Legend has it that the Heaven-Burning Furnace is the treasured possession of the Medicine Tower Headquarters.

It seems to come from Outer Heaven and does not belong to Linchuan. It’s said that an unknown Medicine Tower headmaster once observed the starry sky when he suddenly saw a fireball fly in from beyond the heavens and fall to earth.

At that time, everything within a hundred miles of the crash site was burned to ashes.

The headmaster hurried to the scene and retrieved a blood-red pill furnace from the sea of flames. The words [Heaven-Burning] were engraved on the furnace, and from that day on, this heavenly furnace came to be known as the Heaven-Burning Furnace.

It’s said that using the Heaven-Burning Furnace for alchemy can not only retain the spiritual power within the medicinal materials but can also refine elixirs to an almost pure state.

Moreover, the Heaven-Burning Furnace has a strong spiritual nature, not only disguising its weaknesses but also selecting its own master.

If someone other than its rightful master tries to use it for alchemy, they will find it impossible even to open the furnace.

However, aside from the headmaster who discovered it, it seems none of the subsequent Medicine Tower disciples or elders have been able to gain its favor or become its new master.

Gradually, the Heaven-Burning Furnace became a symbol of the Medicine Tower, carefully preserved in the Hidden Pill Tower of the Medicine Tower Headquarters.

Unexpectedly, one day an elder cleaning the Hidden Pill Tower discovered that the Heaven-Burning Furnace was missing, causing a stir among the higher-ups of the Medicine Tower, although the news didn’t spread to the disciples.

Now, when Mu Qingge ignited the black, unassuming furnace in her hand, its transformation immediately shocked all the elders of the Main Courtyard.

"The Heaven-Burning Furnace! It’s actually the Heaven-Burning Furnace!" A flash of jealousy crossed Li Ren’s eyes as he stared fixedly at the continuously rotating ’Little Black’ in the air, peeling off its black exterior.

"It really is the Heaven-Burning Furnace," Xia Tianwu exclaimed in shock.

Yuan Hu frowned, "How did the Heaven-Burning Furnace end up in his hands?"

Cang Erzi snapped out of his shock, "This matter needs to be reported to the headmaster immediately."

For a moment, each elder expressed their opinions, and the chaos spread to the surrounding areas, quickly alerting all the disciples in the stands.

"What’s happening with the elders?" some disciples curiously asked.

"The Heaven-Burning Furnace... how do you have the Heaven-Burning Furnace?" Jing Tian’s eyes were filled with jealousy and greed as he spat at Mu Qingge through gritted teeth.

Other disciples might have only heard of the Heaven-Burning Furnace, but as the top disciple of the Main Courtyard, he had once held great expectations. When he advanced to an Advanced Alchemist, he had visited the Hidden Pill Tower and seen the Heaven-Burning Furnace.

The Main Courtyard’s intention was simple; they hoped that with his talent, he would earn the furnace’s favor.

Unfortunately, the Heaven-Burning Furnace did not respond at all, and he left disappointed.

The Heaven-Burning Furnace he had seen was entirely fiery red, exuding a searing aura that could make one’s mouth dry just by being near it. How could it compare to the black, unattractive appearance when Mu Qingge took it out?

He couldn’t obtain the Heaven-Burning Furnace, but Mu Qingge did. What does this signify?!

"The Heaven-Burning Furnace?" Mu Qingge quietly repeated Jing Tian’s words, her eyes filled with surprise as she looked at ’Little Black’.

The reaction of the elders from the Main Courtyard didn’t escape her notice, and the distorted expression on Jing Tian’s face was crystal clear to her. It seemed her ’Little Black’ wasn’t just an ordinary pill furnace.

’I knew it! How could a talent like mine end up with such an ugly furnace?’ someone thought gleefully to themselves.

She felt no obligation or interest in enlightening Jing Tian. She focused on the Heaven-Burning Furnace, which was gradually revealing its true form, her clear eyes filled with awe.

The Heaven-Burning Furnace was a rectangular furnace, blood-red all over, as if forged from the earth’s molten core. The beast fire used to ignite it had long been extinguished under its imposing aura. Yet, the Heaven-Burning Furnace remained enveloped in flames, their power immense and resembling heavenly fire.

It seemed as if the sky above was already beginning to burn.

The white clouds were also tinged with a fiery glow from the flames, magnificent and splendid.

When the last piece of black lacquer fell off ’Little Black’, the words ’Heaven-Burning’ appeared in full. Instantly, the furnace’s momentum soared, sending out ripples of an invisible force centered on the furnace and spreading outward.

The momentum made Jing Tian’s pill furnace whimper.

His pill furnace was already considered top-grade within the Medicine Tower. Before the Heaven-Burning Furnace revealed its true form, it was like a noble among furnaces, standing proudly and alone, looking down on all others.

