Chapter Forty-Nine: The Duel

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However, among the rewards for the Pill Trial, the medicinal ingredients for the Guiyuan Pill were the least valuable. The better your performance in the competition, the better the rewards would be—whether precious herbs, magical artifacts, or cultivation techniques. The champion this time could even receive a lower-grade treasure as a prize. Xuanqing Sect was indeed being exceedingly generous; perhaps only a sect in Jizhou with a great cultivator at the Core Formation stage could afford such extravagance.

No sooner had Hong Tao finished speaking than enthusiastic cheers erupted from the crowd below the small training ground. Many young people’s eyes turned crimson with excitement, eager to try their luck. With such rich rewards at stake, they had to fight for it—these were tangible benefits. Who needed any pre-match encouragement with such enticements?

In the front row below the small training ground, Miao Shilin, the White-haired Elder, and others remained calm and composed. For people like them, the treasures offered as rewards, though rare, were not enough to stir their desires; after all, they were accustomed to grand spectacles.

The White-haired Elder glanced amiably at Miao Shilin, who was seated beside him, and found Miao Shilin looking back at him as well. With a meaningful smile, he said, “Brother Miao, it seems your Miao Manor has sent out all your elites for this Pill Trial. It appears you are determined to claim the championship.”

“Oh, with your Medicine Garden Pavilion’s top disciples present, how could we Miao Manor dare covet the championship? Brother Bai, you flatter us too much.” Miao Shilin looked at the White-haired Elder, who was actually a few years his junior, and couldn’t help but find it odd that the man addressed him as “younger brother” while calling himself “elder brother.” Wasn’t that a bit much?

“What Brother Miao says makes sense. With our Medicine Garden Pavilion here, the top places in this trial will likely be monopolized by us. As for the other factions participating, they’re probably just making up the numbers and will gain little.” The White-haired Elder nodded with self-satisfaction, completely dismissing Miao Manor in his eyes.

Miao Shilin’s expression darkened slightly. He had thought the man would exchange a few polite words, but instead, he was being outright arrogant, disregarding Miao Manor entirely. Then again, Medicine Garden Pavilion had indeed been the dominant force in Jizhou’s alchemy circles for years, rarely seeing any power worthy of their attention. Still, wasn’t it a bit too blunt to say so openly?

“Oh, I see Brother Bai is quite confident. However, we at Miao Manor have also brought a few disciples of remarkable talent this time. Brother Bai, do remind your own disciples not to take things lightly.” Miao Shilin now showed a hint of displeasure. Though Miao Manor kept a low profile, they were still reputed for their alchemy in Jizhou. Moreover, their competing disciples were indeed outstanding. While he dared not claim the championship, it was unlikely Medicine Garden Pavilion could take all the top spots.

The White-haired Elder’s face changed instantly. So Miao Shilin did intend to make a name for his Miao Manor in this trial and challenge his Medicine Garden Pavilion for dominance in Jizhou’s alchemy world. The rumors were true! Fortunately, he had come prepared, bringing all ten of his most capable disciples for this very purpose. He would make sure Miao Shilin was thoroughly humiliated.

With this thought, the White-haired Elder’s demeanor grew frosty. He snorted coldly, “Even if our disciples were careless, so what? To deal with your lot, mere barnyard chickens and stray dogs, they don’t even need to be serious.”

Miao Shilin was utterly infuriated this time. This was a public slap in the face. In all his years, everyone had treated him with respect—never had anyone been so rude. Yet this hateful old man dared to call his disciples a flock of useless rabble right to his face.

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The disciples standing behind Miao Shilin looked equally grim. The members of Medicine Garden Pavilion were going too far—this was outright provocation. If the master suffers, the disciples feel it tenfold. Yang Jian, unable to bear such insult any longer, glared angrily at the White-haired Elder and declared, “Arrogant and ignorant! Though my alchemy skills may not match those of my junior brothers and sisters, even at my level I can easily surpass all your disciples.”

Liu Lanzhi, Lu Haitang, and the others felt as if Yang Jian’s words spoke straight to their hearts. Normally, they found his arrogance grating, but at this moment, it seemed justified and admirable.

Yang Jian’s words warmed the hearts of his master and fellow disciples, but they ignited the fury of those from Medicine Garden Pavilion. How dare this nobody, whose name was unknown, boast that he alone could outdo all of them? Medicine Garden Pavilion was the very symbol of alchemy in Jizhou!

