Chapter 806: Chapter 241: Want to Slap Lord’s Face? (Part 2)
"If we’re going in, we must enter the Inner Courtyard." Mu Qingge said firmly.
Her words left the four of them momentarily stunned.
Mu Qingge said in a deep voice, "In just over four years, a great event will occur in the Middle Ancient Realm. I don’t have much time to stay at the Alchemy Institute, much less spend a year in the Outer Court. I not only want to enter the Inner Courtyard but also participate in the upcoming Alchemy Conference."
"The Alchemy Conference! You want to participate in the Alchemy Conference? It’s only six months away, and participants must be Inner Courtyard Disciples." Zhao Nanxing said in surprise.
But what Shang Zisu cared about was, "What major event will happen in the Middle Ancient Realm in four years?"
Mu Qingge’s words were like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, causing ripples that stirred their curiosity.
Among the four, Mei Zizhong stayed in Luoxing City and remained aloof, rarely interacting with others, knowing little about the outside world. The remaining three were all at the Alchemy Institute, focused on alchemy skills, and familiar only with their small part of the world. They hadn’t been to other continents beyond the East Continent and were even more information-starved.
Mu Qingge paused briefly, then said to the four, "In over four years, the Divine Tomb will open. If we want to enter the Divine Demon Continent and reach a higher dimension, this is our only opportunity."
Only by obtaining a Divine Status and entering the Four Seas Divine Land can they continue to cultivate; otherwise, even if they enter through other means, they won’t be able to cultivate.
The cultivation level in the Middle Ancient Realm in the Divine Demon Continent...
Mu Qingge’s heart sank. Her recent trip to the Taixuan Demon Realm left a deep impression on her. In the Ancient Insect Abyss, her spiritual power couldn’t even kill a single insect, a sense of weakness she found extremely uncomfortable.
"Divine Demon Continent..." Zhao Nanxing murmured.
The Divine Demon Continent was no longer a secret upon arriving in the Middle Ancient Realm, yet it remained more of a legend.
"It is rumored that the pathway to the Divine Demon Continent hasn’t been opened for thousands, even tens of thousands, of years." Zhu Ling said in awe.
"What qualifications are needed to enter the Divine Tomb?" Shang Zisu asked.
Her eyes shone brightly, full of determination.
They were not content with mediocrity. It wasn’t that they were overly ambitious; they simply knew of higher dimensions and broader worlds, and couldn’t help but want to glimpse the landscapes from higher places.
The four pairs of eyes focused intently on Mu Qingge.
She organized her thoughts briefly before explaining the context and relationships to them, including what lies beyond the Golden Realm, the Transcendence Tribulation Stage, the presence of Spirit Roots, and what the Heavenly Gate is...
After listening, the four remained silent.
After a moment, Mei Zizhong spoke, "So, having a Divine Status alone is not enough; one must also possess a Spirit Root, undergo three Heavenly Tribulations, and transform into a Heavenly Gate."
Mu Qingge nodded. "Whether or not one has a Spirit Root can be seen after the first Heavenly Tribulation. Even if one doesn’t have a Spirit Root, as Alchemists, we can create a Pseudo Spirit Root. Besides, your main profession is alchemy, so proving your way through alchemy skill is not impossible either."
"Therefore, the urgent matter is that we must hurry to cultivate and strive to break through to the Golden Realm before the Divine Tomb opens, so we have the confidence to seize a Divine Status." Zhao Nanxing took a deep breath and said.
However, his words left everyone silent.
Their cultivations were currently only at the Silver Realm First or Second Layer.
To break through to the Golden Realm in just over four years, even with numerous elixirs, seemed almost impossible.
Noticing the four feeling heavy-hearted, Mu Qingge smiled and said, "It’s alright, I’m still here. Don’t be rash; follow the methodical cultivation schedule. By then, if you can’t make it, I’ll help you seize a Divine Status."
"Then I’m counting on you!" Zhu Ling said with a carefree smile.
She knew well that forcing herself in when lacking strength would only be a hindrance. It was better to follow Mu Qingge’s plan.
"Hmm, let’s not overthink. Focusing on cultivation is the real deal." Zhao Nanxing agreed and nodded.
Mu Qingge said, "That’s why neither Senior Brother Mei nor I have time to waste in the Outer Court. We should go directly to the Inner Courtyard examination, Senior Brother Zhao, think of a way for us."
Zhao Nanxing frowned, pressing his lips into silence.
He didn’t delay but seriously considered how to bypass the Outer Court and allow Mu Qingge and Mei Zizhong to enter the Inner Courtyard directly.
Zhu Ling and Shang Zisu also began to ponder.
"Though we haven’t been in the Alchemy Institute for long, we know it’s a place of strict rules." Shang Zisu frowned.
Zhu Ling nodded and said to Mu Qingge and Mei Zizhong, "A year in the Outer Court not only evaluates a person’s suitability for alchemy but also their character."
"It’s not impossible." Zhao Nanxing spoke then.
His brows remained furrowed as he voiced his plan, "With Qingge’s current reputation in the Middle Ancient Realm, the Alchemy Institute should be able to accommodate her. She can vouch for Senior Brother Mei, and with the three of us as supporting guarantees, it’s merely a matter of undergoing the Inner Courtyard examination instead of bypassing it directly. It shouldn’t be a significant issue."
The four nodded repeatedly in agreement.
