C7 Bullshit

"Hey, have you heard? Last night, someone managed to steal the Five-flavored Spiritual Herbs while Elder Qian was out," a young man whispered excitedly in the classroom.

His words instantly piqued the curiosity of those around him, who crowded closer, urging, "Don't leave us hanging, spill the beans already!"

Seeing that his audience was clueless about the event, the young man's chest puffed out with pride, and his voice grew louder. "Ahem, my cousin, who's on duty at the Law Enforcement College, told me that this morning, Elder Qian's yard was filled with a roar like thunder. He was ranting about 'My precious Five-flavored Spiritual Herbs' and 'You little thief, I'll catch you yet!'"

"My cousin was patrolling nearby and was so startled that his ears buzzed. Isn't that amazing?"

After the tale was told, another young man immediately voiced his skepticism, "That's impossible! So many people have had their eyes on Elder Qian's medicine garden, yet no one has ever succeeded. I can't believe someone actually did."

Another chimed in, "I agree, it doesn't sound true. Over the years, Elder Qian has broken the legs of at least dozens of disciples. Who would be so bold to attempt theft?"

A third person laughed, "He must have the courage of a lion. Everyone knows that the spiritual herbs in the garden are as dear to Elder Qian as his own flesh. Who would even entertain such a thought?"

The once-proud young man began to doubt his own story as he faced disbelief, but he stubbornly retorted, "Then explain why Elder Qian flew into such a fury out of nowhere, shouting about a 'little thief.'"

Someone else speculated, "Hehe, probably Elder Qian botched his potion brewing. The old man is known for his fiery temper, which would explain the outburst! To think someone could steal from him, I'd sooner believe the sun rose in the west."

The crowd nodded in agreement, clearly sharing the sentiment that no one would dare to take such a risk.

Meanwhile, Peng Wei was sweating bullets, looking visibly uneasy. He kept his head down, avoiding eye contact, fearful of giving himself away. Under his breath, he murmured, "Ye, you've really gotten me into hot water this time! Elder Qian won't just let this slide. If it comes to it, I'll have to lay low with my family for a couple of weeks. I'm not about to end up with broken limbs."

As the classroom buzzed with activity, a rhythmic tapping sound came from outside. A figure clad in flowing green entered with a poised gait. Her stunning face bore a captivating smile that refreshed onlookers, leaving them yearning for more.

Upon the arrival of their instructor, the students quietly took their seats, their attention turning to Wen Yun.

Wen Yun positioned herself at the front of the lecture hall, her gaze like clear autumn waters sweeping across the room. Noticing Ye Han's empty seat, she frowned, thinking to herself, "He was so determined yesterday to advance to Level Five, and now he's slipped back into his old, lazy ways. He's beyond help!"

Murong Xue followed Wen Yun's gaze, her brow furrowing slightly. A look of distaste crossed her face as she murmured, "Lacking in innate talent, he could have compensated with diligent effort. Yet, Ye Han chooses to squander his potential. Such people are utterly detestable."

Behind her, Lin Haoran smirked at her words, his demeanor growing more smug.

Meanwhile, Peng Wei was consumed by a different concern. He suspected that last night's incident had been discovered, and that Ye Han might have been apprehended by the Discipline Department. He wasn't worried about being implicated by Ye Han, but the thought of Ye Han suffering made him restless, eager to check on him at the first opportunity.

Peng Wei found it hard to focus on Wen Yun's lecture, the time dragging on as he silently hoped for Ye Han's well-being.

...

"That scoundrel, daring to steal spiritual herbs while I was away, and even getting caught by that petty thief, is infuriating!" raged the short, stout elder in the medicinal garden, his face flushed with anger. "If I get my hands on that little thief, I'll break his limbs to release this pent-up fury!"

The two attendants stood by, trembling, their heads bowed and eyes fixed on the ground, too fearful to meet the old man's wrathful gaze, lest his anger be unleashed upon them.

They were all astonished. Who dared to sneak into the medicinal garden to steal elixirs? Weren't they afraid of having their limbs broken by the eccentric old man?

"Haha, Elder Qian, no need to be so upset. It's just a few elixirs that went missing. They'll grow back soon enough." A robust laugh echoed through the courtyard.

The two boys were startled and turned to see a gaunt elder in purple attire who had appeared silently in the garden. His face was flushed with a hint of schadenfreude.

Relieved at the sight of the newcomer, the boys exhaled as if pardoned from a grave punishment and quickly made their exit.

"Old Mo, did you come just to revel in my misfortune? The loss of medicinal herbs from this garden is a serious matter, and the Discipline Hall's lax supervision is to blame," Elder Qian said, clearly irritated.

