Shocked, Su Qi ascended to the third rank of the god level

Mu Yunfan appeared dejected, biting his lower lip delicately, looking even more delicate than a woman.

"Yunfan, you just realized it now! If a sword isn't sharpened, it will rust; if people don't study, they'll fall behind. You're already under enough stress, huh? But as the saying goes, 'I'm not afraid of not learning, I'm afraid of not catching up.' And if you try to chase two rabbits at the same time, you won't catch either," Murong Xingchen said with a gloating expression, highlighting the hardships of being born in the Mu family.

"I wonder how hard those two children have to work to cultivate such astonishing ghost god's cultivation," she added.

Mu Yunxuan directly threw the culprit in front of the Haoyue Emperor.

Ji Rui glanced at the scene, panic flashing in her eyes. Mu Yunxuan's power was impressive. From such a distance, he could determine that the person was indeed the one Ji Rui had taken a liking to. He was powerful enough!

"Yun Xuan, force the poison out of his mouth to prevent him from committing suicide. We must find out who is behind all this," Su Zimo walked over, her anger evident on her beautiful face. She was determined to uncover the mastermind behind this scheme.

"Don't worry, madam!" Mu Yunxuan smiled at her affectionately, his tone filled with indulgence. It was the first time she called his name, and the faint reliance in her tone excited him even more.

Jun Zixi's lips twitched. Even in front of so many people, Mu Yunxuan treated Su Zimo like a changed person. Could it be that he truly loved her? Perhaps Yu Feng was right, and the love between children was long-lasting. The grievances from their past lives may not have bound them as family, but she still wanted to test Su Zimo for a few more days.

The Haoyue Emperor glared angrily at the captured man in front of him. How dare he be so audacious in front of the Son of Heaven? The mastermind behind this scheme didn't regard him, the king of a country, with any respect.

"Take him away, find the mastermind behind this, and provide an explanation to the Mu family and Miss Su," the Haoyue Emperor commanded. This was exactly what Su Zimo wanted – to uncover the mastermind and bring them to justice.

"Yes."

"Yes."

Two guards stepped forward from behind the Haoyue Emperor and took the trembling man away.

This was just a minor incident, and the competition on the stage was becoming more intense.

Over fifty alchemists had already given up halfway due to their wavering determination.

A faint medicinal fragrance filled the air, drawing everyone's attention.

Ji Yu had already successfully refined the pill and was in a state of deep meditation.

Seeing the pill in the alchemy furnace, Ji Yu wore a satisfied smile.

At the same time, a delicate woman next to Ji Yu was also refining a pill, filling the air with the fragrance of the elixir.

"Emperor, smell the fragrance of Yu'er's pill. It should be a Xuan-grade nine-pin pill," the queen exclaimed with joy. Ji Yu had always been the pride of the Ji family, excelling in both cultivation and alchemy compared to others of the same age.

"It's very good, but we have to wait for the four elders to assess the results," the Haoyue Emperor nodded. As long as they were alchemists, the Haoyue Kingdom would strongly support them. There weren't many alchemists in the kingdom, and they provided substantial support in terms of medicinal resources and finances every year. The goal was to attract alchemists to stay in the Dan Pavilion.

The Dan Pavilion had been established in the Haoyue Kingdom for a hundred years, created by successive emperors for the alchemists. The elixirs from the Dan Pavilion also brought significant benefits to the royal family. Every year during the alchemy competition, several talented alchemists were recruited.

At that moment, Su Qi felt two forces tearing at his body.

One was a continuous surge of power pushing him forward, while the other was the need to control the flame's temperature.

The conflict between the two forces caused beads of sweat to form on his rosy face.

Worry flickered in Su Li's eyes, and he sent a secret message to Su Qi.

"Qi'er, focus on the promotion with your heart and control the flame with your mind. Your brother will be here to protect you."

Hearing his brother's words, Su Qi knew that his brother would surely protect him. But how could he stop the promotion within his body?

Su Zimo's beautiful face displayed confusion. What was happening? How long had Qi'er been trying to promote himself? Why hadn't he succeeded yet?

Meanwhile, other alchemists continued to refine pills, filling the entire venue with a pleasant aroma.

Only Su Qi remained on the stage.

All eyes once again focused on Su Qi's body.

Ji Yaotian narrowed his cloudy eyes. Did he want both of those brothers to surpass the members of his Ji family? If the previous plan failed, he didn't believe the next one would fail.

So he quickly gave his daughter a signal.

Ji Rui nodded in understanding.

The four elders also appeared surprised.

"What's happening? Why hasn't he been promoted yet?" Elder Liu stroked his beard and stared at Su Qi with curiosity.

