Chapter 502: Chapter 146: Spirit Level Alchemist vs. Spirit Level Alchemist

The Sea of No Desire stretches from north to south, cutting the land and becoming the only barrier for the Third-class Country to reach the Holy Yuan Empire. However, some believe that the Sea of No Desire is a natural barrier protecting the Third-class Country, otherwise, the powerful First-class Empire, the Holy Yuan Empire, would have long annexed the lands of the Third-class Country.

Departing from the Mu City sea area of Qin Country is the closest sea route to the Medicine Tower Headquarters. Because the Medicine Tower Headquarters is located at the other end of the Sea of No Desire, every time medicine is transported back, it departs from Mu City.

A month on the sea, apart from the initial days of novelty, everyone soon became bored.

Mu Qingge was even more so, confining herself in her room, tirelessly cultivating day and night.

On this day, she emerged from her retreat, and as soon as she stepped out of the cabin, she heard the joyful exclamations of many people coming from the deck.

Mu Qingge followed the sound and found that the disciples of the Medicine Tower were gathered at the bow, peering into the distance.

"Junior Brother Mu."

Mu Qingge was stopped by a sudden voice, and she turned her eyes to see Zhao Nanxing approaching her. "Senior Brother Zhao."

Zhao Nanxing smiled and said, "You’ve come out of retreat?"

Mu Qingge nodded. She then looked at the gathered Medicine Tower disciples and asked, "What are they doing?"

The smile on Zhao Nanxing’s face was also filled with a bit of joy, "They have seen the outline of the land, everyone is very happy."

"So, it’s almost there?" Mu Qingge’s eyes brightened, and her mood became delighted.

Zhao Nanxing nodded, "Perhaps it is."

"I never imagined the journey would be so smooth, almost as if we arrived at the Holy Yuan Empire with calm seas." Mu Qingge sighed. Had she known it was this easy, she would have set out on her own without competing for the qualification to deliver medicine.

"Not so." However, hearing her words, Zhao Nanxing shook his head in denial.

Mu Qingge raised an eyebrow, curiously looking at him.

Zhao Nanxing explained with a smile, "The reason we had a smooth journey is not only thanks to favorable weather but also because this is the Medicine Tower’s ship."

"Is there a difference?" Mu Qingge raised an eyebrow even higher.

Zhao Nanxing walked toward the front of the deck, and the sea breeze blew his light green robe, making it rustle. Mu Qingge followed him, waiting for his explanation.

"Every year, few ships travel from the Third-class Country to the Holy Yuan Empire, and every ship needs to be registered and approved before being allowed into the Sea of No Desire. This is a requirement of the Holy Yuan Empire for ships from the Third-class Country. Furthermore, there are many isolated islands in the Sea of No Desire, with some forces occupying them. If it were an ordinary ship, it might be captured along with its crew before even entering the Holy Yuan Empire." Zhao Nanxing explained to Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge understood in her heart.

In essence, the Holy Yuan Empire has restrictions on ships coming from the Third-class Country, and ships without the proper qualifications cannot sail into the Holy Yuan Empire. Furthermore, there are pirates in the Sea of No Desire who rob passing ships.

But...

"Why does the Holy Yuan Empire allow these forces to exist on the islands?" Mu Qingge asked her doubt.

Zhao Nanxing instead looked at her with curiosity, "Those islands are isolated from the mainland, and those people have willingly exiled themselves there. Why would it be considered allowance? Besides, those forces have keen insights and never provoke the Holy Yuan Empire’s ships, such as the Medicine Tower’s ship. Those who are troubled are ships from the Third-class Country, and once robbed, they can only consider themselves unlucky, as no emperor would expend national power to conquer them."

Zhao Nanxing’s statement left Mu Qingge astonished.

This outdated concept of national boundaries nearly faded from her mind. She was accustomed to the border standards of her past life. In her view, as long as it was the territory of a country, sea, land, and air were inviolable.

However, for people here, those islands seemed like areas beyond control, not subjected to national governance.

Such a concept could indeed explain why some would leave the land to live on isolated islands.

It is likely that most of those people had committed crimes and found it unsustainable to live on land, thus seeking overseas refuge among the island forces.

Mu Qingge silently shook her head and smiled, leaving Zhao Nanxing puzzled as he did not understand its meaning.

