Chapter 92: In Demand
Dawn was breaking as Ye Shi emerged from the cave. Advancing to a four-star martial artist had put him in great spirits; so much so that even upon seeing Xiong Wei, his mood remained buoyant.
"Oh? Both of you have advanced to four-star martial artists? Popped some pills, have you?" Xiong Wei remarked with crossed arms, sizing up Ye Shi and Mu Chen.
Ye Shi nodded and replied, "Yes, we did! Took one. Tasted great. Mu Chen said we can only have one, didn't allow for more."
Xiong Wei: "..."
"Now that both of you have powered up, the weight of those stones shouldn't be much of a challenge. Move that pile over there," Xiong Wei instructed, pointing to a heavier stack of rocks.
A dark expression appeared on Ye Shi's face, revealing his displeasure.
"This isn't fair. So many people are working in the quarry, why target only us?" Ye Shi protested with frustration. "I bet Zhuang Yu isn't hauling stones. Such blatant favoritism from that old man."
Xiong Wei faced Ye Shi with a brilliant smile, saying, "Why am I watching you? Because I see potential in you!"
Seeing Xiong Wei's smile, Ye Shi trembled with anger.
Mu Chen tugged at Ye Shi's arm, suggesting, "Let's go."
Ye Shi shot Xiong Wei a resentful glare.
"That guy is in cahoots with Shi Zi Yu. He's acting out on Shi Zi Yu's behalf. That's why he's against us," Ye Shi whispered to Mu Chen.
No sooner had Ye Shi finished speaking than a wine gourd struck his head.
Clutching his head, Ye Shi cried out in pain.
With hands on his hips, Xiong Wei admonished the pair, "Both of you better behave. My eyes and ears are always on you. You kids know nothing but talk nonsense."
Ye Shi looked forlornly at Xiong Wei, who snapped, "What are you looking at? Scram!"
Mu Chen pulled Ye Shi away. After some distance, Ye Shi complained, "That old man's wine gourd smells like stinky feet. Nearly suffocated me."
Mu Chen glanced behind and said, "Enough with the nonsense, be careful or you'll summon him again."
Ye Shi's eyes darted from side to side, clearly a bit guilty.
...
Nightfall.
Stretching his sore body, Ye Shi grumbled, "Mu Chen, maybe that old man was rejected by Shi Zi Yu. He was probably taking out his frustration on me today."
Gazing at Ye Shi's outraged expression, Mu Chen sighed, "Enough. Hold your tongue."
Persistent, Ye Shi settled next to Mu Chen, mumbling, "Don't you think that's highly probable?"
"Yes, you might be right. That old guy does have a face that's begging to be kicked. Maybe Shi Zi Yu has kicked him more than once or twice," chimed in Mu Chen.
Pleased, Ye Shi hugged Mu Chen's arm, saying, "I knew we thought alike."
Mu Chen: "..."
"Try this," suggested Mu Chen.
Upon hearing that, Ye Shi obediently activated the flame mark on his hand, exclaiming, "The quality of this seal has improved!"
Before, they had acquired a modified Level 2 Flame Rune from the Rune Master Association. But what he held now was a Level 3 Flame Rune. This Level 3 rune also contained solar essence flames, but the intensity of its flame was dozens of times richer than the previous Level 2 one.
"When did you make this? You always seem busy," Ye Shi queried.
"There's always time if you make it," Mu Chen replied with a smile. He reminisced about how he once managed to learn five languages in his spare time.
Ye Shi looked at Mu Chen with admiration, saying, "You're amazing."
Shrugging, Mu Chen responded, "It's nothing special. Use the coming days to harness the essence of the sun's fire from the seal and nurture it into a primal flame. The second phase of the Refinement Art requires body tempering with flame."
Ye Shi obediently nodded, replying, "Understood."
...
"Jing Chi Yan, what a rare guest!" Xiong Wei greeted with a faux smile.
Jing Chi Yan frowned and asked Xiong Wei, "Xiong brother, how is my disciple?"
"He's doing well! With me taking care of him, aren't you reassured?" Xiong Wei said, swinging his feet with a smirk.
Jing Chi Yan gave a resigned smile, thinking that with Xiong Wei around, that was precisely why he was worried.
"Brother Xiong, it took me a great deal of effort to take on this disciple," Jing Chi Yan said earnestly.
Xiong Wei raised an eyebrow, commenting with a hint of skepticism, "Really? I heard your apprentice almost got killed by Shi Ziyu."
The color on Jing Chiyang's face shifted as he admitted, "That was my mistake."
Xiong Wei took a lazy sip of his drink, remarking, "Surprising! You admitting a mistake. But rest assured, your disciple seems to be doing well. He's always with Mu Chen, so happy that he almost forgot home. Today he even consumed a pill and advanced to a Level 4 martial artist."
"A pill? A boosting elixir?" Jing Chi Yan inquired.
Xiong Wei nodded, "It seems so."
Jing Chi Yan squinted and said, "Mu Chen actually managed to obtain such an elixir."
Xiong Wei shrugged, remarking, "That guy is indeed extraordinary."
"Can I go in and see my disciple?" Jing Chi Yan asked.
"No!" Xiong Wei replied tersely.
Jing Chi Yan shook his head resignedly, thinking, "You're so... stubborn!"
...
After some pleasantries with Xiong Wei, Jing Chi Yan left, seeing that Xiong Wei wasn't going to relent.
