Chapter 357

Chapter 357: Second Promised Duel (1)

She was obstinate and unruly. Yet, Liu laoshi forgave her and solved the pill poison that was plaguing her, guided her on her cultivation, and even imparted her a formidable saber art. He was her benefactor!

She wanted to repay her teacher by earning him honor. Yet… she ended up sullying his reputation instead…

Despite that, he didn’t give up on her. Worried that she would be wounded, he even dashed onto the stage to save her!

Teacher, thank you!

Teacher, please pardon Qing-er for causing you trouble!

Teacher, I’ll never do it again…

Mu Xueqing clenched her fists tightly.

The teacher before her may be young, but his existence felt like a humongous mountain, a reliable figure which she could fall back on, giving her an aim in life and allowing her to charge forward fearlessly.

It was because of him that she was motivated to train hard and grow stronger!

…

Just as Zhao Ya was conflicted over whether she should slice all the way down, a figure appeared right between her sword and Mu Xueqing.

It was a twenty-four to twenty-five-year-old young man with a slightly yellowish complexion.

Huala!

Under the momentary shock from the sudden appearance of the other party, she failed to stop her sword in that crucial moment, and it continued to fall straight down.

The young man frowned. Stretching out his hand, he bent his middle finger and flicked it lightly.

Weng!

As the tip of his finger came into contact with the sword, Zhao Ya suddenly felt a surge of pain in the area between her thumb and her forefinger, causing her grip to loosen. The sword immediately broke into two before flying straight out of her hand.

Deng deng deng deng deng!

Retreating two steps, Zhao Ya immediately adjusted her chaotic breathing. Fearful that the other party would attack her once more, she kept her guard up. Fortunately, it seemed like the other party only intended to flick away her sword—it was only due to the immense force of her slash that resulted in the sword breaking abruptly when coming in contact with the other party’s finger.

“Incredible!”

Her eyes narrowed.

It was an attack with the full might of her physical constitution behind it, and the strength behind the slash was so great that even she was losing control of her movements. Yet, the other party, with just a single finger, neutralized her attack without hurting her in the least. The eye of discernment and precise movements required for this feat were completely unimaginable. In fact, she would have never believed it to be possible if not for the fact she had just witnessed it.

“May I know why elder is interfering in our fight?”

Even though Zhao Ya was astonished by the sudden turn of events, she didn’t panic. Clasping her fist politely, she spoke impassively. Her attitude was neither subservient nor arrogant.

“You two are really… preposterous!”

Flinging his sleeves, Zhang Xuan bellowed furiously. He was truly dismal by the actions of his two students.

Of countless people in Tianwu Royal City, you two just had to fight with one another. Despite being under different personas, the both of you are my students. Is there really a need for you two to compete with one another like that?

I imparted one of you a sword art and the other a saber art, but the both of you simply ended up using them to hack at one another.

The heck!

You call this vying for honor for me?

Clearly, you are trying to destroy my reputation!

That explains the bizarre expression on Mo Yu’s face when she said that she was going to bring me to a good show. The heck… this truly is an incredible show!

“You must be Liu laoshi!”

Having guessed the identity of the young man before her, Zhao Ya walked forward with a look of determination on her beautiful face. “Your students have insulted my teacher, and to defend the honor of my teacher, I challenged her to a fair duel. Why would you speak of our actions as preposterous?”

“Hm?”

Zhang Xuan was taken aback.

It wouldn’t have been wrong for Zhang Xuan to reprimand his own students for acting preposterously, but in his persona as Liu laoshi, that would be equivalent to making light of the other party’s actions.

It was one thing for him, as a teacher, to hinder a fight among students. Yet, on top of that, he even said that the other party was acting preposterously. If this wasn’t being unreasonable, what else could this be?

So it is right for your student to hit me, but if I do the same, I am acting preposterously?

“Enough, let’s stop this matter here. You should return!”

Not expecting to be questioned by his own student in this persona, Zhang Xuan suddenly felt his head hurt.

He really couldn’t have imagined that such a farce would occur.

If only he had paid these two ladies a little more attention, he could have avoided this embarrassing misunderstanding!

“Return? Why should we return? Mu Xueqing has clearly lost the duel, so she should fulfill the end of her bet and apologize at this very instant and admit that you are inferior to our Zhang shi. Otherwise, even if we have to cause a ruckus at the Teacher Guild or even the Master Teacher Pavilion, we won’t back down!”

Bellowing furiously, Zheng Yang jumped onto the stage and glared furiously at Zhang Xuan.

This time, he was truly angered.

How can a respectable teacher like you blatantly side with your own student in public?

It is one thing for you to stop the duel as soon as you see that your student is falling in defeat, but to say that we are acting preposterously and declare that this matter will stop here like that… I have seen shameless people, but you are truly one-of-a-kind!

As a teacher, are you going shamelessly refuse to admit defeat?

“Indeed! We’ve already agreed on it before the duel. Could it be that you are going against your words?”

“A loss means a loss. As a teacher, you should at least have some dignity!”

“Shameless!”

Yuan Tao, Liu Yang, and the others charged up and bellowed at Zhang Xuan furiously.

“The reason why I’ve lost is because of my own inability. It has nothing to do with teacher!”

Upon seeing her teacher being doubted by others, Mu Xueqing stepped forward.

She had intended to vie honor for her own teacher; never in her dreams did she expect her actions put him in such an awkward position instead. Clenching her jaws tightly together, she said, “I’ll apologize, but it’ll only be in my capacity as an individual. It doesn’t mean that my teacher is inferior to your Zhang shi!”

“What do you mean by that… After all that has been said, you’re simply refusing to admit defeat? Surely you should remember the words you uttered so arrogantly three days ago! Are you trying to avoid fulfilling the end of the agreement now that you’ve lost?”

Zheng Yang glared at Mu Xueqing coldly.

Three days ago, you arrogantly declared that Zhang shi is inferior to Liu laoshi, and proposed for the loser of the duel to admit that their own teacher is inferior to the other’s. How could you simply disregard your words now? Do you think that we’re easy targets to bully?

“Apologize immediately and admit that Liu laoshi is inferior to Zhang shi, and we’ll end things here. Otherwise, don’t blame me for getting nasty!” Liu Yang stepped forward.

“I…”

Mu Xueqing’s face steeled.

If she were to admit to this matter here, how was Liu laoshi supposed to face others and build his prestige in the academy?

“Enough!”

Seeing how the few rascals were trying to force their own teacher into a corner, Zhang Xuan felt even more dismal. “We’ll just take the duel today as a draw. You can return now!”

He had never seen them getting so motivated in other matters.

For his own students to pressure his other students to admit that he was inferior to himself…

What in the world was this!

“Draw?”

“Why should we accept it as a draw?”

…

After hearing those words, Zheng Yang and the others immediately erupted. Even Zhao Ya, who was usually the most rational one of the group, couldn’t help but darken her face at those words.

How could a person say those words unabashed?

It was obvious that the other party had lost! It was one thing for the other party to not fulfill their end of their promise, but how dare they brazenly claim that it was a draw?

Initially, they were still impressed by Liu laoshi ability in inducing such massive growth in his student and thought that he was a true genius worthy of respect. But from the looks of it now, the word ‘genius’ seemed to be completely wasted on him!

How could a person who doesn’t even dare to admit his defeat be considered a genius?

How could a person who pulled his seniority to twist the truth be considered a genius?

Do you think that you’re really a big shot? To put an act before us, why don’t you try your luck somewhere else!

You should at least try to retain the final shreds of your dignity!

“Zhao Ya didn’t win, and Mu Xueqing didn’t lose either. What else can this be if not a draw? Stop causing a commotion here and return! Otherwise, I will tell your teacher to teach you a lesson!” Zhang Xuan shook his hands.

He had no other choice but to announce it as a draw.

If he said that Zhao Ya had won, wouldn’t that mean that he, in his persona as Liu Cheng, was inferior to Zhang Xuan? When his identity finally gets exposed, he would really die of embarrassment!

On the other hand, if he were to claim that Mu Xueqing had won, wouldn’t that mean that Zhang Xuan was inferior to Liu laoshi…

The consequences were the same!

What in the world was this?

No matter what he said, he would be the one to take the bullet.

Instead of going through so much trouble, he might as well throw these rascals out first.

“You…”

Not expecting this Liu laoshi to act so shamelessly, not admitting to the defeat of his student despite clearly losing, even going to the extent of acting so brazenly about it, Zhao Ya and the others were on the verge of erupting.

……

“This truly isn’t a wise move on Liu laoshi’s part!”

Principal Xie and the others shook their heads.

“He shouldn’t have interfered. What in the world is a teacher like him interfering in a fight between the students for?” Another elder harrumphed.

“Even so, if he didn’t stop the duel just now, Mu Xueqing would definitely be severely injured. As a teacher, he couldn’t simply watch idly from the side as his students got injured!” Principal Xie replied.

“That’s true…”

The crowd nodded.

On top of guiding them, teachers had a responsibility to protect their students from harm as well before they mature. If they were in Liu laoshi’s place, they would surely be unable to remain idle too if their students were getting injured right before them.

“The academy is in a difficult position now. If it were to help Liu laoshi, Zhang shi will be dissatisfied. However, if we help Zhang shi, Liu laoshi will be angered. What makes things even more difficult is that Liu laoshi is no ordinary teacher. Not to mention, he’s the guild leader of the Physician Guild as well. Helping one side would simply bring the academy the ire of the other. But if we were to wash our hands clean and stay out of the matter, we would risk angering the both simultaneously. After all, we simply watched idly as this duel went on…”

Principal Xie rubbed his glabella in distress. This matter had truly left him with a splitting headache.

A while ago, he was just excitedly thinking that regardless of which of the two ladies won, Tianwu Academy would stand to win.

He couldn’t have imagined that the things would get to this point.

With this turn of events, the entire academy was put into a difficult position.

“If it comes down it… Principal, why don’t you step out and invite Zhang shi and Liu laoshi to sit down together and get to know one another. After all, given that they’re both geniuses, there is a good chance that they might just find fellowship in one another through this.”

An elder proposed.

Principal Xie contemplated over the matter.

“It’s not a bad idea, but Zhang shi is currently in the midst of taking his 2-star master teacher examination and isn’t in the capital now. If he were to know of the conflict and refuse the meeting, what should we do?” Another elder asked.

It was a good method to solve the conflict by having the both of them sit down and talk things out. However, the problem lies in getting them to do so.

Liu laoshi was a teacher of their academy, so at the very least, he wouldn’t blatantly turn down the principal’s instructions. However, Zhang shi was a 2-star master teacher, and his standing was superior to even that of the principal. If he were to refuse to meet Liu laoshi, then all of the plans they had prepared beforehand would be for naught.

“Forget it. I’ll just to plead with Zhang shi on this matter. At the very least, I am still a 1-star master teacher and the principal of Tianwu Academy. Zhang shi should probably sell me this favor!”

After hesitating for a moment, Principal Xie shook his head.

