“Thank you for your kindness, senior.” Nangong Huan accepted the badge without further thought. In her eyes, all badges were the same as long as they allowed her to purchase magical herbs.
“To be honest, I have a humble request,” Elder Xue said, his expression turning serious.
Seeing Elder Xue's straightforwardness, Nangong Huan straightened her posture and replied, “Please, go ahead.”
“In a year, there will be a grand Potion Master Conference among the Seven Nations. This event happens once every ten years, and next year it will be held in Fengxuan. I hope to see you there,” Elder Xue said, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. The Seven Nations Conference was a coveted event for countless potion masters!
The Seven Nations Conference? Nangong Huan’s eyes sparkled with interest. Such a grand competition must have substantial rewards!
“I will definitely make time to attend,” Nangong Huan promised.
Elder Xue laughed heartily, giving her shoulder a friendly pat. “Good! If you need anything else, feel free to come to the association to find me.”
As long as this child is given the opportunity to grow, her future achievements will be remarkable!
“Thank you, senior,” Nangong Huan said respectfully, cupping her fists.
Just as she was about to turn and leave, Song Xiran stood up, saying, “Miss Black Lotus, this is my token. If you ever need anything, you can come directly to the palace to find me.”
Song Xiran took out a smooth, snow-white jade pendant shaped like a marten and placed it in Nangong Huan's hand.
This marten symbol was the emblem of the Fengxuan royal family.
As expected of a royal item, the pendant felt warm to the touch, embedded with spirit seeds, which would be beneficial to wear long-term.
Nangong Huan understood that Song Xiran was trying to recruit her. The pendant’s value was evident, and it could save her a lot of trouble in the future.
“Thank you, Your Highness.” Nangong Huan pocketed the pendant. “I have other matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave now.”
“Until we meet again,” Song Xiran nodded, watching as Nangong Huan turned to leave.
It wasn't until Nangong Huan's figure disappeared that Song Xiran returned to her seat.
“Teacher, that Black Lotus girl is truly impressive,” Song Xiran praised sincerely. If she hadn’t seen it with her own eyes, she might have thought it was a hoax.
“She is indeed extraordinary. By the way, what were you going to discuss with me earlier?” Elder Xue asked as he settled back down.
Song Xiran’s expression turned serious. “As you know, the Yunxing Sect announced its entry into the world a few days ago. The old sect master said that a Ziwei Star has descended upon our Fengxuan Empire, and sent his descendant, Kongtong Yu, to the palace. That girl did a divination for me and said that a woman holding a Pure Light Silk will appear, controlling my life and death. This woman seems to be related to the Ziwei Star and is supposedly here in Jianglou City.”
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Elder Xue reassured her, “Your Highness, you are blessed by fate and have nothing to fear. Moreover, the Pure Light Silk is currently stored in the treasure vault of the Fengxuan Royal Academy, and no one possesses it. If it were to be taken, we would know who took it by asking the academy.”
His words eased Song Xiran’s worries. “You’re right, perhaps I was overthinking it.”
“However, what you mentioned about the Ziwei Star appearing is quite intriguing. I fear that various factions will stir up chaos over her,” Elder Xue said, brewing another pot of tea, watching the leaves swirl in the water, lost in thought.
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With the badge in hand, Nangong Huan and Dong Yan Chao immediately headed to the largest magical herb shop in the city, located next to the association.
As they entered, Nangong Huan held Dong Yan Chao’s hands to prevent him from touching the herbs, while stuffing some candies into his hands.
The glutton's eyes darted around, almost drooling at the sight of the magical herbs.
“Behave, and I’ll take you to eat something delicious later,” Nangong Huan said, patting him, which finally calmed him down.
“Esteemed Potion Master, what kind of herbs do you need?” the shopkeeper greeted them with a smile. Only potion masters entered the shop.
Nangong Huan didn’t hold back and began to order, “This one, that one, and that one... please pack me two of each.”
Most of the herbs were low-grade and not very expensive. Besides the materials for promotion potions, she also picked some herbs to help her grandfather's health.
“Alright!” The shopkeeper swiftly began packing the items.
Just as Nangong Huan contemplated whether to buy more, a beautifully dressed woman entered the shop.
The moment the woman stepped in, she said, “Shopkeeper, prepare two portions of those old formulas for me, I need them urgently.”
Hmm? Shen Yeyao?!
Nangong Huan’s gaze sharpened. This woman was none other than Nangong Qian’er’s mother, Shen Yeyao!
Of course, Shen Yeyao was a fourth-grade potion master, so it was not surprising to see her here. She held significant prestige in the city.
“Uh, Madam Shen, there are only two portions of the Red Candle Leaves left, and this young lady just bought them. We’re currently restocking and it will take an hour. Would you mind waiting? I’ll send someone to deliver them to your residence later,” the shopkeeper said, somewhat awkwardly. After all, this girl had arrived first.
“Oh?” Shen Yeyao cast a disdainful glance at Nangong Huan, her eyes betraying a hint of contempt, though she managed to mask it well.
A little girl thinks she can compete with her?
“Then I’ll take those two portions of Red Candle Leaves. If you want to buy them, you’ll have to wait a bit longer,” Shen Yeyao waved her hand dismissively. In Jianglou City, even the city lord had to show her respect.
If this young girl had any sense, she wouldn’t dare to compete with a senior potion master like her.
“First come, first served. I arrived first. Are you planning to rob me in broad daylight?” Nangong Huan refused to back down, her attitude firm.
If it were anyone else, she might have yielded after a few polite words, but this was Shen Yeyao, and that made all the difference!
“This…” The shopkeeper was taken aback, panic flashing in his eyes as he desperately signaled to Nangong Huan. After all, she was a fourth-grade potion master—he couldn’t afford to offend her!
Shen Yeyao frowned, her expression darkening. “Young lady, don’t narrow your path. By seniority, you should address me as ‘senior.’”
“Do you deserve it?” Nangong Huan scoffed, a flicker of cold light flashing in her eyes beneath her veil. This venomous woman had placed a curse on her grandfather’s body, and she would never let her go!
Those three words ignited Shen Yeyao's fury. She finally lowered her head to meet Nangong Huan's gaze, her eyes radiating danger.
“With just one word from me, you won’t see tomorrow’s sun!” Shen Yeyao threatened, still maintaining her haughty demeanor.
“Wrong, wrong.” Nangong Huan simply called out, and a gust of wind swept past her ears.
In a flash, Dong Yan Chao stepped forward, raising his hand to deliver a sharp slap, sending Shen Yeyao flying out of the shop and rolling down the steps!
This unexpected turn of events left everyone stunned!
“Pfft!” Shen Yeyao, caught off guard, spat out a mouthful of blood that arced beautifully through the air, crashing heavily to the ground. Two of her teeth flew out, her cheek swollen and bloodied from the force of the slap—this was more brutal than any previous encounter!
The shopkeeper was left dumbfounded, trembling as he retreated behind the counter, peeking out with half his head, terrified as he watched Shen Yeyao.
This girl was reckless! How could she dare to publicly strike Madam Shen?!