Unrivaled Miracle Doctor: The God-Defying Demonic Consort-Chapter 483 - 127: Medicine and Poison Are One Family!
"Mu Ge!" Zhu Ling’s appearance caused Wei Guanguan to also notice Mu Qingge’s presence.
Seeing Mu Qingge, her eyes lit up, and she immediately looked like a lost child finding her mother, her face showing grievance.
Mu Qingge’s gaze swept past Shang Zisu and Zhao Nanxing, with a momentary glance exchanged between her and Shang Zisu, as if everything was implicitly understood.
Walking up to the Wei siblings, Mu Qingge asked, "What are you doing here?" At this moment, she noticed that the surrounding Medicine Tower disciples had a united front against a common enemy. Of course, some were simply there for the spectacle.
"Mu Ge, you came just in time. Someone here dared to flirt with Senior Sister Shang!" Wei Guanguan said to Mu Qingge angrily.
On the other side, Zhu Ling squeezed near Shang Zisu and asked, "Zisu, what happened?"
"So, it’s Miss Zhu." Suddenly, an arrogant voice came through.
Zhu Ling turned around and saw a middle-aged man dressed differently, surprised for a moment, she asked, "Do you know me?"
The man, however, gave an ambiguous smile, his lecherous eyes fixated on Shang Zisu again.
Zhu Ling secretly scrutinized him, suddenly feeling alarmed, she pursed her lips and looked at Shang Zisu with vigilance in her eyes.
"Who is he?" Zhao Nanxing also approached the two women, his voice carrying a hint of anger. Today, he accompanied Shang Zisu for the exchange day without bringing along the guards sent by the court, otherwise, how could this man have been so arrogant here?
Zhu Ling only felt that the man’s smile carried cold arrogance, increasing her worry, she wanted to explain but didn’t know how. It seemed leaving was the best option for now.
Meanwhile, Wei Guanguan and Wei Qi had already started chattering about the sequence of events.
In fact, they also came out of the tower by chance upon hearing about the exchange day. They coincidentally met Shang Zisu and Zhao Nanxing here, but seeing a man openly flirting with the Medicine Tower’s number one beauty was unbearable, so they stepped in.
"How did he flirt with Senior Sister Shang?" Mu Qingge raised an eyebrow.
Wei Guanguan said, "He didn’t even bother to look at himself, with such bad manners, he actually dared to say he wanted to seek marriage from our Medicine Tower and take Senior Sister Shang back as his mountain bride!"
So that’s what happened.
Mu Qingge stood in front of the Wei siblings, slowly turned around, and looked towards the person who dared to speak so outrageously.
To be so boldly flirtatious on the territory of Medicine Tower, one is either ignorant or has someone backing them.
She wanted to see which type he was.
Just as she turned, Mu Qingge saw Zhu Ling persuading Shang Zisu to leave.
She did not interrupt Zhu Ling but instead looked towards the man.
The man was rather ordinary looking, but his aura was sharp and formidable. Far beyond what the students at Medicine Tower could compare to.
Mu Qingge’s eyes flickered, seemingly indicating that this man’s strength was not low. Since he had substantial cultivation, he wasn’t likely an ignorant person, thus making it most probable the second scenario.
But who was backing him?
Shang Zisu’s master is Master Lou, with Master Lou’s influence, finding someone to eliminate him would be no difficult task.
Yet, despite this, he dared to provoke, which could only mean that the person behind him had abilities comparable to or even slightly better than Master Lou.
The answer seemed to be emerging on its own.
Mu Qingge’s eyes turned slightly cold, a playful smile appeared at the corner of her mouth.
"Zisu, take my advice; let’s leave here first." Zhu Ling softly said to Shang Zisu.
Shang Zisu’s gaze lightly moved, landing on Zhu Ling. Her expression was colder than before, that tranquility was like a volcano buried beneath an iceberg, ready to erupt at any moment.
She saw the urgency in Zhu Ling’s eyes and was about to nod when she heard Zhao Nanxing say, "He has insulted Zisu like this, how can we just leave? What about Zisu’s reputation?"
Zhu Ling anxiously said, "Your Highness, what’s more important, life or reputation?"
This statement, when it fell into Mu Qingge’s ears, she somewhat agreed. In the face of life and death, any sense of face and reputation can go to hell!
"Could he possibly dare to kill us?" His goddess being humiliated, Zhao Nanxing’s usual calmness had completely vanished.
In fact, he really didn’t think the other party would dare to act against them.
