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Chapter 981:- Yun Luofeng Poaching (3)
Qing Mu nodded. "Due to Noble Consort, His Majesty is very biased against her. An unprecedented genius will be buried here."
If Yun Luofeng could enter the Tianhui Empire and received the full nurturing of the empire, her growth would be extremely fast.
Ge Yang also found it a pity. "Miss Yun is a genius indeed. If our Tianhui Empire could possess her, the imperial physician court's strength would increase quite a bit. However, loyal advice jars on the ears. His Majesty has been completely bewitched by Noble Consort Ling, so how could he listen to us?"
Qing Mu paused before saying, "I plan to visit Miss Yun. Even if I can't work with her, there's no harm in studying medicine with her."
"Alright." Ge Yang nodded. "I need to prepare for this afternoon's competition, so I won't go. Also, you should warn Miss Yun to be cautious of the Lanxiang Kingdom! I heard that Noble Consort Ling's palace maid went to invite Miss Yun and was rejected by her. With Noble Consort Ling's personality, she won't take things lying down."
Qing Mu was silent for a moment. "I will remind her."
After saying that, he quickly headed towards the gate of the Imperial Palace and gradually disappeared from Ge Yang's sight.
Ge Yang looked at the tightly shut door of the imperial study and shook his head in disappointment.
Ever since His Majesty obtained Noble Consort Ling, his heart had not been in the court politics, causing many ministers like him to become thoroughly disappointed long ago. If the Tianhui Empire did not have a certain sir supporting it, it would have long since declined. If His Majesty continued like this, it would be better off for ministers like him to retire. Finding somewhere else to live in seclusion would be better than staying here.
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Rest Station
After Yun Luofeng, Lin Ruobai, and the others went on separate ways in the courtyard, they each returned to their own room. However, before Yun Luofeng had time to rest, a series of knocks were heard.
"Miss Yun, this old crock intentionally came to pay you a visit. Do you happen to have the time?"
An extremely familiar aged voice was heard from outside the door.
Yun Luofeng hurriedly dressed and sat beside the table. Then she called out "Enter" while raising her brows.
The room's door was pushed open, and Qing Mu's geriatric figure slowly entered.
"Did Great Master Qing Mu come to find me for some important matter?" the young girl genially asked.
Qing Mu sighed. "Miss Yun, I originally wanted to recruit you to the Tianhui Empire, but was rejected by His Majesty."
Hearing his words, Yun Luofeng chuckled. "Great Master Qing Mu, I am from the Tianyun Kingdom, and my man's roots are also there. Even if the Emperor of the Tianhui Empire didn't reject it, I can't join you."
Jun Fengling married into the Ye Family, which meant that Yun Xiao's roots were also there. There was absolutely no way that she would leave the Tianyun Kingdom!
Moreover, in contrast to the incapable ruler, Long Yuan, the Emperor of the Tianyun Kingdom was more open-minded.
Qing Mu said with a wry smile, "Miss Yun, I came here to remind you to be cautious of the Lanxiang Kingdom harming you."
The Lanxiang Kingdom?
Yun Luofeng slightly narrowed her eyes. "If they want to die, why shouldn't I let them?"
Qing Mu was briefly taken back and helplessly shook his head.
"Don't underestimate the Lanxiang Kingdom. It has more sage-level cultivators than the Tianyun Kingdom. Moreover, Noble Consort Ling is pretty favored by His Majesty. So if you harm the Lanxiang Kingdom, His Majesty certainly won't leave the matter at that!"
Qing Mu's words carried some disappointment. "If it weren't for my initial conviction supporting me, I would have left the Tianhui Empire long ago!"
Hearing Qing Mu's words, Yun Luofeng's eyes twinkled.
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Chapter 982:- Yun Luofeng Poaching (4)
A smile appeared her lips. "Great Master Qing Mu, I had a thought earlier! No one has yet to establish an organization related to physicians within the Land of No Return, so I plan to become this leader."
Similar to the Physician Association of the Longxia Continent, an organization like that did not exist in the Land of No Return. Hence, a few months ago, this thought appeared in her mind.
Don't underestimate physicians since even the emperor of a kingdom had to be fairly polite to a well-known physician. After all, who never gets sick?
It was apparent from the position of the Physician Association in the Longxia Continent. If she could gather the renowned physicians of the world, even if all of the power of this organization could not compare to that of the three great empires, the three great empires would not go and provoke her.
Shock entered Qing Mu's heart. "Do you mean that you want to establish an association?"
"No," Yun Luofeng shook her head, "the faction that I plan to establish will be named the Physician Tower! The Physician Tower will be divided into 10 levels! For example, a disciple who just started coming into contact with medicine can only dwell on the first level. If their medical skill passes an assessment, they can progress to the second level."
"On each level, I will place some medical texts and prescriptions that absolutely don't exist in the outside world! If they want to obtain these items, they must use medicinal ingredients to exchange for it!"
Qing Mu was stunned, as though he did not expect Yun Luofeng to think of this method. More importantly, the part about having medical texts and prescriptions that do not exist in the outside world completely stirred Qing Mu's heart.
"Miss Yun, there's a miscalculation in your plan." Qing Mu lightly frowned. "What if those people sell the medicinal texts and prescriptions after they obtain it at a high price? You would lose too much that way."
Yun Luofeng smiled. She flicked her sleeve and a countless number of gold-seeking hamsters appeared inside the room in the blink of an eye.
Qing Mu was stupefied. She alone possessed that many spiritual beasts?
Moreover, even the weakest gold-seeking hamster was a sky-level spirit cultivator?
"Miss Yun, this is..." Qing Mu's voice was somewhat shaky, full of emotion he could not voice.
"The physicians who have entered the third level and beyond will all receive a gold-seeking hamster, and I will also state beforehand that these gold-seeking hamsters will monitor them."
Qing Mu grew silent. A moment later, he asked, "Miss Yun, aren't you afraid other people will object to your practice?"
Yun Luofeng confidently smiled. "Those with objections don't have to join the Physician Tower! However, you as a physician should know the attraction that those medical texts and prescriptions hold to them."
"Also, my demand isn't that high. As long as you don't betray the Physician Tower and spread the medical texts and prescriptions to the public, they are completely free the other times and don't need to perpetually stay inside the Physician Tower. Also, there aren't many people who have broken through to god level on this continent, so a sky-level gold-seeking hamster would undoubtedly be a very formidable combat force! How many people do you think would reject receiving a spiritual beast who can assist them in fighting for free?"
Qing Mu's heart was brimming with astonishment. He truly did not dare to believe that this was something that a girl younger than 20 years old could conjure up.
"Miss Yun, I'm from the Tianhui Empire, so why did you tell me this idea?"
Yun Luofeng faintly smiled with a cunning glint in her eyes. "I have heard of Great Master Qing Mu's ability and character since long ago, so I am solemnly requesting you to be an elder of my Physician Tower."
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Chapter 983:- Yun Luofeng Poaching (5)
Qing Mu was dumbfounded and blinked. Was this girl legitimately poaching in the Tianhui Empire's territory?
However...
"Hahaha!" Great Master Qing Mu chuckled. "After this competition is over, I will hand in a resignation to return home to His Majesty. I will immediately head over whenever that Physician Tower of yours is built!"
Nothing did a better job of enticing and recruiting a person than acknowledging his ability and character.
"Great!" Yun Luofeng extended her hand at Qing Mu. "I will wait for you inside the Physician Tower."
Qing Mu held Yun Luofeng's hand, full of smiles. "At that time, perhaps I will bring a few old men with me to join your Physician Tower. Can you accept them?"
Yun Luofeng lightly smiled. "I will be the most welcoming of anyone who is willing to join the Physician Tower and will also give them the position of an elder! I don't have any other requests for you and your friends besides never betraying me!"
Qing Mu laughed in joy, his geriatric face eclipsed by a smile.
Indeed, fame and money were worth nothing to him, and nothing was more important than medicine to him! He would be willing to abide by his promise and stay inside the Physician Tower for his whole life for the sake of the medical texts and prescriptions that Yun Luofeng mentioned alone.
He would never betray the Physician Tower!
...
After Qing Mu cheerfully left, Huohuo came out of the Medical God's Space. She sat on the roof beam and gleefully looked at Yun Luofeng. "Master, you are truly underhanded. Qing Mu clearly has an important position inside the Imperial Physician Court. Many people will follow his lead and leave as soon as he speaks. When the Emperor of the Tianhui Empire sees his empty Imperial Physician Court, perhaps he will want to cry."
