Chapter 504: Chapter 148: If I Say I’ll Crush You, I Won’t Go Easy on You!

The appearance of Jing Tian caused a sensation outside the Spiritual Consciousness Tower once again.

“It’s Senior Brother Jing Tian!” The disciples of the Main Courtyard, upon seeing Jing Tian, were slightly surprised. But they quickly reacted, hurriedly making way respectfully, bowing their heads and saying—

“Senior Brother Jing Tian!”

“Senior Brother Jing Tian!”

And Jing Tian, still arrogant, walked slowly through the crowd. Such presence, in an ordinary person, would be seen as overly proud, but in him, he had the right to be.

Because he was the youngest and most gifted Spirit Level Alchemist in the Main Courtyard!

Of course, in such a harmonious and respectful scene, there were three people who appeared out of place.

These three people naturally were Mu Qingge and Zhu Ling standing under a tree, and Zhao Nanxing, who was settling a bet with Zhe Xiu.

These three did not show the same respect as the others.

In fact, seeing Zhe Xiu, who had been arguing with him a minute ago, now bowing respectfully, Zhao Nanxing couldn’t help but feel puzzled.

Mu Qingge was also a Spirit Level Alchemist; why didn’t they act this way in front of her?

’It seems to be a matter of the person!’ Zhao Nanxing instantly pinpointed the root of the issue.

Jing Tian walked to the Obsidian Stele, his expression indifferent as he glanced around. Wherever his gaze landed, the Main Courtyard disciples bowed even lower without exception.

This scene seemed to please him, a proud arc appeared at the corner of his mouth.

However, when he saw the three of Mu Qingge, the joy of being surrounded by the crowd was instantly shattered. Especially since he saw no trace of respect in their eyes, a slight anger rose in his heart.

Mu Qingge was understandable!

After all, she was also a Spirit Level Alchemist, and had reasons to be proud.

But who were the other two? How dare they treat him with such disrespect?

A layer of coldness appeared in Jing Tian’s arrogant eyes.

This subtle reaction was immediately understood by those familiar with him at his side.

“Hey, why don’t you three salute upon seeing Senior Brother Jing Tian?” The one standing on Jing Tian’s right immediately jumped out, scolding the three angrily while trying to please Jing Tian with his expression.

This statement immediately highlighted Mu Qingge and the other two.

Almost instantly, the gazes of the Main Courtyard disciples all fell on the three.

Of course, Mu Qingge, who had just walked out of the Spiritual Consciousness Tower, was the one being scrutinized the most.

Previously, everyone hadn’t completely recovered from the shock of her breaking the record when Jing Tian appeared, forcing them to temporarily set aside their amazement and the feeling of their wallets being emptied.

And now, many suddenly remembered, this guy from the branch before them was the one who broke Senior Brother Jing Tian’s record!

Therefore, upon looking at the two again, a thought rose in everyone’s mind—

There’s going to be a good show!

“Why should I salute?” Mu Qingge stated calmly. Her eyes, clear and vast enough to contain the whole world, were calm and devoid of any ripples.

“Indeed, is there any rule in the Medicine Tower that requires disciples to salute when meeting each other?” Zhao Nanxing followed up.

“You!” The first lackey was left speechless by their words, only able to show his anger on his face.

Meanwhile, Jing Tian’s eyes turned a few degrees colder due to Mu Qingge and Zhao Nanxing’s words, with a hint of chill in his arrogant demeanor.

The second lackey, sensing Jing Tian’s anger, quickly stood up and said righteously, “It’s naturally irrelevant for others, but seeing Senior Brother Jing Tian requires saluting!”

“Why?” Mu Qingge’s gaze swept over, questioning again.

The curiosity in her eyes seemed to ask ’What makes Jing Tian different? Why should he be treated specially?’

The second lackey immediately became smug, saying triumphantly, “Why? Our Senior Brother Jing Tian is about to be promoted to a Medicine Tower Elder, what do you say to that?”

But Mu Qingge’s reaction was merely a light “Oh.”

Such indifference made both lackeys furious, and they rolled up their sleeves on the spot. Jing Tian also coldly snorted.

Instantly, outside the Spiritual Consciousness Tower, before the Obsidian Stele, the atmosphere was tense.

