Chapter Twenty-Nine: The Choice

Lu Qingyun looked at Meng Li with a trace of shock; this was a first-grade medicinal pill. On this continent, ordinary medicinal pills are divided into three grades, followed by the rare and elusive divine-grade pills. The Zhao family had attained an intimidating status in Bixiao City precisely because of their ability to refine second-grade pills. Although the City Lord possessed formidable strength, he generally did not waste his time and energy on trivial matters. However, given that Bixiao City was the trading hub for medicinal pills across the entire continent, the fact that the Zhao family could command such a high status there was proof enough of how vital these items were. That Meng Li could produce a first-grade pill now was sufficient evidence of its immense value.

Lu Qingyun said in a very weak voice, "This pill is far too precious. You must have been saving it for your own survival, left to you by your family, right?" Lu Qingyun was certainly not the type to covet what belonged to others, and he was acutely aware of the importance of this pill.

Meng Li walked over quickly, her expression solemn. "You rushed out to protect me the moment things went wrong, which is proof enough that you are a good person. I understand all the previous misunderstandings now; it was all my own wishful thinking that led to those events. Besides, you already said you would help me. If I can use my martial soul, I will be able to create divine artifacts, and I could easily procure dozens or hundreds of pills like this!"

Although crafting medicinal pills was difficult, it was not extremely so; compared to forging divine artifacts, it was relatively easy. Furthermore, on this continent overflowing with spiritual energy, spirit herbs were abundant everywhere. While harvesting some spirit herbs could be dangerous, they were still much easier to obtain than the materials required for divine artifacts. Therefore, if things went as Meng Li described, the Meng family could resume the production of divine artifacts and rise to power once again. By then, let alone medicinal pills, all manner of supreme treasures would arrive in her hands in countless numbers. Some items might even appear without her knowing where they came from; people would be so eager to earn her favor that they would be willing to give them away for free.

Lu Qingyun said slowly, "You..." Before he could finish his sentence, Meng Li stuffed the pale blue pill into his mouth. A surge of rich power instantly spread through his meridians. Although Lu Qingyun did not recover immediately, he was no longer as weak as he had been just moments before.

Lu Qingyun said with some embarrassment, "In that situation just now, anyone would have stepped in to protect you. I don't think there was any need for you to show such gratitude. We are friends now, and partners in this adventure. I believe we should simply trust one another." Lu Qingyun did not offer any words of thanks. Though he was very direct and sometimes sharp-tongued, he found it difficult to speak in such situations. He was the type to prove his gratitude through actions rather than flowery words.

Meng Li was a tough woman, even possessing a bit of a tomboyish spirit. She said calmly, "Your current situation calls for rest. The journey ahead still depends on you; I don't have much strength myself. I don't know why the City Lord arranged for me to be by your side, nor do I know what he is thinking, but for now, the only thing we need to do is get out of here alive, right?"

Having recovered his strength, Lu Qingyun’s mind was much clearer. After a moment of thought, he said, "Since you were sent here to cultivate, the City Lord didn't set a deadline for our return, so why should we be in such a hurry? The toxic gas in the city is terrifying to others, but since we have this divine artifact, why shouldn't we take the opportunity to cultivate here properly?"

Lu Qingyun felt no urgency at all; he even thought that if they could refine the toxic gas of the Dark Night Forest, their cultivation levels would surely soar. His eyes glinted with a strange light. Seeing his state, Meng Li felt her own blood boil with excitement. The two reached a consensus—they were young and had no urgent tasks to complete. If they could seize this opportunity, it would be of great significance to both of them.

What Lu Qingyun most wanted to do was refine the Hidden Dragon Orb. However, once he took it out, he understood why Ye Jin was able to be the president of the auction house. She had placed a seal on the orb; to refine it, the seal had to be broken first.

The two cultivated here for about three months. During this time, they had long since completed the tasks assigned by the City Lord. They had even collected other toxic herbs that could be sold for a high price upon their return. Yet, after three months of cultivation, despite consuming plenty of spirit liquid, their cultivation levels had not improved at all. One reason was that the Azure Dragon martial soul was too powerful, making the small amount of spirit liquid a drop in the bucket. The other was that the power of the seal was too violent; even using all their strength to break through had been in vain.

Initially, they were both full of perseverance and resilience, but the lack of progress over these three months was something they found impossible to accept. After another half month or so, the two could barely hold on. Lu Qingyun spoke up first. "The Azure Dragon martial soul is truly powerful—others are shocked when they see it, and I am quite satisfied with it myself—but to have absolutely no progress... I simply cannot accept this!"

Meng Li felt the same way. She said in deep frustration, "I really don't understand why they had to seal my martial soul in the first place, or why they wouldn't tell me how to break through. This is all the fault of that City Lord..." Over these three months, the two had tried countless times, but even when Lu Qingyun used the Azure Dragon martial soul to force a breakthrough, it had no effect. Of course, they had considered certain taboo methods; after all, a man and a woman alone in this forest would inevitably develop some complex emotions. But they restrained themselves in the end. After all, they were not in that kind of relationship, and Lu Qingyun had people waiting for him at home. Even though polygamy was practiced and accepted on this continent, Lu Qingyun still found it slightly difficult to accept in his heart.

