Chapter 282: Chapter 273: Gradually Growing Stronger

"Yes."

"Congratulations. Since all five members of your team are below the Thirtieth Layer of Elemental Power and new members of the Cultivation Academy, and since this is your first time undertaking this mission, each member’s points will be doubled. As the team captain, your points will be multiplied by five."

The Steward of the Hundred Battles Pavilion looked on with envy, and the surrounding people who overheard also pricked up their ears.

Yan Yuyue’s expression remained unchanged. She calmly accepted the mission reward and left with her team.

The moment she left, the Hundred Battles Pavilion erupted with chatter.

"So that’s Yan Yuyue?"

"Yeah, she’s gorgeous. The rumors don’t do her justice."

"And that’s not all! She completed the Two-tailed Shadow Flood Dragon mission on her very first outing!"

A powerful and beautiful Female Cultivator always becomes famous quickly.

Back in his room, he took a shower to wash off the sticky feeling covering his body. ’That was a really interesting fight. Now that I think back on it, the scenery was incredible. The world outside is so vast.’

’The people on this mission were all really strong. The outside world is truly brimming with talent. If I’d stayed cooped up in the Four Directions Small Thousand World, I’m afraid I’d have become a frog in a well.’

The path of Cultivation is about improving oneself through constant struggle.

Wang Meng rested for a moment, then circulated his Five Elements Skill. Once his energy was fully restored, he immersed his Heart Spirit in the Heaven and Earth Spirit Locking Array. It was time to begin his training.

As he took a beating, Wang Meng could feel that his Curved Sword Qi was gradually approaching its speed limit.

Moo Shan and Wangtian both possessed the most perfect Curved Sword Qi. By continuously studying them, Wang Meng was drawing ever closer to mastering the technique in its strongest form.

Once he built up a sufficient foundation, it would be time to practice the Double Arc Sword Qi.

Wang Meng began to practice, using his Curved Sword Qi while having Moo Shan attack with the Double Arc Sword Qi.

As the completely indefensible Double Arc Sword Qi rushed toward him, Wang Meng faced his simulated demise with a smile.

Only after experiencing the power of the Double Arc Sword Qi a few times did Wang Meng fall asleep, completely satisfied.

The Heart Spirit he had expended was slowly replenished by his Godhood as he slept.

This was a process that gradually strengthened Wang Meng’s Heart Spirit. Although it was slow, once this power took root, it would be a strength that was uniquely his—one that no one could ever take away and that wouldn’t negatively affect him in the slightest.

At this time, all sorts of news was circulating around the Cultivation Academy. The most eye-catching topic was the Master’s miraculous transformation, but Yan Yuyue had also burst onto the scene, her first mission having been a resounding success.

Meanwhile, the same was true for Ma Tian’Er. Her first mission was also quite spectacular; she had obtained the Dragon Immortal Grass without a single casualty. It couldn’t be helped—she had simply tamed the Demon Beast guarding it and brought the creature back with her.

Everyone was also beginning to notice that the Four Directions Small Thousand World seemed to be experiencing a surge of talent. It made sense that Yan Yuyue and Ma Tian’Er were so highly regarded by the Dragon King and the Empress; after all, no one had ever paid much attention to the Four Directions Small Thousand World before.

In truth, ranking among the top two hundred of the many Small Thousand Realms was already quite an achievement, and any realm in that range had the potential for a breakout. It was just that this time, the Four Directions Small Thousand World had really struck gold. If this trend continued, the realm’s overall ranking was bound to rise.

Wang Meng and Fan Hong’s routine remained the same. The two got along incredibly well. That afternoon, they went to clean the Alchemy Room as usual, and just as they finished, Mi Dao made an unexpected appearance.

"Fan Hong, you stay. Wang Meng, you can go," Mi Dao said.

Once Wang Meng had left, Mi Dao sighed. "Just stay a little while longer."

Fan Hong was completely baffled. "What’s up, Dean?"

"You’ll know in a moment," Mi Dao said, trying his best to sound casual.

Fan Hong shrugged nonchalantly. ’Staying a little longer is no big deal.’

