Chapter 95

Now Lu Xingzhou not only has the alchemy notes obtained from the Mahā Cave, but also the alchemy classics from the Incense Burner Tower, along with the personal insights of True Person Yiyang and others.

He also possesses True Person Yiyang's precious alchemy furnace—a third-grade treasure, stronger than the one he brought from the Yama Palace.

The Incense Burner Tower's cultivation methods are mediocre and were handed over to the Heaven-Travel Sword Sect to enrich their scripture library. But their alchemy expertise is genuinely impressive—both the classics and tools are truly skilled, far surpassing Lu Xingzhou's own level.

But as always, studying from scriptures and notes alone is not the same as having a teacher—if it were, Lu Xingzhou wouldn't constantly come to discuss with Chen Jinnian.

Just mastering the Yin-Yang Ultimate Intent Art by himself is already extremely difficult; learning more on his own would be even more exhausting. Lu Xingzhou feels he's already done remarkably well studying alone, and truly admires the transmigrants who, upon acquiring a secret manual, would instantly master it and dominate all others—back in his previous life, would even a full textbook have let them get into Tsinghua or Peking University on their own?

In short, self-studying scriptures and notes to improve is indeed extremely difficult; if a real opportunity for advanced study arose, Lu Xingzhou would certainly be interested—just finding a master to clarify the difficult points in these texts and notes could elevate his skill by a huge margin.

After all, aside from romance and cultivation, there's truly little to do in Xiazhou.

This world places great emphasis on alchemy—other sects' alchemists are entitled to bodyguards, the imperial court has established the Alchemy Bureau to recruit alchemical talent, and the Capital Alchemy Academy gathers the nation's finest, training the most outstanding alchemical scholars as reserves.

Under the current emperor's unhealed old injuries, this emphasis is even greater than in past years.

Outside the holy sites, this may well be the highest academy of alchemy in the Great Gan. If he could study here, not only would his alchemical skill improve, but he'd also gain a valuable advantage—an official, prestigious background.

An alchemist graduating from the Capital Alchemy Academy may not be worthy of a Princess, but he is certainly a suitable match for the daughters of ordinary noble families or direct disciples of sects. Some families might even compete to marry him off.

Shen Tang would want to see this.

And the status of studying at the Capital Alchemy Academy… for the Huo family…

Lu Xingzhou's thoughts swirled, his expression turning serious: "Chen Zhangsi, if the county submits my name, will the Capital Alchemy Academy definitely accept me?"

"There will be an entrance examination; if you're recommended through connections, you'll be immediately rejected," Chen Jinnian sighed. "The exam is extremely strict—rumor has it the Emperor himself sometimes attends. Many truly talented candidates are still turned away; very few ultimately gain admission. In fact, when I was young, I was rejected several times—deeply regretful."

There's a whiff of the imperial examination system here… and it's clear you got rejected—you're still stuck as a county Zhangsi at this age…

Lu Xingzhou didn't voice this, only stood straight and bowed: "I am truly interested in this matter, Chen Zhangsi—I beg your generous assistance."

"Of course. Selecting talent for the state is one of our Alchemy Bureau's core missions. You're the best young alchemist discovered by the Xiazhou Alchemy Bureau—if you can get into the Capital Alchemy Academy, it will be our achievement and our honor."

"Hard to say—you yourself failed the exam back then. I don't have much confidence in myself."

Chen Jinnian smiled warmly and patted Lu Xingzhou's shoulder: "You defeated the fourth-grade Bai Jingtian—I won't speak of the details, but I know you're at least at the level of a county Zhangsi. If even that level can't get in, how many peers could? If the Capital Alchemy Academy filled its halls with bearded old men, that'd be a disgrace. Enough. If I succeed in being promoted to the prefecture after the New Year, I'll handle this for you."

"Thank you, Chen Zhangsi."

Leaving Chen Jinnian's home, Lu Xingzhou pondered—the first step seemed to be finding connections to confirm Chen Jinnian's promotion to the prefecture…

Due to the deaths of numerous Dongjiang Prefecture officials, replacements have yet to be fully filled. The former Alchemy Bureau Zhangsi was Chen Jinnian's senior brother, recently promoted to Prefectural Deputy; the Zhangsi position is now vacant. With Chen Jinnian's seniority and his brother's influence, he qualifies—but his sixth-grade alchemy level is too low. If he can successfully refine the Heart-Saving Pill just now, and advance to fifth grade, the matter will be settled—only preventing an outsider's appointment remains.

A message to Wan Cheng of the Demon-Suppression Bureau would make this easy.

The Huo family's status is still very useful…

As he pondered, a woman passed by, seemingly tripping on a stone, her small foot twisting with a cry of "Oh!" as she tumbled into Lu Xingzhou's lap.

Lu Xingzhou, distracted, instinctively caught her—she was already seated in his arms.

Far away, An Nuo gripped Shen Tang tightly: "Master's wife, Master's wife, don't rush—"

Shen Tang's hair was emitting purple vapor, her sword nearly drawn; hearing this, she angrily sheathed it: "Aren't you afraid the little witch will unleash a Heart-Crushing Palm on your master?"