Yet now, in front of the Heaven-Burning Furnace, it trembled uncontrollably, like a child who had made a mistake and was being reprimanded by an elder.

This result directly caused the beast fire in Jing Tian’s furnace to extinguish, and the medicinal powder previously tossed inside instantly turned to ash.

Jing Tian’s first opportunity was lost under the intimidation of the Heaven-Burning Furnace!

The failure made Jing Tian’s expression extremely unpleasant.

But what infuriated him most was that Mu Qingge actually possessed the Heaven-Burning Furnace!

"Is this the real appearance of Little Black?" Zhao Nanxing muttered. His eyes, filled with shock, had long been dyed red by the firelight of the Heaven-Burning Furnace.

Not just him, but the disciples on the Branch’s seats, including the usually indifferent and cold Mei Zizhong and Shang Zisu, were also in shock.

Zhu Ling was so surprised that he covered his mouth with his hand.

They didn’t know what the Heaven-Burning Furnace was, but they could tell that Mu Qingge’s ’Little Black’ was no ordinary item; they even sensed their own pill furnaces stored in their Qiankun Bags tremble because of ’Little Black’, emitting a metallic ’buzzing’ sound.

Of course, they weren’t the only ones.

At this moment, among the thousands of disciples in the stands, anyone with a pill furnace felt their furnace’s unrest.

They were shocked and tried to suppress the agitation, but it was futile.

The Heaven-Burning Furnace, like an emperor, stood high and mighty, and all pill furnaces before it had no choice but to submit entirely.

In an instant, all the pill furnaces in the Medicine Tower, whether disciple’s, elder’s, or unowned ones stored in the Hidden Pill Tower, began to tremble, their ’buzzing’ sounds intertwining as if forming a chorus to welcome a king.

"What... what’s happening? Why is my pill furnace acting up?"

"Mine too!"

"Mine too!"

"Look, even the elders are desperately trying to suppress their pill furnaces!"

"My god! What kind of pill furnace is that?"

"We were just mocking it!"

Every corner of the stands was in an uproar, people flailing to control their pill furnaces. When they looked at ’Little Black’ again, their eyes were filled with reverence, and when they looked at Mu Qingge, there was a sense of apprehension!

Jing Tian clutched his pill furnace tightly, his features twisted as he yelled at Mu Qingge, "Mu Qingge, what are you trying to do!"

He feared that if things continued like this, his pill furnace would shatter into pieces.

Without a furnace, how could he perform alchemy? How could he advance in the competition?

Mu Qingge was utterly innocent; she had no idea what was happening at all! Just like everyone else, she was startled by ’Little Black’.

Mu Qingge looked up at the constantly emanating presence of ’Little Black’ in the sky, resembling a proud child, now harshly disciplining those who dared to mock or ridicule it previously.

Even, from the emotions conveyed by it, Mu Qingge felt a tinge of ’pride’.

This feeling puzzled her.

Because she hadn’t performed any ritual to recognize ’Little Black’ as her own, all she had done was bring it out from the Hidden Pill Tower of the Branch.

But why could she feel the emotions of Little Black?

The subtle connection defied explanation.

Suddenly, a person appeared in the sky, floating above, looking at Mu Qingge with kindly eyes.

Mu Qingge’s eyes sharpened, wariness flickering within them. ’Forbidden City Peak!’

The presence of the newcomer, unabated, made it easy for her to judge their strength.

"Headmaster!"

"It’s the headmaster!"

"The headmaster is here!"

In an instant, the exclamations around Mu Qingge informed her of the identity of the suddenly appearing old man.

"So he’s the headmaster of the Medicine Tower Headquarters? He doesn’t seem any different from typical old men!" Mu Qingge mused internally.

At that moment, the thousands of people in the Main Courtyard, along with the elders, all stood up, saluting the person in the sky: "Greetings, Headmaster!"

"Greetings, Headmaster——!"

The sound rose and fell, like ocean waves.

Mei Zizhong led the Branch’s disciples in standing up and also respectfully saluted the person in the air.

Even someone as arrogant as Jing Tian, upon seeing the headmaster arrive, had no choice but to bow his proud head.

Just from this point alone, Mu Qingge could judge that the status of the dean of the Main Courtyard in the Medicine Tower was far beyond what Linchuan’s Hua Cangzhu could compare!

Among thousands, she was the only one who did not lower her head but instead kept it high, staring directly at the old man in the sky.

The latter smiled slightly, pointing at the Heaven-Burning Furnace and said, "Young one, if you continue letting the Heaven-Burning Furnace go on like this, you won’t be able to afford to pay for the damaged Pill Furnaces of all the teachers and students here."

Mu Qingge’s eyes focused, and she reacted instantly, shouting toward the Heaven-Burning Furnace, "Little Black, come back!"

