"Shang Junior Sister, you’re here?" An abrupt voice intruded, breaking the harmony on this side of the branch institute.
Everyone followed the voice to see who was coming, surprisingly unexpected.
Someone who was supposed to be an opponent on the stage now appeared here with a graceful smile, looking at Shang Zisu. Only, behind that smile, there was an extremely uncomfortable feeling.
Jing Tian walked straight to Shang Zisu, his eyes filled with tenderness as he gazed at her, as if, at this moment, she was the only one his eyes could hold.
Fortunately, the position they were in was just at the entrance, making it relatively concealed from view, thus not attracting too much attention.
"Shang Junior Sister, I knew you would come today. I specially arranged a seat with a good view for you. How about I take you there?" Jing Tian’s eyes seemed to be a starry field, with tiny starlights akin to the stars.
Under such a gaze, many young women would probably be enchanted by the gentle expression he displayed.
Or perhaps, being treated so gently by Jing Tian was the dream of many young women.
Yet, Shang Zisu had no response, only slightly turning her body to show her stance.
This resistance made a trace of coldness flash deep in Jing Tian’s eyes. Having been gifted since childhood, he naturally had the capital to be proud. Always having others comply with him and please him, rarely did anyone dare to oppose him. For girls, Shang Zisu was the first not to give him a proper look.
However, her cold as ice demeanor only fueled Jing Tian’s desire to conquer, making him even more determined to obtain her!
"Why is Shang Junior Sister so cold to me? Have I done something wrong, or has someone said something in front of Shang Junior Sister that made you misunderstand me?" Jing Tian spoke with a smile, completely unlike his usual arrogant self. However, the hidden meaning in his words and his final gaze towards Mu Qingge showed he was still that proud Jing Tian!
Perhaps seeing Jing Tian’s gaze, Shang Zisu didn’t want to involve Mu Qingge, so she bit her lip and reluctantly spoke: "I am not familiar with you."
"Not familiar?" Jing Tian’s smile widened, taking another step forward: "They say once unfamiliar, twice familiar. Although you aren’t in the Main Courtyard, I am still considered your senior. How could senior and junior not be acquainted?"
His aggressive approach made Shang Zisu’s demeanor even colder, her brows and eyes filled with chill.
If this wasn’t the Medicine Tower Headquarters, if it wasn’t the Holy Yuan Empire, she would have long turned away, unwilling to continue entangling with him.
Jing Tian’s pressing manner forced Shang Zisu to take another step back.
Her discomfort was seen by the branch disciples. Seeing the goddess-like figure of the branch feeling so pressured, the branch disciples were understandably angry but dared not voice it.
They unanimously cast hopeful glances towards Mu Qingge’s back.
It seemed at this moment, they believed only Mu Qingge could rescue Shang Senior Sister from this demon’s grasp!
However, before Mu Qingge could move, Mei Zizhong had already taken a step forward, blocking Jing Tian’s view. His demeanor was calm and indifferent, his aura still tranquil and distant. He said to Jing Tian: "Shang Junior Sister is by nature cold, dislikes talking to outsiders, we ask Jing Tian Senior Brother to forgive."
He intended to say a few soft words to resolve this matter.
Yet Jing Tian clearly didn’t take it seriously. Mei Zizhong’s intervention only intensified the mockery in his eyes, disdainfully saying: "Who are you, Junior Brother?"
Mei Zizhong was a divine figure among the branch disciples.
At this moment, being questioned by Jing Tian in such a manner was virtually an insult. The branch disciples glared angrily yet still feared the headquarters and dared not readily speak up to help.
And Mei Zizhong?
He wasn’t affected in the slightest, a faint smile on his lips, as graceful as smoke and fog. Compared to Jing Tian’s aggressiveness, he seemed much more agreeable.
"I am Mei Zizhong." Mei Zizhong replied with downcast eyes.
"Mei Zizhong? Never heard of him." Jing Tian raised his brows, no longer possessing the tender sweetness he had with Shang Zisu.
He seemed to want to provoke Mei Zizhong, but Mei Zizhong only smiled slightly and introduced himself again: "I am Zisu’s fellow disciple brother."
This statement truly clarified his identity and asserted his rightful involvement in Shang Zisu’s affairs.
Though seemingly without any heat, it certainly mounted a force against Jing Tian.
Jing Tian’s eyes narrowed, casting a cold glance at Mei Zizhong. He sneered coldly and ignored him, instead speaking to Shang Zisu: "Shang Junior Sister, the resources in the headquarters are far better than in the branch, even the elders responsible for teaching are Spirit Level Alchemists. Shang Junior Sister, why not take this opportunity to stay, and join a new sect? I will soon be promoted to elder and then have the eligibility to take disciples. Shang Junior Sister why not come to my gate, I will surely teach you sincerely."
