Chapter 1175: Return to Mo Yue City

Ning Qingxue asked, “Husband, Yue Qichao and Shen Guanqing hold high positions; even nine-star sects tread carefully in Pill City. Who would dare to harm them?”

Ye Mo shook his head. “I’m unsure, but City Lord Shen Guanqing is an honest man; he wouldn't deceive me. His messenger’s flying sword made no mention of Pill King Qichao. I suspect something has befallen him.”

He knew their status in Pill City was considerable, yet they seemed unconcerned with governance. What if someone exploited his conflict with the nine-star sects, rallying support to target the two city lords? Though Ye Mo remained silent, Luo Ying understood his concerns. She asked, “You suspect internal conflict in Pill City? But aside from the two level-seven pill kings, I’ve heard of only one level-six pill king. Even with conflict, no one could replace them.”

“Let’s return,” Ye Mo said. His extreme-grade cultivation artifact, Blue Moon, could evade even tertiary-stage Cauldron Filling cultivators. He didn’t believe anyone could usurp their power in Pill City. He was puzzled by Shen Guanqing’s presence in Mo Yue City. With his connections, he wouldn't seek help there; he was merely a Nascent Soul cultivator at the tournament.

Ye Mo allowed Xu Tong to pilot Blue Moon, then produced Winter’s Arrival, placing it before the artifact while concocting a Season Wheat Pill. This was his second attempt, and with his enhanced power, he completed it in half an hour. After Lin Yiban consumed the pill, his dantian fully recovered within two hours. Lin Yiban had contemplated suicide upon its destruction. How could a seemingly useless man restore his ancestors' glory? Yet, now he realized the wisdom of following a pill king like Ye Mo. As long as his essence spirit remained, Ye Mo could likely save him. Xu Tong wept; saving Lin Yiban was tantamount to saving her. Lin Yiban, though silent, was astounded. Ye Mo's ability stemmed from his level-seven pill king status, yet his advancement from Hollow Spirit level one to Body Condensation level two in half a year was miraculous, surpassing even the definition of prodigy.

Blue Moon accelerated, swiftly carrying them across the glacier ranges. En route, they observed numerous flying magic artifacts within the Ice God Forbidden Grounds, but Blue Moon's speed prevented any inquiries.

A month had passed since their departure from the extreme south. Two months later, Ye Mo reached Body Condensation level three, nearing Mo Yue City. He ceased cultivation, retrieved Winter’s Arrival—now a white, drill-shaped cocoon—and returned it to the Golden Page World. It wasn’t yet sufficient to aid him, but he sensed its sudden evolution would one day yield a significant surprise.

Two days later, as Blue Moon approached Mo Yue City, Ye Mo instructed Xu Tong, “Sister Xu, halt for a moment.” He disembarked, remaining within his companions' spirit sense range. He discovered three cultivators engaged in combat—three Cauldron Filling cultivators, a man and a woman attacking a scar-faced woman.

This was his second encounter with her; the first at Mang Mountain Town, when Duan Yitai led him to a spirit rest tower. She seemed to be seeking him, appearing excited. He’d intended to question her then but lost her. Outmatched, the woman, bearing multiple wounds, attempted escape several times, but was thwarted.

Ye Mo's arrival caused the combatants to cease their fight; his superior power was evident.

“Pill King Ye…” the scar-faced woman exclaimed, surprised and joyful.

Ye Mo nodded. “Indeed. You appear to know me?”

The other two, upon hearing 'Pill King Ye,' paled and attempted to flee. Their recognition of his name was widespread.

“Pill King Ye, quickly dispatch these two! They injured your student, robbed us, and pursued me here!” she pleaded.

Ye Mo frowned, “My student?”

The scar-faced woman explained, “Shi Tie, from the Magical Continent. He claims you're his master. We sought news of you at Mang Mountain Town, learning of your presence in Pill City. We planned to join you, but hearing of your return to Mo Yue City, we spent a year to arrive. He's within the city now.”

Ye Mo recalled Shi Tie; his sister was Shi Jingqing, or Luo Yin, whose body remained within the Golden Page World. He hadn't expected her brother to be in South Peace State. Shi Tie possessed exceptional talent—a mutated wind spirit root. The Primordial Chaos Chant he'd taught only reached foundation establishment; he likely hadn't attained Golden Core. Ye Mo felt a pang of guilt, having seemingly wasted a wind spirit root.

“His current strength?” Ye Mo inquired.

The scar-faced woman sadly replied, “A pure wind spirit root lacking advanced cultivation methods, he's stuck at Foundation Establishment. Sects are recruiting, but he declined, claiming a master, preventing Golden Core advancement.”

Ye Mo nodded. “Come with me to Mo Yue City; let's find Shi Tie.”

The scar-faced woman attempted to mention the fleeing cultivators, but Ye Mo dispatched two lightning arcs, eliminating the need for further discussion. He showed no interest in their belongings. The woman glanced back several times, clearly desiring their storage bags, but hesitated to request them.

Luo Ying and the others were surprised by Ye Mo's return with the scar-faced woman. After explanations, her identity was revealed as Wen Shulei, who, years ago, met Shi Tie in a Foundation Establishment team, forming a close bond. Although unstated, Ye Mo and others surmised they were married. The two cultivators had chased Wen Shulei for a storage ring, leading to their present location. She'd arranged for Shi Tie to rest in the city after an injury, leaving to collect spirit herbs when caught by the pursuers.

Blue Moon entered Mo Yue City, but the lack of cultivator guards, and the free movement of cultivators, prompted Ye Mo's displeasure.

“What a beautiful place,” Tang Beiwei and Ning Qingxue remarked, finding the city's modern-like planning familiar. Lush greenery and meticulous organization, with streets far wider than those of Pill City, impressed them.

Eleven people disembarked, yet remained unchallenged. This disturbed Ye Mo; though Pill City lacked overt guards, unseen surveillance existed. Here, only a few guards conversed lazily at the gates. He’d entrusted the city to Ye Wucai, but found him absent. Fortunately, he soon located Xu Changji and Shen Guanqing at the city lord's estate. Shen Guanqing, upon seeing Ye Mo, rose; but Ye Mo entered with his companions first.