Mu Qingge somewhat understood why Si Mo suggested she follow the Medicine Tower’s ship to the Holy Yuan Empire. It was indeed the most time-saving method. If she were to find a ship on her own and obtain permission to enter the Holy Yuan Empire, then cross the sea and deal with several pirates, who knows when she would finally step onto the land of the Holy Yuan Empire!

In the space of their conversation, the two were already standing by the ship’s side, where, in the distant reaches of their sight, a vague outline of the continent appeared. Regardless of everything, after drifting more than a month at sea, being able to see land was indeed a cause for joy.

"By the way, where are Senior Brother Mei and the others?" Mu Qingge asked.

"They’re still in retreat, especially Zhu Ling, who perhaps, because she decided to stay at the Main Courtyard, said she needs to seize the time to improve her Alchemy Skill to increase her chances of staying." Zhao Nanxing explained.

Mu Qingge understood and nodded, then asked, "When are you all planning to return?"

Zhao Nanxing didn’t notice the ’you all’ in her question. After calculating the time carefully, he replied, "We will probably stay at the Main Courtyard for about a month, which serves as an exchange between the Main Courtyard and the Branch. After that, we will return. The Medicine Tower Headquarters is far from the Holy Yuan Empire’s Tiandu, so we can’t go there; we’ll just stay at the Main Courtyard."

After he finished speaking, he revisited Mu Qingge’s earlier question and realized something was off. He quickly asked, "Wait, you said ’you all’? Does it mean you’re not planning to return?"

Mu Qingge smiled and said, "I have some matters to handle alone, so I won’t be returning with you all."

"But if you’re not returning with us, then how will you come back?" Zhao Nanxing frowned and asked.

Mu Qingge pursed her lips.

Indeed, it’s a difficult matter, as she couldn’t wait for the next medicine ship from the Medicine Tower to return on. However, all roads lead to Rome; just because the road she is taking now is the fastest, doesn’t mean it’s the only road.

So, she laughed, "Don’t worry, the road lies beneath my feet. Do you really think I can’t find my way back home?"

Zhao Nanxing smiled helplessly, "True enough, if even you are stumped, it would be too unlikely. When do you plan to return to the Medicine Tower Branch?"

Mu Qingge calculated the time in her mind and did not answer immediately.

Seeing her thoughtful look, Zhao Nanxing reminded her, "Although you are now a Spirit Level Alchemist, don’t forget you haven’t taken the out-tower assessment and are still considered a Medicine Tower disciple."

Mu Qingge nodded, "I will naturally go to the Branch to take the out-tower assessment. However, I will first return to Qin Country after I finish my matters, and then head to Yu Country."

Zhao Nanxing frowned and said, "In that case, the timing could be uncertain." Then, his brows relaxed, and he smiled, "But don’t worry, we’ll wait for you at the Branch. Once you return, we’ll participate in the out-tower assessment together and then explore the world together!"

"You truly would rather not be a prince and instead become a ranger?" Mu Qingge teased.

Zhao Nanxing put his hands behind his back and laughed with a bit of carefree elegance, "What’s the point of being a prince? How can those golden, soft cushions compare to the joy of freedom?"

The two chatted and laughed as two people walked toward them and bowed to them.

"Little Lord."

"Fourth Prince."

Both glanced at their subordinates.

Mu Qingge looked at the man dressed in Qin Country’s military uniform; this was Qin Jinchen’s person, responsible for escorting the medicine ship this time, also considered a gesture from Qin Country to the Medicine Tower Headquarters.

"What is it?" Mu Qingge asked.

Gao Jin said, "We’re about to arrive at the Holy Yuan Empire, and according to regulations, we cannot enter the Medicine Tower Headquarters. I’ve come to seek instructions from the Little Lord on where we should garrison."

"Can’t enter the Medicine Tower Headquarters?" Mu Qingge frowned; she hadn’t heard of this before.

At this time, Zhao Nanxing, having finished his instructions, walked over and explained to Mu Qingge, "Those who are not from the Medicine Tower or disciples cannot enter the Medicine Tower. This is the rule of the Medicine Tower, and our Branch is the same way. At that time, Commander Gao will garrison with our country’s people, so it’s convenient to take care of each other."

Mu Qingge hadn’t nodded yet when another person approached.

The one who came was the captain responsible for protecting medicine from Li Country. They had met in Mu City, and he had introduced himself as Tian Heng.