Zhu Ling was helpless.
Killing, certainly not, but beating them up, doing something shady in the dark, those aren’t difficult tasks? The fact he dared to show up here and provoke made it obvious he didn’t take Zhao Nanxing’s status or the power of Medicine Tower into account.
Forced by circumstance, Zhu Ling had to whisper to Zhao Nanxing and Shang Zisu, "He knows me, if everything is not by chance, he should be that Blue Realm expert associated with Brother Diao."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Nanxing’s eyes contracted. Shang Zisu also frowned.
A Blue Realm expert is already a top existence in a Third-class Country.
Near Sangzhi City, there are many bandit groups, complex power structures, and many loose cultivators hiding among them who do not conform to the court’s restraints, daring to do whatever they please.
Moreover, since this person is associated with Diao Yuan, the intricacies are self-evident. The Medicine Tower probably wouldn’t pursue it excessively either.
It seems, today, we really have to swallow this grievance.
Zhao Nanxing was somewhat unwilling.
Even though he is a prince of Yu Country, he himself is only at the peak of Green Realm cultivation, and most of his guards are in the Green Realm, incapable of resisting a Blue Realm expert.
Not to mention Shang Zisu, who is entirely devoted to alchemy, her spiritual power cultivation is only in the initial stage of the Green Realm, and she broke through not long ago.
Looking at the surrounding Medicine Tower students—
Few are in the Yellow Realm and Green Realm, most are in the Orange Realm.
Zhu Ling’s strength doesn’t differ much from Shang Zisu’s. Considering our side’s strength, it’s no wonder the other side is so arrogant, so invincible.
"Did Diao Yuan send him?" Zhao Nanxing asked coldly.
Zhu Ling shook her head imperceptibly, "I don’t know."
At this time, the man impatiently said, "Miss Shang, have you thought it over? If you really haven’t decided, why not come to my stronghold as a guest, I have plenty of time for you to think slowly."
"Hahaha—!"
"That’s right, follow our big brother, and you won’t regret it, it’s better than staying with that pretty boy beside you."
"Our big brother is very skilled and will serve this beauty comfortably, making you intoxicated, forgetting all the good of that pretty boy."
"When the time comes, you won’t be willing to leave!"
The lackeys echoed.
The vulgar words, made the murderous intent in Shang Zisu’s cold eyes become more intense.
"Shut up, all of you!" Zhao Nanxing stood in front of Shang Zisu, standing tall to protect. On his arm, green light flashed.
"Green Realm?"
"Hahaha, just a Green Realm kid, actually daring to act recklessly in front of our big brother!"
The lackeys mocked.
Hatred surged through Zhao Nanxing’s heart, and the green light on him shone even more brightly.
One of the lackeys laughed enough and fawningly looked at the man beside him who squinted arrogantly, "Our big brother is a pinnacle expert in the Blue Realm, you, a mere Green Realm, can’t even withstand a single move from him."
"Blue Realm! It’s indeed the Blue Realm!"
The Medicine Tower disciples, regardless of those who were previously rallying against a common enemy or simply watching the scene unfold, all changed their expressions as soon as they heard the lackey’s words and stepped back a few steps, seemingly wanting to distance themselves.
The shift in atmosphere around made the man’s expression even more arrogant.
That expression made Mu Qingge find it amusing. It seemed this person had worked hard to reach this realm, just to bully and oppress others.
The retreat of the surrounding crowd highlighted the people in the middle.
Mu Qingge and the others stood a bit further away, yet still among them.
The man condescended and said to Zhu Ling, "Miss Zhu, this matter doesn’t concern you, so why don’t you avoid getting involved?"
Zhu Ling gave a charming smile, although not as elegant and sublime as Shang Zisu, she had her own kind of allure, graceful and enchanting like a peony in full bloom. The man’s eyes flickered upon seeing it.
Despising the man’s lewdness in her heart, Zhu Ling gently said, "It’s getting late and it is indeed time to return to the Medicine Tower. I plan to head back with Zisu, so could you please grant us this favor?" She said as she held Shang Zisu’s hand.
Wei Guanguan muttered behind Mu Qingge, "Didn’t expect Senior Sister Zhu to be a person of loyalty and sentiment."
"This is called ’don’t judge a book by its cover,’" Wei Qi said.
Previously, when they saw Zhu Ling’s striking appearance and her ease in handling people and situations, considering she was Diao Yuan’s junior sister, they had always harbored a somewhat negative impression of her. Today’s events, however, caused them to reconsider.
