Chapter 378: The Distinguished Guest of Medicine King Valley
That loud slap, besides resounding across Bai Mohan's face,
also made everyone present feel a thud in their hearts.
"Elder Bai was slapped? This..."
"Where did Yi Xiao get such audacity?"
"Who can bear Elder Bai's wrath?"
Nearly everyone showed an incredulous expression, which soon turned to shock.
No one believed that this single slap signified that Yi Xiao was stronger than Bai Mohan.
The unbeaten myth of Bai Mohan was by no means an empty title.
Even Xiao Yi himself did not think so.
This slap had simply caught Bai Mohan off guard.
The true strength of Bai Mohan was definitely not simple; otherwise, he could not have been universally recognized as the top genius.
Over the past decade, his combat achievements had been nothing short of terrifying.
Talents of the Royal Capital, large and small, and even some fairly renowned Heavenly Origin Realm Martial Artists had sparred with him.
Without even being pushed to reveal his Martial Soul Power, they were easily defeated.
Another point was his reputation as a prodigy, stemming from his endless sword skills.
Each Martial Artist who had fought against him had been defeated by different swordsmanship,
never repeating the same technique.
This also led outsiders to rumor that he certainly mastered more than half of Sky-splitting Sword Sect's profound sword arts.
Those astonishing battle achievements, the myth of his undefeated status, and his mysterious and unfathomable Martial Soul—
all these had built his perfect reputation as a genius.
At this moment, the fiery pain on Bai Mohan's face made his handsome features seem somewhat fierce.
"Return," Bai Mohan barked.
The Divine Blade that had left his hand flew back to him in an instant.
Xiao Yi, meanwhile, stepped back to increase the distance between them and Bai Mohan.
At this time, Bai Mohan's aura exploded with a tremendous burst of power.
The strong Primordial Power of the Heavenly Origin Realm was incredibly vigorous.
Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, and Purple Flame condensed in his hand.
The slap was not for the sake of a momentary impulse, but a temporary interest collected on behalf of Elder Yi.
Today, he would not kill anyone—at least, not until he had thoroughly investigated the incident of the past.
Of course, this did not prevent him from teaching Bai Mohan a lesson now and collecting some interest.
At the same time, the more impeccably Bai Mohan performed, the more suspicious Xiao Yi became.
He wanted to take the current opportunity to see what Bai Mohan's true capabilities were.
Such a public slap was enough to enrage Bai Mohan, and perhaps even make him lose his rationality.
Under these circumstances, Bai Mohan was more likely to expose his true strength.
On the other side, the faces of the onlookers were full of shock, and they discussed fervently among themselves.
"The two great prodigies are about to clash; who will be the stronger one?"
"Isn't it obvious?"
"Although Yi Xiao is strong, Elder Bai could easily defeat him without even needing to use his Martial Soul."
"I'm more curious about what swordsmanship Elder Bai will use this time."
"And under what kind of swordsmanship will Yi Xiao be defeated?"
...
Amidst the chatter,
Xiao Yi and Bai Mohan's auras both surged to their utmost limits.
Clearly, if either of them made a move, it would be a thunderous one.
But just at this moment, within the Medicine King Valley, a figure came rushing swiftly.
As the figure landed, it stood between the two men and bellowed, "Disperse."
No sooner had the words been spoken,
the auras of Xiao Yi and Bai Mohan instantly dissipated.
"Hmm?" Both men frowned at the same time.
"Great Elder, your timing is impeccable," Elder Mu called out.
Indeed, the newcomer was the Great Elder of Medicine King Valley, Mu Qingyun.
His Alchemy Technique went without saying,
and his Cultivation was also at the peak of mighty warriors, thus his strength was exceptional.
Looking first towards Bai Mohan, Mu Qingyun said in a grave voice, "Elder Bai, please cease."
"Our Medicine King Valley is not a place for fighting."
"I also do not wish for any flower or blade of grass in the Valley to be damaged."
