At the gates of the City Lord’s Mansion, a middle-aged man with a dignified bearing and great vitality walked out. His chin had a short beard, his eyes shone like lightning, and his qi energy was as deep as the ocean. It could be seen that his strength was certainly high. At the very least, he was a high Immortal Realm martial artist.
At this moment, he stationed himself outside of the doorway. Behind him followed several slender-figured men and women, who turned out to be leading the pharmacists within the City Lord’s Mansion. They’d all come out in welcome together.
It could be said that this was giving sufficient face to Qingyun Sect.
Danyun City’s City Lord gave face, and Xu Lingxiu and the others wouldn’t show disrespect. Thus, although Xu Lingxiu was very haughty, he took the initiative to speak as the leader of the group: “The younger generation Xu Lingxiu greets City Lord Xin.”
City Lord Xin gave a few laughs: “I’ve heard of Junior Xu’s exemplary talents. Last time, this youth’s power suppressed everyone. Ah, the younger generation will truly surpass us in time! Everyone, please come in quickly!”
Gu Zuo and the other few pharmacists all greeted the City Lord. Soon after, they all went into the City Lord’s Mansion, and entered the beautiful and secluded courtyard especially prepared for the Qingyun Sect’s people.
Each pharmacist was matched with a room, and each room had its own side room next to it. The side room contained medicine refining equipment, which was in good condition. Not only was there a top-notch pill cauldron, there was even a bundle of fire from a ley line placed underneath the cauldron.
Gu Zuo secretly thought: Sure enough, City Lord Xin is extravagant. Or does he only treat Qingyun Sect like this?
Whatever the case, at least in the City Lord’s Mansion, many pharmacists would be able to make social connections with each other.
After everyone was settled down, the City Lord’s Mansion then held a welcoming banquet. Even though Gu Zuo wanted to refine pills in the medicine refining room even more, this was classified as a necessary social interaction for himself. Naturally, as his big brother wasn’t there to take his place, Gu Zuo could only attend the banquet. Fortunately, he was just a minor character, so he should’ve been fine being next to Xu Lingxiu, right?
With this kind of thinking, Gu Zuo changed into a comparatively suitable, light-yellow robe. And with Xu Lingxiu, they went to the front hall together.
The scenery within the City Lord’s Mansion was elegant and graceful. As one walked by, one could see hills and rivers, stones and woods. In all directions, the verdant-green trees offered plentiful shade, and the tranquility was refreshing and clean.
After bypassing a promenade, they entered the front hall. The banquet had already been arranged here, but not many people were capable of attending. Aside from the City Lord, there were an additional seven or eight people. Looking at their style of dress, they were all pharmacists.
Xu Lingxiu sat in his seat. Gu Zuo was still next to him when the other three Qingyun Sect pharmacists moved back in order.
Gu Zuo was a little embarrassed. His qualifications were superficial; this wasn’t his position, was it? He was actually thinking about drawing back, but Li Yunquan, who should’ve sat at Xu Lingxiu’s right-hand side, just smiled. He voluntarily drew back to another seat. Gu Zuo saw that Xu Lingxiu’s group took it as a matter of course, so he could only follow suit.
It was just that he wasn’t too comfortable as he took his seat.
This wasn’t Gu Zuo lacking confidence in himself or something. He certainly knew that Xu Lingxiu thought highly of him, but he was used to always hiding his strengths. Also, because he wasn’t a native of this world, he constantly reduced his own presence. Suddenly being pulled onto the stage with nowhere to hide…
Whatever. This kind of matter was probably something he couldn’t avoid in Danyun City, so he should just diligently wait it out.
Gu Zuo decided to honestly wait it out and not cause trouble, but this wasn’t the case in the eyes of others. Let alone what Qiu Qian and Zhu Hong were thinking, City Lord Xin’s side wouldn’t decrease their attentions towards him.
Three rounds of wine passed by. This banquet didn’t have any special rules. Proposals for toasts and idle chatter were abound, and Xu Lingxiu was surrounded by people. Just then, a shadow was cast in front of Gu Zuo, who was engrossed in eating his meal.
Gu Zuo hurriedly swallowed the things in his mouth, and raised his head: “Yes?”
The person who came was also a teenager. He was a bit older than Gu Zuo and his appearance was relatively ordinary. The only noteworthy point was probably a pair of very quick-witted eyes. At this time, he was holding a wine cup, which he raised at Gu Zuo: “How should I address this friend?”
