Unrivaled Miracle Doctor: The God-Defying Demonic Consort-Chapter 478 - 122: Shocked Onlookers! (Second Update)
Poof!
A scorched black smoke rose from the pill furnace.
The elder observing from the nearby stage couldn’t help but frown. This was the youngest with the strongest spiritual sense since the Medicine Tower Branch was established. If she suffered a setback in this competition, he wondered if it would affect her future development.
But, who could be blamed for this?
The elder on the stage shook his head slowly in regret.
In his view, at Mu Qingge’s age, it was simply impossible for her to refine an advanced elixir.
Look at that Dean Hua and Master Lou? They’ve spent their entire lives immersed in alchemy to achieve what they have. Mei Zizhong is already considered a once-in-a-century genius, also exposed to alchemy from a young age and meticulously nurtured by Master Lou, to achieve the accomplishments he has today.
And the little one in front of us?
The more he thought about it, the less the elder believed Mu Qingge could produce an advanced elixir, yet he still admired Mu Qingge somewhat.
Because he was close, he could see more clearly.
Facing consecutive failures, the average person would have become agitated, showing signs of dejection. But this little one remained calm and unaffected, as if she were not the one who just failed.
On the edge of the platform, a person quietly appeared in the crowd, cloaked. He hid among the people, secretly observing Mu Qingge’s every move.
He had entered when Mu Qingge failed the first time, watching her fail again and then prepare for the third attempt, a bit of interest appeared in his eyes.
And in a quiet secluded courtyard difficult for others to approach within the Medicine Tower, Hua Cangzhu was also watching the Dan Fighting through a mirror.
In his mirror, Mu Qingge and Song Yu stood facing each other, each refining medicinal materials. He could even see their facial expressions clearly.
...
As Mu Qingge started her third attempt, Song Yu was already in the final phase of melting his elixir.
At this point, he could spare some thoughts to strike Mu Qingge.
"Junior Sister Mu, this is the last batch of materials. Are you confident? Or should Senior Brother ask the stage elder to send more materials for you?"
The stage elder frowned slightly, looking at Song Yu with displeasure.
His behavior undoubtedly created psychological pressure on Mu Qingge.
However, Mu Qingge seemed to ignore him and simply said to the elder, "Elder, you need not worry about me. It’s just barking and won’t affect me."
While speaking, she tossed powder into the pill furnace casually, an action that made the audience’s hearts leap.
They all wondered, does she even know how to refine elixirs?
Just toss them in like that; isn’t she afraid of an explosion?
Even the stage elder, worried, took a step or two back.
However, Mu Qingge’s words made him pause for a moment, suppressing a laugh inside. "This little one really doesn’t hold back!"
"You! How dare you call me a dog?" Song Yu’s expression twisted as he spoke.
Mu Qingge glanced at him indifferently, seeming to mock his interpretation. "I advise Senior Brother Song not to be too concerned with me; be careful not to fail at the last hurdle."
Just as she finished speaking, a muffled sound emerged from Song Yu’s pill furnace.
Followed by a burst of black smoke.
"Poof! He actually failed at the last moment!" The crowd froze, and surprised murmurs erupted.
"Hahaha! Serves him right for mocking our Mu Ge!" Wei Guanguan laughed heartily.
Mu Qingge raised an eyebrow, looking at Song Yu sympathetically, as if saying: ’See, I told you so.’
He actually failed!
Song Yu’s face looked extremely grim, his ears flushed red.
Being close to the furnace and unprepared, his fair face was blackened with soot. At this moment, he clenched his fists, knuckles cracking.
"Song Yu, why aren’t you continuing the competition?" the stage elder warned sternly.
Song Yu suppressed his anger, forced to start grinding powder again and continue refining.
This scene caught the attention of the mysterious person in the audience, his interest piqued further, muttering softly: "Interesting."
Meanwhile, Dean Hua, observing through the mirror, shook his head at Song Yu’s performance, seeming somewhat disappointed. Oh, by the way, Song Yu is also a disciple of Dean Hua.
