The Eternal Supreme Chapter 4

A cold killing intent flickered in Yunxiao’s eyes as he whispered into Jia Rong’s ear, “It would be wise not to harbor a grudge. Very few who have shown me malice still walk this earth. I would hate for you to regain your life only to throw it away so soon.”

“Furthermore, your right hand has about three days of life left. If those items aren't in my hands by then, it will wither completely. Unless you can track down a ninth-tier Alchemy Sovereign, your career as a crafter is over.”

Though Yunxiao spoke softly, the words struck Jia Rong with terror, causing him to tremble uncontrollably. Finding a shred of desperate courage, he yelled almost hysterically, “Three days? Most of these ingredients are things I’ve never even heard of! How do I know you aren't just deceiving me?”

Yunxiao offered a thin smile. “You are resourceful; I trust you will find a path. Mix a decoction using Grey World Ginseng and the leaves of White Crescent Bamboos. Drink it three times a day. It will dull the agony in your three acupoints and grant your hand two extra days of life... but only two. If five days pass and the materials aren't gathered, don't bother looking for me. Best of luck!”

Jia Rong was still mentally processing the two herbs when he looked up to find Yunxiao gone. His expression twisted into a dark scowl, his fingers digging so deeply into his own palm that he didn't even notice the pain.

‘He is a mere boy, neither a warrior nor an alchemist. Why did I feel such bone-chilling dread in his presence!’ Shifting from fear to humiliation, Jia Rong snarled internally. ‘Enjoy your freedom for a few more days. Once I have the cure, I’ll tear you limb from limb! Jialan Academy, Li Yunxiao!’

Resentful and embarrassed, he approached the snot-covered scrap of paper. Under the bewildered stares of the onlookers, he retrieved it with a crimson face, wrapped it in a spare cloth, and shoved it into his bag of holding.

The crowd quickly looked away, sensing the volatile rage and murderous aura radiating from him. Terrified, several people hurried away, afraid to even catch his eye.

***

Inside a lavish third-floor office within the Alchemists’ Tower...

“These are the ten catties of White Phoenix Dragon Lotus and Spirit Crane roots requested by Prime Minister Lan Hong. They are exceptionally rare. Deliver them to the Prime Minister’s residence immediately and ensure they reach his hands personally,” Liang Wenyu instructed Lu Yao with great care.

“Spirit Crane roots? White Phoenix Dragon Lotus?” Lu Yao paused, whispering to herself, “So those things actually exist?”

“Is something wrong? Why are you mumbling?” Liang Wenyu asked, his brow furrowed.

Lu Yao snapped back to attention. “My apologies, Lord Liang! I was just surprised... A youth gave me a list earlier asking for those exact materials. I didn't recognize any of them and assumed he was playing a prank. Both the Spirit Crane roots and the White Phoenix Dragon Lotus were on his list.”

“A youth?”

Liang Wenyu fell into thought. “Those herbs are typically used to bolster a warrior’s physical strength... Where is that list now?”

“Lord Jia Rong took it when he arrived to see you, and I believe he returned it to the boy,” Lu Yao answered timidly.

“I see,” Liang Wenyu said, sounding disappointed. “Can you recall any other items from the list?”

Lu Yao concentrated, trying to visualize the paper. “Nether Fruit, Ink Feather Ghost Flower, Shiva Flower, Vacuum Nectar, Fairy Bud...”

As she recited the names, Liang Wenyu’s face morphed from skepticism to amazement, then to pure shock, finally settling into a blank stare.

“There were others, but the names escape me,” Lu Yao said, her brow knitting together. It was impressive she remembered that much after only a brief glance.

Snapping out of his daze, Liang Wenyu grabbed a pen and recorded every name she mentioned. “Did the boy leave a name or say where he could be reached?”

Lu Yao shook her head, her heart racing. ‘Who was that boy? Why is Lord Liang so shaken by this?’

“Lord Liang,” she asked softly, “I’ve been with the Alchemists’ Association for three years, yet I’ve never heard of these ingredients. Why is that?”

Staring at the partial list, Liang Wenyu sighed. “There are names here even I am unfamiliar with... yet the way they are grouped suggests a formula for a legendary potion. It would be of immense value to warriors seeking to breakthrough in their Cultivation!”

‘Even Lord Liang doesn't know them all!’

Lu Yao gasped, covering her mouth in shock. “Lord Liang, could the list just be a work of fiction?”

Liang Wenyu shook his head. “No... the synergy between the herbs I do recognize is too profound. I can’t grasp the full logic of the formula yet, but it is no joke. If that youth returns, you must find a way to keep him here and notify me immediately!”

“Understood, Lord Liang!” Lu Yao took the storage bag and departed, her mind spinning with unease.

***

‘Jia Rong might struggle to find everything. I shouldn't rely solely on him; I need a backup plan,’ Yunxiao mused as he strolled down the street.

Checking the storage ring on his finger, he swept his divine sense through its contents. It was a chaotic mess of random items.

“What is all this trash? An aphrodisiac? Ah, I remember... the previous owner bought this in secret but never used it.” He tossed the bottle aside and pulled out a massive black sword, surprised by its heft. “Finally, something useful...” He chuckled bitterly. “Thirty-two catties and seven taels... I can barely swing it in this body. I truly miss my Stars Slayer sword. I wonder where it ended up? Regardless, this will suffice until I unlock all seven chakras.”

Shouldering the heavy blade, Yunxiao headed toward Jialan Academy. “Once my Primordial Qi is condensed, I’ll forge a proper weapon.”

By the time the academy gates were in sight, he was breathing heavily from the exertion.

“Oh? Monkey Chen, Fatty Han, are you here to welcome me?”

Near the entrance, Chen Zhen and Han Bai were pacing nervously. “Young Master Yun, where have you been?” Chen Zhen yelled as soon as he spotted him. “We’ve been searching everywhere!”

“Skinny Chen, what do you think you're doing?”

A sharp voice cut through the air as Du Feng stepped out from behind Chen Zhen, a cruel smirk on his face. “Are you planning to defy Boss Lan?”

Chen Zhen paled but stood his ground. “Don't use your master to bully me! I’m only delivering a message from Teacher Luo. Young Master Yun, the next class...”

“Shut up!”

Du Feng lunged at Chen Zhen, his hand curved into an eagle’s claw aiming for the throat.

Chen Zhen scrambled backward. Du Feng was an apprentice warrior with four chakras open, possessing strength far beyond his own.

“That’s enough, Du Feng!”

Han Bai couldn't watch any longer. He stepped in, meeting the eagle claw with a heavy punch. Since both were apprentice warriors with four chakras, the impact sent a shockwave through their arms, forcing both boys to stumble back simultaneously.

“You’ve got guts, Fatty Han!”

Another student, Luo Jie, stepped up beside Du Feng. Folding his arms, he sneered, “I opened my fifth chakra last week and haven't had a chance to test it. Fatty Chen, you’ll be my punching bag. Let’s see the difference between four chakras and five!”

“Haha! The difference is you’ll be spitting out teeth!” Du Feng laughed, pointing a finger at the duo. “You have three minutes to disappear!”

A crowd of students gathered at the gate, whispering and pointing as they waited for the fight to break out.

Just as Chen and Han were about to explode in fury, Qin Ruxue’s cold voice rang out from behind them. “I’d like to see you try to make us leave!”

She stepped forward, glaring. “I am here to tell Yunxiao he must attend Teacher Luo’s lecture. Do you have a problem with that?”

Du Feng and Luo Jie hesitated; they didn't want to cross the princess. Glaring at the group, Du Feng spat, “Skinny Chen, Fatty Han, and you piece of trash—you’re lucky today. Let’s go!”

He signaled Luo Jie to follow. Even though Luo Jie was stronger, the Du family held more sway than the Luo family, keeping him subordinate in Lan Fei’s hierarchy of lackeys.

“All this drama for nothing... why the mystery?” Yunxiao rubbed his nose. He had intended to go to the gravity chamber anyway, regardless of Teacher Luo’s threats. “Wait, you're leaving after causing such a scene?”

Du Feng paused, his eyes narrowing. “What? Does this garbage have something to say?”

Yunxiao gripped the hilt of his heavy sword. “Nothing much. I just want to see the 'gap' between someone with five chakras and someone with none.”

The group stared at him in shock. Ruxue gasped, “Yunxiao, what are you...”

“Haha! This is rich!” Du Feng laughed, cutting her off. “If you’re begging for a beating, I’ll be happy to oblige!”

Without warning, Du Feng lunged forward, throwing a powerful punch aimed directly at Yunxiao’s head.

‘How dare this brat talk so big!’

Du Feng was filled with contempt. The thought of humiliating the eldest grandson of the legendary Li family—the pillar of the Tianshui State’s military—gave him a rush of sadistic joy. He could almost feel the satisfaction of his fist connecting.

“Watch out!”

Chen Zhen and the others screamed, but they were too far away to intervene. Ruxue turned pale and shielded her eyes!

Yunxiao was a normal human. How could he possibly survive a strike from a four-chakra apprentice warrior?

Bam!

A heavy thud echoed. Du Feng’s momentum stopped abruptly. His fist was extended, seemingly pressed against Yunxiao’s temple. Yet, Yunxiao remained perfectly still, his expression calm and devoid of pain.

“Impossible!”

Luo Jie’s eyes widened. He realized in that heartbeat that Du Feng’s fist hadn't actually hit Yunxiao—it had been stopped half a centimeter away from his skin!