Chapter 45: A Debate Begins

Chapter 45: A Debate Begins

Chen Huai’an had almost chosen the first option—an outright rejection.

But after thinking it through, he hesitated.

First, the Primordial Heaven-Mending Pill was worth at least 100,000 spirit stones per pill.

Second, the Fortune Carp Pool currently didn’t have any left in stock.

And third—the system prompt implied that the true price of this pill was far beyond just 100,000.

Moreover, this was just a regular Primordial Heaven-Mending Pill, not even a Celestial-Grade one!

If he outright rejected Wu Duantian’s request, what if Qingyun Sect collectively lost their minds and went berserk?

Sure, his Cultivation Base at Nascent Soul Perfection could wipe the floor with their late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators, but he couldn’t protect Li Qingran.

And sects like this always had hidden depths. Who knew if some ancient fossil was meditating in seclusion, just waiting to step out and annihilate him?

His left hand, which had been rubbing his cat’s head, now began furiously kneading.

This wasn’t unnecessary paranoia.

In games like this, plot choices always affected the game’s trajectory. A wrong move, and he could trigger a Bad Ending.

And what then? Restart the game with a new virtual girlfriend?

That wouldn’t be his Li Qingran.

After a brief hesitation, he tapped the second option.

[Let’s set this matter aside for now. Once Qingran’s situation is resolved, we’ll find time to discuss it in detail.]

The mystical voice was calm and authoritative, naturally convincing.

Wu Duantian immediately realized he had been too hasty.

He quickly bowed and apologized:

"You’re absolutely right. Qingran’s well-being comes first. It was my mistake for not focusing on what truly matters."

He didn’t expect an immediate answer anyway.

To him, a cultivator capable of refining the Primordial Heaven-Mending Pill wouldn’t play mind games—they’d likely just negotiate a price later.

And if curing Zhao Lingtian’s dantian cost him his entire fortune, so what?

It was worth it.

Li Qingran wanted to remind the senior of Wu Duantian’s intentions, but she never got the chance.

Instead, his voice gently reassured her:

[Patience. I have my own plan.]

Her worries instantly melted away.

So the senior had been aware all along.

She had worried for nothing.

Taking a deep breath, she felt a wave of self-doubt.

Someone like him—who appeared young but was undoubtedly ancient—had walked paths far longer than she had even lived.

What right did she have to worry for him?

If anything, he was the one reassuring her.

…It was so wrong of her.

Her ears turned red at the thought.

She hurriedly shoved away her scattered emotions and lifted her gaze.

Her eyes landed on Xiao Yifeng—the second disciple of Chixiao Peak.

Xiao Yifeng had been comforting Mu Baishuang when he suddenly felt a chill down his spine.

Turning his head, he met Li Qingran’s cold gaze.

His scalp went numb.

Memories surfaced in his mind.

Li Qingran had always been submissive, enduring mistreatment without complaint.

Even during painful experiments, she would pretend not to care.

Even when she was beaten half to death by medicine-stealing demon sparrows, she would laugh it off.

She had admired his talent for alchemy.

Or rather—he had assumed she admired his talent.

Somewhere along the way, asking her to test medicine and tend to his spiritual fields had shifted from a request to a demand.

He had taken it for granted.

He had occasionally tossed her useless pills as a "reward," believing that was enough.

But was it?

"Senior Brother, what’s wrong?"

Xiao Yifeng snapped out of his thoughts.

His hand was grasped by a cool, soft hand—Mu Baishuang’s.

She looked at him with tear-filled eyes, her face pale from fear and grief.

She had been crying since hearing Yun Zimo’s screams.

Yet even now, despite her terror, she still tried to comfort him.

And he was hesitating?

What was there to fear?!

Xiao Yifeng’s resolve returned.

He failed to notice the faint red mist swirling deep in Mu Baishuang’s pupils.

Nearby, Daoist Qingxuan, who had been meditating with closed eyes, suddenly glanced toward Xiao Yifeng.

A flicker of doubt crossed his face.

Just now… that aura…

No.

Impossible.

His disciples had all been carefully selected.

At most, their personalities had some issues.

Still, he made a mental note of that fleeting presence, just in case.

"Li Qingran, why are you looking at me like that?"

Xiao Yifeng stepped forward, his chest puffed out.

"What have I ever done to wrong you? Don’t forget how many pills I’ve given you!"

"Oh? You mean the Fasting Pills, the Insect Repelling Pills, the Laxative Pills…?"

Li Qingran counted on her fingers, sending the surrounding Qingyun Sect disciples into uproarious laughter.

Xiao Yifeng’s face turned red as a baboon’s backside.

Li Qingran’s eyes turned frigid, and she continued:

"Oh, and let’s not forget the pill you disguised as a Great Recovery Pill—"

"The one that filled my body with Fire Poison, burning me alive for ninety-three days."

"Do you know what it’s like to be in constant agony, unable to eat, unable to sleep, unable even to walk?"

"You truly are Chixiao Peak’s proud Second Disciple."

"Truly, my good Senior Brother."

Xiao Yifeng’s expression twisted.

He had expected Li Qingran to bring this up.

During the Sect Tournament, when Mu Baishuang was injured and Li Qingran was beaten to near death, he had been the only one to visit her in her cave dwelling. ȒАℕꝋBΕṨ

Back then, he had pretended to give her a Great Recovery Pill.

But in reality—it was a poisonous dud.

He had watched her eat it.

Watched her collapse in agony within minutes.

He had even mocked her for it.

But… could she prove it?

What would she do? Swear a Dao Oath again?

Was she truly so reckless?

Did she not fear a damaged fate, shattered fortune, and an early death?

"Hah. Junior Sister, I am merely a Seventh-Grade Alchemist."

"Even with my talent, I cannot guarantee that every pill is completely purified of toxins."

"And you—how do you plan to prove that I deliberately poisoned you?"

Xiao Yifeng crossed his arms and smirked.

"You test medicines all the time. Your body is as sensitive as mine to alchemical properties."

"If there really was Fire Poison, wouldn’t you have noticed?"

"I think you’re just ungrateful—biting the hand that feeds you!"

"You’ve lost your mind, turning against the people who helped you!"

Li Qingran stared at him, nausea rising in her stomach.

She had once admired him.

Now, he was nothing but filth.

But…

She had no direct evidence.

And then—

A cold snort echoed from the void.

[Interesting.]

[Xiao Yifeng—tell me, does an alchemist always know if their pill contains Fire Poison?]

Xiao Yifeng froze.

Of course they did.

It was basic knowledge.

So he nodded confidently.

"Of course!"

[Good. Then let’s put your skills to the test.]

Ten brocade boxes flew out of the void—

Each containing a basic Great Recovery Pill.

Xiao Yifeng’s heart pounded.

What was this senior planning?