Mei Zizhong, with a calm expression, watched Mu Qingge, quietly saying to Zhao Nanxing beside him: "Have you noticed that the materials for advanced elixirs are far more than intermediate ones, and grinding them is more troublesome, yet Junior Brother Mu accomplishes it skillfully."
Zhao Nanxing carefully considered his words, suddenly shocked: "You’re saying he..."
Mei Zizhong nodded subtly, a trace of a smile on his lips: "It seems Junior Brother Mu has been hiding deeply! I guess I’ve been redundant."
Zhao Nanxing, in disbelief, turned his gaze to Mu Qingge, thinking to himself: ’How old is he? Seems younger than me, this... it’s quite a blow!’
"Brother Mei actually laughed." Zhu Ling, who had been observing Mei Zizhong, poked Shang Zisu beside her.
Although she couldn’t hear Mei Zizhong and Zhao Nanxing’s conversation, she saw the fleeting smile on Mei Zizhong’s handsome face.
Shang Zisu glanced at her calmly, replying, "Watch the competition."
Zhu Ling nevertheless said, "Why watch the competition, better to watch Brother Mei. The result is definitely Song Yu winning anyway."
Shang Zisu’s eyes flashed, reminding, "Song Yu already failed once just now."
Zhu Ling confidently replied, "Wasn’t it just once? He still has two chances, and with his skill, there’s certainly no problem. As for that Junior Brother Mu recklessly trying to refine an advanced elixir, does he truly believe it’s easy? Now he has only one chance; if he fails, he’ll lose. Even if Song Yu makes a low-level elixir, he’ll win."
Shang Zisu no longer responded, seemingly focused on watching the competition on stage.
"Recently, Song Yu has been quite arrogant," Diao Yuan said coldly as Song Yu failed, his voice emotionless.
Someone beside him immediately said, "Senior Brother Song was distracted by Mu Ge’s mocking words."
Feng Yugui, listening nearby, added, "Indeed, Senior Brother Diao, Senior Brother Song was merely momentarily careless."
Diao Yuan’s gaze swept lightly over them, smiling in mockery: "Oh? I didn’t know Song Yu had such good connections."
His words frightened everyone into silence at once.
It seemed their words not only failed to earn favor for Song Yu but instead kicked him while he was down.
Refining advanced elixirs is increasingly complex compared to intermediates. Not just more materials, but also many challenges during fusion. Hence, it takes longer.
Furthermore, Mu Qingge didn’t want to appear too outstanding, so she refined slowly and methodically.
When over half of her powder was integrated, Song Yu was again nearing the final stage of his second elixir.
He dared not provoke this time, focusing meticulously on completing the elixir.
"I smell dan fragrance, it’s so rich!"
"Me too, me too. It’s truly fragrant, mouthwatering!"
"This must be the aroma only found in top-grade intermediate elixirs!"
"Looks like Senior Brother Song will succeed!"
"Song Yu’s going to succeed." Zhu Ling, smiling, looked at Shang Zisu, her words seemingly hinting.
But Shang Zisu remained indifferent, showing no emotion.
"Hurrah!" Song Yu suddenly opened his eyes wide, slapping his hand on the pill furnace.
Instantly, the lid of the furnace shot skyward, and a pill as large as a dragon’s eye, emitting a faint golden glow, flew out from the furnace.
"Wow! Such a sweet aroma!"
"So beautiful!"
"This pill is perfect!"
In the stands, praises echoed continuously.
This made Song Yu particularly proud. He himself felt that this was the best elixir he had ever refined.
He glanced at Mu Qingge, who continued to calmly practice alchemy, unaffected by the commotion he caused.
With a cold snort in his heart, Song Yu raised his hand, and the Golden Core automatically flew into his palm, spinning continuously in his hand.
