Chapter 55: Standing Up Against Injustice

Epiphany Pill, a low-grade treasure!
Fusion Law Pill, a middle-grade treasure!
Seven Star Life Extending Pill, a high-grade treasure!

With Jun Wushuang's current strength, even when employing divine-level alchemy, he could only refine treasure-grade pills. Yet each of these three pills was unique and unparalleled. Not to mention within the Great Qian Dynasty—even across the entire Eastern Domain, they would incite fervent pursuit from tens of thousands.

“Mr. Jun, you truly have given me a tremendous surprise!” Jiang Hongru's face lit up with joy, the weight in his heart finally lifted. Truth be told, he had never witnessed Jun Wushuang's alchemy firsthand. This event, too, was held only because he trusted Jun Wushuang, sparing no effort to organize the pill auction. But he never expected that Jun Wushuang would not only surprise him, but that the surprise would be so monumental.

He had never seen nor heard of such pills. Each possessed unique effects, rare and precious beyond measure. With these three pills, Jiang Hongru was certain tomorrow’s auction would set the hall ablaze.

“Grand Pavilion Master.”
At that moment, Yao Wuchen fixed his gaze on Jiang Hongru. His eyes burned with fanatic fervor, as though a devout believer had witnessed a true miracle.
“Grand Pavilion Master, I am convinced! Would you please invite Master Jun out—I wish to become his disciple and listen to his teachings!”

What? Apprenticeship?

Jiang Hongru was stunned. Although he knew the pills were extraordinary, he never imagined Yao Wuchen would not only yield in admiration, but actively seek discipleship. This was simply unbelievable!

Who was Yao Wuchen? The second-ranked alchemist of the Great Qian Dynasty, hailing from the Holy Land of Alchemy. He was always arrogant, refusing even to acknowledge the Azure Pill King. Just moments ago, he’d scornfully dismissed Jun Wushuang’s pills as worthless. How could his attitude shift so rapidly?

Although Jiang Hongru possessed noble status and great strength, he was not an alchemist and did not understand the full significance of these three pills. Even in the Holy Land, such pills had never been recorded. What did that mean? It meant the other party possessed a unique, high-grade heritage in pill-making.

Moreover, Yao Wuchen noticed that all three pills were perfectly refined, achieving the elusive tenfold efficacy. This was the lifelong pursuit of countless alchemists: miraculous pills, flawless effect. These two points alone were enough to make Yao Wuchen surrender.

Thus, he yearned to meet Jun Wushuang, even to apprentice himself and learn. Yao Wuchen was a pure alchemist, who held the craft in utmost reverence and pursuit.

“This matter, I must first consult Mr. Jun.”
Jiang Hongru could see the fanaticism in Yao Wuchen’s eyes, but could not decide on his own.
“Grand Pavilion Master, please, you must make the introduction! Master Jun is the true master of alchemy!”
Yao Wuchen's fervor did not abate; he wished nothing more than to kneel at Jun Wushuang's feet.

“Um…”
Just then, Master Wu spoke up, bringing forth a jade slip from his storage ring.
“Master Jun said this is to be the finale treasure for the auction.”

Finale treasure? Could there be something more precious than the three great pills?

Yao Wuchen quickly took the jade slip and swept it with his spiritual sense.
“This… How is this possible!”
A single glance, and Yao Wuchen’s face changed dramatically, utterly shaken.

...

The next day, the pill auction officially began. Early in the morning, the entire capital was alive with activity. One by one, eminent figures of wealth and status departed their homes, heading toward the central Wanbao Pavilion.

At the Qingyun Martial Academy, Jun Wushuang was preparing to set out.
“Headmaster, are you truly not coming with us?”
Clad in black, Jun Wushuang stood tall, like a sword sheathed, its sharpness restrained. He had wanted to invite Mo Xingyun to attend, but Mo Xingyun merely shook his head and declined.

“I prefer tranquility over bustle. Go on, return early and stay vigilant.”
Mo Xingyun took a swig of wine and waved his hand. With his temperament, he'd rather sleep than join the crowd.

“In that case, we shall be off.”
Jun Wushuang did not insist and departed the academy with Lin Mengyao.

Jun Wushuang had joined Qingyun Martial Academy half a month ago. In these weeks, though he focused on alchemy, his own power had advanced, reaching the eighth stage of the Myriad Forms Realm. Lin Mengyao, training in swordsmanship under Mo Xingyun, made even greater progress. Not only had she broken through to the first stage of the Myriad Forms Realm, but had stabilized her Green Lotus Sword Intent, cultivating the Green Lotus Sword Song to its second stage.

At this rate, in three months’ time, for the life-and-death duel, Jun Wushuang was confident he could slaughter the Royal Martial Academy’s ranks.

“Ji Qingchen, at the duel, I hope you don’t hide. Our feud must be settled with your life!”
“If you remain, I can never find peace!”
Jun Wushuang lifted his head, gazing toward the Royal Martial Academy. During the entrance examination, he had no opportunity to confront Ji Qingchen—but at the duel, Ji Qingchen would surely appear. Then would be his chance for revenge!

Three months from now would be your day of reckoning.
Ji Qingchen.
I will repay the pain you gave me a hundredfold!

Leaving the slums, Jun Wushuang and Lin Mengyao made their way to Wanbao Pavilion. Though both were famed, few had truly seen them; thus, their passage drew little attention.

The Wanbao Pavilion in the capital was its headquarters. From afar, Jun Wushuang could see a magnificent, golden edifice. Set in the heart of the city, Wanbao Pavilion sprawled across vast grounds and was one of its iconic landmarks.

“Young master, this Wanbao Pavilion is enormous and grand!”
Lin Mengyao gazed at the pavilion in awe. Compared to the branch in Jiangning City, this was palatial; the branch was humble as a thatched hut.

“I’ll take you inside for a stroll before the auction.”
Jun Wushuang smiled, indulgent toward Lin Mengyao.

“Thank you, young master!”
Lin Mengyao was overwhelmed by his favor.

Suddenly, a sharp slap resounded. Jun Wushuang’s brows furrowed as he looked toward the commotion. Not far off, a crowd had gathered. A young noble in a brocade robe, surrounded by a dozen servants, radiated arrogance.

A girl of seventeen or eighteen lay on the ground, a deep red handprint on her fair, jade-like cheek. Her face was bare, dressed in a patched grey dress—clearly impoverished. Yet she was delicate and pleasant, her beauty unadorned yet undeniable. Tall and slender, her skin rivaled snow, and her ivory legs tempted admiration.

Tears glistened in her frightened eyes, her patched dress torn in places, exposing glimpses of spring that threatened to overwhelm the onlookers.

“Hm?”
Jun Wushuang’s pupils contracted as he fixed his gaze on the girl. He was not stirred by desire, but had noticed something unique.

She—
She was a remnant soul of the Green Lotus Empress!