Chapter 146: Afraid Xiao Yan Might Misunderstand
For Gu He, tonight was destined to be a sorrowful night.
On the peak of the Medicinal Mountain, a lone winter plum blossom stood defiantly, but it could not dispel the sadness in a certain alchemist's heart.
"Teacher, what's wrong?" Liu Ling asked with concern as he observed his mentor. He didn't need to think hard to guess that Gu He must have faced another rejection from the sect master.
In the past, though Gu He would sometimes return unsuccessful, he never displayed such a dejected and heartbroken expression. This time, however, Gu He appeared utterly disheartened, as if he had lost all hope.
"It's nothing," Gu He replied lifelessly, waving his hand dismissively. His dull eyes fell on his disciple as he asked flatly, "Have you advanced to the fourth rank?"
"Yes, Teacher," Liu Ling responded, a proud smile forming on his face.
Being a fourth tier alchemist at his age once made him the most promising young talent in the Jia Ma Empire. However, ever since Xiao Yan appeared, Liu Ling had been reduced to a forgettable figure in the eyes of many powerful factions.
"Not bad. You may leave now," Gu He said, clearly uninterested in continuing the conversation.
"Has Teacher become so fragile ever since Xiao Yan defeated him?" Liu Ling wondered as he left the room, shaking his head slightly.
"Poor Teacher played with and discarded by Xiao Yan. But that won't happen to me."
With that thought, Liu Ling made his way down the Medicinal Mountain, heading toward another peak where Nalan Yanran resided.
At Nalan Yanran's side hall, Liu Ling approached and knocked gently on the door.
"Yanran Junior Sister!"
"Who is it?" Nalan Yanran's cold voice came from inside.
"It's me, Liu Ling. I just advanced to the fourth rank, so I wanted to " Before he could finish, Nalan Yanran's icy voice interrupted.
"Senior Brother Liu, please don't come looking for me anymore."
"Yanran Junior Sister, I " Liu Ling started, only to be cut off again.
"I'm afraid Xiao Yan might misunderstand!"
"Afraid… Xiao Yan might misunderstand?"
Liu Ling stood frozen in place, as if struck by lightning. Her cold words were like a sharp blade that plunged straight into his heart.
At that moment, it was as though he could hear the sound of his heart shattering.
Staggering back to the Medicinal Mountain, Liu Ling felt as if the summer warmth had vanished, leaving him in the chill of winter.
"Why are you back so soon?"
Sitting on the grand hall's steps, Gu He rested his face on his hand, his bloodshot eyes watching his disciple approach.
"Teacher, save me a seat."
Without further explanation, Liu Ling plopped down next to Gu He.
"You…"
The teacher and student exchanged a glance, then both turned their heads away.
"Sigh…"
"Sigh…"
Though it was the peak of summer on Medicinal Mountain, it felt as cold as midwinter. A solitary winter plum quietly bloomed beside the alchemy hall, its chill mirroring the melancholy in their hearts.
Meanwhile, Xiao Yan was flying toward the heart of the Magical Beast Mountain Range.
As he ventured deeper, high tier magical beasts began appearing with greater frequency. However, the release of aura from Wen Lao and Wu Lao kept these beasts in check, forcing them into submission.
Soon, a towering mountain, tens of thousands of meters high, came into view.
This solitary peak was steep and sheer, its cliffs nearly perpendicular to the ground. A single glance was enough to instill fear, especially in those with acrophobia.
Massive eagles, their wingspans stretching dozens of meters, circled the peak. Their presence exuded an aura even more powerful than that of the Purple Crystal Winged Lion King.
This was the Ten Thousand Fathoms Peak, the most treacherous mountain in the Magical Beast Mountain Range and the residence of the Beast Sovereign.
The Beast Sovereign, a Radiant Light Purple Lightning Eagle, was among the most powerful flying magical beasts, a rare sight even on the Dou Qi Continent.
At the top of the peak, in a nest like grand hall, a hook nosed, bald elder sat on the central throne. Around him, over a dozen figures gathered. Though they appeared human, their bodies bore distinct beastly traits.
"Congratulations to the Old Ancestor for advancing to the fifth star of Dou Zun. With such an achievement, ascending to sainthood is just around the corner!"
A middle aged man raised his cup in a toast, prompting the others to rise and offer their congratulations.
"Congratulations to the Beast Sovereign! With your strength, you are now undoubtedly the ruler of all magical beasts in the Northwest Continent!"
A few seventh tier magical beasts enthusiastically echoed the sentiment, their flattery flowing freely.
"Haha," the hook nosed elder chuckled, a pleased smile spreading across his face. "However, fifth star Dou Zun is still far from remarkable. On the Dou Qi Continent, experts are as numerous as clouds. This level of strength is only impressive here in the Northwest."
His expression turned serious as he continued, "I hope all of you will prioritize locating the Seven Colored Demon Saint's Reverse Scales. Once we unlock the Demon Saint's legacy, I may have a chance to ascend to sainthood. And when that happens, I will ensure you all rise to the eighth tier!"
The magical beasts' eyes lit up with longing at his promise, though the challenge of finding the reverse scales weighed heavily on them.
At that moment, a burly lion headed man stood up.
"Beast Sovereign, I have brought a gift for you today," he announced, pulling out a shimmering seven colored scale from his robe.
The lively hall fell silent.
"The third reverse scale!"
The Beast Sovereign shot to his feet, his gaze fixated on the scale in fiery anticipation.
"Excellent! Golden Lion, you've done a great service. When I ascend to sainthood, you'll be the first I elevate to the eighth tier!"
Golden Lion humbly handed over the scale, basking in the envious stares of the others.
As the Beast Sovereign held the scale, it merged with the two already in his possession, spinning rapidly.
"Buzz!" A wave of energy radiated from the scales, carrying a pressure that made the magical beasts present visibly tense.
The Beast Sovereign's expression shifted from shock to elation.
"The fourth reverse scale is nearby! No there are even more scales appearing!"
The scales suddenly flew out of his hand, heading toward the outside world.
"It's true! These scales can locate others!"
Without hesitation, the Beast Sovereign followed the flying scales, ignoring the astonished gazes of the other magical beasts.
"Hey, old eagle! Get your butt out here!"
A sharp mental wave echoed through the grand hall, leaving the magical beasts bewildered.
Who dared to insult the Beast Sovereign?
The elder's eyes narrowed.
"So, it's you. Hmph! You must have a death wish!"
(End of Chapter)
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