They traveled through time at the same time, but the villainous scientist

Chapter 341 Old Celestial Master, you don't want to ruin your reputation in your later years, do you?
The moon hangs high in the sky, its clear light like water, bathing the tranquil back of Longhu Mountain.

Inside Zhuge Qing's room, a single lamp was lit, its light warm and soft.

He did not fall asleep or meditate; he simply sat quietly at the table with his eyes slightly closed, as if waiting for something.

Outside the door, extremely faint footsteps could be heard, almost imperceptible.

If it weren't for a sorcerer's keen perception of the flow of Qi, ordinary people would be completely unaware of it.

The footsteps stopped in front of the door.

Tap, tap.

The knocking was neither too loud nor too soft, but steady and rhythmic.

Zhuge Qing opened his eyes, showing no surprise whatsoever.

He got up and opened the door.

Standing outside the door was Zhang Zhiwei, the master of the Celestial Master's Mansion of Longhu Mountain, a towering figure in the world of supernatural beings, and known as the pinnacle of his field.

The old Celestial Master changed out of his elaborate Taoist robes and wore only a simple blue cloth robe. His full head of silver hair was casually tied back with a wooden hairpin.

Under the moonlight, the wrinkles on his face appeared even deeper, and his eyes, which had witnessed a century of vicissitudes, now carried a gentle warmth like those of an ordinary old man, along with a few barely perceptible traces of weariness.

"I apologize for disturbing you so late at night, young friend."

Zhang Zhiwei's voice is mellow and resonant, sounding like an elder in the family chatting casually.

"It is an honor for this junior to have the Celestial Master grace us with his presence."

Zhuge Qing stepped aside and made a "please" gesture.

Zhang Zhiwei walked slowly into the room, his gaze sweeping over the simple furnishings before finally settling on Zhuge Qing.

"Today's battle was truly spectacular."

He praised sincerely, "The Zhuge family has a worthy successor; the ancestors of the Zhuge family should be smiling in their graves."

"You flatter me, Celestial Master. It was nothing more than some minor, esoteric techniques. I only managed to win by luck."

Zhuge Qing poured him a cup of hot tea and replied.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, the two got down to business.

Zhang Zhiwei finally took out a small white jade porcelain bottle from his sleeve and gently placed it on the table.

"Although you seemed relaxed in today's battle, you must have exhausted your mind and body to drive such a large-scale Qimen formation."

He pushed the porcelain bottle toward Zhuge Qing.
"This is my secret 'Nourishing Spirit Pill' from Longhu Mountain. It strengthens the body's foundation, calms the mind, and soothes the spirit. While I dare not say that its effects are comparable to the Great Rejuvenating Pill of Shaolin, they are not far off."

"After you take it, rest well and prepare for tomorrow's final."

This elixir is real.

Even before the bottle was opened, a refreshing medicinal fragrance wafted out, instantly invigorating the senses.

Its medicinal properties are pure and potent, making it an unparalleled remedy for healing injuries and nourishing the spirit.

However, he added something else to this pure medicinal potency.

It's not a poison, but a sedative; once it takes effect, it will plunge you into a deep, unwavering sleep.

When I woke up, the final was already over.

Even if suspicion arises afterward, it is impossible to verify because the evidence has already been absorbed.

Moreover, who would have thought that a dignified Celestial Master would add such a small ingredient to his own elixirs?

Sure enough, it came.

Meanwhile, Zhuge Qing took the medicine bottle, his mind clear.

At this point, he had achieved one-third of the true purpose of his trip to Longhu Mountain.

He picked up the jade bottle, but instead of drinking it as instructed, he gently rubbed it between his fingertips, watching the old man in front of him with great interest.

This highly respected senior, revered by countless extraordinary individuals, spared no effort to ensure Zhang Chulan could smoothly inherit the position of Celestial Master, thus being bound by the "Celestial Master's Degree" restriction and no longer pursuing the truth of the Jia Shen Rebellion.

First it was his own disciple Zhang Lingyu, and now it's his turn, this outsider's turn.