Yun Luofeng smiled and answered irrelevantly, "After the Physician Tower is established, the medicinal ingredients that Little Tree and the hamster tribe needs should be settled!"
After saying this, she thought of something and turned to the gold-seeking hamster tribe. "Later, after I establish the Physician Tower, you will follow everyone from the Tower and monitor their every action and word. You will also come and find me every half a month, and I will give you spiritual herbs for consumption!"
"Squeak, squeak!"
All the hamsters started squeaking from excitement. To them, as long as there were spiritual herbs, they would use their all to finish any mission that Yun Luofeng ordered.
"Meng Meng, you don't need to go." Yun Luofeng turned to Meng Meng with a smile. "Your Imperial Mother and you will stay by my side."
The Hamster Queen was already a god-level spirit cultivator, so there was no way she would let her leave. As for Meng Meng...
Milk Tea was infatuated with her, so he definitely would not be willing to separate with her. How could she do something that broke up an affectionate couple?
Meng Meng nodded and called out.
"Meng Meng, you've already reached sky-level advanced-rank. I will have Xiao Mo keep some of the spiritual herbs inside the medicinal field for you. You should break through to god-level spirit cultivator as soon as you can. You can speak the human language and turn into a human at that time."
Meng Meng's elated eyes looked at Yun Luofeng, her gaze brimming with gratitude. If it weren't for her, perhaps the hamster tribe would still be the tribe oppressed inside the Forest of No Return, and she also would not obtain this type of strength.
"You don't need to thank me." The corner of Yun Luofeng's lips turned up. "The one you need to thank is Milk Tea. It was him who had me take you in initially."
In truth, Yun Luofeng wanted to recruit the hamster tribe the first time she saw them. However, in front of Meng Meng, she must yield the credit to Milk Tea. That was the most she could do to help him!
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Chapter 984:- Unscrupulous Long Yuan (1)
Afternoon.
Perhaps many heard the scene in the morning, so now the venue was even livelier.
Liu Chenyi smiled kindly as he was encircled by women while his hands were moving his folding fan, answering their questions with patience. However, after he saw the young lady walking into the venue, his gentle eyes sank but recovered his sunshine-like smile shortly after.
"Miss Yun, I hope you'll have the luck to defeat me in the subsequent competition."
His words implied that Yun Luofeng won because of her luck and was unrelated to her abilities.
"Idiot."
Ye Ximo coldly grunted and his slightly raised brows contained arrogance. "Winners are crowned and losers vilified, and since you've lost, it proves that your skill isn't up to par! A person who cannot bear to lose is destined to be a failure!"
Liu Chenyi's eyes once again sank and a faint smile curled on his lips. His smile was no longer as amiable as before, instead, revealed a dangerous feeling.
"What if I win?"
Ye Ximo smiled sarcastically. "Beating my sister-in-law? Are you sure your brain isn't faulty? You've already lost once yet you dare to say that?"
If it was in the Tianyun Kingdom, Ye Ximo would have long taken action. Unfortunately, as they were situated in Tianhui Empire, it would implicate the Ye Family if his actions were in the slightest careless.
Liu Chenyi lightly waved his folding fan and his line of sight turned to Yun Luofeng. "If I win, you have to become my woman. Do you dare to accept?"
This woman was overly arrogant, so, he wanted to ruthlessly stamp her dignity beneath his feet and tear her arrogant mask.
Yun Luofeng's steps paused and finally turned back. Her words were incomparably flippant and instantly caused everyone to encircle them.
"Do you think you have the qualifications to compete with me?"
Do you think you have the qualifications?
This woman was arrogant and flippant just as in the past. Didn't you want to compete with me? Then what qualifications do you have?
After speaking, Yun Luofeng slowly turned away under Liu Chenyi's gloomy gaze and walked towards the tournament venue.
Liu Chenyi's complexion turned solemn as his face contained faint anger. "Yun Luofeng, are you scared and thus don't dare to accept my challenge? So it turns out, people from the Tianyun Kingdom are a bunch of cowards without guts!"
"Master!"
"My Lord!"
Lin Ruobai and the Corps were fully aware that this was Liu Chenyi's goading, but they couldn't repress their anger as their eager gazes turned towards Yun Luofeng.
Yun Luofeng stopped her footsteps and her body slowly turned back while her black eyes gradually fell on Liu Chenyi.
Liu Chenyi faintly smiled. He knew that anyone would be affected by his goading and Yun Luofeng was no exception.
"Miss Yun..." Liu Chenyi made his tone gentler and looked towards Yun Luofeng with a faint smile.
The moment he spoke, he had been interrupted by her.
"Not accepting your challenge wasn't because I'm afraid of you. Instead... your words caused me to feel disgusted! I only have one man and I will never allow anyone to use this as a bet!" Yun Luofeng paused for a moment before continuing, "If you want to make a wager, fine. If I lose, I'll cripple one of my arms and if you lose, it'll be the same. Can you accept this?"
Liu Chenyi's expression was somewhat pale. "Crippling an arm? This method is overly cruel and how can I bear for a beauty like you to ruin your arm? How about this, if you lose, be my servant. If I lose, I'll be your servant. How does that sound?"
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Chapter 985:- Unscrupulous Long Yuan (2)
Frankly speaking, Liu Chenyi was not confident about himself and so didn't dare to accept Yun Luofeng's suggestion. An arm was extremely important for cultivators, and crippling an arm was akin to destroying one's future.
"Why, don't you dare to accept?" Yun Luofeng narrowed her eyes and smiled wickedly, "Could it be that you're afraid?"
"Afraid?" Liu Chenyi sneered, "How could I be afraid? Yun Luofeng, your right hand is already injured so if you lose and choose to give up your right hand, wouldn't that be unfair?"
Yun Luofeng looked at Liu Chenyi. "If I lose, I'll cripple my left arm. With this, do you dare to accept?"
Liu Chenyi eyes sank and his gentle face was pale. He was silent for a long time before biting his teeth. "Alright, I accept!"
So what if he lost in the end? With Noble Consort Ling as his backing, Yun Luofeng wouldn't be able to forcefully cripple his arm!
"Let's go."
Yun Luofeng laughed and slowly walked toward the Tianyun Kingdom's position.
A long time later, under the escort of eunuchs and palace maids, Long Yuan and Noble Consort Ling walked over and took their seats while coldly sweeping their eyes over various kingdom's prodigies beneath them.
"The second match will be held in the Medicine Tower. This tower was passed down by an ancestor a thousand years ago and the motive is to put the common people's medical skills to test! There's an illusionary realm in the Medicine Tower and the illusion everyone encounters is different. The similarity would be a patient appearing before you."
"Curing the patient would allow one to go up one level. Whoever reaches the eighth level first will be the champion of this Physician's General Assembly."
"In addition, there will be all kinds of medicinal ingredients in that illusionary realm and a stove for boiling decoctions. You shall be using the given situation to treat your patient! If there's a failure in your treatment, you'll immediately be eliminated by the Tower."
"Your Majesty."
A green-robed lady with matchless good looks and quick-witted appearance walked out from the crowd. She looked at Long Yuan and asked, "What if no one reaches the eighth level?"
"If no one enters the eighth level, then the ranking will be in accordance with who entered the seventh level first, and those who are eliminated first are existences equivalent to the lowest ranked."
Facing this green-robed lady, Long Yuan's tone was courteous and his face had a faint smile. "In passing, I shall advise a bit more. There's a time limit for treatment, and if one does not successfully enter the upper level in half a joss stick's time, they will be eliminated."
Ye Ximo looked at the green-robed lady and whispered to Yun Luofeng. "Sister-in-law, out of the three big Empires, this woman is from the second-ranked Liuyue Empire, Princess Fengqing."
Someone from Liuyue Empire? It's no wonder Long Yuan was courteous to her. When all was said and done, the Tianhui Empire was a bully who preyed on the weak.
Yun Luofeng lightly caressed her chin and her eyes flickered. The setting of the Medicine Tower was different from the Physician Tower she envisioned. If she could obtain the Medicine Tower's illusionary realm, perhaps it could be brought into the Physician Tower to be used for examinations...
...
After Long Yuan finished speaking, he ordered the eunuchs to lead the prodigies of all the kingdoms to the Medicine Tower. Fortunately, the Medicine Tower wasn't far from the venue, and soon Yun Luofeng along with the others arrived beneath a tall tower...
A peculiar thought flashed through Yun Luofeng's eyes. Reasonably speaking, with the height of this Medicine Tower, it should be easily seen from outside the Imperial Palace. However, if they hadn't approached, they wouldn't have known the existence of this Medicine Tower.