Mu Qingge chuckled softly, "That’s because Senior Sister Shang is truly her recognized friend. If it were you, she probably wouldn’t have gotten involved."
Her words subtly hinted to the siblings that they should consider whether it’s worth getting involved when they encounter injustice in the future.
If she were not present today, or if the Blue Realm expert causing trouble were more reckless, wouldn’t these siblings end up as innocent victims?
"Miss Zhu, for your senior brother’s sake, I kindly advise you not to push your luck," the man’s voice paused, looking at Zhu Ling with a demeanor that suggested ’accept good advice or face the consequences.’
"Zhu Ling, you should leave first," Shang Zisu suddenly spoke.
Since the other party was unwilling to let it go, for now, it would be best for one of them to leave first.
Zhu Ling wanted to refuse, but she heard Shang Zisu say, "Go back to the Medicine Tower and find my teacher to rescue me." After saying this, she discreetly glanced in Mu Qingge’s direction and whispered, "Just now, that junior sister helped me. When you leave, take them with you."
"Zisu..." Zhu Ling looked at Shang Zisu with concern.
Seeing her decisive gaze, Zhu Ling could only bite her lip and nod.
She turned to the man, and said coldly, "Zisu’s teacher is Master Lou, and if you insist on harming his favored disciple, even my teacher would have to retreat if Master Lou goes mad. I’ve said my piece, so you better think it through."
With that, she ignored the man and walked towards Mu Qingge and the others, saying, "Let’s leave first. We’ll go find Master Lou to save Zisu."
"Why make it so complicated?" Mu Qingge suddenly laughed.
Zhu Ling was stunned, not yet understanding what Mu Qingge meant. She watched her bypass herself and walk towards Shang Zisu and Zhao Nanxing.
Originally, she intended to leave the Blue Realm Initial Rank under Diao Yuan’s command for the Dragon Tooth Guards to practice with.
But now it seemed there was no chance.
With light footsteps, Mu Qingge walked over to Zhao Nanxing and Shang Zisu, and said to them, "Brother Zhao, Senior Sister Shang."
Both of them nodded.
Zhao Nanxing said to Mu Qingge, "Junior Brother Mu, this is not a place you should be. Go back first."
Although Shang Zisu didn’t speak, the worry that inadvertently showed in her eyes didn’t escape Mu Qingge’s notice.
Mu Qingge smiled slightly, turning to face the man.
Mu Qingge’s appearance made the man’s eyes light up, and his eyes narrowed instantly, "Where did this young lad come from? So fair and charming, like a jade figure. If you were a girl, I’d take you under my wing! Hahaha..."
Mu Qingge chuckled lightly and said directly, "Diao Yuan sent you to trouble Master Lou’s disciples, right? Making Master Lou uncomfortable and diminishing the authority of his order in front of the Medicine Tower disciples must be Diao Yuan’s intention. It seems there’s a deviation in your execution as the Executor."
Her words abruptly silenced the man’s laughter. His gaze turned cold and swept towards Mu Qingge.
"Who are you!" the man asked warily.
Mu Qingge sneered, "When asking someone else’s name, shouldn’t you first give yours?"
The man fell into silence.
And all around, the Medicine Tower disciples were whispering because of Mu Qingge’s words.
Zhu Ling stared at Mu Qingge in shock, seemingly not expecting that she could think to this level and say it so unrestrainedly.
Zhao Nanxing’s aura gradually regained its original gentle and jade-like demeanor. He looked at Mu Qingge’s back and raised his head, "Junior Brother Mu, I salute you!" Being able to say what others dared not, he admired her for it.
Shang Zisu looked at Mu Qingge, her eyes equally complex.
"I am the Sky-shaking Demon King, Li Chengfeng!" the Blue Realm expert Li Chengfeng coldly stated his name to Mu Qingge.
"Sky-shaking Demon King? Self-proclaimed, I presume," Mu Qingge raised her eyebrows and sneered.
Ignoring Li Chengfeng’s anger, she also said, "I am but a humble disciple of the Medicine Tower, Mu Ge."
"Hmph! Just a mere disciple, and you dare to boast in front of me!" Li Chengfeng said with disdainful eyes.
"Kid, you should hurry back home and suckle! Our boss is a Blue Realm expert, a sneeze from him can scare you to death!"
"This kid insulted a Blue Realm expert, how can we let him off easily? I think he should kneel down and kowtow to our boss to apologize, and see if our boss forgives his offense."
