But he quickly composed himself and asked, "Senior Sister Song, why did you call us here?"
When Lu Yi said "Senior Sister Song," his neck flushed even redder.
Wu Feng also looked at Song Wanníng with confusion, not understanding why she wanted them to come.
"I called you here for the upcoming alchemy competition," Song Wanníng said with a smile, gesturing for them to sit down.
"I heard the sect master mention that Guhan Sect's best result was reaching the top five, but in recent competitions, we have only made it as far as the top ten. So this time, our task is heavy."
She analyzed the situation clearly, quickly stirring their competitive spirit.
At the same time, she nurtured a desire to rewrite "history."
"So, in this one month, we must improve our alchemy skills as much as possible."
"We understand that much. But Senior Sister Song, why did you call us here exactly...?"
Lu Yi frowned, a hint of doubt flashing through his eyes.
Wu Feng also looked puzzled.
"Of course, I want us to study alchemy together and practice by exchanging techniques."
A slight curl appeared at the corner of Song Wanníng's lips. She didn't realize how much this sentence shocked the two of them.
Who wouldn't keep their alchemy skills secret? Besides Master, who would willingly reveal their methods to others?
Yet Song Wanníng actually wanted them to practice and refine together...
And since her alchemy was clearly stronger than both of theirs, wasn't she helping them in disguise?
Wu Feng and Lu Yi exchanged glances, disbelief shining in their eyes.
"Since we're fighting together as a team, we rise and fall together. I hope neither of you disappoints me." Song Wanníng's expression turned serious. She just hoped they would live up to her expectations.
"Alright, since Senior Sister Song doesn't mind, then we won't be shy about learning from you!" Lu Yi realized how good an opportunity this was and decided it would be foolish to pass it up.
Wu Feng nodded repeatedly, full of anticipation.
"Okay, let's get started!"
One month passed in the blink of an eye. Sects from the Four Domains all headed toward Wuyang City. This city belonged to the Southern Domain but was also the closest point to the Central Domain.
Because the reward for this competition was entry into the Central Domain, many sects chose to participate.
The demon race and beast clans also had many participants.
"Senior Brother, you will definitely take first place this time!"
Xie Qinglan sat beside Xiao Heyun, her face full of admiration.
"Father said Senior Brother was a genius in alchemy!"
"There will always be someone better. I dare not claim to be first."
Xiao Heyun shook his head with a humble look, but in truth, he was confident the top spot was his.
However...
He suddenly thought of that woman, Song Wanníng. His body tensed instinctively, the lingering sharp pain still haunting him. He often woke up from nightmares, startled.
Recently, he even noticed he had trouble staying hard!
Xiao Heyun stiffened, his face briefly pale.
That damn bitch. If she dares to compete in the alchemy competition, he would defeat her mercilessly. He caressed the young "divine beast" cub beside him, his mind full of swirling thoughts.
During this time, thanks to Xie Qinglan's pills, his injuries had healed. He had also been trying to activate the divine beast's bloodline but failed repeatedly.
The system had clearly stated that points would not be lent out again except in life-or-death situations.
So the cub remained an ordinary beast, its bloodline yet to awaken. Thinking of this made Xiao He Yun angrier and more determined to claim first place.
Winning would increase Xie Qinglan's favor toward him and grant access to the Central Domain, where his conquest target awaited. Success would send his points soaring. As for Song Wanníng, he had lost all interest. He only wanted to kill her and settle their deep blood feud.
Looking at the two alchemists following him, his eyes darkened. They greatly disrespected him. At the competition, he would ensure they lost badly.
Meanwhile, the Fourth Elder led Song Wanníng and the others toward Wuyang City.
In just one month, Lu Yi and Wu Feng had changed significantly, especially in how respectfully they treated Song Wanníng. When she spoke east, they wouldn't dare go west. Even more obedient than when the elder spoke.
Later, when the truth came out, everyone realized that Song Wanníng had selflessly been guiding the two in alchemy!
Such generosity left the Fourth Elder admiring her.
"Well done, well done!"
She looked at the three discussing alchemy inside the room and felt deep emotion. With such disciples, even if they didn't win, she would be satisfied. So she joined them, sharing her own alchemy insights gained over many years.
For the three, this was a priceless opportunity. Even Song Wanníng listened carefully.
The more she listened, the brighter her eyes grew. Endless possibilities flashed through her mind, and she began simulating alchemy in her head, weaving in the Fourth Elder's experience bit by bit.
After more than a month's journey, they finally arrived in Wuyang City.
The Fourth Elder led the energetic trio off the spirit boat. After paying the city entry fee, they successfully entered.
The city was bustling, filled with streams of cultivators traveling from far and wide to witness the alchemy competition or buy pills.
The alchemy competition, held once every ten years, was a gathering place for alchemists. All kinds of precious pills were available for purchase, and a special pill auction could even offer legendary elixirs.
Most inns were fully booked, with many local cultivators renting out their homes to visitors.
The Fourth Elder showed Guhan Sect's identification and secured rooms at the largest inn, Wuyang Inn.
Wuyang Inn was run by the city lord and only opened to competing sects at this time—no matter how rich others were, they could not stay.
They booked four rooms on the fifth floor and went to rest.
The inn gradually filled with sects booking rooms, making it quite noisy.
Song Wanníng entered her room and immediately activated the sealing formation, blocking out the outside noise. She did not rest. Instead, she took out her immortal furnace and continued refining pills without pause.
Senior Dao Qing's alchemy inheritance was excellent. After listening to the Fourth Elder's guidance and studying sect alchemy scriptures, she had many new ideas.
She was eager to try them out. If successful, this would be an innovation all her own. She took a deep breath and immediately immersed herself in pill refinement.
About half an hour later, Wu Qingfeng from Medicine King Sect also arrived with his entourage at the inn.