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Chapter 986:- Unscrupulous Long Yuan (3)
"Everyone, please enter." The eunuch used a key to open the gates of Medicine Tower while using his pointed voice to speak and the prodigies hastily rushed into the Medicine Tower while disappearing in a hazy fog.
At present, ten bedridden patients appeared before Yun Luofeng and all of them were wailing in anguish. They were holding their chests while pain and suffering were written on their pale faces.
Yun Luofeng froze. "Did Long Yuan say that there were ten patients in the first level?"
"I doubt it..."
Unknowingly, Huohuo appeared beside Yun Luofeng. She leaped up onto a tree off to one side and sat on a branch, then swung her legs while looking at the young lady beneath her.
"Master, in accordance with your abilities, saving these ten patients isn't a problem."
Yun Luofeng shook her head. "I'm worrying for Zhong Ling'er. After all, it hasn't been that long since she learned medicine, and it's simply impossible for her to treat ten patients in half a joss stick time!"
With Zhong Ling'er's abilities, saving ten patients in half a joss stick time was impossible, so how could she not be worried for her?
"Forget it, I'll enter the next level first. I must obtain the championship this time!"
...
On the high ground outside the Medicine Tower, Long Yuan was seated upright and his cold eyes contained a sinister hint while a sneer was on his face. Noble Consort Ling with a beaming smile was snuggled into his embrace while the corner of her lips revealed excitement.
Yun Luofeng, didn't you make a wager with Liu Chenyi? This time around, I'll make you lose thoroughly without any opportunity to turn things around!
"Not good, something happened!"
Yet at this moment, a hurried figure rushed over and gasped for breath. That person was wearing the Imperial Physician Court robes and was clearly someone from the Imperial Physician Court.
He walked to Qing Mu and others with haste and a trace of anxiousness was on his face. "Sir Qing Mu, Sir Ge Yang, something big happened! When I went to check the Medicine Tower earlier on, I discovered that someone secretly released the harshest matrix."
The matrix of Medicine Tower was separated into two, one as a common matrix used to evaluate the abilities of young prodigies, and the other one... was used as the criterion to enter the Imperial Physician Court!
In that matrix, there would be ten patients appearing concurrently and in addition, their conditions would be extremely critical. If one could reach the fourth level facing this matrix, they would have the qualifications to enter the Imperial Physician Court!
Naturally, Qing Mu had experienced the severity of this matrix and he hastily stood up while asking with an anxious expression, "Who released this matrix? These young prodigies are absolutely incapable of dealing with this. Oh right, did you check who is facing that matrix?"
The person from the Imperial Physician Court prudently shot a glance at Qing Mu. "It's... Yun Luofeng!"
Bang!
Similar to a clap of thunder striking down in clear skies, Qing Mu's footsteps staggered and he nearly fell down.
Suddenly, he raised his head and looked at Long Yuan and Noble Consort Ling seated above, and then inquired, "Your Majesty, other than the people from Imperial Physician Court, you are the only one who has the right to enter this Medicine Tower! Therefore, I shall be daring and ask, was this matter done by Your Majesty?"
Qing Mu gnashed his teeth in anger as his eyes were filled with disappointment and anger. He knew that the Emperor wasn't fond of Yun Luofeng, but he would never expect the Emperor to use such a method to make things difficult for her.
This round of competition wasn't fair!
Long Yuan furrowed his eyebrows with a stern face. "Qing Mu, you sure have the nerve. Clearly, this matter is the responsibility of the Imperial Physician Court and you dare to interrogate me?"
"You.." Qing Mu was angered to the point that his whole body trembled.
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Chapter 987:- Unscrupulous Long Yuan (4)
Despite usually being disappointed with Long Yuan, he had never been so disappointed as he was today.
That year during the death of the Emperor, the princes contended against each other for the throne. If it weren't for his protection, the Crown Prince Long Yuan wouldn't have successfully ascended the throne. Now, the person he once supported had turned into an incapable ruler who indulged in his lust.
"Qing Mu." Ge Yang was afraid that Qing Mu would say words of treason and had hastily pulled him back while looking at Long Yuan with his brows knitted. "Your Majesty, I earnestly request for you to send an imperial decree to let all the geniuses from the various kingdoms restart the competition."
Long Yuan sneered, "The competition has already begun. Should I stop it just because you say so? I will not delay the other geniuses for Yun Luofeng!"
This time, even Ge Yang and the others were thoroughly disillusioned. In the future were they truly going to continue vowing their loyalty and devotion to such a muddle-headed and tyrannical Emperor?
Nowadays, Long Yuan acted in accordance with Noble Consort Ling in all aspects, and perhaps it wouldn't be long before he would heed her and discard them!
"This Qing Mu is tremendously brave to clamor against me!" Long Yuan's expression sank and coldly snorted.
Noble Consort Ling's eyes flickered and she softly smiled while leaning on Long Yuan's chest. "Your Majesty, our Tianhui Empire isn't lacking in skilled physicians. I think that Qing Mu no longer has any use so we might as well dismiss him."
Long Yuan supported his forehead while experiencing a headache. "This Qing Mu has always been contradicting me so do you think I don't wish to dismiss him? It is just that Qing Mu saved my Imperial Father's life so if I were to chase him away, I'm afraid it would cause the minister's hearts to turn cold."
Noble Consort Ling raised her brows but did not continue persuading Long Yuan. Her beautiful eyes swept towards Qing Mu with a sneer on her face.
Qing Mu cannot stay! Otherwise, I can't say for sure when he will complain about me before the Emperor.
If the Emperor was really reluctant to chase him away, then she didn't mind using some underhanded methods to cause him to lose his reputation and integrity!
After hearing Qing Mu and Long Yuan's conversation, the corps exploded with anger. If Ye Ling didn't stop them, perhaps they might have rushed forward to fight and put their lives at risk.
"This is the Tianhui Empire, and our Lord has yet to come out so we should refrain from causing trouble. In addition, I believe in our Lord's abilities and this little difficulty cannot trap her."
These were Ye Ling's words and precisely because of this, it caused the corps rash and restless emotions to stabilize.
Yes!
In their hearts, Yun Luofeng was like a god and no difficulties or trials could knock her down! Right now, it was sufficient for them to quietly wait for her.
"Half a joss stick's time has passed and some have been disqualified."
In this instant, everyone turned toward the Medicine Tower...
The Medicine Tower door opened and a few crestfallen youngsters walked out. They couldn't even pass through the first level and they could imagine what kind of punishment they had to confront after returning.
"Your Majesty, Yun Luofeng is really slow." Noble Consort Ling smiled in ridicule. "Taking her time even when she's just walking out the Medicine Tower. I guess she's having trouble accepting failure and so, she's unwilling to leave."
Upon failure, the Medicine Tower would transport the losers to the door and let them leave by themselves. Regardless of what level they failed on, they would all be sent to the first level entrance. Therefore, Noble Consort Ling was guessing that Yun Luofeng was definitely hiding inside and unwilling to come out, afraid of being a disgrace...
Long Yuan coldly spoke, "Even if she's unwilling, the Medicine Tower will throw her out, to avoid affecting others continuing the competition!"
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Chapter 988:- Unscrupulous Long Yuan (5)
Treating ten patients in half a joss stick's time? This was only achievable by those old men from the Imperial Physician Court so how could a young genius like Yun Luofeng have such abilities? Therefore, everyone believed that she would be eliminated on the first level.
"Beloved Consort, just wait and see. If Yun Luofeng continues lingering without leaving, the Medicine Tower will get angry." Long Yuan smiled and his line of sight turned towards the Medicine Tower as he spoke.
Yet, looking at it, his expression changed because the Medicine Tower did not throw Yun Luofeng out as he assumed and instead, slowly closed the doors. Once the Medicine Tower closed, it meant that all the eliminated participants had left the Tower!
Noble Consort Ling stared blankly as she bit her lips while asking, "Is this Tower faulty?"
In a twinkling of an eye, Long Yuan's fierce eyes shot towards those youngsters who were eliminated. "Have all the eliminated participants left the Medicine Tower? Was it possible that someone was hiding inside, not willing to come out?"
The few youngsters looked blankly and shook their head in succession.
"There's no one else and the eliminated participants are just the few of us."
Long Yuan's expression became increasingly unsightly. "Have you seen Yun Luofeng?"
"Answering Your Majesty, there were only the few of us being eliminated and we did not see anyone else."
Yun Luofeng wasn't present? How could that be?!
Long Yuan tightly clenched his fist as his complexion became ashen. Half a joss stick's time has passed so why wasn't Yun Luofeng eliminated?