Tian Heng walked up to Mu Qingge, clasped his hands, and saluted, "Tian Heng greets the Little Lord."

"Commander Tian, what can I do for you?" Mu Qingge acknowledged with a nod.

Tian Heng said to Mu Qingge, "Before setting out, the Crown Princess directed me that upon meeting the Little Lord in Mu City, all actions should follow the Little Lord’s commands. Fortunately, there was nothing much along the way, so I haven’t troubled the Little Lord. Now I’m here to discuss the garrison arrangements after arriving at the Holy Yuan Empire."

Mu Qingge’s mouth twitched; she hadn’t expected Feng Yufei to say it and actually make Li Country look to her for guidance.

Zhao Nanxing blinked and glanced at Tian Heng, then looked at Mu Qingge with a bit of curiosity in his eyes.

Mu Qingge thought for a moment and said, "Alright, our three countries’ people will gather together for mutual care."

After Tian Heng left, Mu Qingge called Gao Jin over and told him to find her alone later. Gao Jin then left with Zhao Nanxing’s people.

Mu Qingge and Zhao Nanxing saw the three gather together, apparently discussing the garrison issue.

Watching the three discuss, Mu Qingge asked, "It’s said that guests come from afar. Since we’re coming from afar, doesn’t the Medicine Tower arrange lodgings for us?"

Zhao Nanxing knew she was talking about the medicine protection teams sent by various countries, and helplessly explained, "What can we do when we are a third-class country? Alchemists are inherently proud, and coupled with us being a third-class country, although they are in the Holy Yuan Empire, they are independent of the empire. The gap is too big, how would they care about us? In previous years, the armies of various countries would stay in the towns near the Medicine Tower, waiting for the disciples to return, and then escort them back to their countries."

Mu Qingge sneered, "Such a thankless task, yet the countries still enjoy it."

"Who doesn’t have nationals studying in the Medicine Tower Branch? Besides, the elixirs of the Medicine Tower are also a factor that makes the countries have to show respect." Zhao Nanxing confided to Mu Qingge, "This is also the initial reason why I went to study at the Medicine Tower, just so that my Yu Country’s Imperial Family wouldn’t be too embarrassed in terms of elixirs."

Mu Qingge laughed, "It seems you’re not so unconcerned about state affairs, Prince."

Zhao Nanxing pursed his lips, smiling without speaking.

After Mu Qingge returned to the cabin, she called Mo Yang into the room and had him take out the map of Linchuan, spreading it out on the table.

Mu Qingge’s eyes followed the map down to Rong Country, reaching the Endless Swamp at the southern end of Rong Country. She placed her finger on the Endless Swamp, then slowly moved it to settle on the Ghost Sea to the west of Rong Country.

"Ghost Sea." Mu Qingge softly recited this name.

Mo Yang lowered his eyes, and upon hearing Mu Qingge’s words, looked up at her and said in a deep voice, "The Ghost Sea separates Rong Country and the Ancient Witch Country. Legend has it that ghosts haunt the Ghost Sea, making it impassable. Anyone who dares to pass through will be eroded by ghosts, fall into the Ghost Sea, and become a wandering soul."

’Master Yin, the stinky fox said that there is an illusion on the Ghost Sea, and it can break it.’ Suddenly, Mengmeng’s voice rang in Mu Qingge’s consciousness.

This remark made her eyes brighten, and she smiled faintly, "The Ghost Sea can be crossed."

Mo Yang, upon hearing this, looked at her in confusion but did not ask further questions.

Mu Qingge said to Mo Yang, "My aunt is currently traveling in the Ancient Witch Country. Enter the Ancient Witch Country from the Ghost Sea, then proceed to Li Country, and return to Qin Country—that’s the return route. Once you reach the Holy Yuan Empire, you don’t need to stay long there—head straight to the Ghost Sea. Once nearby, scout the situation, then build a ship and wait for me."

"Does Little Lord plan to act alone?" Mo Yang asked hastily, unable to hide his concern.

Mu Qingge nodded, "This matter shouldn’t cause too much commotion. It’s much easier if I go alone. You just need to wait for me by the Ghost Sea. Once I arrive, we’ll leave Rong Country immediately. However, regardless of whether this succeeds or not, it will take quite a while. Entering the territory of a second-class or first-class country is rare, so during this time, you should explore. Neither you nor the Thousand Fierce Army can stay in the third-class country territory indefinitely. This time, you need to draft a plan and find a reliable route for you and the Thousand Fierce Army to enter the second-class country territory for training at any time."

