Chapter 148: Mu Ye Has Arrived!
This novel is translated and hosted only on BCatranslation
Mu Ye once evaluated Wang Qian as someone who holds himself in overly high regard. Wang Qian, however, was completely unaware of this. When he visited Fang Cheng Lang twice, only to find that Fang Cheng Lang’s attitude toward him remained cautious and distant, he became very angry and even considered giving up. It was only after Guo Ming En and Tian Han earnestly advised him, appealing both to his emotions and logic, that Wang Qian was finally persuaded to stay. They even provided him with a plan that Fang Cheng Lang absolutely could not refuse.
On the fifth day after Fang Cheng Lang woke up, Wang Qian visited him for the third time, bringing along various medicines to aid his recovery, each one tailored to cure Cui Jue’s injuries. As the saying goes, “A smiling face never invites a fist.” This time, Fang Cheng Lang did not reject Wang Qian’s goodwill, and their relationship appeared to improve significantly on the surface.
With Guo Ming En and Tian Han secretly advising him, Wang Qian refrained from mentioning his grudges with Yu Zhao. Instead, he assured Fang Cheng Lang that he could stay and recover in peace, while also inviting him to observe the upcoming examination for the position of the sect’s Young Master.
Learning that Wang Qian was a strong candidate for the position of Young Master of the Green Wood Sect, Fang Cheng Lang couldn’t help but see him in a new light and gladly accepted the invitation. His poison had been neutralized, and all he needed now was rest. However, the poison affecting Cui Jue was much more complex. To minimize the potential aftereffects, Elder Lotus had adopted a gentler approach to detoxification, resulting in slower progress. Given the current pace, it seemed Fang Cheng Lang would need to remain at the Green Wood Sect for at least two more months, which would allow him ample time to observe the Young Master’s examination.
Confident that he had successfully built a rapport with Fang Cheng Lang, Wang Qian stopped visiting his room entirely, focusing all his energy on his cultivation. This time, he was determined to make a name for himself, seize the position of Young Master, and completely crush Mu Ye underfoot.
Half a month later.
The disciple examination for the Alchemy Hall arrived as scheduled.
As the morning bell rang, all the disciples of the Green Wood Sect gathered in the grandest square of the sect. Disciples wearing three different colors of clothing stood in three distinct groups, with clear divisions between them.
On the high platforms flanking the square, the Green Wood Sect’s Sect Leader and elders sat upright, their expressions solemn. Today was not just a simple examination; it concerned the future development of the sect, and they could not afford to be careless.
As a guest from afar, Fang Cheng Lang was given a seat on the edge of one of the viewing platforms. After his long journey and the torment of the severe poison, his figure had become thin, and his expression carried an unavoidable weariness. Yet, his unique aura and his young, handsome face still attracted the attention of many disciples.
“Is that really Master Qing Yan’s eldest disciple? He doesn’t seem all that impressive.”
“Don’t talk nonsense! He’s injured and hasn’t fully recovered yet.”
“Exactly! Senior Brother Fang is a sword cultivator, known as the Swordsman. He’s not someone an ordinary sword cultivator could compare to!”
Most of the Alchemy Hall and Medicine Hall disciples looked at Fang Cheng Lang with curiosity and admiration, while the Martial Hall disciples had more complex reactions. Some showed disdain, others dissatisfaction, and some seemed eager, as if ready to challenge him at any moment.
The Martial Hall disciples were at the bottom of the Green Wood Sect’s hierarchy, but they didn’t think they were any worse than the disciples of other halls. Yet, whenever people outside the sect mentioned the Green Wood Sect, they talked about the Alchemy Hall and Medicine Hall disciples, leaving the Martial Hall disciples feeling almost invisible. This unjust treatment made them more prone to hostility toward disciples from other halls, and their attitude toward Fang Cheng Lang was far from friendly.
On the high stage, Elder Lotus, who sat to the right of the Sect Leader, kept scanning the area where the Alchemy Hall disciples were gathered, growing increasingly anxious. The Alchemy Hall examination was about to begin, but there was still no sign of Mu Ye. Where could she be?
Whether by coincidence or someone’s deliberate arrangement, Wang Qian’s father, Elder Wang, happened to be seated right next to Elder Lotus. Since Mu Ye was a strong contender against his son, she naturally caught his attention as well. Her absence did not escape his notice. A faint smirk played on his lips as he let out a low, meaningful chuckle.
“Elder Lotus, where is your beloved disciple Mu Ye? Is she planning to forfeit the examination?”
His voice wasn’t loud, but it was just loud enough for everyone around them to hear. The other elders focused their attention and realized that Mu Ye was indeed nowhere to be seen, which left them quite surprised.
Although the examination hadn’t started yet, everyone had already assumed that the Young Master would be either Wang Qian or Mu Ye. No one would be surprised if either of them claimed the title. Of course, deep down, most favored Mu Ye, as her performance in previous examinations had always been better than Wang Qian’s. As long as she stepped onto the alchemy stage, she was halfway to victory. But no one had expected her to be absent at such a crucial moment.
Elder Lotus was extremely worried inside but maintained a calm and composed exterior. “Mu Ye has a steady temperament. I trust her.”
“If she were truly steady, she wouldn’t be missing now. Could it be that she’s afraid?” Elder Wang sneered.
“Afraid?” Elder Lotus chuckled lightly. “Afraid of whom? Her defeated opponent?”
Elder Wang’s face darkened, and another female elder next to him was about to retort when the Sect Leader of the Green Wood Sect, Master Wu Sang, spoke up.
“Enough, there’s no need to argue. We’ll know the outcome in half the time it takes for an incense stick to burn.”
“Understood,” Elder Lotus and Elder Wang responded solemnly, refraining from further discussion.
Time passed quickly. More and more disciples noticed that Mu Ye, a strong contender for the Young Master position, had not yet arrived, sparking various rumors among them. Wang Qian, Guo Ming En, and others clenched their fists, silently praying that Mu Ye would never show up. Meanwhile, the disciples who were close to Mu Ye were growing increasingly anxious, scanning the crowd desperately.
“The Alchemy Hall disciple examination is about to begin. Disciples whose names are called should proceed to the examination area in order,” announced Elder Luo, his voice booming across the square.
Wang Qian clenched his fist tightly and pumped it in victory. With Mu Ye absent, the position of Young Master was his for the taking.
“Number 438, Guo Fang Fei at the first alchemy stage. Number 439, Sun Ming Yu at the second alchemy stage. Number 440, Cheng Path at the third alchemy stage…”
This novel is translated and hosted only on BCatranslation
The Alchemy Hall had the fewest disciples among the three halls, with just over 400. Even if Elder Luo deliberately placed Mu Ye’s name last, he couldn’t delay for long. As the number of Alchemy Hall disciples in the square dwindled, Wang Qian couldn’t contain the joy that spread across his face.
“Number 478, Wang Qian at the 438th alchemy stage. Number 479, Mu Ye at the 439th alchemy stage.”
As soon as Elder Luo finished speaking, Wang Qian appeared at the 438th alchemy stage. Looking at the empty stage beside him, he grinned triumphantly.
“Number 479, Mu Ye. Number 479, Mu Ye?” Elder Luo called out again, unwilling to give up just yet.
“Hahaha!” Elder Wang couldn’t help but laugh out loud. All his meticulous planning had been unnecessary.
Elder Lotus was about to explode with anger, ready to slap the smug man beside her, when suddenly, two figures appeared in her spiritual sense, rushing toward the square. She jumped to her feet, shouting excitedly, “Mu Ye is here!”