“Oh? Is that all your reaction?” The first lackey was not satisfied.

Mu Qingge’s gaze shifted lightly and fell on him, the clear and slightly cool look immediately quelling his anger, making him feel as if he was plunged into an icy spring.

Zhao Nanxing laughed, “You already said ’about to be promoted,’ but yet to be promoted means still a disciple, why special? When this senior brother is promoted, we will naturally perform the rite of greeting the Elder when we meet again.”

Zhao Nanxing’s words brought a layer of amusement to Mu Qingge’s clear eyes.

“You ungrateful country bumpkins!” The second lackey was furious. It seemed as if he was about to step forward to teach them a lesson.

Zhu Ling leaned in close to Mu Qingge, whispering by her ear, “How come this guy conveniently appeared here?”

’Convenient?’

The smile playing on Mu Qingge’s lips took on a hint of playfulness.

She had inadvertently caused such a big stir at the Spiritual Consciousness Tower; with so many informers around Jing Tian, how could he not know?

His appearance here now was probably because of her, right?

It’s just unclear how this person would steer the topic to her.

“Who are you calling a country bumpkin?” Zhao Nanxing said with a slightly serious tone.

The second lackey spoke without thinking, “I’m calling you a country bumpkin!”

As soon as he said that, concealed laughter sounded all around. Zhao Nanxing also wore a gentle yet infuriating smile. These made him realize and angrily retort to Zhao Nanxing, “You brat, you’re playing tricks on me!”

“Shut up! Isn’t your disgraceful display enough?” The repressed laughter around made Jing Tian feel humiliated. An annoyance akin to having useless teammates rose in his heart.

Being rebuked, the second lackey immediately stifled his anger, standing respectfully behind Jing Tian, though his eyes glared at Zhao Nanxing with anger.

If looks could kill, Zhao Nanxing might have been flayed by now. Unfortunately, looks could not kill. So what’s the harm in being stared at a few times?

Zhao Nanxing met his angry gaze without discomfort, instead nodding gently with courtesy.

This casual response nearly made the second lackey cough up blood in frustration!

Successfully stopping what seemed like a meaningless quarrel to Jing Tian, the disappearance of laughter around made him feel slightly satisfied. He didn’t continue entangling with Mu Qingge’s group, as if they didn’t exist.

With a dismissive attitude he said, “Zhe Xiu, I heard you started a betting pool?”

The named person, standing before Zhao Nanxing, immediately replied to Jing Tian with a grim face, “To answer Senior Brother Jing Tian, indeed I did, but it’s already concluded.”

“Oh? That means there’s a result?” Jing Tian arrogantly raised an eyebrow, his gaze shifting to the Obsidian Stele.

However, Mu Qingge had already come out. The Obsidian Stele was empty, which made Jing Tian frown, seemingly surprised by this outcome.

He had come as soon as he received the news. Even if the examination in the Spiritual Consciousness Tower had ended, those who over-exhausted their Spiritual Sense would stay in the tower to recover, why weren’t they visible?

Jing Tian couldn’t comprehend, so he glanced again at the disciples around him.

He seemed to seek a satisfactory answer from them.

But everyone who met his eyes bowed their heads without exception, backing away to avoid his questioning.

This reaction only made Jing Tian more puzzled.

Their dodging appearance kindled slight anger in Jing Tian’s heart. He said to Zhe Xiu, “Since you started the betting pool, you tell me the result.”

This made many people secretly breathe a sigh of relief, though internally left Zhe Xiu wailing!

What sins had he committed, thinking he’d make a fortune by opening a betting pool, only to lose everything and not even have underwear left, and now to endure Jing Tian’s impending wrath!

Jing Tian’s nature was known to anyone who had stayed in the Main Courtyard for some time.

With extraordinary talent, he had long been used to a feeling of being unrivaled, how could he tolerate someone standing on equal footing with him? Or even surpassing him?

Even if Zhe Xiu wasn’t personally involved, speaking of it might still incur Jing Tian’s displeasure.

This was why everyone was avoiding, hiding, and reluctant to speak.

But he had been named by Jing Tian.

Not speaking would also not excuse him from Jing Tian’s wrath!

After a moment of inner struggle, Zhe Xiu finally stammered, bracing himself: “P… passed…”

A mere two words, yet they nearly consumed all of Zhe Xiu’s spiritual power.

