn’t as good as Junior Brother Mu’s, but why does he seem so confident this time?”

Mei Zizhong slowly shook his head, also faintly worried: “He probably has other means. Now, we can only hope Junior Brother Mu can turn danger into safety.”

“It seems that his previous failures were deliberate,” Zhao Nanxing said with a slight frown.

Mei Zizhong nodded: “He wanted to reach this last station. Well, not that he deliberately failed, but rather he didn’t use his final trump card.”

“Senior Brother Mei is right. Based on his abilities alone, Diao Yuan could never be a match for Junior Brother Mu. Now that he’s so confident, I fear Hua Cangzhu has given him some trump cards,” Zhu Ling said.

“Then it seems this competition will be very perilous,” Zhao Nanxing said with a furrowed brow.

Shang Zisu softly said: “We must believe in Junior Brother Mu.”

This sentiment was shared by everyone, and silence fell over them.

On the high platform, Si Mo’s gaze was still on Mu Qingge, and he hadn’t even glanced at Diao Yuan opposite her. If someone asked him now about the appearance of the one battling Dan with Mu Qingge, he likely wouldn’t know.

“Master, aren’t you worried?” Gu Ya couldn’t help asking upon seeing his master’s demeanor.

Even he could see that shady person below the stage harbored obvious enmity towards Mu Qingge. Why hadn’t their master’s usual protective instincts flared?

“Little Ge’er will handle it,” Si Mo spoke with full confidence in Mu Qingge.

Gu Ya twitched the corner of his mouth, understanding.

It seemed their master didn’t pay any heed to such obvious enemies. What he cared about were the men and women who appeared around Little Lord Mu with friendship.

He looked at Gu Ye with an inexplicable bitterness on his face.

Gu Ye, however, coldly supplemented with his eyes: It should be said that regardless of the reason, as long as Mu Little Lord treats someone better, our master gets fiercely jealous.

Gu Ya nodded his head in grievance, agreeing with Gu Ye’s conclusion!

Soon, the attendant returned with the herbs.

The Medicine Tower Elder took them and personally handed them to Diao Yuan.

After he checked them, he nodded and said to the elder: “We can start.”

The Medicine Tower Elder then announced for both to begin their alchemy.

To save time, all previous processes had been completed by the attendants.

Diao Yuan and Mu Qingge only needed to toss the ground herbal powder into the Pill Furnace for fusion to create the elixir.

For fairness, the alchemy furnaces used in the selection tournament were all standardized and provided by the Medicine Tower.

Each only had one set of medicinal materials in front of them.

If they failed to refine, they lost.

If both successfully refined, the winner would be determined by the grade of elixir produced.

Once the match began, the audience grew silent.

Standing outside the platform, Mei Zizhong and three others watched all that was happening with attention.

Zhao Nanxing, somewhat worried, turned to Mei Zizhong and said, “Diao Yuan’s strength isn’t as good as Junior Brother Mu’s, but why does he seem so confident?”

Mei Zizhong shook his head slowly, with a hint of worry in his eyes: “He likely has other means. Now we can only hope that Junior Brother Mu can escape danger.”

“It seems that his previous defeats were also premeditated,” Zhao Nanxing said, frowning slightly.

Mei Zizhong nodded: “He wanted to wait until this last station, but I don’t think he deliberately failed before; he probably just didn’t play his final card then.”

“Senior Brother Mei is right. Comparing their abilities alone, Diao Yuan could never be Junior Brother Mu’s match. If he is so confident now, it must be because Hua Cangzhu gave him some trump cards,” Zhu Ling said.

“Then, we can only hope that Mu Junior Brother can turn the danger into safety,” mentioned Zhao Nanxing, echoing their shared concern.

All agreed in silence.

The elders in the Medicine Tower Headquarters had already guessed from the medicinal materials Diao Yuan needed which elixir he intended to refine. Yet, they were completely in the dark regarding the elixir that Mu Qingge intended to make.

While everyone else watching the platform didn’t understand the situation, they could only wait in silence.

Mei Zizhong and the three who had already advanced stood outside the platform, intently observing everything.

“Diao Yuan’s ability is by no means on par with Junior Brother Mu, but why does he seem so confident this time?” Zhao Nanxing said with a hint of worry to Mei Zizhong.

Mei Zizhong slowly shook his head, also harboring hidden concern: “He probably has other means. Now we can only hope Junior Brother Mu can turn the tide of danger.”

“So, his previous failures were intentional as well,” Zhao Nanxing said with a slight frown.

Mei Zizhong nodded: “He also wanted to save it for this last stage, but it wasn’t that he deliberately failed; he just didn’t use his final trump card.”

“Senior Brother Mei is right. If it were based purely on his ability, Diao Yuan could never be Junior Brother Mu’s opponent. Now that he is so confident, it is probably because Hua Cangzhu has given him some hidden cards,” Zhu Ling said.

“That’s the thing; he probably intentionally kept his final card unrevealed for later.” Zhao Nanxing said, knitting his brows slightly.

Mei Zizhong agreed, nodding: “Indeed, that’s what it seems like. Let’s just hope Junior Brother Mu can turn this around.”

Everyone agreed with Mei Zizhong’s sentiment, and fell silent once more.

The elders of the Medicine Tower Headquarters looked at the medicinal materials required by Diao Yuan and could guess the elixir he wanted to refine. However, they knew nothing about the elixir Mu Qingge intended to make.

Meanwhile, those on the side of the stands remained in the dark, waiting silently.

Zhao Nanxing, with some worry, said to Mei Zizhong, “Diao Yuan’s strength isn’t as good as Junior Brother Mu, but why does he seem so confident this time?”

Mei Zizhong slowly shook his head and, with a hint of concern in his eyes, said: “He likely has some other tricks up his sleeve. Now we can only hope Junior Brother Mu can turn danger into safety.”

“I see, so his previous defeats were deliberate,” said Zhao Nanxing, frowning slightly.

Mei Zizhong nodded: “He probably wanted to save his trump card for this last match. But I don’t think he deliberately lost; he just didn’t use his ultimate move until now.”

“Senior Brother Mei is right. If we compare just on ability, Diao Yuan could never be a match for Junior Brother Mu. Now, seeing his confidence, it seems that Hua Cangzhu has given him some aces up his sleeve,” Zhu Ling said.

“It seems his previous failures were also deliberate,” Zhao Nanxing said, frowning slightly.

Mei Zizhong nodded: “Yes, he likely planned for this very moment. But that doesn’t mean he deliberately threw the previous rounds; he just didn’t want to show his final cards yet.”

“That’s true,” Zhu Ling agreed. “But Sister Mei is right, if based purely on ability, Diao Yuan would not be a match for Junior Brother Mu. Now, his confidence is probably due to the trump card given by Hua Cangzhu.”

“If we see him lose later, we can only hope that Junior Brother Mu will turn danger into safety,” said Zhao Nanxing with a slight frown.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep