Unrivaled Miracle Doctor: The God-Defying Demonic Consort

Chapter 488: Chapter 132: Mu Qingge’s Fateful Furnace

”Master Lou, please accept my condolences.”

Diao Yuan lifted his head, looking at Lou Chuanbai, who was deeply affected, and spoke in a supposedly sorrowful tone. However, to Lou Chuanbai, those insidious eyes were filled with a venomous sneer.

”It’s you! It’s you, isn’t it!” Lou Chuanbai suddenly lunged forward, trying to grab Diao Yuan’s collar, but he skillfully dodged.

Lou Chuanbai staggered, nearly falling to the ground.

Diao Yuan turned around and said to him, ”Master Lou, please accept my condolences. I know your heart is heavy, but I have already tried my best to stop Brother Mei’s reckless actions. Sadly, it was still not enough to change his decision.”

”You’re lying!” Lou Chuanbai struggled to steady himself, only to feel a rush of anger upon hearing Diao Yuan’s words, causing a metallic taste to surge in his throat.

”Master Lou, the truth is right in front of you, why do you refuse to believe?” Diao Yuan said coldly.

With that, he stood up, looked around at the people gathered, and said loudly, ”Mei Zizhong was a reckless and arrogant person; his pride cost him his junior disciples their lives. That’s the fact!”

”You!” Lou Chuanbai glared viciously at Diao Yuan, his fingers trembling as he pointed at him.

Sniff, sniff, sniff...

”Can it be that Brother Mu was implicated like this?”

”Who would have thought Brother Mei would turn out to be such a person!”

”Alas, has my goddess Sister Shang’s beauty faded like this?”

”And Brother Zhao, such a gentle and jade-like person without even a trace of princely arrogance...”

”Even our Sister Zhu was caught up in it!”

The crowd murmured various discussions, all led by Diao Yuan. This situation filled Diao Yuan with pride, while the triumph in Hua Cangzhu’s eyes kept flashing.

Wei Qi tightly gripped Wei Guanguan’s hand, preventing her from acting impulsively.

The four gathered together, pursed their lips, as the discussions that surrounded them kept chipping away at their hopes.

”No, Mu Ge is so formidable, he won’t die so easily.” Wei Guanguan shook her head, sobbing.

Wei Qi pressed his lips tightly together in a line, choosing not to answer Wei Guanguan.

Shui Ling remained silent. Fu Tianlong also wished not to believe, but had to admit, ”That’s a giant Flood Dragon from the Purple Realm...”

”I don’t believe it! This must be lies from that Diao!” Wei Guanguan retorted.

Fu Tianlong fell silent. He, too, hoped these were all Diao Yuan’s lies and wished for Mu Qingge to appear at once.

”Brother Chuanbai, I understand your sorrow for losing a beloved disciple. But everything was their own doing; no one knew there was a giant Flood Dragon at the bottom of Moon Lake, nor did they expect, under such dangerous circumstances, they failed to see the situation clearly and insisted on staying. Didn’t I also lose a disciple?” Hua Cangzhu slowly stood up, taking a step onto the high platform, addressing Lou Chuanbai.

Lou Chuanbai returned a cold smile, his eyes in a defeated state, ”Indeed, Dean Hua also lost a beloved disciple, yet I don’t see any trace of sadness from you.”

Hua Cangzhu’s eyes sharpened, revealing despair, ”Zhu Ling was my beloved disciple, and now she’s gone; how could I not feel sorrow? I just didn’t show it.”

Looking at him, Lou Chuanbai’s smile grew colder. His gaze slowly shifted to Diao Yuan, ”Diao Yuan, I will investigate the truth thoroughly. If I find out that all of these were your lies, that you were behind all this, causing the death of my disciples, I, Lou Chuanbai, swear here and now that I won’t spare a single person involved! I will issue a bounty and scatter advanced elixirs, summoning countless experts to avenge my disciples!”

Diao Yuan’s gaze turned icy, clashing with Lou Chuanbai’s in mid-air, as if igniting a spray of sparks.

Upon witnessing this confrontation and hearing Lou Chuanbai’s resolute words, Hua Cangzhu’s expression darkened, warning, ”Lou Chuanbai, don’t forget your status; you are a Pill Master of the Medicine Tower while Diao Yuan is a disciple of the Medicine Tower!”

Lou Chuanbai sneered, turning to Hua Cangzhu with ridicule, ”And so what? Whoever harmed my disciples, even if it’s the Emperor himself, must die!”

Hua Cangzhu’s eyes narrowed dangerously, icy killing intent flickering in the slits.

The square fell into silence.

The disciples of the Medicine Tower present were first shocked by the death news of Mei Zizhong and others, then disgusted by the arrogance that led to their demise. Now, Lou Chuanbai’s words stirred their chests, prompting them to reflect on themselves. If danger befalls them one day, would their own masters or elders also unhesitatingly believe in them and avenge them?

And thinking of Zhu Ling as Hua Cangzhu’s disciple, buried in the Flood Dragon’s belly this time too, yet he didn’t seem to show much sorrow, instead as if it was Zhu Ling’s own fault.

Such evident contrast made the crowd’s belief in the initial ”facts” waver again—

’Could Mei Zizhong, admired like an immortal, elegant and untainted, really be the reckless and arrogant man, unable to see the situation clearly and stubbornly persist as Diao Yuan claims?’

”Whoa! What a lively day today!”

Just as the crowd pondered whom to believe, suddenly, a teasing voice floated in from afar.

”Who is it?” Hua Cangzhu’s gaze turned cold as he shouted at the speaker.

As his voice fell, five figures flew in from the distance, landing gracefully like immortals on the square.

”It’s Brother Mei!”

”It’s truly Brother Mei and them!”

”Ah! And Brother Mu! Wonderful, Brother Mu’s okay!”

”Brother Mu is still remarkably beautiful!”

”Sister Shang is fine too!”

”And Brother Zhao, Sister Zhu, they’re all alive and back.”

”Uh... Could it be they’re restless spirits returned from the dead?” A discordant voice chimed in.

Suddenly, it attracted countless attacks.

”Go die!”

Someone reacted at this moment, wondering aloud, ”Oh? Since Brother Mei and others have returned unscathed, then all those things Brother Diao said...”

In an instant, many people turned suspicious gazes towards Diao Yuan.

At this moment, Diao Yuan, upon seeing the unscathed appearance, had eyes icy enough to freeze, while the others, including Song Yu, upon seeing Mei Zizhong, Mu Qingge, and the others, were like seeing ghosts, their expressions drastically changed, scrambling and retreating.

As soon as the five appeared, the Alchemy Masters on the steps were already stunned, standing in pairs and threes, whispering to each other.

Hua Cangzhu, upon seeing the five individuals, had a glint of murderous intent flash in his eyes, glaring fiercely at Diao Yuan.

”I knew Mu Ge wasn’t dead!” Wei Guanguan excitedly shook her brother’s arm.

Wei Qi nodded excitedly as well.

Shui Ling and Fu Tianlong exchanged glances, both smiling slightly, seeing relief in each other’s eyes.

”My disciples!” Recovering from the shock, Lou Chuanbai opened his arms and ran toward several people.

Having just undergone the transformation of his beloved disciples from life to death and back, Lou Chuanbai seemed to age a decade instantly.

”Master!”

”Master!”

”Master.”

”Master!”

Mei Zizhong, Mu Qingge, Zhao Nanxing, and Shang Zisu all echoed in unison.

While Zhu Ling quietly stepped back, giving this reunion scene to them. Her gaze briefly swept over Hua Cangzhu standing up high; a complex emotion flowed through her eyes.

In Hua Cangzhu, she had never felt such warmth as experienced with the five here.

Every day she thought most about how to protect herself in an environment full of jealousy and scheming, how to quickly improve her Alchemy, thereby gaining more security.

As for master-disciple relationship... Heh, though she had a master, she never knew what that was like.

”Good, good...so long as you’re okay! Just fine!” Lou Chuanbai examined each of the four disciples carefully, fearing to miss even a trace.

Mei Zizhong gripped Lou Chuanbai’s continuously trembling hand, speaking in a calm voice like the wind and clouds, ”Master, we are all well. We are late in returning, making you worry. It’s our fault.”

Lou Chuanbai shook his head, tears in his eyes, ”As long as you’re back, seeing you return safely, I am relieved.”

”Master, we’re blessed with great fortune, do we look like people who easily get into trouble?” Zhao Nanxing displayed a gentle smile.

Lou Chuanbai nodded with emotion, the four before him were his greatest comfort.

”Or, is there someone claiming that we’re dead?” Mu Qingge glanced around, a bit of playfulness in her smile.

Her light words suddenly changed the atmosphere in the whole square.

Moments ago, they were immersed in the touching reunion of master and disciples, but in an instant, they were pulled back into the ’facts’ that Diao Yuan mentioned earlier. Now, those rumored to have died were standing here perfectly fine. What’s going on?