"Master, the Dean of the Pill Academy, Lu Han, is here," Xin Ru Ge reported upon seeing Jing Chi Yan.
"Lu Han?" Jing Chi Yan furrowed his brow, wondering, "What does he want?"
Xin Ruge shrugged, "I wouldn't know about that."
Upon seeing Jing Chi Yan, Lu Han immediately stood up, "Brother Jing."
"Brother Lu, I heard you were looking for me. What can I do for you?" Jing Chi Yan asked knowingly.
Lu Han replied somewhat awkwardly, "To be honest, I came to seek your help."
Jing Chi Yan narrowed his eyes, probing, "How can I assist you?"
"Brother Jing, as you might know, Mu Chen is an alchemist, likely already a Level 3 one. The Beast Spirit Pill was his creation. Such a prodigious talent in alchemy shouldn't be wasted in the Rune Academy. Once he exits the mining area and transfer sessions begin, I hope you can persuade him. It's a pity for such a talent to stay in the Rune Academy," Lu Han explained.
Jing Chi Yan responded sarcastically, "Me? Do I have such influence to make Mu Chen listen?"
"Brother Jing, don't be modest. Your disciple is Mu Chen's fiancée; no one has more influence than you," Lu Han flattered.
Jing Chiyang hesitated, "By Lu Han's account, my reputation rests largely on my apprentice."
"I heard that Mu Chen originally intended to enroll in your Dan Academy!" Jing Chiyang remarked coldly.
The expression on Lu Han's face changed slightly, "There was a bit of a misunderstanding about that."
"A misunderstanding, you say!" Jing Chiyang responded with palpable sarcasm.
...
"Uncle Master, why did Lu Han come?" Xin Rugong inquired as she walked in, just as Lu Han left.
"What else could he want? Probably trying to poach talents from our Fu Academy," Jing Chiyang replied dismissively, shrugging.
With narrowed eyes, Xin Rugong said, "Mu Chen is an alchemist; perhaps, the Dan Institute is a better place for his growth."
Jing Chiyang rolled his eyes, stating, "Mu Chen's alchemical skills are indeed impressive, but his talent in symbol creation is equally extraordinary. Have you seen the evaluation from the Symbol Institute? Their record indicates the possibility of extracting Solar Essence Flame! The Symbol Institute has been quiet for a while. I heard that Song Cheng has emerged from seclusion. He won't let go of such a rising star that easily."
"Elder, Dean Song Cheng of Fu Academy has arrived," a student reported upon entering.
Jing Chiyang raised an eyebrow, remarking, "What a day! Just as Lu Han leaves, Song Cheng arrives."
"Brother Jing, help!" Song Cheng exclaimed, a bitter expression on his face.
Jing Chiyang glanced at Song Cheng's distressed state and remarked, "Brother Song, what has gotten into you? It seems you're at wit's end." He silently mused, "Song Cheng has become so shameless, acting like a tantrum-throwing woman despite his age."
Song Cheng looked back with a mournful expression, "It's a misfortune for our academy. I just came out of my retreat, only to learn that our Fu Academy has produced a prodigious genius. Just when our fortunes were about to turn, some shameless individuals are trying to poach him."
With a sarcastic smile, Jing Chiyang assured, "Don't worry. That unparalleled genius has been at the Symbol Institute for over a month. He has some attachment to it. Persuade him well, and he won't leave."
The color drained from Song Cheng's face. Having recently come out of his retreat and learned about Mu Chen, he had investigated the situation. What he found left him wanting to throttle Fan Li.
Not only did Fan Li sabotage Mu Chen's entrance exam, but he also targeted him relentlessly after Mu Chen joined the Symbol Institute. One could assume Mu Chen isn't particularly fond of the Symbol Institute.
Mu Chen's impression of the Symbol Institute is likely very negative. However, fortunately, Mu Chen had conflicts with Lan Ruofeng and Lan Da also interfered in his entrance exam. His view of the Dan Institute might not be any better.
"Speaking of which, I must thank you, Brother Jing, for your keen insight during the entrance exam. You recognized a gem and kept Mu Chen," Song Cheng said gratefully.
Jing Chiyang waved dismissively, "It's nothing, no need for thanks. I merely valued talent and couldn't bear to see such a genius wasted by the arrogant elders of your Symbol Institute."
Song Cheng's face turned a shade of red from embarrassment. After a moment, he grabbed Jing Chiyang's arm, "Brother Jing, please, you must help me retain Mu Chen!"
"Mu Chen and I share no personal bond. He might not heed my words," Jing Chiyang modestly claimed.
"Brother Jing, if you speak, he'll surely listen. No, you don't even have to. Just have your disciple say something. Everyone knows that Mu Chen listens to her the most," said Song Cheng.
Jing Chiyang just stared blankly.
After some pleasantries, Jing Chiyang finally managed to send Song Cheng on his way.
Watching Song Cheng's departing figure, Jing Chiyang grumbled, "A bunch of opportunists, always praying only when in need."
With arms crossed, Xin Rugong shook her head, wondering aloud, "I'm not sure about Mu Chen's decision when he comes out."
Jing Chiyang, with squinted eyes, observed, "Don't be deceived by his seemingly gentle demeanor; he's quite cunning and holds grudges."
Xin Rugong frowned, thinking: Regardless of Mu Chen's grudges, he would still have to choose between the Dan and Symbol Institutes.
....
I found this on Asian novels but reading this felt as mtl.🙄🙄