“Also, prepare a few of the academy’s [Esteemed Guest Token]. I want to give them to Zhang shi’s students so that they can freely enter the academy and browse through our books or any other resources!”

“Yes!”

The elders nodded in agreement.

……

Below, Mo Yu, who initially intended to watch the commotion from below, was completely dumbfounded.

She thought that it would interesting see the students of Zhang Xuan under two different identities of his fight one another. However, she didn’t expect things to evolve to this point.

Zhang Xuan was put in an extremely awkward position with this.

Regardless of which side wins, his reputation would be tarnished.

“I have to stop them…”

At this, she pushed aside the crowd and walked up.

“Zhao Ya, Zheng Yang…”

“Mo shi!”

Just as Zhao Ya and the others were burning with anger, they heard someone calling them, and turning around, they saw Princess Mo Yu. Teacher had once taught her, so in a sense, they could be considered as fellow peers.

They had met her back when their teacher was taking the master teacher examination.

“Why don’t… you all return for now? If Zhang shi were to know that you all are causing a ruckus at Tianwu Academy, he would surely be displeased!”

Nodding her head, Mo Yu tried to persuade them.

If not for her selfish motives, Zhang Xuan might have learned of this matter in advance, and things wouldn’t have gotten so troublesome.

Chapter 358: Second Promised Duel (2)

Hearing those words, Zhao Ya and the others glanced at one another and hesitated.

Even though they hadn’t spent much time with Zhang shi, they knew that he disliked trouble.

If he were to know that they had caused a huge ruckus at Tianwu Academy, even almost turning against one of the teachers here, he would surely be displeased.

But how could they quell the anger in their hearts if they were to leave just like this?

“Mo shi, since you are a master teacher, please give your judgement on this matter. In this duel, if not for Liu laoshi interfering, Mu Xueqing would have surely lost. It is one thing for them not to fulfill their end of their bargain, but how could they actually claim that it is a draw…”

Zheng Yang complained angrily.

“Alright. Regardless of the situation, Liu laoshi is still a teacher, so spare him some pride. As for Zhang shi, I’ll explain this matter to him so that he won’t blame you for this!”

Hearing the other party’s furious complaints, Mo Yu was afraid that it would be even harder to resolve the matter if left to be. Thus, she hurriedly sent a telepathic message to them.

“We’ll be depending on Mo shi then!”

Zheng Yang wasn’t willing to give up yet, but Zhao Ya interrupted him.

“Un!” Mo Yu nodded.

Turning to Zhang Xuan, Zhao Ya spoke, “Liu laoshi, the only reason why I’m addressing you as a teacher is out of respect for Tianwu Academy. Since you claimed that it’s a draw today, so be it! However… Mu Xueqing, I challenge you to another duel three days later. Do you dare to accept it?”

“Why wouldn’t I dare to!” Mu Xueqing gritted her teeth.

“Good. I hope that Liu laoshi won’t interfere in the duel three days later. I also hope that you can fulfill the end of your bargain if you lose!”

Flinging her sleeves, Zhao Ya turned to Mo Yu and clasped her fist. “Mo shi, I’ll be taking my leave!”

After which, she shot Zhang Xuan a cold glare before leading the group out.

“Ah…”

Not only did Zhang Xuan’s interference fail to settle their conflict, he even inadvertently encouraged a third duel between them… On top of that, he even ended up being hated by his own students. Rubbing his glabella, bitterness appeared on Zhang Xuan’s face.

What in the world was this?

I didn’t even do anything!

“Why didn’t you warn me beforehand…” Dismayed, Zhang Xuan turned to Mo Yu.

“I…” Mo Yu’s face flushed.

It was just a conflict between students, so she didn’t think much of it. She never expected it to blow up like this and create such an awkward atmosphere…

Stumped, she hurriedly rummaged through her mind for an excuse and replied, “Actually, this isn’t as bad as it seems. With a short-term target in their mind, they will cultivate diligently. Look… Zhao Ya and Mu Xueqing improved immensely over the past three days…”

She intended for these words to just dissipate the awkward situation, but it caused Zhang Xuan to freeze momentarily instead.

She was right. With this rivalry between them two, they would be motivated to give their all in their training, thus inducing rapid progress in the both of them.

Even though the sword art and the saber art Zhang Xuan had imparted them was a simplified version tailored for them, still, it should have taken them a minimum of ten days to master those techniques and comprehend Sword Intent and Saber Intent respectively. Yet, they succeeded in just a short span of two days… This reflected how diligent they were in their training.

More importantly… Through this experience, Mu Xueqing’s Trust Level in him would increase rapidly.

“Alright, let’s see how it goes then… Make sure you don’t accidentally reveal my identity to Zhao Ya and the others!”

Eventually, Zhang Xuan decided to simply think on the bright side.

What was done was done, and no amount of complaint could reverse time. After all, he couldn’t possibly go around declaring that Liu Cheng was Zhang Xuan, and that Mu Xueqing and Zhao Ya were actually under the same teacher?

If he were to do so, he would immediately fail his 2-star master teacher examination.

“Teacher, I’m sorry…”

Mu Xueqing walked up and apologized remorsefully.

Zhang Xuan shook his head. Just as he was about to console the other party, an elder pushed through the crowd and yelled, “Which elder displayed the Saber Intent just a moment ago? Please accept me as your student! I am Bai Xin, and my comprehension of saber has already reached an extremely high level. I definitely will not bring shame to your name…”

“…” Zhang Xuan and Mu Xueqing.

“…” Mo Yu.

“…” The crowd.

…

“Damn it! Damn it!”

On the way back to the residence, the faces of Zheng Yang and the others were so livid that a dark aura seemed to be glooming around them.

Recalling the vile words that Liu laoshi spoke, the fury in them blazed up once more.

“Zhao Ya, why did you stop me? Honestly, if not for you, I would have surely applied for the Teacher Dueling Platform!”

Zheng Yang harrumphed.

“Teacher Dueling Platform? That Liu laoshi managed to neutralize my offense with just a single finger. To be capable of such a feat, his eye of discernment and grasp over timing might not even be beneath that of Zhang shi. Even if he were to suppress his cultivation, we wouldn’t be a match for him!”

Zhao Ya shook his head.

“So what if we aren’t a match for him? It’s clear that he’s stepping over us! The results are so clear and yet, he still dared to announce the result of the duel as a draw. How could he side with his student so blatantly? It’s my first time seeing such a shameless teacher! Even if I can’t win against him, I must at least teach him a lesson!” Zheng Yang gritted his teeth furiously.

“Zheng Yang is right. Even if we can’t match up to him, we should at least make things difficult for him!”

Yuan Tao fanned the flames from the side.

“Enough. This Liu laoshi might be shameless, but he indeed possesses true capability. If not for my physical constitution and the sword art grandteacher imparted, I would surely have been the one to lose the duel. The urgent matter at hand is not to insult him but find a way to raise my cultivation instead. If we were to lose the duel three days from now, we’ll be the ones that are humiliated!”

Zhao Ya interjected between the furious bellows of the duo.

“That’s right…” The group nodded in agreement.

Given the previous situation, it was necessary for them to issue another duel. If they simply allowed such provocation to go unchallenged, Zhang shi’s reputation might be sullied.

However, to be able to induce growth comparable to Zhao Ya in the past three days, they had to admit that Liu laoshi indeed possessed fearsome capability.

Given that Zhang shi wasn’t in the city presently, they were at a huge disadvantage. If Zhao Ya were to lose, nothing they said would matter.

“Since Zhang shi isn’t around, we can only plead with grandteacher to help us… The rest of you must also cultivate diligently in the next few days. If the other party loses and refuses to admit defeat once more, we’ll challenge Liu laoshi to the Teacher Dueling Platform and show him that Zhang shi’s honor isn’t something that he could simply trample on!”

Flinging her hands valiantly, Zhao Ya’s eyes gleamed with determination. If the circumstances are right, Zhao Ya won’t hesitate to cause trouble. Just the fact that she was the very first one to step forward upon hearing someone say that Zhang shi was inferior to Liu laoshi was a testimony to that.

She could forgive the other party for acting shamelessly this once, but if he were to continue on with such an attitude, he shouldn’t blame her for getting nasty on him!

They were willing to beat up Lu Xun laoshi in Tianxuan Kingdom, and they didn’t mind doing it once more for that Liu laoshi!

“Good, I’ve been waiting for these words of yours…” Zheng Yang nodded before turning to Wang Ying, Yuan Tao, and the others. “How is it? If that Liu laoshi continues to act so shamelessly, are you guys willing to blow things up?”

“Do you think that I’ll be scared? What Liu laoshi, screw him!” Yuan Tao bellowed.

“I won’t back down so easily the next time!” Liu Yang nodded.

“Count me in!” Determination gleamed in Wang Ying’s eyes.

“Alright, it’s a promise then…”

After discussing the matter, they felt their mood lighten. Walking toward the residence, they suddenly saw two figures standing at the entrance.

“May I trouble you to two to report to report to Physician Bai that an acquaintance from Red Lotus City is here to pay his respects?” A person who seemed to be a butler said to the guard standing at the entrance of the residence.

“Yes!” Upon hearing that they were Physician Bai’s acquaintances, the guard hesitated for a moment before heading inside. Soon, he came out with Physician Bai behind him.

“Physician Bai, we meet once more!”

Upon seeing Bai Chan, the duo was elated. Bai Chan, on the other hand, was confused. “You two are…”

“Hm?” Seeing that the other party didn’t recognize them, the duo was perplexed. The butler-like person stood forward and asked, “Physician Bai, I am Butler Lu! This is my old master, the Great Herb King. Did you forget about us?”

The two were Red Lotus City’s Great Herb King and Butler Lu.

After the incident in the Poison Hall, the Great Herb King found himself being highly respected as the friend of the envoy’s ‘senior granduncle’. Naturally, no one dared to feed him the Contract Gu once more.

Other people might not know the true identity of the envoy’s ‘senior granduncle’, but the Great Herb King knew that he was Tianwu Royal City’s Physician Bai Chan.

He happened to have some business in the capital, so he brought Butler Lu to pay the other party a visit so as to touch up on their relationship.

As a celebrity in the capital and someone who had managed to leap onboard Master Teacher Zhang Xuan’s ship, it wasn’t too difficult to trace Bai Chan’s whereabouts. It didn’t take them too long to come to this residence.

Just that… Why didn’t the other party recognize them?

“The Great Herb King?”

Bai Chan shuddered.

The only reason why he was respected in the capital was because Zhang shi had treated the Great Herb King while disguising as him. He could have never imagined that a person of such esteemed standing would actually pay him a visit.

“Great Herb King, the one who saved you wasn’t me. It was… Zhang shi. The matter went like this…”

Without hiding anything, Bai Chan explained the entire matter.

“So it’s Zhang shi who saved me… May I know where he is now? Is it convenient for me to pay him a visit?” Upon hearing the situation, the Great Herb King and Butler Lu were stunned. However, they received swiftly.