Just as he breathed a sigh of relief at his answer, Jing Tian’s voice rang out once more: “Passed? Passed what?”

Zhe Xiu’s heart skipped a beat, and he sneakily glanced at Jing Tian, noticing his eyes had narrowed. A dangerous aura quietly wrapped around his neck.

Zhe Xiu instinctively raised a hand to touch his neck, his gaze tightening, and cautiously answered again: “J… just passed… passed… all… all the scales…”

As soon as Zhe Xiu finished speaking, it was as if a cold wind swept across the square outside the Obsidian Stele. The source of the cold wind was Jing Tian, standing in the center.

“Passed all the scales? How is that possible, are you seeing things!” Lackey Number Two immediately refuted.

That look of disbelief quickly gained the support of Lackey Number One!

Zhe Xiu’s heart was full of bitterness.

He too hoped he was mistaken, but…

“How exactly?” Jing Tian’s voice turned icy.

Zhe Xiu was stunned and hurriedly said: “J… just passed all the scales. Not only I saw it, everyone here saw it!” He gestured with his hand, dragging everyone down with him.

The expressions of those around suddenly became awkward.

’Did someone really clear it? Walked through the entire Spiritual Consciousness Tower and broke Jing Tian’s record.’

Lackey Number One and Two both looked at Jing Tian simultaneously.

Yet, Jing Tian’s face remained stern, leaving people unable to discern what he was thinking.

At this moment, someone in the crowd pointed to Mu Qingge and shouted: “Senior Brother Jing, it’s him! It’s that kid in red!”

After speaking, he quickly withdrew his hand and hid in the crowd.

Lackey Number One and Two were slightly shocked, swiftly looking at Mu Qingge. The latter remained calm and indifferent, as if the words were not about her.

Jing Tian’s gloomy gaze slowly fell on Mu Qingge, and he said in a deep voice: “You again?”

The three words carried a lot of meaning.

However, among those present, few could understand.

They could only judge from this sentence that there seemed to be a grudge between Jing Tian and Mu Qingge before this.

However, Mu Qingge understood the meaning in Jing Tian’s words.

This ’you again’ referred to her alchemy skill and spiritual sense strength.

Mu Qingge becoming a Spirit Level Alchemist seemed to have touched Jing Tian’s nerves, which was why he initially wanted to show the branch’s disciples a demonstration. Unfortunately, Xia Tianwu stopped him, and his plan failed.

However, before he could provoke again, Mu Qingge created such a sensational event at the Main Courtyard. Walking through all the scales of the Spiritual Consciousness Tower! This had never occurred since the Medicine Tower’s establishment, yet she did it.

Jing Tian could predict that it wouldn’t take long for this matter to reach all the Elders’ ears.

Such a disciple, stronger than him, would quickly become the focal point, perhaps… gradually replace him…

And such a result was something Jing Tian could not accept no matter what!

However, Mu Qingge understood his meaning, but it did not mean she had to respond. She didn’t even look at Jing Tian, turning to Zhao Nanxing, “Can we go now?”

Zhao Nanxing smiled at her, turned his gaze to Zhe Xiu, and swung the betting slip in his hand: “Are you thinking of reneging on the bet?”

Zhe Xiu’s face turned unpleasant, both angry and annoyed, yet he still firmly replied: “Rest assured, give me three days to prepare. After three days, I’ll settle the wager with you.”

This answer left Zhao Nanxing reasonably satisfied.

He pocketed the bet slip and returned to Mu Qingge’s side.

The three of them regrouped, intending to leave.

“Stop!” Jing Tian shouted coldly, preventing them from leaving.

Lackey Number One and Two instantly caught on, rushing in front of the trio to block their way.

Facing the road-blocking lackeys, Mu Qingge’s demeanor remained calm. She slowly turned and locked eyes with Jing Tian, seemingly trying to understand what he wanted.

Mu Qingge looked at Jing Tian calmly, as if saying ’What do you want?’

Her tranquility contrasted with Jing Tian’s arrogance.

Jing Tian stared at her, the anger in his eyes gradually transforming into hatred, as if Mu Qingge were the murderer who annihilated his entire family.

