Chapter 14: Chapter 14: Opposing an Army
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Zhao Dengming, impatient, said: “The lesson is over. If you have any questions, ask them next time.”
With that, Zhao Dengming prepared to leave the Pill Array quickly.
But Fang Lin would not let it go, he said loudly: “Is Elder Zhao reluctant to clear the doubts of the disciples? In this sacred place of the Pill Array, isn’t it proper for an elder to answer a disciple’s questions? Moreover, the teaching in the Pill Array generally takes four hours. Elder Zhao only lectured for two hours before hastily finishing. Isn’t that somewhat inappropriate?”
Zhao Dengming’s face was gloomy. Having heard what Fang Lin said, he could not just walk away. If he left so irresponsibly, it would be deemed far more serious than intentionally thwarting a disciple.
Zhao Dengming wanted to become furious, but the crucial point was that Fang Lin was in the right. Even if he wanted to, Zhao Dengming could not vent his anger.
“Nonsense! I only remembered that I have an important matter to deal with. However, nothing is more important than clearing a junior disciple’s doubts. If you have a question, just ask. I will answer it.” Zhao Dengming said with a solemn face.
Fang Lin scoffed in his heart. This Zhao Dengming had such a thick skin. He clearly wanted to leave just now, yet he spoke so righteously.
All the Pill Apprentices were clueless, wondering what Fang Lin was up to.
Only some of the clever Pill Apprentices realized that Fang Lin was not content with being targeted by Zhao Dengming and was planning a counterattack.
“Fang Lin is indeed arrogant. Despite his reputation as a genius, he couldn’t suppress his anger. It’s meaningless.”
“Indeed, it’s meaningless. Furthermore, it’s easy for Zhao Dengming to take advantage of him. This act is unwise.”
“Let’s wait and see how Fang Lin responds. Perhaps he has his own ideas.”
···
“This Fang Lin, he is really too arrogant. He actually wants to counterattack Zhao Dengming? He’s truly seeking his own doom!” Kang Lu laughed wildly in his heart, his originally pale face anticipating the outcome.
Zhao Dengming also sneered inwardly, “You, a mere Pill Apprentice, dares to challenge me? See how I will make you fool yourself later.”
Watching Zhao Dengming, Fang Lin slightly bowed and asked, “May I ask Elder Zhao, do you know what the Scattered God Flower is?”
Upon hearing this, Zhao Dengming frowned slightly, he said displeased: “The Scattered God Flower is a toxic plant that confuses the mind and causes hallucinations. Of course, I know about it. Is this your question? Truly laughable!”
Although many Pill Apprentices didn’t know much about the Scattered God Flower, they knew Fang Lin’s question was not troubling to Zhao Dengming.
Lu Xiaoqing was secretly anxious, “Fang Lin, what on earth are you doing? Can’t you be quiet for a while?”
Fang Lin slightly smiled, shook his head, and said: “Elder Zhao, don’t be impatient. My question is related to the Scattered God Flower. Can you tell me, as a toxic plant, the Scattered God Flower can confuse people and cause hallucinations. But if used as a herb to refine pills, what kind of pill can it produce? And what would be its effect?”
Zhao Dengming snorted heavily and rebuked: “Absurd! Truly absurd! The Scattered God Flower is a toxic plant that cannot possibly be used for pill refining. Fang Lin, are you making fun of me?”
At this point, Kang Lu immediately stood up and pointed at Fang Lin with a furious face, shouting: “How dare you, Fang Lin! In the sacred Pill Array, you disrespect an Elder. What kind of punishment should you face?”
After Kang Lu spoke, many people shook their heads secretly. Kang Lu’s intention to target Fang Lin was too apparent.
Fang Lin didn’t even look at Kang Lu, instead he said to Zhao Dengming on the stone platform: “Does Elder Zhao truly not know?”
Zhao Dengming furrowed his brows and replied unhappily, “The Scattered God Flower cannot be used in pill refining. As a Pill Refiner, wouldn’t I know this?”
However, Fang Lin shook his head and sighed. When he looked at Zhao Dengming again, there was apparent contempt on his face.
Zhao Dengming became instantly furious. What kind of look was that? How dare you look down on me?
Seeing Fang Lin’s fearless expression, Kang Lu sneered even more, saying again, “Fang Lin, are you so arrogant because you know a bit about botany and you look down on everyone, even the elders? In this sacred Pill Array, disrespecting an elder is a great sin!”
Fang Lin sneered and said: “Kang, you have pulled a great big hat on me. Where did I disrespect an elder? I advise you to be careful, the statues of the four predecessors are watching you. Be careful not to be punished by the four ancestors for your wild words.”
Kang Lu didn’t expect Fang Lin to bite back. He wanted to speak again but remembered this was the Pill Array, where the statues of the Four Saints possessed mysterious power, so he did not dare to say what he wanted.
After a pause, Fang Lin looked at Zhao Dengming again and said: “Elder Zhao could refer to the classics. Although the Scattered God Flower can confuse people’s minds, it can also be used to refine the Water Moon Pill. The function of the Water Moon Pill is to ensure that one is unaffected by illusions and keeps a martial artist’s mind firm.”
Zhao Dengming’s face turned from pale to flushed. His rationality told him that what Fang Lin said was absurd, but his heart was in chaos.
“Complete nonsense! A mere Pill Apprentice who presumes to discuss Pill Refining is extremely unreasonable!” Zhao Dengming responded earnestly.
Fang Lin gave Zhao Dengming a strange look and said, “Elder Zhao, are you afraid to consult the classics?”
