I Have Medicine

Chapter 516 - A Slap to the Face

Gongyi Tianheng and Mu Baizhi faced each other from a distance. One was handsome without equal and the other was charming beyond compare. According to reason, it should’ve been an extremely beautiful picture that warmed the heart and delighted the eyes.

But at this moment, when the numerous prodigies saw the scene on the raised platform, their expressions were a little subtle.

For some reason, not only did the scene lack any sense of aesthetic beauty, it even made others feel that it was somewhat…discordant. Originally, the Ice Phoenix Goddess’ appearance was exceptionally good, but when contrasted against Tianheng, people felt a little out of sorts.

In fact, this was because these people didn’t know that everything about Mu Baizhi was stolen. No matter how beautiful these stolen things looked, they weren’t completely natural. Ordinary people wouldn’t be able to notice it. Likewise, if these prodigies didn’t observe carefully, they probably wouldn’t either. However, Tianheng’s incarnation was obtained through absolutely natural means and every move was in line with himself.

As such, everything about Mu Baizhi only seemed realistic — But when all was said and done, this realism wasn’t the real deal. No matter what, there would be flaws.

Seeing this, Gu Zuo felt a little relieved.

Why were martial artists capable of drawing in the ambient qi of heaven and earth? Why were they able to utilize so many profound mysteries? Wasn’t it all because they were in harmony with nature? That Mu Baizhi was simply inharmonious. There was definitely something wrong!

It could be said that Mu Baizhi was just an imitation of the young lady in white, but Tianheng was a genuine peerless prodigy. As a matter of fact, Mu Baizhi suddenly appeared to drop in class and quality.

Mu Baizhi didn’t notice this point, but she was dissatisfied with Tianheng’s complete disregard for her display.

At this moment, one would only see that her complexion was clear and cold. Her fingers interlaced as she operated her inner cultivation method — In the blink of an eye, just like when she faced Prodigy Huo Li, a dense chill enveloped the entire raised platform. At the same time, it snowed from all sides. A type of ice-cold inspiration started to proliferate…

Tianheng didn’t initially fight back. He only experienced the sensation of the snow falling onto his body.

It snowed everywhere, and seemed that there was no place that one could take shelter from it. Then, he shrouded his own body with a streak of internal qi to protect himself. However, he discovered that, after the snow fell on the protective cover, there was a faint, attractive force that absorbed the internal qi on the protective cover. Right away, the strength of the protective cover was greatly reduced. Without a doubt, the falling snow was the main culprit for the weakening of one’s internal qi. So long as the snow fell, no matter whether it was the martial artist themself or their martial skills, anything that came into contact with the snow would have its power sucked away.

Actually, it had to be said that this kind of ability was a little scary.

Moreover, it looked like there really was no weak point… This was because, even though Tianheng used a blood blade to dissolve the falling snow, the snow still passed through the blood blade and drifted down. As a consequence, the strength of the blood bade also weakened. The snowflakes themselves weren’t harmed at all, and fell onto Tianheng’s body.

Tianheng flicked his sleeves, and used his own strength to shake off the snow without utilizing internal qi.

The falling snow was indeed light and graceful. They were shaken off without any problems. However, it was useless to shake off the snow. The snowflakes continued to float in the air, waiting for the next landing.

Meanwhile, Mu Baizhi lifted her palm, which was covered in a layer of ice crystals. As her delicate body spun around, she was like a flower of ice as she launched an attack at Tianheng.

Naturally, Tianheng could only meet his enemy head-on. He also raised his palm, and slapped out a blood-red palm!

It was just that there was something off with the trajectory of this palm. If Mu Baizhi wasn’t able to retreat and dodge in time, no matter how she fought back, a portion of this palm’s power would strike her body. And the part of her body that this portion would hit was probably her face.

Gu Zuo: “…”

Big brother, this is too straightforward. This is a real slap to the face!

Of course, not getting slapped in the face was also possible. If she didn’t want to be slapped in the face, she had to retreat without delay. Simply said, with regards to the incoming palm, big brother’s meaning was this: If you don’t want to be face-slapped, then back off a bit for me!

He didn’t know if his interpretation was right or not.

In fact, Gu Zuo’s way of thinking was absolutely correct. Tianheng was really thinking the same way.