Lowering his eyes for a glance, Song Yu smiled with satisfaction and pride, and walked towards the elder on the stage: "Elder, please have a look."
The elder on the stage glanced at him but pushed his outstretched hand away, saying sternly: "The competition is not over yet."
Song Yu’s eyes darkened, sneering: "Does the elder truly believe this showy person can really refine advanced elixir?"
"The elixir can only be examined after the competition ends, that’s the rule." The elder on the stage said strictly.
Song Yu had no choice but to return to his place with a sullen face, patiently waiting for Mu Qingge to fail at alchemy and end the competition.
Song Yu’s elixir was complete, so everyone’s attention in the stands was now focused on Mu Qingge, who was still refining alchemy.
And she was still unhurried and calm.
"I heard the fusion process of advanced elixirs is extremely difficult, and a slight mistake can explode the furnace. I didn’t expect she has already fused nearly half of the medicinal materials. Could she really refine advanced elixir?" Someone in the stands began discussing.
"Who knows? She’s failed twice already; who knows if she’ll fail again in the next moment?"
"If she really refines advanced elixir, wouldn’t she be as strong as Brother Mei? Then Brother Diao’s position..."
"Don’t talk nonsense! If word reaches Brother Diao’s ears... Besides, even if she really refines advanced elixir, it would only replace Brother Song’s ranking. If she wants to climb higher, she’d have to challenge either Brother Diao or Brother Mei, or wait until the next ranking competition starts."
"Shh, don’t say more. Brother Diao is also watching. She’s just a novice disciple, how could she possibly refine advanced elixir? Let’s not worry ourselves with it!"
"Feng Yugui." Diao Yuan called out the name of the person next to him, with a voice as cold as ice.
Feng Yugui secretly hated: ’You’re merely a pill master; if it weren’t for being in the Medicine Tower now, why would I, a prince, have to stoop and bow to you? If you ever come to Li Country, I will repay everything tenfold!’
"Brother Diao." He murmured in response, concealing the hatred in his heart.
"Are you certain she took the elixir?" Diao Yuan asked coldly. In the beginning, her two consecutive failures also made him think Mu Qingge did take the elixir.
However, now her appearance made him doubt again.
Feng Yugui frowned, feeling a bit anxious inside, but could only respond stubbornly: "She should have taken it. If she failed, Fu Tianlong couldn’t be sitting safely on their side."
Diao Yuan let out a sinister squint with his cold eyes and said after a while: "Alright, I’ll trust you this time. If Mu Ge wins after the competition, you can forget about joining the master’s tutelage."
"Brother Diao!" Feng Yugui looked at him in shock.
Unfortunately, Diao Yuan’s indifferent expression told him there was no room for negotiation.
At this moment, he could only hope that Fu Tianlong did give Mu Qingge elixir and that the elixir was indeed beginning to take effect.
The stands were filled with varied thoughts.
On the stage, Mu Qingge was enjoying the fun of refining elixirs.
This Guiyuan Beauty Pill was her first attempt at refining. The elixir recipe, she inadvertently found on Shang Zisu. It was during one encounter at the Pill Recipe Hall that Shang Zisu happened to be transcribing the Guiyuan Beauty Pill recipe, which she memorized with a glance.
In the Dan God’s inheritance, most of the recipes were ancient elixir recipes, which Mu Qingge didn’t want to reveal.
The Guiyuan Beauty Pill is a more ordinary and easier type among advanced elixirs to refine. Thus, it became Mu Qingge’s only option.
She had already thought it through. Since the Pill Recipe Hall is restricted by level, she might as well expose a portion of her ability. To replace the low-level alchemist’s status with an advanced alchemist, thereby being able to enter the upper levels of the Pill Recipe Hall and see more useful elixir recipes.
Otherwise, why would she easily agree to Song Yu’s challenge?
Throwing the last medicinal powder into the Pill Furnace, Mu Qingge was already at the final steps.
At this moment, the stands were already silent. Everyone, regardless of their intentions, whether hoping for her success or failure, waited with bated breath for the final moment to arrive.
