Chapter 414 - 420: The Grand Competition is Imminent

But he quickly composed himself and asked, "Senior Sister Song, why did you call us here?"

As Lu Yi said "Senior Sister Song," his neck flushed red again.

Wu Feng also looked at Song Wanning in confusion, not understanding why she had summoned him either.

"I called you here for the upcoming Alchemy Dao competition."

Song Wanning smiled and gestured for the two of them to sit.

"I heard the Sect Master mention that the best the Ancient Cold Sect has ever done is make it into the top five, but in the last few competitions, we’ve only made it to the top ten."

"So, we have a heavy responsibility this time."

She first analyzed the situation, quickly stirring up everyone’s competitive spirit.

It also sparked the desire to change that "history."

"So, in this next month, we need to improve our Alchemy as much as possible."

"We understand that, but why did you ask us to come here, Senior Sister Song...?"

Lu Yi frowned, a trace of doubt flashing in his eyes.

Wu Feng looked equally bewildered.

"Naturally, I hope we can study Alchemy Skill together and learn from each other."

Song Wanning’s lips curved into a slight smile, completely unaware of the shock her words had sent through the other two.

When it came to Alchemy, who wasn’t secretive? Besides one’s own master, who would be willing to reveal their methods to others?

’And Song Wanning actually suggested they learn from each other...’

’Besides, her Alchemy was clearly superior to theirs. Wasn’t this just a disguised way of helping them?’

Wu Feng and Lu Yi exchanged a look, both seeing the utter disbelief in each other’s eyes.

"Since we’re competing together, we are a team. We flourish together, and we fall together. I hope you two won’t disappoint me."

Song Wanning’s expression turned solemn.

’Hopefully, these two won’t fail to live up to her expectations.’

"Alright! Since you don’t mind, Senior Sister Song, then we’ll be shameless and ask for your guidance!"

Lu Yi had come to his senses. Only a fool would pass up such a golden opportunity.

Wu Feng nodded repeatedly, his face full of anticipation.

"Good. Let’s begin!"

...

「A month passed in the blink of an eye.」

Sects from the Four Domains began making their way toward Wuyang City. Although part of the Southern Domain, it was the closest city to the Central Domain.

Because the prize this time was entry into the Central Domain, many Sects chose to participate.

Even many from the Demon Clan and Demon Race were taking part.

"Senior Brother, you’ll definitely take first place in this competition!"

Xie Qinglan sat beside Xiao Heyun, her face filled with adoration.

’Father said it himself—Senior Brother is an alchemy genius!’

"There’s always someone better out there. I wouldn’t dare claim I’ll be number one!"

Xiao Heyun shook his head coolly, feigning modesty, but in his heart, he was certain first place was as good as his.

It’s just...

He suddenly thought of that woman, Song Wanning, and instinctively clenched his groin. In a daze, it felt as though the searing pain still lingered like a vengeful ghost.

He often startled awake from nightmares about it.

Some time ago, he’d even discovered he was having trouble... getting hard!

Xiao Heyun’s body went rigid, and his face turned deathly pale for a moment.

’That damned bitch. If she dares to show up at the Alchemy Dao competition this time, I’ll utterly crush her!’

As he thought this, he began stroking the "divine beast" cub beside him, his mind racing.

He had finally recovered from his injuries thanks to Xie Qinglan’s Elixir Pills, and he’d been trying to awaken the divine beast’s bloodline, but to no avail.

The system had also made it clear that it would not advance him any more points unless it was a matter of life and death.

So, the cub remained an ordinary demon beast, its bloodline still unawakened.

The thought made Xiao Heyun even more furious, strengthening his resolve to take first place in this competition.

First, it would increase Xie Qinglan’s affection for him. Second, it would grant him entry into the Central Domain, where another of his conquest targets awaited. If he succeeded, his points would skyrocket.

As for Song Wanning, he had completely lost interest in her as a target. Now, he only wanted to kill her to avenge his deep-seated hatred!

He glanced at the two Pill Masters accompanying him, a shadow of gloom passing through his eyes.

’These two are completely insubordinate. When the Alchemy Dao competition begins, I’ll make sure they suffer a humiliating defeat!’

Meanwhile, the Fourth Elder was also leading Song Wanning and the other two toward Wuyang City.

Despite not seeing them for only a short month, the change in Lu Yi and Wu Feng was immense, especially their attitude toward Song Wanning, which was one of utmost respect.

If Song Wanning told them to go east, they would never dare go west. Her words were even more effective than the Fourth Elder’s.

After learning the whole story, she realized that Song Wanning had been selflessly guiding the two in Alchemy!

Such magnanimity made the Fourth Elder feel that she herself was inferior.

"Good child, what a good child!"

She watched the three figures in the room discussing and studying Alchemy Skill, unable to help but feel emotional.

’With disciples like these, she would be content even if they didn’t place in the competition.’

So, she joined the three of them and began to impart her own years of insight into Alchemy.

This was an incredibly precious opportunity for the trio, and even Song Wanning listened with rapt attention.

The more she listened, the brighter her eyes became. Countless possibilities flashed through her mind, and she began to simulate Alchemy, slowly integrating the Fourth Elder’s experience into her process.

...

「After a journey of more than a month, they finally arrived in Wuyang City.」

The Fourth Elder led the three, who were all in high spirits, off the Spirit Boat. After paying the entrance fee, they successfully entered the city.

The city was bustling with people and carriages, an endless stream of traffic. Countless Cultivators had traveled thousands of miles, some to witness the Alchemy Dao competition, others to purchase Elixir Pills.

The Alchemy Dao competition, held once every ten years, was a true gathering place for Pill Masters. All sorts of precious Elixir Pills could be bought, and there were even special elixir auctions with a chance to bid on legendary spiritual pills and elixirs.

The city’s inns were almost all fully booked. Many local Cultivators were even renting out their own homes to the visiting Cultivators.

However, the Fourth Elder presented the Ancient Cold Sect’s credentials and secured rooms directly at the city’s largest inn, the Wuyang Inn.

The Wuyang Inn was owned by the City Lord. During this time, it was open only to the Sects participating in the competition; no amount of money could get anyone else a room.

The group took four guest rooms on the fifth floor and went to rest.

More Sects arrived at the Wuyang Inn one after another to check in, making the entire inn rather noisy.

Song Wanning opened the door to her room. As soon as she activated the privacy array, the clamor from outside was instantly cut off.

She didn’t rest. Instead, she immediately took out her Immortal Furnace and continued practicing Alchemy.

Senior Daoqing’s Alchemy Dao inheritance was extraordinary. Now, after hearing the Fourth Elder’s guidance and combining it with the Alchemy Dao texts from the Sect, many new ideas had sprouted in her mind.

She was eager to put them to the test.

If she actually succeeded, it would count as a unique innovation of her very own!

She took a deep breath and immediately immersed herself in Alchemy.

An hour after the four of them arrived, Wu Qingfeng of the Medicine King Sect also led his people to the inn.