"Understood." Mo Yang nodded, accepting the order.

"In three months, or half a year, I will definitely meet you at the Ghost Sea. During this time, arrange your training freely." Mu Qingge added.

Three months, six months...

Mo Yang noted the agreed time in his mind, nodding heavily.

Knock, knock——

There was a knock on the door outside. Mu Qingge lightly brushed her sleeve, and Mo Yang stepped forward to put away the map.

"Enter." Mu Qingge said indifferently.

Gao Jin pushed the door open and entered, saluting Mu Qingge with a fist to his chest, "Little Lord."

Mu Qingge nodded at him and said, "I called you here to discuss something. After I reach the Holy Yuan Empire, I will be traveling there for a while and won’t be returning with you. You should follow the returning ship back to the country. If there’s any need for assistance on the way, you can find Yu Country’s Fourth Prince."

"Little Lord won’t be returning with us?" Gao Jin asked in surprise.

He hadn’t forgotten the other order from Your Majesty, which was to protect Little Lord Mu’s safety. Although he felt that with Little Lord’s skills, he hardly needed protection, it was still an imperial order that he could not disobey!

"That’s right. I won’t be returning. You don’t need to worry about reporting back, Qin Jinchen won’t blame you." Mu Qingge addressed his hesitation.

Gao Jin had no choice but to say, "Subordinate obeys."

After Gao Jin left, Mo Yang also exited Mu Qingge’s room.

"Master Yin, Master Yin, hurry in!" At this moment, Mengmeng’s voice sounded again.

Mu Qingge thought for a moment, closed her eyes, and let her spiritual sense enter the space.

"What’s the matter?" As soon as Mu Qingge appeared, she saw Mengmeng and Yin Chen.

Mengmeng pouted cutely, sulking, "Master Yin, you haven’t come to see us for a long time, and aren’t you curious about the changes in the space?"

Mu Qingge curiously scrutinized Mengmeng and suddenly said, "Mengmeng, I noticed you’ve grown!" Although the appearance hadn’t changed, the size had increased somewhat. Previously like a thumb-sized girl, now she was as long as a small infant’s arm.

"Master Yin, you’re so mean!" Mengmeng suddenly became bashful.

Mu Qingge looked towards Yin Chen.

Yin Chen said, "She turned like this after coming out of that eggshell."

Mu Qingge touched her chin, circling around Mengmeng, and asked, "When did she come out of the egg?"

"Just now." Yin Chen replied.

Mu Qingge narrowed her eyes, speculating, "Could it be because my advancement benefited you, causing you to grow as well?"

Mengmeng rushed to Mu Qingge’s side, hugged her arm, and rubbed her cheek vigorously against Mu Qingge’s arm, "Master Yin, I’ve missed you so much~!"

The soft voice hadn’t changed, lifting Mu Qingge’s spirits.

After cuddling for a while, Mengmeng finally told Mu Qingge that her guess was correct. Because of her advancement, part of the space’s seal was released, and since Mengmeng is the space’s Artifact Spirit, she also grew and underwent changes.

Mu Qingge observed her for a while and then said, "So, your size represents the size of the space? As the space continues to unseal, you’ll get bigger and bigger?"

"Uh-huh!" Mengmeng nodded emphatically.

Mu Qingge’s mind instantly conjured up the image of a giant baby, a muscular Barbie...

"Master Yin, you’re so mean, you forgot all about me." Mengmeng suddenly pouted playfully.

Mu Qingge blinked her eyes, shaking off the imagined image, and with a flip of her hand, three elixir bottles appeared in her palm. She tossed them to Mengmeng, instructing, "Use them sparingly."

Seeing Yin Chen smacking his lips, she tossed another three bottles to him with a smile, "I never play favorites; you’re all the same."

"Thank you, Master." Yin Chen stashed his elixirs and immediately ran to the side.

Unlike Mengmeng, who uses elixirs as snacks, Yin Chen uses them for cultivation.

"Master Yin, have you checked those unsealed palaces?" Mengmeng asked.

Mu Qingge nodded, "I had a quick look, but I didn’t examine them closely." Indeed, back when she suddenly advanced, she only took a quick tour before rushing to Luodu to save someone. After saving them, she immediately rushed to Li Country, then hurried back from Li Country. Without much rest, she set out for Mu City, and then boarded the ship to Holy Yuan Empire.

