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Chapter 54 - Zuo Hong

“The Pavilion Master ordered me to be responsible for your safety.”

Only Xu Yilin and Xu Clan’s deacon knew that Liu Wuxie had slain experts in the Spirit Cleansing Realm. But what had happened in the Iris Gold Mine was completely sealed off, and everyone was given a gag order.

Liu Wuxie and Lei Tao left the courtyard. They were among the last to arrive, as the other branches had arrived the day before. Liu Wuxie surveyed his surroundings and observed that every courtyard was sealed off to prevent unauthorized entry. Food and daily necessities were delivered and managed by Zen City’s branch in an organized manner.

As Liu Wuxie and Lei Tao passed through the gate, they walked down the stairs, and they occasionally ran into alchemists from other cities along the way. Lei Tao had participated in the competition for seven to eight years, so he was familiar with most people there and secretly shared their information with Liu Wuxie.

“Lei Tao, I heard from Xiao Mingyi that your Azure Billow City has changed your representative?” a young man accompanied by two guards remarked as he stopped Liu Wuxie and Lei Tao in their tracks. Xiao Mingyi was the alchemist representing Boundless City and the disciple of Yun Lan.

“Young Master Wen, what has it to do with you?”Lei Tao replied, his tone indifferent and his expression displeased. He found Wen Song’s presence repugnant and made no effort to conceal his disgust.

“I’m merely curious and attempting to engage in conversation. Is there a problem with that?” Wen Song retorted, turning to face Liu Wuxie with a hint of sarcasm as the corners of his lips curled upwards. He had run into Xiao Mingyi earlier and learned that Azure Billow City had changed its representative during their chat.

Liu Wuxie remained silent, his eyes flashing with a cold light. Last year, Azure Billow City had ranked thirty-fifth, second to last. Coincidentally, Wen Song’s Harvest City had ranked thirty-fourth, just one place above Azure Billow City.

To emerge victorious in every battle, one must know both oneself and one’s enemies. If Master Huo had been representing Azure Billow City, Wen Song would not have been concerned, as he was confident in his ability to maintain his ranking. As long as he wasn’t ranked last, all would be well.

However, Azure Billow City’s branch changed its representative this year. As such, Wen Song needed to thoroughly understand his opponent to avoid the possibility of defeat and the ignominy of Harvest City being ranked last.

“The competition will start tomorrow, and there will be ample opportunity for you two to interact. We have other matters to attend to and must take our leave,” Lei Tao stated bluntly, eager for Wen Song and his guards to move aside. Liu Wuxie was new to the area, and Lei Tao wished to show him around.

“You’re nothing but a lowly deacon. Get lost!” the guards behind Wen Song barked as they stepped forward, unleashing their cultivation in the Xiantian Realm. They were determined to glean information about Liu Wuxie by behaving unreasonably. Such behavior was not uncommon, particularly among branches ranked at the bottom, who were often subjected to ridicule.

Many onlookers watched from a distance, pointing and whispering in the direction of the commotion. Numerous alchemists from other cities paused to observe the argument.

A white-clothed youth climbing the nearby stairs inquired, “Why did Harvest City and Azure Billow City start quarreling suddenly?”

“Young Master Zuo, Azure Billow City has changed its representative this year. It’s possible that both branches will be ranked at the bottom, so it’s not surprising that they’re attempting to probe each other,” an elderly man in his fifties remarked.

“Look! Isn’t that Young Master Zuo Hong? Manifest City, which he represents, was ranked third last year!” A murmur of excitement rippled through the crowd as all eyes turned to the white-clad youth, and no one paid any further attention to Liu Wuxie and his companions.

Five guards stepped forward and formed a protective circle around Zuo Hong, preventing anyone from approaching him. A chorus of excited cries erupted from the throng of fangirls as they called out Zuo Hong’s name.

Alchemists were held in high esteem as a profession, and a young and promising alchemist like Zuo Hong, who had passed his three-star alchemist exam the previous year, was no exception. Moreover, Zuo Hong was also a student at the Imperial Academy, and these dual identities cemented his status among the younger generation. With such accolades at such a young age, it was only natural that Zuo Hong was popular among the crowd.

The two guards remained standing before Lei Tao, neither side willing to back down.

“Brat, what’s your name?” Wen Song strode over and looked at Liu Wuxie with a smile. In his estimation, even if Liu Wuxie had been studying alchemy since he was in the womb, he could only have attained the rank of a one-star alchemist at best. As such, Wen Song did not consider Liu Wuxie to be worthy of his attention. As he taunted Liu Wuxie, spittle flew from his mouth and landed on Liu Wuxie’s face.

“You want to know?” Liu Wuxie suddenly smiled. To those watching, it was a bright smile as he retorted, “Who the hell do you think you are to question me?”

But Liu Wuxie’s following sentence surprised everyone because they didn’t expect a brat with such a harmless-looking smile to be so cocky.

“Good! You’ll soon learn whether or not I’m qualified!” Wen Song fumed, humiliated by the public spectacle. He was not one to take such an affront lying down.

“Young Master Liu, leave quickly while I hold them off!” Lei Tao roared and charged at the two guards, hoping to delay them long enough for Liu Wuxie to escape back into the Pill Gathering Pavilion, where fighting was prohibited.

“You want to leave?” Wen Song smiled sinisterly and stepped forward, appearing before Liu Wuxie. “Brat, I’ll let you know the consequences of offending me! I’ll cripple you and see how you participate in the competition tomorrow!”