Mu Qingge decided, "Good. It’s settled then. When tomorrow’s examination begins, let’s do as Senior Brother Zhao said. If the examiners can’t make the decision, let someone who can make the decision speak to us."
She simply couldn’t believe that the rules of the Alchemy Institute would be so rigid, lacking any flexibility.
Mei Zizhong was a Treasure Level Alchemist, while she was a Divine Level Alchemist. What was the need to waste a year in the Outer Court?
"Alright." Zhao Nanxing stood up and said to them, "The two of you can rest here tonight. I’ll head back now to gather information on who will be responsible for tomorrow’s assessment and inform my teacher."
He then said to Shang Zisu and Zhu Ling, "You two should also return and inform your own teachers. If we can enlist three masters to vouch for us, the chances for Qingge and Senior Brother Mei will be even greater."
Shang Zisu and Zhu Ling stood up together and nodded.
The three quickly bid farewell and left without further delay.
Mu Qingge’s earlier words had made them all anxious, feeling that time didn’t wait for anyone. They realized their time was far less than they had imagined.
This time, they hoped to enter the Divine Demon Continent alongside Mu Qingge, rather than letting her take the lead alone again.
After the three left, Mei Zizhong and Mu Qingge sat under a tree.
He looked at her and after a while, calmly asked, "Qingge, are you tired?"
Mu Qingge was taken aback, slightly confused.
Under the gaze of Mei Zizhong’s calm and indifferent eyes, she finally understood the meaning behind his words. With all the exhausting hustle, constantly compelling herself to grow stronger and stronger... Was she tired?
Mu Qingge chuckled silently. She toyed with the teacup in her hand, eyes lowered, watching the tea leaves floating within. She spoke slowly, "Senior Brother, if I were afraid of hardship, I would still be a small lord at the Mu Mansion in Qin Country. I chose the path of the strong. No matter how difficult this road may be, I will persist in walking it. In this life, one must always have a goal worth striving for throughout one’s life. Don’t you agree?"
She looked at Mei Zizhong, her eyes clear and bright.
Many people thought she was constantly getting stronger due to the burdens upon her. In reality, her goal had never changed. These burdens were merely additional responsibilities given to her along this path, motivations rather than burdens and resistance.
Tired? Perhaps the body might feel fatigue. But her heart had never felt tired!
...
The next day, Zhao Nanxing arrived early at the small courtyard, leading Mu Qingge and Mei Zizhong towards the Alchemy Institute.
On the way, Zhao Nanxing informed them, "Yesterday, we explained your situations to our respective teachers. They have agreed to vouch for you. Initially, the people responsible for the assessment couldn’t make the decision themselves, but they eventually received orders from above to give you a chance."
"Orders from above?" Mu Qingge looked at him with curiosity.
Zhao Nanxing nodded. "I don’t know the specifics, but you can now directly participate in the Inner Courtyard assessment. However, there’s a condition..."
Zhao Nanxing frowned, hesitating, "The Alchemy Institute requires that you both undergo the assessment in advance, in front of all the registered disciples."
Mei Zizhong’s gaze darkened, worriedly looking toward Mu Qingge, and then asked Zhao Nanxing, "What does this mean?"
Zhao Nanxing shook his head with a bitter smile. He looked at Mu Qingge and said, "Qingge’s reputation has become quite notable now, and perhaps someone cannot bear to see you do well. This public assessment, if you succeed, naturally retains your reputation. But if you fail, this..."
He didn’t finish his words, but Mu Qingge and Mei Zizhong already understood.
Mei Zizhong’s face turned darker as a rare trace of anger appeared in his usually calm and indifferent eyes. "If they didn’t want to agree, so be it. Why resort to such underhanded schemes?"
"I wouldn’t call it a scheme," Mu Qingge seemed indifferent and unconcerned. She laughed, "I suppose someone in the Alchemy Institute wants to dampen my spirit a bit. To prevent me from becoming too arrogant and conceited once I enter."
Zhao Nanxing nodded in agreement and asked, "So you..."
Mu Qingge smiled confidently, "If it’s a public assessment, so be it. If they want to hit me, they should also be ready to be hit back. It’s just that..." She turned her eyes toward Mei Zizhong, apologetically saying, "I’m sorry for implicating Senior Brother Mei."
Mei Zizhong, however, shook his head and said, "Why call it an implication? If it weren’t for your influence, I might still have to waste a year in the Outer Court. I’m unwilling to waste my time like that either."
The three exchanged a smile and walked boldly towards the Alchemy Institute.
Upon reaching the place where they registered yesterday, countless people were already standing below the steps. A glance showed at least tens of thousands.
They all waited at the foot of the steps, waiting for the people from the Alchemy Institute to appear and for the assessment to begin.
At this moment, three people slowly walked down from the steps above.
One of them, in the middle, was somewhat elderly, with silver hair and a white beard, yet his face remained youthful, and his features sharp. The other two were young men who appeared to be the attendants of the middle person, given their respectful demeanor.
"This is Master Feng Ping, responsible for this year’s assessment," Zhao Nanxing whispered in the ears of the two.
Feng Ping stood on the steps, his gaze coldly sweeping across the tense, excited, and anxious faces. He slowly began, "Who are the two wishing to directly leapfrog to test for the Inner Courtyard?"
His words left everyone dumbfounded.
Was there really someone wanting to leap directly to the Inner Courtyard? Were they crazy!
The most important thing was how Feng Ping’s words seemed to imply that the Alchemy Institute was going to open the back door for these two!
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