After a whirlwind of meme-heavy buildup,
the story fast-forwards once again to the fifteenth day.
The training grounds were buzzing with energy.
"Ugh… the showdown with Scott is almost here, but I don't feel like my martial skills have made any game-changing progress! Can I really beat Scott like this? So worried!"
March 7th propped her chin in her hand. "Isn't there some kind of miracle pill that can clear my meridians, boost my cultivation, and strengthen my body in no time? You know, the kind where you pop one and instantly become an unrivaled evil sword immortal!"
Stelle took a step back, eyeing March 7th. "Are you one of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus?"
March 7th jolted. "Hey, hey, hey! Don't say that in front of these doctors—I don't want to be dragged off to the Alchemy Commission!"
From the shadows, Jiaoqiu suddenly spoke up. "Though the idea is risky, I'm pleased to see Miss March finally learning to win by any means necessary."
"That praise doesn't make me happy at all!"
Meanwhile, Lingsha and Bailu were actively brainstorming ideas for March 7th.
Only Jiaoqiu quietly picked up his phone, turning away from the group.
Seeing no good solutions, Bailu glanced back. "We're all pitching ideas here, so why's Doctor Jiaoqiu staying silent? Doctor Jiaoqiu, March is about to face Scott in a showdown—what are you doing?"
"Oh, my apologies. Hearing Miss March talk about solving Scott with a 'pill' inspired me to make some arrangements." Jiaoqiu sighed. "Alas, your medical theories are still lacking. Enhancing combat ability is relative—weakening the enemy while strengthening yourself is the key. Broaden your perspectives."
March 7th's eyes lit up. "So, does Yaoqing's medicine have some secret recipe to give me an edge?"
"Exactly. This is the ultimate secret of Yaoqing's 'Tainted Hand' school of medicinal cuisine! I wouldn't share it if it weren't for Miss March's battle."
"You… you're not planning to slip Scott a laxative, are you?!?"
"How did you guess?" Jiaoqiu looked surprised. "Hmph, my cunning still isn't deep enough."
Stelle gave an unreserved thumbs-up. "Brilliant. Xianzhou medicine at its finest."
Lingsha bristled. "Don't lump him in with us!"
"Uh… Doctor Jiaoqiu, isn't this a bit shady? Shouldn't we fight fair and square… maybe call it off?" March 7th felt the tactic was too dirty.
"What? You don't approve?" Jiaoqiu's face was full of anticipation. "Too late—Moze's already taken care of it."
"You were arranging Moze on your phone just now?! Are all you Yaoqing folks this efficient?!"
"Whoops, it's showdown time. Go face Scott in mortal combat! I've got things to do, so I'll slip out first."
With that, Jiaoqiu vanished like he'd greased his soles.
The others had no choice but to head to the battlefield, hoping no one got hurt.
— —
The scene shifts.
Scott, waiting in Aurum Alley for ages, spotted March 7th's group and launched into his villainous taunts. "March 7th, you finally showed up! You have no idea how unpopular you are in Aurum Alley!"
[No idea why, but the thought of Scott being dosed with a laxative is cracking me up.]
[Same here—the happier Scott acts, the funnier it gets.]
[I can already tell this is gonna be a flavorful scene.]
— —
"Unpopular? What are you talking about? Who in Aurum Alley doesn't love the lively, adorable little March?" March 7th pointed at her nose.
[Exactly, exactly!]
[I love her, I really do.]
[I'm the biggest fan of the lively, adorable March 7th!]
Scott clutched his stomach, bursting into wild laughter. "Haha, I've heard it all! They're just scared of Yanqing and Yunli's authority, too afraid to speak out!
Let me tell you, just earlier, a brave soul secretly approached me, encouraging me to defeat you and vent the frustrations of Aurum Alley's people.
Not only that, he brought me and my brothers a huge pot of medicinal stew to boost our spirits so we can take you down with extra vigor!"
March 7th gave a cold laugh, catching on. "Haha, what a… warm-hearted hero."
Stelle looked at Scott like he was an idiot. "That stew's laced with laxatives."
Scott planted his hands on his hips. "You think I don't know that? You're just trying to sow discord between us and the enlightened folks of Aurum Alley, who are united by shared interests and class solidarity, to beat me!"
March 7th scratched her head. "I didn't catch a word of that long-winded sentence."
Scott waved a hand.
"Enough talk. Brothers, let's go! Let the medicinal stew, lovingly prepared by the people, give us even more strength! We can't lose!"