"Sky-shaking Demon King, invincible under the heavens! Those who dare to offend will not die a good death!"
The lackeys chatted away, making Mu Qingge find it incredibly amusing. Why did she feel like she was reading one of Grandpa Jin’s martial arts novels, where the members of the Xingxiu Sect flattered the old monster of the stars?
"Are all your subordinates such useless wastes of food?" Mu Qingge mocked.
Li Chengfeng’s face changed, a burst of blue light surrounding him, "You’re courting death!"
Hearing something is one thing, seeing it is another!
When Li Chengfeng released the pressure of a Blue Realm expert, the Medicine Tower disciples turned pale and ran for their lives.
Zhu Ling and the others also turned white.
"Junior Brother Mu is too impulsive!" Zhu Ling bit her lip, so anxious she almost bit through it.
Wei Linlang, the father of Wei Guanguan and Wei Qi, was already a Blue Realm expert, not unfamiliar with the pressure of such power. Hearing Zhu Ling’s words, these two brothers who had an inexplicable trust in Mu Qingge immediately said, "Senior Sister Zhu, don’t worry, Mu Ge can handle it!"
Zhu Ling was agitated, "Handle it? He’s up against a Blue Realm expert, how could he win?"
The Wei siblings exchanged glances but said no more.
In their hearts, Mu Ge was an invincible existence!
Zhao Nanxing quickly moved in front of Mu Qingge, shielding her, and said, "Junior Brother Mu, you take Zisu and leave first."
Mu Qingge looked at him with a strange expression, "Senior Brother, have you forgotten what we do?"
Zhao Nanxing was stunned, bewildered, "What do we do?"
Mu Qingge sighed, shook her head, patted his shoulder, walked around him, and said lightly, "Medicine and poison are one family after all!"
Just as she finished speaking, Zhao Nanxing heard the sound of weapons clattering to the ground.
He looked over in confusion, only to see that Li Chengfeng’s lackeys were collapsing weakly to the ground, letting out painful groans.
Li Chengfeng’s face was equally bad, not only pale as ash, but even his blue spiritual power had thinned, seemingly about to dissipate at any moment.
"You... what did you do to me?" Li Chengfeng questioned Mu Qingge upon noticing something strange with his body. He could feel his spiritual power draining away, his realm continuously dropping.
Mu Qingge raised her head, looked at the sky at a forty-five-degree angle, with a hint of seriousness between her brows, muttering to herself, "Hmm, a southwest wind direction, indeed a good time for poisoning." It wouldn’t harm her people while accelerating the flow of poison in the enemy’s body.
"You poisoned me!" Li Chengfeng shouted this out as the blue light around him completely vanished.
He felt completely exhausted, unable to summon a scrap of spiritual power.
Staggering and falling to the ground, he felt that even a three-year-old child with a knife could easily finish him off!
"Why so surprised?" Mu Qingge asked in surprise, looking down at him earnestly, "I’m just defending myself. You are a Blue Realm expert!"
"You ambushed me! Despicable!" Li Chengfeng’s heart was filled with hatred for Mu Qingge.
If looks could kill, Mu Qingge would have died countless times.
"You’re too kind, I learned it from you after all. There are still many areas to improve, next time I’ll do better." Mu Qingge grinned, looking bashfully modest.
That smile flickered before Li Chengfeng’s eyes, making him want to leap forward and tear it apart.
"Junior Brother Mu, when did you poison him? I didn’t notice a thing!" Zhao Nanxing eagerly asked as he came over to Mu Qingge’s side.
Mu Qingge lifted her finger, tapping her chin, "When his lackeys were boasting about how invincible he was."
"How did you poison him?" Zhao Nanxing was extremely excited.
Mu Qingge squinted her eyes, with a look of profound mystery, "Heaven’s secrets must not be divulged."
Taking down a Blue Realm expert so effortlessly, just how potent was Mu Qingge’s poison?
When Mu Qingge’s cool gaze swept over the Medicine Tower disciples, she saw their fear as if she were a snake or scorpion. Coldly laughing inside, she withdrew her eyes.
Zhu Ling watched this scene in shock, seemingly not yet comprehending it.
The great crisis in their eyes, one that needed the elders to step in to resolve, was so easily settled by Mu Shidi?
It seemed she only saw Mu Shidi bantering a few words in front of the enemy!
"Mu Ge is the best!" Wei Guanguan’s eyes sparkled like stars.
Zisu’s beautiful eyes no longer held frost, but were filled with shock.