Originally, if the consciousness was attached to the main body, Tianheng wouldn’t have done something so blatant. But as it happened, his consciousness was attached to the asura incarnation, whose temperament had a defect. This small defect was reflected in the clear expression of emotions. Just like now, Tianheng didn’t have the slightest good impression of Mu Baizhi. He was incomparably disgusted with her entanglement and specially wanted to slap her for this behavior. As a result, he gave a slap.

For a moment, Gu Zuo didn’t know if he ought to praise the incarnation or feel at a loss.

For this scene just now, Gu Zuo understood what he was watching. Since the spectating prodigies weren’t stupid, they were quick to understand, too.

It was common sense not to slap the face when hitting someone. Let alone when a man was confronting a beautiful young lady, during fights between men, the most he could do was use his fists to bash the other guy’s face. Using a palm to slap someone’s face was quite insulting.

As such, there was a question that the numerous prodigies couldn’t help but ponder — How much enmity was there between Gongyi Tianheng and Mu Baizhi that he would disrespect her like this?

A crack finally appeared on Mu Baizhi’s perfectly concealed face.

She never expected there was a man in this world who would treat her this way!

At once, a hint of hatred flashed in Mu Baizhi’s eyes. Her figure hurriedly retreated to the back. Now, she somewhat understood. The present Tianheng didn’t only lack a good impression of her. On the contrary, he loathed her. Since it was like this, she naturally had to adjust her plans.

Hence, she couldn’t help but feel anger in her heart: When you’re worshipping beneath my skirt in the future, watch how I roast and refine you!

Gu Zuo didn’t know about this, and neither did Tianheng. After being treated so contemptuously by Tianheng, Mu Baizhi actually had the desire to subdue him by any means necessary. After retreating several steps, she immediately sorted out her thoughts. She had already considered many new ways to interact and get along with Tianheng.

The first thing was to defeat him — Mu Baizhi understood the minds of those prodigies. Plenty of them were the same as ordinary men, and were fond of delicate, soft, and good-looking women. However, if one wanted to become their partner, an impressive aptitude or powerful strength was usually needed.

It didn’t matter that Tianheng didn’t currently look upon her with favor. So long as she could claim victory, she would naturally leave an imprint on Tianheng’s heart. And while this imprint would be a bit hazy, simply a hint of unwillingness to lose, as long as the two of them continued to interact in the future, sooner or later, she could magnify this imprint and turn it into the feelings of love and affection.

Thinking as such, Mu Baizhi lightly raised her silken hand, and a sleek and lustrously snow-white jade flute appeared at her fingertips. Moving the jade flute to her lips, she played a beautiful song. After that, she danced with incomparable grace like an immortal fairy in the snow.

The song’s tune was melodious and the dancer’s posture was graceful. At the same moment, a gigantic, snow-white ice luan floated behind Mu Baizhi’s body. As it took material form, it released a boundless, mighty aura.

Soon after, the ice luan unleashed a clear, chirping cry. Opening its beak, it suddenly spat out an ice-cold torrent!

This torrent contained the frightening qi emissions of ice and snow. Wherever this torrent passed, the area was plunged into frigid temperatures. The raised platform was covered in ice and snow. There seemed to be an unbearable, crushing weight within the inspiration of this ice and snow, which created the sounds of being frozen and shattered.

Upon seeing this, Gu Zuo furrowed his brows.

Sure enough, Mu Baizhi hadn’t wasted this period of time. Her aptitude and comprehension had become much stronger. The power of ice and cold she revealed last time wasn’t as formidable as it was now.

After that, Gu Zuo’s gaze fell onto his family’s big brother.

Tianheng swiped his finger, causing the river of blood to appear again, which blocked the area in front of him.

When that ice-cold power overflowed, it seemed like it was going to freeze the river of blood. However, there were billowing waves of blood on the river. As though the river of blood was being boiled, the waves poured into the oncoming ice-cold power one after another. Both sides entangled and crumbled, annihilating each other.

The river of blood and the ice-cold power were both horrifying!

Right now, though it was clear that the power of ice and cold was evenly matched in its struggle agains the blood river, if it wanted to cross the river of blood and injure Tianheng, that wasn’t possible. However, the prodigies down below felt that Tianheng was probably in some danger.