Even Song Yu, who was waiting aside, became somewhat nervous, with his palms sweating finely.
A captivating Dan Fragrance wafted out from the Pill Furnace, gradually spreading to the surroundings.
People who smelled this Dan Fragrance felt refreshed and couldn’t help but let out comfortable moans.
"It seems the elixir is about to form!" Mei Zizhong’s eyes flashed with a sharp gleam, and he spoke with a hint of laughter.
Mei Zizhong is the only one among the Medicine Tower Disciples who can refine Advanced Elixirs, so his words are naturally credible.
Zhu Ling couldn’t help but carefully examine Mu Qingge again, chuckling, "I didn’t see it coming, our new brother Mu really has some skills."
"More than just some skills?" Zhao Nanxing laughed to Zhu Ling, "You and I can’t refine Advanced Elixirs."
The teasing in these words instantly made Zhu Ling’s eyes turn cold.
"Look quickly, what is that!"
Suddenly, someone pointed to the stage where Mu Qingge was and exclaimed.
Everyone saw wisps of blue smoke rising from the small holes of the Pill Furnace lid, dreamlike, and condensing above the furnace, gathering together like a cloud.
"Dan Cloud!" A mysterious figure at the back of the stands exclaimed in shock upon witnessing this scene.
"Dan Cloud." Almost simultaneously, Mei Zizhong explained to the others. "A sign that must appear before an Advanced Elixir forms."
In front of the mirror, Hua Cangzhu saw the clouds condensing above the Pill Furnace, and murmured, "Dan Cloud. Truly a person with extraordinary talent!"
"It’s changing again!" The people on the stands were already in an uproar.
The appearance of an Advanced Elixir is something very few have seen.
Dean Hua and Master Lou wouldn’t casually refine elixirs in public, and Mei Zizhong keeps a low profile. The level badge on his waist for Advanced Elixirs was obtained only after a test in which he refined an Advanced Elixir.
He had never refined an Advanced Elixir in public, so many are witnessing the refining process of an Advanced Elixir for the first time at this moment.
The cloud-like Dan Cloud gradually dispersed, transforming into seven small flowers. As time went on, the Dan Fragrance grew richer, and the seven small flowers became more exquisite and clear, as if they truly existed.
"What is this?" Zhu Ling asked in confusion.
However, Mei Zizhong did not respond.
This left Zhu Ling a bit embarrassed, looking to Shang Zisu for help with his gaze.
Shang Zisu helplessly said to Mei Zizhong, "Senior brother, Zisu is also puzzled." She had always hoped to become an Advanced Alchemist, and what she saw today was both shocking and beneficial.
Mei Zizhong could ignore Zhu Ling’s question, but he could not brush off Shang Zisu: "This is called Dan Flower. According to the master, after entering the realm of Advanced Alchemists, whenever refining Advanced Elixirs, Dan Cloud and Dan Flowers will appear. The former is a required sign, while the latter varies according to the elixir. If the quality is high, reaching High Grade, Dan Flowers will appear. The more numerous and lifelike the Dan Flowers are, the better the quality of the elixir."
"So, the Advanced Elixir refined by Brother Mu has already reached High Grade quality, possibly even beyond?" Zhao Nanxing asked.
Mei Zizhong slowly nodded, acknowledging this hypothesis.
"Advanced High Grade? Even our master doesn’t succeed every time; who exactly is he?" Zhu Ling exclaimed in disbelief.
With Zhu Ling’s astonishment, Shang Zisu also looked at Mu Qingge, her calm gaze replaced by surprise and curiosity.
"Advanced High Grade, possibly Advanced Top Grade! Indeed, a once-in-a-million-years alchemy genius!" The mysterious person wrapped in a cloak revealed eyes filled with a determined sheen.
In front of the mirror, Hua Cangzhu gazed at the ever more lifelike seven flowers, jealousy flickering in his eyes: "Dan Flowers."