Such ordinary words, without any Spiritual Power mixed in, and no spell enhancement. As plain as calling one’s child home for dinner.

Baili Teng furrowed his brows slightly, seemingly pondering whether Mu Qingge’s approach was effective.

However, just as he was hesitating, the Heaven-Burning Furnace, which stood arrogantly above in the hearts of everyone at the Medicine Tower, obediently descended slowly from the sky, flying toward Mu Qingge.

Moreover, it restrained its aura, and even the flames around it diminished significantly.

Without the deterrence of the Heaven-Burning Furnace, everyone’s Pill Furnace gradually calmed down, allowing the thousands to secretly breathe a sigh of relief.

This scene greatly astonished Baili Teng. Such an obedient and compliant Heaven-Burning Furnace was something he had never seen before!

His eyes were full of surprise as he looked at Mu Qingge, secretly thinking: ’It seems the Heaven-Burning Furnace is very satisfied with its chosen master!’

The person, radiant as the sun, stunningly beautiful.

The furnace, blood-red and enchanting, like fire, like clouds.

One person and one furnace, indeed a perfect match.

After Mu Qingge resolved the crisis with the Pill Furnace, Baili Teng also slowly descended, standing on the center stage.

As he landed, the elders respectfully retreated.

"Dean, how should the duel proceed with Mu Qingge holding the Heaven-Burning Furnace?" Jing Tian said directly to Baili Teng, full of resentment.

As soon as he finished speaking, before Baili Teng could respond, a flame flew out from the Heaven-Burning Furnace in front of Mu Qingge, heading toward Jing Tian’s Pill Furnace.

Jing Tian’s expression changed, protecting his Pill Furnace with one hand while a blue light from his other hand collided with the flame in mid-air, resulting in an explosion.

This unexpected event made Mu Qingge’s mouth twitch a bit.

She really didn’t know ’Little Black’ had such a quick-to-act temperament.

However... she liked it!

Raising her hand to gently pat the Heaven-Burning Furnace, Mu Qingge clearly felt the sense of triumph emanating from the Pill Furnace.

"Mu Qingge, don’t go too far!" Jing Tian protected his Pill Furnace firmly, glaring at Mu Qingge with gritted teeth.

"Ahem." Baili Teng coughed twice, addressing Mu Qingge, "During the competition, you must not use the Heaven-Burning Furnace to bully others."

"Yes, Dean." Mu Qingge replied respectfully.

However, Baili Teng’s words, in Jing Tian’s ears, were irritating no matter how he heard them.

Subsequently, Baili Teng said to Jing Tian, "The Pill Furnace is like an Alchemist’s weapon, and also a form of strength. I have asked Mu Qingge to restrain the Heaven-Burning Furnace’s presence, so it won’t affect your Alchemy. Besides, the Pill Furnace in your hand is not of a low grade. If you’re still worried, you can choose to swap your Pill Furnace and restart."

With these words, he gave Jing Tian two options.

Jing Tian hesitated for a long time before he firmly decided, gritting his teeth and saying, "Thank you, Dean, I’ll use my own Pill Furnace."

He was still worried that with the assistance of the Heaven-Burning Furnace, Mu Qingge would have a better chance of winning. However, he had no choice but to make this decision. If he changed to another Pill Furnace, he would feel even less confident in succeeding in Alchemy.

Rather than that, it was better to fight hard.

Even if Mu Qingge managed to win by luck, he could claim it was due to the Heaven-Burning Furnace.

Of course, this possibility was something he hoped would not happen!

With his mind made up, Jing Tian glared fiercely at Mu Qingge, beginning the second attempt.

Mu Qingge glanced at him, then lowered her eyes to the Heaven-Burning Furnace, contemplated for a moment, and put away the Heaven-Burning Furnace. She wanted to win against Jing Tian in a way that left him with nothing to say.

Her actions made Baili Teng nod slightly, a glint of appreciation in his eyes.

Without needing to say much, the stage elder instructed that a Pill Furnace capable of making Spirit Level elixirs be sent over.

This Pill Furnace’s quality was not only inferior to the Heaven-Burning Furnace but also to Jing Tian’s Pill Furnace.

Yet, Mu Qingge did not care one bit, nor did she feel it was unfair.

Her attitude immediately formed a sharp contrast with Jing Tian earlier.

"Why wouldn’t Mu Junior Brother use the Heaven-Burning Furnace? Now is not the time for stubbornness. The Taiwei Life Span Pill is so challenging to make, using the Heaven-Burning Furnace could increase the success rate a bit, right?" Zhao Nanxing frowned, utterly baffled by Mu Qingge’s ’generosity.’

"He’s not afraid." Shang Zisu said these three words blandly.

This left Zhao Nanxing stunned, pondering the meaning of those words.