Zhao Dengming really dared not. He was afraid that if he checked, it would be as Fang Lin said, and that would be a slap in his own face.
Just as Zhao Dengming’s face was changing colour, Elder Mu Yan, who was all cold, suddenly arrived.
Seeing Mu Yan appear, Zhao Dengming was stunned, and his expression became even more complicated.
Elder Mu Yan coldly glanced at Zhao Dengming, then threw a book in front of him.
“Elder Zhao, see for yourself whether what Fang Lin has said is absurd or not. One look and you will know.” Elder Mu Yan said indifferently.
Hearing this, Zhao Dengming inwardly groaned in misery. It was clear that Elder Mu Yan was making a move against him in support of Fang Lin.
Fang Lin revealed a smile and slightly saluted towards Elder Mu Yan.
Kang Lu stood below with a slightly stiff face, he didn’t expect Elder Mu Yan to suddenly appear and he felt quite uneasy at the moment.
All the Pill Apprentices stretched their necks out, bearing the appearance of looking forward to watching a show.
Zhao Dengming was stunned there, perplexed if he should flip the pages or not. The cold sweat rolled down his forehead and he was at his wit’s end.
Elder Mu Yan sneered, “Is Elder Zhao afraid to flip it? Then let me do it for you.”
Having said that, Elder Mu Yan picked up the book and quickly flipped to a page.
“Take a look, Elder Zhao. Save yourself from being ridiculed when you teach the disciples in the futures.” Elder Mu Yan said mockingly. He presented no courtesy towards Zhao Dengming, despite both of them being Elders.
Zhao Dengming glanced at the content on the book and his complexion turned pale instantly, his eyes full of shame.
“I have made a fool of myself, Fang Lin was right. With my meager knowledge, I have no face to teach any of you again!” After saying that, Zhao Dengming walked away in disgrace, unwilling to stay a moment longer.
As Zhao Dengming left in disgrace, Kang Lu was left standing there with a blank face. Shortly after, he left the Pill Array with a gloomy face, not uttering a single word.
His followers, seeing this, quickly followed him and left as well.
Fang Lin fondly greeted Elder Mu Yan with his hand and sat down with a smile.
Elder Mu Yan took Zhao Dengming’s previous position and looked at the various expressions of the Pill Apprentices beneath her. Her gaze especially lingered on Fang Lin for a while.
“Today’s class is over. You must diligently review when you go back. The next Pill Array class will be taught by me.” Elder Mu Yan said.
With the end of the class, many Pill Apprentices dispersed. Quite a few people gave Fang Lin friendly smiles. However, due to Fang Lin’s conflict with Kang Lu, these people still dared not associate with Fang Lin.
Even so, Fang Lin’s performance today left a deep impression on all the Pill Apprentices present, even more surprising than his last performance at the Pill Array.
Therefore, even though these Pill Apprentices did not get too close to Fang Lin, they thought of him as a genius.
“Fang Lin, how much knowledge of herbs and plants do you have in your head? You’re like me, a Pill Apprentice, but why do I feel like you’re completely different from us?” Lu Xiaoqing asked Fang Lin with a smile.
Fang Lin gave a chuckle and pinched the tip of Lu Xiaoqing’s nose, saying, “Perhaps, I was born to refine pills.”
Lu Xiaoqing slapped Fang Lin’s hand away, only to see Elder Mu Yan standing not far away watching them, she immediately stopped laughing.
“Pay respect to Elder Mu Yan.” Fang Lin and Lu Xiaoqing saluted towards Elder Mu Yan.
Elder Mu Yan nodded, then said to Lu Xiaoqing, “I have something to discuss with Fang Lin, you may go first.”
Lu Xiaoqing acknowledged, stuck her tongue out at Fang Lin, and left shortly after.
“Follow me.” Elder Mu Yan turned around to leave, with Fang Lin following behind her. They arrived at a small pavilion near the Pill Array in no time.
“What does the Elder need from me?” Fang Lin asked first, his attitude still respectful. He had a soft spot for Elder Mu Yan, unlike Elder Zhao who had an empty reputation and was insincere.
Elder Mu Yan turned to look at Fang Lin, her beautiful eyebrows slightly frowned. Her tone was somewhat regretful as she said, “With your talent, you are sufficiently qualified to be promoted as a formal disciple, what a pity.”
Fang Lin knew what Elder Mu Yan wanted to say, so he smiled and said, “I’m too young and still need some tempering.”
Elder Mu Yan sighed, “I’ve witnessed your performance on the Pill Array twice and the status of a mere Pill Apprentice is not worthy of you. However, the rules of the Pill Sect is strict and some people do not want you to progress too quickly. Therefore, we have to begrudge you.”
Fang Lin knew who the ‘some people’ Elder Mu Yan was referring to. He didn’t say much, just nodded.
Elder Mu Yan hesitated for a moment, then took out a Jade Slip.
“This contains some of my insights on Pill Refining, take it and have a look.” She left the Jade Slip on the stone table in the pavilion and then walked away.
Fang Lin smiled, picked up the Jade Slip, and headed back to Xu Shangao’s place.
As soon as he entered the courtyard, he saw a red-robed youth standing in Xu Shangao’s courtyard. The youth was conversing with Xu Shangao, who had a bitter look on his face.
The red-robed youth turned to look at Fang Lin when he appeared, but soon moved his gaze away.
Xu Shangao looked helpless and shook his head continually, which made the face of the red-robed youth even colder, nearly to the point of fierceness.