This jealousy, born of narrow-mindedness and envy, was something Mu Qingge struggled to understand. She frowned slightly at Jing Tian’s open display of emotion, seemingly a little displeased.

“Hey, you called us to stop but didn’t speak, what do you want to do?” This question was not fitting for Mu Qingge to ask. So, Zhu Ling asked for her.

In reality, for Zhu Ling, who wanted to stay in the Main Courtyard, she shouldn’t have asked.

But she asked anyway, with no intention of staying uninvolved.

This made Mu Qingge glance at her.

Jing Tian’s eyes narrowed dangerously, looking at Zhu Ling: “Who do you think you are to talk to me?”

“Ha, I just arrived at the Main Courtyard today, and I truly don’t know what you are,” Zhu Ling retorted, unwilling to show weakness.

“What did you say, you brat!” Lackey Number One was displeased, almost rushing over to teach Zhu Ling a lesson.

Mu Qingge raised her hand, blocking in front of Zhu Ling and shielding her behind herself.

This action made Jing Tian sneer: “Can’t see she’s quite the sentimental type.” His words had underlying implications, seemingly insinuating something.

Perhaps, Mu Qingge’s earlier gesture reminded him of how Shang Zisu instinctively hid behind her, making him bear a grudge and retaliate with words.

For Jing Tian’s ’evaluation’, Mu Qingge had no need to respond.

She said blandly: “If you have something to say, say it.”

This attitude seemed even more haughty than his!

Jing Tian’s expression instantly became unpleasant, looking at her with extreme gloom.

The main courtyard disciples watching around had all seen the tension between the two. However, they couldn’t figure out who Mu Qingge was, worth Jing Tian’s anger.

Suddenly, the anger on Jing Tian’s face disappeared, and he looked at Mu Qingge with a confident smile: “Do you dare to have a Dan Fighting with me!”

“Dan Fighting!”

“Senior Brother Jing actually wants to challenge him? No way!”

“Senior Brother Jing is a Spirit Level Alchemist, although this branch disciple’s spiritual sense strength is amazing, what about alchemy skills?”

“Seeing how young he is, how could he possibly be a match for Senior Brother Jing?”

With Jing Tian’s words, the crowd around them became even more excited than Mu Qingge, discussing fervently.

Of course, the discussions leaned towards skepticism about Mu Qingge.

But some dared to speak out—

“But isn’t it unfair to challenge this junior from the branch when Senior Brother Jing is already a Spirit Level Alchemist?” However, these words were spoken too timidly, too anxiously, as if afraid of angering Jing Tian, yet unable to hold back.

However, these words still floated into Jing Tian’s ears with the wind.

He seethed inwardly, wanting to find out who spoke.

However, there were hundreds of spectators, how could he find them out?

The implication of these words seemed to suggest he was taking advantage, something his pride couldn’t accept.

He snorted and said to the crowd: “This junior from the branch is a bona fide Spirit Level Alchemist. A duel between Spirit Level Alchemists, how is it unfair?”

“What! A Spirit Level Alchemist, no less!”

“Heavens! A Spirit Level Alchemist so young, how are the rest of us going to cope?”

“No way! Spiritual sense strength so monstrous and alchemy skills so formidable, is he even human?”

“So among us disciples, there’s now a second Spirit Level Alchemist?”

The explosive news Jing Tian revealed immediately made Mu Qingge the focal point of the crowd, even overshadowing Jing Tian completely. Such a result was not what Jing Tian wanted.

He wanted to tell everyone that they were the same level Pill Masters, so when he won, no one would say he bullied others due to superiority. However, unexpectedly, his words only boosted Mu Qingge’s popularity.

Instantly, Jing Tian was nearly furious to death.

“This person really has no patience,” Zhao Nanxing whispered in Mu Qingge’s ear.

The person he mentioned was naturally Jing Tian.

Mu Qingge smiled slightly, nonchalantly saying, “Indeed, so being targeted by people like him is really boring.”

The boast hidden in her words made Zhao Nanxing disdain her. But he still gleefully said, “Congratulations, you’ve become a celebrity again.”

Mu Qingge smiled bitterly. ’This is not the result she wanted.’