During this journey, she truly forgot about the changes in space. If Mengmeng hadn’t suddenly awakened today, she might not have entered for who knows how long.

"Too many things, and the curiosity has faded a lot." Mu Qingge shook her head with a bitter smile.

In the past, she was eager to discover how many treasures would be unsealed once she advanced.

Now, with the treasures in hand, she’s not as curious.

"Master Yin, why not take a look now?" Mengmeng urged.

Mu Qingge nodded, "Alright, let’s see what’s inside."

With that, both Mu Qingge and Mengmeng vanished from their positions. Instead of going to the Medicine Field, she headed directly to the Martial Arts Hall. She always believed in not overly relying on weapons; enhancing one’s own strength was most important.

Therefore, she aimed to find some martial arts for the Dragon Tooth Guards—and, naturally, some for herself as well.

As for those Spiritual Artifacts, Treasure Artifacts, and Divine Artifacts, there’s no rush. The newly crafted equipment for the Dragon Tooth Guards had already reached a high-level Spirit Artifact grade, which suffices for their use. After she finishes her current affairs, she plans to reforge and upgrade to Treasure Artifact level. By then, each of them will select a suitable Treasure Artifact from the treasures here, significantly boosting their martial prowess.

As for the Divine Artifact she promised her aunt, since Mengmeng took out the Linglong Spear for her, it indicates there’s more than one Divine Artifact here. Once her aunt breaks through to the Purple Realm, she’ll pick a Divine Artifact as a congratulatory gift.

Upon entering the Martial Arts Hall, Mu Qingge found that it was filled with floating light balls.

Mengmeng explained beside her, "These light balls contain Heaven Rank martial arts!"

"What! All Heaven Rank!" Mu Qingge was shocked!

When Si Mo gave her a Heaven Rank Thousand Thunder Technique, it delighted her immensely. Now, before her were all Heaven Rank martial arts!

Could it be any more shocking? It’s like happiness struck too suddenly!

Mu Qingge suddenly burst into loud laughter.

"It’s just Heaven Rank martial arts, the most mediocre of existences. What’s Master Yin so excited about?" Mengmeng retorted disdainfully.

Mu Qingge gasped, poking Mengmeng’s chubby cheeks forcefully: "What do you mean by the worst existence? Don’t you know that Heaven-ranked Martial Arts are so rare outside that they’re practically priceless?"

"Boo hoo hoo, master is bullying me!" Mengmeng covered her cheeks and ran away, protesting, "It’s true! Once you reach a higher realm, you’ll see even more powerful martial arts."

Mu Qingge paused her movements and asked, "What more powerful martial arts?"

"I’m not telling you!" Mengmeng stuck out her tongue at Mu Qingge, made a funny face, and slipped out.

Although Mengmeng slipped away, she left a significant question in Mu Qingge’s heart.

That is, are there martial arts even more powerful than Heaven-ranked Martial Arts?

Gazing at the clusters of light balls before her, Mu Qingge seemed to feel more composed.

Taking a deep breath, she wandered the hall, searching for suitable martial arts. Before long, her arms were filled with a dozen martial arts techniques. These techniques weren’t overly flashy but could unleash incredible power, making them very suitable for the Dragon Tooth Guards to train in.

As for herself, after learning the spear technique of the Linglong Spear, her pursuit of martial arts was no longer as intense unless she discovered a technique she deeply desired, which would then spur her to cultivate.

"Qiankun Secret Array?" Mu Qingge looked at the Heaven-ranked martial art in her hand with some curiosity.

After quickly reading the description of the technique, her eyes were full of delight, and she immediately put the Qiankun Secret Array into her collection.

Strictly speaking, the Qiankun Secret Array is not a martial art but a secret technique.

Once activated, this secret technique can instantly form an array, randomly teleporting someone hundreds of miles away. It’s practically a life-saving tool!

At a critical moment, it can not only save a life but also avoid exposing her spatial secrets, making it a truly valuable asset!

However, this secret technique is challenging to activate, requiring essence blood as a primer and spiritual power cultivation as an aid to transmit oneself away. Furthermore, the transmission destination is entirely random; no one knows what awaits after being teleported.

The most concerning issue is that each time this secret technique is activated, there’s a period when spiritual power cultivation is lost.