— After all, Mu Baizhi could turn her opponent’s strength into her own! After the river of blood was weakened and the ice luan’s strength constantly increased, this balanced situation would be immediately broken!

Gu Zuo was a little worried, too.

He was aware of Mu Baizhi’s special abilities, but big brother was an energy incarnation. If this energy was absorbed, wasn’t that giving Mu Baizhi an advantage for free?

Mu Baizhi also probably wanted to take this opportunity to deprive Tianheng of his strength. After the ice luan appeared, the white snow, which had been as light as goose feathers, became even thicker. Layer upon layer of snow pressed down onto Tianheng like it was trying to completely envelop him. Nearly everyone felt that, once Tianheng was surrounded by the snow, the untold number of snowflakes would simultaneously absorb his internal qi. Before long, all of his internal qi would be absorbed. This place would be reduced to Mu Baizhi’s domain. Naturally, Tianheng would be left with no choice but to be slaughter by Mu Baizhi.

Gu Zuo grew even more anxious.

But he quickly remembered the words big brother previously told him — If Mu Baizhi made him unhappy, the asura incarnation would get on the platform and beat her up.

He believed that big brother would certainly find a way.

In fact, Tianheng really did have a solution.

If he had met the Ice Phoenix Goddess before his main body regained consciousness, he might’ve had to put more effort into it. But now that the main body had awakened, how could Gongyi Tianheng, whose path of the hungry ghost was already achieved and who was adept in devouring, not be Mu Baizhi’s opponent?

It could be said that Mu Baizhi was like the turtledove occupying the magpie’s nest. Even if she was currently using the ability to absorb internal qi, the essence was to seize other people’s strength for herself. However, Tianheng wasn’t the same. No matter what it was, he would directly eat it.

Could the cuckoo bird and the taotie be equal?

Just when Gu Zuo couldn’t bear the urgency and impatience in his heart, Tianheng seemed to sense it. He suddenly turned his head and gave a soft smile to Gu Zuo.

In an instant, Gu Zuo felt at ease.

Apparently, big brother had a well thought out plan in mind. In that case, he also didn’t need to worry…

Shortly thereafter, he saw Tianheng letting the snowflakes fall on him without any intention of avoiding them.

Mu Baizhi’s eyes quickly flashed with a hint of pride.

Down below, those prodigies all sighed:

“Prodigy Gongyi was careless this time.”

“That ice and snow is obviously a trick of Mu Baizhi. I’m afraid that Prodigy Gongyi is going to be defeated.”

“It’s certainly the case…”

“Can you say that you have the power to break out of this situation?”

“How can anyone break out of this situation…”

In short, there were lots of discussions, and everyone was pessimistic about Tianheng.

No one was like Gu Zuo, who was brimming with confidence in him just because of that smiling expression.

Tianheng was calm and unhurried. His thoughts turned, and a dozen or so whirlpools appeared on the surface of the boiling river of blood. Indistinct human figures were forming inside of them.

Some people inwardly said: It’s here!

Sure enough, there were humanoid monsters emerging from the whirlpools. They rode along the river of blood, holding strangely-shaped weapons and launching attacks on Mu Baizhi.

Mu Baizhi also wasn’t in a hurry. She continued playing the flute and dancing with a graceful posture. As for the ice luan above her head, it opened its beak again and let out a chirping cry!

In this cry, an invisible sound wave burst forth. One of the blood river monsters suddenly felt a pain in its head. With a bang, its head exploded, and the humanoid monster dropped into the river of blood.

Of course, another monster was produced from the river of blood’s whirlpools, and it was exactly the same as the last one.

Numerous prodigies understood that this was a war of attrition.

Tianheng used a surging river of blood. His consumption was low and his energy was sufficient. Meanwhile, Mu Baizhi relied on the strength of others to replenish herself. This war of attrition was most likely going to be won by Mu Baizhi.

Hence, the ice luan kept making clear, chirping cries, and the river of blood kept producing humanoid monsters. Originally, such a scene, with its distinct beauty and ugliness, should’ve made people feel astonished by the Ice Phoenix Goddess… But there were strange looks in the eyes of these prodigies.

