Chapter 692 - 699: Daoqing’s Arrangement

But once inside Sky Covering Peak, not even Mu Zixu could hope to take a single step.

Song Wanning didn’t refuse. An occasional get-together with Feng Jiuxiao sounded rather nice.

Just then, Lan Yue finally received a Communication Talisman from her master.

"Junior Sister Song, Master has returned. Would you be able to join us for a meeting?"

"Daoqing is back?"

Feng Jiuxiao raised an eyebrow and jutted her chin toward Song Wanning.

"Go on. Remember to come visit when you have time!"

’Song Wanning’s talent for alchemy can’t be allowed to go to waste.’

"I’m off, then!"

Song Wanning smiled and waved, said a quick goodbye to Luo Xingyao, and then left with Lan Yue.

Luo Xingyao pouted. "Master, give me back my little junior sister!!!"

With just him and his master on the entire Sky Covering Peak, it was simply too desolate.

But Feng Jiuxiao only gave him an indifferent glance.

"If you think it’s desolate, then take on your own disciples. Take as many as you want. I won’t interfere."

’In any case, I don’t want to take on any more disciples.’

’Too much trouble!’

Luo Xingyao knew full well he was being scorned.

’But people with transcendent talent like Master are so rare. I’m already trying my best.’

For a moment, the aura of resentment around him grew even thicker.

...

On Dan Dao Peak, Daoqing and Song Wanning met once more.

Situ Yue and a few others were also standing to the side. Her expression was a bit unnatural; whenever she saw Song Wanning, she instinctively felt a little afraid.

’She always felt like Song Wanning was going to steal something from her.’

"Young lady, I truly didn’t expect we would meet again so soon."

Daoqing looked at Song Wanning, his eyes filled with affection and pride.

’The successor I chose is so outstanding!’

’So outstanding it’s even taken me by surprise.’

"I have yet to properly thank you, Senior. Not only have I benefited immensely, but I’ve also relied on the Immortal Furnace to escape danger multiple times..."

Song Wanning thanked Daoqing sincerely. Without the Immortal Furnace, she wouldn’t have escaped her many crises so easily.

Not to mention the benefits of the inheritance itself.

"HAHAHA—"

Daoqing burst out laughing upon hearing this.

"You clever girl, you’ve even found new tricks to do with the furnace!"

He had never imagined Song Wanning would use the furnace as a defensive Magical Treasure.

"In the Lower World, the furnace’s full potential might not be obvious, as there’s no Immortal Qi to power it."

"But now that you’re in the Immortal World, you’ll discover its marvelous uses!"

Daoqing watched Song Wanning with immense satisfaction, wishing he could take her as his direct disciple.

But he knew that since Song Wanning had already refused Mo Yang Immortal Venerable and Feng Jiuxiao, she certainly wouldn’t agree to become his disciple either.

So, he said to Song Wanning directly, "Young lady, from now on, you will be a nominal disciple of my Dan Dao Peak."

Fearing she might refuse, he quickly added, "In the future, you can come and take any Pill Recipes or medicinal ingredients you need, as you please!"

"If there’s anything you don’t understand, you can come to me at any time. I will tell you everything I know without holding anything back!"

Daoqing treasured Song Wanning’s talent too much.

A talent like hers shouldn’t be wasted, even if she wouldn’t become his formal disciple.

Song Wanning had indeed been about to refuse, but when she heard she could take medicinal ingredients as she pleased and also consult Daoqing, she immediately swallowed her words.

’There was no reason to turn down such a good offer.’

She nodded. "Thank you, Martial Uncle! I will certainly not disappoint your expectations and will study alchemy with diligence!"

"Good!!"

Daoqing slapped his thigh in delight. He had finally managed to keep Song Wanning here.

Whether she was a direct disciple or not no longer mattered.

But these terms made Situ Yue’s eyes burn with jealousy.

’Why?’

’Why should Song Wanning be allowed to take medicinal ingredients freely?’

’Even they only received a fixed share each month!’

’But what about Song Wanning? She wasn’t even a formal disciple, yet she received such special treatment!!’

’How could she possibly accept this?’

Situ Yue clenched her fists. She had half a mind to incite her senior brothers to object, but when she turned around, they all looked perfectly happy.

Even Lan Yue was all smiles, showing not a hint of displeasure.

It seemed everyone was delighted by Song Wanning’s arrival.

’How can this be?’

’Weren’t my senior brothers always on my side?’

’Are they siding with that woman, Song Wanning, now?’

Situ Yue’s thoughts fell into turmoil, and she grew even more flustered.

Meanwhile, Daoqing paid no mind to his disciples’ reactions. Instead, he said to Song Wanning, "You clashed with Mu Zixu as soon as you arrived. Knowing that brat’s personality, he definitely has another move planned."

"There’s an Alchemy Dao competition in one year. If I’m not mistaken, they will certainly challenge you."

"That being the case, you might as well sign up for it yourself. When the time comes, you can show them what real talent looks like!"

Daoqing snorted, his eyes filled with scorn.

"That should stop certain people from getting so arrogant and thinking they’re all that!"

He had complete confidence in Song Wanning.

Those other disciples had been practicing for a long time, while Song Wanning had only just ascended. It was perfectly normal for her Alchemy Skill to be inferior to theirs for now.

But her progress was sure to be immense. When the time came, she would definitely leave them all dumbfounded.

"What do you think?"

Daoqing asked.

Song Wanning furrowed her brow at his words, then nodded after a moment of thought.

’I’ve only just ascended anyway, so it’s not like I planned on running all over the place. Focusing on my Cultivation Technique and studying alchemy sounds like a good plan.’

"Good. In that case, you can live here for the time being."

"I will personally guide you in your alchemy."

The more Daoqing looked at Song Wanning, the more he liked her. Without a second thought, he offered her his own side hall as a temporary residence.

He then made arrangements to have a separate house built just for her.

Again, Song Wanning didn’t refuse. She bid farewell to the others, returned to the side hall, and began preparing to cultivate.

To ensure she wouldn’t be disturbed, Daoqing set up a special isolation Array around her residence so that no one could bother her.

After settling everything, he turned to his disciples.

"The Alchemy Dao Competition is imminent. I trust none of you want to lose to Mu Zixu’s faction, do you?"

His disciples quickly shook their heads. The rivalry between their two factions was always the most heated at the Alchemy Dao Competition. They could lose to anyone else, but never to them!

"In that case, you will all practice diligently for me this year. If you have any problems, come to me at any time!"

"But if any of you resort to petty tricks or ostracize your peers, don’t blame me for being unforgiving!"

As he spoke, Daoqing shot a pointed glance at Situ Yue.

Situ Yue instantly felt as if she were sitting on pins and needles, a sense of grievance welling up inside her.

’In the beginning, Master was clearly so good to me. But as time went on, he became more and more critical...’

’It must be Lan Yue’s fault!!’

Situ Yue shot a secret glare at Lan Yue. ’In this Alchemy Dao Competition, I will definitely shine. I’ll make Master see that neither Lan Yue nor Song Wanning can ever compare to me!’

’They aren’t even worthy of carrying my shoes.’

’Only by nurturing me properly can he ensure his legacy will flourish.’

With a plan in mind, Situ Yue also immediately went to get busy.

’I absolutely cannot let Song Wanning steal my spotlight.’

The other disciples also bustled off to their tasks. They all shared a common goal: to crush Mu Zixu’s faction!