This speech almost outrightly encouraged Shang Zisu to defect from her sect.
Moreover, asking Shang Zisu to take him as a master was indeed incredibly presumptuous!
Upon hearing this, Mu Qingge couldn’t help but laugh.
As soon as she smiled, Jing Tian’s expression turned cold.
Although he came here for Shang Zisu, he secretly kept an eye on Mu Qingge’s movements.
Initially, everything was quiet, but now she suddenly laughed. This feeling made Jing Tian inexplicably vigilant. Perhaps, even he wasn’t aware, but unwittingly, he had already regarded Mu Qingge as an equal opponent.
It should be said that among the disciples who came to this branch of the Medicine Tower Headquarters, only two people were worth his attention.
One was the beauty he wanted at first sight, Shang Zisu.
The other was Mu Qingge, who was also a Spirit Level Alchemist with equally monstrous talent, perhaps even faintly surpassing his own!
"What are you laughing at?" Jing Tian asked in a deep voice.
Mu Qingge raised an eyebrow, innocently saying, "Why, am I not allowed to laugh?"
Jing Tian’s eyes narrowed slightly, with dangerous lights flickering in them.
But Mu Qingge spoke to Shang Zisu, "Sister Shang, we almost forgot that this Senior Brother Jing Tian is also someone who, after becoming famous, betrayed his school and severed ties with his mentor."
The sarcasm in her words made killing intent condense in Jing Tian’s eyes.
As for Shang Zisu, who had been ignoring him, after Mu Qingge’s words fell, seriously said, "I am not such a heartless or unrighteous person; I will never betray my master, nor will I stay at the Main Courtyard."
This was the longest sentence she had spoken since entering the Main Courtyard.
And it was a harsh slap to Jing Tian.
"Sister, so obedient," Mu Qingge praised with a sly smile.
This flirty remark caused a blush to appear on Shang Zisu’s cheeks for the first time, revealing a shy appearance. So, for just a moment, many people were lost in thought.
The interaction between the two further fueled Jing Tian’s anger, making him wish he could beat Mu Qingge to the ground right then and there!
After praising Shang Zisu, Mu Qingge turned to Jing Tian, asking with a faint smile, "The competition is about to start. Doesn’t Senior Brother Jing Tian need to make some preparations? A friendly reminder, even if Senior Brother Jing Tian is eager to recruit disciples, you’ll need to succeed in advancing first."
Jing Tian wore a grim face and flicked his sleeves, saying, "Mu Qingge, are you so confident that you can defeat me? As far as I know, you’ve only recently reached the realm of Spirit Level Alchemist, while I’ve been in this realm for years! Even if you have high talent, alchemy requires experience. How can you challenge me here without even having the experience?"
"Challenge? No, you’re wrong. I never challenge," Mu Qingge said with a light laugh. "I’m just stating facts. As for the outcome of the competition, why should either of us waste words now?"
With a flash of cold light in his eyes, Jing Tian seriously looked at Mu Qingge for a couple of seconds before saying, "Very well, I await you." Then he flicked his sleeves and left.
Once he was gone, the disciples in the branch breathed a sigh of relief.
At the same time, the way they looked at Mu Qingge held a bit more reliance. It seemed that the earlier incident gave them a sense of security from Mei Zizhong and Mu Qingge, especially Mu Qingge, who with just a few words forced Jing Tian to leave; she was simply their idol!
After Jing Tian walked away, Shang Zisu bowed slightly to the two, "Thank you, Senior Brother and Junior Brother."
Mei Zizhong gently helped her up and reassured, "No worries, it was just a trivial matter."
Mu Qingge likewise nodded, signaling Shang Zisu not to take it to heart.
"It seems this guy is really targeting Zisu," Zhu Ling said with a hint of worry between her brows.
Her words caused the atmosphere to become tense again.
At this time, Zhao Nanxing returned. He didn’t know what had happened while he was away, but he cheerfully said, "You guys wouldn’t believe it, when I bet on Junior Brother Mu to win, some people who originally thought Jing Tian would win hesitated and actually placed some bets on Junior Brother Mu as well. Isn’t it funny? They clearly hope Junior Brother Mu will lose, but are also afraid of losing money, so they had to do that... Eh, what’s the matter with you all?" As he got closer, Zhao Nanxing immediately noticed the abnormal expressions of the crowd.
Mei Zizhong looked up at him and calmly said, "Jing Tian was here just now."
"He was here?" Zhao Nanxing’s eyes narrowed as he looked at Mu Qingge, seemingly checking if she was alright.
Mu Qingge smiled faintly and said, "His target wasn’t me."
"Not you?" Zhao Nanxing furrowed his brow.
With traces of lingering anger on her face, Zhu Ling told Zhao Nanxing, "That guy has his sights set on Zisu."