Could it be that these five have extraordinary skills and luck to escape unscathed from the jaws of a giant Flood Dragon?

Lou Chuanbai’s aura retracted, a coldness emanated from him. He snorted coldly and said, ”Before you came, someone claimed you encountered a giant Flood Dragon at Moon Lake, refused to heed warnings, insisted on fighting, and died out of arrogance.”

Zhao Nanxing and Mu Qingge exchanged a glance with clear understanding.

However, Mei Zizhong simply stated, ”There’s a giant Flood Dragon in Moon Lake? Why didn’t we encounter it?”

Sss—!

All around the square, people gasped audibly.

There’s going to be a good show now. It seems they’ve heard two different versions of events!

Diao Yuan’s eyes sharpened, coldly staring at Mei Zizhong.

Lou Chuanbai’s eyes narrowed, asking, ”Zizhong, what are you saying? You didn’t encounter a giant Flood Dragon?”

Mei Zizhong slowly nodded, looking very straightforward.

Lou Chuanbai shot a sharp glance at Diao Yuan, his eyes like knives.

Diao Yuan’s face darkened, speaking in a sinister tone, ”Why would Senior Brother Mei lie? We all saw the giant Flood Dragon appear and even watched you battle it.”

”Lie?” Mei Zizhong slowly turned, his calm gaze meeting Diao Yuan’s. ”Why lie?”

After speaking lightly, Mei Zizhong pulled out a tuft of silvery, crescent-shaped grass with fine fuzz from his Qiankun Bag and handed it to Lou Chuanbai. ”Master, the Illusion Moon Bud is obtained.”

Lou Chuanbai accepted it with a serious expression, examining it closely, then nodded, ”It is indeed the Illusion Moon Bud.”

”It’s really the Illusion Moon Bud!”

”I’ve heard the Illusion Moon Bud grows at the bottom of Moon Lake. If there’s truly a giant Flood Dragon there, how did Senior Brother Mei and his group obtain the Illusion Moon Bud?”

”Could it be the giant Flood Dragon gave it to them voluntarily?”

”You must have been dropped on your head!”

”Diao Senior Brother came back in such a sorry state, not only failing to bring back the Illusion Moon Bud but also claiming that Senior Brother Mei and the others were killed by the Flood Dragon. Yet, Senior Brother Mei says there was no Flood Dragon at all and even turned in the Illusion Moon Bud to complete the task. Who should we believe?”

After Lou Chuanbai identified the Illusion Moon Bud, Mei Zizhong looked at Diao Yuan again and asked, ”Junior Brother Diao, why claim we encountered a giant Flood Dragon? If we had truly met one, how could we stand here unharmed? If there was a giant Flood Dragon in Moon Lake, how did we get the Illusion Moon Bud?”

Three consecutive questions easily overturned Diao Yuan’s previous statement.

Diao Yuan’s face was dark and unpleasant, remaining silent.

Zhao Nanxing stepped forward, addressing the Medicine Tower disciples in the square, ”Fellow junior brothers and sisters, could someone recap what just happened? We’re still quite confused here.”

Immediately, many people began to chatter, recounting the version Diao Yuan had told earlier.

Perhaps out of their own curiosity, the Pill Masters standing on the steps did not stop the disciples from speaking.

Soon, Zhao Nanxing nodded with understanding. He looked at Diao Yuan with a gentle smile and asked, ”Senior Brother Diao, if it’s true that we all encountered the giant Flood Dragon, why did it spare you but attack us?”

”Eh? Right! How come the giant Flood Dragon picks and chooses who to attack?” Someone among the disciples, enlightened by Zhao Nanxing, questioned in confusion.

Diao Yuan and Hua Cangzhu exchanged a brief, subtle glance, and he snorted, ”That’s because we withdrew in time while you insisted on staying.”

Zhao Nanxing nodded knowingly, muttering to himself, ”A giant Flood Dragon of the Purple Realm, and it couldn’t spare the time to stop those fleeing while attacking us? Hmm, maybe we looked too unsightly, angering it, while seeing that Senior Brother Diao and his group looked so amiable, it was merciful and let them go.”

Pfft!

Among the watching disciples, someone couldn’t help but laugh out loud.

Senior Brother Mei’s group looking unsightly? Diao Yuan looking amiable?

Does Senior Brother Zhao have to be so sarcastic?

Even Mu Qingge’s lips couldn’t help but curve upwards. She suddenly realized that whether it was the ethereal Mei Zizhong or the gentle Zhao Nanxing, they all had a strong talent for acting and the ability to remain unruffled regardless of the storm, driving their opponents crazy.