"Hmph, this time you’ve fallen into the hands of our Junior Brother Mu," Zhao Nanxing said amusingly, as he saw Li Chengfeng lying defenseless on the ground. He walked over and kicked him hard a few times in the waist.
Li Chengfeng glared at him fiercely, then turned his hateful gaze to Mu Qingge, saying, "Boy, if you have the guts, kill me today. Otherwise in the future, I won’t let you off easily; I’ll skin you alive to satisfy my hatred."
Mu Qingge nonchalantly retorted to Zhao Nanxing, "Senior Brother Zhao, isn’t this what they call the legendary ’loser talks tough’?"
Zhao Nanxing was taken aback, then immediately laughed heartily, "Exactly, exactly! There’s also something called ’a sore loser’!"
Mu Qingge’s smile grew wider.
She looked at Li Chengfeng with an incredibly sincere expression, "My dear, I’ll be waiting for you." No one could see the chill in her eyes. Li Chengfeng would never have the chance to seek revenge against her.
The poison she administered, not even Hua Cangzhu could save him from.
Once her Dragon Tooth Guards arrive, it will spell his doom!
Today, not only did she save Zisu and Zhao Nanxing, but she also turned Diao Yuan’s plan against him. Mu Qingge was in a great mood.
"You! You just wait!" Li Chengfeng was so furious he nearly spat blood.
...
After leaving the temporary market of the Exchange Day, Mu Qingge initially came with Zhu Ling, but in the end, found herself walking with Zisu and others.
Zhu Ling had already hurriedly taken her leave, as she needed to inquire about the developments in her sect.
With such a major event, once it reaches back, who knows what Diao Yuan would do.
This action of hers made Mu Qingge quite curious. After all, she was under Dean Hua’s tutelage, so why did it feel like she was siding with outsiders?
As if sensing her perplexity, on the way back, Zisu began to explain: "Actually, Zhu Ling’s talent is no worse than Diao Yuan’s, but she joined the sect later. Diao Yuan is narrow-minded, which she’s very aware of, so to avoid trouble, she always keeps a low profile and avoids his edge. I befriended her through a misunderstanding, and we’ve become quite close. In reality, she’s astute yet loyal. This incident arose because of me, so she’s bound to clarify everything to avoid me being schemed against again."
Mu Qingge nodded in understanding, having a good impression of Zhu Ling from their interactions.
"Thank you, Junior Brother Mu, for today." Zhao Nanxing came to Mu Qingge’s side and sincerely expressed his gratitude.
Mu Qingge smiled, "Senior Brother Zhao, you’re too kind. We are all disciples of the Medicine Tower and should naturally help each other."
Zhao Nanxing smiled faintly but said somewhat disappointedly, "Indeed, Medicine Tower disciples should support one another. However, today, there were only a few with the courage to stand up. Your bravery and wit, Junior Brother Mu, truly earn my admiration."
With that, he also cupped his fists and thanked the Wei siblings.
Evidently, the righteous actions of the Wei siblings earlier had left a mark on him.
The matter started because of Zisu, yet Zhao Nanxing was the one expressing gratitude. Zisu pursed her lips and also thanked Mu Qingge and the two siblings, "Thank you, the three of you Junior brothers and sisters, for your help."
"Senior Sister Shang is too courteous, a beauty like you should be carefully protected," Wei Guanguan said with a playful smile. She glanced at Zhao Nanxing, covering her mouth as she giggled, "Just like Senior Brother Zhao."
Zisu was taken aback, lowered her eyes, and said nothing.
Zhao Nanxing, however, burst into hearty laughter, "Junior Sister speaks well! Hahaha~!"
While talking, they had boarded the flying beast back to the Medicine Tower.
Perhaps it was because Mu Qingge’s silent poisoning earlier had scared the Medicine Tower disciples too much, or for some other reason.
In any case, on the way back, every flying beast was crowded, except for theirs which had only a few people.
Once aboard, Mu Qingge asked the Wei siblings, "How has Fu Tianlong been these past two days?"
Wei Qi replied, "Brother Tianlong has remained in the treehouse without going out. Shui Ling has been taking care of him, and nothing unusual has happened."
With the Beast God’s power in Fu Tianlong, safety was not something Mu Qingge overly worried about.
She nodded lightly and said to the siblings, "When we return to the Medicine Tower, you two head back to the treehouse first. I want to visit Master Lou and will return later."
The Wei siblings didn’t think much of Mu Qingge’s decision.