Mei Zizhong also nodded imperceptibly, "Mu Junior Brother didn’t use the Heaven-Burning Furnace because he is confident enough to defeat Jing Tian. So why leave the other side with any excuse?"

Zhao Nanxing nodded, sighed, "Such an act, perhaps only someone like Mu Junior Brother would have the courage to do."

"Because Mu Junior Brother has no demands." Zhu Ling said.

The three looked at her.

She continued, "Jing Tian wants too much, he wants to defeat Mu Junior Brother in public, he wants to be promoted to an Elder, wanting too much naturally makes him cautious and calculating. But Mu Junior Brother doesn’t care about Jing Tian, nor does he care about becoming an Elder. Since he wants nothing, he can let go and freely complete this duel without any distractions."

Her analysis won quite the agreement from the three.

However, deep down, they all knew that the reason Mu Qingge could do this was that he had more than enough confidence. In fact, Jing Tian probably wasn’t even considered a real opponent in her eyes!

The competition continued, and the interlude with the Heaven-Burning Furnace ended unexpectedly.

No one expected that after just a brief show, the Heaven-Burning Furnace would be so nonchalantly put away by Mu Qingge.

Many Medicine Tower disciples asked themselves if, in such a scenario, faced with the allure of the Heaven-Burning Furnace, they would make the same choice as Mu Qingge. They probably wouldn’t abandon their advantage to compete.

Mu Qingge had put away the Heaven-Burning Furnace, and Jing Tian’s eyes darkened. He fiercely stared at Mu Qingge once again and began his second attempt.

Mu Qingge glanced at him, then looked down at the Heaven-Burning Furnace, pondering, before putting the Pill Furnace away. She wanted to defeat Jing Tian without leaving him anything to say.

Bai Li Teng’s slight nod acknowledged her action, his eyes full of approval.

Without further ado, the Elder at the arena instructed someone to bring in another Pill Furnace that could refine Spirit Level elixirs.

The quality of this Pill Furnace not only didn’t match the Heaven-Burning Furnace, but it also paled compared to Jing Tian’s Pill Furnace.

However, Mu Qingge was completely unfazed and did not feel it was unfair.

This attitude of hers immediately drew a stark contrast with Jing Tian just a moment ago.

"Why doesn’t Mu Junior Brother use the Heaven-Burning Furnace? This is not the time for stubbornness. That Taiwei Life Span Pill is so hard to refine, even with the Heaven-Burning Furnace, the chance of success could be improved by a few points," Zhao Nanxing frowned, completely not understanding Mu Qingge’s ’concession.’

"He’s not afraid," stated Shang Zisu flatly.

This stunned Zhao Nanxing, making him ponder the meaning of those three words.

Mei Zizhong also nodded imperceptibly, "Indeed, it appears only someone like Mu Shidi could take an action like that with such magnanimity."

Nobody could have predicted that the legendary Heaven-Burning Furnace would submit so readily and quietly, exhibiting such obedience for the first time.

The eyes of everyone at the Medicine Tower were wide with surprise as they observed how the presence of the Heaven-Burning Furnace, which they held in such high regard, had suddenly decreased significantly.

Suddenly, a flame flew out from the Pill Furnace in front of Mu Qingge and headed towards Jing Tian’s Pill Furnace.

Jing Tian’s face changed, and he immediately protected his Pill Furnace with one hand while his other hand shot out a blue light that collided with the flame mid-air, resulting in a loud explosion.

This unexpected incident caused the corner of Mu Qingge’s mouth to twitch.

She really didn’t know that ’Little Black’ had such a quick-tempered nature.

Still... she liked it!

Gently patting the Heaven-Burning Furnace, Mu Qingge clearly felt an air of accomplishment emanating from the Pill Furnace.

"Mu Qingge, don’t be too excessive!" Jing Tian protected his Pill Furnace tightly, glaring at Mu Qingge fiercely through gritted teeth.

"Ahem, ahem," Baili Teng coughed twice, addressing Mu Qingge, "During the competition, you must not use the Heaven-Burning Furnace to bully others."

"Yes, Dean," Mu Qingge replied respectfully.

Yet, to Jing Tian, even Baili Teng’s words sounded disagreeable.

Subsequently, Baili Teng also said to Jing Tian, "A Pill Furnace is just like an Alchemist’s weapon; it’s also a type of strength. I’ve already asked Mu Qingge to restrain the Heaven-Burning Furnace’s aura, so it won’t affect your Alchemy. Besides, the grade of your Pill Furnace is not low either. If you still have concerns, you may switch to another Pill Furnace and continue brewing."

With that, he gave Jing Tian two choices.

Struggling with his thoughts for a long while, Jing Tian finally made up his mind and gritted his teeth, saying, "Thank you, Dean, I’ll just use my own Pill Furnace."