This matter wasn’t too difficult for them to accept. After all, the Great Herb King had personally witnessed Zhang Xuan’s ability to alter his appearance. It wasn’t inconceivable for him to have disguised as someone else back then.

“Zhang shi is currently in the midst of taking the 2-star master teacher examination, so he isn’t in the residence at the moment…”

Halfway through his words, Bai Chan suddenly noticed Zhao Ya and the others walking over, and hurriedly introduced them. “These are Zhang shi’s students. If you have any words you wish to relay to Zhang shi, feel free to tell them!”

“Zhang shi’s students?” The Great Herb King and Butler Lu hurriedly clasped their fists respectfully.

Zhang shi was the envoy’s senior granduncle, and just that standing in itself was sufficient to crush them. While his students were still young, the duo didn’t dare to disrespect them.

“The Great Herb King?”

Upon hearing the introduction, Zhao Ya and the others were astonished. “The Red Lotus City’s Great Herb King?”

On their way to Tianwu Kingdom, Liu shi had explained the various power within Tianwu Kingdom, and as such, they had an brief idea of the Great Herb King’s standing and influence.

To think that even such a person would act so respectfully to their teacher as well.

“Our teacher is currently out at the moment, and he’ll only return five to six days later. May I know what the Great Herb King has for our teacher? We can relay your message to him in your stead once he returns!”

Zhao Ya said.

“Oh, it’s nothing much. We just happen to be passing by Tianwu Royal City so we thought of dropping by to pay our respects to him!”

Upon hearing that Zhang Xuan wasn’t around, the Great Herb King was slightly disappointed. “Since Zhang shi isn’t around, we’ll be taking our leave then!”

“Wait a moment…”

Yuan Tao hurried forward and looked at them with a curious expression. “I heard that… you’ve an extremely close relationship with the Poison Hall. May I know if you have any poison on you?”

“This…” Not expecting the other party to ask such a straightforward question, the Great Herb King chuckled awkwardly. “I do have some!”

“Then, do you have any poison that will cause a Tongxuan realm expert to suffer without causing any permanent damage? I would like to buy some…”

Yuan Tao’s eyes lit up.

“A poison that will cause a Tongxuan realm expert to suffer without causing any permanent damage?”

The Great Herb King didn’t know what the other party wanted such a poison for, but considering the fact that the other party was the student of Zhang shi, he nodded. “I do have such poison… If you want it, I can give them to you! However, you must be careful with it. This poison is extremely potent. Even a Zongshi realm expert will suffer greatly if he were to accidentally ingest it!”

With a flick of his hands, a jade bottle appeared in his hands.

Chapter 359: Apothecary Mu

“That’s great!”

Chuckling happily, Yuan Tao received it eagerly and kept it in his embrace.

“We’ll be taking our leave then!”

Since Zhang shi wasn’t around, there was no point for the Great Herb King and Butler Lu to stay here. Therefore, they bided their farewell and left.

After the duo left, Zheng Yang and the others immediately turned to Yuan Tao.

“What do you want this poison for?”

Poison from the Poison Hall were objects of fear which people normally did not wish to be associated with. Thus, they were unable to comprehend why Yuan Tao would ask for a bottle of it.

“Even though Zhao Ya will duel with that Mu Xueqing once again three days later, I still find it hard to quell the rage I have for Liu laoshi. If I don’t get back at him, I won’t be able to take it lying!” A savage gleam twinkled in Yuan Tao’s eyes.

“You mean that… you wish to use this poison to make him suffer?” Zheng Yang’s eyes lit up.

“Indeed! Not only did he break Zhao Ya’s sword, he even had us all thrown out. How could he be arrogant? Just because he’s stronger than us? I despise this kind of people!”

Yuan Tao gritted his teeth furiously.

He was an orphan and had never feared anyone. Given how vile that Liu laoshi acted, he could not suppress the urge to exact revenge on the other party. Even if he couldn’t hurt him, at the very least, he should make him suffer a little for his actions!

“Hehe, I like that idea. Remember to ask me along when the time comes…”

Zheng Yang smiled.

Hearing the scheme of the two, Zhao Ya shook her head.

While she didn’t approve of their actions, she didn’t try to stop them either.

She didn’t think that their actions were right, but in the depths of her heart, she secretly desired to get back at the vile Liu laoshi as well.

…

Oblivious to the malicious intent harbored by his students to do him in, Zhang Xuan was currently sitting in the classroom, staring speechlessly at the unreasonable Elder Bai.

Not only did this fellow barge in suddenly, he even begged Mu Xueqing to admit him as her student, leaving Zhang Xuan in a bewildered state.

You’re a respected elder of the academy, yet why in the world do you want to take my student as your teacher? On top of that, to be so brazen about it… What is this?

“Elder Bai, I really cannot be your teacher… The saber art is a creation of my teacher, and without his consent, I cannot impart it to anyone else. Please understand this!”

It took a great deal of effort before Mu Xueqing managed to persuade Elder Bai to leave. Then, with a reddened face, she walked up to Zhang Xuan, “Teacher, I have brought shame to you!”

“The duel is already over. There’s no use blaming yourself for it!” Zhang Xuan shook his head.

He was done in by his students, but when he thought about it, both sides were actually fighting for his honor. In a sense, neither side was wrong.

The only mistake was that they met each other and that neither of them was willing to back down.

“I plead for teacher to guide me so that I can become stronger!”

Seeing that her teacher had no intentions of blaming her, Mu Xueqing felt even more embarrassed. Without any hesitation, she kneeled to the floor with determination glowing in her eyes.

“Become stronger?”

“Un!” Mu Xueqing nodded.

“After comprehending Saber Intent, every single movement with your saber can be considered as saber art. In terms of battle technique, you are superior to even Elder Bai, and I’ve nothing more to teach you in that aspect. As such, there’s only one way for you to grow stronger. That is to… raise your cultivation!”

After contemplating for a moment, Zhang Xuan said.

There were two main methods to raise one’s fighting prowess; raising one’s cultivation and learning a powerful battle technique.

Having learned Heaven’s Path Saber Art and comprehended Saber Intent, Mu Xueqing’s mastery of battle technique had already reached a high level. Thus, there was only one way left for her to grow stronger.

“Raise my cultivation? Mu Xueqing’s face immediately turned bitter.

If it was that easy to raise a person’s cultivation, there wouldn’t be so little experts in the world.

This was especially so when one had reached Pixue realm. One had to examine every single acupoint carefully before opening it. As such, the opening of each acupoint often required several weeks of studying. In three days… it was unlikely that she could get significantly stronger.

“If it is anyone else, they might not be able to grow much stronger in just three days. However, you’re different!”

Seeing the gloom on the other party’s face, Zhang Xuan smiled. “You’ve consumed pills from young, and even though it had accumulated pill poison in your body, some medicinal energy had also been stored within you. If this medicinal energy can be triggered through some unique method, it won’t be difficult for your cultivation to rise swiftly!”

Zhang Xuan said.

On the way here, Zhang Xuan had already thought about how he could raise Mu Xueqing’s strength.

Mu Xueqing had been consuming pills from young. Just like fats in the body, a huge reserve of medicinal energy which she was unable to digest had settled inside her body.

If this medicinal energy reserve could be triggered, her cultivation would surely be able to rise swiftly.

“This… teacher… is able to do so?”

Mu Xueqing was taken aback.

Even though her teacher had phrased the matter simply, having come from a family with an apothecary background, she knew the difficulty of the matter.

Needless to say her father, even the guild leader of the Apothecary Guild would be incapable of this feat. The powerful medicinal energy of a pill was somewhat similar to fats whereby there was a limit to how much medicinal energy a human body can absorb each time. After which, the excess would settle down and be stored in parts of the body.

Under normal circumstances, this accumulated energy would slowly dissolve as one’s cultivation was raised. However, the process would take several decades.

To trigger the medicinal energy that had settled in her body in just three days to achieve a breakthrough in her cultivation… How was that possible?

“I am capable of it. However, you’ll have to prepare some things in advance!”

Zhang Xuan hesitated for a moment.

The medicinal energy would hide in different locations depending on a cultivator’s physical constitution and cultivation technique. Thus, it would be impossible for anyone else to locate them and trigger them. However, Zhang Xuan was different. Possessing the Library of Heaven’s Path, he could see the locations of these medicinal energy deposits clearly.

After pinpointing them, all he had to do was to trigger them with his pure Heaven’s Path zhenqi and transform them into a source for energy to raise Mu Xueqing’s cultivation.

However, if so much energy were to be released at once, it would be like the fierce torrents from a floodgate that had been opened. If it was Lu Chong, given his mental fortitude, he would surely be able to tide through the agony. However, the same could not be said about Mu Xueqing.

Being born in a good family that provided her with large amounts of external support, giving her a significant head-start, she wasn’t as motivated as others in her cultivation. Moreover, if she were to fail to endure this torrent of energy, it would be one thing to miss the good opportunity but she might even suffer severe irreparable internal injuries.

Thus, some preparation had to be made beforehand. She would have to nourish and increase her endurance level with some medicinal solution.

“Condition your body and wait for me here. I’ll take a short trip to the Apothecary Guild!”

After a short moment of contemplation, Zhang Xuan instructed.

The kind of medicinal solution required was similar to the one he previously gave Wang Ying and only the Apothecary Guild would possess such material.

“The Apothecary Guild? Teacher, why don’t I go with you? My father is a 2-star apothecary. He’ll surely be able to provide some help with whatever requests you have!” Mu Xueqing added hurriedly.

“Alright!”

Hesitating slightly, Zhang Xuan nodded.

The person he was currently impersonating, Liu Cheng, wasn’t an apothecary so it might be inconvenient for him to get what he wanted there. However, with the assistance of an apothecary, he could be spared a lot of trouble.

Exiting the mini tutoring classroom, Zhang Xuan proceeded to guide Meng Tao and the others on their cultivation before checking on Lu Chong’s progress. This Lu Chong was truly tenacious in his training. He had already undergone the poison tempering three times. Although the pain he suffered was excruciating, he had managed to hang on, and thus managed to reap rewards that were proportionate to his suffering.

With his current state of cultivation, Lu Chong was in no way inferior to a Tongxuan realm primary stage expert.

It seemed like defeating a Tongxuan real pinnacle expert wouldn’t be a problem as long as he persevered a few more times.

After settling all of these matters, Zhang Xuan, along with Mu Xueqing, headed straight for the Apothecary Guild.

The Apothecary Guild wasn’t too far away from the academy, and the duo soon arrived at its entrance in an hour’s time.

Tianwu Kingdom’s Apothecary Guild was much more imposing and grand than Tianxuan Kingdom’s.

Mu Xueqing seemed to have been here often as she maneuvered expertly around the guild to find her father, Apothecary Mu.

“Thank you, Guild Leader Liu, for resolving my daughter’s pill poison issue…”

After receiving news that Liu laoshi was here, how could Apothecary Mu remain idle? He immediately rushed forward to welcome him.

He might be a 2-star apothecary, but the person he was facing was the guild leader of the Physician Guild. On top of that, he solved his daughter’s problem and imparted her an incredible battle technique. Grateful to the other party, he greeted Zhang Xuan warmly and respectfully.