”Then we killed the giant Flood Dragon and brought back the Illusion Moon Bud,” Shang Zisu coldly added.

Seemingly supplementing Diao Yuan’s version of the story.

But upon closer inspection, it was not believable at all!

”Nonsense! Just you few, how could you possibly kill a giant Flood Dragon of the Purple Realm?” Lou Chuanbai glared and immediately denied it.

Shang Zisu pursed her lips, not speaking. Her clear, cold eyes showed no evasion. After all, she had spoken the truth; it was just that nobody believed it.

”Yeah, how could Senior Brother Mei’s group possibly kill a Purple Realm Flood Dragon?”

”Can’t even mention Senior Brother Mei’s group, even the Tower’s Elder’s finds it difficult. The Purple Realm! It’s more than capable of handling hundreds of Blue Realms.”

The Pill Masters on the steps also shook their heads silently, not believing that a few juniors of varying Spiritual Power realms could kill a Purple Realm Flood Dragon.

”Could they have used poison?” someone suggested.

Immediately someone retorted, ”Are you foolish? The Flood Dragon’s natural poison is quite potent, how could it fear ordinary poison? Moreover, it was said to be an accidental encounter; how could Senior Brother Mei’s group have been prepared with poison to deal with a Flood Dragon?”

”That’s true, that’s true!”

”So in that case, Senior Brother Mei’s group never encountered the Flood Dragon?”

In the discussion, it seemed a more truthful conclusion was reached.

Mu Qingge listened silently, laughing heartily to herself.

Her three senior brothers and sisters were truly clever.

A Purple Realm Flood Dragon is indeed difficult to kill, even though she was only a step away from the Purple Realm in her current state. If she didn’t have the Divine Artifact, Heavenly Level Martial Arts, and Thunder Power, and most importantly, aimed directly at the Flood Dragon’s weak point from the start, the outcome would have been uncertain.

She clarified to herself internally that none of the above words were taught by her.

She merely said when entering the Medicine Tower, ”Don’t acknowledge the Flood Dragon, and keep any benefits to ourselves.” The rest was the three of them improvising.

If they admitted to Diao Yuan’s story, wouldn’t it expose many of Mu Qingge’s cards? Besides, the Flood Dragon’s blood and other items obtained would probably have to be turned in, right?

This point was already expressed when Zhao Nanxing went to fetch the Illusion Moon Bud.

So, they were all happy to agree to Mu Qingge’s reminder.

”Zhu Ling, as your master, I ask you, did you encounter the Flood Dragon or not?” Hua Cangzhu suddenly challenged the silent Zhu Ling.

The square fell silent, all eyes turned to Zhu Ling.

Zhu Ling raised her head, looking at Hua Cangzhu on the high platform, a light curve on her red lips, ”Master, don’t you know what my capabilities are? I’m merely at the Yellow Realm; if I really encountered a Flood Dragon, how could I be standing here unharmed?”

Hua Cangzhu’s expression darkened, a hint of killing intent in his gaze towards Zhu Ling.

Now, even Diao Yuan’s fellow disciple has denied encountering the Flood Dragon; everyone had a clear idea of the truth.

Lou Chuanbai immediately shouted at Diao Yuan, ”Diao Yuan, why tell such a grand lie?”

Diao Yuan’s sinister gaze swept over and coldly said, ”I indeed saw the Flood Dragon, not only did I see it, but other junior brothers also saw it.”

”Heh, alright then! Since you claim there’s a Flood Dragon at the bottom of Moon Lake, lead the way now, and we’ll take the Tower’s Guardian Elders for a walk to Moon Lake to see this Flood Dragon in your story!” Lou Chuanbai sneered.

Diao Yuan pursed his lips, saying nothing.

He wouldn’t possibly lead people to find the Flood Dragon, knowing that the Flood Dragon could speak human words, and who knows what it might say if they really encountered it? In Diao Yuan’s mind, he wouldn’t believe that Mei Zizhong’s group killed the Flood Dragon; they were likely just lucky to escape. As for the Illusion Moon Bud, it was probably taken while the Flood Dragon was unprepared.

”Even now, you are this stubborn! Tell me why you slander my disciples? Why concoct this riddled-with-flaws story?” Lou Chuanbai pressed on relentlessly.

”Brother Chuanbai, why so agitated?” Hua Cangzhu suddenly spoke.

The failure of the plan filled his heart with resentment.