Elder Mo replied, "Now, Elder Qian, that's not entirely fair. I specifically told my disciples to keep a close watch on your garden. Without us guarding it night and day, those rascals would have destroyed it long ago."

"Seeing me at a disadvantage must really please you," Elder Qian shot back with a glare before striding towards the house.

Unfazed by the accusation, Elder Mo followed him inside, chuckling. "You know, that kid managed to unearth bamboo shoots from the Purple Lightning Thunder Forest and even picked a few of your treasured Blazing Fire Asiatic Apples. He's got some skill!"

"That's because he's clueless," Elder Qian retorted. "Pairing Purple Lightning Thunder Bamboo Shoots with Blazing Fire Asiatic Apples and then adding Earth Star Grass? What kind of medicine can he possibly concoct? He has no understanding of the principles of synergy and antagonism in medicine. He's utterly foolish! If I catch him, I'll break his legs."

Elder Mo gave a slight smile. "Please, spare me the trouble. If you break his legs, I'll be the one dealing with the aftermath when his parents come knocking. Just the thought gives me a headache."

"Eh!" Elder Qian hastened to the medicinal cauldron, feeling its warmth with his hand. His expression soured once more, and he let out a sardonic laugh. "This... This scoundrel not only steals my elixirs but has the audacity to use my cauldron in my own house to refine them! This is outrageous! Old Mo, you must track him down for me."

Elder Mo tested the temperature and his smile grew even broader. He chuckled, "Hahaha, this youngster... truly has... a unique approach. I've been at the Cloud Facing Pavilion for many years, yet this is the first time I've encountered such an oddity."

Elder Qian, having regained his composure, began to pace around the medicinal cauldron as though searching for something.

Elder Mo quipped, "Elder Qian, have you lost your mind? Why are you pacing around this cauldron and making my head spin?"

Elder Qian remained silent, his eyes scouring the ground. Eventually, he looked up, crestfallen, and murmured to himself, "It doesn't make sense! Purple Lightning Bamboo Shoots, Blazing Fire Asiatic Apple, and Earth Star Grass—these three herbs have conflicting properties. A beginner who mishandles the flame would surely cause the cauldron to explode. How can there not be even a trace of residue? This is truly baffling."

After another fruitless search around the room, Elder Qian's surprise grew. He wandered over to the desk, and when his eyes landed on the parchment there, he stood frozen.

Noticing his unusual behavior, Elder Mo approached and saw that it was a common medicinal recipe, though the cinnabar ink stood out.

"Incredible! Absolutely incredible! Four grams of South Huai Zi with three grams of Lingzhi powder... This kid is a genius," Elder Qian exclaimed, holding the recipe, his face transforming from anger to delight.

Elder Mo, astonished at Elder Qian's rapid shift from fury to laughter, said, "Elder Qian, you should take it easy. It's only a few herbs, after all. If it's not working out, the sect can cover the loss. It's not worth damaging your health over."

Elder Qian, clutching the recipe, explained, "This youngster, feeling guilty for taking my spiritual medicine, actually helped me crack this tough problem. Look at the proportions of these herbs—the properties are perfectly balanced, without any conflict."

"Old Mo, you must track down this individual. I intend to take them on as my Private Inheritance Disciple and impart to them all of my skills."

Elder Mo was bewildered, at a loss for words. Moments ago, he was so livid he was practically hopping mad, yet now he was considering taking on a new disciple. "It's best to keep this quiet. The outer court disciples are just beginning to show some reverence for your herb garden. If word gets out that someone managed to steal from it, you'll have your hands full with copycats."

Upon hearing this, Elder Qian nodded and chuckled, "Indeed, we can't let this information spread. If the culprit truly is from the outer court, they won't be able to keep a low profile for long. Their talents will surely surface."

"This individual is without a doubt from the outer court. The Cloud Facing Pavilion is safeguarded by a powerful formation. Without the proper token, moving silently within its walls is impossible. Even a Celestial Martial Stage Expert would find it challenging," Elder Mo mused, then added, "The sect's assessment is less than three months away. By then, this youngster will certainly reveal themselves, especially since there's only one opportunity to advance to the inner court for cultivation."

Elder Qian examined the parchment in his hands, his tone tinged with curiosity, "Could it be Yu Ting's handiwork? Only a select few are privy to the secret of the Blazing Flame Sacred Flower, and yet it's been stolen. Could it be an inside job?"

The elder in the purple robe was both frustrated and amused, replying, "Yu Ting is busy with her cultivation in the inner court; I hardly get the chance to see her."

"That's reassuring," Elder Qian said, finally at ease. He then turned his attention away from the elder in purple, engrossed once more in the prescription he held, at times slapping his thigh in approval, at others furrowing his brow in concentration.