At the same time, others were also dumbfounded by this.
Yun Luofeng wasn't eliminated?
So that's to say, she had successfully entered the next level?
Qing Mu and Ge Yang looked at each other and saw astonishment in each other's eyes. If Yun Luofeng succeeded, it proved that her talent was incomparable!
Ge Yang slowly recovered his emotions and smiled while asking, "Qing Mu, do you have a guess on what level Miss Yun can enter?"
Qing Mu raised the corner of his lips. "The difficulty of the fourth level will already exceed a normal matrix's eighth level. Therefore, I assume she can reach the third or fourth level!"
Ssssii!
Hearing his words, everyone sucked in a cold breath. This matrix's fourth level difficulty has already exceeded a normal matrix's eighth level?
Furthermore, Master Qing Mu had asserted that she could reach the fourth level?
Among the crowd, a sneering laugh could be heard.
"It's merely her luck to break through the first level and it doesn't mean she will be fortunate continuing on. Therefore, she will definitely be eliminated this time!"
Minutes and seconds elapsed and soon after, half a joss stick's time had once again passed. The Medicine Tower opened once again and a few crestfallen male and female youths appeared at the entrance. However, Yun Luofeng's figure wasn't among them...
"It's impossible!"
Long Yuan suddenly stood up and he stared unwaveringly at the Medicine Tower entrance. "The second level's time has passed and those who couldn't cure the patients would be chased out, but why wasn't Yun Luofeng present?"
Noble Consort Ling hesitated for a long time and asked, "Your Majesty, could it be that something's wrong with the Medicine Tower to the extent of not eliminating everyone and closing the door?"
After hearing her words, Long Yuan's line of sight turned towards the few people revealing a dejected expression as he spoke sternly, "Have you seen Yun Luofeng?"
Those people stared blankly and hastily shook their head.
"It seems that she has yet to come out."
If it was the Medicine Tower that malfunctioned and not clearing everyone out, then why did these people claim to not have seen Yun Luofeng?
In particular, there were people from the Lanxiang Kingdom among the eliminated participants and it was impossible for them to aid Yun Luofeng in cheating!
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Chapter 989:- Number One (1)
Long Yuan's body went soft as he collapsed on the chair while his dignified expression was exhausted and pale, appearing extremely unsightly.
Those eliminated participants were unaware of the happenings and looked at each other in dismay while asking for an explanation from others. After hearing that Yun Luofeng was facing a matrix for the Imperial Physician Court examination, they were unconsciously struck dumb.
Under such a subtle atmosphere, another half joss stick's time elapsed and simultaneously, the door of the Medicine Tower was pushed opened and another group of dispirited disqualified youths stood at the entrance.
However, among them, Yun Luofeng was not present!
"The third level's test has ended and since Yun Luofeng hasn't been eliminated, it means that she's entered the fourth level!"
Only those physicians from the Imperial Physician Court could reach the fourth level and right now, Yun Luofeng has already entered there?
Siii!
Everyone couldn't refrain from sucking in a cold breath as they looked at the tightly shut Medicine Tower gates in befuddlement.
"Ge Yang, make a guess if this brat can successfully enter the fifth level?" Qing Mu's expression contained excitement while his voice was also endlessly shaking.
No one was clearer than those from the Imperial Physician Court on the difficulty of the exam! If Yun Luofeng could successfully break through to the fifth level, it meant that there was not a big discrepancy between her abilities and the physicians from the Physician Court.
However, all of them were all old men over half a hundred years old and how young was this brat? Having such achievements at such a young age, the Tianyun Kingdom had picked a treasure this time around.
The time for the fifth level had elapsed and among those youths walking out, there was still no sign of Yun Luofeng's figure.
Everyone had become numb from the initial shock and seemed to have accepted the shock Yun Luofeng brought them.
Qing Mu and Ge Yang gazed at each other and saw happiness in their eyes. They could imagine, if Yun Luofeng's actions of today were to be spread throughout, even the two great empires would spare no effort in roping her in!
"Let's guess, which level can Yun Luofeng reach?"
"This would be hard to say. However, I figure that she's near her limits and the sixth level will definitely eliminate her."
Everyone started discussing and their eyes no longer contained their initial ridicule. Instead, they were guessing what level Yun Luofeng could reach.
The Medicine Tower's gates once again opened.
Liu Chenyi faintly smiled while walking out with both hands behind his back. He gently inspected his surroundings and questioned, "Where's Yun Luofeng? Is she hiding after losing, and not daring to meet me? You should let her come out and she can rest assured, I've always had tender, protective feelings for the fairer sex and wouldn't really cripple her arm."
In this Medicine Tower, people who could enter the sixth level were considered talented geniuses! Therefore, Liu Chenyi concluded that Yun Luofeng was unable to reach this level! What caused Liu Chenyi to be puzzled was that on a normal occasion, after witnessing him coming out, those infatuated women would definitely surround him and ask about his well-being. Yet, no one had come up and all of them gazed at him with a weird expression.
Liu Chenyi finally felt something was out of place and asked while frowning, "What happened?"
Currently, on the high platform above, Noble Consort Ling's expression was somewhat unsightly and her tone was grave. "Liu Chenyi, you're a disgrace of our Lanxiang Kingdom to be eliminated only at the sixth level! Even Yun Luofeng has yet to leave the Medicine Tower."
Originally, after hearing Noble Consort Ling's criticism, Liu Chenyi's face couldn't help but sink. However, the next sentence caused him to be stunned on the spot.
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Chapter 990:- Number One (2)
Yun Luofeng... has yet to leave the Medicine Tower?
He turned his head while being stunned. Looking at the tightly shut doors, his expression turned pale in a flash and his gentle eyes were also filled with shock.
Noble Consort Ling snorted. She no longer took notice of him and cast her line of sight towards the Medicine Tower with gloomy eyes.
Yun Luofeng this woman cannot remain!
... Among the various kingdoms on the mainland, there were only a few who could break through to the seventh level. However, once breaking through, the distance between the eighth level wouldn't be far.
The rules of this competition were that the first one who reached the eighth level and completed the task would obtain a jade pendant belonging to the Tianhui Empire as proof of clearing the entire Medicine Tower.
After all, although the Medicine Tower had a time limit of having to enter the next level in half a joss stick's time, it wasn't impossible to complete the task earlier! For example, even if a participant had been eliminated on the fifth level, there might be a genius successfully entering the seventh level.
As such, the jade pendant was used as proof and those who obtained it would be number one!
Time gradually elapsed and the skies turned to dusk.
The Medicine Tower's doors opened under everyone's expectation and the dusk sunshine sprinkled, landing on the young lady standing at the gates.
The young lady's clothes were purer than snow while her brows were like a painting and a bewitching smile curled on her lips. She was incomparably gorgeous and the word devastatingly beautiful was insufficient to describe her.
Liu Chenyi forgot about his defeat and foolishly stared at the peerless and magnificent young lady, while his gentle as jade eyes were filled with feelings of having his breath taken away. There had been countless women beside him for over twenty years and no one had been so beautiful that they shook one to the core and disturbed one's soul in this way.
"Miss Yun, you're out?" Qing Mu smiled, "It's alright, it's considered good to have reached the seventh level. Furthermore, the matrix you encountered is a more difficult one, and even only reaching the fourth level would surpass those who entered the normal eighth level."
Qing Mu's words caused her to frown and a puzzling glimmer flashed through her eyes.
Just then, Long Yuan's indifferent voice could be heard on the high platform. "Failing means failing! She was eliminated on the seventh level which proves that she's not the number one of this competition!"
"However, the test Miss Yun undertook was several times difficult than others!" Qing Mu wanted to contend for Yun Luofeng's rights.
In his view, Yun Luofeng was worthy of the title as the champion but Long Yuan disdained and had contempt for Qing Mu's words.
"I don't care what test she undertook. Since she wasn't the first who broke through the eighth level, it means she lost!" He lifted his chin and overlooked Yun Luofeng from high grounds, "Yun Luofeng, towards my judgment, do you have any opinion?"
Yun Luofeng turned towards Qing Mu, seemingly not noticing Long Yuan, and asked. "I picked up something in the Medicine Tower and wasn't sure what was it so I brought it out. I request for Great Master Qing Mu to verify it."
After speaking, Yun Luofeng fished out a jade pendant from her lapels and passed it to Qing Mu.
When he saw the jade pendant in Qing Mu's hands, Long Yuan's cold and detached expression instantly changed and even his voice trembled. "Where did you get this jade from?"