An Nuo grinned: "Master's wife fears a Heart-Plucking Hand more, right…"

Shen Tang insisted: "Your master isn't that kind of man."

You didn't say that when you saw Bai Mao kissing your master…

Shen Tang ignored her, watching Lu Xingzhou anxiously.

Lu Xingzhou held soft warmth and fragrant flesh in his arms, quickly regaining his composure, glancing at the woman—slightly amused.

Pei Chuyun's disguise was excellent—she looked nothing like her former self; even her aura had changed drastically. Now she was the perfect image of a modest little beauty, like some family's daughter out for a stroll during the New Year.

At this moment, as if injured, she sat in his lap with tear-filled eyes, on the verge of crying.

Lu Xingzhou smiled wryly and released his arms: "Miss, walk carefully…"

Pei Chuyun sniffled: "Thank you, Young Master, for your help."

She tried to rise, failed, and collapsed back—this time adjusting her posture, her arms now wrapped around Lu Xingzhou's neck.

Shen Tang clenched her fists tightly, veins faintly bulging on her forehead.

An Nuo winced: "Master's wife, you're squeezing my hand."

Lu Xingzhou sighed: "Since your foot is injured, may I escort you home?"

Pei Chuyun blushed crimson, her head nearly buried in his neck, whispering like a mosquito: "Young Master, you're seated in a wheelchair—carrying me home like this… if passersby see, my reputation…"

Lu Xingzhou asked: "Then what do you suggest?"

Pei Chuyun glanced shyly at the alley beside them: "There's an inn inside. Could you carry me there to rest briefly, and find medicine to apply to my foot?"

A lone man and woman, entering a dark alley, a small inn, foot-rubbing…

What would happen next needed no explanation.

Pei Chuyun secretly observed Lu Xingzhou's reaction, thinking—if he actually did this, he was definitely a lecher, utterly weak.

"Alright," Lu Xingzhou replied cheerfully, releasing one hand to turn the wheelchair.

His hand brushed past Pei Chuyun's body, gliding over her full curves—seemingly by accident.

This level of stealing a feel was supreme—even the world's third-ranked flirt had once been subtly fondled like this, unable to protest—let alone this mere Joyful Sect little witch.

Pei Chuyun bit her silver teeth inward, yet still wore a shy, trembling smile, softly saying: "Thank you so much, Young Master… should fate bring us together again, I'd be honored to push your wheelchair."

An Nuo: "?"

Shen Tang: "An Nuo, you're squeezing my hand."

In truth, neither Shen Tang nor An Nuo understood why Pei Chuyun would appear now, right after failing to storm the mountain, when Lu Xingzhou was clearly on high alert—surely even an ordinary person would sense something off, let alone someone as sharp as Lu Xingzhou?

But Pei Chuyun knew clearly: men are all arrogant. Even if he suspects you're suspicious, he'll believe he can resist temptation, eat his fill, and walk away. Lu Xingzhou was clearly behaving this way now.

Some even more foolhardy ones might think they could have their way, then leave without paying.

But Joyful Sect witches aren't ordinary women—trying to cheat a Joyful Sect woman is better than climbing a tree.

She was precisely exploiting men's desire to see what she intended, deliberately drawing close. Now, after so long in this embrace, her subtle cultivation of seduction had already invaded Lu Xingzhou's body, slowly making him lose control, his desires rising.

She didn't need to touch any potential anti-temptation treasures he might carry—just like with Du Guo Qingli, she only needed to target the body's primal desires.

When a lone man and a lone woman truly enter a dark alley, a strong psychological suggestion takes hold; the victim's heart-fire often surges, making them believe their own desires have awakened, when in fact they are under a spell without knowing it.

By then, there is no need to actually do anything; she only needs to continue guiding with feigned resistance and acceptance, and the victim will naturally become utterly attached, willing to act like a dog just to get a taste of her fragrance. If there were an ambush, he would actively protect her, making the ambushers spit blood in rage.

Therefore, the truly rational approach should be to create distance the moment she pretends to sprain her ankle, with absolutely no contact.

"The Adjudicator is nothing special, just a lecher," Pei Chuyun sneered inwardly. Once inside the dark alley, she suddenly let out a "Aiyo," leaning against Lu Xingzhou's neck and panting: "My... my foot hurts..."

She only had to wait for Lu Xingzhou to lose control, embrace her, and bite; she would then skillfully break free, preventing actual contact, and the entire play of guidance would be complete. Lu Xingzhou, with his desires surging, would forget his own surname.

"Is that so?" Lu Xingzhou said, "I am a Dan Master; I can take a look for you first."

Before Pei Chuyun could voice any objection, Lu Xingzhou reached out with one hand, seized her small foot, and directly removed her shoes, revealing a crystal-clear, beautiful jade foot.

"Your foot isn't injured... being so good at lying isn't good. The shoes are confiscated." Lu Xingzhou directly stuffed the shoes into his ring.

Pei Chuyun: "?"