Gu Zuo also raised a toast: “This one is Gu Zuo. May I ask what this brother is called?”
That teenager said: “This one is Xin Qiu. Nice to meet you, Brother Gu.”
Gu Zuo said: “Nice to meet you, Brother Xin. Would this brother be related to the City Lord…”
Xin Qiu said: “The City Lord is this one’s father.”
Gu Zuo: “My apologies. As it turns out, it’s the young City Lord.”
Xin Qiu: “You flatter me. This Xin has three older brothers, two older sisters, one younger brother, and one younger sister. Besides my eldest brother, who has the title of young City Lord, the rest of us are all merely ordinary pharmacists.”
Gu Zuo blinked his eyes: “So it’s like this. Pardon me, this Gu misunderstood. Brother Xin comes from a family of pharmacists. That’s truly amazing.”
Xin Qiu’s expression had a trace of reservations. He said: “You’re too kind. The talents in Qingyun Sect are like the clouds. Brother must also be among those outstanding talents.”
Gu Zuo said: “Coming along was just a formality. I’m just the prince’s study-mate…”
As Xin Qiu and Gu Zuo toasted and talked, their chat seemed to have a very lively appearance. Gu Zuo listened and answered in turn, all the while waiting for Xin Liu to leave satisfied. Finally, he let loose an exasperated sigh of relief.
Social niceties were truly exhausting.
Gu Zuo felt that he’d spoken a lifetime’s worth of pleasantries. This Xin Qiu, who was almost the same age as Xu Lingxiu, truly deserved to be the son of the City Lord. Those words that contained all sorts of convoluted inquiries were just idle banter. Now that they’d finished speaking, it was very good.
Xin Qiu didn’t have any evil intentions. He probably came over on behalf of the City Lord to inquire about Gu Zuo’s identity, origin, and status. Once his questioning was over, they would also know how to treat him.
Gu Zuo sent him on his way, and believed that the matter was finished. Hence, he honestly sat down and continued eating his meal — In any case, he wasn’t someone who’d take the initiative to talk to others. The fewer words he spoke, the fewer mistakes he’d make. He was still a very young and inexperienced rookie.
Yet, after everyone finished eating and drinking, and complimenting and chatting with each other, a maid served fruit and poured tea after the meal. The few pharmacists sitting on the opposite side seemed to perk up.
Gu Zuo had just put down his bowl and inadvertently saw those pharmacists’ expressions… It looked a bit strange.
What was going on? Could it be that there was something he wasn’t aware of?
Hence, Gu Zuo quietly glanced at Xu Lingxiu.
Xu Lingxiu’s expression was also even more arrogant. He faintly raised his chin. That attitude was exactly the same as when Gu Zuo first met him — No, it should be said that he looked even more haughty and imposing.
Gu Zuo was puzzled: What’s happening? It’s a bit like a fight between little roosters…
Then, the facts told him that this really was a battle situation.
Because City Lord Xin had already opened his mouth: “Prior to the Pill Battling Assembly, let’s get to know one another. Just like the usual practices in previous years… Junior Xu, what do you think?”
Xu Lingxiu lifted his chin a bit higher: “Naturally. My Qingyun Sect disciples have never feared battle!”
Across from him, the head pharmacist also said: “The people of the City Lord’s Mansion have also never feared battle!”
Gu Zuo was stunned.
This was the intention of shifting the pill battles to an earlier time? Also, this was a usual practice?
In the end, how were those specifics arranged?
However, both sides had already declared their stances. Xu Lingxiu opened his mouth: “Our side has five individuals. Four mid-level pharmacists and one high-level pharmacist.”
That side also spoke: “We have seven people here. There’s one high-level pharmacist, four mid-level pharmacists, and two low-level pharmacists. Let’s spar based on a best three out of five.”
Upright and unafraid, Xu Lingxiu said: “Fine.”
That side also said: “Very good.”
Amid the talks, City Lord Xin clapped his hands, and two pairs of robust men carried two enormous pill cauldrons.
The pill cauldrons were high-grade pill cauldrons. Mid-level pharmacists and high-level pharmacists could use them, so it simplified matters and was very convenient when sparring.
The two enormous pill cauldrons were set on the left and right with five meters between them. Under such a range of distance, there basically wouldn’t be any situations of mutual interference occurring. As to whether or not there was any interference, that depended on the levels of both parties in medicine refinement.