She truly just wanted to come low-key and leave low-key…

The news that Mu Qingge is a Spirit Level Alchemist spread instantly outside the Spiritual Consciousness Tower, causing an uproar. Among the disciples, a duel between Spirit Level Alchemists was akin to a once-in-a-century event!

In no time, this news was spreading like wings, quickly reaching every corner of the Medicine Tower Headquarters.

The development of the situation seemed to have somewhat escaped Jing Tian’s control.

He didn’t want Mu Qingge to continue being discussed, while he became a mere background, so he urged, “Do you dare or not?”

“Why wouldn’t I dare?” Mu Qingge raised an eyebrow and said. She had previously mentioned that if Jing Tian dared to bother her, she’d confront him. While boring, pulling someone off their pedestal was quite satisfying.

“Great! In that case, let’s decide it like this!” Jing Tian said with a cold smile. Then, pretending to be generous, he added, “Considering you’re new here, I can let you set the time.”

“There’s no need, we can compete right now,” Mu Qingge said nonchalantly.

Sss—!

Her words immediately drew gasps from all around.

Jing Tian’s face turned slightly dark as he said, “Arrogant.”

Mu Qingge looked quite innocent; she honestly didn’t think she needed an auspicious date to beat someone up.

The sooner she dealt with this, the sooner she could leave the Medicine Tower Headquarters and head to Rong Country.

Her frankness, however, was seen in Jing Tian’s and the disciples’ hearts as sheer arrogance!

“Too arrogant! Senior Brother Jing Tian, you must teach him a harsh lesson!”

“Yes! Senior Brother Jing Tian, you should educate this junior. Even as a Spirit Level Alchemist, being too arrogant can lead to a painful slap in the face.”

“Senior Brother Jing Tian, teach him a lesson!”

“Senior Brother Jing Tian will surely win! Whatever Spirit Level Alchemist he is, probably exaggerated by the Branch over there!”

“Exactly, exactly, our Headquarters has only produced a peerless genius like Senior Brother Jing Tian over the years; what’s a Branch? Just a rural place, how could it produce a Spirit Level Alchemist?”

The reaction from all around dispelled the gloom between Jing Tian’s brows, curling his mouth into a pleased smile.

He raised his hand, and the angry voices slowly faded away, becoming quiet.

Jing Tian looked at Mu Qingge, noticing she seemed unaffected, with a calm demeanor, internally scoffing: ’Pretending to be calm.’

Then, he said, “Since Junior Brother Mu is so confident, I’ll fulfill you. If by chance I win as your senior brother, don’t cry that I bullied you.”

Jing Tian’s words elicited a chorus of laughter in agreement.

Seemingly, in their eyes at that moment, Mu Qingge had already turned into a boastful and arrogant child.

Zhao Nanxing’s gaze chilled, preparing to step forward for debate.

But Mu Qingge grabbed his wrist, playfully smiled, saying, “Why bother with petty arguments? Isn’t it better to let the facts slap faces?”

Zhao Nanxing complied and stepped back, gazing at the mocking sights around with a playful look.

He seemed to be waiting to see everyone’s dumbfounded expression from being shocked by Mu Qingge.

He couldn’t help it; he had faith in Mu Qingge!

“Since Junior Brother Mu is confident and doesn’t need preparation, let’s head to the arena for the duel,” Jing Tian mockingly invited.

The disciples already gathered outside the Spiritual Consciousness Tower were also itching to move.

This duel seemed to wash away their gloomy mood over the lost gold. As if, as long as Jing Tian could defeat Mu Qingge, they could expel the bad luck.

A group of people was about to leave in high spirits.

Suddenly, the sound of a crane echoed from the sky. Everyone looked up, including Mu Qingge and the other two.

A crane circled down from the sky, with someone riding on its back exuding an ethereal aura.

Mu Qingge looked up with immense envy, again sighing internally: having a ’private aircraft’ feels absolutely fantastic!

The crane landed, and the person on its back gracefully dismounted.

Mu Qingge fixed her gaze, raising her brows slightly, it turned out it was an acquaintance!

Xia Tianwu glanced at Mu Qingge before looking at Jing Tian. His expression was solemn and cold, entirely different from before.

“Greetings, Elder Xia.”

“Greetings, Elder Xia.”

The Headquarters disciples all greeted him.