Instead, it was Zhao Nanxing and Zisu who were somewhat surprised.
They didn’t expect Mu Qingge to actively seek out her master.
As they were wondering, Mu Qingge turned to Zhao Nanxing and Zisu, "I have some matters to discuss with Master Lou, is it convenient?"
"Of course, it’s convenient! You’ll make Master happy with your initiative!" Zhao Nanxing laughed.
Zisu also nodded, saying, "Today’s events might cause some trouble for Junior Brother, I also want to explain it to Master."
Mu Qingge smiled slightly, not refusing.
The flying beast quickly landed in the outskirts of the Medicine Tower, and after entering the courtyard, Mu Qingge followed Zhao Nanxing and Zisu to Master Lou’s residence.
...
Half an hour later, Mu Qingge had been sitting alone in this elegantly simple room for quite some time.
Zhao Nanxing and Zisu were no longer by her side.
A cup of tea was placed on the table before her.
"Junior Brother Mu!" A person came walking in from outside, graceful like an immortal. Seeing Mu Qingge seated there, he seemed somewhat astonished.
Mu Qingge looked up and nodded slightly at the newcomer, "Senior Brother Mei."
The astonishment in Mei Zizhong’s eyes faded to calm. He entered the room, waved his sleeve, and sat peacefully opposite Mu Qingge, asking in a gentle tone, "I just finished alchemy, didn’t expect to see Junior Brother Mu as soon as I came out. For a moment, I thought I was seeing things."
"I came to meet Master Lou," Mu Qingge stated her purpose.
"I see." Mei Zizhong showed little expression, merely extending his distinctly jointed hand to pick up the teapot and pour Mu Qingge some tea. "It was Nanxing who brought you in. Master might be preoccupied with researching the elixir recipe, neglected manner, hope Junior Brother Mu doesn’t mind."
"No problem." Mu Qingge smiled faintly.
As they were conversing, they heard footsteps approaching from outside.
Because the house was made of bamboo, stepping on it would produce the creaking sound of bamboo joints.
"Where is the Mu kid?" Before the person arrived, Lou Chuanbai’s voice was already audible.
Mei Zizhong smiled apologetically at Mu Qingge, stood up, and went to the door to welcome his master.
As soon as he reached the door, Lou Chuanbai rushed in, ignoring Mei Zizhong’s presence, and went straight to Mu Qingge, bowing deeply, "Mu lad, thank you for saving Zisu and Nanxing today."
Mu Qingge quickly stood up to avoid it, "Master Lou, there’s no need for this."
Mei Zizhong looked at this scene in bewilderment, not understanding what was going on.
Zhao Nanxing came in, saw his Senior Brother standing idly by, and tugged on his sleeve, intending to find a place to explain today’s events to him.
In the room, only Mu Qingge and Lou Chuanbai remained.
Lou Chuanbai and Mu Qingge sat facing each other, he began, "No matter what, today, I must thank you. If you need something old me can help with, as long as it’s within my ability, I won’t refuse."
Mu Qingge found it amusing.
This little old man was indeed shrewd, knowing she had come to request something.
Moreover, his clear sense of gratitude and grudge was rather endearing.
Mu Qingge’s lips curled into a slight smile, her tone gentle, "I hope Master can help me secure a spot to deliver medicine."
"You want to go to the Main Courtyard?" Lou Chuanbai was somewhat surprised but quickly relieved, "Makes sense, with your talent, you’d have better prospects there."
Mu Qingge didn’t intend to clarify Lou Chuanbai’s misunderstanding.
She only said, "Even if today’s incident with Senior Sister Shang hadn’t occurred, I still intended to visit Master Lou some other day to request this favor."
"Why did you choose me?" Lou Chuanbai suddenly asked.
Mu Qingge replied helplessly, "Could it be Master Lou hopes I choose Dean Hua? To side with someone like Diao Yuan? His multiple tests and threats through Song Yu have already established I won’t be in the same camp."
Lou Chuanbai snorted arrogantly, "So, it seems my place is merely a last resort for you."
Mu Qingge smiled silently.
Lou Chuanbai sneaked a few glances at her, coughed lightly, straightened his back, and said, "Getting a spot to deliver medicine is easy, but do you know how to qualify for it?"
Mu Qingge chuckled lightly, "If it must be so, then I am willing to become Master Lou’s nominal disciple."
"What do you mean nominal! You brat, do you look down on me!" Lou Chuanbai’s eyes widened in an instant, bursting with anger.