"Senior brother, can you refine Dan Flowers?" Zhao Nanxing suddenly asked curiously.
This question drew the attention of Zhu Ling and Shang Zisu, who both looked at Mei Zizhong.
Mei Zizhong shook his head with a wry smile: "Never."
These words once again stunned the three.
Something Mei Zizhong has never achieved, Mu Ge accomplished easily. What does this signify? Could it be that Mu Ge’s Alchemy Skill is even stronger than Mei Zizhong’s! Is the Medicine Tower’s top ranking about to be rewritten!
"Dan Flowers!" Diao Yuan’s eyes flashed coldly as he spat out these words between clenched teeth, saying viciously, "Feng Yugui, you really have the guts!"
Feng Yugui didn’t know what Dan Flowers were, but from Diao Yuan’s words, it seemed Mu Qingge was going to succeed this time. He hastened to defend himself: "Brother Diao, could it be that Mu Qingge’s Spiritual Sense Strength is too strong, making the elixir’s impact negligible on her?"
Diao Yuan gave him a cold look, his lips pursed tightly into a straight line, and said nothing more.
On the viewing platform, countless people were stunned. Even the Elder and Song Yu closest to the arena were left speechless.
Probably, no one could truly grasp what they were feeling at that moment.
The arena Elder was ecstatic, for he had never had such an opportunity to witness the birth of an Advanced Elixir firsthand. Song Yu, on the other hand, felt as if he had fallen into an ice pit, unable to imagine the consequences of his failure.
Mu Qingge, who had become the focus, furrowed her brows at the moment and thought to herself, ’I only wanted to casually refine an Advanced Elixir to finish the task, why did it come out of such high quality? It’s deviating from the plan! Moreover, my Spiritual Sense Strength seems different from before, why is that?’
Suddenly, seven exquisite and lifelike Dan Flowers merged into a cloud of milky white smoke, slipping back through the holes in the lid of the Pill Furnace.
Immediately afterward, a buzzing sound was heard from the Pill Furnace.
"The elixir is forming!" Mei Zizhong said lightly.
Actually, without needing him to say, the crowd could guess what would happen next.
Almost everyone stood up at once, keeping their eyes fixed on the arena, unwilling to miss a single moment.
At this moment, Song Yu was also incredibly nervous.
He hoped more than anyone else that a miracle would occur, with Mu Qingge failing miserably at the last moment!
Unfortunately, the heavens clearly had not heeded his prayers this time.
Buzz—!
The lid of the Pill Furnace suddenly flew off, tossing aside, and an elixir with a glow of green and blue shot out. The dazzling green-blue light immediately enveloped the entire viewing platform, enveloping everyone in a radiant glow.
The glow was like jade glass, glistening brightly.
The fragrance of the elixir permeated deeply into the heart.
This scene was dreamlike and surreal. Everyone was captivated, looking around in awe, reaching out to catch the slowly falling crystal particles.
"A High Grade Top Grade! There’s even Dan Dust!" The mysterious figure behind the viewing platform exclaimed in shock.
"What... what is this? Could it be Dan Dust?" Mei Zizhong exclaimed in shock, stepping forward to join everyone in catching the crystal particles.
"What is Dan Dust?" Zhao Nanxing asked in astonishment.
Mei Zizhong was so shocked he was somewhat dazed, instinctively answering, "Dan Dust refers to the residue left when an elixir is furnace-baked. However, regular residues are mere waste. Remainders that can become Dan Dust possess one percent efficacy of the elixir, equivalent to a Low-Level Elixir."
"What!" Zhao Nanxing narrowed his eyes slightly.
Perhaps due to the shock, Mei Zizhong did not control his volume when he said this. The scene was extremely quiet, everyone shocked by Mu Qingge’s display, so these words were almost heard in everyone’s ears.
Those who reacted quickly immediately began to snatch the scattered crystal particles.
Especially among the female disciples, the competition was even more intense.
