Chapter 77

"You've arrived." Tao Yue walked up to the two, smiling and greeting them. At this point, most people were siding with Dan Peak. Tao Yue, an important member of Miao Yun Ge, didn't hesitate to stand on their side.

Tian Fei Rong, displeased, looked at the two scrutinizing individuals sitting with crossed arms. He asked, "Senior Sister Tao, who are they?"

Tao Yue chuckled, "Actually, both of you should have heard their names. One is Li Shurong, at the sixth level of Qi Refining, capable of refining ninth-grade high-level elixirs. The other is Liu Lingge, at the seventh level of Qi Refining, also a ninth-grade high-level alchemist. They are the most promising candidates on Dan Peak to be accepted as disciples by Master Lin Feng."

Tian Fei Rong and Little Fatty suddenly realized. They had inquired about various information, even specifically looking into Dan Peak after selling elixirs. Although they hadn't seen these people, they had heard their names frequently. The rumor was that they possessed exceptional alchemical talent, were being prioritized by Dan Peak for cultivation, and even some elders had expressed an intention to take them as disciples. However, they were more inclined to become disciples of the peak master.

"Kid, you've heard the names of these two alchemists, right? Scared? If you are, admit defeat now, kowtow and apologize!" A student taunted them, hoping to establish a connection with these alchemists, even if it meant associating with them for future favors.

This student just appeared, and immediately, there was a chorus of agreement and many catcalls directed at the two. Li Shurong looked disdainful, while Liu Lingge frowned in disgust. In her eyes, these two weren't genuine, but rather pretentious individuals with little real ability.

Tian Fei Rong and Little Fatty exchanged glances, somewhat puzzled by these people's behavior.

Tian Fei Rong pointed to Li Shurong, "Senior Brother Li, ninth-grade high-level alchemist."

Little Fatty pointed to the other, "Senior Sister Liu, ninth-grade high-level alchemist."

Both spoke simultaneously, "But what do you two alchemists want from us? We're not alchemists." So, why were these alchemists flaunting their power against ordinary cultivators?

Seeing the synchronized response, the opposite pair turned red in embarrassment. Tao Yue couldn't help but chuckle and explained with a seemingly kind tone, "They probably want to have a discussion on alchemy with the alchemist behind you, isn't that right, you two alchemists?"

Liu Lingge angrily said, "Isn't that obvious?"

Tian Fei Rong smoothly took out his folding fan, which he hadn't used for several days. With a crisp sound, he opened it, fanning a few times, striking a pose of leisure. "What do you mean, obvious? Did they issue a challenge first? Without a challenge, our alchemists aren't so free to spar with just anyone."

Little Fatty: "Yes, Tian Second Brother is right. Besides, do we have to accept the challenge just because they issued a challenge? Dan Peak's alchemists challenging an unknown student – that won't bring them any benefits! Right, Tian Second Brother?" Tian Fei Rong placed a hand on Little Fatty's shoulder, giving him a very insightful look.

Tao Yue rubbed her stomach. These two troublemakers. However, now it made Dan Peak's alchemists somewhat awkward.

But it made sense. Since the other party came to make trouble, why should they follow their lead? Originally, Dan Peak's people challenging new students was already degrading. If they won, everything was fine, but if they lost, it would be a significant loss of face for Dan Peak.

Tao Yue was even looking forward to it.

Not far away, on the upper floor of the Star-Moon Trading Company, Jiang Yan and Zhou Li, who were observing the situation, found it somewhat amusing. Zhou Li was laughing uncontrollably, "Two junior brothers are bold. Dan Peak's people are now losing face. Serves them right."

Jiang Yan's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Lin Feng probably gave some instructions when he went back, leading to this action."

Zhou Li remembered something, "I heard that even some alchemists from Dan Peak secretly bought the beauty-preserving pills from Miao Yun Ge. They probably envy Miao Yun Ge's earnings in spirit stones. However, until now, these pills are only sold by Miao Yun Ge, and nowhere else. Many people in Dan Peak must be getting impatient."

Jiang Yan raised an eyebrow. He hadn't expected Ge Yao to have such confidence. These pills, created by Ge Yao in a relatively short time, seemed to have puzzled Dan Peak. "Maybe our Star-Moon Trading Company should cooperate with Miao Yun Ge, push these series of elixirs outside. We won't interfere with the business inside the academy."

The popularity of these elixirs surprised even Jiang Yan, who had been paying close attention. Nobody thought having more spirit stones was a problem. However, he was more optimistic about Ge Yao's future potential, believing she could continue releasing several more elixirs related to beauty.

Zhou Li's eyes also lit up. "That's a good idea, Senior Brother Jiang. But there's one problem. Currently, only Ge Yao can refine those elixirs. Her energy is limited; she can't produce so many elixirs for us to stock."