"Not at all," Mu Qingge shook her head and said, "Even if I truly become Master Lou’s apprentice, what can you teach me?"
With just one sentence, Mu Qingge left Lou Chuanbai speechless.
Indeed, he was an Advanced Alchemist, while the annoying brat before him was also an Advanced Alchemist. Moreover, it seemed he could ascend to become a Spirit Level Alchemist at any moment. What could he teach?
With this thought, Lou Chuanbai deflated like a punctured balloon.
Seeing him so dejected, Mu Qingge chuckled, "Although we haven’t truly engaged in a master-disciple relationship, we do have the namesake. It doesn’t harm either of us."
Lou Chuanbai’s eyes suddenly lit up. In his heart, he contemplated: ’Yes! This kid has limitless potential. In the future, just having the title of being his master would be a source of pride!’
"This is a worthwhile deal!" Lou Chuanbai immediately grinned widely, saying to Mu Qingge, "Alright! In that case, I will reluctantly accept you as my disciple. However, I won’t take advantage of you. Today, you saved Zisu and Nanxing, no matter what trick Hua Cangzhu plays, I will handle it, and you need not worry. Also, I owe you a favor. If there’s anything you ever need, just ask, and I will fulfill my promise."
Mu Qingge smiled and said, "No need, since we are now fellow disciples, isn’t it only right that I help?"
Lou Chuanbai insisted, "A favor is a favor. When you helped them, you weren’t my disciple yet."
Mu Qingge was helpless, thinking that a disciple reflects their master.
With the matters settled, Lou Chuanbai said he would announce tomorrow that Mu Qingge was accepted as his disciple, and she could move out of the treehouse to live here.
Mu Qingge brought up the matter of Fu Tianlong, and after some consideration, Lou Chuanbai actually agreed to take care of Fu Tianlong, Shui Ling, and the Wei Family siblings.
With no worries about future troubles, Mu Qingge naturally didn’t refuse the suggestion to move.
Afterward, she asked, "How many slots are there for delivering the medicine? And how are they distributed?"
Lou Chuanbai replied, "Generally speaking, there are thirty slots. The masters in the Medicine Tower distribute them. Since Hua Cangzhu comes from the Main Courtyard, his disciples have eight slots. I have six, and the others all have two or three. However, you saw that including you, I only have four disciples, so the extra slots are highly sought after. Later, Hua Cangzhu suggested that the slots be determined by competition."
"What kind of competition?" Mu Qingge pursued.
Lou Chuanbai continued, "The top ten on the popularity leaderboard act as the defenders, while other disciples challenge them. It’s a round-robin battle, and by the end, the thirty with the best results are chosen to deliver the medicine. The selection day is approaching, and with your skills, you should easily handle the arena matches, but be wary of those who may plot against you."
Mu Qingge fully agreed with Lou Chuanbai’s advice. She did not inquire much about the details of the competition. After all, everything would become clear during the competition.
"Sigh, those selected to deliver medicine often don’t return. Most willingly stay in the Main Courtyard," he said, glancing subtly at Mu Qingge.
Mu Qingge found it amusing but didn’t respond.
Her interest in the Medicine Tower Headquarters was far less than her interest in the Endless Swamp of Rong Country.
The Mixed Element Heavenly Extreme Flame hidden there was her ultimate goal for this journey!
...
The place where Hua Cangzhu resided was arguably the most scenic spot in the entire Medicine Tower. However, today, this beautiful location was shrouded in gloom.
Though the sky was clear outside, the chilling cold could be felt as one approached.
Zhu Ling felt this sensation when she returned here.
It seemed as if something was suppressing anger beneath the gloom.
"Senior Sister."
"Senior Sister."
Passing Medicine Tower disciples saluted Zhu Ling one after another.
Zhu Ling stopped someone and asked, "Where are Master and Senior Brother Diao?"
The person responded with bowed head, "Senior Brother Diao was called into the room by Master and hasn’t come out yet."
Zhu Ling pondered slightly and said to him, "I see, you may go now."
After the person left, Zhu Ling walked towards the Master’s residence, but hesitated. No matter what Master and Diao Yuan were discussing, now was not the time for her to intrude.
It seemed that to gather information, she would have to seize an opportune moment.
Having made her decision, Zhu Ling turned and left the spot, but did not go far, choosing instead to wait in the shadows.
Inside Hua Cangzhu’s room, Diao Yuan knelt on the floor as if being punished.