“My daughter told me that Liu laoshi intends to trigger the medicinal energy accumulated within her body? If there is anything I can be of assistance, feel free to speak!”

After trading some pleasantries, Apothecary Mu dived into the topic at hand.

Previously when his daughter informed him of Liu laoshi’s intentions, he was astounded.

As a 2-star apothecary, he knew how challenging this matter was!

If it was anyone else, he would have surely thought that the other party was bragging. However, the person before him was someone capable of even curing pill poison. Perhaps, he could really accomplish this matter that even the guild leader was incapable of.

“I need a medicinal solution that can reinforce and nourish her internals. The higher the tier of the medicinal solution, the better it is!”

After which, Zhang Xuan hesitated for a brief moment before asking, “Also, I hope to access the library of your guild. I hope that you can make an exception for me!”

With the reinforcement and nourishment of the medicinal solution, the potential harm to her body caused by the overwhelming energy would be minimized. This way, the danger of the matter could be reduced.

As for his request to access the library…

Firstly, he hoped to enhance his knowledge of pill forging. Secondly, he wanted to find a method to help Zhao Ya achieve a breakthrough.

Since both parties had agreed on a duel, Zhang Xuan couldn’t possibly just help a single side.

Zhao Ya might not have a huge accumulation of medicinal energy in her body, but she was blessed with the Pure Yin Body. Back then, the Unravel Yin Pill that she consumed only awakened her unique constitution by ten percent. If her unique constitution could be awakened by twenty percent, her cultivation would surely soar once more.

However, the prerequisite to the matter was that Zhang Xuan had to find a way to further awaken the Pure Yin Body.

Since he was able to obtain information on the Unravel Yin Pill back in Tianxuan Kingdom, he might be able to find something similar in this guild too.

“Leave the medicinal solution to me! As for the library… Typically speaking, only official apothecaries are allowed to enter. However, Liu laoshi is a formidable physician, and there are many points of similarity between physicians and apothecaries. On top of that, you are helping my daughter to trigger her medicinal energy… I will check back with the guild leader on this matter, and perhaps he might be willing to make an exception!”

After hesitating for a moment, Apothecary Mu said.

Under normal circumstances, a guild’s library was only accessible to the members of the occupation. Outsiders had no rights to browse through them.

However, the person before him was the guild leader of the Physician Guild, as well as the teacher of his daughter. Even if it meant flouting the rules, he had to try his best to help him.

“Un!” Zhang Xuan nodded.

Apothecary Mu backed out of the room, and before long, he returned with good news. “The guild leader has agreed to it!”

“Thank you!”

After instructing Mu Xueqing on how she should condition her body, Zhang Xuan nodded and under Apothecary Mu’s lead, he headed straight for the library.

…

A classroom in Tianwu Academy.

“Sun Cheng laoshi, the principal is looking for you!”

Pushing open the classroom doors, a teacher walked in.

“The principal is looking for me?” Sun laoshi asked doubtfully.

“That’s right. It seems to be something related to Liu Cheng laoshi!” The other teacher replied.

“Has something happened to him?” Sun laoshi was taken aback.

“It can’t be that you haven’t heard of it yet…” Noting the confusion in the other party’s expression, the other teacher was speechless. How could you remain nonchalant and conduct your lesson calmly with such a huge ruckus outside?

“A fight broke out between Liu laoshi’s student and Master Teacher Zhang Xuan’s student… Since you entered the academy with Liu laoshi and is familiar with him, the principal wishes for you to talk to him on the academy’s behalf!”

The other teacher replied.

“Liu laoshi… and Master Teacher Zhang Xuan?” Sun laoshi was dumbfounded.

If Zhang Xuan was here, he would have definitely recognized this Sun Cheng laoshi. It was the unparalleled genius who was currently taking the 2-star master teacher examination along with him… Mo Hongyi!

Chapter 360: Wall of Pill Formulae

“What’s going on?”

Mo Hongyi was on the verge of going insane.

Liu laoshi and Master Teacher Zhang Xuan… Weren’t they freaking the same person?

Their students clashed with one another? What was going on?

“You sure are serious in your teaching…”

Sensing the other party’s bewilderment, the other teacher immediately filled him in on the details. “A student of Master Teacher Zhang Xuan—if I recall correctly, her name is Zhao Ya—had fought with Liu laoshi’s student, Mu Xueqing, because of some unknown reason. It seems that they had clashed once before and today’s fight was the second time they faced one another…”

He quickly recounted the entire matter.

Upon understanding the entire matter, a bizarre expression appeared on Mo Hongyi’s face. It seemed as though he was trying his best to hold back his laughter.

For the students under his disguised persona to fight with his original students, not to mention, so vehemently, as though they wouldn’t let this matter go unless they do the other party in… Zhang Xuan was probably suffering from a breakdown at this moment.

“What does the principal want from me?”

Mo Hongyi asked.

“The principal wishes to have Zhang shi and Liu laoshi meet one another and settle their grudges. Since you’re familiar with Liu laoshi, he hopes that you can persuade him on this matter!” The other teacher said.

“I have to persuade Liu laoshi and Zhang shi… to sit down together and talk it out?” Mo Hongyi’s expression became even more bizarre.

You must be joking!

The two of them are the same person! How could Zhang Xuan possibly sit down and talk to himself?

“Alright, I’ll look for Liu laoshi and talk to him about this matter. Tell the principal to leave this matter to me…” Suppressing his laughter, Mo Hongyi replied.

Aren’t you a genius capable of everything?

Let’s see how you’ll deal with this…

After conversing for a moment longer, Mo Hongyi started walking towards Zhang Xuan’s classroom.

…

“Yuan Tao, where are you going? Why didn’t you invite me along?”

As soon as Yuan Tao walked out of his room, a hushed voice sounded. He quickly turned around and saw Zheng Yang grinning a short distance away.

“I…” Yuan Tao hesitated.

“Alright, I know that you’re going to cause trouble for that Liu laoshi. Let’s go together!”

Zheng Yang rolled his eyes.

“I’m afraid that teacher will blame us after learning about this…” Yuan Tao said.

If Zhang shi were to find out about this, he would probably be in for a beating. Since Yuan Tao was resilient to thrashings, he wasn’t afraid of it. However, he was unwilling to pull Zheng Yang down along with him.

“Don’t worry, we’re brothers after all. How can I allow you to suffer the blame alone?”

Knowing his thoughts, Zheng Yang chuckled. “However, I’m afraid that just the two of us aren’t sufficient!”

“What do you mean?”

“Simple. If you wish to poison that Liu laoshi, you will have to sneak into his classroom, right? On top of that, you have to find the container which he stores his water in before you can spike it. You may possess incredible defense, but you’re lacking in agility! It’s the same for me as well. So, it’s impossible for us to do it…”

At which, Zheng Yang smiled, “Unless…”

“Wang Ying?” Yuan Tao immediately understood Zheng Yang’s words.

“Indeed. Why don’t we invite her along? Given her movement techniques, she’ll surely be able to spike Liu laoshi’s drink without anyone noticing!” Zheng Yang suggested.

“Alright…”

After giving it some thoughts, Yuan Tao nodded in agreement.

It wasn’t too difficult for them to convince Wang Ying. That lady was a weak-willed person so it was normally impossible to convince her to commit such deeds. However, if one was able to grasp her weakness, she was still an easy target.

And this weakness was Zhang laoshi!

In the fight for Zhang laoshi’s honor, this Liu laoshi had shamelessly sided with his own student. Even though Wang Ying didn’t say anything then, she was actually extremely angry. Upon hearing that they were going to spike his drink, Wang Ying agreed without much hesitation.

After further discussion and refinement of their plan, they trio sneaked out of the residence under the concealment of the night sky and headed towards Tianwu Academy.

Under the veil of the silent night, there weren’t too many students walking around the campus and just by asking around for a bit, they were able to find Liu laoshi’s classroom easily.

“There doesn’t seem to be anyone here!”

Pushing the door open slightly, they realized that there was no one in the classroom and their eyes shone in delight.

They thought that Liu laoshi or his students would be here, but to their relief, it was empty.

Zhang Xuan and Mu Xueqing had headed for the Apothecary Guild whereas the other students had left right after they were done cultivating.

Even Lu Chong, who had been training here for the entire day, had already dragged his wearied body back to his dormitory.

At this moment, the classroom was devoid of people.

Entering the classroom, they quickly searched and found the teapot and teacups reserved for the usage of the teacher.

“This is it! Place the poison inside!”

The trio nodded. Yuan Tao took out the jade bottle and poured the powdery content inside.

Overjoyed by how smooth the operation went, the trio was just about to leave when ‘jiya’, the door to the classroom opened.

Even though they were astonished, they knew that it was too late for them to hide. Thus, they turned around and faced the person at the door.

“Is Liu laoshi in?”

A voice sounded.

“Reporting to teacher, Liu laoshi isn’t in…” Upon hearing his question, they immediately realized that it wasn’t Liu Cheng or his students and they heaved a sigh of relief. Turning around with a lowered head, Zheng Yang replied to the other party’s question.

“He isn’t in? When he returns, tell him that Sun Cheng laoshi had visited!” The person outside said.

“Yes…”

Zheng Yang hurriedly nodded.

“Un!” After which, the visitor turned around and left. However, a distance away, he suddenly stopped. Why did those youngsters in the room look so familiar, as though he had met them somewhere before?

“Forget it…” Unable to recall anyone who fit those profiles, he didn’t think much of it. Thus, he resumed his steps.

“We should leave now!”

Seeing that they had managed to get away unscathed, Zheng Yang and the others immediately took the opportunity to leave the classroom and dashed back to the residence.

…

Hu!

Heaving a sigh of relief, Zhang Xuan stretched his back.

It took him an entire afternoon before he managed to duplicate all of the books in the Apothecary Guild into his head.

Having expended much of his mental strength, he was exhausted.

“Pure Yin Body!”

With a thought, dozens of books immediately appeared before him.

He casually flipped them open.

Quickly browsing through them, Zhang Xuan’s eyes lit up.

Indeed, there were records on the Pure Yin Body in them.

“Grade-4 Frigid Yin Pill is extremely effective in the awakening of Pure Yin Body…”

“Frigid Yin Pill?”

Reading through all of the books on the Pure Yin Body, only two of them contained content regarding the awakening of the constitution. Both of them mentioned the Frigid Yin Pill.

“Frigid Yin Pill, a grade-4 pill, forged with medicinal herbs of extremely cold attribute. It is an extremely valuable pill…”

The content of the book was verified by the Library of Heaven’s Path, so Zhang Xuan was certain that the pill was useful for the awakening of the Pure Yin Body. However, it wasn’t long before another dilemma struck him.

There were no 4-star apothecaries in Tianwu Kingdom, and naturally, there were no grade-4 pills either. Thus, the only way to obtain the pill was to purchase it from the headquarter.

