Chapter 173: First Successful Tier-3 Forging, Taken Away by Shu Xian Again

Yu Xian watched Su Xiaoduo’s departing figure and gently shook his head before turning and closing the door.

Inside the room, Yue Pingfeng looked at Yu Xian and smirked, clicking his tongue. “That girl—she’s got the figure, the looks, and even pretty decent talent. Barely thirteen or fourteen and already at Foundation Establishment. Sensible, too. Seems to be head over heels for you. You’re really not going to consider it? Bit cold-hearted, don’t you think?”

Yu Xian could tell Yue Pingfeng was teasing him.

He sighed helplessly and said earnestly, “I’ve said before, I’ve never given thought to such matters. Brother, please don’t tease me.”

“Trivial matters, huh… Just don’t regret it later.”

Yue Pingfeng showed a trace of nostalgia, clearly reminiscing about his own past.

But soon, he nodded. “Still, you’re right—it is trivial!”

This little brother of his had a promising path to the Dao ahead—how could he be distracted by romance?

“Oh, right.”

Yue Pingfeng’s eyes glinted with a cold light. “What about that guy named Yu? Are we just letting it go?”

Yu Xian’s expression turned cold for a moment before he shook his head. “What can we do? We can’t touch him within the Golden Scale Pavilion.”

“Hmph, maybe not in here—but he’s got to leave eventually! No way he stays in here forever.”

Yue Pingfeng sneered. “I still have a few connections in Mo City. I’ll pay them a visit and have them track that guy’s movements. If he dares step out of the city, we’ll catch up and gut him. What do you say?”

Yu Xian frowned and looked at Yue Pingfeng. “You sure this is reliable?”

“Very.”

Yue Pingfeng nodded. “Old friends of mine. If not for them, I wouldn’t have come to Mo City in the first place.”

“Then let’s track him. If he dares step out…”

Yu Xian’s voice turned icy. “Then we kill him.”

“Hahaha! That’s more like it!”

Yue Pingfeng burst into laughter. “Now that’s the little brother I admire! Better than your master! Sit tight—I’ll get things arranged. That bastard even had the nerve to threaten us—I’ll show him who regrets it first!”

With that, Yue Pingfeng left the refining room without wasting a moment.

Now alone in the room, Yu Xian’s coldness faded, and his expression calmed.

As for Yu Zhenfeng—Yu Xian wouldn’t let him off if there was a chance.

No matter his reasons.

He’d disrupted Yu Xian’s forging, insulted him repeatedly, and even put him in great danger!

If not for Su Xiaoduo waking in time, he might’ve been gravely injured—or worse, dead!

And Yu Zhenfeng had even left behind killing intent in his words. It was clear—this so-called “grudge over a woman” would not be resolved.

If Yu Xian didn’t kill him, he would certainly find a way to harm Yu Xian in the future.

So, this grudge would not be forgiven.

…

Eleven days later, Yu Xian re-entered the inner chamber.

A faint feminine fragrance still lingered, causing Yu Xian to frown slightly.

It was Su Xiaoduo’s scent—but why was it so strong?

She’d only been here for eleven days. That wasn’t enough time to completely fill the room with her scent.

He glanced around and noticed a faint silhouette on the floor, shaped like a graceful woman.

It was a sweat mark.

During her pseudo-death state following Foundation Establishment, Su Xiaoduo must’ve sweated profusely, enough to leave behind a body-shaped mark.

That explained the lingering scent—it had permeated the room and was hard to dispel.

Shaking his head, Yu Xian waved his hand.

A gust of wind blew through the room, trying to carry the scent away.

But even after half a day of cleansing spells, the fragrance only faded slightly—it was impossible to remove completely.

Only time could dissipate it now.

He sighed and sat down cross-legged, beginning to cultivate.

As dusk approached, the door opened again, and Yue Pingfeng entered.

After half a day’s work, he’d already assigned six professional stalkers to monitor Yu Zhenfeng’s movements.

If he dared leave the city—they’d know instantly and would strike!

“Little brother—hmm? What’s that smell?”

Yue Pingfeng sniffed the air curiously. “Isn’t this that girl’s scent? Hah, so even my place smells like a woman now…”

Yu Xian opened his eyes apologetically. “Sorry, it’s my fault you had to bear this.”

Just then, Li Shuxian appeared with a smile. “I was just going to have someone find you—what a coincidence. You’re already here. Oh? You’ve reached mid-Foundation Establishment?”

Yu Xian stood and respectfully replied, “By sheer luck, senior. May I ask what you need from me?”

“Just a small favor.”

Li Shuxian smiled. “I need you to help me with a pill duel. Win, and I’ll reward you generously.”

A pill duel?

Yu Xian frowned internally.

This woman clearly wasn’t to be taken lightly.

But refusing might bring trouble.

After hesitating, Yu Xian finally agreed, “Very well. I will do my best.”

Li Shuxian’s smile widened. “Good boy. I knew you’d be reliable. Let’s go!”

…

Two hours later, flying under Li Shuxian’s speed-enhancing ribbon, they reached the famed Purple Maple Grove, her personal cultivation abode.

The air was thick with spiritual energy, and the scenery was breathtaking.

Yu Xian complimented her on the beautiful location, and she led him into her temple-like dwelling—Maple Xian Temple.

Inside the main hall, Yu Xian saw a massive red maple tree, ancient and spiritual, though not sentient.

After settling him in, Li Shuxian informed him of his opponent—You Xiaohua, disciple of Chen Manman, a former inner elder of the now-ruined Medicine King Valley.

That meant his opponent was highly skilled in alchemy.

Li Shuxian then stepped closer, teasing and pressuring him, making it clear:

“You must win.”

Yu Xian, ever cautious, could only smile wryly and bow, “I will do my utmost.”

Satisfied, she laughed and left him to rest.

But before long—

Yu Xian left again to purchase refining materials.

And just as he stepped down to the second floor—

A familiar voice called out: “Yu Xian.”

Turning, he was surprised to see Li Shuxian again, casually beckoning him over.

What a coincidence indeed.