In each small bottle, there were as many as five top grade Qi Linking Pills. In other words, Gongyi Tianheng had taken out twenty to thirty top grade medicinal pills this time around. Top grade medicinal pills had a price, but no market. So this was truly considered big spending.

Fu Manduo and the others saw this, and had even more speculations on the current Tianheng’s foundations. Naturally, their favorability towards him also increased — If it was said before that they befriended Tianheng while standing upon a higher position as the active party, then now they held a gentler and more intimate bearing.

Tianheng invited them over, and also hoped to reach this goal.

His position in the Inner Sect had gradually exceeded that of their own. Of course, these people still had many places where they could be of use, but in the future, he would have the greater say.

Tianheng took a glance at these people who hesitated to speak, and knew what information they wanted to obtain. He didn’t conceal anything, and directly called out: “Ah Zuo, come here.”

Gu Zuo no longer spoke with Xu Lingxiu. After hinting to him, Gu Zuo promptly arrived next to Tianheng.

Tianheng pulled Gu Zuo to his side to sit down. He smiled and said: “The top grade medicinal pills were made with a refining method that my adoptive brother once obtained. Merely, if one wants to create top grade pills, they must waste many other auxiliary medicinal pills. Usually, one will need the cooperation of several pharmacists working together to make it. With that method, refining top grade pills really will be easier than before, but much is wasted, and the manufacturing costs are even more frightful. With this bit of my household properties, there’s no way to refine them in bulk.”

Speaking up to here, Fu Manduo and the others more or less understood. This was Tianheng wanting to show them some information.

Sure enough, Tianheng continued to speak: “However, if such a method was grasped in the hands of an individual, it would inevitably be excessively wasteful. A few days ago, Ah Zuo had already handed it over to the Sect. Thus, the Sect conferred me many conveniences. This is also considered as allowing me to bask in Ah Zuo’s light.”

That was to say, an individual workshop had no way of mass producing top grade medicinal pills, but with regards to the financially robust Qingyun Sect, that bit of wastage wasn’t a problem.

So long as the pharmacists put in extra effort, top grade pills would no longer be things that were hard to obtain. But similarly, the Spirit Devouring Pill Refining Method wasn’t all-purpose. Many medicinal pills couldn’t utilize this kind of method to be refined. As a result, top grade medicinal pills would still be goods in high demand. It was just that, regarding the disciples with relatively high positions, the probability of obtaining the pills was far greater than before.

Fu Manduo and the others were incomparably astonished: “So there’s actually this kind of method?”

Xu Lingxiu coldly harrumphed: “At the start, when Junior Sect Brother Gu and I went together to Danyun City for the pill battles, he used this method to seize first place. I witnessed all this with my own eyes, so naturally it isn’t fake.”

Fu Manduo and the others looked at each other in dismay.

What kind of a person was Xu Lingxiu? How could any deceptive words come out of his mouth? If he said he saw it with his own eyes, then it was naturally the truth.

Xi Yangyun had recently been busy with the matter of treating his younger sister. Xu Lingxiu had also been very busy, but Xi Yangyun actually hadn’t heard about this. At this time, he drew blood at the first prick, and raised a crucial question: “Lingxiu, can this method refine medicinal pills of any realm?”

Xu Lingxiu sneered: “How can there be such a convenient thing?! It can only refine pills suitable for Xiantian martial artists.”

All of a sudden, when these words were spoken, it seemed like the worth of that Spirit Devouring Pill Refining Method had been reduced by a lot. However, among the present disciples, which ones didn’t have their own teams? Which ones weren’t leaders who needed Xiantian ranked medicinal pills? Hearing that this method had its flaws, it was instead even more convincing. Otherwise, if it was really said that medicinal pills of any rank could be refined, they would’ve been skeptical of any internal exaggerations.

Immediately following this, Fu Manduo and the others carefully scrutinized Gu Zuo once more.

If this Junior Sect Brother Gu was only valued by Tianheng, there might’ve been a trace of previous friendship herein, which would make them have second thoughts. But now, it was clear that he was also valued by Xu Lingxiu. This showed that his medicine refining level had passed this highly insightful person’s appraisal, and perhaps it wasn’t any lower than that of Xu Lingxiu himself! Although seizing first place during the Pill Battling Assembly might’ve had a bit of an advantage with the Spirit Devouring Pill, that level absolutely wasn’t that simple.