Moreover, it was highly probable that it would take several days for the pill to be delivered here, just like when Zhang Xuan ordered the Unravel Yin Pill from Tianxuan Kingdom. However, Zhao Ya and Mu Xueqing’s duel was in three days’ time. It was impossible for the pill to arrive in time.

More importantly… A grade-3 pill was already sufficient to send him into bankruptcy, a grade-4 pill was bound to be worse. It was probably impossible for Zhang Xuan to afford it.

“If I have the pill formula, I may be able to guide someone to forge it…”

A thought appeared in Zhang Xuan’s mind.

He might be incapable of forging pills, but he could guide someone to do so. However, the prerequisite for that was that he had to have the pill formula. Otherwise, given the countless medicinal herbs in the world, he would be dead before he could find the formula for it on his own…

“The pill formula for the Frigid Yin Pill!”

With a flick of his mental consciousness, he swiftly looked through the contents in the Library of Heaven’s Path, but soon, his face fell.

Despite the innumerable books in the Tianwu Kingdom’s Apothecary Guild, there weren’t any books that recorded the formula for this pill.

Nonetheless, it wasn’t long before Zhang Xuan came to a realization.

The Frigid Yin Pill was a grade-4 pill while the most capable apothecary in this guild was a 3-star. Thus, how could such an advanced formula be in the library?

“Without the formula, I’ll be unable to forget the pill… What should I do?”

Zhang Xuan rubbed his glabella.

After all, he couldn’t just help Mu Xueqing and neglect Zhao Ya.

In this case, it wouldn’t be a duel, but a one-sided battle.

“Forget it, I’ll ask about it later!”

By the time Zhang Xuan walked out of the library, the sky had already darkened.

“Liu laoshi!”

Apothecary Mu rushed forward to greet Zhang Xuan.

The other party was working diligently for the sake of his own daughter, skipping his meals and studying for long hours. This had made him extremely grateful to the other party.

“Apothecary Mu, is there anyone in our guild who possess grade-4 pill formulae?”

Zhang Xuan asked.

Even though there was no grade-4 pill formula in the books in the library, some of the apothecaries might have it in their private stash.

“Grade-4 pill formulae?” Apothecary Mu shook his head. “Our guild doesn’t have any pill formula of this level. However, if you wish, it’s possible to apply for it from the headquarter!”

“Apply from the headquarter?”

Zhang Xuan smiled bitterly. “Then, wouldn’t it take at least half a month before the pill formula arrives?”

He knew that the headquarter would surely have the pill formula, but the travel time, to and fro, from the closest Conferred Kingdom, Xuanyuan Kingdom, to Tianwu Kingdom, was at least half a month. Even if he were to apply for it right now, it would be impossible for the pill formula to arrive on time.

“Half a month? There’s no need for that! If it’s a pill, a tangible object, it’ll have to take at least half a month… However, the pill formula will appear on the Wall of Pill Formulae straight!” Apothecary Mu smiled.

“Wall of Pill Formulae?” Zhang Xuan was taken aback.

“Indeed. Similar to the Wall of Dilemma of the Physician Guild, the Wall of Pill Formulae is connected to the headquarter. Through the Wall of Pill Formulae, apothecaries who have reached a certain rank can pay a price to request for a pill formula which grade isn’t too far beyond their rank or knowledge!”

Apothecary Mu explained.

“Oh!”

Upon hearing the name, Zhang Xuan immediately looked up related information among the books in the Library of Heaven’s Path.

Just like what the other party said, the Wall of Pill Formulae was similar to the Wall of Dilemma in the Physician Guild. It was connected to the headquarter and as long as one was able to pay the price, one could request for a pill formula or information from the headquarter.

However, to make use of the Wall of Pill Formulae, one must at least reach the level of a 3-star apothecary.

Apothecary Mu was only at 2-star pinnacle, so he didn’t have the right to use the Wall of Pill Formulae.

“If that’s the case, do I have to take the 3-star apothecary examination?”

Zhang Xuan hesitated.

He wasn’t too worried about taking the apothecary examination, but everyone knew that Zhang shi’s pill forging was incredible and he would surely attract the suspicion of others if he were to do so.

“How many 3-star apothecaries are there in the guild?”

Zhang Xuan asked.

“Initially, our guild leader was the only 3-star apothecary. However, some time back, Apothecary Hong Yun managed to achieve a breakthrough and became a 3-star apothecary as well. The others are all 2-star pinnacle just like me, a step away from reaching 3-star. Thus… only the two of them have the qualifications to make a request on the Wall of Pill Formulae.”

At this, Apothecary Mu glanced at Zhang Xuan doubtfully. “Does Liu laoshi require a grade-4 pill formula? However… even if we were to obtain the pill formula, it will be for naught if we can’t forge it!”

“Apothecary Hong Yun? Where is he? Bring me to him!”

Upon hearing Apothecary Hong Yun’s name, Zhang Xuan’s eyes immediately lit up.

This fellow was the arrogant fellow who delivered the Unravel Yin Pill to him back in Tianxuan Kingdom. They had also met while he was the taking the master teacher examination.

Upon Apothecary Mu’s reminder, he suddenly recalled that the latter had indeed reached the level of a 3-star apothecary.

Since he was able to make a request on the Wall of Pill Formulae, Zhang Xuan could totally engage his help. This way, he could avoid taking the 3-star apothecary examination, as well as attracting unneeded trouble.

Chapter 361: Then You Should Just Take The Examination!

Under Apothecary Mu’s lead, it didn’t take long for them to arrive at a room.

“Please report that Apothecary Mu Yang requests for an audience!”

Apothecary Mu clasped his fist toward the apprentice guarding by the door.

“Yes!”

Knowing the other party’s identity, the apprentice immediately went in to report his presence. A moment later, however, he returned with an apologetic look on his face. “Teacher is currently discussing some important matters with an esteemed guest, so he isn’t free at the moment. Apothecary Mu, you should return tomorrow!”

“This matter is urgent. I really can’t wait until tomorrow…”

Apothecary Mu shook his head. “I hope that you can relay another message for me. Just say that I have something urgent that I require Apothecary Hong’s help on!”

Since Liu laoshi had made this request, the grade-4 pill formula must be extremely important to him. Otherwise, he could have chosen to purchase a pill instead. No matter the cost, Apothecary Mu was determined to help Zhang Xuan on this matter.

“This… I’ll try asking again!” The apprentice nodded and walked in.

“Aren’t you all apothecaries? Why…”

Seeing the sight before him, Zhang Xuan was perplexed.

Hong Yun and Mu Yangfeng were both apothecaries. One of them was a 3-star primary while the other one was a 2-star pinnacle. There wasn’t a huge difference between them, so why was it so troublesome to meet the other party?

“The guild leader is already old, so he doesn’t interfere in the affairs of the guild. At the moment, most affairs of the guild are handled by Apothecary Hong, and all of the apothecaries answer to him. Thus, his standing is much higher than mine. Because of this, it took me a great deal of effort before I managed to get you the permission to enter the library!” Apothecary Mu explained.

After hearing the other party’s explanation, Zhang Xuan finally understood the situation.

Apothecary Hong Yun had always been an arrogant person. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have reprimanded the other apothecaries despite not having met Zhang Xuan and verifying the results of the test back in Tianxuan Kingdom.

Having surpassed the boundary which had trapped many other apothecaries had inflated his ego, and now, it was difficult for any apothecary to even meet him, much less ask him for requests.

“Liu laoshi, when we enter the room later on, I’ll have to trouble you not to say anything. Outsiders aren’t allowed to access pill formulae easily, and I’m afraid that if you say that you’re the one who wanted it, not only will you be rejected, it might even cause a whole string of trouble!”

Apothecary Mu instructed.

“Un!”

Zhang Xuan nodded.

Pill formulae were the treasures of the apothecaries, and they would never show it to outsiders easily. It was indeed a little inappropriate for a physician like him to ask for a pill formula from them.

After waiting for around two incenses’ time at the door, just when they were about to reach the limit of their patience, the apprentice walked out.

“Apothecary Mu, please enter! However, our teacher only has a tea’s time. After that, he still has other matters to attend to. Thus, if there are any important matter to speak of, please do it fast…”

“Alright!”

Apothecary Mu nodded.

The duo entered the room and saw Apothecary Hong Yun sitting on the center seat. Beside him was a young man who was leisurely sipping his tea.

It was none other than the 1-star master teacher who, due to his fancy for Mo Yu, kept trying to prove his superiority before Zhang Xuan back in the Master Teacher Pavilion, the son of Pavilion Master Jiang, Jiang Chen!

“Apothecary Mu, what urgent matter do you have to ask of me?”

Lifting up his teacup, he prodded at the tea leaves floating at the surface before turning to look at Apothecary Mu with a leisurely attitude.

“I have something that I need to trouble Apothecary Hong on!”

Apothecary Mu replied respectfully.

“I wish to ask for Apothecary Hong to request for a grade-4 pill formula for me. I will bear the fees for the transaction!”

“Grade-4 pill formula?”

Apothecary Hong Yun frowned. “You’re just a 2-star apothecary. Why would you need that for?”

Clasping his fist, Apothecary Mu replied, “I have others uses for it. However, Apothecary Hong, rest assure, I won’t do anything that flouts the rules of the guild!”

Apothecaries were allowed to request for pill formulae, but they were forbidden from selling it or using it to conduct scams or any other immoral actions.

“Other uses for it? Hmph!”

Apothecary Hong Yun stood up, and with his hands behind his back, he walked up to Apothecary Mu and glared at him imposingly. “As an apothecary, attempting something beyond one’s capability will not only not bring one glory, it’ll even embarrass one! Your pill forging skill isn’t bad, but grade-2 pinnacle pills are already your limit. Come back to request for a grade-4 pill formula after you can successfully forge a grade-3 pill!”

In his view, the reason why this fellow was asking for a grade-4 pill was because he wanted to try forging it to impress everyone.

However, despite being unable to forge even a grade-3 pill, he was actually attempting to forge a grade-4 pill. That was nothing more than a waste of precious medicinal herbs!

“I…” Not expecting the other party to react so vehemently, Apothecary Mu’s face flushed.

“Alright, you should leave now!” With a dark complexion, Apothecary Hong tilted his head upward with a proud expression.

“I beseech you to help me request for it. The process isn’t too bothersome so it shouldn’t pose much of a problem. It’s just a small favor…” Apothecary Mu tried once more.

Regardless, they were both apothecaries of the same guild, and their ranks weren’t too far apart from one another either. A grade-4 pill formula might be valuable, but Apothecary Mu had already promised to bear the price of it. Thus, it shouldn’t be a big deal to apply for it.

To be rejected on the spot and told such words placed Apothecary Mu in a very embarrassing position.

“Aren’t my words clear enough? Given your current pill forging skills, you don’t have the qualification to see a grade-4 pill formula!”

Apothecary Hong Yun flung his sleeves and said, “I still have things to attend to. Apothecary Mu, you should leave!”

