What Would You Do If An Ugly Woman Asked You To Dual Cultivate?-Chapter 45: The Competition

Two days had passed since Yang Hao locked himself in his room, dedicating himself fully to alchemy. The once clean and orderly space now carried the lingering scent of refined herbs, the air thick with the residual warmth of fire and pill fragrance. His furnace still glowed dimly, evidence of his tireless practice. Scattered on the table in front of him were Low-Grade Mortal Perfect-Purity Pills, each one flawless, radiating a faint medicinal light.

Yang Hao let out a slow breath, wiping a sheen of sweat from his brow. His body was exhausted, but he was able to refine ten perfect pills.

He had finally mastered Perfect-Purity Pills. He stretched his sore limbs, debating whether to refine another batch when a knock on his door interrupted his thoughts.

Knock. Knock.

He walked over, unlocked the door, and pulled it open—only to find Jiang Chenxue standing there.

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She was breathtaking, as always.

Her long golden-blond hair cascaded over her shoulders in intricate braids, a few loose strands framing her delicate, almost ethereal face. Her azure eyes, deep and captivating, held a calm yet inquisitive glint as they locked onto Yang Hao.

She wore a flowing, silver-gray robe that draped elegantly over her curves, accentuating her slender waist and the soft rise of her chest. The robe was embroidered with golden floral patterns, its fabric shimmering faintly under the light, giving her an almost divine presence.

The moment her gaze swept over him, she inhaled slightly.

"You've been refining pills," she stated rather than asked.

Yang Hao blinked, surprised by how quickly she picked up on it. Then again, the thick medicinal scent in the air and the glowing furnace behind him made it obvious.

He stepped aside, letting her in. "Yes."

Jiang Chenxue's eyes scanned the room, immediately noticing the perfect line of pills resting on the table. She took a step closer, her fingers brushing the edge of one. The faint medicinal glow confirmed their Perfect-Purity.

She looked at Yang Hao with mild astonishment. "Perfect-Purity Pills?"

Yang Hao nodded.

"You refined these... on your own?"

Again, he nodded.

Silence stretched between them as Jiang Chenxue processed this. For a moment, her composed expression wavered, a flicker of surprise crossing her face before she regained her usual elegance.

"That's... impressive," she admitted, picking up one of the pills and examining it under the light. "Low-Grade Mortal Pills are the foundation of alchemy, but even veteran alchemists struggle to achieve perfect purity without proper guidance and weeks of time." She turned to him, her gaze piercing. "Did you learn it by yourself, or did someone teach you?"

"I taught myself," he replied casually.

He couldn't let Yu Ruyi's existence be known.

Jiang Chenxue's eyes narrowed slightly. "You expect me to believe that?"

"It's the truth," Yang Hao said, neither humble nor boastful.

Jiang Chenxue was silent again. Then, to his surprise, she smiled—a rare, genuine smile that made her already stunning features even more radiant.

"You're really something, Yang Hao." She placed the pill back down and folded her arms. "Since you have talent in alchemy, why not pursue it properly? If you lack guidance, I can teach you. I may not be the best alchemist, but I assure you, I am far more qualified than most."

Yang Hao was stunned for a moment.

He didn't know her true cultivation or what she did, but owning a mansion in Unified City meant she was at least stronger than the True Elemental Realm.

Such a person was offering to take him as her disciple?

But he couldn't accept.

He already had a master. Even if he respected and felt grateful to Jiang Chenxue, he couldn't.

"I appreciate the offer," Yang Hao said slowly, choosing his words carefully, "but I was only experimenting. I don't plan to study alchemy seriously."

Jiang Chenxue's smile faded.

"You don't plan to study it?" She frowned slightly, as if trying to understand his reasoning. "Alchemy isn't something one should take lightly. You've already refined Perfect-Purity Pills, in just two days, right?"

Yang Hao nodded.

"See? In two days, you did it without a teacher. You have remarkable talent, and I can assure you that with my teaching, you can become an Alchemist Grandmaster. Why waste such talent?"

Yang Hao remained calm. "It's not that I'm wasting it—I just have other priorities. I want to be a strong warrior."

Jiang Chenxue stared at him for a long moment. But, in the end, she sighed.

"You're an odd one, Yang Hao."

He simply shrugged.

Though Jiang Chenxue didn't say it outright, he could sense her disappointment, but she didn't push the matter any further. Instead, she changed the subject.

"...In two weeks, there will be a competition in Unified City."

Yang Hao raised an eyebrow. "A competition?"

Jiang Chenxue nodded. "A grand tournament. The winner will earn the right to join the Unified Sect—one of the most powerful sects in the world. Many powerful young cultivators will be participating."

Unified Sect?

Yang Hao had heard of it. Jiang Chenxue recommended it, and he had researched it himself. It was one of the strongest sects, with deep foundations, rich resources, and a place where countless geniuses fought to enter.

"I thought you might be interested," Jiang Chenxue continued. "With your strength, you don't have a chance at winning. But go there and experience real battle if you truly want to be a warrior."

Yang Hao frowned slightly. "What do you mean? I'm almost at the 8th Stage of the True Elemental Realm."

Jiang Chenxue nodded. "That's true. But you lack battle experience."

Yang Hao pouted slightly. "I do have battle experience!"

Jiang Chenxue smirked, amused by his reaction. "Oh? Then prove it."

She stepped aside, gesturing toward the yard outside the mansion.

"Let's go out and test."

Yang Hao hesitated for a moment before his usual grin returned.

"Alright, fine. I'll do it."

Jiang Chenxue arched an eyebrow. "That easily? No hesitation?"

Yang Hao smirked. "I like a challenge."

Jiang Chenxue chuckled softly. "Then I'll be looking forward to your performance."