He was still worried that with the assistance of the Heaven-Burning Furnace, Mu Qingge would have an increased chance of victory. However, he had no choice but to make this decision. Because if he were to switch to another Pill Furnace, his chances of successfully performing Alchemy would diminish further.

Rather than that, he might as well give it his best shot.

Even if Mu Qingge ended up winning by sheer luck, he could always claim it was thanks to the Heaven-Burning Furnace.

Of course, he preferred that such a possibility never occurred!

After collecting herself, Mu Qingge glanced at him once more, then looked down at the Heaven-Burning Furnace. After some thought, she put away the Heaven-Burning Furnace. She wanted to beat Jing Tian in a manner so convincing he would have nothing to say.

Her action made Baili Teng nod slightly, his eyes showing a hint of approval.

Without further ado, the elder on the judging stage instructed someone to bring another Pill Furnace capable of refining Spirit Level Elixirs.

The quality of this Pill Furnace was not only inferior to the Heaven-Burning Furnace, but it wasn’t even as good as Jing Tian’s Pill Furnace.

However, Mu Qingge didn’t care in the slightest, nor did she feel it was unfair.

Her attitude immediately formed a sharp contrast with Jing Tian just moments before.

"Mu Junior Brother, why not use the Heaven-Burning Furnace? This is not the time for petty stubbornness. The Taiwei Life Span Pill is so hard to refine that using the Heaven-Burning Furnace could increase its success rate a bit," Zhao Nanxing frowned, utterly puzzled by Mu Qingge’s ’self-sacrifice.’

"He’s not afraid," stated Shang Zisu coldly and succinctly.

This left Zhao Nanxing stunned, pondering the meaning of those three words.

Even Mei Zizhong gave a barely noticeable nod.

As the competition reset, the elder at the platform instructed someone to bring over another Pill Furnace capable of refining a Spirit Level elixir.

This Pill Furnace’s quality was not only inferior to the Heaven-Burning Furnace, but even to Jing Tian’s as well.

But Mu Qingge was unfazed, nor did she think it was unfair.

Her demeanor starkly contrasted the earlier demeanor of Jing Tian.

"Why doesn’t Junior Brother Mu use the Heaven-Burning Furnace? This isn’t the time to let your emotions get the best of you. That Taiwei Life Span Pill is so hard to craft, using the Heaven-Burning Furnace, it could increase the success rate a bit." Zhao Nanxing frowned, very much not understanding Mu Qingge’s ’modesty.’

"He is not afraid." Shang Zisu uttered those three words blandly.

This left Zhao Nanxing taken aback, pondering the meaning of those words.

Mei Zizhong nodded almost imperceptibly, "Such actions, perhaps only someone of Mu Junior Brother’s caliber could choose them."

The competition continued, and waiting out the middle of the process was dull.

However, because the center stage had been occupied by Baili Teng, the elders respectfully moved aside.

A series of exclamations arose from the stands.

Even Jing Tian’s eyes narrowed suddenly, staring at her in shock.

Mu Qingge said flatly, "Now both of us only have one last chance left."

With that, she no longer paid attention to Jing Tian and began her final attempt at alchemy.

Jing Tian’s chest heaved a few times, then with a cold snort, he also began his last refinement.

On the middle stand, Xia Tianwu looked at Mu Qingge with a complex expression, "This young one..." Such determination, truly humbling. He only uttered two words, then could only smile bitterly and shake his head.

He asked himself, if he were in Mu Qingge’s position, he might not have such resolve.

Mu Qingge’s actions shocked both the disciples of the Medicine Tower and the elders on the stands.

Baili Teng, however, looked at Mu Qingge with a hint of a smile, admiration in his eyes growing stronger.

For his last chance, Jing Tian was more cautious and careful than ever before.

As for Mu Qingge?

There was still not a trace of nervousness on her face. She calmly controlled the fusion of the medicinal powders with her spiritual sense, methodically tossing the powders into the pill furnace.

Her demeanor was as if she were performing a routine alchemy practice, refining the most ordinary of elixirs.

After waiting once more for a long time...

"I seem to smell the fragrance of an elixir!" Someone sniffed forcefully and said.

As soon as the words fell, someone immediately echoed: "Me too, me too."

Gradually, more and more people began to smell the elixir’s fragrance. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

Meanwhile, both Mu Qingge and Jing Tian were still in their final fusion.

Mu Qingge remained unhurried, while Jing Tian seemed a bit agitated. Especially when he saw Mu Qingge’s calmness and smelled the same elixir fragrance wafting from her pill furnace, his mood began to turn frantic.

The final fusion is the most difficult part of the alchemy process; any slight carelessness could lead to an explosion of the furnace.

Moreover, the repulsion between various medicinal materials also became very active.