It was because, at this moment, Tianheng was standing with his hands clasped behind his back. He only occasionally glanced at Mu Baizhi’s figure with an indifferent gaze. This attitude wasn’t like he was in the middle of fighting an opponent. Instead, it was like he was enjoying a clumsy performance.

As for Mu Baizhi, she was working hard to dance and play her flute. When compared to Tianheng’s attitude, didn’t she look like a third-rate female entertainer trying to please a wealthy and distinguished guest who was completely disinterested in this type of woman?

In a split second, the unique and beautiful scenery created by Mu Baizhi disappeared.

At this time, there were many prodigies who felt that they weren’t any less inferior to Tianheng. Although they previously appreciated Mu Baizhi to some degree, they now felt that to admire her was to be incomparable to Gongyi Tianheng and was a lowering of their tastes.

Gu Zuo keenly noticed the reactions of the male prodigies around him, and was secretly amused.

This female thief was happily performing on stage. Unfortunately, this “goddess” had already lost her splendor in the eyes of many people. Once she returned to her original appearance, she would be unacknowledged trash.

Perhaps, there were still those who liked her “good looks” and were willing to play around with her, but Mu Baizhi would never get the kind of acclaim she wanted nor the worshipful admiration of being placed on a pedestal.

It was only a pity. This was simply Tianheng’s plan to use his attitude to thwart Mu Baizhi. There was still a long way to go before tearing off Mu Baizhi’s mask and revealing her true face.

As such…

The basic goal was achieved, and Tianheng didn’t intend to endure this any longer.

At this moment, after ignoring Mu Baizhi’s various “fairy-like” performances, many prodigies discovered that, although Tianheng’s body was surrounded by ice and snow, his river of blood hadn’t weakened in the slightest. His own qi emissions hadn’t weakened either. On the contrary, after the ice luan above Mu Baizhi’s head kept firing big moves, its strength gradually waned. It seemed that nothing much had been seized from Tianheng’s side.

When she slowly realized that something was wrong, Mu Baizhi’s eyes flickered with a trace of disbelief: “How could this happen…”

Indeed. Tianheng was completely unaffected by Mu Baizhi. That so-called ice and snow that could absorb other people’s internal qi was incapable of absorbing Tianheng’s power!

Mu Baizhi’s brows furrowed.

The first time she used it on Tianheng, she could clearly sense the feedback of power, but what was going on now? To her surprise…it was useless?

But no matter what, it was a fact that the ice and snow had failed. Before Mu Baizhi had any time to utilize more methods, Tianheng had already slapped out another blood-red palm.

He spat out a few words: “Great Asura Hand.”

Gu Zuo couldn’t restrain a smile.

This was big brother’s way of saying that he wasn’t tossing out a slapping palm, but displaying his martial skills, right?

However, Mu Baizhi was too close to that palm. If she didn’t jump down from the raised platform, she would be plastered by the palm strike… A hint of malice streaked across Mu Baizhi’s eyes. She quickly restrained herself, leaped into the air, and floated off the platform like an elegant, white butterfly.

At the same time, she said: “This little sister admits defeat. Prodigy Gongyi deserves to be called the number one prodigy. Truly powerful without equal.”

Gu Zuo: “…”

This female thief wanted to direct hostilities towards big brother!

Yet, it had to be said that Mu Baizhi made a bad move because she was too furious just now. Among the crowd of prodigies present, how many were simple-minded? It would’ve been strange if such a clumsy attempt to sow discord wasn’t discovered.

While there really were some who looked down on big brother even though they knew they were being provoked, in the final analysis, wouldn’t it be Mu Baizhi’s image that was damaged even more? She was an “immortal fairy” who presented a clear and cold image. What kind of fairy sowed dissension and incited disharmony? It could be seen that this was a failed endeavor.

Mu Baizhi had been pretending for so many years, and she wasn’t stupid. The moment those words left her mouth, she realized that she had made a mistake out of anger. She promptly recovered her expression, and it seemed as if what she just said was heartfelt and sincere. She stood quietly on the side and didn’t say anything else. Her demeanor and movements returned to normal.

It was just that her attempt to remedy the situation after the fact was useless. Many prodigies had lowered their evaluations of her.