Xia Tianwu waved his sleeve, saying, “By decree of the Dean, the battle between Jing Tian and Mu Qingge is scheduled for tomorrow. The match will be regarded as a qualification match for promotion to Medicine Tower Elder.”

Saying this, he looked at Jing Tian and slowly added the subsequent words, “The winner will become a Medicine Tower Elder. The loser will forever lose the qualification to be promoted.”

After these words, Jing Tian’s expression changed immediately!

He wasn’t stupid; he naturally heard the targeting clenched within Xia Tianwu’s words.

In the Headquarters, who wasn’t aware that he was about to partake in the promotion to Elder examination? Now, having his private duel confused with the exam, if he wins, that’s fine; but if he loses? He will forever lose the qualification?

“Elder Xia, is this truly the Dean’s words?” Jing Tian gazed gloomily at Xia Tianwu.

Xia Tianwu looked at him coldly and said without doubt, “Naturally.”

“How can a duel and an examination be conflated?” Jing Tian angrily retorted. The one looking to be promoted to Elder was him, not this Branch junior! If he loses, he loses qualification, but what does that junior lose?

Xia Tianwu replied formally, “If you are dissatisfied, you can explain it to the Dean. I’m just here to inform you.” Saying this, he smiled at Jing Tian, “Or is it that you, Jing Tian, lack confidence?”

Jing Tian hesitated, suddenly speechless.

“Yes, Senior Brother Jing Tian, let’s just compete. That junior must be inferior to you!”

“Senior Brother Jing Tian, I believe in you!”

“Senior Brother Jing Tian, show the Headquarters spirit and teach that Branch junior a lesson.”

The surrounding remarks stopped Jing Tian from declining further. Otherwise, it would mean he was scared, timid, losing before fighting!

Seeing Jing Tian quiet, Xia Tianwu turned to Mu Qingge, asking, “Mu Qingge, do you have any objections?”

Mu Qingge slowly shook her head, showing no hesitation.

Her attitude made Xia Tianwu quite satisfied.

He told the two of them, “Alright, since you both understand, prepare yourselves. Medicinal Materials can be collected from the Medicine Field, and use your own Pill Furnace. As for which elixir to refine, for fairness, the Dean himself will decide before tomorrow’s competition.”

After speaking, Xia Tianwu departed on his crane once again.

Subsequently, Jing Tian snorted coldly, leaving with his two lackeys.

One of the event protagonists departed, so Mu Qingge naturally left with Zhao Nanxing and Zhu Ling.

After both parties left, someone sidled up to Zhe Xiu, bumped his shoulder with an elbow and half-jokingly said, “How about setting up another bet for tomorrow? Might have a chance for a comeback.”

Who knew, Zhe Xiu’s face greatly changed, quickly saying, “Again! What money do I still have?”

Someone continued to incite, “A bet is meant to be a win; we are Medicine Tower disciples, isn’t earning money easy? Selling some elixirs to Wanxiang Building, or refining elixirs for others, won’t cash start pouring in?”

Zhe Xiu frowned, seemingly engaged in a fierce mental struggle.

Ultimately, he gritted his teeth, making up his mind and saying, “Alright! Let’s do it! I’ll start the betting for tomorrow’s battle, and still be the bookmaker!”

In an instant, many gathered around him once more.

It seems they all want to rely on Jing Tian to win back the wealth they lost today!

Mu Qingge and the other two returned to the side hall where branch disciples temporarily stayed. Before entering, they saw Mei Zizhong and Shang Zisu approaching.

Behind them, many branch disciples were secretly watching.

“What’s going on? Why has there suddenly been news of your duel with Jing Tian tomorrow?” Mei Zizhong directly asked Mu Qingge.

Although Shang Zisu didn’t speak, the inquiry in her eyes was identical to Mei Zizhong’s.

Facing their questions, Mu Qingge and Zhao Nanxing exchanged a glance without speaking.

Finally, it was Zhu Ling who spoke: “Let me explain…” Then she carefully recounted what happened to Mu Qingge in the Spiritual Consciousness Tower.

This included the wager, Mu Qingge’s record-breaking feat, Jing Tian’s provocation, and how their duel shifted to a contest between Medicine Tower Elders due to a word from the dean…

After listening, both Mei Zizhong and Shang Zisu were a bit stunned.