Zhao Yuheng gave Gu Zuo several looks, and his heart was a little regretful. Then, he shot another glance at Tianheng and felt a bit envious.

When he thought about it, if someone like Xu Lingxiu could follow him… How delightful would that have been? It was a pity that Xu Lingxiu was someone who would never follow anyone. Even if he wanted to drop by and follow the other, that little ancestor would still be dissatisfied. As for Gongyi Tianheng, such a pharmacist had been picked up for free in that pellet of a small country.

If it wasn’t for everyone having good relationships, he really would’ve felt like giving Tianheng a stumbling block.

No one got tangled up in this matter, and only made plans in their hearts. Someday in the future, perhaps they could go over to request medicine and what not… Wouldn’t seeking Gu Zuo to refine medicinal pills be easier than seeking Xu Lingxiu or some big shot from the Pharmacist Hall?

Subconsciously, their bearings changed repeatedly. The degree of importance they had towards Gu Zuo rose again and again from the bottom of their hearts.

Tianheng watched on from the side, and faintly carried a smile.

Xu Lingxiu saw all this and was satisfied, too.

— This was the appearance of a pharmacist with sufficient weight.

After having eaten and drunk to their hearts’ content, everyone continued to deepen their feelings here and didn’t immediately leave.

During their casual conversations, they spoke about some recent stirring undercurrents in the Inner Sect.

Gu Zuo listened, and stared blankly.

What? Who challenged who to a duel?

Here, the ones with the most extensive information were Fu Manduo, who was the “minister of goods” in the Inner Sect, and Zhao Yuheng, who was in charge of a small squad of enforcement disciples. At this moment, it was still Fu Manduo who happened to blurt it out.

“He Chenghong, who ranks third on the Sky Leaderboard, has initiated a challenge against Xiao Tianqi, who ranks second on the Sky Leaderboard. It’s already been about seven or eight days since the writ of challenge was made. Originally, Xiao Tianqi’s injury hadn’t healed yet, but he has no choice but to accept the writ of challenge when it comes. As a result, the time of the official battle that the two decided upon is a couple of days from now, in the early morning. At that time, there’ll certainly be many Inner Sect disciples who’ll go to watch the fight.”

Gu Zuo remembered.

He’d heard about this matter before. When they previously cooperated with the Hundred Rivers League, he listened to them talk about this speculation. Moreover, Xiao Tianqi was mostly likely going to lose this challenge. The Hundred Rivers League had already made sufficient preparations on how they should respond to the multiple difficulties that would follow.

Unexpectedly, this challenge didn’t begin until now.

The conversations continued. Xun Suying, this woman, also couldn’t help smiling, and said: “Junior Sect Brother Gongyi, ever since you’ve entered the Sect, your strength has been advancing through the realms extremely quickly. There’s no question that you could have an acknowledged place on the Earth Leaderboard. If another period of time passes, who knows if you’ll be dashing through the Sky Leaderboard. This time is a rare opportunity. Would Junior Sect Brother Gongyi be interested in going to watch?”

Tianheng wore a smiling expression: “Naturally, I’m very interested. Senior Sect Brothers and Sisters, where would that challenge be located?”

Zhao Yuheng replied: “It’s at the base of the Sky Summit.”

Gu Zuo didn’t know where this Sky Summit was, and his heart was curious.

Tianheng seemed to know about his puzzlement. At this moment, Tianheng took the initiative to explain to him: “Sky Summit is the name of the location of the Sky Leaderboard. Each of the Immortal Realm martial artists who’re capable of ascending the Sky Leaderboard all have an acknowledged place over there.”

Gu Zuo still had a hard time imagining what it was, but Tianheng didn’t explain much else.

It was for the best that some scenes were witnessed with one’s own eyes.

Afterwards, the numerous disciples chatted for a while longer. When the sky gradually darkened, they all departed with smiles on their faces. They also all agreed to meet up at the base of the Sky Summit three days later to watch that competition together.

Gu Zuo’s impression of Hai Tian was still alright, but the other side’s position was only that of a big customer. Friendship was out of the question. But in the end, the He Clan’s He Chenghong was an enemy of him and Tianheng. Generally speaking, he hoped that the Hundred Rivers League could win — It would be great if they could put He Chenghong in his own place.

