Chapter 113: Conflict

Back at the Pill Hall, Qin Feiyang and the Fatty were summoned to Luo Xiong’s private residence. Luo Xiong, Feng Cheng, and Elder Mo were seated around a stone table in the courtyard.

"Greetings, Hall Master. Greetings, Elders," the two said, bowing respectfully as they approached.

Luo Xiong spoke, "You are heading to the Pill King Hall soon. I have little to say, only this: do not shame us. Especially you, Fatty—stop being so lazy and idle."

"When have I been?" The Fatty pouted, looking aggrieved.

"Still talking back?" Luo Xiong barked. "Let me tell you, the Pill King Hall is not the Pill Hall. Playing petty tricks will get you nowhere there. The only way to survive is to prove your worth; otherwise, you will be ruthlessly cast aside and eventually forgotten!"

"This disciple will remember. I will change," the Fatty promised, sensing Luo Xiong’s anger.

Luo Xiong glared at him, then took a silk pouch from his robe and tossed it to Qin Feiyang. "Don't open this until you’ve left Black Bear City. I guarantee it will be a pleasant surprise."

"Understood," Qin Feiyang replied, tucking the pouch away.

"Hall Master, what about mine?" Seeing Qin Feiyang receive a gift, the Fatty immediately became restless, staring longingly at Luo Xiong. Luo Xiong ignored him completely.

At that moment, Lin Chen and Lu Hong entered the courtyard. Nodding to Qin Feiyang, Lin Chen looked at Luo Xiong and cupped his hands. "Hall Master Luo, it is getting late. We must be going."

Luo Xiong nodded, a hint of reluctance in his eyes. Feng Cheng and Elder Mo felt the same. Who would willingly give away a disciple capable of refining top-grade pills? But they knew staying in the Pill Hall would only hinder his potential.

Feng Cheng waved his hand impatiently. "Go, go! Before I get annoyed watching you."

"Farewell!" Lin Chen cupped his hands and turned to leave. The Fatty and Lu Hong followed suit.

Qin Feiyang looked at the three elders and bowed ninety degrees. "Hall Master, Elder Feng, Elder Mo, thank you for your care during these days. If there is a future, I shall certainly repay this kindness." He rarely bowed to anyone, but these three deserved it.

The three men smiled; their efforts had not been in vain. Feng Cheng chuckled, "If you run into any trouble in Yan City, go find Ling'er. I have already spoken to her; she will help you."

Qin Feiyang was taken aback. This was not what he wanted; he preferred to keep his distance from that woman.

Seeing his reaction, Feng Cheng frowned. "Does my granddaughter dislike you so much?"

Qin Feiyang hurriedly replied, "Not at all, Elder. It is just that this disciple fears I am not worthy of such attention."

"Hmph, don't play the hypocrite in front of me," Feng Cheng scoffed. He looked toward the departing Lin Chen, then stepped close to Qin Feiyang and whispered, "There is one thing I need your help with."

"What is it?"

"Keep an eye on Ling'er. Don't let her get too close to Lin Chen."

Qin Feiyang felt bitter. Wasn't this clearly putting him in a difficult position?

Feng Cheng’s face darkened. "What? After all I’ve done for you, you won't even do this small favor?"

"Of course I will. I will do my best," Qin Feiyang agreed.

Feng Cheng’s face lit up with a smile. "That’s more like it. Go on, and remember to come back and visit."

Qin Feiyang nodded, bade them farewell, and set off to catch up with the others.

At the western gate, four people stood waiting—two men and two women. Their refined temperament and elegant attire made them stand out like cranes in a flock of chickens. Among them were the masked woman and Ling Yunfei. The other two were teenagers, around sixteen or seventeen. The girl had long hair and a graceful air, while the young man was about 1.75 meters tall, with a cold, sharp gaze that kept others at a distance. They were disciples of the Martial Hall heading to the Martial King Hall.

The masked woman stood with her arms crossed, leaning against the city wall, her eyes flickering with unreadable thoughts. Moments later, Qin Feiyang and his group arrived.

Ling Yunfei greeted them with a grin. "You’re finally here."

"Why are you here?" Qin Feiyang frowned. He scanned the area and, upon seeing the masked woman, felt as if he had swallowed gall. It was exactly what he feared.

"Ling'er, I knew you would wait for me," Lin Chen said joyfully, walking toward her. She ignored him entirely, instead looking at Qin Feiyang. "Let's go," she said flatly, before heading toward the mountains. Lin Chen hurriedly followed, as did Lu Hong.

The Fatty leaned toward Qin Feiyang and whispered, "See that? That’s what you call pathetic."

