You Cheated. So Why Can't I?

"You all just going to watch? How about giving me a hand?" cried Mu Yu. "I'm done! You lot can deal with this!"

Elder Leng and Daoist Yun Dan were too slow, forcing Mu Yu to release his control on the pill. As a consequence, death by injury reverted to its previous state. The lightning bolt that struck Mu Yu receded as did the crimson clouds. The majority of onlookers weren't sure if that was a sign Mu Yu succeeded.

"What happened? Why did you fail again?" questioned Elder Leng.

"Where did the 'again' come from? You think I can just will it into shape? Do you realise I was only a step away from finishing it? Why didn't you promptly stop the lightning bolt? Were you waiting for me to die or something?" Mu Yu jumped up and accused.

"We didn't think you'd actually succeed. We were only a second late…" said Elder Leng, voice tapering off as he spoke.

"A second late? Weren't you both present the last time I finished a pill? A second late? Does it look as if I could brace against a bolt of that attitude? I wouldn't have failed if you defended for me to stay focused. Who's culpable here? Did you focus too much on alchemy and forget about developing common sense?"

Mu Yu felt elated to get his complaints off his chest. It was payback for setting him up. Those watching on couldn't believe he didn't pull any punches against Elder Leng.

"H-how about we try again? I promise to shield you this time?"

"It's physically taxing, you know? I lost my concentration, and the incompatible parts hit me. I need, at least, a month to recuperate."

The two elders couldn't argue with the physical toll it took since they experienced firsthand plenty of times in the past. Elder Leng gave Daoist Yun Dan a reproaching glare, "What are you spacing out for? Why didn't you shield him?"

"Shishu, you cannot hold me accountable for it… You did not help, either…" awkwardly defended Daoist Yun Dan.

"How do you expect me to move as swift as you at my age? You think you're in the right after you dragged your feet and ruined it? Reflect on yourself!"

"Mu Yu, how do you feel?" queried Daoist Yun Dan, knowing he wasn't going to be able to absolve himself of the blame no matter what he tried.

"Thank you for worrying about me, Patriarch. Unlike last time, the lightning bolt caught me this time. I apologise, but I do not think I can try again."

"All right, then. Go and rest up. Today's contest shall be postponed for now. Any objects?" rhetorically asked Daoist Yun Dan.

Bie Wenxuan smiled helplessly, understanding their objections held zero weight. Mu Yu put on his most sincere act and expressed, "What happens to the slots? If I am not granted a slot, I will try again even if it is beyond me."

"Hahaha." Daoist Yun Dan found Mu Yu's crafty tactic similar Elder Leng's comical. He didn't want Mu Yu to suffer crippling damage, so he cleared his throat and explained, "Mu Yu shall be granted first place. As for second place, we will add your scores up from the first two contests to decide."

Everyone heard Mu Yu cast the blame on Elder Leng. Elder Leng pointed at Daoist Yun Dan. Were they supposed to accuse their patriarch? Hence, everyone would have to accept, "Technically speaking, Mu Yu actually succeeded." Besides, nobody else was remotely close to finishing their pill.

Mu Yu faked a wobble. Cai Lie immediately went to his aid and wore on the expression of a broken-hearted friend. Cai Lie escorted Mu Yu back to Bamboo Peak.

"I never knew you were so gifted at alchemy. Teach me, man."

"I just happened to have experience refining herbs' natural incompatibilities. Of course, Gramps' teachings deserve credit, as well. In terms of knowledge, though, you leave me in the dust."

"You don't need to be humble with me. I personally witnessed the phenomena. My eyes don't lie. Patriarch was never able to come close to that."

"Hehe."

Ku Mu was in the middle of a meditation session when the two youths arrived. He opened his eyes upon hearing Mu Yu return and inquired, "How'd you go?"

Ku Mu preferred peace and quiet. He, therefore, wasn't informed the third test had been changed. Cai Lie enthusiastically answered on behalf of Mu Yu, accompanying it with intonations and facial expressions as if he was recounting an epic.

"They seriously made you finish an incomplete pill?" Ku Mu was displeased with the scheme the two elders imposed on Mu Yu. He stood up and asked, "Are you all right? The damages from clashes are serious, especially since those herbs are extra potent."

Mu Yu winked: "I'm fine."

Ku Mu nodded. In just a split second after, he wore on a straight face. "I bet it was that old miscreant's idea. Only he thinks up such stupid ideas."

Mu Yu didn't want to fan the flames because he considered him and Elder Leng even after he shoved all the blame on the elder. Candidly speaking, Mu Yu didn't think too poorly of Elder Leng as there was room to reason.

"If he comes here again, I'll break those twigs."