Tianheng didn’t pay attention to Mu Baizhi’s words. Instead, he dusted off his sleeves as though he had just swept away a piece of garbage.

In actuality, if Mu Baizhi hadn’t hooked up with that arrogant and unbridled Huo Li, he would’ve wanted to directly beat Mu Baizhi to death on the platform. But fortunately, he later came to his senses and realized that taking the initiative wouldn’t have been good. As a result, he deliberately used a slap to the face to teach Mu Baizhi a lesson — He also hoped that Mu Baizhi had actively attempted to kill so he could defend himself and fight back. This would’ve naturally given him the justification to take Mu Baizhi’s life.

Unfortunately, Mu Baizhi actually endured it, which made it inconvenient for him to continue. Later on, even though he kept provoking Mu Baizhi’s fury, he still didn’t have an excuse to take action. But if he let Mu Baizhi go like this, wouldn’t he be breaking his promise in front of his Ah Zuo? Therefore, he tossed out another slap to humiliate her again.

Afterwards, if Mu Baizhi could take the initiative, Tianheng would’ve undoubtedly been able to kill her. However, it wasn’t known what Mu Baizhi’s face was made out of. She was indeed furious, but she only sowed dissension once. Unexpectedly, she was still able to endure it…

It was clear that she had a vicious nature, but she could ignore the pride of a prodigy. Her thoughts were too deep.

In the depths of his heart, Tianheng raised the danger of Mu Baizhi to a higher level.

— What was a prodigy?

Prodigies were the proud children of heaven. Their aptitude, willpower, identity, and status were all out of the ordinary, and they were always aloof and remote. While such people’s temperaments were different, almost all of them valued dignity and honor. This wasn’t to say that few were deferential to others, but usually, they were the type of personages who would rather die standing than live kneeling. When someone insulted their dignity, it was only natural that the majority would fight to the death and not “silently endure” it.

Mu Baizhi had stolen the aptitude, willpower, identity, and status of what a prodigy ought to possess, but she didn’t care about her own dignity. If such a person couldn’t be killed, there would be endless troubles.

Tianheng’s gaze flickered with a hint of cruelty.

He needed to find a…better opportunity.

They definitely couldn’t allow Mu Baizhi to turn things around ever again!

Many thoughts and ideas flashed through his mind, but on the surface, Tianheng still disdained the Ice Phoenix Goddess as beneath his notice. He simply stood on the raised platform, and spoke again: “Who else will come to fight?”

This time around, no one went up.

Tianheng automatically occupied first place in the Atomic Realm rankings. As for the many prodigies below him, after sizing each other up, they had several matches to compare notes.

Perhaps, in order to redeem herself and save face or for some other reason, Mu Baizhi quickly challenged that young man who reached 276 meters. Because the three of them were directly recommended, they were able to issue challenges between one another. As such, that young man had no choice but to accept Mu Baizhi’s challenge.

However, though Mu Baizhi’s moves were useless against Gongyi Tianheng, they always hit their mark when facing other people. In the end, this young man couldn’t escape the constant process of being weakened while the opponent was strengthened. It didn’t take long before he suffered a defeat under Mu Baizhi’s hands.

The young man’s defeat caused the subsequent prodigies to challenge him. Merely, even though this young man had been restrained by Mu Baizhi and Gongyi Tianheng, he was still extremely bold and powerful when dealing with the rest.

Later on, apart from Star Point Temple’s Tantai Lianxing and the young man being almost evenly matched, the other prodigies were quickly knocked off the platform by his fast-paced moves.

Finally, Tantai Lianxing quietly glanced at Mu Baizhi.

Many people thought she was going to challenge the Ice Phoenix Goddess, but she didn’t do that. Her eyes seemed to reflect the light of countless stars. Immediately following which, she got down from the platform without saying anything.

Gu Zuo’s thoughts stirred.

Star Point Temple… It was said to be a very special sect. Could it be that Tantai Lianxing had seen through something?

After the battles of the Prodigy Monument, maybe he could meet Tantai Lianxing and make some discreet inquiries. If he could learn a thing or two, that would be even better.

Following that, he exchanged a glance with Tianheng.

The two of them made a decision.

— At this moment, all of the rankings were settled.

Those in the top three could challenge the prodigies of a higher realm.

T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

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