“Boy, what’s your name? Since you’re so boastful, you must be someone of note. Go on, tell us your name so my brothers and I can see what you’re made of,” said the eldest of the Ten Sages of Medicine Garden.

“My name is Yang Jian. What, have you never heard of me?” Yang Jian sneered.

“Arrogant wretch, an unknown nobody! Do you even know who I am? I am the leader of the Ten Sages of Medicine Garden—Ge’er Mu.” Ge’er Mu looked at Yang Jian with a cold smile. For a nameless upstart to brag before him was utterly intolerable.

The disciples of Miao Manor fell silent at the mention of Ge’er Mu. His name resonated across Jizhou; he was one of the most celebrated figures in the region’s alchemy circles. Among all the disciples present, none could compare to his reputation. Who would have thought he would attend this competition? Was he here for the lower-grade treasure? Though such a prize was tempting, it hardly seemed worth his while given his stature.

Seeing that his identity had stunned the crowd, Ge’er Mu sneered, “What, are you afraid now? Just now you were so arrogant, claiming you alone could defeat us all. My master was too generous in calling you ‘barnyard chickens and stray dogs’—you’re nothing but a bunch of cowards and fools.”

Yang Jian was incensed. So what if this man was more famous? Miao Manor’s lack of renown was due to its low profile, not a lack of skill. Just because someone was more celebrated, did that give him license to dismiss all others?

“Utter nonsense! Don’t think a little hollow reputation entitles you to arrogance. The world is full of hidden talents; even in Miao Manor, there are plenty like you. What’s there to be proud of?” Yang Jian’s eyes blazed with fury. Were it not for the occasion, he would have rushed up to teach this man a lesson.

Miao Shilin, not wanting things to get out of hand, though his own expression was sour, spoke in a conciliatory tone, “Yang Jian, enough! Focus on your performance in the competition—there’s no need to waste words here.”

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“Senior Miao, out of respect for your master, I’ll call you ‘senior.’ But what do you mean by your earlier words? Do you still have confidence in such ignorant fools? Even if he performs perfectly, he’s still destined for the bottom—why embarrass yourselves? We don’t want things to go too far today. How about this: Senior Miao, apologize to my master with a cup of tea in front of everyone, and we’ll let your ignorance slide.”

Miao Shilin had hoped to let the matter rest, but Ge’er Mu was not about to let him off so easily. He had heard that Miao Shilin wanted to use this Pill Trial to make a name for himself and trample Medicine Garden Pavilion. Setting the competition on Miao Manor’s turf and warning his disciples to beware of Miao’s, the intent was clear. Since Miao Shilin had made his move, Ge’er Mu saw no need for courtesy.

Though the contest had yet to begin, the air below the stage was already thick with tension. Many took notice and gathered to watch. Xuanqing Sect, as the organizer, tried several times to mediate, but their efforts were in vain; it was obvious that Medicine Garden Pavilion had come specifically to challenge Miao Manor.

Though Xuanqing Sect was on friendly terms with Miao Manor, they could not afford to show favoritism. As hosts, they had to remain impartial. Moreover, the main goal of this event was to select someone capable of refining the Great Huai Pill, to save Zhang Qing’s life. If they offended Medicine Garden Pavilion and the latter won the championship, would they still be willing to refine the pill?

But to have Miao Shilin apologize in front of everyone was out of the question. Yang Jian was the first to object: “Master, you mustn’t! My alchemy skills may be lacking, but I fear no one—not even Ge’er Mu. Whatever he has, I’ll face it.” Liu Lanzhi, Han Feng, and others joined in persuading him. If they apologized publicly, how could Miao Manor ever hold its head high again?

Seeing Miao Shilin’s silence, Ge’er Mu pressed on, “Ignorant brat, do you really want to face my challenge? Listen well: let’s wager on this Pill Trial’s champion—will it be Miao Manor or Medicine Garden Pavilion? If you win, I, Ge’er Mu, will sever my right arm and kowtow in apology. If we win, what will you do?” With that, Ge’er Mu looked at Yang Jian with utter disdain.

The onlookers were shocked at Ge’er Mu’s words. To sever his right arm would render him useless—how could he refine pills afterward? Clearly, Medicine Garden Pavilion had come prepared to utterly crush Miao Manor.

All eyes turned to Yang Jian. What would he do? How would he respond? Ge’er Mu had boldly promised to cut off his own arm and kneel in apology—did Yang Jian have the same courage?