C21 The Competition Began!

"Miracle Doctor Liu, you're back! What just happened?"

Hsu Chengqiu rushed over with concern as Liu Yangshuo reappeared.

"Oh, it was nothing. A hornet got into the room, and I'm not too fond of those creatures, so I stepped out for a bit."

Liu Yangshuo let out a light chuckle, feigning that all was well.

"Very well, someone please arrange a new room for Miracle Doctor Liu."

Despite her doubts about Liu Yangshuo's far-fetched excuse, Hsu Chengqiu chose not to call him out. She promptly instructed the servants to prepare another room. Once Liu Yangshuo was settled in, she turned to her attendants and instructed,

"First thing tomorrow, send word to those troublemakers. This is a one-time exception. Otherwise, they'll find themselves at odds not just with Fragrance Tower but with the entire Ten Thousand Beast Sect!"

Back in his room, Liu Yangshuo collapsed onto the bed and quickly fell into a deep sleep, unconcerned with the events that would follow.

At dawn the next day, Liu Yangshuo awoke to the face of the Primordial Thunder Dragon.

"How come you're back so early? Weren't you supposed to be gone for three days?"

Liu Yangshuo rose from the bed, rubbing his eyes as he spoke.

"The life-binding lightning I left with you was activated. How could I not return?"

The Primordial Thunder Dragon gave Liu Yangshuo a knowing look.

"So it was you. Without your lightning, I might've been sharing a drink with the King of Hell all night."

Liu Yangshuo grinned sheepishly.

The Primordial Thunder Dragon had been astute, foreseeing that if the assailants who targeted Hsu Chengqiu realized Fragrance Tower hadn't dropped out, they would surely come after Liu Yangshuo. Its foresight had paid off.

"You're aware, and that's good. Honestly, if our Dragon Clan didn't hold oaths in such high regard, I'd rather not bother with you."

"And that's why you're my big brother. Come on, let's go get some roast chicken."

Liu Yangshuo scooped up the Primordial Thunder Dragon and placed it on his wrist.

"I'll have twenty, please. These last couple of days have worn me out."

The Primordial Thunder Dragon didn't seem bothered, apparently accustomed to Liu Yangshuo's brazenness.

"What errand did your friend send you on that even you need three days for?"

"Don't ask about things you shouldn't!"

"Come on, you can at least tell me what kind of demonic beast he is, can't you?"

"Don't ask about things you don't want to know!"

...

In the days that followed, whether it was Liu Yangshuo's performance that night or Hsu Chengqiu's warning, they managed to reach the day of the competition without incident.

Early that morning, Liu Yangshuo donned the elegant attire Hsu Chengqiu had prepared for him, complete with the word "Fragrance" beautifully embroidered across the chest. Flanked by a bevy of stunning girls, he made his way to the entrance of a venue at Hagan Bay.

Liu Yangshuo had thought he was early, but to his surprise, the place was already bustling with people. It seemed that every notable family and sect from Hagan Bay had shown up.

"Hello, I'm Liu Yangshuo, representing Fragrance Tower," he introduced himself to a young man tasked with registration.

The young man looked Liu Yangshuo over with an odd expression before handing him a badge.

"Representative of Fragrance Tower has arrived!" announced the young man as soon as Liu Yangshuo turned his back.

His voice captured everyone's attention, and all eyes were suddenly on Liu Yangshuo.

"Fragrance Tower is sending a man to compete?"

"I heard their pavilion master was injured recently. This guy's living the dream, surrounded by beautiful women all day."

"Don't jump to conclusions. Maybe he's into guys? Let's not be prejudiced."

...

Liu Yangshuo now understood the young man's peculiar look; Fragrance Tower was an all-female establishment. He was about to inquire further when he caught Hsu Chengqiu's encouraging look. With a resigned sigh, he rejoined the Fragrance Tower's group.

Moments later, a benevolent middle-aged man emerged from the venue, and the clamor subsided into silence.

"Hello, everyone, and welcome back to the renowned Hagan Competition. I'm curious to see how much your medical skills have advanced since our last gathering. Have you surpassed last year's abilities? Because if not, I'll be quite reluctant to part with this year's grand prize." The middle-aged man chuckled.

"Enough with the suspense, City Lord. Just tell us what the champion's reward is already!" An impatient voice called out from a man who appeared to be a family patriarch.

"Since you're all so eager, I won't keep you waiting any longer. This year's champion will receive a Spirit Bead from a young sea dragon!" The announcement sent a wave of excitement through the crowd. A Spirit Bead from the Dragon Clan was a treasure beyond measure, worth more than millions of elixirs and miracle medicines—though, of course, no one would be foolish enough to consume it whole and risk bursting apart.

At the mention of 'sea dragon,' Liu Yangshuo glanced at the Primordial Thunder Dragon on his wrist, which seemed unbothered by the news.

"We've got a new challenge for this year's competition, and I trust you've all reviewed the updated schedule. If there are no questions, then let's get started," the City Lord declared, as the crowd's anticipation continued to simmer.

The attendees' eyes gleamed with fervor, ready to tackle all five events in a single day without a second thought.

"Very well, I hereby announce the start of the competition. Representatives of the various clans and sects, step forward!" The City Lord's words prompted a young representative from each group to emerge. Liu Yangshuo, representing Fragrance Tower, confidently took his place among them.

Quick to notice details, Liu Yangshuo spotted a dark-skinned young man with a buzz cut, his right hand wrapped in thick bandages.

"The first event is the Calming of the Spirit! Contestants, please make your way into the arena," the City Lord instructed, stepping aside to reveal the entrance.

Without hesitation, the young competitors entered. Liu Yangshuo and the buzz-cut youth exchanged a glance but remained silent.

Once inside, enormous cages draped in black cloth were rolled out, each corresponding to a contestant, the roars of the beasts within echoing through the air.

With a sweeping gesture from the City Lord, the black cloths were simultaneously yanked off the cages, revealing a variety of demonic beasts seething with rage.

"Your task," he declared, "is to calm the enraged demonic beast before you within the time it takes for this incense stick to burn. The quickest to succeed will be declared the winner."

With those words, the City Lord ignited an incense stick nearby.

The youths sprang into action, each employing their unique skills. Some administered medicinal concoctions, others played soothing melodies, and a few even attempted to negotiate with the ferocious beasts, hoping to quell their fury through reason.