As a result, the current Gu Zuo hoped to see that Xiao Tianqi in person.

If he could find out why Xiao Tianqi’s injury couldn’t heal after so long, then that would be even better…

At night.

Gongyi Tianheng stood quietly beneath the night sky.

Far away, a streak of shadow flew over at great speeds. In only the blink of an eye, it had already arrived close by.

After that shadow’s figure became clear, Gu Zuo, who came out of the medicine refining palace hall, recognized him. This person was a chess piece that his big brother had arranged long ago. This was Bai Qingyi, who had already become a trusted aide of the He Clan Brothers.

Naturally, with his present strength at the Xiantian Realm, there was no way for him to become He Chenghong’s trusted aide. However, because he offered a Life Extension Pill, this also showed his loyalty and devotion. That small inner circle had gradually begun to accept him.

Although Bai Qingyi was enthusiastic about being a spy, after staying there for a long time, his heartstrings were stretched taut at all times and didn’t dare to loosen for a moment.

Indeed. Gu Zuo hadn’t given any orders for so long. He only needed to sort out some information on the affairs within the He Clan Brothers’ social circle. However, now that he had been called over, his mind was apprehensive — Gu Zuo could control his life or death with a thought. Even though he didn’t have any intentions of betrayal, he couldn’t help being nervous.

After coming over, Bai Qingyi swiftly saluted the two people: “Master Gu, Young Master Gongyi.”

Gu Zuo nodded his head: “Big brother has something to ask you.”

Bai Qingyi hurriedly turned to face Tianheng: “Young master, please ask.”

In fact, he knew it very well. While he was in Gu Zuo’s grasp, the person who would be issuing him orders for a long time to come was this Gongyi Tianheng.

Tianheng first praised him: “You have been cautious and conscientious the entire time. At this moment, you’ve also come extremely quickly. This is very good.” After Tianheng said this, he flicked a finger and gave him a small bottle, “Take a look at this first.”

Bai Qingyi hastily caught it, and opened it as instructed.

The medicinal pills inside were sparkling, translucent, and pure. They were as large as dragon eye fruits, and were perfectly round. Their luster and product grades were far better than the high grade pills that he had formerly seen.

At this moment, he couldn’t help being stupefied: “This, this is…”

Gu Zuo curled his lips: “What big brother has rewarded you with are three top grade Qi Linking Pills. After you go back, take them without delay and cultivate. Don’t let other people discover them. If you work properly in the future, big brother will reward you again.”

Bai Qingyi was ecstatic. After getting this advantage, his strength would surely improve even faster!

At once, he accepted it willingly and delightfully expressed his thanks again: “This subordinate’s life is in your service!”

Tianheng waved his hand: “Stop. We called you over this time for two reasons. The first is to reward you for working sincerely. The second is to ask you about the recent matters related to He Chenghong challenging Xiao Tianqi.”

When Bai Qingyi heard this, he promptly spoke about the things he knew about: “Reporting to the young master. The He Clan’s ambitions are enormous. They want treat Xiao Tianqi as a stepping stone. First, they’ll dispose of him, and then they’ll annex his forces. At that time, they’ll go head to head against the Sky Leaderboard’s number one. Originally, this challenge was going to be conducted as early as a month ago, but in order to guarantee that this challenge was won, He Chenghong fully concentrated on practicing a Profound-Level martial skill. It wasn’t until after he spent this time getting a rudimentary understanding did he come out of seclusion to make the challenge.”

Tianheng muttered: “In other words, Xiao Tianqi doesn’t have any chance of victory this time?”

Bai Qingyi was also very good at collecting information. At this moment, he spoke resolutely and decisively: “Only if Xiao Tianqi has already recovered his strength within this month. If not, then he certainly won’t be He Chenghong’s match.”

Tianheng nodded his head. Soon after, he asked almost casually: “In that case, why hasn’t Xiao Tianqi’s injury healed yet? Do you know?”

Bai Qingyi paused.

Gu Zuo’s heart stirred.

This reaction… Could it be that he really did know the cause?

Tianheng also discovered this point. He stared at Bai Qingyi, and smiled: “Senior Sect Brother Bai, is it possible that you have something too embarrassing to mention here?”

Bai Qingyi quivered.