Having said that, he turned his gaze to Xiao Yi.
"Yi Xiao Branch Hall Master, you are no exception."
"I am aware of your notorious reputation; if you intend to kill someone in the Royal Capital, please find another place to do it."
"Moreover, let me remind you that Elder Bai is a distinguished guest of Medicine King Valley."
"By injuring Elder Bai publicly within Medicine King Valley, you are showing contempt for our Valley."
"Since you have come to today's Alchemy Competition, I will allow you to participate in the contest."
"After the competition, please leave immediately, and from then on, do not step half a foot into Medicine King Valley."
Mu Qingyun spoke gravely, "Of course."
"If you, Yi Xiao Branch Hall Master, are currently dissatisfied, you may leave now."
"Medicine King Valley does not welcome those who are arrogant and disrespectful."
Obviously, in Mu Qingyun's eyes,
Xiao Yi publicly slapping Bai Mohan was highly disrespectful.
"Distinguished guest?" Xiao Yi frowned.
"Huh." Xiao Yi sneered, "Elder Mu, what you're saying is that just because Bai Mohan is a distinguished guest of your Medicine King Valley,"
"Medicine King Valley will not welcome me if I do not get along with him."
"You may think so," Mu Qingyun said, his expression unchanging and without hesitation.
Xiao Yi's expression turned cold, "If that's the case, I shall take my leave."
"Wait." Elder Mu quickly stepped forward.
"Young man, there is no need to go." Elder Mu stopped in front of Xiao Yi.
"The Great Elder may not welcome you, but that doesn't mean the entire Medicine King Valley doesn't."
"At least, as long as I am in Medicine King Valley, I will always welcome Yi Xiao."
"Furthermore, the Great Elder cannot represent the entirety of Medicine King Valley."
Mu Qingyun frowned and said gravely, "Naturally, I cannot represent the entire Medicine King Valley."
"However, I am quite certain that even if the Valley Master were here, he would agree with me."
"He would not welcome those disrespectful to the distinguished guests of Medicine King Valley."
With that, Mu Qingyun turned around, "Elder Bai, please come with me; the Alchemy Competition will start soon."
Saying so, Mu Qingyun led the way to the entrance of Medicine Tower.
And Xiao Yi was, of course, not going to embarrass himself further; he was about to leave.
Elder Mu intervened, "Young man, do me a favor and stay for the competition."
"Besides, listen to me first."
"The Great Elder is not targeting you, nor is he siding with Bai Mohan."
"Hm?" Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes.
Elder Mu sighed, "Young man, do you remember the urgent matter I was looking for you to help with before?"
"That matter is a significant one for Medicine King Valley, and of course, it comes with many benefits."
"I could not find you earlier, and so the Great Elder asked Bai Mohan instead."
"Speaking of which, Bai Mohan has done Medicine King Valley a great favor; in both sentiment and reason, he naturally is a distinguished guest of Medicine King Valley."
"The Great Elder naturally treats him with great respect as well."
"Is that so?" Xiao Yi suddenly understood.
So that was what Elder Mu meant when he said the matter had already been resolved by someone else.
That person was Bai Mohan.
"Now you understand," Elder Mu said, "The Great Elder has no intention of targeting you."
"Stay and compete."
"The reward for this competition is beyond your imagination."
"Also, I remember you once said you wanted to reach the Peak of Medicine Tower to see the view from there."
"I look forward to it and will wait for you there."
"You must come."
Having said this, Elder Mu smiled meaningfully and turned to leave.
Xiao Yi furrowed his brow, then relaxing, his lips curled up slightly.
In a flash, he appeared beside Ye Ming.
"Brother Yi, it's great that you decided to stay," Ye Ming said with a smile.
"If you had let Mu Qingyun and Bai Mohan provoke you into leaving, it wouldn't have seemed like the Brother Yi I know."
Xiao Yi smiled and remained silent.
In front of Medicine Tower, Mu Qingyun briefly explained, then led everyone inside.
...
The first update.
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