"I've made myself clear, I picked it up from the Medicine Tower." Yun Luofeng wickedly swept a glance at Long Yuan and spoke monotonously, "It was this jade pendant that sent me to the entrance."
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Chapter 991:- Number One (3)
Qing Mu was stunned as he looked at the words 'Tianhui Empire' on the jade pendant in astonishment while his gaze somewhat sluggishly turned towards Yun Luofeng.
"Miss Yun, you... entered the eighth level?"
Yun Luofeng frowned and pondered, speaking only after a long time. "It seemed to be the eighth level. After curing the patients on the eighth level, this jade pendant appeared. I originally picked it up to investigate it, but after being in contact with it I arrived at the entrance."
Boom!
Similar to thunder striking down during clear skies, the entire venue became absolutely silent. Their expression was of astonishment, shock, and even zealotry as they unwaveringly stared at Yun Luofeng.
Not to mention Liu Chenyi who was completely unaware, even Yun Luofeng herself stared blankly, clearly not understanding the situation before her.
"You truly treated the patients on the eighth level?" Qing Mu's breathing became hurried as he asked while unable to take his eyes off of her.
Under the old man's excited gaze, Yun Luofeng nodded.
In fact, Qing Mu's words were unnecessary as the jade pendant that Yun Luofeng passed to him proved her abilities! He was merely in disbelief and thus wanted to verify once again. Of course, after Yun Luofeng's affirmation, Qing Mu suddenly laughed heartily.
"Prodigy, this is definitely an unprecedented and never to be duplicated prodigy! The first person since ancient times!"
Liu Chenyi stared distractedly.
The first since ancient times? Wasn't Master Qing Mu being exaggerating?
"Master Qing Mu, the prodigies from the three great Empires have the same ability to complete the eighth level mission. Merely, their speed wasn't as fast compared to Yun Luofeng. With your manner of speaking, aren't you saying that all the prodigies of the Empires are unmatched?"
Qing Mu snorted. "How can those people be compared with Miss Yun? In the illusionary realm earlier on, did you find it strenuous saving one patient? However, are you aware that Miss Yun had simultaneously cured ten patients with different symptoms on every level? Furthermore, facing such a situation, she had actually obtained the jade pendant before anyone else. Yet you have the impertinence to say that they can be compared with her?"
What?
Liu Chenyi's expression was shocked and his footsteps couldn't help but retreat as his gaze stared unwaveringly at Yun Luofeng.
No wonder...
No wonder when he spoke of the words earlier on, others had used a strange expression to look at him.
It's no wonder after Yun Luofeng came out, even those infatuated women who once surrounded him also used a fanatical look to gaze at her.
So it turns out, the illusionary realm Yun Luofeng entered was not the same level as his so how could they be compared?
As far as he knew, Master Qing Mu and Ge Yang merely arrived at the fifth level and failed! Even if these two old men's abilities had improved, they were unable to reach the eighth level. However, not only did Yun Luofeng achieve that, she had also succeeded in such a short time. Since the ancient times, who had accomplished such a feat?
Thinking of this, Liu Chenyi's expression was deathly pale and this was the first time he regretted opposing Yun Luofeng...
"Don't forget the wager between us." Yun Luofeng's line of sight gradually fell on Liu Chenyi and she smiled. "Now, do you want to cripple your arm, or do you want me to help you?"
Liu Chenyi's expression turned pale as he retreated.
"Miss Yun, do you intend to be so forceful and overbearing?"
"Forceful? No, I haven't forced you. I'm only acting in accordance with your wishes," Yun Luofeng smiled wickedly while looking at Liu Chenyi and approaching him. "After all, this wager was suggested by you and I was merely forced to accept."
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Chapter 992:- Liu Chenyi's Regret and Despair (1)
Yun Luofeng walked to the front of Liu Chenyi while having a faint smile and looked down on him.
Seemingly oppressed by her gaze, his expression became increasingly pale. He looked at Noble Consort Ling in a cry for help and appealed, "Save me, Noble Consort Ling!" He had yet to fully embrace the beauty of the land under the heavens, so how could he lose his life here?
Noble Consort Ling's beautiful face darkened and her sharp eyes turned towards Yun Luofeng. "Yun Luofeng, as per the tournament rules, participants are not allowed private wagers and all stakes are invalid!"
Yun Luofeng raised her brows. "Why haven't I heard such a rule?"
"Hmph," Noble Consort Ling lightly snorted, "This rule was fixed by me in private and you were unaware due to your ignorance and inexperience. I shall make the decision today, disallowing you from touching a strand of Liu Chenyi's hair!" Her brows furrowed and her delicate as jade hands heavily slapped the table while she strictly ordered this.
Liu Chenyi relaxed upon hearing that. With Noble Consort Ling's protection, his arm was considered saved.
Yet at that moment...
A sharp sword glint flashed and instantly sliced the tendons in Liu Chenyi's arm! Fresh blood splattered, followed by an anguished wailing reverberating throughout the skies.
Everyone was struck dumb as their stunned gaze turned towards the white-robed lady standing in the light breeze. All along, there was a faint smile on her face, similar to a painting with an extremely gorgeous appearance. She smiled and met those shocked or furious gazes while her white robes purer than snow lightly fluttered in the wind.
"Yun Luofeng!"
Long Yuan's flames of fury overflowed and he suddenly stood up while sternly berating, "You have the nerve to commit an assault before everyone. Men, arrest her!"
Qing Mu and others were also shocked by Yun Luofeng's actions and unconsciously revealed a bitter smile. This girl truly wasn't willing to suffer grievances. Since Liu Chenyi agreed to wager with her, then she must make sure that the stake was paid!
"Your Majesty," Qing Mu sighed and stood out while speaking with his fists cupped, "Miss Yun cannot be blamed for this and it was Liu Chenyi who provoked her! Furthermore, if Miss Yun was the one who was defeated, he would never easily let her off. Your Majesty, Noble Consort Ling, would you protect her at that time?"
Noble Consort Ling's eyes sank and coldly spoke. "I've always been impartial, and if Yun Luofeng lost I would definitely prevent Liu Chenyi from crippling her arm! However, she dared to disobey my orders and this woman is bound to be a disaster."
Qing Mu's body shuddered and as he was going to continue pleading for leniency for Yun Luofeng, her languid voice slowly sounded and entered his ears.
"Great Master Qing Mu, this is unrelated to you and you shouldn't get involved."
Qing Mu stared blankly and raised his head to look at Yun Luofeng's back while a bitter smile curled on his aged face. How could he not understand that this girl was afraid that the Emperor would take his anger out on him, and so prevented him from getting involved?
"You said I crippled Liu Chenyi's arm?" Yun Luofeng smiled as she looked towards Long Yuan and Noble Consort Ling, "Then I'd like to ask, with which eye did you see me doing that?"
Long Yuan was stunned.
Indeed, they only saw a flash of light passing by and Liu Chenyi's arm was crippled. As for who took action, it wasn't revealed...
"Who could it be if it wasn't you?" Noble Consort Ling coldly spoke, "Liu Chenyi had only wagered with you and in addition, you had repeatedly mentioned wanting to cripple his arm. Currently, his tendons have been cut and no one other than you would do that!"
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Chapter 993:- Liu Chenyi's Regret and Despair (2)
Yun Luofeng spread her hands and looked helpless. "There is nothing I can say if you want to forcefully shift the blame to me! Perhaps Liu Chenyi's personality was overly egotistical and provoked numerous enemies. Or maybe someone was hiding in the dark, and after witnessing the dispute between us, they crippled his arm."
Egotistical?
When everyone heard this, their mouth couldn't help but twitch.
It seems like Liu Chenyi's personality isn't as egotistical as yours!
However... what Yun Luofeng said was true. No one saw her taking action before and Liu Chenyi had been crippled. Perhaps there was truly someone behind the scenes and was making a vain attempt to frame her.
"You..."
Noble Consort Ling fingers angrily pointed to Yun Luofeng while her lovable face was filled with anger and flames of fury flickered in her eyes.
"Beloved Consort," Long Yuan held her hands and he looked towards Yun Luofeng. "Yun Luofeng, if you don't want anybody to know, don't do it in the first place. I will dispatch men to investigate this and if I find out that you took action, don't even think about leaving the Tianhui Empire from now on!"
He snorted and flung his sleeves and then stepped down from the platform with the support of the palace maids.
If Liu Chenyi was truly injured by Yun Luofeng, then he could authoritatively arrest her. However, no one saw Yun Luofeng taking action before, and if he were to show favoritism for his own selfishness it would certainly cause resentment across the entire kingdom.