It seemed they couldn’t believe that so much happened after just half a day away.

“So, if Qingge wins, she’ll become an elder in the main courtyard?” Mei Zizhong suddenly said. His expression was somewhat complex.

He suddenly realized that the girl in front of him was advancing too quickly, too exceptionally, to the point where he felt inferior, unable to face the vague and incomprehensible feelings in his heart.

Without noticing Mei Zizhong’s anomaly, Mu Qingge simply thought for a moment and said, “Whether I become an elder or not, the priority now is to defeat Jing Tian.”

“You will definitely win,” Shang Zisu said with great certainty.

Mu Qingge looked up at her and laughed, “Well, thank you for your kind words, Senior Sister.”

“Brother Mu, we believe in you! Teach those main courtyard people a lesson for our branch. We’ll come cheer for you tomorrow!” A branch disciple who had been peeking from the hall gathered enough courage to shout at Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge smiled faintly and nodded slightly.

Even though Mu Qingge entered later, she’s already a Spirit Level Alchemist. It was difficult for them to call her junior brother, so they decided to uniformly address her as senior brother.

Only Mei Zizhong, Zhao Nanxing, Shang Zisu, and Zhu Ling addressed her as Junior Brother Mu in private due to their close friendship.

“By the way, I made a big profit on a bet earlier. In three days, we’ll be rich. We must celebrate then,” Zhao Nanxing suddenly said.

Shang Zisu glanced at him and said in a flat tone, “You winning money, what does it have to do with us?” She didn’t understand his mention of “we’ll be rich.”

Zhao Nanxing laughed, “Knowing it was a sure-win bet, I naturally wouldn’t forget everyone. I placed bets for both of you as well. With a fifty-to-one payout, in three days, you each can get five thousand gold notes.”

Mei Zizhong and Shang Zisu exchanged surprised looks. Both of them, being of cool and aloof personalities, weren’t familiar with gambling. However, they understood the meaning of five thousand gold notes.

Such a large fortune, whether in Yu Country or in a Third-class Country, would be enough for an average family to live prosperously for a lifetime. Even their children wouldn’t have to toil, enjoying a life free from worry.

“And how about mine?” Mu Qingge asked with a smiling squint at Zhao Nanxing.

“Uh!” Zhao Nanxing’s mouth twitched. He had indeed forgotten to place a bet for Mu Qingge himself! He immediately laughed awkwardly, “I momentarily forgot, but rest assured, Junior Brother, what’s mine is yours, I’ll share with you once I get the gold notes.”

Mu Qingge nodded, “Well said! What’s yours is mine. How about this—I won’t be greedy; I’ll just take two-thirds of your share of the gold notes.”

“What! Two-thirds!” Zhao Nanxing’s face changed, he exclaimed.

If Mu Qingge took two-thirds, he’d barely be left with the principal. ’Do you have to be so ruthless?’ Zhao Nanxing looked at Mu Qingge with pleading eyes.

However, Mu Qingge raised an eyebrow at him, as if saying: ’Betting with me means there’s a price to pay.’

’Isn’t that price a bit too steep?’ Zhao Nanxing swallowed, looking increasingly pitiful.

Mu Qingge’s eyebrow arched higher, and the smile on her lips gradually deepened. ’If you keep haggling, you won’t even have a third left.’

Zhao Nanxing’s breath hitched, clutching his pouch with a heartache, he pouted, “Seems like this errand-running person ends up gaining nothing in the end.”

This side of him was different from his usual gentle and courteous demeanor, but it added an approachable charm.

The five of them returned to Mu Qingge’s room, where Zhu Ling frowned and said, “Elder Xia mentioned that we need to provide our own Pill Furnace for tomorrow’s duel. Junior Brother Mu, do you have a suitable Pill Furnace?”

Upon hearing this, the other three turned to look at Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge, however, remained calm and composed, “Didn’t I get one from the Hidden Pill Tower last time?”

“You mean that dark and shabby thing?” Zhao Nanxing blurted out. After speaking, he felt it was inappropriate and quickly faked a cough to cover it up.

Mei Zizhong remarked tactfully, “Mu Junior Brother, why not use my Pill Furnace?”

“Yes, you can use any of our Pill Furnaces,” Zhao Nanxing quickly interjected.