If this repulsion could not be suppressed and the materials failed to meld, it would result in failure!

Jing Tian fiercely frowned, pouring his spiritual sense back into the pill furnace. He wanted to turn up the heat, but as soon as his spiritual sense entered the furnace, all he heard was a ’puff’ sound.

Immediately after, a muffled sound came from the pill furnace, and black smoke rose.

"Ah! Failed!"

Many disciples voiced with extreme regret.

’Failed! Actually failed!’ Jing Tian’s eyes widened, staring fixedly at his pill furnace, seemingly unable to comprehend why he had failed or unable to accept this fact.

’No! How could I fail!’ Jing Tian’s eyes were already bloodshot, with profound gloom between his eyebrows.

Baili Teng glanced at him, slowly shook his head, and said with some disappointment: "Jing Tian is still too impatient." If he could have stabilized his mindset and endured to the end without an impatient desire to succeed, maybe he could have truly gone till the end.

Regrettably, he panicked and became flustered.

It can be said that Jing Tian lost due to his mentality, not his alchemy talent.

Looking at Mu Qingge in contrast, after Jing Tian’s failure, she remained calm, blending the medicinal powders steadily. The fragrance emanating from her pill furnace grew stronger and stronger, even to the point of forming Dan Clouds.

Dan Clouds are a sign of successful pill formation but can also mean utter failure.

Jing Tian looked toward Mu Qingge unwillingly, repeatedly telling himself: ’She will fail too, she must. If both lose, there will be no winner!’

He hoped for Mu Qingge’s failure.

However, as if the heavens were opposing him, more Dan Clouds gathered above Mu Qingge’s pill furnace, even starting to rain elixirs.

"It’s happening!"

"It’s a success! It’s raining elixirs, how could it not be a success?"

Countless elixirs fell like rain, the pure fragrance making everyone who inhaled it feel refreshed and uplifted.

Baili Teng caught a falling elixir and sighed, "No wonder, someone who possesses the Perfect Realm."

"No—! No—! I have failed! How can you succeed!" Elixirs kept hitting Jing Tian, making him agitated. The way he looked at Mu Qingge was fierce, as if ready at any moment to pounce and tear at her neck.

The elder on the stage was in shock, suddenly hearing Jing Tian’s words, he flicked a rope from his sleeve, tying up Jing Tian and restraining his actions.

This rope was called Spirit Binding Rope; it also binds the spiritual power of the person it ties, making it impossible to break free.

Jing Tian, being tied, shouted frantically: "Let me go!"

The elder on the stage sternly said: "The competition is not over yet; any disruption will be severely punished!"

The elder’s words made Jing Tian calm down a bit, but he still glared at Mu Qingge with a resentful gaze.

"Look quickly! Seven-colored clouds!"

Exclamations rang out from the stands.

On Mu Qingge’s pill furnace, those seven-colored clouds continued to descend, transforming into colorful breezes brushing over the stands. Everyone touched by these winds felt a warm current flowing through them, seeming to cleanse away internal ailments, making their body stronger.

Boom—!

The elixir, wrapped in seven-colored clouds, burst out from the pill furnace.

At this moment, there was no doubt.

Mu Qingge had refined the Taiwei Life Span Pill!

Moreover, she had refined it twice!

The elixir gently landed, and Mu Qingge reached out to grasp it.

As soon as the elixir was caught by Mu Qingge, those seven-colored clouds instantly converged into it, disappearing without a trace.

The unusual phenomena accompanying the birth of Spirit Level elixirs also completely vanished.

Only some ’Dan Rain’ scattered on the ground remained quietly, proving that what just happened was no illusion.

Mu Qingge did not look at the bound Jing Tian, rather she handed the elixir to the elder presiding over the competition. The elder took it, examined it carefully, and his eyes suddenly narrowed.

He asked gravely, "Have you ever refined the Taiwei Life Span Pill before?"

Mu Qingge shook her head: "No."

This answer seemed more shocking than her concocting the elixir itself. The elder pressed down his astonishment, quickly descending the stage, heading towards the center stand, and solemnly presented the Taiwei Life Span Pill to Baili Teng.

Baili Teng took the elixir in his hand, glanced at it, and said blandly: "Spirit Level elixir, Taiwei Life Span Pill, perfect quality."

Hiss—!

This sentence echoed in the stands, causing a tremendous uproar.

The disciples of the Main Courtyard were not as inexperienced as those from the branches. They understood what the Dean’s mention of perfect quality meant!

And to be able to refine such perfect quality, there was only one possibility, which is that the alchemist had already achieved the Perfect Realm!

"You’ve reached the Perfect Realm!?" Jing Tian looked at Mu Qingge in disbelief, unable to wrap his mind around it. But behind the shock, there lay deep-seated jealousy.