City Lord Xin said: “We’ll refine pills. When sparring, we won’t restrict the category of medicinal pills being refined. Everyone only needs to select the one they’re the best at. After which, we’ll use the degree of difficulty when refining the pill, the amount of pills produced, and the product grade of the pills to determine the outcome of the battle.”
Xu Lingxiu wasn’t ambiguous in the least: “Precisely so. If my Qingyun Sect wins, I hope everyone won’t be discouraged.”
The other side then said: “As you command, City Lord! We understand!” At the same time, they also said to Xu Lingxiu, “If we win, you also mustn’t have your feelings hurt.”
Through such words, both sides were considered to have written a war challenge.
Then, it was time to assign the contestants who’d participate in the spar.
A young, mid-level pharmacist very bluntly walked out from that side and immediately sat down in front of the pill cauldron on the left side.
As the team leader, Xu Lingxiu directly commanded: “Zhu Hong, you’ll go first. Remember, nothing less than victory!”
Zhu Hong stroked her beautiful hair and stood up. She respectfully said: “Zhu Hong understands.”
After she finished speaking, she walked to the other pill cauldron, and similarly sat properly.
When it came to pill refining, whether the City Lord’s Mansion side or the Qingyun Sect side, both took it very seriously. The expressions of each side were very solemn. When they looked at the pill cauldron, it was like they were looking at something of unparalleled holiness, and they wanted to devote their entire lives to it.
It was also because they were so focused that they could reach the achievement of mid-level pharmacist at twenty-something years of age through hard work and their own natural talents.
A medicine runner was stationed at each pill cauldron, respectively supplying the two pharmacists who were about to spar.
One could only see Zhu Hong closing her elegant eyes, slowly pondering something.
The young pharmacist on the other side was similarly thinking calmly.
Not long after, they collected their thoughts at nearly the same time. Their eyes flickered with radiance as they called for the medicine runners!
Following which, the two medicine runners perked their ears and listened attentively. After silently reciting to themselves, they swiftly scampered away to the back. At the same time, the two pharmacists lit the pill cauldrons. The Earth Fire, that had long been prepared, was extracted, which slowly warmed up the pill cauldrons.
The medicine runners soon returned. Their hands were holding up a large tray. What was placed upon it were quite a few types of medicinal herbs, which were all presented to the two pharmacists.
Zhu Hong didn’t turn her head. She gently raised her lily-white hand, and directly grabbed a handful of herbs to throw into that pill cauldron. After that, her fingers flashed and a thin blade appeared from her fingertip. Again she grabbed some herbs, and at flying speeds, she sliced and diced them in complementary motions that would leave a person dazzled. Once all the medicinal herbs were treated, they were scattered into the pill cauldron!
On the other side, that young pharmacist was also quite skilled in handling medicinal herbs. In a short period of time, he took care of all his herbs and had thrown them into the pill cauldron no slower than Zhu Hong.
Immediately after that, the pill cauldrons on both sides made sizzling noises. Under the effects of the Earth Fire, the herbs inside rapidly turned into medicinal liquid. Accompanied by the countless hand seals of both parties, the liquid was quickly compressed.
It was clear to see that not only were Zhu Hong and that young pharmacist competing in ability, but also in speed. They needed to compete in who was faster and who was better. Who had a better understanding of medicinal herbs and the pill cauldron, and who’s hand seals were more exquisite?
As such, the spectacle was very high-end. If an amateur came to watch, they’d perhaps feel that each movement of the two held an implicit charm. It would leave one feeling carefree and relaxed. And even though the conclusion hadn’t been reached yet, the pill fragrances that the cauldrons produced were enough to gladden the heart.
Gu Zuo also watched from the sidelines. Under the circumstances, he had discharged his psychic power, which had been compressed extremely finely. He knew that a pharmacist’s psychic power was very strong. Even if it wasn’t tempered like his own, it was hard to say if it wouldn’t be detected. As a result, he was especially careful. Once he took the risk to send out his psychic power, he quickly monitored the situations within the pill cauldrons. He could “see” the changes in the medicinal herbs, the circulation of the medicinal power, and the process of the medicinal liquid slowly forming pills…
The feeling of looking at a pill cauldron was different when watching others refine medicine and when he himself refined medicine.
Gu Zuo was also making a silent commentary in his mind.