On this point, Long Yuan could still thoroughly understand it.
On the platform, Noble Consort Ling also stood up slowly while tightly clenching her fists. Her stern gaze shot down at Yun Luofeng.
I'll let this brat be pleased with herself first, and then during the Martial Tournament, I will let her die without a burial site!
"My Lord!"
"Master!"
"Sister-in-law!"
Ye Ximo and others arrived at Yun Luofeng's side with haste while their eyes were filled with happiness.
"Sister-in-law, this time around, you've obtained the championship for our kingdom. You are our eternal pride!"
All these years, even if Ye Ximo wasn't in Ye City, he would be recalled before the Inter-kingdom tournament. However, regardless of whether the people from the Tianyun Kingdom competed in the medical or martial arts categories, they always ended up in last place and he had never seen this change even once!
However right now, with Yun Luofeng's emergence, not only was the Tianyun Kingdom not in last place for the first time in a thousand years, they had even placed first. How could they not be excited?
The surrounding people looked at each other in dismay and eventually, a prodigy from a certain kingdom gathered their courage and came before Yun Luofeng while having a face filled with embarrassment. "That... I'm sorry for my comments about you before. I'm truly sorry."
This young lady lowered her head before Yun Luofeng and gave a deep bow.
On the Continent, one had to have sufficient strength to shake the common people if they wanted to obtain other's respect. Otherwise, they would forever be confronted with mocking and teasing. Yet, once you displayed a powerful strength surpassing the norm, even those who once looked down on you would have a whole new level of respect for you.
Yun Luofeng looked at the lady before her and revealed a smile. The curve on her lips was very beautiful and at the same time bewitching.
If Yun Luofeng was a man, that smile would certainly capture a young lady's heart.
"It's fine as long as you don't rely on a subjective assumption in the future. In addition, if you want to find a man, open your eyes. A man like Liu Chenyi is destined to be unfaithful and fickle-minded."
That young lady blushed and lowered her head, speaking. "I will not worship him in the future..."
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Chapter 994:- Liu Chenyi's Regret and Despair (3)
As a physician, she had worshipped Liu Chenyi not only because of his beautiful face but more because of his talent as a physician. Other than the geniuses of the three great empires, perhaps Liu Chenyi was the most talented physician among them...
However, with Yun Luofeng's emergence, it had broken this situation!
The young lady peeked at Yun Luofeng out of the corner of her eyes and a longing glimmer flickered within. A genius like Yun Luofeng was the one deserving of her worshipping with her life! Even if the other party was also a woman...
Yun Luofeng looked at her who had yet to leave and asked while raising her brows, "Is there anything else?"
The young lady's face reddened and she used a tiny voice to reply, "No...Nothing." After replying she hastily left, but before that, she turned and peeked at Yun Luofeng again.
"Haha," Ye Ximo heartily laughed and put his arm on Yun Luofeng's shoulders while putting his head closer to say, "Sister-in-law, it seems like you attract both men and women!"
Yun Luofeng's expression darkened and she pushed the arm Ye Ximo had placed on her shoulders. "If Yun Xiao were to see your actions, he would definitely discard you somewhere a hundred thousand miles away."
Ye Ximo's mouth twitched in embarrassment and he removed his arm.
Ye Ximo winked at Yun Luofeng while he spoke beaming with a smile, "That brother of mine, not only is he a vinegar jar, god knows who he inherited his grim personality from. A domineering woman like Foster Mother actually gave birth to an emotionless son. Luckily, Sister-in-law could cure his facial paralysis."
Thinking of Yun Xiao, Yun Luofeng's expression warmed up. Her pitch-black eyes like the night stars were glittering so bright that it hurt to look at them.
Not far away, Xiao Yuqing's cold gaze lingered on her body all along and his eyes had an infatuated look. However, the glimmer in her eyes was like a thorn that ruthlessly pricked his heart and caused his hands to clench into fists...
When he was attentively watching Yun Luofeng, he was unaware of a similar infatuated look gazing at him, never moving the slightest.
...
After the tournament, Yun Luofeng returned to the courtyard and before she could rest, noise could be heard from outside and even sounds of fighting. "Huohuo, let's go out and see what's happening!" After this, Yun Luofeng directly dashed out of the door with a bang.
The people who were having a dispute stopped after hearing movements behind them while orderly looking towards her.
"Sister-in-law?" Ye Ximo was startled, "Are we disturbing your rest?"
Yun Luofeng did not say anything as her narrowed eyes looked towards Ye Ximo who was directly facing the uninvited guests. A dangerous glint flashed through her eyes.
"Who can tell me, exactly what happened?"
"Haha."
A sneer suddenly sounded and the crowd opened a path. Shortly after, a tall figure appeared in her view.
Qiu Feihua!
She was aware that the people from the Lanxiang Kingdom would never leave the matter alone after Liu Chenyi was harmed!
"Yun Luofeng!" Qiu Feihua lifted his chin and spoke overbearingly, "You've touched someone from my Lanxiang Kingdom, so how should I settle it with you?"
Yun Luofeng smiled. "With which eye did you see me hurting him?"
"I don't care if you won't admit it as long as I determine you were the one who did it!" Qiu Feihua said with a malicious expression. "The Tianyun Kingdom has been an existence eternally ranked at the bottom, yet you dare to harm our people! Honestly speaking, weren't you all in the last place again at the Physician Tournament?"
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Chapter 995:- Liu Chenyi's Regret and Despair (4)
Qiu Feihua's words caused the people surrounding him to be stumped for words and a trace of embarrassment flashed through their faces.
He did not witness the Physician Tournament and instead, enjoyed himself without restraint at a brothel today. After hearing about Yun Luofeng injuring Liu Chenyi when he returned, his rage suddenly overflowed and rushed over. Thus, he was still unaware of the situation regarding the tournament...
"Your Highness, the Tianyun Kingdom..." A bodyguard dreaded that Qiu Feihua would continue losing face. However, just when he tried to inform him of the tournament's results, he was impatiently interrupted by Qiu Feihua.
"What about the Tianyun Kingdom? After offending our Lanxiang Kingdom, it's impossible to continue surviving! I guess that Liu Chenyi must have beat Yun Luofeng during the tournament, resulting in her flying into a rage out of humiliation and wanting to kill! If you're a sore loser, you shouldn't come to the Inter-kingdom Tournament to lose face!"
Those guards who were originally aggressive were ashamed after hearing Qiu Feihua's words and wished they could find a hole to burrow in. Only those guards who had accompanied Qiu Feihua to the brothel were unaware of the situation. They were holding their heads up high and sticking their chests out while arrogantly standing beside Qiu Feihua.
Ye Ximo was flabbergasted. He blinked his eyes as his face revealed a perplexed look.
Was this Qiu Feihua an idiot? To actually claim that his sister-in-law lost to Liu Chenyi and injured him after flying into a rage out of humiliation?
"Liu Chenyi asked you to avenge him, but could it be, he didn't inform you of the results?"
He didn't restrain himself and asked the question he had in his heart.
"What results?" Qiu Feihua snorted. "I am clear about that even without his explanation! Yun Luofeng, if you're a sore loser, you should return to your mom and ask for some milk. Stop making an exhibition of yourself here. Haha!"
Qiu Feihua laughed maniacally.
However, out of the troops from the Lanxiang Kingdom, only a few laughed together while the others were so awkward that they wished they could die. In such a situation, how could they laugh?
Making an exhibition of oneself?
I'm afraid the person making an exhibition is yourself, alright?
However, Qiu Feihua was still their Lord, so they did not dare to reveal their unhappiness.
Gradually, there were quite a number of people surrounding Yun Luofeng's courtyard, and some had participated in the Physician Tournament. After hearing Qiu Feihua's words, they couldn't help but laugh.
"What are you laughing about?" Qiu Feihua frowned and icily looked towards those who laughed while fiercely speaking, "Don't tell me what I said was wrong? Yun Luofeng is a sore loser and the Tianyun Kingdom is an existence that has been ranked at the bottom for a thousand years!"
All of a sudden, a sharp gust of wind attacked and after Qiu Feihua recovered his senses, he saw a foot approaching...
His eyes abruptly opened wide, and just when he was about to curse in rage, that foot kicked him flying at lightning speed with a bang. His body fell on the ground in a sorry mess while just happening to land before a pair of feet.
"Tsk tsk, youngsters nowadays sure are violent!"
Qiu Feihua, who had a bellyful of anger, was suddenly agitated and angry after hearing this aged voice so he rained down curses without restraint. "An old man from who knows where, scram! Otherwise, be careful or else I'll..."
