"A highly talented potion master," Song Xiran replied.
Song Que nodded, not paying much attention. After all, there were many talented potion masters on this continent, so it was reasonable for them to attract attention.
However, he might not fully understand how special the phrase "highly talented" was when applied to "Black Lotus."
At this moment, Nangong Huan stepped up to the judging panel.
The crowd was puzzled about what she was going to do, but then they saw her address Elder Xue, "Are you Elder Xue from the Certification Association?"
Elder Xue exchanged glances with Song Xiran beside him and replied, "Indeed, I am. What is it you need?"
"My senior sister, Black Lotus, has a way to expel the cursed insects from everyone’s bodies. However, she has conditions: one million spirit herbs per person, or an equivalent in magical materials for trade. I ask Elder Xue to help gather those interested in the side hall of the association; she will be waiting there at noon tomorrow. If this opportunity is missed, it may be difficult to find a way to remove them in the future," Nangong Huan said respectfully, as if her senior sister truly existed.
One million spirit herbs per person, and excluding the Ye family, that would mean over fifty people—over fifty million spirit herbs!
Nangong Huan's mind was racing with calculations.
Elder Xue nodded, "Since it’s her request, I will see to it."
"Miss Black Lotus can expel the cursed insects? One million may be a bit steep, but my Pool family can afford it!" The head of the Pool family stood up directly. These children were the future of the Pool family! To his knowledge, at least ten had bought Shen Yeyao’s potions!
"Fortunately, our Ye family received the notice early. We will also be sending a generous gift to Miss Black Lotus," the head of the Ye family nodded slightly, expressing his intent.
The people around them heard the news and were immediately excited, whispering among themselves.
"Miss Black Lotus is so impressive! I wonder what she looks like?"
"Forget one million; I’d pay two million! As long as she can help my child expel the cursed insects!"
"Wasn’t Nangong Huan just a waste a few days ago? How did she suddenly turn things around? And I feel like she’s not as bad as the rumors say."
"Hey, look at Nangong Huan's face; the black spots have faded a lot! If they disappear completely, she must be very beautiful!"
Though they hadn't seen Black Lotus herself, Nangong Huan, as her "junior sister," was receiving a lot of attention.
Even Wei Yugong, who had been silent, felt tempted; there was a high chance he also had cursed insects in him, and he needed to find Black Lotus!
Meanwhile, Shen Yeyao, who had been keeping her head down, slowly raised it, locking her venomous gaze onto Nangong Huan.
She secretly gripped a dagger in her right hand. Seeing that Nangong Huan had her back turned and was only a few steps away, Shen Yeyao seized the moment. She released Nangong Qian'er and swiftly lunged forward, aiming for Nangong Huan's heart!
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With the Certification Association's investigation exposing everything, she had no way out. If that was the case, she might as well take someone down with her!
Killing Nangong Huan would prevent her from causing further trouble for Qian'er’s future!
This sudden turn of events made the crowd gasp in shock!
"Watch out!" Song Xiran exclaimed, but no one had time to intervene!
A sense of danger made the hairs on the back of Nangong Huan's neck stand up. Without a second thought, she activated her secret technique.
"First-level authority, Flow of Time!" A golden sphere appeared behind her, enveloping Shen Yeyao entirely!
Shen Yeyao's speed slowed dramatically, as if time had stopped for her; the dagger was mere millimeters from her skin!
Nangong Huan reacted quickly, turning around and drawing the golden blade her grandfather had given her, stabbing it into Shen Yeyao's heart!
The entire process took only a second, and the time authority lasted merely a second before vanishing like a fleeting flower.
Some people didn’t even see what happened before realizing that Nangong Huan had counterattacked and killed Shen Yeyao!
"You..." Shen Yeyao's eyelids twitched as she looked down at the dagger embedded in her heart. In that moment, feelings of unwillingness, resentment, and hatred surged within her!
"Nangong Huan, I will never let you go even in death!" Shen Yeyao shouted with her last ounce of strength, blood spilling from her lips as she collapsed, her eyes wide open in disbelief.
Her lingering resentment manifested as a vengeful spirit, hovering over her corpse and glaring at Nangong Huan, seemingly wanting to pounce on her.
"Who won't let whom go? Go meet your old friends," Nangong Huan murmured, taking out a charm.
She absorbed Shen Yeyao's vengeful spirit into the charm, where Yan Ji and Xue Ji had been waiting. As soon as Shen Yeyao's soul entered, the two immediately began to devour and divide it.
The wails echoed throughout the charm, rivaling even Nangong Qian'er's screams.
"Miss Huan, are you okay?" Song Xiran, startled, finally regained her composure after seeing Shen Yeyao's lifeless body.
"I'm fine, thank you for your concern," Nangong Huan replied, cupping her fists in gratitude.
"Though this act was rash... well, it is what it is," Elder Xue initially thought it was unfortunate for a fourth-tier potion master to die like this. But upon considering Black Lotus, he felt that Shen Yeyao's death was not a great loss.
It was said that in a nearby potion shop, Black Lotus and Shen Yeyao had a fierce confrontation, and there was a significant grudge between them.
Elder Xue weighed the pros and cons in his heart.
Nangong Huan turned her gaze to the unconscious Nangong Qian'er, ruthlessly kicking Shen Yeyao's body aside as she approached her, the golden blade still dripping with blood.
"Nangong Huan! If anyone is to deal with Qian'er, it should be us from the second branch. You have no right to intervene!" Nangong Jingtian rushed out from the crowd, shielding Nangong Qian'er behind him.
He was panting, visibly furious. He had just arrived and was met with this bloody scene.
"Don’t worry, Second Uncle. I won't act; there are plenty of people who want to," Nangong Huan whispered, her voice low enough for only the two of them to hear.
This statement sent chills down Nangong Jingtian's spine. The number of disciples pointing fingers at Qian'er indicated that they had all suffered at her hands. Now, those infected with cursed insects wanted nothing more than her life!
"Nangong Qian'er is also complicit in the evil deeds and deserves to die alongside Shen Yeyao!" The crowd's focus shifted to Nangong Qian'er, and they began to voice their disdain.
"To learn to harm others at such a young age, what’s to stop her from planting cursed insects in us all and controlling us?"
"Bah! I thought she was kind-hearted; turns out it was all an act! Truly disgusting!"
The crowd began to spit at Nangong Qian'er, nearly drowning her in their contempt.
Just as she was being vilified, a dark shadow suddenly loomed in the sky, accompanied by melodious bird calls.
Everyone looked up to see several celestial cranes soaring down, along with large flying vessels of various designs. Elders dressed in different robes from various sects descended from the sky.
"Yuyou, quickly show us who the Ziwei Star is!" one elder called, landing with a young girl.
The other elders followed closely, and the area quickly became crowded, with some even kicking Shen Yeyao's body out of the way.
Cangdong Yuyou wore a robe adorned with star maps, looking as if she was draped in the night sky. Her hair was styled in two thick braids, and her baby-faced features were delicate and charming. Holding a compass in her hand, she clearly had an important status.