"Elder Liu, the golden light above Su Qi's head hasn't dispersed, which means that Su Qi is still undergoing promotion," Elder Chen carefully observed and reached a conclusion.

"Strange, is there something like this in the world? Even if you achieve a promotion in alchemy and have precise control over the alchemical flame, can the heart be used twice? Is he a man or a god?" Elder Liu looked at the three elders beside him with a questioning expression.

The three elders all shook their heads. They, too, had encountered such a peculiar individual for the first time, and that individual was merely a five-year-old child.

"Big brother, sister-in-law, based on Qi'er's current situation, his promotion light hasn't dispersed, and it's likely that Qi'er is being promoted beyond his current level," Mu Yunhan said excitedly.

"Leapfrog promotion? Yun Han, what do you mean?" Mu Yunxuan was puzzled. Was there a way to be promoted beyond one's current level?

"That means the elixir Qi'er is currently refining is of Xuan-level seventh grade. But if Qi'er is promoted beyond his current level, the elixir he refines could potentially cross several ranks and reach between the first and third grades of the god level. Moreover, the elixir he refines would be of the same grade as the rank he crossed." Mu Yunhan's voice was filled with excitement. He had never seen an alchemist leapfrog ranks since he joined their Mu family.

"It seems that God has bestowed upon us a great surprise in the Dange," Elder Liu chuckled, breaking the silence.

The three elders beside him were also pleasantly surprised.

Su Qi continued to absorb the surging Xuan Qi, a constant stream of energy. The absorption in his Dantian had reached saturation, and it seemed that he was about to break through the constraints of the two forces. Su Qi felt the pressure lighten, and after devouring the last trace of Xuan Qi, he opened his eyes abruptly. The flames beneath the pill furnace turned a faint blue.

Su Qi assessed his own strength, sensing it slightly. He was astonished by the breakthrough. He knew his strength would increase, but he didn't expect it to increase by such a significant margin, directly surpassing the third grade of the god level. He had become a genius, and Su Qi felt a surge of pride.

Su Li saw her younger brother's promotion and felt joy in her heart. Though she rarely showed a smile, the corners of her lips lifted slightly.

"How many ranks did he leapfrog?" Jun Zixi looked at Su Qi, her beautiful face filled with curiosity.

"I can't tell until Qi'er refines the elixir," Mu Yufeng shook his head. At least, it wouldn't be at the Xuan-level seventh grade anymore.

Su Qi controlled the flame's temperature, observed the color of the fire, and when it reached the critical point, he instantly extinguished the fire. A pleasant aroma filled the air as Su Qi placed the pill into a jade box.

Handing it to Elder Liu, he quickly put away the pill furnace, wiped the sweat off his face with his small hand, and ran toward Su Zimo.

"Mother-in-law, mother-in-law..." Su Qi stood up and shouted loudly, his expression brimming with excitement and cuteness.

"Qi'er has been promoted beyond his current level, reaching the third grade of the god level," Suzie announced the result loudly.

Wow...!

As everyone listened, their faces froze, and the atmosphere turned chaotic. Some couldn't even distinguish between the directions, and Su Qi's progress was incredibly astonishing.

God-level third-grade pills... Could they really be this mind-blowing?

Everyone was astounded by the breathtaking beauty and radiance that surrounded them.

Ji Yu stared at Su Qi's back in disbelief.

He said coldly, "Hmph! God-level third grade? How is that possible?"

But the intoxicating fragrance and genuine innocence couldn't deceive anyone.

Ji Yaotian's cloudy eyes widened, unable to believe it. God-level third grade? How could this be...?

A god-level third-grade alchemist, it was an unreachable distance. For most people, even if they were talented, it would take them around twenty-five years to cultivate to the god-level third grade. And here was Su Qi, only five years old, shocking the world with his achievements.

"Mother, hold the baby! Hold him tight! The baby did so well today!" Suzie excitedly reached out his hands, wanting his mother to embrace him. He was overflowing with joy.

Su Zimo extended her arms and held her son lovingly, a smile on her face.

"Son, you performed excellently today. From now on, your mother will make sure you have your fill of pig's trotters and chicken legs for the entire month."

Su Zimo smiled and playfully pinched his adorable little nose.

"Mother, I know you love me the most. As long as I can eat delicious food every day, I will cultivate even more diligently," Suzie squinted his eyes with a smile. His mother would be perfect if she always treated him so well.

But wishes were beautiful illusions. Reality was harsh and unyielding, just like his wife.

The empress observed the excited mother and son, and a flicker of darkness flashed in her phoenix eyes. Could Yu'er still not secure the first place this year?

