Chapter 32 (1/2)

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation  Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

The people were stunned for a moment by Fang Lin’s straightforward announcement. Lu Jiuhe’s gaze shifted ever so slightly for a moment. It was apparent that he was rather surprised by Fang Lin’s reaction.

Kang Lu did not ponder anymore because he was eager to vent his pent up rage on Fang Lin that had been accumulated over many days. At once, he walked to a spacious spot in the center of the courtyard, grinning ferociously while telling Fang Lin, “Junior Brother Disciple Fang, come over.”

Fang Lin smiled as he walked to the front of Kang Lu casually while Lu Jiuhe and the rest stood nearby.

“It’s just a spar between a senior brother disciple and a junior brother disciple. We shan’t go any further than necessary so that we don’t harm our harmonious relationship, do you understand?” Lu Jiuhe addressed.

Fang Lin nodded and said, “Duly noted.”

On the other hand, Kang Lu sniggered as he looked at Fang Lin as if he was staring at his prey. He said, “Don’t worry. I won’t hurt you, Junior Brother Disciple Fang.” Despite his words, he was not planning to show any mercy at all.

“In that case, both of you may begin,” said Lu Jiuhe.

Kang Lu had been waiting for this announcement since earlier. Before Lu Jiuhe’s voice faded away, he was just about to charge toward Fang Lin.

All of a sudden, Fang Lin called out, “Hold on!”

Kang Lu’s movement paused instantaneously. “Are you scared witless? Are you going to retreat out of cowardice?” he said with a furious expression

Frowning, Lu Jiuhe said in an unpleasant tone, “Junior Brother Disciple Fang, what are you trying to do?”

Fang Lin disregarded Kang Lu’s reaction but looked toward Lu Jiuhe and said, “Is it okay for you to show us the magnificent Century Lingzhi first, Senior Brother Disciple Lu? It won’t be too late for me to begin sparring with Senior Brother Disciple Lu after that.”

Lu Jiuhe thought to himself, ‘It’s alright for you to take a look actually since you won’t be able to get it anyway.’

At once, he spoke, “Since you requested, I’ll show it to you.”

Instantly, Lu Jiuhe procured a milky white Lingzhi from his Nine Palaces Pouch. It was the size of an adult brain and it emitted a peculiar scent into the air. Besides Fang Lin, Kang Lu and the rest had their eyes fixed upon the Century Lingzhi. Their gazes were shimmering with yearning.

Fang Lin scrutinized the Century Lingzhi and noted that dark lines were already starting to grow out of the Lingzhi. To him, the Lingzhi had been growing for at least five centuries and would cost slightly higher than an ordinary Century Lingzhi. He concluded that it was considered an extremely rare medicinal herb.

Lu Jiuhe felt smug and proud of himself when he realized that the disciples were yearning for the Century Lingzhi in his hand. He announced, “I plucked this Century Lingzhi from a cave in the deep valley when I went for an expedition. I was almost swallowed by a giant python that guarded the Lingzhi.”

Most of the medicinal herbs that took centuries to grow would be guarded by demons that had evolved into spiritual beasts. These demons guarded the medicinal herbs just so they could swallow them in one gulp upon maturity. This was done to increase their lifespan and elevate their realms.

Alchemists would frequently embark on a journey to gather more heavenly and earthly treasures that would be used to refine elixirs. Naturally, it was inevitable that these alchemists would come into contact with these demons. Numerous alchemists were sacrificed in the jaws of these demons during these expeditions.

Lu Jiuhe described the incident briefly, but in reality, he had been very lucky when he found the Century Lingzhi. Coincidentally, the giant python that guarded the Century Lingzhi had gotten injured when it fought against other ferocious beasts, thus it was weakened from the process. As a result, Lu Jiuhe managed to escape safely. Otherwise, it was utterly impossible for an alchemist of Lu Jiuhe’s standard to acquire the Century Lingzhi.

Lu Jiuhe had only brandished the Century Lingzhi for a moment before he stored it back into the pouch. He seemed to be afraid that someone would snatch it if it was left out for too long.

“How is it, Junior Brother Disciple Fang? Now that you’ve seen the Century Lingzhi, can we begin now?” Kang Lu asked Fang Lin, impatient from the wait.

Fang Lin took a glance at Kang Lu in disdain before making an inviting gesture at Kang Lu for him to begin. “In that case, please guide me, Senior Brother Disciple Kang Lu.”