Chapter 117: Cut Your Hands

Chapter 117: Cut Your Hands

Zhang Quandan held the pill in his trembling hands, shouting, "This is Huangming Pill, a second-tier high-grade pill. It rapidly restores stamina and provides a mild detoxifying effect."

He handed the pill to Master Sun. "Please verify this, Master Sun. Let everyone see the proof."

Master Sun inspected the pill, studying its color, texture, and scent. After a moment, he nodded. "Indeed, this is a second-tier high-grade Huangming Pill."

The crowd erupted in murmurs.

"Zhang Quandan truly has the skill to craft a second-tier high-grade pill. It seems he's close to reaching the third tier!"

"Exactly! That boy has no chance of winning now."

Their voices were filled with admiration and skepticism for Mu Feng's chances.

Boom!

At that moment, Mu Feng lightly tapped his furnace, and a yellow pill shot out, exuding a faint medicinal aroma. However, the pill's dull yellow hue seemed lackluster compared to the bright luster of Zhang Quandan's creation.

Mu Feng held up the pill, speaking calmly: "This is a second-tier pill—Vitality Pill."

Gasps and Laughter

"What? A Vitality Pill?"

The crowd first froze in shock, then burst into laughter, the sound dripping with ridicule.

"He's using the lowest-tier second-grade pill to compete? He's already lost!"

"Exactly. Vitality Pills are the cheapest and most common second-tier pills. In terms of value, Mu Feng has already lost this contest."

Several alchemists sneered openly, mocking Mu Feng's choice.

"Hahaha! Mu Feng, you can only craft the lowest-tier second-grade pill! You've lost. My Huangming Pill is worth more than two of your Vitality Pills combined!" Zhang Quandan gloated, his tone dripping with derision.

The Vitality Pill, though common, was practical for prolonged journeys or expeditions, providing sustenance for up to three days without food. However, its mundane use and low value made it the least respected among second-tier pills.

Mu Feng, unfazed, handed the pill to Master Sun.

Master Sun sighed, already concluding the outcome in his mind. Still, he took the pill and began to inspect it.

A Stunning Revelation

As Master Sun examined the pill, his expression gradually shifted from resignation to confusion, then to shock.

The crowd noticed his reaction and began murmuring.

"What's wrong? Could there be something unusual about that Vitality Pill?"

"Master Sun doesn't look convinced it's ordinary..."

Even Zhang Quandan furrowed his brows.

Finally, Master Sun raised his voice: "Indeed, this is a Vitality Pill..."

The crowd exhaled collectively, relieved that their expectations were confirmed.

"However," Master Sun continued, his tone steady yet tinged with astonishment, "this is no ordinary Vitality Pill. It's a pseudo-third-tier pill! Its grade has reached second-tier supreme quality!"

Shockwave of Disbelief

"A pseudo-third-tier pill?"

The room fell into stunned silence, quickly replaced by gasps and excited murmurs.

"That can't be true! A Vitality Pill reaching supreme quality? Impossible!"

"How could that be? It's just a Vitality Pill!"

Zhang Quandan's face turned pale. He stormed over, snatched the pill, and inspected it himself. His hands trembled as he verified its characteristics—indeed, it bore not only the two visible lines of a high-grade second-tier pill but also a faint third line hidden between them.

"This... This really is a pseudo-third-tier pill..." Zhang whispered, his confidence shattered.

The Mu family's members erupted in cheers.

"Does this mean Feng'er has won?"

Mu Feng stepped forward, his voice icy. "Traitor, you've lost. Cut off your hands."

The Stakes Turn Critical

"No! I haven't lost!" Zhang shouted, his voice cracking. "Even if your pill's quality surpasses mine, the value of a Vitality Pill is still far below that of a Huangming Pill. Value matters too, and by that measure, you've lost!"

Several spectators nodded, murmuring their agreement.

"Hahaha!" Mu Feng burst into laughter, his sharp eyes locking onto Zhang. He snatched the pill back and raised it for all to see.

"Who says this is just an ordinary Vitality Pill? This pill provides sustenance for three times as long as a regular Vitality Pill and also replenishes internal energy, akin to a second-tier Essence Recovery Pill!"

The crowd erupted in astonishment.

"What? A Vitality Pill that also restores energy? That's unheard of!"

"Impossible!" Zhang roared. "Prove it!"

Mu Feng smiled coldly. "Simple. Let Master Sun test it."

Master Sun nodded, swallowing the pill and channeling its effects. Moments later, his eyes widened in surprise.

"Remarkable! It does indeed replenish energy, in addition to its enhanced sustenance effects."

The room fell into stunned silence.

A mercenary broke the quiet with an eager question: "Young master, how much for a bottle of these pills? I'll pay any price!"

"Apologies," Mu Feng replied with a polite smile. "I haven't made extras."

He turned back to Zhang Quandan, who was visibly trembling. Mu Feng stepped forward, his voice like a blade: "You've lost. It's time to honor your wager. Cut off your hands, or should I help you?"

Zhang stumbled backward, his face pale as death. Finally, he turned desperately to Lu Chuxue. She was his only hope.

A Final Plea

"Master Lu!" Zhang pleaded, his voice shaking. "Help me! You can't let them do this to me!"

Lu Chuxue's face darkened. She looked from Zhang to Mu Feng, then to the expectant crowd. Finally, she sighed, realizing there was no easy way to resolve the situation.