Chapter 87

Chapter 87: Life in the Academy.

"What is this? We weren't tricked by Jing Chiyang, were we? This looks like a recipe for meat soup!" Yan Wu said, holding the recipe, a hint of confusion in his eyes.

"The formula is sound. Jing Chiyi mentioned that the pill is quite straightforward, made to prevent nausea. It has to be soaked in these two concoctions. I've tested it, and it truly works," said Lu Han.

Lu Han presented the pill he crafted to Lian Mengquan. She remarked that the pill was effective, but it seemed that Xue Jiao preferred the one given by Ye Shi.

Inwardly, Lu Han rolled his eyes in exasperation. It was one thing for them not to be able to research the Beast Spirit Pill, but to be outdone in cooking skills by a youngster was embarrassing.

"No wonder," an elder exclaimed in realization. "I had thought there were only a few types of spiritual herbs needed for the formulation. I was worried something was missed."

Yan Wu frowned, admitting with a hint of admiration, "I'm intrigued by how Mu Chen thought of soaking the pill in broth."

"Had we known it was just a broth formula, we wouldn't have spent so many Yuan stones to buy it," Lan Da commented with a furrowed brow.

Lu Han retorted, "Could you have thought of it earlier?"

Tai Shuming squinted, "This Mu Chen is indeed talented."

"I've heard that Mu Chen is a spirit chef and is quite skilled. Elder Jing seems to really enjoy the pastries he makes," Lu Han mentioned with a light chuckle.

Yan Wu couldn't help but admire, "He's truly versatile – refining pills, crafting talismans, and now even being a spiritual chef."

Tai Shuming casually mentioned, "Rumor has it that he has already undergone the second-level talisman master certification at the Talisman Association."

Lu Han contemplated, "Initially, I believed Mu Chen joining the Pill Academy was a given. But considering his expertise in talisman crafting, he might just stay in the Talisman Academy."

"It's a pity. With his talent, if Mu Chen focused solely on refining pills, his path would be smoother," Lu Han sighed.

"Mu Chen might be clever, but he overthinks. People like him won't go far. Principal, I suggest you not get too fixated on him," Lan Da stated dismissively.

Yan Wu agreed, "Exactly! A meat soup recipe isn't groundbreaking. The Pill Academy has plenty of young talents. One more or less makes no difference."

Lu Han glanced at the group and mused, "Let's wait and see."

……

"Grandfather, why did you send someone to the academy to find me so urgently?" Xie Danyan asked Xie Qiong.

"I've heard that Lian Mengquan from your academy was searching for a beast spirit pill. Did she actually find it?" Xie Qiong inquired anxiously.

Xie Danyan nodded, replying, "Yes."

"Is that pill related to Mu Chen?" Xie Qiong probed further.

She nodded again, "That seems to be the case."

"How much do you know about the pill formula?" Xie Qiong asked excitedly.

Xie Danyan hesitated, "All I know is that Ye Shi sold the pill formula to the Pill Academy for five million Yuan stones. Once Ye Shi received the money, he spent it quite lavishly."

Xie Danyan believed herself to be extravagant, but it seemed Ye Shi—or perhaps Mu Chen behind him—was even more so.

"Could you probe Mu Chen about the Beast Spirit Pill?" Xie Qiong asked with hope.

Reluctantly, Xie Danyan responded, "Approaching Mu Chen... Grandfather, we aren't on the best of terms." She had always been cold to Mu Chen in their previous encounters.

Annoyed, Xie Qiong retorted, "You're the one who caused the rift with Mu Chen over Lan Ruofeng, prompting him to leave our guild!"

Head lowered, Xie Danyan lamented her past decisions, not realizing back then how talented Mu Chen was in developing the Beast Spirit Pill.

"Grandfather, it's just a pill for beasts. Why are you making such a fuss?" Xie Danyan protested in frustration.

"You...you...you're driving me mad," Xie Qiong exclaimed in frustration.

Xie Danyan bit her lip, realizing her error but feeling too embarrassed to admit it.

"Our ancestors always emphasized forming a good relationship with Mu Chen. Yet, our current relationship with him has turned sour," Xie Qiong said with a heavy sigh, a deep shade of regret on his face.

Xie Danyan lowered her head, regretting her actions and wondering if things would have been different if she hadn't interfered.

……

"Ye Rong, did you know? Two days ago, Ye Shi spent 1.2 million Yuan stones in the academy to purchase a tier-three pill formula," a student mentioned.

"Really?" Ye Rong clenched her teeth.

Of the three members from the Ye family who took the Holy Star Academy test, only Ye Rong barely managed to pass and get admitted. But life inside wasn't as relaxed as she had imagined.

The academy was filled with intense competition and factions. Students who couldn't adapt were mercilessly weeded out.