However, now was not the time to blame Diao Yuan. If he let it go unchecked, it would only escalate the situation.

Lou Chuanbai looked at Hua Cangzhu, eyes full of mockery: ”What? My disciple has been slandered, and as the master, am I not allowed to be agitated?”

Hua Cangzhu’s eyes turned cold, and he lowered his voice: ”I will investigate this matter myself. Now that Mei Zizhong and the others have returned safely, what is the point of this?”

Lou Chuanbai, however, was unwilling to relent: ”My disciple’s safe return was due to their good fortune and the fact that they were not successfully framed by vile people. What does this have to do with Diao Yuan maliciously defaming my disciple and fabricating lies?”

”I also said I will thoroughly investigate this matter!” Hua Cangzhu frowned.

The immortal-looking exterior was now filled with sinister intent.

Lou Chuanbai’s eyes were full of disbelief: ”You’ll investigate your own disciple? What could you possibly find out?”

”Then what do you propose?” Hua Cangzhu said with hatred in his voice.

Lou Chuanbai raised his chin, firmly stating: ”Diao Yuan must give me an explanation and publicly apologize to my disciples. Furthermore, he must be punished for slandering his fellow disciples!”

Hua Cangzhu’s eyes narrowed, and a dangerous light appeared between his eyes.

Mu Qingge curled her lips into a smile. Having watched enough of the show, it was her turn to step in. She walked up to Lou Chuanbai and said, ”Master, don’t forget, we also brought back the Illusion Moon Bud.”

”Oh, right!” With her reminder, Lou Chuanbai immediately said: ”The promised rewards should be doubled to compensate for the emotional trauma suffered by my disciples. Also, it should be publicly announced that in this trial task, my disciples won, and yours lost.”

Mu Qingge’s smile broadened. In her heart, she thought: This master truly understands my heart.

The reward for this trial task meant that the winning team could each choose from hundreds of precious medicinal materials and select a Pill Furnace brought from the Main Courtyard at the Hidden Pill Tower. Now that it’s doubled, it’s truly too enticing.

Hua Cangzhu’s face was as gloomy as iron.

He wanted to refute Lou Chuanbai’s words, but he didn’t want to continue tangling with this matter.

His ruthless gaze swept over Diao Yuan as he coldly said: ”I announce the victors of this trial task to be Mei Zizhong, Zhao Nanxing, Shang Zisu, Mu Ge, and... Zhu Ling.” When his gaze swept over Zhu Ling, it turned even colder.

”These five can head to the Medicine Field tomorrow to each select two hundred kinds of medicinal materials and then go to the Hidden Pill Tower to choose a Pill Furnace. Additionally, they can also select any Spirit Level Elixir brought from the Main Courtyard from the Hidden Pill Tower.” Toward the end of his speech, Hua Cangzhu felt his heart bleed.

The disciples in the square erupted in astonishment.

Everyone looked enviously at the five in the center. Aside from the precious medicinal materials, just the Pill Furnace and the Spirit Level Elixir from the Main Courtyard had them wishing they could take their place.

A Spirit Level Elixir! Most of them might never have a chance to witness one in their lifetime.

”Ahem, Dean Hua, what about Diao Yuan?” Mu Qingge faked a cough, reminding him.

Suddenly, everyone entranced by the rewards snapped back to reality.

Oh right! There’s still Diao Yuan!

Hua Cangzhu felt hatred in his heart. His generous acts were meant to divert attention and suppress the issue with Diao Yuan. Just as it was about to succeed, Mu Qingge’s words completely ruined it.

At this moment, he even had a murderous intent towards Mu Qingge.

Hmm, no, ever since Mu Qingge joined Lou Chuanbai’s tutelage, he had already marked her for death.

”Diao Yuan.” Under everyone’s watchful eyes, Hua Cangzhu was compelled to say coldly: ”For fabricating lies and slandering the Tower’s disciples, Diao Yuan’s living supplies for three years are canceled. All involved disciples must receive punishment at the law hall. Diao Yuan, with even graver offenses, receives double the punishment. After the punishment, he is to be confined for a month for self-reflection.”

After speaking, he looked at Lou Chuanbai, gritting his teeth: ”Brother Chuanbai, are you satisfied now?”

Lou Chuanbai chuckled coldly, cupped his fists and said in a perfunctory tone: ”Dean Hua is indeed fair and strict.”

Hua Cangzhu snorted coldly, turned, and left with a flick of his sleeve.

Mu Qingge suddenly asked: ”Brother Zhao, what is the punishment for slandering disciples and fabricating lies in the Medicine Tower’s law hall?”

