Chapter 12: Mo Qingxue studied Ye Feng’s posture under her veil. Is it me or does it seem like he’s more interested in this name than his own perfect score? Ye Yue...Memories of Ye Feng reaction when the young master Ye Cheng entered the inn flashed through her mind. A terrifying suspicion rooted itself in her thoughts. Could Master actually have some kind of connection to the Ye clan?Before she could ponder further, Ye Feng’s flat voice cut through her speculation. "Let's go."They moved toward the grand arena. Hundreds of spectators packed the stands, creating a chaotic wall of noise as they eagerly awaited the next phase. On the central platform stood three massive test stones. Each stone featured nine diamond-shaped engravings lined up with clinical consistency, glowing with three distinct elemental colors—one bronze, one silver, and one gold. Nearby, several robed elders of varying ranks sat quietly on a raised dais, clearly waiting for an authority figure to arrive.Ye Feng a

Chapter 14: The Prey Takes the BaitThe suffocating pressure from Chairman Fang Chuan locked the entire stage in a dead freeze."Show me the pill," Fang Chuan demanded, his voice dangerously low.With a cold smirk hidden beneath his mask, Ye Feng extended his hand, letting one of the pristine white spheres roll into the Chairman's palm. Fang Chuan lifted the pill, his sharp eyes widening as a rare flash of genuine shock broke through his refined composure.Where did this kid get the formula for a Meridian Cleansing Pill? Fang Chuan’s mind raced frantically. Ever since I was exiled to this backwater branch, I've used every resource to regain the main branch elders' recognition. If I can seize this ancient formula...Standing nearby, Shen Houdan watched his superior's erratic behavior with rising anxiety. Why is the Chairman acting out like this? Does he actually recognize this bizarre pill? He cleared his throat carefully. "Chairman... do you recognize this creation?"Fang Chuan snappe

Chapter 16: The Mirror in the Soul"So are you coming out, or are you just going to be staring?"Mo Qingxue stepped out from the shadows, her mind racing. How did he notice? And so quickly? Suppressing her shock, she spoke to Ye Feng in an apologetic tone. "Sorry, Master. I didn't mean to scare you."Ye Feng replied smoothly, "No need to be sorry. After all, why would I be scared of you?"Mo Qingxue frowned slightly. It seems like he's reassuring me, but why does it feel like he's undermining me?Ye Feng looked at her calmly. "So, were you able to get any useful information about Fang Chuan?""Yes, I did," Mo Qingxue answered. "But, Young Master, there's something I don't quite understand. Permit me to ask.""Ask away," Ye Feng replied.Mo Qingxue looked at him directly. "Why did you ask me to find out information about a person I don't know about, in a land you just brought me to?"Ye Feng laughed slightly. "Who else would I have asked? Besides, I doubt someone from one of the five g

Chapter 18: Reaping in the Shadows"What of the father and kid?" Mo Qingxue asked, looking back toward the crowded street.Ye Feng replied calmly, "Leave them there."He turned his attention to the residence before them. The courtyard was a respectable, mid-tier alchemical property. Enclosed by tall gray stone walls, the compound featured a neatly paved cobblestone path leading to a central wooden pavilion. A small lotus pond sat near the entrance, surrounded by minor spirit herbs that gave off a faint, crisp fragrance. While it lacked the grand, opulent spirit-arrays of a top-tier clan's main estate, the secondary courtyard was clean, spacious, and far superior to any common inn."Finally, I've got somewhere I can call a home," Ye Feng said, looking around. "Qingxue, what do you think?""It's alright," Mo Qingxue replied neutrally."Pick any room you like, because we will be staying here from now on," Ye Feng said."Okay."Ye Feng walked through the residence, entering different room

Chapter 20: Beneath the Veins"Who's there?" Ye Feng called out through the shut gate, his hand instinctively hovering near his blade.A voice answered from the dark street outside. "Sir, I'm a messenger from the Alchemist Association. The Chairman requests your presence tomorrow in his courtyard.""Did he say why?" Ye Feng asked."No, he didn't," the messenger replied.Ye Feng paused, his eyes narrowing slightly behind his mask. "Tell him I'll be there.""Okay, Sir," the messenger said, his footsteps retreating rapidly into the night.Ye Feng stared at the quiet courtyard. Guess the ancient formula didn't work as easily as he hoped.He turned his attention back to Mo Qingxue, who was still slumped unconscious on the cold cobblestone floor. "Let's solve this problem first."Hoisting her into his arms, he carried her into one of the pavilion’s guest chambers, laying her down on the wooden bed. Grabbing her wrist, he checked her pulse, sending a thread of his own spiritual energy coursi