God-level third grade... The four elders gazed at the eight milky white god-level third-grade Yuan God Soul Restoration Pills in the pill box, emanating a pure fragrance. They were overwhelmed with excitement and rendered speechless.

Ji Rui clenched her teeth. She didn't sense Su Qi's strength and had thought her brother would secure the first place. But it had been snatched away by a little brat.

As she watched Mu Yunxuan's gentle expression while looking at Su Zimo, jealousy consumed Ji Rui's heart.

Mu Yunxuan, that noble and god-like man, had always been the man Ji Rui wanted to marry. It was mind-boggling that he had actually married Su Zimo, who could deceive everyone. She couldn't understand it, and she felt unwilling!

Most of the participants in the alchemy competition came from wealthy and royal families. They had waited a year, only to be outperformed by several grades by Su Qi. How could their hearts remain calm? They looked at Su Qi with envy and jealousy.

Moreover, the families sitting near the Haoyue Emperor exchanged whispers, stealing glances at Su Zimo and her son from time to time.

"Yu Feng, you have a pair of wonderful grandchildren! I envy you. God-level third grade... Some people may never achieve such results in their entire cultivation lifetime. It seems the Dan Pavilion is once again blessed," Haoyue Emperor praised, looking at Su Qi's figure, growing fonder of him.

"The emperor is too kind."

Mu Yufeng smiled and remained silent, agreeing with the Haoyue Emperor's words in his heart. He, Mu Yufeng, could also be considered blessed, as his children and grandchildren had never let him down.

Jun Zixi had a radiant smile on her face. Her precious grandchildren were truly remarkable.

"Qi'er, as long as your mother holds you, don't you want your father to hold you too?"

Mu Yunxuan looked at Su Qi in mock complaint. This ungrateful little one had forgotten about him as soon as he was happy.

"Yes, Daddy, hold the baby!" Su Qi reached out his hand to Mu Yunxuan once again.

Su Zimo didn't intervene and handed Su Qi over to Mu Yunxuan with a smile. The three of them formed a heartwarming picture.

Murong Shaofeng wore a bitter smile, his captivating peach-shaped eyes fixed on their interactions, his heart torn.

"Daddy, am I powerful?" Su Qi looked at Mu Yunxuan happily, a rosy hue adorning his little face.

"You are indeed powerful, but you mustn't be arrogant. When others see it, they'll remember and resent you," Mu Yunxuan pinched his tender little face, fully aware of the hateful and angry gazes directed at them.

Su Qi instantly wore an innocent smile. "Dad, success comes from my own efforts. If others want to be jealous, let them. Achieving what I have today required much more effort than anyone can imagine."

"Mu Yunxuan, Qi'er's achievements are indeed surpassing others. When they were at the bottom of the cliff, the two brothers practiced for eight hours a day, with only two days of rest per month."

Su Zimo seldom explained herself, whether it was because of Su Qi's happiness or because Mu Yunxuan already held a place in her heart. Regardless of the reason, she didn't harbor any hatred towards Mu Yunxuan at that moment.

Mu Yunxuan, with a delighted expression, looked at the mother and son, his handsome face radiant and incomparable. Those who knew Mu Yunxuan well understood that he didn't like others getting too close to him and had certain preferences. Jun Zixi couldn't help but cast a few more glances at her son.

"Yunfan, is Su Qi really just a human? How can a five-year-old child be so outstanding and terrifying? It's too unbelievable! I might as well break up with you right now. How can my grandfather hold his head high in front of these two brats?"

Murong Xingchen looked at Mu Yunfan in disbelief and spoke while her gaze kept shifting towards Su Qi. Her elder brother was a ninth-rank master in the Golden Xuan Period, and her younger brother was a god-level third-grade alchemist. How could others live up to such comparisons? Murong Xingchen's heart was in turmoil.

"Ordinary cultivators can break through with time and effort, but Su Qi is different. He went from the seventh grade of the Xuan level to the god-level third grade in just one hour. If we calculate the time, others would need to live for two years or even decades to bridge that gap. It's extremely terrifying. Perhaps outsiders might not know, but you know, Yunhan! Your talent is excellent too, reaching the first and second grades in just six months. These Suqi brothers are truly fearsome to think about," Murong Xingchen complained, thinking that her noble brother had moved to Mingyue Mountain Villa and shouldn't have any dealings with them.

"You can see clearly with your own eyes. Don't rely on others to judge for you! But I understand the envy in your heart. In your envy, remember that Qi'er is also the eldest son of my brother," Mu Yunfan responded with shock, but deep down, he knew the bitterness he felt. In the future, his parents would inevitably compare him with those two little guys.

All the onlookers in the audience had their eyes fixed on Su Qi.