She suddenly raised her head, looking at the man's clear eyes; where was the desire reaction of someone under a spell?

Even where she sat, there was nothing pressing up against her.

Pei Chuyun suddenly realized she had truly been taken advantage of for free; she instantly struck out to restrain Lu Xingzhou, but saw a faint light rise from the wheelchair. Centered on Lu Xingzhou, a qi shield suddenly expanded, blasting her away.

It turned out that from beginning to end, Lu Xingzhou had never had any real contact with her; the protective shield of the wheelchair artifact had silently guarded him all along, isolating her covert technique invasion.

The so-called "eating tofu" was done while wearing gloves...

With wind howling on both sides, Shen Tang and A'nuo rushed fiercely from both ends of the alley: "Die, you demon!"

At the same time, Lu Xingzhou pushed both palms forward again.

A terrible memory flashed through Pei Chuyun's mind; her Snow Mountain felt phantom pain, and simultaneously, that phantom pain transmitted down to the white ground below.

Pei Chuyun suddenly struck out with a palm to shake Lu Xingzhou off; as Shen Tang and A'nuo's pincer attack approached, she violently crashed backward, smashing into the alley wall behind her and bursting into someone else's courtyard.

Sword light surged in the air, with countless powerful figures from the Tianxing Sword Sect surrounding her.

Shen Tang burst through the hole in the wall, only to see the entire space filled with Hehuan flower mist; inhaling even a little would cause desires to surge, and the vision was completely obscured, making it impossible to know where anyone was.

"She escaped... this wasn't teleportation, it was Earth Escape Technique." Lu Xingzhou looked at the ripples on the ground like water passing over and whistled in admiration: "Hehuan Sect, Earth Escape Technique, truly hard to associate. Does this mean she intends to suck up soil in the future?"

Shen Tang's expression turned ugly: "Failing even this kind of hunt, and you can still make jokes? Are you that happy from touching and hugging?"

Lu Xingzhou smiled: "I planted a mark on her; next time she appears within a certain range, she won't escape my perception. However, I am quite curious; given all this, will she dare to hunt me a third time?"

Shen Tang suddenly recalled a dirty joke she had unintentionally heard from drinkers while escorting caravans in the past: a hunter who went into the mountains to hunt a bear... one couldn't tell if he went to hunt the bear or to enjoy that.

But speaking of which, this little demon girl is extremely sharp; the moment she sensed even a slight irregularity, she immediately shifted. Had anyone reacted even half a beat slower, she would have been dead just now. Her escape techniques are varied and numerous; without a complete understanding, it is truly hard to catch her.

She is merely a bit inexperienced now; with such talent, she will grow quickly. In a sense, everyone has now become training targets for the protagonist of a storybook; the next time they meet, she might be a very formidable super-enemy.

At this time, Sheng Yuanyao, celebrating the New Year in the capital, received a summons from the Imperial Preceptor.

Sheng Yuanyao knew why the Imperial Preceptor was summoning her; asking Shen Tang, asking Dugu Qingli, everyone had many intersections in Xiazhou.

Upon arriving at the Star-Gazing Platform, she saw Ye Tinglan sitting alone high on the platform, his slender fingers calculating, as if divining a hexagram.

Sheng Yuanyao curiously paced up, carefully peeking for a while, but couldn't understand, so she stood obediently to the side and waited.

After a long while, Ye Tinglan opened his eyes; seeing Sheng Yuanyao's obedient and cautious appearance, he couldn't help but smile: "I heard you were very formidable in the commandery; why are you so obedient now?"

Sheng Yuanyao smiled apologetically: "The Imperial Preceptor's majesty..."

Halfway through speaking, she suddenly wanted to scratch her head. Ye Tinglan had completely returned to simplicity and truth; she truly saw no majesty on him. If one had to speak of majesty, it was rather brought by this environment and Ye Tinglan's status.

Ye Tinglan smiled slightly: "Yuanyao possesses a heart capable of directly perceiving the source, unconfused by external things; this is also a talent."

Sheng Yuanyao gathered her courage: "So, what hexagram was the Imperial Preceptor just divining?"

"Divining about that man who was so vivid and colorful during your journey in Xiazhou..."

In fact, at this moment, Ye Tinglan also understood that the hexagram "The Dragon Appears in the Field" from back then referred to this man, which left Ye Tinglan very confused. Interpreting the hexagram, this man's status was even higher than Shen Tang's; what was the logic in that?

Sheng Yuanyao's heart skipped a beat: "What happened to him?"

"Nothing; I merely divined a hexagram regarding how he will conduct himself next."

"And the result?"

"Chasing deer without a guide; Yuanyao, do you know its meaning?"

This basic image and line, Sheng Yuanyao had heard of due to her family's deep learning: "Entering the mountains to hunt deer, yet having no guide; easy to get lost in the forest. One should decisively abandon the pursuit, otherwise there will be risks?"

"Correct." Ye Tinglan nodded in considerable approval: "Others treat him thus, and he treats others thus... Does he have deer to hunt?"

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PS: Sneak attack 4k2, asking for monthly tickets~

(End of this chapter)