In an instant, chaos erupted on the viewing platform.
"Dan Dust! Humph, alright, alright." Watching the chaotic scene, Hua Cangzhu spoke in an inscrutable tone.
"Dan Dust, truly Dan Dust!" Diao Yuan’s voice turned cold and vicious as he spoke, jealousy raging in his gaze towards Mu Qingge. He had heard of Dan Dust, but it was truly something rare and hard to find.
Yet, why would it appear here? In an elixir refined by Mu Ge?
’Ever since he appeared at the Medicine Tower, whatever he does becomes the focus, making him a presence impossible to surpass by others, why? Why!’ Diao Yuan roared inwardly.
Feng Yugui, also jealous of Mu Qingge, shared Diao Yuan’s sentiment.
He desired to see Mu Qingge embarrassed, but didn’t anticipate being struck by her with such a loud slap.
What is genius?
It seems all the geniuses become insignificant before Mu Qingge!
"It’s complete! It’s complete!" Wei Guanguan excitedly grabbed Wei Qi’s lapel, shaking him vigorously.
Wei Qi was nearly choked from her shaking.
Wei Guanguan turned triumphantly to the five behind them, whose faces looked ashen: "Well? Would you accept your loss, or are you planning to cheat?"
The five had awkward expressions; one stepped forth as representative: "Rest assured, we will accept our loss appropriately."
Another remarked: "This Mu Ge is too cunning. Clearly has such strength, why pose as a Low-Level Alchemist? It’s simply like playing a fool to catch a tiger!"
"Humph! Mind your own business!" Wei Guanguan snorted, wrinkling her nose.
Shui Ling murmured to Fu Tianlong’s ear: "Mu Ge won."
"I’ve seen it," Fu Tianlong replied calmly.
"What are you planning to tell her?" Shui Ling asked curiously.
She still remembered the bet between Fu Tianlong and Mu Qingge; if Mu Qingge won, he would tell her something. What exactly was it? Shui Ling was curious.
"Don’t ask about this," Fu Tianlong pursed his lips, unwilling to say.
In frustration, Shui Ling stomped on his instep, turning her head away.
The quantity of Dan Dust wasn’t substantial, with too many people competing, the chaos was imaginable.
Mu Qingge frowned slightly. With a flick of her palm, the elixir was immediately drawn in. Once the elixir was retrieved, the green-blue glow vanished, along with the Dan Dust dissipating.
Mu Qingge snorted coldly, like a clap of thunder, jolting the chaotic crowd to soberness.
Those who regained their senses turned toward her, only to see her remarkably beautiful features solemn and unyielding, immediately regaining their composure.
Giving a slight glance at the crowd that had calmed down again, Mu Qingge approached the arena Elder and presented the elixir: "Please verify the elixir, Elder."
"This... this Advanced Elixir, truly..." The elder was slightly flushed.
He himself was just an Intermediate Alchemist and had never refined an Advanced Elixir, how could he judge the quality of an Advanced Elixir?
While he was in a dilemma, someone on the viewing platform suddenly shouted: "I’ll do it."
The voice was deeply steady, sounding like someone of considerable age.
This voice was unfamiliar to Mu Qingge, but very familiar to Mei Zizhong and the other three.
"Master!" Zhao Nanxing exclaimed: "I didn’t expect master to return so quickly! Seems he has been observing for quite some time from behind."
The crowd gradually dispersed as a caped man with frost upon his temples slowly stepped down.
Judging by his age, he was about sixty, yet Mu Qingge felt his real age was likely much older.
"It’s Master Lou!"
"Master Lou is back!"
Amidst the discussion, Mu Qingge learned of his identity: "So he is Lou Chuanbai."
Lou Chuanbai nodded as he stepped down, pausing slightly as he passed his three disciples.
"Master!"
"Master!"
"Master!"
The three greeted in unison.
Zhu Ling also greeted: "Master Lou."