Then, ignoring Mu Yangfeng, Hong Yun turned to Jiang Chen and clasped his fist with a smile. “Young Master Jiang, I’ll be depending on you for Zhang shi’s side! Back then, I had benefited greatly from his guidance. You must introduce me to him!”

“Don’t worry, this is only a small matter. Senior Uncle Zhang is the senior of my father. After he’s done with his 2-star master teacher examination, it won’t be a problem for me to meet him. I promise to help you on this matter!” Jiang Chen replied impassively.

The reason why he felt hostile toward Zhang Xuan before was due to Mo Yu. However, after realizing that he wasn’t interested in her and witnessing his grand feats, not only did the hostility he felt disappear, he even started to regard the other party as his idol.

“Then, I’ll thank Young Master Jiang in advance then…”

Hearing the other party agree to the matter, Apothecary Hong Yun’s eyes glowed in excitement, and he hurriedly nodded.

Even though his encounter with Zhang shi in Tianxuan Kingdom was very brief, the other party’s guidance had opened up new doors for him in the art of pill forging.

It was precisely because of that that he was able to reach 3-star. If he could listen to another lesson from the other party, his pill forging skill might reach even higher realms.

“Un!” Jiang Chen nodded.

Nodding with a delighted expression on his face, Apothecary Hong Yun suddenly realized that Mu Yangfeng and Zhang Xuan had yet to leave, and his face darkened once more. “Why are you still here? Are my words not clear enough?”

“Apothecary Hong, I really have an urgent need for the grade-4 pill formula. I beseech you to help…”

Mu Yangfeng pleaded earnestly.

“Atrocious!”

Apothecary Hong Yun’s eyebrows shot up, and an imposing aura immediately burst from him. With an inviolable disposition, he bellowed, “Apothecary Mu, take note of your identity! Only 3-star apothecaries have the rights to request for grade-4 pill formulae. I am a busy person and I don’t have the time to play along with you! Why? Are you going to drag me there?”

“If you really want a grade-4 pill formula, you can apply it yourself after you become a 3-star apothecary! If you continue acting unruly here, don’t blame me for charging you for insubordination!”

Every single occupation was governed by a strict hierarchy. Insubordination was a serious offense, and once reported to the headquarter, the headquarter would issue a severe punishment to send a loud warning to the others against it.

Upon seeing the other party’s attitude, Apothecary Mu’s body trembled and his face steeled. Just as he was about to speak, a slightly questioning voice sounded.

“Grade-4 pill formula… can be requested as long as one is a 3-star apothecary, right?”

The one who spoke was Guild Leader Liu behind him.

“That’s right!” Apothecary Mu nodded.

“Then… Why don’t you just take the 3-star apothecary examination?” Guild Leader Liu asked doubtfully.

Upon hearing those words, a bizarre expression appeared on the face of the infuriated Apothecary Mu. Then, he shook his head with a bitter smile. “To become a 3-star apothecary, one has to be capable of forging a grade-3 pill. I’m… still far from reaching that level!”

Even though he had been stuck at 2-star pinnacle for many years, he was still a far way off from forging a grade-3 pill. In fact, given the limitations of his talents, he might not be able to do so in his entire life.

This was a fact that everyone knew of. Thus, upon hearing Guild Leader Liu’s words, he didn’t know how he should reply.

“Ignorant!”

“If grade-3 pills could be forged that easily, there wouldn’t be just two 3-star apothecaries in the entire guild!”

Upon hearing the ‘apprentice’ behind Mu Yangfeng spouting such ignorant words, Apothecary Hong Yun and Jiang Chen flung their sleeves in disdain.

What the heck was that!

Why don’t you just take the 3-star apothecary examination… Do you think that it is that easy to become a 3-star apothecary?

Do you think that you can pass the examination just because you wanted to?

There were a total of five 2-star pinnacle apothecaries in Tianwu Kingdom Apothecary Guild, but despite many years had passed, the only one who managed to achieve a breakthrough was him. This clearly reflected the difficulty of the task.

If Apothecary Mu was capable of forging a grade-3 pill, he would have taken the examination long ago. There was no need for him to wait until now!

That fellow was truly incomparably ignorant!

“It is just a grade-3 pill; it is actually quite easy. As long as you follow my instructions closely during the forging, you’ll surely succeed!” Ignoring the disdainful duo by the side, Zhang Xuan spoke nonchalantly.

He was counting on Apothecary Hong Yun to send in the request, but since the latter wasn’t willing, he didn’t want to stoop down to begging him either.

Since all 3-star apothecaries could request for pill formulas, then… why couldn’t he make one himself!

It isn’t a big deal anyway!

“Easy?”

“How arrogant!”

Upon hearing the ‘apprentice’ bragging, Apothecary Hong Yun’s complexion turned dark and he nearly erupted.

Where did this fellow pop up from?

Easy…

Do you know what a grade-3 pill is? How dare you spout such arrogant words here!

“This…”

Apothecary Mu hesitated for a moment before gritting his teeth. “Alright!”

He didn’t know why Liu laoshi would say such words, but as the guild leader of the Physician Guild, he didn’t think that the other party was a braggart. Since he had said such words, he must have a way to do so.

“Let’s not waste time and just forge here then!”

Seeing the other party agree to it, Zhang Xuan waved his hands casually.

Back then, Zhang Xuan had guided Mo Yu to forge a grade-2 pill at the Beast Hall. Honestly speaking, guiding a 2-star pinnacle apothecary to forge a grade-3 pill wasn’t too much of a problem for him.

If he knew that it was that easy to become a 3-star apothecary, he wouldn’t have gone through the trouble to look for Apothecary Hong Yun.

“Alright!”

Knowing that it was impossible to back down now, Mu Yangfeng did not hesitate anymore. With a flick of his wrist, a giant cauldron appeared in the room.

“Fine… I would like to see what kind of pill you can forge!”

Not expecting the ‘apprentice’ to be so arrogant as to have Mu Yangfeng forge a grade-3 pill on the spot, Apothecary Hong Yun felt so angered that he started laughing instead.

He had seen braggarts, but he hadn’t seen one who was capable of bragging to such an extent!

Guide him to forge pills… A grade-3 at that… Who do you think you are?

Pavilion Master Jiang of the Master Teacher Pavilion?

The pill forging genius Zhang shi?

What a joke! You’re just a mere apprentice! Despite your insignificant position, you sure have a big mouth!

By the side, Jiang Chen frowned as well.

As a master teacher, he knew how difficult pill forging was. Guiding a 2-star pinnacle apothecary to forge a grade-3 pill was as difficult as ascending the heavens… Surely I must be dreaming?

Are you sure there isn’t something wrong with your head?

Chapter 362: Who Are You?

“Liu laoshi, what pill are we going to forge?”

Knowing that there was no backing out now, Mu Yangfeng put down his cauldron, lit the fire, and turned to look at Zhang Xuan.

There were countless grade-3 pills, and they had to decide on one to forge.

Since the other party dared to spout such words, he must be extremely familiar with a certain type of pill.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have possibly bragged that a pill would be formed as long as he followed his instructions strictly.

“What pill?” Zhang Xuan was taken aback. He had never considered this problem. Thus, after hesitating for a moment, he looked at Apothecary Mu and asked, “Right, what kind of pill must you forge before you can be qualify as a 3-star apothecary?”

Since the 3-star apothecary examination required one to forge a grade-3 pill, there might be some guidelines on the pill. If so, it would be better to follow by the rules.

“Any grade-3 pill will work, but most 3-star apothecaries choose to forge the grade-3 [White Sun Pill]. This is also the pill that Apothecary Hong forged for the examination back then.”

Upon hearing the other party asking such fundamental questions, Apothecary Mu rolled his eyes. At the same time, an ominous feeling sprouted in his heart.

“Alright, let’s forge this White Sun Pill then… Oh, can you lend me your pill formula so that I can take a look?”

Zhang Xuan scratched his head apologetically. “I’ve never seen this pill before, so I’m not too clear what kind of medicinal herbs are required for it… I have to look through it before I can guide you…”

“…”

Mu Yangfeng staggered, and he nearly burst into tears.

Brother, I trusted you so much that I have already taken out the cauldron and lit the fire…

Yet, you’re telling me that… you’ve never seen the pill formula before…

Why are you treating me like this…

“…”

Apothecary Hong Yun and Jiang Chen were also speechless as well.

They thought that the other party might truly be some incredible fellow that would amaze all of them, but it turned out that he was just an oaf!

To say that he would guide someone on his pill forging despite having never seen the pill formula before…

Will you die if you don’t brag?

The other party had truly impressed them with this.

“This is the pill formula…”

Apothecary Mu passed the pill formula over resentfully.

As the conventional pill used by most apothecaries for the 3-star examination, the pill formula for the White Sun Pill was no secret. Almost all 2-star apothecaries were aware of it, and it wasn’t a big deal to show it to him.

“Alright!” Nodding his head, Zhang Xuan touched it, and its contents immediately appeared in the Library of Heaven’s Path.

At the same time, many books regarding the forging of White Sun Pill appeared in his mind.

He had collected almost all of the books in the library of the Apothecary Guild. Even though there were no pill formulae there—pill formulae were invaluable treasures after all—detailed on those books were the reflections of the elders in forging specific pills.

“Compile!”

Muttering softly, an entirely new book appeared before him.

“Alright, let’s begin the forging!”

Browsing through the book, Zhang Xuan turned to look at Apothecary Mu with a grave expression. “Follow my instructions strictly. You mustn’t make the slightest error!”

“Alright!”

Even though he felt dismal, Mu Yangfeng had already put the word out. Left with no choice, he could only nod helplessly.

As a 2-star pinnacle apothecary, he would often spend his time attempting to forge the White Sun Pill.

As such, he had quite a few sets of spare medicinal herbs in his storage ring, thus sparing them the trouble of obtaining them.

Soon, the ignition of the flame, the warming of the cauldron, and the preparation of the medicinal herbs were done.

Just by looking at the other party’s smooth movements in the preparation, Zhang Xuan was already impressed.

As expected of a 2-star pinnacle apothecary. His movements were much more skilled than any other apothecaries he had seen before, be it Mo Yu or Guild Leader Ouyang.

Zhang Xuan walked up to the cauldron and touched it before retreating back.

“The temperature is around there. Should I add the medicinal herbs in now?”

The flame licked at the sides of the cauldron, and soon, the cauldron was already fiery-hot, and the air in the surroundings distorted under the immense heat.

“Wait a moment!” Zhang Xuan waved casually. “Continue warming the cauldron!”

“Alright!” Since Apothecary Mu had already decided to follow the other party’s instructions, he didn’t hesitate at all. Under the drive of his zhenqi, the flames under the cauldron continued to blaze furiously.

“The cauldron is already red…”

Apothecary Hong Yun and Jiang Chen glanced at one another in bewilderment.

Did this fellow really know anything about pill forging?

Forging a pill was very different from forging an equipment, where the higher the temperature, the better it was. Harnessing the wood attribute, medicinal herbs tended to lose their medicinal properties easily when exposed to excessive heat, thus rendering them useless.