Eventually, they decided to return. Lu Qingyun said very seriously, "Once we go back, we must play it by ear. That old man might do anything to us. If something goes wrong, we cannot die at his hands for nothing!" Meng Li, naturally trusting Lu Qingyun, nodded earnestly and sneered, "Heh, if he wanted to kill us, he would have done it already. Why would he wait until now? He is still counting on us to forge the Demon Sword for him. My father was only looking for a way to stall for time. The family's vengeance will be avenged, but not today!"

Lu Qingyun agreed with her, and the two walked out of the Dark Night Forest. Lu Qingyun’s initial plan had been good—he wanted to refine all the toxic gas here. But the vessel in his hand was too small, and refining the gas was truly an arduous task.

As soon as they emerged from the Dark Night Forest, they saw the City Lord waiting for them. The moment they appeared, the City Lord’s terrifying aura surged forth. His eyes were cold, and his voice was low. "What is the meaning of this? I thought you two weren't coming out. If I hadn't been able to sense you, I would have already given up. With your strength, it shouldn't have taken this long to find these three toxic herbs. What exactly are you trying to do?"

The City Lord’s eyes were filled with rage, as if he wanted to kill them both on the spot. Lu Qingyun maintained a tough stance; after all, the City Lord needed him. Finding the three herbs was only the first step, and Lu Qingyun did not yet know what the subsequent plans were. But he was certain that what came next was the key.

Lu Qingyun stared intently at the City Lord, threw the collected toxic herbs on the ground, and said coldly, "I never expected you to be such a ruthless character. To think that someone like you could become a City Lord—it’s repulsive just to think about. However, I have nothing more to say. The task is done; I can leave now, right?"

But before he could finish, Li Changfeng was dragged up. The City Lord remained as overbearing as ever. He said in a low voice, "Lu Qingyun, I hear you can refine medicinal pills and possess terrifying talent. Here is the prescription; refine these toxic herbs!" The City Lord tossed a purple bamboo scroll onto the ground. One could feel the presence of a terrifying poison emanating from it. Lu Qingyun looked at Li Changfeng, who said with a wretched expression, "He knows everything. There is no hiding it; we have to listen to him, otherwise... sigh..." If Li Changfeng did not obey, the Tianling Sect would be threatened by the City Lord, and he might even wipe out the entire sect.

Lu Qingyun knew his helplessness and said slowly, "There are countless alchemists in Bixiao City. Why choose me? Their experience is richer than mine, and their methods are more sophisticated." Li Changfeng shook his head slowly. The City Lord offered no explanation, only saying coldly, "I am ordering you to do this. If you don't, I will kill you!"

Hearing this, Lu Qingyun did not panic. He said coldly, "Is that so? Then kill me!" Lu Qingyun remained unyielding, ignoring the threat entirely. If he were the type to be intimidated by others, he would never have reached this point. Whether it was the Lu Qingyun who had transmigrated or the original one, they shared the same indomitable character.

Fortunately, there were not many others around. The City Lord did not feel humiliated; instead, he burst into laughter. "Hahaha, it has been a long time since I’ve seen someone like you. Just thinking about it makes me happy. So, what would it take for you to refine this for me?" If the alchemists in the city could have done it, the City Lord would not have come to him.

Lu Qingyun thought for a moment, held up two fingers, and said earnestly, "To help you finish the next steps, I have two conditions: release her father and let them leave this place!" The City Lord knew exactly why Meng Li had come here. He looked at her, pondered for a moment, and nodded with a smile. "That’s not a particularly difficult request. They can't deal with me anyway, so let them go. I can let them leave right now. And what is your second condition?"

Meng Li wanted to refuse, but a single look from Lu Qingyun silenced her. Lu Qingyun took out the Hidden Dragon Orb and said seriously, "There is a seal on this. Break the seal and let me refine the orb first, then I can refine the pills for you. Otherwise, with my current cultivation, I won't be able to sustain the process. As long as these two conditions are met, I will begin refining immediately. However, I cannot guarantee success, as I have never refined a pill containing such potent poison!"

Lu Qingyun’s eyes were filled with unquestionable confidence. In the eyes of others, it was as if his status were higher than the City Lord’s. The City Lord, acting like a madman, seemed to relish the feeling of being defied. He let out another hearty laugh. "Hahaha, this is truly interesting. I can satisfy all your conditions. Bring me the orb."

Although Lu Qingyun did not trust him, he handed the orb over. But the moment the City Lord took it, he crushed it!

"Boom..."

With an explosion, the orb instantly turned into powder!

Lu Qingyun roared in fury, "What are you doing?" He looked at the shattered orb and the powder on the ground, feeling a deep sense of confusion at the City Lord's actions. He could not understand why he would do this, why he had to destroy what belonged to him.

The City Lord laughed loudly and said arrogantly, "Hahaha, I don't need a reason to destroy what I want to destroy. Trying to use me? Trying to make me do things for you? How is that possible? You are not qualified to negotiate with me. Either do as I say now, or I will kill you right here and now. It’s that simple!"

The City Lord suddenly looked at Meng Li, a wicked smile appearing on his face as he pointed at her. "Or, I will kill her! You make the choice..."