Zhao Nanxing thought for a moment and said: ”Probably fifty lashes with a poisonous vine.”

”Poisonous vine?” Mu Qingge raised an eyebrow.

Zhao Nanxing laughed and said, ”It’s said that the poisonous vine has a mild toxin that can amplify pain and make wounds difficult to heal. You must go through the process of wound rot, after which the rotten flesh must be removed to achieve complete healing.”

Mu Qingge’s lips curved into a smile, ”Hmm, not bad.”

After saying that, she turned to Zhu Ling and said, ”Sister Zhu, it’s best for you to stay with Sister Shang today. After we receive our rewards tomorrow, you can start your seclusion.”

Just now, Mu Qingge clearly saw the look in Hua Cangzhu’s eyes toward Zhu Ling.

Zhu Ling nodded with her lips pursed.

At this time, Shang Zisu also took the initiative to walk to Zhu Ling’s side.

With Hua Cangzhu gone, the show had ended. Only then did Mu Qingge walk over to Diao Yuan, who was about to be taken to the Disciplinary Hall, and whispered in his ear, ”Brother Diao, don’t worry, the show has just begun.”

Diao Yuan shot a malicious glance at her, but Mu Qingge deflected it with a gentle smile.

Diao Yuan and the others were escorted away as the siblings of the Wei family and Shui Ling, along with Fu Tianlong, hurriedly surrounded Mu Qingge. She led them away, while Mei Zizhong and others followed Lou Chuanbai back to their residence.

The next day, early in the morning, the five of them, accompanied by Lou Chuanbai, went to the Medicine Field to select precious medicinal materials.

It wasn’t until today that Mu Qingge learned that the Medicine Field of the Medicine Tower was divided into varying levels of quality. The most precious medicinal materials were tended by designated caretakers, and no one was allowed to approach on ordinary days.

Mu Qingge and the others were taken to the Medicine Field where precious medicinal materials were planted. Under Lou Chuanbai’s guidance, each of them picked two hundred kinds of medical materials, leaving the caretaker distressed.

After collecting the medicinal materials, Lou Chuanbai brought the five of them to the outside of the Hidden Pill Tower.

At the entrance, he turned to the five and said, ”Regarding the Moon Lake matter, if you don’t want to elaborate, I won’t ask. But, remember, no matter what, I will always be your master.” As he spoke, he glanced at Zhu Ling, who returned his look with a smile.

Lou Chuanbai continued, ”The Pill Furnaces inside the Hidden Pill Tower were all brought from the Main Courtyard. Even the least of them are treasures in our country. Moreover, the Pill Furnaces have their own spirit; after entering, don’t randomly choose. You must find the one that best matches and harmonizes with you. This is a rare opportunity, don’t waste it. As for the Spirit Level elixirs, I suggest you all choose those that can save lives, as it would be a second life for you in the future. That’s all I have to say, you may enter. I will wait for you outside.”

The five of them pushed the door open and entered, feeling like they were plunging into darkness.

Mu Qingge stood in the darkness, where it seemed as if no one else was around. It seemed that as soon as they entered, some forbidden technique had forcibly separated them.

Mu Qingge looked up to the sky, where countless circular light points floated around in the darkness.

Mu Qingge’s eyes flashed as she reached out and grabbed something smooth in her palm.

Opening her hand, it turned out to be a pill with a faint golden hue.

She raised an eyebrow and murmured, ”Could this be a Spirit Level elixir?”

The fragrance of the Spirit Level elixir does not emanate like that of an Advanced Elixir, giving a feeling of being hidden within. Judging by the pill’s appearance, it was impossible to discern its purpose.

Mu Qingge placed the elixir in her bosom; she wasn’t overly eager about Spirit Level elixirs, so she didn’t go out of her way to choose the kind of life-saving elixir Lou Chuanbai had mentioned.

Once she secured the Spirit Level elixir, the scene before her eyes changed again.

The flashing dots grew significantly larger, and their numbers also increased.

”Could it be that these light clusters contain the Pill Furnaces brought from the Main Courtyard?” Mu Qingge speculated.

With the prior experience of obtaining the elixir, Mu Qingge thought this possibility was very likely.

But—

”How can I find the furnace that my master described as being fated to me, the one that matches most harmoniously and synchronously?” Mu Qingge stared at the drifting light clusters, pondering for a solution.

Unexpectedly, before she could devise a plan, a light cluster from the farthest corner rushed towards her.