Therefore, it’s a secret technique with significant side effects and should not be used lightly.

But for Mu Qingge, having such a method in hand is a form of protection, a trump card. So she decided to keep the Qiankun Secret Array without hesitation.

Walking through the Martial Arts Hall, Mu Qingge indeed found a layer of hazy obstruction preventing her from going deeper. Maybe what’s hidden inside are those martial arts more powerful than Heaven-ranked ones that Mengmeng mentioned.

When can I enter?

Mu Qingge frowned, turned, and prepared to leave.

However, after only taking a few steps, she suddenly noticed some characters engraved on the walls of the Martial Arts Hall. Those characters seemed very familiar to her.

Mu Qingge walked up to the wall, observing the characters at a close distance.

The more she looked, the brighter her eyes became. She couldn’t wait to shout, "Mengmeng!"

Mengmeng instantly appeared in front of her, blinking big eyes and asking, "Master, what’s up?"

Mu Qingge pointed to the characters on the wall and asked, "What is this?"

"Oh, this is a type of writing from a very, very, very long time ago," Mengmeng said while shaking her head.

It is indeed writing!

Ecstatic in her heart, Mu Qingge hurriedly asked, "Do you recognize this writing?"

Mengmeng nodded, "Of course!"

Mu Qingge couldn’t help but lean closer to Mengmeng: "What does it say here?"

Mengmeng glanced at it, then recited a long string of gibberish syllables that made Mu Qingge frown.

When Mengmeng finished, Mu Qingge frowningly asked, "What does it mean?"

"It means..." Mengmeng repeated the same sounds.

Mu Qingge’s forehead twitched, grinding her teeth with a dark expression, "Are you messing with me?"

"No way!" Mengmeng looked innocent.

Mu Qingge sneered, emitting a dangerous aura as she approached Mengmeng: "I asked what this means, and you babble words I can’t understand; isn’t that messing with me?"

Mengmeng looked at her blankly.

"Translate! Do you understand what translation means?" Mu Qingge growled lowly.

Mengmeng, faced with the ferocious-looking Mu Qingge, suddenly burst into tears. Tears surged like a fountain from her eyes.

Mu Qingge’s mouth twitched, her expression softening as she said, "Stop it!"

But Mengmeng cried even louder.

Mu Qingge, helpless, could only threaten, "If you don’t want to eat elixirs anymore, keep crying."

Instantly, Mengmeng stopped.

The tears disappeared as quickly as they came.

Seeing she had stopped crying, Mu Qingge patiently said, "I want to know what this says, not how to pronounce it."

Mengmeng, feeling wronged, pointed her little chubby finger at the wall and said, "But I can only read it and know what it means, but I can’t express it in the current language."

How peculiar?

Mu Qingge frowned and curiously asked, "What kind of writing is this?"

Mengmeng pouted before saying, "Legend has it that in ancient times, gods and demons all lived on the same continent. This writing belongs to the Divine Clan."

"The writing of the Divine Clan?" Mu Qingge’s heart was filled with even deeper confusion.

How could the ancestors of the Mu Family possess scriptures written in the language of the Divine Clan? And are there really gods in this world?

What are gods?

In Mu Qingge’s understanding, ordinary humans would regard those with magical abilities, capable of resurrecting the dead, and with long lifespans, as immortals.

But that’s a description of immortals from her previous world.

Immortality is the most basic standard of being an immortal.

So what is the concept of gods in this world?

Here, people can cultivate spiritual energy, achieving extraordinarily long lifespans through cultivation. Then, what about gods?

"Are there still gods and demons now?" Mu Qingge asked Mengmeng.

"Of course! Just not here," Mengmeng replied affirmatively.

Mu Qingge’s eyes narrowed, "What is a god? What is a demon?"

"Well..." Mengmeng frowned, replying reluctantly, "Baby really doesn’t know how to explain. Once master becomes stronger, you’ll gradually understand."

Mu Qingge pursed her lips, leaving the space with questions in her mind.

Within space, the appearance of characters matching those in her scriptures made her think she could unravel the scripture’s secrets. Instead, it left her with greater mysteries.

"Did the scriptures really come from the Divine Clan? And what do they record?" Mu Qingge muttered to herself.

...

Two days later, the ship was already approaching the shore.

Everything on land was becoming increasingly clear.