"Hm." Lou Chuanbai glanced at them before continuing down.
"Lou Chuanbai has returned," Diao Yuan’s cold voice said.
Feng Yugui felt a shock within his heart, thinking: ’Lou Chuanbai? The Advanced Alchemist from the Medicine Tower who rivals Hua in fame? The one who can compete with Director Hua in the Medicine Tower?’
"Lou Chuanbai? Returned so silently," Hua Cangzhu’s voice was slightly cold.
After contemplating for a moment, he waved his sleeve, returning the mirror to normal. Then, he vanished from the room.
Lou Chuanbai stepped onto the stage, and both Song Yu and the stage elder greeted him respectfully: "Master Lou."
Only Mu Qingge was sizing him up.
When Lou Chuanbai looked over, she simply nodded and said, "Master Lou."
"Are you the little one who just entered the Tower but caused quite a stir?" Lou Chuanbai asked with a smile.
Mu Qingge was speechless. Should she answer yes or no to this question?
She chose silence as her response.
Lou Chuanbai didn’t press her, instead, he said, "Show me the elixir you made."
Mu Qingge didn’t refuse and immediately handed the Guiyuan Beauty Pill to Lou Chuanbai.
Lou Chuanbai carefully examined the elixir in his hand, murmuring, "Guiyuan Beauty Pill..."
Then, he raised his eyes to look at Mu Qingge and asked, "Since you’ve concocted the Guiyuan Beauty Pill, do you know what its effects are?"
Mu Qingge smirked slightly, although she didn’t understand why Lou Chuanbai was asking this, she still replied, "Well, I’m not entirely sure. But the medicinal materials in it are known for their beauty and anti-aging effects."
Her words immediately caused an uproar around her.
A person who doesn’t even understand the effects of the elixir actually managed to create it? Is this a joke?
Lou Chuanbai was also surprised and asked, "If you don’t know the effects of the elixir, how did you come to know its recipe?"
Mu Qingge smiled helplessly and said, "I just happened to see a copy of this recipe that Sister Shang was writing down by chance."
Boom—!
What! It actually involves the most beautiful woman in the Tower?
Suddenly, Mu Qingge became the formidable rival of countless men.
While countless female disciples had their hearts shattered into pieces!
How could they compete with the first beauty of the Tower?
Shang Zisu, the person in question, was stunned. She didn’t even react until various curious eyes landed on her.
Mu Qingge smiled and loudly explained, "After entering the Medicine Tower, I would spend time in the Pill Recipe Hall every day. I happened upon Sister Shang once, and I saw her with the Guiyuan Beauty Pill recipe in hand, so I memorized it. If this was against the rules, I seek Master Lou’s punishment. Sister Shang knew nothing of this."
"Oh, this boy really knows how to talk, protecting the beauty at this crucial moment!" Zhu Ling said, covering her mouth with a teasing glance at Shang Zisu.
Shang Zisu lowered her gaze slightly, as cold as an ice sculpture.
After explaining, Mu Qingge looked at Lou Chuanbai again: "Master Lou, have you finished inspecting? If you’ve reached a conclusion, I wish to give this elixir to her, as an apology for peeking at the recipe."
Lou Chuanbai was taken aback and hastily asked, "Are you saying you only saw it once and memorized the contents of the recipe?"
Mu Qingge nodded.
Having a good memory isn’t much, right? Why look so surprised?
What she didn’t know was that although she was used to it, others weren’t. Alchemists typically have strong memories, which is well-acknowledged, but few could remember contents as clearly with just a glance.
Perhaps Mu Qingge was lying, or she truly had such amazing talent!
But the former...
Everyone knew Shang Zisu’s personality—cold as snow on a mountain—so why would she show an entry-level disciple her recipes?
People were shocked by Mu Qingge’s photographic memory and even more so by her words.
What did she mean?
The elixir was to be given to Shang Zisu?
Is it really just an apology? Or is there another motive, like... winning the beauty’s favor?