He naturally recalled his shock and the threats he received when he learned of this matter. Merely, those shocks and threats weren’t comparable to these two people who were in complete control of his life.

After that, Bai Qingyi diligently talked about the matter he knew of in its entirety.

What he learned about this time around wasn’t really something that he had deliberately scouted out. Rather, it was during the process of taking an indirect approach to understand that organization. When he was increasing his favorability with others, the other side had a slip of the tongue after getting drunk.

It all began during the first two weeks when Bai Qingyi discovered that there was something fishy about the He Clan organization — Of course, he only realized this now. At that time, it was only because He Chenghong was on the verge of coming out of seclusion to challenge Xiao Tianqi that everyone was excitedly making early-stage preparations.

That day, Bai Qingyi was keeping an eye on a trusted aide of the He Clan, and invited the guy to a drink to befriend him. During the conversation, the other side promptly mentioned the matter of the challenge. After a few more words, there was a moment of indiscretion, and he blurted out that Xiao Tianqi’s serious injury wasn’t so simple as an “accidental injury acquired while out adventuring”.

At that time, that trusted aide was drunk. Bai Qingyi was apprehensive, and pretended to drunkenly talk with him. During the two’s intoxicated dialogue, Bai Qingyi learned about the true situation.

Xiao Tianqi had been plotted against by the He Clan.

In Qingyun Sect, the He Clan’s forces weren’t small. Moreover, each successive generation was stronger than the last. Their ambitions were very great, too. After the accumulation of many generations, they either wanted to replace one of the bloodlines of the Sect’s ten bloodlines, or to simply add another bloodline to the Sect themselves. Their top priority was for the He Clan to have sufficient forces and reputation. In addition, it was to ensure that each generation had enough preeminent geniuses!

The Sky Leaderboard weighed the official standards of a young generation’s strength. This generation of the He Clan also happened to be He Chenghong, a peerless genius who could absolutely suppress many of the geniuses of previous generations. He was an exceptional talent located at the top of the list. Unfortunately, above He Chenghong was still two personages who were younger than him, but were even more talented!

The one who often pushed down on He Chenghong’s head was Xiao Tianqi.

One wouldn’t go so far as to say that Xiao Tianqi was much stronger than He Chenghong. As a result, He Chenghong wholeheartedly wanted to drag him down — After all, wasn’t second place better than third place?

Most of all, the Hundred Rivers League that Xiao Tianqi had made was able to gather so many people who admired him. In the hearts of He Chenghong and everyone in the He Clan, that was even more upsetting.

It wouldn’t be too easy for He Chenghong to justly and honorably defeat Xiao Tianqi. The guy’s original realm was somewhat higher than his own. While He Chenghong chased after him, Xiao Tianqi was also incessantly improving. In the long run, it was impossible to bring about a turnaround because He Chenghong basically didn’t have any advantage at all!

If he kept enduring this, then the opportunity to shine in this generation would pass. He would only be able to contribute to the children of the He Clan’s next generation. How could he willing to do that?

Afterwards, the He Clan made a collective decision.

They wouldn’t do anything publicly, but would act secretly. If they couldn’t catch up and meet head-on, they would pull down their opponent’s level!

As a result, even though the present Hundred Rivers League was developing even better and its cohesion was even stronger, it wasn’t able to resist the He Clan, which was like a sturdy tree with deep roots. When the entire power of the He Clan started to scheme against Xiao Tianqi while out adventuring, Xiao Tianqi somehow stepped into a trap, and his strength dropped greatly. Moreover, because of that stubborn injury, he couldn’t improve.

Because Xiao Tianqi didn’t perish, the entire course of events seemed like an accident. The Sect also couldn’t find any evidence, and it was even more impossible to wantonly grab the He Clan’s pigtail. But since Xiao Tianqi couldn’t recover completely, by only falling behind, it showed that he couldn’t make progress. In the short term, perhaps this wasn’t important. But in the long term, it would be easy to be overtaken by someone else.

As such, it wouldn’t be the least bit strange for He Chenghong to seize this opportunity to pull Xiao Tianqi down from his horse.

Even Xiao Tianqi couldn’t randomly suspect anyone. Besides, he also knew that he was probably going to be forced into it. The most lamentable thing was that he basically had no way of refusing his opponent’s challenge. If not, then not only would he be losing face as an individual, but this would also be shaming the entire Hundred Rivers League — His sect brothers and sisters wouldn’t be able to conduct themselves with integrity in the future!