The cauldron was already burning a shade of bright red, and it looked as though it would burst apart soon. Putting aside forging pills, the medicinal herbs would probably burn to crisp if they were thrown in under such a state.

What in the world was he up to?

“Place the White Wood Grass in!”

Just as they were completely baffled over this matter, the young man’s voice finally sounded.

“He’s throwing in the main ingredient of the White Sun Pill directly?”

Apothecary Hong Yun’s body swayed.

White Wood Grass was the main ingredient of the White Sun Pill. It was highly flammable, and upon contact with flames, it would be immediately set ablaze.

Conventions dictated that it should be placed in the middle of the forging to prevent it from being burned into cinders by the blazing cauldron, as well as to allow it to better fuse with the other medicinal herbs.

The cauldron was already on the verge of bursting from the intense heat and black smoke was puffing out of it… To throw the White Wood Grass in under such conditions…

The heck!

Without a doubt, the medicinal herbs would be burned to ashes as soon as it entered the cauldron…

“Preposterous! He is truly fooling around! This fellow knows nothing about pill forging. I truly wonder where Apothecary Mu found him!”

Harrumphing coldly, Apothecary Hong Yun’s face steeled.

There was no doubt about it—this pill forging would surely end in failure!

Anyone who had the slightest knowledge of pill forging would know not to raise the temperature of the cauldron excessively. That ignorant fellow bragged that he would instruct Apothecary Mu to successfully forge a grade-3 pill, and yet, he made such an elementary mistake…

Where did this cretin come from?

Apothecary Mu must truly be blind to trust a person like him!

An Elder Council should be assembled after this farce to teach these two a lesson! Otherwise, not only would precious medicinal herbs be wasted, the reputation of the the guild would also go down the drain!

Ignoring Apothecary Hong Yun, whose face was darkening by the moment, Zhang Xuan continued instructing Mu Yangfeng. “Twelve breaths later, put in the Two-eyed Beard…”

He issued a series of instructions.

This sequence was completely different from the conventional forging methods detailed in the books for the White Sun Pill, and it even seemed to contradict with the fundamental concepts of pill forging. Even so, since he had already given his word, Apothecary Mu followed the other party’s instructions strictly even though he was doubtful of the result. Gritting his teeth, he continued throwing different medicinal herbs into the cauldron while controlling the temperature of the flame carefully, not daring to make the slightest mistake.

“Hm? Something is wrong…”

As more and more medicinal herbs were thrown into the cauldron, doubts started sprouting in Apothecary Mu’s mind.

He had forged the White Sun Pill many times in the past, and usually, after placing a few medicinal herbs in, the cauldron would begin to rock violently, as if it would explode at any moment. But this time, despite having thrown in so many medicinal herbs in, there wasn’t any sign of movement at all.

Could it be that all of the medicinal properties had been balanced out?

If that was the case, the other party’s instructions must be correct, and this meant that there was a high probability that the pill forging would be successful.

“Wait, that doesn’t seem like it…”

Then, he shook his head.

While it was possible for the reason behind the cauldron being calm to be due to the medicinal properties being balanced out perfectly, there was also another possibility… All of the medicinal herbs inside had already been reduced to cinders by the searing heat. If the medicinal properties of the herbs had already been eroded, then naturally, they couldn’t possibly react explosively with one another.

Thinking about it, the latter seemed much more probable. After all, even 4-star apothecaries were incapable of balancing out medicinal properties perfectly…

“Forget it, I’ll just finish the pill forging first…”

Even though Apothecary Mu didn’t think that the pill forging would succeed, he still followed Liu laoshi’s instructions strictly and threw in medicinal herbs one after another.

Soon, he threw in the very last medicinal herb.

“Open the cauldron!”

Zhang Xuan instructed.

“Open the cauldron?”

Mu Yangfeng was taken aback.

Normally, after throwing all of the medicinal herbs in, the mixture had to be left to simmer for a moment so that the herbs could be fused together perfectly for the formation of the pills.

To open the cauldron right after throwing all of the medicinal herbs in… Wasn’t this being too hasty?

“Quick!”

Zhang Xuan didn’t expect the other party to hesitate. Anxious, he urged him once more.

Based on the book in the Library of Heaven’s Path, the cauldron had to be opened right after all of the medicinal herbs were thrown in for the pill forging to be perfect. The other party’s slight moment of hesitation had caused many mistakes to appear in the book already. At this point, even if a pill were to be formed, its effectiveness would be lowered by several grades.

On the other hand, upon seeing this sight, Apothecary Hong Yun harrumphed coldly and shook his head.

“Do you think that the pills will be formed?” Jiang Chen couldn’t help but ask.

The pill that Apothecary Hong Yun had forged for his 3-star apothecary examination was also the White Sun Pill, and his feat of achieving Formation for it had caused a huge uproar in the city back then.

“Do I think that the pills will be formed?” Apothecary Hong Yun harrumphed disdainfully. “While they are lucky that the cauldron didn’t explode, all of the medicinal herbs inside it are surely ashes by now given the overwhelming heat in the cauldron just now. To expect a pill to be formed under such circumstances… That’s no different from dreaming!”

“Burned to cinders?” Jiang Chen asked doubtfully.

“If you don’t believe me, watch on. If pills can be formed after all that have happened, I’ll cut off my head…”

Apothecary Hong Yun gestured confidently.

If a pill could be formed with that nonsensical pill forging sequence… wouldn’t 3-star apothecaries like himself would be truly worthless?

He wasn’t the only one to think so. Even Mu Yangfeng himself didn’t think well of this pill forging. After a moment of hesitation, he clenched his jaws and opened the cauldron.

Hu!

Filled with despair, he prepared himself to see an entire floor of black sludge from the herbs when a gush of pill fragrance wafted from the cauldron.

“This…”

Mu Yangfeng was taken aback. Rushing forward, he stretched his hand into the cauldron and grabbed onto something. Taking a closer look, it was a round and glistening pill. The fragrance it emanated assaulted his nose.

“This is… a White Sun Pill… reaching the level of P-P-Perfection?”

Mu Yangfeng widened his eyes, flabbergasted.

Pills formed had different tiers. Formation, Satiation, Perfection, and Inscribed Pill…

Based on his judgement, given the forging method previously, the pill forging should have ended in utter failure, and the only thing that should appear from the cauldron was black sludge. Never in his dreams did he expect that a pill would be formed… And at the level of Perfection at that!

How… How is this possible?

“What?”

“Perfection?”

On the other hand, Apothecary Hong Yun looked as though he was on the verge of fainting. His body shuddered violently, and he nearly bit his own tongue off.

He had just said that if the other party managed to form a pill, he would cut his head off…

In the end, not only did the other party manage to form a pill, it even reached the level of Perfection…

The heck!

How did this happen?

That young man had started guiding Apothecary Mu on the process right after browsing through the pill formula of the White Sun Pill for the first time…

The other party even went against conventions and warmed the cauldron until it’s blazing hot before throwing the medicinal herbs in. Yet, not only were the medicinal herbs not burned to cinders, it even reached the level of Perfection…

This sight overturned everything he knew of pill forging. The laws that he thought were absolute in pill forging for several decades suddenly felt like a huge lie, and just the thought of it left him completely frenzied.

“This… this… What’s going on?”

Shuddering, Apothecary Mu turned to look at Zhang Xuan, curious to know what had just happened.

How did he succeed in the pill forging… just like that?

When did a grade-3 pill become so easy to forge?

Seeing the other party’s doubtful gaze, Zhang Xuan smiled casually.

“Even though the White Wood Grass is highly flammable, that doesn’t mean that it can’t come into contact with flames. On the contrary, strong heat brings out its medicinal properties better! Therefore, the first herb that one should place in is this. This way, the medicinal properties of the other herbs can be fused perfectly with it layer after layer, thus bringing out the full effectiveness of the medicinal herbs!”

“On top of that, the opening and closing of the cauldron during the intervals where one places the medicinal herbs in will cause the medicinal energy to escape. Thus, if you put the White Wood Grass from the very start, it’ll absorb all of the medicinal properties, fuse them together, and coagulate into a pill…”

“Continuing on, Two-eyed Beard grows in the marshlands. Even though it contains yang attribute energy, there are also traces of water attribute energy within it. Only under extreme heat can the water attribute energy be forced out…”

With his hands behind his back, Zhang Xuan started strolling about the room as he explained the various sequences one after another.

“This… this…”

Initially, they were skeptical at the other party’s words. However, after hearing his explanations one after another, Apothecary Hong Yun and the others couldn’t help but tremble vigorously. Eventually, their face stiffened completely.

Instead of touching on the pill forging techniques, his explanations came from the perspective of maximizing the effectiveness of the medicinal properties of each herb. How one should heat the medicinal herbs and mediate between the various herbs to fully bring out the properties of the medicinal herbs…

It sounded like nothing much, but to analyze a complex a grade-3 pill formula so thoroughly was an extremely fearsome feat!

Firstly, one had to possess an utmost understanding of every single medicinal herb contained in the pill formula. On top of that, one still had to deduce the individual reactions based on their properties precisely to select the most correct method to fuse them together. Not to mention, these deductions were highly prone to errors. As experienced apothecaries, they clearly understood the difficulty in doing so, and as such, the other party’s feat had truly left all of them astounded!

“With just his grasp over medicinal properties, he was able to ensure that the medicinal herbs could fuse together perfectly such that no problems would crop up… Y-you aren’t an apprentice… Who are you?”

Apothecary Hong Yun stared at Zhang Xuan in fright.

Just by his knowledge of the respective medicinal properties of the herbs, the young man before him was able to ensure that a grade-3 pill was being crafted flawlessly. Even the guild leader was incapable of such a feat!

Who in the world was this fellow? How could he possess such immense understanding of medicinal herbs?

“He’s the new guild leader of the Physician Guild who solved nineteen questions on the Wall of Dilemma…”

Apothecary Mu replied.

“Liu Cheng!”

Chapter 363: Price

“Liu Cheng… Guild Leader Liu?”

Apothecary Hong and Jiang Cheng trembled vigorously upon hearing that name.

Even though this Guild Leader Liu had become a celebrity in the capital recently—his name was even placed alongside the supreme genius, Zhang Xuan—the duo had never seen his true appearance before.

The duo had thought that he was an apprentice given that he was following behind Apothecary Mu, and his young age did little to change that perception. Never in their dreams could they have imagined that the young man would actually have such an astounding background.

As the guild leader of the Physician Guild, his standing was in no way inferior to their guild leader!

Even Apothecary Hong, as a 3-star apothecary, was beneath him in terms of standing.

Just that… Wasn’t the other party supposed to be proficient in the Way of Medicine? Why was he able to guide a 2-star apothecary to forge a grade-3 pill?

“Be it the Way of Medicine or pill forging, one must possess absolute grasp over the medicinal properties of the respective herbs to decide on the most ideal formula to create the most effective medicine! I might not be an apothecary, and I’m incapable of forging pills as well, but my grasp over medicinal herbs allows me to deduce the changes occurring within a cauldron precisely. With this, I’m confident in guiding an apothecary to forge even a grade-4 pill, needless to say, a grade-3 pill!”