Ji Yu's face turned pale in an instant. If it weren't for Su Qi's appearance, his ninth-rank pill would have undoubtedly secured first place. He could guarantee that among the alchemists participating in the competition, none of them could produce pills as pure as his. Su Qi's rapid growth was too terrifying. At five years old, he had surpassed everyone. Ji Yu was completely frightened and horrified. He had always been in the limelight, but today, he was overshadowed by a five-year-old child.

The woman standing not far from Ji Yu also had a gloomy expression as she looked at Su Qi.

The entire crowd's attention was focused on Su Qi, making him the hottest topic in the entire Haoyue Country.

"Your Majesty, I have a request, and I hope you can grant it," Elder Liu, who had recovered from his shock, turned to the Haoyue Emperor and respectfully saluted.

The audience instantly fell silent, eager to hear what Elder Liu had in mind. In the Dan Pavilion, Elder Liu had the final say.

"Elder Liu, please speak!"

"Your Majesty, the second prince..."

"Wait, Elder Liu..."

Before Elder Liu could finish speaking, Jun Zixi interrupted.

Elder Liu looked at Jun Zixi, unsure of the reason.

"Princess Chang, you..."

"Elder Liu, what second prince? Su Qi is Jun Zixi's grandson, and Su Zimo is my Mu family's daughter-in-law. Forget about the second son of Su, I'm taking this opportunity to announce that the three children of Mingyue Villa are my Mu family's grandchildren, and Su Zimo is my Mu family's daughter-in-law. Let those who have nothing better to do stop talking behind their backs," Jun Zixi declared, her gaze filled with warnings as she looked at Ji Rui gloomily.

Ji Rui's eyes flashed, disregarding Jun Zixi's warning. If she couldn't openly deal with Su Zimo, was she afraid she couldn't do it secretly? Whether she could hold the position of the Holy Lord Lady of Cloud City depended on whether Ji Rui agreed or not.

"Yes, Princess." The four elders had been inspecting medicinal herbs in the arena and hadn't heard the previous conversation clearly.

The audience whispered among themselves, envying Su Qi's background.

Su Zi glanced at Jun Zixi from the side, her expression somewhat gloomy. What was Jun Zixi playing at? Did she think that by doing this, Qi Er and Li Er would return to Cloud City and become members of the Mu family?

"Lady, aren't you happy?" Mu Yunxuan looked at Su Zimo's gloomy expression, his eyes darkening.

"Do you think I should be happy? You don't know your mother's character, do you? Su Zimo doesn't believe that Jun Zixi truly accepts her. Jun Zixi disclosed the identity of Qi Er and Li Er to everyone just to showcase their potential for bringing more glory to the Mu family. While there may be some sincerity on Jun Zixi's part, Su Zimo couldn't see it. All she could see was that Jun Zixi's intentions towards her were insincere," Su Zimo replied lightly, her eyes cold as she looked at the son in Mu Yunxuan's arms.

"The journey of life may seem long, but it's actually quite short. Sometimes, I really want to cherish it, but when I take that step, how many hearts will accept me?" Su Zimo's voice carried a sense of bitterness.

"My dear, believe me, my mother is not a bad person. She will definitely accept you sincerely as the daughter-in-law of the Mu family," Mu Yunxuan reassured, knowing her mother-in-law well. If her mother didn't hold Su Zimo in her heart, she wouldn't have announced to everyone that Su Zimo was her daughter-in-law.

"Let's talk about this later," Su Zimo replied in a calm tone, her eyes filled with coldness as she gazed at the son in Mu Yunxuan's arms.

"Qi'er, go to Elder Liu's side."

"Yes, Mom!"

Su Qi whispered into Mu Yunxuan's ear, "Dad, do your best!" He understood from his mother's expression that she no longer rejected his father. If he continued his efforts, his mother would soon forgive his father. Once Xin'er returned, they could reunite as a family.

"Daddy knows. Qi'er, believe in Daddy. Go!"

Mu Yunxuan gently put Su Qi down, and with a smile, Su Qi waved his hand at them before trotting away on his short legs.

"Emperor, I request that the second son of the Mu family become the steward of the appraisal pavilion in the Dan Pavilion. He will be responsible for identifying pills below the god-level third grade. With the second prince's abilities as a god-level third-grade alchemist, he is definitely suitable for this role. It will make all the alchemists in the Dan Pavilion proud to have the second prince, and this appointment will have a tremendous impact. After discussing with our four elders, we unanimously agreed that the second son is capable of handling this matter," Elder Liu proposed, his words drawing the emperor's appreciative gaze towards Su Qi. Allowing a five-year-old child to be an appraiser in the Dan Pavilion was unprecedented and extraordinary.

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