He rapidly got up and turned around, wanting to continue cursing the old man before him. However, a familiar face entered his view and caused his eyes to go wide with alarm.
"Otherwise what?" Ge Yang faintly smiled and kindly asked.
The old man's kind smile caused Qiu Feihua's heart to tremble, shocking him so that he nearly cried.
"Great Master Ge Yang, why are you here?"
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Chapter 996:- Liu Chenyi's Regret and Despair (5)
Ge Yang faintly smiled. "I was the referee for the Physician Tournament and since the tournament has ended, I am here to hand out the rewards."
"Oh, so that's the case." Qiu Feihua caressed his wildly beating heart and approached while chuckling. "Great Master Ge Yang, who's the champion of this tournament? Which genius of the three great empires has won?"
Ge Yang gave Qiu Feihua an odd look. "I've already said that I came here to hand out the rewards, yet you're asking me who's the champion?"
Qiu Feihua froze and was at a loss as he asked in confusion, "Great Master Ge Yang, are you at the wrong place? This is the Tianyun Kingdom's courtyard and the other two great empires aren't staying here."
"I didn't walk to the wrong location," Ge Yang's expression darkened as he spoke somewhat impatiently, "The champion for this tournament is Yun Luofeng from the Tianyun Kingdom!"
Boom!
Similar to a direct lightning strike, this caused Qiu Feihua's beaming face to be petrified.
The tournament champion?
Yun Luofeng?
This was impossible. The Tianyun Kingdom has been a bottom-ranked existence for over a thousand years, so how could they obtain the championship in the Physician Tournament?
"Great Master Ge Yang... have you... made a mistake? It's impossible for the Tianyun Kingdom to obtain the championship, and only geniuses from the three great empires have such abilities!" Qiu Feihua swallowed his saliva while his back became soaked with cold sweat and even his teeth were trembling.
He was unable to link Yun Luofeng together with the champion!
Ge Yang coldly swept a glance at Qiu Feihua. "On this matter, I'm afraid Liu Chenyi from your Lanxiang Kingdom knows better. He wagered with Miss Yun that upon losing, the loser would cripple one of their arms! Before you question me, you better visit Liu Chenyi first."
Qiu Feihua staggered and nearly fell down.
Liu Chenyi being injured wasn't because Yun Luofeng lost and flew into a rage out of humiliation, thus injuring him? Instead, it was because of a wager between them?
Suddenly, he angrily turned towards the guards behind him and furiously shouted. "You were aware of the actual situation so why didn't you tell me the truth?"
Thinking of his earlier actions, Qiu Feihua wished he could find a hole and hide in it, as it was better than making an exhibition of himself here.
Those few guards experienced unspeakable bitter suffering. They had wanted to inform His Highness a moment ago, yet they were interrupted by him. As they were afraid of provoking him, they didn't dare to utter another word.
However, who knew His Highness would shift the blame to them?
"I'll settle this with you when we return," Qiu Feihua fiercely spoke, then turned towards Yun Luofeng and snorted, "Don't assume that obtaining champion in the Physician Tournament will mean the rise of your Tianyun Kingdom! If you lose in the two subsequent tournaments, you are still a bottom-ranked existence. Let's go!"
He forcefully flung his sleeves and led a group of guards while leaving in haste like a stray dog, without the airs they had initially when rushing in. ...
When Qiu Feihua returned to the Lanxiang Kingdom courtyard, his first agenda was to get even with Liu Chenyi. If it weren't for him, he wouldn't have made a fool out of himself in public.
Whereas Liu Chenyi who had one of his arms crippled was unfortunate as he also had to face Qiu Feihua venting his anger on him...
At this moment, he felt regret in his heart and even more endless despair!
In contrast, Yun Luofeng returned to her room under everyone's watchful eyes. Soon after that, she closed her doors, declining all visits to preserve and nurture her spirit for the tournament tomorrow.
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Chapter 997:- Xiao Yuqing (1)
The night scene was as quiet as water while a tall figure stood by the bed and coldly gazed at the young lady resting. His eyes radiated a ceramic glaze-like luster. He slowly extended his hand and lightly reached out to her face. When it was only a centimeter away from Yun Luofeng's face, her eyes suddenly opened wide and sharp glint flashed through the air.
The figure beside the bed froze and before he had the time to leave, he felt an ice-cold longsword held against his neck.
"I originally thought you were sent by Noble Consort Ling, so I intended to feign my sleep and see what were you up to. However, you actually wanted to take advantage of me?"
A cold glint flashed in her eyes and she stared coldly at the figure standing before her. The dim light of night was without boundary and there wasn't the slightest trace of light in the room. As such, Yun Luofeng could only vaguely make out an outline...
Even so, she could still sense the cold yet complicated gaze from the man. Unknowingly, this expression was familiar to her, seemingly having seen it somewhere...
"I... walked into the wrong room." After a long time, the man purposely deepened his voice and spoke hoarsely.
Walked into the wrong room?
Yun Luofeng narrowed her eyes and sneered, "You think I will believe your words? Huohuo, light a fire!"
"Yes, Master!"
After speaking, a flame-like figure suddenly appeared out of nowhere. That figure was very lovable and petite while having two braids and looked adorable when looking at her from an angle. Huohuo opened her palms and a flame ignited from her hands in an instant, illuminating the entire room.
Yun Luofeng saw the person was flustered and wanted to escape in haste. Yet, the moment he took two steps, he had been blocked by that lovable figure.
The little girl raised her chin with an overbearing attitude. "My Master hasn't let you go so who allowed you to leave?"
The man's back stiffened and he faced away from Yun Luofeng. Under the light from the flame, he appeared lonesome and desolate.
Yun Luofeng slowly walked up and came before him. This man wanted to hide from her gaze and he hastily lowered his head, not daring to look straight into her eyes.
"Raise your head!" Her voice was indifferent and languid, yet containing a trace of command.
The man's body became increasingly stiff and he ultimately raised his head slowly under her watch. In an instant, a handsome and cold face came into view.
"Xiao Yuqing?"
Looking at this familiar face, Yun Luofeng slowly spat out these few words while her gaze revealed cautiousness.
"Why are you here?"
Xiao Yuqing eyes contained a complicated emotion. "That day, after being transported to the Forest of No Return by my mother, I came here through the forest and even luckily obtained the Fengyun Kingdom's Emperor's good graces to represent them in this tournament."
He paused for a moment before continuing. "I never thought that I would meet you here... Yun Luofeng, long time no see."
Long time no see...
Even though they hadn't met for a long time, he had never forgotten her all this time. However, for her, he was a dispensable existence.
If it was Yun Xiao, even under the situation without lights, she would recognize him at a glance.
Thinking of this, Xiao Yuqing felt sad. Perhaps in his lifetime, this woman wouldn't spare him an additional glance.
"You're not here to take revenge?" Yun Luofeng raised her eyebrows, "After all, I killed your parents."
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Chapter 998:- Xiao Yuqing (2)
Xiao Yuqing stared blankly and shook his head. "This wasn't your fault, and I've... never blamed you."
Perhaps, Xiao Yuqing's mother would never expect that after painstakingly sending away Xiao Yuqing, intending for him to avenge her, he was trapped by his feelings and had even forgotten about taking revenge.
"I have something going on so I'll be leaving." Xiao Yuqing slowly turned and left in haste. He was afraid that if he stayed, the yearning he had for many years would uncontrollably flow out...
He was even more afraid of seeing her loathing expression!
"Master," Huohuo looked in the direction of Xiao Yuqing's departure and blinked. "Is he in love with you?"
Yun Luofeng shook her head. "I'm not deeply acquainted with him and furthermore, even if he didn't come looking for revenge for his parent's incident, he wouldn't have any feelings for me."
The reason being, she was the enemy who killed his parents.
Huohuo pouted. It seemed like there was only Yun Xiao in her Master's heart, so even though this Xiao Yuqing had displayed his feelings in such a glaringly obvious way, she didn't notice it in the slightest.
"Master, this Xiao Yuqing looks handsome but unfortunately, he's not even half of Yun Xiao. With Yun Xiao by your side, you would naturally not put anyone in your eyes."
Yun Luofeng laughed. "Why? Are you interested in Xiao Yuqing?"
Huohuo's face blackened. "His personality isn't what I'm fond of and I wouldn't be interested in him."
"The do you have anyone you're interested in?" Yun Luofeng looked at Huohuo while seemingly smiling yet not smiling.
Huohuo froze for a moment and a refined silhouette suddenly emerged in her mind.