Zhao Nanxing likes Shang Zisu, which is not a secret in the branch. However, their relationship has always been like Prince Xiang dreaming, while the Goddess is uninterested.
Yet, Zhao Nanxing’s affection is unobtrusive, he never hopes for anything in return from Shang Zisu, just silently adores her.
Therefore, even though Shang Zisu knows his feelings, she only treats him indifferently, hoping he would retreat on his own, but she does not feel disgust.
However, Jing Tian is different.
Jing Tian’s aggressive demeanor and his determined gaze make her feel extremely disgusted.
It also makes Zhao Nanxing, her number one pursuer, feel angry.
"What is he doing concerning Zisu?" Zhao Nanxing’s expression turned grim, his voice carrying a hint of anger.
It was still Zhu Ling explaining: "He said he prepared a position for Zisu and hoped she would stay and join under him."
"Humph, he’s just a disciple now; what right does he have to speak of taking Zisu as his disciple?" Zhao Nanxing sneered.
"Senior Sister Shang has already rejected him, but I doubt he will give up. Before leaving the Main Courtyard, you must be very careful. Even during the return trip, you cannot let your guard down." Mu Qingge reminded them.
Once the competition with Jing Tian is over, she’ll leave.
Unable to return with them, she can only remind them to be extra cautious.
"Junior Brother Mu, I’ll go with you." Shang Zisu suddenly said.
Her words shocked everyone immediately.
The other disciples in the branch automatically stepped back a few steps to prevent anyone from eavesdropping. The five gathered in the center, their expressions somewhat serious.
Zhao Nanxing thought carefully about Shang Zisu’s decision and said to Mu Qingge: "Hmm, it’s a good idea. The longer Zisu stays, the more danger there is; it’s safer leaving with Junior Brother. Only, not sure if it inconveniences Junior Brother Mu."
His words caused Mu Qingge to frown.
What she has to do is extremely dangerous and time is pressing. Bringing one more person might have an impact.
"Don’t trouble Qingge, she has important matters to attend to and might not be able to take care of Junior Sister Shang. We can protect Junior Sister Shang, it shouldn’t be a big issue," Mei Zizhong said.
He knows Mu Qingge’s true gender and can’t bear to increase her burden.
Even though he knows Mu Qingge is very powerful, much stronger than him.
Mei Zizhong’s considerations, others are unaware of.
Shang Zisu lowered her eyes slightly, saying softly: "I was impetuous." She simply didn’t want to stay here for another moment, so she wanted to leave with Mu Qingge.
But she hadn’t considered whether her sudden joining would affect Mu Qingge’s plans.
Mei Zizhong’s words immediately changed her mind.
However, for Zhao Nanxing and Zhu Ling, if Mu Qingge left, they really had no ability to protect Shang Zisu. Not to mention the alchemy skills, just their spiritual power cultivation in the Main Courtyard was insufficient.
Moreover, this is the Holy Yuan Empire, Zhao Nanxing’s prince status is worthless here!
Especially Zhu Ling, having witnessed Mu Qingge’s prowess in Luodu, she inherently feels that Shang Zisu leaving with Mu Qingge is the right choice.
Biting her lip, she voiced her thoughts: "In the Main Courtyard, we are not familiar nor do we have any elders we can completely trust. During the journey back, in the Sea of No Desire’s waters, who knows if those scattered forces have connections with Jing Tian. Individually, our spiritual power cultivation barely suffices for self-protection. Zisu staying does pose a significant risk."
Her worries are true.
After careful thought, Mu Qingge said: "In that case, Senior Sister Shang will leave with me. It’s just that, it’s a shame that Senior Sister Shang won’t have much time for learning here at the Main Courtyard."
Upon hearing Mu Qingge’s decision, a glimmer of joy flashed in Shang Zisu’s cold eyes.
She shook her head and said: "Better than staying and getting entangled in trouble."
Zhao Nanxing also added: "Don’t worry, we will stay and complete what we need to do. When we return to Yu Country, we can exchange ideas."
His words made Shang Zisu nod gratefully.
Mei Zizhong said worriedly: "Qingge, don’t strain yourself too much."
Mu Qingge smiled and said: "Relax Senior Brother Mei, I know my limits." She plans to first take Shang Zisu away, then contact Mo Yang in Rong Country to take her away, only then will she handle her own business, and after finishing, meet again at Ghost Sea. The plan remains largely unchanged.
Moreover, Zhu Ling’s concerns are not unfounded.
From the past two days’ observation, Jing Tian seems like the kind of person who won’t stop until he achieves his goal.
After making up their minds, they rejoined the branch disciples heading to pre-assigned seats. The seats were quite remote, almost the worst amongst all the stands.
This kind of treatment ignited anger in many branch disciples’ hearts.
In the branch, they were like dragons among men, the pride of the heavens, when had they ever been treated so coldly?
