Chapter 176: Victory or Defeat Must Be Decided, Heading Once More to the Northern Wilds

Hearing Chen Manman’s words, Li Shuxian furrowed her brows and glanced carefully at the Ziwu Zhenxin Pill in her hand.

The pill gleamed softly, releasing a faint medicinal fragrance. It was clearly a mid-grade, middle-tier pill.

Its quality was equal to the Hehe Xiangling Powder.

“Heh.”

Li Shuxian suddenly let out a cold laugh.

Chen Manman’s brows furrowed in displeasure. “Fellow Daoist, why do you mock me?”

Li Shuxian replied with a faint smile. “Because it’s laughable.”

Chen Manman’s face darkened even more, but before she could speak, Li Shuxian continued, smiling faintly:

“Some people have a higher cultivation realm, a cauldron of a superior grade, a Golden Core stage master, and claim to be the orthodox path of alchemy—yet what they produce is the same quality as a pill made by a rogue cultivator. And then they have the nerve to suggest it was a draw?”

Her words left Chen Manman stunned, her pretty face turning pale and green with anger!

Even You Xiaohua’s face went pale, fists clenched, body slightly trembling.

She really wanted to admit she had lost!

But she couldn’t. She wouldn’t say it.

Because she hadn’t lost!

“Fellow Daoist…”

Chen Manman took a deep breath, her voice cold and slow: “You say all this—what is your intent? Are you saying the grade and quality of these pills are not different? I’ve known you for over a hundred years, but I never expected you to be so deliberately provocative. Truly disappointing.”

“Oh?”

Li Shuxian raised an eyebrow and laughed again.

“Upset already? If I recall correctly, you used to pick at me all the time. And now, I mock you once, and you can’t take it? So it’s fine for you to do it, but not for me? Ha!”

Chen Manman’s eyes turned colder.

She was, after all, an elder of the Alchemic King Valley, a cultivator of a great orthodox sect!

While Li Shuxian was just a rogue cultivator who claimed a spiritual mountain.

When I criticized you, I was trying to correct the bad habits of a rogue.

But you criticize me? That’s just picking a fight.

“Hah. Do you think your draw was some kind of favor you’ve bestowed on me?”

Chen Manman sneered, her grace vanished, her tone cold: “It’s just one Ziwu Zhenxin Pill. Since you’re so keen to criticize, fine—I admit it. We lost this alchemy duel! And from now on, you and I have nothing to do with each other.”

Li Shuxian’s smile faltered slightly, her expression calming.

“Sister, can’t accept defeat?”

“I am not your sister,” Chen Manman snapped, “You’re over four hundred years old and still at early Gold Core, yet proud of your age? Does being old make you proud?”

Li Shuxian’s pupils narrowed; a flush crept up her face as rage flickered in her eyes!

Chen Manman turned toward Yu Xian, her gaze piercing through his black veil, as if trying to see his face.

She could only discern a rough outline—but even from that, it was clear this man was far from ugly.

He deliberately kept his appearance hidden!

“Young friend,” she suddenly smiled, radiant and charming. “You defeated my disciple with your alchemy—a rare talent. May I know your name?”

Yu Xian quickly bowed. “This junior is but a nameless rogue. My lowly name is not worth remembering. As for fate… I believe there is none between us.”

Chen Manman’s smile faded immediately.

What an ungrateful little brat.

With a flick of her wrist, she tossed the Ziwu Zhenxin Pill to Yu Xian.

“This pill is yours now,” she said indifferently. “Disciple, we’re leaving.”

You Xiaohua’s face was still pale. Her confidence had been crushed. She looked at Yu Xian and said loudly:

“Fellow Daoist! May I see your true face? Tell me your name! Give me a chance to surpass you someday!”

Yu Xian caught the pill, silent, not responding.

You Xiaohua bit her lip, her eyes flashing with determination.

“Since you won’t show your face or leave your name, I won’t force you. But remember—someday, we will meet again, and then I’ll challenge you once more!”

Yu Xian nodded. “If fate allows, I’ll await that day.”

She turned and chased after Chen Manman.

Chen Manman paid no heed to Li Shuxian and rose into the air, taking You Xiaohua away with her.

“Sigh…”

Yu Xian exhaled deeply.

Show his face? Leave his name?

Was she joking? What if they waited outside to ambush him?

“Senior, this junior…”

He turned to Li Shuxian—only to find her gaze sharp, eyes cold.

Yu Xian froze mid-sentence.

“Yu Xian,” she said sweetly, dangerously. “Tell me—is this old woman really old?”

Old?

Yu Xian pushed aside his veil and seriously examined Li Shuxian.

Despite being four hundred, her face bore no wrinkles, likely due to her Golden Core physique—she still looked like she was in her early twenties.

Clear almond eyes, arched brows, soft lips, and radiant skin.

She was glowing with beauty.

“Forgive my boldness, senior…” Yu Xian began solemnly.

Li Shuxian’s gaze sharpened, breath held.

“You are not old. Your hands are smooth as jade, skin like cream, lips like cherries, and nose like polished porcelain. Truly a jade beauty, peerless in the world.”

He gave a sincere thumbs-up.

Li Shuxian’s composure cracked. She pursed her lips—then burst out laughing.

“You little brat. Such a sweet tongue.”

“Not sweet, just honest,” Yu Xian replied seriously. “Your beauty is undeniable.”

“Hahaha!”

Li Shuxian laughed heartily, her mood clearly restored.

Yu Xian took the chance to bow. “This junior has finished the task. Please accept this Hehe Xiangling Powder. I shall now take my leave.”

He turned to go.

“Hold it. Who said you could leave?”

Yu Xian froze, turning back helplessly.

“Senior, the duel is done. The pill is delivered. Why keep me here? I don’t even eat dinner.”

“Cheeky boy.” Li Shuxian poked his forehead, then said solemnly:

“I promised that if you won, I’d give you an opportunity. Do you think I’m someone who doesn’t keep her word?”

“Er…”

Yu Xian mumbled, “Can I… not take it?”

Her eyes narrowed. “Are you looking down on me?”

“No, no… if you insist, I humbly accept.”

Li Shuxian nodded in satisfaction. “Good. Go wash up in the rear spiritual spring. Rest. Tomorrow, I’ll lead you to your opportunity. But beware—it comes with danger. Whether you succeed depends on you.”

With a hearty laugh, she walked away.

Yu Xian sighed deeply and followed her instructions.