Once anyone stepped into Zhetian Peak, even Mu Zixu could forget about taking another step forward. Song Wanníng didn't refuse. Meeting Feng Jiuxiao once in a while actually sounded pretty nice.
Right then, Lan Yue finally received a message talisman from her Master. "Junior Sister Song, Master's returned. Could you come over for a meeting?"
"Dao Qing's back?" Feng Jiuxiao raised her brows and gestured at Song Wanníng with her chin. "Go on, and remember to drop by when you've got time."
Song Wanníng's talent in alchemy couldn't be allowed to go to waste.
"I'll head out then!"
She waved with a smile, called out a quick goodbye to Luo Xingyao, then followed Lan Yue.
Luo Xingyao pouted hard. "Master, give me back my little Junior Sister!"
There were only the two of them on Zhetian Peak, and it felt way too cold and empty. But Feng Jiuxiao only gave him a flat glance.
"If it feels empty, take in disciples yourself. Take as many as you like, I won't interfere."
She really didn't want to raise another disciple.
Troublesome.
Luo Xingyao instantly knew she disliked the idea. But very few people had the monstrous talent his Master did. He'd already worked so hard. So his resentment grew heavier.
…
On Alchemy Peak, Dao Qing and Song Wanníng met once again.
Situ Yue and the others were standing to the side. Her expression was still stiff, and every time she saw Song Wanníng she instinctively felt a stab of fear. She kept feeling like Song Wanníng was about to rob her of something.
"Little girl, I didn't expect us to meet again so soon."
Dao Qing looked at Song Wanníng with eyes full of affection and pride. The inheritor he'd chosen was this outstanding. Outstanding enough to make even him surprised.
"I haven't thanked Senior yet. I learned so much, and that immortal furnace even saved my life several times…"
Song Wanníng genuinely thanked Dao Qing. Without the immortal furnace, she wouldn't have gotten through many of her crises so easily. Not to mention the benefits from the inheritance.
"Hahaha!" Dao Qing burst into loud laughter. "You little girl, you even turned the furnace into a defensive treasure!"
He truly didn't expect Song Wanníng to use the furnace that way.
"In the lower realms, the furnace's power doesn't show since there's no immortal qi driving it. But once you reach the Immortal Realm, you'll see how amazing that furnace really is."
Dao Qing looked at her with deep satisfaction, wishing he could take her as a direct disciple.But he knew very well that since Song Wanníng had already refused Mo Yang Xiānzūn and Feng Jiuxiao, she wouldn't suddenly accept him.
So he just said directly, "Little girl, from now on you're a registered disciple of Alchemy Peak."
Afraid she'd refuse, he hurried on, "From today on, any pill recipes or medicinal herbs you need, just come take them! If you don't understand something, come ask me anytime. I'll tell you everything I know!"
Dao Qing cherished Song Wanníng's talent far too much. A genius like her shouldn't be wasted, even if she didn't formally take him as her Master.
Song Wanníng originally intended to refuse, but the moment she heard "take herbs freely" and "ask me anytime," she swallowed that refusal right back down. There was absolutely no reason to turn down something this good.
She nodded. "Thank you, Martial Uncle. I'll definitely live up to your expectations and study alchemy seriously."
"Good!!"
Dao Qing slapped his thigh in delight. He'd finally kept Song Wanníng with him.
Whether she became a direct disciple didn't matter anymore.
But those words made Situ Yue's eyes go red with jealousy.
Why?
Why could Song Wanníng freely take medicinal herbs?
Even they had monthly limits!
But Song Wanníng, someone who wasn't even a direct disciple, got special treatment like this?
How was she supposed to accept that?
Situ Yue clenched her fists, wanting to push the Senior Brothers into protesting with her.But when she turned around, all the Senior Brothers were smiling happily.
Even Lan Yue was smiling, not a hint of dissatisfaction. Everyone seemed genuinely glad to welcome Song Wanníng. How could this be? Weren't the Senior Brothers always on her side? Were they all choosing Song Wanníng over her now?
Situ Yue's heart turned messy and panicked.
Meanwhile, Dao Qing didn't pay attention to his disciples' reactions at all. He turned to Song Wanníng and said, "You clashed with Mu Zixu the moment you arrived. With that brat's temperament, he definitely has follow-up tricks.
And a year from now there's an alchemy tournament. If I'm not wrong, they'll definitely challenge you.
So instead of waiting, you should sign up yourself. Let them see your talent carefully."
Dao Qing snorted, his eyes filled with contempt.
"So certain people don't keep acting arrogant like they're so amazing."
He was completely confident in her.
Those disciples had been practicing for years. Song Wanníng had only just ascended, so her alchemy wasn't at their level yet. But her improvement would be huge. She'd definitely shock them all.
"What do you think?" Dao Qing asked.
Song Wanníng frowned slightly, thought for a moment, then nodded. She'd just ascended anyway, and she wasn't planning to wander around. Cultivating her techniques and studying alchemy for now sounded pretty good.
"Good, then you'll stay here for the time being. I'll personally guide your alchemy."
The more Dao Qing looked at her, the more he liked her. Without even thinking, he gave up his own side hall and let her stay there for now. Then he went off to arrange a separate residence to be built for her alone.
Song Wanníng didn't refuse. She said goodbye to the others and returned to the side hall to begin cultivating.
Dao Qing even set up an isolation array around her so no one would disturb her.
After giving all his instructions, he turned to his disciples.
"The alchemy tournament's coming up. I'm sure none of you want to lose to Mu Zixu's lineage, right?"
The disciples quickly shook their heads. Their two lineages always fought the hardest during the tournament. They could lose to anyone else, but not them.
"In that case, practice well this year. If you've got questions, ask me anytime. But if anyone keeps playing petty tricks and bullying their own sectmates, don't blame me for being harsh."
As he spoke, Dao Qing gave a meaningful look at Situ Yue.
Situ Yue instantly felt like she was sitting on needles. She was furious.
In the beginning, her Master had treated her so well. But the more time passed, the more displeased he became with her…
It had to be Lan Yue's fault!
She glared at Lan Yue secretly. During this alchemy tournament, she was going to shine brighter than anyone. She'd make her Master see clearly that Lan Yue and Song Wanníng couldn't compare to her at all.
They weren't even worthy of carrying her shoes.
Only by nurturing herself could she truly carry on his legacy.
With that decision, Situ Yue rushed off to train.
She absolutely couldn't let Song Wanníng steal her spotlight.
The other disciples also hurried away.
They all shared the same goal: to crush Mu Zixu's lineage.