He kept making mistakes, and he couldn't stop his attention from drifting to Song Wanníng.
The more he watched her smooth, effortless movements, the more flustered he felt.
For Feng San, his talent in alchemy had always been praised. Ever since he'd been in the lower realm, he'd been the sect's and his family's favored genius. Even after ascending to the Immortal Realm, he'd been immediately noticed by Mu Zixu, who accepted him as a personal disciple on the spot. He'd met a strong rival in Lan Yue, and the two of them had always exchanged wins and losses.
But the moment Song Wanníng appeared, he finally realized there was a gap he'd never cross. The pride he'd held onto for so long shattered right there, and a crushing sense of helplessness hit him hard.
The higher you stand, the more it hurts when you fall. And Feng San was feeling all of it.
This competition no longer had any suspense.
His mentality crumbled, and his state of mind slipped out of balance. If he didn't fix it soon, his future cultivation would be affected.
"Junior Brother Mu, that kid Feng San still needs a lot more tempering."
The sect master sighed and offered a kind reminder.
Mu Zixu naturally noticed Feng San's strange condition, and his expression darkened. To say nothing of Feng San, even his own heart felt crushed. It hurt more than he expected.
Besides the fear he had toward Song Wanníng, he mostly just felt regret now. With talent like hers, he shouldn't have given up on her back then just because of a little heart demon.
And the girl he'd chosen instead had long been gone. It only proved how blind he'd been.
Right at that moment, Mu Zixu's thoughts shifted. Back then Song Wanníng had wanted his inheritance and he'd refused, but now… maybe he could give her another chance.
…
The third round ended quickly.
What should've been a thrilling alchemy competition lost all suspense the moment Song Wanníng took the stage.
Everyone's attention was on her, and the others were completely forgotten.
The presiding elder checked everyone's pills one by one, and a conclusion was immediately reached.
Song Wanníng took first place with absolute advantage. Her pills weren't high-grade, but their quality was flawless. Every single one was top-tier.
That was unbelievably rare.
And everyone understood the reason. Her cultivation realm limited her pill grade for now. Once she rose higher, the pill grade would rise naturally. It was only a matter of time.
Second place went to Lan Yue. Feng San, who'd zoned out, blew up his furnace and ended up at the very bottom.
Unexpectedly, Ouyang Lin took third place.
Situ Yue landed near the bottom and didn't look too good. But she really wasn't on the same level as the others and could only admit defeat through gritted teeth.
"Since the results are already clear, there's no need for the fourth round."
The sect master spoke directly and declared the final top three.
hygThis time, no one objected.
Everyone looked at Song Wanníng with pure admiration.
Dao Qing branch was overjoyed, while Mu Zixu's group looked devastated, utterly crushed.
Song Wanníng was surrounded by disciples, smiling brightly.
Watching Mu Zixu's defeated expression felt especially satisfying.
She was petty like that, and who asked him to target her so much?
…
The crowd dispersed quickly.
Mu Zixu walked off with his disciples, face black, and before leaving, he shot Song Wanníng a long, complicated look.
It left her confused.
She'd thought Mu Zixu would explode at her in anger, but he didn't react at all. What was that supposed to mean?
Not only was Song Wanníng confused, even Dao Qing was baffled.
That brat's personality shouldn't look like that at all.
"Girl, Mu Zixu's definitely holding something in. Don't leave the sect in the coming days! I'm worried he'll make a move on you!"
A cold glint flashed in Dao Qing's eyes. If Mu Zixu really dared attack, then he'd dare kill. Even if the sect found out, they couldn't blame him.
"I understand."
Song Wanníng nodded, not letting her guard down.
Now that she was in the Immortal Realm, she didn't know whether the Heavenly Dao would still protect her. If Mu Zixu was pushed to desperation, she'd be the one to suffer. So cultivation was still the most important thing.
She greeted Mo Yang Xiānzūn and Feng Jiuxiao, then prepared to leave, but the sect master stopped her.
"Girl, come with me."
The sect master looked at her with a gentle, satisfied smile. Her performance was astonishing. Wuji Sect had struck gold. Once she grew up, she'd shake the entire Immortal Realm.
Song Wanníng was puzzled but followed. They ended up in the Treasure Pavilion.
"Sect master, this is…"
She stared in surprise. Items in the Treasure Pavilion could only be exchanged with points, and the rewards for the competition had already been given. Why bring her here?
"Come on, follow me in."
The sect master smiled and led her inside.
The moment she stepped in, she entered a world of starlight.
Countless glowing clusters floated in the air, like a vast galaxy, breathtakingly beautiful.
The sect master waved his hand, and one of the light clusters flew into his palm.
"This is a Heart-Guarding Mirror. It's a defensive immortal treasure personally refined by the previous sect master. It can block a full-power strike from a Daluo Jinxian."
Its defensive power was astonishing. But its exchange cost was too high, and no one had ever redeemed it.
Now, the sect master handed the Heart-Guarding Mirror directly to Song Wanníng.
"I offer this to you on behalf of the sect. May it keep you safe."
His gaze was firm, filled with expectations.
Song Wanníng had proven her strength today. She deserved to be cultivated with the sect's best resources. From now on, she'd get priority whenever good things appeared.
Song Wanníng felt overwhelmed. A Daluo Jinxian…
That was the same realm as Mo Yang Xiānzūn. This Heart-Guarding Mirror was far too precious. But she didn't refuse. She took it with steady eyes.
"Sect master, don't worry. I won't disappoint the sect."
With this mirror, she wasn't scared of Mu Zixu anymore. She smiled faintly, truly grateful.
The sect master chuckled kindly. "Junior Brother Mu is a bit extreme at times. As sect master, some things aren't convenient for me to interfere in. But if you're ever in danger, you must tell me. I'll make sure justice is served."
What he said was already very direct. If Mu Zixu was just causing small trouble, stepping in would make it seem petty. Song Wanníng would have to handle those herself.
But if Mu Zixu really attacked her, she must inform the sect. The sect would absolutely seek justice for her. These words showed clearly how much they valued her.
Song Wanníng understood, and warmth rose in her chest. She looked up and answered seriously, "Alright."
Between her and Mu Zixu, a battle was inevitable.