"Younger than Senior Brother Jing Tian, yet already at Spirit Level, broke the record at the Spiritual Consciousness Tower, and possess the legendary Perfect Realm! Oh my, what a prodigy is this?"

"A prodigy! Such an unfathomable genius!"

"Such a prodigy, it’s forcing us to the death!"

"The branch actually gave birth to such a prodigy, is this its rise?"

"With someone so prodigious, if Senior Brother Jing Tian still wants to challenge him, isn’t that courting disaster?"

"Shh, keep it down. I guess Senior Brother Jing Tian didn’t know he had the Perfect Realm, or else he’d have to be out of his mind to challenge him."

Mu Qingge shook the headquarters of the Medicine Tower and also made the disciples of the branch feel utterly proud.

Those female disciples practically revered her as a male god!

The Dean’s words had already explained who won and lost in this duel.

After the competition ended, Mu Qingge was directly taken away by Baili Teng, sparking another round of discussion among the yet-to-subside audience, all speculating on what the Dean would discuss with Mu Qingge.

However, Jing Tian stood on the stage, as if forgotten by everyone, all alone.

The praises for Mu Qingge felt like insults and mockery towards him.

"Ah ah ah—! I made a comeback this time!" In the distance came the excited shout of Zhe Xiu.

This woke up countless people, reminding them of the previous bet.

Immediately, waves of wailing erupted from the crowd.

Those who bet on Jing Tian to win once again felt the pain in their wallets.

"Hahaha, thanks to Junior Brother Mu! We’re having a feast tonight!" Zhao Nanxing waved his hand, instantly winning the enthusiastic cheers from the branch disciples.

...

Somewhere in the unknown white clouds, a secluded courtyard lay hidden.

This was the residence of Baili Teng.

He brought Mu Qingge here and then casually tossed her a token.

Mu Qingge picked it up, glanced down at it, and said in surprise, "An Elder Token?"

Baili Teng’s eyebrows twitched as he said, "Little one, you won. As per our agreement, you’re now an Elder of the Medicine Tower. You’re the youngest Elder in history. Many people will surely have their eyes on you, so make sure to do us proud!"

Mu Qingge’s mouth twitched as she tossed the token back, "No, thank you."

Baili Teng hurriedly caught the token, wide-eyed, and asked, "What did you say?"

"I said no." Mu Qingge repeated her answer once more.

Baili Teng confirmed he hadn’t misheard, paced back and forth in anger, and pointed at Mu Qingge to scold: "Do you know how many people want this token? Do you know what it represents? And yet you tell me you don’t want it!"

Mu Qingge replied calmly, "My time is limited, and I’m very busy. I’m not interested in being an Elder of the Medicine Tower."

She was being truthful, but to Baili Teng, it sounded like an excuse.

Suppressing his anger, he tried to entice her: "Once you become an Elder of the Medicine Tower, you can receive medicinal materials annually from the headquarters and branches, along with other resources. As an Elder of the Medicine Tower, you’re revered whether in the Holy Yuan Empire or other countries. Even monarchs must show respect to you, as the entire Medicine Tower stands behind you. You can browse through rare collections and unique texts at will. Are you still refusing?"

Mu Qingge’s eyes flickered, but she remained calm: "With power comes responsibility."

Baili Teng finally understood.

This little girl was clearly afraid of taking on responsibilities and being bound to the Medicine Tower.

Realizing the true reason for Mu Qingge’s refusal, Baili Teng relaxed immediately. He brushed his robe and said to Mu Qingge: "What if I told you, you don’t have to do anything? You don’t need to stay at the Medicine Tower, nor do anything for it. You can continue with your plans, free and unfettered. Would you still refuse?"

Mu Qingge raised an eyebrow, squinting at him: "Is there really such a deal in this world?"

Baili Teng chuckled, "There are plenty of such deals; you just haven’t come across one before."

Mu Qingge shook her head, her eyes clear, "I don’t believe you."

Though simple, those few words made Baili Teng secretly gnash his teeth. He thought to himself: This little girl is really hard to fool.

After sighing, Baili Teng spoke earnestly: "Alright. Indeed, there is no such easy deal. But I’m telling the truth. By becoming an Elder of the Medicine Tower, you can enjoy all the benefits without doing much. You just need to focus on advancing your alchemy skills and raising your own realm."

"Why?" Mu Qingge asked with a frown.

Baili Teng looked at her and slowly shook his head, "There are some things I can’t tell you unless you agree to take this token. You only need to trust that I mean no harm, and accepting it will only bring you benefits."

Mu Qingge pondered for a moment, her tone showing slight hesitation: "The Dean’s words are so vague that it makes me think there’s a huge hidden agenda."

Baili Teng waved his hand, saying, "There’s no hidden agenda. Let me put it this way, the only thing you need to do as an Elder is to participate in an alchemy competition."