Maybe she was afraid of Yun Luofeng seeing through her inner thoughts, she hastily turned while blushing. "No, there's no one."
Because, the person she liked was no longer in this world...
Huohuo's eyes dimmed while agony could be seen across her face.
That person... had perhaps reincarnated many times and discarded her from his memory...
Yun Luofeng did not continue asking as she stretched her waist and walked into her room.
"It's quite late and I'll be taking a rest. The tournament will be continuing tomorrow..."
...
The next day, in the early morning.
An elevated stage was established in the venue and there was a vast crowd. One could see a densely packed group of people watching. The crowd that was originally noisy became even more lively when their emotions were worked up after seeing people from the Tianyun Kingdom.
"It's Yun Luofeng. I heard that she obtained first place during the Physician Tournament!"
"Tsk, so what? Being skilled in medicine doesn't mean her martial arts are also strong."
"I guess you are unaware. The other day, an envoy from the Lanxiang Kingdom went to the Tianyun Kingdom to pick a fight and he was kicked flying by Yun Luofeng! Yesterday, the prince from the Lanxiang Kingdom, Qiu Feihua, went looking for trouble and had the same ending! I guess Yun Luofeng's martial arts are also very strong."
"So what if she's strong? Those people under her are merely sky-level cultivators. This tournament doesn't rely on individual capabilities but instead an entire team's skills. If there's one person who drags their feet on the team, they'll lose without a doubt."
Everyone started debating and a group of people believed that Yun Luofeng would continue creating miracles. However, even more people weren't optimistic about the Tianyun Kingdom!
Although Yun Luofeng was strong, there were too many liabilities on her team. Even if the Tianyun Kingdom wasn't ranked at the bottom this time, they had no affinity with the front rankings...
Seemingly not hearing these debates, the Steel and Raging Flame corps expressionlessly followed behind Yun Luofeng.
Liability?
Before they came to the Land of No Return, they swore that they would never be a liability to their Lord!
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Chapter 999:- Preliminaries (1)
"His Majesty and Imperial Consort arrives!"
Following the eunuch's pointed voice, Long Yuan and Noble Consort Ling appeared before everyone...
Long Yuan was still dressed in dragon-robes, looking majestic.
Noble Consort Ling had a wide smile while her beautiful eyes contained a gleaming reflection of beams of sunlight, and nothing more beautiful could be imagined.
"Everyone, today marks the second round of Inter-kingdom Tournament held by the Tianhui Empire, the Martial Arts Tournament!" Long Yuan flung his sleeves and seated while his sharp gaze looked around. "The rules of this competition shall be explained by General Li."
After speaking, a middle-aged man with strong build quickly walked out. His expression was austere and his voice was stern.
"The Martial Arts Tournament is separated into preliminary, semi-final, and final stages!"
General Li cleared his throat and continued. "The details of the preliminaries are very simple! In a while, I will transfer you into an illusionary realm. There are countless spiritual beasts in there and your task is to kill those beasts!"
"Spiritual beasts below earth-level are counted as one point, earth-level as two points while sky-level as three points... so on and so forth. Teams that accumulate a total of five hundred or more points can successfully enter the semi-finals and those without sufficient points are eliminated!"
"Furthermore, in the illusionary realm, if you were to experience death, you would be transported out! Therefore, there's no need to worry about your personal safety."
His words implied that death in the illusionary realm wasn't truely death but instead, represented failing the task and the person would be transported out of the illusion.
"However,..." General Li paused for a moment before continuing, "a death in a team represents the failure of the entire team. I hope that some people will not cause their entire team to fail."
When he said those words, everyone in the venue turned towards the Steel and Raging Flame corps in succession. In their eyes, these people were a liability.
General Li's sharp gaze swept across everyone as he sternly spoke, "The duration of this tournament will be seven days. After seven days, all of you will be forcefully kicked out of the illusionary realm. I wish everyone here good luck."
After speaking, he turned and bowed towards Long Yuan. "Your Majesty, I've finished explaining the rules. After this, I will be initiating the illusionary realm."
"Begin." Long Yuan waved his hands and sternly spoke.
His imposing gaze unconsciously looked towards Yun Luofeng among the group and a cold glint flashed through his narrowed eyes.
Yun Luofeng had obtained the championship of the Physician Tournament and this time around, regardless of anything, she could not be allowed to continue winning!
...
The matrix activated and all the participants entered into the illusionary realm.
Meanwhile, in the skies above the matrix, a few numbers with capital letters suddenly appeared. Above those numbers were each Kingdom's name.
"Master."
In the illusionary realm, Xiao Mo seemed to sense Yun Luofeng's disturbed state of mind and he couldn't help but ask. "What happened?"
Yun Luofeng regained her thoughts and faintly spoke. "The number of matrices that this Tianhui Empire wields are too many. Furthermore, I sense that this matrix and the one I inherited from Jue Qian is of different methods leading to the same result...."
"So, you're guessing that Jue Qian might be somehow related to Tianhui Empire?" Xiao Mo frowned and asked.
Yun Luofeng shook her head. "It might not be Jue Qian. Have you forgotten that he once had a disciple who rebelled?"
That day, his disciple had threatened their lives and it was a fragment of Jue Qian's soul that saved them!
Yun Luofeng eyes flickered. Regardless of what relation the Tianhui Empire has with Jue Qian, they were destined to be enemies!
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Chapter 1000:- Preliminaries (2)
"Ye Ling, Qingyan," Yun Luofeng turned towards her corps and spoke, "Over these few days the spiritual beasts will be killed by you and I will not take action! I'd like to see your current strength."
"Yes, my Lord."
Everyone was high-spirited and eager to fight while their eyes radiated a glittering luster.
They had followed Yun Luofeng for many years but it was the first time revealing their strength before her! Therefore, they would never disappoint her and would use all their strength to face this assessment.
"Good, very good!" Yun Luofeng raised her brows and a faint smile curled on her lips. "Big Brother, Xiao Bai, you don't have to intervene these days and let the corps fight as much as they like."
Strength was not something that could be increased just relying on cultivation. To truly make one stronger, a battle was indispensable. Although the Steel and Raging Flame Corps were powerful, they were lacking in battle experience and perhaps this would be an excellent opportunity.
...
Outside the illusion, those numbers began rising, especially the number one, the Wushuang Empire. Their numbers had risen to thirty points while the Liuyue Empire and Tianhui Empire were following closely behind. Next would be the Fengyun Kingdom and the Lanxiang Kingdom. These two Kingdoms were like a black horse that instantly broke through to the front rankings....
"I wonder who will be the bottom-ranked during this tournament?"
When the words were spoken, everyone unconsciously looked at the last.
Looking at the last ranking, the words 'Tianyun Kingdom' and an unexpected number impressively projected in everyone's eyes,
Zero?
Tianyun Kingdom's number was actually zero? That's to say, in the past thirty minutes, the Tianyun Kingdom wasn't able to kill even one spiritual beast? Exactly how weak was their strength to have zero as their score?
"Tsk, it seems like we've overestimated the Tianyun Kingdom. Originally I assumed that with Yun Luofeng's presence, they wouldn't be ranked at the bottom even if they were bad. Now it seems that I was too optimistic."
"I remember the strength they reported when signing up wasn't bad but why have they yet to kill even one spiritual beast?"
"Haha, perhaps people from the Tianyun Kingdom are timid and found a place to hide."
Within the venue, debates were mixed together with voices of ridicule and spread widely.
Meanwhile, Yun Luofeng was currently lying lazily in the shade of a tree deep in the illusionary realm. Her left hand was supported behind her back while her body leaned against the tree bark. She had a smiling expression on her whole face as she looked at the corps who were battling with the spiritual beasts.
She had to say, their luck was very bad to have met a sky-level spiritual beast for their first encounter and especially, it had already reached sky-level advanced-rank ages ago and was only a step away from god-level.
It was very difficult for the corps to deal with it but even so, none of them thought of giving up nor had they considered asking Yun Luofeng for help.
They only exhausted all their strength to fight with these spiritual beasts.
Finally, one spiritual beast fell into a pool of blood under everyone's combined effort.
With one spiritual beast collapsing, the other spiritual beasts couldn't resist the group's madman-like killing methods and lost their fighting strength one by one as they were killed and beheaded under their swords.
"It moved! Tianyun Kingdom's numbers moved!"
On the venue, those people's eyes who looked at the numbers without blinking suddenly discovered that Tianyun Kingdom's numbers were moving and opened their eyes wide.
"Three points..."
"Fifteen points..."
"Twenty-four points..."
Looking at the unceasingly rising numbers, it was too much for the eye to take in...
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