However, there wasn’t the expected market or bustling town. What they saw, apart from a dock for mooring ships, was only mountains and trees.

"Thought we could see the cities of the Holy Yuan Empire, didn’t expect to see such desolate wilderness," said a disappointed disciple.

The five members of Mu Qingge stood together, looking toward the shore.

On the shore, some people were already standing.

Mu Qingge, who had sharp eyes, recognized one of them as the elder who had gone to the Medicine Tower Branch that day, seemingly named Xia Tianwu.

At that time, Elder Xia decided on her victory and even invited her to study at the Main Courtyard, but she vaguely brushed it aside. Unexpectedly, upon entering the Holy Yuan Empire, the first familiar person she met was him!

Beside him stood several proud-looking youths, who appeared to be disciples of the Main Courtyard.

The huge anchor slowly descended, sinking to the seabed.

After the plank was set up, Xia Tianwu led people aboard.

He paid no attention to others but directly found Mu Qingge among the crowd and approached her.

"You’re here!" Xia Tianwu said to Mu Qingge kindly.

Mu Qingge nodded slightly, "Hello, Elder Xia."

"Good that you’re here, please wait here for a moment," Xia Tianwu nodded with a smile.

Then, he went to speak with the Medicine Tower Elder escorting the medicines.

Zhao Nanxing said to Mu Qingge with a smile, "Look, the treatment is different, isn’t it?"

Mu Qingge raised an eyebrow at the tower, "If you like it, shall I give it to you?"

"No need," Zhao Nanxing quickly moved closer to Mei Zizhong, smiled, "Seeing Elder Xia’s attitude towards you, I’m afraid the news of you being a Spirit Level Alchemist has already spread in the Main Courtyard. Many gifted individuals are likely waiting to compete with you there."

Mei Zizhong was silent for a moment, then said to Mu Qingge worriedly, "What Brother Zhao said might indeed be possible, Qingge, you should be cautious."

Mu Qingge smiled casually, "Doesn’t matter." She didn’t plan to stay at the Main Courtyard for long, intending to find an opportunity to slip away. When the time comes, where would they go to find her for a contest?

After Xia Tianwu had arranged for people to start transporting the medicinal materials, Gao Jin and Tian Heng came over to bid farewell to Mu Qingge.

As Xia Tianwu had already informed them that they could leave.

And told them there was a small town not far from here where they could temporarily reside.

All guards from various countries departed, including Dragon Tooth Guards led by Mo Yang. However, their route differed; Mu Qingge’s order to him was not to linger in the Holy Yuan Empire but to head straight to Rong Country’s Ghost Sea.

Afterwards, those remaining were all Medicine Tower elders and disciples.

Once the medicinal materials were inventoried, Xia Tianwu summoned two gigantic flying beasts, one to transport the medicinal materials and the other to carry the elders and disciples.

Seeing the flying beasts, Mu Qingge found it strange, since the Main Courtyard had such formidable flying beasts, why not directly use air transport? Why bother with the troublesome sea transport?

She voiced this confusion, which immediately intrigued the others.

Finally, it was Mei Zizhong who calmly explained, "I once heard from my master that things from the Main Courtyard to the branches can be carried by flying beasts. However, things transported from the branch to the Main Courtyard can only rely on human power."

"Why is that?" Zhu Ling asked, puzzled.

Mei Zizhong’s long and elegant eyelashes trembled slightly as he shook his head, "I don’t know."

Zhao Nanxing sneered, "Perhaps just trying to emphasize the difference between the Main Courtyard and the branches, deliberately messing with us." Saying this, he sneered at those Main Courtyard disciples, "Look at them, they haven’t even spared us a glance."

Mu Qingge’s clear eyes lightly swept over the Main Courtyard disciples and reminded the others, "The Holy Yuan Empire truly is a First-class Empire, rich in material and abundant in spiritual energy. At such a young age, they’re already in the Middle Rank of Green Realm."

"What! They..." Zhao Nanxing’s eyes narrowed sharply, somewhat incredulous.

In a Third-class Country, like him at this age, achieving cultivation to Green Realm or even Yellow Realm already makes one a standout among peers. Of course, Mu Qingge’s level doesn’t count.

Unexpectedly, these few disciples from the Main Courtyard were all of Middle Rank Green Realm cultivation. Among the five of them, only Mu Qingge could suppress them.

