Slave Village…
Ai Ping received the news about Hua family disciples marching towards the slave village.
Even Though she was helpless, she prepared to confront them and protect the beast women.
On the other side, all the beast women already accepted their fate and locked themselves up inside their cage like homes.
The Wei and Ping family members and disciples begin following the crowd as they also want to witness the struggle of the beast women and enjoy the site of beasts screaming for help.
but many of them were coming to see Ai Ping. Everyone inside the Kullu capital city feels that the princess Ai Ping was an insult to the Royal families as she was born to the slave and the emperor.
Many already demanded to kill the slave and her daughter Ai Ping. but as their plans failed, they all choose this method to take revenge and make fun of princess Ai Ping.
Gu Ping also followed in the back lines on her flowery Chariot to witness the drama and the struggle of Ai Ping.
–
Green Poison Peak…
The morning sun had barely risen over the Green Poison Peak when Kent strode into the alchemy courtyard, where dozens of disciples gathered to learn the secrets of antidotes.
The scent of bitter herbs and poison extracts filled the air as Elder Guo Tian lectured on the complexities of neutralizing the venom of the Mountain Seven-Headed King Serpent.
The moment Kent arrived, all eyes turned to him. His presence alone carried a weight that unsettled the disciples.
“I have mastered the Green Poison Tome,” Kent declared, his voice steady yet firm.
A hushed silence followed his words. The elder’s hands froze mid-motion as he prepared a mixture, his face twisting into a frown.
“Nonsense!” Peak Master Guo Tian thundered, his piercing gaze locking onto Kent. “It is impossible! The Green Poison Tome is the most complex manual of our peak, requiring years, if not decades, of study!”
Kent remained unshaken. He stepped forward, meeting the Peak Master’s fierce gaze with unwavering confidence. “Then allow me to prove it.”
Without waiting for permission, Kent began reciting the contents of the tome, his voice calm and fluid, as if he had engraved every word onto his soul.
Peak Master Guo Tian’s expression darkened as he listened. His anger turned into skepticism, and then—something else. Was it… shock? The elder clenched his hands behind his back.
“Enough!” Guo Tian interrupted. “Reciting words means nothing! A true master of the tome must understand its essence.” His lips curled into a smirk. “Let’s see if you truly grasp its mysteries.”
He stepped forward, the gathered disciples watching with wide eyes.
“First question!” Guo Tian’s voice was sharp. “The Green Lotus Viper’s venom becomes more lethal upon exposure to moonlight. Why does this occur?”
Kent did not hesitate. “The Green Lotus Viper’s venom contains lunar-reactive compounds that crystallize under moonlight, increasing the venom’s potency and making it harder to neutralize. A proper antidote must be prepared in total darkness.”
Murmurs spread through the disciples. Guo Tian’s smirk wavered.
“Second question,” the Peak Master pressed on. “The Bone-Corroding Moth’s toxin dissipates in the presence of silver but not gold. Why?”
Kent’s eyes gleamed. “Silver disrupts the toxin’s molecular structure, binding to the reactive agents and rendering it inert. Gold lacks the necessary reactivity due to its stable atomic composition.”
A gasp ran through the crowd. Even the elder’s expression wavered.
“Third and final question!” Guo Tian’s voice was lower now, more cautious. “The Phantom Spider’s venom creates hallucinations in its victims. What is the most effective method of extraction without triggering the hallucinogenic properties?”
Kent smiled slightly. “The hallucinations are triggered by the venom’s contact with air. Extraction should be done in a vacuum-sealed chamber using spirit energy to guide the flow of venom without exposure.”
Silence fell over the courtyard. Then—
“Hah… hahahahaha!” Guo Tian burst into laughter.
Disciples looked at one another in disbelief. No one had ever seen their master so amused, so… impressed.
“Well, boy,” the Peak Master said, stroking his beard. “You have proven yourself. Come forward and assist me.”
Kent walked to the alchemy station, where ingredients were laid out for the Mountain Seven-Headed King Serpent’s antidote. He observed for a moment before speaking. “Start with the Nightshade Lily essence, but do not grind it. We need the raw extract to balance the serpent’s neurotoxin.”
The Peak Master followed his guidance, moving with steady hands.
“The next step is to blend it with Frost Serpent bile, heated at exactly eighty-seven degrees,” Kent continued.
Minutes passed, and the antidote was complete. Guo Tian lifted the potion and studied it. His eyes gleamed with appreciation.
“You have my acknowledgment, Kent King.” Guo Tian’s voice carried authority. “From this day forward, you are my personal disciple.”
A golden token engraved with the Green Poison Peak’s insignia landed in Kent’s hands. He bowed his head respectfully.
“As is tradition, a personal disciple is granted one wish,” Guo Tian declared. “Ask, and I shall grant it.”
The disciples watched in anticipation. Would he ask for a divine weapon? A legendary spell? A hidden treasure?
Kent’s voice was calm but carried the weight of thunder. “Master, would you give me anything I ask for?”
Guo Tian narrowed his eyes. “Do not underestimate me, boy. Even the emperor respects me. There is no elder in this nation who dares oppose me. Ask anything—but know your limits.”
Kent smiled. “I do not seek weapons or spells. My wish is simple. I want full ownership over the beast women of the slave village. No one— not even the Crown Prince—should have authority over them.”
A wave of shock rippled through the crowd.
“What!?”
“He’s crazy!”
“Does he think he can dictate terms to the Crown Prince!?”
Even Guo Tian was momentarily taken aback. His eyes studied Kent, searching for hesitation. He found none.
Then, the old master let out a slow, knowing chuckle. “Hah… Very well. Your wish shall be granted. But I will make one thing clear for you. The responsibility of your servants lies in your hands. I won’t help you with that.”
Kent nodded with a serious look as he exactly wanted that.
The disciples gasped. Kent merely bowed his head, his mission now in motion.