Although Huo Jinchuan was asking for their consent, his tone was full of threats. It felt as if the three dared to refuse, their fate would be grim.
The atmosphere on the spirit boat suddenly turned heavy.
They had only just entered the Central Region, yet Huo Jinchuan had already changed his attitude—truly fast. But each of the three had their own goals, so they had expected this and prepared themselves mentally.
"All right."
The demon clan young master, Baili Shang was the first to agree.
Then Xiao Heyun reluctantly nodded with an unclear expression.
Only Song Wanníng remained silent.
Huo Jinchuan looked over at her with a scrutinizing gaze.
"Her Luck is the strongest. I must find an excuse to keep her here first, then plan carefully. These three are very cautious. If I don't find a reason, they will become suspicious."
His inner voice echoed clearly in the sea of consciousness.
The incomplete pill formula was not the real goal—just an excuse to delay them.
Song Wanníng blinked and smiled faintly.
"Of course we will. It is thanks to your kindness, Young Master, that we even have the chance to enter."
Her smile was warm, yet carried a subtle chill.
Huo Jinchuan nodded without changing expression.
"In that case, study the formula carefully. Once you reach the Dan Sect, you may visit and learn properly."
With that, he ignored them and resumed driving the spirit boat onward.
Song Wanníng exchanged a glance with Baili Shang, then both quietly turned away and began studying the formula.
Xiao Heyun did not suspect Huo Jinchuan's real intent and thought the trip was truly for the pill formula.
"I lost to them before in the competition. This time, I cannot lose again on the pill formula! System, I'm going to focus on this formula. Do not disturb me."
He then threw himself into studying the formula with great diligence.
Song Wanníng glanced at him with a cold sneer.
Both were invaders now fully opposed. If her guess was right, Huo Jinchuan would spare no one. Could Xiao Heyun's Luck be preserved?
She was truly curious.
She was even more intrigued by Huo Jinchuan's ability to see Luck. That was far more interesting than these pill formulas.
...
Half a month later, the spirit boat finally stopped.
The maid's wounds had fully healed. She followed Huo Jinchuan quietly and no longer dared be rude to Song Wanníng and the others.
The three looked up to see a sect hidden in mist, its towering buildings magnificent and imposing, revealing profound heritage.
At the gate stood a huge furnace over ten meters tall, releasing a faint aroma of pills that made one's body feel refreshed just by inhaling.
Though the Dan Sect depended on the Huo family, its strength surpassed the Medicine King Sect.
The moment Huo Jinchuan appeared, over twenty disciples guarding the gate all saluted and greeted in unison, the sound echoing through the area.
This display was even grander than Song Wanníng had experienced at the Song family. Almost all resources in the Central Region were monopolized by these families. In fact, cultivators in the Four Regions might have a freer life.
Huo Jinchuan nodded and led Song Wanníng and the others deeper into the Dan Sect.
Inside, the fragrance of herbs became even stronger. Passing disciples hurried along, some reciting pill formulas while walking, clearly working hard.
When the sect master of the Dan Sect learned of Huo Jinchuan's arrival, he quickly came with a group to welcome them.
"These three are from the Outer Region, here to learn our pill refining arts. Feel free to spar with them."
Huo Jinchuan introduced Song Wanníng and the others, mentioning their competition results. The group's gaze toward Song Wanníng changed noticeably.
Even they had never encountered a Alchemy phenomenon. Her talent was so great she could join the Dan Sect.
The sect master smiled and agreed eagerly.
Following orders, he took Song Wanníng and the others to Yingke Peak.
"Young Master has some affairs for the next few days. You will stay temporarily on Yingke Peak. Rest tonight, and tomorrow I will send someone to show you around the Pill Sect."
"Thank you, sect master."
Song Wanníng smiled in thanks.
Among the three, Baili Shang spoke little. Xiao Heyun had to maintain his false image, so Song Wanníng had to handle the conversation.
"Rest well."
The sect master nodded and quickly left with his group.
The vast Yingke Peak was left with only the three of them.
They each picked a room and went inside to rest.
...
Rumble rumble
Huo Jinchuan opened a secret chamber and strode inside.
The Huo clan patriarch was sitting in meditation. Hearing the noise, he opened his eyes.
"You're back? Did you find them?"
His gaze was cold and emotionless.
"They're back. Currently settled in the Dan Sect."
Huo Jinchuan approached, took incense, lit it, and placed it on the altar.
The patriarch glanced at him and nodded lightly before closing his eyes again.
Huo Jinchuan's fists clenched quietly at his sides as he stared at the rising incense smoke.
Silence filled the secret chamber once more.
...
Moonlight spilled gently over Yingke Peak. Song Wanníng was meditating when a knock sounded at the door.
"Come in."
She opened her eyes and waved. The door slid open.
"Sorry to disturb you."
Baili Shang strode in and closed the door behind him.
"Sit."
Song Wanníng gestured toward a stool, then rose and sat down herself, pouring a cup of tea for Baili Shang.
"What does the young master want with me?"
She sipped the tea, eyes curious on Baili Shang.
She had already sensed his intent when he invited her to the city lord's mansion.
Now, having just arrived at the Dan Sect, he came straight to her.
Baili Shang was not polite. After sipping his tea, he said, "Song Daoyou, you have probably already noticed the problem. Yet you still chose to enter, so you must have your own reasons. But Huo Jinchuan's attitude—you must have seen it. Not just you, even I cannot escape."
He leaned slightly forward, staring straight into Song Wanníng's eyes.
"We only have a chance if we cooperate. The question is, Song Daoyou, are you willing?"
A faint smile touched his lips, but did not reach his eyes.
Song Wanníng remained lazily seated, as if expecting this.
"I am but a Void Refinement cultivator. Does the young master really need to cooperate with me?"
Her heart was full of caution. Not to mention Baili Shang was demon clan, she had to be wary of his cultivation strength alone.
Otherwise, if he turned against her, she would be counting spirit stones for him.
Baili Shang was unbothered and slowly pulled out a white piece of paper from his storage ring.