Fan Hong didn’t just stand around idly. He wasn’t practicing Alchemy anymore; just as Wang Meng had said, a Wood Element cultivator trying to perform Alchemy was just making things hard on himself.

However, Alchemy Skills could still be useful. With enough practice, he could use his Elemental Power to heal others.

Just as Fan Hong was growing bored, the door opened. A figure swept in like a gust of wind, and Fan Hong froze, stunned.

After staring for a long moment, he blurted out, "Hello, my name is Fan Hong, a disciple of the Dharma Flower Sect. Single, and recently heartbroken."

The woman was taken aback for a moment, then smiled faintly. "Were you the one performing Alchemy there the other night?"

The woman pointed to a nearby Alchemy Room, and Fan Hong nodded.

"Can you do it again for me to see?"

Fan Hong nodded, with no intention of resisting. He walked over in a daze to begin the Alchemy, not even thinking about the fact that he was a Wood Element cultivator.

When the Fire Gourd appeared, the woman looked slightly puzzled. Then she saw Fan Hong’s crude technique, and especially... the fact that he was a Wood Element cultivator.

The flames suddenly flared, and the Pill Furnace began to hum loudly—a sure sign that it was about to explode.

With a single sweep of her sleeve, the flames vanished, and the Pill Furnace instantly fell silent.

A cold shiver ran through Fan Hong. He turned around, but there was no one there. It was as if the whole thing had been a dream.

’Where did that beautiful girl go?’

Fan Hong pinched his cheek. ’What’s going on? Does getting your heart broken bring you good romantic luck?’

The faint, lingering fragrance in the room proved that Fan Hong hadn’t been dreaming.

Mi Dao was actually right outside, his heart aching with a bit of pity. ’Such a perfectly fine young man, gone just like that. Will she throw him into the Pill Furnace and refine him into a pill?’

’Heaven only knows. There are probably a hundred ways he could die.’

Then, Mi Dao watched as Fan Hong staggered out.

Mi Dao rubbed his eyes, looked, and rubbed them again. "...How did you get out?"

"Dean, look how late it is. What would I still be doing in there?"

"Did... did nothing happen just now?" Mi Dao asked, confused. ’What is going on here?’

"Something did happen! A really beautiful girl came by. She was so gorgeous... It’s no use explaining it to you; you wouldn’t understand."

"And then what?" Mi Dao asked anxiously. That woman’s attitude would determine his own attitude toward Fan Hong.

"She asked me to perform Alchemy for her, and then she just disappeared. It was so strange. She was as beautiful as a Fairy, and her smile was so gentle."

Fan Hong looked utterly smitten.

Mi Dao froze for a moment. He rubbed his face, then broke into a smile so brilliant it could outshine the sun. "Ah, Fan Hong! You’ve been at the Alchemy Institute for some time now. You know I can be a bit strict, but it’s all for your own good! I’ve seen how diligent you are, and you clearly have a talent for Alchemy. You know what they say, ’When Heaven is about to confer a great responsibility on a person, it first visits their mind and will with suffering.’ You have now passed the test! Excellent! Let’s go, it’s my treat today. I’m going to reward you properly!"

Mi Dao finally understood. It turned out she wasn’t angry at all; she had taken a liking to his Alchemy ability.

Without another word, Mi Dao slung an arm around Fan Hong’s shoulders and led him away. Anyone who didn’t know better would have thought the two were the best of friends.

Wang Meng remained engrossed in practicing his Sword Technique. His Curved Sword Skill had finally reached a level he was satisfied with. He hadn’t been to the Alchemy Institute in days, leaving Fan Hong to handle everything. Nowadays, whatever Fan Hong said, Mi Dao agreed to without question. Of course he did—the man now had powerful backing.

The people at the Alchemy Institute noticed this change as well and clicked their tongues in amazement. Mi Dao was a figure of some renown, yet here he was, fawning over Fan Hong. They figured Fan Hong must have some extraordinary background, which made everyone else start treating him more politely as well.

(Seeking recommendation votes for Monday, thank you!) (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to come to Qidian.com to vote for recommendation tickets and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)