Wen Song was ruthless in his desire to cripple Liu Wuxie and thereby rob him of his ability to represent Azure Billow City. This would ensure that Harvest City retained its ranking, which was Wen Song’s ultimate goal. As he unleashed his fourth-level Xiantian Realm cultivation, a fierce gust of wind swirled around him as he swung his hand, aiming to strike Liu Wuxie on the left cheek.

“You dare to act so brazenly in my presence, you worthless trash?!” Liu Wuxie’s eyes blazed with murderous intent as he raised his hand and delivered a resounding slap that left everyone stunned. Liu Wuxie remained rooted to the spot while Wen Song was sent flying, tumbling down the stairs with sickening cracks emanating from his body. He had likely broken several bones in his fall.

Zuo Hong narrowed his eyes as he witnessed the scene unfold. Liu Wuxie’s slap had taken him by surprise. He had been unable to track Liu Wuxie’s movements at all, and Wen Song had been given no opportunity to evade the blow. This was astonishing, as even Zuo Hong himself would have been unable to accomplish such a feat. Not only had Liu Wuxie deflected Wen Song’s arm, but he had also managed to land a blow on Wen Song’s face.

Wen Song came to a stop at the bottom of the stairs, his face smeared in blood. The two guards who had accompanied him hurriedly rushed down to help him back to his feet. By this time, Wen Song’s clothes were stained with blood.

The public humiliation caused Wen Song to fly into a rage. A sword materialized in his hand as he charged at Liu Wuxie, murderous intent radiating from him. As a respected two-star alchemist, he had always been the center of attention. Naturally, he sought revenge for the public affront to his dignity, or he would never be able to regain his standing.

“Wen Song, that’s enough!” a roar echoed, interrupting Wen Song as Zuo Hong walked over. This was because it wouldn’t look good if they continued to fight.

“Young Master Zuo!” Wen Song quickly bowed respectfully as a form of greeting.

“We’re all representing the Treasure Pill Pavilion in the competition. We may not all hail from the same city, but we are united in our purpose and should support one another rather than engage in conflict. Brother Wen, can you do me the honor of letting this matter rest for today?” Zuo Hong’s polite tone and conciliatory words were met with applause from those gathered.

“But he slapped me. You want me to let this matter rest just like that?” Wen Song gritted his teeth. He didn’t dare to offend Zuo Hong; he could only vent his anger out on Liu Wuxie with his murderous intent surging.

“In that case, allow me to apologize on this brother’s behalf. Can we let this matter rest now?” Zuo Hong offered, bowing deeply to Wen Song on Liu Wuxie’s behalf. His willingness to humble himself in order to resolve the conflict between others earned him the respect of many.

“This...” Wen Song was placed in a difficult position. After all, Zuo Hong lowered himself to apologize on behalf of Liu Wuxie. It would make him seem arrogant if he continued to cause a din. As Zuo Hong had high popularity, Wen Song would instantly become everyone’s target if he disagreed, but he couldn’t just possibly swallow it up.

“Young Master, why don’t we forget it?” The two guards came over and tugged at Wen Song’s clothes. Zuo Hong had already interfered in this matter, and Wen Song would be further humiliated if he continued to make a scene there.

“Brat, just you wait! I’ll teach you a lesson tomorrow!” Wen Song said before leaving with his guards. He didn’t want to stay there for another moment because he was greatly embarrassed.

The crowd dispersed when there was no show to watch, leaving Liu Wuxie and Zuo Hong’s parties behind.

“I’m Zuo Hong from Manifest City. How should I address you?” Zuo Hong cupped his fists together passionately. He had handsome features, giving off a sense of friendliness.

“I’m Liu Wuxie from Azure Billow City. Thank you for resolving the trouble earlier.” Liu Wuxie cupped his fists in response, and they had become acquainted just like that. In terms of age, Liu Wuxie was much younger than Zuo Hong.

“I should be the one thanking you on behalf of Wen Song. If you two had continued fighting, he would have been humiliated. I am grateful that you showed mercy,” Zuo Hong said. Though others may not have realized it, Zuo Hong could tell that Liu Wuxie had not used his full strength in delivering the earlier slap. Had Liu Wuxie struck with full force, he might have snapped Wen Song’s head.

Liu Wuxie smiled but did not reveal that he was aware of Zuo Hong’s Spirit Cleansing Realm cultivation. Zuo Hong could not conceal his cultivation from Liu Wuxie, and it was true that Liu Wuxie had shown mercy earlier. Wen Song may have been hateful, but he did not deserve to die.

As Liu Wuxie and Zuo Hong chatted, they eventually parted ways. Zuo Hong returned to the Pill Gathering Pavilion while Liu Wuxie ventured into Zen City to explore.

“Young Master Liu, Zuo Hong is renowned as a teacher, and there’s no harm in building a relationship with him.” Lei Tao stepped forth with admiration on his face when he mentioned Zuo Hong. After all, the title of a teacher wasn’t something everyone could possess.

Those who taught were called mentors, and those who educated were called teachers, and those who passed down inheritances were called masters.

Many mentors at Imperial Academy were responsible for teaching what was written in the books, and the students had to comprehend the profundities themselves. On the other hand, teachers were different because they educated people. Zuo Hong often offered guidance to other alchemists, thus winning the teacher title.

Masters, however, were different in that they passed down inheritances and were regarded as second parents to their students.

“That person is not to be underestimated!” Liu Wuxie mused, a smile playing at the corners of his lips as he stepped into the bustling streets.