Now she needed to firmly stabilize her cultivation and improve her alchemy skills. Otherwise, the pills she refined would never keep up with her cultivation level.
"All right, all right!"
Qin Ming nodded repeatedly, his eyes still fixed on the gifts Song Wanníng had given him.
Only after Song Wanníng closed the door did he suddenly ask, "What did Wanníng say she was going to do earlier?"
Feng Xue and Cang Yang also wore expressions that said it was hard to describe.
"She said she wanted to practice alchemy..."
The three exchanged a glance, their faces full of shock.
Did people even have time to live anymore? Not only was her cultivation advancing so fast, but now she was going to practice alchemy too?
A heavy pressure seemed to weigh down on them.
"Stop playing around. Our little Junior Sister is already in seclusion. Now Wanníng is starting seclusion as well. We can't fall behind!"
The three immediately separated and returned to their rooms.
They absolutely could not be left behind.
Thus, the entire Zhuoyun Peak went into seclusion. Only a few servants remained, tending the medicinal herb fields.
The news of Jiang Cen's punishment quickly spread throughout the sect, stirring much gossip.
When Jiang Cen was taken away on the third day, everyone quietly watched. Only after confirming that the Law Enforcement Hall had taken her did the disciples secretly celebrate.
"That wicked woman is finally gone!"
"Yeah, she got punished this time. Before, when she targeted us, no one did anything!"
"Well, you're not Senior Brother Liu Xingzhi's disciple, are you?"
"Heh heh heh..."
The disciples had long been dissatisfied with Jiang Cen and finally felt relieved.
Their conversation soon shifted to other topics.
"The new alchemy competition is about to start. I wonder how many from our sect will enter?"
"Tsk, I heard the top prizes include a chance to visit and study at the Dan Sect in the Central Domain..."
"Really?"
"Absolutely. That intel is solid. No fake news!"
"Hiss, if that's true, the top three this year will skyrocket in fame!"
"Even without the reward, those guys are already destined for great success..."
Their voices brimmed with envy. Among the four main arts of cultivation, alchemy was the most lucrative and prestigious.
After all, while other things could be dispensed with, pills were indispensable—whether to heal wounds or restore spiritual energy.
Everyone greatly respected and envied skilled alchemists.
With the competition looming, all alchemists were preparing in full swing.
Meanwhile, within the Medicine King Sect, Wu Qingfeng discussed the event with Mu Zixu.
"This time, the top three winners get to visit the Dan Sect in the Central Domain—a rare opportunity. If we gain new legacies, our lower realm inheritance will deepen. One day, the fame of Medicine King Sect will echo across the entire Spirit Realm!"
Wu Qingfeng's eyes shone with ambition, eager to elevate the sect's glory immediately.
"You must carefully select your contestants. Losing is out of the question. Our Medicine King Sect cannot afford such disgrace."
This alchemy competition gathered master alchemists from all four domains. Demonic and beast tribes would also participate. But alchemists among the beast tribes were extremely rare, almost negligible. Therefore, the main competition was between demons and humans. Among the humans, only the Medicine King Sect specialized in alchemy. Losing would bring great shame.
"Ancestor, rest assured. I will handle this well!"
Wu Qingfeng knew the stakes and nodded eagerly. Mu Zixu added,
"Put Song Wanníng's matter aside for now. I don't believe she can hide in Guhan Sect forever after the competition ends."
A trace of bitterness flashed in Mu Zixu's eyes. His life had been smooth except for the sect relocation and the Dao Qing incident.
Now Song Wanníng appeared, how could he not hold a grudge?
If he were still in the lower realm, he would have dealt with her personally.
"Ancestor, rest assured, Song Wanníng won't be free to roam for much longer!"
Wu Qingfeng sneered. As long as Song Wanníng left Guhan Sect alone, he would never let her escape.
…
Song Wanníng was unaware of the alchemy competition.
She immersed herself in alchemy. The legacy given by Dao Qing clearly recorded methods and potential problems. Even the solutions after problems appeared were described in detail. With her own good comprehension, the legacy made alchemy effortless.
As her skill improved, she sighed inwardly.
"No wonder everyone wants the legacy. It's not like ordinary alchemy books. It can save decades of detours." Looking at the pills she refined, she was very satisfied.
By now, she could refine seventh-grade spiritual pills. Alchemy was connected to the furnace, cultivation, mental power, and the Dan fire.
Song Wanníng had strong mental power, decent cultivation, and used a immortal furnace. It was no surprise she produced one excellent seventh-grade spiritual pill after another.
Just as she prepared to continue, a message talisman from Second Senior Brother came from outside. She glanced at it, planning to rest briefly, then opened the door.
Qin Ming was waiting eagerly at the door.
Seeing Song Wanníng, he immediately asked, "Wanníng, the alchemy competition is about to start. Are you going to sign up?"
"Alchemy competition?"
Song Wanníng raised her brow, curiosity flickering in her eyes.
"Yes, since you just ascended, you might not know.
The alchemy competition is held once every ten years, with contestants from the four domains. This time, the prize includes a visit to the Central Domain.
The Central Domain has always been secluded, never seen from outside, and outsiders can't enter. So this is a rare chance. If you're interested, you can try."
Although he didn't know her alchemy level, Qin Ming thought participating would be good. At least everyone would know she could refine pills and respect her more in the sect.
Qin Ming was thoughtful. A talent like his Martial Nephew shouldn't be buried.
"But before you can join, there's a sect qualifier. If you want, I can register you."
Qin Ming explained everything quickly, and Song Wanníng roughly understood the competition.
But her focus was not on the Central Domain.
"Will Medicine King Sect join the alchemy competition?"
Mu Zixu held grudges, and so did Song Wanníng.
Especially since Medicine King Sect had once tried to ruin her.
"Medicine King Sect? Of course they will!"
Qin Ming didn't know about the feud and explained, "Last competition, Medicine King Sect took the top two places!"
After all, they were a professional alchemy sect; it was only natural other sects couldn't compete.