That young pharmacist’s movements were very steady. Meanwhile, Zhu Hong was somewhat impetuous. However, while the young pharmacist was stable, his spirituality was somewhat lacking. As a result, the occasions when a few herbs were added together had conformed to the established rules too much. On this side, Zhu Hong’s spirituality was a bit stronger, and she could capture the pulse of the medicinal pills better… Like this, it seemed that both sides should’ve been on par with each other.
But while it looked the same now, the medicinal pills were about to be formed. This hurdle was usually the most difficult one because a lapse of care in incorrect heat control or even a tiny flaw in a previous segment would cause this step’s pill numbers and product grades to be different. And for both sides, this was the standard for determining victory or defeat.
After watching for a while, Gu Zuo withdrew his psychic power.
When the pills formed, a pharmacist’s willpower was at its strongest. There couldn’t be the tiniest bit of interference. He obediently pulled back, and waited for the true outcome.
Sure enough, only a minute passed when the pill cauldrons on both sides started to produce pinging noises. This was the sign of pill formation. Above the pill cauldrons, wave after wave of white mist floated out.
Next, it was time to witness the results!
Zhu Hong and the young pharmacist both performed pill receiving seals. Amid the alternation of endless hand seals, there was suddenly a displacement — Whoosh! The cauldron lids opened and medicinal pills swift flew out!
Under the effects of the pill receiving seal, those pills were swiftly caught by jade bowls, which fell into the hands of the two pharmacists. The other people all curiously looked over, wanting to know who won and who lost.
At once, the two bowls of medicinal pills were delivered up for City Lord Xin to make the first judgment.
City Lord Xin washed his hands, and wore a genial smile as he said: “These two outstanding pharmacists have already completed the refining. Qingyun Sect’s Young Lady Zhu Hong has refined a medicinal pill called the Meridian Easing Pill. If the qi energy of a martial artist clashes and causes a disorder within the meridians, they can take this pill. It’s for martial artists at Xiantian stage six and below.
Then he said: “My City Lord’s Mansion’s Xu Shaodong refined a medicinal pill called the Small Particle Pill. If a martial artist makes a mistake during cultivation and has impurities in his qi energy, any heterogeneous true qi will be expelled after taking this pill. It’s also a pill used by martial artists at Xiantian and below. Both are relatively difficult to refine, and the formed pills’ number limit is nine.”
The numerous pharmacists on the scene all nodded their heads one after another.
Gu Zuo thought it over, and also knew of the two types of medicinal pills. In the end, however, they were comparatively unorthodox, and the ones refined were classified as pills that targeted a group which suffered specific ailments. As a result, he wouldn’t have had large batches to refine. As for their category, they resembled the Meridian Replenishing Pill and the Bone Replenishing Pill. Only, the Meridian Replenishing Pill and the Bone Replenishing Pill were suited for martial artists of the Immortal Realm and below. In comparison, they were a bit more high-end and could be sold for a bit more money.
And the number of successful pills for these two types should’ve been twelve pills. Saying that it was nine pills here was presumably due to the limits of the cultivation method’s hand seals, so that the medicinal power wasn’t maximally distributed to the formed pills.
Speaking of which, this Danyun City was very interesting. While holding the position of City Lord, this person was a martial artist. However, the thing which the City Lord’s Mansion had the strongest grasp upon was medicine refinement. The City Lord’s children were mostly pharmacists, and among the remaining martial artists who couldn’t refine medicine, the strongest one was likely to inherit the position of City Lord. What was even more interesting was that every martial artist who acted as City Lord needed to learn certain aspects of a great majority of things related to pharmacists — It definitely wasn’t medicine refinement in itself. Rather, it was differentiating medicinal herbs and evaluating medicinal pills. Up until now, it had become a kind of tradition that was continuously passed down.
City Lord Xin continued to speak: “Young Lady Zhu Hong successfully refined eight pills. Three high grade, four mid grade, and one low grade. Xu Shaodong also refined eight pills. Two high grade, five mid grade, and one low grade. We can see from this that Young Lady Zhu Hong has just narrowly won this match. The first round is Qingyun Sect’s victory.”
Speaking up to here, he displayed the medicinal pills within the two bowls for everyone to see: “Are there any pharmacists who disagree?”
As far as these outstanding mid-level pharmacists were concerned, achievements in medicine refinement were judged first on the number of high grade pills, and then on the total number of pills. Zhu Hong had one more high grade pill, so she naturally won. If Xu Shaodong was able to refine nine pills, then it could’ve been refuted. Unfortunately, the number he refined was the same as Zhu Hong’s. As such, the outcome had absolutely no doubts.