With such momentum—

Barreling forward, scattering other light clusters out of the way, exuding an overwhelming aura of dominance!

Mu Qingge was rendered speechless and wide-eyed, full of admiration for that light cluster.

In an instant, the light cluster had reached right in front of her, just inches away.

Mu Qingge’s eyes shifted slightly to the left, and the light cluster followed her movement, shifting a few inches to the left. As she moved her gaze to the right, sure enough, the light cluster also moved to the right.

Mu Qingge thought for a moment and raised her gaze upward, with the light cluster unyieldingly floating a few inches upward as well.

Mu Qingge suddenly sidestepped, and the Light Ball hurled itself towards her, crashing into her embrace.

She instinctively reached out to catch it, only to feel her hands weighed down, making her hands drop a little.

With the Light Ball caught by Mu Qingge, it seemed to flicker proudly for a moment.

Mu Qingge raised an eyebrow and said, ”You’re so eager to follow me? Then I’ll choose you.”

As soon as she finished speaking, the Light Ball gradually faded, and a flash appeared before Mu Qingge’s eyes, taking her to a spacious area. Judging by the structure of the walls, she should still be inside the Hidden Pill Tower, but this floor was empty, without a single item placed.

Mu Qingge looked down and immediately frowned.

Was the piece of Black Coal she was holding in her arms the Pill Furnace that chose her?

How could it be so ridiculous!

Mu Qingge’s mouth twitched, wanting to ask the elders of the Hidden Pill Tower if she could choose another one.

Because the Pill Furnace in her hands looked like a misshapen device!

Have you ever seen a concave-shaped Pill Furnace?

Have you ever seen a black, soot-covered Pill Furnace that seemed to have just been pulled out of a pot?

Moreover, this Pill Furnace was truly plain, with not a single decorative pattern.

Fine, she’s not someone who judges by appearance. But... but this is just too ugly!

Mu Qingge felt like crying but had no tears, wondering about her supposed best match. Was her destined furnace really such a thing?

Just as Mu Qingge was feeling utterly disheartened, a few lights flashed beside her, and the four of Mei Zizhong appeared around her.

As soon as they emerged, she heard Zhao Nanxing proudly showing off his golden, dazzlingly attractive Pill Furnace. ”My Pill Furnace is called the Golden Sun Fire Condensation Furnace. Using it for alchemy can control the fire and increase the success rate of pill-making.”

After showing off, he turned to Mei Zizhong, Shang Zisu, and Zhu Ling, and asked, ”Senior Brother, Zisu, Junior Sister Zhu, what kind of Pill Furnaces did you get?”

”Mine is called the Immortal Feather Furnace,” Mei Zizhong said flatly. The name of the Pill Furnace he got seemed to match him.

Mu Qingge sneakily glanced over and saw Mei Zizhong holding a white jade-transparent, ethereal-looking Pill Furnace.

Retracting her gaze, Mu Qingge felt even more aggrieved in her heart.

Shang Zisu said, ”Cold Moon.”

”I got the Chasing Star Furnace,” Zhu Ling said with a cheerful smile.

’Their Pill Furnaces have such imposing names,’ Mu Qingge thought as she silently lowered her head to look at the little black furnace she was holding, crying desperately inside.

”Junior Brother Mu, you’re so talented; you must have gotten the most powerful Pill Furnace. Let us see it,” Zhao Nanxing finally said with an expectant look at Mu Qingge.

Not only him, but even Mei Zizhong, Shang Zisu, and Zhu Ling were all looking at her.

Mu Qingge was speechless, choked up with emotion, and tossed the little black furnace over, ”Take it.”

”What is this?” Zhao Nanxing instinctively caught it, looked down, and his expression immediately turned peculiar. He struggled to hold back laughter and looked at Mu Qingge, ”Junior Brother Mu, is this your Pill Furnace?”

”As you can see,” Mu Qingge had completely given up.

Silence fell all around.

After a while, Zhao Nanxing awkwardly smiled and said, ”Junior Brother Mu’s Pill Furnace is quite unique.” Saying this, he returned the oddly-shaped, dark-skinned Pill Furnace to Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge took it back, her expression unchanged despite Zhao Nanxing’s words.

Mei Zizhong looked at Mu Qingge and seriously said, ”Mu Ge, you can’t judge a book by its cover; perhaps the same is true for Pill Furnaces.”

”Thanks for the comfort,” Mu Qingge replied expressionlessly as she put away ’Little Black.’

At this moment, the main entrance of the Hidden Pill Tower suddenly opened, and Lou Chuanbai was standing outside, waiting.