"Is your family so wealthy to allow him such expenditures?" A classmate of Ye Rong's asked, puzzled.

"How could we be?" Ye Rong forced a smile.

Recently, she received news from her mother that was quite surprising.

For instance, Ye Shi's paternal lineage was mysterious. When he entered their home, he brought with him a substantial dowry. Grandfather Ye He became a martial spirit largely due to this dowry, and the family's assets increased multi-fold.

It seemed her father married Ye Shi's mother because of the dowry.

After the death of Ye Shi's father, her father suspected that he left a treasure for Ye Shi, hence he always limited Ye Shi's expenses, hoping to pressurize him to exchange it. Yet, Ye Shi never made a move.

If Ye Shi is so wealthy, could it be the inheritance from his father?

"The Ye family might not be rich, but Ye Shi surely is. He's now the disciple of Martial King Jing, who must have rewarded him generously," a girl speculated.

"I've heard it's not from there. Apparently, the money comes from Mu Chen."

"Mu Chen is just a martial instructor. How can he have so much money?"

"But why would Ye Shi need so many pill formulas? He's not a pill master."

"No, but his fiancé, Mu Chen, is! Most of Ye Shi's expenditure is on Mu Chen," they discussed.

Ye Rong lowered her head. When Ye Ming left, he only gave her 5,000 Yuan stones, hardly enough for living lavishly in the capital.

Upon entering the academy, Ye Rong was seen as impoverished and looked down upon.

Ye Shi, whom she used to despise, seemed to be thriving, buying million-stone pill formulas without a second thought.

Hearing of Ye Shi's extravagant spending, Ye Rong couldn't help but feel envious and downhearted.

Ye Rong had considered approaching Ye Shi, but given their longstanding disputes within the family, she suspected Ye Shi might not treat her kindly. Pride kept Ye Rong from taking the step.

In her heart, Ye Rong muttered: "That bastard Ye Shi, spending so much elemental stone on his boy toys and not sparing any for his own sister!"

…………

The Rune Academy Dormitory.

"Mu Chen, what are you up to?" Yan He inquired.

Mu Chen glanced at Yan He and calmly replied, "I'm crafting runes. The rune paper I submitted today was deemed unacceptable by the instructor. I have to redo it."

Faces turned to each other in surprise: Yan He, Lv Yi, Jiang Cheng, and the others.

"Mu Chen, anyone with eyes can tell that Master Fan Li is intentionally giving you a hard time," Yan He stated indignantly.

There are only a few second-tier rune masters in the Rune Academy. Even among them, Mu Chen stands out. Clearly, Fan Li is acting out of personal vendetta.

Mu Chen chuckled dismissively, "Don't spout nonsense."

Of course, he realized that Fan Li was targeting him. From the start of the term, he had embarrassed Fan Li. Why would Fan Li look upon him favorably?

But knowing is just knowing. Regardless of his frustration, Mu Chen had to bear with it. Being a student with Fan Li as an instructor, confronting him head-on and getting expelled would play right into Fan Li's hand. Revenge is a dish best served cold; Mu Chen would get his chance in due time.

"Mu Chen, did you hear? Lan Ruofeng has reached the level of a third-tier martial artist, and his alchemy skills have seen significant advancements. Rumor has it, he went to the Alchemy Association for certification yesterday and is now a third-tier alchemist." Yan He said, his voice tinged with admiration.

A fleeting coldness flashed in Mu Chen's eyes. "So soon?" Despite losing his unique fire, Lan Ruofeng's performance was still impressive. No wonder he is recognized as a prime contender.

"Yes, that fast! He's outperformed many of the seniors. He's truly exceptional!" Lv Yi exclaimed.

"He's indeed extraordinary," Mu Chen murmured, lowering his head. While he could also concoct third-tier elixirs, in terms of martial prowess, he once again lagged behind Lan Ruofeng.

"Well, considering he's now the disciple of a Martial King and has the guidance of Elder Hua Shu, his rapid progression isn’t surprising," Jiang Cheng reasoned.

"Mu Chen, you're exceptional too, already a second-tier warrior," Lu Yi remarked with a gentle smile.

Mu Chen gave a faint smile, "Still a step behind Lan Ruofeng."

"After all, you have a sixth-tier aptitude while Lan Ruofeng has a seventh-tier," Jiang Cheng pointed out.

In the early stages of cultivation, aptitude doesn't play a significant role. However, as one progresses, aptitude becomes crucial. Most who achieve the rank of Martial King possess seventh or eighth-tier aptitude. That's why Saint Star Academy values aptitude so highly.

"Mu Chen, you're already a two-star martial artist. Close to a breakthrough, right?" Jiang Cheng probed.

Mu Chen nodded slightly, "Probably."

Upon hearing this, faces turned to each other again: Jiang Cheng and the rest.