"Zisu, I can’t help but envy you." Zhu Ling looked at Shang Zisu with jealous admiration. The Guiyuan Beauty Pill she dreamed of was so easily gifted to Shang Zisu without her even asking.
Yet, Shang Zisu remained calm, seemingly unaffected by Mu Qingge’s words.
"With Zisu’s personality, I doubt she would accept it," Zhao Nanxing confidently stated.
On stage, Lou Chuanbai, feeling provoked by Mu Qingge, couldn’t help but ask, "Boy, do you know that if this Guiyuan Beauty Pill is taken in youth, it will preserve youth for a hundred years and even keep the body from decaying after death? Do you really want to give it to little Zisu?"
Mu Qingge showed no sign of regret, simply said, "It’s just an elixir. If I can make one, why wouldn’t I be able to make a second or third?"
"So cool!"
"Junior Mu is such a heartthrob!"
Countless female disciples were swooning at his words.
It felt as if, should he offer to make them a Guiyuan Beauty Pill, they would exchange their lives for it.
"Damn, he’s so good at charming women. Handsome, competent, talented, and so flirtatious! How are we supposed to live?"
Exclaimed a male disciple in the crowd bitterly.
"I suddenly feel that if Junior Mu were a girl, Senior Sister Shang’s title as the Tower’s first beauty would be in danger!" someone speculated, squinting happily.
"Uh! Take care." The person who said this quickly distanced themself from the one letting their imagination run wild.
The latter was dumbfounded, puzzled as they saw the predator-like glares from many female disciples.
Lou Chuanbai chuckled helplessly and announced to everyone, "This Guiyuan Beauty Pill is an Advanced Top Grade Elixir."
Wow—!
Though everyone had already guessed the answer, hearing it from Lou Chuanbai himself was still shocking.
Is she already capable of making an Advanced Top Grade Elixir? Will she soon be making Spirit Level elixirs?
Many were wondering to themselves.
Meanwhile, people like Diao Yuan, who hoped for Mu Qingge’s failure, wore unpleasant expressions.
Standing on the stage, Song Yu was ashen-faced, feeling like he was nothing but a foil, a stepping stone offered on a platter!
He hated it — hated that Mu Qingge, despite having Advanced Alchemist skills, willingly remained a Low Level Pill Master. If she hadn’t hidden her strength, how would he have stepped forward? How would he have been so embarrassed?
Lou Chuanbai had announced the results.
The outcome was decided. Besides, it seemed there was nothing left for Song Yu; everyone had selectively forgotten his presence. On stage, the only focus was Mu Qingge.
Mu Qingge retrieved the Guiyuan Beauty Pill, examined it in her hand, and suddenly tossed it toward where Shang Zisu was sitting.
The coveted Advanced Elixir was thrown out without hesitation.
All eyes followed the elixir’s path, speculating on whether Shang Zisu would accept it.
"Senior Sister Shang, if you don’t mind, please accept this elixir. I couldn’t have made it without glimpsing the recipe from you." Mu Qingge’s voice followed the elixir.
At this moment, the Guiyuan Beauty Pill reached Shang Zisu.
Zhu Ling’s eyes lit up and said, "Zisu, if you don’t want it, I’ll..."
However, before she finished, she saw Shang Zisu wave her sleeve, taking the elixir into her hands.
"Thank you." A cold voice emitted, like a breeze from an icy peak.
Mu Qingge smiled slightly and withdrew her gaze.
Mu Qingge nodded slightly to Master Lou, then said to the stage elder, "Elder, since the competition is over, I’ll be leaving." 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮
"Wait, little one, would you be willing to become my disciple?" Lou Chuanbai quickly asked upon hearing Mu Qingge was about to leave.
As soon as he finished, another slightly aged voice rang out, "Mu Ge, how about becoming my apprentice instead?"
Mu Qingge looked up and saw a silver-haired elder suddenly appear in mid-air and slowly descend onto the stage...
