Chapter 69: A Pill for a Century

“Mo Xingyun truly lives up to his name as the greatest prodigy of Great Qian ten years ago. The Nangong family was no match for a single stroke of his sword—how terrifying.”

“Indeed, Mo Xingyun once topped the list of prodigies, renowned across the entire Eastern Domain. Yet it’s a pity he was defeated by Director Jiang and has never recovered, his former glory lost.”

“I heard he burned his life force once more and now has only a year left to live. Alas, what a short and tragic life for a hero!”

News of Mo Xingyun causing a great stir at the Nangong family spread through the imperial capital in an instant. Many recalled the brilliance of his past.

The greatest prodigy of Great Qian!

Such a title was not for just anyone.

In his prime, Mo Xingyun was high-spirited and dazzling, supporting the entire Qingyun Martial Academy with nothing but his sword, and suppressing the Royal Martial Academy to the point that no one dared challenge him.

But he was too arrogant, daring to challenge Jiang Taixu, who had reached the ninth level of the Heavenly King Realm, while he himself was only at the seventh. In the end, he was slightly outmatched and returned in defeat. That single failure not only drained what remained of his lifespan, but also shattered his spirit and vitality.

For ten years, Mo Xingyun drowned himself in intoxication and lethargy, lost in a haze. The world had long forgotten this once-glorious prodigy.

Now, the title of Great Qian’s foremost prodigy belonged to the Crown Prince. His brilliance was as dazzling as Mo Xingyun’s once was—perhaps even more so.

But this time, Mo Xingyun erupted in anger, single-handedly defeating the Nangong family with his sword, forcing Jiang Taixu to reveal himself. His invincible figure once again appeared before the public. Yet with only a year left to live, he inspired only regret and sorrow.

Yet after this battle, Mo Xingyun not only returned to the public eye, but also sent a clear warning to any who would dare act in secret. From this moment on, none dared attempt to assassinate Jun Wushuang, and the lurking threats were utterly erased.

“By the way, I heard that Jun Wushuang has made another wild boast, claiming he’ll destroy the Nangong family within a year.”

“Heaven drives the mad before their fall. This Jun Wushuang won’t last long—a bumpkin from some backwater dares to go head-to-head with the Nangong family? That’s like an egg thrown at a rock.”

“Youngsters don’t know the immensity of heaven and earth. Claiming ‘the victor is king,’ how ridiculous. The life-and-death duel is about to begin, and I doubt he’ll even pass this trial.”

Jun Wushuang once again made a name for himself—but this time, it was infamy.

Destroy the Nangong family in a year?

People shook their heads and sneered, convinced Jun Wushuang was far too arrogant. One and all waited to see him make a fool of himself.

The commotion outside could not reach the Qingyun Martial Academy in the slums.

At this moment, Lin Mengyao had awakened.

“Young master, I’m sorry—it’s my fault as your servant that I couldn’t protect you.”

Lin Mengyao’s face was full of guilt.

“Nonsense! You nearly lost your life for me—I should be thanking you.”

Jun Wushuang’s voice was tender with concern.

“Young master, I’ll recover as quickly as I can and train even harder!” Lin Mengyao still blamed herself. Had she been stronger, the young master wouldn’t have been endangered.

I must become stronger! I must protect the young master!

“Rest well—don’t overthink it. Leave everything to me,” Jun Wushuang said, gently ruffling Lin Mengyao’s hair in comfort.

Soon after, the Prince of Zhen Nan arrived.

“Mister Jun, forgive me. I only just learned you were attacked today!”

“I’ve already ordered Nangong Xiong thrown into the dungeons, and the Nangong family has been punished,” Jiang Hongru said, admitting his fault right away.

Jun Wushuang, so young, already excelled in both alchemy and martial arts, with limitless potential ahead. Had he truly been lost to that wretch Nangong Xiong, Jiang Hongru would never forgive himself.

“My lord, this has nothing to do with you. The grudge is between myself and the Nangong family,” Jun Wushuang replied, making clear his sense of personal enmity and not blaming Jiang Hongru.

“Mister Jun, here are the spiritual herbs from last night’s pill auction—please look them over,” Jiang Hongru said, producing a storage ring.

Inside were not only the herbs needed for the Longevity Pill, but many more besides—the auction had been wildly successful.

Jun Wushuang took the herbs he needed for the Longevity Pill and returned the ring to Jiang Hongru.

“Sell the rest to the Myriad Treasures Pavilion. Use some to pay off my previous debts, and the remainder to rebuild Qingyun Martial Academy,” Jun Wushuang instructed, having already decided. Qingyun Martial Academy was dilapidated, almost a rubbish heap; it was necessary to rebuild.

“Rest assured, sir—I’ll take care of everything,” Jiang Hongru promised, patting his chest.

“By the way, Yao Wuchen has been eager to meet you. Would you be willing to see him?” Jiang Hongru did not forget Yao Wuchen’s request.

With a wave of his hand, Jun Wushuang produced a jade slip. “My lord, this contains several alchemical puzzles. If he can solve them, I’ll grant him an audience.”

Yao Wuchen was proud, but skilled nonetheless. Jun Wushuang had seen his performance at last night’s auction.

So he decided to give Yao Wuchen a chance. Whether he could seize it would depend on himself.

“Thank you, sir. I’ll bring him the good news at once,” Jiang Hongru replied, relieved to have something to show Yao Wuchen.

Not long after, Jiang Hongru took his leave.

“Dean, I’m going to refine the Longevity Pill, but I’ll need your help,” Jun Wushuang said, not wanting to waste any time now that he had the necessary herbs.

“I’ll do whatever you need,” Mo Xingyun replied without hesitation. In their days together, he’d seen Jun Wushuang’s keen mind and extraordinary skills. He’d also heard about the auction, and knew Jun Wushuang’s alchemy surpassed even Yao Wuchen and the Azure Pill King.

Jun Wushuang began refining at once.

The original Longevity Pill was a divine elixir, able to extend life by ten thousand years. Jun Wushuang, however, had simplified it—though now merely a low-grade Dao Pill, it could still grant a century of life, enough to save Mo Xingyun.

But with his current strength, refining a Dao Pill was no easy feat. He needed Mo Xingyun’s help—his blood and spiritual power, at the Heavenly King Realm, would increase the success rate.

“Primordial Alchemy Technique!”

Jun Wushuang unleashed his divine-level alchemy skills once more. Had Yao Wuchen or the Azure Pill King witnessed it, they would have been stunned. Even Mo Xingyun, who knew nothing of alchemy, was astounded.

After a day and night, the Longevity Pill was finally complete.

Trusting Jun Wushuang, Mo Xingyun took the pill immediately. Vitality surged through him, his spirit and energy renewed, his lifespan extended to a century.

“Thank you!” Mo Xingyun wept with joy.

Gone was his former despondence; he was now filled with hope. Perhaps he could break through his shackles, reach the Emperor Realm, and become even stronger!

At that moment, Master Wu hurried in.

“Master, there’s a brother and sister outside seeking an audience!”