Then surely, there were even more formidable individuals in the Main Courtyard.

Although the Medicine Tower focused on alchemy and didn’t ask much of personal spiritual power cultivation, it was still like this. What about those outside?

Mu Qingge’s words filled the eyes of the four with a somber look.

Especially Zhu Ling, whose spiritual power cultivation was only at the Yellow Realm. She still wished to stay at the Main Courtyard, but it seemed without improvement in alchemy skills, reaching her goal would be difficult.

Mu Qingge noticed her concern and comforted her, "The Elder Xia seems decent; you can express your desire to stay and ask for his assistance."

Zhu Ling nodded worriedly.

Once all was arranged, Xia Tianwu approached Mu Qingge and said, "Come with me."

Yet Mu Qingge did not move; instead, she looked at the four beside her.

Xia Tianwu understandingly smiled, "I remember you few, come along." Then he led the five to the position at the flying beast’s neck and called others aboard.

A few disciples from the Main Courtyard stood separately at the edges, seemingly to prevent any accidents of disciples falling from the air.

They maintained an aloof and proud demeanor, completely ignoring the branch disciples’ intentional talks, which made those from the branch even more cautious, not daring to be presumptuous.

Mu Qingge observed this silently and then asked Xia Tianwu beside her, "Elder Xia, I would like to ask, what conditions must branch disciples meet to stay at the Main Courtyard?"

Xia Tianwu, mistakenly thinking she meant herself, smiled, "With your status as a Spirit Level Alchemist, no conditions are needed; stay if you wish."

His voice wasn’t deliberately lowered, and the words ’Spirit Level Alchemist’ reached the ears of the Main Courtyard disciples, who almost unanimously cast scrutinizing looks her way.

Mu Qingge paid no attention to those gazes and merely said to Xia Tianwu with a smile, "It’s not about me." Then she pointed to Zhu Ling, "It’s about my senior sister here."

Xia Tianwu followed her gesture and saw Zhu Ling. He was a bit disappointed it wasn’t Mu Qingge, but he amiably said, "I remember you are an Advanced Alchemist, right?"

Zhu Ling quickly nodded, "Yes, Elder."

Xia Tianwu nodded thoughtfully, "An Advanced Alchemist staying isn’t difficult, but it requires going through some assessments. Such as refining an advanced elixir to prove your identity as an Advanced Alchemist. Also, testing your aptitude."

"Thank you, Elder Xia," Zhu Ling smiled and bowed to Xia Tianwu.

His words eased some of her anxiety. If it was just refining advanced elixirs and testing aptitude, she had some confidence.

Xia Tianwu smiled and nodded without saying more.

Zhu Ling wasn’t angry; instead, she gratefully looked at Mu Qingge.

If it weren’t for Mu Qingge personally asking, perhaps this Elder Xia wouldn’t have patiently clarified.

"With such exceptional talent, why not stay at the Main Courtyard?" Xia Tianwu tried to persuade, unwilling to give up.

Mu Qingge said, "Alchemy is not my main purpose, so I don’t plan to enter the Main Courtyard for now." Visiting the Main Courtyard to roughly understand the situation was enough. There’s no need to waste time further at the Medicine Tower.

Having the inheritance of the Dan God, she needed no guidance from any Pill Master.

"Since it’s like this... alright, whenever you want to come, feel free to find me." Although disappointed by Mu Qingge’s answer, Xia Tianwu didn’t change his attitude.

This aspect added to Mu Qingge’s favorable impression of him.

The flying beast traveled for a while, crossing the towering mountains below, finally landing slowly outside what looked like a valley.

After descending from the flying beast, Mu Qingge saw a group of people wearing the standard attire of Medicine Tower disciples coming out of the valley. Among this group, one person was faintly leading, surrounded like a central star.

Seeing this person, Xia Tianwu couldn’t help but frown, "Jing Tian? Why are you here?"

The person called Jing Tian was the one surrounded by others. He was slender with fairly handsome features, and his fine willow eyebrows held a touch of gentleness and scholarly aura.

His presence gave a sense of elegance and purity.

However, the expression between his brows was so arrogant, as if he considered himself supreme above all in heaven and earth, ruining his charm.

Facing Xia Tianwu’s questioning, he showed no concern and merely smiled lightly, his gaze condescending, "I heard the branch’s Spirit Level Alchemist has arrived, so I naturally came to visit."