"Watch your tongue," Qin Feiyang warned.

"Brother Hao Tian, please take care of us on the road!" the Martial Hall girl said with a charming smile.

Ling Yunfei introduced her. "This is Senior Sister Chen Ying, and that cold guy is Senior Brother Xu Jian. They are both five-star Martial Masters, the best disciples in the Martial Hall."

Chen Ying rolled her eyes at Ling Yunfei, then looked at Qin Feiyang. "Don't listen to that junior brother."

Xu Jian added coldly, "Exactly, he’s talking nonsense."

The masked woman glanced back at them. "Are you still dawdling? Do you not want to go?" The three of them stiffened and rushed to catch up.

"She-devil," Qin Feiyang muttered.

The Fatty chuckled. "It’s not very nice to talk about your fiancée that way!"

"I told you, that was just a misunderstanding," Qin Feiyang groaned.

"Who believes that?" The Fatty scoffed, patting Qin Feiyang’s shoulder. "Seeing your fiancée being pestered by another man and staying indifferent—I have to say, you’re something else!"

Qin Feiyang’s face darkened. "Are you looking for a beating?"

"Don't be ungrateful," the Fatty replied. "I’m looking out for you! At this rate, you’ll be wearing a green hat before you know it."

Qin Feiyang’s veins throbbed, and he kicked the Fatty’s backside, sending him face-first into the dirt.

"You bastard! Fine, see if I care when you get cuckolded!" The Fatty scrambled up, cursed, and scurried off as if his life depended on it.

Qin Feiyang shook his head with a bitter smile and hurried after the group. It seemed impossible to clear up this misunderstanding; he had only himself to blame. Suddenly, he remembered the silk pouch. He opened it to find a neatly folded piece of paper.

"What’s that?" The Fatty had retreated back, peering curiously.

"Can you stop acting like a leech?" Qin Feiyang frowned.

"I like being here, what of it?" the Fatty retorted.

Qin Feiyang sighed and unfolded the paper. His eyes lit up—it was the prescription for the Red Fire Glazed Pill!

"Damn it, the Hall Master is way too biased!" the Fatty complained.

Qin Feiyang was secretly delighted. The Pill Hall did possess the prescription, but he never expected Luo Xiong to give it to him in this way. He took a deep breath, stored the paper, and looked back at Black Bear City. "Thank you," he whispered.

"Jiang Haotian, Fatty, hurry up and catch up!" Lin Chen called from ahead.

"Coming!" Qin Feiyang replied and sped up.

Soon, the group of eight was far from the city, entering deep mountains where wild beasts became increasingly frequent.

"Senior Sister Ling'er," Chen Ying asked, "why aren't we taking the main road or riding horses to Yan City?"

"Don't forget, you are a disciple of the Martial King Hall now, not some pampered young lady," the masked woman said coldly. "If you're tired, it’s not too late to go back." Chen Ying lowered her head, not daring to speak again.

The Fatty turned his eyes. "Senior Brother Lin Chen, as alchemists, surely we don't need to suffer like this, do we?"

Lin Chen smiled. "A little hardship is good for you."

"Damn this spineless man, he’s a waste of air," the Fatty muttered. Everyone could see Lin Chen’s motive—he was just trying to please the masked woman.

"We are approaching Eagle Claw Peak. Keep your spirits up and stay alert!" the masked woman ordered.

"Eagle Claw Peak!" The Fatty shivered, his eyes filled with terror. Ling Yunfei, Chen Ying, Xu Jian, and Lu Hong also turned solemn. Qin Feiyang frowned; was this place dangerous?

After crossing a dense forest and a mountain ridge, a magnificent mountain range came into view. One giant peak stood out, thousands of meters in circumference and over a thousand zhang tall. At its summit stood five smaller peaks, each a hundred zhang high and curved, truly resembling a massive eagle's claw reaching into the clouds. It was a masterpiece of nature.

Looking at the peak, the Fatty’s fear grew. "Senior Brother Lin Chen, we should take the long way around!"

Lin Chen smiled. "On this trip, we follow Ling'er."

"Damn it!" The Fatty’s rage flared. "You want to woo a girl, I won't stop you, but is there no limit? Do you have to listen to her for everything? Are you even a man?"

Lin Chen’s smile froze. He turned to look at the Fatty, his eyes flashing with cold light. The Fatty shrunk back, hiding behind Qin Feiyang. "Did I say something wrong?"

Lin Chen looked at him with disdain. "Understand this: I am the one leading this team, not you. You have no say. We go where I say, understand?"