Hua Cangzhu, with his back to him, spoke with a chilling intensity, "You’ve really disappointed me! How could you send Li Chengfeng to commit such a foolish act!"
Diao Yuan’s sneaky eyes harbored a vicious glint, speaking with a sinister tone, "Disciple only intended for him to trouble Lou Chuanbai’s faction. Who knew he had such brazen courage?" The most infuriating part was not only was the task done sloppily, it backfired badly, also dragging him down in shame.
"Enough. You think I don’t know what you’re doing behind the scenes? Instead of spending time dealing with this and that, you should focus more on alchemy, and give me glory in next month’s arena to dampen Lou Chuanbai’s spirit!" Hua Cangzhu snapped impatiently.
If this disciple weren’t his sole competent one, he would’ve disposed of him long ago.
"Yes, Master." Diao Yuan complied, though his eyes concealed malice.
After a moment of silence, Diao Yuan remarked, "Disciple found out that after Mu Ge returned to the Medicine Tower, she went to see Lou Chuanbai. I wonder what they discussed, and whether Mu Ge has already joined Lou Chuanbai’s faction."
This news made Hua Cangzhu abruptly turn, facing Diao Yuan with a grim expression, calculating with icy plotting in his eyes. After a pause, he said, "Find out for certain. If she cannot be used by me, Lou Chuanbai shouldn’t have her either."
"Understood, Master." A glimmer of sly calculation flashed in Diao Yuan’s eyes.
"Dismissed," Hua Cangzhu waved impatiently.
Diao Yuan retreated as ordered.
Zhu Ling, waiting outside, saw Diao Yuan exit. After thinking for a moment, she too walked out, as if running into him by chance.
"Senior Brother Diao." Zhu Ling greeted with a delightful smile.
Diao Yuan cast a sinister glance at her, sneering, "So it’s Junior Sister Zhu! The wind outside is strong lately. It would be wise for Junior Sister to stay within the Medicine Tower and not get involved with unnecessary people and matters."
"Thank you for the reminder, Senior Brother. Where are you heading?" Zhu Ling responded with a graceful smile.
With a crooked grin, Diao Yuan replied with malice in his eyes, "Naturally, I’m off to attend to Master’s orders." With that, he shook his sleeve and departed.
Watching his back as he left, Zhu Ling’s smile slowly faded, contemplating the implications behind Diao Yuan’s words.
"It seems the Medicine Tower is about to become restless again," Zhu Ling murmured gravely after a pause.
...
Leaving Lou Chuanbai’s residence, Mu Qingge returned to the treehouse.
Since she was to move, she needed to pack up.
Her departure saddened the Wei siblings, but they understood it was a rare opportunity. Even though they were reluctant, they didn’t stop her.
Before leaving, Mu Qingge met with Fu Tianlong. What they discussed was unknown to anyone.
Just before she left, she advised the Wei siblings to diligently practice their alchemy. Then she left with Zhao Nanxing, who had come to escort her, returning to Lou Chuanbai’s residence.
Returning there, she didn’t see Shang Zisu; instead, Mei Zizhong, clad in white, was preparing her new accommodation.
"Junior Brother Mu, you have finally become our junior brother." Mei Zizhong said with a gentle smile.
Mu Qingge smiled slightly and called, "Senior Brother."
Mei Zizhong nodded lightly, and said, "Senior Brother Nanxing told me about what happened outside the tower today. Thank you."
"There’s no need for formality, Senior Brother," said Mu Qingge nonchalantly.
Yet Mei Zizhong seriously replied, "Regardless, this kindness will be remembered by both me and Master. Settle down here; whatever you need, come to me, or find Nanxing if I’m not around."
"Thank you, Senior Brother." Mu Qingge nodded.
This night marked Mu Qingge’s first night under Lou Chuanbai’s tutelage.
The night was rather peaceful.
The next day, Mu Qingge awoke from her cultivation, realizing it was already noon.
Upon stepping out, she saw Lou Chuanbai approaching with a worried expression, consumed with anxiety.
"Master."
"Master!"
As Mu Qingge reached the doorway, Mei Zizhong, Zhao Nanxing, and Shang Zisu all emerged, surrounding Lou Chuanbai.
Distracted, Lou Chuanbai nodded, only snapping back when he saw Mu Qingge approaching, saying abruptly, "Today I announced the news of Mu Ge becoming my disciple, but Hua Dean was surprisingly calm and proclaimed a trial task, which I find a bit suspicious."
"What trial task?" Zhao Nanxing asked.