The five of them left the Hidden Pill Tower, met up with Lou Chuanbai, and left together without lingering.

They didn’t know that shortly after their departure, Hua Cangzhu hurriedly arrived, entered the Hidden Pill Tower, and called out the elder responsible for guarding the tower.

”There’s an urgent communication from the Main Courtyard saying the Heaven-Burning Furnace is missing. They suspect it was sent to the branch. We need to search for it,” Hua Cangzhu said with a somewhat grave expression.

The Tower Guardian Elder exclaimed in shock, ”What! The Heaven-Burning Furnace is missing?”

Before his words faded, he vanished from the spot. Hua Cangzhu waited for a long time before he reappeared, wearing a worried expression, and said, ”It’s not in the branch.”

”Not there? Then where could the Heaven-Burning Furnace have gone?” Hua Cangzhu immediately became anxious.

The Heaven-Burning Furnace is the treasure of the Medicine Tower. If it is indeed lost, numerous people, including himself, would be implicated.

”Did you search carefully? Is there any chance of something being missed?” Hua Cangzhu asked anxiously.

The Tower Guardian Elder shook his head, ”I searched five or six times and found nothing. It’s impossible that anything was missed.”

”Could it have been obtained by a disciple?” Hua Cangzhu posed another possibility.

The Tower Guardian Elder pondered for a moment before shaking his head in denial, ”The Heaven-Burning Furnace is very sentient and has extremely high requirements for its owner. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have been placed in the Hidden Pill Tower of the Main Courtyard. Even the geniuses in the Main Courtyard couldn’t win its favor. Do you think it would be so in the branch?”

Geniuses!

Hua Cangzhu’s eyes narrowed as he suddenly thought of someone. He immediately asked, ”Did Mu Ge and the others come to choose a Pill Furnace today?”

”They just left,” the Tower Guardian Elder replied.

”Did you see what kind of Pill Furnace Mu Ge got?” Hua Cangzhu pressed on.

The Tower Guardian Elder, not grasping the situation, answered truthfully, ”Just a plain and unadorned black Pill Furnace.” He very tactfully described ’Little Black.’

Hua Cangzhu frowned, pursed his lips, and remained silent.

He had seen the Heaven-Burning Furnace once before; it was grand and majestic, a sight that left one awestruck. It was nothing like what the Tower Guardian Elder described.

After considering for a long time, Hua Cangzhu could only sigh and say, ”Now I can only report back to the Main Courtyard that the Heaven-Burning Furnace is not in the branch.”

Having said that, he left the Hidden Pill Tower.

The silhouette of the Tower Guardian Elder gradually vanished as well.

Lou Chuanbai accompanied Mu Qingge and the others, escorting Zhu Ling to the Alchemy Room, and said to her, ”Work hard during this period and believe in yourself.”

Zhu Ling nodded and sincerely said, ”Thank you, Master Lou.”

Mu Qingge said to Zhu Ling, ”Senior Sister Zhu, remember my words. Unless the few of us come to find you, you must not come out under any circumstances.”

After Zhu Ling firmly nodded, she turned and entered her Alchemy Room, closed the door, and hung up the seclusion sign.

Once the Alchemy Room was closed, it could only be opened from the inside.

Unless Zhu Ling came out voluntarily, no one could get in.

For the time being, her safety reached a temporary resolution.

On the way back, Lou Chuanbai demonstrated concern by asking everyone about their gains in the Hidden Pill Tower. This undoubtedly poked at Mu Qingge’s sore spot, so she found an excuse to leave first and returned to her residence.

Once inside, she took out the pitch-black Pill Furnace again, carefully assessing it, muttering to herself, ”What kind of bizarre thing are you exactly?”

Suddenly, a voice emerged, startling Mu Qingge.

”Little Lord, Mo Yang has arrived in Sangzhi City with Aunt Feng.”

Mu Qingge pulled out a Jade Talisman from her pouch. This was something confiscated from Bai Xiyue, a treasure that Qin Jinhao gave her to eavesdrop on the secrets of the Mu Mansion.

After Mu Qingge obtained it, she had just left it in storage. Last time she returned home on her day off, to facilitate You He and the others in contacting her quickly, she left the Stealing Talisman and kept the Listening Talisman by her side.

Just like that, whenever they spoke over there with the Stealing Talisman, she could hear it through the Listening Talisman.

”Mo Yang has returned with Aunt Feng? Looks like I need to step out of the tower!” Mu Qingge’s eyes narrowed as she whispered.