Hence, Xiao Tianqi could only make sure that he didn’t lose too badly.

As for his ranking… He would think of a way to recapture it later on.

Getting back to the main point — After Bai Qingyi learned about what the He Clan did, his heart was both tense and anxious. But he was a spy, so he couldn’t run away. Ultimately, he could only act stupid.

Fortunately, Bai Qingyi’s performance was normally very good. Once that trusted aide sobered up, he discovered that Bai Qingyi repeatedly denied knowing anything about the drunken revelry the day before. The trusted aide left behind these words: “Junior Sect Brother Bai is a smart guy. You’ll need to be this smart in the future.” After making this threat, he departed nimbly.

As expected, Bai Qingyi did well and didn’t tell anyone. However, Tianheng and Gu Zuo obviously weren’t among that “anyone”.

After he finished listening, Gu Zuo shook his head: “That He Clan is really substandard.”

He Chenghong didn’t completely lack a reputation. It went without saying that he was a powerful talent, so in the end, he didn’t hide his ambitions at all. The whole He Clan still came to meddle and deal with Xiao Tianqi’s entire younger generation. It simply left one speechless.

Bai Qingyi quietly stood on the side, and didn’t interrupt.

However, in his heart, he felt that this was the case. Most of all, after he contrasted that He Chenghong and the Gongyi Tianheng in front of him… He always felt that the Immortal Realm He Chenghong had an inferior bearing compared to the Xiantian Realm Tianheng.

He Chenghong’s way of doing things wasn’t wrong, per se. Bai Qingyi himself would’ve resorted to fair or foul means for the sake of some goals. Yet, there was no luck involved in the matter of practicing martial arts. He didn’t know how to say it, but he understood that the likes of He Chenghong weren’t worth mentioning compared to Tianheng. Even if it was Xiao Tianqi, so long as he could get past this critical juncture, He Chenghong would be suppressed by Xiao Tianqi sooner or later.

Once Tianheng learned of these things, he let Bai Qingyi leave.

After all, the other was a spy. Even if he went out while it was very late at night, he couldn’t be away for too long to avoid attracting attention.

Bai Qingyi moved away, and Gu Zuo followed Tianheng back to their rooms.

The two each sat down in contemplation. To the coming battle, they were brimming with interest from the bottom of their hearts.

In the blink of an eye, three days passed.

Early in the morning, Gu Zuo breathed in a mouthful of fresh air on the hilltop, and walked out of his room.

Gongyi Tianheng always got up early. At this time, he had already practiced some of the martial skills that he’d mastered in an open space. He had also combed through the things that he already knew of.

He was wholeheartedly making preparations so that, when they went to watch the fight later, he could straighten out the flaws of his own martial skills.

Gu Zuo smiled as he called out: “Morning, big brother.”

Tianheng turned his head, and his countenance held a smiling expression: “Morning, Ah Zuo.”

The two quickly had their meals.

After that, Tianheng summoned a wild bird, which carried the two and swiftly flew towards the core region of the Sect.

Along the journey, many wild birds were flying on both sides. According to their pathing, it seemed that their destinations were all the same location?

Gu Zuo was looking forward to it even more.

It appeared that the people who were going to watch the fight were also particularly significant!

It took but a few minutes to reach their destination.

Tianheng embraced Gu Zuo, jumped down, and landed among the crowds of people.

The wild bird turned around and flew away. It didn’t land because there really were lots of people coming and going around here. If a wild bird with that enormous build was to land, it would cause some trouble.

The arrival of the two didn’t draw the attention of too many people. In particular, after some people discovered that Tianheng wasn’t at the Immortal Realm, they cared even less. They only regarded Tianheng as an ordinary martial artist who learned of the news and came to join in on the fun. As for this kind of martial artist, there truly were too many of them to count.

Nevertheless, Tianheng pulled Gu Zuo along, and searched for their seats.

That’s right. Each Immortal Realm martial artist who had a small hill residence would have their own seats in this place.

It was just that…

Gu Zuo pursed his lips as he looked at the hundred seats that were held up by stone pillars, which rose to extremely high altitudes.

It was just that they didn’t have these lofty and remote seats…

T

/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

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