Given the strength he has displayed today, unless Zhang Chulan can reproduce the true power of the Qi Source Flow, he has absolutely no chance of winning.

Therefore, tonight is the Old Master's only chance.

Moreover, because of his status, the Old Master couldn't possibly use force against him.

The only way is to use this underhanded method, a softer approach.

"Little friend?"

Seeing that Zhuge Qing hadn't made a move, Zhang Zhiwei urged him with his eyes.
"Take it quickly, so you can recover soon and have plenty of energy tomorrow." Zhuge Qing smiled and pushed the jade bottle back.

"I appreciate your understanding. However, today's battle did not consume much energy, and I feel unworthy to receive such a spiritual medicine."

"I think Brother Lingyu or Brother Chulan both gave it their all today, so this medicine might be more suitable for them."

The jade bottle that was handed back felt like a branding iron.

Zhang Zhiwei's face stiffened for a moment.

He lived a life of integrity and uprightness, with no shame in his face. How could he have ever done such a thing?

They weren't good at it to begin with, and now they've been subtly and firmly rejected. They're caught in a dilemma: should they accept it or not?

The atmosphere in the room began to become subtle as he fell silent.

Seeing the embarrassment and gloom flash across his face, Zhuge Qing smiled and broke the silence.

"Heh... If I'm not mistaken, there must be something else added to this pill, right?"

He spoke softly, as if stating a simple fact.

"Old man, have you forgotten my identity? I'm a sorcerer."

Zhang Zhiwei's pupils suddenly contracted, and his expression changed instantly. He tried to remain calm, but his voice involuntarily became slightly hoarse:
"Young friend, you jest... This old Taoist priest doesn't understand."

"Whether it is or not is actually very simple."

Zhuge Qing withdrew his hand, leaned back in his chair, and adopted a relaxed posture.
"There must be many medical experts on Mount Longhu right now. If we find one, we can test this pill and find out."

"..."

Zhang Zhiwei fell completely silent.

His eyes, which had been calm and still, finally began to surge with a turbulent undercurrent.

He stared intently at Zhuge Qing, a tremor in his heart far more intense than his expression.

Not right.

This young man's reaction was by no means a spur-of-the-moment decision.

His calm demeanor when he opened the door, and his composure now, all indicate one thing—he had long anticipated my arrival, and even anticipated what methods I would use.

Just because of the warlock's abilities?
impossible!
As a Celestial Master, he possessed the Celestial Master's rank and status, which far surpassed ordinary magic.

No sorcerer in the world could possibly glean any useful information about him from the heavens and earth.

Deducing heavenly secrets and predicting the future—these methods are useless against him!

But if it wasn't magic, then... how did he know?

In an instant, Zhang Zhiwei felt a long-lost chill, a sense that he had been seen through.

"The dignified Celestial Master of Longhu Mountain is willing to risk his reputation to ensure that Zhang Chulan becomes the next Celestial Master."

Zhuge Qing's voice rang out, each word like a heavy hammer blow striking Zhang Zhiwei's heart.

"If this news gets out, how many people in the world of supernatural beings do you think will be interested in the reasons behind it?"

"Are you threatening me?"

Zhang Zhiwei's voice deepened, and the air around him seemed to freeze for a moment.

An incomparably terrifying aura, like an invisible mountain, crashed down on Zhuge Qing!

The lights in the room flickered violently, as if they might go out at any moment.

That wasn't anger, it was murderous intent.

Despite the overwhelming pressure that would terrify any expert, Zhuge Qing remained completely still, not even changing the curve of his lips.

He knew very well that the old master had another option.

That is the moment, here, to completely obliterate him.

Then they blamed everything on the Quanxing demon, leaving no one to testify since the assassin was dead.

But if he actually did that, then he wouldn't be Zhang Zhiwei...

“Threat? No, I was just making a suggestion.”

Zhuge Qing met the old celestial master's gaze and spoke calmly.

“Let’s make a deal, Master.”

"I will lose tomorrow's match. But in exchange, you have to do me a small favor..."

(End of this chapter)