Knowing the various thoughts running through other party’s mind, Zhang Xuan replied calmly.

“One could achieve this much just by knowing the properties of medicinal herbs?”

Apothecary Hong Yun felt as though he was losing his sanity.

Even the temperature at which a medicinal herb was simmered could affect the medicinal properties it released. The slightest mistake could easily result in the greatest difference, determining a failure from a success.

Despite his lack of understanding in pill forging, he was able to guide someone in forging a grade-3 pill solely based on his grasp of the properties of medicinal herbs… Could such an existence still be considered a human?

All along, the elites of Tianwu Royal City didn’t think that highly of the famous Guild Leader Liu, believing that he might have prepared the answers to the nineteen questions on the Wall of Dilemma beforehand, thus allowing him to solve them in a single go. But now, they realized that… there wasn’t any need for the other party to do so. His capability was the real deal!

Putting everything aside, just his understanding of the properties of medicinal herbs would surely be unmatched by anyone in Tianwu Royal City!

Even their guild leader couldn’t match up to him!

“The study of medicinal herbs is profound and deep… how can it be summarized with just a few words? In truth, be it the prescription of a physician or the pill formula of an apothecary, they are both centered around the concept of complementing medicinal herbs in the most perfect manner to draw out their medicinal properties effectively. The two paths would naturally converge together upon reaching a certain level of understanding toward medicinal herb!”

As Zhang Xuan spoke casually, his sleeves swayed under the slight breeze. At this moment, his figure looked as though an unparalleled expert of the world.

Even though his words were logical, making it impossible for anyone to refute it, but in truth, such things only existed in theory.

In other words, it was impossible for an ordinary human to be capable of such calculations. Even if one’s understanding of medicinal herbs reached the level of a 7-star physician, it would still be impossible for one to guide another to successfully forge a pill just based on that.

To make an analogy, it was just like how even though scientists knew that one could travel back into time just by exceeding the speed of light, it was impossible in practice, and to date, no one had been able to succeed.

In the end, theories were just theories; they were a long way off from accurately depicting reality. The quality of the cauldron, the heat from the cauldron, the cultivation of the apothecary, the atmosphere, the maturity of the medicinal herbs… All of these were factors that would affect the ultimate product. A difference in one or two of these factors may not amount to anything much, but when all of these differences were stacked over one another, it would result in a huge divergence.

Zhang Xuan had only managed to do so with the help of the Library of Heaven’s Path.

“I’ve been enlightened…”

Knowing how difficult the feat was, Apothecary Hong was impressed.

“Un!” Zhang Xuan nodded in satisfaction. “So, is Apothecary Mu considered a 3-star apothecary now? Does he have the qualification to request for a pill formula from the Wall of Pill Formulae?”

“The reason why Apothecary Mu is able to forge a grade-3 pill is due to your guidance, but with this experience, it shouldn’t be difficult for him to succeed in the future. As such, he is qualified to request for a pill formula at the Wall of Pill Formulae!”

After hesitating for a moment, Apothecary Hong replied.

While Apothecary Mu had only succeeded this time due to the other party’s guidance, it shouldn’t be too difficult for him to replicate this success individually as long as he worked on it diligently.

In other words, it was just a matter of time before Apothecary Mu became a true 3-star apothecary.

Thus, in non-strict terms, it shouldn’t be considered as a violation of the rules for him to request for a pill formula anymore.

“If I knew it was this easy, I wouldn’t have wasted so much of my time asking for your help…”

Hearing the affirmation, Zhang Xuan shook his head and remarked.

He ended up waiting so long outside, only to be refused in the end. If he knew that it was just the matter of forging a single pill, he would have just done so from the start… What a huge waste of time!

“…”

Zhang Xuan was just complaining casually, but when Apothecary Mu heard those words, the edge of his mouth twitched.

Guild Leader Liu was disregarding Apothecary Hong’s pride before them, and this was no different from a public humiliation.

He secretly sneaked a peek toward Apothecary Hong and saw the other party’s entire body trembling violently. It seemed as though he was just a single push away from spewing blood.

At this moment, Apothecary Hong was truly on the verge of a breakdown.

Guild Leader Liu, you are doing it intentionally, aren’t you?

You intentionally hid your identity from us just so that we could make a fool out of ourselves…

The heck!

If I knew that you had such capability, I wouldn’t have dared to boast before you! Now, not only did I fail to pull my weight, I even became a fool instead!

More importantly, I have insulted a genius because of this! How could I ask anything of you in the future like this?

“Let’s go!”

Ignoring the dismayed Apothecary Hong Yun, the duo walked out of the room. Under Apothecary Mu’s lead, they soon arrived at a tightly sealed room.

It was similar to the room where the Wall of Dilemma was affixed in the Physician Guild. There was nothing else other than a gigantic wall in the room.

Apothecary Hong and Jiang Chen tagged along as well, curious to see what pill formula was Apothecary Mu going to request for.

“What I need is the pill formula for the grade-4 Frigid Yin Pill!”

Zhang Xuan sent a telepathic message to Apothecary Mu.

“Un!”

Apothecary Mu nodded. Upon placing the apothecary emblem representing his identity into the aperture on the wall, the wall immediately burst into life. With swift movements, he wrote three words on the Wall of Pill Formulae—Frigid Yin Pill!

The procedures to using the Wall of Pill Formulae wasn’t too complex. One just had to activate the wall and write down the name of the pill. As long as the pill wasn’t too far beyond one’s capability, the headquarter would usually agree to the request.

Since there were 3-star apothecaries in Tianwu Kingdom Apothecary Guild, it shouldn’t be a problem to request for a grade-4 pill formula, although it would be impossible for them to ask for a grade-5 one!

The same rules applied for other Apothecary Guilds as well.

Weng…

A moment later, the wall trembled and a line of words appeared…

Payment: Three spirit stones or a Transmogrification Bamboo Grass!

“This is… the price for the pill formula?” Staring intently at the words that appeared on the wall, Jiang Chen asked.

“Un, it is a convention to pay a price when requesting for a pill formula from the headquarter. Otherwise, the Wall of Pill Formulae could be abused, and the headquarter might find itself constantly in a hectic state!”

Apothecary Hong replied. Then, with slight doubt in his tone, he said, “However… usually, a grade-4 pill formula should only cost one spirit stone. For this one to cost three spirit stones or a Transmogrification Bamboo Grass, that’s way too overpriced!”

“What’s a Transmogrification Bamboo Grass?”

“It’s an extremely precious and rare medicinal herb. Even at Xuanyuan Conferred Kingdom, it’s one of the hardest herbs to obtain, needless to say, here!

Apothecary Hong Yun shook his head in pity, “This is way too expensive, it’s impossible for Apothecary Mu to afford it!”

…

Just as Apothecary Hong had guessed, upon seeing those words, Apothecary Mu’s complexion immediately turned extremely awful.

Initially, he had thought that if the price wasn’t too high, he could help to foot the bill. But three spirit stones… This was simply too expensive! Even as a 2-star pinnacle apothecary, it was beyond his means.

As for the Transmogrification Bamboo Grass, he had only heard of its existence from the books…

“Guild Leader Liu, I’m sorry…”

Apothecary Mu turned to Zhang Xuan and apologized.

The reason why the other party was at the Apothecary Guild was to help raise his daughter’s cultivation. He thought that he could at least be of some help to the other party, especially given his identity. Yet, in the end, he found himself unable to contribute anything at all.

“This is the price for the pill formula? How do I pay the spirit stones through this wall?”

Upon realizing what was going on, Zhang Xuan asked doubtfully.

Given how it was possible to communicate via the Wall of Pill Formulae, the pill formula could also be written and, thus, sent to them through the wall. However, spirit stones and Transmogrification Bamboo Grass were tangible objects. How could they send it over through the wall?

“Simple. As long as you promise to make the payment, someone will be dispatched here, arriving within half a month, to claim it. As long as the payment is confirmed, the other side will send the pill formula over!” Apothecary Mu replied.

“Half a month?” Zhang Xuan was speechless.

If that was the case, what was the difference between this and buying a grade-4 pill straight?

It was only because buying a pill would require a minimum of half a month that he chose to request for a pill formula instead. Despite all the trouble he went through, he simply went in a circle and ended up returning back at the starting point.

“It’s also possible for the pill formula to be sent over on the spot. One just has to leave his emblem here as a guarantee. However, this would mean that one was putting his position as an apothecary on the line to guarantee the payment. After the pill formula is sent over, someone will come over to claim the items within half a month…”

After a moment of hesitation, Apothecary Mu continued, “I don’t mind leaving my emblem here as a guarantee, just that… I really don’t have the means to pay for it. Once the other party comes and demands payment…”

If he could produce three spirit stones, it wouldn’t be a problem for him to put his emblem on the line. However… he had nothing in his hands now. Once the other party comes to claim the payment and he fails to hand it over, he would be in deep trouble.

His career as a 2-star pinnacle apothecary would come to an end, and all of the hard work he had poured in in the past few decades would be wasted.

“It’s just a grade-4 pill formula… How can it be so expensive!”

Upon understanding the entire matter, Zhang Xuan was dismal.

He was still wondering how he could procure spirit stones for his own use when the other party demanded three at once… Putting aside the fact that he didn’t have any spirit stones now, even if he had any, he still needed them for his own cultivation. To exchange it for a pill formula… You must be jesting!

“Is there any other way?”

Zhang Xuan asked Apothecary Mu.

“Other than physical objects, one could pay using knowledge and information as well. As long as the other party deems what one offers to be valuable, it can be accepted as the payment as well!”

At this moment, Apothecary Mu shook his head with a bitter smile. “However… the person on the other side of the Wall of Pill Formulae is at least a 4-star apothecary, a figure we can’t possibly match up with. The knowledge and secrets we know of are probably worthless to them!”

As a 4-star apothecary, the other party’s understanding of pill forging had already reached an unfathomable level. As a mere 2-star pinnacle apothecary, how could Apothecary Mu possibly offer any knowledge of interest to the other party?

“Knowledge can be used as payment as well?”

Zhang Xuan was dumbstruck for a short moment before a gleam flashed in his eyes. “Is that really true?”

“Un!”

Apothecary Mu and the others were stunned to see Zhang Xuan’s bizarre reaction.

Could he, as a physician, really produce information of interest to a 4-star apothecary?

“Alright, allow me!”

Ignoring the shock the others were experiencing, Zhang Xuan mused for a moment before lifting up a brush to write a line of words on the Wall of Pill Formulae.

“…”

Upon seeing the contents of his words, Apothecary Hong Yun staggered. He nearly spewed blood and fainted.

Apothecary Mu was the same as well. Tears streamed down his face.

This Wall of Pill Formulae was activated using his emblem, so his name was on it. Guild Leader Liu, the words that you wrote…

You are truly escorting me straight to my doom.

Wuwu, what did I do wrong to make you hate me so much…