However, under Mei Zizhong’s appeasement, they restrained their anger and sat down.
"Senior Brother Mu, you must teach Jing Tian a good lesson later!"
"Yes! Senior Brother Mu, you have to stand up for our branch!"
"That’s right, Senior Brother Mu, we believe in you, show the Main Courtyard folks that we branch disciples are not to be trifled with!"
The branch disciples all spoke to Mu Qingge, one after another.
It seemed their pent-up anger depended on Mu Qingge to release.
Mei Zizhong frowned with displeasure and said flatly: "If you don’t want to be looked down upon by others, you need to work on yourselves and not place such indignation on others."
The branch disciples were silenced by his admonishment, each returning to their seats.
After the facility quieted down, Mei Zizhong told Mu Qingge: "Qingge, just do your best, no need to pressure yourself too much." Although he knew Mu Qingge wouldn’t be swayed by others’ words, he still couldn’t help but say this.
Mu Qingge nodded with a smile.
Dong—! Dong—! Dong—!
Suddenly, the crisp sound of bells rang out, quieting the stands.
At this moment, Mu Qingge noticed some older alchemists sitting atop a higher platform. Their clothing differed from the disciples, seemingly the elders responsible for teaching at the Main Courtyard.
Among them, Mu Qingge also saw four familiar faces.
These were the ones present at the branch’s selection competition, apart from Xia Tianwu, there were Cang Erzi, Yuan Hu, and Li Ren.
Among the crowd, she seemed to see Xia Tianwu nodding at her with a smile. Cang Erzi also offered a friendly smile.
She reciprocated with a nod and a salute.
The elder overseeing the stage placed down the small hammer for striking the bell and stepped onto the platform.
The circular platform had a diameter of ten zhang. Positioned on both sides were medicinal materials and other items, along with a hanging metal ball. That metal ball seemed somewhat unfamiliar in the eyes of the branch disciples.
However, it was a commonplace sight for those from the Main Courtyard.
"Alright, everyone quiet. The duel begins. Jing Tian, Mu Qingge, come on stage," the elder in charge of the platform did not have any redundant opening remarks, instead, he directly called the dueling parties to the stage.
Jing Tian stood up immediately, standing out among the stands like a crane among chickens, the roar of cheers filled the platform.
What was originally a duel between two individuals seemed unknowingly to turn into a competition between the Main Courtyard and the branch.
Moreover, this fight would determine whether Jing Tian could be promoted to the position of Medicine Tower Elder.
Therefore, for Jing Tian, he absolutely couldn’t lose!
Among those cheers for Jing Tian, not only were there his admirers, but also many disdainful of the branch. They likewise didn’t want Jing Tian to lose to a kid from the branch, otherwise, how could the Main Courtyard disciples face the branch disciples?
Jing Tian stepped out from the crowd, with an elegant motion, he ascended the platform, drawing a wave of cheers.
Once he was settled, Mu Qingge slowly stood up, her red attire immediately attracting numerous gazes.
"Wow! So cool!"
"How can there be such a beautiful young man in the world?"
"He’s really handsome. His gaze is as calm as water, so why is my heart racing uncontrollably?"
"Not only handsome, but also so young with such high talent. Such a person is truly perfect!"
"Yeah, yeah! I heard that he and Senior Brother Jing Tian are both Spirit Level Alchemists!"
"Such a young Spirit Level Alchemist!"
Mu Qingge descended from the stands gracefully, sparking discussions among countless girls from the Medicine Tower. Even some of the guys were amazed by her looks, imagining what a scene it would be if this face belonged to a woman.
Originally, on Mu Qingge’s side, there were only a scant few voices of support from twenty or thirty branch disciples due to the home court. However, as she gradually caught the eyes of the main courtyard disciples, many of them also started to cheer: "Junior Brother Mu! Junior Brother Mu! Junior Brother Mu——!"
Gradually, the cheers grew louder, even trending to rival Jing Tian’s.
Standing on the arena, Jing Tian’s expression was incredibly gloomy, itching to give a good beating to those madly shouting Mu Qingge’s name in the stands.
Which side are these people on exactly?
"Junior Brother Mu, you’re so handsome——!"
Suddenly, someone cupped their hands around their mouth and shouted loudly.
Instantly igniting the hearts of many young girls.
Following that, many girls screamed and shouted: "Junior Brother Mu, you’re so beautiful! Junior Brother Mu, you’re awesome!"
Mu Qingge’s foot trembled as she was stepping onto the stage, almost tripping over.
She twitched the corner of her mouth slightly, the enthusiasm of the Medicine Tower’s female disciples truly gave her a shadow. At the same time, she sighed in her heart: ’Sigh! This is truly a world that values faces!’
In the middle of the stands, Xia Tianwu smiled and said, "It seems, being handsome does have its benefits."


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