Jiang Yan rubbed his chin. "It seems we should directly talk to Ge Yao and others."

After discussing their plans in just a few words, Li Shurong and Liu Lingge found themselves pressured by Tian Fei Rong and Little Fatty. Unable to retreat and unable to refuse, they could only issue a challenge. "If you lose, get out of the commercial street. You can't sell a single elixir here. If we lose, this shop here is yours. The shop is right there; see if you have the ability to take it! This shop is not owned by only the two of them but several like-minded alchemists. They employ people as assistants, and any elixirs they refine are put in the shop, serving as a source of income.

Tao Yue explained to Tian Fei Rong and Little Fatty through a sound transmission about the origin and background of this elixir shop. Hearing this, both of them lit up. It was like getting what they needed. With that shop, whoever wanted it could take it.

"Wait for us. We'll notify the alchemists behind us." After Tian Fei Rong finished speaking, he took out a transmission talisman and spoke a few words. The talisman turned into a spiritual light and disappeared in front of everyone.

On the other side, Ge Yao, who hadn't left the small courtyard for several days, went to the Collection Pavilion early in the morning, taking Chiyue along. They looked at miscellaneous books to relax her mind. The Collection Pavilion had many travelogue books, various strange tales, and records of odd occurrences. Ge Yao found them intriguing. These books were rarely touched by others. Since entering the Collection Pavilion required spending spirit stones, not many people would spend them on seemingly useless books.

"Senior Brother, can you help me get the book on the top shelf?" A delicately charming female student, looking shy, asked Chiyue, who was standing next to the bookshelf.

Chi Changye's reaction was to turn around directly, giving up his position. Cultivators were not ordinary people; it was impossible for them to be unable to reach the books on the top shelf. His response indicated that he probably wanted to strike up a conversation.

Chi Changye's reaction made the female student blush, her face turning red. She seemed on the verge of tears. Other male students in the Collection Pavilion were indignant. If it weren't for the rule against making noise in the pavilion, they would have challenged Chi Changye to a duel. They could only express their anger through accusing glances.

Gu Yao noticed Chi Changye approaching and quickly averted her eyes, focusing on the pages of the book in her hands. At that moment, a light burst out, and Tian Fei Rong's message arrived. Gu Yao immediately extended her consciousness into it, listening to Tian Fei Rong's words.

Gu Yao stood up and looked at Chi Changye. "Dan Peak's people are coming."

Chi Changye set aside the book in his hands, "Let's go over there." They were definitely coming to cause trouble, specifically targeting Gu Yao. Gu Yao couldn't avoid confronting them.

"Okay." Gu Yao placed the book back on the shelf and walked out shoulder to shoulder with Chi Changye. The female student who had approached Chi Changye earlier, feeling rejected, stomped her foot in frustration.

Once out of the Collection Pavilion, Gu Yao kept his gaze forward. Before long, someone walked past them. Gu Yao inwardly sighed, knowing that more trouble was coming.

Sure enough, another female student approached Chi Changye, trying to attract his attention. This had happened several times on their way and even in the Collection Pavilion, where various attempts were made to strike up conversations with Chi Changye.

Gu Yao knew what was going on. The battle with the Vicious Serpent Gang had quickly brought Chi Changye to fame in the Outer Academy. Coupled with his outstanding appearance and demeanor, despite still being a follower, Chi Changye became very popular among female students. These female students were doing their best to steal Chi Changye away.

"Hey, surnamed Gu, stop for this young lady!"

A person riding a flying artifact rushed to their front, followed by a man and a woman who seemed to be her servants. The female student who had landed from the flying artifact had an impressive appearance, with spiritual energy circulating around her, revealing her wealthy status. She pointed arrogantly at Chi Changye, demanding, "Are you deaf? I called you, who else? Speak up! How many spirit stones do you want to let go of your follower?"

Gu Yao was dumbfounded and turned to look at Chi Changye, puzzled by the situation. Buying people?

If Tian FeiRong and Xiao Pianzi were present, they would inform Gu Yao that within the academy, students were indeed allowed to transfer followers to each other. After all, followers were considered private "items" brought in by the students.

Chi Changye, also surprised by the situation, thought that the previous incidents were unexpected enough. However, since he had experienced similar situations before, he remained indifferent. This particular scene, where someone offered spirit stones to "buy" him, was an entirely new experience.

Staring blankly, Gu Yao turned to Chi Changye, questioning the absurdity of the situation. Chi Changye, with no fondness for such female students, seized Gu Yao's arm and said, "Let's go."

Gu Yao, still in a daze, replied, "Okay."

"Stop! Both of you, halt!" The female student refused to give up, and the male and female followers she brought immediately stepped forward, trying to block their way again.