The Last Debate
Chen Huaian’s first instinct was to reject outright.
After all, Hunyuan Bu Tian Dan cost 100,000 yuan, and he didn’t even have one in stock.
But more importantly—
If he outright refused, what if Qingyun Sect turned hostile?
The Great Perfection of Spiritualization could crush their strongest elders one-on-one, but he couldn’t protect Li Qingran if they all attacked at once!
And what if the sect had hidden immortal-level experts?
If they called for backup, he was finished.
“Damn it…” Chen Huaian rubbed his cat’s head anxiously.
This game was too realistic.
One wrong move, and he might trigger a Bad Ending.
“I don’t want a new ‘electronic girlfriend’ if the game restarts!”
That wasn’t his Li Qingran.
After a brief hesitation, he made his choice.
A Strategic Delay
[Let’s not talk about this for now. After Qingran’s matters are settled, we’ll discuss it properly.]
The voice was steady, authoritative, and convincing.
Wu Duantian quickly bowed his hands in apology.
“That’s right, that’s right! Qingran’s situation comes first. I was too hasty.“
He wasn’t worried.
A great alchemist wouldn’t play games—they’d only demand proper compensation later.
And if it meant restoring Zhao Lingtian’s Dantian—
Wu Duantian was willing to give everything he had.
Li Qingran’s Growing Trust
Li Qingran wanted to warn the senior—
But before she could speak, his voice rang in her ears:
[Be patient. I have my own plans.]
So, he knew everything?
She had been worried for nothing.
Li Qingran sighed softly, her heart settling.
The senior looked young, but in truth, he had walked far more roads than she had ever traveled.
She felt foolish for doubting him.
She blushed slightly and quickly shoved the thought away.
Then—
She turned her gaze toward Xiao Yifeng.
A Former Admiration, Now Disgust
Xiao Yifeng was comforting Mu Baishuang when he suddenly felt a chill.
He turned—
And met Li Qingran’s cold, piercing stare.
His scalp tingled.
She had never looked at him like this before.
In his memories, Li Qingran had always been submissive.
Even when he forced her to test his unstable pills, she endured it with a smile.
Even when she was beaten bloody by spirit birds, she never complained.
He had always assumed that she admired him.
No—
He had assumed that she should admire him.
That’s why, over time, his requests became demands.
And he thought—
It was only natural.
Mu Baishuang’s Hidden Intentions
“Senior Brother, what’s wrong?“
A soft, cold hand slipped into his palm.
Xiao Yifeng turned—
And met Mu Baishuang’s tearful eyes.
She was terrified.
Yet, she forced herself to care for him.
That was why she was special.
Xiao Yifeng didn’t notice the faint red mist swirling in the depths of Mu Baishuang’s eyes.
But Taoist Qingxuan did.
His eyes snapped open, staring at Xiao Yifeng with a frown.
That aura just now…
No, impossible.
My disciples were carefully selected.
They may be twisted, but they are not… tainted.
Yet, he remained cautious.
He quietly memorized that fleeting breath.
Li Qingran’s Accusation
“Li Qingran, why are you looking at me like that? What have I ever done to you?!“
Xiao Yifeng forced a sneer, gaining confidence from Mu Baishuang’s presence.
“Don’t forget how many pills I gave you!“
Li Qingran tilted her head, eyes filled with icy mockery.
“Oh, you mean the Bigu Pill? The Insect Repellent Pill? The Laxative Pill?“
She counted each one on her fingers.
Laughter spread among the disciples.
Xiao Yifeng’s face turned red as a monkey’s butt.
But then—
Her gaze darkened.
“Oh, and let’s not forget… the ‘healing pill’ you gave me.“
Xiao Yifeng froze.
“The one disguised as a Da Huan Dan.“
“The one that burned fire poison through my body for ninety-three days.“
“Ninety-three days, Xiao Yifeng.“
“I couldn’t sleep. Couldn’t eat. Walking was agony.“
Her voice was calm, but each word sliced like a blade.
“You really are… an excellent second senior brother.“
Xiao Yifeng’s Defense
Xiao Yifeng gritted his teeth.
He had known this would come up.
But what proof did she have?!
Is she going to swear another Dao oath? She’s insane!
What if she loses all her luck and dies young?!
“Junior Sister, I am only a seventh-grade alchemist.“
“Do you really think I could detect every trace of poison?“
“You used to test my medicines all the time. Maybe your body is just sensitive.“
“Maybe you were simply unlucky.“
He crossed his arms, chin raised arrogantly.
“You are just an ungrateful, delusional girl who twists kindness into hatred!“
The Senior’s Test
Li Qingran’s stomach churned.
Even when she was expelled, even when she lived in a shack waiting to die—
She had never felt this level of disgust.
She had no direct evidence.
Only she and Xiao Yifeng knew the truth.
Just as she was about to lose hope…
[Interesting.]
A cold chuckle echoed through the square.
Xiao Yifeng’s smugness vanished.
[Xiao Yifeng, you’re an alchemist.
You claim you can always detect fire poison in a pill?]
Xiao Yifeng snorted.
“Of course. It’s basic knowledge.“
[Good. Then prove it.]
[Tell me… which of these ten pills contains fire poison?]
From behind Li Qingran, ten brocade boxes floated into the air.
Each one contained an ordinary Da Huan Dan.
Xiao Yifeng’s eyes narrowed.
He examined them carefully—
They were all identical.
So what was the senior’s true intention?
