Chapter 99 - 99: Arrival of the Ten-thousand Medicine Sect
Today is a good day, with not a single cloud in sight; birds lazily fly across the sky while the gentle breeze stirs the dancing leaves atop the hills.
It is also an important day; the day appointed for the showdown between the Ten-thousand Medicine Sect and the Pill Sect.
With the sun high, the Pill Sect prepares. Led by Gu Daofeng, elders stand behind him, followed by an array of formal disciples, all standing before the gates of the Pill Sect’s mountain.
Gu Daofeng appears elegant and free-spirited in his blue robe, and with his gentle scholarly face, he does not give off the rigid impression of a typical Pill Refiner, but rather one who appreciates literature and poetry instead.
Standing next to and slightly behind Gu Daofeng, is Yan Zhengfeng, the oldest elder in the Pill Sect.
Dressed in a gray robe, Yan Zhengfeng’s worn face shows signs of his age. His eyes are half closed, almost as if he is asleep.
The other elders are also in formal attire, even the disciples stand uniformly clothed, presenting a neat and organized sight.
Fang Lin is among them, in his clean, elegant white disciples’ attire. But, as he looked around and saw the exact same uniform on numerous others, it felt somewhat odd.
Much of the Pill Sect, save for a few Pill Apprentices and others, had gathered here, awaiting the arrival of the Ten-thousand Medicine Sect.
However, even when the sun climbed high and half an hour passed past the scheduled time, there was no sign of them.
The faces of several Pill Sect elders were visibly clouded with anger, but they said nothing and swallowed their words at the sight of Gu Daofeng and Yan Zhengfeng’s placid expressions.
Yet, another half an hour passed and more elders were visibly growing impatient. An hour past the agreed time and still no one from the Ten-thousand Medicine Sect had appeared, their delay was clearly inn a gross insult to the Pill Sect.
“Enough! They’ve demonstrated their rudeness, we shouldn’t be waiting further.”
“The people of the Ten-thousand Medicine Sect are detestable, a null match is justified. They were the ones who initiated this.”
“They don’t hold any respect for our Pill Sect, it’s infuriating!”
Finally, some elders could no longer keep their complaints to themselves.
Gu Daofeng remained calm, his handsome brows slightly furrowed, betraying his internal discontent about the Ten-thousand Medicine Sect’s delay.
Just then, figures finally appeared at the foot of the gate.
The figure at the forefront had white hair and was dressed in a loose black and white robe, his stride confident and the flying robe impressive.
“Hahaha, Gu, I’m flattered that you would greet me yourself.” Before even reaching the gate, the white-haired man began to laugh loudly, his voice as resonant as a large bell.
Many Pill Sect disciples felt their ears buzzing at the sound of his laughter, their faces turning pale.
Fang Lin was unaffected. After all, his level of cultivation was high enough that mere sound would not discomfort him.
“Damn old man, he sure is hateful,” an elder muttered under his breath, a look of wrath on his face.
Gu Daofeng stared at the white-haired man, then suddenly smiled, “Brother Gong has travelled far to be here, it would be bad manners if we were not here to greet him.”
Gu Daofeng’s voice may not be as deep or resonant, but it carried an undeniable authority, causing the approaching disciples of the Ten-thousand Medicine Sect to stagger. Those with weaker cultivation even nearly fell.
The white-haired man, who was addressed as Brother Gong, seemed unaffected, as if he hadn’t heard the veiled reproof in Gu Daofeng’s words.
Fang Lin watched the situation from the crowd, silently impressed. The two groups had just faced off, neither side losing or gaining the upper hand.
By now, the white-haired man had approached. Gu Daofeng went up to greet him, both men exchanging pleasantries as befitting their positions.
Despite the animosity between the two, they maintained all necessary formalities.
“Master Gong, it has been two years. You look more vibrant than ever,” Gu Daofeng said, a smile on his face.
Master Gong laughed heartily, waving his hand dismissively, “Nowhere near as vigorous compared to you, in your prime! This old man doesn’t have many years left. You may not have the chance to see me again in the future.”
Gu Daofeng chuckled, replying, “It is our Pill Sect’s honor to have Master Gong visit. Today, our disciples will spar, which will benefit both our sects in the Alchemy Tao. Together we’ll make progress.”
Gong Nodded and said, “Gu, you’re right. However, though it’s a spar, there must be a winner. We come prepared, don’t let us down.”
On hearing this, the Ten-thousand Medicine Sect’s people became visibly proud, whereas the Pill Sect’s faces darkened.
Master Gong’s words were undisguisedly arrogant.
Unaffected, Gu Daofeng smiled, replying, “Naturally, we will not disappoint you, Brother Gong. Please, enter.”
Gong and the rest of the Medicine Sect’s entourage were invited through the gate. Gu Daofeng made pleasant conversation with Gong while they strolled towards the Pill Array.
As for the elders and disciples of the two sects, they glared at each other, exchanging repulsive glances.
The Ten-thousand Medicine Sect’s elders and disciples all possessed a superior air when they looked towards the Pill Sect’s side, their eyes filled with disdain.
The people of Pill Sect responded in kind, fixing their eyes upon the group from the Ten-thousand Medicine Sect.
In an atmosphere of mutual loathing, both groups arrived at the Pill Array.
Upon seeing the four towering stone carvings atop the Pill Array, Master Gong was filled with visible reverence.
Even the haughty followers of the Ten-thousand Medicine Sect checked their pride and arrogance at this moment.
The disciples of the Pill Sect were gratified to see the Ten-thousand Medicine Sect’s members somewhat humbled; at least the latter still held the Pill Array in awe.
The reputation of the Four Saints of the Pill Sect was not borne out of mere tall tales. In the era of each of the Four Saints, the Pill Sect was more powerful than the Ten -thousand Medicine Sect, maintaining that dominance even to this day.
“Pay respect to the Four Saints!” Gu Daofeng’s solemn command echoed through the air. The entire Pill Sect, as one, bowed respectfully to the four stone statues.
The members of the Ten-thousand Medicine Sect wore awkward expressions; it was inappropriate either to bow or to decline. Thus they could do nothing but stand rooted to their spots, unable to act.
Maintaining his calm, Master Gong said, “The Four Saints of the Pill Sect are our predecessors. We, too, shall pay our respects.”
With that, Master Gong led the Ten-thousand Medicine Sect group in paying their respect to the stone carvings representing the Four Saints.
Please collect and recommend this.. Especially collections, please collect more!