"Golden Core Alchemist?" Huo Tong'er looked at Elder Ping, disbelievingly. "May I ask what rank alchemist she is?"
"Fourth rank," Elder Ping mused. Xiao Man indeed wore the insignia of a fourth-rank alchemist, but with her knowledge of medicine and skill in poisons, he suspected she was more than that.
Huo Tong'er gazed at the towering Infernal Tower. The disciples of the Heavenly Sword Sect excelled in offense but lacked in defense and healing. Having a fourth-rank alchemist with them had already doubled their efficiency. Her own talent and offense were average; could she learn alchemy?
"Elder Ping, how long does it take to become an excellent alchemist?"
"At least ten years, and beyond that, who knows," Elder Ping said slowly. "The most outstanding alchemists are all in the Heavenly Spirit Sect. The Sect Master and Young Master of the Heavenly Spirit Sect are both extremely accomplished alchemists."
"Heavenly Spirit Sect?" Huo Tong'er nodded slowly. The Heavenly Spirit Sect and the Heavenly Sword Sect were on good terms. If she could become a disciple of the Heavenly Spirit Sect's Sect Master, could she quickly become an excellent alchemist?
"To my knowledge, there is a way for someone to rapidly become an alchemist," Yue Zhong understood Huo Tong'er's thoughts. Her talent was average, but she came from a good family. However, to become the Young Sect Master's wife, family background alone was not enough; she needed strength.
"What way?"
"Medicine people."
"Young Master!" Elder Ping stopped Yue Zhong from continuing. "There are no shortcuts in life. Cultivating steadily is the best path."
Yue Zhong smiled and didn't press further. "Since Elder Ping doesn't want me to speak, I won't. Sister Tong'er, don't take it to heart. I was just joking."
Huo Tong'er glanced at Yue Zhong, then suddenly saw two figures appear outside the Infernal Tower. It was Yue Ran. Huo Tong'er's face lit up with joy, and she ran towards Yue Ran.
"Brother Ran."
Yue Ran was talking with Xiao Man when he suddenly felt someone rush towards him. He instinctively dodged, and Huo Tong'er's impulsive embrace hit the barrier of the Infernal Tower, repelling her and sending her tumbling to the ground.
"Ouch." Huo Tong'er landed in a heap, glaring angrily at Yue Ran from the ground. "Brother Ran, you didn't even catch me!"
"Huo Tong'er!" Yue Ran seemed surprised to see her. "What are you doing here?"
Huo Tong'er sat on the ground, extending her hand to Yue Ran, and pouted playfully. "I came with good intentions to celebrate your birthday, and you, instead, made me fall. Hurry and help me up."
Yue Ran frowned. "Get up yourself. You are a young lady, don't rush at every man you see. It harms your reputation."
Xiao Man's lips twitched slightly as she nodded and bowed to Elder Ping.
Elder Ping walked up to Xiao Man and examined her from head to toe. "It seems your trip to the Infernal Tower was quite fruitful. Was the guardian of the fifteenth level difficult to overcome?"
"We didn't go up."
"Why not?" Elder Ping asked in surprise.
"We were tired," Xiao Man replied calmly. "So, we came down."
Elder Ping's eyes widened in disbelief. Tired, so they came down? Shouldn't they have tried their best to see if they could pass? They cleared fourteen levels and came out without even attempting the fifteenth!
"A'Ran, I'm going back first."
"Second Brother, wait for me." Yue Ran abandoned Huo Tong'er and quickly followed. Huo Tong'er was stunned; it was the first time Yue Ran had ignored her!
Yue Zhong blocked Xiao Man's path, a trace of bone-deep hatred flashing in his eyes.
"Young Master."
"Xiao Qin, I didn't expect you and Seventh Brother to be so close. If I had known back then, I would have sent you directly to Seventh Brother's courtyard. I wouldn't have needed you to work as a menial in the small kitchen. It truly wronged you."
Yue Zhong was truly adaptable. Despite suffering such a great loss, he could still speak these words with a smile.
"If not for Young Master's help, I wouldn't have met A'Ran so soon. Thank you, Young Master."
Yue Zhong looked at Xiao Man's composed and dignified demeanor and thought to himself, how had he misjudged him back then, failing to realize this boy was playing the wolf in sheep's clothing!
"You're welcome." Yue Zhong looked at Yue Ran. "Seventh Brother, you have such a good friend. As an elder brother, I am truly happy for you."
"Move aside." Yue Ran stood between them, his voice icy. "Stay away from her!"
Yue Zhong didn't get angry and stepped aside. "Seventh Brother, you'll be eighteen soon, an adult. I heard Father will be choosing an engagement for you at your coming-of-age ceremony. Do you have anyone in mind?"
However, Yue Ran pulled Xiao Man and left without looking back, as if he hadn't heard Yue Zhong's words.
"Brother Ran."
"Sister Tong'er, don't chase. It's no use. Ever since Seventh Brother met Xiao Qin, he hasn't paid attention to anyone else," Yue Zhong said, glancing at Elder Ping and then asking softly, "Am I wrong, Elder Ping?"
Elder Ping looked at Yue Zhong indifferently. "Miss Tong'er, are you returning to Purple Jade Pavilion?"
Huo Tong'er nodded. "Yes. Elder Cousin, thank you for your hospitality."
"You're welcome. If Sister Tong'er wishes to go anywhere else, just tell me. I will fulfill my duty as a host." Yue Zhong said warmly, as if he had returned to his usual gentle and courteous demeanor.
"Certainly."
Yue Zhong watched their retreating figures, the smile vanishing from his face. How many days had he spent on the Cliff of Reflection? The Heavenly Sword Sect had turned upside down. Yue Ran, once despised by everyone, had become an object of admiration, all because he had cleared fourteen levels of the Infernal Tower in one go, becoming the envy of everyone in the Heavenly Sword Sect.
"Elder Brother, is your injury healing well?" Yue Xia's voice rang out. Yue Zhong concealed all his emotions.
"Thank you, Third Brother, for your concern. My injuries are much better." Yue Zhong turned around. "Seventh Brother's birthday is approaching. I heard Third Brother is helping to organize his birthday banquet?"
"Father is worried that Madam will be too busy, so he asked me to help out."
"Father has high expectations for you, Third Brother. Don't disappoint Father and Madam." Yue Zhong said meaningfully. "Everyone in the world will be watching Seventh Brother's birthday banquet. If anything goes wrong, Third Brother will be in big trouble."
Yue Xia looked calmly at Yue Zhong. "There are some people I can never surpass, no matter how I struggle. Since I can't, I don't want to compete anymore. I've decided to be content as the Third Young Master and do what's within my responsibilities."
"Do you really mean that, Third Brother?" Yue Zhong sneered. "Are you truly willing to be an ordinary, unremarkable Third Young Master?"
"Of course. After all, with my status and talent, it's not my turn." Yue Xia retorted with a smile. "Don't you think so, Elder Brother?"