There wasn’t really any other reason besides the fact that the Crown Prince’s birthday celebration was tomorrow. If Gu Ruoyun were the same good-for-nothing that she used to be in the past, it would not have mattered whether she attended the party or not. But now, the situation was different.
This time, the Crown Prince’s Master, a member of the Weapon Refining Sect would be in attendance. He would be testing the abilities of the younger generation, and those who passed would be chosen to enter the Weapon Refining Sect as an outer disciple.
One should know that the Weapon Refining Sect held a seat of great power in the mainland, and the only ones who did not fear them was the Dongfang Family. It was because of this that should anyone be accepted into the Weapon Refining Sect, he would be envied, even if he were only an outer disciple.
Hence, His Imperial Majesty issued a decree that everyone, no matter who they were, must attend the Crown Prince’s birthday celebration.
For this reason, General Gu was forced to send his men to find Gu Ruoyun.
Of course, under normal circumstances, a powerful organization like the Weapon Refining Sect would not even consider a recruitment, unless someone were as talented as the Crown Prince. So, this time, even General Gu did not know the true motives of the Weapon Refining Sect.
But regardless of how much fuss the Gu Family was making, Gu Ruoyun, who was still inside the Ancient Divine Pagoda, was blissfully unaware of the situation in the world outside. At that moment, her attention was fixed upon the pill cauldron in front of her. The crackling flames reflected in her clear, cold eyes.
Faint streams of steam escaped from the top of the pill cauldron, bringing a fresh, cooling sensation into the surroundings. In that moment, Gu Ruoyun clearly felt the spiritual energy around her thicken.
"The final step in pill refinement...is forming the pill, girl! During this process, most medicine cauldrons will release a strong pressure. You must control it. If you fail, you’ll have to start all over again."
The man’s low voice rang aloud in Gu Ruoyun’s ear. She took a deep breath, her eyes filled with total concentration.
Forming the pills…This was the final step in refining pills and was also the most important step. Should this fail, all her efforts would have been for naught…
Bang!
Bang bang bang!
Suddenly, a strong force rammed against the medicine cauldron, causing the ground to shake.
Gu Ruoyun stumbled a few steps back. Just then, the medicine cauldron tipped, falling over from where it was hovering from above the ground. Her heart trembled, and she rushed to take control of the medicine cauldron.
Cold sweat slowly rolled down the young girl’s pretty face. However, she did not dare lose focus. Her entire being tightened with concentration. But because she was far too nervous, her frail, little face grew as white as a sheet.
Finally, just as Gu Ruoyun was about to lose control, the medicine cauldron stopped shaking, and settled quietly on its base…
"I did it! I’ve finally done it!"
Gu Ruoyun suppressed the excitement she felt, and stepped forward to uncover the cauldron with impatience. She reached into the bottom of the cauldron and drew out a string of five pills.
"You’ve managed to learn the art of refining pills in just three days, little girl. That alone makes you worthy enough to be considered a genius. But, you are the Master of the Ancient Divine Pagoda. So, this one bit of talent will not be enough for you. However, you need not rush into pill refinement. You can take your time."
Zixie observed the frail little girl before him as his purple eyes lit up with a smile and an unshakeable resolve filled his face.
"You must remember, in this world, it’s survival of the fittest. If you want to live and protect the ones you love, then you must stand at the pinnacle of prestige, where you will be untouchable!"
To stand on the pinnacle of the mainland, and be worshipped and served by the world. That was the prestige that the Master of the Ancient Divine Pagoda deserved.
Gu Ruoyun laughed cynically. "How could I not understand what you mean? It was my weakness that brought upon the violent deaths of my mother, maternal grandfather and my little brother, causing my loved ones to leave me behind, one by one! Seeing as the heavens chose to spare my life, I must become the ruler of the world! I shall dictate who deserves to live or die!"
As she spoke, the young girl’s voice grew with dominance, illuminating her normally inconspicuous face.
Zixie smiled and stroked Gu Ruoyun’s hair. "Little girl, you must first consume this Qi Gathering pill and breakthrough to level 3 of the Qi Collection Ranks before you leave."
"Alright."
A glint flashed across Gu Ruoyun’s eyes. She had a strong feeling that she would breakthrough to level three once she consumed the Qi Gathering pill…
A sleepless night.
By the time Gu Ruoyun finally appeared before the eyes of the Gu Family, it was the eleventh hour. The Gu Family members, who had long wished for her to stay far away, have never looked forward to her return as much as they did today.
General Gu simply could not be bothered to say too much to her. He shot her a lukewarm glance and barked, "The cultivators from the Weapon Refining Sect have already arrived in the Imperial Palace. His Imperial Highness has issued an order — that everyone must attend the Crown Prince’s birthday celebration. There’s no time for you to clean up now. You will leave with us immediately."
Actually, Gu Ruoyun herself wasn’t too clear about the situation. However, because she felt curious about the standards of the cultivators of this mainland, she did not defy General Gu’s orders.
In a room filled with a faint fragrant scent, a man stood with his hands behind his back. The faint glow of sunlight poured down upon his figure, casting a long shadow behind his back.
Elder Yu stood behind the Young Master of his house, watching him. He hesitated before he spoke, "Young Master, two elders from the Weapon Refining Sect have arrived in Azure Dragon Country. I’m not sure why… While the Crown Prince of Azure Dragon Country may be Elder Hunfei’s disciple, he would never attend a gathering for no good reason, knowing his haughty attitude. Besides, even Elder Tianling and the Sect Master’s daughter have tagged along. I cannot shake this feeling…that something is about to happen."
The man raised his head gently. "Regardless of their reasons, it has nothing to do with the Dongfang Family. However, I remember Elder Hunfei eyeing Gu Shengxiao due to his talent, yet Shengxiao rejected him. Only then was the Crown Prince accepted as his disciple."
"Young Master, are you saying that he might cause trouble for Lady Ruoyun?"
"No." The man shook his head. "The Weapon Refining Sect still holds some level of prestige in the mainland. They can’t do things like this. That’s right, Elder Yu, I will be returning to the Dongfang Family home soon. You will stay here and help Gu Ruoyun."
Elder Yu was stunned, his elderly face showing a hint of astonishment.
"Young Master, this…"
"Elder Yu, you’ve always known that I initially established the Hundred Herb Hall as an extra source of funds for myself. But if the Hundred Herb Hall can aid Gu Ruoyun in her quest to greatness, then what’s the harm in giving it to her? Besides, she is the daughter of my elder sister. I’ve asked you to stay because I want you to observe her true potential. If she has none, you will return to the Dongfang Family home, without any need for her permission. Instead of involving her in our internal disputes, why not let her live a life free of burden?"
There was a hint of helplessness in the man’s voice.
Elder Yu lowered his head and replied respectfully, "Yes, Young Master. Your old servant shall follow your commands."
…
"Ruoyun!"
In the Imperial Gardens. Luo Yin spotted Gu Ruoyun, who was trailing behind the Gu Family members, in a single glance, and felt instant joy. She rushed towards Gu Ruoyun, completely ignoring the fact that General Luo, who was right next to her, was glaring fiercely at her.
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GOT IT