This match really was Zhu Hong’s win on behalf of Qingyun Sect.
In that case, for the current best three out of five, Qingyun Sect had taken the lead!
That Xu Shaodong had lost to Zhu Hong, but he wasn’t too unwilling. He wasn’t the person with the highest level, so his appearance now was only to test the waters. It would’ve been pretty good if he had won, but since he lost, he’d go back to self-reflect. In the future, he’d do his best next time.
This was the first time Zhu Hong came to participate in the Pill Battling Assembly. It was also the first time she sparred with someone of Danyun City as a representative of Qingyun Sect. After winning, her heart was naturally very happy. However, she also knew that she couldn’t let herself beam with joy too much. Hence, she restrained herself, and only her eyes carried a bit of joy.
Following this was the second match.
On Danyun City’s side, a young girl with eyebrows like spring willows walked out. Her hair was bound in a high bun and her smile was enthusiastic . Although she wasn’t considered a young lady of exceptional beauty, she had a special kind of charm.
Xu Lingxiu spoke again: “Qiu Qian, you go.”
Qiu Qian stood up: “As you command!”
He also walked out immediately.
One dainty young girl and one soldierly young man sat before their pill cauldrons.
Qiu Qian seemed unperturbed. He didn’t give that many glances to that young girl. On the contrary, the young girl sized up Qiu Qian quite a few times. With a smile on her face, she turned her head and started preparing.
Then, just like before, the two mediated on which medicinal pill to refine. They each instructed their medicine runner, and began refining pills.
But this time, after Gu Zuo watched for a little bit, he didn’t place all of his attention on these two people. At this moment, he looked to Xu Lingxiu and asked in a low voice: “Senior Sect Brother Xu, does our Qingyun Sect spar with Danyun City in advance every time it comes over?”
Gu Zuo and Xu Lingxiu were sitting close together. When Gu Zuo moved closer, other people only felt that they were watching the pill refining while discussing things. Because those few people sitting across were also doing the same thing, they didn’t feel that it was strange.
Xu Lingxiu wasn’t stingy with his explanation: “This is the usual practice. Because Danyun City and Qingyun Sect have equivalent levels on the path of medicine refinement, and the top three places in the Pill Battling Assembly have the greatest benefits, there’ll be a competition prior to the Pill Battling Assembly. It’s a best two out of three, best three out of five, or best four out of seven. In short, we must first regard wins and losses. If my Qingyun Sect wins, the other side must reduce the number of people participating in the Pill Battling Assembly. If the opposite side wins, my Qingyun Sect must do the same.”
Gu Zuo didn’t understood: “If both sides send all of their people to participate, what difference will there be in the outcome at that time? Wouldn’t it be fine if the number of people on both sides were equal when participating in the pill battles?”
Xu Lingxiu sneered and said: “This is merely for the sake of face. If we each send two people to participate in the Pill Battling Assembly, but one person can’t enter the top three, it would be a loss of face. In this private contest, there’s no harm in winning or losing. After all, our strengths are on par with each other. But if one didn’t enter the top three out in public, that would be different to some extent.”
Gu Zuo somewhat understood.
So to say, both entities felt that each and every one of their own who participated in the Pill Battling Assembly needed to enter the top three. Otherwise, it would be a loss of face in the eyes of those people who were inferior to them?
…Okay. He still couldn’t quite comprehend this kind of thinking.
But this also didn’t have anything to do with him.
Xu Lingxiu didn’t struggle with this issue. Instead, he said: “Junior Sect Brother Gu, although you don’t count as a genuine mid-level pharmacist now, you’re able to refine some Xiantian-level pills. If it’s based on the way of thinking outside of Qingyun Sect, you’re actually already considered a mid-level pharmacist. It’s only here that you’re still somewhat lacking. But you also don’t need to worry. Normally, the first four rounds can determine the outcome. You’ll be arranged by me to be the last contestant, so you don’t need to be too nervous.”
In actuality, Gu Zuo had always been a powerful mid-level pharmacist. Previously, he hadn’t reacted. But now that he heard Xu Lingxiu’s words, he recalled that he himself shouldn’t have been considered a genuine mid-level pharmacist in Xu Lingxiu’s eyes.
Xu Lingxiu said that he didn’t need to refine pills with someone here, which was very good. However, based on this situation, would he still be able to participate in the Pill Battling Assembly later on?
T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.
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