"Alchemy competition?" Mu Qingge furrowed her brows.

As she understood, the proper authority on alchemy in Linchuan was the Medicine Tower. What kind of alchemy competition was so important that it warranted trading an Elder’s position with her?

"That’s all I can say. You just need to decide whether you agree or not." Baili Teng looked at Mu Qingge, waiting for her choice.

Mu Qingge pondered.

An alchemy competition so valued by the Medicine Tower was something she would likely want to see once she learned about it. It seemed that whether she agreed with Baili Teng or not would not greatly affect her future path.

"Fine, I agree." Mu Qingge quickly gave her answer.

This answer brought a beaming smile to Baili Teng’s face. He handed the Elder Token back to Mu Qingge and said, "You now only need to strive to become a Treasure Level Alchemist within three years. By then, I will explain everything."

"Three years? Treasure Level Alchemist?" Mu Qingge’s eyes slightly narrowed.

Baili Teng smiled like a fox, "What’s the matter, little one? Don’t have confidence in yourself?"

Three years to progress from a Spirit Level Alchemist to a Treasure Level Alchemist.

For others, this would be an impossible task. But for Mu Qingge, it wasn’t impossible.

What she didn’t know was that Baili Teng initially intended to choose Jing Tian for this task. Even though his disposition wasn’t great, his talent was unrivaled.

However, Xia Tianwu had brought back news of Mu Qingge.

From that moment, Jing Tian was no longer the only choice, and Mu Qingge became Baili Teng’s new option.

Jing Tian’s challenge this time gave Baili Teng the chance to make a decision.

And Mu Qingge won as expected!

Mu Qingge didn’t respond verbally about her confidence. She carefully put away the token and asked Baili Teng, "What kind of alchemy competition is it?"

Baili Teng only said, "The competition isn’t in Linchuan."

Those few words revealed a lot.

This made Mu Qingge’s eyes light up, igniting her fighting spirit.

Even if she indeed fell into Baili Teng’s trap, she accepted it!

"Oh, the Heaven-Burning Furnace..." Baili Teng suddenly changed the topic, causing Mu Qingge’s eyes to become wary.

Noticing the wariness in her eyes, Baili Teng teased, "Do I seem like such a petty person? Since the Heaven-Burning Furnace chose you on its own, I naturally won’t take it back. Besides, having the Heaven-Burning Furnace to assist you will enhance your strength faster. I mention the Heaven-Burning Furnace just to let you know it’s not merely for alchemy. As for its other abilities, you’ll have to discover them on your own; I don’t know either."

After speaking, he spread his hands, looking rather shameless.

"Other abilities?" Mu Qingge squinted her eyes, savoring Baili Teng’s words.

"Alright, everything that needs to be said has been said; you can go now." Baili Teng waved his hand, signaling Mu Qingge to leave.

Mu Qingge glanced at him and coolly remarked, "I’m leaving by tomorrow."

"Suit yourself." Baili Teng responded carelessly, "Just remember to come back when you become a Treasure Level Alchemist."

"I also need a flying beast." Mu Qingge contemplated and requested.

Wasn’t she an Elder of the Medicine Tower? So she should be entitled to enjoy the resources of the Medicine Tower!

Baili Teng was momentarily taken aback and turned his eyes towards her, his expression unreadable, and finally said impatiently: "Take it, take it, but I remind you, the flying beast can go anywhere but Rong Country."

"Why not?" Mu Qingge’s eyes flickered as she asked.

Baili Teng irritably replied, "The Myriad Beasts Sect of Rong Country is full of lunatics. They are a bunch of bandits!"

With that, he retreated into the room of the small courtyard, showing Mu Qingge his indifferent back.

Myriad Beasts Sect?

Mu Qingge frowned and left Baili Teng’s residence.

After returning to the side hall, she briefly explained a few things before departing with Shang Zisu. They headed straight to where the flying beasts of the Medicine Tower were kept, used the Elder Token to acquire a small flying beast, and flew off towards Ancient Creek City in the southeastern part of the Holy Yuan Empire.

After five days and nights of flying, Mu Qingge and Shang Zisu finally arrived in Ancient Creek City.

This was the Holy Yuan Empire’s last border city, and passing through a barrier would lead them into Rong Country.

After releasing the flying beast, Mu Qingge took Shang Zisu through the barrier and arrived at Yue City of Rong Country.

It was only then that Shang Zisu realized Mu Qingge’s destination was Rong Country.

"Senior Sister, with all this traveling, you must be tired. Let’s rest here for two days before continuing." Noticing the fatigue on Shang Zisu’s fair face, Mu Qingge said with a bit of guilt.

Shang Zisu shook her head slowly, indicating she was fine.

Suddenly, a frivolous voice interjected: "Whose little lady is this, so beautiful?"