Shang Zisu and Zhu Ling also nodded emphatically.

Mu Qingge looked at the four speechlessly, feeling that they really had no faith in her ’Little Black’.

She touched the tip of her nose, awkwardly laughing, “A Pill Furnace appearing in the Hidden Pill Tower shouldn’t be some scrap, right?”

The four exchanged glances, truly reluctant to hit her with the harsh truth.

The black, odd-shaped Pill Furnace indeed didn’t resemble a decent one. If they hadn’t seen Qingge take it out from the Hidden Pill Tower, they would’ve thought it was just a piece of scrap metal.

Tomorrow’s competition concerns the honor of the Branch. Wouldn’t going on stage with this unsightly Pill Furnace just be inviting ridicule from those high-and-mighty folks at the Main Courtyard?

Thinking about what might happen tomorrow, Zhao Nanxing braced himself to persuade her, “Uh, Junior Brother, maybe reconsider? Our Pill Furnaces, also from the Hidden Pill Tower, are not bad.”

But Mu Qingge shook her head, refusing, “No need, I’ll use Little Black.”

“You’ve even named it Little Black?” Zhao Nanxing was extremely surprised.

Mu Qingge raised an eyebrow, not replying.

She hadn’t deliberately named it, but its appearance was just… Moreover, after acquiring the Pill Furnace, it hadn’t given her any feedback, so she just casually called it ’Little Black’.

Mei Zizhong twitched the corner of his mouth, saying flatly, “Hmm, very fitting.”

Mu Qingge opened her mouth, wanting to explain that it was just a humorous misunderstanding. But in the end, she said nothing.

’Well, Little Black it is then,’ Mu Qingge mused in her heart.

Who would have thought that as soon as her inner thoughts settled, ’Little Black’ that was left in space suddenly vibrated, as if declaring its dissatisfaction.

Unfortunately, Mu Qingge did not perceive it.

That night, at the Medicine Tower Headquarters, was spent immersed in talks about the duel between Jing Tian and Mu Qingge.

The betting pool initiated by Zhe Xiu instantly spread through every corner of the Medicine Tower Headquarters. Almost every disciple of the Main Courtyard participated.

Rumor even had it that the Elders within the tower discreetly joined the betting pool as well.

The next day, when Mu Qingge, along with the Branch disciples and Mei Zizhong, Zhao Nanxing, Shang Zisu, and Zhu Ling, left the side hall, they heard about the buzzing betting pool.

“Truly courting disaster!” Zhao Nanxing sneered coldly upon finding out it was Zhe Xiu who initiated the betting pool.

Especially when he learned that Jing Tian’s odds were one-to-one, while Mu Qingge’s odds were one-to-three, his gaze became even more radiant.

“Brother Zhao,” suddenly, a cool voice called out.

Zhao Nanxing was taken aback and looked at Shang Zisu. His goddess was actually speaking to him voluntarily? Was he dreaming?

Zhao Nanxing’s surprise did not make Shang Zisu appear awkward; she simply took out a few gold notes and handed them to Zhao Nanxing, “Trouble you, Brother Zhao.”

Her intentions were instantly clear to Zhao Nanxing.

He accepted the gold notes, nodding slightly.

With Shang Zisu setting the pace, even the Branch disciples, including Mei Zizhong, took out their gold notes and handed them to Zhao Nanxing, their intentions clear.

Zhao Nanxing lifted his head confidently, “Don’t worry, I won’t let you down!”

Then, Zhao Nanxing strode off towards the betting area, as if he was heading to the stage to compete himself!

The group continued towards the arena.

As soon as they entered the arena area, they were stunned by the overwhelming crowd before them.

“So many people?” Zhu Ling exclaimed in disbelief. The circular grandstand was nearly full with six to seven thousand people, a scale four to five times that of the Branch!

Mei Zizhong also remarked with emotion, “The Main Courtyard is indeed the Main Courtyard.”

The Branch disciples following them were pale-faced, their legs weak, feeling a surge of timidity. But when they saw the calm and composed Mu Qingge, it was as if they had taken a calming pill, instantly dispelling their fears.

“Junior Sister Shang, you’ve come?” A delighted voice suddenly rang out, attracting the attention of Mu Qingge and the others.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep