Chapter 688 - 637: The Dust Has Settled, The Genius Pharmacists’ Contest

Casualties were an entirely normal part of this process. As long as the foundation of the Merak Sacred Land remained unaffected, such losses were considered acceptable. After all, the ultimate victor would become the Merak Saint Master, and controlling the Merak Sacred Land naturally required such means.

Even the current Merak Saint Master, Baili Xun, could not interfere in these matters. Although the Merak Saint Son was his own son, he could only offer some covert support and nothing more. If he went too far, others would surely step in to object.

Everyone had to respect this delicate balance.

This was one of the reasons the conflict between the Merak Saint Son and the Merak Saintess was escalating.

Yang Chan knew a little about these things, but not everything.

After all, he hadn’t been in the Merak Sacred Land for long, and some matters were so secretive that he currently had no way of learning about them.

That was why he had arranged for Han Bingyu to familiarize herself with the environment here in the Merak Sacred Land and slowly build a small intelligence network. At the very least, he needed to know what was going on so he wouldn’t be completely in the dark.

’If I want to develop quietly, I can’t be completely ignorant. Otherwise, I could end up as cannon fodder without even realizing it.’

’One wrong step could shatter my plans. Therefore, even though I know certain things, I won’t let it show too obviously.’

His current performance in front of Gu An was a perfect example of this.

’Sometimes, a person needs to show a different side of themselves, even if it’s just an act.’

Take his gratitude toward the Merak Saintess, for example. He had to at least show it, so someone would report his attitude back to her. This would save him a lot of trouble.

Besides, no one likes an ingrate. So he had to not only show his gratitude but also act on it.

’I haven’t forgotten my current plan: to develop steadily and keep a low profile. I’ll naturally stay behind the Merak Saintess, not be the first to charge into battle.’

Although as an Advanced Pharmacist, a Third Level Alchemist in the Pill Pavilion, and the future Steward of the Spirit Medicine Tower, he likely wouldn’t be tasked with such front-line duties, he still had to put on a show when necessary.

"You’re right, Hall Master. Actions speak louder than words."

"If the Holy Daughter has any arrangements, please inform me at once, Hall Master. I will certainly do everything in my power!"

"And of course, if you need any help yourself, Hall Master, please don’t hesitate to ask!"

Upon hearing this, Yang Chan pledged his loyalty to the Merak Saintess once more while also continuing to show goodwill toward Gu An. This demonstrated that he was the same as ever and hadn’t changed at all despite his impending promotion to Steward of the Spirit Medicine Tower.

’I have my own plans; I naturally know what the best course of action is right now.’

’Maintaining this goodwill is my best option.’

He didn’t need to change a thing; he just had to act as he always had.

Sure enough, seeing this, the smile on Gu An’s face widened.

"I won’t hold back then!"

Gu An said with a laugh.

Sometimes, all it takes is a sentence or two to completely change a person’s state of mind. But in this case, it was just a few simple words that set one’s heart at ease.

And at this moment, hearing Yang Chan’s words, Gu An felt truly relieved.

After they entered the Merak Sacred Land, there was little he could do to help Yang Chan. In fact, it was more likely he would be the one asking Yang Chan for favors, especially regarding Alchemy or even the allocation of Cultivation Resources.

To a certain extent, the dynamic between them had changed significantly. This kind of shift happens when one person’s status and abilities improve—or in this case, undergo a world-altering transformation.

At times like these, whether a relationship can remain as it was before is a huge question.

Even though Gu An knew Yang Chan well and was familiar with his character, he couldn’t help but feel a little uncertain.

This uncertainty would have remained even if he had planned to reconnect with Yang Chan later to strengthen their bond.

Once a person’s mindset changes, relationships can easily grow distant, often beyond one’s control.

"Good. Don’t be."

Yang Chan replied with a smile.

He had his own principles, of course.

Yang Chan wasn’t one to serve others blindly. If someone threatened his safety, he would strike without hesitation to eliminate the threat. However, if someone helped him, he would naturally repay the favor.

He was a man who was clear about his debts and grievances.

Gu An had helped him a great deal as he was developing. While some of it was because Gu An saw his potential and hoped to gain some benefits in return, that was only human. Yang Chan understood that.

On the contrary, it was the people who were kind to him for no reason that he had to be wary of. Those who were good to you for no apparent reason often wanted more—perhaps even your life.

"The Pill Pavilion has just finalized your assignment. Head over there tomorrow morning. You can use the time to get familiar with the operations of both the Pill Pavilion and the Spirit Medicine Tower."

"The Pill Pavilion may have a transcendent status, but it’s also rife with hidden conflicts."

"You will likely be drawn into them."

"However, as long as you are careful, you should be able to avoid being affected. Just focus on familiarizing yourself with the environment and establishing a firm foothold during the Early Stage. After that, you shouldn’t have any major problems!"

"There are three Stewards in the Pill Pavilion. Besides you, there are two others. One is loyal to the Pavilion Master; his attitude is relatively neutral, so he shouldn’t normally cause you any conflict."

"But the other is a supporter of the Merak Saint Son, so you will likely have friction with him!"

"You should know a bit about his identity. He’s that Genius Pharmacist from the Pill Pavilion who became a disciple of one of the Vice Pavilion Masters. He became an Advanced Pharmacist at nineteen and is also a member of the Yuwen Family in the Holy Land."

"You are bound to have friction with him!"

"The reason you were given the position of Steward of the Spirit Medicine Tower is because one of the Vice Pavilion Masters proposed a competition: to see which of you two Genius Pharmacists can be the first to advance to Top Level Pharmacist and become the new Vice Pavilion Master of the Pill Pavilion!"

"Therefore, there will inevitably be friction between you. Once you enter the Spirit Medicine Tower, you must be wary of this person!"

"After all, you must always have your guard up!"

Gu An said with a solemn expression, sharing the secrets he knew.

Word of what the Pill Pavilion’s Masters had discussed had naturally spread, and Gu An, knowing some of the details, felt the need to warn Yang Chan.